Summer in Poti

This last week I helped with a clean up of a city park near the National Park office building. It was fun to work with the kids and other community members as we cleaned up the park and after someone played the guitar and others sang. What is really nice for me about this clean up is that this park is where I go for my daily walk at lunch time. It park stayed clean all week and I enjoyed sitting by the lake and watching the frogs. 

Another exciting thing happening is the European Youth Olympic Festival happening in Tbilisi. I am not going to make it into Tbilisi to watch any of it live, but I've enjoyed watching it on TV a little. Those of you who have ever talked to me for more then 15 minutes know I love the Olympics a lot. So I'm really excited that these games are being held in Georgia. As of right now Georgia has 5 medals. Italy is winning with 11. Yes I do look at it as winning, That's the American in me.   

I went to an outdoor concert this week at the city center. It was really cool. They had clowns passing out candy, 20 foot tall women singing, a marching band dressed in all silver, and a firework show. The band that played was really good. My host family and co-workers were really excited that they were coming to Poti. I had never heard of them before, but it turns out they are very popular here. In wasn't like outdoor concerts in the states where everyone tries to get to the front by pushing, everyone just watched and enjoyed their own space. This made it possible for me to make it to the front for a little bit. After the show I made one of my co-workers come up with me to get a photo with the lead singer. At one point I pushed her in his way so she could meet him. It was really very magical. 

It was one of my host sister's birthday this week and we had a party at the pizza place here in town. I liked the pizza. They do a thin crust here and less cheese then we do at home, but it was still good. It was a great night and everyone had a lot of fun. The restaurant over looks the port and you can watch the cranes working as you eat. I really like living so close to the Sea.