Russian Women Discussion

RWD Discussion Groups => Starting Out => Topic started by: Maxx2 on November 07, 2017, 02:42:02 AM

Title: My new life in the Republic of Georgia
Post by: Maxx2 on November 07, 2017, 02:42:02 AM

[size=78%](http://i.cubeupload.com/hIAwA7.jpg)
A retired American expat here. I've been living in Georgia since November 2015. I love it here! Here is some photos of my home and my new city Batumi. Batumi is Georgia's resort city on the Black Sea. It has a sub-tropical climate with palm trees and tropical vegetation. It also has something few if any places got. Snow capped mountains a few miles off the shore! I'll get some photos later.


(http://i.cubeupload.com/9APwqY.jpg)[/size]
Title: My new life in the Republic of Georgia
Post by: Boethius on November 07, 2017, 01:40:07 PM
What’s the cost of living like?  Don’t you worry about healthcare?
Title: My new life in the Republic of Georgia
Post by: jone on November 07, 2017, 05:21:18 PM
Maxx,

That one water slide looks like a ski jump!
Title: My new life in the Republic of Georgia
Post by: ML on November 07, 2017, 05:41:35 PM
I have same question as Boe.

And are there any Minarets in your area giving calls to prayer?
I know Orthodox Christian is majority religion, but still about 10% of population is Muslim.

And there is no sex with the women without a male family member present . . . right ??
Title: My new life in the Republic of Georgia
Post by: msmob on November 07, 2017, 06:22:07 PM


And are there any Minarets in your area giving calls to prayer?
I know Orthodox Christian is majority religion, but still about 10% of population is Muslim.


And ? ........ 

You make that sound like that's 'bad' ....

Maxx doesn't live in the areas with many followers of Islam - but Turkey is close by - if that is what you seek ...  ( Russia is 11-15 percent "Muslim" ...and we don't read such questions about Minarets, there!)

And there is no sex with the women without a male family member present . . . right ??

You mean the husband, right ? ;)
Title: My new life in the Republic of Georgia
Post by: BillyB on November 07, 2017, 09:03:34 PM
I love it here!



Thanks for sharing your love!
Title: My new life in the Republic of Georgia
Post by: Boethius on November 07, 2017, 09:26:55 PM
Maxx doesn't live in the areas with many followers of Islam - but Turkey is close by - if that is what you seek ...  ( Russia is 11-15 percent "Muslim" ...and we don't read such questions about Minarets, there.

The area Maxx lives in does indeed have a large Muslim population. I believe Batumi is about 25% Muslim.
Title: My new life in the Republic of Georgia
Post by: GQBlues on November 07, 2017, 09:41:55 PM
Maxx-

Awesome pictures! I'm back in my room and had to take 5 and post this. I'm impressed as I can see 5 crane towers in the short scape you captured. Things must be going well in Georgia. That's a good sign! Downtown LA have about 25 active crane towers, 18 of which are ours and no indication of slowing down. Great chance we'll expand up NoCal soon too.

I wanted to ask you what those things are on the foreground that looks like encasements or metal cages on the grassy lawns? Looks like some kind of exhibit.

Good to see you seem to find your niche out there. Double up on the mojo, man!

I'll catch up when I get back to town later this week. Have fun!
Title: My new life in the Republic of Georgia
Post by: Maxx2 on November 08, 2017, 01:00:18 AM
(http://i.cubeupload.com/NTAlXV.jpg)
Title: My new life in the Republic of Georgia
Post by: Maxx2 on November 08, 2017, 01:03:13 AM
(http://i.cubeupload.com/AE2dkL.jpg)
Title: My new life in the Republic of Georgia
Post by: Maxx2 on November 08, 2017, 01:08:30 AM
(http://i.cubeupload.com/OaDylY.jpg)
Title: My new life in the Republic of Georgia
Post by: Maxx2 on November 08, 2017, 01:13:26 AM
(http://i.cubeupload.com/YEEUCN.jpg)(http://i.cubeupload.com/YEEUCN.jpg)
Title: My new life in the Republic of Georgia
Post by: Maxx2 on November 08, 2017, 01:52:28 AM





(http://i.cubeupload.com/YBDRdL.jpg)
Title: My new life in the Republic of Georgia
Post by: Maxx2 on November 08, 2017, 02:04:28 AM



I am having problems loading photos




(http://i.cubeupload.com/76syMf.jpg)
Title: My new life in the Republic of Georgia
Post by: msmob on November 08, 2017, 02:05:55 AM
The area Maxx lives in does indeed have a large Muslim population. I believe Batumi is about 25% Muslim.

Indeed !

Thanks for educating me ...

http://www.opendemocracy.net/od-russia/inga-popovaite/georgian-muslims-are-strangers-in-their-own-country (http://www.opendemocracy.net/od-russia/inga-popovaite/georgian-muslims-are-strangers-in-their-own-country)
Title: My new life in the Republic of Georgia
Post by: BC on November 08, 2017, 02:07:38 AM

I wanted to ask you what those things are on the foreground that looks like encasements or metal cages on the grassy lawns? Looks like some kind of exhibit.


Looks like some small animal/bird exhibits.
Title: My new life in the Republic of Georgia
Post by: Maxx2 on November 08, 2017, 02:08:17 AM



http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nCBpVyInO_c
Title: My new life in the Republic of Georgia
Post by: Maxx2 on November 08, 2017, 02:13:40 AM



(http://i.cubeupload.com/9APwqY.jpg)
Title: My new life in the Republic of Georgia
Post by: Maxx2 on November 08, 2017, 02:18:23 AM



(http://i.cubeupload.com/eRnGdG.jpg)
Title: My new life in the Republic of Georgia
Post by: Maxx2 on November 08, 2017, 02:23:58 AM



(http://i.cubeupload.com/wlNTVm.jpg)
Title: My new life in the Republic of Georgia
Post by: Maxx2 on November 08, 2017, 03:22:51 AM
(http://i.cubeupload.com/uWzXHu.jpg)
Title: My new life in the Republic of Georgia
Post by: Maxx2 on November 08, 2017, 03:35:50 AM

My camera a Nikon B500 has a 40 X lense and 80 X digitally. Got to admire his physique for a man in his what... 60's or 70's? Amazing! I took this photo from my balcony about 300-400 meters away
 (http://i.cubeupload.com/KlzDce.jpg)
Title: My new life in the Republic of Georgia
Post by: Maxx2 on November 08, 2017, 03:42:55 AM



(http://i.cubeupload.com/Rhtj9Q.jpg)
Title: My new life in the Republic of Georgia
Post by: Maxx2 on November 08, 2017, 03:46:53 AM



(http://i.cubeupload.com/7OY281.jpg)
Title: My new life in the Republic of Georgia
Post by: Maxx2 on November 08, 2017, 03:50:33 AM
(http://i.cubeupload.com/liDKkJ.jpg)
Title: My new life in the Republic of Georgia
Post by: Maxx2 on November 08, 2017, 03:55:24 AM



(http://i.cubeupload.com/CXTJaq.jpg)
Title: My new life in the Republic of Georgia
Post by: Maxx2 on November 08, 2017, 03:58:49 AM



(http://i.cubeupload.com/yCPMMB.jpg)
Title: My new life in the Republic of Georgia
Post by: Maxx2 on November 08, 2017, 04:01:42 AM



(http://i.cubeupload.com/DwHybh.jpg)
Title: My new life in the Republic of Georgia
Post by: Maxx2 on November 08, 2017, 04:10:03 AM

I thought they were coming to drop a net on me!




(http://i.cubeupload.com/IoCPiG.jpg)
Title: My new life in the Republic of Georgia
Post by: Maxx2 on November 08, 2017, 04:15:37 AM



If the photo looks odd it is because I merged 2 photos together. This is what my apartment looks like while sitting on the sofa.


(http://i.cubeupload.com/igJI0a.jpg)
Title: My new life in the Republic of Georgia
Post by: Maxx2 on November 08, 2017, 04:22:53 AM
Taken off my bedroom balcony


(http://i.cubeupload.com/Vh4zP7.jpg)
Title: My new life in the Republic of Georgia
Post by: BC on November 08, 2017, 04:45:55 AM
I thought they were coming to drop a net on me!

'copter that carries it's own helipad?  An aid for picking out proper sized landing spots?  A new way of fishing? babe catcher?

:)

Nice pad and location Maxx!  Keep enjoying your expat life!
Title: My new life in the Republic of Georgia
Post by: Maxx2 on November 08, 2017, 04:49:19 AM
Thanks BC.  Tomorrow I start teaching English in a private school.
Title: My new life in the Republic of Georgia
Post by: Maxx2 on November 08, 2017, 05:14:57 AM
Maxx-

Awesome pictures! I'm back in my room and had to take 5 and post this. I'm impressed as I can see 5 crane towers in the short scape you captured. Things must be going well in Georgia. That's a good sign! Downtown LA have about 25 active crane towers, 18 of which are ours and no indication of slowing down. Great chance we'll expand up NoCal soon too.

I wanted to ask you what those things are on the foreground that looks like encasements or metal cages on the grassy lawns? Looks like some kind of exhibit.

Good to see you seem to find your niche out there. Double up on the mojo, man!

I'll catch up when I get back to town later this week. Have fun!


You ain't seen nothing yet. I got a ton of photos of beautiful and interesting things. Remember I am 11 hours ahead of you so while you sleep I can post.




http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dVLx93xLW1A
Trump praises the Republic of Georgia and particularly Batumi


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xIe9NnJ2YDE


Quote
I'm back in my room and had to take 5 and post this. I'm impressed as I can see 5 crane towers in the short scape you captured. Things must be going well in Georgia. That's a good sign! Downtown LA have about 25 active crane towers, 18 of which are ours and no indication of slowing down. Great chance we'll expand up NoCal soon too.


If I had to estimate I'd put that number here of about 20. There is new high rise buildings going up all over Batumi. People buy them as investments to rent out. Many go between $20-$30K. These would be the one room ones without a bedroom and not close to the Sea. The one I am staying at has views directly looking at Black Sea and is a three minute walk to it. I'd estimate this one to cost at least $100K. I rent it off season at $400 a month.


(http://i.cubeupload.com/xjgeGN.png)



Title: My new life in the Republic of Georgia
Post by: Maxx2 on November 08, 2017, 05:36:34 AM
Maxx,

That one water slide looks like a ski jump!


I can't figure that out either. If any body went off the end they'd break their necks for sure! It probably lets the person slide down and then back up the other side and so on until eventually they stop and get off. The water park is closed due to it being off season here.
Title: My new life in the Republic of Georgia
Post by: Maxx2 on November 08, 2017, 06:19:34 AM
I have same question as Boe.

And are there any Minarets in your area giving calls to prayer?
I know Orthodox Christian is majority religion, but still about 10% of population is Muslim.

And there is no sex with the women without a male family member present . . . right ??


I never seen or heard of any. The Muslims and Turks are common here. The ones I've met are seem like nice folks. Georgians and the other ethnic groups are for the most part peaceful and easy going. I have read Western women comment on how safe they feel walking the streets at night. I've lived here about a year and a half and have never felt threatened or had my spidey senses go off. I had a Ukrainian woman from Lviv recently stay with me for 3 weeks. She remarked how the broom in my previous apartment hallway hadn't gotten stolen like it surely would have in Ukraine. She also remarked about the lack of car alarms. She felt safe too although she was constantly getting propositioned by Georgian men. A few times right in front of me! (They knew I didn't understand Russian) LOL Georgian men tend to think Slavic and Western women to be loose and easy to lay. Georgian women are supposed to guard their virginity till marriage while the men think it is their duty to become experienced.


Quote
And there is no sex with the women without a male family member present . . . right ??
 


I think you meant to say there is no courting or dating without a family member present. Here is a photo I use on my webpage on that.


(http://i.cubeupload.com/AlLTAJ.png)


The 'Patroni' and family follow close behind the couple in courtship. OK, this is from 'The Godfather Part 1' but it has application for Georgians and their women.


From what I understand from my questions to Georgian men and two Georgian women, there is all sorts of fudging on this rule, especially in the big cities. However it is a good idea to be careful with Georgian women as their men are protective and things are still old school here about family honor. I mean they practice sacrificing male sheep and lambs for special ocassions having the meat blessed by the priest with holy water. Georgia is NOT a good place to go to if you are chasing girls.


My landlady at a previous apartment jokenly proposed marriage to me telling me she didn't need to get permission to marry as she was the oldest in her family. I think she was half serious about the marriage. I understand she recently won the the Green Card lottery and is heading to New York City. I've had 3 Georgia women come on to me for that reason, America, Taya, Marina and Nino.   


The cost of living I'll get into that later.
Title: My new life in the Republic of Georgia
Post by: Madlen on November 08, 2017, 10:24:55 AM
Nice pictures.

Saakashvili made a lot for country. He cleaned out corruption.

To destroy corruption completely in our society is unrealistic, especially in the former USSR, but...

I think, this was the reason for his moving to Odessa.

Georgians speak of him with respect.
Title: My new life in the Republic of Georgia
Post by: ML on November 08, 2017, 10:58:33 AM

Quote

    And there is no sex with the women without a male family member present . . . right ??

- - - - -

I think you meant to say there is no courting or dating without a family member present. Here is a photo I use on my webpage on that.

- - - - -

No, I meant it exactly as I posted.
A male family member of the woman has to be present when you have sex with her . . . usually the brother.
It could be a sister . . . but then that would be kinky.
Title: My new life in the Republic of Georgia
Post by: ML on November 08, 2017, 11:01:00 AM
My camera a Nikon B500 has a 40 X lense and 80 X digitally. Got to admire his physique for a man in his what... 60's or 70's? Amazing! I took this photo from my balcony about 300-400 meters away
 (http://i.cubeupload.com/KlzDce.jpg)

I don't remember giving permission to post my photo.
Title: My new life in the Republic of Georgia
Post by: Maxx2 on November 08, 2017, 11:03:39 AM
LOL you sexy beast!
Title: My new life in the Republic of Georgia
Post by: Maxx2 on November 08, 2017, 11:06:52 AM
Quote

    And there is no sex with the women without a male family member present . . . right ??

- - - - -

I think you meant to say there is no courting or dating without a family member present. Here is a photo I use on my webpage on that.

- - - - -

No, I meant it exactly as I posted.
A male family member of the woman has to be present when you have sex with her . . . usually the brother.
It could be a sister . . . but then that would be kinky.


I never heard of that happening since the Middle Ages with royalty confirming that the marriage has been  consumated and is official.
Title: My new life in the Republic of Georgia
Post by: BillyB on November 08, 2017, 09:44:05 PM
. Got to admire his physique for a man in his what... 60's or 70's? Amazing! I took this photo from my balcony about 300-400 meters away
 (http://i.cubeupload.com/KlzDce.jpg)


Eventually the men here are going to want to see what Georgian women look like.
Title: My new life in the Republic of Georgia
Post by: Maxx2 on November 09, 2017, 12:49:33 AM



I'll see if I can round up a few. My camera with the long range lens is new so I haven't had much chance to use it. But I decided I am not going to become like the late Jack even if I can operate undetected. When I photographed the couple on the beach two hundred yards away I felt creepy.
Title: My new life in the Republic of Georgia
Post by: Maxx2 on November 09, 2017, 01:05:21 AM









Here is the best I can do. I caught hell on another forum that I didn't turn my thread into babe watch thread.


(http://i.cubeupload.com/ANxNTc.jpg)

Title: My new life in the Republic of Georgia
Post by: Maxx2 on November 09, 2017, 01:07:13 AM
(http://i.cubeupload.com/vjWfbC.png)
Title: My new life in the Republic of Georgia
Post by: Maxx2 on November 09, 2017, 01:08:27 AM
(http://i.cubeupload.com/bzgSTW.jpg)
Title: My new life in the Republic of Georgia
Post by: Maxx2 on November 09, 2017, 01:09:58 AM
(http://i.cubeupload.com/5Fersb.jpg)
Title: My new life in the Republic of Georgia
Post by: msmob on November 09, 2017, 01:22:20 AM

Georgians speak of him with respect.

They do?

Why is there a warrant out for his arrest ? ;)
Title: My new life in the Republic of Georgia
Post by: Madlen on November 09, 2017, 03:35:36 AM
Why is there a warrant out for his arrest ? ;)

Fighting corruption.

I wrote about it. And in Odessa (Ukrain) he made the same activity. He destroyed many factions.
Corruption is octopus, it's dangerous to fight against it, but he fought.

Arrest warrants are written not by ordinary people.

Title: My new life in the Republic of Georgia
Post by: Maxx2 on November 09, 2017, 03:44:03 AM
They do?

Why is there a warrant out for his arrest ? ;)


I have been asking Georgians and one Russian woman that lives here about what they think of Saakashvili. I know only one Georgian that is 100% behind him. The Russian woman I just spoke to an hour ago that lives here told me most Georgians had a family member who was locked up when Saakashvili took power. The taxi driver I hired to help me with my move said in his estimation only about 20% of Georgians like him. I give him a lot of credit in squashing the corruption in government and police department. When Saakashvili because president he fired all the police and started hiring new recruits. He put into progress a huge building program and did wonders for this country. But he was very much into cronyism for HIS people. 
Title: My new life in the Republic of Georgia
Post by: Madlen on November 09, 2017, 03:52:28 AM
(http://i.cubeupload.com/vjWfbC.png)

Picture of dictator as a dirty spot on the pages of the new Georgia.
It's funny, that there are garbage cans nearby...Conformity...

It's all sad, but there is always someone, who misses the war and the blood of people
Title: My new life in the Republic of Georgia
Post by: Maxx2 on November 11, 2017, 03:14:46 AM
(http://i.cubeupload.com/6n4CVO.jpg)
Title: My new life in the Republic of Georgia
Post by: Maxx2 on November 11, 2017, 03:29:48 AM
A street by the Tbilisi International Airport was named in honor of the first American President to visit Georgia, George W. Bush.


Shortly after the visit the Georgian army invaded South Ossetia on 8-8-2008 on the start of the Winter Olympics. Vladimir Putin was not amused when informed of the event at the opening ceremony of the Olympics. He stood up from his seat, shot President Bush a dirty look and left. 5 days later 169 Georgian solders had lost their lives to Russia's 64. Russian forces occupied large areas of Georgia in incuding Abkhazia and South Ossetia and the city of Gori, Stalin's birth place less than an hour's drive from Tbilisi.   



Title: My new life in the Republic of Georgia
Post by: Maxx2 on November 11, 2017, 03:30:21 AM
(http://i.cubeupload.com/9lnzVb.png)
Title: My new life in the Republic of Georgia
Post by: Maxx2 on November 11, 2017, 03:50:12 AM
To this day there is bomb damage to the buildings in Gori that hasn't been repaired. I took this photo in September.


(http://i.cubeupload.com/982DbJ.jpg)
Title: My new life in the Republic of Georgia
Post by: Maxx2 on November 11, 2017, 03:51:33 AM
(http://i.cubeupload.com/X4rof3.jpg)
Title: My new life in the Republic of Georgia
Post by: Maxx2 on November 11, 2017, 03:53:31 AM
(http://i.cubeupload.com/xptkyL.jpg)
Title: My new life in the Republic of Georgia
Post by: Maxx2 on November 11, 2017, 03:54:48 AM
In the photo above is the Gori Fortress. In the foreground is the end of Stalin Museum grounds.
Title: My new life in the Republic of Georgia
Post by: Maxx2 on November 11, 2017, 03:57:37 AM
(http://i.cubeupload.com/SK7Ivj.jpg)
Title: My new life in the Republic of Georgia
Post by: Maxx2 on November 11, 2017, 03:59:10 AM
Stalin's rail car. Behind it is the Stalin Museum.
Title: My new life in the Republic of Georgia
Post by: Maxx2 on November 11, 2017, 04:00:36 AM
(http://i.cubeupload.com/vJeGQt.png)
Title: My new life in the Republic of Georgia
Post by: Maxx2 on November 11, 2017, 04:01:42 AM
The home of Stalin's birth is protected by Granite columns and a roof.
Title: My new life in the Republic of Georgia
Post by: Maxx2 on November 11, 2017, 04:03:52 AM
(http://i.cubeupload.com/WpfQgo.png)
Title: My new life in the Republic of Georgia
Post by: Maxx2 on November 11, 2017, 04:05:11 AM
(http://i.cubeupload.com/poyE7W.png)
Title: My new life in the Republic of Georgia
Post by: Maxx2 on November 11, 2017, 04:08:28 AM
(http://i.cubeupload.com/WzzF7o.jpg)
Title: My new life in the Republic of Georgia
Post by: Maxx2 on November 11, 2017, 04:11:49 AM
My understanding of Gori's citizens is they are for the most part indifferent about Stalin. For some selling tourist trinkets of him is just means to make a little money. Outside the rail car some enterprising entrepreneurs were selling his likeness on some refrigerator magnets. 
Title: My new life in the Republic of Georgia
Post by: Maxx2 on November 11, 2017, 04:14:02 AM
(http://i.cubeupload.com/us4cvE.jpg)
Title: My new life in the Republic of Georgia
Post by: Maxx2 on November 11, 2017, 04:16:10 AM
(http://i.cubeupload.com/FxDstI.jpg)
Title: My new life in the Republic of Georgia
Post by: Maxx2 on November 11, 2017, 04:21:19 AM
You can buy most everything along the streets from vegetables and fruits, building supplies and even a still for making "Cha Cha". Cha Cha is Georgia's strong drink made from distilled grape skins and stems. It usually has a slight brown color to it. It is as my mother used to say, "It can put hair on your chest." It is about 80% alcohol.
Title: My new life in the Republic of Georgia
Post by: Maxx2 on November 11, 2017, 04:27:04 AM



Did I tell you? Georgians like Americans (and Canadians too)
Title: My new life in the Republic of Georgia
Post by: Maxx2 on November 11, 2017, 04:27:56 AM
(http://i.cubeupload.com/ruebRV.png)
Title: My new life in the Republic of Georgia
Post by: Maxx2 on November 11, 2017, 04:31:33 AM
http://civil.ge/eng/article.php?id=24178 (http://civil.ge/eng/article.php?id=24178)


http://dailysignal.com/2012/05/30/more-than-just-a-statue-ronald-reagans-legacy-in-georgia/ (http://dailysignal.com/2012/05/30/more-than-just-a-statue-ronald-reagans-legacy-in-georgia/)



Recently, a statue of Ronald Reagan (http://www.civil.ge/eng/article.php?id=24178) was unveiled in the Georgian capital of Tbilisi. Since I am in Georgia this week speaking at a conference and meeting with Georgian officials, I thought I would take the time to visit it. The statue sits just above the Kura River, which snakes through Tbilisi, and in the shadow of the presidential palace overlooking the city. It is proudly located in the heart of the city.

In the well-manicured and green public park, a smiling bronze Ronald Reagan is sitting on a bronze bench looking off into the distance in the direction of Russia. He has the look of confidence and satisfaction. Inscribed on the statue is one of Reagan’s more poignant quotes: “Freedom is never more than one generation away from extinction.”

Today, Reagan’s belief in democracy, free markets, a strong defense, and liberty are encapsulated in the reforms taking place in modern Georgia. This is in stark contrast to Georgia’s northern neighbor Russia, where democratic freedoms are in retreat, corruption is endemic, and the future is bleak. The same cracks showing in the Soviet Union a quarter of a century ago are starting to reappear in Vladimir Putin’s Russia.

Thanks to President Mikheil Saakashvili’s Reaganite agenda of liberalizing the economy, cutting bureaucracy, and fighting corruption, economic freedom is alive and well in Georgia today. The 2012 Index of Economic Freedom (http://www.heritage.org/index/), published annually by The Heritage Foundation and The Wall Street Journal, ranked Georgia 34th out of 184 countries (http://www.heritage.org/index/country/georgia) in terms of economic freedom a striking improvement from its ranking of 113 in 2003. Tplaces Georgia ahead of 26 European nations, including France, Spain, and Belgium.
Title: My new life in the Republic of Georgia
Post by: Maxx2 on November 11, 2017, 04:43:14 AM
(http://i.cubeupload.com/J8w4L6.jpg)
Title: My new life in the Republic of Georgia
Post by: Maxx2 on November 11, 2017, 04:45:49 AM



(http://i.cubeupload.com/S6Ze6M.jpg)
Title: My new life in the Republic of Georgia
Post by: Maxx2 on November 11, 2017, 04:56:13 AM





(http://i.cubeupload.com/RnYno3.jpg)
Title: My new life in the Republic of Georgia
Post by: Maxx2 on November 11, 2017, 05:04:01 AM
Check to see if you can enter Georgia visa free and stay a year


Lots of photos on the previous page.


http://agenda.ge/news/36828/eng (http://agenda.ge/news/36828/eng)
Title: My new life in the Republic of Georgia
Post by: whynotme on November 11, 2017, 09:55:19 AM

Shortly after the visit the Georgian army invaded South Ossetia on 8-8-2008 on the start of the Winter Olympics. Vladimir Putin was not amused when informed of the event at the opening ceremony of the Olympics. He stood up from his seat, shot President Bush a dirty look and left. 5 days later 169 Georgian solders had lost their lives to Russia's 64. Russian forces occupied large areas of Georgia in incuding Abkhazia and South Ossetia and the city of Gori, Stalin's birth place less than an hour's drive from Tbilisi.
What kind of credit to the person who makes such factual mistakes?  ;)
Title: My new life in the Republic of Georgia
Post by: Doll on November 11, 2017, 12:20:40 PM
Nice pictures.
I don't think I could live in Georgia though my home town is close to it.
Title: My new life in the Republic of Georgia
Post by: BillyB on November 11, 2017, 01:56:45 PM
What kind of credit to the person who makes such factual mistakes?  ;)


Everything is fact and fiction depending on what history book we read.


Thanks for sharing Maxx. Are you feeling a bond with Georgia? If Russia invades again, will you stay or come home to us?
Title: My new life in the Republic of Georgia
Post by: Doll on November 11, 2017, 02:21:23 PM
The status of Abkhazia is more complicated. Read Wikipedia.
Title: My new life in the Republic of Georgia
Post by: Maxx2 on November 11, 2017, 02:51:54 PM

Everything is fact and fiction depending on what history book we read.


Thanks for sharing Maxx. Are you feeling a bond with Georgia? If Russia invades again, will you stay or come home to us?


Perhaps living a nomadic life all through out my childhood and most of my life I have a difficult time feeling perfectly at home anywhere. Overall I like Georgia mainly because of the low cost of living. It is nice to have the pressure off about needing to budget wisely and carefully without needing to dip into savings. I am living comfortably off my Social Security which is several times as in 6 or 7 times what the average Georgian makes in monthly salary. Currently I am living in a luxury apartment and driving a luxury car and getting settled in. That is another topic in its self.


If Russia invades I'll head south to Turkey. It is a short drive from here. Everyday at 10:30 AM a Georgian Coast Guard boat heading south crosses my bedroom window presumedly to the Georgian-Western border. Fifty minutes later I see it sail past my window heading in the other direction. Looking at the map the border is 10-12 miles away.


I may be heading that way this January 8. I'll be in Georgia 359 days by then and I need to go out of the country for a short while to stay residency compliant. Upon each entrance you get 360 days to stay. There is no requirements of any length of time you have to stay out before coming in. Georgia is very lax about those laws. I was told the reason why is they get a lot of business especially from Turkey and the '90 day in 90 day out' that most countries do disrupts business too much. So the Georgian government stays casual about residency rules of lengths of stays. 
Title: My new life in the Republic of Georgia
Post by: Doll on November 11, 2017, 03:18:42 PM
Maxx2, do people there consider themselves Georgians?
Title: My new life in the Republic of Georgia
Post by: Maxx2 on November 11, 2017, 03:37:51 PM
The status of Abkhazia is more complicated. Read Wikipedia.


South Ossetia also. I don't get involved in local or national politics. I have gotten asked by Georgians what I think of Russians. I tell them what I just stated. I don't get involved. Georgia has many Russian tourists. Georgians are getting used to them and don't see them as something scary and bad.




Here in Batumi Russian is commonly spoken. I teach English as a volunteer at a private school. ALL the children speak Russian including their parents. I know in Tbilisi that there are schools for Georgian children that speak only Russian.


(http://i.cubeupload.com/alAChj.jpg)


(http://i.cubeupload.com/hNzYt5.jpg)




Russian is spoken only in this Russian-Armenian family. This little girl Anna only speaks Russian but is being taught Georgian in pre-school now. She thinks my name is "Mr Hello" and tells her father to "Say privet to Mr Hello for me."


Most Russians visiting Georgia would have an easy time there. The same for Ukrainians. Many Georgians have a fondness for Ukrainians.


(http://i.cubeupload.com/MU28YO.png)


(http://i.cubeupload.com/RBHySO.png)


Notice the Ukrainian flag along side the Georgian.


My observation is Georgians though many are political and nationalistic do not let this carry over too much in their dealings with Russian people.




Title: My new life in the Republic of Georgia
Post by: whynotme on November 11, 2017, 03:45:29 PM

Everything is fact and fiction depending on what history book we read.


Ok, sounds as in your books July is a proper time for Winter Olympics  :P
Title: My new life in the Republic of Georgia
Post by: Maxx2 on November 11, 2017, 03:56:38 PM
Maxx2, do people there consider themselves Georgians?


The ones that are Georgian do. But there are many foreigners living here in Batumi. Last night the chef at the local cafe came upstairs and introduced himself to me. He was a proud Italian named Perro (Peter). He cooked a great chicken steak with mushrooms and white sauce, the best I have ever eaten.


The folks over at the Tangerine Cafe are almost all Russians.


The most unusual example of the diversification of the people here is the principal of the private school I teach at. She is Moscow born and raised woman married to an Armenian man who was born and raised in Baku Azerbaijan. Both of them lived in L.A. California and became US Citizens. They visited Batumi after a visit to Tbilisi for a 15 year class reunion (unusual I know). They fell in love with the place. Now they live here. They started a private school last year and have about 100 students. They could live in the United States, but chose not to.
Title: My new life in the Republic of Georgia
Post by: Maxx2 on November 11, 2017, 03:58:54 PM
Ok, sounds as in your books July is a proper time for Winter Olympics  :P


Did I say Winter Olympics??     M.I.S.T.A.K.E. then    The war started in August not July
Title: My new life in the Republic of Georgia
Post by: Maxx2 on November 11, 2017, 04:03:11 PM
It is 3:00 AM and I had gotten up for the usual reason and checked my thread. Got to go back to sleep. I'll post some more when you are sleeping. With a 11 hour time difference from the West Coast California everything gets turned around posting wise.
Title: My new life in the Republic of Georgia
Post by: Doll on November 11, 2017, 04:06:20 PM
Dave has nothing to afraid of- Abkhazia is friendly to Russia.
Title: My new life in the Republic of Georgia
Post by: whynotme on November 11, 2017, 04:42:07 PM

Did I say Winter Olympics??     M.I.S.T.A.K.E. then    The war started in August not July

The beginning of conflict started in July. Yes, Summer Olympics were opened at 08/08/2008, China is so much in numbers and symbols. But other info about Russian invasion is the M.I.S.T.A.K.E. also. Even for the West. http://www.spiegel.de/international/world/did-saakashvili-lie-the-west-begins-to-doubt-georgian-leader-a-578273.html
Good luck in staying out of politics living in that country.
Title: My new life in the Republic of Georgia
Post by: Maxx2 on November 11, 2017, 05:38:30 PM
The beginning of conflict started in July. Yes, Summer Olympics were opened at 08/08/2008, China is so much in numbers and symbols. But other info about Russian invasion is the M.I.S.T.A.K.E. also. Even for the West. http://www.spiegel.de/international/world/did-saakashvili-lie-the-west-begins-to-doubt-georgian-leader-a-578273.html (http://www.spiegel.de/international/world/did-saakashvili-lie-the-west-begins-to-doubt-georgian-leader-a-578273.html)
Good luck in staying out of politics living in that country.


Here was my thoughts in 2008 on the South Ossetia conflict.


http://www.russianwomendiscussion.com/index.php?topic=8088.msg146868#msg146868


Quote
"This conflict has been building for a while. It involves the US/West desire to control the oil in Georgia and the missile defense shield that the US wants to deploy there. Russia does not want this. This war is really between Russia and the West with Georgia caught in between."

And much much more
Title: My new life in the Republic of Georgia
Post by: Maxx2 on November 12, 2017, 12:58:43 AM
Late morning for me. I was told by a Georgian that the war of 2008 was blamed on Saakachvili and was another reason why he lost popularity with of most of the Georgian people. It is said that foreign investment into Georgia dried up then. Now I see only dramatic growth only here in Batumi and Tbilisi. These are buildings that are offering apartments for sale. Many or most of them are purchased by individuals as investments and for rental income especially here in Batumi. There are services such as Airbnb that manage their properties. The place I am currently renting is owned by a Georgian woman who lives with her Russian husband in Ekaterinburg. The previous place I rented is owned by a Russian man living in Moscow.
Title: My new life in the Republic of Georgia
Post by: msmob on November 12, 2017, 01:28:53 AM
Dave has nothing to afraid of- Abkhazia is friendly to Russia.

Well, it  SHOULD be, but some 'Abkhazians' - have been bumping off Russian tourists and ripping off Russian motorists...   according to Sochi Newspapers ...

Personally, although I was 'victim' of an 'Abkhazian' Policeman's attempt to extort 500 Roubles for a 'traffic offence' - I loved the place
Title: My new life in the Republic of Georgia
Post by: Maxx2 on November 12, 2017, 02:18:47 AM
First a moment about my camera.
Title: My new life in the Republic of Georgia
Post by: Maxx2 on November 12, 2017, 02:19:10 AM
(http://i.cubeupload.com/G1xQn8.png)
Title: My new life in the Republic of Georgia
Post by: Maxx2 on November 12, 2017, 02:21:10 AM



A Nikon B500 with the 40X zoom with 80X digital enhancement which I find amazing!


Here is some photos taken from non zoom to full zoom.
Title: My new life in the Republic of Georgia
Post by: Maxx2 on November 12, 2017, 02:22:59 AM


(http://i.cubeupload.com/ruXKwZ.jpg)
Title: My new life in the Republic of Georgia
Post by: Maxx2 on November 12, 2017, 02:24:19 AM
(http://i.cubeupload.com/FppDk8.jpg)
Title: My new life in the Republic of Georgia
Post by: Maxx2 on November 12, 2017, 02:25:51 AM



Such Medieval towers are everywhere. Nobody pays them much attention.
Title: My new life in the Republic of Georgia
Post by: Maxx2 on November 12, 2017, 02:33:07 AM



Fishermen and boys fish in the Sioni Reservoir north by north east of Tbilisi


Notice the two people standing along the shore.


(http://i.cubeupload.com/4NatXn.jpg)
Title: My new life in the Republic of Georgia
Post by: Maxx2 on November 12, 2017, 02:36:02 AM



(http://i.cubeupload.com/o2XVKh.jpg)


At full zoom you can see the rivet on his jeans and the loops for the fishing line on his pole!
Title: My new life in the Republic of Georgia
Post by: Maxx2 on November 12, 2017, 02:39:31 AM



You can also see this... On other photos you can count the large bottles of beer he has drunk, 2 going on 3.


(http://i.cubeupload.com/ZtCAS3.jpg)


Drinking in excess is rather common here.
Title: My new life in the Republic of Georgia
Post by: Maxx2 on November 12, 2017, 02:57:26 AM



The view from the Jvari Monastery at the convergence of the Mtkvari and Aragvi rivers. The river coming in horizontally is the Aragvi. It flows general north and south from the Greater Caucasian Mountains starting in Russia. The river flowing vertically in the photo is the Mtkvari. It is Georgia's greatest river. It starts in the lessor Caucasian mountains in Turkey, passes through Tbilisi and exits Georgia to the east into Azerbaijan and finally into the Caspian Sea. In the photo you will see one of Georgia's oldest cities, Mtskheta. It was here that Christianity became Georgia's official religion in the year 326 AD (approximate) under king Miriam and Saint Nino. Georgia is the second oldest official Christian nation with Armenia being first.


(http://i.cubeupload.com/NbtY3F.jpg)


   
Title: My new life in the Republic of Georgia
Post by: Maxx2 on November 12, 2017, 02:59:04 AM



(http://i.cubeupload.com/DVnOTZ.jpg)
Title: My new life in the Republic of Georgia
Post by: Maxx2 on November 12, 2017, 03:02:28 AM




(http://i.cubeupload.com/VkvZD4.jpg)


Along the boardwalk. Notice the couple on the beach beyond and behind the couple strolling along promenade?
Title: My new life in the Republic of Georgia
Post by: Maxx2 on November 12, 2017, 03:06:11 AM


(http://i.cubeupload.com/1t5IUf.jpg)
Title: My new life in the Republic of Georgia
Post by: Maxx2 on November 12, 2017, 03:08:52 AM





(http://i.cubeupload.com/SRFwPf.jpg)
Title: My new life in the Republic of Georgia
Post by: Maxx2 on November 12, 2017, 05:49:34 AM



(http://i.cubeupload.com/oSIKr2.png)
Title: My new life in the Republic of Georgia
Post by: Maxx2 on November 12, 2017, 05:53:48 AM



(http://i.cubeupload.com/rTQiCw.png)


The brown path or boardwalk is for pedestrians and the red brick for bicyclists, roller skaters, golf carts et cetera. Although they often intermix.
Title: My new life in the Republic of Georgia
Post by: Maxx2 on November 12, 2017, 06:00:21 AM



(http://i.cubeupload.com/ZUKVEk.png)


The boardwalk is not made of boards but rather concrete to look like boards. In the photo above you have to look closely to see the foot prints. But not with the photo below.


(http://i.cubeupload.com/lz1Ysp.png)



Title: My new life in the Republic of Georgia
Post by: Maxx2 on November 12, 2017, 06:05:31 AM
(http://i.cubeupload.com/iQze2B.png)
Title: My new life in the Republic of Georgia
Post by: Maxx2 on November 12, 2017, 06:07:28 AM
(http://i.cubeupload.com/3AmUfO.png)
Title: My new life in the Republic of Georgia
Post by: Maxx2 on November 12, 2017, 06:09:38 AM
(http://i.cubeupload.com/3MQYdL.png)
Title: My new life in the Republic of Georgia
Post by: Maxx2 on November 12, 2017, 06:10:51 AM
(http://i.cubeupload.com/jXMI1C.png)
Title: My new life in the Republic of Georgia
Post by: Maxx2 on November 12, 2017, 06:13:29 AM
(http://i.cubeupload.com/CSGwKV.png)
Title: My new life in the Republic of Georgia
Post by: Maxx2 on November 12, 2017, 06:15:48 AM
(http://i.cubeupload.com/vyD2i7.png)
Title: My new life in the Republic of Georgia
Post by: Maxx2 on November 12, 2017, 06:17:26 AM
(http://i.cubeupload.com/5crZKU.png)
Title: My new life in the Republic of Georgia
Post by: Maxx2 on November 12, 2017, 06:19:16 AM
(http://i.cubeupload.com/wYdyXi.png)
Title: My new life in the Republic of Georgia
Post by: Maxx2 on November 12, 2017, 06:21:29 AM



(http://i.cubeupload.com/E3WJsT.png)
Title: My new life in the Republic of Georgia
Post by: Maxx2 on November 12, 2017, 06:23:06 AM
(http://i.cubeupload.com/9baZxw.png)
Title: My new life in the Republic of Georgia
Post by: Maxx2 on November 12, 2017, 06:24:27 AM
(http://i.cubeupload.com/ZFNKwP.png)
Title: My new life in the Republic of Georgia
Post by: Maxx2 on November 12, 2017, 06:25:59 AM
The singing and dancing fountains of Batumi.


(http://i.cubeupload.com/pREmc5.png)
Title: My new life in the Republic of Georgia
Post by: Maxx2 on November 12, 2017, 07:33:53 AM
(http://i.cubeupload.com/5JrftP.png)
Title: My new life in the Republic of Georgia
Post by: Maxx2 on November 12, 2017, 07:37:12 AM



(http://i.cubeupload.com/FQaAW2.png)
Title: My new life in the Republic of Georgia
Post by: ML on November 12, 2017, 10:26:51 AM


(http://i.cubeupload.com/o2XVKh.jpg)


At full zoom you can see the rivet on his jeans and the loops for the fishing line on his pole!

Even more amazing is that you found a man who can walk on water.
Title: My new life in the Republic of Georgia
Post by: Maxx2 on November 13, 2017, 12:19:45 AM



I was also surprised when I seen a size comparison between the Republic of Georgia and the United States.


(http://i.cubeupload.com/p1ogle.png)
Title: My new life in the Republic of Georgia
Post by: Maxx2 on November 13, 2017, 04:48:05 AM
Even more amazing is that you found a man who can walk on water.


Look closer. He only thought he could. He was about to make his first step.  ;D
Title: My new life in the Republic of Georgia
Post by: Maxx2 on November 13, 2017, 08:34:39 AM



Last Wednesday I joined a gym. The owner opened the gym this last summer. His name is Pavel and will be 61  years old in February.


(http://i.cubeupload.com/HBt85V.jpg)


.


(http://i.cubeupload.com/Xh5vKd.jpg)
.


(http://i.cubeupload.com/9PZX74.jpg)

.


Today (Monday) was the first day for my legs. I wanted to see how strong they are so I kept or rather Pavel kept adding weight set after set. On my 6th set I was up to 200 KG (440 pounds) and I pressed it 14 times before hitting maxx. Next time I go back I will see what I can do with 220 Kilos.




Title: My new life in the Republic of Georgia
Post by: Maxx2 on November 13, 2017, 08:47:25 AM
I have a theory about the best way to lose weight and look your best. The best way to lose weight is forget about how you look or how much you weigh but rather concentrate on get stronger. Get to the gym and forget the scales. Keep meticulous track of what exercises you do, what the weights you lift or push, how many sets you do and how many repetitions in each set. Eat as clean as possible. Protein is God. Then each time you go back to the gym bring your workout book. Make it the goal to maximize the numbers of added weights and repetitions in your workouts. Work on getting stronger and building muscle and the fat will be taken care of. I did this before, it really worked.
Title: My new life in the Republic of Georgia
Post by: kynrazor on November 13, 2017, 11:27:58 AM
I have a theory about the best way to lose weight and look your best. The best way to lose weight is forget about how you look or how much you weigh but rather concentrate on get stronger. Get to the gym and forget the scales. Keep meticulous track of what exercises you do, what the weights you lift or push, how many sets you do and how many repetitions in each set. Eat as clean as possible. Protein is God. Then each time you go back to the gym bring your workout book. Make it the goal to maximize the numbers of added weights and repetitions in your workouts. Work on getting stronger and building muscle and the fat will be taken care of. I did this before, it really worked.

Should be simple physics. Eating more calories than burnt by your metabolism (base + exercise) = Fat gain. All that excess unused energy from food must go somewhere and the human body doesn't dump it as waste but stores it.

That said, everyone needs some amount of fat both in the body and in the diet to keep their organs functioning optimally. Eg. Not enough fat = liver damage, Too much fat = liver damage  :rolleyes: Skipping fat is unhealthy Maxx  :D
Title: My new life in the Republic of Georgia
Post by: treadmilldude on November 13, 2017, 11:37:12 AM
Maxx, I am confused on one thing. Is that YOU in the picture? Or is that the 61 year-old gym owner in the picture? You did not make that point clear at all. Whoever is in that pic has good muscle tone and looks far better than the average 61 YO Man. If it is you, Maxx, you look good!!  :)

Georgia looks beautiful by the way. I watched a 90 minute or so documentary on youtube last weekend about the life and times of Joseph Stalin put together by the BBC. It was great, and I learned a lot about Stalin. The guy was born and raised in Georgia, I never knew that!!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SIzApqzlP3Q   It is a long documentary, but was very well done. I learned a lot.
Title: My new life in the Republic of Georgia
Post by: Maxx2 on November 13, 2017, 12:43:49 PM
Maxx, I am confused on one thing. Is that YOU in the picture? Or is that the 61 year-old gym owner in the picture? You did not make that point clear at all. Whoever is in that pic has good muscle tone and looks far better than the average 61 YO Man. If it is you, Maxx, you look good!!  :)

Georgia looks beautiful by the way. I watched a 90 minute or so documentary on youtube last weekend about the life and times of Joseph Stalin put together by the BBC. It was great, and I learned a lot about Stalin. The guy was born and raised in Georgia, I never knew that!!

   It is a long documentary, but was very well done. I learned a lot.


That is the owner of the gym. He is a nice guy. No pretension, no swagger. He'll be 61 in February.


Stalin was born in Gori Georgia about a 50 minute drive from where I used to live in Tbilisi Georgia. Before the Communist Revolution he had been in and out of prison for various criminal activities including bank robbery.
Title: My new life in the Republic of Georgia
Post by: Maxx2 on November 13, 2017, 12:54:45 PM
Should be simple physics. Eating more calories than burnt by your metabolism (base + exercise) = Fat gain. All that excess unused energy from food must go somewhere and the human body doesn't dump it as waste but stores it.

That said, everyone needs some amount of fat both in the body and in the diet to keep their organs functioning optimally. Eg. Not enough fat = liver damage, Too much fat = liver damage  :rolleyes: Skipping fat is unhealthy Maxx  :D


I definitely eat fat. I used olive oil especially when I cook my eggs. It is supposed to neutralize the cholesterol.


My theory about losing weight and looking great is NOT to concentrate on that but rather in getting stronger. Best way to lose weight is not the best way to lose weight. Recently it has been proven that short duration extreme exercise like sprints taken to the max that a person can do, is the best way to burn calories/fat. However other studies show that people do not stick to such programs and quit. And watching a scale can be quite discouraging. So just work on getting stronger and the weight will drop off.
Title: My new life in the Republic of Georgia
Post by: kynrazor on November 13, 2017, 01:58:03 PM

My theory about losing weight and looking great is NOT to concentrate on that but rather in getting stronger. Best way to lose weight is not the best way to lose weight.

