Telavi

Kristen,

This evening, I finally received my placement. In two days I will be moving to a small city in the eastern half of Georgia - Telavi, in the Kakheti region.

From what I understand, Telavi is notable for two reasons: first, it's located on a plateau, next to a green and subtropical valley, at the base of the Caucasus mountains. It's supposed to be a stunningly scenic place, and consequently has a healthy tourist industry.

Second, it's in a major wine-making region of Georgia, and the wine produced here is supposed to be spectacular. I've also been told that I'll be arriving during harvest season, so I may be able to observe (or participate!) in the wine-making.

But this evening has marked more than just the discovery of my new address. Everything's becoming so real now. Before my departure, I was never really able to wrap my head around the fact that I was moving to Georgia. I only began to feel something while on the plane last week. It hit me that I was perhaps making a mistake, getting out of my depth, and doing something that was truly crazy. I saw gates displaying flights to London and New York, and I considered bolting for those much safer international relocations. Since arriving in Georgia, though, I haven't had those feelings again, even as I've found myself reduced to near-illiteracy in a radically different geography and mystifying culture. I've had the cocoon of the hotel, of my English-speaking orientation group, and of the protective program co-ordinators to make me forget exactly how far away from my own culture, my own context, my own life I am.

That changed this evening. My new home has a name (and, if Wikipedia is to be believed, a beautiful face). I have one day of training - including one day of life-saving Georgian language lessons - left until I meet my host family and are whisked away to an even more remote and unfamiliar part of the world. Until now, I couldn't wrap my head around the idea that my presence in Georgia wasn't temporary - but I am not going home anytime soon. Everything familiar to me is packed in a hockey bag, and anything I miss will have to wait until Christmas. This week of orientation was merely dipping my toes in the water; my real endeavour is only about to begin.

The other side of the world

Kristen,

I'm here! I'm safe! I'm having a good time! I think I'm in the first stage of culture shock but that's OK because it's a good stage!

I start orientation today, including a walking tour of Tbilisi. Then five hardcore days of Georgian language, culture and pedagogy classes. I can't wait to get started! I want to learn as much Georgian as possible and become completely fluent and meet my host family and get to know my new home! CULTURE SHOCK IS THE BEST!

My first night here, I went out alone for dinner (khatchapuri and Georgian wine). I met three middle-aged Georgian men with OK English skills, who bought me an ice cream sundae and Georgian "champagne", taught me a little Georgian, and asked me all manner of personal questions. It was a fantastic introduction to the Georgian love of guests. (Have I mentioned the Georgian proverb, "An unexpected guest is a gift from God"? That was on full display.)

Bit of blog business: I've added a widget on the right-hand side that will allow you to subscribe to my blog. Enter your email address and you'll receive an email whenever I have a new post.

In conclusion, jet lag!