A series of staring wars and other stories

Since many of the things that happen here are pretty random, I often catch myself thinking that I must simply be missing something and that there must be a logical explanation. I still haven't figured it out. Maybe it's simply the cultural differences or maybe its both. Also, I am positive that plenty of times, things get lost in translation.

One of the main things that has taken me a while to adjust to is the staring. People stare at you ALL the time and they surely don't try to hide it. I walk into a room and everybody turns around, looks at me, talk among themselves while looking at me, and then they look at me some more. Initially, this was extremely awkward, maybe a little flattering, but mainly awkward. After a few times, I got really annoyed and wanted to yell out "Stop looking at me".

Many times I find myself in staring battles with random people on marshutkas (Georgian minibuses), in restaurants, or even in my classrooms. The unfortunate thing is that I usually lose the battles because I simply cannot continuously stare at someone for that long.

But eventually, these (almost daily) rituals went from being super awkward and uncomfortable to simply normal. It usually no longer bothers me that people stare or talk about me as I am walking passed them. I am actually trying to embrace that I am a novelty to them. But, of course when I am having a "Yadira" day, in other words I am in a very bad mood, this continues to drive me crazy. In those very bad days that I've had lately, I found myself staring back and saying something along the lines of "what the hell are you looking at?" Now that I am writing this, I feel horrible for being rude but seriously, it's just not what I needed at the moment in time. Besides, this is supposed to be a cultural exchange and in my culture, staring is simply rude!

I've always assumed that it was simply common sense, or a matter of manners, to not stare at people. But Georgia has taught me that I was wrong. It is simply a matter of culture. (Either that or all Georgians lack manners, which is no where close to being the reality.) So this has been a tough thing to deal with in Georgia and on some days, it is easier than others.

Also, I have compiled a brief list of things that are generally wrong in the United States but are perfectly acceptable in Georgia:

1. Drinking is clearly not a big deal and a drinking age is nonexistent. My 10 year old host sister gets her own glass of beer or wine served occasionally. My 16 year old brother does too, of course.

2. While driving, it is okay to pass the car in front of you when there is on-coming traffic. In other words, you will often find three cars next to each other on a two-lane road. (It's pretty freaking scary the first couple of times.) Also, be careful with the cows because they have the right of way.

3. Supras (feasts with lots of food and drinks) are allowed during school hours. Which in default means that wine is allowed on school grounds. Since supras are vital to Georgian traditions, hangovers are a legitimate excuse to miss work (or so I've been told).

4. Personal space....what's that?! Yes, this does not exist here, which is pretty tough for most Americans who walk around with a bubble around them or get upset when someone gets too close. In Georgia, people stand as close to you as possible. They hug you or kiss you as they please. Also, when someone bumps into you here, you should never expect an apology.

5. There is no filter or discretion when saying or asking something. If Georgians want to know (anything), they will simply ask. (emphasis on anything)

There is definitely never a dull moment in Georgia.