Hmm, mind over matter  :clapping:
Title: My new life in the Republic of Georgia
Post by: Maxx2 on November 13, 2017, 02:41:52 PM
Hmm, mind over matter  :clapping:


That's it.
Title: My new life in the Republic of Georgia
Post by: Maxx2 on November 14, 2017, 03:15:26 AM
I am serious on the post above.
Title: My new life in the Republic of Georgia
Post by: GQBlues on November 14, 2017, 10:43:40 PM
Nice thread maxx. Awesome pictures! I take it 'photography' to be a new hobby, no?

But beyond this, how is it like to be retired living where you are, as in finding things to do with your time that is FWIW 'living out of your comfort or element? Do you eat out a lot vs do you cook at home most of the time? When you wake up in the morning, do you have a daily routine or schedule you follow, or do you basically flow where the wind blows?

I'd be interested to read what your take is on this. Was there a lot of getting used to, or did things basically came naturally for you, etc..is it easy for you, or the natives, to find commonalities and/or interests that evolved in good friendships?

I was basically a kid when I arrived stateside and I can still remember the trials and tribulations of acclimation. The overwhelming feeling of 'newness' of everything 'American', etc...I'm wondering how it is like from the other side of that 'age spectrum', you know?

Heck, I'm thinking if we ever moved to Kansas, I'd probably get a bit of a culture shock, and that's not to demean the city of Angels.

Anyway, it'd be nice to hear these things from you and your observations...
Title: My new life in the Republic of Georgia
Post by: Maxx2 on November 16, 2017, 07:02:29 AM



I am glad GQ you checked back. I was hoping you would ask me questions like you did above. I have been thinking about them for the past two days and what a good response would be for them. I will soon post a in-depth analysis of what it is like to become an ex-pat. We need to discuss the stages of culture shock and so on. As krnrazor so accurately stated up thread, most of it is "mind over matter."
Title: My new life in the Republic of Georgia
Post by: GQBlues on November 16, 2017, 09:45:42 AM
I am glad GQ you checked back. I was hoping you would ask me questions like you did above. I have been thinking about them for the past two days and what a good response would be for them. I will soon post a in-depth analysis of what it is like to become an ex-pat. We need to discuss the stages of culture shock and so on. As krnrazor so accurately stated up thread, most of it is "mind over matter."


Hiya Maxx-


I took a crash course on drone technology. Next step is getting my certification. We are applying drone technology unto our business and it's amazing what these things can do these days. Field surveying/engineering will soon disappear.


I never realize that you don't manually fly these things - in essence. All via GPS. Plot points (grid/coordinates) on your control station (Smartphone, iPad, PC, etc...), give it height (elevation), degree of resolution, etc...and just push fly baby, fly!, suckers starts, hover, flies through the required pattern, then comes back to its launch point and lands itself. Automatically dumps data to its depot. Sucker weighs 4 pounds...Exciting stuff, man.


Anywho...back to you. Yeah, it would be fairly interesting to get your experience/perspective on this. Almost like a journal and not necessarily on a daily basis but rather things of significance to you. I had a 2-year running journal when I first arrived here before (some of it I now have a somewhat hard time reading because I wrote it in Tagalog. I literally have to pause for language refresh) and makes for an illuminating moment reading it these days.


I take it being so close to the sea, unlike MN, you guys have a mild winter in comparison, yes?
Title: My new life in the Republic of Georgia
Post by: BillyB on November 16, 2017, 10:09:41 AM
I will soon post a in-depth analysis of what it is like to become an ex-pat. We need to discuss the stages of culture shock and so on. As krnrazor so accurately stated up thread, most of it is "mind over matter."


Maxx, don't get culture shock. When you move to a new country, YOU have to shock the culture.
Title: My new life in the Republic of Georgia
Post by: kynrazor on November 17, 2017, 04:13:15 AM

Maxx, don't get culture shock. When you move to a new country, YOU have to shock the culture.

As in becoming the next president of Georgia? :D
Title: My new life in the Republic of Georgia
Post by: Maxx2 on November 18, 2017, 01:26:50 AM
As in becoming the next president of Georgia? :D


I'll have to get citizenship first. I heard that is not too difficult to do. Georgia after the reform is one of the least bureaucratic nations on this earth.
Title: My new life in the Republic of Georgia
Post by: BillyB on November 18, 2017, 02:12:57 AM
I'll have to get citizenship first. I heard that is not too difficult to do.

 


Do it.
Title: My new life in the Republic of Georgia
Post by: Maxx2 on November 18, 2017, 02:17:07 AM
Nice thread maxx. Awesome pictures! I take it 'photography' to be a new hobby, no?

But beyond this, how is it like to be retired living where you are, as in finding things to do with your time that is FWIW 'living out of your comfort or element? Do you eat out a lot vs do you cook at home most of the time? When you wake up in the morning, do you have a daily routine or schedule you follow, or do you basically flow where the wind blows?

I'd be interested to read what your take is on this. Was there a lot of getting used to, or did things basically came naturally for you, etc..is it easy for you, or the natives, to find commonalities and/or interests that evolved in good friendships?

I was basically a kid when I arrived stateside and I can still remember the trials and tribulations of acclimation. The overwhelming feeling of 'newness' of everything 'American', etc...I'm wondering how it is like from the other side of that 'age spectrum', you know?

Heck, I'm thinking if we ever moved to Kansas, I'd probably get a bit of a culture shock, and that's not to demean the city of Angels.

Anyway, it'd be nice to hear these things from you and your observations...


I arrived to Tbilisi Georgia November 27th 2015 on a one way ticket. I had no place to stay as I figured I would wrangle an apartment once I got there. After staying at the Red Fox hostel for a week I was off to an Iranian owned hotel called the "Hotel Nice." which wasn't so nice. The cook, an Iranian, in the downstairs restaurant took a dislike to me when after waiting more 15 minutes to try and place my order I walked out. I made no scene, I just walked out and went to another restaurant. After that he wouldn't cook for me.


After about two weeks of my arrival I got a case of Montezuma's revenge Davit Agmashenebeli the 4th's revenge. This was serious because I couldn't leave my room. But the discovery of something called Loperamide (It glues everything together) and after another week or so went by I had built up an immunity, which I have to this day.


In the hotel lobby taxi drivers used to hang out. I met this one Georgian taxi driver called Mamooka. He spoke very broken English. He had a friend named Givi who spoke English at near fluent levels.  He found me an apartment near where he and his family lived. I rented from a Georgian woman named Taya. The rent was $350 a month. My total cost of utilities per month including electric, gas, water, trash, cell phone and 4 G internet came to about $50 a month. Meals at restaurants usually about $3 to $6. Haircut about $2.50. Taxi ride halfway across town 5 GEL or $2. The stress of having enough money was finally off of me. In fact I could save half of my Social Security every month.
Title: My new life in the Republic of Georgia
Post by: Maxx2 on November 18, 2017, 02:22:21 AM

Do it.


At the corner cafe is an Italian chef. We got to talking the other day. He told me I could get Italian citizenship as my maternal grandmother is 100% Sicilian Italian. It would be cool to have 3 passports and be a citizen of 3 countries and the EU.
Title: My new life in the Republic of Georgia
Post by: Maxx2 on November 18, 2017, 02:41:43 AM

Maxx, don't get culture shock. When you move to a new country, YOU have to shock the culture.


I already am. Yesterday using my Yankee ingenuity and entrepreneurial instincts I proposed to a private school principal a new way of teaching English. We would teach English to Russian and Georgian speaking school children using English speaking and subtitled films and TV shows. I showed her what I brought with me to do this. I had this idea a few years ago.


(http://i.cubeupload.com/IcWQQQ.jpg)
Title: My new life in the Republic of Georgia
Post by: Maxx2 on November 18, 2017, 02:43:44 AM



(http://i.cubeupload.com/Hu1SrH.png)


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(http://i.cubeupload.com/Lk4eI6.jpg)
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Title: My new life in the Republic of Georgia
Post by: Maxx2 on November 18, 2017, 02:48:27 AM



The above photo is from my first apartment. We of course would look for films and TV shows that would appeal to mid to older teens. There is this 18 year old born in Moscow but moved to LA when he was a baby and lived there until recently that will help us. He works at the school occasionally. The school principal was enthused about my idea.
Title: My new life in the Republic of Georgia
Post by: msmob on November 18, 2017, 03:01:26 AM
Hi Maxx

I think you should investigate this Italian citizenship route...  This might help you as some ladies would prefer Europe to N.America and will open up your options re travel and ladies ;)

Maxx for President ( of Georgia)

Title: My new life in the Republic of Georgia
Post by: Maxx2 on November 18, 2017, 03:58:39 AM
Hi Maxx

I think you should investigate this Italian citizenship route...  This might help you as some ladies would prefer Europe to N.America and will open up your options re travel and ladies ;)

Maxx for President ( of Georgia)


I like your thinking! It would also make me more intriguing. An international man.


Got to go to the gym now. Back and triceps day.
Title: My new life in the Republic of Georgia
Post by: GQBlues on November 21, 2017, 11:09:43 AM
...Meals at restaurants usually about $3 to $6. Haircut about $2.50. Taxi ride halfway across town 5 GEL or $2. The stress of having enough money was finally off of me. In fact I could save half of my Social Security every month....


 :shock:


For less than 10 bucks, you're fed while branding a new 'do! Awesome, man! 10 bucks is not even enough as 'tip' when I get my haircut. Hahah!


I'm glad you seem to be settling in nicely out there. Your community participation is wonderful thing, especially when it contribute to the population at large by teaching English.


Keep up the reporting, maxx. Wonderful read!
Title: My new life in the Republic of Georgia
Post by: Maxx2 on November 22, 2017, 01:15:31 AM



I'll keep it coming GQ. This really is a strange but wonderful place!


I'll post some photos of Georgian dishes and some McDonalds too. BTW I do not eat much McDonalds.


First we will do the McDonalds but before that a breif description of American fast in Tbilisi and Batumi.


There are about 6 McDonalds in Tbilisi. There is one in Batumi that I am aware of. It is a combination McDs, a no import tax store and a gas station. It is where I get my gas which they call benzene or petrol here. Gas is what we know as propane and a lot of cars have tanks in their trunks for it. It costs about half as much to run a car on propane than gasoline. And gasoline is about 75% MORE than it is in the States. Not everything is cheaper. But I stray from the subject of food...


(http://i.cubeupload.com/ci19HU.jpg)


The fews times I was here it did brisk business. Usually a crowd about 5 people deep lined up in front of the counter.


In Batumi we got a McDs that looks like this:


(http://i.cubeupload.com/7Q7vPa.png)


I drive past this building most everyday. When you enter the lot you can either turn right to go through the drive through or go straight ahead for the gas pumps. I have seen photos of the inside. There is a lawn and landscaped plants growing up part that slopes up.


(http://i.cubeupload.com/hubf6F.png)


Here it is from the other side. The black things sticking up are there are the gas pumps.

Title: My new life in the Republic of Georgia
Post by: msmob on November 22, 2017, 01:47:21 AM
Great photos, Maxx  - keep 'em coming
Title: My new life in the Republic of Georgia
Post by: Maxx2 on November 22, 2017, 02:33:09 AM
Thanks Moby


(http://i.cubeupload.com/pmq1Id.jpg)


My first Big Mac in Tbilisi. About early December 2015. The thing about American fast food here including McDonalds is the taste is somewhat off from what you get back home. I think it might be in their sauces. Also Georgians like to sneak in a lot of cucumber into their meals. I suppose it appeals to the Georgian pallet.


(http://i.cubeupload.com/bJlp3c.jpg)


Besides McDs there is Wendy's with a Dunkin Donut usually nearby. Wendy's is usually at the entrance of a grocery store chain called 'Smart.' Their logo is orange and white squirrel. And at the exit there is a Dunkin Donuts. If you spend enough at the Smart market they give you tokens to spend at the Wendy's and DDs store.


Another grocery store chain is called 'Goodwill.' In America Goodwill is like a Salvation Army store but here in Georgia it is a very well stocked store with a rather large selection of wine and spirits. While mentioning spirits, liquor is sold everywhere here, 24 hours a day. The smallest store or kiosk has got the stuff.


Here is what Georgian Lari (GEL) looks like


(http://i.cubeupload.com/D17g3d.jpg)


As of today November 22, 2017 here is 2.71 Lari to the USD.
Title: My new life in the Republic of Georgia
Post by: Maxx2 on November 22, 2017, 03:12:01 AM
All the other fast food places are Burger King (not many), Subway, Dominoes and KFC. Most Georgians like KFC. But as for the other fast food places they are either rejected as awful or are embraced as fine cuisine. There is seems to be no middle ground.


The one restaurant chain that has equal quality to its American counterpart is the Hard Rock Cafe. The price for a meal there is not cheap. For two people I usually spent about $60-$75. But the food was great. About the only place in Georgia that makes a good burger. The other places including McDonalds usually screwup the food. The worst offenders add something to the ground meat that is hard to define other than it shouldn't be there. But HRC keeps their standards.


(http://i.cubeupload.com/Pp3upl.jpg)
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(http://i.cubeupload.com/s35ZEq.jpg)
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(http://i.cubeupload.com/oKIpft.jpg)
Title: My new life in the Republic of Georgia
Post by: GQBlues on November 22, 2017, 11:41:39 AM
maxx-

Pretty darn elaborate architecture for a MickeyD joint/gas station! Best I've ever seen...Great pictures. That BigMac is nothing like I've ever seen before but then again, like you said, it's local conformance. Just as Hawaii’s McRice, LOL.

There's not too many vehicle that are propane-powered in LA. Mostly government-owned and public transport vehicles. Some are natural gas powered. With the added (illegal immigrant provision cost support) tax of another $0.12/gal for gasoline, the latest price we have is + $3.65/gal. They try to convince us it's for infrastructure/road repair, but California's DOT's depository have enough money to repair and maintain our highways twice over. The cost for being a sanctuary state. These illegals get to drive without insurance because the citizenry pays for them to the tune of 25-30% premium hikes on our car insurances. They're challenging these cost hikes here for next year's ballot election. They're @#@ absurd! Damned numbnuts.

Thanks for the update...you seem to have a lot to be thankful for...so for now - Happy Thanksgiving!!
Title: My new life in the Republic of Georgia
Post by: Maxx2 on November 22, 2017, 08:53:25 PM
maxx-

Pretty darn elaborate architecture for a MickeyD joint/gas station! Best I've ever seen...Great pictures. That BigMac is nothing like I've ever seen before but then again, like you said, it's local conformance. Just as Hawaii’s McRice, LOL.

There's not too many vehicle that are propane-powered in LA. Mostly government-owned and public transport vehicles. Some are natural gas powered. With the added (illegal immigrant provision cost support) tax of another $0.12/gal for gasoline, the latest price we have is + $3.65/gal. They try to convince us it's for infrastructure/road repair, but California's DOT's depository have enough money to repair and maintain our highways twice over. The cost for being a sanctuary state. These illegals get to drive without insurance because the citizenry pays for them to the tune of 25-30% premium hikes on our car insurances. They're challenging these cost hikes here for next year's ballot election. They're @#@ absurd! Damned numbnuts.

Thanks for the update...you seem to have a lot to be thankful for...so for now - Happy Thanksgiving!!


Happy Thanksgiving to you also!


It must be your State's high gasoline taxes why it is so high. After doing my liters to gallons and Laris to US Dollars conversation a gallon of gasoline here is about $3.00 and about $3.50 for 97 octane. I thought it was $2.25 in the States?


Our illegal alien problem is Gypsy women and children walking in the streets begging for change. We even have old women knocking on doors or out in parking lots asking for charity.


(http://i.cubeupload.com/5HB1vC.jpg)
Title: My new life in the Republic of Georgia
Post by: ML on November 22, 2017, 09:23:32 PM
Our illegal alien problem is Gypsy women and children walking in the streets begging for change. We even have old women knocking on doors or out in parking lots asking for charity.

During my first trip to Antalya, Turkey two Gypsies walked up to me and one held out her hand and said:  "Hello . . . money."
Right to the point without unnecessary chit chat.
Title: My new life in the Republic of Georgia
Post by: Maxx2 on November 24, 2017, 03:19:00 AM
Cost of a meal in the Republic of Georgia at the Tangerine Cafe. The T.C. is typical tourist cafe and bar. It is across the side street of where I am staying. I believe it is Russian owned. It is definitely staffed by Russians and Russian speaking Georgians. Anyway here it is.


(http://i.cubeupload.com/sN4xwZ.jpg)


The chicken fillets comes with some mashed potatoes and Brussel sprouts. That is what those odd looking thing are. Taste good!


Here is the bill.


(http://i.cubeupload.com/Ws26gA.jpg)


It came to 18.70 Georgian Lari (GEL). There is 2.71 Georgian Lari to the USD.


(http://i.cubeupload.com/JkNDmS.png)


So below is the math on that.


(http://i.cubeupload.com/sbvrv4.png)


The whole meal cost $6.90 but this includes a 2Lari 500 ml bottle of World Famous sparkling Barjomi Spring Water. You know, the water of the Czars, Soviet potentates, Uncle Joe Stalin and Angela Jolie drank.


(http://i.cubeupload.com/hEMeVT.png)


74 cents for the Barjomi is a rip-off price. In any store I can buy 1.5 Liters, not a measly 500 mil. for the same price. Or for a competing brand that comes from the same source (spring) for half that much. Georgia has great water.


(http://i.cubeupload.com/xAQPJO.png)


The $6.90 also includes the waiter's tip of 62 cents (10%) although I usually add two or three more Lari to it.


Now meals from Georgian restaurants usually cost about half as much as from this tourist spot. I've fed 4 adults and two children for about $12-15.

Title: My new life in the Republic of Georgia
Post by: Doll on November 24, 2017, 05:34:15 AM
Dave, the  receipt says it is "polenta"- cornmeal. They could use some other grains instead of corn, but it is not potatoes. Broccoli , not Brussel sprouts.
Title: My new life in the Republic of Georgia
Post by: Maxx2 on November 24, 2017, 08:35:35 AM
It definitely was Brussel Sprouts. They looked like miniature cabbages. Cornmeal? I think you are right. I did notice a corn taste to it and it was very good.


Title: My new life in the Republic of Georgia
Post by: Doll on November 24, 2017, 10:20:22 AM
I am reading the receipt- it says "broccoli"
Title: My new life in the Republic of Georgia
Post by: Doll on November 24, 2017, 10:26:01 AM
Now I am looking at the picture- Brussel sprouts! ))))))))))
Title: My new life in the Republic of Georgia
Post by: SANDRO43 on November 24, 2017, 01:04:35 PM
"polenta"- cornmeal. They could use some other grains instead of corn
Polenta: http://it.wikipedia.org/wiki/Polenta ;)

(http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/0/0c/Cotechino-Servito-Polenta-Lenticchie.jpg/800px-Cotechino-Servito-Polenta-Lenticchie.jpg)
Polenta with lentils and cotechino
Title: My new life in the Republic of Georgia
Post by: Boethius on November 24, 2017, 02:26:16 PM
The receipt says broccoli, but the photo is definitely 2 1/2 brussel sprouts, sitting on top of a bed of cooked cornmeal.  The cornmeal could be a local dish, elarji, which is made with sulguni cheese.
Title: My new life in the Republic of Georgia
Post by: Maxx2 on November 25, 2017, 12:06:33 AM
Some more photos and then I am off to the gym.


Another 15 GEL/$5.55 meal. The rose is a carefully sliced tomato.


(http://i.cubeupload.com/uc3aLM.jpg)


Below a Greek Salad @ about $2.50


(http://i.cubeupload.com/NMjgfp.jpg)




An Iranian owned and operated Bakery. The cakes look too good to cut.


(http://i.cubeupload.com/l225cR.jpg)


Below is some typical Georgian food, wine and "cha cha" (160 proof!)


(http://i.cubeupload.com/XLuYXm.jpg)


I am a non-smoker but for your information, smoking is permitted at every table. You can see the ash tray above.


(http://i.cubeupload.com/mjVIYK.jpg)


(http://i.cubeupload.com/Wd3Cst.jpg)


(http://i.cubeupload.com/QtWgBe.jpg)




http://youtu.be/GgX-Du2Fkxg (http://youtu.be/GgX-Du2Fkxg)


My first Georgian contact was named Mamuka. The girl was the receptionist at the hotel lobby where Mamuka  hung out. Mamuka is trying to tell me about Tbilisi's famous hot sulfur baths being good for the health. Tbilis means warm in Georgia. When a Georgian king Vakhtang discovered them while falcon hunting he decided to build a palace there and later made Tbilisi his capital city. This was in the mid-Fifth century AD.




(http://i.cubeupload.com/aed26x.jpg)


Givi, his wife Alvina and their son Ramaz. Missing from the photo is their little daughter Anna. She is about 4 years old and is really cute. Repeating myself here but she thinks my name is "Mr. Hello." She speaks only Russian but is being taught Georgian and English in school.


(http://i.cubeupload.com/FoRO5Y.jpg)


Most people here speak Russian and Georgian. Many of the younger people like Alvina speak English as well, but generally not fluently. Givi speaks English, Russian, Georgian and Armenian fluently (He's half Armenian) and I am not sure about how well his Greek is. He lived in Greece when he was young.


(http://i.cubeupload.com/5xyt7X.jpg)


 Notice the two extra plates? Those are for the fathers of Givi and Alvina. Givi's father passed away at age 47 of prostrate cancer and Alvina's father died in 2014 of heart disease. The honoring of the departed is taken very serious in Georgia. But that is a subject for another post. The other woman in the photo is Givi's mother. A nice lady of Armenian heritage.
Title: My new life in the Republic of Georgia
Post by: Maxx2 on November 25, 2017, 12:59:04 AM

GQ asked me about the weather in Georgia. I am specifically finding out about the weather in Batumi by living it.


(http://i.cubeupload.com/rgFpgs.png)




Beyond the palm, pomegranate and lemon trees, high up on the foot hills of the Lesser Caucasian mountains, I see snow. For a SoCal person it is 'Burrrr'. For a Russian... it is nice, sort of.
Title: My new life in the Republic of Georgia
Post by: Maxx2 on November 25, 2017, 01:05:04 AM
(http://i.cubeupload.com/cM3ern.png)
Title: My new life in the Republic of Georgia
Post by: Maxx2 on November 25, 2017, 01:33:04 AM

(http://i.cubeupload.com/pvwOwK.jpg)


OK, no more procrastinating. I'm off to the gym!
Title: My new life in the Republic of Georgia
Post by: ML on November 25, 2017, 10:07:53 AM
I am a non-smoker but for your information, smoking is permitted at every table. You can see the ash tray above.

All the good things you may say about Georgia are now cancelled out by this.

Myself and any other intelligent thinking persons would avoid it like the plague.
Title: My new life in the Republic of Georgia
Post by: Maxx2 on November 25, 2017, 08:35:41 PM
All the good things you may say about Georgia are now cancelled out by this.

Myself and any other intelligent thinking persons would avoid it like the plague.


The restaurants here do not have a smoky atmosphere like some bars in the States have. Or in the men's room in a Russian cinema. You know a cloud of blue smoke you have walk through that stinks your clothes. I hate that too. I would say in one visit out of ten that I have smelled smoke in a Georgian restaurant. The reason I mentioned ash trays and the absence of no-smoking laws is to say it is just freer here than any Western country that I have known. People are less uptight.


If you are big into  :rules:   and trying to regulate behavior then Georgia isn't for you. One thing Georgia does well is punish criminals. You don't want to push your freedom too far as in stealing and taking advantage of others.
Title: My new life in the Republic of Georgia
Post by: mhr7 on November 26, 2017, 02:30:36 AM

The restaurants here do not have a smoky atmosphere like some bars in the States have. Or in the men's room in a Russian cinema.

Or, oddly, the men's locker room at a Russian gym.
Title: My new life in the Republic of Georgia
Post by: Maxx2 on November 26, 2017, 04:25:52 AM
Or, oddly, the men's locker room at a Russian gym.


Yes, it is odd. In the patio in the back of the gym I go to, the owner and other patrons of the gym sit and smoke, drink coffee and visit with each other. They don't seem to worry about looking odd doing unhealthy things while doing healthy things. People here are more tolerant of things like smoking and drinking. Of course the life expectancy in Georgia is 74 years to the US's 78 years and in the really wound tight country of Japan it is 84 years. Of course their diet of fish and rice is really different than the Georgian diet of bread, cheese and more bread.
Title: My new life in the Republic of Georgia
Post by: Maxx2 on November 27, 2017, 09:17:59 AM



(http://i.cubeupload.com/9PZX74.jpg)


Today (Monday, November 13th) was the first day for my legs. I wanted to see how strong they are so I kept or rather Pavel kept adding weight set after set. On my 6th set I was up to 200 KG (440 pounds) and I pressed it 14 times before hitting maxx. Next time I go back I will see what I can do with 220 Kilos.


Next time I went back I pressed 250 Kilograms 6 times.


(http://i.cubeupload.com/jihLKV.jpg)


250 Kilograms 6 times (554.5 pounds)


Today, Monday the 27th:


(http://i.cubeupload.com/xkZPjS.jpg)


310 Kilograms 7 times (682 pounds)


Today's workout:
150 Kilograms X 15  (easy)
200 Kilograms X 15  (easy)
250 Kilograms X 15  (easy)
280 Kilograms X 10  (Maxx)
300 Kilograms X 9    (Maxx)
310 Kilograms X 7    (Maxx)  682 pounds



Title: My new life in the Republic of Georgia
Post by: BillyB on November 27, 2017, 09:21:36 AM

Wife and I seen Miss Universe last night. Miss Georgia was not beautiful. We didn't like Miss Ukraine either.
Title: My new life in the Republic of Georgia
Post by: Maxx2 on November 27, 2017, 10:46:04 AM
Wife and I seen Miss Universe last night. Miss Georgia was not beautiful. We didn't like Miss Ukraine either.


I just checked Miss Georgia and you are right. The receptionist at the hotel I stayed at in Tbilisi was much better looking.
Title: My new life in the Republic of Georgia
Post by: GQBlues on November 27, 2017, 12:20:17 PM
GQ asked me about the weather in Georgia. I am specifically finding out about the weather in Batumi by living it.



First...39 degree celcius and raining?!? Holy Georgian Mollies! Did I read that right? That's almost like back in the the islands...


Secondly...


[/size]Yes, it is odd. In the patio in the back of the gym I go to, the owner and other patrons of the gym sit and smoke, drink coffee and visit with each other. They don't seem to worry about looking odd doing unhealthy things while doing healthy things. People here are more tolerant of things like smoking and drinking. Of course the life expectancy in Georgia is 74 years to the US's 78 years and in the really wound tight country of Japan it is 84 years. Of course their diet of fish and rice is really different than the Georgian diet of bread, cheese and more bread.[/size]



LMAO! Those times never bothered me either from my crazy days lone gone...I gave up smoking the very day I got married as a token promise and respect to my wife and marriage.

But before that, I enjoyed smoking. Smoked before and after running San Francisco marathon. I remember being anxious prior to the race and had to burn one down before getting to Golden gate park. Then at mile 20, all I can think of was chilling in the hotel bathtub with a cigarette.

For years, I'd play pick-up (3on3) BBall all day long at our local park. We'd usually hold court, and in between games I'd be burning one down. Never bothered me though I'm sure it tore my lungs up.

Sta. Monica originated the no smoking in restaurant rule, and we were all up in arms before it became law. When it did, I actually liked it, not just because the room smelled so much better void of 'smell', but also because the designated smoking areas outside the restaurant became a cool place to chat and hook up with some cuties. That 'after sex' cigarettes used to so awesome!

Now my wife and I couldn't stand the smell of cigarettes. Even the smell eminating from anyone who had recently smoked. Yuck! You'd hardly see anyone in SoCal (native) who smoke these days. Most of the ones who do are mainly 'tourist'.

Thanks for the update Maxx!
Title: My new life in the Republic of Georgia
Post by: Doll on November 27, 2017, 12:26:31 PM
It's 39  Fahrenheit
Title: My new life in the Republic of Georgia
Post by: Maxx2 on November 27, 2017, 12:45:03 PM
11:36 PM as I start write this. 11 hours ahead of the clock at the top of the page. 47 F right now. My fancy apartment doesn't have heat. I'll probably have to buy a heater.


(http://i.cubeupload.com/8wRrt0.png)


I was looking down the beach today during a clear time cloud wise. I noticed some snow covered mountains going South-West out along the Black Sea. They must be in Turkey. It sure is not far away. I am about where the blue dot is on the map


(http://i.cubeupload.com/joyOG7.png)


Turkey is the green part of the map. I should drive down there sometime and check it out.







Title: My new life in the Republic of Georgia
Post by: Jumper on November 29, 2017, 08:45:29 PM
The receipt says broccoli, but the photo is definitely 2 1/2 brussel sprouts, sitting on top of a bed of cooked cornmeal.  The cornmeal could be a local dish, elarji, which is made with sulguni cheese.

Us philistines South of the Canukian  border just call them grits,  we only use the word  polenta at fancy places where you can't wear bib overalls.

At the moment I'm up north in Canukian lands though, eh.

Title: My new life in the Republic of Georgia
Post by: Jumper on November 29, 2017, 08:46:26 PM
Maxx, thanks for continuing to share your story and photos ,its very cool.
Title: My new life in the Republic of Georgia
Post by: SANDRO43 on November 30, 2017, 08:03:32 AM
we only use the word polenta at fancy places where you can't wear bib overalls.
Maybe in the Americas, but here it was a staple food in our mountain areas, cooked for hours in a copper pot and put on the table on a large wooden cutting board for the whole family to share.

(http://www.italiaatavola.net/images/contenutiarticoli/crosta-polenta-sfizioso-snack-Bon-Tajer-DoloMais.jpg#ActualImage) (http://www.alborgo.to/media/1075/fotolia_102573685.jpg?#ActualImage)(http://www.ifood.it/wp-content/uploads/2017/02/polenta1-1160x653.jpg#ActualImage)

Its continued consumption by poorer families could provoke pellagra, with the growth of neck abscesses and diminution of mental faculties - Polentone was an insult meaning a slow-witted and slow-moving person.
Title: My new life in the Republic of Georgia
Post by: Maxx2 on November 30, 2017, 08:39:24 AM
Maybe in the Americas, but here it was a staple food in our mountain areas, cooked for hours in a copper pot and  put on the table on a large wooden cutting board for the whole family to share.

(http://www.italiaatavola.net/images/contenutiarticoli/crosta-polenta-sfizioso-snack-Bon-Tajer-DoloMais.jpg#ActualImage) (http://www.alborgo.to/media/1075/fotolia_102573685.jpg?#ActualImage)(http://www.ifood.it/wp-content/uploads/2017/02/polenta1-1160x653.jpg#ActualImage)

Its continued consumption by poorer families could provoke pellagra, with the growth of neck abscesses and diminution of mental faculties - Polentone was an insult meaning a slow-witted and slow-moving person.


I had this plus the chicken breast and brussels sprouts for lunch. This time I noticed it had a slight corn flavor to it.
Title: My new life in the Republic of Georgia
Post by: SANDRO43 on November 30, 2017, 12:44:18 PM
I had this plus the chicken breast and brussels sprouts for lunch. This time I noticed it had a slight corn flavor to it.
Here polenta is made with corn flour.  Nowadays its rather bland flavour is enhanced by mixing some cheese into it.
Title: My new life in the Republic of Georgia
Post by: Doll on November 30, 2017, 01:08:55 PM
The receipt says "POLENTA" so it is cornmeal.
Title: My new life in the Republic of Georgia
Post by: ML on November 30, 2017, 02:34:04 PM
Polentone was an insult meaning a slow-witted and slow-moving person.

And here I thought that when local Italians called me that . . . it was just a nickname for someone they were fond of !!!
Title: My new life in the Republic of Georgia
Post by: Jumper on December 02, 2017, 03:14:01 PM
Maybe in the Americas, but here it was a staple food in our mountain areas, cooked for hours in a copper pot and put on the table on a large wooden cutting board for the whole family to share.

(http://www.italiaatavola.net/images/contenutiarticoli/crosta-polenta-sfizioso-snack-Bon-Tajer-DoloMais.jpg#ActualImage) (http://www.alborgo.to/media/1075/fotolia_102573685.jpg?#ActualImage)(http://www.ifood.it/wp-content/uploads/2017/02/polenta1-1160x653.jpg#ActualImage)

Its continued consumption by poorer families could provoke pellagra, with the growth of neck abscesses and diminution of mental faculties - Polentone was an insult meaning a slow-witted and slow-moving person.

So it's the grits that make us southerners a tad *slow*

:)
Title: My new life in the Republic of Georgia
Post by: Maxx2 on December 03, 2017, 12:16:37 AM


First...39 degree celcius and raining?!? Holy Georgian Mollies! Did I read that right? That's almost like back in the the islands...




Yep Batman, you read that wrong. It was 39 F not C. Right now it is 56 F with a high today of 65 F. Coming from Minnesota I find this weather very comfortable, even in the thirties. Yesterday I went to the gym. It was my 11th workout in 24 days. I parked down street a ways and noticed 3 lemon trees heavy with fruit. I'd say about 100 gallons of potential lemonade. Then I glance up and see the mountains with snow on top. There are palm trees and pomegranate trees growing everywhere here. 


(http://i.cubeupload.com/utF0xl.png)
Title: My new life in the Republic of Georgia
Post by: GQBlues on December 03, 2017, 08:29:24 AM
Yeah, I'd say a huge difference in the weather maxx. Allows you a lot more activities to keep you busy even in this time of the year. It's great you hit the gym as often as you do. I do about an hour of tai chi in the mornings for about a few years now. Awesome way to keep the body toned and the mind relaxed.

Your winter weather sounds a lot like SoCal.

Maxx, in the picture you posted, what the heck is that coming out of the white tower in the background? It looks like a group of bees caught flying by as the picture was taken.
Title: My new life in the Republic of Georgia
Post by: Maxx2 on December 03, 2017, 12:01:13 PM

Maxx, in the picture you posted, what the heck is that coming out of the white tower in the background? It looks like a group of bees caught flying by as the picture was taken.


GQ, that is a ferris wheel built into and along side a building. Batumi is best described as a whimsical place. You see odd things everywhere. I think it is a reflection of the former president Mikhail Saakachvili's sense of humor. I was told he used to fly over the city in his helicopter to see the progress of the building of the city. If he noticed progress had bogged down he would personally find out why, kick some butt and clear the jam.   


Playground for big kids and lovers, titillating fountains and love statues that slowly move through each other. 


(http://i.cubeupload.com/9DIPoY.png)


(http://i.cubeupload.com/Dg4lzp.png)


(http://i.cubeupload.com/xvErQ6.png)


(http://i.cubeupload.com/LkHEiP.png)


(http://i.cubeupload.com/OX22ZZ.png)


(http://i.cubeupload.com/P6hmeM.png)
Title: My new life in the Republic of Georgia
Post by: msmob on December 03, 2017, 08:27:48 PM

Yep Batman, you read that wrong. It was 39 F not C. Right now it is 56 F with a high today of 65 F. Coming from Minnesota I find this weather very comfortable, even in the thirties. Yesterday I went to the gym. It was my 11th workout in 24 days. I parked down street a ways and noticed 3 lemon trees heavy with fruit. I'd say about 100 gallons of potential lemonade. Then I glance up and see the mountains with snow on top. There are palm trees and pomegranate trees growing everywhere here. 




I'm just up the coast from Maxx, in Sochi - the weather has been glorious - sun and 18C - that's about the 65F?  SC is packing n every moment left on the beach and even swimming .... ?! Cooler in the evenings and snow visible on the towering mountains that form a backdrop and provide our sub-tropical micro-climate.

Do Georgians have a 'thing' for Saunas / Banyas, Maxx ....   ?
Title: My new life in the Republic of Georgia
Post by: Maxx2 on December 03, 2017, 10:06:46 PM
[quote author=msmob link=topic=22265.msg472265#msg472265 date=15123580

Do Georgians have a 'thing' for Saunas / Banyas, Maxx ....   ?



Yes, it is one of their things. I've seen some youtubes of people in wooden huts with benches and steam. Then there is their famous warm sulfur baths of Tbilisi, the reason that city was founded in the 5th century. An area west of Tbilisi called Barjomi is famous for it's drinking and bathing water. It is supposed to have curative effects and the reason the Czar had a summer home built there. The Barjomi region is so beautiful! It reminds me driving through a river valley in the Rocky Mountains.


Here is a video Mamuka and the receptionist at the first hotel I stayed at. Mamuka is trying to tell me the sulfur bath cured him of something or another.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GgX-Du2Fkxg

 
Title: My new life in the Republic of Georgia
Post by: Maxx2 on December 04, 2017, 12:13:49 AM



Here is a couple of youtubes of attractive women with GoPros and their walking stick.


The first one of a couple of women talking Russian that look like they are from the Stans. They are walking right near where my room is at. I see my hotel over her left shoulder. It is the white building with all the curves. 


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2GtThmOBXss


The second video is of some Slavic girls to be sure. The first minute shows some interesting places to see near Batumi. If anybody knows the name of the cave and the place where the dinosaur tracks are please tell me OK?


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fxsUNTIWGlM

Title: My new life in the Republic of Georgia
Post by: Maxx2 on December 04, 2017, 12:44:22 AM
Maxx, in the picture you posted, what the heck is that coming out of the white tower in the background? It looks like a group of bees caught flying by as the picture was taken.


(http://i.cubeupload.com/LXnh5S.jpg)


(http://i.cubeupload.com/qk3IGx.jpg)




(http://i.cubeupload.com/SdNOot.png)
Title: My new life in the Republic of Georgia
Post by: SANDRO43 on December 04, 2017, 07:28:11 AM
A merry-go-round :o?
Title: My new life in the Republic of Georgia
Post by: GQBlues on December 04, 2017, 10:32:15 AM
.....


(http://i.cubeupload.com/SdNOot.png)


Ahhh, that explains it! Sort of like Vegas' Stratosphere. Cool!
Title: My new life in the Republic of Georgia
Post by: ML on December 04, 2017, 10:46:35 AM
The stupidity people will subject themselves to . . . to get accidentally killed.
Title: My new life in the Republic of Georgia
Post by: Maxx2 on December 04, 2017, 11:36:46 AM
The stupidity people will subject themselves to . . . to get accidentally killed.


You've been a bit of a grump lately ML.


The city is full of weird stuff. You should see some of the graffiti.


(http://i.cubeupload.com/IpOJOa.png)


(http://i.cubeupload.com/PW1fvA.png)


(http://i.cubeupload.com/YXVSF0.png)




(http://i.cubeupload.com/7q2JGt.png)


(http://i.cubeupload.com/uGSJUM.jpg)


(http://i.cubeupload.com/39RMCu.jpg)


(http://i.cubeupload.com/E3Wkh3.jpg)


(http://i.cubeupload.com/lhfcPv.jpg)


(http://i.cubeupload.com/aAIKCm.jpg)


Then along comes a statue of dignity and honor...
Title: My new life in the Republic of Georgia
Post by: Maxx2 on December 04, 2017, 11:40:27 AM
(http://i.cubeupload.com/JlIbJp.jpg)



(http://i.cubeupload.com/aCrL8M.jpg)


(http://i.cubeupload.com/Vz2wjC.jpg)


Along the promenade as people walk by. I thinking they were cooking up something to smoke...
Title: My new life in the Republic of Georgia
Post by: Maxx2 on December 04, 2017, 12:01:37 PM



I remember GQ you were a Joe Cocker fan or was that ZZ top?


Ukraine's Got Talent


Georgia's Gocha


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NTsAUXWzqCY


Title: My new life in the Republic of Georgia
Post by: GQBlues on December 04, 2017, 02:27:46 PM
Love BIG Joe -she came in through the bathroom window Cocker, maxx. And of course always liked the guitar riffs and tune on ZZ's Bad to the Bone. Always sounds better on Les Paul.


But Georgia's Gocha rocks! A bit flat on some of those verses, but nothing that a good signing coach can't improve. I would've love to have heard him sing 15-20 years ago. I hope good things came his way after this show. He's very entertaining though he needs a more stage command to compliment his obvious talent.


Some of the concerts we go to every year showcases a lot of old timers. Believe it or not from as old as Kansas/Robin Trower to Gin Blossoms/Guns & Roses. Those guys are, to borrow a phrase from Steely Dan, reeling in the years, man!
Title: My new life in the Republic of Georgia
Post by: Maxx2 on December 06, 2017, 11:44:30 PM


But Georgia's Gocha rocks! A bit flat on some of those verses, but nothing that a good signing coach can't improve. I would've love to have heard him sing 15-20 years ago. I hope good things came his way after this show. He's very entertaining though he needs a more stage command to compliment his obvious talent.



Someone here told me he is doing some engagements in the U.S. One of the things he needs is some coaching on his English word pronouncement. But that might be some of his charm.
Title: My new life in the Republic of Georgia
Post by: Maxx2 on December 07, 2017, 12:13:48 AM
My new life in... The Republic of Ecuador?


When I got the idea of becoming an expat one day in 2010, the country that was getting a lot of attention by me and others was Ecuador. This little South American county on the equator, the reason for the name, has large population of American, Canadian and Western Europeans expats. Which is generally not a positive, you know with Ugly Americans and the whole Gringo thing with the locals. But it is an indication this country has something to offer. Namely the tropical beaches, Andes Mountains where you can pick your elevation to get an eternal month of May. the Amazon jungle to say you've seen it and the Galapagos Islands.


Since my 360 residency is up on January 9th (I entered Georgia last January 14th) and my apartment gets new tenets in late afternoon of January 8, so it is time to try someplace else. Ecuador seems exotic and has the same low cost of living advantages of Georgia. Seafood from the Pacific is incredibly inexpensive. Lobster, shrimp and fish caught daily, fresh fruits and vegetables of all types harvested year round. Avocados! I'm getting hungry!


I know an American woman Margarita, and her husband Frank that have been living there since the 80's. They own several cabins they rent out to vacationers. They sit on some large acreage in the mountains north of the capital city, Quito. I am making inquires.


I can come back to Georgia anytime.


Stay tuned.
Title: My new life in the Republic of Georgia
Post by: Jumper on December 07, 2017, 09:05:28 AM
Maxx, it's good to see you grabbing retirement life in a way many would be afraid of. Such adventures are why i often took employment opportunities that required travel and relocation.
Title: My new life in the Republic of Georgia
Post by: GQBlues on December 07, 2017, 09:16:20 AM
Interesting revelation, maxx.

I was under the impression that your retirement move in the region was partly because of your FSUW persuasion? Has this change as well?
Title: My new life in the Republic of Georgia
Post by: Maxx2 on December 07, 2017, 07:44:03 PM
Interesting revelation, maxx.

I was under the impression that your retirement move in the region was partly because of your FSUW persuasion? Has this change as well?



No, not at all. I love this part of the world and the people in it. I just want to experience different places and people. Below is a letter from a woman I internet know. We've been in contact for more than 7 years now. My idea is to 'wing it' in Ecuador like I did in Georgia and see what comes. I trust Margarita and her husband Frank. They are good people. My eventual plan is to return to Georgia. I love this place! And hopefully find the right woman who is smart enough to understand I offer her an interesting life! 




"Hey Maxx, good to hear from you.  Listen, I am giving you the best advice here, you should stay in the town of Otavalo, and I will help you get a good place, you can go cheap, $10 or up to $25/30 a night with compadres of mind who own mid range hotels in town.  You need to soak up the aciton and the 'feel' of Ecuador.  I will get you settled, and Cotacachi is 20 min away. I will bring you up to the mountain, which is much higher in altitude than Otavalo, only 15 min away, also my girlfriend and her husband have a gorgeous little apt., at the beginning of our 15 minute mt. road.  Anyway I can help you but I think, right off the bat, you need to stay in town and a bit in Cotacachi, Join the Cotacachi pages..... There is Cotacachi expats and What's happening in Cotacachi There are cheap places, La cuadra, others there and I recommend you stay there a few nights.  The mt. is very out of the way and excluded, you need to 'feel the action' my man.  I can do all that I can to help.....yes, lots on my plate now.
Title: My new life in the Republic of Georgia
Post by: Maxx2 on December 07, 2017, 07:57:42 PM
Maxx, it's good to see you grabbing retirement life in a way many would be afraid of. Such adventures are why i often took employment opportunities that required travel and relocation.


I remember a photo of you doing a motorcycle jump and it looked like you were about a quarter mile in the sky! You were a test driver for Suzuki motorcycles working out if Chicago right? Both of us like the challenge of doing risky things. Perhaps this is why we seek a union with a Slavic woman?
Title: My new life in the Republic of Georgia
Post by: Jumper on December 07, 2017, 08:31:28 PM

I remember a photo of you doing a motorcycle jump and it looked like you were about a quarter mile in the sky! You were a test driver for Suzuki motorcycles working out if Chicago right? Both of us like the challenge of doing risky things. Perhaps this is why we seek a union with a Slavic woman?
Worked or raced  for,or under contract with ,about all of the OEMs in that field at some point or another.,and have been   based out of San diego, Torrence, Corona, , yeap Chi town area, Indiatuba (br ) and prauge.
Lived in Brazil,  Greece, Portugal, Canada, and obviously the U.S.
Traveled for races,or testing or for fun,  thru more countries then an i can really  remember, and been most continents, and in really remote locales for some rally stuff like Paris to Dakar, ISDE stuff in Chile,  also way out in the bsck country of Czech rep, Italy , France Austria, Romania etc etc etc .
So yeah pretty well traveled.

From my old ama/fim pro card, I  used to get annual invitations to race a big desert rally in Kazakhstan,  with bikes and support crew offered, but always had some schedule conflict
And never took them up on it sadly. 
This is your thread though maxx,
Sorry for the  :tmi:
Title: My new life in the Republic of Georgia
Post by: Maxx2 on December 08, 2017, 12:54:51 AM
Worked or raced  for,or under contract with ,about all of the OEMs in that field at some point or another.,and have been   based out of San diego, Torrence, Corona, , yeap Chi town area, Indiatuba (br ) and prauge.
Lived in Brazil,  Greece, Portugal, Canada, and obviously the U.S.
Traveled for races,or testing or for fun,  thru more countries then an i can really  remember, and been most continents, and in really remote locales for some rally stuff like Paris to Dakar, ISDE stuff in Chile,  also way out in the bsck country of Czech rep, Italy , France Austria, Romania etc etc etc .
So yeah pretty well traveled.

