Last day in Akhaltsikhe

 Friday, 9 Sept 2011



Thursday  the last groups took their final test and their final exam. I stayed at work, marking, until 6pm. After work, Tiko (my 2nd assistant) and I  headed for her village home.
I met her beautiful mom, she looks just like Tiko! Her 6year old daughter was not so shy this time around. I've met her on a few occasions, she could hardly say hi, she was so shy.

We had a supra for 4, Tiko, her dad, the baby and I. The food was absolutely delicious. I talked to friends over the phone, one left Georgia because of how his case was treated by the police at the station. He wanted to file a police report and apparently had to wait 4hours for that not to happen.

Michelle and a few others left for Turkey on Friday, I talked to her one last time before that.

Tiko introduced me to the Epilator. Just what I need, seeing as it's hard to find Hair remover creams like Veet  here and I'm not a big fan of Gillette blades or whatever they're called. I have one, but...

We went to sleep around 11. That house is COLD! It was so warm outside and yet freezing in the house. I cringe to think what it must be like in Winter. We spent about half an hour, trying to find me something to wear to bed. Nothing fit! Tiko said: Brook, you're fat! I was like "ya think?". We finally found pyjama bottoms and I wore the top I had on during the day to bed.
I slept like a baby and didn't want to get up. I did get up around 3 to use the outside toilet. I took my phone with me for light and locked myself outside! I went all around the house, trying to find a door that may have been mistakenly left unlocked. No such luck! I called Tiko. Thank God Georgian cellphones don't have Vibrate/Silent profiles nor the off button or else, she may have missed my call! She opened for me and I headed straight for bed. And was woken up at 8 by T. We had leftovers for breakfast, I just had chicken and cake. Yup, cake for breakfast. And it was divine!

Tiko dropped me off. I was on the phone for a while, texting my sister  who's on vacation in Europe. I eventually left for work around 12 to go mark the exams and finish off my work with the police. More and more tests came in from people I've never met before! Most of which were in the same handwriting. I marked, scored, uploaded on the system, printed 150 tests that day.
I finished around 5, with the help of Tiko. I cleared my class and left them a thank you note on the board and said goodbye to everybody all teary-eyed . Tiko took me home in her car, Lia came along. They went shopping for a gift for me. They found the shop closed. The next door shop owner gave them the number of the shop owner, they called them and went to pick them up at home so they can open the shop up for them. I went to Clintina to finally tell them I  was moving to Batumi to next day. Tiko and Lia were to catch up with me at Martyna's.

We had some caramel coated peanuts at Martyna's that Clint made. They were quite good as is everything Clint makes. He rocks in the kitchen, he'll make someone a very good wife someday. After breaking the news, they told me they were going to take the same marshrutka Saturday morning as well. Clint was going to Kutaisi, Martyna to Kobuleti.

Tiko picked me up and took me home. They bought me Georgian souvenirs. An original georgian house made of stone, two drinking horns and a drinking bowl. Really pretty!

She dropped me off and of course, waterworks again:(
I'm really going to miss my Akhaltsikhe network. I'm glad and honoured to have first lived there in my time in Georgia. I couldn't have asked for better friends, colleagues and students.

They're special people and will always have a place in my heart.

Farewell Party!

