Tbilisi: a bevy of benches

Along the wide main street of Tbilisi, Rustaveli Street, are wide footpaths. And on the wide footpaths are hundreds of benches. Benches under trees, benches outside cafes, benches near shops, just plenty of benches.

There are benches everywhere - at tourist sites, near churches and cathedrals, in parks and gardens, outside theatres and cinemas, near government buildings, and near metro stations. There's never more than a few metres between benches.

People meet, sit and talk on the benches. People check or re-arrange their shopping on the benches. Lovers sit and cuddle on the benches. Older people on the benches watch younger people on the benches. Children play on the benches. Mothers rest on the benches. Friends wait for friends on the benches.

It's pleasant to walk around the city, rest awhile, and continue on your way. It's wonderful to sit on a bench and admire the architecture of an old building, the renovation of a dilapidated building, or the construction of a new building.

More main streets in more cities should have more benches.

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