December 21, 2007
I realize that it is just a few days before Christmas and usually I’m running around trying to get everything done for the big day, but this year I don’t have to worry about that. I must say that I really do miss running around to all the holiday parties and trying to get everything done. In Georgia they don’t celebrate Christmas on December 25th but on January 7th. From my understanding at this point they do exchange gifts and get together with family members and friends and have a big meal. I will be sure to take good notes when the day arrives.
Merry Christmas and Happy New Year’s. May this coming year be even better and more exciting than 2007. I think I might do a little traveling this year.
Saturday, December 22, 2007
My Birthday Supra
December 4, 2007
December 4th was the day of my big birthday supra. We didn’t have it on the 3rd because my host mother’s birthday was on the 4th so we just had one birthday supra. It was no easy operation getting ready for this supra. It’s not like in the states when you just start shopping a few days in advance and getting all the food and supplies. Here you actually have to make all of the dishes and it takes hours to make everything. Peeling, boiling and slicing vegetables and meats. The process of making a cake is something else too! Dinner lasted for a good 4 ½ hours or so. You might find holiday meals challenging but supras are a whole different ball game as you have tons of food, drinks and different hot dishes are brought out throughout the course of the celebration. It is very important to pace yourself during a supra. I had a nice time but I did miss having my quiet dinner with my family. When you are used to your small family gathers being apart of a big family is night and day different! So I’m now officially another year older……
Lake Bazeleti
Weekend of November 29th
This past weekend we had a conference at Lake Bazeleti about an hour north of Tbilisi. The hotel was great as it had just been remodeled. There were several great things about this hotel 1) HEAT 2) TERRYCLOTH BATH ROBES 3) LOTS OF HOT WATER. One doesn’t realize how much they might miss taking a hot shower and being able to put on a bath rob after they get done and not freezing to death. The showers were definitely a great indulgence to this conference. In America I never used the term “bathing” here I use it all the time. There is a difference between bathing and showering. Showering your whole body gets wet and bathing uses only a wash cloth of sorts (wet wipes) and dunking your head under the faucet to wash your hair. You do what you have to do sometimes. Needless to say I really do miss being able to take hot showers and continuing to be warm when I step out of the shower. I did say that I would probably miss my hot showers before I left. Now they are a luxury.
Really the purpose of this conference was to talk about safety and security and discuss the different committees that PC has. Friday we spent the entire day discussing safety and security and getting briefed about the current political situation in Georgia. Saturday we discussed the different committees that PC has and other helpful tidbits. But the other main highlight of Saturday was having Turkey dinner with everybody. We spent the afternoon making all the traditional dishes and Saturday night feasting. It was a great time. Not quiet the same as my mom’s but it will do the trick for now.
Oh, I also learned how to knit this weekend. I needed something else to do in the winter instead of reading all the time. Now I can add knitting to my list of things to do next to my heater! Have no fear I have started sewing clothes on the sewing machine and I really don’t see that happening anytime. The only sewing machine I saw was a hand crank sewing machine and well that won’t work for me since I couldn’t even sew a straight line when I took home economics in high school.
My first weekend in Tbilisi
November 24, 2007
I spent my first weekend in Tbilisi which happened to be Thanksgiving weekend and had a great time. I stayed at an apartment that was well heated and had running hot water! We even had turkey leftovers Friday evening for dinner since I wasn’t there for the actually day! Throughout the course of the weekend I went to several cafes and restaurants. I had a fabulous piece of lasagna at an Italian restaurant along with a nice glass of red wine. I tried to get a little shopping done but didn’t find anything that I needed like warm sweaters. One would think that you could find thick wool sweaters but I could only find light trendy sweaters and I don’t really care about being trendy at this point I just want to be nice and warm! Hopefully the package with my sweaters will get here soon. What I was thinking when I was packing I am not sure but anyways I am just layering everything and that works pretty well.
I spent my first weekend in Tbilisi which happened to be Thanksgiving weekend and had a great time. I stayed at an apartment that was well heated and had running hot water! We even had turkey leftovers Friday evening for dinner since I wasn’t there for the actually day! Throughout the course of the weekend I went to several cafes and restaurants. I had a fabulous piece of lasagna at an Italian restaurant along with a nice glass of red wine. I tried to get a little shopping done but didn’t find anything that I needed like warm sweaters. One would think that you could find thick wool sweaters but I could only find light trendy sweaters and I don’t really care about being trendy at this point I just want to be nice and warm! Hopefully the package with my sweaters will get here soon. What I was thinking when I was packing I am not sure but anyways I am just layering everything and that works pretty well.
