Sith Creed

"Peace is a lie. There is only passion. Through passion, I gain strength. Through strength, I gain power. Through power, I gain victory. Through victory, my chains are broken."
-the Sith Creed

29 May 2011

Soaking with something so pure

So, my day has been fun filled with searching for music on YouTube. Kinda lame, I know. But I am trying to avoid drinking. I have two days left and want to make sure I don't miss my plane. Which is what everyone is planning, I think.

Also, while I was roaming around the musical halls of YouTube. (pause to change song). I watched one of my friends blow 17 GEL on an online roulette website. Roulette, all day, everyday. I should drag these guys to Las Vegas and let them experience the dangers of gambling... But then again, it wouldn't change anything. Well maybe the fact that I don't know where anyone gets their money from. Like my buddy who gambled away a day's worth of food... I have not see him even go to a job. Which is kinda strange coming from me, who just left the Marine Corps and currently unemployed... But I am itching to get back to the states so that I can start a job of sorts. So that I can plan out my next trip. Might have to be after my Semester of college. *shrugs* I don't know. Still trying to meet someone willing to show me far off lands...

...

Yesterday was the worst. Well, I had a horrible stomach and couldn't get rid of it. The whole day was long and painful. I don't know what I ate to make me feel like that but I am better now. *laughs* I tried everything: water, tea, a little bit of bread, nothing helped. I found that a little bit of sleep got me through it. And by a little bit, I mean, a lot.

I really don't have anything planned for today. I packed my suitcase already and did a quick inventory of all of my belongings. I am slightly sad to be going but I have to go back. There are a few things I need to take care of. Things I have caused with my chaotic ways.

28 May 2011

Expensive in taste

I would like to apologize for the slightly not-so-interesting posts. I am a bit depressed because I am leaving in a few days. I kinda don't want to go. I think it is the fear of being boring that lies ahead. I am going to be working a 9 to 5, going to the gym and such. Not what you would expect from someone who travels the world just to satisfy his wunderlust.

And so I wonder. When is my next trip? Where will it be? I really haven't had anyone respond to my blog and there have been some hits from all over the world. So, I say to you, reader, give me some ideas on my next trip. I love to travel and this is the type of escapism that I enjoy.

One of my gifts is my ability to learn a language really quick. I am the Tower of Babel, all languages are not difficult to me.

Expensive at cost

Wow. Sorry for not writing these past couple of days. Ever since Independence day, I have been on a sort of drinking binge. So I will do my best to recap.

The 25th was the Georgian Independence Day. I had a lot of fun. I basically sat around drinking wine and watching the parade on tv. From there I don't remember much. Somehow I hit my head right above my left eye. It still hurts. Apparently it was swollen as well. *laughs* I must have headbutted something. *shrugs*

The 26th I went to old Tbilisi (or downtown as it is called) and did some shopping. Bought a flag, some drinking horns and a sweet military bag. It is old school. I still need a sword but I don't think I would be able to take that on the plane. Maybe next time.

Yesterday, well, I got into a fight. It was bound to happen. I kinda caused the situation that spurred the fight. It felt good to show my angry side. Proves to others that I am not weak or defenseless and that I am not afraid to fight what I believe in. And of course it took a large group of people to hold me back.

26 May 2011

Expensive yet lost

So today is the Georgian Independence day. I am celebrating like anyone would. Beer, wine, barbecue. Like Americans can do.

Expensive in cost

I love the passionate actions of people. And this country is full of passion. I met a girl from Tennessee yesterday. She is an English teacher. She speaks Georgian better than I can. But I found it cute that the girls on the playground were wanting me to flirt with her. The only thing we have in common is the fact that we speak English and the children were trying to set us up. *laughs*

I was flattered. Such a basis of love. It is a good thing, too. I might have to bring this concept of love to America. Where there is no such thing...

As it was a new thing lost

Just had another bathhouse experience...

I went on this trip not expecting a sexcapade and it fell into my lap. Last night, I sang a song of my life. I told two individuals my struggles and strife. They listened. They grew anxious. They took a breath and bared their souls. I showed them the best part of my life. They soaked it in and never asked why I had a wife. We skipped through puddles deep. Dodging rain drops and the occasional sleet. My clothes were soaked to the bone. The taxi pulled up and stopped. I was not alone.

