Saturday, September 17, 2011
Dicotomy of Tastes
I went jewlery looking and re-found the necklace I've been coveting. It still looked goreous, so I priced it and decided I'd better work a while longer. Like another year! Then I decided the soft serve ice cream also looked good and since I could afford that I bought some. Never before have I had the urge to chew my ice cream!
cemetery
Found a cemetery this morning. Always woundered why there was this large flower market on the corner of a side street off Chevchevousi street. Figured there had to be a wealthy community back there, so I decided to find out. When running you can go most anywhere and they just shake their head in amusement. As I followed the road past the flowers I saw strange looking blocks of cement on the hillside in the distance. Thought it was either ruins or a cemetery; but I couldn't find a road up. So I just headed in the general direction; through an active construction site, back and forth up a switchback that didn't appear traveled on, and over a rubble heap. As I looked up (yes everything seemed up on this trip) I saw an elderly lady walking between the blocks. Eurika! It was a cemetery and there definately was another way in. By the time I got to what I thought would be the first masoleums I had a fantastic view of the city below.
The cement blocks were actually open on top and held small gardens on top of graves. Since the hills are limestone I am presuming the burial is above the rock and the grave built up over the casket. In the gardens there were perpetual lights, dying bouquets of flowers, pictures of loved ones (none seemed to have died of old age), roses-marigolds-fig trees-olive trees- moss roses-yarrow and other flowers growing that I do not know. Crosses of all discriptions were placed inside the squares. The most common, and most unique, is a cross that looks like two branches wrapped in place with a cord; but the arms bend downward so the cross takes on the appearance of an arrow shooting towards Heaven.
As I came around a bend in the road the church bells started to toll. One would think to start services but I think to tell the people to start coming as people started climbing the road with their scarves and hats in hand, but not in any big hurry. As I looked around I saw the graves stretching for a mile in front of me and and far up over me. I will explore up there the next time as I found an easier entrance to the place and no one chased me out. I will have to pack water and food for that hike.
The cement blocks were actually open on top and held small gardens on top of graves. Since the hills are limestone I am presuming the burial is above the rock and the grave built up over the casket. In the gardens there were perpetual lights, dying bouquets of flowers, pictures of loved ones (none seemed to have died of old age), roses-marigolds-fig trees-olive trees- moss roses-yarrow and other flowers growing that I do not know. Crosses of all discriptions were placed inside the squares. The most common, and most unique, is a cross that looks like two branches wrapped in place with a cord; but the arms bend downward so the cross takes on the appearance of an arrow shooting towards Heaven.
As I came around a bend in the road the church bells started to toll. One would think to start services but I think to tell the people to start coming as people started climbing the road with their scarves and hats in hand, but not in any big hurry. As I looked around I saw the graves stretching for a mile in front of me and and far up over me. I will explore up there the next time as I found an easier entrance to the place and no one chased me out. I will have to pack water and food for that hike.
Saturday, September 10, 2011
Bazzar
Walked to the bazzar today. Summer people are back from their vacations and the sidewalks and roads are crowed. They still drive too fast and walk too slow. I had the directions to the bazzar, in my apartment, and I was out on the street. Figured I remembered them so took off. Was to walk to the Rezadance Hotel first. Wended my way along the road until I figured I should have been there. So I stopped in a pharmacy to see if they knew were the hotel was. Never heard of it. Shoot. Decided I'd try just a little further and there it was in all its 30 story wonder with these 20 foot letters on top - one block from the pharmacy! Next was to follow the cobble stone road as in wound around down to the river. Which I did but I started out on the wrong side of the road - no room for pedestrians. As no sidewalk was appearing on my side I tried to cross over. That was a challenge I almost lost - I'm getting very fleet-of-foot. Past the first bridal shop I've seen. Every dress was size 0 (as are the maternity dresses near my street) and two of the manniquins had to be 8 feet tall! Love to see that bride! The bride's maid dresses could never be worn again by any stretch of the immagination. One was empire waisted with bright royal purple skirts, Christmas red bodices and a holly green sash tied around and across the chest! The other had the same color scheme.