Wednesday, October 31, 2007
Sighnaghi's Grand Opening
October 27, 2007
Today was the big grand opening of Sighnaghi. Unfortunately, the weather was cold, rainy and foggy so anybody visiting the city didn’t get to enjoy its true beauty. One of my friends, who wants to remain nameless, came into town for the festivities. We hadn’t even made it down the main street without having a nice refreshing shot of tchatcha (homemade vodka). That stuff had a nice little kick for it only being 11:30 in the morning. It sure does warm you up. (I still don’t like the taste vodka and rarely drink it for those who said I would drink it more often living in Georgia.) The main street was lined with booths of crafts, traditional Georgian outfits and weapons. The colors that lined the walls and streets were brilliant. There tons of people and VIPS all over the town. There we little cafés set up along the street where you could buy and enjoy a bottle of wine. There were several concert stages set up in various areas of the town. Later in the evening the President came to town to officiate the unveiling of the town. There were even fireworks at the end of the festival. So I saw my fireworks for the 4th of July a little late.
Sunday we checked out several of the new cafés in town. I am just excited to have some place to go every now and then without having to leave town. The café we had lunch at served traditional Georgian food and had a great atmosphere. Later in the afternoon we met some Americans that I have become friends with who are trying to get into the agriculture business in Georgia. We met them at the “French” café. We enjoyed a decent bottle of wine and cheese. It was the perfect rainy Sunday afternoon as it was still cold, rainy and foggy. For what’s worth this little café reminds me of some of the places from home. But it won’t be somewhere I go all the time since the prices there are a little steep for my living allowance.
When I first arrived in Sighnaghi I really wondered what was going to become of this town as everything was in shambles. It has come a long way since the end of August and it definitely has the potential to cater to tourists when it’s all said and done. When you walk down the streets it is hard to believe you are in Georgia.
How to make wine...
October 25, 2007
So I know I am supposed to be learning how to make wine. I haven’t got the whole process down yet. I seem to be away from the house when they are making the wine. But I will share with you what I have figured out so far. First you harvest the grapes from the vineyard, duh. Second the grapes go through a press which is this hand-crank conveyer belt that sits over a large metal drum that is line with plastic. The grape juice and grape guts then stew in their juice for a period of time. Next you use a strainer and pitcher to pour the juice into another container. This is the only part that I have actually helped with. Then at a later date you have wine. What else do we really need to learn about this process?
Monday, October 22, 2007
October 20, 2007
I took a little trip to Rustavi today. I attended a meeting first thing and then afterwards my friends and I went to a pizza place and did a little shopping in the second hand shops. I found a few good bargains, things to keep me warm since I didn’t pack a few things that I should have packed! Once we made it home we started making dinner. We made fajitas with homemade flour tortillas and salsa, salad with romaine lettuce and spinach accompanied with a bottle of red wine. I must say it was a fabulous meal and fun to make! I really do miss cooking. Not that I cooked all that often before I left. But still it would be nice to cook again. The only thing I manage to cook now living with my host family is my breakfast in the morning which consists of oatmeal or eggs! And you can’t really call that cooking either. So maybe I’ll get up the nerve to try and cook my own dinner sometime otherwise I am just going to have to wait until I visit friends around the country that have their own place!
Thursday, October 18, 2007
October 17, 2007
Today I traveled to Erisimedi, Georgia, which is apparently very close to Azerbijan. This is a village in the Sighnaghi district even though it is 60km away. The ride there was about a 1 ½ hrs in this old Russian style military jeep. First you should know it rained all last night and needless to say ever pothole on the road was filled with water. There was just a few potholes….It was kind of like going off-roadn’ at home. Sarah and Mason would’ve really enjoyed the ride. (Sarah I’m listening “Beer Run” right now) The ride there was definitely adventurous and full of thrills as there could have been a little more cushion in the seats. We went to Esmereti to visit the school and identify what problems they are facing. We passed out surveys and spoke with the staff and students about their difficulties in the school and in the village. So maybe, I didn’t speak; I did a lot of listening as my Georgian language is not that advanced yet! I must say it was very interesting to listen to everybody speak their minds about what they need in the school and the problems they are facing in the village.
