Georgia (Sakartvelo)

Georgia is a land is distinguished by a unique topography - being one of the most geographically diverse countries in all of the world. Mountains, fields, lakes - and bordering on the Caspian Sea - the country is home to 500 different categories of vineyard, art, music and Galaktion Tabidze. Georgians are well known for their appreciation of art. The place reminds me of California. Except that the land has been continuously inhabited since the stone age. And there is no Hollywood.

The Georgian language, the most pervasive of the South Caucasian languages, is neither Indo-European, Turkic nor Semitic. The present day nation results from the fusion of those who lived there before with immigrants who likely came from Anatolia. For some reason Georgia also reminds me of Rumania. Not sure why. Then again, this picture reminds me of Jude from Across the Universe.

From Wikipedia:

Georgian cuisine and wine have evolved through the centuries, adapting traditions in each era. One of the most unusual traditions of dining is Supra, or Georgian table, which is also a way of socialising with friends and family. The head of Supra is known as Tamada. He also conducts the highly philosophical toasts, and makes sure that everyone is enjoying themselves. Various historical regions of Georgia are known for their particular dishes: for example, Khinkali (meat dumplings), from eastern mountainous Georgia, and Khachapuri, mainly from Imereti, Samegrelo and Adjara. In addition to traditional Georgian dishes, the foods of other countries have been brought to Georgia by immigrants from Russia, Greece, and recently China.

Not being ojective - by merit of my having been at one time a wrestler (2nd place, Antilles School System) - I assert that Georgia orginated the sport of Wrestling. Not the lame - Hollywood laced wrestling you see on TV but the kind of wrestling that is like a 3 D chess match with someone else intent on kicking your ass. The fun kind . Khevsureti.

My cat is eating an Alien keychain....no wait. She stopped and now she's licking her lips. Nope. There she goes again. I'd better feed her. They have ways of letting you know. Eating aliens, is a first - but I think the message she's trying to send, is pretty clear.

But I just wanted to make a note of this place. There are some who have left there -that will never return. And some who have never been, that would go and never leave. Since I am trying to become a foodie - I will settle on dinner. But under one condition.

I get to be the Tamada. Which is, to my mind, a very cool tradition as long as you don't fuck it up. It appeals to my sense of humor. Then again I am known, at times, to have black comedy sensibilities. I guess Tamada is a semi-elected position. I would let them decide whether Dark Lord Kromdor makes it to the table. Hey, either way its free food. This was the centerpiece of a successful student senate campaign. That, and the likely fact that I was the only one voting and I happened to vote for myself.

P.S. If anyone wants on of my cat's kittens, I have six that just opened their eyes. They are said to be cute. I have had this confirmed now by semi-trustworthy outside source. They also have worms, but I'm going to give them a pill for that. Free to good home. Should that be a slogan for us single dads ? Free to good home?