Wednesday 7 Sept More tests and exams. More and more students showed up to class. Some of whom I'd never even met. Lia, my assistant was very happy, saying what a good day it was going to be. They had booked Romantica restaurant for my farewell party. It was sweet of them. I asked one of my students, who used to be a professional Georgian dancer to perform for me. He said Yes! I didn't believe him. Who says yes that easily? I was done around 4 and exhausted. the staff I share an office with didn't want me to leave. They wanted me to wait for them until 6 and leave together for the party. I was too tired to entertain. I asked them to get me a lift. They told me to wait an hour for someone to take me home. It would've taken me 35mins to walk. I started walking. I had stomach cramps. I walked slowly holding my stomach. A gentleman driving past saw that I didn't look ok, he took me home. Score! I chilled at home, I may have watched a tv series episode or 3. And freshened up for the party. Lia picked me up with our friend from Borjomi. Everyone looked so nice! We made an entrance as we arrived almost an hour late. Everyone was waiting at the parking lot looking cute. It was nice to see my young student, they are the apple of my eye (or apples of my eyes if there's such a thing. There are 2 of them, so an apple for each eye;) right?). My students stood each side of the entrance of the restaurant and made way for me to walk inbetween them. It was so neat. I was blushing. I didn't wanna do it. It was embarrassing. When I got to the other side of the 'passage' someone was waiting for me with arms wide open, huge hug and a kiss on the cheek. So cute. And embarrassing. Less than an hour into dinner, and toasts, the dj played music. The party began! One of, dare I say my students? (He may have been to one, maximum 2 of my lessons in the entire 3mnths) asked for the first dance with me. No pressure at all. Georgian dance too! I had to impro, they weren't going to let me chicken out of that one. They told me it was Georgian tradition for the guest of honour to do the first dance. I didn't believe them, but I obliged. My 2cute students were sitting really far away from me, but in a good spot cos whenever I looked their way, I got winks and kisses. The 20 year old is convinced his the coolest dude and we might even be in a relationship in his mind. I don't mind. Pun intended. I danced, we danced, they danced. If you know me, you know I never miss out on an opportunity to dance. I'll dance to any type of music. Music is music! We ate and danced. The food was nice. It was cold, but nice. I tasted a bit of everything. I wasn't hungry. Fortunately they didn't force me to drink, I mean, they tried, but weren't persistent. I sat near Lia and Tiko, my friends and assistants. All the ladies sat together. It's always the case here. I pulled up my 20yr old for a dance, he reluctantly agreed. And did an Mc Hammer move for like a minute and ran back to his seat. Oh well:( Not too long thereafter, he came back on stage, when I saw him, I ran to dance with him: BEST DANCE OF MY LIFE! We danced to Spanish Lullaby (I think). He's such a great dancer! I'll remember that dance for a very long time to come. I can't even put it in words! His friend, the ex pro Georgian dancer, danced for me. THREE TIMES! The third time, he wanted to dance with me, unfortunately, I didn't want to ruin his flawless performances. They made a few more toast before the ladies (and I) left, one of which was to one of the officers' son who's in prison for murder. They asked if I wanted to say a few words. I had nothing to say. I took a minute to think of something. NOTHING! All in all, it was a fabulous party! I felt so special and appreciated and I love all my police officers from Akhaltsikhe. They're the best bunch of people anyone who's new in a country can ever work with. Tiko took me home, not before my 20 year old ran to the car to give me a Georgian flag Key ring (holder). I had it in my bag with me at all times before I left Akhaltsikhe, even though I didn't have a key. It was a constant reminder of how lucky I am and of the perfect night I had. I now use it as a key holder and I kiss it every now and then cos I'm weird like that:)hour for someone to take me home. It would've taken me 35mins to walk. I started walking. I had stomach cramps. I walked slowly holding my stomach. A gentleman driving past saw that I didn't look ok, he took me home. Score! I chilled at home, I may have watched a tv series episode or 3. And freshened up for the party. Lia picked me up with our friend from Borjomi. Everyone looked so nice! We made an entrance as we arrived almost an hour late. Everyone was waiting at the parking lot looking cute. It was nice to see my young student, they are the apple of my eye (or apples of my eyes if there's such a thing. There are 2 of them, so an apple for each eye;) right?). My students stood each side of the entrance of the restaurant and made way for me to walk inbetween them. It was so neat. I was blushing. I didn't wanna do it. It was embarrassing. When I got to the other side of the 'passage' someone was waiting for me with arms wide open, huge hug and a kiss on the cheek. So cute. And embarrassing. Less than an hour into dinner, and toasts, the dj played music. The party began! One of, dare I say my students? (He may have been to one, maximum 2 of my lessons in the entire 3mnths) asked for the first dance with me. No pressure at all. Georgian dance too! I had to impro, they weren't going to let me chicken out of that one. They told me it was Georgian tradition for the guest of honour to do the first dance. I didn't believe them, but I obliged. My 2cute students were sitting really far away from me, but in a good spot cos whenever I looked their way, I got winks and kisses. The 20 year old is convinced his the coolest dude and we might even be in a relationship in his mind. I don't mind. Pun intended. I danced, we danced, they danced. If you know me, you know I never miss out on an opportunity to dance. I'll dance to any type of music. Music is music! We ate and danced. The food was nice. It was cold, but nice. I tasted a bit of everything. I wasn't hungry. Fortunately they didn't force me to drink, I mean, they tried, but weren't persistent. I sat near Lia and Tiko, my friends and assistants. All the ladies sat together. It's always the case here. I pulled up my 20yr old for a dance, he reluctantly agreed. And did an Mc Hammer move for like a minute and ran back to his seat. Oh well:( Not too long thereafter, he came back on stage, when I saw him, I ran to dance with him: BEST DANCE OF MY LIFE! We danced to Spanish Lullaby (I think). He's such a great dancer! I'll remember that dance for a very long time to come. I can't even put it in words! His friend, the ex pro Georgian dancer, danced for me. THREE TIMES! The third time, he wanted to dance with me, unfortunately, I didn't want to ruin his flawless performances. They made a few more toast before the ladies (and I) left, one of which was to one of the officers' son who's in prison for murder. They asked if I wanted to say a few words. I had nothing to say. I took a minute to think of something. NOTHING! All in all, it was a fabulous party! I felt so special and appreciated and I love all my police officers from Akhaltsikhe. They're the best bunch of people anyone who's new in a country can ever work with. Tiko took me home, not before my 20 year old ran to the car to give me a Georgian flag Key ring (holder). I had it in my bag with me at all times before I left Akhaltsikhe, even though I didn't have a key. It was a constant reminder of how lucky I am and of the perfect night I had. I now use it as a key holder and I kiss it every now and then cos I'm weird like that:)

