For many Russians, paradise was once not in the afterlife, but in Georgia. This was due to the Mediterranean joy of life of its inhabitants, the excellent cuisine and wine, the breathtaking mountain landscapes, and the subtropical Black Sea beaches. In ancient times and during the Byzantine era, this small Caucasian country naturally belonged to Europe. Despite centuries of foreign rule, it was able to maintain its culture. Since gaining independence in 1991, the former Soviet republic has been striving to return to the West against the persistent resistance of Russia. Dieter Boden has known this fascinating country for decades and paints a multifaceted picture of its history and present.