Crossed the Lion Bridge (these stylistic lions guard the ends hence the name) and continued to the first busy street. I came to this beautiful little park filled with golden flowers and a quaint clock tower. Was I given this as a guide? No. In a very American way I was told to turn left at the McDonald! Yes, they are here. Turned left and came upon the neatest street. They are tearing the entire street up so there was no traffic; no incessant horns and people walking down the middle of what was left of the street. Everything was being done by hand. They were laying the cobble sidewalks; carefully cleaning off each block with a hand pick, laying and the pounding them in place. A man was wetting down the sand ahead of the layers but using a hose half the size of a garden hose. Other men were up on scaffolings, hand-repairing the fescos on the faces of the buildings. They were adding wrought iron balconies and what appeared to be lazer cut ornate wooden balconies with matching overhangs. Another building was coming down as they slowly jack-hammered out each brick. All the buildings were getting fresh coats of pink, blue of orange plaster. Not sure how they plan to lay the center paving.
Continued my journey until I thought again that I was lost. (Always carry a card with Turkish Embassy written in Georgian so if I do get lost and can just catch a cab and go home.) Asked a pair of embassy guards, they're everywhere, if any spoke English. None did so decided to go just a little further and behold there was the soccor stadium where I was to turn. Few more blocks and I found the bazzar. Found the adaptored plugs I had been looking for and the exercise mat I wanted. Also bought soap and toilet bowl cleaner forgetting I had to carry it all home (and that stuff got heavy). Then wandered through the maze of booths. When I finally decided it was time to leave I coudn't find my way out! Every corner I turned held new booths I had never seen. These booths are just tiny areas crammed with stuff; with amazing justiposition. The one I liked the most was the man selling toothpaste and cigerettes. Climbed some old wooden steps and found some light at the end of the tunnel. Somehow I had ended up underground and now was up higher on the hill but with no idea as to where. Found the meat market and NO I did not buy anything there. The fish were laying in boxes on top of the counters, heads and tails happily attached but no ice around. The naked chickens still had their feet which were stuck straight up into the air.
I wandered and climbed until I finally saw the stadium in the distance, so I could then walk home. In all I had walked for 6 hours so I took a nap!
Crossed the Lion Bridge (these stylistic lions guard the ends hence the name) and continued to the first busy street. I came to this beautiful little park filled with golden flowers and a quaint clock tower. Was I given this as a guide? No. In a very American way I was told to turn left at the McDonald! Yes, they are here. Turned left and came upon the neatest street. They are tearing the entire street up so there was no traffic; no incessant horns and people walking down the middle of what was left of the street. Everything was being done by hand. They were laying the cobble sidewalks; carefully cleaning off each block with a hand pick, laying and the pounding them in place. A man was wetting down the sand ahead of the layers but using a hose half the size of a garden hose. Other men were up on scaffolings, hand-repairing the fescos on the faces of the buildings. They were adding wrought iron balconies and what appeared to be lazer cut ornate wooden balconies with matching overhangs. Another building was coming down as they slowly jack-hammered out each brick. All the buildings were getting fresh coats of pink, blue of orange plaster. Not sure how they plan to lay the center paving.
Continued my journey until I thought again that I was lost. (Always carry a card with Turkish Embassy written in Georgian so if I do get lost and can just catch a cab and go home.) Asked a pair of embassy guards, they're everywhere, if any spoke English. None did so decided to go just a little further and behold there was the soccor stadium where I was to turn. Few more blocks and I found the bazzar. Found the adaptored plugs I had been looking for and the exercise mat I wanted. Also bought soap and toilet bowl cleaner forgetting I had to carry it all home (and that stuff got heavy). Then wandered through the maze of booths. When I finally decided it was time to leave I coudn't find my way out! Every corner I turned held new booths I had never seen. These booths are just tiny areas crammed with stuff; with amazing justiposition. The one I liked the most was the man selling toothpaste and cigerettes. Climbed some old wooden steps and found some light at the end of the tunnel. Somehow I had ended up underground and now was up higher on the hill but with no idea as to where. Found the meat market and NO I did not buy anything there. The fish were laying in boxes on top of the counters, heads and tails happily attached but no ice around. The naked chickens still had their feet which were stuck straight up into the air.
I wandered and climbed until I finally saw the stadium in the distance, so I could then walk home. In all I had walked for 6 hours so I took a nap!
Wednesday, September 7, 2011
Lockdowns
This year we are doing three different drills. The standard fire drill, an earthquake drill and the lockdown-on-steriod drill. When we go into lock-down everyone goes to the gym which is underground and they lock these big, thick steel doors behind you. The gym area has access to cameras stationed all over the area (not just the school) and other high-tech communication systems. If it is a real emergency the embassy people join us.. Not sure what the protocol is if one is running out of room!