The day after the night before

Tuesday 6Sept I had a weird day. I hardly slept Monday night. 3hours tops! I was up around 6 and was glad it was morning. I read the last few pages of The Color Purple, skipping a huge chunk of the book. I needed to return it. I promised myself I'll watch the movie instead. Needless to say, the last pages didn't make any sense. I returned the book to Martyna. Who took it back to the library for me. One of my groups wouldn't be back to class for the rest of the week, they had to work. I told them to come in Tuesday and take the test and the exam. They did. We always had such fun with them. They speak English and are super funny! After the exam, they told me to meet them outside. They bought me gifts! Aw:( water works:( , as if it wasn't a super emotional day for me already. I hugged and kissed them all and they were on their way. One of them offered to take me to the church when he heard the news. I went along and tried not to cry until I was almost out and my eyes were flooded. Oh well, I tried. He took me to the internet cafe, where I watched Kourtney and Khloe take Miami and Kourt and Kim take Newy York, simultaneously, to take my mind off things. After 2hrs there, I got out, saw Tiko, my assistant's car outside the Police station. Called her, she said she was on her way to the car. I waited for her while munching on Russian Chips and Twix Choc bar. She took me home. As we got home, she remembered that her dad gave her money that morning. She asked if I wanted to go out for dinner. And of course I say yes! We went to the pizzeria, I ordered potato khinkali, they didn't have it. Mushroom? Nope! Okay, pizza. 'Drinks?'. Uhm, I'll have Coke Zero please? 'We haven't got it!'. Sprite zero? 'No!'. flavoured mineral water? 'No!'. Ok, I'll have Juice then. Any fruit juice. 'Sorry, we don't have!'. Uhm, still water pls! We sat and talked for a while, Tiko and I. It was nice, I'd never hung out with her outside the office. She invited me to visit to her farm house the next day. I went home, my host mom saw my gifts and gave me a Georgian Bowl. One that they use to drink wine. It has some inscription, apparently, it's long live something something. One day I'll be able to read it. I went to bed feeling much better than I did in the morning. It was a good day! as if it wasn't a super emotional day for me already. I hugged and kissed them all and they were on their way. One of them offered to take me to the church when he heard the news. I went along and tried not to cry until I was almost out and my eyes were flooded. Oh well, I tried. He took me to the internet cafe, where I watched Kourtney and Khloe take Miami and Kourt and Kim take Newy York, simultaneously, to take my mind off things. After 2hrs there, I got out, saw Tiko, my assistant's car outside the Police station. Called her, she said she was on her way to the car. I waited for her while munching on Russian Chips and Twix Choc bar. She took me home. As we got home, she remembered that her dad gave her money that morning. She asked if I wanted to go out for dinner. And of course I say yes! We went to the pizzeria, I ordered potato khinkali, they didn't have it. Mushroom? Nope! Okay, pizza. 'Drinks?'. Uhm, I'll have Coke Zero please? 'We haven't got it!'. Sprite zero? 'No!'. flavoured mineral water? 'No!'. Ok, I'll have Juice then. Any fruit juice. 'Sorry, we don't have!'. Uhm, still water pls! We sat and talked for a while, Tiko and I. It was nice, I'd never hung out with her outside the office. She invited me to visit to her farm house the next day. I went home, my host mom saw my gifts and gave me a Georgian Bowl. One that they use to drink wine. It has some inscription, apparently, it's long live something something. One day I'll be able to read it. I went to bed feeling much better than I did in the morning. It was a good day!

Rest In Peace Rite Reverend A. Z. Brook

Uwile umth'omkhulu. Lala ngoxolo Krila, Thangana, Rhaso, Nkom'ezibomvu! Soze sakulibala! Inkulu into osenzele yona usadla amazimba. Ubungumzekelo omhle kuthi, bantwana bakabhut'wakho. Ibingeyompazamo nale yokuba usweleke kanye ngalamhla utata wasweleka ngawo! Sowyasbulisela kuye, nakubo bonke abasishiya ngaphambi kwakho!

Lazy weekend at home

We have to pay a certain percentage of our stipend to the host families to cover some of their expenses on us.
My old host families refused to take the money.
Last week, I finished my first month with the new family. I texted the host dad and told him I want to see him. He was at work and asked what it was about. I told him I needed to give him some money. He said 'I'm at work, give the money to my mother!'. I went downstairs and found a thousand other cousins I'd never met, there's like a new cousin and 5 others everytime I go to the lounge! The host sis was here as well. I gave the money to the mother. She took it with a smile and asked what it was for after! I told the sister. She tried to hold herself from smiling, and said, we didn't know you had to pay. The mother thanked me so much.

The next morning, I was greeted with a huge smile and breakfast was prepared for me. In the afternoon, the mother cooked my favourites meat, fish and stuff. There have been tons and tons of wide smiles all over here since that night.

Friday, 2 Sept
No classes again, my students just didn't pitch. Apparently they were all either at work or tired from 48 hour shifts. I hung around the police station, eating and playing PC games AND listening to music on my iPod.
One of the police bosses said he has a friend he'd like me to marry. Yep, they don't play here, they hook you up for marriage, none of that dating crap.
I asked if he's rich. I know! I know! I'm shallow, bite me! They said yeah, he has 3cars, a Jaguar, a Merc and whatever else, he's a footballer and a businessman. Ok, deal, when do I meet him. Like really? What happened to warm personality, kind heart, loyalty and all those dating clichés?
I asked the boss when I'll get to meet this guy, he said no problem.

Friday night, Clint called and said to join them at the restaurant. His friends brought him 2.5kg of Crayfish. It was still live when we got in the car, they prepared it in the restaurant. It was really nice. I've never had it from the shell before.

Saturday, 3rd Sept, it was just the grandma and I at the house. I watched Kourtney and Khloé take Miami, and one episode of the bachelor. I talked on the phone for about three hours. The grandma thought I went to bed, she switched the pc off. She was shocked when I told her I was on the phone the entire time. We had dinner, my phone beeped. She yelled at me about how I'm always on the phone or something. I just smiled. More Kourtney and Khloe. Later on, around 6, I went to my room and watched Brothers and Sisters.