From my old ama/fim pro card, I  used to get annual invitations to race a big desert rally in Kazakhstan,  with bikes and support crew offered, but always had some schedule conflict
And never took them up on it sadly. 
This is your thread though maxx,
Sorry for the  :TMI:


I don't mind at all AJ. I remember years on back during my train wreck, your advice about the way to solve my divorce was by a "boating accident." Of course you were kidding. Even the feminist writer doing an article for a Virginia Women's magazine about us guys made note of your comment and that it was in jest.


I am curious about regarding motorcycle test drivers. Do they get to a age when they are not desired anymore? You know like fashion models that age out at 23? Or boxers by their early 30s?
Title: My new life in the Republic of Georgia
Post by: msmob on December 08, 2017, 01:53:41 AM
I would like to thank  Maxx for his very kind offer to host SC and I as although my visa for RU expires later, we suddenly realised that I ...and the car... needed to be out for Russia.

Sadly, it has rained for 3 solid days, hence snow in the mountains...so ..snow tyres or not...we cannot risk driving.

Currently, there are no ro-ro ferries from our part of Russia to Georgia or any EU port on the Black Sea, either..

Sorry, Maxx the car and I are going by train to Piter and Finland !

It would have been great to see you and SC was looking forward to the road trip and seeing Georgia.

Could you please make your next stop somewhere Russian's can get visas, easily or don't need them, she says )

In the meantime, thanks for the offer (when we we in crisis) and this is the spirit I think members want to see

Good luck, matey wherever you end up !

You could consider Sochi! You have a FWD.... Ask SC ...she'll drive you (crazy !) Through the mountains ...you guys can get three year Visas for Russia... and temporarily import the Merc for a year free.

Title: My new life in the Republic of Georgia
Post by: Boethius on December 08, 2017, 04:00:39 AM
Have you ever considered house sitting, Maxx?  Some people want responsible individuals to take care of pets, others don’t want homes sitting empty.  Some people want you to pay water/power, others some expensies, and others, nothing. The homes are all over the West, from a few days to months or even indefinitely.
Title: My new life in the Republic of Georgia
Post by: msmob on December 08, 2017, 04:19:28 AM
Have you ever considered house sitting, Maxx? 

Good idea !
Title: My new life in the Republic of Georgia
Post by: Maxx2 on December 08, 2017, 04:33:57 AM
Have you ever considered house sitting, Maxx?  Some people want responsible individuals to take care of pets, others don’t want homes sitting empty.  Some people want you to pay water/power, others some expensies, and others, nothing. The homes are all over the West, from a few days to months or even indefinitely.


No, never thought of that. I've been real nice to the three Airbnb hosts I have been a guest with. The young Georgian woman that is married a Russian man is becoming a good friend. I think the best thing I can do for myself is to network and earn a reputation as a good guest. My plan is to buy her a microwave oven as a parting gift and of course give her and the apartment a great review on Airbnb.
Title: My new life in the Republic of Georgia
Post by: Maxx2 on December 08, 2017, 04:45:00 AM
Good idea !


Thanks Moby for kinds words. Sad I won't be able to see you and SC this month. But probably for the best as I got exactly 1 month to prepare for my next place to live. I am sure our paths will cross someday. I would like to see Sochi.


I got a bunch more stuff to post about Georgia. I'll do it in themes. I'll do either the buying and driving a car here or the street animals next. Or maybe post about the "interesting times to be living in" these last few years. I got a need to put that down for the record.


It's looking like Ecuador is next. I'll make sure to post photos and give updates about it on this thread. Just because it was never part FSU doesn't mean people won't be interested, I think.
Title: My new life in the Republic of Georgia
Post by: Jumper on December 08, 2017, 06:33:16 AM
Have you ever considered house sitting, Maxx?  Some people want responsible individuals to take care of pets, others don’t want homes sitting empty.  Some people want you to pay water/power, others some expensies, and others, nothing. The homes are all over the West, from a few days to months or even indefinitely.

I've done that, kind of fell into the situation, but for 3 years it worked very well for all involved.  :)
Title: My new life in the Republic of Georgia
Post by: Jumper on December 08, 2017, 06:52:54 AM


I am curious about regarding motorcycle test drivers. Do they get to a age when they are not desired anymore? You know like fashion models that age out at 23? Or boxers by their early 30s?
Off road, racing yes. Your body at a certain age just can't be at a world competitive level. Talent extends careers for sure, but still can't stop time.or injury. Ive broken over 30 bones, including my back.metal rods and pins in lots of spots.7 major surgeries, a lot more minor ones.
  Early thirties is absolutely  ancient in the sport.I held (earned world ranking)my pro license until early 40's, just to prove to myself i could, and to be one of a very few who have, but I had already transitioned into testing and R&D as my real job  a decade prior.Yes that has a shelf life as well, but easier to move into the model design area, which is where I went.I still race a lot, in old farts amatuer classes/divisions. 
  The soecific divisions of Kawasaki and Honda I worked for,or with ,as a contractor for a long time where both closed about a year ago.
So I'm working, at a transition job in my thoughts, and deciding on where to go and what to do next. :)

It won't be as exciting as Ecuador!
Title: My new life in the Republic of Georgia
Post by: GQBlues on December 08, 2017, 09:42:23 AM
...I am curious about regarding motorcycle test drivers. Do they get to a age when they are not desired anymore? You know like fashion models that age out at 23? Or boxers by their early 30s?


Apparently not the case with Floyd Mayweather. He just filed for Russian citizenship yesterday. He'd like to have dual nationality so he can open 20+ gym in Chechnya amongst other places.


 :-X


http://www.foxsportsasia.com/boxing/755385/mayweather-seeking-russian-citizenship/
Title: My new life in the Republic of Georgia
Post by: Maxx2 on December 08, 2017, 09:48:33 AM

It won't be as exciting as Ecuador!


I'm not sure of that. I have a talent of taking exciting events and turning them into dull experiences. I'd rather be home this Friday night posting to you than sitting in bar looking for some action.


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hX0BsjnZKto
Title: My new life in the Republic of Georgia
Post by: Maxx2 on December 09, 2017, 02:10:51 AM
One of first things you notice upon arrival to Georgia is the street dogs and cats. They are everywhere, big cities, small cities, out in the country, walking along the road through the Tbilisi forest. Often times in packs but never aggressive. Usually a little shy but friendly. Most as in 99% look well fed.


Ujarma Fortress protectors


(http://i.cubeupload.com/M1regI.jpg)




(http://i.cubeupload.com/JawPCZ.jpg)




(http://i.cubeupload.com/XaDNjB.jpg)




Here they come to tear you up!


(http://i.cubeupload.com/HsW99U.jpg)


Russian girl knows they are all bluff


(http://i.cubeupload.com/Zzc7Be.jpg)


They love to chase the cars down this road going past the Ujarma Fortress


(http://i.cubeupload.com/2Z22ji.jpg)


(http://i.cubeupload.com/Ls2pLd.jpg)




(http://i.cubeupload.com/xLgizw.jpg)


This one of the few dogs that didn't look well fed. The well fed dogs usually hangout outside of restaurants or grocery stores. Often you will see a pile of food next to them. Some of them get to be fussy eaters and won't eat just anything given to them.


(http://i.cubeupload.com/hz8CNm.jpg)




http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tJPHcvIOHBk&feature=youtu.be (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tJPHcvIOHBk&feature=youtu.be)


I asked what method is used to keep the population down? First answer was, "cars". The second answer is the aggressive dogs are put down and the non-agressive are caught, neutered and released back on the street.


(http://i.cubeupload.com/bW2qCL.jpg)


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0oOcjHSCx74&feature=youtu.be (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0oOcjHSCx74&feature=youtu.be)


Of course birth control is not always successful. A new family of pups born outside the South Tbilisi Mall


(http://i.cubeupload.com/CUi5FT.jpg)


(http://i.cubeupload.com/18EK70.png)


The one sleeking up from the left I named, "Sheila."


(http://i.cubeupload.com/bw2KWO.png)


I grew quite fond of Sheila and would make sure to carry something for her to eat when I went outside. I asked recently someone I knew that lived in her neighborhood what happened to her. I was a little shocked to hear she had been killed by a neighbor woman who didn't like Sheila (I heard she would bark outside her door early in the morning). I was told she put out a contract on her with the neighborhood drunk. 2 bottles of vodka and she was no more. I thought this would be punished as a crime in America but my next thought was Sheila and most of the other dogs would have been put down by now. So what system is better?






(http://i.cubeupload.com/Df1CUj.png)


(http://i.cubeupload.com/wjbtAW.png)
Title: My new life in the Republic of Georgia
Post by: Maxx2 on December 13, 2017, 07:25:16 PM



Just outside of Tbilisi heading Southeast.


(http://i.cubeupload.com/aETW1v.jpg)


The heading south on the road coming from the Georgian-Russian border. An Armenian driver was in too much of a hurry.


(http://i.cubeupload.com/fVmfzl.jpg)




That's him, walking behind the trailer. Looks like he was unhurt.


(http://i.cubeupload.com/ldKZub.jpg)


Look ^ at that rock sticking up there on the shoulder of the road. You see things like that and wonder why they are not removed by the road crew. Not the cause of the accident, but ready to make another one. In Georgia if you drive you have to be prepared for road side hazards. In some places, especially small cities, you will see concrete drainage ditches that if driven into will drop your car or truck to its under-chassis, instantly!   


(http://i.cubeupload.com/MXZuX4.jpg)


Wonder if he kept his job?
Title: My new life in the Republic of Georgia
Post by: msmob on December 13, 2017, 10:36:32 PM
Great stuff, Maxx!


Title: My new life in the Republic of Georgia
Post by: Maxx2 on December 15, 2017, 05:26:19 AM
My new life in... The Republic of Ecuador?


When I got the idea of becoming an expat one day in 2010, the country that was getting a lot of attention by me and others was Ecuador. This little South American county on the equator, the reason for the name, has large population of American, Canadian and Western Europeans expats. Which is generally not a positive, you know with Ugly Americans and the whole Gringo thing with the locals. But it is an indication this country has something to offer. Namely the tropical beaches, Andes Mountains where you can pick your elevation to get an eternal month of May. the Amazon jungle to say you've seen it and the Galapagos Islands.


Since my 360 residency is up on January 9th (I entered Georgia last January 14th) and my apartment gets new tenets in late afternoon of January 8, so it is time to try someplace else. Ecuador seems exotic and has the same low cost of living advantages of Georgia. Seafood from the Pacific is incredibly inexpensive. Lobster, shrimp and fish caught daily, fresh fruits and vegetables of all types harvested year round. Avocados! I'm getting hungry!


I know an American woman Margarita, and her husband Frank that have been living there since the 80's. They own several cabins they rent out to vacationers. They sit on some large acreage in the mountains north of the capital city, Quito. I am making inquires.


I can come back to Georgia anytime.


Stay tuned.



Nyt. I am heading for Lviv instead. I am doing so good with my workouts I don't want to be gone too long. I'll get a place in Lviv and find a gym to make sure, at the very least, maintain my gains in strength. I'm a MONSTER with leg and back exercises, which are the two biggest muscle groups of the body. Remember muscles burn calories, hence fat. You want those muscles big and strong if you are looking to trim up.


(http://i.cubeupload.com/pHvVx5.jpg)


120 pounds pull back with one arm. I was doing the maximum the machine has, 190 pounds with two arms.


(http://i.cubeupload.com/34x0ft.jpg)


(http://i.cubeupload.com/wL4grU.jpg)


(http://i.cubeupload.com/Plg0eg.jpg)

90 kilos pull back with one arm. 6 reps.


Title: My new life in the Republic of Georgia
Post by: Maxx2 on December 16, 2017, 01:20:53 AM
Great stuff, Maxx!


Moby that is the road you would have taken. I'll post up more photos of it. It is the Darial Gorge of ancient times. It is one of two passes through the Greater Caucasian Mountains. VERY rich in history!


(http://i.cubeupload.com/3jU9lU.jpg)


(http://i.cubeupload.com/cYHiyS.jpg)


120 pounds pull back 13 times with my left hand, 15 times with my right hand. This works the back.


(http://i.cubeupload.com/QpBcYl.jpg)


Another machine, 90 Kilograms or 198 pounds pull back with 4 repetitions with my left hand and 6 repetitions with my right hand.


(http://i.cubeupload.com/FRR2Lo.jpg)



Title: My new life in the Republic of Georgia
Post by: Maxx2 on December 16, 2017, 01:22:55 AM



Some repeat above, sorry.
Title: My new life in the Republic of Georgia
Post by: Jumper on December 19, 2017, 09:19:42 AM
Just curious Max, why Lviv in particular over Odessa, Kyiv, etc.
I've never been, heard it's a beautiful city.

Title: My new life in the Republic of Georgia
Post by: Maxx2 on December 19, 2017, 09:59:32 AM
I know a woman there that visited me here in Georgia in September. We are not romantically involved, just friends.
Title: My new life in the Republic of Georgia
Post by: ML on December 19, 2017, 11:56:17 AM
I know a woman there that visited me here in Georgia in September. We are not romantically involved, just friends.

I have never heard of such a thing !!
Should you turn in your 'Man Card?'  :-)
Title: My new life in the Republic of Georgia
Post by: Maxx2 on December 19, 2017, 06:47:25 PM
I have never heard of such a thing !!
Should you turn in your 'Man Card?'  :-)


Nope, just not suited for each other.
Title: My new life in the Republic of Georgia
Post by: Maxx2 on December 21, 2017, 01:58:09 AM
I bought my round trip tickets the other day for Lviv.  $414  Not a great price I was told. I fly from Batumi on January 7 to Minsk for a 8 hour lay over and then the flight to Lviv. My woman friend and her one son will pick me up at the airport and go from there. I might stay with her or with her son or get a Airbnb place. Like Jumper said in the 'January in Kiev' thread try to not over think things. I am in quite a bit of different circumstances than the OP on that thread. I have a lot more time, I am already over here (much  cheaper to travel) and I am not on a wife hunt. I return to Batumi February 3. I have this place booked till May 1st except 3 days in late February and 9 days in mid-March. Then I have to move to an apartment 3 floors down that I have stayed at before. Just load up my things on to a luggage cart the hotel has. Ten steps to the elevator. Up or down from floors 15 to 12 or 12 to 15 and then ten more steps to the door.


I've been invited to visit an English class put on by an American Christian group. They are interested in meeting me, particularly one Ukrainian woman I am told. I think my being a former Jehovah's Witness and now an expat would be interesting for them. When I left the JWs in 1996 I drifted towards an Evangelical church that I liked. But I haven't step foot into a church for 15 years not counting all the monasteries here. Just got out of the habit of 'Sunday go to meeting.'   
Title: My new life in the Republic of Georgia
Post by: elliott on December 27, 2017, 12:56:27 PM
One of first things you notice upon arrival to Georgia is the street dogs and cats. They are everywhere...


I noticed the same in Russia. I spent a month in Krasnodar last summer and saw stray dogs and cats everywhere. Some did not look well. I stayed at the local university and it was overrun with strays. Most were well mannered, some were a bit skittish, but I just couldn't believe how many there were.
Title: My new life in the Republic of Georgia
Post by: mhr7 on December 27, 2017, 01:02:38 PM

I noticed the same in Russia. I spent a month in Krasnodar last summer and saw stray dogs and cats everywhere. Some did not look well. I stayed at the local university and it was overrun with strays. Most were well mannered, some were a bit skittish, but I just couldn't believe how many there were.

Where I live they try to round up strays, vaccinate, neuter/spay them, pop a tag in their ear and then release them onto the streets again. 
Title: My new life in the Republic of Georgia
Post by: msmob on December 28, 2017, 12:51:30 PM

I noticed the same in Russia. I spent a month in Krasnodar last summer and saw stray dogs and cats everywhere. Some did not look well. I stayed at the local university and it was overrun with strays. Most were well mannered, some were a bit skittish, but I just couldn't believe how many there were.

In the case of the cats, they aren't - generally considered to be a nuisance - in the warmer months, especially - as they control rodents.

Title: My new life in the Republic of Georgia
Post by: mendeleyev on January 06, 2018, 09:38:35 PM
Maxx, what a wonderful read....and great photos!
Title: My new life in the Republic of Georgia
Post by: Maxx2 on January 06, 2018, 10:03:18 PM
THANKS Mendeleyev. I am in the Minsk airport waiting for my connecting flight to Lviv. I should be in Ukraine (My first time) in about 6 hours. Long layover here in Belarus, 5 hours 55 minutes. My internet signal is courtesy of Burger King.
Title: My new life in the Republic of Georgia
Post by: Maxx2 on January 06, 2018, 10:18:48 PM
One of first things you notice upon arrival to Georgia is the street dogs and cats. They are everywhere, big cities, small cities, out in the country, walking along the road through the Tbilisi forest. Often times in packs but never aggressive.


Three homeless dogs at the Batumi airport front door. I walk in and the littlest one decides he doesn't like me and actually takes a measure nip to my ankle. It was like he knew better not to bite me just nip at my heels. I think what I did wrong was I talked to them. Most people ignore them even when they are feeding them.


BTW the Batumi airport is so small there is only one gate. It is one of those walk out into the runway and climb the stairs to enter the plane places. Fine aircraft. I sat next to cute 18 year old Georgian muslim girl. She was a freshman from the University of Saint Petersburg home on the holidays. We chatted most of the trip. She has my e-mail address so she can contact me to get my VK. Of course I don't hit on kids young enough to be my granddaughter.
Title: My new life in the Republic of Georgia
Post by: msmob on January 07, 2018, 02:54:33 AM
Hi Maxx,

by now you should be in Ukraine

Hope it's not too cold for you ...)

How was Minsk airport ? Did you 'walk in' after landing , go through passport control ?
Title: My new life in the Republic of Georgia
Post by: SANDRO43 on January 07, 2018, 03:43:35 AM
In the case of the cats, they aren't - generally considered to be a nuisance - in the warmer months, especially - as they control rodents.
IINM, the Hermitage cellars have a large resident population of cats, probably for the same purpose.
Title: My new life in the Republic of Georgia
Post by: Maxx2 on January 07, 2018, 04:57:46 AM
I just arrived but I have to leave the airport now so I'll catch you later. I am wearing my Minnesota parka.
Title: My new life in the Republic of Georgia
Post by: mendeleyev on January 07, 2018, 12:01:39 PM
IINM, the Hermitage cellars have a large resident population of cats, probably for the same purpose.

That is the case. In fact the Hermitage cats are well fed, live in a heated basement, have a full time care staff, including a Vet. They are given free reign of the massive museum area at night and do a masterful job at controlling rodents.

Once each year the Hermitage hosts an adoption weekend in which "excess" or "retired" cats are adopted out to families who have gone through an application process. It is considered a status symbol to have a former "Hermitage cat" living in your home.
Title: My new life in the Republic of Georgia
Post by: Lord of the Dance on January 07, 2018, 07:06:35 PM
That is the case. In fact the Hermitage cats are well fed, live in a heated basement, have a full time care staff, including a Vet. They are given free reign of the massive museum area at night and do a masterful job at controlling rodents.

Once each year the Hermitage hosts an adoption weekend in which "excess" or "retired" cats are adopted out to families who have gone through an application process. It is considered a status symbol to have a former "Hermitage cat" living in your home.

What a fascinating bit of trivia.
Title: My new life in the Republic of Georgia
Post by: Maxx2 on January 07, 2018, 11:23:26 PM


8:03 AM and I got a goodnight's rest from a long, long day(s) of hectic activity. Actually I slept 15 hours, a record for me. The sun's up but behind an overcast of clouds. I seen nothing but overcast in every direction from my 1 hour 15 minute flight from Minsk.


I am staying at my woman friend's apartment in the old downtown. It is one of those 4 story apartment buildings with the classic stone fronts. So it is up four flights of stairs. I have no idea exactly what I will do today. I know tomorrow there is a woman at a English class sponsored by an Evangelical church who wants to see me. Exactly what for I don't know. She had heard of me through my woman friend who does English studies there. So we'll see what that is about. Also I will try and get an Airbnb apartment soon which will give me more privacy.


So to be clear. My mission is not to find a woman. If the right one came along that would be great. I just checking this place out and seeing what is what.


BTW I can't log on to my VK account. The rumors that the Ukrainian government blocked it because it is Russian owned and operated might be true.
Title: My new life in the Republic of Georgia
Post by: JayH on January 08, 2018, 02:35:28 AM
No rumour on VK --it is a fact.
Do not undersestimate how Ukrainians feel about Putin & Russia.
Title: My new life in the Republic of Georgia
Post by: msmob on January 08, 2018, 02:40:51 AM
No rumour on VK --it is a fact.
Do not undersestimate how Ukrainians feel about Putin & Russia.

Yes, many are angry and use a VPN to use the services and contact family / friends in Russia

Maxx, if you visit my-private-network.co.uk (http://my-private-network.co.uk) ..You can get a UK IP and use VK

Title: My new life in the Republic of Georgia
Post by: alex330 on January 08, 2018, 10:08:13 AM
No rumour on VK --it is a fact.
Do not undersestimate how Ukrainians feel about Putin & Russia.


Yes, has been that way for a while. Ukes are moving over to Facebook.


You don't see the red screen when you navigate to the URL informing you the government is blocking it Max? It says something about a presidential decree, blah blah blah.
Title: My new life in the Republic of Georgia
Post by: Maxx2 on January 08, 2018, 10:36:00 AM

You don't see the red screen when you navigate to the URL informing you the government is blocking it Max? It says something about a presidential decree, blah blah blah.


I don't give it enough time to load.
Title: My new life in the Republic of Georgia
Post by: Lord of the Dance on January 08, 2018, 12:47:28 PM

I don't give it enough time to load.

Maxx (or anyone in Ukraine), if you have an opportunity, could you grab a screenshot of the red screen and post it here? Curious to read it in full.
Title: My new life in the Republic of Georgia
Post by: msmob on January 08, 2018, 01:08:56 PM
I'm interested, too - so I'll make a Ukraine VPN and try and access VK, etc., :)))

Visited Dnipropetrovs'k and had a poke around  - blocked on VK.com. OK.ru, yandex and 1S (1C accounting prog)

Then remembered - ( Duh) cannot run a VPN on top of another one - well not for long - so couldn't test the British  VPN ... but as I CAN visit all those sites from my PC in Britain ..I know it'll work

www.my-private-network.co.uk

They do free British connections - not fast but will allow one to visit RU sites

Maxx - Lviv is may be not the best city to ask for help - but there are LOADS of bezplatno ( free ) Russian VPNs..but  then if you have a Russian IP address - you can't visit Linkedin - banned in Russia )))

 

Title: My new life in the Republic of Georgia
Post by: alex330 on January 08, 2018, 02:28:52 PM
Here you go.


(http://i.imgur.com/RYbIBJ0.png)
Title: My new life in the Republic of Georgia
Post by: Nightwish on January 08, 2018, 02:32:11 PM
(http://i.imgur.com/QZCMYhZ.jpg)

(http://i.imgur.com/gYHgTK3.jpg)

BUT - not all Ukraine is banned, just some networks it seems, I had about 30 different UA proxy to test and most of them worked but still shows me as in Ukraine.

EDIT: Use a browser called Epic Browser http://www.epicbrowser.com/ (http://www.epicbrowser.com/) and you have built in VPN's that you can turn on and off depending on where to use it :) works like a charm.. 
Title: My new life in the Republic of Georgia
Post by: msmob on January 08, 2018, 02:35:46 PM
Here you go.




ANYONE can grab an image from a google search .... I saw the same image..  I prefer to check for real ;)
Title: My new life in the Republic of Georgia
Post by: msmob on January 08, 2018, 02:36:35 PM
Hey thanks, Nighthawk ..trying now - having checked ..gets good reviews from a trusted source:)

http://uk.pcmag.com/epic-privacy-browser/178/review/epic-privacy-browser (http://uk.pcmag.com/epic-privacy-browser/178/review/epic-privacy-browser)
Title: My new life in the Republic of Georgia
Post by: alex330 on January 08, 2018, 02:40:16 PM

ANYONE can grab an image from a google search .... I saw the same image..  I prefer to check for real ;)

A friend in Zap just sent that to me. I have tons on Skype I can just ask. I was there last year and same thing. Anyways it was another member who wanted to read it if I recall.

Proxies can be funny. I used to sell IP's to proxy companies. All we had to do was SWIP the range to a location and it would appear they were located there.
Title: My new life in the Republic of Georgia
Post by: Nightwish on January 08, 2018, 02:42:42 PM
Hey thanks, Nighthawk ..trying now - having checked ..gets good reviews from a trusted source:)

http://uk.pcmag.com/epic-privacy-browser/178/review/epic-privacy-browser (http://uk.pcmag.com/epic-privacy-browser/178/review/epic-privacy-browser)

I would maybe not trust my life on it, I only use it for masking my IP, not doing "funny stuff" that is what TOR is for  :devil:
Title: My new life in the Republic of Georgia
Post by: msmob on January 08, 2018, 02:46:32 PM
So how do you get a Ukraine IP ?  I can only see a select few UA ( east / west) , France, NL, Germany , Singapore ..

or are we talking TOR ?)
Title: My new life in the Republic of Georgia
Post by: Nightwish on January 08, 2018, 02:54:44 PM
So how do you get a Ukraine IP ?  I can only see a select few UA ( east / west) , France, NL, Germany , Singapore ..

or are we talking TOR ?)

ohh no that I mean to use when you are in Ukraine for example, like Maxx

I used a proxylist in firefox to load UA proxys
Title: My new life in the Republic of Georgia
Post by: msmob on January 08, 2018, 03:02:23 PM
ohh no that I mean to use when you are in Ukraine for example, like Maxx

I used a proxylist in firefox to load UA proxys

Thanks for explaining - yes - yours is a better solution for non techies !
Title: My new life in the Republic of Georgia
Post by: alex330 on January 08, 2018, 03:07:00 PM
BUT - not all Ukraine is banned, just some networks it seems, I had about 30 different UA proxy to test and most of them worked but still shows me as in Ukraine.



I believe most residential IP space in Ukraine is blocked. There are certain malicious networks (91.200.xx.xxx) that will not block at all. Mostly used for VPN's and hackers. But a proxy will be using this datacenter IP space almost always versus the residential.
Title: My new life in the Republic of Georgia
Post by: Nightwish on January 08, 2018, 03:19:08 PM


I believe most residential IP space in Ukraine is blocked. There are certain malicious networks (91.200.xx.xxx) that will not block at all. Mostly used for VPN's and hackers. But a proxy will be using this datacenter IP space almost always versus the residential.
You are probably right in your belief, wont argue there..
here is a some samples if anyone else wants to have a go:
194.169.206.141:8080
91.197.220.51:3128
37.57.224.118:8080
176.241.129.179:8080
176.106.216.16:53281
176.104.52.34:3128
188.191.17.233:8080
109.87.127.175:53281
109.254.211.233:3128
85.90.208.4:3128
37.57.241.120:8888

Most are Kyiv bases, but even has a couple in Donbas region (not blocking VK  ;))
Title: My new life in the Republic of Georgia
Post by: Maxx2 on January 09, 2018, 03:08:40 AM
People that know me over in this part of the world say I need a "babushka phone." Even when I manage to get where I want on my cell I accidentally shut it off.


Went to Moby's site. I'm registered with a download on my Mac that I can't find to open. It is called FRE Maybe I'll figure it out today.


I now got a Ukrainian sim card in my Lenova phone. It is Kievstar. I also have Beeline from Georgia. I've got 3000 minutes.


Blue sky sunny day today. Yesterday we didn't get going until late afternoon just before 18:00 and the sun was down. Today I am working on getting to an optometrist to get a new pair of contact lenses. Later  this evening I am supposed to see a couple of English teachers, American and Ukrainian women. Exactly why they want to see me I don't know. The Ukrainian woman I am staying with would like that I give up Georgia and come live in Ukraine. She told me her American English teacher said LPR status can be gotten without too much effort. But frankly I prefer Batumi way more than Ukraine although I will admit I've seen almost nothing of the later. Too soon to make a judgement.
Title: My new life in the Republic of Georgia
Post by: Maxx2 on January 10, 2018, 07:48:11 AM



I took this photo in a small village east of Tbilisi


(http://i.cubeupload.com/lr7Phc.jpg)
Title: My new life in the Republic of Georgia
Post by: jone on January 10, 2018, 10:20:46 AM
Any speculation on what he's hauling and what it might be used for?  Looks to me like some type of swamp grass or something used to thatch roofs.
Title: My new life in the Republic of Georgia
Post by: ML on January 10, 2018, 10:51:28 AM
Any speculation on what he's hauling and what it might be used for?  Looks to me like some type of swamp grass or something used to thatch roofs.

It's the fiber used to make health food fiber bars.
Title: My new life in the Republic of Georgia
Post by: Maxx2 on April 06, 2018, 08:55:35 AM
Interesting stats


(http://i.cubeupload.com/WmiuFQ.png)
Title: My new life in the Republic of Georgia
Post by: Maxx2 on April 06, 2018, 09:00:07 AM
Warning in Ukraine to stay off of VK


(http://i.cubeupload.com/XZcVdv.png)
Title: My new life in the Republic of Georgia
Post by: Maxx2 on April 06, 2018, 09:42:36 AM


This is what happens when you tell a moderator he's biased. I literally laughed out loud when I read this.  :clapping:


(http://i.cubeupload.com/jZHAbW.png)


Kind of like Ukraine banning VK.
Title: My new life in the Republic of Georgia
Post by: DaveNY on April 06, 2018, 10:53:08 AM

This is what happens when you tell a moderator he's biased. I literally laughed out loud when I read this.  :clapping:


(http://i.cubeupload.com/jZHAbW.png)


Kind of like Ukraine banning VK.

New to these forums. Care to share what forum this was and what you posted?
Title: My new life in the Republic of Georgia
Post by: Maxx2 on April 06, 2018, 11:11:02 AM
It is RUA.




(http://i.cubeupload.com/Jbu7f9.png)

Title: My new life in the Republic of Georgia
Post by: Hammer2722 on April 06, 2018, 11:21:59 AM
It is RUA.

I could have easily guessed at that one. I think they did you a favor by banning you. LOL  :clapping:
Title: My new life in the Republic of Georgia
Post by: Maxx2 on April 06, 2018, 11:23:00 AM
I could have easily guessed at that one. I think they did you a favor by banning you. LOL  :clapping:


Thank you Hammer. I'll have you on my friends list!
Title: My new life in the Republic of Georgia
Post by: Hammer2722 on April 06, 2018, 11:27:05 AM

Thank you Hammer. I'll have you on friends list!

When I first started posting there, it was much like this forum. Now, its a troll factory for anything Putin's Russia or pushing men towards scam sites.
Title: My new life in the Republic of Georgia
Post by: JayH on April 06, 2018, 01:41:05 PM
Maxx --you should realise that a LOT of us here are banned over there !!Some here have also left & never returned.
In my case it was my comments at Manny made directly to him on THIS forum ( he has not been back as far as I know).
The role call of the rua banned here is long !
A few of the extremists here were banned but on seeing their pro Rus comments here they got "invited" back there.
You must have said something nice about Ukraine to get banned over there !!

For others-- you need to look at the connection over there to the  Russian propaganda channels  & individuals that keep it afloat !I would also add -- the number of posters ( is it a majority?) that are sock puppets being used over there to make it look like there is actual real traffic on the site.
It has a fraction of the real traffic it used to have.
Title: My new life in the Republic of Georgia
Post by: Boethius on April 06, 2018, 02:49:22 PM
Manny does allow opposite points of view, so I think it is unfair to say he doesn't.  But, their loss is our gain, Maxx.
Title: My new life in the Republic of Georgia
Post by: BillyB on April 06, 2018, 03:11:49 PM


Maxx, you contributed a lot over there. I've never known you to have a reputation for raising hell. Shame a disagreement can be used to throw you away. All humans are unfair to some degree. It's important those in charge be fair and even if you had a bad day in the open or in PM's you deserved to be forgiven for the work you've done to help newbies.
Title: My new life in the Republic of Georgia
Post by: DaveNY on April 06, 2018, 03:16:28 PM
Just out of curiosity weren't there more forums like this 7 or 8 years ago? Back then when I was a lurker I seem to remember there being at least 5 or 6 such forums. Have they gone under, amalgamated or perhaps reorganized under different names?
Title: My new life in the Republic of Georgia
Post by: BillyB on April 06, 2018, 03:25:53 PM
Just out of curiosity weren't there more forums like this 7 or 8 years ago? Back then when I was a lurker I seem to remember there being at least 5 or 6 such forums. Have they gone under, amalgamated or perhaps reorganized under different names?


A lot of the big posters here like myself and Maxx started at RWG(Russian Women's Guide). It was sold and they got rid of all the moderators who were greatly respected. It was a fun place to be. Because the new owners fired the moderators, many of us left for this place and RUA, which is where Maxx recently got banned.


Some owners got tired of managing their forums and/or got busy with life doing other things. Some forums ceased to exist or have become ghost towns.
Title: My new life in the Republic of Georgia
Post by: msmob on April 06, 2018, 09:19:59 PM
Manny does allow opposite points of view, so I think it is unfair to say he doesn't.  But, their loss is our gain, Maxx.

 :ROFL:

Currently, I have posts waiting, pointing out factual howlers such as

1/ the new Visa questions for UK visas were planned six months ago...Manny wants his mate ...the UK ambassador ..to see that the new rules.. blaming the UK  for 'making it up' re the nerve agent attack are a direct result of the UK's Russophobia. ..( std  Kremlin-speak 'put down'..if you question govt policy)..



2/ lots of bollox re the attack not allowed to being countered..

3/ My profile has been edited by Manny and my posts edited to ensure my 'russophobia' is highlighted.

4/ the most hilarious part is all the 'patriots' don't even go to Russia, citing the visa hassles..))

Maxx got banned for daring to ignore the warnings not to point out that you are only allowed personal insults and comments about one's partner if you are a sycophant

Maxx...

Looking forward to 'banging heads' ))

Title: My new life in the Republic of Georgia
Post by: DaveNY on April 06, 2018, 10:31:31 PM


4/ the most hilarious part is all the 'patriots' don't even go to Russia, citing the visa hassles..))



What visa hassles? Russia's changes to their visa applications are minor problems. I use a service. It's quick and reliable. They tell me what I need to provide. I provide it. They pick up and deliver to my office. Doesn't cost much. It can't be that different in the UK and EU?

What do they tell their wife and kids? Daddy can't go to Russia because he isn't smart enough to fill out a form? Too poor to use a service.
Title: My new life in the Republic of Georgia
Post by: Maxx2 on April 07, 2018, 01:59:16 AM
When I first started posting there, it was much like this forum. Now, its a troll factory for anything Putin's Russia or pushing men towards scam sites.


Ain't that the truth! Along the right side of their webpage is photos of hot RW/UW women. A moderator there out of curiosity decided contact one of the ladies. He wrote to "her." Every indication was she wasn't real. I also joined the same site. I got letters from lots of ladies. One lady that I found particularly attractive wrote me and said, "I've tried to contact you once before but you have not opened ($$) my letter!" So Moby helped me find her through a Russian ID site called Findface. I got her VK and MaryKay webpages. I contacted her and she told me she never sent me that message. I reported this on that board but nothing changed.
Title: My new life in the Republic of Georgia
Post by: BdHvA on April 07, 2018, 07:07:32 AM
When I first started posting there, it was much like this forum. Now, its a troll factory for anything Putin's Russia or pushing men towards scam sites.

It is disappointing to observe what is happening at RUA. But I have been on a number of forum's and they are somewhat like comet's.
Title: My new life in the Republic of Georgia
Post by: msmob on April 07, 2018, 07:14:03 AM
What visa hassles? Russia's changes to their visa applications are minor problems. I use a service. It's quick and reliable.

What ARE you talking about, dear chap?

When did you become British ( 1 year max) and when did you last apply for a RU Visa?

Not sure about US..but the questions concern social media profiles and the last 7 times  you went in or out of Russia

Title: My new life in the Republic of Georgia
Post by: DaveNY on April 07, 2018, 08:49:45 AM
What ARE you talking about, dear chap?

When did you become British ( 1 year max) and when did you last apply for a RU Visa?

Not sure about US..but the questions concern social media profiles and the last 7 times  you went in or out of Russia

I'm American. Last was in RU 2 years ago.

I get a professional service to do the paperwork. They tell me what I need to provide - materials and information. I have no social media profile other than email. You don't remember the last 7 times you were in Russia? No day planner? Vacation photos? Correspondence? Anything else?

Again I ask what's the problem with filling out an application? I just took a look at the UK version as shown in the Telegraph article. It's not difficult. Invasive yes, difficult no. With the way the war of words is going between the UK and Russia it's unlikely the visa application forms are going to get easier and less invasive in the near future so the choice is simple fill out the form and go or don't go to Russia for the foreseeable future. Do you disagree?

If the wife and kids go to Russia and dad stays at home what does the wife say to friends and family? He couldn't fill out a form? Rather embarrassing isn't it? If you can't do it hire someone to do it for you and give them the information.

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/travel/destinations/europe/russia/articles/russia-introduces-social-media-visa-application/
Title: My new life in the Republic of Georgia
Post by: msmob on April 07, 2018, 10:53:51 PM
I'm American. Last was in RU 2 years ago.

Thought so...it was clear by the lack of current knowledge you showed.

Only you can answer the Q's on the form and we must turn up at the visa application centre for a bio scan ..so there is no advantage to paying someone

This is a social media platform..

Most guys do not have the passport which shows when they were in RusSiar. ..say..more than 10 yrs ago, to answer, easily or correctly

Lastly, the revised  application was planned and introduced BEFORE the Skripal inciddent






If the wife and kids go to Russia and dad stays at home what does the wife say to friends and family? He couldn't fill out a form? Rather embarrassing isn't it? If you can't do it hire someone to do it for you and give them the information.

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/travel/destinations/europe/russia/articles/russia-introduces-social-media-visa-application/

I agree that refusing to fill such forms is a rather flimsy excuse not to visit...and 'hiring someone' is a waste of time and money.

Your clip from The Telegraph doesn't  begin  to cover the invasive questions..compared to before.

Russians can get longer term visas to come to the UK than vice versa...been that way for some time., so the alleged reciprocal treatment  excuse offered by the Kremlin is bogus.


See what  happens when you post on a social media site thread.. thinking you knew?

Title: My new life in the Republic of Georgia
Post by: jone on April 08, 2018, 08:12:02 AM
Thought so...it was clear by the lack of current knowledge you showed.

Only you can answer the Q's on the form and we must turn up at the visa application centre for a bio scan ..so there is no advantage to paying someone

This is a social media platform..

Most guys do not have the passport which shows when they were in RusSiar. ..say..more than 10 yrs ago, to answer, easily or correctly

Lastly, the revised  application was planned and introduced BEFORE the Skripal inciddent






I agree that refusing to fill such forms is a rather flimsy excuse not to visit...and 'hiring someone' is a waste of time and money.

Your clip from The Telegraph doesn't  begin  to cover the invasive questions..compared to before.

Russians can get longer term visas to come to the UK than vice versa...been that way for some time., so the alleged reciprocal treatment  excuse offered by the Kremlin is bogus.


See what  happens when you post on a social media site thread.. thinking you knew?

Moby, you have taken your infantile posting attitudes to a new level.  You need to grow up.
Title: My new life in the Republic of Georgia
Post by: Maxx2 on April 08, 2018, 09:13:38 AM
Moby, you have taken your infantile posting attitudes to a new level.  You need to grow up.


Or as my mom used to say, "Fight nice."
Title: My new life in the Republic of Georgia
Post by: msmob on April 09, 2018, 11:40:51 AM
Moby, you have taken your infantile posting attitudes to a new level.  You need to grow up.

I am truly sorry for pointing out a howler and having to ram to point home.
Title: My new life in the Republic of Georgia
Post by: msmob on April 09, 2018, 11:44:01 AM

Or as my mom used to say, "Fight nice."

Your Ma was correct.

It is a shame when posters feel the need to be 'experts' on other nations' visa application processes and clearly don't have a scoobie do...

I have worn that t-shirt and know better, now
Title: My new life in the Republic of Georgia
Post by: CaptB on April 14, 2018, 04:06:23 AM
Maxx2,


Hi Maxx. I didn't think you would give dating FSU women another shot after past experience. Good to see you give it another shot. And now living in Republic of Georgia.........
WOW !!! Good for you. I always told my wife I could live in her city of Stavropol, Russia.......no problem. A great city of close to a half million people. Clean, great city parks, great amenities........very nice people. I always felt at home in Stavropol. Not to mention I have very nice in-laws living their.


I can't help you in locating "I" in Tver. Yes......she is extremely beautiful......good personality etc. But she no longer is listed on the LifeTime Partners website. My final impression of her was that.......she really was not interested in relocating to another country. Lifetime Partners is still owned by Americans with a home office in California. I really like Tver, Russia. A really great life experience. You can still go to their website....if you wish.


JB..................is still alive and kicking. My wife and I will be relocating from Northern Michigan........to the Southern gulf area of Florida in late Summer......early Fall. Hopefully
We can have JB and his wife "I" to come for a visit. About five years ago we visited them at their home in Corpus Christi, Texas. We had a really nice visit......and had a great time. We tried to go fishing one day......I was the only one who caught anything...........................I snagged a sea turtle !!!!!  No sea trout or redfish.......darn !!


Sorry I didn't get back to you earlier. I only visit this forum.......sporadically. Good to see you are giving this another shot. When you find someone........you will see that....good and negative experiences in this quest.......are ultimately "all good". I don't believe in good or bad experiences..........just having "experiences". The right type of person will make it "all".......a positive thing. Especially after you have have found the right person.


Good to hear from you again.


Marc  (Capt B) 
Title: My new life in the Republic of Georgia
Post by: Maxx2 on April 14, 2018, 07:18:06 AM
Maxx2,


Hi Maxx. I didn't think you would give dating FSU women another shot after past experience. Good to see you give it another shot. And now living in Republic of Georgia.........
WOW !!! Good for you. I always told my wife I could live in her city of Stavropol, Russia.......no problem. A great city of close to a half million people. Clean, great city parks, great amenities........very nice people. I always felt at home in Stavropol. Not to mention I have very nice in-laws living their.


I can't help you in locating "I" in Tver. Yes......she is extremely beautiful......good personality etc. But she no longer is listed on the LifeTime Partners website. My final impression of her was that.......she really was not interested in relocating to another country. Lifetime Partners is still owned by Americans with a home office in California. I really like Tver, Russia. A really great life experience. You can still go to their website....if you wish.


JB..................is still alive and kicking. My wife and I will be relocating from Northern Michigan........to the Southern gulf area of Florida in late Summer......early Fall. Hopefully
We can have JB and his wife "I" to come for a visit. About five years ago we visited them at their home in Corpus Christi, Texas. We had a really nice visit......and had a great time. We tried to go fishing one day......I was the only one who caught anything...........................I snagged a sea turtle !!!!!  No sea trout or redfish.......darn !!


Sorry I didn't get back to you earlier. I only visit this forum.......sporadically. Good to see you are giving this another shot. When you find someone........you will see that....good and negative experiences in this quest.......are ultimately "all good". I don't believe in good or bad experiences..........just having "experiences". The right type of person will make it "all".......a positive thing. Especially after you have have found the right person.


Good to hear from you again.


Marc  (Capt B)


You are right Marc, there are no bad experience because you learn from all of them.


"I" from Tver would easy to find if I knew her last name, birthdate and city she was born it. They might at LTP have that info on file. However I am not sure I would go through the trouble because of what you said and what I know. Many of these women signing up to an agency went into it naive and with false expectations. After a while they got jaded and gave up hope in finding a man that way. I made about 25 inquires and has only 10 acceptances of a meeting. Of that 10 about 3 seemed to put in effort to meet with me again. One I wasn't interested in after the first meeting, another mildly interested in and a third, very interested in. We are in daily Viber communication. Two other women I contacted at the end of my visit were quite irritated that I hadn't dropped everyone and pursued them upon meeting. The WMVM concept was not to their liking.


Today I hired a Russian tudor for 3 days a week. Plus the 300-400 words ("Slova") of Russian I already know from Pimslear I am hoping to know quite a bit of Russian by the end of summer. My plan is live in Kiev from October 1st to almost January 1 and then back to Batumi. I am in Batumi now and loving it.


A sea turtle! I just read today some sea turtles can get up to almost 2000 pounds in weight! That would make a lot of turtle soup! jb did send me some photos of a respectable sized fish that you and he caught. Time flies and that was probably near 10 years ago.
Title: My new life in the Republic of Georgia
Post by: Maxx2 on April 24, 2018, 09:33:05 PM

Today I hired a Russian tudor for 3 days a week. Plus the 300-400 words ("Slova") of Russian I already know from Pimslear I am hoping to know quite a bit of Russian by the end of summer. My plan is live in Kiev from October 1st to almost January 1 and then back to Batumi. I am in Batumi now and loving it.



Updates:



Russian lessons are going well. Learning Russian like crazy. Being taught to not just speak it but also read and handwrite it.


Towards the end of next month I have a Ukrainian woman coming to visit me, She'll be here a month. I don't know if this will lead to romance I'll just have to see.


I am knocking around the idea of buying an apartment. I hope she can help me figure which one to get. It is nice to get a second opinion.
Title: My new life in the Republic of Georgia
Post by: deccie on April 25, 2018, 10:30:20 PM
(http://i.cubeupload.com/YEEUCN.jpg)(http://i.cubeupload.com/YEEUCN.jpg)

Wow, that reminds me very much of Muscat in Oman...
Title: My new life in the Republic of Georgia
Post by: Maxx2 on April 25, 2018, 11:05:38 PM
The mountains of Turkey are visible out my window. There is a touch of the Middle East to Batumi. You see lots of hookas, those water pipes to smoke tobacco, in the restaurants here. A lot of Turks vacation here. The Muslims I have met are pretty friendly. I met two young Muslim men from Azerbaijan at the gym who I call Russell Crow (Ro-sul) and Tupac who are pretty friendly guys. They are respective to older people.


