Hello, My Faithful Readers

July 18, 2018

Volume 2, Number 08

My Ex-pat life, at least, living here in Georgia is coming to an end. I made a decision/choice that I spoke about in my previous blog that I am going back to live in the United States for a little while. I’m working on what is next for me; one thing of which would be to find another country to live in (either long or short term).

I leave for Estonia on July 19^th as part of a 6 country tour (Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, Slovakia, Poland and Prague).  This trip was planned back in February as a guide to see if any of these countries would be suitable for me on multiple levels. Honestly, I knew back in February (maybe even before that) that Georgia was not for me.  I will still tour these countries with this thought it mind; but, as they are all part of the EU I don’t think it is likely. I found out that Estonia’s cost of living is 70% higher than Georgia; yikes. Financial is a big part of my relocation as I am a “Girl” on a budget (HA). More on this in the next couple of blogs….

But, I made my arrangements with Qatar Air to leave Georgia on August 18^th, 2018 (so it is official).

Point about Georgia I know I never wrote about. In the 4 years that I am here I have never heard a lawn mower. There are plenty of parks and trees; but not a whole lot of grass at least that need mowing. However, what I have heard at ALL times of the day and night are “electric saws.” People use these saws whenever it is convenient for them. It does not matter if it is late at night 1:00am or early in the morning; 7:00am or really anytime that suites them. This is really just another aspect of the life here that shouts “we only care about ourselves the majority of the time.” Again, I know other countries have this mindset also; but, here in Georgia it is the rule and not the exception.

My neighbors in the apartment below me smoke pot. There are a lot of men’s voices a lot of the time. There are also children living in the apartment because I hear their voices also. They sit outside and do what Georgian men seem to do a lot of..that is talk, talk with ever increasing voice levels. Smelling the pot makes me sick to my stomach; and seriously, it will do no good to say anything. They will look at me and possibly say ok, and then whatever they want. That is the way it is here. I am counting the days.

These neighbors below me also did some roof repair while I was in the States. I know this because I can see that they needed to be on my terrace and left traces of roofing materials and black tar footprints on my terrace. Since I’ve been back; and whenever it rains I watch these men climb up to put some kind of putty into holes. I imagine rain water still filters down. It is funny (not really) to watch these men climb up with a cigarette in the mouth with no shirt on holding a putty gun…in the pouring rain trying to fix holes. They don’t come on my terrace; but they are nearby.

Georgians always seem to be recreating the wheel..if you know what I mean. Maybe that is the reason for the “electric saws.” It seems that businesses fail very quickly here as there is very little planning. Stores are opened and then close often within 3-4 months. And then, that store front is reconfigured (electric saw) into a new store front. As if a new store front is going to make the store more successful. So often here, it is about looking good on the surface. A brand new store front will bring people in; however, repeat business seems to be lacking. If there is no substance or sustainability then you have a bunch of sales clerks standing around waiting for people to come in.

Update on the dog situation….he is in Batumi! This is good news for me; as my last days here in Tbilisi will be quiet. Of course, the dog did not communicate with me (HA); but, I did hear from my landlord that the neighbors go away for the summer to Batumi. That was the situation last year when I moved in on August 19^th. The family (and dog) are on vacation.  I am Happy that my final days here will be relaxing without the dog.

The Sabbatical is very interesting. It is so strange not to be thinking about or searching for what to do next by way of a job. I am occupied; however, sorting thru the crap that I have here in the apartment. Most of it I will give away; but I am hoping to sell some stuff. I really thought my place was streamed line; but, there is still a lot of stuff.

I’ve treated myself to a full body massage, twice. It is so cheap here. An hour massage is 35 Gel is about $15.00 USD.  I’ve also have used the Taxify app; which is really different for me. It has been so HOT and I am having lots of dinners with friends (as they know I am leaving). So, rather than torture myself with the MARSH; I order the taxi that comes right to the door. Unbelievable…one charge was 4 Gel (about $1.50 USD) and the second was 6 Gel (about $2.00). I must get over being “Stingy” with myself…working on it.

While I was home in Philadelphia I was able to have many of the missing foods that are not available here in Georgia; however, some were still missing. For Example, Melrose Butter Cake; Fork hook Lima Beans and hard shell crabs and scallops.  I have my list J

Ok, this is short and sweet; although as I was reading through the blog it felt like I was so negative. I am sorry if it came off that way to you also; but, this is the way things happen here.

See you when I return from my travels.

All the best, Catherine Lawrence – 7/18/18