4th Sept (Sunday)
Kourtney and khloe in the morning. Just for an hour. Back upstairs for more Bros and Sis'. I sorted out my hard drives, you know, the boring stuff. I fell asleep for a bit, as soon as woke up, i head tiny foot steps coming upstairs. Something said to go lock my door, but I decided against It. Lo and behold, they budged right into my room! Good thing they're cute! You can't be mad at them. The host sister was right behind them. She apologised, told me she likes my hair and told me to go join them for birthday cake. The host dad's daughter's bday. I felt badly that nobody informed me in advance so I can buy her something. She assured me they also didn't buy any gifts. Only cake. I went downstairs for my shower and saw so many people eating in the lounge. I eventually joined the gang, there were around 10 people in there. And gifts all over the lounge!
Everyone had already eaten. I really wasn't in the mood to be the centre of attention. I quickly ate and asked to be excused. Of course, I made up some excuse about how one of my family members is very ill and therefore I'm not supposed to celebrate. I'd say I don't think they bought it if I thought they understood it.
Back to my room, more Brothers and sisters, I blogged a bit. Clint called and said to join them at the restaurant. I walked forever. We had khinkali's. Well, they did! I just tried the potato one. They were with their new friend they met while hiking in Borjomi over the weekend.
I got back home after midnight. It was freezing in my room. I should get an extra blanket. If it's this cold now, how much more in winter!

French kisses and Blind Massage Therapists

Wednesday, 31 August
I've been asking around for massage therapists in my hood since I got here cos for some reason, a good night's rest Is hard to come by and the beds an uncomfy so I need a massage really badly.
One of my students told me she knows someone who knows someone.
After work, she took me to some apartment, nice apartment. Where there was a lady who's eyes I couldn't figure out. Turns out she's blind. She was with a really old lady, who apparently is her mother. I'm not sure who's looking after who in there, but that's their deal. The blind seems pretty efficient actually. All women are!

As my student was discussing with this lady, I kept wondering where this massage therapist is. So it was my student, her 2kids, the lady and her mom. Turns out the massagist (as they put it) is the blind lady, she's a trained therapist. She told me to lie on the bed like feature. I asked if everyone's going to leave. They asked if they could watch. I politely declined. The student said this seems interesting, I suggested she books a session. It's 10Lari (R40) for an hour's massage, full body. That's way less than I charge back home! And the lady's good. She knows what she's doing. She did slap me really hard, harder than the Chinese and the Chinese slap hard!
She also asked why I'm so fat, apparently my thighs and arms are way bigger than her hands are used to. She told me to return in 2days.

From there, I went to my new fave spot, the internet café. Watched more of The bachelor. Harriet came over. She sat next to me and we did our thing. Not long thereafter some guy showed up and the shop assistant needed our assistance. He didn't speak Georgian. We speak Genglish (Georgian English). That's really slow English, a few Georgian words and tons of hand gestures and weird sounds. Look it up on a dictionary near you!
He sat across the room from me. He asked us a bit about ourselves and HOW OLD WE ARE! How Georgian of him to ask someone their age on the first meeting!
He's 24, I told him I'm 57, when he acted surprised, I was like! I know, I look very good for my age. What can I say, I take care of myself.
He asked us out for drinks. We obliged. He's French and is motorcycling through Georgia well, and other Countries for 3mnths. He killed me every time he said Azerbaijan (so French! death!).
We drank Lemonatis (Lemonades, that may or may not be lemon flavoured), talked, and talked posed for pictures for his blog http://vagabondagesautourdumonde.wordpress.com/ check it out if you can read French or have google translate.
Apparently, I'm the first person ever to tell him, the only world I recognised in. The blog name is bondages. Oh well.
After the lemonatis, we went to Clintyna's and hung out some more with Frenchman, Maxim. He managed to get a back massage from Yours Truly. Apparently, the massage was 'unbelievable'. Yup, French certified! Don't hate!
I owe him French kisses, or he does me, something to that effect! He asked if I wanted to take pics on his Bike, I thought he'd never ask! I was there in a flash! I was excited about being outside, in the dark with a Frenchman that I apparently owed French kisses. Harriet, thought it'd be a good idea to take the pics in her camera, 'there goes the alone time and French kisses'.
It became a family affair, as everyone came out. I hopped on, Harrie snapped some shots. Man that thing is huge! And comfortable! It's a kawasaki. I hadn't heard that name since forever ago!
He also took some pics in his camera.

Martyna offered him a placed to sleep at hers, we exchanged contacts. Harriet and I walked home.
He said he might go to Vardzia, the cave city, the next day. I was to hear from him.

Thursday, 1st Sept
Spring day! In South Africa! The facebook, twitter and bbm posts were all colourful! I'm happy for them that the winter's over. It was freezing! I know! I experienced 2months of it!
None of my students showed up because we didn't have the schedule for Sept. I was on the phone with Michelle when I saw a lime green Huge motorbike with tons of luggage and a French driving away. I called Clint and asked where he decided to go. He said, he's leaving the city. I called my girlfriend Martyna, to wallow, and said, how could he not come say bye? She said, 'errr, I don't know! Why don't you call and ask him?'. Ooooooowwwwwww kkkkkaaayyyy then!

