Carpet

We have a Georgian tradition.  When we're in the country at some point my cousin takes us through the narrow streets, the busy streets, and the back rooms of stores to shop for a vintage carpet.  It's a nice souvenir to remind us of our great Georgian adventures.  I love Georgia!

My husband picked up our newest rug from the Oriental Rug Cleaning company yesterday.  It looks beautiful at the bottom of the stairs.  Seeing the rug reminded me of our fun time purchasing it.  My cousin played "bad cop" as she informed the owners that their prices are too high.  My husband tried to speak to me in Spanish to figure out (without the store owner knowing) if I really liked the carpet.  Anytime the store owner dropped the price a $100 I was ready to hand over cash, but my husband and cousin wouldn't let me...

My husband acted like he didn't like the rug; even though he did.  My cousin kept saying "no one would pay that price" and "what's the real price" to the store owners.  It was fun seeing my cousin (who's a successful business woman) give the rug selling men such a hard time on price.  I tried to not get in trouble by paying for the rug before my husband and cousin had found the price floor.  In the end we gave the man our phone number and we walked away .  It was so hard to walk away!  My cousin waved away her driver, she didn't want them see that we had a driver, and we walked down the street.

Within 10 minutes the store owner called and said he agreed with our price, which was 45% off his starting price.

If you ever see my cousin and my husband walk into your store, then you are doomed.  They are tough negotiators.

Here's a current picture of the carpet we purchased on a first Georgian adventure, I think they said it was made in the 1950's...

Here's another picture of our Uzbekistan or Central Asian 80 to 90 year old carpet...

Brick and Balconies

I'm a fan of the traditional Georgian building designs.  I love their exquisite flat brick construction, and large balconies.  If I ever get a chance to build a home, then I'm definitely going to use my Georgian inspiration.

Vacation Time Out

I had to take a vacation "time-out" because I had issues with my tummy.  My American belly was not used to the farm-to-table Georgian culture.  All the food is fresh.  At a restaurant I think I picked up a little too much bacteria from the delicious fresh food.  My husband said if I would start drinking alcohol, then it'd help kill things in my stomach during meals.  Ha.

One morning it hit me, and I stayed in bed for most of the day.  My illness coincided with my cousin's cook's day off.  To help me heal, my cousin wanted to make me chicken soup.  She called her cook and asked how much water she needed to boil with the chicken bouillon cubes, and my cousin also asked what vegetables she should boil?

My cousin's cook yelled over the phone: "Stop what you're doing.  Get out of my kitchen.  I'm coming in."

My cousin's cook came in on her day off to make the most delicious chicken soup and to oversee my recovery by telling my cousin what to do.  Her soup was made with a whole chicken (no bouillon cubes!), fresh vegetables, and love.  The cook was very concerned about my health.  I thought it was sweet.  I felt like an infant because I had my husband, my cousin, and my cousin's cook nursing me back to health.  My cousin's cook told me I couldn't drink Sprite (even though the Nanny brought me Sprite) because the bubbles would be bad for me - the cook ordered my cousin to stir the Sprite a little bit to release some bubbles before she would give it to me.  It was an entertaining situation.

I bounced back after 24-hours.  And to help heal my "traveler's tummy" my first meal post a chicken soup breakfast was at McDonald's.  The Georgians only build architectural significant McDonald's.  Chicken nuggets and french fries seemed to kill anything alive remaining in my stomach!  I was back in business to continue the adventure...

Making Out with a Dolphin

My husband has always made me feel valued, appreciated, and special.  When I graduated from college (even though we had only been dating for six months) my husband surprised me with a trip to Cozumel, Mexico where we could swim with dolphins.  My husband knew that I had dreamed about swimming with dolphins, and my husband wanted to make my dreams come true.

That was ten years ago.  I still remember the way my spirit soared when I was interacting with the dolphins in the water.  I felt connected to them by some invisible string, and spending time with dolphins made me feel like I was part of something bigger than myself.   It's similar to the feeling I had when my brother's wife let me hold my nieces within their first ten minutes of life.

While we were in Georgia we spent time on the black sea in Batumi, and my cousin arranged for us to swim with dolphins.  It was the same magical feeling all over again, and this time I also got to make out with my dolphin.   My dolphin was male, he had sired at least one baby dolphin in captivity, but I guess after he saw me in my swim trunks he knew we should take our relationship to the next level...

