Still Longing for Georgia
Well, no pictures, no exciting travel stories in this post. I just wanted to write about what's been on my mind today and really, for the last five months. You know, I have traveled all over the world to some great places. While in the military, I lived in Bavaria for three years and what a beautiful area that was. Later, I spent extensive time in Italy/Greece and really enjoyed both the countries and the people. More recently in '06, I was in Slovakia and have wonderful memories of the times I shared with friends there. Still, there's just something about Georgia that is difficult to quantify. Is it the beauty of the country that calls me back? Is it the hospitable nature of the people? I think it goes deeper than that. In Georgia, you can feel the suffering the people have endured over the centuries as it has been passed down in the collective consciousness. Yet, you can also observe the positive attitudes they display every day despite past injustices. Victimization is not used as a crutch in Georgia. The people live every day to the fullest knowing that just being alive is the greatest gift of all. I think it is this 'joie de vivre' that draws me back and makes me love this country like no other.
So, I must endure another 12 years of the rat race and then, I can live in Georgia forever! As you can see, I have a disease for which there is only one cure . . .
So, I must endure another 12 years of the rat race and then, I can live in Georgia forever! As you can see, I have a disease for which there is only one cure . . .
Interesting description! If you like it so much why don't you go to live there? Are there job possibilities for you? How does the cost of living in Georgia compare to the US?
ReplyDeleteNo job possibilities really on the private economy. I just have to tough it out until retirement when I'll have complete financial freedom to do what I want.
ReplyDeleteI think the cost of living is a little hire in T'bilisi especially for western products.
Thanks for listening, Lilia.
Thanks for broadening my mind, it's very interesting reading your thoughts about Georgia and other countries :)
ReplyDeleteYou're welcome. I hope you can visit there someday and tell me your impressions.
ReplyDeleteNot to rain on your parade but be aware that Georgia will have changed quite a bit in 12 years like so many other places on the planet.
ReplyDeleteAnonymous,
ReplyDeleteYou make a good point. I'm sure some things will change by that time but I believe the spirit of the people will remain the same which is the most important factor for me. Unfortunately, I can't say the same for America. The cultural shift is what makes me consider abandoning my own country for another. What a shame.
Hi Russ, this is Pik Quinn from Malaysia. I found your blog through Dave's ESL Cafe. I need your advice on this. I applied to volunteer as an English teacher under the "Teach & Learn With Georgia" programme by the government (http://www.tlg.gov.ge/content.php?id=95&lang=eng). The benefits for volunteers are as follows:
ReplyDelete* Housing/living accommodations (Volunteer teachers will live with families free of charge);
* Medical insurance;
* Travel expenditures (round trip tickets, work related trips);
* Round trip ticket for one vacation per year;
* 500 Georgian Lari per month (approximately $300);
* Safe environment.
They've responded positively to my application, but I'd like to know if its possible to survive in Georgia with US$300 per month without digging into my own savings. When I wrote to them, they told me 500 GEL is average salary in Georgia, and will be quite comfortable with the housing and food (with the host family, but not at school) covered.
Is this true? Would really like a more neutral opinion on this.
Georgia looks beauuutifullll, and I'm very keen to go there. I'm not looking for a lot of money, just something that can cover basic expenses. Extra money for some fun/shopping is a bonus, but not essential.
Thank you very much in advance for your time and advice. I look forward to your reply.
Sincerely,
Pik Quinn from Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia!
pikquinn@gmail.com