Milky Ways and Galaxies

Friday, 26 August
After work, I went to the internet cafe, and watched Jerseylicious. Jennifer, from Ninotsminda called and said she's on her way to my town.
I told her, I'll inform her when I'm done. I did, and they picked me up. She stayed over at her student's house for the weekend. I know the student, she was at the picnic we had at the lake in Ninotsminda.
We went to their beautiful apartment and hung out for a bit. Her husband is a soldier. She's a police officer. They have me a camouflage:).
At night, the husband, Jen and I went out to some restaurant for dinner.
We had khinkali (the notorious Georgian dumplings), meat, meat (I know I know!), and the usual tomato and cucumber salad.

Can I just say? I love how Georgians can cut a cucumber up and have it as a snack! Just like that! So healthy!

We listened to Glee inspired music on my blackberry, You're the one that I want! Proud Mary, I'm walking on Sunshine, and a whole host of songs performed on season 1 of Glee. Then Jen played her African music. Amongst which was Rebecca and Vuyo's 'oh indoda yami, ubaba wabantwana bami! Hay isdudla sami, umama wezingani zami'. Don't know the title. It was nice to hear that. She insisted I need to listen to more African music cos I didn't recognised any of the songs she played and I didn't like them. Needless to say, I won't be listening to them by choice, anytime soon. I do have African music on my pc. Stuff I like.
We spent what seemed like 2 hrs talking about America, okay, the guys, the student's husband and his friend are obsessed with America. They said they'll do whatever it takes to move there. Basically I had a bit of a deja vu. Like what happened first time I visited Jen in her home town and she and her American 'friend' talked about the States for 2hrs while I sat there awkwardly. It happened again, in my city this time.
We finally left! Pumped some I have nothing by Whitney Houston. Jen and I sang along at the top of our voices. It was sooooo fun! I got home after midnight. Jen's student's hubby said we'll all go to Borjomi and Batumi the next day. I don't Jen I won't hold my breath because I know how her people do! They like to make promises. That's it! Just promises.

Saturday, 27 August
For the first time in ages, there were no guests nor kids at the house. I watched The Bachelor, Jake's season online. The host grandma left, I was home alone! I did my laundry and watched some more Bachelor. Jen called and told me she was outside. I went to let them in and the dog wasn't liking her student's daughter very much so they couldn't come in. My host family wasn't here to hold the dog. I wouldn't dare, that thing's HUGE! I don't trust it myself!
They had to go back home.

Back to the PC :).
My host mom came back around 4. Just as she got here, Jen called and they were outside again. We let them in, I had just showered as I was told we won't have water after 2. We left for Clint's house with the daughter. she's ten or something.
It was hot outside. Fortunately, we got a lift from an ex neighbour of mine.

We sat awkwardly with Clintyna. Then we went for a walk. I showed Jen my Police Station and my class. We all walked home via some dirt, dusty road that's supposed to be shorter, according to the daughter. We didn't believe her. It wasn't. And it was dangerous, no pavement.

We had dinner at mine, then we all hung out in my room and watched some funny videos. Clintyna left, Jen and I went to hers. We had dinner there. I just had a bit cos I just age. The meal looked normal and it was warm! Whew! Gold! Macaroni, Viennas and green beans.

It was freezing out! As I was leaving, the student said I can't, her hubby was going to take us to the park. At ten pm in the freezing cold! I obliged! Trying to be nice! I do try, you know!
We picked up his friend from the previous night, who speaks English, I like him, he's smart!
We went to the Observatory. we saw stars: galaxies and milky ways. I also saw an unidentified planet, passing the galaxy. Omg, I feel so smart right now, writing about planets and stuff! It was out of this world! I want to go again, and see actual planets next time. It felt like I was looking through a view master! Thanks mom! That thing was awesome!

We left around 1am, I was cold, and tired, sleepy, couldn't breathe from the smoke in the car. I was ready to go home. They played music and expected me to be all happy clappy like the previous night. I had to fake it;).

Sunday, I stayed in bed the whole day, watching Californication.

Hospitals and German Yogi's

Tuesday 23 August
Work as usual.
I went to the hospital, to have my ankle, heel and shoulder checked out. My shoulder was dislocated a few times in one day about a month ago. Since then, I've been in pain on and off. Lia, My assistant was kind enough to go to the hospital with me and to arrange transport for us.
They took us in a huge police van. The guy drove like a maniac, I thought we'd fly out the window and die! The hospital is depressing. It's Pink, faded pink. And the parking lot is all muddy. It looks almost like a deserted building. There were people inside though, it was cold! Some wings more so than others.
We went in to the doctor's room, there was a nurse and his doctor in there. The doctor must be about 10 years old. She had a huge smile on her face, like she couldn't believe her luck, when she saw me. They both stood in there and stared throughout my consultation. My assistance helped with translation. So we had a full house in there. Fortunately, I didn't have to take my clothes off.