The taxi swerved and weaved with the traffic. I touched myself, scratching the everlasting itch. I drank the air and took in the switch. The cab stopped. I stepped out into the rain soaked air and twitched. I crawled sensually to the baths. Down the stairs into the steam soaked air. My heart raced my body to the finish line.

My foot entered the hot water and I grew alert. I touched their itch to scratch mine. I drowned myself in the steam soaked air. I didn't think it would ever be there. I felt and touched till everything that belonged to me. The moment. The skin. The water. The air. The instant.

I laid on the marble slab and drank more of the air. I took a sip of beer and a sip of moment.

And now I am awake from a dream that I lived. Refreshed. Energized. Anew.

25 May 2011

And yet I will it there to be found

I just got done eating the one thing that I love in this world and I am high off of it. Bacon. It was cooked the wrong way but it was cooked. I have to educate these people on the ways of cooking bacon. It is like a god to me. It has to be cured and cut and cooked the right way. Anything other is just unsat.

I didn't think I would catch a buzz from bacon but I did. I love it so much. Why does it do this to me? I have never had a drug that made me feel the way that bacon does... And why is that? *scratches head* Why do I love a meat so dirty?

I was offered Bacon raw. As much as I want to eat it raw I do not love it that way. I suffered some battle scars just to have it cooked (it was cooked in a layer of oil [faux pas] on high heat). But I had it cooked. Apparently here in Georgia, bacon is to be eaten raw. Bad choice. I don't like it raw there is nothing there as far as flavor... But I guess that is what I am going to teach in the morning...

23 May 2011

When it was never there to begin with

Well the real world catches up to me... I am confined to the four walls of my friend's room waiting for him to return from work. He wants to go to the embassy today. Guess that is not happening. I am sure they won't take anyone after a certain time just like most American ran establishments...

I am a fan of things happening not for a reason. Chaos is a beautiful thing to me. I need it to function sometimes. I need it to help me see the flaws in the flawless. It is the fire that helps me regrow. It is the karma that comes to collect its debt.

*laughs* I don't know why I fret over such small and insignificant things. With Chaos, I know I will make it through whatever is bothering me (which is my wander lust).

Nero- Solid Air

Just to search for what needs to be found.

*sighs*

22 May 2011

Then take another moment to unwind

Ahhhh. Such a relaxing day. It is already noon and I am bored. Something that I do not like. But I need this time to just chill. Been drinking everyday since I came here to Georgia. I have to give my liver a break. As the only organ in my body that can regenerate cells, I need to do some regeneration. As I said in my last post, I love to drink alcohol. I also love my use of moderation. I am not like my nineteen year old self searching for my next buzz or trying to see how many brews I can knock back before I wake up in some strangers bed (which has happened more often than not). Ever since I went to California, I had been on a personal quest to try a different beer wherever I go. That has been the extent of my drinking. *laughs* I may not remember the name of the beer but most times I can remember the way it tastes or something notable about it. For instance, I drank a stout beer, name unknown, and I remember describing it as "a pint of Guinness with a shot of whiskey and bourbon mixed in". Or a British beer I must try, Royal Virility, somehow someway someone decided to add Viagra to a beer. Really? I mean, really? That is the perfect counteract to whiskey dick. (And I hate whiskey dick. HATE.)

But of the things I have drank here in Georgia, I really enjoy the wine (ghwino, as it is called). Actually, I like how it is drank. It is not like European or American wines where you sip on it. You drink it like a shot in a glass that holds about 4 shots. It is not strong tasting, most times it is sweet. The only problem that I have with it is: How do I bring it back to the States? It isn't prepackaged or bottled at some factory. It is a homemade national specialty. Lots of problems at Customs (and I don't want problems...). I don't want to get on the subject of the dangers of Ch'ach'a, another Georgian specialty. That stuff is like the Brad Pitt and David Beckham child of liquors (I credit Daniel Tosh for the analogy). Imagine dumping a bottle of 151, a bottle of Everclear, a bottle of unflavored Schnapps, a dash of Reggae, and an eye of newt into a large black cauldron during the first light of winter's first full moon. The result is ch'ach'a. It is some potent stuff. And it is flammable (refer back to Customs), so taking some home is impossible. *laughs* Carrying that on a plane is as bad as the movie "Snakes on a Plane", actually that is what you use to defeat the snakes on said plane...

