Last fancy night out

After three and a half years in Georgia, I have concluded that Georgians are at their best around the supra table. They come ready for a good time, to share their hearts and hospitality, and to celebrate with gratitude. The Tamada (toastmaster) leads with many different toasts: to God, to Georgia, to the dearly departed, to children, friendship, love, family . . . they can go on and on.

Insincerity and superficiality are nowhere to be found, and it seems to come naturally to them to be able to dig deep and give poetic verbal expression to their most profound sentiments. I'm sure I had no inkling of the bonds that could be forged through thoughtful toasts combined with raising your glasses together. It's a lesson I have only begun to learn from these, my dearest of dear Georgian families.

Last Turkish Bath

I became a believer in the Turkish Bath experience whilst in Tbilisi. It was a bit out of my comfort zone at first, but it didn't take long to convert. And become a regular.

I ask you: What could be more relaxing than the healing properties of the hot sulfuric water, a full-body scrub down, and a couple hours unwinding with girlfriends? Nothing. The answer is nothing.

Pack out

Pack out day. If moving didn't feel real before, it does now. It is always an agonizing process. The worst part is at the end of day one when all our possessions are wrapped up in unrecognizable lumps and boxes in our home, and we have to wallow in it overnight. Feels overwhelming and unwelcoming. 

Once the house is emptied, we begin the surprisingly carefree stage of living out of suitcases. This will go on for months. Here's hoping to one day see our things again, in tact.

Last sights

Family room

Dining area

Art projects

Beloved nanny

Friendly farmer

Typical day

Taxi drivers

Favorite fountain

 Church friends/life savers

Next destination

Last Funicular

Last Supra with work friends.

After it was renovated in late 2013, the Funicular Restaurant became our go-to for any special visitors or occasions. We will miss the exciting ride up, the views, and the food. Oh! The food!

Icy drinks of every variety make for happy kids.

Sulguni cheese khinkhali.

Meat Khinkhali.

Spinach, pepper and eggplant pkhali.

Mtsvadi.

Kebab.

Sauteed potatoes, peppers, onions, and herbs.

Sulguni stuffed grilled mushrooms.

The best virgin mojito around.

Happy customers.

Last classes

Talk about highs and lows, stresses and joys, rockstar status and total isolation. It has been a journey. Although I unintentionally stumbled into teaching four years ago at Ecole Francaise du Caucase, I leave feeling satisfied with my contribution. I really loved the children and felt fortunate that I was able to teach at every level from kindergarten up through twelfth grade.

It is an amazing thing to move to a foreign country, completely separate from anything you've ever known, and to integrate into a community there. That was perhaps my greatest accomplishment.