(Almost) Midnight Train to Georgia.

It's been over a year since I've visited Georgia for the first time. I had meant to write about it way back then, but it proved quite difficult and, perhaps obviously, it never happened.

So, I hopped on a 10 o'clock train to Georgia (doesn't have that same ring to it, does it?) last week with some great friends for a week of great fun, amazing company, incredible food, and all that is good about vacations with a little work thrown in. I've returned yet again a bit confused and flustered on the seeming mass contrasts of 2 countries so close together, but, yet, so incredibly far apart.

There are many little things that eventually make up bigger ideas that separate Azerbaijan and Georgia in my mind. To me, it's a combination of the differences between an Islamic and Christian culture and the ideologies that stem from it, the mere subtleties of a tea and coffee culture, and perhaps even the feeling of a more 'in your face' freedom. This could all easily be a rose colored picture from an ignorant visitor, but I felt more respect being a visitor there than a 'citizen' here. People smile in Georgia, laugh on the streets, chase birds, eat ice cream, make public art, and mingle with the opposite sex without seemingly being betrothed to them or seen as a trollop of sorts.

There's something quite lovely about that country and I've yet to not enjoy visiting. It's totally conceivable I enjoy it so much as it's more familiar to what I know and am used to in 'normal' life. But, you know what? I'm okay with that. I'm back in Azerbaijan with my 'Georgian glow' ready to take on these rainy days of softball practice, tournaments, Environmental clean-ups, and my attempt at creating public art.