Take a breath and rewind

Yesterday was quite uneventful. And by uneventful, I mean nothing super fantastic happened.

I was dragged out of the house to a restaurant to take pictures of a dog. When I was taken there to buy beer and food. I have problems with paying for things. I am a very giving person but if I am a means to your next fix, I can't do that. Don't get me wrong. I love to drink and have a good time but making up some bogus photo op is not a good way to get me to drink.

On a good note, I did meet a nice group of people. I think they own the restaurant, not quite sure. And I will go back to eat and drink. Sandro, the more interesting of the group, brought his dog so that I may snap a quick photo. He spoke English very well and was not shy to speak it. Which is something I have noticed about some of the people who speak English; some are shy about it, others are not. So I spoke with him for a while before I started to feel uncomfortable because my friend's dad started asking around for beers.

On the same note, later on that night, my friend's dad comes in the room with a Ukrainian guy he met somehow. We talked for a bit until the Ukrainian asked if I wanted to drink. Then I realized why this random guy is here. My friend's dad was looking for another drink.

It breaks my heart to the fullest. How do you address an issue with someone with whom you can barely speak their language? Especially if our languages have a lot of gaps and lack similarities.

Wow, reading through this again (mainly for proofreading), I realize I am all over the place on topics. Hmmm. They are related but not that much. Sorry for that.

21 May 2011

Then I took a moment to slow down

The taxi ride from the train yesterday was intense. And as I was clutching my bag tighter and tighter, I couldn't help but notice the street signs zipping passed my window. There were none...

The occasional "Do not enter" or "This way only" (both represented by an arrow or a white line) would appear. But there was no stop signs, yield signs, or better yet speed limit signs. I felt like I was in  a Need For Speed game. Need for Speed: Tbilisi Nights. Before I leave I will make a video of how the driving is around here. I fear for my life when I cross the street about the same as if I was in the taxi or autobus.

So I don't ever want to hear anyone complain about the drivers in the U.S., it is crazier here and American drivers wouldn't last one red light here.

19 May 2011

...

So I woke up on the train two minutes out from Tbilisi with the worst case of morning wood. Very awkward. I hope no one saw it. Then I had to walk around the train station with it. Horrible.

But that is not the reason I write at this moment. I have returned to Tbilisi. And Goga is nowhere to be found. Hmmm. Apparently, his at work but I thought he was done with the military. I must search for him.

Wondering how I will ever climb out

Nero- Innocence

Well I am waiting for the train back to Tbilisi. I kinda don't want to go back but I have to. I want to see Goga again. I miss him. He is the reason I am here in Georgia. I feel bad for sneaking away and coming to Batumi. I came here under the pretense that I could change. I didn't.

I still feel the same way that I felt when I came here. I don't know why I even tried to change. It is almost too late in the game for me. In a sense, I have changed. My Georgian is a lot better. I can understand more and I know how to say a few more key phrases. I also understand that I am a undaunting and faithful friend. My thoughts have been about seeing Goga again.

18 May 2011

Only to stand at the bottom of another hole

I went up another mountain yesterday. It was a lot closer than the 18 kilometer walk but it was a good hike. Didn't stay long. We climbed up looked at the church that was atop the mountain and looked out onto Batumi. It was a beautiful sight. There was a lot of moisture in the air preventing a good picture. Maybe next time.

17 May 2011

Climbing out of a hole covered in blood, dirt and sweat

I had an interesting dream last night. I dreamt I was on here typing away. But instead of telling you what I was doing I was also telling you how I felt (something I know I was not doing).

"If you don't tell people how you feel, then people won't know how you feel." -Me

Yeah, I said that. Many times over. I don't remember when I coined the quote, however it has been my defining quality. The first time was when I was eightteen and came out to my mother. The most recent time was yesterday  when I explained to my friends here that I am not a fountain of money. Or how sometimes I feel like a prisoner instead of a guest.

I am much to independent for such things. So if there is ever a time in which you are talking with someone and you are not quite seeing eye to eye, maybe you need to say how you feel. Truthfully. They will be quicker to understand.

