Bad Georgia - 3 observations from a tourist

[peacetraveler22]

I've started to paint a nice picture of Georgia in my first few posts, but this doesn't mean everything is so rosy there. The country is no different from others, with both good and bad sides. The difference is that as a foreigner I notice many problematic things which Georgians may consider "normal", when in fact they're confusing, and even incomprehensible, for a foreign tourist.

You can look at this cover photo and perhaps it stirs some type of nostalgia for those who grew up in Soviet times. :) These old LADAs are everywhere on the roads in Georgia, and I'm always amazed at how many people are stuffed inside them. Often the small cars are weighed down with heavy loads attached to the roof, barely moving down the road. I wondered several times if some of these people ever made it to their destination point. Many of the old cars are in bad shape, and probably shouldn't even be on the road. However, as far as I can tell, there is no type of inspection requirement for machines, no emissions testing - nothing to control the quality or safety of the cars on the roads in Georgia. And this leads to #1 on the list for "bad Georgia"....

#1 Driving Culture!

1. I really began to wonder how otherwise hospitable people become complete maniacs behind the wheel, disrespecting the safety of others in the process. What causes this behavior? I don't know the answer, but it isn't only fellow humans you have to worry about on the roads. There are a lot of other factors that make driving in Georgia dangerous. The lanes are very, very narrow, locals drive at crazy speeds even on mountain roads, and it's similar to Russia where there are always people riding your bumper trying to push forward, or swerving into on-coming traffic trying to pass...it's really frightful. :(( There are markings on most roads to separate lanes, however Georgians seem to treat these as mere "suggestions", and not official rules. On mountain roads, you can find yourself in a pit or sudden stream with rapid flows at any given moment, and no warning signs.

An ordinary Georgian road outside of the city looks exactly like this photo below - you must constantly dodge cows, horses, pigs, [insert other livestock and animals], and still be alert for humans walking right in the middle of the road. On the first few days of the road trip, I really jumped a few times in fear, and my Georgian host said "What? It's normal!" For me, it's NOT normal. As a side note, I've never seen so many cows in my life! I think each Georgian villager must own dozens of them, based on how many we encountered on the roads. This is not bad, just an observation. :)



2. I'm no urban expert, but in the city I absolutely couldn't understand many intersections where cars are coming from multiple directions and trying to merge together with no traffic light, stop signs or yield signs - nothing. Maybe the locals understand the flow, and when it's their turn to go, but it didn't seem that way. Whoever honked the loudest, had the most animated hand gestures, or shouted seemed to be given the right of way. During rush hour in Tbilisi, such intersections like this become a real nightmare. They have local Georgian cops trying to direct the flow, but it seemed useless to me and completely ineffective in eliminating the gridlock and chaos.



3. Meanwhile, in a small town near the Armenian border with almost no cars or traffic, there are orderly traffic lights. :) Explain the logic, please...



4. I tried to find accurate statistics about traffic deaths there, and based on data I located traffic accidents and road deaths are on the rise, not declining. This Chart details it, and you can read more about the epidemic here. Three times during my ten day road journey we saw very serious accidents, with people on stretchers, covered in blood. :(( This is on ordinary asphalt roads, not the off-road dirt paths we drove on in remote mountain regions.



#2 Smoking Culture

5. "Good" and "bad" - these are totally subjective terms, but this is my blog, so I share my personal reactions. I can't stand cigarette smoke, and have a real aversion to it due to sensitive eyes. I'm used to being around smokers, as several people in my family smoke, but never in confined spaces or the house. In Georgia, you can still smoke almost EVERYWHERE! Even in the airport, where this photo was taken on the morning I left. Even in the hair salon! There are some non-smoking restaurants, but they are definitely in the minority. And even if a restaurant claims to have a "non-smoking" section, they are worthless. The "non-smoking" section is only divided by a curtain, or half-wall which doesn't eliminate the smoke, or smell, from drifting to your area.

So, for those who like to smoke in various environments, this is probably a "good". You can sit, eat, drink at the bar, get your hair done, ride in a cab...and still puff away in peace. :)



#3 Walking Conditions

6. I once wrote a post complaining about all the stupid signs we have in America, warning people to "not stand by the edge of cliff, danger of falling", or walk down a mopped aisle because it's "slippery when wet." However, in Georgia such signs could be useful. For instance, Tbilisi is an ancient city, with many deep steps, cobble stones, and other things that are dislodged due to age or simple neglect. I also note there's a lot of rennovation and construction going on in the city, which means there are things dangling in the air and sitting on the sidewalks and paths which are very poorly lit at night, making it difficult to see anything. Combine this with the fact that there is almost ZERO respect or yielding for pedestrians, and you can understand how the injury depicted in this photo happened.



