Aspindza and then some.

Chris and I went on an excursion yesterday to Aspindza, which is a small village, 4,000 people, near Akhaltsikhe. Another volunteer, Iris (G4), lives there and another volunteer, Sarah (G4), had come to visit from her village. It was the girls and Chris as Dwayne was out of town. Chris and I marshutkaed there and met up with Iris's host brother, whom we had met earlier in Akhaltsikhe (officially shortened to Akh) and headed to her house. Iris had wanted to make a carrot cake, but had trouble finding the appropriate cheese for the frosting as cream cheese is something of a novelty here. Iris has done this before and it turned out quite well. Unfortunately, this time she was unable to find what she needed and we did not have carrot cake. Her family was aware that two more people were coming and had cooked up quite a feast. Iris was tamada - toast master - for the evening and would first do the toast in georgian then translate for Sarah, Chris and I. Iris's georgian is phenomenal, she is one of the best in G4. I was actually able to follow along with some of it. Sarah knew what was going on.

The food was phenomenal and the house was beautiful. Iris's host family is great. They are very warm and hospitable. Her host brother, father, and mother had business in Akh, so Chris and I got a ride back to town. I had informed my family of Iris's invitation on Wednesday, so it was all good. I actually ran into Naira (host mom) on the street as I was going home and she had no problem what so ever. I had a great night's sleep and came home to "shower" today.

I should amend the bucket bath scenario. It is actually a basin with hot water and I dump a pitcher over my head, but the shoes part is true enough. Anyone who comes to visit may experience this joy, or perhaps go to the abano where it is a regular shower. Chris has done this, but it costs money and why pay when I can get clean for free? In the winter I will probably take advantage of the abano, but I don't need it now.

Well that is about all I have for now. I am taking my first odyssey into Tbilisi this weekend, so hopefully that goes well. I am watching the Ohio State - Texas football game with a bunch of volunteers. It's gonna be interesting because the game starts at 4am, Saturday night/Sunday morning. A bunch of us plan on sleeping a little bit Saturday night, but who knows. I leave tomorrow to go to Khashuri to spend the night with my training host family. Then the next day, my friend, Aaron (from Kobuleti) will meet up with me with in Khashuri, because he's going to Surami (his training site) on Friday and staying with his training family. He and I want to surprise a friend of our's along the way to Tbilisi, but that is becoming a hassle and I don't want to inconvenience her. I'll, of course, let everyone know how that turns out.

One last thing, if you want pics from Georgia, then just send me a roll of film, or two, and I'll take some pics and send them back to you. Yes, this is a desperate attempt for more film, but it also provides with a more intimate view of Georgia. If you want specific pics, just let me know.

If there is anything specific that people want to know, please let me know and I'll do my best to fill you in. Take care and I'll be in touch.