We went to x-ray, we left Harriet and the driver at the waiting area, Lia and I made our way to x-ray. The room was SCARY! Dingy! And dodgy! It looked more like a prison cell, what with the small bed with a grey blanket and grey blankets used as curtains and doors.
The Dr and his assistant went through one of the grey blanket doors, Lia and I, waited a bit, not knowing what to expect next! I was told to sit on the thing, it looked like a steel desk/bed. I did, they took photos of my feet. The thing wasn't stable, I was told to be still. When they told me that, for some reason, I found it really hard to be still. Weird!
They went back in the other room, another lady, magically appeared. She seemed shocked to see me. She had the x-ray, turned the heater on, and heated/dried the x-ray. She almost burnt it because all her attention was on me. While waiting for the exray to heat or dry, there were two women outside the room, randomly standing and staring at me.
Dr came out, took the x-ray from the lady, and told us to follow him. We walked right behind him, when he arrived at the waiting area, his Dr friends came out and checked the x-ray out. So did everyone else at the waiting area, except for Harriet. That would never happen in South Africa!

We went into another room! There were 3Doctors in there. Our driver came and stood by the door. He wanted to hear what was wrong with me, I guess. They asked him to close the door, he came in and closed. I don't think that's what the Dr's meant, but oh well.
Done! They didn't see anything wrong with my ankle, and something was poking out of my heel. It looks exactly as it feels. They told me I need to lose weight. News flash!
They said it's too much salt in my system, due to being overweight. If I can loose 25 or so kg, I'll be fine. I know Doc! Believe me, I DO!

They wrote me a prescription on a random page and referred me to the Poly clinic for physiotherapy.
I got dropped off home.

My host dad's sister was home. She doesn't live with us. Well, not officially. she asked me about the x-ray. I explained to her. She said she might have the same problem. I asked what made her think that. She said because she can't walk. I asked what happens when she does. She said she gets tired therefore she thinks she's sick. Ooooowwwww kkkkaaayyyyy then!

We hung out outside. I got an email from home about a sick close family member. I told the host sister about that. She said, wow, nice watch! Did you buy it here in Georgia! My response was: I'm very worried about my sick family right now, I don't have time to discuss jewellery! I took my phone and left.

I'd met a German tourist over the weekend at the internet café. He said to do dinner when he gets back to the city. He texted that he's back in the city and told me where he was staying. I asked the host sister where that was, the name rang a bell, but what do I know? It was the hotel up the road from here. I went back to my room and chilled. Lately, I've been spending a lot of time at the internet café. Mainly because, I never get a chance to use the internet at the house and partly for peace of mind. I usually, tell the family, I'm going for a walk. Then I'll be gone for no less that 6 hours. Joe, the guy from the internet café, called. It was time to go for dinner.
I told the host sister, I'll see them later, she asked if I'm going to the hotel. I told her no, she sarcastically went, 'oh, you're going for a walk?' I said 'yup!'.

We met at the hotel, I was surprised how nice and normal that hotel looks inside. From outside, it's really not promising at all. and it's affordable.
We went to the pizzeria, sat and talked and laughed and ate margarita pizza. Joe's one of those cool, perfect people. He's a yogi, spiritual person, qualified psychologist, well travelled and generally is a nice person, who had a smile on his face the entire time.
He walked me home around 10pm. We exchanged Contacts and he left, He had to catch a bus to Armenia the next morning.

'Alone' Weekend

This has been one of those weeks for me. I wasn't in the mood for anything. I just needed to be left alone. It doesn't help that my host family has tons of guests. There are about a half a dozen guests ranging from grandparents to kids, to grand kids.

Whenever My host dad's sister is around, she asks me the same questions: hold old are you, to which I always reply, I'm 57. What do you eat in Africa? Do you want Wine? You must drink some wine, it's good for the brain! Please drink this, it's Cherry juice (it's not, it's alcohol!). Wine will help you sleep better. Mind you, I didn't complain to her about any sleeping disorder. It can get to a person. She's asked me the same questions on about 4 different occasions. Lately, there's a new tendency of people coming to wake me up for food. It can be 9pm or 11. They will wake me up. I have to eat, even if it's just to taste. But I must. To which, I usually say, 'Ara, madloba'. (No thanks).
It got to a point where I'd just keep to myself in my room because I'm tired of saying the same thing to the same people every single time I see them.
When I go to my room, it's another thing 'are you ok? Do you want tea? Coffee? Is it a headache? Your stomach? Do you like to sleep? Everything's got to be accompanied by an explanation.
At work, one of my groups just doesn't want to learn. When they're in class, they hang out, chat, talk on the phone, put their cellphones on speaker, play music on their cells. You know, the works!
Michelle asked me to go visit in Kobuleti this weekend. Even though, I really like to spend time with her, I just wanted to be alone. I saw Clint on Thursday, he came to my station. We walked back to Martyna's together. he invited me over for dinner. Unfortunately, I'd just eaten.
They made pasta and bacon. It was nice. Non-Georgian food. I stayed for about an hour or so, and left. I talked to some friends to find out about hotel prices, they are from R80 (GEL20) per night. Unfortunately non of those have internet. then there's a nice one for R200 (GEL 50) with internet and warm water etc. I wasn't about to splurge in my own town. Martyna offered to let me stay at her house when her friends, who are here on vac, but were out of town, return. She said they had planned to all spend the weekend at Clint's.
Clint invited me as well,i I declined. I wouldn't have been good complany, considering my mood. Plus, it would've been 2couples and I. What would that have made me a 5th wheel?
Martyna insisted I stay over at hers when they're gone for the weekend. I thought about it for five seconds and texted her on my way out that I'd love to stay there, if she will still let me. She has her own apartment with Wi-Fi. I felt slightly uncomfortable as I'm not good with accepting favours from people. Especially friends. That's just me.
Anyway, I texted her on Thursday night to confirm. She responded this afternoon, (Saturday): sorry i write just now
i'm sorry but i can't host u this weekend in my flat. i talked with my
organizaiton and because we had problem with the owner of this flat
(one week ago he wanted to kick me out from the flat, cuz he wanted
back; his argument was that i was supposed to live here alone and
there are also other people - who are my guests). So just not to make
him angry it;s better that i have guests here when i'm here.
i'm really sorry. i wanted to help but it occured that i can't.
i hope you will get rest this weekend.
hugs and kisses

