BRITISH COUPLE FLEE GEORGIA IN A TAXI

Metro
Tuesday, August 12, 2008
UK

Invasion: Russian tanks make their way towards Tskhinvali in the
breakaway Georgian province of South Ossetia, where fighting has
killed thousands A family from North London on holiday in Georgia were
forced to flee 200 miles in a taxi after war broke out with Russia,
it has been revealed.

Brand consultant Chris Willis, his wife Melissa and their teenage
daughters were due to spend two weeks in Tusheti, northern Georgia.

But they abandoned their plans after the start of the conflict and,
after struggling to get a flight from the bombed-out airport, took
a taxi 200 miles to Armenia.

Mr Willis, 51, from Highbury, said: "Our guide told us a war had
started not far away. We could not believe it. Our Georgian friends
told us in no uncertain terms to leave as soon as possible.

"There was no option but to arrange a taxi and head for the Armenian
capital of Yerevan nearly 200 miles away."

He and his 49-year-old jewellery designer wife and their daughters
India, 17, and Iona, 15, were due to stay just 20 miles from
Tskhinvali, the capital of South Ossetia.

Brand agency Rufus Leonard said the family were "safe and well" after
their escape and Mr Willis had called his colleagues to reassure
them. The family is due to return home on Thursday.

Rufus Leonard chief executive Neil Svensen said: "We were relieved
to hear from Chris. It sounds like the family have had quite an
experience. We wish them a safe and speedy return home."