The latest is the woman from Ukraine is going to visit me, will be here from June 3 to July 15. So 6 weeks.
Title: My new life in the Republic of Georgia
Post by: ML on April 26, 2018, 07:38:44 AM
The latest is the woman from Ukraine is going to visit me, will be here from June 3 to July 15. So 6 weeks.

What is she drives you crazy (in a bad way) after 1 week ?
Title: My new life in the Republic of Georgia
Post by: Maxx2 on April 26, 2018, 08:29:47 AM
What is she drives you crazy (in a bad way) after 1 week ?


I am used to crazy women. But if she is really wacky then I'll rent her a cheap Airbnb apartment and tell her to fend for herself until her flight goes back. I'll give her some money so she don't starve. Remember I sent my Russian ex-wife a packing less that 4 months after she got to the US. She got nothing from me other than a shot at US citizenship which was what she was really after. So I can be firm with women when I need to be.
Title: My new life in the Republic of Georgia
Post by: BillyB on April 26, 2018, 04:38:03 PM
The latest is the woman from Ukraine is going to visit me, will be here from June 3 to July 15. So 6 weeks.


She never met you and is already going to dedicate 6 weeks of her life to getting to know you.....living in the same flat? Hopefully you'll have more fun than drama.
Title: My new life in the Republic of Georgia
Post by: msmob on April 26, 2018, 06:13:32 PM
She never met you and is already going to dedicate 6 weeks of her life to getting to know you.....

It's a trait of yours, BillyB - post daft, rather than asking the obvious question, first.

I happen to know they met several times while Maxx was in Ukraine.....
Title: My new life in the Republic of Georgia
Post by: Maxx2 on April 26, 2018, 11:16:22 PM
She never met you and is already going to dedicate 6 weeks of her life to getting to know you.....living in the same flat? Hopefully you'll have more fun than drama.


I feel it a bit of honor in that she would devote that much of her time to be with me. But I also keep in mind she will get one heck of a vacation from it. A once in lifetime opportunity for her. But I'll have fun being a host. I like being a host. We'll take lots of photos which I will post here. I figure 3 to 4 weeks in Batumi and 2 to 3 weeks in Tbilisi or maybe a few days in Barjomi. Barjomi is where the famous mineral water comes from. The water of the Tsars and politburo. A Very beautiful place. Reminds me of the Rocky Mountains with the pines, rapids and waterfalls. Much nature.


Yes, like Moby mentioned, we seen each other a number of times in Kiev. She struck me as a rather mature lady. She is the head manager of a fur company. She has a medical degree and has a grown child. Of course none of this is a guarantee that she will be mature when she gets here. I'll see. 


I am considering purchasing an apartment here in Batumi. Some of my acquaintances and friends are scouting out places for me. I am going ask my lady to do some scouting as well. She might find that interesting. The apartments are in either new or renovated older buildings. I would like to get a 2 bedroom with views of the Sea. Renting skyrockets during the prime season here, which is May through September. So in the newer buildings the management offers rental services to the owners. 
Title: My new life in the Republic of Georgia
Post by: Maxx2 on April 28, 2018, 02:29:24 AM

This is what happens when you tell a moderator he's biased. I literally laughed out loud when I read this.  :clapping:


(http://i.cubeupload.com/jZHAbW.png)


Kind of like Ukraine banning VK.


Manny contacted me and told me the error was their's. It was supposed to be a 3 day ban until I cooled off. I haven't logged on to my account there since it happened and I don't plan to in the future. I am much too busy to give more of my time to message boards
Title: My new life in the Republic of Georgia
Post by: msmob on April 28, 2018, 06:12:00 AM
They seem to be prone to mistakes..

My profile picture from here has miraculously appeared as my profile photo, there...I do not control my profile, nor what is written there.. and certainly did not agree with the change in profile photo.))




Title: My new life in the Republic of Georgia
Post by: BillyB on April 28, 2018, 12:05:42 PM
It's a trait of yours, BillyB - post daft, rather than asking the obvious question, first.

I happen to know they met several times while Maxx was in Ukraine.....

I asked a question. You failed to comprehend it.
Title: My new life in the Republic of Georgia
Post by: Maxx2 on April 29, 2018, 01:57:45 AM





http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SO0jTzt3qwg
Title: My new life in the Republic of Georgia
Post by: msmob on April 29, 2018, 02:05:58 AM
I asked a question. You failed to comprehend it.

Your Engilish comprehension isn't THAT bad, Billy. You made a statement...a question is denoted by a question mark!

Let's agree your grammar/ punctuation suck and you meant it as a question..

Then it was a dumb Q.

The OP has even informed you....Back in your box you nigh on child molester!

Title: My new life in the Republic of Georgia
Post by: Maxx2 on April 29, 2018, 03:04:33 AM



I always like this photo of the Jvari Monastery. It is not technically the best photo but there is a moodiness about it that I like. I took it with my old cell phone an Apple 4s.


The Jvari Monastery is erected around an octagonal stone base that held large wooden cross. It was built by Georgia's first Christian king, King Mirian and Saint Nino. He converted to Christianity when Saint Nino, a woman, healed his child. This was around the year 326. Monasteries and crosses are often built on high places. It is to inspire people to look up and see God in these structure. The city below the Jvari Monastery is Mtskita where a Cathedral was built that contained Christ's robe that the Roman soldiers gambled over. It was sold to a Jew that brought it to this city.


(http://i.cubeupload.com/yoqNkU.jpg)



Title: My new life in the Republic of Georgia
Post by: Maxx2 on April 29, 2018, 03:12:16 AM
I painted when I was 18. It is mixture of 17th Century Dutch landscape and French Impressionism.


(http://i.cubeupload.com/lRQuLW.png)


My Russian teacher is part of the Batumi artist group. She has 5 published books of poetry. She helps the Russian embassy with situations regarding Russian tourists, visitors and permanent residents and so on. She said she will introduce me to local artists so I get an idea where to art supplies and take up painting again. There is so many interesting historic places here to paint. One kilometer south of me is where Jesus's Apostle Andrew landed his boat to spread Christianity to Georgia.
Title: My new life in the Republic of Georgia
Post by: Maxx2 on April 29, 2018, 03:29:57 AM

Look closely and you can see a cross on top of the rock.

(http://i.cubeupload.com/Y8hL8u.jpg)


One day I was out exploring south of Tbilisi near the Armenian border. I thought I seen a fortress on top of a hill. As I got closer I notice it was rock out cropping. I decided to get as close as I could. That was when is seen the shepherd free ranging his sheep. There are few fences here to keep the animals off the road.


.
Title: My new life in the Republic of Georgia
Post by: Maxx2 on April 29, 2018, 04:24:35 AM
Got a special occasion to celebrate or observe? You're going to need a male sheep or lamb for that.


(http://i.cubeupload.com/IAULha.png)
.
You find of these guys standing along the street. He is a Georgian shepherd selling off his male sheep. They are in a building behind him. They will slaughter him for you and package up the mutton in plastic wrap. One more step that needs to be done is to pay a visit to a priest. He will bless the meat with prayer and Holy water. All over Tbilisi and other cities are restaurants that cater to large groups of people. They have separate rooms or small buildings with bar-b-cues. The women of the family that attend these gatherings bring food they have prepared or the main restaurant with sell you their's. Georgians have LOTS of reasons to celebrate or observe. The main holidays, birth of a child, marriages, anniversaries of marriages, start of a business and death of a loved one or the one-year anniversary of the death of a loved one. The last one is important as the soul is to finally leave the earth and go off to heaven on that date. A final farewell with the feast and then a trip to the cemetery with food, wine, cognac and 80% alcohol called 'Cha Cha'. It is distilled from grapes and stems. I've been told fights break out often at weddings and graveyards.


(http://i.cubeupload.com/1xsJjw.jpg)


This guy told me a fight broke out at their wedding and the police came. It didn't happen, but the police almost arrested half the wedding party. Georgians are general peaceful people but they do have tempers and 'Cha Cha' doesn't help!


.
Title: My new life in the Republic of Georgia
Post by: Maxx2 on April 29, 2018, 04:29:48 AM
Feast rooms


(http://i.cubeupload.com/sbR078.jpg)


(http://i.cubeupload.com/kmOxr2.jpg)


.
Title: My new life in the Republic of Georgia
Post by: Maxx2 on April 29, 2018, 04:57:20 AM
South of Tbilisi


(http://i.cubeupload.com/OayaGk.jpg)




(http://i.cubeupload.com/YcjOFx.jpg)


Nice Georgian Orthodox priest. Friendly guy. He asked me what religion I was. I told him I was a Christian. He told me that wasn't a religion and told him I didn't believe I needed a religion. This disturbed him a bit I could tell.


That egg shaped thing to his left is called a Gvari. It is upside down. It is a clay pot that is rubbed with bee's wax and placed into the ground where it is filled with crushed grapes and the lid is sealed on top. It makes wine of course.




.
Title: My new life in the Republic of Georgia
Post by: Maxx2 on April 29, 2018, 05:04:44 AM

The Jvari Monastery is erected around an octagonal stone base that held large wooden cross. It was built by Georgia's first Christian king, King Mirian and Saint Nino. He converted to Christianity when Saint Nino, a woman, healed his child. This was around the year 326. Monasteries and crosses are often built on high places.


(http://i.cubeupload.com/k6dVcm.jpg)
Title: My new life in the Republic of Georgia
Post by: Maxx2 on April 29, 2018, 05:22:57 AM







It seems the clergy there is using their smartphones almost all the time.


(http://i.cubeupload.com/UEth5A.jpg)
.


(http://i.cubeupload.com/5B91vq.jpg)
.

Title: My new life in the Republic of Georgia
Post by: Maxx2 on April 29, 2018, 05:26:30 AM
Georgians tend to be late risers. Get up before 9 AM and you will see an army of these guys and gals sweeping the streets and sidewalks with brooms the Wicked Witch of the East/West would be proud to have.


(http://i.cubeupload.com/GPoAcO.jpg)
Title: My new life in the Republic of Georgia
Post by: Maxx2 on April 29, 2018, 05:29:17 AM
And the last one I'll post for the day.


(http://i.cubeupload.com/K4NbO7.jpg)
.




.
Title: My new life in the Republic of Georgia
Post by: Maxx2 on April 29, 2018, 05:38:57 AM



OK one more


(http://i.cubeupload.com/7Zr9Cw.jpg)


This was where the last Georgian king lived a few hundred years ago. He invited in the Russians to help with the Turks and the Russians never left. Well, not until recent times. The castle wall is all that is left. There are more modern buildings built behind this wall. This is in Tbilisi on the left (North) bank of the Kura river.
Title: My new life in the Republic of Georgia
Post by: BillyB on April 29, 2018, 11:43:04 AM
It seems the clergy there is using their smartphones almost all the time.



Looks like they're still living like it's 1699 but couldn't resist modern technology when the smart phone came out. Priest was probably playing Candy Crush.
Title: My new life in the Republic of Georgia
Post by: Maxx2 on April 29, 2018, 05:02:22 PM

Looks like they're still living like it's 1699 but couldn't resist modern technology when the smart phone came out. Priest was probably playing Candy Crush.


Probably so.
Title: My new life in the Republic of Georgia
Post by: Jumper on May 03, 2018, 02:19:34 PM

Looks like they're still living like it's 1699 but couldn't resist modern technology when the smart phone came out. Priest was probably playing Candy Crush.

Hopefully madskills motox2. !! Lol
(My bike is in the game)
Title: My new life in the Republic of Georgia
Post by: msmob on May 07, 2018, 03:39:49 AM
Great photos, Dave ...  Keep 'em coming
Title: My new life in the Republic of Georgia
Post by: Maxx2 on May 07, 2018, 04:30:01 AM
Great photos, Dave ...  Keep 'em coming


Thank you Moby. I am going to do one on driving and buying a car in the Republic of Georgia.
Title: My new life in the Republic of Georgia
Post by: msmob on May 07, 2018, 04:51:06 AM

Thank you Moby. I am going to do one on driving and buying a car in the Republic of Georgia.

Great !))
Title: My new life in the Republic of Georgia
Post by: Maxx2 on May 12, 2018, 11:25:47 PM



Does anyone know of a website that is good for downloading Russian subtitles for English speaking movies and TV series? I'm also looking for a site that has 'Breaking Bad' and 'Better Call Saul' in Russian. Thank you.
Title: My new life in the Republic of Georgia
Post by: Doll on May 13, 2018, 05:35:14 AM
ВО ВСЕ ТЯЖКИЕ - Breaking bad

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vMIkGd__A3M&list=PLd1laPVfKPVAhnFhyC82jWPc4PHtpjBaX
Title: My new life in the Republic of Georgia
Post by: Doll on May 13, 2018, 05:41:17 AM
Better Call Saul- ЛУЧШЕ ЗВОНИТЕ СОЛУ
http://hdrezka.ag/series/drama/7769-luchshe-zvonite-solu-2015.html

Or just google ЛУЧШЕ ЗВОНИТЕ СОЛУ
Title: My new life in the Republic of Georgia
Post by: BdHvA on May 18, 2018, 06:33:51 PM
I look forward to future updates Maxx.
Title: My new life in the Republic of Georgia
Post by: Maxx2 on May 19, 2018, 01:40:16 AM



Buying a car in the Republic of Georgia.

I bought a Mercedes ML 350 almost a year ago. The transaction was at a license bureau by a large car lot outside the Eastern side of Tbilisi. Cars are imported from all over the world to this place and people from many countries come there to buy them.

As in everything here, it is quite different than buying a car at the States. The good aspect to it is anyone can buy a car even a non citizen or not having a Georgian drivers license. Georgia doesn't have a lot of rules and regulations unlike America. I can drive on my USA drivers license until it expires in May 2022.

I was looking to buy a car as I wanted the independence of getting around. Taxis are cheap and so is public transportation. A bus ride is like 20 cents compared to $2.50 in the US. A taxi across town is usual about $4 unless the taxi driver wants to stiff you then it is $12-$15. The operating question to first ask is "Skoll-ka" and pointing to a place on a map. If he quotes a price that is too high then walk away. There are taxis e.v.e.r.y.w.h.e.r.e here. It has been said that half the population of adult men of Tbilisi are taxi drivers. Look down a busy street and you will see at least a dozen cabs. Sometimes they are bunched together four five driving down the street. Just stand in a good place to get picked up and one will drive up and offer a ride. Opels are a common taxi here along with Toyotas and Mercedes. Lots and lots of Mercedes here and lots of spare parts for them.

(http://i.cubeupload.com/RWDxru.png)

(http://i.cubeupload.com/7BfC94.png)

(http://i.cubeupload.com/NBKkmL.png)

(http://i.cubeupload.com/EvcIeD.png)

(http://i.cubeupload.com/6iBU77.png)

Made in America, a 2005 California car with 162,000 miles.

So I decided to buy a Mercedes ML 350. It is a SUV with a truck like frame and six airbags. With 4 wheel drive it can handle any of those "roads" leading up to a small village. I contacted the owner from a online ad. I had a Georgian call him and arrange for meeting to see the car. It checked out so we took it to a mechanic for an inspection.

(http://i.cubeupload.com/sPCgH2.jpg)


(http://i.cubeupload.com/fscBWW.jpg)










(http://i.cubeupload.com/iOyt0D.jpg)


One of the things about the mechanics here is there is a lot of muling and standing around. Usual there is a group of guys not doing much of anything. The guy sleeping there was not alone. There were two other guys asleep in other carless car seats. Georgia is a laid back sort of country except with the driving but I'll get more into that later.


After the car checked out but with the need for a break job I took it and the owner to transfer the title.


(http://i.cubeupload.com/IFg0N2.jpg)


(http://i.cubeupload.com/Z2pJHp.jpg)


(http://i.cubeupload.com/DNjLFd.jpg)


The place was huge. They must process hundreds of cars a day. It took about an hour and a half. I got to choose my license plate. It was good that I brought a Georgian along because about a million words were spoken before it was over. I was given a paper to take to a certain bank to pay for the transfer tax. This tax was unpleasant as it is a whopping 25% of the cost of the vehicle.


Then out in the parking lot I gave the owner his money in $100 bills. USD and GEL (Georgian Lari) are the currencies here. Even the banks ATMs pay out in both currencies and it is common for people to ask to be paid in USDs. This is particularly true of rent.


Finally I and the former owner go to the bank and pay the transfer tax. The auto is mine. I get auto insurance the next day. The day after that I get into an auto accident with a taxi of course. Did I tell you they are everywhere and they drive like maniacs?








.
Title: My new life in the Republic of Georgia
Post by: Maxx2 on May 19, 2018, 04:25:45 AM
Bummer. I had a big long post to answer some questions asked of me by PM when I hit send only the internet was off due to a power outage. So here it goes again.


Quote
Hi, good car choice !Can I ask? What sort of price? (  don't answer if you wish-- just give me a range approx !!_)How much is registration per year?Insurance ? Is it to 3rd part type?Insurance of damage caused? To your car?I note you said you were able to register in your name -- and your residential status is no more than tourist? Correct?Always interested on your story !!



$6200 which I have been told is a bit high. The registration was 25% and I'll let you do the math on that. There is no yearly registration, no stickers on the license plates. Once you buy it, no more hassle.


Insurance cost me $600 for the year. I got the best policy with very high coverage for damage and hospitalization. I think it was for $35,000 in medical which is super inexpensive here. Most people here do not have car insurance. It is not required by law. I got pulled over once and when I handed the police officer my insurance card he just handed it back to me. He let me go. They are easy on tourists.


Residency is not a problem. You can stay up to 360 days without needing to leave. Direct flights leave and arrive daily from Ukraine and to get another 360 days you only have to leave the country and get your passport stamped. Legal permanent residency I have been told is easy to get but that it is not necessary to get. Flights are rather inexpensive to Kiev.

(http://i.cubeupload.com/biIhAz.png)

Opening a bank account or getting a business license is a breeze. No restrictions on Americans with the idiotic FATCA law requiring foreign banks to report USC to the Department of Treasury. Hence foreign banks often don't want USC depositors. Not a problem in Georgia.


If I was going to have business in Ukraine, which unlike Georgia is a very corrupt place, I'd base it in Batumi instead. Batumi also has the attraction of Ukrainian women. It is a country few of them have been to. In Kiev less than a few months ago I met some women through an agency called Daisybride. It was recommended to me by former owner of the Angelika Network, David Stickney. It is a legit operation that actually discourages long letter writing. Anyways I have a lady coming to visit me in 2 weeks from tomorrow. One of things we are going to do together, besides the usual tourist stuff, is check out the cost buying an apartment. We're hoping we'll hit it off.





Title: My new life in the Republic of Georgia
Post by: Maxx2 on May 19, 2018, 07:23:45 AM
My auto accident:


The day after I bought my car insurance I got into an accident with a taxi. Double parking is big problem here. It is not uncommon for someone to pull out in front of you then suddenly stop. That is what happened to me. So I turn the turn signal on and start to ease my around when the taxi behind me decides I'm too slow and swings quickly around me. He miscalculates and clips my left rear bumper putting a dent in the size of a open hand and about an inch deep. My first thought was I was going to do what the insurance lady told me in case of an accident, call them and the police. I had the guy as a passenger who helped me buy the car with me. He got into a conversation with the taxi driver on what to do. I'm told the taxi driver wants pay for the repair himself and leave the insurance company and the police out of.


So we go a body repair shop. Actually it is just a parking lot filled with damaged cars, lots of Mercedes and BMWs. Surrounding the lot is single car garages. The body men are usually in the parking lot unassembling the body parts where they are repaired in the single car garages, painted and so on. So my rear bumper gets taken off. I'm told it will be four days and I can come back and have it reinstalled. Taxi driver wasn't upset at all but actually quite happy to pay the man. Total cost was about $50.


I come back four days later. In about an hour I have shiny new looking bumper installed.


My Georgian friend, the guy in the photo above with his wife, tells me why the taxi driver was happy to work this out and pay the repair bill himself. He said that if the police had come he would probably have been given a ticket. The ticket cost could be around $350-$400. That is one to two months average wages here! The repair bill instead was 2 to 3 days of wages for the average cab driver. No wonder he was so nice and shook my hand when he was about to leave.


Last week I took my car to a repair shop. The electric window was giving me problems. Not alway would it wind up or come down. I'd have to slam the door a number of time or just give it time. A short in the wiring obviously. It was also suggested to me that the motor might be getting worn. So the inside door panel was taken off and the motor removed along with some of the wiring. 2 and 1/2 hours later the motor was rebuilt with new brushes and the wires where replaced. Total cost 60 GEL or $24.50.


Owning a Mercedes is affordable here. I was told I could get a good used 3.5 V6 for $125. That labor to install it would be about that much again. But my V6 is fine. 
Title: My new life in the Republic of Georgia
Post by: BillyB on May 19, 2018, 08:48:43 AM
I was given a paper to take to a certain bank to pay for the transfer tax. This tax was unpleasant as it is a whopping 25% of the cost of the vehicle.


25% sounds excessive. I wonder if part of that tax is an import and customs tax since the Mercedes was used and came from America? The buyer of the car pays for it and not the dealer? Would the tax be less if you bought a car off a fellow citizen, not a dealer who imports used cars?
Title: My new life in the Republic of Georgia
Post by: Maxx2 on May 19, 2018, 09:29:27 AM
25% sounds excessive. I wonder if part of that tax is an import and customs tax since the Mercedes was used and came from America? The buyer of the car pays for it and not the dealer? Would the tax be less if you bought a car off a fellow citizen, not a dealer who imports used cars?


I thought that also. The buyer has to pay and even though technically it is an import tax it is paid anytime a car is transferred over. The government here is taxing the hell out of right hand drive cars to keep them from being imported. Try passing a truck on a curvy mountain road and you'll see why.   
Title: My new life in the Republic of Georgia
Post by: BdHvA on May 19, 2018, 09:43:12 AM
Quote from: BillyB on Today at 09:48:43 AM
    25% sounds excessive. I wonder if part of that tax is an import and customs tax since the Mercedes was used and came from America? The buyer of the car pays for it and not the dealer? Would the tax be less if you bought a car off a fellow citizen, not a dealer who imports used cars?

I thought that also. The buyer has to pay and even though technically it is an import tax it is paid anytime a car is transferred over. The government here is taxing the hell out of right hand drive cars to keep them from being imported. Try passing a truck on a curvy mountain road and you'll see why.

I assume the vehicle comes from the UK. Most likely only a 25 year old vehicle will drop into a lower percentage. And I have driven multiple times a left hand vehicle in England. One time speaking to my boss in The Netherlands he paused and asked why I was speaking English. My reply was 'it keeps me on the wrong side of the road.' Going around narrow and twisting roads was a challenge and at times outright scary.   
Title: My new life in the Republic of Georgia
Post by: alex330 on May 19, 2018, 11:02:48 AM
25% sounds excessive.

Pretty normal overseas. Most places I have lived in Latin America it is 30% on imported vehicles.


Edit - just read it was for title, does seem high....
Title: My new life in the Republic of Georgia
Post by: msmob on May 19, 2018, 09:05:58 PM

I have driven multiple times a left hand vehicle in England. One time speaking to my boss in The Netherlands he paused and asked why I was speaking English. My reply was 'it keeps me on the wrong side of the road.' Going around narrow and twisting roads was a challenge and at times outright scary.

 :D

I find when driving on the 'wrong side of the road' - as most countries do ... that I am most dangerous as I drive off - after a stopping for a break or when I get back home ....  ;)

Having the wheel on the right side ( right in more ways than the location !) is helpful in traffic jams - one can see ahead and really annoys cyclists and motor bikes - who try to pass up the inside ;)

I am in Cyprus and was spared the excesses of the Royal Wedding - but noted the newly married couple left in an a Jag E-Type convertible - LHD ? 
Title: My new life in the Republic of Georgia
Post by: Maxx2 on May 19, 2018, 10:34:39 PM
:D

I find when driving on the 'wrong side of the road' - as most countries do ... that I am most dangerous as I drive off - after a stopping for a break or when I get back home ....  ;)

Having the wheel on the right side ( right in more ways than the location !) is helpful in traffic jams - one can see ahead and really annoys cyclists and motor bikes - who try to pass up the inside ;)

I am in Cyprus and was spared the excesses of the Royal Wedding - but noted the newly married couple left in an a Jag E-Type convertible - LHD ?


I just noticed that a few minutes ago.
Title: My new life in the Republic of Georgia
Post by: deccie on May 19, 2018, 11:27:06 PM
. One of things we are going to do together, besides the usual tourist stuff, is check out the cost buying an apartment. We're hoping we'll hit it off.

This may be just me but I probably would not involve a prospective girlfriend in the apartment  buying process until at lease in a confirmed/commited relationship.
Title: My new life in the Republic of Georgia
Post by: DaveNY on May 20, 2018, 12:00:10 AM
:D

I find when driving on the 'wrong side of the road' - as most countries do ... that I am most dangerous as I drive off - after a stopping for a break or when I get back home ....  ;)

Having the wheel on the right side ( right in more ways than the location !) is helpful in traffic jams - one can see ahead and really annoys cyclists and motor bikes - who try to pass up the inside ;)

I am in Cyprus and was spared the excesses of the Royal Wedding - but noted the newly married couple left in an a Jag E-Type convertible - LHD ?

The Jag is a custom made electric version of the classic. Only costs £350,000. Every environmentally conscious person should own at least one.

http://www.thesun.co.uk/motors/6332223/prince-harry-car-meghan-markle-royal-wedding-reception-frogmore-house/
http://www.foxnews.com/auto/2018/05/19/harry-and-meghans-blue-jaguar-is-500000-green-machine.html

(http://a57.foxnews.com/images.foxnews.com/content/fox-news/auto/2018/05/19/harry-and-meghans-blue-jaguar-is-500000-green-machine/_jcr_content/article-text/article-par-3/inline_spotlight_ima/image.img.jpg/612/344/1526771149673.jpg?ve=1&tl=1)
Title: My new life in the Republic of Georgia
Post by: alex330 on May 20, 2018, 12:12:00 AM
The Jag is a custom made electric version of the classic. Only costs £350,000. Every environmentally conscious person should own at least one.


It depends on what fuel is used to generate the electricity. In the UK the emissions (manufacturing + electric footprint) from electric vehicles is almost 4 times that of gas vehicles, so not such a green option.
Title: My new life in the Republic of Georgia
Post by: msmob on May 20, 2018, 12:43:22 AM
Thanks for the info guys... Much as I like weddings - I have tried to avoid the hype around this one - being thousands of km away in a remote mountain location and not turning on a VPN to get UK 'news' ;)
Title: My new life in the Republic of Georgia
Post by: 2tallbill on May 20, 2018, 11:40:56 AM
I bought a Mercedes ML 350 almost a year ago. The transaction was at a license bureau by a large car lot outside the Eastern side of Tbilisi. Cars are imported from all over the world to this place and people from many countries come there to buy them.

I had a ML 320 and put 275,000 miles on it before it started having
costly problems and hail storms  destroyed the body on it so I sold
it to a kid for $20.

Title: My new life in the Republic of Georgia
Post by: Maxx2 on May 20, 2018, 08:45:35 PM
I had a ML 320 and put 275,000 miles on it before it started having
costly problems and hail storms  destroyed the body on it so I sold
it to a kid for $20.


If you had cost of repairs and maintenance of Georgia you would still have that car. I figured the average cost of auto repair here in Georgia is $15 an hour. That is big money here. Many people here work for about a dollar an hour. When I leave a 2 Lari tip (80 cents) at the restaurant I get big smiles and lots of 'modlobas' 
Title: My new life in the Republic of Georgia
Post by: deccie on May 20, 2018, 08:48:55 PM

It depends on what fuel is used to generate the electricity. In the UK the emissions (manufacturing + electric footprint) from electric vehicles is almost 4 times that of gas vehicles, so not such a green option.
What is the source of most UK power now? Aren't they nuclear? Surely can't be coal fired  given most of the pits are closed.
Title: My new life in the Republic of Georgia
Post by: alex330 on May 20, 2018, 08:55:15 PM
What is the source of most UK power now? Aren't they nuclear? Surely can't be coal fired  given most of the pits are closed.


It's a blend. Here is an infographic. It is 3-4 yrs old so maybe has improved a bit, but pretty sure it is still not "green".


Many times going "green" is not always the best route. Like in Costa Rica we have clean hydro power. 100% fossil fuel free. But the valleys they flooded wrecked an entire ecosystem and possibly took out species we had not yet discovered.


(http://i.imgur.com/J0CYNaR.png)
Title: My new life in the Republic of Georgia
Post by: BillyB on May 20, 2018, 09:35:51 PM

My mother bought a used Mercedes 600 SEL. The car is over $100,000 brand new but she bought if for $15K. Had under 50,000 miles on it. After a few years of owning it, she's paid over $10,000 in repair bills. It would be more if I didn't help her fix it with free labor sometimes. Every few months the car has a problem and parts are expensive.
Title: My new life in the Republic of Georgia
Post by: Maxx2 on May 20, 2018, 09:58:27 PM
My mother bought a used Mercedes 600 SEL. The car is over $100,000 brand new but she bought if for $15K. Had under 50,000 miles on it. After a few years of owning it, she's paid over $10,000 in repair bills. It would be more if I didn't help her fix it with free labor sometimes. Every few months the car has a problem and parts are expensive.


There are Mercedes everywhere here. The average Georgia makes about $350 a month and of course half the population makes less than that. If cars and cost of repair was expensive then there wouldn't be so many of them here. I was told a replacement engine for my 3.5 liter V6 would be about $125.
Title: My new life in the Republic of Georgia
Post by: msmob on May 21, 2018, 10:20:46 PM
What is the source of most UK power now? Aren't they nuclear? Surely can't be coal fired  given most of the pits are closed.


Nooooo..   Nuclear made up 21 percent in 2001  ..Coal was just 7 percent ..

Gas 40 percent  (( 




It's a blend. Here is an infographic. It is 3-4 yrs old so maybe has improved a bit, but pretty sure it is still not "green".

VERY out of date, UK wise..

http://www.ft.com/content/437c4e8a-efc0-11e7-ac08-07c3086a2625 (http://www.ft.com/content/437c4e8a-efc0-11e7-ac08-07c3086a2625)

"Most of Britain’s electricity in 2017 is low-carbon for first time"


Title: My new life in the Republic of Georgia
Post by: Maxx2 on May 24, 2018, 07:47:41 AM
I was thinking of Deccie's situation and life in general in Russia. Here is how it is like in Georgia.


Quote
According to the study of financial corporation Doing Business, Georgia ranks 8th in Ease of Doing Business. It greatly contributes to investment opportunities and rapid economic growth of the country. The following factors are of huge importance:

No Property Taxes
Fast and Safe property registration system
Electronic taxation system and no corruption
Legalized gambling (unlike other countries in the region)
VISA FREE regime with 94 countries

All above mentioned advantages facilitate business relationships with Georgia and significantly increase tourist flow. Strategic location of Batumi, well developed modern infrastructure and healthy business environment provide perfect conditions for ideal fusion of holidays and business activities and contribute to profitable investments.
Title: My new life in the Republic of Georgia
Post by: Maxx2 on June 03, 2018, 01:35:27 AM
Lady Larisa is on her way.


She is pretty excited about coming here. Her flight from Kiev (not Boryspil the other one Z something) leaves at 4:30 PM and arrives to Batumi at 8 PM. 2 1/2 hour flight, a narrow body Boeing of some type.
Title: My new life in the Republic of Georgia
Post by: msmob on June 03, 2018, 02:50:57 AM
Maxx,

I KNOW you are excited and I hope you both have a great time .... happy landings ;)
Title: My new life in the Republic of Georgia
Post by: Maxx2 on June 03, 2018, 03:45:09 AM
I got to my new apartment. It's nice and big. Older building though. No fancy entrance but it has a nice view of the Sea and the water park where the dancing fountains are. On the 19th floor. I got to go out and buy some things stock the fridge. High on the list is Georgian wine and cognac, suligumi cheese, caviar and sushi. Larisa is typical of most FSU women, she is partial to seafood and fish.   
 
Title: My new life in the Republic of Georgia
Post by: Jumper on June 03, 2018, 10:08:46 AM
Lady Larisa is on her way.


She is pretty excited about coming here. Her flight from Kiev (not Boryspil the other one Z something) leaves at 4:30 PM and arrives to Batumi at 8 PM. 2 1/2 hour flight, a narrow body Boeing of some type.

Very cool Maxx.Hope you both have a good visit.

I've flown out of the city airport, just walk out on the tarmac to board,  the ticket station was far more similar to a bus stop than airport, but that was long ago.
one time the flight was on an old 40's vintage yak? Twin prop.
Scariest take off/landing of my life lol!


And I enjoy flying :)
Title: My new life in the Republic of Georgia
Post by: Maxx2 on June 03, 2018, 10:13:57 AM
She should have gotten here an hour ago. Flight delay. They needed to get a jet from Odessa. Supposed to take off at 14:30. Now delayed till 22:40. Larisa says everyone is drinking whiskey. She's worried she'll have to stay all night at the airport.
Title: My new life in the Republic of Georgia
Post by: Maxx2 on June 03, 2018, 10:15:39 AM

I've flown out of the city airport, just walk out on the tarmac to board,  the ticket station was far more similar to a bus stop than airport, but that was long ago.



It is still like that here in Batumi. I'd post some photos but cubeupload is not allowing me to log in.
Title: My new life in the Republic of Georgia
Post by: Maxx2 on June 03, 2018, 10:19:17 AM
She's turning off her phone before it completely discharged. The charger is in the checked luggage. She says she will turn it back at 22:00 to check or send a message.
Title: My new life in the Republic of Georgia
Post by: Maxx2 on June 03, 2018, 02:54:57 PM
After about 8 hour delay she is boarding the aircraft. A 2 1/2 flight and an arrival about 4 AM and she will be here, finally. "I'm on the plane! !!" she just texted me. She is definitely happy. Batumi is really beautiful at night. Very lite up.
Title: My new life in the Republic of Georgia
Post by: Boethius on July 11, 2018, 01:17:13 AM
As I note Maxx  has made an appearance, I'm bumping his thread.


How's it going, Maxx?
Title: My new life in the Republic of Georgia
Post by: msmob on July 11, 2018, 04:46:15 PM
I think you will hear from him, soon enough ;)
Title: My new life in the Republic of Georgia
Post by: Maxx2 on July 11, 2018, 11:24:26 PM
I think you will hear from him, soon enough ;)
Title: My new life in the Republic of Georgia
Post by: Maxx2 on July 11, 2018, 11:58:45 PM
Her flight back to Ukraine leaves the Batumi airport at 8:30 PM tonight
Title: My new life in the Republic of Georgia
Post by: Maxx2 on July 14, 2018, 06:10:13 AM
As I note Maxx  has made an appearance, I'm bumping his thread.


How's it going, Maxx?


I notice the view count on this thread is over 100K


At this moment I am breaking up on Viber with the lady that came and visited me. I'm letting her do the breaking.


Some things get lost in the story if people don't know my background. They make assumptions that I am this or that circumstances. I'll try and do a quick concise profile of who I am.


I was briefly married to a RW 16 years ago. 15 years ago when she arrived I discovered a new phenomenon to me, a GCG or Green Card Girl. I must set the record in ending my marriage quickly. I escaped the financial hit almost 100%. But the emotional hit was devastating.


Recently I decided to see if a woman in my life was possible. Could I keep my head and not do anything foolish? Do I have the ability to even love anymore? The lady I just broke up with suggests this is a possibility and all I need is a housekeeper and cook. There is more to it than that, which I will get into later.


A recent thread here about needing to be rich for this gambit. It is a familiar subject for me. Back in 2002 the most popular thread then on a long forgotten RW guide message board was entitled "Is this a rich man's game?" Anyway I experienced that first hand in my brief endeavor on bringing a RW wife into my life. I've said to myself back in the year of my divorce (2003-2004) if I had all the money I spent on having a RW in my life I'd have enough to buy a new Dodge Viper sports car. All I had to show for it is the paper divorce document. I'd like to think that I got more out it than just that. Maybe some wisdom on how to find the right woman? Or at least the knowledge on how to bail if things aren't working out?


I meet Larisa at Batumi airport at about 5 AM. Her flight was supposed to arrive at 8:30 PM the night before but it kept getting delayed. So we are both beat. We do a quick tour of the Batumi in my car as the sun is starting to come up behind the mountains. At that time of the day the whole city is in a shadow. About 8 AM is when sunshine touches the beach here.


After a quick tour of this impressive city we go back to the Airbnb apartment I rented. A two bedroom apartment with a refrigerator stocked with sushi, which she loves, Georgian wine, cognac and red caviar. The beach view is before us.


In a week is her birthday. Mine was a few days before. On her birthday I buy her 11 white roses which is her favorite. I take her to this really nice restaurant along the Black Sea. Asked to come along is my Russian friend Alex. Alex is a business owner and partner of my workout partner at the gym I go to. A friendly guy both Larisa and I like. Larisa speaks very little English so Alex along was a nice thing for her. Alex acted as an interpreter. Alex's birthday is also the same as mine. So it was a birthday celebration for the three of us. We had a good time.


Over the next 4-5 weeks Larisa and I do the sight seeing thing. Visit the Batumi Botanical Gardens, go to restaurants, shop at grocery stores for ingredients for home cooked meals.


We made a most interesting side trip to Barjomi through the mountains. My Mercedes 4X4 was really tested fording streams that ran over and in one case down the mountain road (about 100 yards). 1000 foot drop offs with no guard rails. 1 and 1/3 lane roads with on coming traffic sometimes in the form of a dump truck on a hairpin curve. You got inch yourself forward till you pass. No road in America like this would be allowed to be driven on. Anyway the 3 hour estimated drive took 9 hours. I think we averaged about 12-15 MPH. Barjomi is a real nice city with a good road leading out of it.


About halfway through the mountains my car's from left front tire blew. We pulled up to a road side store. There are three older Georgian there. We ask them if they could get somebody to come help. They know a young man who has a friend who would help.


He comes and with his friend takes off the tire. The friend stays behind and we run to the tire store in a city 20 miles behind us. The guys drives like a maniac in his old Mercedes. He is passing cars in a two lane tunnel doing 100 KPH. Passed 4 cars in a row with an on coming semi truck coming right at us. The only thing was a give away of my being in fear of losing my life was the imprints of my fingers in his front dash. Other than that I acted cool. The tire place hosed me on the cost of changing and getting a used tire. I was charged 140 Lari ($60) and he didn't even balance it. It should have been about $20. The driver and helper was getting 50 Lari ($21) and his friend was 20 Lari ($8) for their 3 hours of help plus the thrill ride to the tire store.


On the trip back I tell the driver "No problema, Knee ha-cho bree-straw." In other words I am in  no hurry. He thinks my Russian is funny. We pass just one car in the tunnel on the trip back. On a curve we pass a semi tractor trailer on a two lane mountain road. The on coming car was a police car. I'm thinking, 'Oh cr@p!'. 5 minutes later, after doing 100 KPH, the cop finally catches up to us. In America this would be a reckless driving charge, a towed car, a suspended driver's license, a reeducation class on how to drive and thousands of dollars in fines. The ticket, which was a printed out receipt, was for 50 Lari ($21). The driver laughs when he gets back into the car when he points to the 50 Lari in cash I gave him for his help. I knew this money was pretty important to him and I probably made his day or week with this sudden windfall came. So when we got back to my car I pealed him off another 50 Lari note and pointed to his ticket. He was sure glad about that. The tire was changed and off we went. Three hours lost but back on the road again.






   
Title: My new life in the Republic of Georgia
Post by: msmob on July 14, 2018, 06:12:54 AM
Why are you breaking up via 'Viber' ? ;)   ...and not ( say ) Skype ...?     

Seriously, can you tell us what went wrong, Maxx ?
Title: My new life in the Republic of Georgia
Post by: Maxx2 on July 14, 2018, 06:30:54 AM
Why are you breaking up via 'Viber' ? ;)   ...and not ( say ) Skype ...?     

Seriously, can you tell us what went wrong, Maxx ?


She doesn't use Skype and does or did all our communication using Viber.


I haven't left my apartment all day. I need buy some food. Perhaps when I get back I'll continue with the story.
Title: My new life in the Republic of Georgia
Post by: Maxx2 on July 14, 2018, 07:05:05 AM
I suppose I have a moment or two to comment on my thread as I prepare to go out.


A couple of things I noticed about Larisa I really liked. She is not one of those hyper jealous women who check your cell phone or what you are doing online. She didn't seem to mind me being nice to young Georgian women I needed talk to.


I was surprised how cool she was about our perilous mountain drive. I've had some women who would have been in an all out panic, but not her. I was particularly pleased with how nicely and patiently she took being stuck for three hours by my car as it was being repaired. Not one word of complaint from her.  This was some of her good qualities.
Title: My new life in the Republic of Georgia
Post by: Maxx2 on July 14, 2018, 08:08:12 AM


We are still in communication...
Title: My new life in the Republic of Georgia
Post by: Maxx2 on July 17, 2018, 07:08:18 PM
She never met you and is already going to dedicate 6 weeks of her life to getting to know you.....living in the same flat? Hopefully you'll have more fun than drama.


We did meet, but just a few times. When she came June 3rd we stayed in the same flat 5 weeks and 4 days. Not much in the way of drama. But it failed anyway. The issue was simply money. I have a certain amount of money coming in every month from my pension. I have some savings but I don't like dipping into that. That is for emergencies and possibly a down payment for a flat.


My lady and I had/have a different way of looking at money. Mine is to live within a budget based on my monthly pension and try to save a little. 10-20% every month would be nice. Her way of spending money was what she felt she deserved. An impressive birthday gift, shopping trips to buy clothes, and what ever she desired at the grocery store. It was the later that broke me. Every day during the almost 6 weeks she was here we went to the grocery store.  Only two times did we miss our daily shopping trip. She would spend $35-$50 a day on bread, rice, 'salads', meat, cheese, eggs, fish, wine, cognac et cetera. Multiply this times 30 for a monthly estimate and I quickly understood I was way out of budget for food. Of course I talked to her about it. But it didn't do any good. 'Need' over ruled budget. I was surprised how much she could eat. Literally twice what I ate. So besides the jewelry store birthday gift, the 11 white roses, the dinners out, a few shopping trips for clothes (for her) and hundreds of for her dentist I quickly understood that I couldn't afford her.


My pension is very generous by Georgian standards. It is 3-5 times the average monthly pay here. But is it enough for a Ukrainian woman in Georgia? My experience is it is not, even with the lower cost of living over here. I think a Georgian divorcee or widow is what I should set my sites on. Although all the Georgian women I've met (3) have always asked me how they could get to America.
Title: My new life in the Republic of Georgia
Post by: ML on July 17, 2018, 08:17:08 PM

Every day during the almost 6 weeks she was here we went to the grocery store.  Only two times did we miss our daily shopping trip. She would spend $35-$50 a day on bread, rice, 'salads', meat, cheese, eggs, fish, wine, cognac et cetera. Multiply this times 30 for a monthly estimate and I quickly understood I was way out of budget for food.


We spend about $35-50 per WEEK at grocery store.
And our restaurant bills are less than $100 per month.
Not all Ukrainian Gals are wild spenders.
Title: My new life in the Republic of Georgia
Post by: BillyB on July 17, 2018, 08:44:37 PM
Although all the Georgian women I've met (3) have always asked me how they could get to America.


I was always under the assumption Georgian women didn't want to leave. They are rarely on dating sites or marriage agencies. Are there any marriage agencies in Georgia?
Title: My new life in the Republic of Georgia
Post by: ML on July 17, 2018, 08:57:44 PM
I was always under the assumption Georgian women didn't want to leave. They are rarely on dating sites or marriage agencies. Are there any marriage agencies in Georgia?

From what I understand, Georgia is still pretty much 'old world' when it comes to man-woman relationships.

A woman 'advertising' herself on internet or with marriage agency would have serious consequences for the family; and thus even more so for the woman.
'Honor' killing possibility?

But I am not an expert on this.
Title: My new life in the Republic of Georgia
Post by: Maxx2 on July 18, 2018, 12:17:16 AM
We spend about $35-50 per WEEK at grocery store.
And our restaurant bills are less than $100 per month.
Not all Ukrainian Gals are wild spenders.


That has been my experience also. The FSU women I have known when it comes to food eat like birds and many I've known know how to stretch a dollar.
Title: My new life in the Republic of Georgia
Post by: Maxx2 on July 18, 2018, 12:51:38 AM
From what I understand, Georgia is still pretty much 'old world' when it comes to man-woman relationships.

A woman 'advertising' herself on internet or with marriage agency would have serious consequences for the family; and thus even more so for the woman.
'Honor' killing possibility?

But I am not an expert on this.


I had a Georgian woman tell me that she could marry me without needing permission as she was the oldest member of her family. I hadn't asked her to marry me. She suggested it in "jest." I think to save face. She eventually (This was 2 1/2 years ago) won the Green Card lottery and last I heard is living in New York City.


No 'Honor' killings but a male dominated society of having a family 'Patroni' the eldest male making sure their women keep their honor. This I've been told by Georgian men I've gotten to know and some Western women who teach English here. Women keeping their virginity until marriage is expected. An American told me things were warming up between a young Georgian woman and himself until one day he was met at his door by three of her male relatives...