After we left the school we had lunch at the school director’s house. At home people liked to try and marry me off, well it doesn’t compare to the people here trying to marry me off. There was one particular gentleman at this luncheon who thought we should get married, however, that just isn’t possible since he is double my age. Definitely not my type and thank goodness one of the girls I was with was trying to save me from all the crazy talk. I may not understand everything but I can get enough of a conversation to piece things together. Plus it would never work because I don’t know the language and I am sure that would cause a great strain on any relationship!
The scenery was absolutely gorgeous all the way there and on the way back. The clouds from the storm front that had been lingering added a lot of personality to the sky. We even saw a rainbow through the clouds and behind it were snow capped mountains! The view was something I had never seen before and no, Sarah I didn’t have my camera. Not to mention the trees that lined the road were full of bright autumn colors with mountains as the backdrop.
The beauty of this country is really something else. There are no words to describe the beauty and no picture could capture the true beauty of Georgia. I’m neither a writer nor a photographer so you’ll just have to do with what you get. Maybe one day I’ll put pictures on this site?
Today I traveled to Erisimedi, Georgia, which is apparently very close to Azerbijan. This is a village in the Sighnaghi district even though it is 60km away. The ride there was about a 1 ½ hrs in this old Russian style military jeep. First you should know it rained all last night and needless to say ever pothole on the road was filled with water. There was just a few potholes….It was kind of like going off-roadn’ at home. Sarah and Mason would’ve really enjoyed the ride. (Sarah I’m listening “Beer Run” right now) The ride there was definitely adventurous and full of thrills as there could have been a little more cushion in the seats. We went to Esmereti to visit the school and identify what problems they are facing. We passed out surveys and spoke with the staff and students about their difficulties in the school and in the village. So maybe, I didn’t speak; I did a lot of listening as my Georgian language is not that advanced yet! I must say it was very interesting to listen to everybody speak their minds about what they need in the school and the problems they are facing in the village.
After we left the school we had lunch at the school director’s house. At home people liked to try and marry me off, well it doesn’t compare to the people here trying to marry me off. There was one particular gentleman at this luncheon who thought we should get married, however, that just isn’t possible since he is double my age. Definitely not my type and thank goodness one of the girls I was with was trying to save me from all the crazy talk. I may not understand everything but I can get enough of a conversation to piece things together. Plus it would never work because I don’t know the language and I am sure that would cause a great strain on any relationship!
The scenery was absolutely gorgeous all the way there and on the way back. The clouds from the storm front that had been lingering added a lot of personality to the sky. We even saw a rainbow through the clouds and behind it were snow capped mountains! The view was something I had never seen before and no, Sarah I didn’t have my camera. Not to mention the trees that lined the road were full of bright autumn colors with mountains as the backdrop.
The beauty of this country is really something else. There are no words to describe the beauty and no picture could capture the true beauty of Georgia. I’m neither a writer nor a photographer so you’ll just have to do with what you get. Maybe one day I’ll put pictures on this site?
Monday, October 15, 2007
The President
October 10, 2007
So I have seen the President of Georgia up close and personal. That was pretty cool. And I have seen the First Lady all in the same week at different events. I haven’t even been that close to the any of the Presidents of the United States.
Last Thursday, October 4, the President of Georgia, came to Sighnaghi for the “grand opening” of all the rehabilitation of this city. All the work has come a long way since I first arrived; however, there is still a lot to be done. I am just excited that I discovered a little café that I can go to every now and then and get a bite to eat. And in the next couple of weeks or so Sighnaghi is getting a “western” mini mart!
Last weekend I went to Kutasi for the Breast Cancer Walk, same one we have in the states. I even participated in the “5k” by running. The First Lady did the kick of the race. The whole weekend was a great time as got to help support a great cause and I got to spend time with many of my friends. I even got to eat a chicken Caesar salad with dark green lettuce! The traditional salad in Georgia is just tomato, onion and cucumber, so needless to say have lettuce was a big treat for me.