About when I was filled with saddness and regret

I am in beautiful Batumi, Georgia. The weather is much nicer and the people are a little more nicer than those in Tbilisi. There are a lot hot guys. And a lot more English speaking Georgians. Which helps me out a bit. They are also a little more friendlier than Tbilisi people. For instance, while roaming around I came across a high school. There happened to be one of the locals I met yesterday, which I didn't know he was still in high school. *laughs* He ran out of the gate to greet me. Since it was his last day, he wore a white shirt to be written on by all of his friends. He asked me to write on his shirt as well. I tried to write "James was here" in Georgian. I failed. I was only able to get "Jeimsi was here". The funny part is while I was signing his shirt. The girls snuck outside as well and asked to have their picture taken with me. It was funny and felt good. I felt like a rockstar. Or at least that is what I think...

Finding words so that I can speak

Well, well, well. I just came back from the bathhouse with two of my friends. Glorious. Best part is an employee (I guess that what he was) came in with a bucket and sponges. I think to myself what is about to happen?

I watched him scrub down one of my friends first. My first thought was baseball. Then I had to think about Roseanne Barr. Then Roseanne Arnold. I then puked into my mouth at the double dose of Roseanne. (Sorry Rosey if you read this...)

Then it was my turn... I was ready. No chub. Roseanne filtered eyes. I was set. I laid down on the marble bed and braced for impact. The scrub was rough; I think I lost a tattoo in the process, not quite sure. After that, the lather. Yum. Lather. That was a gentle slathering of bubbles. I have never been cleaned like that and probably will do again. And again. And again...

The day we first met

More from the zoo experience...

Me, Gia and Goga went to the bumper cars. That was a lot of fun. I spent most of the time driving backwards. For some strange reason when we started no one was bumping. What is the point of bumper cars if you don't bump? So I forced myself into others. It was fun till me and Goga teamed up on Gia and bumped him at the same time. That shorted the circuit and our time was cut short. I laughed the whole time as the park attendant yelled at us.

From there we went to a "Sniper" trailer. I was curious about it ever since we walked into the zoo. I walked in and saw an arsenal of weaponry on the wall. I thought to myself "Now this should be interesting." Apparently, you could choose what you wanted to play according to the gun. There were two types of pistols, two rifles, and three machine guns. I chose some futuristic machine gun you only see in movies. It felt like a real gun and I think it was. Only it shot BBs. Nonetheless it was a lot of fun to shoot a gun again. Holding that weapon made me miss the Marine Corps a little. Just enough to want to buy the assault rifle I was using. I still don't know what it is but I am glad I have pictures of it.

From there we roamed around Old Tbilisi (as it is called, not downtown). That was also the same day as the bathhouse adventure I had which is a story all in itself.

15 May 2011

But I won't forget

So, I bought my ticket to Batumi and now waiting for the train. I am nervous and scared at the same time. But I know that I will have fun. There is a beach there so I will soak up the sun. The Black Sea!! Yeah!

13 May 2011

Without even knowing how to be

So, the zoo yesterday. That was an interesting adventure in itself. When I walked in I didn’t think it was a zoo. The first animal that I saw was a Cheetah. I was amazed and in awe at the same time. Usually zoos have some cute, cuddly animal as a statue or first, but I am in Eastern Europe. I did notice the pony near the entrance which should have tipped me off but I thought it was for the kids. You know, a pony ride for the kids. Simple yet practical. (More on that later…)
This zoo had many animals. It was small and quaint. There many things to do in this zoo like a topsy-turvy house, bumper cars, a Ferris Wheel and kiddie rides. That is the reason why I didn’t think it was a zoo. Those things were in the front. And now that I think about it, that is a good way to get the kids inside to see the animals.
From the cheetahs, we walked towards the kiddie rides. You had to pass by them to get to the animals. There were a few animals here and there but the best ones were passed that. I loved seeing the wolves. They were in the cage near the cheetahs. As you walk down to see their cage you pass by the zoo employee access to their cage which is double gated. They watched me walk by. They stared at me while I took their picture. They didn’t move until I left their sight. So, as I approached their full cage they walked into view. One wolf, probably the Alpha male, walked and stood on a rock perch the zoo made for them. He stood there over looking everything. He then looked at me to take a picture. Unfortunately, Goga had the camera and it was not a good take. I took the camera from him and the Alpha male unperched himself and walked around. There was so much fence in the way there was no way to get a good shot of them. My favorite animal and I couldn’t get a good picture. I am very mad about that.

