Blogs from Georgia, Asia - page 28

Friday is a good day. I go to school with my bags packed for the weekend and, miracle of miracles, the radiators are on! It’s the first time in weeks I’ve taught without hat, scarf, coat and gloves on and it’s wonderful. Plus I have the fifth grade first and I (almost) always enjoy their lessons. I have no lesson during the second period but three classes after that. I’m in the teachers’ room with Maia when the director comes in. Her, Maia and one of the other teachers spend five minutes talking about how beautiful and wonderful I am – ‘Anna, you are best volunteer!’ and then our director asks me when I’m going to Borjomi. I say I am teaching until 13.30 and then I will take a marshrutka into town and then see ... read more

When we get to school on Thursday all the teachers are standing in an excited huddle in the corridor. After talking with them for a minute Eka tells me that the computer teacher is married. I ask if this was a secret. It turns out he got married the day before and nobody knew so it’s a surprise for everyone, which is kind of cool. Everyone seems really happy and excited so there’s a nice atmosphere. After school I head into Zugdidi to catch a marshrutka to Tbilisi. I’m really excited about my long weekend! But I have to wait nearly an hour for a marshrutka that never shows. To make matters worse Maia and Eka, as usual, insist on waiting outside with me in the freezing cold which makes me feel terrible, especially since Eka’s ... read more

I’m fully aware that have my interview the morning after the wedding, but that I’m even more aware that I’m not going to make it through the evening without drinking so I spend most of the day preparing answers for any questions I think might arise. Eka and Gala disappear into Zugdidi and when they return Eka’s had her hair and nails done and she looks great. Eka’s mother finally arrives from Abhazia and it’s really sweet to see how excited everyone is to see her, especially the kids. I was expecting a cute, wizened old Georgian woman but she turns out to be a rather stylish middle aged lady. Is it wrong that I’m slightly disappointed? Manana (spelling?) brought with her, amongst many foodstuffs, Levani’s diploma which he shows to me proudly. He’s clearly thrilled ... read more

Monday was a good day. I wake up to ‘Happy Halloween!’ from Eka and the kids. We get to school and I’m sitting in the teachers’ room when Eka comes in and tells me to come to the library where there’s a little surprise party waiting for me! There are balloons and jack o’lanterns that the kids have made (one even has blonde hair). Those that couldn’t get hold of pumpkins have made them out of limes and they’re so cute. There’s also a big basket of fruit and sweets they’ve put together for me. I’m so touched I nearly cry. The teachers take a few photos of me with the display and then it’s off to class. After lessons I’m called into the Director’s office where I’m presented with a ring the teachers have bought ... read more

On Monday morning I need to find a CD player. This is imperative. I’ve been saying for the last two weeks that I’m going to buy one for the school so I feel like I actually can’t go home without one in my possession. So, the hunt begins. I go into all the stationary shops in Zugdidi. I find any number of MP3 players and speakers, but no CD player. In the end I hit on an idea and go to the regional centre to ask our regional rep for some advice. She points me in the direction of some electrical shops at the end of the street. They tell me to go to the bazaar. At the bazaar they tell me to try the shops. I give up and go back to the regional centre. ... read more