A young Georgian woman I knew, mostly from online, a few times on the phone, and twice in person but always in the accompany of her brothers or her cousin George. She told me it was true that Georgian woman were expected to remain virtuous until marriage, but the men were expected to sow their wild oats. Georgian men I have observed, and I have been told, think women who are not Georgian are easy. They are VERY bold and relentless. Ukrainian/Russian women who go out without a man will be hit upon almost every time. Even with their man present there is no guarantee it won't happen. I was at an ATM machine with my lady. The Georgian men there knew I didn't speak Russian. One of them approached her as I was getting my cash and asked her for her phone number. Western women who teach English are instructed to wear wedding rings. It helps somewhat.
Title: My new life in the Republic of Georgia
Post by: Maxx2 on July 18, 2018, 01:03:41 AM
I was always under the assumption Georgian women didn't want to leave. They are rarely on dating sites or marriage agencies. Are there any marriage agencies in Georgia?


There have been a few Georgian women who have joined outside Georgia marriage agencies. But they usually do not last long. One reasons on why they don't is their religion, Georgian Orthodox. There is a big thing about future children from these marriages staying within that faith. This is why pressure is put on the Georgian men to not marry non-Georgian women. The reason is a Russian woman is not going to raise a child in the Georgian Orthodox Church. Georgian women generally want to stay close to their family.


I had a Georgia aid/translator tell me that at his wedding, his grandmother pulled him aside. She told him that it was OK to fool around as long as he didn't get caught.
Title: My new life in the Republic of Georgia
Post by: Maxx2 on July 28, 2018, 06:10:50 AM



I took my Mercedes ML 350 to the repair shop early this afternoon. I needed to have the oil changed, stop a possible oil leak, stop a power steering leak and repair the electrical short on the front passenger side power window.


Taxi ride home to wait for the repairs. It is about 5 kilometers or 3 miles one way.
$2.05 or 5 Lari.


Repair cost for 4 hours of labor, the engine oil, the oil filter, the power steering fluid et cetera. $81.91 or 200 Lari
Title: My new life in the Republic of Georgia
Post by: Maxx2 on August 04, 2018, 01:34:34 AM







These are everywhere for making 'Cha Cha'. I bet more than half the houses with yards have them.  This is the new still of Jogo, the host of the Airbnb where I last stayed at in Batumi. He was proud of his 60% alcohol brew. Although I am not sure they do not exceed that percentage. 


(http://u.cubeupload.com/Maxxexpert/ScreenShot20180804at.png)
Title: My new life in the Republic of Georgia
Post by: krimster2 on August 04, 2018, 02:07:18 AM
"Repair cost for 4 hours of labor, the engine oil, the oil filter, the power steering fluid et cetera. $81.91 or 200 Lari "

my father-in-law's ancient Muscovitch sedan blew a gasket in the fuel pump, so I was going to Sevastopol to buy a new one
father-in-law wouldn't hear of such a thing, took me on a tour of his "barn", which was just an out building filled nearly to the ceiling with junk
he spent a few minutes digging through the pile, and came up with a sheet of neoprene plastic
we took the fuel pump apart and removed the old gasket, placed it over the neoprene and traced its outline
father-in-law took an old razor and cut out the new gasket, we trimmed it a bit and put in in the fuel pump, then put it back in the old car
and it worked perfectly!

total cost: $0.0
this is how Russians do auto mechanics


Title: My new life in the Republic of Georgia
Post by: Maxx2 on August 04, 2018, 02:17:58 AM
Yes, they are very practical in keeping down the costs. There is a whole lot of McGiver type fixing going on.


I also learned that a daily diet of meat, fish or poultry usual doesn't happen.
Title: My new life in the Republic of Georgia
Post by: krimster2 on August 04, 2018, 02:24:53 AM
necessity is the mother of all invention
no money creates its own necessity

now that the soccer matches are over with in Russland, I guess they can get back to "Bizness" without worrying about the PR
Russians still moving the border every day in Georgia?
Title: My new life in the Republic of Georgia
Post by: Maxx2 on August 04, 2018, 02:37:42 AM
necessity is the mother of all invention
no money creates its own necessity

now that the soccer matches are over with in Russland, I guess they can get back to "Bizness" without worrying about the PR
Russians still moving the border every day in Georgia?


I don't know if its everyday. It would be a good place put Georgian troops although the South Ossetia border is quite long so it might not be practical.
Title: My new life in the Republic of Georgia
Post by: krimster2 on August 04, 2018, 02:42:18 AM
two words!!!

land...mines...
should stop Russians from moving the border fences
Title: My new life in the Republic of Georgia
Post by: krimster2 on August 04, 2018, 07:02:58 AM
"I also learned that a daily diet of meat, fish or poultry usual doesn't happen. "

yeah kartoshkie and kapusta
--or--
kapusta and kartoshkie

thank go I'm free from Russian food now...
Title: My new life in the Republic of Georgia
Post by: Maxx2 on August 04, 2018, 07:49:09 AM
Thursday I left Batumi and moved to Tbilisi. I'll be here for two months.


Before I left I checked odometer.


(http://u.cubeupload.com/Maxxexpert/927ScreenShot20180804at.png)




The trip went fine. No drama.
Title: My new life in the Republic of Georgia
Post by: krimster2 on August 04, 2018, 08:04:33 AM
the antichrist's car!!!
mark of the beast
Title: My new life in the Republic of Georgia
Post by: Maxx2 on August 04, 2018, 08:10:46 AM
the antichrist's car!!!
mark of the beast


It is redeeming itself. It is now 166931.
Title: My new life in the Republic of Georgia
Post by: Maxx2 on August 05, 2018, 02:17:06 AM


My last Airbnb hosts were a family of 5. Husband, wife, 15 year old son and two beautiful (they were) daughters in their 20s. I was their first guest at a newly prepared Airbnb rental. They were amazed I was an American as that is pretty unusual over here to rent to an American. I felt like celebrity as the whole family plus a young family friend who spoke English came into the main area and visited with me for a while. I've never had that happen before. One of the two daughters sang me a song. She performs at the opera house in Batumi and needless to say has an excellent voice.


(http://u.cubeupload.com/Maxxexpert/BatumiOperaHouse.png)




They even brought me a meal and the host brought me a bottle of his home made 'cha cha'.



(http://u.cubeupload.com/Maxxexpert/Hostfamilysmealtome.png)




The next day I went into the city did my usual stuff shopping and so on. They were on the balcony above my place welcoming me and asking how I was doing. Actually there was quite a lot of contact with them. They always seemed to be hovering about.


On my third day there the family friend Biktor asked me a question, "When are you going to pay for your room?" I told him I already did when I booked the room. I showed him the screen shots of the rental agreement, the receipt for payment and even my online bank statement showing the money left my account and went to Airbnb. Turns out my hosts never set up an account to receive the funds. I told them they should open a bank account dedicated solely for their Airbnb rental. Then work with Airbnb to get my payment that Airbnb already had. It took about 10-12 days before they got all the bugs worked out and they got their money. I bought them a 44 GEL ($18) celebratory bottle of quality Georgian cognac.


BTW I seen a lot less of my hosts after they discovered it was up to them to work things out with Airbnb. I of course helped them by contacting Airbnb customer service and asking them to look into it. My hosts and Airbnb thanked me.   


Title: My new life in the Republic of Georgia
Post by: Maxx2 on August 05, 2018, 03:16:58 AM



As a retiree who's worked all my life I finds myself bored with nothing to do but web surf and post here. I latched on two ideas I could work on while in Tbilisi. The one I'll tell you about now is cooking. Why cooking? Several reasons. First I miss American food. Food is good here but once in a while I crave the food I ate at home. I would like American style Chinese Sweet and Sour Chicken, Pork Fried Rice, Chicken Almond Ding, Beef with Pea Pods and Egg Roll. There is some Mexican dishes I'd like master as well. Perhaps I could open up a polished stainless steel 'roach coach' full of these delicacies and sell it along the boardwalk? Educational too for all the Georgians and Russian tourists who wonder why most Americans are fat.


I thought too that I could use my Georgian host family as test subjects to my cooking. So I invited myself over and I would bring the meal. They were surprised and delighted or maybe just amused. I don't know which.
Title: My new life in the Republic of Georgia
Post by: Maxx2 on August 05, 2018, 03:27:59 AM



Having a real hard time downloading photos today


(http://u.cubeupload.com/Maxxexpert/Preparingtheonions.png)
Title: My new life in the Republic of Georgia
Post by: Maxx2 on August 05, 2018, 05:52:42 AM
(http://u.cubeupload.com/Maxxexpert/99dChoppedrawchickenbre.png)
Title: My new life in the Republic of Georgia
Post by: Maxx2 on August 05, 2018, 06:08:54 AM
(http://u.cubeupload.com/Maxxexpert/68cDeepFryingtheChicken.png)
Title: My new life in the Republic of Georgia
Post by: Maxx2 on August 05, 2018, 06:15:10 AM
(http://u.cubeupload.com/Maxxexpert/198SweetandSourChicken.png)
Title: My new life in the Republic of Georgia
Post by: Maxx2 on August 05, 2018, 06:19:47 AM
Turned out pretty good. My Georgian hosts were surprised by the combination of the sweet and sour taste. Except for their opera singer daughter they went back for seconds and thirds. They really enjoyed it.
Title: My new life in the Republic of Georgia
Post by: Maxx2 on August 05, 2018, 06:29:43 AM
After I left Batumi I got a hotel room for the first night. Yesterday was my first full day at my next Airbnb apartment. I was cooking my breakfast when I looked up and seen this in the window...


(http://u.cubeupload.com/Maxxexpert/Catatwindow.png)
Title: My new life in the Republic of Georgia
Post by: Maxx2 on August 05, 2018, 06:44:59 AM
My second visitor must have smelled the bacon cooking. I gave him some of the bones from the bacon. You didn't know that bacon had bones? I didn't know that either when I bought it. But the FSU is full of surprises.
Title: My new life in the Republic of Georgia
Post by: msmob on August 05, 2018, 11:09:30 PM
Great photos, Maxx

Your S&S looks wonderful

Title: My new life in the Republic of Georgia
Post by: Maxx2 on August 05, 2018, 11:42:06 PM
Great photos, Maxx

Your S&S looks wonderful


Thanks Moby. It tasted great. When you and SC come to Tbilisi I'll make sure to cook you some.


Perhaps I can ride with you to Batumi and do some things there? The train back to Tbilisi is first rate.
Title: My new life in the Republic of Georgia
Post by: Maxx2 on August 05, 2018, 11:51:37 PM



The graffiti artists here are artists.




(http://u.cubeupload.com/Maxxexpert/ScreenShot20180806at.png)
Title: My new life in the Republic of Georgia
Post by: msmob on August 05, 2018, 11:57:10 PM

Thanks Moby. It tasted great. When you and SC come to Tbilisi I'll make sure to cook you some.

As good as it might taste - you're never going to get SC to eat meats ...;)

Perhaps I can ride with you to Batumi and do some things there? The train back to Tbilisi is first rate.

Plan still fluid .... one day she wants to do the car journey - the next she'd rather stay in Cyprus ... Women .. ;)
Title: My new life in the Republic of Georgia
Post by: Maxx2 on August 06, 2018, 12:14:03 AM
As good as it might taste - you're never going to get SC to eat meats ... ;)



Just the veggies with the S&S sauce would taste pretty good. But I can't imagine her eating more than a cup full of it as it is high in calories. A sauce made primarily of Vinegar, Sugar and Ketchup you can figure it is not low-cal. Fried Rice without meat would taste pretty good also. Not low-cal either, but better calories wise than the S&S.
Title: My new life in the Republic of Georgia
Post by: Maxx2 on August 06, 2018, 12:53:30 AM

Plan still fluid .... one day she wants to do the car journey - the next she'd rather stay in Cyprus ... Women .. ;)


I've been giving this thought... Perhaps you should tell SC that though sunning herself at the beach or by the pool might be her most pleasurable activity, it will not give her as many memories to look back on than a trip through old world Georgia. South of Batumi in Sarpi on the Turkish border is a nice beach with the Black Sea's clearest water. Nice place to continue the tan before the trip along Turkey's northern border. Did you know the Black Sea's water has only half the salt content as the oceans?
Title: My new life in the Republic of Georgia
Post by: msmob on August 06, 2018, 02:50:01 AM


SC swims in the Black Sea 9 months of the year and enjoys the extra buoyancy the Med gives ;)

Oh, I'm selling for all I am worth
Title: My new life in the Republic of Georgia
Post by: Maxx2 on August 06, 2018, 04:21:57 AM


 ;)  I got your meaning.



Title: My new life in the Republic of Georgia
Post by: GQBlues on August 06, 2018, 09:42:14 AM
After I left Batumi I got a hotel room for the first night. Yesterday was my first full day at my next Airbnb apartment. I was cooking my breakfast when I looked up and seen this in the window...

Very cool tuxedo cat, maxx. We have one who adopted us not too long ago when she waltz into our yard and never left. Incredibly affectionate. Tuxedo cats also have that very distinct appearance.

That bacon bit in your story is kind'a strange, I think. Maybe it was just the processing that classified it as such? As I often thought bacon is made mostly from the underbelly of a pig, or as more commonly referred to as 'pork belly'.
Title: My new life in the Republic of Georgia
Post by: msmob on August 06, 2018, 09:49:34 AM

That bacon bit in your story is kind'a strange, I think. Maybe it was just the processing that classified it as such? As I often thought bacon is made mostly from the underbelly of a pig, or as more commonly referred to as 'pork belly'.

I will not be going to your Butcher's if that's what you thought ! ;)

Middle bacon, from the side of the animal, is intermediate in cost, fat content, and flavor between streaky bacon and back bacon. Back bacon (called Irish bacon/Rashers or Canadian bacon in the United States) comes from the loin in the middle of the back of the pig.
Title: My new life in the Republic of Georgia
Post by: GQBlues on August 06, 2018, 09:58:26 AM
The Canadian bacon that we have here in the US looks more like ham than the typical bacon. The bacon we customarily are use to look more like something like this.

http://www.nueskes.com/applewood-smoked-slab-bacon/

Even the one wifey used to buy at the Russian market looks similar. I personally haven't had any in a very long time, although I miss that smell of bacon in the mornings.
Title: My new life in the Republic of Georgia
Post by: msmob on August 06, 2018, 10:10:54 AM
What you might call Canadian bacon is BACK Bacon to us - and for good reason ... THAT is where it's from :)

Pork Belly is something else
Title: My new life in the Republic of Georgia
Post by: GQBlues on August 06, 2018, 10:23:33 AM
Yup. Here's what Canadian *bacon* is, and is in fact pork loin.

http://www.nueskes.com/applewood-smoked-canadian-bacon/

Which for all intent and purposes, would be almost like 'ham' for us.

Pork belly is this: http://jesspryles.com/recipe/braised-pork-belly/

Which would be the same 'cut' for the type of bacon we're accustomed to seeing/eating in the US.
Title: My new life in the Republic of Georgia
Post by: Maxx2 on August 07, 2018, 01:06:06 AM
It was smoked and looked like the bacon I bought in Batumi. I wanted the butcher or the guy behind the counter to cut it into slices but he just cut it into thick pieces. Having a difficult time communicating I thought, "Oh well. I'll just slice them to my desired thickness with the sharp knife I had at home.


Good to hear from you GQ.
Title: My new life in the Republic of Georgia
Post by: ML on August 07, 2018, 11:21:34 AM
It was smoked and looked like the bacon I bought in Batumi. I wanted the butcher or the guy behind the counter to cut it into slices but he just cut it into thick pieces. Having a difficult time communicating I thought, "Oh well. I'll just slice them to my desired thickness with the sharp knife I had at home.

Pretty difficult to slice bacon type thickness with any knife, regardless of sharpness.
And, the smaller the beginning piece, the less likely to obtain any satisfactory results.
Title: My new life in the Republic of Georgia
Post by: BdHvA on August 07, 2018, 07:41:14 PM
With American style bacon (pork loin) I prefer to cut it up in about one inch pieces. Than cook it. You can cook it throughly if you pay attention to the pan, and drain it of allot more fat in a bowl with paper towel. Some 'American' bacon is treated with sulfites.

Bacon in Eastern Europe tends to be cut thicker and be more lean. Again cook through and through. Enjoy pork, in small amounts.
Title: My new life in the Republic of Georgia
Post by: msmob on August 07, 2018, 11:28:20 PM
Back (Canadian ?)bacon is my fav and I bought half a kilo on Saturday in a supposedly 'Muslim' nation for far less than in the UK ))

Cypriots have a Cyprus breakfast condisting of bacon, eggs, Lounza..a wine marianated sausage and Halloumi (Hellim) cheese.

Yummy

Title: My new life in the Republic of Georgia
Post by: Maxx2 on August 08, 2018, 12:05:13 PM


The last two Ukrainian women I knew, liked to eat it raw. Bacon to them was like pickled fish to be put on crackers with a slice of cheese. I insisted for myself that it be cooked.
Title: My new life in the Republic of Georgia
Post by: GQBlues on August 08, 2018, 01:13:02 PM
I just read about your last experience with the gal, maxx. Hopefully this momentary set back only means the 'right' one is still waiting for you.


 ;)
Title: My new life in the Republic of Georgia
Post by: 2tallbill on August 08, 2018, 02:08:24 PM

The last two Ukrainian women I knew, liked to eat it raw. Bacon to them was like pickled fish to be put on crackers with a slice of cheese. I insisted for myself that it be cooked.

I had to convince Angel Eyes and Smiley girl that uncooked US bacon wasn't
safe like Russian raw bacon.

Title: My new life in the Republic of Georgia
Post by: Maxx2 on August 08, 2018, 04:58:07 PM
I just read about your last experience with the gal, maxx. Hopefully this momentary set back only means the 'right' one is still waiting for you.


 ;)


3:56 AM, I think I'll answer this tomorrow. Have a bit of asommia (sp)
Title: My new life in the Republic of Georgia
Post by: Jumper on August 08, 2018, 09:53:07 PM

The last two Ukrainian women I knew, liked to eat it raw. Bacon to them was like pickled fish to be put on crackers with a slice of cheese. I insisted for myself that it be cooked.

Salo.

Not my cup of tea.
Title: My new life in the Republic of Georgia
Post by: Maxx2 on August 11, 2018, 11:46:09 PM



Got pulled over by  the police yesterday.

I came to an intersection with a traffic light. It has a left turn signal that had just ended. So I pull up to the intersection with a green light, carefully watching the oncoming traffic to see if I can make a U-turn without causing anyone in the on coming lane to use their brakes to slow down. So being a courteous driver. One of the on coming cars was a police car. He put on this flashers as I made my U-turn in front of him. I put on my right hand turn signal and of course brake lights and pulled over to a safe spot. I reached for my wallet with my passport card, Wisconsin drivers license and my vehicle registration card that says I own the car. I gave the cop my cards which kind of confused him as that was not what he thought he would get. I said. "Yah American-nets" He looked at them for about 30 seconds and handed them back to me. I said with my limited Russian I didn't know this rule but now I know and I won't do it again. I thanked him and I think he understood me. I've had 3 encounters with the traffic police over this or that. All went well. I didn't get any tickets. So I am learning.

Georgia has very limited laws and is free of a lot of rules and restriction. The nicest rule is you can come without a visa and stay up to 360 days. To get another 360 days all you have to do is a border jump, get your passport stamped at custom control and you are good to go for another 360 days. This rules applies to Ukrainians as well as us Westerners.

One thing I've noticed about Georgia is the lack of STOP signs. They are usually only at the railroad tracks and they are the same sign they have in America. When approaching an interception with the cars having the right away you just have to use your common sense when entering it. So everyone drives defensively here. I see very few accidents. So although Georgian drivers are some of the worst drivers on this earth they are also some of the best. They are the worst because they violate your right away a lot. The other problem is double parking. Not uncommon for a car to pull out in front of you causing you to hit the break, then pull over and double park. So they can be real jerks that way.

The other thing I learned about the traffic rules is there is no right turn on a red light. You can't turn left at a light unless there is a signal and that people turn right on to a street and then make a U-turn to cross the street going in the desired direction.
Title: My new life in the Republic of Georgia
Post by: SANDRO43 on August 12, 2018, 06:36:37 AM
The other thing I learned about the traffic rules is there is no right turn on a red light.
Is that allowed in the US :o? Not here, and elsewhere in Europe where I had the opportunity to drive.
Title: My new life in the Republic of Georgia
Post by: krimster2 on August 12, 2018, 06:49:37 AM
"Is that allowed in the US "

it's allowed, UNLESS there is a sign indicating otherwise, this is a "newish" thing, which came into effect after you left here
I was driving in Russia last week, based upon observing other drivers, it seems you can turn right, left, backup, ignore the stoplight completely
makes driving there a challenge, and "road rage" OMG!!!!
Title: My new life in the Republic of Georgia
Post by: DaveNY on August 12, 2018, 08:48:49 AM
Russia does allow right turns on a red light if the separate right turn light, a green arrow pointing right, is on AND there is no oncoming traffic going right. My experience for this is only greater Moscow so it might be different in other areas of the country.
Title: My new life in the Republic of Georgia
Post by: ML on August 12, 2018, 10:31:54 AM
Many know that there are different traffic rules in the various states of the USA.

For instance, in some states, when attempting to turn left at a traffic light, you must pull all the way into the intersection on the green light and wait for the oncoming traffic to clear.
In other states, you must wait at the stop line and not pull into the intersection with a green light until all incoming traffic has cleared..
Title: My new life in the Republic of Georgia
Post by: BdHvA on August 12, 2018, 03:19:57 PM
European roads primarily run on triangles, determining who must yield. The primary law was traffic from the right has right of way. This is designated by the 'yellow diamond'. There is more signage and attempts to make it clearer.

American roads use stop signs which means first car to the stop sign ~ first car to leave said intersection, unless there is traffic that does not need to stop. Oddly enough in cities such as New York there is a very much a live and let live attitude as opposed to say Kiev.

For what it is worth my brother who has been sent a number of times to driver reeducation 'Notes I observe all traffic regulations.'

Northern and Western European drivers tend to be more predictable than American and have a bit more common sense.
Title: My new life in the Republic of Georgia
Post by: msmob on August 12, 2018, 07:29:10 PM
European roads primarily run on triangles, determining who must yield. The primary law was traffic from the right has right of way.

Driving in the UK / Ireland, Malta and Cyprus with this 'attitude' would have been interesting.....  :popcorn:
Title: My new life in the Republic of Georgia
Post by: Maxx2 on August 13, 2018, 03:12:06 AM
Driving in the UK / Ireland, Malta and Cyprus with this 'attitude' would have been interesting.....  :popcorn:


I think you chaps are mostly leftists right?
Title: My new life in the Republic of Georgia
Post by: BdHvA on August 13, 2018, 05:12:21 AM
Maxx, Thank you for keeping this thread going with your observations.  :clapping:
Title: My new life in the Republic of Georgia
Post by: msmob on August 13, 2018, 06:05:34 AM

I think you chaps are mostly leftists right?

 :ROFL: 

We might DRIVE on the left - but we sit to the right - where our steering wheels are located  .....   

We thought you guys were lefties ;)
Title: My new life in the Republic of Georgia
Post by: GQBlues on August 13, 2018, 09:31:28 AM
Many know that there are different traffic rules in the various states of the USA.

For instance, in some states, when attempting to turn left at a traffic light, you must pull all the way into the intersection on the green light and wait for the oncoming traffic to clear.
In other states, you must wait at the stop line and not pull into the intersection with a green light until all incoming traffic has cleared..

According to California's VC, a vehicle cannot cross the stop/pedestrian line to enter an intersection to make a left turn during a green light unless it is clear of opposing traffic. The reason for this is, an intersection is suppose to remain 'clear' in the event of an emergency vehicle having to pass through.

In the case of right turns on red lights, technically, a car cannot turn right during a red light, when: a pedestrian's foot touches any part of the pedestrian crosswalk, on an undivided highway (IINM), or when a sign exist that says 'no turn on red'. A divided highway carry different rules. You can turn right on red as long as the incoming vehicle is at least (IINM) 300' from the line and on the same lane you're turning unto.

But neither is hardly ever enforced (with the exception of the no turn on red). The amount of accidents in these intersections is what determines the majority of these sign placements.
Title: My new life in the Republic of Georgia
Post by: Maxx2 on August 14, 2018, 03:14:31 AM
I just read about your last experience with the gal, maxx. Hopefully this momentary set back only means the 'right' one is still waiting for you.


 ;)


I've felt and sort of feel internal pressure to find the right one before I get too old. I seem to remember GQ you were 39 years old when you began your endeavor to find Mrs Right? So perhaps you know how I feel/felt. I was 48 when I first started on my endeavor one year ahead of you. I celebrated my 50th B-day with Mrs Wrong 2 months after she got there (USA). She arrived on the 'Ides of March', not kidding. So I know those milestone years and how they make you reflect. 


I've hosted 2 women from Ukraine to Georgia. The first was for 20 days last September. The next one was for almost 6 weeks in June and July. Age difference, 22 and 20 years. The age difference wasn't much of an issue, or at all. Frankly I would have preferred they were 10 years older because you should take in account the inevitable "advance state of decrepitude" coming to us all unless your days get cut short by driving off a bridge or being hit by semi...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1_6eZ6NcEq8
There are preferred ways to go...

 Having spent more than a month in an old folks nursing home recovering from my accident (learning to walk again after being hot by a semi..) I know that is not how and where I want to end my days. I'm hoping to end my days with a wife and family by my side. Do you know here in Georgia they keep the deceased 3 days in the house in a refrigerated coffin? There is vigil day and night with lots family and friends hanging about. Then on the third day it is off to cemetery. The coffin is lifted up by several strong men. They circle the room clockwise three times. Then out the door and carried down the street with the lid off. I've seen it! Ashen grey face to the sky. All the men wearing suit jackets. No women in sight. They must come later. The graveyard is where the mourners feast, drink wine and offer toasts to the recently departed and all the other friends and relatives buried there. Wine is isn't the only thing drunk. I've been told "cha cha" (60%-80% alcohol) often leads to fights in the cemetery and at weddings.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3HyRhqN5VBc
NOT going to be me.
 
I'd elaborate more about nursing homes but I'll save that for my 2 year anniversary of my accident coming Friday. 


"Old age is the most unexpected of all things that can happen to a man"
~ Leon Trotsky











Title: My new life in the Republic of Georgia
Post by: BdHvA on August 14, 2018, 07:26:44 AM

I've hosted 2 women from Ukraine to Georgia. The first was for 20 days last September. The next one was for almost 6 weeks in June and July. Age difference, 22 and 20 years. The age difference wasn't much of an issue, or at all. Frankly I would have preferred they were 10 years older because you should take in account the inevitable "advance state of decrepitude" coming to us all unless your days get cut short by driving off a bridge or being hit by semi...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1_6eZ6NcEq8

"Old age is the most unexpected of all things that can happen to a man"
~ Leon Trotsky


I completely forgot 'Grumpy Old Men" time marches with little regard to those around it.
Title: My new life in the Republic of Georgia
Post by: Maxx2 on August 14, 2018, 07:45:19 AM
I completely forgot 'Grumpy Old Men" time marches with little regard to those around it.


When was in Russia 15-17 years ago it was quite popular there. The two kids of the lady I was seeing, ages 11 and 12, watched it continually off my laptop computer. They thought this part was particularly hilarious.


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kTnEyRLMvqk


It amazes me that those kids are near 30!
Title: My new life in the Republic of Georgia
Post by: msmob on August 14, 2018, 08:51:52 AM
Thank you, Maxx

LOVE this film
Title: My new life in the Republic of Georgia
Post by: krimster2 on August 14, 2018, 09:15:18 AM
i'm related to Walter Matthau on my father's side, he's NOT acting in this role, it really WAS his actual character!!!
he did't like kids very much!!!  or maybe it was just me

Title: My new life in the Republic of Georgia
Post by: Maxx2 on August 14, 2018, 09:23:43 AM
Thank you, Maxx

LOVE this film


Max Goldman was the character from the film I chose my name from. I had to go with two 'x-s' as Max had already been chosen. This was 2002 at RW-G when I signed up. My first post was about how my wife in Saratov was a big fan of Nicole Kidman but for some reason didn't want to watch the Birthday Girl movie after reading description off the VHS box. Gee I wonder why?


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jsSYOavDqw8

Title: My new life in the Republic of Georgia
Post by: Maxx2 on August 14, 2018, 09:29:58 AM
i'm related to Walter Matthau on my father's side, he's NOT acting in this role, it really WAS his actual character!!!
he did't like kids very much!!!  or maybe it was just me


I see the resemblance. I know WC Fields didn't like kids, "Anyone who hates dogs and kids can't be all that bad."
Title: My new life in the Republic of Georgia
Post by: krimster2 on August 14, 2018, 09:44:19 AM
"I love children...especially well done"
Title: My new life in the Republic of Georgia
Post by: GQBlues on August 14, 2018, 10:53:46 AM

I've felt and sort of feel internal pressure to find the right one before I get too old. I seem to remember GQ you were 39 years old when you began your endeavor to find Mrs Right? So perhaps you know how I feel/felt. I was 48 when I first started on my endeavor one year ahead of you. I celebrated my 50th B-day with Mrs Wrong 2 months after she got there (USA). She arrived on the 'Ides of March', not kidding. So I know those milestone years and how they make you reflect. 


I've hosted 2 women from Ukraine to Georgia. The first was for 20 days last September. The next one was for almost 6 weeks in June and July. Age difference, 22 and 20 years. The age difference wasn't much of an issue, or at all. Frankly I would have preferred they were 10 years older because you should take in account the inevitable "advance state of decrepitude" coming to us all unless your days get cut short by driving off a bridge or being hit by semi...

... Having spent more than a month in an old folks nursing home recovering from my accident (learning to walk again after being hot by a semi..) I know that is not how and where I want to end my days. I'm hoping to end my days with a wife and family by my side. Do you know here in Georgia they keep the deceased 3 days in the house in a refrigerated coffin? There is vigil day and night with lots family and friends hanging about. Then on the third day it is off to cemetery. The coffin is lifted up by several strong men. They circle the room clockwise three times. Then out the door and carried down the street with the lid off. I've seen it! Ashen grey face to the sky. All the men wearing suit jackets. No women in sight. They must come later. The graveyard is where the mourners feast, drink wine and offer toasts to the recently departed and all the other friends and relatives buried there. Wine is isn't the only thing drunk. I've been told "cha cha" (60%-80% alcohol) often leads to fights in the cemetery and at weddings.
 
...I'd elaborate more about nursing homes but I'll save that for my 2 year anniversary of my accident coming Friday. 

"Old age is the most unexpected of all things that can happen to a man"
~ Leon Trotsky

In some ways that seems like yesterday, doesn't it? SonOfClyde and all that good stuff.  ;)

I understand what you're saying though maxx. Sometimes I find myself reflecting what/where my life would be today had I not gone to Russia. Maybe my situation is a little bit different than some. Then I couldn't see myself tied in a relationship past a month, much less married. I was bored stiff, man. My social life was way too easy - literally. It was like chewing gum. You're unwrapping a new one way before you even lost the taste on the present. L.A., crosstown, cross state, cross country, and even cross borders. So/No America, western/central Europe, Asian, whatever - it didn't matter. Women were the same. Too boringly easy. Lather, Rinse, Repeat.

I was convinced the MOB was the answer since the process, I believed then, will make me work every step of the way. I will need to invest the time and effort to keep me *involved* in a - one - singular gal and be/stay grounded. Yeah, and luckily for me (and for many reasons), that proved to be right and I achieved what I sought with my wife.

But guess what? The reality is, regardless of background, it still comes down to the same scenario not really that much different than yours. If heaven forbid something happens to my marriage, I would be in the very same 'situation' as you or any other. The reality is there are people out there, even the married ones, who undeniably harbor the same feelings as you.

I believe it's futile to worry about things you have no control of. Life just dealt each us varying pathways heading to the same destination. The only difference being what and how we make of it.

I think you're still relatively *young to be that old*, maxx. For what it's worth.
Title: My new life in the Republic of Georgia
Post by: msmob on August 14, 2018, 01:42:17 PM
Hmm, this movie got CRAP reviews but I enjoyed it ,,, :)

I just ordered it on Amazon an I'm watching it ...  Amazing how dated England looks
Title: My new life in the Republic of Georgia
Post by: Maxx2 on August 15, 2018, 12:48:19 AM
In some ways that seems like yesterday, doesn't it? SonOfClyde and all that good stuff.  ;)

I understand what you're saying though maxx. Sometimes I find myself reflecting what/where my life would be today had I not gone to Russia. Maybe my situation is a little bit different than some. Then I couldn't see myself tied in a relationship past a month, much less married. I was bored stiff, man. My social life was way too easy - literally. It was like chewing gum. You're unwrapping a new one way before you even lost the taste on the present. L.A., crosstown, cross state, cross country, and even cross borders. So/No America, western/central Europe, Asian, whatever - it didn't matter. Women were the same. Too boringly easy. Lather, Rinse, Repeat.

I was convinced the MOB was the answer since the process, I believed then, will make me work every step of the way. I will need to invest the time and effort to keep me *involved* in a - one - singular gal and be/stay grounded. Yeah, and luckily for me (and for many reasons), that proved to be right and I achieved what I sought with my wife.

But guess what? The reality is, regardless of background, it still comes down to the same scenario not really that much different than yours. If heaven forbid something happens to my marriage, I would be in the very same 'situation' as you or any other. The reality is there are people out there, even the married ones, who undeniably harbor the same feelings as you.

I believe it's futile to worry about things you have no control of. Life just dealt each us varying pathways heading to the same destination. The only difference being what and how we make of it.

I think you're still relatively *young to be that old*, maxx. For what it's worth.


I never did the effort to master multi-quotes so the bold will have to do...


I got to meet Lorenzo twice in DC. I also got meet Mrs Lorenzo. She is not photogenic that I remember, but she is quite good looking in person. She is one of those 'tell em like she sees em' type of Ukrainian women. Her first words to me were after ignoring me for several minutes, "Why don't you lose weight?" I said, "It keeps the women away." Her reply back was, "That's stupid. How old are you?". I said, "How old do you think I am?" After a moment of studying my face she says, "Forty two." I said, "Thank you" and remained silent. We're sitting in a diner, her, me and Lorenzo. Waiting for me to finally state my age she finally presses me to tell her how old I am. I said, "Fifty eight". That was eight years ago.


There is good news for all of us.


From a Harvard School of Medicine a pill that reverses aging in humans. 
http://www.express.co.uk/news/science/1002867/science-news-Ageing-process-REVERSED-human-cells-University-of-Exeter


Imagine GQ going back to your 20s or 30s? Probably though the FDA will delay this for quite some time. We were born too early. We will miss out on the fembot revolution where women are replaced.


I think GQ you beat the odds and you have a marriage for life. Just make sure you continue to do the maintenance. You know, the flowers, unexpected acts of kindness and care, romantic getaways and so on. Things I know you are doing.


In regard to luck. I've believed for years the luck is a factor in all of this. One former poster stated he believes we make our own luck and dismissed luck at all. But I say this, not as making an excuse for myself, it is both preparation, skill, street smarts and luck. I was very naive for a life in the FSU fast lane. I'll admit that. But I've seen others who were not well equipped for this endeavor that succeeded. That was luck. And I have seen some really sophisticated guys, like seasoned divorce attorneys, who've failed miserably. So though it helps to have street smarts with women it also helps to have some dumb luck to go along with it.


    :trainwreck: .
Title: My new life in the Republic of Georgia
Post by: Maxx2 on August 15, 2018, 12:51:42 AM
Hmm, this movie got CRAP reviews but I enjoyed it ,,, :)

I just ordered it on Amazon an I'm watching it ...  Amazing how dated England looks


I seen that movie and I like it too. Nice that you UK guys can order women online and they show up at Heathrow airport ready to be whisked off to a new life. 
Title: My new life in the Republic of Georgia
Post by: rwd123 on August 15, 2018, 06:21:13 AM
Every guy here should read every single thing on this website:

http://roguehealthandfitness.com/

It is pure gold. Follow his advice and you'll have a better life as you age.
Title: My new life in the Republic of Georgia
Post by: Maxx2 on August 15, 2018, 09:41:45 AM
Every guy here should read every single thing on this website:

http://roguehealthandfitness.com/ (http://roguehealthandfitness.com/)

It is pure gold. Follow his advice and you'll have a better life as you age.


Thank you RWD! I'll give it a good study. I am a believer in weight lifting. I've used the gym in Tbilisi, Aspria Fitness and Sparta Fitness in Batumi.


I went to dentist today to get some dental work done. Driving over there I was thinking what GQ said. He always haunts me with his words but in a good way  ;)  I was thinking that I am unusual for a person in my sixties as I do not have to limit myself in the gym (except for deep squats). I can do full workouts to exhaustion without breaking anything.
Title: My new life in the Republic of Georgia
Post by: GQBlues on August 15, 2018, 09:49:28 AM
...
I got to meet Lorenzo twice in DC. I also got meet Mrs Lorenzo. She is not photogenic that I remember, but she is quite good looking in person. She is one of those 'tell em like she sees em' type of Ukrainian women. Her first words to me were after ignoring me for several minutes, "Why don't you lose weight?" I said, "It keeps the women away." Her reply back was, "That's stupid. How old are you?". I said, "How old do you think I am?" After a moment of studying my face she says, "Forty two." I said, "Thank you" and remained silent. We're sitting in a diner, her, me and Lorenzo. Waiting for me to finally state my age she finally presses me to tell her how old I am. I said, "Fifty eight". That was eight years ago...

Funny story! *Lorenzo*, LOL. I would've love to have dined with you guys that night (Wifey fell in love with DC when we were there last. Especially the Georgetown/Bethesda areas).

Now if there ever was a guy on the board who took a lot of heat for much of everything he did and say, that was Lorenzo! But he always let the proverbial rock roll off his back and always maintained his composure. I liked Lorenzo. He seemed like a really good guy. He kept asking me to promise him I'd take him to the Bradbury Building if he ever made it out to LA. He was so obsessed with that building, I don't know why. I did wished he made it out here.


There is good news for all of us.

From a Harvard School of Medicine a pill that reverses aging in humans. 
http://www.express.co.uk/news/science/1002867/science-news-Ageing-process-REVERSED-human-cells-University-of-Exeter


Imagine GQ going back to your 20s or 30s? Probably though the FDA will delay this for quite some time. We were born too early. We will miss out on the fembot revolution where women are replaced.

The Bubble-Headed-Bleached-Blondes syndrome, or as we used to call it 'Beebs' had been around a long time here. By-product of LA LA LAND/Hollywood. Just another version of the Stepford wives. One thing about LA, trashy as it is, it's a blast being single here. There's a massive influx of PYTs coming everyday from everywhere wanting a rare shot of becoming the next Monroe. They use to host an annual Rose Bowl football game on New Year's Day between the PAC-10/BIG 10 schools' champs. Whichever BIG 10 school qualified to play that year, hordes of fans and supporters migrate to LA for the event. You can imagine if say, you're a Buckeye or a Wolverine or any of the snowblown university student coming out, and all you see upon arrival are sun, mid-70s +, ocean, beaches with Kens & Barbies on shorts, more sun etc. - dead in the middle of your winter. Seriously, months after, busloads of young, fresh meats are stocked in our social inventory. Sometimes when I'm out on the beach, I watch these youngbloods and cant help myself smile and reminisce of my happy days gone by.

As for aging, Fathertime calls on every single one of us, man. You can't fight it but you can manage it. You have an advantage now living in Georgia. You're not under assault on food laced with hormones, pesticides and antibiotics. I stay away from the grocers that peddle these to the hilt. I stay away from lectin-enriched foods, fruits with above levels of fructose (which would be most of them), grains, especially rice; legumes (beans), even vegetables that fall in the nightshades category (tomatoes, eggplants, etc...). Dairy products, especially the highly pasteurized products, cheese, milk, yogurts, etc..I do use prebiotic/probiotic supplements I mix with my daily morning smoothie. I need tons of those little devils in my tummy so I can discard and rid off as much toxicity out of my tracts. When doctors prescribe antibiotics to cure your ailment, it also wipes out most of the good bacteria in your tummy, man. You are left defenseless for weeks or even months. Comfort foods, processed foods, fried are all on the devil's menu. Squeeze a bit of lemon in your water when you can.

Whatever right?
Title: My new life in the Republic of Georgia
Post by: Maxx2 on August 15, 2018, 11:42:33 PM
You have an advantage now living in Georgia. You're not under assault on food laced with hormones, pesticides and antibiotics.


When I left America for the second time on January 14th 2017 (First time November 27 2015) I was taking a lot of medication. I had been in the hospital after the accident for 3 weeks. I was in a nursing home for 5 weeks learning to walk again. During that time they had me on all sorts of medication for pain, high blood pressure and Type II diabetes including of course, insulin. After I left the nursing home I was in and out of clinics getting tests and prescribed medication. Oh GQ was I depressed! When left for Georgia I went through the airport with my mother's bent handle cane. The airport staff took one look at me and seen how I was walking and insisted I get pushed through the airport in wheelchair. When I got to the Tbilisi airport I was pushed in wheelchair by this man in forties. I tipped him 10 GEL ($4) (I had a spare note in my wallet from my fist visit). I must have made his day. That was 2-4 hours of wages for 10 minutes of work. Anyway a year and 8 month later on non-GMO food I am off ALL medication. I do not even take insulin. My blood sugar levels in the morning are 120-130 and regulate themselves well during the day. I still need to get them lower (70-110) and I will do that by weight loss and exercise. I feel healthier and healthier everyday. One thing I don't like here is the lack handrails something common in the US on account of tort lawyers and the American Disability Act. Georgia is the Wild Wild West (even though its East) and very much a libertarian society. The good IMO far outweighs the bad.
Title: My new life in the Republic of Georgia
Post by: Maxx2 on August 16, 2018, 06:20:21 AM
Funny story! *Lorenzo*, LOL. I would've love to have dined with you guys that night (Wifey fell in love with DC when we were there last. Especially the Georgetown/Bethesda areas).

Now if there ever was a guy on the board who took a lot of heat for much of everything he did and say, that was Lorenzo! But he always let the proverbial rock roll off his back and always maintained his composure. I liked Lorenzo. He seemed like a really good guy. He kept asking me to promise him I'd take him to the Bradbury Building if he ever made it out to LA. He was so obsessed with that building, I don't know why. I did wished he made it out here.



Lorenzo is the soul brother of Yogi Berra. "Most of the things I said I never said." He's on FB with a following of FB friends who appreciate Lorenzo's inner Yogi. He posts stuff like links to favorite Ozzie and Harriet youtube episodes and other "deep thoughts". Things  like "If everyone lived within a mile of where they worked what would rush hour be like?" "What happened to honesty and openness? When did the term transparency come into existence" and "Why isn't there a Tiny Tim tribute band?" 



Here is a link to his favorite Ozzie and Harriet episode.


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8qzMk7f7IOI&list=FLSkEhV4A8U3XC9kPaLHI24Q&index=2&t=0s


Is everyone having problems uploading photos? I remember the debacle of photobucket last year. Now I can't get cubeupload or tinypic to work.
Title: My new life in the Republic of Georgia
Post by: Maxx2 on August 16, 2018, 07:47:41 AM

Imagine GQ going back to your 20s or 30s? Probably though the FDA will delay this for quite some time.


The assembled scientists and academics focused on one obstacle above all: the Food and Drug Administration. The agency does not recognize aging as a medical condition, meaning a drug cannot be approved to treat it. And even if the FDA were to acknowledge that aging is a condition worthy of targeting, there would still be the question of how to demonstrate that aging had, in fact, been slowed—a particularly difficult question considering that there are no universally agreed-on markers. What they needed, Barzilai and the others concluded, was a precedent-setting test case—a single study that would change the rules forever, not unlike how trial lawyers search for a perfect plaintiff when they’re going to the Supreme Court to set a new legal precedent.

Note from Maxx: The anti-aging drug is called Metformin taken by diabetics. A doctor needs to prescribe this in the US. Here in the Land of the Free Georgia it can be purchased over the counter at any drug store. The articles goes on to say about Metformin>

What they discovered was striking: The metformin-takers tended to be healthier in all sorts of ways. They lived longer and had fewer cardiovascular events, and in at least some studies they were less likely to suffer from dementia and Alzheimer’s. Most surprising of all, they seemed to get cancer far less frequently—as much as 25 to 40 percent less than diabetics taking two other popular medications. When they did get cancer, they tended to outlive diabetics with cancer who were taking other medications.

He was confident that metformin was good enough for the job. He has maintained this confidence ever since he read a 2014 study that reviewed the fate of 90,400 type 2 diabetics taking either metformin or another medication. The metformin patients in the study not only outlived the diabetics taking the other drug—a not especially surprising result if metformin is a superior treatment but also outlived the non diabetics studied as a comparison.    (Note from Maxx: WOW!!)

The FDA will not make its decision on whether metformin becomes the US’s first antiaging drug until the study, dubbed Targeting Aging with Metformin (http://www.afar.org/natgeo/) (TAME for short), is complete. That won’t happen for at least another five years. But, based on their June 2015 meeting with FDA officials, Barzilai and his colleagues are optimistic that the FDA is onboard. “Within five minutes, we were all in complete agreement that this is plausible” and “a good idea,” S. Jay Olshansky says.

Metformin costs about 5 cents a pill says the article.
Title: My new life in the Republic of Georgia
Post by: krimster2 on August 16, 2018, 09:39:12 AM
maxx2

was the drug store proprietor the same actor that played Mr Wilson in "Dennis The Menace"
that was my nickname when I was little

 
Title: My new life in the Republic of Georgia
Post by: Maxx2 on August 16, 2018, 10:22:42 AM
maxx2

was the drug store proprietor the same actor that played Mr Wilson in "Dennis The Menace"
that was my nickname when I was little


Not sure Krim but I did just purchased 90 1000 mgs tablets of Metformin at the local pharmacy... from two cute (HOT!) Georgian girls.
Title: My new life in the Republic of Georgia
Post by: Maxx2 on August 16, 2018, 10:24:50 AM



GQ, open your PM feature and I'll tell some stories that will have you on the floor laughing your... um.....  :ROFL:
Title: My new life in the Republic of Georgia
Post by: krimster2 on August 16, 2018, 10:49:12 AM
do you own shares or something
Title: My new life in the Republic of Georgia
Post by: Maxx2 on August 16, 2018, 11:32:38 AM
do you own shares or something


Nope, I do what I do out of the kindness of my heart to my fella brothers...  Broddahood!
Title: My new life in the Republic of Georgia
Post by: GQBlues on August 16, 2018, 12:37:39 PM

Not sure Krim but I did just purchased 90 1000 mgs tablets of Metformin at the local pharmacy... from two cute (HOT!) Georgian girls.