Kargad
Monday, October 1, 2007
Grapes
September 22, 2007
Today I went to my first grape harvest! Once we arrived at the vineyard we looked at the wine cellar where the wine is made. There are these large crafts that are placed in the ground and filled with squeezed grapes and left to ferment for a given period of time, a couple to 10 years. Next we went out into the vineyard with our buckets and began picking the black grapes. It’s not like the grape bunches would just come right off the vine some of them you really had to pull hard and then you had smashed grape all over your hands! We helped picked grapes for a little while then we started with the “Harvest Supra”. (Picnic/Party) The table was absolutely gorgeous. There were tons of colorful foods and drinks. There was more than enough food to feed an army. It was like sitting down to a holiday dinner. The eating and the toasting lasted for several hours. I had a great time and I am sure that I will get to do it again very soon as it is the season for harvesting grapes right now!
Meat Market
September 16, 2007
This morning I went to the local bazaar with my host parents. I can honestly say I have never seen anything like it! The only thing that I can kind of relate it to is the Wentzville Flea Market but even at that they are two totally different things. So we pull up to the bazaar and outside the main wall there a bunch of people selling live-stock, cows, pigs, chickens, rabbits and sheep. You know, pick out your Christmas dinner take it home and fatten it up a little! So once inside the main wall there are people and stands everywhere. People are walking around with chickens or rabbits hanging upside down that they just bought. There is a large outdoor meat market. There was tons of meat hanging from hooks, row after row, sides of a cow, slabs of ribs, and large pieces of meat. The butchers were cutting the meat into manageable pieces and you could see small chunks of bone go flying as the he chopped away. People were picking out their meat for the upcoming week’s meals. This brings a whole new meaning to running to the local meat market to pick up some fresh steaks for dinner! The amount of raw meat doesn’t compare to anything that I have ever seen before. At first I almost thought I was going to get sick at the sight of all the raw meat and blood but I didn’t. If I had it might have made for a really difficult 2 years of going to the market! So after I made it through that section the rest of the bazaar was stands of fruits and vegetables, cheese, bread and other random household items! It was quit a sight to see everybody walking around with large bags of fresh produce. You know bags large enough to hold 10-15 kilos of peppers, tomatoes or whatever you just picked up! I am only used to going to the produce stand at home and getting 2 pounds of tomatoes at time.
This morning I went to the local bazaar with my host parents. I can honestly say I have never seen anything like it! The only thing that I can kind of relate it to is the Wentzville Flea Market but even at that they are two totally different things. So we pull up to the bazaar and outside the main wall there a bunch of people selling live-stock, cows, pigs, chickens, rabbits and sheep. You know, pick out your Christmas dinner take it home and fatten it up a little! So once inside the main wall there are people and stands everywhere. People are walking around with chickens or rabbits hanging upside down that they just bought. There is a large outdoor meat market. There was tons of meat hanging from hooks, row after row, sides of a cow, slabs of ribs, and large pieces of meat. The butchers were cutting the meat into manageable pieces and you could see small chunks of bone go flying as the he chopped away. People were picking out their meat for the upcoming week’s meals. This brings a whole new meaning to running to the local meat market to pick up some fresh steaks for dinner! The amount of raw meat doesn’t compare to anything that I have ever seen before. At first I almost thought I was going to get sick at the sight of all the raw meat and blood but I didn’t. If I had it might have made for a really difficult 2 years of going to the market! So after I made it through that section the rest of the bazaar was stands of fruits and vegetables, cheese, bread and other random household items! It was quit a sight to see everybody walking around with large bags of fresh produce. You know bags large enough to hold 10-15 kilos of peppers, tomatoes or whatever you just picked up! I am only used to going to the produce stand at home and getting 2 pounds of tomatoes at time.
Wednesday, September 26, 2007
Computer problems again. I had a few good entries ready to go but for some reason my flash drive isn't working! So you'll have to wait yet again. But things are going pretty good. I did get a bunch of packages today which really made my day! I'm off to try and figure out how to get back to Sighnaghi now. I made it to Tbilisi all by myself today without getting too lost. Sometimes I might be directionally challenged? But I made it here and that's all that counts.
Wednesday, September 12, 2007
Life in Sighnaghi
August 28, 2007
I am officially done with training and ready to begin my 2 years as a volunteer in Sighnaghi! The scenery is incredible. I am surrounded by mountains. The view reminds of visiting my grandma in Utah and looking out her big picture window in the morning in the valley and seeing all the mountains. There really are no words to describe the beauty of the mountains and the view it has to offer. I can hardly wait to see all the trees change colors in the fall. In the states it seems like only occasionally you get to take a day here and there to enjoy nature’s beauty but here I feel like I get to take that time every day.
