Forth Take- Georgia Sweet Georgia

 

Greetings from Armenia!  

A few months ago I suddenly realized that my temporary visa was expiring in 10 days, yikes!  What to do?  Leave Armenia and return anytime that's how most people address the problem.  Ahh but where to go. 

Turkey?  Not now, Armenian flights have been canceled over Turkey's airspace. Why.....  "For reasons incomprehensible to us and without any visible grounds, Turkish aviation authorities cancelled the permission previously granted to the FlyOne Armenia airline to operate flights to Europe through Turkish airspace."   An example of politics in this part of the world.  Imagine Canada canceling all U.S. flights over their airspace and providing no reason.

Iran?  As much as I would love to visit Iran as an American I'm restricted.

Azerbaijan?  Armenia is constantly in a conflict with Azerbaijan over Artsakh, the Azerbaijanis continue to hold the Lachin Corridor hostage. There are Russian Peace Keepers in the area and that's an oxymoron!

GEORGIA!  Armenia has a good relationship with Georgia and a Van ride to Tblisi is $25.  The transportation time advertises 5 hrs. 30 mins. However mentioned in the very, very fine print is the minivan doesn't leave until it's full.  We left an hour later then after multiple stops for coffee and bathrooms we arrived in Tblisi 7 hours later.  

Although they're neighbors Georgia is quite different from Armenia in food, architecture and most noticeably their look.  Armenian men and women are Middle Eastern with thick dark, semi-curly hair and a distinct nose.  On the other hand Georgians are white and nondescript, sort of Russian sort of European.  An interesting fact, Stalin was born in Georgia and the Georgians hate Stalin as they hate Russians and Russia.  I use the word 'hate' with care so you can be sure Russians are intensely disliked.  If Russia had invaded your country in 2008 and 2014 and had troops on your border, you would hate them too. 

Georgia has it's own distinct cuisine and while in Tbilisi I took a food tour, here are some pics...                                                 A popular appetizer are Pkhalis, finely chopped or pureed raw vegetables mixed with walnut paste and seasoned.  To the right are spinach.                                                                Below is an appetizer bowl of pickles, assorted cheese and Pkhalis made with beets, spinach and eggplant.  The Pkhalis  were OK, they didn't have have a lot of flavor.  On the other hand the Georgian cheeses were fantastic as were the homemade pickles.

Appetizers

                                         

3.  Kinkali

1.  Georgian Chicken

                                                                                                                                                                                                                      

1)  In my opinion one of the best chicken dishes I've ever had.  The chicken is lightly browned then cooked with sour cream and chicken stock, to finish the dish are 'special' Georgian 'secret' spices.

2)  Video of baker making Shotis Puri 

3)  Kinkali.  A large dumpling filled meat and natural juices. Although they're eaten throughout the Caucus countries they originated in China.  Georgia, like Armenia,  was a stopping location on both the Spice route and the Silk Road where some of our dishes originated.  The area's Kinkali dumplings had it's beginnings in the 13th century influenced by the Chinese who were on the Silk / Spice Route and whose staple was the dumpling. 

Goodbye Winter / Hello Spring

As an Angelino I had forgotten what winters were like, the ice and snow and day upon day of cold weather.  As careful as I tried to be, I still slipped on the ice  under the snow.  But all in all the worst part of the winter was short and by all accounts this year was mild.  

Spring has arrived and it's beautiful in Armenia.  Welcomed by wild lilacs and tulips,  along with strawberries, spinach, arugula and local wild tree mushrooms, cooking has just become more interesting. And weddings are happening throughout the city.

Sweet, juicy strawberries

Tree Mushrooms

Watermelons, Strawberries, Sour Plums

Wedding photos taken at Cascade

Beautiful Lilac bouquet

Lilac trees throughout Armenia lawns

I've been busy teaching, volunteering, swimming and nurturing young friendships.  Like myself most of my acquaintances are from other countries, English is our common language which isn't helping my Armenian.  

My students are impressed that I'm from California and of course one of their first comments is 'Glendale.'  Most Armenians still want to visit or move to America and they dream of California. Russia is the largest Armenian diaspora and America is second with California having the largest Armenian population. 

Locals believe Armenians are only in Glendale but when I tell them Armenians are EVERYWHERE in America, a smile soon follows.  

Until next time.

Hajogh

Sheila

BTW-  the reader comment section is activated.  I don't know why you can't leave comments, although it could have something to do with Blogger being free.