I finally got internet. Things just take longer when communicating in a foreign language and when one is tec-challenged it just takes even longer. Everything comes up in Georgian and I have to find the UK icon to function.
To continue the saga: I arrived in Omaha with 4 bags to check, one roll-on and a carry-on weighing more then the big bags. As I put each bag on the scale if it was under 50lbs I stuffed in books until it hit 50! English language books will be at a premium in Georgia and I'm not taking a chance until I can get the Nook up and going. Jim waited patiently as I unpacked and repacked to hit the 50lb bulls-eye. Sent some clothes home but no books. Then through the security check. My roll-on went through the scanner, then back and through again, and again and again. Finally it passed but they asked me what was in there that had all those wires. I couldn't think what they were refering to until I remembered the sewing machine was in there.
The flight was long but uneventful. On the Chicago flight they offered to check my roll-on but I was afraid to put the sewing machine in the hold. By the time I manuvered the London airport (try using the facilities with two very heavy and clumsy bags!) when they offered to check the roller I agreed. The gentleman filled out the forms but when I mentioned there was drugs in the bag he tore the forms up. They could not be responsible. So once again I unpacked and repacked and finally got it checked. Got to Heathrow and the stalls were so large you could have taken an elephant in with you. But it was still nice not to have the extra bag.
Arrived in Tbilisi and only had to go through passport; no work Visa needed here - they really like Americans. I collected my luggage (filled that cart) and met the three gentlemen from QSI who took me to a grocery store and then to the apartment. The apartment is behind the Turkish embassy with all their guards and there is a security booth across the street. In fact I can't go a block without running into a policeman. I feel very safe.
The apartment is hugh from my expectations. There is a grand piano in the living room. There are two bedrooms, one with a bed so big that if I coud find sheets to fit I could sleep on 1/3 of it every week and not do laundry more then every three weeks. There are two bathrooms, one with a washing machine with too many buttons I know nothing about, a kitchen with a dishwaher that is alien to me and a convection oven I'm not going near. But no where is there a drier. I'm to hang my laundry on ropes off the balcony - I'll find a different way to dry my unmentionables thank you very much. I haven't seen anyone else's up there. The foors are wood and the walls textured stucco. Rooms are painted peach and yellow and orange and one bathroom is painted silver. There isn't a 90 degree corner in the place. It's lovely. The only problem there is a decrepted boxspring and mattress in the livingroom! It must go!
The front door is steel with 4 dead bolts. The first time I left I couldn't get back in. I'd turn the key one way and nothing unlocked so I turned the key the other way; still locked. Finally I got frustrated and just turned the key as many times as I could. The door unlocked. You have to turn the key to unlock as many times as you turned it to lock - up to 4 times. Each turn makes the bolts longer.
Just got back from a Georgian meal and need to sleep it off. Next blog will deal with the wonderful food here.
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