And Depression Sets In . . .
. . . because I recently realized I've passed the half-way mark here. How in the world am I going to cope with leaving Georgia?? It's as if I've had a separate existence over here. What happened before in my life doesn't matter and what happens after doesn't as well. All that matters is what is happening here!!
I've traveled to at least 30 countries in the past and none have affected me like this. Can anyone tell me why?
I've traveled to at least 30 countries in the past and none have affected me like this. Can anyone tell me why?
Honeymoon phase?
ReplyDeletePerhaps, but this honeymoon will last forever!
ReplyDeleteCan't say -- although I think you've really become an extrovert in the travel arena -- and maybe that is making a difference, just a guess. I just realized that our American Orthodox Church (OCA) heirarchs are visiting Georgia -- if you run into beards and black kosaks, that's them. Caye
ReplyDeleteHey, Caye!
ReplyDeleteI don't know, there's really something special about this country that's difficult for me to define. I think I've figured it out sometimes but then, can't put it into words.
Thanks for the heads up on the visitors but it may be difficult to distinguish them from the local heirarchs.
Hope all is well there in the US. Russ
Well, it's a beautiful place, full of churches and I think the best things about Georgia are the people and the atmosphere. It's very safe and friendly, isn't it? It has a real sense of history, and that's the main reason why you like it so much. Am I wrong?
ReplyDeleteLilia,
ReplyDeleteI think you hit the nail on the head with your assessment. It all results from the people. I can't believe how wonderful they are. Is there any other place on earth with such people, I wonder?
The USA? I have met wonderful people there :)
ReplyDeleteYes, there are some nice people in the US. However, if you came to Georgia, you would see that the people here set the standard for niceness and hospitality. Please believe me!
ReplyDeleteOf course I do believe you, Russ. I hope to visit Georgia some day. I am really curious. It is always such a delightful time I have reading about your travel there and look forward to your next photos.
ReplyDeleteEnjoy this weekend, my dear friend!
Thank you, Lilia! You are motivating me to keep trying to make this blog better. However, I wonder how I can do that when I return to Texas. I'll be taking a trip to Mexico immediately but will rely on only weekend trips in Texas for inspiration after that. That will be very boring after what I've experienced here in Georgia. What in the world will I do?
ReplyDeleteYou could start studying Georgian...you'll need it if you want to live there... ;) That should take up lots and lots of your time!
ReplyDeleteI think that people in the Caucasus region are very proud of their cultures and their traditions. (I don't know if they are all as friendly and hospitable as the Georgians, but I think that hospitality is generally quite important in the region as a whole.)
Despite being part of the Russian empire and the USSR, the Georgians have managed to preserve their history, culture, languages. (In Western Europe, everyone talks about "multiculturalism" and it seems that no one cares about history or local and national cultures anymore.) I think that this makes a huge difference in the atmosphere and how people interact with each other, despite the very real problems that do exist in the country.
Margherita,
ReplyDeleteI agree with you completely! Despite all the invasions/occupations the Georgians have maintained their identity/language through it all. I am learning the language but it is an ardous process. I'm hoping to keep it up by skyping my friends once I return to the US. Oh! I am very excited for you that you will visit Georgia and can't wait to hear your impressions of this place. I think you have a very analytical mind and will see things I could never see. Please allow me to live vicariously through you next summer, okay?
It's the wine, Russ ;-)
ReplyDeleteOh, no! It's the vodka!
ReplyDelete