When the war broke out here 4 years ago all the citizens were told to go to the schools because that was the safest place. There were hoards of people coming out of the hills trying to get into the school. If something were to happen again the same would probably be repeated. So now the school is surrounded by two layers of fencing and 24 hour guards. But one still feels perfectly at peace there - probably more so then in some of the state-side intercity schools.
When the war broke out here 4 years ago all the citizens were told to go to the schools because that was the safest place. There were hoards of people coming out of the hills trying to get into the school. If something were to happen again the same would probably be repeated. So now the school is surrounded by two layers of fencing and 24 hour guards. But one still feels perfectly at peace there - probably more so then in some of the state-side intercity schools.
Monday, September 5, 2011
windows
Went to open my classroom windows and they tilled down. I knew they opened outwards the day before. Am I losing it? Checked with teacher across the hall. NO, turn 90 degrees and they open like a door; turn 180 degrees and they tilt inward. Awesome. Went home and tried it. Worked there also! Now I have a wonderful breeze coming through.
Saturday, September 3, 2011
Running
I've been running in the neighborhood since I came. Found a strange little park to run in but the paths were primarily rounded cobble stones. I then tried back streets but they were full of outside cafes and I think I might have been the entertainment. With a little more exploring I found a major park with running paths. Running there I joined the ranks of old men and young boys being trained by the old men. Until one day I heard a whistle and as I came around a corner I was met with a hoard of hugh bodies. It must have been a rugby team working out! I just smiled and kept going.
I hadn't realized how unique I must have been until one student came up to me and asked if I ran. She said she thought she saw me running by the park (out of a city of over 1 million). Then the next morning some man came up to me and asked if I ran. Actually he said something in Georgian and made the motion of arms pumping. I nodded yes and we held a 'conversation' of jestures and incomprehesive words. I think he was trying to invite me to coffee but I was headed to work. Then this morning I was greeted again, this time by a little puppy. I think he wanted to talk also - or maybe just bite my leg. I was rescued by a little girl (brave girl).
Spent the rest of the day taking pictures around the area. I must force myself to figure out the uploading process and get some on the net. The sun is going down and its perfect for a few more I want to take.
I hadn't realized how unique I must have been until one student came up to me and asked if I ran. She said she thought she saw me running by the park (out of a city of over 1 million). Then the next morning some man came up to me and asked if I ran. Actually he said something in Georgian and made the motion of arms pumping. I nodded yes and we held a 'conversation' of jestures and incomprehesive words. I think he was trying to invite me to coffee but I was headed to work. Then this morning I was greeted again, this time by a little puppy. I think he wanted to talk also - or maybe just bite my leg. I was rescued by a little girl (brave girl).
Spent the rest of the day taking pictures around the area. I must force myself to figure out the uploading process and get some on the net. The sun is going down and its perfect for a few more I want to take.
Sunday, August 28, 2011
New park
Found a new park this morning. Decided to run towards the ridge and happened on a side entrance. There are trails winding up through trees and up hills. There are some of those Scavinadian workout sites but these old men were monopolizing them! One man had a pole he was using for stretching exercises. Later I saw him leave the park and hide the pole in the shrubbery. Probably quite safe there. As I was headed out of the park, in the direction I thought I should be going I found the front gate with a guard house. So I found another lane further down then got turned round and came back into the park. Decided to leave by the main entrance but after I climbed the stairs out I turned around and saw the statute. So I had to run back across the park and climb the stairs up to King Tamara (a real female king of Georgia). Her statue has to be 5-6 stories tall and there were 365 steps up to her (I counted them on the way down). Found a new underpass - goes right under a large fountain that is in the middle of a turn-around.
As I passed the Orthodox church on the way home I heard singing (yes I stopped and walk stately pass) and then realized it was the same service that had been going on a hour ago when I left. It is the end of one of their four fastings and the church was full with spillover out side. Never saw it so full, kind of like Easter. What was fun was the childern were outside planning (a fenced-in area) and teenagers were talking while priests were outside conducting the service. But when the bell rang, as it periodically did, they all stopped and crossed themselves before resuming their activities.
As I passed the Orthodox church on the way home I heard singing (yes I stopped and walk stately pass) and then realized it was the same service that had been going on a hour ago when I left. It is the end of one of their four fastings and the church was full with spillover out side. Never saw it so full, kind of like Easter. What was fun was the childern were outside planning (a fenced-in area) and teenagers were talking while priests were outside conducting the service. But when the bell rang, as it periodically did, they all stopped and crossed themselves before resuming their activities.
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