Two Months Later

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 So... where should I start?

I wanted to write my first blog after a week in Georgia. Then a week became a month, and somehow now it's been almost two months since I arrived in Zugdidi. Somehow, I am still surprised by this place every day, which is probably why it has taken me so long to sit down and write.

My first impression? It felt just like home... and not like home at all.

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For a bit of background: I'm from Romania, and as soon as people hear that, they usually assume I speak Russian. I don't. The frustration is often visible, but a few Georgian words I've picked up along the way usually save the situation.

Learning Georgian has definitely been a challenge, but the people around me have been incredibly patient and helpful. Honestly, that's one thing I've learned quickly here: people make all the difference.

                          
And let me tell you, Georgia is simply breathtaking. The landscapes, the culture, the little surprises around every corner. It's not really a place you get used to; it's a place you learn to embrace.

The same goes for the people. You never quite know what to expect, but somewhere between awkward first conversations and spontaneous adventures, I've found people I can genuinely count on.



As for Zugdidi? It's exactly my kind of city. Big enough to keep me busy, small enough to feel familiar. Even when I think I've walked everywhere, I somehow find something new.

Oh, and I'm here as a youth worker. At first, I wondered whether anyone would even be interested in the activities I planned. Then I opened registrations—and bam! I had more young people than I could handle. Turns out they adapt to me, I adapt to them, and somehow it all works.

Sure, not every day is easy. New country, new language, new ways of doing things. Being a perfectionist doesn't exactly help either. But thanks to the support of the organization and the people around me, I'm slowly finding my rhythm.

 I also have an amazing host family. They help me more than I can put into words—and yes, they have a dog, which adds an extra layer of joy to my days! 



I've even tried making khachapuri. It was good, but let's just say I'll leave the authentic version to the professionals.

I still do not know when the next blog post will come. Until then, I will keep myself busy, keep exploring, and keep saying yes to new experiences.

As an introvert somehow Georgia keeps convincing me to leave the house, meet people, and say yes to things I would normally overthink.

So, two months later, I'm still surprised by this place.

And honestly, I hope that doesn't change anytime soon.



Anyway, until the next story.

—Timea 


P.S. Thanks to the lemon tree in my host family's garden, I've officially become the kind of person who wakes up to a glass of fresh lemonade every morning—because why not?

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