Woops

Unfortunately I was not able to write yesterday. The day before I knew I wouldn't have access to a computer so I scheduled a post the day before (assuming my plane would make it). Yesterday I would have posted but Ana's computer had a fun little virus that turned all her icons into Windows Media Player links. Needless to say I didn't want to do anything on such a possessed computer. So I'll start somewhat from the beginning when I left Batumi.

The night before I was supposed to leave it was thunderstorming hard in Batumi. I seriously doubted whether my plane would take off the next day. My host sister and I woke up around 3:30am and had to shut all the windows--but some of the windows don't close all the way and I got a little damp. When I woke up the rain was coming down slower and I didn't hear anymore thunder. So I finish my packing and take the bus to the airport.

I didn't have to wait long before registration started and I was second in line and checked one of my bigger pieces of luggage. Then I head into passport control and walk out easily to "security". I get myself wanded and the "wander" ended up grabbing me in an inappropiate place... awkward. I'd prefer that machine that looks like a Star Trek transporter than that. After I finally got the the waiting area I started reading my book. That's when the "wander" came with another employee and asked if I had a bag checked wrapped in plastic. I said I had a bag, but it wasn't wrapped. I was asked to go along with the "wander" to a back room. Now at this point I'm a little uncomfortable but he takes me to the back area where the baggage is scanned. I doubt people are supposed to be in these areas, but here I am wandering around them because I have a mysterious bag. We get to this plastic bag that's wrapped in tape, and they ask if it's mine. I say it isn't and they ask to see my baggage ticket. Then they realize their stupidity and let me leave. Only to take the next man away that has a last name like Lian. Oopps.

The plane itself looked like a tin can, and I was a little worried getting on it. Especially with the high winds and rain in Batumi. It's strange--I've never been afraid of flying before, but in the past few years I've felt more and more afraid of it. This flight solidified my fear. Our tin-can plane was tossed around like a rag doll through the turbulence. At one point we must hae dropped over a 100 feet because i felt like I was in a roller coaster. We did make it and passport control was easy (being American here ROCKS).

I had to wait around for Ana to arrive because she was coming from work. I talked to some Russian guys and put the pins back on my bag to the amusement of people around me. When Ana came we took the bus and metro to my apartment where I met....... her MOM. Yeah, I was pretty worried, but it all turned out great. We ate a lot and talked about all sorts of things: family, politics, religion, food... everything. Then when it got late they left.

Yesterday I was alone in the apartment until Ana got off of work and she and her mom came. We hung out and ate dinner then dropped her mom at the train station.

Today it was cold and rainy so we've remained indoors and are about to watch a movie, so I better go. I will write more later.