You can see a cultural barrier between the younger and older generation. One lived under an unfair rule, and the other knows more of freedom. But it makes me appreciate my home more. Not much bad has gone on back in America, or at least not as bad as Georgia. Our home has always been safe, and I am happy about that.
Being able to live somewhere with such a rich history helped me learn. My friend Mariam was the biggest helper for me. She would take me anywhere she thought had a good story behind it. In her hometown, Zugdidi, there was Dadiani Palace. Royalty would stay there and have large celebrations. The palace is now a museum. And just a block away was their summer palace. They were only allowed to use this during the hotter months. They had a tunnel that connected the two. Legend says if you walked from end to the other without opening your eyes, your greatest wish would come true. In Mestia, a city further south of Zugdidi, they had tall stone towers that were made by hand. These were built to protect the villagers from any attacking armies and from flash flooding. Many churches were built high on top of mountains to make them harder for enemies to attack. The country has been around since the birth of Christianity. The fact there are still many secrets to be discovered isn’t too surprising.
In the end, I love Georgia. A piece of my heart will always be here.
To you, I leave you on this final note. Don’t be afraid to try something new. Embrace the unknown. Meet someone who is different than to you. Don’t stay in the same place. There is a whole world out there waiting for you.
