Aug, 2023
So, here i was. Sitting at my gate at the airport, questioning my life choices. What was I thinking booking this flight? I don‘t know a single thing about this country. Is it even safe? Should I believe mainstream media? Would it be better if I didn't go?
To any seasoned traveler this must seem ridiculous. It even seems ridiculous to me now, after the trip. But the doubts are real, as is the fear, and being a solo woman doesn‘t necessarily make one feel more safe.
As soon as I set foot on Georgian soil, my doubts were instantly washed away. The guy at the airport where I bought my SIM card was insanely friendly and proudly presented me the 5 German words he knew. His smile seemed sincere. Right outside the airport were stray dogs that didn‘t bother that there was a bunch of people around, they were simply enjoying their nap in the sunshine. The taxi drivers actually accepted me saying no, and just curiously asked me about the price iIpayed for my bolt, then smiled and said they hoped i had a nice trip.
And when my bolt arrived a few minutes later, a friendly young man jumped out to help me with my bags. He didn‘t speak much English, but he was determined to have a conversation.
We stopped at a gas station. I was nervously looking out the window, we were in the middle of nowhere. I didn't know what was happening. All around me were half-broken down houses. Cows on the road. Potholes so big I wasn‘t sure we would make it through safely. Instantly, all my doubts came back. What was I doing in this country I have never heard anyone I know speaking about?
Finally, my driver returned. With a smile, he handed me a bottle of cold water, a coffee and a snickers bar. „This is for you“, he said. I didn‘t know what to say, so I choked out a simple „thank you“ and tried my best to smile back.
Obviously, we safely made it to Batumi, and after I checked into my hostel, I decided to go for a small walk around the block. Standing on the shore of the black sea, breathing in the warm ocean breeze, I knew I was safe here. And I knew that I was going to absolutely love every second of this trip.