 Okay, maybe the trainer had him perform this trick.  Also, I was shocked at the power of the dolphin.  I had to use the wall to keep me up.  He was so strong and completely in control.  I was not in control.

Georgia the Incredible

Hi.  I'm back.  We were traveling for two weeks.  Our first destination was Philadelphia to watch my husband collect his MBA, and then we hit up New York City, Paris, and Germany while we were in route to Georgia (the country), and we had very little down time to connect to our real world while we were connecting with our cousin's fantasy world of Georgia.

Georgia is ancient.  We toured ruins from 400 BC.

Georgia is bountiful.  We couldn't get enough of the mountains, the rivers, the forest, and the sea.  We saw snow capped mountains on our way to the beach.

Although I know it's impossible, I wish everyone could witness Georgia today while sitting shotgun with my cousin - we were treated like kings in her home and among her friends.  The country is still raw and it's a spectacular place right now...but in the three years since our last trip Georgia has continued to modernize.  I hope Georgia can continue to emerge into a modern economy while still preserving it's raw and unpolished state.  

Old Georgia

Throughout history Georgia was always getting attacked.  It is the original Christian nation in the land of other religions.  Georgia emerged as a major trading hub in the ancient world, since it was an ideal spot between Asia/Middle East and Western Europe.  Our cousins (and hosts) like to inform us that Georgia hasn't ever gone one hundred years without a major war.

This is the reason Georgia has many fortresses among its mountains and rivers.  These structures protected the churches and the people.  We've spent the past two days touring these remarkable towns.  For me, this experience really puts life (and time) into perspective: Last weekend we were visiting Independence Hall in Philadelphia.  This week we walked in a cave city that was built almost 3,000 years ago.  All the sudden the signing of the Declaration of Independence in 1776 feel like a current event.

Don't Forget About Georgia

The world is taking notice now that Russia's military is occupying Ukraine's Crimea region.  Putin is claiming he's protecting the Russian citizens that are threatened in that independent nation, which is the exact same fictional narrative he asserted when Russia invaded and occupied areas of Georgia.  Russia still occupies two areas within the internationally recognized borders of Georgia.

Finally, I found an article that remembers Georgia:

Russia-Georgia War in 2008 Told the West -- and Putin -- What Was Coming

"Events in Georgia in 2008 presaged what was to come in Ukraine. After Georgia elected a pro-Western government, Russia intervened militarily -- ostensibly to protect the ethnic Russian populations within the Georgian provinces of South Ossetia and Abkhazia. Vice President Dick Cheney decried Putin's action, declaring that "Russian aggression must not go unanswered, and that its continuation would have serious consequences for its relations with the United States, as well as the broader international community.""

Georgia is at Sochi

Are you watching the winter olympics?  Did you see the Georgians in the opening ceremony?  We missed them the first time, but we circled back to see them walk out!  I'm so happy to see Georgians at this olympics, since Russia occupies inside the internationally recognized border between Georgia and Russia.  It's ridiculous.

I am looking forward to our return trip to Georgia later this year.  Maybe the Russians will have moved out by then?

Georgian Highway

Our cousin sent me this photo from the traffic jam in on the Georgian highway.  Last year when we visited we had to stop for sheep and sometimes cattle crossing the highways.  I think it's lucky when you're life is paused because of livestock crossing your path.

First, I never understood the term of "black sheep"until I went to Georgia. There is at least one black sheep in a heard of white sheep.  Do you see the black sheep in this photo?  I want to start a heard of only black sheep.

Second, you should click on this photo to get a closer look at the shepherd.  That is the cutest shepherd I've ever seen, and it makes me want to go into the sheep business.   When we visit Georgia again we will drive the highways of Georgia in search of the shirtless shepherd!  As a general rule, Georgians are very attractive individuals.  I think it has to do with their spot on Earth; they are one of the places where the middle east meets western Europe.

Love Georgians

One of the many remarkable things about Georgians is their ingenuity.  Proof: You CAN haul scrap metal on top of your Volvo!  Why not?  I like people that have creative solutions to problems.  Our cousin Sarah sent us this photo, because she knows we'd appreciate it.  With my husband's MBA I don't think we can afford to go to Georgia this year, but I cannot wait to spend more time in that country.  Fall 2014?