When walking in Georgia, you should never expect drivers to stop for you, even when walking in a designated zebra area. They simply don't do it in many cases. To protect from harm and danger, my Georgian friend was very kind, holding my hand or arm to guide me down dark steps, paths and crossing busy roads on foggy, rainy nights in Tbilisi. Yet the moment his hands became occupied with grocery bags, and I was left on my own, I had a very serious fall on hard concrete, tripping over a metal object. I didn't go to the hospital in Tbilisi...the journey had to continue after all. :) I suffered through the pain and discomfort until I returned to the USA and went to the hospital. Diagnosis? A severely sprained elbow, with partially torn ligaments. Still causing me problems today, as the elbow hasn't fully healed. :(

That's it... a few "bad" things that had a real impact on me personally when visiting Georgia as a tourist. Overall lack of infrastructure is also a problem, but this is part of Georgia's charm - a real rustic, off-road mountain adventure that I loved, but isn't for everyone.

P.S.: Many readers wrote to ask what I thought about Georgian men, and honestly I don't think anything of them. They are just men, like all others. Some are probably wonderful, others complete goats. Sorry, I don't have any crazy tales to share about "wild" Caucasian males. They are very attractive overall, with a sort of untamed, rugged vibe, facial hair and beards - which I really like. :) Many have amazing blue eyes, combined with dark black hair - exotic and hot from a purely superficial standpoint. Their general appearance/stature is very different from most American men. But as a 43 year old woman, good looks, sweet compliments...they aren't enough to keep my attention long term, or get the panties off. The soul, intelligence, kindness, humor, openness...these are qualities that matter long term, regardless of the country from which a man originates.

Other Reports from Georgia

Georgian Military Highway to Russian border


Eating, sleeping, singing...Georgian style


Snapshot from Georgian village

Comments

[peacetraveler22.livejournal.com]

But you have never been to Georgia, so how can you say how they behave THERE? :) "Difference is how we treat women"...and you think Russian men have a favorable reputation in this regard? :))) In fact, they do not, even among native Russian women. I think it's even quite common for Russian women to search out lovers and mates from the Caucasus', or at least go there for some hot or temporary fling. I have no idea how Georgian men treat women, as I've not been romantically involved with one. I don't like gender stereotypes of any kind. Each man and woman must be judged based on their own actions, and that alone.

[maks j-fry (from livejournal.com)]

Why would I be THERE, man! THEY come here and I see how they behave here and it says ALL! Why are you always talking about sex or something? By "treat women" I mean that Russia takes one of the first places in the world of numbers of women top managers of corporations. And I mean that russian men not only seat all day long doing nothing they work and do the chores helping women. Yes, we not so good in the romantic stuff and so on but we're good in other things that women like. And you're so wrong when you say that Russian women search out lovers and mates from the Caucasus it's so untypical actually, especially it concerns young women.

[peacetraveler22.livejournal.com]

It is very sad that you have all of this "THEY" in your head. People are just people. It's like you have some pre-judgment or animosity toward someone just because they are Georgian, and this will impact your perception of them no doubt, regardless of whether they are a decent person. Just have a more open mind...please. :)

[maks j-fry (from livejournal.com)]

I told you.. I have a friend who used to live there.. where were those people with all that bullshit "people are people" stuff when they're kicking him out?


By the way, about US and THEM. What do you think, how many marriages between White americans and African Americans in the USA? In relative terms, of course.

[peacetraveler22.livejournal.com]

In my progressive and liberal part of the country, it's not so unusual to see. But I don't know exact statistics. In general, the newer generations think absolutely nothing about mixed marriages. It is ordinary for them. We live in a blended nation, thus people of different colors are bound to meet and fall in love. The older generation is still living in the past. Taken from the article:

"The progressive views of young Americans suggest that the country is likely to become even more open-minded about intermarriage. In 2014, 85% of Americans between the age of 18 and 29 responded that they would accept a family member marrying a person of a different race or ethnicity, compared to just 38% of those 65 or over."

I never cared about such things. I once dated a mixed guy (black/white), and my family had no issue with it. Why does it matter, if the people are otherwise compatible? The recent article is here: https://priceonomics.com/why-is-interracial-marriage-on-the-rise/

[maks j-fry (from livejournal.com)]

The number of interracial marriages is one of the main indicators of the level of segregation of society. I was shocked and appalled when I found out that only 1% of white americans are married to people of other races and this tiny percent includes all racial - african, asian and so on. Maybe even gay marriages are more common it the USA. I don't know. But what I know is very sad.

[peacetraveler22.livejournal.com]

Where did you come up with 1%? Who needs marriage anyway? I don't understand the point of it, except for limited circumstances.

[maks j-fry (from livejournal.com)]

There's no point, just some observations and thoughts about us and them. I wonder how would it possible - you live in the same country, speak the same language, have the same culture and religion and despite all these facts you guys practically don't mix up. The only difference you have is a color (of your skin). Is it actually so important? I know what you say.. it's not. Maybe for you personally. But not for average americans. You guys are a hidden racist.