I’d like to respond with your post above when time allows me to do so.

But for now let me respond to the quoted segment. I’m thinking if your pill do work then it’s a no brainer for you to go back where you got it from and not necessarily to replenish your supply either.

 :P
Title: My new life in the Republic of Georgia
Post by: Maxx2 on August 16, 2018, 12:44:24 PM
I’d like to respond with your post above when time allows me to do so.

But for now let me respond to the quoted segment. I’m thinking if your pill do work then it’s a no brainer for you to go back where you got it from and not necessarily to replenish your supply either.

 :P


I get it! Goodnight from 11 time zones ahead!
Title: My new life in the Republic of Georgia
Post by: krimster2 on August 16, 2018, 12:52:46 PM
Maxx2

I don't have  type 2 diabetes, no one on either side of family ever had it
I'm pretty sure I don't have any issues with my ovaries
last full treadmill cardio was great
i don't need to change anything except my environment!!!!
Title: My new life in the Republic of Georgia
Post by: GQBlues on August 16, 2018, 01:09:21 PM
...
Metformin costs about 5 cents a pill says the article.

I dunno maxx. I'm averse to all these 'quick fixes', especially when it comes to our bodies. It seems I can no longer enjoy watching a decent round of golf without getting inundated with Frank Thomas's commercial peddling 'Nugenix'. Chrissakes, aside from the pharma industry, all these other anti-aging measures are just way out of control to me. Surgical, hair/complexion aids, supplements, etc...all designed to cater to the fear of 'aging'. When the real aversion is actually the thought and inevitability of being closer to dying. The older we get, the keener our sense of our own mortality.

Dying cant' be that bad, is it? I likely won't mind it so much especially if I died peacefully like my grandpa did. He died in his sleep. I can't say what it was like for the 3 passengers in his car however.

Seriously though, it really doesn't take much to make people grab on to these mythical 'fountain/formulas' of youth. People would do almost anything to hold on to the 'thoughts and ideas' of youth and live a life of sublime denial. Old folks trying to mimick/relive the days of their youth.

The movie you posted, 'Grumpy Old Men' is a parody of old farts folks like us being left with only two reactionay functions, the sad choice between fight or flight. Reduced to a choice like wounded animals. That's our natural progression (sic). That's life.

Yes, sugar is one of the chief culprit in our cell destruction. Your liver gets the worst of it, too. Not too many people realize sugar is the worst addiction we have. The majority of what we eat since childhood contains varying levels and degree of sugar intake. From carbo to fructose, it would be nearly impossible to completely 'eliminate' sugar in our diets. You can even see this on our domesticated animals. Pets. Cancer/sarcomas had become prevalent with our dogs / cats because of the processed food we feed them. Kidney failures, tract infections, etc..are all closely behind. American pets suffer from the same alarming rate of obesity and ailments as their guardians do.

Diet, man. Avoid or *limit* your intake of these nefarious triggers. Prolong the ability of our bodies to combat these triggers. Our society do a lot of silly and crazy things trying to pacify our idealistic desires only to step on our own foot. GMO is definitely one. Productive farmed meats is another. Have you ever bought farmed 'Atlantic Salmon' raised in Alaska? There's just something sinister and wrong with that. One recent storm destroyed one of those farms and released thousands of antibiotic-raised Atlantic Salmon on the Alaskan coast. It doesn't take much to wonder how twisted and unnatural that really is.

On a lighter note, even if this 'magic' pill does work, how do you think we can see ourselves then? A 'revitalized' chunky bag of wrinkled and creaky version of a man? I can't even reconcile the thought, man.

(PM opened, just for you).

Edited to add:

Forgot to tell you. Two weeks ago wifey took me somewhere as a surprised. I had been complaining about lower back pains and I guess she took this heart. So one Sunday afternoon she asked I reserved a time slot because she'd like to take me somewhere. It turned out to be one of those Thai couple massages. I've never been to one until then. WOWIE! They had these bars on the ceiling above the two beds. When one of the gals asked where I was sore the worst, I said lower back - dude she 'walked all over me and relieved every darn tension I had in my body - especially on my lower back. She twisted, kneaded, elbowed, kneed, in addition to, stepped and walked over me in places and angles I never though possible. It was such a deliciously painful experience but my goodness, I felt so relaxed and yet felt energized at the same time. I'm still not sure how that made sense. The two gals worked on both of us for a full hour. We can't wait to go back.

Burke-Williams have absolutely nothing on those gals! Best darn massage I ever got.
Title: My new life in the Republic of Georgia
Post by: BillyB on August 16, 2018, 03:06:10 PM
Best darn massage I ever got.


Is that with or without a happy ending? I and a buddy went to a massage place a few weeks ago where they walked on backs. He said his back was hurting so they refused him. We ended up going somewhere else. My wife and I sometimes get a massage. As low as $25 for one hour. Mostly Chinese working there. Some of those people don't speak any English. Seems like they came right off the boat.
Title: My new life in the Republic of Georgia
Post by: GQBlues on August 16, 2018, 03:35:41 PM
Is that with or without a happy ending? I and a buddy went to a massage place a few weeks ago where they walked on backs. He said his back was hurting so they refused him. We ended up going somewhere else. My wife and I sometimes get a massage. As low as $25 for one hour. Mostly Chinese working there. Some of those people don't speak any English. Seems like they came right off the boat.


Maybe they didn't refuse you(?). It could be because neither of you understood Mandarin?  :P  But $25.00/hr?!? LMAO! That was just the tip I gave for each of us.


But Thai massage is a whole different type of massage. This site (http://www.spafinder.com/blog/health-and-well-being/what-is-thai-massage/) actually explains it a little bit. They even worked on our hands and feet. Did some twisting/stretching of our bodies before starting the torture. These 'Thai couple parlors/spas' are trending here in LA. If you see one where you are, you need to try it.


I'm telling you, we felt so invigorated, relaxed and energized all at the same time after they were done. This definitely got inked on our 'go-to' calendar, man.
Title: My new life in the Republic of Georgia
Post by: Maxx2 on August 16, 2018, 10:07:10 PM
Metformin costs about 5 cents a pill says the article.


I just checked my receipt. Eleven cents here, I know I used buy a 3 month supply for about $10 in the States if memory serves me correct. So about the same. 


My blood sugar reading this morning (now) is 124. That is really good for a Type II diabetic who isn't taking his insulin. I've heard that it is best to not have to take insulin because the body develops a tolerance for it and you need more and more. Eventually the blood sugar rises and when it gets high it starts to poison the organs. Next thing, organ failure. D.B. Neily over at the other place suffered from that with his diabetes. He was living in Ukraine with UW wife, a doctor. We used to do a lot of PM exchange. He was a brilliant man. An editor of a newspaper in the States. Great writer. He died in the Spring of 2011. I sometimes wonder what he would have thought of the state of politics these last 7 years. He in many ways reminded me of jb.
Title: My new life in the Republic of Georgia
Post by: Maxx2 on August 16, 2018, 10:24:16 PM
Maxx2

I don't have  type 2 diabetes, no one on either side of family ever had it
I'm pretty sure I don't have any issues with my ovaries
last full treadmill cardio was great
i don't need to change anything except my environment!!!!


Trimester, GQ et al Taking Metformin is not so much about treatment or prevention of diabetes but the extension of your "health span." Metformin is not a newbie drug pushed by Big Pharma or some quack "doctors" trying to make a fast buck. It is not patented. It is like aspirin in that way. The plant that it is derived from is in Medical literature for the past 500 years. What Metformin does is it slows done the processes in the body that do cell and organ damage. It slows down your aging process. You live longer and healthier and you keep your looks longer. I read in another article than on an average it gives you another 12 to 15 percent more life.   
Title: My new life in the Republic of Georgia
Post by: krimster2 on August 16, 2018, 10:35:23 PM
maxx

you ok man?
maybe something you'd like to talk about?

late for me, have to catch you tomorrow
but "I'll be back"
Title: My new life in the Republic of Georgia
Post by: Maxx2 on August 16, 2018, 10:46:49 PM
maxx

you ok man?
maybe something you'd like to talk about?

late for me, have to catch you tomorrow
but "I'll be back"


I am fine. Things seem to be falling into place here. Getting things done and making improvements always brightens my mood. The dark subjects I talk about are natural for me because of the things I've recently lived through. 
Title: My new life in the Republic of Georgia
Post by: krimster2 on August 16, 2018, 10:56:23 PM
yes, I see that maxx
I am in this boat as well
it's ok, as long as it's not sinking

I don't know your background
but here in the US, a lot of new stuff coming out about type II
maybe even something that's closer to a cure and not a treatment might not be far off
keep up to date, I assume that if you had to leave Mount Ebrus, and journey to the land of the free for a few months for medical care it would not be a big problem

apologies, keeping my wife up, so gotta go, god I hope she doesn't want sex again today  :)


Title: My new life in the Republic of Georgia
Post by: GQBlues on August 17, 2018, 08:34:32 AM
...Taking Metformin is not so much about treatment or prevention of diabetes but the extension of your "health span." ...


Every journal I read actually said the contrary, maxx. Not one of them claimed this is suppose to be used as an anti-aging agent. Mind providing the science to support your citation?
Title: My new life in the Republic of Georgia
Post by: Maxx2 on August 17, 2018, 09:59:38 AM
There has been a power outage all day long here. I tried to send GQ a PM but it says I am blocked. Sorry Matt, I'm just giving up.
Title: My new life in the Republic of Georgia
Post by: Maxx2 on August 17, 2018, 10:52:31 AM

Every journal I read actually said the contrary, maxx. Not one of them claimed this is suppose to be used as an anti-aging agent. Mind providing the science to support your citation?


Not needed. Except you have three score and ten.
Title: My new life in the Republic of Georgia
Post by: Maxx2 on August 17, 2018, 11:06:00 AM

Every journal I read actually said the contrary, maxx. Not one of them claimed this is suppose to be used as an anti-aging agent. Mind providing the science to support your citation?


Post your studies first OK?
Title: My new life in the Republic of Georgia
Post by: GQBlues on August 17, 2018, 11:43:29 AM
There has been a power outage all day long here. I tried to send GQ a PM but it says I am blocked. Sorry Matt, I'm just giving up.

No problem, man.

Post your studies first OK?

Studies?!? No. Journals (online). At the risk of being redundant, here are but just 3 of them. Each stating to the contrary with your statement above.

http://www.fda.gov/Drugs/DrugSafety/ucm493244.htm (http://www.fda.gov/Drugs/DrugSafety/ucm493244.htm)

http://www.mayoclinic.org/drugs-supplements/metformin-oral-route/proper-use/drg-20067074 (http://www.mayoclinic.org/drugs-supplements/metformin-oral-route/proper-use/drg-20067074)

http://www.drugs.com/metformin.html (http://www.drugs.com/metformin.html)
Title: My new life in the Republic of Georgia
Post by: Boethius on August 17, 2018, 12:45:53 PM
Here you go.  This summarizes many trials. 

http://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT02432287 (http://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT02432287)

Here's another one -

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5943638/ (http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5943638/)

Totally anecdotal, but my grandmother took metformin for 25 years, until she was moved to insulin.  She lived to 91, oldest in her family. 
Title: My new life in the Republic of Georgia
Post by: GQBlues on August 17, 2018, 03:31:16 PM
Here you go.  This summarizes many trials. 

http://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT02432287 (http://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT02432287)

Here's another one -

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5943638/ (http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5943638/)

Totally anecdotal, but my grandmother took metformin for 25 years, until she was moved to insulin.  She lived to 91, oldest in her family.

Ok, our good friend Boethius had been busy switching posts around. Just so readers can understand, the links provided above were addressed and refuted. The continuation of this exchange can be read here (http://www.russianwomendiscussion.com/index.php?topic=23099.msg490748#msg490748)

LOL. Not splitting her quoted post above along with the rest made it looked like she made her point.
Title: My new life in the Republic of Georgia
Post by: krimster2 on August 17, 2018, 03:32:43 PM
maxx, last year my daughter had her first yr "practicum" at the local hospital
she always discusses her daily experiences with me
so I feel that makes me competent to discuss your medical condition  :-\
advanced type II will have the circulatory problems in the extremities, do you have any of these symptoms
what about weight?
do you take insulin?

I laughed at the so called health care providers in Crimea
I have no idea about Georgia
do you have an endocrinologist there?
how close are you to medicare age?

if I'm "prying" I'm sorry...

if I were you I'd drink lots of Borjomi, can't hurt...


Title: My new life in the Republic of Georgia
Post by: rwd123 on August 17, 2018, 10:30:01 PM
Articles on metformin:
http://roguehealthandfitness.com/metformin-hype-reality/
http://roguehealthandfitness.com/anti-aging-drugs-rapamycin-metformin-decrease-iron/
http://roguehealthandfitness.com/anti-aging-technology-hype-reality/
Title: My new life in the Republic of Georgia
Post by: Maxx2 on August 18, 2018, 12:15:50 AM
Here you go.  This summarizes many trials. 

http://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT02432287 (http://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT02432287)

Here's another one -

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5943638/ (http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5943638/)

Totally anecdotal, but my grandmother took metformin for 25 years, until she was moved to insulin.  She lived to 91, oldest in her family.


When my inner sceptic comes out of me I'll consider Metforim as chicken soup, it may not help but it certainly doesn't hurt. At the moment I believe in the stuff. I also believe in 3 or more cups of coffee a day. There is this study I read that coffee whisks the plaque off of arteries. About 62-63% Since my father and grandfathers died of heart disease in their 60s I am taking no chances. Maybe I should cut out the bacon?




Quote
Metformin has been used with an excellent safety record for over 60 years. Side effects are monitored closely within clinical trials, and the safety of met-formin use in DPP/DPPOS was reported on in 2012, when over 18,000 patients-years of follow-up had accrued, and by which time ~20% of the cohort was age 70 or older (mean age ~64). There were no cases of lactic acidosis or significant hypoglycemia
Title: My new life in the Republic of Georgia
Post by: Maxx2 on August 18, 2018, 02:18:26 AM
maxx, last year my daughter had her first yr "practicum" at the local hospital
she always discusses her daily experiences with me
so I feel that makes me competent to discuss your medical condition  :-\
advanced type II will have the circulatory problems in the extremities, do you have any of these symptoms
what about weight?
do you take insulin?

I laughed at the so called health care providers in Crimea
I have no idea about Georgia
do you have an endocrinologist there?
how close are you to medicare age?

if I'm "prying" I'm sorry...

if I were you I'd drink lots of Borjomi, can't hurt...


I don't mind "prying" one bit.


Georgia has medical facilities that are partnered with the US. There is an American clinic here in Tbilisi and one in Batumi. People want American health care, even Georgians. There is a large US embassy and other embassies and good medical and dental care is needed for their employees. My dentist is one such dentist the embassy employees use. I have contact with a Georgia woman who teaches Russian and Georgian to embassy employees. She gave me the lead on my dentist. My dentist is better equipped than my dentist in Wisconsin. Much better equipped. He probably is better trained too. I know he goes to Germany regularly to get updates in dental procedures. And the best part he charges between 5 to 10% of what my dentist costs in America.


In America I was on insulin. It cost me about $150 a month. Here the same exact insulin, made by the same manufacturer, in the same container pen, costs less than $20. The price difference is true of a lot of other costs. Does your Mercedes auto mechanic charge you $15 an hour?


In America without the insulin my blood sugar was in the 300s with it going into the 500-600s if I ate anything. Once my doctor ordered me to the emergency room because my blood sugar levels were so high they couldn't be read on their machine. When I got to emergency room they hooked me up to saline bags and injected me with doses of insulin. 3 hours in emergency cost $1400.

Now I am no longer on insulin. My blood sugar levels in the morning are a little high. They average around 135. Sometimes they are as low as 123. Preferably they should be between 70-100. During the day if I do not eat high carb foods the levels do not go above 165. They come back down into the 120s-130s on their own. So my pancreas is working. Now I've read it takes about a month for metformin to build up. So I'll see what effect it has next month and let you know.


My weight is about 350. I'm 6 foot 1 inch tall. I have a long body that is naturally wide with a thick chest. When I do weights at the gym people are amazed how strong my back is. It is funny seeing 20 year old's eyes bug out. Here I am 3 times his age and able to pull 3 times more than he can. I figure I am strong because I have a naturally large back with large muscles. So I am naturally a big guy who looks best at about 220. Two years ago I was double that. I have come down about 100 pounds without trying. Getting out of America with all drive-throughs fast food joints helps.


The bottoms of my feet tingle. But they are not so bad that I can't feel the horse hair the doctor pokes me with. I knew this woman that was good friends of my nieces. She had severe diabetes. One day she cut her lower leg while shaving. This cut went gangrenous. They amputated her legs off at the knee. But it wasn't enough. It spread up her leg and into her body. My niece showed me a photo. Big areas of black all over her body. She died of course.


I qualify for Medicare next May. I turn 66 then. However Medicare is only if you live in the United States. Also it only covers 80% of my medical in the States unless I buy a supplemental insurance policy. That is about $200 a month I've heard. Does anybody know the cost? The supplemental insurance is taken out of my Social Security if I opt to get it. I was going to get it but am leaning towards not. My American ex-wife has a life time spousal agreement with me or I have with her. Now she gets about $500 a month of my Social Security. So my SS has really been knocked down a ways. America is too expensive for me so I do not want to go back there. I'll take my chances outside the US with healthcare. Perhaps when I am really old and I am losing my marbles I'll come back.


Not sure about endocrinologist being here.


I drink Barjomi all the time. A large 1 liter bottle costs 55 cents. I prefer Likani water though. Likani is mineral water that comes from a spring across the river from the Barjomi spring. It has a sharper taste I prefer. Now Barjomi makes some claims about its water.


According to an old Georgian legend, the name “BORJOMI” comes from the combination of two words: “borj” (fortress) and “omi” (war). In the past, wars were frequent there, and BORJOMI town had an advantageous location in the BORJOMI Gorge. The mountains surrounding the town served as a natural fortress, strengthened by watchtowers built on their slopes.
The first attempt at commercial production of bottled BORJOMI water was made in the faraway year 1850, when BORJOMI military hospital’s chemist Zakharov filled 1,300 bottles with this mineral water and took them to Tiflis for sale.
In 1900, the production output of BORJOMI mineral water, for the first time, exceeded one million bottles a year.
In 1980, BORJOMI water became the first widely recognized brand in the Soviet Union, with its white and red label familiar to almost every consumer. Up to 1 million half-liter bottles were sold daily, and the annual production output reached the record-breaking 400 million bottles. With BORJOMI becoming the most popular water in the USSR, the brand has earned a place in the history of the entire country.
Today, BORJOMI is produced from the same source as in 1890, traveling more than 2,000 km to reach the consumer.


During Winston Churchill’s visits to the Soviet Union, BORJOMI bottles were always placed on the table beside him as part of the official protocol.


On return from his mission into outer space, the first thing Yuri Gagarin asked for was a bottle of BORJOMI. This story was told by Professor Volovich, who was responsible for medical support of the search-and-rescue operation.

BORJOMI is more than 1500 years old by natural standards, but its mineral composition remains the same. Regular laboratory tests performed since 1890 confirm that.

The mineral springs of the Borjomi Gorge were discovered over one thousand years ago. Seven large rock tubs discovered in the early 20th century and dating back to the beginning of the 1st millennium AD attest to the availability and use of the spring waters, most likely for bathing rather than drinking purposes. Later on, the springs fell into long oblivion, and their location has been abandoned.

Surprisingly, it were the military who breathed second life in these springs: in 1829, when the Kherson Grenadier Regiment was quartered in BORJOMI, Russian soldiers found a mineral spring in the forest on the right bank of the Borjomka River. Intrigued by the discovery, Colonel Pavel Popov ordered that the springs be cleared and that the water be bottled and transported to the regiment’s base. After tasting the water, the colonel was so impressed that he ordered the construction of rock walls around the spring and a bathhouse built nearby, along with a small cottage house for himself.

[size=78%]http://www.georgianjournal.ge/society/31516-angelina-jolie-with-a-bottle-of-georgian-mineral-water-in-a-movie-scene.html[/size][size=[/color]
Title: My new life in the Republic of Georgia
Post by: Maxx2 on August 18, 2018, 02:45:52 AM
No problem, man.
http://www.drugs.com/metformin.html (http://www.drugs.com/metformin.html)


About 11 AM the power went out. I learned later from my landlady that everyone in my building was informed the power was not coming back on to 6 PM. It actually came on after 7 PM. I was away at the time. So with no internet to surf on I decided write you a letter while on battery power. I had to wait for the internet to come back on. When it finally did, I was blocked. Below is what I wrote.


I had stayed with Lorenzo for 4-5 days. I got to meet his mother who lives near by. She told me a story about Mrs Lorenzo and her two Ukrainian girlfriends coming over to her house and skinny-dipping in the pool in the backyard. She was mortified what the neighbors thought. She and my mother, both Italian Americans, are very much alike. So I understand her deep concern about what the neighbors think because that was the situation with my mother.


(The other story was about Lorenzo's wife coming to the diner to get some money from Lorenzo. I don't feel comfortable discussing that on a public forum.)


Lorenzo as we know was always attracted to the odd and unusual. So am I. So that is why I think he gravitated to Ukrainian women.
Title: My new life in the Republic of Georgia
Post by: msmob on August 18, 2018, 03:03:45 AM


She told me a story about Mrs Lorenzo and her two Ukrainian girlfriends coming over to her house and skinny-dipping in the pool in the backyard.

Think Me Ma would die, too ;)

Title: My new life in the Republic of Georgia
Post by: Maxx2 on August 18, 2018, 03:19:03 AM
Think Me Ma would die, too ;)


Mrs. Lorenzo is rather buxom. I don't know about the other two. Women that is. It must have been quite a sight. This was in Baltimore in a very conservative neighborhood.
Title: My new life in the Republic of Georgia
Post by: Maxx2 on August 18, 2018, 03:32:32 AM
Ok, our good friend Boethius had been busy switching posts around. Just so readers can understand, the links provided above were addressed and refuted. The continuation of this exchange can be read here (http://www.russianwomendiscussion.com/index.php?topic=23099.msg490748#msg490748)

LOL. Not splitting her quoted post above along with the rest made it looked like she made her point.


I read here but didn't check out any other links yet. There is not much need for me to confirm this issue one way or the other as I need to take Medformin for my diabetes. It is nice to think I am getting some additional health benefits and maybe some extra years added to my life. I have wasted so many years of my life already. I had a pretty unusual religious upbringing. Can you imagine being taught that with God's intervention you would never grow old and never die? And believing it!? I wised up to this nonsense when I deprogramed myself from the cult 20 years ago.   
Title: My new life in the Republic of Georgia
Post by: Maxx2 on August 18, 2018, 04:03:50 AM
Articles on metformin:
http://roguehealthandfitness.com/metformin-hype-reality/ (http://roguehealthandfitness.com/metformin-hype-reality/)
http://roguehealthandfitness.com/anti-aging-drugs-rapamycin-metformin-decrease-iron/ (http://roguehealthandfitness.com/anti-aging-drugs-rapamycin-metformin-decrease-iron/)
http://roguehealthandfitness.com/anti-aging-technology-hype-reality/ (http://roguehealthandfitness.com/anti-aging-technology-hype-reality/)


Thank you RWD for the links. They taught me quite a lot and put me on another course.


Here is a quote that stood out.


Quote
"If you exercise vigorously and regularly (especially strength training (http://amzn.to/1GbRHcA)), incorporate an intermittent fasting regimen (http://roguehealthandfitness.com/an-intermittent-fasting-schedule/) into your health practices, drink coffee, tea, and red wine, take supplements like aspirin (http://roguehealthandfitness.com/aspirin-as-an-anti-aging-drug/) and curcumin (http://roguehealthandfitness.com/curcumin-extends-lifespan-fights-depression/), and eat a relatively low-carbohydrate diet (http://roguehealthandfitness.com/low-carbohydrate-diet-mimics-fasting-for-anti-aging/), is metformin going to increase your lifespan? That seems very doubtful.
If you’re fat, diabetic, and sedentary, and totally unwilling to make any changes in your lifestyle, will metformin help? Probably yes."

As I mentioned to GQ I have to take Metformin for my diabetes. I think what would be best for us and me would be to do things in the first paragraph above. If you can't or won't do intermittent fasting, strength training or eating a low carb diet it would make sense to take Metformin.
Title: My new life in the Republic of Georgia
Post by: Maxx2 on August 18, 2018, 04:30:41 AM



I've decided to add a bottle of red Georgian wine to my evening routine. At about 650 calories it won't help with weight loss but it could help with keeping my heart healthy. A few years ago I got extensive heart testing done. I was concerned because there is a history of heart disease in my family. All my grandparents and father and mother died from it. I had a Lexi-scan done to see where I was with my heart. A Lexi-scan is done with radioactive fluid injected into your veins, a stress inducing drug given and an MRI done. I checked out fine.
Title: My new life in the Republic of Georgia
Post by: Maxx2 on August 18, 2018, 04:39:04 AM
maxx

you ok man?



I am doing some thinking out loud on this board. I am planning my present and near future. I came to Tbilisi specifically to get some things and to get things done. I am here 2 1/2 months. Then I am back to Batumi. I have a beautiful apartment right on the Black Sea waiting for me. This board is notebook of things to do and things to get before I go back. 
Title: My new life in the Republic of Georgia
Post by: Maxx2 on August 18, 2018, 05:48:51 AM
More note making to myself.




Today wine pricing is guided by content of useful substances such as resveratrol and catechines. Resveratrol [3,4',5-trihydroxystilbene (RESV)] is a compound found in the skin of red grapes and is a constituent of red wine. Clinical investigation demonstrated that resveratrol lowers the levels of catecholamines, inhibits lipid peroxidation of low-density lipoprotein; it has anti-inflammatory, antioxidant activity etc. In Georgia the highest concentration of resveratrol has been reported in wines prepared from Saperavi grapes. Resveratrol contents and antioxidant activity of Georgian brand red wines made from Saperavi grape variety and of foreign red wines available on Georgian market were assessed and compared. It was found that resveratrol content distinguishes foreign wines, particularly the French wine from the Georgian brand red wines. The research showed that resveratrol content is higher in non-brand Kakhetian style Saperavi (6.24 mg/ml) than in European or other Georgian brand wines. Proportion of trans-resveratrol is higher in "Saperavi" by "Badagoni" (94.5%), French wine (93.83%) and Saperavi by "TbilGhvino" (93.49%). Given that trans-resveratrol is characterized by higher biological activity and medical importance than cis-resveratrol, their proportion may be an important criterion to measure healing properties of wine. In terms of antioxidant activity, Georgian wines are like foreign wines. It is concluded that Georgian brand wines with few exceptions are behind the foreign wines in several parameters. Since polyphenolic substances define wine price through their positive effects on human health, more detailed studies on polyphenolic content of Georgian wines are needed.

Also: Qvevri wine, obtained by maturation of crushed grapes in clay jug, is richer with phenolic acids and catechins, than wines, obtained by fermentation of grape wort in barrels or cisterns.
Title: My new life in the Republic of Georgia
Post by: krimster2 on August 18, 2018, 05:51:53 AM
“My weight is about 350. I'm 6 foot 1 inch tall.”



way too high Max, very bad for your heart at any age, focus on weight reduction
you will see a lot of improvement in your type II symptoms as well



“The bottoms of my feet tingle.”



you possibly have early stages of circulatory issues, I’ll watch more episodes of “Dr House” to see what more I can learn, as you have noted this leads to gangrene and amputation



“However Medicare is only if you live in the United States. Also it only covers 80% of my medical in the States unless I buy a supplemental insurance policy.”



I think at some point it is possible that you may want to consider a return to the USA because of your health, so I wanted to see your age, I assume not a VET so not able to get VA?

as far as medicare supplement plans, the 5 min of research I did earlier this year, showed a range of price/benefit plans, some prices were actually zero!!!

but NONE of these plans cover ALL your costs, you will have co-pays, deductibles, etc.

“This was in Baltimore in a very conservative neighborhood. “

Dundalk?

I went to school at college park in the early 80s!!

I bet you miss steamed crabs!!!  I usually manage to get some at least once a year!!


Title: My new life in the Republic of Georgia
Post by: Maxx2 on August 18, 2018, 06:54:02 AM
“My weight is about 350. I'm 6 foot 1 inch tall.”



way too high Max, very bad for your heart at any age, focus on weight reduction
you will see a lot of improvement in your type II symptoms as well

Well aware of that. I once hit 456 pounds. Now through more activity and better cleaner eating I am down about a hundred pounds. I would like to lose another 100. I was watching this reality TV show called, "My 600 pound life". Actually it was rather encouraging to me. Those people on that show have some severe issues with food! Some of them can't even get out of bed! A world of difference from them and me. I prefer good food over junk. I do not have a sweet tooth.

“The bottoms of my feet tingle.”

you possibly have early stages of circulatory issues, I’ll watch more episodes of “Dr House” to see what more I can learn, as you have noted this leads to gangrene and amputation

Tingling of the bottoms of the feet is from the diabetes. Less oxygen going down there. Cuts heal slower and infections are more likely on any wounds. 

“However Medicare is only if you live in the United States. Also it only covers 80% of my medical in the States unless I buy a supplemental insurance policy.”

I think at some point it is possible that you may want to consider a return to the USA because of your health, so I wanted to see your age, I assume not a VET so not able to get VA?


Not a vet, so no VA. My mother was a VET and dad too. Both were in the Marines and I was born in the Oceanside Naval Hospital. So I know the benefits of the VA as my parents got them.

as far as medicare supplement plans, the 5 min of research I did earlier this year, showed a range of price/benefit plans, some prices were actually zero!!!

but NONE of these plans cover ALL your costs, you will have co-pays, deductibles, etc.


Besides taking care of my health by diet and exercise I plan on saving money up for medical care here in Georgia or another country with good care and treatment facilities. I think most people do not think outside the box. Leaving living abroad never occurs to them. They also have family tying them down. Or their circle of friends and acquaintances or perhaps their religion.

I am not sold on American healthcare. When was in America in 2016 because of my auto accident I was up to my eyeballs in healthcare. IMO the FDA, AMA and the whole healthcare industry wants people to be sick. It is like a high control religion (I was once in one) that's only concern was keeping people captive and under their control. And because of the high cost of medicine because of these greedy folks, many people do not get the best healthcare. I believe I will live longer and have a better life living outside the US.

“This was in Baltimore in a very conservative neighborhood. “

Dundalk?

I went to school at college park in the early 80s!!

I bet you miss steamed crabs!!!  I usually manage to get some at least once a year!!


I like steamed crabs but I never lived in Maryland. I grew up mostly in Minnesota in the Minneapolis area. Born in 1953 in California and went to Junior High in Minnesota from 1965 to 1968 and High School from 1968 to 1971, those were my "Wonder Years".

Did you ever see the 1988 film 'The Accidental Tourist' with William Hurt, Kathleen Turner and Gina Davis? That film was filmed in Baltimore. Watch it and it will bring back memories for you. When I visited Baltimore in 2010 I was surprised how much the neighborhoods looked like those shown in that film.

Title: My new life in the Republic of Georgia
Post by: krimster2 on August 18, 2018, 07:18:34 AM
yes, I did see the movie, a good film IMHO

oh yes, plenty of health care problems in the usa, but at least there is health care
i honestly cannot comment on Georgia's health care
I just got back from Crimea
there is one barely functioning radiation therapy machine (i think it's functioning, gov. might be B.S.ing people) for all of crimea
folks in some areas can't afford to drive grandma back and forth each time from some remote (relative to simferopol) location
so folks can come and just drop off grandma, and start processing paperwork for whatever apartment she owns
warehouse next to radiation therapy, has rows of beds filled with dying people
you smell it before you see it
they're just left there to die

hope Georgia is not like that

Title: My new life in the Republic of Georgia
Post by: Maxx2 on August 18, 2018, 09:38:27 AM
yes, I did see the movie, a good film IMHO

One of my favorites. I like the line Macon Leary says to Katherine Turner. "No, it is wrong to think we can plan everything like it's a business trip. Sometimes things just happen" and "I think it is not how much you love someone but it is what you are like when you are with them. This woman, this strange women helped me step out of the Leary groove and stay out."

hope Georgia is not like that


I've only been to one clinic. The one clinic I went to I told the woman doctor how nice it was for me that she spent as much time with me. I told her in America you are lucky if you get more than 5 minutes with a doctor.


I have to stop posting now. I am drinking a bottle of Georgian Badagoni wine made from high is resveratrol Saperavi grapes.  Every grocery store here has wine for sale usually for a about 3 to 4 dollars a bottle.   
Title: My new life in the Republic of Georgia
Post by: krimster2 on August 18, 2018, 09:57:02 AM
maxx

1 hour doctor = $1000 in some cases in USA
maybe $5 in Georgia

might be an explanation, sometimes but not always you get what you pay for

alcohol in excess doesn't really agree with me, especially as I get older
I do however understand the health benefits of maybe 2 glasses wine per day
but I don't even do that, I'll see if I can find the mineral water you mentioned
Title: My new life in the Republic of Georgia
Post by: Maxx2 on August 20, 2018, 10:32:04 PM



My off-season landlady (November 1 to May 1) is a young Georgian woman living in Ekaterinburg with her Georgian husband. We keep close contact. Here is an exchange we had.


Got pulled over by  the police yesterday. I came to an intersection with traffic light. It has right turn signal that had just ended. So I pull up to the intersection with a green light, carefully watching the oncoming traffic to see if I can make a U-turn without causing anyone in the on coming traffic to use their brakes to slow down. So being courteous. One of the on coming cars was a police car. He put on this flashers as I made my U-turn in front of him. I put on my right hand turn signal and brake lights and pulled over to a safe spot. I reached for my wallet with my passport card, Wisconsin drivers license and my vehicle registration card that says I own the car. I gave the cop my cards which kind of confused him as that was not what he thought he would get. I said. "Yah American-nets" He looked at them for about 30 seconds and handed them back to me. I said with my limited Russian I didn't know this rule but now I know and I won't do it again. I thanked him and I think he understood me. I've had 3 encounters with the traffic police over this or that. All went well. I didn't get any tickets. So I am learning.


Her response:

I also had a fun encounter with the police this year It was really funny, cause we and other cars parked where parking was prohibited. He took my drivers license and went away to issue a ticket I was mad at myself that I started talking Georgian with him, I thought it would be best if I pretended I don’t understand him

Then i overheard a lady that was explaining why she parked there and begged him to let her go. He nodded.
The same time he saw me, I was smiling and looking at him with a “ha ha busted” face
He came to me, smiled and asked my to be careful next time
My husband was amazed (http://static.xx.fbcdn.net/images/emoji.php/v9/f52/1/16/1f923.png)

Did you know that they have tiny cameras on their uniform that record everything?

My response:
No, I didn't know they have tiny cameras on their uniform. When I get pulled over I act harmless and in a military manner. The later meaning I try and act professional like one soldier to another. I give the officer beside my vehicle ID card and Wisconsin drivers license my US passport card. Few Americans bother to get those and are content with just an international passport. A passport card is for crossing the US/ Canadian and Mexican borders. They can be inserted into a card reader from the car. The passport card ID card is in red, white and blue with UNITED STATES OF AMERICA printed across the top of it. My photo is over an American flag. There is an official looking holographic seal next to it. To its right is an eagle clutching a red, white and blue American shield. I THINK WHEN THE POLICE SEE IT THEY THINK C.I.A. employee working out of the US Embassy. This is why I act professional with a lot of "yes sirs" and "no sirs" Driving a black Mercedes helps in the illusion. Think about it. How many Americans choose to live in Georgia and have registered cars in Georgia? That means no tourist then. So what then? With my age I certainly am high up on the totem poll at the embassy. The cop probably thinks I regularly brief the president of Georgia on security issues.
Title: My new life in the Republic of Georgia
Post by: BillyB on August 20, 2018, 11:21:50 PM
I THINK WHEN THE POLICE SEE IT THEY THINK C.I.A. employee working out of the US Embassy.


I have a great idea Maxx. Next time a cop pulls you over, hand him your documents, spit on his uniform and say "I have diplomatic immunity!" I'm curious if you'll have the same trouble free results I've seen in the movies.
Title: My new life in the Republic of Georgia
Post by: Maxx2 on August 20, 2018, 11:37:59 PM
I have a great idea Maxx. Next time a cop pulls you over, hand him your documents, spit on his uniform and say "I have diplomatic immunity!" I'm curious if you'll have the same trouble free results I've seen in the movies.


I'll try that Silly Billy and let everyone know after I get out Georgian prison!  ;) 


I am thinking of getting some official looking decal for my front window. It has got to have an American eagle clutching in its claws a red, white and blue shield and holding a brace of arrows in its beak. An ID number with 'USA' on it would be nice. Maybe a dashboard police strobe light and one of those spot lights like they have on police cruisers/interceptors in the US. Oh and I must wear my wrap around sunglasses.  8)
Title: My new life in the Republic of Georgia
Post by: krimster2 on August 21, 2018, 02:53:35 AM
maxx,

what do you do for exercise?

do you have an indoor pool near you where you can buy a membership
spending 45 min per day moving through the water would be good for your heart and weight reduction without putting stress on joints
with winter not too far off, exercise is VERY important

I have to give up bicycling now because of knee damage
I'm going to do the pool thing, I can pose for all the babooshka's there in their aquatic classes
afternoon ladies, do you know the way to "muscle beach"

but seriously, exercise

my wife's a pretty woman, she knows how to manipulate cops
I am not so fortunate
my only run in with a Russian cop
I just sat down in front of him and started pounding the ground with my fists while reciting Shakespeare and keats
about 60 seconds of that and he turned around and left
sweet...
Title: My new life in the Republic of Georgia
Post by: Maxx2 on August 21, 2018, 04:45:20 AM
maxx,

what do you do for exercise?

do you have an indoor pool near you where you can buy a membership
spending 45 min per day moving through the water would be good for your heart and weight reduction without putting stress on joints
with winter not too far off, exercise is VERY important

I have to give up bicycling now because of knee damage
I'm going to do the pool thing, I can pose for all the babooshka's there in their aquatic classes
afternoon ladies, do you know the way to "muscle beach"

but seriously, exercise



A really appreciate your comments and questions on my thread.


In the early 2000s I used to weight lift.  It had profound effects in bettering my appearance. After my RW wife train wreak in 2003  :trainwreck: I gave up self improvement and curled up into the fetal position. A few times since I've gone back at the gym. However I allowed distractions like women,,,, distract me. I have recently decided to give women a pass until I get my sheet together. I had hoped that I'd find a woman that wanted to go to the gym with me and eat healthy things. We could help each other to attain our goals. My last lady was unfortunately the anti-Christ to this plan. Nice woman, but not really a partner. Now I realize it is all up to me.

I checked in my wallet earlier and found I had my membership card to Aspria Fitness. It is the elite gymnasium Georgian weightlifters and bodybuilders go to. In my gym in Batumi (I am in Tbilisi now) I used to hire the gym owner and bodybuilder to be my workout partner. He charged 10 Lari ($4) for an hour and a half. I seem to remember the PTs in the States charge 10 times that...

I am very aware of potential problems with my hips and knees. My mother had both hips and both knees replaced. It is NOT a good thing. So my plan is to lose weight primarily through diet and weightlifting and avoid exercises that put stress on those joints like deep squats and dead lifts. When I went to the gym in Batumi we always avoided those exercises.

From my experience in exercising and dieting and my observations Iv'e made, I know good advice on health when I read it. RWD123's link of a website was very helpful.

Something I've said before, but have gotten no comment on, is my diabetes being under control without resorting to insulin. This a major feat! My doctors in the US would never think this is possible. 25 minutes ago I did a glucose check for my blood. I was at 116. That is pretty close to being normal. Normal is 70-110. In 2010 I was sent to the hospital emergency room with a glucose level over 600! I was ordered on to insulin. Now, no insulin. My prediction with exercise and weight loss I will shake the diabetes entirely.
Title: My new life in the Republic of Georgia
Post by: rwd123 on August 21, 2018, 04:47:12 AM
Weight lifting is the best exercise. Guys in their 70s and 80s still pump iron, you just need to be smart about it.

Cycling and swimming excellent for cardio, I don't get why people jog. It is such a poor form of exercise.

PD Mangan is the one stop shop for anti-aging/health for men. The guy just puts it all together and backs it up with research.
Title: My new life in the Republic of Georgia
Post by: rwd123 on August 21, 2018, 04:48:02 AM
And donate blood! Get your iron levels down (and save lives).
Title: My new life in the Republic of Georgia
Post by: Maxx2 on August 21, 2018, 05:02:00 AM
And donate blood! Get your iron levels down (and save lives).


That is a good idea. I plan on getting a health test from the American clinic here. I am particularly interested in my A1C levels. That is the average glucose levels over the last 3 months. Also I would like to find out what blood type I am. My father had a rare blood type. My ex-wife was O+ which is the most common. My oldest daughter was born with the RH factor problem which means I am a negative type (Everyone knows that!), I think.


Yes, donating blood helps lowering a man's iron levels. Thank you RWD123 for the suggestion.
Title: My new life in the Republic of Georgia
Post by: Maxx2 on August 21, 2018, 05:13:53 AM

I don't get why people jog. It is such a poor form of exercise.



Besides being hard on the joints it stretches the skin on the face making it droopy. Our prehistoric ancestors didn't jog. They sprinted short distances to escape cave lions, cave bears and sabertooth cats. They also lifted heavy things to get the grubs living under the rocks and fallen trees.
Title: My new life in the Republic of Georgia
Post by: Jumper on August 21, 2018, 08:09:18 AM
Maxx, I'm sure you can do it.
My mother,75, was diagnosed last year with diabetes,  likely not as severe as your case,but she isnt a fan of taking drugs if it can be avoided.After several physicians told her it wasnt possible to avoid,she researched those who had done well without, and followed a strict dietary regimen and exercise (she is always active regardless).
  At this point she tests completely normal, and while watching what she eats  no longer
has the real strict regimen.
Title: My new life in the Republic of Georgia
Post by: GQBlues on August 21, 2018, 08:44:33 AM
350 lbs!


Exercising is wonderful, maxx. But if you don't watch what you're eating it'll prove to be an exercise in futility (no pun). Be kind to your liver and kidney. They aren't as young as you anymore. Low impact exercises preferably. Lift weights if you like, but I'd suggest an hour of Tai Chi in the morning will be great. Been doing this a while now and loving it. There's a reason why billions of aging Chinese do this everyday, you know.


My wife introduced me to buckwheat in place of rice. While it isn't *completely* a cure-all, the difference from grain products is astronomical, especially when compared to rice. Wild rice, if you can find it, will be wonderful. I've said on this thread maxx, food is fuel to your body. You don't watch what you put in it, your body will breakdown in an accelerated rate regardless how much you 'run' (exercise) it. Even something as innocent as 'bread' will kill you.


It's been said: Better a thousand times careful, than once dead.


As for making ends meet, can you supplement your SS by working PT in the States? From what I understand, you don't lose any of your benefit by working 'light' and supplementing your pension. The US is fairly senior-friendly if you know all the benefits out there available for senior citizens. Especially in certain municipalities  that are making an effort to raise the minimum wages. Dunno. Just my take.
Title: My new life in the Republic of Georgia
Post by: Maxx2 on August 21, 2018, 10:34:09 AM
Maxx, I'm sure you can do it.
My mother,75, was diagnosed last year with diabetes,  likely not as severe as your case,but she isnt a fan of taking drugs if it can be avoided.After several physicians told her it wasnt possible to avoid,she researched those who had done well without, and followed a strict dietary regimen and exercise (she is always active regardless).
  At this point she tests completely normal, and while watching what she eats  no longer
has the real strict regimen.


You know what is irritating Jumper? The doctors don't tell you it is possible to lick diabetes. The last nurse I spoke to in physical therapy told me if I made it to 80 I wouldn't make it much beyond that as diabetics almost never do. My age to 80 is the same amount time as I've known you and GQ.


My mother first noticed I might have diabetes back in 2009. I was visiting her for the day and I kept drinking glass after glass of milk (The worst thing you can drink if you are a diabetic) and going to the bathroom every 15 minutes. She set me up with a doctor's visit. I was told I was a type two diabetic. Rather depressing when I used to brag that I never took a medication in my life and had no pains or dysfunctions. Then get an old person's disease?


Today I took my glucose (sugar) readings 12 times. I averaged a 128.6 glucose level for the day. A high of 138 and a low of 103. Caloric intake, 1050. I need 2900 calories a day to maintain my weight. A deficit of 3500 calories equals 1 pound lost.


Yesterday I took a number glucose readings before and after eating eggs, meat (bacon, I found some good stuff) and coffee/milk. I noticed no difference in the readings from before and after. 5 days ago I am ashamed to say, I ate a Big Mac with fries. Blood glucose levels went to 300 and it took 3 hours to come back down.


I have doing a lot of cooking. Today I cooked a roast beef with onions, mushrooms, garlic and lots of spices. It was on the stove simmering for 6 hours. All day I have been getting by on just coffee with zero-fat milk. I tried shopping for almond milk but no success. They have a super grocery store in the Tbilisi Mall. They might have what I need there.

Title: My new life in the Republic of Georgia
Post by: GQBlues on August 21, 2018, 10:53:26 AM
...
Yesterday I took a number glucose readings before and after eating eggs, meat (bacon, I found some good stuff) and coffee/milk. I noticed no difference in the readings from before and after. 5 days ago I am ashamed to say, I ate a Big Mac with fries. Blood glucose levels went to 300 and it took 3 hours to come back down.

I have doing a lot of cooking. Today I cooked a roast beef with onions, mushrooms, garlic and lots of spices. It was on the stove simmering for 6 hours. All day I have been getting by on just coffee with zero-fat milk. I tried shopping for almond milk but no success. They have a super grocery store in the Tbilisi Mall. They might have what I need there.