By this time, I'd already forgot about the whole arrangement. I mean it had been 3days since I texted her.
I'd since decided to stay at my home, and spend the day at the internet cafe, to escape from it all. I slept in, watched a bit of Glee and left the house at 1 for the internet cafe. I took a 35minute walk in the sun, listening to my ipod. I was alone at first at the cafe, it's pretty decent, almost across the road from my police station. It's L1 (R4) per hour. I watched Jerseylicious online.
Jennifer called and said she'd be in my town, then she called and said they couldn't stay, they're on their way to Adigeni, her student's home and to join them if I wish. I declined. I got a call frm my assistant inviting me over to Vardzia (cave city). Apparently she was with an english teacher from Canada blah, unfortunately, I wasn't up for it. And I'd just been to Vardzia last week. After about 3 hours at the internet cafe, I got a call from my Georgian lady friends. They invited me over to a 'party' for 2 at a restaurant. I told them I wasn't up for being in public and being stared at. Apparently they were alone. They paid for my cab, I logged off and made my way there.
Just before I did, I met a couple (or not), a Polish guy and a Ukrainian woman. They're on their way to Adigeni. We talked a bit while they were waiting for their marshrutka to get full. It did, I left for the restaurant.
When I got there a random guy came out and paid for the cab. Apparently that's the restaurant owner. He's a friend of my friends. After they got over the initial forcing Brook to drink alcohol, we all chilled, and had a good time. My 2 friends and their guy friend. Did I mention, it was a set up? Some kind of a blind date thing between the restaurant owner and myself. He's married. They told me not to worry about that. He has money, that's all that matters.

The waiter brought us the stereo and we played some Georgian music. This guy and I were forced to get up and dance. With each other. Holding hands. My hands were, at one stage moved from his waistline to his butt. I refused to fondle his butt, so I just held back. Our heads were pushed towards each other many a times in order for us to kiss. I guess to my friend, our relationship was at that stage, (this guy and my relationship). We pulled back. There were a lot of awkward moments like this throughout our time there. At one point, they turned the lights off and both went to the toilet, leaving this man and I alone in a dark room. they also pushed his and my groin area toward each other, once or twice. The friend that was playing ambassador is +-30, married. With kids. I asked how she'd feel if her man would 'love' another woman. As I was told this guy loves me. He said I make him feel hot. That's what they said. I don't believe them. Her response was, 'Let him! If it makes my husband happy to love someone else, let him!'. I told her to quit forcing this guy and I to each other. She said it was a joke.
That's the Georgian excuse for anything that makes you uncomfortable. It was a joke.
We finally left around 9pm.

Yesterday, after work, one of my student, who's been asking to take me out for khinkali (the dumplings) or something. Not as a date, just cos he loves his teacher. (Is what he says), asked me again. I thought, you know what! Let's get this over and done with already. So I agreed. Also because one of the female officers went with us. I personaly think they would have gone out together anywa, but decided to ask me to join them at the last minute. I was done for the day, we all left right after class.

They bought food for the picnic, we drove about 15minutes outside Akhaltsikhe to Uraveli and set up. Basically, they moved huge rocks to ine spot to serve as chairs. This guy and the female officer are friends.
She had a dress on, when we got to the picnic spot, she took the top part of the dress on, and tucked the sleeves into the bra. Then she's sit on the rock with her legs wide open exposing her black underwear. It was weird for me. But then again, I don't know everything about this place yet. In SA, a woman wouldn't dare sit like that, especially a married woman. Infront of a married man.
We ate and drank and later on, the guy decided to take his shoes off. And his socks. And to rub his sticky, sweaty feet with his hands and then offer me some bread. Needless to say, I was full from then on.

Borjomi Weekend.

Michelle came over for the weekend. She arrived Friday afternoon. I introduced her to my students and we hung around the station a bit waiting for our transport. The police boss had promised to provide us with a car and a driver. He arrived an hour later. We drove to Borjomi, an hour away. On our way there, my assistant made a few phone calls and told me that her police friend from Borjomi will meet us at the park with an English speaking friend to help us with translation. Great!
As we got to Borjomi, we hopped out of the car and boom! My host family! What? Where did they come from? Apparently they saw the police car, (my host dad's a policeman) and thought they'd stop to say hi. They proceeded and left us waiting for the English speaking person and the friend. Eventually, the friend arrived, with 2 young men. None of which spoke English. To their defence, one of them were cute, so apology accepted!
We drove around, slowly, two police officers were now with us in the car, the cuties were driving the other car. The police asked everyone who cared to listen if they spoke English. They didn't! Eventually, at the entrance to the park, a cab driver admitted to speaking a bit of English, they asked him to come with us. He parked his cab, got in the car with us. Just like that!