Life here in Sighnaghi for me is more of a village life-style where Gori was the city life. Things are very simple and basic here. My host family is huge, 7 members. Grandparents, parents and 3 sisters (10, 7 & 3) and not mention it seems there are an additional 7 people in the house right now. You never really know just how many people you can sleep in one house. Adjusting to being a part of a large family is a bit challenging for me as my family in the states is very small and I had lived on my own for the past couple of years. They are a very nice family and very excited to have me has a member of their family. I have always had close friends with large families and could never really understand what it was like to be member of a large family. I am now starting to understand what it is all about to have a large family.
Sighnaghi is being completely rehabilitated by the government in hopes that it will be the newest tourist destination in Georgia. What is complete at this time reminds of Savannah, Georgia. It looks very nice and cozy. There are very few shops and restaurants right now but they say there will be more once the construction is complete. All of the roads have been ripped up and are being redone in stone. I am told that phase one of four is supposed to be completed in October. I have yet to figure out what each of the phases consists of but all phases should be complete by the end of my service.
I am officially done with training and ready to begin my 2 years as a volunteer in Sighnaghi! The scenery is incredible. I am surrounded by mountains. The view reminds of visiting my grandma in Utah and looking out her big picture window in the morning in the valley and seeing all the mountains. There really are no words to describe the beauty of the mountains and the view it has to offer. I can hardly wait to see all the trees change colors in the fall. In the states it seems like only occasionally you get to take a day here and there to enjoy nature’s beauty but here I feel like I get to take that time every day.
Life here in Sighnaghi for me is more of a village life-style where Gori was the city life. Things are very simple and basic here. My host family is huge, 7 members. Grandparents, parents and 3 sisters (10, 7 & 3) and not mention it seems there are an additional 7 people in the house right now. You never really know just how many people you can sleep in one house. Adjusting to being a part of a large family is a bit challenging for me as my family in the states is very small and I had lived on my own for the past couple of years. They are a very nice family and very excited to have me has a member of their family. I have always had close friends with large families and could never really understand what it was like to be member of a large family. I am now starting to understand what it is all about to have a large family.
Sighnaghi is being completely rehabilitated by the government in hopes that it will be the newest tourist destination in Georgia. What is complete at this time reminds of Savannah, Georgia. It looks very nice and cozy. There are very few shops and restaurants right now but they say there will be more once the construction is complete. All of the roads have been ripped up and are being redone in stone. I am told that phase one of four is supposed to be completed in October. I have yet to figure out what each of the phases consists of but all phases should be complete by the end of my service.
Saturday, September 1, 2007
I am in Sighnaghi
I had a nice long entry typed up but there seems to be some technical issues with downloading that right now.....So I am here and things are going. I am adjusting and meeting people in my community and getting to know my new host family. Everybody is very nice and willing to help me learn the langauage. I am managing with my language skills but there is definitely room for improvement! I heard that Georgian is the 3rd most difficult language to learn? Wheather or not that is true I don't know.
Sighnaghi is absolutlely georgeous and I love all of the views. Once all of the renovations are done things will be pretty impresive. Eventually I will send out pictures but until then you'll just have to wait.
Take care
Thursday, August 23, 2007
The next part of my big adventure
Yes, I am still in Georgia. So far things have been great and extremely crazy! Everything will be calming down as tomorrow is the big swearing-in ceremony and moving day! I will be living in the town of Sighnaghi for the next 2 years. The government is pumping lots of money into the town to turn it into a tourist destination so needless to say there is tons of construction going on. Everything is supposed to be completed by October of this year.
I'll write more later and fill everybody in on the last couple of months.
I'll write more later and fill everybody in on the last couple of months.
Wednesday, July 4, 2007
Happy 4th of July!!!!!
The much awaited first entry of my adventure to Georgia. I arrived in Washington, D.C. on Tuesday, June 12, 2007 along with 46 other Peace Corps trainees (PCT). We spent the afternoon getting to know each other and learning about the Peace Corps (PC). (It’s a good thing we had to wear name tags since I could hardly remember my own name at this point!) On Wednesday we spent more time going over PC info. When we were done for the day I took a stroll to the White House where I of course had my picture taken.
Thursday June 14, I began my journey by flying from Dulles to Munich. Mind you I didn’t really sleep much on the 8 Ѕ hour flight arriving in Munich around 10am Friday. By the time the group figured out how to get to the hotel it was 1pm. I choose to take a nap and get one last "shower". The flight from Munich to Tbilisi was supposed to leave at 10pm but was delayed until 10:30 due to the downpour we had experienced earlier in the evening. I could hardly sit upright at this point I was so exhausted.
