End of deployment...

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I'm writing this final blog from Kutaisi airport, as I wait for the flight that will take me back to Rome. It's hard to sum up everything that has happened over the past few months and draw any final conclusions, but I'll try to share my reflections.

WORK
Without a doubt, this has been the most rewarding part of my experience. I had the privilege of working almost exclusively with the same group of beneficiaries, which allowed me to build strong and authentic relationships over time. Initially, I was worried that some of them would drop out after the first few meetings and wouldn't want to commit to a long-term project. In reality, out of the 12 women who started, only two dropped out, while the others continued until the end. The greatest satisfaction came from hearing their feedback at the end of the training: many of them remembered and appreciated aspects that I thought hadn't fully sunk in or might have been forgotten. They also expressed a desire to delve deeper into these topics in the future.

The relationship with my local NGO, unfortunately, wasn't always smooth, especially as time went on. However, I have to acknowledge that without the spaces and logistical support provided by the organization, I wouldn't have been able to carry out any of the activities I worked on.

LIFE IN ZUGDIDI AND GEORGIA
It has been an incredible experience. I met wonderful people who showed me beautiful places, introduced me to unique individuals, and gave me the opportunity to live unforgettable experiences. Despite the challenges I faced, Georgia is a fascinating country full of surprises.

Looking back, I realize how much this experience has enriched me, both professionally and personally. I've learned so much, not only about work, but also about the culture and the people who surrounded me over these months. I'm grateful for every moment I spent here, and I leave Georgia with my heart full of memories, experiences, and valuable lessons that I'll carry with me wherever I go.

PS: Georgia isn’t too far away, so I’ll definitely be back next year to visit everyone. Plus, by now I can’t go too long without Georgian food! 😄


Yet another shout-out to Georgia’s stunning nature—if it wasn’t already clear from the thirty times I’ve mentioned it before, I’ve absolutely fallen in love with this country!

Laura, my Belgian friend who’s practically a local by now, has been an incredible source of inspiration and knowledge. Without her, I’d probably still be stuck in some remote Georgian village, desperately searching for a marshrutka to get home!

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