Holy Devil's menu, Batman!


Egg whites, baby. Do away with the yolk if you must. Stay away from milk, even milk substitutes (they contain loads of carrageenan, and despite FDA's approval that it's safe. It's used as a *natural* preservative. Not too much thought needs to be used to understand what a *preservative* does to your liver and tracts. You may as well gorge on twinkies). Potatoes. All forms of soda, Bacon.. Mayo/ketchup. Sugar. Bread. Sadly, most if not all of the food we deemed sooo delicious including most fruits, some vegetables. At least until you stabilize your health and your weight.


If nothing else, maybe a little moderation is called for man. phsyt! But do as you wish Bruddah!
Title: My new life in the Republic of Georgia
Post by: Maxx2 on August 21, 2018, 11:14:38 AM
350 lbs!


Exercising is wonderful, maxx. But if you don't watch what you're eating it'll prove to be an exercise in futility (no pun). Be kind to your liver and kidney. They aren't as young as you anymore. Low impact exercises preferably. Lift weights if you like, but I'd suggest an hour of Tai Chi in the morning will be great. Been doing this a while now and loving it. There's a reason why billions of aging Chinese do this everyday, you know.


My wife introduced me to buckwheat in place of rice. While it isn't *completely* a cure-all, the difference from grain products is astronomical, especially when compared to rice. Wild rice, if you can find it, will be wonderful. I've said on this thread maxx, food is fuel to your body. You don't watch what you put in it, your body will breakdown in an accelerated rate regardless how much you 'run' (exercise) it. Even something as innocent as 'bread' will kill you.


It's been said: Better a thousand times careful, than once dead.


As for making ends meet, can you supplement your SS by working PT in the States? From what I understand, you don't lose any of your benefit by working 'light' and supplementing your pension. The US is fairly senior-friendly if you know all the benefits out there available for senior citizens. Especially in certain municipalities  that are making an effort to raise the minimum wages. Dunno. Just my take.


350 on an average person would be like 425 on me. When I was weightlifting I got down to 285. and looked pretty good. Of course I must have had 30 pounds of extra muscle on me.


Buckwheat is rather unknown in the US. Here as in Russia it is quite common. I like the stuff. It is not a grain or related to wheat. In fact it is a flower seed related to rhubarb. My study on it is it is really healthy.


Another healthy meal is oatmeal. I add in a table spoon of cinnamon for taste and cinnamon is an old time treatment for diabetes (Did you know that?). Also I add in some raisons. Perhaps I shouldn't as raisons have iron and iron isn't good for us men.


Bread, rice and potatoes "white food" is killer. Wild rice, in abundance in Minnesota, but not here (I should set up an import business for it). I heard that white rice if cooked with a spoon of coconut oil in the water and then kept in the refrigerator overnight loses half its calories. They become indigestible.


The best thing to make money overseas is going into business. Unfortunately the Social Security Administration will not allow SS recipients below full retirement age to start businesses overseas without forfeiting their retirement. We also cannot go into partnerships or work more than 45 hours a month (a month not a week). Also if I make more than $1300 a month I lose one dollar in SS benefits for every two dollars I earn. That is until I reach full retirement age. After that the rules are off of me. That will be in May of next year.


Making money in the US means living there. With that comes the high costs of living. Honestly I'd do better owning and operating an American hotdog stand along the boardwalk in Batumi. I wouldn't do hotdogs though. I would do Chinese and Mexican food. This was an experiment in Sweet and Sour Chicken I made. I've tested it on 8 Georgians I know. They all loved it (or at least they said they did).


(http://u.cubeupload.com/Maxxexpert/SweetandSourChicken.png)
Title: My new life in the Republic of Georgia
Post by: BC on August 21, 2018, 11:41:04 AM
Hi Maxx,

Glad to see you having fun as an ex-pat, enjoying life as it comes.

Cheers!
Title: My new life in the Republic of Georgia
Post by: GQBlues on August 21, 2018, 11:49:46 AM
Dude-

Had I been your younger brother, I'd get you straight with no mess, no fuss. Your diet is diabolical!

Oatmeal is awesome. Rich in fiber and brings down your cholesterol! Replace raisins with blueberries - no milk! Takes a while to get used to it, but make it a bit 'soggier' than usual so you don't think you need to add milk. Yes, cinnamon! Nutmeg. Tumeric (but not on oatmeal).

I'm glad to see you noted those grain-related yummies...avoid it like a plague. Or at least moderate the intake of these sugar-boosting crap disguised as carbo.

Benefits of coconut oil had been way too exagerated. Rice, especially white rice (all varieties) is fake food, man. If you must have rice unto your routine, kill yourself slower and use brown rice instead. That is, if you can't get your hands on buckwheat or wild rice. If such aren't available and white rice is all there is - add a quarter teaspoon of vinegar and sprinkle some tumeric.

Mexican food?!? Are you serious? The only food Mexicans eat that I'd recommend is avocado. Not guacomole either. Beans? Nope. Rice? Nope. Tomatoes? Nope. Meats? Moderated. Salsa? Hell no! Tortillas? Eat nails instead. Even in LA, you'll be hard-pressed to see a healthy, slim aging Mexican.

As for Sweet&Sour! Damn! 30 lashes for you, man. Pineapple, red peppers, flour...you have a much better chance for life running straight against a semi. Oh wait, you already know that!

Maxx, as fact, I know there's a lot of apartments here in LA specifically available for seniors only. These are located in the nicer neighborhood too. All you have to show is your ID to verify your age. Give you an example, in one nice area where the average rent runs anywhere from $2,200-$3,000.00/mo rent for a 1BR unit, a senior apartment of the same quality located in the same neighborhood runs for $650.00-$800.00/mo - depending on SF. It's becoming prevalent almost everywhere. I'm almost certain these numbers will be 'relatively' lower in places less expensive than L.A.

As for working, even Walmart encourages senior hiring. You see a lot these folks working as door greeters, garden sections, etc...light work. Government subsidized. They pay them just to be there. Heck, that $1,300.00/mo you speak of can more than pay for a cushy apartment including your utlities (senior rates) in a nice neighborhood. then you have the rest of your pension for everything else, and hopefully not for Sweet&Sour ingredients.

Enough of this, man. You know what you need to do. It's your life anyway and I'm sure you're aware we all only have one shot at this.
Title: My new life in the Republic of Georgia
Post by: Maxx2 on August 21, 2018, 12:44:59 PM
Dude-

Had I been your younger brother, I'd get you straight with no mess, no fuss. Your diet is diabolical!


It's late here and I'll be glad to pickup the conversation in the morning, my morning.


My receipt for Sweet and Sour Sauce is 1 part vinegar 1 part sugar and 1 part ketchup with a splash of soy sauce. Then thicken it on the stove over a low heat (about an hour). The pineapple is a fruit so it makes it healthy. So goodnight.
Title: My new life in the Republic of Georgia
Post by: GQBlues on August 21, 2018, 01:24:59 PM

It's late here and I'll be glad to pickup the conversation in the morning, my morning.


My receipt for Sweet and Sour Sauce is 1 part vinegar 1 part sugar and 1 part ketchup with a splash of soy sauce. Then thicken it on the stove over a low heat (about an hour). The pineapple is a fruit so it makes it healthy. So goodnight.


 :(  Good night maxx.


Pineapple is a wonderful fruit despite its sugar content (fructose/carbohydrates). Beyond the vitamins and minerals it has, it also have enzymes that aids in your digestion.


The bad thing about your recipe is mixing pineapple with sugar AND ketchup! It is akin to sending a sugar-loaded torpedo right at your liver. Pineapple can spike your sugar level intake because it has a natural way to speed up your glycemic index (GI). A lot of fruits do this beyond its natural fructose content. Some are higher in its ratio than others.
Title: My new life in the Republic of Georgia
Post by: rwd123 on August 21, 2018, 11:33:12 PM
You can never outrun your diet. No matter how hard you try.

You really need to cut out sugar from your diet. It took me a year. It's like a drug addiction. Then cutting out wheat took three months. After that dropping all other grains, potatoes, beans, milk, and fruits was relatively easy.

If you adopt a strict ketogenic diet you'll drop body fat. But it can be difficult making the transition.
Title: My new life in the Republic of Georgia
Post by: Maxx2 on August 21, 2018, 11:51:13 PM



My blood glucose level this morning is 102.


That is normal, normal for non-diabetics. This is phenomenal for me and very encouraging that I am on the right track! (Normal is 70 to 110. I'll work on getting to the 70s, 80s or 90s. Below the 70s is low blood sugar and that is a bad thing.)


My waking blood glucose levels these past four days have been:
154
152
122
102
This is a result, in my opinion, of carb restriction and intermittent fasting.
 


Yesterday I did a 24 hour fast. That is from 8 PM of two days ago to 8 PM yesterday that I didn't eat. Yesterday I drank 4 cups of coffee with a little zero fat milk to kill the bitter taste. Today is going to be a different day. I am going to keep a close watch on my blood glucose levels. I want to see the effect and levels of eating low carb high protein food. So I am about to eat some bacon and eggs and measure my glucose levels 30 minutes, one hour and two hours afterwards.


The other thing I am going to do today is get to the gym. I have many hundreds of hours of working out in gyms so I know what to do there. I've had training by bodybuilders and weightlifters (There is a difference) both in the US and in Georgia. My plan is to workout two days a week. The days I workout like today, will be a day I eat more protein. And I will have the same diet the next day. Then on the third day I will do the 24 hour fast. That is called "intermittent fasting". Calorie restriction has been proven to extend life in all organisms including man. Intermittent fasting is hybrid of daily fasting with calorie restriction. Some studies say it works the same as calorie restriction (fasting), with the same results. Not sure of this but it certainly helps one lose weight.

I am going to switch back and forth on intermittent fasting and low carb days and see how this diet goes. I'll start the exercising at the gym at the beginning of the month. I don't want to mix the two, diet and exercising because I am interested in what diet alone can do for me and possibly for other diabetics. I'm a lab rat I guess  :popcorn: without the popcorn.
Title: My new life in the Republic of Georgia
Post by: Maxx2 on August 22, 2018, 01:52:36 AM
You can never outrun your diet. No matter how hard you try.

You really need to cut out sugar from your diet. It took me a year. It's like a drug addiction. Then cutting out wheat took three months. After that dropping all other grains, potatoes, beans, milk, and fruits was relatively easy.

If you adopt a strict ketogenic diet you'll drop body fat. But it can be difficult making the transition.


GQ, RWD123 and others.  The post of Sweet and Sour Chicken is not an indication of what I normally eat. I would eat that only in very limited quantities and not often. I would do so only for testing of something I would like to feed to guests and possibly sell to the public. I've checked many times before my present diet and such food does not exist here. Those that offer Chinese food even the Chinese living Georgia, really muck it up. It is gaud awful! So I am doing some market testing for a possible future business. That would be for when I meet full retirement age of 66, next year. 


Chinese food, American style, is one of the worst food groups a person can eat. Pure poison. Not only is it loaded with lots of sugar some of it is deep fried in vegetable oil. The same for Mexican food, American style.


So what I want is to find 5 main dishes to serve plus three sides, egg rolls, cream cheese puffs and pot stickers. The reason I would limit the choices to five or so is because offering too many choices results in less sales. Market research has shown that when a person is given a handful of choices they are more likely to buy than if offered many, many choices. What happens is a person faced many choices can't decide what looks or is best, so they pass. The same could be said of those guys who meet lots and lots of FSU women. ;D


My blood glucose readings today:


102
115
113
108


Getting the glucose levels low is key to weight loss. If they are high it is harder to lose weight.
Title: My new life in the Republic of Georgia
Post by: Maxx2 on August 22, 2018, 02:01:02 AM
Dude-

Replace raisins with blueberries



Big thanks on that! It hadn't occurred to me. This diet I've been on, today being the forth day, I haven't eaten oatmeal yet. But I am thinking of adding it into a mid-afternoon meal. I'll be doing the glucose testing before and after to see how much of a carb affect it has. Oatmeal is "heart healthy" they say and the blueberries are chock full of antioxidants. So thanks again GQ!
Title: My new life in the Republic of Georgia
Post by: Maxx2 on August 22, 2018, 02:10:12 AM
Hi Maxx,

Glad to see you having fun as an ex-pat, enjoying life as it comes.

Cheers!


Thanks BC!
Title: My new life in the Republic of Georgia
Post by: Maxx2 on August 22, 2018, 09:50:54 AM
Maxx, I'm sure you can do it.
My mother,75, was diagnosed last year with diabetes,  likely not as severe as your case,but she isnt a fan of taking drugs if it can be avoided.After several physicians told her it wasnt possible to avoid,she researched those who had done well without, and followed a strict dietary regimen and exercise (she is always active regardless).
  At this point she tests completely normal, and while watching what she eats  no longer
has the real strict regimen.


I really appreciate your encouragement. I think I can do it like your mother did. I am seeing such good numbers on my monitor and seeing a day-to-day steady improvement.


My morning glucose numbers before eating are (starting Sunday)
154 Sunday
152 Monday
122 Tuesday
102 Wednesday


I take about 10 to 12 readings a day. The daily averages is:
154 Sunday
144 Monday
128 Tuesday
110 Wednesday


It seems that it takes a few days of a low carb diet to see an effect in blood glucose levels. I am hoping I can get mine into the 80 to 110 (normal) range



Title: My new life in the Republic of Georgia
Post by: Maxx2 on August 27, 2018, 03:18:24 AM

My morning glucose numbers before eating are (starting Sunday)
154 Sunday
152 Monday
122 Tuesday
102 Wednesday



My morning glucose numbers before eating are (starting Sunday)
154 Sunday
152 Monday
122 Tuesday
102 Wednesday
  98 Thursday
125 Friday
114 Saturday
115 Sunday
109 Monday


Goal is 80-100 (normal levels)
Title: My new life in the Republic of Georgia
Post by: Maxx2 on August 27, 2018, 06:19:32 AM



2015 Living with my mother


It was 2015 and I was making plans about becoming an expat.


I had just transferred my business to a client and took the money I got for it, paid my taxes up-to-date (Don't want the IRS hanging over your head) and paid off all my debts.


My mother was in need of caregiver and someone to watch her in case of an accident. So she had a spare bedroom that I moved into. 3 times during that year I rescued her from a fall to the floor. Once face down in her bedroom. I had gotten up in the night to go to bathroom and she was lying face down in her room attached to the bathroom. She said in her small weak voice, "help me! help me!" After that she slept in the living in a lift chair with a walker and power chair next to it. 


The next time I rescued her was when she slipped in the bathroom and was crammed against the bathroom wall. I pulled her away but couldn't lift her up because she claimed I was tearing her skin. So I called 9/11. This I also did with the first fall.


Third time was when she slipped by her lift chair. She had gotten a "Life Alert" bracelet ("I've fallen and I can't get up!") but couldn't reach it as she fell on the arm it was on. This time I pulled her away from the couch she fallen against. I turned her to make her comfortable and put a pillow under head. Then we waited for the 9/11 folks to arrive.


My mother was incredible brave during these times. No panic or tears, super nice to the rescue workers. She was after all a former United States Marine.


She was very proud that I was going to live in Georgia. She told all her friends and gave them updates on how I was doing. My mother like to travel and live in different places. She and my dad had gotten bitten by the wanderlust bug from the military.


Before I left for Georgia, we had made arraignments with my mother to have live in caregiver. She was a 20 year old girl from my mother's church.


(http://farm2.staticflickr.com/1854/43581312924_631a78ba65.jpg)


It was a few days before Thanksgiving 2015 when we made our goodbyes. We really thought would never see each other again. My brother drove me to the airport his "classic" 1982 Cadillac Eldorado. 


I had gotten the one way flight for Georgia for a really low price. I think it was around $600, maybe less. Probably why it was so low was the long stop over at the JFK airport, 3 days! Fortunately my mother's sister's sons live nearby in northern New Jersey. I arrived just in time for Thanksgiving!


(http://farm2.staticflickr.com/1877/30432932738_2c951d37de.jpg)


(http://farm2.staticflickr.com/1842/43582848464_b0d63cbfb9.jpg)


About 10,000 calories but low carb  ;D


So we had a good time. I stayed with my first cousin Richard and his wife. Very nice people. The along with my other cousin Raymond took me on a tour of New Jersey.


Then a few days I was back at JFK airport for my flight.


(http://farm2.staticflickr.com/1883/43582952014_3a5ffdfdf8.jpg)
 
A Boeing 787 Dreamliner


(http://farm2.staticflickr.com/1855/43394091815_9f45717600.jpg)


My plane waiting to board.


(http://farm2.staticflickr.com/1858/43394180825_b26161616e.jpg)


Boarded. That is not me. I'm behind the camera.


The flight takes the northern route by Iceland of course. Flying over Norway, Estonia, Belarus and Russia. Takes a bit of a detour around the Volgograd area. Then along the western coast of the Caspian Sea and landing in Baku Azerbaijan. A two hour layover and then on to a one hour flight east to Tbilisi.


Waiting for me at the airport was a Georgian family I met online.


[size=78%]


I promised Anna not to post her picture online. The guy is her brother. She has three brothers. They must have wondered what this 62 year old (at that time) guy had to do with their beautiful 24 year old sister. I know this one thing for certain, never, never, never act inappropriate with Georgian women especially when the Patroni around. In Anna's case her Patroni was her father and I was a family secret to him. Anna has a low opinion of Georgian men and I met her on a site that is for expats and locals.


(http://farm2.staticflickr.com/1882/29364681437_d35cd22ccd.jpg)


My first taste of Georgian food and wine. That is a Kinkali on my plate. Basically a ravioli without marinara  sauce. The stem is not to be eaten, unless you are poor and need the calories, so I've been told. The wine was not good. I didn't say anything as it was homemade by them. Many Georgians make their own wine. That is very common here. I wouldn't be surprised if the majority did.

[/size]
Title: My new life in the Republic of Georgia
Post by: Maxx2 on August 27, 2018, 06:21:42 AM



Where it says, [size=78%]


(http://farm2.staticflickr.com/1871/44300386501_72949e2266.jpg)[/size]
Title: My new life in the Republic of Georgia
Post by: Maxx2 on August 27, 2018, 06:49:23 AM


Off topic and too much detail!
Title: My new life in the Republic of Georgia
Post by: ML on August 27, 2018, 08:10:27 AM
Thanks Max for story and pics.  Nothing that interesting is 'off topic,' particularly when posted in your own thread.
Title: My new life in the Republic of Georgia
Post by: Maxx2 on August 27, 2018, 09:32:31 AM
Thanks Max for story and pics.  Nothing that interesting is 'off topic,' particularly when posted in your own thread.


Yes, true but talking about how much cancer runs in my ex-wife's family is only on topic when I tell how much spousal maintenance she is getting out of my Social Security. So perhaps later.
Title: My new life in the Republic of Georgia
Post by: msmob on August 27, 2018, 12:54:43 PM
Hi Maxx,

The 787 and the corresponding AirBus A-350 are my desired aircraft option for long haul flights - given their more advanced design, air recycling, etc.,

I always feel less effect after 5 or more hours in such planes - compared to more traditional aircraft

It MAY be psychological - but I search out such planes as well as price
Title: My new life in the Republic of Georgia
Post by: The Natural on August 27, 2018, 01:17:07 PM
I always, on RWD, find the personal stories and touch the most important. Well done.
Now, what about a photo of yourself in your new environment?
Title: My new life in the Republic of Georgia
Post by: Maxx2 on August 27, 2018, 01:32:11 PM
I always, on RWD, find the personal stories and touch the most important. Well done.
Now, what about a photo of yourself in your new environment?


Past midnight here. I'll do it later
Title: My new life in the Republic of Georgia
Post by: SANDRO43 on August 27, 2018, 03:37:21 PM
Where it says, [size=78%]img]http://farm2.staticflickr.com/1871/44300386501_72949e2266.jpg[/img][/size]

Maxx2, if you want to re-size the pics you post, you should put the desired size - INSIDE the IMG link, not outside - as an explicit value like width=250 below ;):

Code: [Select]
[img width=250]http://farm2.staticflickr.com/1871/44300386501_72949e2266.jpg[/img]
(http://farm2.staticflickr.com/1871/44300386501_72949e2266.jpg)

See the RWD Help page (http://www.russianwomendiscussion.com/index.php?action=ezportal;sa=page;p=48) for this and other tips.

Title: My new life in the Republic of Georgia
Post by: msmob on August 27, 2018, 10:20:19 PM
Thanks for the "How to code" and even show examples of code, Sandro .


Title: My new life in the Republic of Georgia
Post by: Maxx2 on August 28, 2018, 12:54:43 AM
Maxx2, if you want to re-size the pics you post, you should put the desired size - INSIDE the IMG link, not outside - as an explicit value like width=250 below ;) :

Code: [Select]
[img width=250]http://farm2.staticflickr.com/1871/44300386501_72949e2266.jpg[/img]
(http://farm2.staticflickr.com/1871/44300386501_72949e2266.jpg)
See the RWD Help page (http://www.russianwomendiscussion.com/index.php?action=ezportal;sa=page;p=48 (http://www.russianwomendiscussion.com/index.php?action=ezportal;sa=page;p=48)) for this and other tips.


I wasn't trying to re-size that picture. It just happened. I've had problems before when I try and go back and edit dropped photos. I end up having more problems than before. Another problem I have is when I try and cut and paste some of my own text. I get this>  [size=78%]It just happened. I've had problems before  < (The type size [/size]drops.) I can fool around with and use the sizing option above but I rather just not let it happen in the first place. I am learning the particular quirks of posting here. As example you only have less than a minute to edit a post before there is notification at the bottom of the page that editing was done. None of this is big deal for me.

Note: The text above has all the [ , size,  %, 78  added after I hit post. I could fool with and cut off some of this
Title: My new life in the Republic of Georgia
Post by: Maxx2 on August 28, 2018, 03:52:19 AM
Dental Tourism


I knew getting dental work done was not going to be cheap. This was around 2014-2015 when I had my teeth falling apart at an accelerated rate. I developed a cavity on the front of one of my upper front teeth. This is one of the 'show teeth' and I had a concern about my appearance. I didn't want to look like a toothless hillbilly or an English man  ;D So I went to the dentist in Western Wisconsin near where I lived.


I thought maybe he could fill the hole in my tooth with a filing. But the tooth was too far gone for that. I needed according to him a crown and possible a root canal. I forget. What I do remember was his inventory of my teeth,


"Root canal. root canal, root canal, root canal, bridge, implant, implant and lets see.... 1, 2, 3, 4 ... 10 crowns. Either that or we can pull them and give you dentures. We can fix anything, you just need the money." The dentist was not very nice, kind of a jerk actually. He was rather irritated with me besides my neglect of my dentistry but with the fact I couldn't be x-rayed. I kept gagging when they would put the x-ray slide in the back of my mouth and told me to hold it while they left the room. I was told I would have to go to a place where they had a machine that didn't require x-ray slides.


The dentist left and the dental assistant escorted me to the reception area. She told me root canals and crowns are about $1200 each. Implants cost $5000 each. All in all the total came to $22,400. My upper front tooth went untreated. Not long afterward the tooth split down the middle and one side fell out.


While all this was going on I knew I could get work done for far, far less overseas. $5000 for an implant? Absurd. You got to be kidding me. No wonder dentists can afford African safaris and kill lions. Of course all professions make big money in America and they have to because of the high costs they face. Malpractice insurance anyone?


When I got to Tbilisi and settled in I started making inquires on who was a recommended dentist. There was Georgia woman, Irina (very good looking!) who I was helping with her English texts. She was educated in the Moscow University for languages and was a teacher of Georgian and Russian to embassy employees. She told me her students from the embassy recommended a dentist that had a reputation of being the best. First name, Gigi.


(http://farm2.staticflickr.com/1898/29344314797_f5c9a8d439.jpg)


Gigi has a office in Tbilisi in the upscale area called Vake (Va-key). I do not know his education but I know he goes to Germany for conventions and training for the latest dental techniques. He has at least 10 people working for him and at least 10 dental chairs. What impressed me the most was his x-ray machine (See below). It is like a MRI for the head. This was no doubt the machine my dentist in American couldn't afford.


I had my aid/translator/chauffeur (taxi driver) Givi pose in it and I took some photos. Gigi the dentist was more than glad to show me around.

(http://farm2.staticflickr.com/1887/43374223165_4e6853f6d0.jpg)

[size=78%]    < Did it again


(http://farm2.staticflickr.com/1891/43562875454_344b56d315.jpg)


(http://farm2.staticflickr.com/1850/29344262037_dc67639a0c.jpg)


After the dental MRI Gigi sits with his patients in his office and discusses with them on what is on the screen. Gigi speaks Georgian and of course Russian but he also is fluent in English.


[/size]I am going to post this now so I don't accidentally lose it. There will be followup posts within minutes so please do not comment until get them all up OK?
Title: My new life in the Republic of Georgia
Post by: Maxx2 on August 28, 2018, 04:11:30 AM



    Gross I know but if I can be fixed anyone can.

"Root canal. root canal, root canal, root canal, bridge, implant, implant and lets see.... 1, 2, 3, 4 ... 10 crowns. Either that or we can pull them and give you dentures. We can fix anything, you just need the money."

(http://farm2.staticflickr.com/1889/43374923695_23ca09371e.jpg)

  [size=78%]  < Again happened. I had repost the above photo. No big deal.


(http://farm2.staticflickr.com/1876/43374950285_6f169396b9.jpg)


(http://farm2.staticflickr.com/1877/43563532804_527e2df287.jpg)



[/size]
Title: My new life in the Republic of Georgia
Post by: Maxx2 on August 28, 2018, 04:20:42 AM



So I got my dentist going.


I replaced the upper front tooth first. Got my root canals done. I got a bridge on the lower teeth with three crowns. Got a crown on the other side. Things were going well. The cost spent so far was less than $1000 dollars, 2200 Lari to be exact. Then I had to go back to America to take care of some business, but that is a topic for another post.

Title: My new life in the Republic of Georgia
Post by: Maxx2 on August 28, 2018, 05:34:01 AM



I was in America from June 6th 2016 to January 13th 2017, so 7 months. I had planned to continue my dental restoration in Georgia but got distracted, women you know. After deciding to shelve my pursuit of those for a while I decided to resume the teeth mending. After all healthy teeth are part of good health. Studies show that infected teeth are not good for cardiovascular health. In fact a contributor to heart attacks. So getting to my dentist was top priority for me.
Title: My new life in the Republic of Georgia
Post by: Maxx2 on August 28, 2018, 05:45:32 AM



My one tooth on the top and left side was giving me trouble. Every time I ate, especially meat, I kept getting food stuck in it. The lady from Kiev thought it was amusing to catch me trying to sneak poking my finger into it. I was not allowed to  :crackwhip:  Tooth picks were OK for her. I think either a finger poke or a toothpick are both rather classless thing to do in a restaurant. Or at the dinner table for that matter. Anyway I needed to get that tooth fixed after she left.


So four weeks ago, at the beginning of August, I am back to Tbilisi. After a few weeks I make the appointment with the dentist to start my dentistry going again.
Title: My new life in the Republic of Georgia
Post by: Maxx2 on August 28, 2018, 06:35:50 AM



  Getting Work Done


Getting a tooth fixed is either two processes.


One, getting it filled, if it isn't too far gone for that.
Two, getting a crown. My food trap tooth (FTT) was too far gone for a mere filling of the cavity.


The process for getting a crown takes 3 visits I was told. Although Boe says there is a two visit process in the US and Canada. I wonder how much quality the crown has and the cost? Anyway in Georgia it is a 3 office visit process.


My first visit back was to get my teeth cleaned and to get my FTT prepared for the next step. The cleaning took about 45 minutes from two Georgian ladies who scrapped, buffed and rinsed with water and other fluids. They worked hard! Payment was after services were rendered, 120 Lari or $46.18. That is how things are done here.


After this I waited in reception for the tooth prep. 15 minutes later I was in the dentist chair getting my tooth ground on. No anesthesia was needed. The time I've gotten anesthesia there before, there was only the quick pain of the micro needle going in to deliver the novocaine. Anyway it took about 15 minutes to prep the tooth for the mold. Then it took another 15 minutes to make the wax reverse molds so they could cast a plaster cast of my teeth.


(http://farm2.staticflickr.com/1871/44281332321_6fecf0b718.jpg)


The rear tooth is the crown. The rest is a plaster mold of my teeth


(http://farm2.staticflickr.com/1893/42472869870_cd4236c62b.jpg)


This is an upper and lower plaster casting of my teeth. The rear upper tooth to the far right is the crown. It looks like I could get implant for a molar above to match my lower molar. My lower molar is actually gold. Gold, is a miracle element in my opinion. I've had that molar for 40 years and it has not given me one bit of trouble.


(http://farm2.staticflickr.com/1893/30414021968_6f451fb91f.jpg)


This is my dentist's right-hand man. He is very skilled at crafting crowns. As pointed out to me he could use some cosmetic dentistry himself with his discolored tooth. Georgian men are less vain than us Westerners. There isn't a box of 'Just for Men' hair dye anywhere in Georgia. I was told that rumor has it the American embassy bought it all up. I doubt that as Georgian men do not color their hair so the stores would never stock the stuff in the first place. 


Before the crown is made, and it is made off an exact duplicate from the wax reverse mold, it is fitted on top of the prepped tooth. They do this to see if it fits and that it feels comfortable with the teeth above or below it. Then is recast into the finished crown.


The third and final visit is to check the fit of the finished crown and attach it with a two part epoxy. Mine fit perfectly.
Title: My new life in the Republic of Georgia
Post by: Maxx2 on August 28, 2018, 07:50:43 AM



So What is the Bottom Line? $$

First let me say, I was told by locals my dentist was considered expensive by Georgian standards. Only the well off went to him. Judging from the people I seen in reception I got the impression they were of the middle class possibly of the upper middle class. Nobody looked down and out.

The other thing to was that I chose the highest quality most expensive product. I had my crowns made with zirconium and not the lesser cost cobalt/chromium with the enamel coating. The zirconium crown costs about 50% more than the cobalt/chromium crown but it is harder and can be made to look more natural.
Title: My new life in the Republic of Georgia
Post by: Maxx2 on August 28, 2018, 08:03:40 AM



The cost of three dental visits for the crown plus the cost of the crown was, $176.14. If I had gotten a two-root root canal with it, it would have been another $73 - $75. So for a root canal and zirconium crown, $250. I was quoted $2400 in America. My oldest daughter told me she needed this and shopped around. She found a dentist who would do a root canal and crown (probably the least expensive crown) for $1500.


Here is there price list. It is from 2016.


(http://farm2.staticflickr.com/1891/30414068178_2ebbaaf17b.jpg)
Title: My new life in the Republic of Georgia
Post by: BillyB on August 28, 2018, 08:06:53 AM


So What is the Bottom Line? $$

First let me say, I was told by locals my dentist was considered expensive by Georgian standards.


If he's got Western quality education, it's almost always worth paying more.

For the newbies out there, women in the FSU pay attention to your teeth. If you're not taking care of your own teeth, they will get the impression you won't take care of them.
Title: My new life in the Republic of Georgia
Post by: msmob on August 28, 2018, 11:57:47 PM
If he's got Western quality education, it's almost always worth paying more.

For the newbies out there, women in the FSU pay attention to your teeth. If you're not taking care of your own teeth, they will get the impression you won't take care of them.

WHAT a load of tripe ..

I bashed one tooth on the bottom of a swimming pool at 14 and the crown keeps breaking ...  t'other just broke - cracked - when sailing - I never could stop using my teeth as a brake..it's not the right way to sail - but I'm not the most co-ordinated - and when tacking gybing in a Laser - I just can't stop it ...

SC hasn't dumped me for having less than perfect teeth  :D

I HATE the dentist - I'm not afraid - I just have a gagging reflex issue - when someone pokes around in my gob - I want to puke over them - and have... it's more  avoiding humiliation on my part

Anyways - it's another Silly BillyB exaggeration



Title: My new life in the Republic of Georgia
Post by: Maxx2 on August 29, 2018, 12:53:17 AM



Moby, perhaps when you get to Georgia you could pay my dentist a visit and discuss your dental needs? It would be a good opportunity to access him as well.


Judging from my experience, getting teeth crowned takes about 10 days. First visit prepping the tooth for a crown and making the reverse mold. Second visit taking the mold of the tooth and seeing if it fits. In my case from visit one to visit two was 47 hours to be exact. The third visit happened 5 days later after a weekend. Is it possible to get the work down from Monday to Friday? I don't know but for two teeth and double the cost of only doing one I think they might be willing to give it a try. That is work double time to make the mold and make the crown. From what I read zirconium is super tough. It might be what you need.
Title: My new life in the Republic of Georgia
Post by: BillyB on August 29, 2018, 09:03:20 AM
WHAT a load of tripe ..

I bashed one tooth on the bottom of a swimming pool at 14 and the crown keeps breaking ... 


Well...if a newbie has rotten, cracked, or missing teeth and he hasn't fixed them for years, he can believe you that there's no harm when the opposite sex looks at him or he can believe that women will judge his lack of action and hold it against him when she sees his teeth going on a date. Some men are clueless about their hygiene and how they look to others.
Title: My new life in the Republic of Georgia
Post by: Hammer2722 on August 29, 2018, 09:22:34 AM
Well...if a newbie has rotten, cracked, or missing teeth and he hasn't fixed them for years, he can believe you that there's no harm when the opposite sex looks at him or he can believe that women will judge his lack of action and hold it against him when she sees his teeth going on a date. Some men are clueless about their hygiene and how they look to others.


Most definitely agree with this. Unless you've got a lot of money. Some women will tend to overlook this....
Title: My new life in the Republic of Georgia
Post by: GQBlues on August 29, 2018, 09:33:33 AM
...I was quoted $2400 in America. My oldest daughter told me she needed this and shopped around. She found a dentist who would do a root canal and crown (probably the least expensive crown) for $1500....


Wow! How long ago was that, maxx? Seem too high. I was under the impression root canals here in LA where anywhere from $800 - $1,200.00 without insurance.

Anyway, great digitals on those 'x-rays'. When I saw it before reading your post, it looked to me like a typical European set of gnashers.
Title: My new life in the Republic of Georgia
Post by: Maxx2 on August 29, 2018, 11:19:31 AM


Wow! How long ago was that, maxx? Seem too high. I was under the impression root canals here in LA where anywhere from $800 - $1,200.00 without insurance.



The higher number you mentioned was what I was quoted in 2016. The lower number was what my oldest daughter was quoted that same year. The $1500 quoted to her was for a root canal AND a crown. $2400 quoted to me was for a root canal and a crown. The crown in the States is about the same cost as the root canal. However here in Georgia the crown, the better crown, is about double what the root canal cost. But the overall price of a root canal is about 10% of what they cost in the States, $75 verses $750-$1200. In Georgia you can get the lesser quality but still good chromium/cobalt enamel coated crown for about $120. But for about 40% more you can get the top-of-the-line zirconium crown for less than $180. What those cost in the States I don't know.


Keep something in mind about these prices. I know people here who work 7 hours a day 6 days a week for 500 GEL a month. Like the people that work at the gym. There is 2.55 GEL to the USD. I'll let you do the math.   


Republic of Georgia this year:
$75 for a root canal
$175 for a crown in zirconium (the best)


United States of America circa 2016:
$750-$1200 for a root canal
$750-$1200 for a crown


When preparing the photos for this post a few days ago I got one prepared of my bank statement showing the use of my debit card. I try and use cash whenever I can, but sometimes easier just use the card.


(http://farm2.staticflickr.com/1848/43604686234_a1a1c3de97.jpg)


I used my debit card to pay for the teeth cleaning shown at the bottom and a week later for the crown shown at the top. The other numbers are for cash at the ATM and the $10 one was for the pharmacy (Where the cute girls I told you about are) for the Metformin. The miracle drug that will keep me alive for another 50 years (and chasing women). Metformin, insulin and most drugs can be bought over the counter without a doctor's prescription. I doubt narcotics can.   


 
Title: My new life in the Republic of Georgia
Post by: ML on August 29, 2018, 08:40:49 PM

 Metformin, insulin and most drugs can be bought over the counter without a doctor's prescription. I doubt narcotics can.

Well then, that rules out Georgia for me.
Title: My new life in the Republic of Georgia
Post by: Maxx2 on August 30, 2018, 04:58:10 AM
Quote
Metformin, insulin and most drugs can be bought over the counter without a doctor's prescription. I doubt narcotics can.

Well then, that rules out Georgia for me.


That and they allow restauranteurs and bar owners the choice to allow smoking on their premises. I'm a non-smoker remember. I just appreciate more when the government isn't quick to hassle you over this or that. In Georgia the rules are not set by Big Pharma or Big Med. Tort lawyers are nonexistent. And you know what? I appreciate things like handrails on the steps of public (public use) buildings and other things to make things safe. But that rarely exists here. I just know to use extra caution to prevent a broken leg or pelvis.


ML, I know you are joking about not being able to get narcotics over the counter. I get your humor.
Title: My new life in the Republic of Georgia
Post by: krimster2 on August 30, 2018, 06:00:23 AM
when I lived in Ukraine, you could buy these tablets in the Anteka that had 500 mg tylenol and 30 mg codeine
they were probably pretty cheap, I think most of these went to addicts
I met one of them, she was pretty young (and pretty), but she was killing herself with them
the problem with all narcotics is tolerance, and as a result you need to take an increasing amount to get the same high
when I met this young woman she was taking 6 tablets per day which equaled 3 grams of tylenol
tylenol is toxic to the liver in large quantities
4 grams in one dose could be fatal or cause permanent liver damage
and she was taking 3 grams every day
soon as I met her, I could tell what she was doing, just because of the jaundice in her eyes
I asked her how many tablets she was taking
she was shocked that I knew
so I showed her how to do a "cold water extraction" and get a slurry that probably has 90% of the starting codeine and only 1% of the tylenol
hopefully I saved her life
I lost track of Katya, I was married, and knew she would just end up being dependent on me which would get my wife upset
I met a lot of young female addicts in Russia and Ukraine
very, very risky being associated with them
every addict that I've tried to save, male or female, American or Russian
ended up stabbing me in the back
Title: My new life in the Republic of Georgia
Post by: Maxx2 on August 30, 2018, 07:21:52 AM
My landlady is here with her friend cleaning. I am staying here for 2 more months and then back to Batumi. I got arraignments made to rent the luxury apartment along the Black Sea. It is home to me. I miss Batumi and my friends I made there. One of them contacted mr today and asked when I was coming back.


My landlady just told me what the internet costs monthly. I knew it alreadbut I thought I'd tell you.


Cost of monthly internet:
$17.65

I think it is 4G but when downloading movies et cetera the fastest download speed I've noticed is 2.9 mg per second. Which for me is fast enough. It is dependent upon the download speed of the others in the torrent.
Title: My new life in the Republic of Georgia
Post by: Maxx2 on August 30, 2018, 07:29:33 AM
I hope Krimster that you teaching her to upgrade the mixture to a higher percentage of codeine didn't have another consequence?


Something I don't understand. How is it possible to have a young woman in your life and be married to another RW at the same time? 
Title: My new life in the Republic of Georgia
Post by: ML on August 30, 2018, 07:29:45 AM
I just know to use extra caution to prevent a broken leg or pelvis.

If you want to avoid broken pelvis . . . remember the caution about safe sex.
Title: My new life in the Republic of Georgia
Post by: krimster2 on August 30, 2018, 07:54:37 AM
“I hope Krimster that you teaching her to upgrade the mixture to a higher percentage of codeine didn't have another consequence?”

it wasn’t a stronger mixture
it’s the same strength of codeine
just minus the tylenol/paracemetol that was destroying her liver
I am a strong advocate of “harm reduction”
showing signs of jaundice meant she was not far from having a very painful death from liver failure, could’ve been as soon as months, or as long as a few years, likely she already had permanent damage, which could resurface when she gets older
hopefully, the knowledge I gave her, allowed her the opportunity to live a bit longer than she otherwise would have.  I’m not qualified to give a definitive answer, but if she had continued what she was doing, I find it unlikely she would would have been alive 2 years after I met her


“Something I don't understand. How is it possible to have a young woman in your life and be married to another RW at the same time? “

it may NOT be possible for YOU
my wife and I are not CONVENTIONAL
our bond runs at a “deeper level” (sorry, I hate cliches, but don’t feel like writing an essay about this) than just sex
I did not have a sexual relationship with this particular woman, just a friendship
I knew she would become dependent on me, and the consequences
so I pointed her in what I thought was the right direction, (the codeine being just one topic)
and helped her catch the wind
and I set her free

I am a different person now
not so hopeful about humanity
so I’ve become less involved with those who need help

but look...
if “people” didn’t look outside their marriage,
then why do a third of married people admit to affairs
why do so many married couples engage in “swinging”
my wife and I have an open marriage, I know of several other happily married couples who do the same, all of us are quite happy and content with our spouses and marriage
if you have the strong underlying bond
then it’s the same as if I go out for a gourmet meal by myself once in awhile
my wife knows I’ll be back home to for her cooking next day
also, I see a lot men have this attitude that if a woman has sex
it makes her dirty, or impure,
remember the guy here, who only wanted a virgin
my wife and I don't think this way at all
but obviously a lot of other people do
my emotional commitment is 100% to my wife and family
I am confident of this, and so is my wife
and because of this, my wife has extended to me, this "gift"
one of many she has given me
including two beautiful children

BTW, we have a lot of “rules” about this subject
it requires 100% total honesty to work
but it does work for us
and as far as I’m concerned that’s what’s important
even if some people don’t approve or understand
Title: My new life in the Republic of Georgia
Post by: GQBlues on August 30, 2018, 08:04:34 AM
...Keep something in mind about these prices. I know people here who work 7 hours a day 6 days a week for 500 GEL a month. Like the people that work at the gym. There is 2.55 GEL to the USD. I'll let you do the math....

Yup. This is a very important factor to consider when looking at/hearing these types of comparisons. Even just within the 48 states, you can easily see such disparities in living cost relative to wages.

My ex-Slovakian GF always makes this point before when people she spoke with here in the US compares costs between two countries. I remember only being charged a USD value of $11.00/rounds of drinks for 14 people in Banska Bystrica. That's when I got into trouble for tipping too much. I always paid a value of $20.00, almost 50% tip, since I figure in the US, 20 bucks only buys me a beer and maybe a martini.     

Maxx I know you were self-employed before and owned your business, but FWIW, wifey had a root canal, and one redo that she had in Russia. We have employer-provided insurance, and IINM, we paid a total of $118.00. Top notch work, too.
Title: My new life in the Republic of Georgia
Post by: Maxx2 on August 30, 2018, 08:13:05 AM
Thanks ML for the word of caution.
Title: My new life in the Republic of Georgia
Post by: Maxx2 on August 30, 2018, 08:39:52 AM
Yup. This is a very important factor to consider when looking at/hearing these types of comparisons. Even just within the 48 states, you can easily see such disparities in living cost relative to wages.

My ex-Slovakian GF always makes this point before when people she spoke with here in the US compares costs between two countries. I remember only being charged a USD value of $11.00/rounds of drinks for 14 people in Banska Bystrica. That's when I got into trouble for tipping too much. I always paid a value of $20.00, almost 50% tip, since I figure in the US, 20 bucks only buys me a beer and maybe a martini.     

Maxx I know you were self-employed before and owned your business, but FWIW, wifey had a root canal, and one redo that she had in Russia. We have employer-provided insurance, and IINM, we paid a total of $118.00. Top notch work, too.


I post all the info about saving money mostly for those whose circumstances need it and for entertainment value for those that don't. If you have insurance or are rich my info has less value. I can't imagine Warren Buffet reading what I write and say, "Hey I think I'll go to Tbilisi and use doctor Gigi!  :D  I could save $20K!" Of course his insurance would cover it and he wouldn't have let it get so bad in the first place. Broken and missing teeth are a sign that things haven't been going so good for you lately. For me they have been going down hill since 2007. The "Free Trade Deal" of the 90s kicked into high gear for me on the loss of my largest manufacturing account. 105 years in business and they could no longer compete with foreign labor. But that is a topic for another thread. And there is that thread and it starts with 'T' something.


I am rather shocked how little people get paid here. I wonder how they make it. I think because they band together and share the costs of living within their family. There is the dacha with fruits and vegetables and in Georgia, wine for the men. And boy do Georgians drink, including the grandpas! It is not considered unusual for three generations to live together. In many ways it is a good thing. Families are closer. But can you image GQ if you and the Mrs having to live with your mother and grandfather?


I over tip too and people that work at the restaurants always have a big smile for me. This includes the owner who will give me on the house a tall shot of 'cha cha,' 60-80% you know what... A couple of those and you are floating out the place.


I stopped drinking because of the calories. The past 12 days since the start of my diet are going great! I see I am losing weight. But today the landlady brought by the monthly bottles of white and red wine. I think I'll have my twelve day celebration of my diet tonight and stop posting. Goodnight everyone! 
Title: My new life in the Republic of Georgia
Post by: GQBlues on August 30, 2018, 08:56:49 AM
My landlady is here with her friend cleaning. I am staying here for 2 more months and then back to Batumi. I got arraignments made to rent the luxury apartment along the Black Sea. It is home to me. I miss Batumi and my friends I made there. One of them contacted mr today and asked when I was coming back.

My landlady just told me what the internet costs monthly. I knew it alreadbut I thought I'd tell you.

Cost of monthly internet:
$17.65

I think it is 4G but when downloading movies et cetera the fastest download speed I've noticed is 2.9 mg per second. Which for me is fast enough. It is dependent upon the download speed of the others in the torrent.

Great price. I'm sure soon Georgia will outfit itself with fiber optics as we do here. AT&T have 1 Gbps connectivity capability, typical download speed is around 900-930 mbps).

Your wifi efficiency is measure by Download speed, Upload speed, and Ping. We have a pretty decent speed with the following reads: 59.81 mbps, 54.83 mbps and 26 ms (download, upload and Ping). It cost us $38.00/mo. bundled with TV and mobile for additional costs. Total monthly bill is $197.00, including internet.