Our plane arrived in Tbilisi around 4am after a 3 Ѕ hour flight on June 16. We loaded our buses and headed to Tabakhmela where we spent the next 6 days being introduced to the Georgian culture and language. The days were long and exhausting. I was trying to learn about a new country and trying to figure out what time zone I was in. All I wanted to do was sleep when I was supposed awake.
Many of you wanted to know if I had to get any vaccinations and well I received a few during this period.
June 21, 2007 ~ The day finally came when we got to meet our host families. The anxiety was great and welcomed. We had been discussing ways to integrate into a new family where we may only be able to communicate by charades and English/Georgian dictionaries. My host family is wonderful. I have a mom (deda), dad (mama), sister (da) and brother (dzma). We collected my bags and headed up 5 flights of stairs to our flat. Talk about a workout, I did feel kind of bad since my bags might have been on the heavy side. You try packing for 2 years and see how light your bags are. I really did pack lighter than I usually do thanks to few good friends!
My apartment is huge and has lots of space and hardwood floors just like home! My room is pretty big and has a little balcony where I can hang laundry out to dry and look at the mountains. I might mention that I have running water and electricity! I was prepared to go without for the next 2 years really I was. There is a chance that could still happen when I move to my next host family after my 10 weeks of training.
June 22, 2007~ We jumped right into language training at 9am. My host mother & brother walked me to school since I had no idea where I was supposed to go. At 2pm they promptly picked me up from school. School is held in the basement of a local NGO which is in very good condition. Since we are in the basement the classroom is a bit chilly which will be nice once we get to the heat of the summer. Did I mention that the temperature here is in the high 70s-80s and hardly any humidity! Not that I would brag but…..
June 24, 2007 Monday~ This was my first full day of class since arriving in Gori. We started the day at 9 and officially ended school day around 5. I know I could be a professional student but there is something to be said about trying to learn a new language and learning to live in a new culture all at the same time. The information is overwhelming and intense at times. I am definitely testing myself in all areas of my life right now and learning a lot about myself.
June 26, 2007, Wednesday~ (I am not sure if I have the days and dates correct) We had school today which ended early since we had guest speakers from USAID, Eurassia Foundation and Save the Children. After class I went to the market to look around and become familiar with what I could buy once I figure out my budget. At least with this budget I won’t have to worry about student loans, car payments, insurance etc. I just have to make sure I have rent money and water money for the most part!
I know I haven’t mentioned it yet but the food here is wonderful. The fruits and vegetables taste ten times better than they do in the states! The tomatoes are absolutely wonderful along with the cherries! I have been introduced to some new fruits that I have never seen or heard of in the states. I would love to tell you what they are but I have no idea how to spell them yet and since my ability to communicate is limited at this point…..
July 2, 2007~ Yesterday (7-1) was a very relaxing day, the first one that I have had in quiet some time. I went with several fellow trainees to a volunteer’s house that has been here for the last year for a spaghetti dinner. Don’t get me wrong I really like the cuisine here, but there is something about American food that you just can’t substitute. For example one day last week I went out for lunch with a group of PCTs, this was quiet the experience. First of all the menu is in Georgian, needless to say we can hardly say the alphabet let along put sounds together to construct words! We order a pizza. The pizza has tomato sauce, sausage, mushroom, cheese & mayo! The only thing I can say is that I have never had anything like that before. I did find out after the fact that you can order pizza without the mayo so next time….
I am sure that most of you are probably enjoying your long weekends right now, at the lake, doing housework, shopping, BBQing, spending time with friends and family…..you should know that I don’t get a long weekend or anything like that but we don’t have to go classes on Wednesday and the PC is hosting a picnic for us. So at least I won’t be studying for one day!
HAPPY 4TH OF JULY!!!!! I hope everybody is enjoying their day off. This is the first time in years that I didn't get a sunburn maybe because I wasn't at the Lake? I did enjoy my time at the picnic. Afterwards I went over to a friends house to do mini pedicures! Don't worry my toes look fabulous once again minus the flowers.....
So long.....
