Another Outing in T'bilisi

Three more pictures showing a synagogue in the capital, a fortress above the
city, and the side of another monastery.

Comments

  1. Have you visited the monastery inside, Russ?

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  2. Oh, yes! But, we feel uncomfortable about taking pictures inside.

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  3. What about people who live in Georgia?
    Are they friendly? What is your impression about them?

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  4. So curious to learn your impressions about people living in Georgia :)

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  5. The people are reserved which is usual in this part of the world. But, they seem very friendly once you get to know them and also, very helpful. I've only been here two weeks so don't know their manner completely yet. I do know that they do not like the Russians at all, as a rule.

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  6. Reserved? I don't know eastern people at all. I thought they were quite friendly. Well, it is so interesting to know different cultures...what is their official religion? And the government system? I am so curious...

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  7. I think the people you don't know are reserved, but those people who are your friends are very hospitable. Georgians are famous for being hospitable to the point of doing too much, I think. Oh, their official religion is called "Georgian Orthodox" and we even had a monk who came on the trip with us yesterday. He was a good tour guide obviously since he knew everything about the monastery. As for system of government, technically, it's a democracy but it's still trying to get rid of some of the old, bad habits under communism. Please keep asking questions as you think of them. I enjoy discussing these issues. Russ

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  8. So they are Christian too. I thought there weren't religious people in communist countries...well, communism is dead fortunately, but I knew there was not religious freedom in Russia, I mean not religious belief allowed...but probably I was wrong.
    I love discussing about history and politics too. Very much. I like your government system and I consider freedom the most important thing in our life. I think dictatorship is a tragedy and eastern people were suffering a terrible dictatorship for many and many years...so sad!
    You said me :"it's still trying to get rid of some of the old, bad habits under communism"! It's terrible...why do you think it's happening? I don't think Georgian people liked communism...so why?

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  9. "So they are Christian too. I thought there weren't religious people in communist countries...well, communism is dead fortunately, but I knew there was not religious freedom in Russia, I mean not religious belief allowed...but probably I was wrong.
    I love discussing about history and politics too. Very much. I like your government system and I consider freedom the most important thing in our life. I think dictatorship is a tragedy and eastern people were suffering a terrible dictatorship for many and many years...so sad!
    You said me :"it's still trying to get rid of some of the old, bad habits under communism"! It's terrible...why do you think it's happening? I don't think Georgian people liked communism...so why?"

    Lilia,

    I think that the further away from Moscow you were, the more likely you retained some religious belief. At least, that was the way it was explained to me. Also, I imagine there was a lot of worship in private. Most people would never give up their religion as you know. Yes, the Georgians did not like communism and were happy to overthrow it but some bad habits that developed during those times continued such as corruption and a lack of human rights. It will take a while for society to make the transition to a true democracy and all that entails.

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  10. Yes...it takes a while to leave bad habits, you're right.
    Is Georgia a poor country? What about the economy there?
    Sorry...I am so curious...:)

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  11. Oh, please ask all the questions you want. It's not a problem.

    It is a poor country, but things seem to be improving because the current government is very pro-western. This leads to a lot of aid and expertise coming into the country. I really have high hopes for this place.

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  12. So sorry in hearing it is a poor country. It is such a good think the current government is pro-western, I am sure they will solve their problems soon, I agree with you.
    What do you know about Georgian education system? Are there many young people learning English there?
    Do they know western culture? Do they study western history?

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  13. So far, I know that the educational system is changing and trying to incorporate more of a western approach to education, i.e., focusing on problem-solving rather than rote memorization. Also, English is becoming a big industry here. Not only are they teaching it in the schools but there are also private language schools springing up. One thing, public school teachers here are only paid the equivalent of $150/month. That has to change!!

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