And way to be

Well the internet has been shotty all day. And to top it off Blogger is down. Thank God, I know how to use Microsoft Word. Word. But that is not the thing that bothers me. Today is the Friday 13th. Which in itself is strange and unlucky. Or lucky for some.  Now the question is do I publish all of these posts as one or separately? They are unrelated in content but related to each other because I cannot post them as usual.

Finding a place to be

Everyone’s name is George around here. Everywhere I go. I hear Gio, Gia, Goga, Giorgi, etc… It is like everyone loves Georgia so much that the first name they can think of is George.  I think it’s kinda funny. It is like the name James in the US. So many different variants, but one root. I find it cute, in a way.

12 May 2011

Of nothingness and cosmos so bleak

So, I was asked if I was an English teacher here in Tbilisi. The kid was maybe fourteen at best. He said in such a way that led me to think English is taught poorly in Georgia. Then thought bred another thought. I could teach English in Georgia. I am kinda good at since I speak with good grammar. Hell, I can't even type the same word in a paragraph unless I cannot find a replacement. I might have to research this field... Live in Georgia as a teacher. Go anywhere I want within Europe til I want to come home. Hmm...

11 May 2011

Roaming around lost in the sea

To anyone who reads this blog: Sign in, leave a comment, or better yet drop me a line at kulai123@yahoo.com in the subject write: (Read your blog). I really want to know who you are and what you like about my blog. You keep coming back to read. Give me input. It only makes it better...

Oh and the ... on the reactions is a very important reaction to me. It means you really have nothing to say but want more so that you can say something. If that makes sense... I use it a lot when I write as a pause for effect or "you know what I am about to say".

So, to reiterate: any feedback is good feedback. I love to creep but I am a little open about my creeping. If you read or view anything I post, let me know.

Just to wonder how this life came to be

I am patiently waiting for my friend Giorgi to come back. He is still in the Army which makes hanging out with him far and few between. I am anxious to ask if he wants to go to Batumi. We will get the chance to go the beach and chill out since it has been warming up lately.

Plus I want to go to see someone. But I am not making any guarantees about this person. I just now that he is cute and wants to meet me as much as I want to meet him...

10 May 2011

Into the maw of a glare

Hello again! Well, yesterday led me on a small adventure. I climbed up the side of the mountain overlooking my friends house. Much shorter trip than the monastery, but interesting nonetheless. I also found out that I am not afraid of heights like I thought. I am afraid of falling off of tall objects. And there were some sheer rock faces that my poor Converses could not cling to. I was uprooting trees and bushes to have a handhold. And the whole time going I was being told to not be scared and to stand all the way up. I was on the set of Alfred Hitchcock's Vertigo, because that is what I was feeling.

The higher I climbed the more my brain would analyze ways down without slipping on a rock and avalanching my way to the street below. Did I forget there was a highway below this perch of rock I scaled? Yes, there was a highway intersection right below me. So if I slipped to my doom, I would most likely be the cause of a multi-car pile up.

Scariest thing ever! And I went skydiving...

08 May 2011

I stop and I stare

There are a lot of Georgians who can speak English. I think I am just as surprised at this as they are surprised that I know a little bit of Kartuli Ena. Needless to say, it helps that I have someone who can help me speak the language. Some of my dreams have been in Georgian, which means I am starting to understand it. I can certainly think with the same word structure (which is why I haven't written a post in a while). I would type on Facebook a comment to a friend and have to re-write it because I am speaking Georgian but writing in English. Very confusing to to be in the middle of.

One of the reasons I bring this up is because I was invited to go to a city called Batumi nestled neatly near the border of Turkey floating on the edge of the Black Sea. That just so happens to be a place I want to go. I think it would be cool to float around in the Black Sea. Lay around on the beach in my swimsuit. Surrounded by people saying "Who's that guy?"

Only to find it nowhere

Ever since I left the monastery, my dreams have been wild and vivid. It has been a long time since I had dreams like that. The last time I can remember having a dream that powerful was before the Marine Corps. I miss my vivid dreams. Some have been precognitive. Is it because I drank the water at the monastery and lit a prayer candle that these dreams come back to me? Is it the realization that I have nothing else to worry about and sleep peacefully? Are my wild, vivid dreams returning to me because I am back on track with my journeys? I guess that is just a mystery to be solved...

