CHAPTER 2 : CELEBRATIONS AND NEW ENCOUNTERS

This month, unlike the previous one, I traveled less.
I chose to slow down, to focus on new encounters.
I took a pause.

MANGLISI CAMP

In mid-December, we spent a few days at Manglisi Camp organizing activities for teenagers.
It was very intense, both physically and mentally, but also very enriching.

DECEMBER 25 : THE DOG THE LINES AND THE PERSPECTIVES

For me, it was a day like any other.
It was cold. I took my camera and went out for several hours to get some fresh air.
I like to linger on the architecture I come across.
To observe the details.
How many windows are there? How many angles? Who built it? What makes this building special?
For example, I came across a building that looked like a crystal with angular facets, or even like a spaceship. It reminded me of some models I had made during my studies.
As I walked, I asked passersby: “What is that building?”

It turned out to be a sports complex dedicated to rowing.

I was a little disappointed. I had imagined it was a secret building. I couldn’t find any information about its architecture or its architect. From an analytical point of view, I would describe it as contemporary deconstructivist or neo-futurist architecture. It reminded me of Zaha Hadid, an architect and urban planner, and a major figure of deconstructivism.

I continued walking around the park and came across an open-air amphitheater. Night was falling. There was no one there.

I imagined that in summer, this place must feel completely different, full of life and movement.

I noticed a dog hiding between the rows of seats and tried to photograph it.

My lens autofocus suddenly stopped working. I struggled to focus manually with my frozen fingers.

Then I started taking a whole series of photos, because I found the perspective really interesting.

NEW YEAR’S EVE

Back to social life.

I was invited to a New Year’s Eve party in Tbilisi by an Australian expat. There, I met people from all over the world: Australians, Americans, South Africans, Japanese, Afghans, Germans, English, and Georgians.

A Georgian man I had just met there, invited me to visit his family. It was unexpected, but I said yes.
(In my own country, that would probably have felt strange and I would never have accepted).

At midnight, I found myself surrounded by food with his family. Traditional food: satsivi, khachapuri, and most importantly, gozinaki (made of honey and walnuts, symbolizing sweetness and prosperity for the coming year). It’s quite heavy, but I really like it.

There is an important New Year tradition here: until midnight, no one is supposed to eat.

I didn’t know it at the time, but inviting a stranger into your home is believed to bring luck. If that’s true, I’m happy to have contributed !
I learned that this tradition is called Mekvle. Mekvle means “the one who leaves footprints”: the first guest to enter your house after the New Year begins.

I hope it brings me luck too !
It was a strange and beautiful night.

EXPLORING TBILISI

During my days off, I returned to Tbilisi several times. I really like this city, there is so much to see.
I made new friends there.

I visited the Georgian Museum of Fine Arts, which I really enjoyed. I discovered Georgian art through many different styles: Modernism, Georgian avant-garde, naïve art, lyricism, expressionism, and contemporary art.
As a surrealism lover, I was especially touched by the works of Tato Akhalkatsishvili, who explores memory, existential themes, and psychological states through enigmatic landscapes.

Being a pedestrian in Tbilisi is not that easy. Everywhere I went, desperately searching for pedestrian crossings to cross the big roads, it took me a long time to realize there were underground passages.
(I thought they were metro entrances.)

If you ever go to Tbilisi, don’t hesitate to visit Fabrika.
It’s an iconic place: a creative, multifunctional urban space. There are often concerts there.
Sometimes I go to the open space to work on my personal projects, accompanied by a friend who is writing her thesis.

Here is a picture of the traditional Christmas tree. (from distance it's looks like a wig haha).

Yesterday, we went back to work. Sadly, I returned sick, weak, and about 3% energy, but still emotionally motivated.
I’m really happy to be back with the other volunteers.
And I can’t wait to keep exploring Georgia on weekends, chasing traditions, mountains, and strange buildings !

Next chapter loading… More chaos coming soon !

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