You are reading this, because I decided to go to Tbilisi, Georgia to become an EVS volunteer.
Caucasus is a very special region. And I want to share with you what is so special about it.
Georgia is different from Estonia as you might know. Not just the climate and nature, but so much more, especially people. Their attitudes towards each other and life in general. Georgian people are living in very inclusive society. Family values and friendship bonds are very strong. As well as neighbor connections. Everyone knows everything about everyone. Who does what, how many children or pets they have, what are their occupation or hobbies, what day of the week they are free, so you can leave your dog with them. If something happens – they celebrate it together, they support each other in a moment of need, starting from salt and til (I think there are no limits) giving you a driving licence as a birthday present or lawyer`s consultation if you need one (because of driving for example).
I`ve chosen Georgia because of people I`ve met, because of it`s nature diversity, cuisine and of course because of it`s rich culture and fascinating history.
My project is called `Rhythm of a Thought`, I`m now coordinating the annual Street Music Festival in Tbilisi. It`s a huge challenge for me. The tempo of stuff happening and not happening is completely different from the north. Of course, I receive a lot of help and support from the local volunteers, more experienced people, but the event seemed too big for me when I was firstly introduced to the concept. It consists of international youth exchange part and bigger part of uncontrollable local musicians, equipment and audience. However, now it doesn`t seem so scary, but the work haven`t yet begun. I was told that as a volunteer I`d have plenty of a free time which is partly true. I have plenty of `space` to implement my own initiatives and ideas, to try to change the way people used to work on this festival or at least look at things from a different perspective, and be useful. I`m also included in supporting one local project, which is renovating buildings in rural areas in order to build a library in Udabno (a desert part of Georgia, close to Azerbaijan border. The region is very poor itself, `cause nothing grows there). And also a Youth Center which is connected to arts and photography in Gori (small town close to Tbilisi, Stalin`s hometown). Even though these projects are local they are supported by dutch association as well as by local municipality. Facing different local reality and dealing with some random people takes a lot of time sometimes, but being busy keeps me moving and I`m not spending time being bored.
All the backstage work for all the projects is done in our lovely DRONI office, which is on 13th floor. The breathtaking views from the balconies are keeping the motivation and relax you when needed. A lot of time is spent there and I only miss an opportunity to explore the country more.
Nevertheless, I managed to visit Batumi and a bit more places in autonomous republic of Adjara with my polish flatmate and her friends. I also went to discover Borjomi, place which is full of peaceful nature, healthy water and stillness. After that I went to Abastumani Observatory, sadly it was closed and now I hardly believe in the scientific part of it, this is not more than a touristic attraction.
It was the funniest hitchhiking experience in my life. Strongly recommend. Also we visited Udabno and a complex of Davit Gareji monasteries which are caves basicly (XI – XII century).
All the volunteers (from Croatia, Estonia, Germany, Poland) are sharing the same youngsterish flat, which used to be a DRONI office some time ago. Now it`s a place for Georgia wanderers to stay overnight or over some months. Location is perfect, very close to the city center, old town and amazing people who live in the neighborhood.
Apart from small travels and hikes that I did here, I managed to be a dj at one jewish cafe, extract my tooth, save a girl from falling from the mountain, quit drinkinking several times (didn`t work), make a soundstory (podcast) about two cyclists who travel already for 6 months on bicycles, resurrect my blog and started to see the difference between brutalism and constructivism in buildings. I also participated in theatre play on Hamlet, started to see that those weird letters they have they do make sense and it`s possible to read, I saw how people celebrate with their dead relatives on a graveyards (feels like Mexico) and with all that I see so much potential and rising interest towards this small and proud country. I really hope that this small article will inspire you and empower to step outside your comfort zone and be amazed!