I am searching for air

I walked 18 kilometers to a monastery on top of a mountain. It was a far walk but the end result was glorious. The view of the countryside warmed my heart. The view of Tbilisi excited me. This is truly a beautiful country and I am fortunate to see it.

The monks were friendly and offered to let me photograph the inside of the monastery but I declined. I felt that is something one must see with their own eyes. They gave us water because of our long trip. The water was cool and crisp. It tasted like none I have ever had. Lewan, Lasha, and Dato lit prayer candles and said a prayer. I walked around looking at the paintings on the walls. I was truly amazed that this monastery has been atop this mountain for so long. Built in the 1600s and it is still operated.

After viewing the monastery, Lewan, Dato, Lasha, and I built a fire and cooked skewered chicken. It was by far the most interesting way to barbecue chicken. Lewan built the fire, then let it burn down to smoldering coals. Once the coals were the right height, he placed the chicken just high enough from the coals to cook. Definitely a trick I will bring back to the states with me.

07 May 2011

...

On a good note...

Everyone I have met loves me! Or that is what I think. I have arm wrestled everyone. I lost some and won some. There was even an "Over the Top" reference thrown in there. *laughs* I might have to start a league...

I remember the box drill and post up for a dunk

I am taking a break from drinking. *laughs* Six days of booze can wear me thin. And it caused me to do the one thing I am good at... Disappear. I met a former Georgian Army sniper. I went to his house to eat. I met his family and we talked about America and Georgia. Giorgi didn't know where I was. I scared him. I didn't mean to do such. I thought the guy was a friend. Oops! I could have been bound, gagged and raped.

06 May 2011

Full of jazz and funk

Back tracking a bit... On the Turkish Airlines, I witnessed the awesomeness of technology. The first class was filled with one person seats that could recline into beds. Beds!! They had their own TV and everything. My first thought was why didn't I get first class? But as I got to the regular seats I noticed that there were video screens on the back of every seat.

I didn't think such a thing was possible. TV at my disposal. I thumbed through the menu screen to venture further. I could watch whatever I wanted. TV shows (Friends, How I met your Mother, King of Queens, etc...), Movies, Games, Internet and Music were displayed for me to choose from. Many things to ease the time of traveling to other countries. I enjoyed it.

I watched the newest Harry Potter so that I could be caught up in the series.

Then something happened that I was not prepared for. Free drinks. Yeah, I said it. Free. Drinks. I didn't have to pay for the scotch I drank. Amazing? Yes, I would think so.

Til I am dizzy and drunk

I have two hangovers fighting each other right now. They are in a heated battle. Last night was a lot of fun. I partied out on the town with Giorgi and his friends. They are my friends now. We ate and drank expensively. We turned a fight into a dance party.

Words do not describe the joy I felt. I flirted with a very beautiful girl. I don't remember her name but I do know that some man wanted something from me because I flirted with her. That is another mystery for me to solve.

Me, Lasha, Goga, Gia, Levan, and David drank til we couldn't speak our native languages. They were speaking English and I was speaking Georgian. It was strange. I think that is how I was able to flirt with that girl. Man, I wish I knew her name. All I know is that is was very pretty. Eh...

05 May 2011

I collect myself then turn about

So, as you know, most airlines abuse luggage. Mine, however, did not make it. Thankfully, I didn't lose anything of value like two weeks worth of clothes. I am sad to see my bag destroyed but I am proud to know that it has lasted this long. This piece of luggage is part of a set of three and I ruined it. Those three have been in my life for the longest time. Longer than I could speak for that matter. But it is time I find a new piece of luggage to haul my clothes back home, when the time comes...

I fight with the current and turn about

With my Turkish Airlines story, you are probably wondering why the Popeye's references? Well I asked one of the many info desk personnel where the smoke pit was their response: Go to Popeye's and you will see a sign.

A sign? Like I walk up to the counter of Popeye's order a bucket of chicken and a magical door opens letting me outside to smoke a cigarette? Really? Come to find out.. There was a sign. It read: Smoker's Terrace (arrow up). But looming in the distance was the Turkish Popeye's mocking me. And it doesn't end there...