[peacetraveler22.livejournal.com]

"You guys are a hidden racist..." yep, probably you're right based on the results of our recent election, and the platform upon which this maniac ran. His campaign was all about US vs. THEM, breeding fear and hysteria around this exact issue. All the errors in pre-election polls show one thing. People probably didn't want to admit they supported Trump for fear of backlash, yet they had no problem casting their vote form him behind a veiled curtain election night. Such people are cowards in my view. I actually respect those who openly supported him on FB and other public platforms - because you should stand by your beliefs, even when they go against the grain. Even though the he did NOT win the majority vote (only electorate college), a huge portion and segment of the U.S. didn't care about his rude, misogynist, bullying tactics, clinging only to his outlandish promises. Now, we wait and see how he will fuck us all over....biggest con job in political history. :)

[maks j-fry (from livejournal.com)]

It's pretty funny how some americans hate Trump. For me, and I think I can speak for most russians, Trump is the embodiment of the true America. Smart, handsome successful entrepreneur, wise white man, he is almost like your founding fathers, I think. Yeah, but I would want to say something else. You admit that the average american is a racist but I can see a hint of disapproval in your words. You certainly think it's no good to be a racist. But yesterday you said - Georgia is such a tiny country surrounded by much bigger giants from both a political and land mass perspective. But somehow the country has survived and maintained its own identity and culture, and this is part of the reason I like it. I want to ask you - how do you think they managed to survive and maintained his identity and culture in such conditions? Isn't it because they always were racist and they always were ruled by person like Trump? They kicked my friend out only because his skin was too white and that's the way how they keep theyr naton and culture all these years. Maybe being a racist is not so bad in terms of nation? Why you like when some people try to maintain their culture and why you don't when the others doing the same thing? Here I mean white americans? What if they just don't want mix up with THEM, maybe they want survive and pass on their culture to posterity? Think of it - is there any difference?

[peacetraveler22.livejournal.com]

Culture is not about having the same skin color. It is about sharing the same vision, idea and way forward in the country. And, in general, what is the problem with immigrants in the USA? You cannot compare our situation to Europe, where there is a HUGE culture clash. Muslims are such a small minority of our immigrants. The majority come from Central America and Mexico, where there is no severe culture clash with values or general practices.

Please explain who Georgia "kicked out"...Trump is not the embodiment of America. If you think so, you're delusional and don't really understand anything about Americans or my country. He was simply the "lesser of two evils" in many people's minds. And people wish to believe that he can effect some type of radical change...meanwhile, he is following the same old formula already, and he is not even in the White House yet. Appointing totally unqualified and rich white people to cabinet positions...or repaying favors to former opponents - hello Ben Carson - a neurosurgeon who was just appointed to be Secretary of HUD (Housing and Urban Development)....there are lots of other examples. He has already retreated and taken softer positions on many of the dogmatic positions he was spewing from the pulpit...but this post isn't about politics. I don't want to venture down this road...no good can come from it.

[maks j-fry (from livejournal.com)]

O man, easy! I don't care about Trump at all I just mentioned how it's funny that some Americans hate him and other Americans along with him. You think they're simpletons and not civilized people. I just want you to look at things from their end. What if they're not stupid? What if they really have some aspirations? What if these aspirations are not that bad? You said you like when people protect their culture, but why you don't like when white americans want to protect their culture? They don't want to be mixed up with Mexicans for instance and they want the Great Wall to be, and they vote for Trump. They're just like Georgians or Chinese or others who always build internal or even real walls around itself.

[orangelass.livejournal.com]

I'm Russian, and I'm living in the U.S. So, I guess you'll trust me more ;) I'm not sure about the statistics, but it's true that black-white marriages are rare. A white-Asian marriage is much more common sight.

[peacetraveler22.livejournal.com]

He asked a specific question about views on interracial marriages, and I was responding to that. Not the overall status of race relations in America. You can look at any polll and see acceptance of such marriages has dramatically increased in the past few decades.

[maks j-fry (from livejournal.com)]

Are you lawyer or what? Why should we see some polls when even you personally said that polls are junk - people probably didn't want to admit they supported Trump for fear of backlash. What do you think they would want to admit that they're a racist when somebody asks them? We don't have to see polls we have to operate only statistics .

[peacetraveler22.livejournal.com]

I'm not relying only on polls, but on experience and paying attention to what goes on around me in my own country. Yes, people lie in polls, as I already wrote. I'm a lawyer, and I hope you can understand that I'm responding to comments in this blog during the work day, in between juggling legal matters. Thus, I don't have time to sit here and research statistics or data for every issue raised. Or provide detailed analysis of them. However, I try to answer almost every comment here, because I respect my readers and don't wish to ignore them like most other bloggers do...racists, bigots, homophobes - they are here in the USA, the same as everywhere on the globe. I never stated otherwise.

[maks j-fry (from livejournal.com)]

Yes, and we got back to where we started. But I have to say goodnight. I'll write you later.