We walked around, the parks beautiful! A real attraction. We took a cable car to the top and took some scooter type thingies for a ride. The police friend drove Michelle and I, one at a time. It was so fun. First, I asked if I could ride one, they thought I knew how and let me. I, of course made a fool of myself and given more time, would've killed myself and or someone else.

They asked what we wanted to eat, we told them what we liked. The friend got on the phone and sort of placed an order. He's from Borjomi, so I thought it was to his wife that he called. I later realised when we arrived at a restaurant, with a table already set, who he made the call to. We had the corn/maize cakes, khachapuri (cheese bread), meat and stuff. And the sun brought dessert. Heaven knows where from. It was delish, but the stomachs were full.
Drinks. They asked what I wanted to drink, wine? No! Cognac? No! Coca Cola? No! Milk? Maybe! Therefore a few minutes later, someone showed up with a litre of milk.
I had already filled myself up with water, as nobody told me they're bringing milk. I had a small glass and was so done.
While drinking, the friend, thought it a good idea to give Mich a peck on the lips. Err, gross! As if that wasn't awkward enough, she got another one. And another one, with spit and she had to fight his tongue from making its way into her mouth. Georgians! Georgians! That's a crime everywhere else in the world!

After Dinner, we drove back to the park and took pictures and drank some mineral water. Luke warm and gross in my opinion. But then I don't even enjoy it when it's ice cold.

Around 8, we drove back home. Martyna texted and told me to head straight to hers on our arrival back in town. We listened to good old school music. The likes of Living on my own by Freddie Mercury and 4Non blondes - What's going on. Martyna wasn't home. Our driver took us to mine. My host dad and his friends were drinking in the verandah. We sat with them, Clint called. I invited them over. They showed up in not time. Clintyna, and the Polish couple. Martyna's friends. Drinks, more drinksz, sarcasm, from my host dad. Don't know whether he just didn't like Clint or what, but oh well. More drinking and toasting. Our driver had to go to work, around 11pm. Clint and the gang caught a lift with him. My host dad and his 2friends named David, asked if Mich and I wanted to do anything. A friend of mine had promised to take us dancing but couldn't because he got busy at his businesses. So Mich said she wanted to go dancing, of course! We drove to the supermarket, bought more alc, I believe. I got M&M's and we were off DANCING! We drove up a dirt road. All the way up to a small mountain where there was no one else. But us, no lighting, nothing. Just grass and us! We pumped music, Georgian and English and danced for like an hour. I got tired and bored. My host dad made his move on Mich. He's married.
She wasn't interested, he didn't care, and didn't understand what her problem was. He loves her and her love for him should surpass the fact that he's married. Go figure!
I slept in the car while they finished drinking, singing, dancing and making passes at each other. We eventually left. By this time, everyone was sloshed. That includes, EVERYBODY! Michelle wanted to drive, my host dad wanted her to sit on his lap and drive. I wasn't interested, I opened the door and was ready to get off the car. While Michelle jumped over to the front from the back of the car, she knocked the 2Litre bottle of beer over from David's hand and it spilt all over me. Fabulous! Now I reek of beer. More than the people that actually drank it!
We drove home, the friends were dropped off on the way. My host dad asked Mich not to sleep because he loves her. My host gran had fixed the guest bedroom for Mich. The host dad sat on her bad and waited for me to leave so he could 'talk' to Michelle. Mich said not to leave her. So I thought the best would be for her to come to my room until she was ready to go sleep. The host dad went to his room and started texting me, wanting to chat with Mich. More drunk behaviour in my room. Long story short, I had to lock Mich in my room. 2 hrs or so later, I pretended to be asleep. That worked. Mich finally stopped talking and slept.

Next morning, I was so embarrassed and humiliated by the drama in my room the night before. From my first overnight guest at the new host family. I almost knew I'd get kicked out. I apologised to the host gran, she didn't know what I was talking about. Mich also apologised. Everyone was happy.
Molly and Harriet came over. My host dad offered to take us to the cave city. Vardzia. He brought his friend Dave along. It was hot, we were tired. Some were hung over. It was miserable. But we did it. It felt more like punishment than anything else.

From the caves, we went to yet another castle. Then back home. We dropped Molly home. Harriet, Mich and I hung out at mine.
we went to the supermarket, bought different flavours of Pringles, hid them in our bags, sat on my bad, watched a bad movie (confessions of an American bride), talked about boys and stuffed our faces with Pringles. Fun times. God forbid someone walks in on us and finds out we bought food. For shame! Why didn't you say you were hungry? Fortunately, no such thing happened.
Mich and I walked Harriet home. We went to my room, chatted a bit. Listened to random music. She went to her room. The host dad, started with the text. This time to both Mich and I. Wanting to talk to Mich. I put my phone on silent and went to sleep. He had the whole day to talk to her, you didn't he say anything? Beats me!

Next morning, I had muscle pain from walking up the hill to the caves and I was super tired. Mich, Harrie and I got a lift from one of my students. Well, I kinda told him to make a U-turn and take us to the station (rank). He did. We were an hour early. So we windo shopped. I bought 'Nike' flip flops and wore them right away. We had breakfast upstairs at the 'lovers' restaurant. We had Acharuli (the boat like bread with cheese, egg and butter inside). And 'Lemonade'. Back to the marshrutka. We saw mich off and got a lift back frm Harrie's student. Thank Goodness!
I stayed in bed for the rest of the afternoon. I watched a bit of desperate housewives and slept.