After I found out that I had to wait a total of three hours to see if I won the Gate Lottery, I was hungry. But when am I not? So I asked yet again one of the "Desk Trolls" (not because they were ugly, but because I had to solve a riddle, life lesson and next week's bonus word on Wheel of Fortune).

"Where is there something that is good and unique to eat?" Wrong question to ask...

"There is a Popeye's down that way." Great, I thought to myself, that has to be unique because Popeye's populate more street corners than hookers and Starbucks, combined. And so from that moment on Popeye's became my frame of reference. If I get lost, perpetuate the stereotype ask around.

"'Scuse me, I am an American from the South and I am having difficulty finding food... Oh Popeye's? I love Popeye's"

04 May 2011

I am tossed, tumbled and toiled about

(cont.)
...And once I did, it led me to terminal 211 (just around the corner from the Popeye's). I casually sat down near the most English-speaking group I could find. My phone was off and if I needed the time, I needed to ask fast without drawing pictures in the sand.

For all my luck, I sat next to a Junior Soccer Team from Australia. I sat listening to some of their stories, even got to smile at a "That's what she said". But in the back of my mind I knew I was going to be running to my terminal. Apparently, that is how the Turkish Airlines is set up. The intercom is flooded with flight transfers, reconnects, and gate changes. The only thing stable were people running to their gate to make it in time.

I turned to one of the coaches and said "Excuse me, do you know what the local time is?"

He looked at his watch and said "It is 12:45, mate"

I thanked him and looked at Gate 211. The flight info was not being displayed. I started to worry. So, I stood up and walked to the departure board. I read it quickly because I was to be boarding my plane in 5 minutes and didn't want to run ALL the way to Gate 257.

The Turkish Airline is in the shape of an "L". I was in the corner of said "L". Gate 257 was on the long end, 201 on the short end.

As I read the times of departing flights, I could feel my heart shift into 4th gear. (I hate when it gets to that gear.) In my mind, I read off the flights and gates.

"Tbilisi, Tbilisi, 1345, 1345, Gate 201, FUCK!" I think I screamed that so loud in my mind that it echoed out of my ears.

And so, like Zebra Cakes at an Over-eaters convention, I was gone. Sprinting like I have never sprinted before. "215, 213, 209, 208..." I was getting scared. "206, 205, 204, 212, WHAT?!?, 203..."
A glimmer of hope rose in my stomach (or it was gas, I couldn't tell which), Gate 102 shone bright in the distance and the sign said "Now Boarding". All anyone saw was a blur of shadow zip past them. I don't know where the extra boost of speed came from (probably the gas) but I used it.

Either way, I made it in time; out of breath and wishing I had stretched before hand. An older Georgian looked at me as I dropped out of warp speed and said "You did good to run, but I would not let them leave my wife." I chuckled or cackled or whatever you do when you laugh and try to breath at the same time.

From there I knew I was on my way. Only thing is... I have to go back through the Turkish Airport again... FML...

of undaunted joy and immeasurable glee

So to kind of back track a bit...
Istanbul, Turkey:    So I land there and immediately got some strange looks. Not like the looks I got at The Wheel in Nashville but similar. I just laughed to myself and roamed around trying to find a bathroom and a smoke pit. But before I found them, I needed to know where I was to catch my flight. That was a pain in the ass so to speak. I asked anyone who was standing behind a desk.
One such conversation went like this:
   "Hello. I need to know where to catch my flight."
   Looking at my ticket the lady says "You have to wait til 12 to find out."
   I look at my ticket and see that I will be boarding at 12. I think to myself "Fuck!"
   "Well is there anyway you can tell me where I will have to be?"
   "No. Wait til 12"

I had to wait three hours before I could see Tbilisi on the Departure board....

                                                                                                                     to be continued...

02 May 2011

I am cast into a sea

So I have finally have the chance to update this since my disconnect with the Americas. I have already having a ton of fun so far. This is a beautiful city. I will be more prompt on these so I love and miss you but I have to go have some fun.

Also as a side note, I am a few hours ahead of the States. For example, it was 9pm here but had just turned 1am on the East Coast. I am so bad with math so I might be off when I give you a call (if I do).