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FOREIGNERS IN GEORGIA

We expatriates spend a lot of time and energy discussing the thoughts we have about the cultures into which we have thrust ourselves. The following is, however, a brief look at what one of those cultures (in this case, the Georgians) thinks of us!

Every day the English language daily in Tbilisi, The Messenger, asks the, “man on the street,” a question. These questions run the gamut: food, politics, culture, society, and on Tuesday, June 24, 2003? Foreigners…

The Messenger, from Tuesday, June 24, 2003… The Q&A section asked: “What do you think about foreigners in Georgia?”

Responses included:

“They are stupid, why would anyone want to LIVE in Georgia?” (Badri Sadaghashvili, driver, 59)

“I have nothing against them. They come here and open offices and put Georgians to work. I know that Georgians working with foreigners are paid well, because they know the real price of knowledge and work. Foreigners are honest and ready to assist people if they need it.” (Nona Chamishvili, unemployed, 47)

“To my mind they are very clever because they know where they can earn a lot of money. Why do you think they come to Georgia and stay here? Because they are paid well and can steal as much money as they desire. Here they can do anything they are prohibited from doing in their own country. They are corrupt like Georgian politicians.” (Sopo Liluashvili, teacher, 57)

“I just wonder why they are coming to Georgia. I think some Americans coming here are secret agents.” (Ilona Golobiani, painter, 27)

“Foreigners come here to see our sights and get acquainted with Georgian ancient customs and traditions because they appreciate our historical treasures. They appreciate our traditions and our culture more than we Georgians.” (Giorgi Gulitashvili, architecture, 38)

“I think some of them are really open and without complexes. For example, Americans I’ve met don’t care about the clothes they wear.” (Paata Kipshidze, economist, 31)

“I don’t have a simple answer to this question because I do not view them as a single group.” (Lela Tevadze, student, 21)

AND MY PERSONAL FAVORITE:

“They are completely stupid. You can tell just by looking at them.” (Koka Khidasheli, student, 21)

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