mahadev's Guestbook

2nd August 2014

Silver linings!
Great adventures you had to gorgeous spots this weekend, so perhaps this latest extension of the prosecutor was for the best. Good luck with the legal absurdity. In the US, we say that throwing money at a problem, often makes it go away. Hope you don't have to throw too much!

From Blog: Down, but not Out in Georgia Pt 10: Truth is a Waterfall in Chule; Chaos a Build in Sadzeli; and Freedom a Cave in Vardzia

2nd August 2014

D MJ Binkley
Dave and Merry Jo Binkley

Travel bloggers
At this point I think it may be safe to say that you have spent more time in Georgia than any other travel blogger. For years bloggers will be writing you asking for suggestions of must see sights in this country. You've seen almost every nook and cranny.

From Blog: Down, but not Out in Georgia Pt 10: Truth is a Waterfall in Chule; Chaos a Build in Sadzeli; and Freedom a Cave in Vardzia

2nd August 2014

mahadev
Paul Joseph Drielsma

....in Southern Georgia
Correction Dave and Merry... every nook and cranny near Akhaltsikhe!!! So within Southern Georgia plus Tbilisi yes..... I was somewhat 'confined' by legal cirmcumstances!

From Blog: Down, but not Out in Georgia Pt 10: Truth is a Waterfall in Chule; Chaos a Build in Sadzeli; and Freedom a Cave in Vardzia

1st August 2014

D MJ Binkley
Dave and Merry Jo Binkley

Georgia in your rearview mirror
Someday you will be safely out of Georgia and looking back on this situation. I picture you sitting on some mountaintop or some serene beach thinking back on all these events. Time and distance generally put things in perspective. Will you see it as a crazy adventure? political power & paperwork? a frustrating and stressful time? extortion? Eager to read that blog my friend. Know we continue to send you positive thoughts and good wishes. One day when our paths cross we will buy you dinner and a few drinks as we discuss this crazy time in your life. New countries and happier travels are around the corner.

From Blog: Down, but not Out in Georgia Pt 9: Finish the Sauce First

1st August 2014

mahadev
Paul Joseph Drielsma

Feelin' the love
Thanks Dave and Merry.... and one day I might well take you up on this offer. Keep posted... 3 more episodes to come!

From Blog: Down, but not Out in Georgia Pt 9: Finish the Sauce First

31st July 2014

Big Fella
non-member comment

So beautiful yet ............
Such a shame the beauty s compromised by the prosecutor

From Blog: Down, but not Out in Georgia Pt 8: The Road to Zarzma

31st July 2014

D MJ Binkley
Dave and Merry Jo Binkley

"I am King"
Too bad you couldn't keep going to Armenia with him...

From Blog: Down, but not Out in Georgia Pt 8: The Road to Zarzma

30th July 2014

D MJ Binkley
Dave and Merry Jo Binkley

Plotting and planning
Your saga continues. It seems oh so crazy. Stay safe.

From Blog: Down, but not Out in Georgia Pt 7: Connections and Coincidences in Small Places

30th July 2014

Home and Away
Bob Carlsen

Australian Embassy...
I used to be a diplomat, and I understand that all sides need to save face. I just assumed that your Embassy would handle this back channel. Anyway, I loved your next blog about coincidences. My wife's favorite quote is "Coincidences are God's way of saying "Pay attention"."

From Blog: Down, but not Out in Georgia Pt 6: Chilling out in Abastumani....in search of Hot-Springs

30th July 2014

mahadev
Paul Joseph Drielsma

diplomacy
Thanks Bob.... and where are you from? Australia? Well.... their diplomacy was to not do much than tell me things I already knew. They did all they were 'allowed' to I guess. And I suppose they would have been ready to do more if it all resulted in harsh treatment in gaol etc... ciao P

From Blog: Down, but not Out in Georgia Pt 6: Chilling out in Abastumani....in search of Hot-Springs

30th July 2014

Home and Away
Bob Carlsen

You need to contact the Australian Consulate...
they will set the local authorities straight. This is obviously a stupid law...if it is one at all...meant to extract money from tourists.