Viva Rice Salad

In May when we were in the Republic of Georgia one of the dishes that appeared on the table at a few of the epic meals was called "rice salad," and it was basically white rice with fresh dill.  I liked it, because it was delicious.  This summer I've been experimenting with a Texas version of rice salad, and I've found a winning combination:  I cook white rice according to the directions on the package, and then I add as much chopped cilantro as possible, the freshly squeezed juice of at least two limes, and some salt to make the flavor pop.  It's a great side to anything my husband cooks on the grill, and it's healthier than any other starch I'd cook.

Hooray, The Georgians Are Here

Last night we hosted a dinner party for our cousins the Georgians.  It was the first time we've seen them since we spent the trip-of-a-lifetime at their home in the Republic or Georgia.  We flew the Georgian flag on the side of our house, we purchased fresh flower arrangements, we washed our delicate stemware, and we borrowed my mother's sterling silverware.  We wanted to make them feel as special in our home as they made us feel in their home.

The menu we served our special guests:

• Grilled cream cheese stuffed jalapenos wrapped in bacon
• Grilled spicy cheese stuffed sausage
• Grilled beef tenderloin 
• Grilled BBQ chicken
• Grilled hotdogs (mainly for our nieces Presley and Paxten)
• Grape tomatoes and fresh mozzarella splashed with balsamic vinegar and drizzled with basil pesto
• Glenda's macaroni and cheese
• My mother's everything-but-the-kitchen-sink green salad
• Cornbread muffins
• Fresh blackberry cobbler with cream cheese crust
• My mother's homemade vanilla grape nut ice cream

The food was good, the company was great, and we had a glorious good time!

Georgian Rug

Our most significant souvenir from our trip to Georgia just came back from the rug cleaners.   This photo does not accurately display the beauty of this rug. It's 50 to 60 years old and it's beautiful.  It has blues, reds, oranges, and neutrals.  Every time I see it I think of our great trip to Georgia!

Moving On

Both of these men were happy to let us take their picture, and like these men today (Friday) is a travel day for us.  We're headed to Germany for the weekend.  If I find the Internets, then I'll post and keep you updated.

Trigger's Cousin

We found Trigger's Georgian cousin roaming the streets.  He was well fed, which meant he had a home somewhere on the mountain. 

Sighnaghi

Signaghi Georgia is the most perfect mountain top village.  It's  beautiful.  Sarah, my husband and I had the best day today touring the town, vineyards, and eating lunch.  I have fallen in love with Georgia, and my flight out of Georgia takes off in four hours.  The 1500+ photos and videos will have to keep the memories alive until we return!

Ancient Sounds

Our cousin Sarah arranged for us to have a private concert before lunch today with a Georgian choir that performs traditional songs from various areas of Georgia.  We were having so much fun in the open air that a Holy man joined us- see the right side of the bottom photo.  I really like the yodeling sound the women sing in parts of their songs. 

Also, the dancing is amazing.  The women move in a shy and delicate motion, whereas the men move in violent warrior-type motion right next to them.  The contrast is beautiful. 

Traditional Wine Making

This is the way they've been making wine for centuries, and we were lucky enough to tour an organic vegetarian wine maker in east Georgia that only makes wine using the authentic process.  I don't even drink, but I loved this tour.  In the country side most farming families still make their own wine too.  I adore Georgia.

Dobby Lives!

Dobby didn't die!  He lives in Georgia with our cousins.  When we're out and about he cleans our clothes and makes our bed.  It's magical!

Georgian Driving

Georgia has lines painted on their streets and highways; they have stop signs and stop lights and cross walks too, but really I think all the familiar road signage is put in place to give the non-Georgians the perception of order.  Or maybe the lines and signs are created with invisible ink that only non-Georgians can see?  Or maybe traffic rules aren't really rules at all they are traffic suggestions. 

I am most thankful we have a driver, because riding in a car on a Georgian surface is riding in a swarm of craziness.  It's high speed chaos. People pass on the left and right side of the road.  Most of the cars drive on the right side of the road, but if you can get to your destination by driving on the left side of the road faster, then why not?  If they can't find a parking spot, then they create one on the sidewalk or in the middle of the street.  You have to be an aggressive driver or you'll never get anywhere in this country.

However, a benefit to this type of driving is that it is very efficient.