Thursday June 14, I began my journey by flying from Dulles to Munich. Mind you I didn’t really sleep much on the 8 Ѕ hour flight arriving in Munich around 10am Friday. By the time the group figured out how to get to the hotel it was 1pm. I choose to take a nap and get one last "shower". The flight from Munich to Tbilisi was supposed to leave at 10pm but was delayed until 10:30 due to the downpour we had experienced earlier in the evening. I could hardly sit upright at this point I was so exhausted.
Our plane arrived in Tbilisi around 4am after a 3 Ѕ hour flight on June 16. We loaded our buses and headed to Tabakhmela where we spent the next 6 days being introduced to the Georgian culture and language. The days were long and exhausting. I was trying to learn about a new country and trying to figure out what time zone I was in. All I wanted to do was sleep when I was supposed awake.
Many of you wanted to know if I had to get any vaccinations and well I received a few during this period.
June 21, 2007 ~ The day finally came when we got to meet our host families. The anxiety was great and welcomed. We had been discussing ways to integrate into a new family where we may only be able to communicate by charades and English/Georgian dictionaries. My host family is wonderful. I have a mom (deda), dad (mama), sister (da) and brother (dzma). We collected my bags and headed up 5 flights of stairs to our flat. Talk about a workout, I did feel kind of bad since my bags might have been on the heavy side. You try packing for 2 years and see how light your bags are. I really did pack lighter than I usually do thanks to few good friends!
My apartment is huge and has lots of space and hardwood floors just like home! My room is pretty big and has a little balcony where I can hang laundry out to dry and look at the mountains. I might mention that I have running water and electricity! I was prepared to go without for the next 2 years really I was. There is a chance that could still happen when I move to my next host family after my 10 weeks of training.
June 22, 2007~ We jumped right into language training at 9am. My host mother & brother walked me to school since I had no idea where I was supposed to go. At 2pm they promptly picked me up from school. School is held in the basement of a local NGO which is in very good condition. Since we are in the basement the classroom is a bit chilly which will be nice once we get to the heat of the summer. Did I mention that the temperature here is in the high 70s-80s and hardly any humidity! Not that I would brag but…..
June 24, 2007 Monday~ This was my first full day of class since arriving in Gori. We started the day at 9 and officially ended school day around 5. I know I could be a professional student but there is something to be said about trying to learn a new language and learning to live in a new culture all at the same time. The information is overwhelming and intense at times. I am definitely testing myself in all areas of my life right now and learning a lot about myself.
June 26, 2007, Wednesday~ (I am not sure if I have the days and dates correct) We had school today which ended early since we had guest speakers from USAID, Eurassia Foundation and Save the Children. After class I went to the market to look around and become familiar with what I could buy once I figure out my budget. At least with this budget I won’t have to worry about student loans, car payments, insurance etc. I just have to make sure I have rent money and water money for the most part!
I know I haven’t mentioned it yet but the food here is wonderful. The fruits and vegetables taste ten times better than they do in the states! The tomatoes are absolutely wonderful along with the cherries! I have been introduced to some new fruits that I have never seen or heard of in the states. I would love to tell you what they are but I have no idea how to spell them yet and since my ability to communicate is limited at this point…..
July 2, 2007~ Yesterday (7-1) was a very relaxing day, the first one that I have had in quiet some time. I went with several fellow trainees to a volunteer’s house that has been here for the last year for a spaghetti dinner. Don’t get me wrong I really like the cuisine here, but there is something about American food that you just can’t substitute. For example one day last week I went out for lunch with a group of PCTs, this was quiet the experience. First of all the menu is in Georgian, needless to say we can hardly say the alphabet let along put sounds together to construct words! We order a pizza. The pizza has tomato sauce, sausage, mushroom, cheese & mayo! The only thing I can say is that I have never had anything like that before. I did find out after the fact that you can order pizza without the mayo so next time….
I am sure that most of you are probably enjoying your long weekends right now, at the lake, doing housework, shopping, BBQing, spending time with friends and family…..you should know that I don’t get a long weekend or anything like that but we don’t have to go classes on Wednesday and the PC is hosting a picnic for us. So at least I won’t be studying for one day!
HAPPY 4TH OF JULY!!!!! I hope everybody is enjoying their day off. This is the first time in years that I didn't get a sunburn maybe because I wasn't at the Lake? I did enjoy my time at the picnic. Afterwards I went over to a friends house to do mini pedicures! Don't worry my toes look fabulous once again minus the flowers.....
So long.....
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