Tbilisi-pastoral days

I was getting saturated with churches , UNESCO heritage sites   after 6 days in Tbilisi and wanted  something different.That was when Teolina suggested  a visit to her  village and we did not have to think twice.So we set out on a 5 hour long trip through  winding roads  with snow clad hills  and valleys to Norio village in Abasaha district ..This village is sparsely populated and  farming is their main occupation.Maize is  the main crop.

We reached  by evening and were warmly welcomed by he parents and grandmother.They have a  2 storey house  and a fairly large plot .Teolina’s mother is Erma and I was surprised to see her watching a Hindi serial dubbed in their language.It seems Hindi serials are quite popular out there.Tina is her 94 yr old grandmother and  she is a  charming  sprightly lady.I did not see her sitting down even for a  moment.It was obvious that Teolina dotes on her parents and granny.She visits them once or twice a month.Erma  is fond of old hindi movies and she sang two lines of that all time popular song ”Mera jhootha hei japani”.It was getting very cold  and Teo’s father  took me to stay near the quaint old bukhari.It was very cosy  and I did not want to leave that spot.

 

 

 

MAMA ERMA & GRANNY TINA

 

 

 

WITH KHACHAPURI

Georgians are known for their hospitality and warmth   and we felt  a part of this wonderful family in no time.

We were treated to a sumptuous dinner  which was  like a  mini Supra ((traditional georgian feast) for me.It had  georgian specialities like Gomi-maize porridge which is to be eaten with cheese,Khachapuri-cheese filled bread and corn fritters.All were home made and delicious.

 

 

 

 

 

I got up by 6 and  saw that Granny Tina was already up and having her tea. .I went down with her and she showed me around.It was like  a scene from my village.There is a sprawling plot  with a cowshed ,chicken  coop and corn fields .She let the hens out ,took hay for the cows, went over to her neighbour to get a bottle of honey for us and  made sure that we had breakfast.She  has stayed in the same village for most of her life and is  content and happy.Teo told me that though she looks frail she has a robust constitution.It must be the genes,active  village life and a healthy diet.She is also deeply religious.

I saw a persimmon tree for the first time and seeing my excitement granny    made me taste some   fresh persimmon  and  they were delicious.She also packed   some to take back home.She also wanted me to carry some pumpkins but that I had to decline.

PERSIMMON

This idyllic village  stay  was a fitting finale   and soon it was time to say goodbye.

Thank you Granny Tina,Mama Erma,Dad, Teolina,George  and Eraqali for  giving us such unforgettable moments.Tbilisi  was a revelation and I can’t wait to  get back for the summer surprises.

MADLOBA FRIENDS