" Hi, My name is John Patterson. I have been living in Baku, Azerbaijan for two years now, I presume that the Georgia board is Georgia as in the CIS and not the States! Anyone else from these parts? John Patterson "

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" Hi, John, I logged into to this bulletin board to try to find out what it is like to live in Georgia. Guess, there aren''t many Americans there. So, what''s it like to live in Baku? "

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" Georgia is an exceptionally difficult place to live in as an expat. The main negative factors are anti-foreigner crime, power-cuts, lack of media and stinging corruption. Power cuts are frequent, lasting and unannounced. Foreigners are not just robbed. Those unfortunate enough to be targeted are watched, followed and then savagely beaten. A small number have been kidnapped for ransom. Because of this, foreigners live at home and commute to and from work, leading to zero social life. Which has its compensations - restaurants are generally awful, with the exception of the Sheraton Hotel. There is no source of up to date news about Georgia itself, as the english language newspapers are full of outdated irrelevant press releases issued by NGOs and Govt Depts. The most depressing feature of expat life in Georgia is the constant drone of generators at 7pm on a pitch dark freezing winters evening. Its a lot worse for Georgians themselves, most of whom cannot afford generators or heat in winter. Corruption is endemic, and this presents professional difficulties, as solutions that might benefit citizens are often blocked my something as tiny as the mind of the corrupt official who places an obstacle in the way of reform. Though frustrating, the International community cannot give up, as they represent the only hope for Georgia. People have little confidence in their Government and Institutions, and reform is taking far too long to impact the lives of the majority. Future expats must be prepared to give up personal freedom, accept personal risk and be mentally prepared for extreme professional frustration. "

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" Wow! Sounds awful. I''m moving to Tbilisi to teach English in September. Do you have any advice as to what I should bring, what shots I should get...? Do you know an American woman that I could email and talk to about things? I would appreciate any advice you could offer. Thanks "

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Hi there.. Just thought I would say hello. I am from London and now live in Georgia ( Atlanta) would love to write and share info.

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" Hi Steph: would you believe that the only expat woman I know here has just left Georgia (end of contract) and she has the same name as you? I do not know her email address, which is a pity, as she would be an ideal person to correspond with. Since I posted the original rant, I must say that the situation has improved re: security situation and power. A high profile kidnap case has been solved (safely) and I have heard about no incidents re: foreigners in some time. The power situation is better because its summer, or the end of summer at this stage, and Govt has assured that the power cuts in winter will not be as severe as last winter. Security concerns have eased somewhat, but this could be due to people taking more care. At present (Sept 8th) weather is very pleasant, early 20s c. If you will be based in Tbilisi only, I understand shots not needed, but please do not take my word on this, as I am not a doctor. Bring food additives (mixes), your favourite sauce mixes etc and prepare for Dec (very cold) clothes-wise. Postal system not fully developed, so you will rely on DHL, UPS etc for essential postal deliveries. Shops adequately stocked, but lack familiar USA/Euro brands, most is Russian. Sorry cannot be more helpful. Finally, Georgian people very receptive, friendly and you will enjoy working as a teacher. Didnt mean to scare people off, rather, to encourage them to find out more before coming, and make sure not to expect all the usual western comforts. Good luck! "

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" Hi, Steph and Liam, I started this thread some months ago and am only now getting back to it. Since I sent the first message, I''ve actually moved to Tbilisi. I agree with what Liam says. It is difficult here. When I go out, I am mostly with Georgians, so I don''t feel too insecure. The stores, in my opinion, are poorly stocked, and the variety of fresh or frozen vegetables is minimal; sort of like an American supermarket of the 1950s. Bring all the clothes you will need or want until you get home again. Clothing here is expensive and of appalling bad quality. It''s also not very attractive. Bring favorite kitchen gadgets, etc., because they are not easily available and often of poor quality. You may have a problem with your bed. Beds here are short. I am 5'' 2"" tall, and if I stretch out in them, I crash my toes into the foot of the bed and hands into the headboard. I spent two weeks looking for an acceptable mattress and ended up buying two used mattress from the Sheraton. Unfortunately, these have all been sold. Also bring sheets and blankets. The sheets here require ironing and the blankets are not good quality. The power failures and the water failures are trying, and I''ve not even had to go through a winter here. A generator is important but expensive. The water is not safe as there is cross contamination between the water and the sewer pipes (Soviet era and now deteriorating). If you don''t have a high quality water filter, use bottled water is readily available and inexpensive. Bring some kind of anitbacterial soap for washing your vegetables; although Georgian produce is as close to organic as you can get. They cannot afford fertilizers or pesticides; it''s the water that may cause the problem. TV is available. LAZI at 6 The Right Embankment of Mtkvari sells a satellite service that brings in BBC World and CNN International. It also carries the Hallmark channel (with lots of sugary movies) and the European Discovery channels. If you are eligible for AFRTS TV Service, it will get you American programming. Bring lots of good books. After you''ve read them take them Prospero''s English Bookstore at 34 Rustaveli Street and trade them in. They will give 25% of the cover price and carry a balance until you get enough to buy something in the store that you want. It is also a good place to get a cup of coffee and Georgian dictionaries. That''s all I can think of right now. Hope this helps. "

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" Back again: it is now decidedly dodgy here in Tbilisi. WInter started with a warning from the US Embassy re: credible information of a threat to kidnap or harm US and possibly other foreigners (I am Irish) in the event of military action in Afghanistan. Winter has just kicked in, and the first power cuts happened on Sunday. The populace is more morose than usual, fearing what will happen if Russia chases Chechens within Georgia''s border. I am looking forward to leaving this place in a couple of months, and I will only miss the Georgians and US friends I made through working here. I will not miss what Bonnie has already described so well! Good luck Bonnie - clever to think of buying a bed from Metechi - I have a sore back all bloody year!!!! "

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hello john, my name is walter britton, i live in shawnee okla. i spent 3 months in georgia last year. really liked the people. i was in the kahati regon, near the village of gougiani? (i'm sure this is not correct spelling) take care of yourself, wb

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