From Blog: Down, but not Out in Georgia Pt 6: Chilling out in Abastumani....in search of Hot-Springs

30th July 2014

mahadev
Paul Joseph Drielsma

Australian Embassy
Bob, thanks for the advice... but of course it was the first thing I did after contacting my family in Australia. But my friend, the Australian Government cannot and will not interfere with the legal processes of a another country (however dumb and stupid their laws are). They were only really able to give me a list of recommended lawyers, to scare me a bit about the worst case scenario (6 -9 years gaol), and to keep in touch with me throughout for updates (from me). They did contact the local authorities too just to check that the local 'due process' was happening .... but there was no influence. Read on... influence did happen through my own private contacts. ciao... Paul

From Blog: Down, but not Out in Georgia Pt 6: Chilling out in Abastumani....in search of Hot-Springs

29th July 2014

D MJ Binkley
Dave and Merry Jo Binkley

Hot Springs, Vodka & amnesty
The hot springs sound horrible. I guess there is a reason people pay the high prices in the other locations. Sounds like enough Vodka to pickle anyone. Glad your brother has gotten involved. Stay safe.

From Blog: Down, but not Out in Georgia Pt 6: Chilling out in Abastumani....in search of Hot-Springs

29th July 2014

Rajendra Mohanty
non-member comment

Hot springs & Gela
At last! I am glad that the Australian embassy is taking an interest and that your brother has contacted a human rights lawyer to do SOMETHING.It has been almost a week now of lfe in limbo. Take care, Raj

From Blog: Down, but not Out in Georgia Pt 6: Chilling out in Abastumani....in search of Hot-Springs

28th July 2014

D MJ Binkley
Dave and Merry Jo Binkley

Time to drink
Time for a few

From Blog: Down, but not Out in Georgia Pt 4: Time to find Peace.... Escape to the Mountains

28th July 2014

D MJ Binkley
Dave and Merry Jo Binkley

Nightmare in Georgia
I've read the other blog so I know you are alright but this just screams of insanity. I'm glad you are doing well. Keep those stories coming...but not this kind.

From Blog: Down, but not Out in Georgia Pt. 2: Later... that same Nightmare

27th July 2014

D MJ Binkley
Dave and Merry Jo Binkley

Escape from Georgia
Another chapter for your upcoming book I'm sure! Some times you pay the price and move on. Freedom.....

From Blog: Down, but not Out in Georgia Pt. 3: 'Tbilisi Loves You'

27th July 2014

Lynn and Don Ringland
non-member comment

Geogia on my mind!
Well Paul, we've always loved reading your blog but now the plot has well and truly thickened and it's now like a book that '"I cant put down!" You are obviously out of there and all is well so I know the outcome - it's like reading the last page of the "whodunit" but it's a great story! Looking forward to Part 4 xxx

From Blog: Down, but not Out in Georgia Pt. 3: 'Tbilisi Loves You'

26th July 2014

Kuan Yin
Karen Johnson

It's an adventure..
I've always looked at travelling as an adventure, and even when things don't go the way I'd like, I figure I'd have a great story. However, this is more of an adventure than I wish to take. You, however, have gotten a great story! Since you have access to the internet, I'm assuming everything turned out OK.

From Blog: Down, but not Out in Georgia Pt. 3: 'Tbilisi Loves You'

26th July 2014

mahadev
Paul Joseph Drielsma

outcome?
Well stay tuned and you will see. Yes I am still alive! :)

From Blog: Down, but not Out in Georgia Pt. 3: 'Tbilisi Loves You'

26th July 2014

Annette
non-member comment

Are you out yet?
Hope your sleeping more easily and without criminal charge.

From Blog: Down, but not Out in Georgia Pt. 3: 'Tbilisi Loves You'

26th July 2014

Annette
non-member comment

Are you out yet?
Hope your sleeping more easily and without criminal charge.

From Blog: Down, but not Out in Georgia Pt. 3: 'Tbilisi Loves You'

25th July 2014

John
non-member comment

Just tell me you're ok
Ok, So this may be really fun after the fact, but please just tell me where you are now and in what condition. Why don't you join us all in Workum, NL on 29 August? Love John

From Blog: Down, but not Out in Georgia Pt. 2: Later... that same Nightmare

25th July 2014

traveltalesofawoollymammoth
Jo Roberts

A Nightmare Indeed
It just gets worse for you, what a nightmare. I look forward to the next installment :)

From Blog: Down, but not Out in Georgia Pt. 2: Later... that same Nightmare

24th July 2014

D MJ Binkley
Dave and Merry Jo Binkley

Your urine is clean
Wow what a bunch of hoopla over medication not drugs. Good thing you didn't have anything they could get really excited about. All part of the adventure. Keep those stories coming.

From Blog: Down, but not Out in Georgia Pt. 1: Border of Pain

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