Quote from: maxx
I am rather shocked how little people get paid here. I wonder how they make it. I think because they band together and share the costs of living within their family. There is the dacha with fruits and vegetables and in Georgia, wine for the men. And boy do Georgians drink, including the grandpas! It is not considered unusual for three generations to live together. In many ways it is a good thing. Families are closer. But can you image GQ if you and the Mrs having to live with your mother and grandfather?

That's true in a lot of places. True in eastern Europe and even in many places in SA, Asia, including the pacific islands. In the P.I. they do the same. It isn't that surprising to see 4 generations living in one home. I don't know what its like there now as I haven't been there in decades, but that's how it was living there before.

As for your last Q. I'd work 5 jobs plus one if that assures me of living separately. I left home when I was barely 17 and never looked back. Despite my upbringing, I couldn't imagine hitting my 20s and still be living at home. If my in-laws do make the decision to come and live in the US, we already eyed and made preliminary info gathering where to buy them a nice unit close to us. I think wifey is a bit Americanized now that she tells me while she wouldn't mind it as much as I do, she have a tough time even imagining living with parents under the same roof again.
Title: My new life in the Republic of Georgia
Post by: mhr7 on August 30, 2018, 10:53:10 AM
Cost of monthly internet:
$17.65

I think it is 4G but when downloading movies et cetera the fastest download speed I've noticed is 2.9 mg per second. Which for me is fast enough. It is dependent upon the download speed of the others in the torrent.

Here in Russia I only pay $7.50 (450 rubles) per month for wifi.
Title: My new life in the Republic of Georgia
Post by: msmob on August 30, 2018, 10:38:56 PM
We pay 700 Roubles/ month - but that gives us IP TV, too - there is a package for 1400 R/ month that gives faster speeds and just about any channel you'd want... but speeds aren't THAT great..

However, 30 MBs down and 15 MBs up - with a ping time of 27ms is 'good' enough for the price paid

Be VERY wary of most speed tests - they are so often  not representative ..

Try using speedof.me  (http://speedof.me)
Title: My new life in the Republic of Georgia
Post by: Maxx2 on August 31, 2018, 01:40:18 AM



I have no idea the speed of my internet. I have not learned to figure such things out. I just know that I can download a 1 Gigabyte movie off of Kickass torrents (the old thepiratebay) in less that 5 minutes. Georgia might be light years ahead of you all but I doubt it...


GQ, remember me with my calling cards?  :cluebat:  It wasn't till I got to Georgia November 2015 that I got my first real cell phone. I bought it at the "Apple" store. It was a Apple G5s I think. Probably a production overrun that fell off the back of a truck. I got signed up to Geocell then later to Beeline, these were my first carriers. Before that I had $20 cell phones from Walmart and a $20 a month card I would buy for it. I only got those if I was going on a road trip. My first smart phone was last year, a 2016 Lenova. I lost it in a taxi cab in Tbilisi but the cabbie returned it. My latest is a Samsung November 2016. I've lost it at the Batumi airport, found by another taxi driver (every other man in Georgia is a taxi driver) and he turned it into the police. Recently I lost it again but I found it between the seats of my car. My Kiev lady friend knowing my talent for losing things bought me a man bag. I hate those things as they look so metrosexual. The Georgian men and they are all machos here give me stares when I carry it. It looks a little more masculine slung over my shoulder. I should wear an American Flag shirt and they might think it is a holster for my 44 Magnum.   
Title: My new life in the Republic of Georgia
Post by: GQBlues on August 31, 2018, 04:24:54 PM
Last time MIL was here with us, wifey got her a 'smartphone' from AT&T. Looks just like an iPhone. 8G and even had a camera/video capability. Temp service. She paid I believe $60.00, maybe less, which included first month of service - unlimited calling, text and data. Then she would have to go online and prepay $$ for any additional months of service. When MIL left, she took the phone with her and is now using it in Russia. Got WhatsApp. I don't remember the brand. Chinese made.


Damned calling cards. Yes, I remember :-(
Title: My new life in the Republic of Georgia
Post by: Maxx2 on August 31, 2018, 04:39:00 PM

Damned calling cards. Yes, I remember :-(


I got used to using them to call my first RW. $20 a day for month after month. This was in 2001.
Title: My new life in the Republic of Georgia
Post by: SANDRO43 on August 31, 2018, 04:44:27 PM
I have no idea the speed of my internet. I have not learned to figure such things out.
Try one of these:

- http://speedtest.xfinity.com/
- http://www.speedtest.net/
- http://fast.com/
- http://speedtest.att.com/speedtest/

Many more available by Googling: "Internet Speed Test" ;).
Title: My new life in the Republic of Georgia
Post by: msmob on August 31, 2018, 06:41:52 PM
Sorry, Sandro - comms is my 'thang' ..

[ DO not - moby edit ]  Try one of these: ')

- http://speedtest.xfinity.com/ - only accurate if in the USA and you must choose the nearest server AND uses Javascript
- http://www.speedtest.net/ - always over optimistic
- http://fast.com/  - never seen this one - the best of your bunch if using advanced
- http://speedtest.att.com/speedtest/ - again US specific - have to choose 'nearest' server - not accurate



speedof.me shows the consistency of the speed of uploads and downloads - not the 'best' burst achieved - internet providers HATE it  - they send you to the speedtest.nets of this world for a for a reason  ;)

Title: My new life in the Republic of Georgia
Post by: Maxx2 on September 01, 2018, 03:48:18 AM
Try one of these:

- http://speedtest.xfinity.com/ (http://speedtest.xfinity.com/)
- http://www.speedtest.net/ (http://www.speedtest.net/)
- http://fast.com/ (http://fast.com/)
- http://speedtest.att.com/speedtest/ (http://speedtest.att.com/speedtest/)

Many more available by Googling: "Internet Speed Test" ;) .


Thanks Sandro. I used //fast.com/ and it says 13 Mbps


Speedtest.xfinity says

DOWNLOAD SPEED

6.4

UPLOAD SPEED
17.6

Title: My new life in the Republic of Georgia
Post by: msmob on September 01, 2018, 05:51:40 AM
Guys, guys ..

Your test results will be BOLLOX - with ping times in the 100s of milli- seconds if using some of these tests- as some are going from Tbilisi to the USA ;)

Maxx - go to http://speedof.me  (http://speedof.me)

THEN ..you'll see a TRUE test result


NB : As long as you use a network cable and are not downloading other things simultaneously

Title: My new life in the Republic of Georgia
Post by: Maxx2 on September 01, 2018, 06:26:20 AM

Maxx - go to http://speedof.me  (http://speedof.me)

THEN ..you'll see a TRUE test result



Just using the Wi-fi


8.18 Mbps Download and 14.48 Mbps Upload
Title: My new life in the Republic of Georgia
Post by: msmob on September 01, 2018, 11:28:34 AM
I wonder what you are supposed to get ... ?   The download suggests that the system is possibly busy / overloaded - as it is worse than the upload. You are sharing the bandwidth you pay for with lots of people

What ping times are you getting and are the graphs spikey or solid along the top ?
Title: My new life in the Republic of Georgia
Post by: Maxx2 on September 01, 2018, 10:21:51 PM


(http://farm2.staticflickr.com/1884/43700338734_a5a0dd0b3a.jpg)
Title: My new life in the Republic of Georgia
Post by: Maxx2 on September 02, 2018, 12:35:34 AM



Diet Progress


Since I've started my diet my blood glucose levels have dropped 40-50 points to borderline normal. Today it was 105.


My waist measurement has dropped 2 1/4 inches (5.7 cm) in 2 weeks. Today is day 15.


It really helps to keep measurements including glucose levels and the times of the day. I make it a rule not to eat before 12 noon. Every third day I fast to 6 PM so I go without eating for 22 hours in which a good portion of that is sleeping. 


Coffee and green tea really helps.


Today I am going to make oat milk for my coffee. I brought my blender in from the car and I bought some food strainers from the store. It is mixed with a few dates to give it flavor. Vanilla extract is recommended but they don't have that at the store. Neither do they have soy, almond or coconut milk. But oat milk can be made and it has a higher fiber content than any of the other milks. Not really low in calories but it is low in the glycemic index something regular milk is not. Oat milk does not make your blood sugar levels jump. And that is important if you are trying to lose weight. You want to keep your blood sugar levels low so your body burns fat and not the glucose (sugar) in your blood.   
Title: My new life in the Republic of Georgia
Post by: Maxx2 on September 02, 2018, 01:45:51 AM



Footfalls


One of the first things I noticed in 2001 in Russia was the dangerous places to walk or drive on. There were holes where whole cars could disappear into. Alongside a sidewalk in Ekaterinburg was a hole 3 feet across that must have been at least 15 feet deep. No barricades or warning tape on either of them. Once I was walking along a sidewalk at night in Saratov. I tripped and fell and almost broke my wrist. Someone had put a raised curb to direct the rainwater to the gutter. That wasn't so bad as placing it into a dark shadow! There in Batumi neighbors put old docking ropes across the street to slow traffic. It is those large ropes that are used to moor the ships in their harbor.


When I came back to Georgia after 7 months in America I rented an apartment in the Didubi district. On the corner of my apartment building was an ATM from the Bank of Georgia and a pharmacy. This was January 18 2017. First thing I noticed was a sinkhole next to the steps into the pharmacy. I wondered how many people tripped stepping into it or just walking down the street. I took this photo 2 days ago. This hole has been there for years! I can't imagine that in America with its army of Tort lawyers and people looking to get rich from a settlement. Tax exempt at that!


(http://farm2.staticflickr.com/1887/29482638717_9cb1eeb6fa.jpg)

It would be so easy and cheap to fix that.


Here parking or driving on the sidewalk is acceptable. I am not complaining. Just making observations. Driving the wrong way down a one-way street is common also. The police will get you on that if they catch you doing it. I don't drive the wrong way on a one-way street ever, but I do drive on sidewalks. Sometimes it is the only way to get to the place I want.
Title: My new life in the Republic of Georgia
Post by: Maxx2 on September 02, 2018, 01:57:08 AM
(http://farm2.staticflickr.com/1887/44421180711_c6050181a2.jpg)
Title: My new life in the Republic of Georgia
Post by: msmob on September 02, 2018, 03:23:55 AM
REALLY, spikey

Your speeds max - to average -  vary by a factor of two ..((

(http://farm2.staticflickr.com/1845/43513188475_ec9ebd15f7_z.jpg)

This is from my Uncle's place, nr Manchester ...  note the variances are less ..

Now Speedtest.net - popular  with ISPs - but NOT a true reflection as it shows the MAX speeds detected and often underplays the upload speed

(http://farm2.staticflickr.com/1860/43704207754_474d3cdc04_z.jpg)

Same PC, same connection a minute or two apart







Title: My new life in the Republic of Georgia
Post by: Maxx2 on September 02, 2018, 03:43:19 AM
REALLY, spikey

Your speeds max - to average -  vary by a factor of two ..((

(http://farm2.staticflickr.com/1845/43513188475_ec9ebd15f7_z.jpg)

This is from my Uncle's place, nr Manchester ...  note the variances are less ..

Now Speedtest.net - popular  with ISPs - but NOT a true reflection as it shows the MAX speeds detected and often underplays the upload speed

(http://farm2.staticflickr.com/1860/43704207754_474d3cdc04_z.jpg)

Same PC, same connection a minute or two apart


My disappointment in the size of my internet speed makes me want to buy a sports car and get a hair transplant.
Title: My new life in the Republic of Georgia
Post by: Maxx2 on September 02, 2018, 05:41:57 AM
I always, on RWD, find the personal stories and touch the most important. Well done.
Now, what about a photo of yourself in your new environment?


I am photo phobic unfortunately.


Here is one somebody (not me) had photoshopped me with my hot Ukrainian girlfriend Olga. Notice where he placed my hand. He touched up my hair too.


(http://farm2.staticflickr.com/1849/43706161124_0de236c3a9.jpg)
Title: My new life in the Republic of Georgia
Post by: krimster2 on September 02, 2018, 06:30:38 AM
damn! you look Georgian!!!
I bet you have sunglasses to match that look!!!
you look like a Georgian couple, would not have ID'd you as a Yankee Running Dog Imperialist at all!!!

which reminds me of a story...
long time ago in a native American village
a little boy approaches his father to ask him a question...
father, how do the children in our village receive their names when they are born?
father said, well son, after the child is born the father emerges from the teepee
and the first animal he sees, he names the child after this...
like "running bear" or "hunting hawk" or "swift deer"
oh, OK, thanks father
it's ok son, but tell me, why do you ask this question, small dog peeing?

Title: My new life in the Republic of Georgia
Post by: Maxx2 on September 02, 2018, 09:14:30 AM
damn! you look Georgian!!!


That's the Sicilian in me. When I get pissed I have to be very careful when talking to people. They get scared.


Here is an old photo of me from November 2001. I just got back from Ekaterinburg. I had a special agent from the INS call me and ask me why I went to Russia. My flight was scheduled out of JFK September 12th... canceled to September 17th. I told him, then he cautioned me about getting involved with Russian women. A few years later I really wished I had listened. But since then I have learned they are not all bad.  ;D


(http://farm2.staticflickr.com/1896/43518219475_db47234a7b.jpg  Looking tough)


"Wanna me make you an offer you can't refuse?"


(http://farm2.staticflickr.com/1898/44377024812_bc423fb813.jpg  Wincing)


I call this my winning wincing smile. I look like I have constipation.


(http://farm2.staticflickr.com/1858/44427192491_c5143863c3.jpg   standing by yellow truck)
 
GQ a few pages back said "350 pounds!" about my present weight. Here I am at 290. I was down from 393 pounds. I started working out at the gym called "The Gym." It was the same gym our governor, Jesse "The body" Ventura worked out at. I was 47 years old when I joined February 14 2000. So that makes me 48 in the above photos.


(http://farm2.staticflickr.com/1877/30558379948_503588065d.jpg)


I took this off my computer screen a few months ago. I look dangerous but that is OK because women like dangerous looking men. Shadows sometimes work nicely for 65 year old men.


Here is some Georgian men at my gym I am rejoining tomorrow.

(http://farm2.staticflickr.com/1861/42617528310_83224ccc8f.jpg)

Being an American gets me extra notice. It is usually not hard to find someone to be a workout partner. Georgians have national tradition about showing hospitality to strangers. They also have a particular liking for Americans. Remember Georgia was the first nation to join the "Coalition of the Willing" in the Gulf War against old Saddam. They like that America is known to poke the bear in the eye from time to time, so they are appreciative. 


Here is a film that the Georgia government gave a lot of support in making it. It is quite propagandistic in its emotional appeal.


(http://farm2.staticflickr.com/1855/43710149744_b57a45d2dc.jpg)


It starts out with some Americas under attack by Iraqi bad guys. Death is certain. Then in swoops the Georgia Army in Humvees with 50 caliber machine guns blazing and rescues them. Later it shows the 5 day war over South Ossetia in 2008 and the refugee crises that followed. 


Title: My new life in the Republic of Georgia
Post by: MarinaSirena on September 02, 2018, 09:47:00 PM
you really look like Georgian)
 8)
Probably you found @your place@ on our wonderfull planet. Gorgia looks very harmonious and beautifull through your vision)
Post more pic there, please. Its very interesting.
Title: My new life in the Republic of Georgia
Post by: Maxx2 on September 02, 2018, 11:02:55 PM
you really look like Georgian)
 8)
Probably you found @your place@ on our wonderfull planet. Gorgia looks very harmonious and beautifull through your vision)
Post more pic there, please. Its very interesting.


I will for you. I am going to the gym in a few hours and I will do it when I get back. I've got some photos of the insides of the Ananuri fortress. 
Title: My new life in the Republic of Georgia
Post by: GQBlues on September 03, 2018, 12:00:44 AM
Maxx-

Has anyone ever tell you that you bear a striking resemblance with Mark Cuban?

As for WiFi speed, do me a favor and go to ‘bandwidthplace.com’ on your cellphone and see if it works. If it does, see if you can measure your WiFi speed from your mobile. I’m just curious what the result will be (I’m assuming you’re in a wireless WiFi). My wife’s Audi is a roaming hotspot and the speed I get in her car is so much faster than what you’re reporting here.
Title: My new life in the Republic of Georgia
Post by: Maxx2 on September 03, 2018, 05:47:44 AM
Maxx-

Has anyone ever tell you that you bear a striking resemblance with Mark Cuban?

As for WiFi speed, do me a favor and go to ‘bandwidthplace.com’ on your cellphone and see if it works. If it does, see if you can measure your WiFi speed from your mobile. I’m just curious what the result will be (I’m assuming you’re in a wireless WiFi). My wife’s Audi is a roaming hotspot and the speed I get in her car is so much faster than what you’re reporting here.


I haven't heard that. Perhaps when I get to my goal weight I will.


In 1970 I met one on the most beautiful women I have ever met in my life. Her name Kay F. a true redhead. Beautiful face perfect body.Her mother was also a redhead and very beautiful. Kay was only 15 years old, but didn't look like it. She looked 21-22. She was a girlfriend of friend on mine. He drove an early 60s Studebaker Hawk. It was a cheap car a teenager could afford back then. Anyway I was 17 years old and frankly liked the mother. She was one of those rare in that day, cool moms. Nothing happened of course. The mother told me I could pass for 23. Later I noticed that when I entered a class room at high school the kids would snap to attention until they noticed I wasn't dressed like a teacher. Then they would laugh and go back to goofing off.


I was told in high school by few people that looked like Cid Caesar.
I didn't know who that was but thought it was Caesar Romero who played the Joker in the TV series Batman.


(http://farm2.staticflickr.com/1874/42637233530_20003595c2.jpg)




Later I figured out who Cid was.


(http://farm2.staticflickr.com/1886/30576976878_4e4e2c1a47.jpg)


Cid is an improvement on Caesar but not exactly Rock Hudson Carry Grant.


In the mid 70s at almost 23 I had a few people tell me I looked like Neal Sedaka


(http://farm2.staticflickr.com/1869/44396534422_6e0687087b.jpg)


I thought Neal was not high on the macho scale with his high pitched singing voice so that did nothing for my self confidence. 


Some people have thought I was Jewish. It's the Italian in me that does that. 


Later I'll check the phone. Thanks for the pointers.
Title: My new life in the Republic of Georgia
Post by: rwd123 on September 03, 2018, 06:11:40 AM
Here is some Georgian men at my gym I am rejoining tomorrow.

(http://farm2.staticflickr.com/1861/42617528310_83224ccc8f.jpg)
Based on my experiences in Russian gyms, I am guessing these are the "skinny guys".
Title: My new life in the Republic of Georgia
Post by: Maxx2 on September 03, 2018, 12:14:47 PM



Alex and George live at the gym. There are bulkier guys but that doesn't mean they are stronger. This guy is one of the strongest men in Georgia. Last year I used him as a trainer before moving from Tbilisi to Batumi. He is not huge but he is super strong. I seen him bench press 290 Kilos (640 pounds) in a contest with a guy twice his size. He attempted 280 Kilos but couldn't lift is off his chest.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n3zu8cYuS10


I promised MarinaSarina to post more photos but my day got away from me. I will do it soon.
Title: My new life in the Republic of Georgia
Post by: Maxx2 on September 04, 2018, 09:15:30 PM

Some of the concerts we go to every year showcases a lot of old timers. Believe it or not from as old as Kansas/Robin Trower to Gin Blossoms/Guns & Roses. Those guys are, to borrow a phrase from Steely Dan, reeling in the years, man!


I loved the Gin Blossoms! One of the best music groups of 1990s. Too bad Doug Hopkins decided to leave this world. He was the heart and soul of the band and with his departure the group lost its future. Hard to imagine 25 years have gone by since those days.


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o7sx32alzeE



Title: My new life in the Republic of Georgia
Post by: msmob on September 04, 2018, 10:29:21 PM
Is the sea-front shot with the tall buildings Batumi ?
Title: My new life in the Republic of Georgia
Post by: Maxx2 on September 05, 2018, 02:16:05 AM
Is the sea-front shot with the tall buildings Batumi ?


I think I know the one you were talking about. Yes, it is. Strange, I was just thinking of that photo a few hours ago.


(http://farm2.staticflickr.com/1847/44488082871_3bcc0d736f.jpg)


The building in front and middle is the Radisson Hotel. It has a casino open 24 hours a day and a Bank of Georgia also open 24 hours a day. I've done several MoneyGram wire transfers from there. I've never had an interest in casinos other than they might have a nice food buffet attached to them.


I've been organizing my photos to get ready to post them. First I had to figure which ones I had already posted here. So I have a folder for them and I am organizing them into various sub folders right now. No need to post the ones I already have.
Title: My new life in the Republic of Georgia
Post by: Maxx2 on September 05, 2018, 08:41:22 AM



What is this?




(http://farm2.staticflickr.com/1868/30624092608_57b455c6d6.jpg)


(http://farm2.staticflickr.com/1846/42684724280_d4e0605932.jpg)


I bought it in the health food section of the store along with some pink Himalayan Sea Salt. I seen it said Omega 3. Do I cook with it? Take a table spoon of it before bedtime? Or oil my feet with it? It has a fishy taste and smell to it. Cod liver oil perhaps? I am storing it in my refrigerator after I opened it.


Thank you.
Title: My new life in the Republic of Georgia
Post by: SANDRO43 on September 05, 2018, 05:25:57 PM
I bought it in the health food section of the store along with some pink Himalayan Sea Salt.
Granted that plate tectonics are always at work, but sea (elevation 0 metres) in the Himalayas (elevation +8,000 metres) :o? 

What they sell as Himalayan salt is actually obtained from the Kwevra mine in Pakistani Punjab (close enough), and its pink colour is due to rust (ferrous oxide) impurities.

An imaginative use of its larger crystals is to make salt lamps by hollowing them and putting a candle or lamp inside:

(http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/8/87/Himalayian_salt_lamp_gnangarra-1000.jpg/800px-Himalayian_salt_lamp_gnangarra-1000.jpg)

Title: My new life in the Republic of Georgia
Post by: MarinaSirena on September 05, 2018, 08:33:19 PM


What is this?




(http://farm2.staticflickr.com/1868/30624092608_57b455c6d6.jpg)




its oil))( dont thank me. I know that  you knew that :P :))) Its maden from flaxseeds ( http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Flax )  Actually  not lot of people use it for cooking.Its too specific...But some people add it to salad,bakery...One my friend uses it to fry nuts (with a little bit honey) 1)you can use it to make better your
digestion.It can control your weight. Also It reduses holesterin and sugar in your blood. Drink one spoon of it before your breakfast. (30 min before) 2)it has Omega 3-so it can make your skin more tender. You can drink it or use it  like lotion 3)it is very-very good for your hair. You can use it like a mask for you hair. But you should be carуful.If you have some problems with you kidneys,gallbladder or hormonal system its forbiden for you. And you can put it not in fridge .You can hold it just in dark place in the kitchen.
Title: My new life in the Republic of Georgia
Post by: Maxx2 on September 06, 2018, 03:56:35 AM
its oil))( dont thank me. I know that  you knew that :P :) )) Its maden from flaxseeds ( http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Flax (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Flax) )  Actually  not lot of people use it for cooking.Its too specific...But some people add it to salad,bakery...One my friend uses it to fry nuts (with a little bit honey) 1)you can use it to make better your
digestion.It can control your weight. Also It reduses holesterin and sugar in your blood. Drink one spoon of it before your breakfast. (30 min before) 2)it has Omega 3-so it can make your skin more tender. You can drink it or use it  like lotion 3)it is very-very good for your hair. You can use it like a mask for you hair. But you should be carуful.If you have some problems with you kidneys,gallbladder or hormonal system its forbiden for you. And you can put it not in fridge .You can hold it just in dark place in the kitchen.


Thank you Marina for the translation and for the dietary ideas.


I've done some research on flaxseed oil since I read your reply. In my research I learned a few extra things I should do and not do in my diet.


I am doing my health in three parts, a ketogenic diet (paleo) combined with intermittent fasting (IT) and a High Intensity Interval Training (HIIT) workout twice a week by weightlifting.


In reading up on flaxseed oil I stumbled upon on information that I needed a once-a-week high carb day. Otherwise my pancreas/liver will sense I need more glucose because they are not getting much and actually will raise my blood sugar levels. So if I bomb my system once a week with high carbs, from good carb sources, it gives these organs something do for that day. Then I can stay in a ketonic state the other 6 days of the week and continue to lose weight.


The other thing I learned from researching flaxseed oil it that Omega 6s are the enemy. They promote inflammation. Their counter is Omega 3. I wondered why Chicken breasts, chicken meat in general, was not recommended to be a large part of the diet even though it had considerably lower calories than beef. It is because of the inflammatory Omega 6s chicken has. Actually for every 11 grams of Omega 6 in chicken it has only 1 gram of Omega 3. A breast of chicken has about 0.7 grams of Omega 6. A tablespoon of flaxseed oil has 7 grams of Omega 3s. However only 10-15% of that Omega 3 can be used by the body. The rest is burnt up. There are 3 types of Omega 3s and flaxseed oil has the weakest one. Fish oil has the best Omega 3s. So I figure this, if I eat a breast of chicken with a tablespoon of flaxseed oil I will have balanced out the 6s in the chicken with the 3s in the oil even though I am losing 90% of them through digestion.


Today I am going try and make cauliflower rice. Then make it into chicken fried rice, Asian style. I'll add some flaxseed oil in the last minute of cooking. Time to start marinating the chicken.


Again thank you Marina. Yesterday I organized my photo files on Georgia and will start posting some interesting photos.
Title: My new life in the Republic of Georgia
Post by: MarinaSirena on September 06, 2018, 06:56:46 AM
wow) You have very sirious approach)
I have more flaxible diet: i am vegetarian, i love yoga, prefer being in positive mood, enjoy white wine)) Thats it. 8)So i know nothing about all this details for  combination omega 3/  8/ 12/  Brrrrr....But  i am sure that your KaoPad will be tasty and very healthy)    
especially with this oil)


Title: My new life in the Republic of Georgia
Post by: GQBlues on September 06, 2018, 10:04:36 AM
I loved the Gin Blossoms! One of the best music groups of 1990s. Too bad Doug Hopkins decided to leave this world. He was the heart and soul of the band and with his departure the group lost its future. Hard to imagine 25 years have gone by since those days. ..


Yeah. Not sure if you know what happened with this group and Doug's sad saga. They literally disbanded during the recording of their first album. It's a miracle *New Miserable Experience* was cut much less released. By the time it was released, Doug already left the band for another, and shortly thereafter, committed suicide.


Fav tracks are *Until I Fall Away* and *29*. Awesome tunes!



Title: My new life in the Republic of Georgia
Post by: Maxx2 on September 06, 2018, 11:18:42 AM

Yeah. Not sure if you know what happened with this group and Doug's sad saga. They literally disbanded during the recording of their first album. It's a miracle *New Miserable Experience* was cut much less released. By the time it was released, Doug already left the band for another, and shortly thereafter, committed suicide.


Fav tracks are *Until I Fall Away* and *29*. Awesome tunes!


I know less than you do about the band. I did appreciate them at the time and became a bigger fan years later. What you said reminds of the dialog in the Tom Hanks film 'That Thing You Do'. Where Del Paxton tells Guy Patterson that, "With some bands 1 month together is too long". Too much infighting.


Speaking of bands. Do you recognize someone we both know in this photo? The band's name is "Casino Royal'.


(http://farm2.staticflickr.com/1896/30647116398_9751ea376a.jpg)
Title: My new life in the Republic of Georgia
Post by: GQBlues on September 06, 2018, 11:43:58 AM

(http://farm2.staticflickr.com/1896/30647116398_9751ea376a.jpg)


Nope. You're dating me. This photo looks like before my time? Surprise me...


As for the '90s band era, that was definitely the 'grunge band' decade! Doug was as conflicted and shared the same fate Kurt Cobain did. Loved Fastball, Toad, the Wet Sprockets, STP, Creed, Counting Crows, et al...


Did you know Counting Crow's Adam Duritz have a very impressive celebrity 'conquest' in his resume? Jennifer Aniston, Courtney Cox, Winona Ryder just to name a very few...


BTW maxx...I finally saw the Doobie Brothers LIVE after all those years hearing their classic songs on the radio and never seeing them perform. They were without Michael McDonald (What a Fool Believes) though, but at least heard 'Listen to the Music' and 'Black Water' live! That was awesome.



Title: My new life in the Republic of Georgia
Post by: Maxx2 on September 06, 2018, 11:59:03 AM

Nope. You're dating me. This photo looks like before my time? Surprise me...



Don't remember 1969? Our friend Lorenzo is in the photo. I'll let you guess who. Bedtime for me.
Title: My new life in the Republic of Georgia
Post by: GQBlues on September 06, 2018, 12:35:49 PM
LOL. Ahhh! Lorenzo! Lower right, drummer?


Ok man. FYI, Burt Reynolds just passed away!
Title: My new life in the Republic of Georgia
Post by: jone on September 06, 2018, 12:37:48 PM
LOL. Ahhh! Lorenzo! Lower right, drummer?


Ok man. FYI, Burt Reynolds just passed away!

Didn't Burt just do a movie a couple of months ago?
Title: My new life in the Republic of Georgia
Post by: ML on September 06, 2018, 12:42:32 PM
Bert looked like he was already dead the last time I saw him on a 'talk show' or some such.
Title: My new life in the Republic of Georgia
Post by: GQBlues on September 06, 2018, 01:22:20 PM
Didn't Burt just do a movie a couple of months ago?


I don't know that. He's 82. I couldn't imagine any role fitting an 82 y.o.
Title: My new life in the Republic of Georgia
Post by: msmob on September 06, 2018, 07:16:24 PM

I don't know that. He's 82. I couldn't imagine any role fitting an 82 y.o.

Hmm,

I'll mention that to Dame Judy Dench  and quite a few more thespians who still get roles ..;)

Title: My new life in the Republic of Georgia
Post by: GQBlues on September 07, 2018, 08:23:04 AM
Hmm,

I'll mention that to Dame Judy Dench  and quite a few more thespians who still get roles .. ;)


Nah. I seriously doubt she'd take the role as I'm sure she'll agree she'll look odd sporting a Reynolds' moustache.
Title: My new life in the Republic of Georgia
Post by: Maxx2 on September 07, 2018, 11:21:16 AM
Imagine a benzene gas station in the US built right along a busy street.


(http://farm2.staticflickr.com/1854/44486736842_1996dfc660.jpg)
.
Title: My new life in the Republic of Georgia
Post by: msmob on September 07, 2018, 11:48:08 AM
Now that is weird ...normally there's a safety barrier
Title: My new life in the Republic of Georgia
Post by: Maxx2 on September 07, 2018, 11:53:25 AM

Today I am going try and make cauliflower rice. Then make it into chicken fried rice, Asian style. I'll add some flaxseed oil in the last minute of cooking. Time to start marinating the chicken.



Did it but I used some baby shrimp I had in the fridge. Tasted pretty good. With rice substituted with cauliflower it is low in calories and carbohydrates. 


(http://farm2.staticflickr.com/1891/43818761054_40e0a77501.jpg)


Day 20 on my diet and about to go to sleep. Only 836 calories today. I have been getting along nicely on less that 1100 calories a day.


Today I didn't go to the store. I was out of mineral water that I usually drink so I decided to make up some iced green tea. I made up my super drink concoction in a pitcher of green tea, lemon slices, half a cup of raspberry juice and pulp I had left over in the refrigerator and two small scoops of BCAA (Branch Chain Amino Acids) sports drink powder I had on hand. Tasted pretty good! Actually really good. Full of antioxidants and things that are good for you.

(http://farm2.staticflickr.com/1869/43627826105_0e052d61ff.jpg)
Title: My new life in the Republic of Georgia
Post by: Maxx2 on September 07, 2018, 11:59:46 AM



     $4.05 of groceries (10.25 Lari)


(http://farm2.staticflickr.com/1887/43628059045_26f03d495e.jpg)
Title: My new life in the Republic of Georgia
Post by: msmob on September 07, 2018, 12:06:16 PM
You'll be sleeping now, Maxx - so well done and please show us what you'll have for breakfast ;)

Title: My new life in the Republic of Georgia
Post by: Maxx2 on September 07, 2018, 12:26:39 PM



This a photo I posted before of my barber shop. That is not me going up the stairs.


(http://farm2.staticflickr.com/1850/43628340955_eed0d3264b.jpg)


Here is Boris the Barber.  I took this 3 days ago.


(http://farm2.staticflickr.com/1883/44487658272_de2492d58f.jpg)


Boris doesn't speak any English and I speak only a little Georgia and Russian. We manage with hand signs and gestures. He gives me great haircut for 6 Lari. I seem to remember he charged me 8 Lari before. I must be getting a discount because he knows I am a steady customer and that I tip well. Anyways the haircut set me back $2.40. I tipped Boris 2 Lari or 80 cents. When I used Menu.ge the delivery people were overwhelmed with a 2 Lari tip. One of them called me on the phone about not doing business with them any more. It was a woman. I told her I had moved to Batumi. I swear to God she sounded like she was about to cry. I never spent but a few fleeting seconds with any of the delivery girls. The reaction I got was that of a woman who had a secret crush on a guy and finds out he has moved away. It was really, really strange. Anyways without prompting Boris told me I had lost weight from the last time he saw me. That made me pleased. 
.


.



Title: My new life in the Republic of Georgia
Post by: jone on September 07, 2018, 12:33:17 PM
The original Hairy Boris!  LOL.
Title: My new life in the Republic of Georgia
Post by: Maxx2 on September 07, 2018, 12:33:35 PM
You'll be sleeping now, Maxx - so well done and please show us what you'll have for breakfast ;)


Because of my intermitted fasting routine I never eat before 12 noon. So no breakfast just coffee with oat milk I make up, or Green tea. I got a batch of oats soaking in a pan of water in the refrigerator ready to go through my blender in the morning and then strained through an old but clean washed shirt I have. When I see you I'll treat you with some.   

Title: My new life in the Republic of Georgia
Post by: Maxx2 on September 07, 2018, 12:39:54 PM
The original Hairy Boris!  LOL.


Georgians tend to be hairy.


Here is a scull of a Georgian found just south of Tbilisi. It is 1.8 million years old.


(http://farm2.staticflickr.com/1894/30667788138_99f7685b01.jpg)


Note: His teeth are in better condition than mine.
Title: My new life in the Republic of Georgia
Post by: Maxx2 on September 07, 2018, 12:44:34 PM
Now that is weird ...normally there's a safety barrier


"Safety" what's that?
Title: My new life in the Republic of Georgia
Post by: Maxx2 on September 07, 2018, 12:48:21 PM



Good night!
Title: My new life in the Republic of Georgia
Post by: 2tallbill on September 07, 2018, 01:48:44 PM

Good night!

Sasiamovno sizmrebi!
Title: My new life in the Republic of Georgia
Post by: Maxx2 on September 17, 2018, 10:08:47 AM



The diet is going great! Blood glucose levels are down to normal. Losing weight like a maniac. Tomorrow is day 32. All kinds of energy. I'm in a really good mood about how things are going.


OK I went into the store and seen this in the health food section. I think it is some sort of flour. Possibly a low carb flour similar what is on American shelves for the Dr. Atkins folks. I can't read Russian so is there anyone here that can tell what it is and its stats on carbs and calories? How do I prepare it?


(http://farm2.staticflickr.com/1880/42925289960_8f1e12f994.jpg)


(http://farm2.staticflickr.com/1882/43826435655_3936588920.jpg)


(http://farm2.staticflickr.com/1881/29798289387_1589b2b483.jpg)




(http://farm2.staticflickr.com/1881/44685742892_fef97185df.jpg)


(http://farm2.staticflickr.com/1866/42925381580_b889849df6.jpg)


(http://farm2.staticflickr.com/1858/43826519635_c0c365e9a1.jpg)




And ML, please don't tell me it is powder you sprinkle around the foundation to prevent ants from getting into your house. I know your tricks  ;D
Title: My new life in the Republic of Georgia
Post by: Maxx2 on September 17, 2018, 11:13:11 AM
I figured it is not low carb with Google translate. The 72r means 72 grams of carbohydrates in 100 grams of mixture. What I need is coconut flour.
Title: My new life in the Republic of Georgia
Post by: mhr7 on September 17, 2018, 11:29:37 AM
I figured it is not low carb with Google translate. The 72r means 72 grams of carbohydrates in 100 grams of mixture. What I need is coconut flour.

It's not Russian it's Kazakh, you're correct 72g of carbs and 336 calories per 100g.

Go to Facebook and join the group called Georgian Wanderers, they'll help you find anything you need.
Title: My new life in the Republic of Georgia
Post by: Maxx2 on September 17, 2018, 11:41:43 AM
It's not Russian it's the Kazakh version of the Cyrillic alphabet, you're correct 72g of carbs and 336 calories per 100g.

Go to Facebook and join the group called Georgian Wanderers, they'll help you find anything you need.


Thanks mhr7. I'll check it out. I got Russian friend in Batumi that is pretty good at getting things off of Amazon.
Title: My new life in the Republic of Georgia
Post by: ML on September 17, 2018, 02:07:28 PM
And ML, please don't tell me it is powder you sprinkle around the foundation to prevent ants from getting into your house. I know your tricks  ;D

I have never been known to do anything like that.

- - - - -

But on a serious note:  If you can, try the No sugar, No flour diets.

Instead of any type of flour (wheat, oat, corn, etc.) go with Arrow Root powder.

Best price I have found is $8.89 for 5 pounds at webstaurantstore.

http://www.webstaurantstore.com/regal-bulk-arrowroot-powder-5-lb/10200010.html?utm_source=Google&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=GoogleShopping&gclid=EAIaIQobChMImbORuffC3QIVkrfACh3A_AXaEAQYAiABEgJq0fD_BwE
Title: My new life in the Republic of Georgia
Post by: rwd123 on September 18, 2018, 04:04:18 AM
Best to stay away from flours, period.

If you can't then almond meal and hazelnut meal have relatively low carb content, though can be expensive - and not sure how easy to procure in Georgia. I use them when I make a baked cheesecake; I only do so on special occasions.

But as ML said, just drop grains altogether. This includes corn and corn syrup! Sugar kills!
Title: My new life in the Republic of Georgia
Post by: Maxx2 on September 18, 2018, 09:33:08 AM
I have never been known to do anything like that.

- - - - -

But on a serious note:  If you can, try the No sugar, No flour diets.

Instead of any type of flour (wheat, oat, corn, etc.) go with Arrow Root powder.

Best price I have found is $8.89 for 5 pounds at webstaurantstore.

http://www.webstaurantstore.com/regal-bulk-arrowroot-powder-5-lb/10200010.html?utm_source=Google&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=GoogleShopping&gclid=EAIaIQobChMImbORuffC3QIVkrfACh3A_AXaEAQYAiABEgJq0fD_BwE (http://www.webstaurantstore.com/regal-bulk-arrowroot-powder-5-lb/10200010.html?utm_source=Google&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=GoogleShopping&gclid=EAIaIQobChMImbORuffC3QIVkrfACh3A_AXaEAQYAiABEgJq0fD_BwE)


Thanks for the link. I have been doing a lot of research on everything. I am also testing my blood glucose reaction to different foods. I notice your site offers almond flour. From what I've read it is next to the lowest on the glycemic index. Flaxseed flour is the lowest.


Rwd123 I have been avoiding flour. I just wanted to see what I can make if I decided to eat something like a flour product.


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uysDM_92iUo
Title: My new life in the Republic of Georgia
Post by: msmob on September 18, 2018, 01:01:42 PM
Really want to try these recipes ...great thread
Title: My new life in the Republic of Georgia
Post by: Maxx2 on September 18, 2018, 11:09:41 PM



A couple hundred years ago Thomas Jefferson became President. At that time there was a debate going that America had inferior animals in size to those in the Old World. Jefferson believed that it was possible that in the unexplored west, west of the Mississippi river that Mammoths and Mastodons still roamed. The frozen carcusses of these creatures have been found in Siberia why no couldn't there still be a population of them in South Dakota, North Dakota, Wyoming, Montana or Idaho? What Lewis and Clark discovered was that the American Brown Bear or Grizzly as it was known, was far superior in size to the Russian bear. The Grizzly's only challenger to being the top land animal predator would be the Polar Bear.


(http://farm2.staticflickr.com/1889/30904566708_7a8dd8b15e.jpg)


You'll NEVER see this in the US. The ASPCA (American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals) would put and end of it and also the folks from PETA (People Eating Tasty Animals  8) ) People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals, actually.

(http://farm2.staticflickr.com/1846/44725749082_0438502a21.jpg)


America has superior bears!

Try getting this guy on a bike! Grizzlies if raised since cubs can be trusted. Polar Bears and Black Bears cannot.

Some fool on the internet poised the question, "If a man was skilled in the marshall arts could beat a Grizzly?" I think not!
Title: My new life in the Republic of Georgia
Post by: Maxx2 on September 18, 2018, 11:23:09 PM
Really want to try these recipes ...great thread


Thanks Moby. I've been experimenting and gathering data. You might find the results interesting. Some of those "I didn't know that!" that Johnny Carson (famous US TV talk show host) used to say.


(http://farm2.staticflickr.com/1854/42955750170_1d8b61e4ee.jpg)



Title: My new life in the Republic of Georgia
Post by: msmob on September 19, 2018, 12:33:12 AM
I was particularly interested in the Flax Flour as SC raves about it , makes it at home and eats it DRY ! ;)))

It tastes REVOLTING and she insists I take it in a paste of Milk ! 

Title: My new life in the Republic of Georgia
Post by: Maxx2 on September 19, 2018, 03:38:08 AM
I was particularly interested in the Flax Flour as SC raves about it , makes it at home and eats it DRY ! ;) ))

It tastes REVOLTING and she insists I take it in a paste of Milk !


Flaxseed oil I take everyday. After a week of taking it my hair really looks much better. It has a shine to it. I just noticed this yesterday. You are right Moby it I does taste horrible. I take a tbsp of it, wash it down with some water and eat a dried apricot to chase the bad taste away. Besides making the hair look healthy is has a lot of the anti-inflammatory omega 3s in it to counter the omega 6s and 9s that are known to cause inflammation.


I am feeling great! Honesty after 32 days on this paleo/keto diet I feel 20 years younger! Before it I was moving like an 80 year old man. Now power walking is done without me even thinking about it. Yesterday I was walking into the store and I noticed what big steps I took and how fast I was walking. A year and 9 months ago when I returned to Georgia for the second time I was pushed through the airports in a wheelchair! The airport personnel insisted on it! 
Title: My new life in the Republic of Georgia
Post by: msmob on September 19, 2018, 10:29:06 AM
Wow, Maxx !

You may be on to something )
Title: My new life in the Republic of Georgia
Post by: ML on September 19, 2018, 12:52:30 PM

Flaxseed oil I take everyday. After a week of taking it my hair really looks much better. It has a shine to it.

But be aware that it will also make your a$$ hairs grow much longer.
Don't know if it will increase their shine.
Title: My new life in the Republic of Georgia
Post by: BillyB on September 19, 2018, 06:23:12 PM
Flaxseed oil I take everyday.


An old guy recommended I take flaxseed oil and a few years later he died.

My wife got into supplements so I took her to the super supplement store which was huge. After entering the door, I told her every product in this store is recommended by somebody to improve your health and life. There are thousands of different products and if you take one sip and one pill of each supplement everyday, you will not have any room in your stomach to eat food."  She bought a bunch of stuff and after a few months, she gave up. I told her to stick with good food and a daily vitamin. Simple program.
Title: My new life in the Republic of Georgia
Post by: MarinaSirena on September 19, 2018, 10:48:28 PM
An old guy recommended I take flaxseed oil and a few years later he died.

Was he 90 y.o? oh it so unpredictable!
old people die on this planet...
We should to blame on this oil!

To be serious i agree with you. Simple program * to eat good food, to be in possitive mood, to get along with morning dozen and so on* is  effective
Excessiveness is bad friend

Quote
I am feeling great! Honesty after 32 days on this paleo/keto diet I feel 20 years younger!
great results, Maxx2!

Title: My new life in the Republic of Georgia
Post by: msmob on September 20, 2018, 12:28:44 AM
But be aware that it will also make your a$$ hairs grow much longer.
Don't know if it will increase their shine.

I can confirm that this is incorrect scientific data .... ;)
Title: My new life in the Republic of Georgia
Post by: Maxx2 on September 20, 2018, 12:35:24 AM
I can confirm that this is incorrect scientific data .... ;)


Thank you! ML really had me going for a while!


I got an appointment with the dentist today. No pain just working on improving my teeth. I am doing everything I can while I am in big city Tbilisi. This weekend I got an appointment with a local artist to help me buy oil paints and supplies. I plan on taking up painting again. On Wednesday I have an appointment at an eye clinic for an eye check. Possibly I might get laser surgery to correct my vision. I've been near sighted all my life and since I plan on living at least another 40 more years why not?
Title: My new life in the Republic of Georgia
Post by: ML on September 21, 2018, 08:59:12 PM

Possibly I might get laser surgery to correct my vision.

Max, I hope you are not serious about getting this done anywhere in FSU !!!

Teeth is one thing . . . since they can be replaced.

But eyes . . .  OMG  !!!
Title: My new life in the Republic of Georgia
Post by: BillyB on September 21, 2018, 09:42:34 PM
Max, I hope you are not serious about getting this done anywhere in FSU !!!

Teeth is one thing . . . since they can be replaced.

But eyes . . .  OMG  !!!

It may be okay if they have modern equipment or Western equipment and the doctor has lots of experience. They'll check Maxx's vision, the shape of his eyes, and make sure his eyes don't get dry which would ruin the healing process. Based off the pre tests, they plug in the data into a machine and the machine does all the work using a laser to cut and reshape the cornea. Maxx may feel pain the first few days and have blurry vision which will get better over time for about a month but it's worth having 20/20 or sometime better vision.
Title: My new life in the Republic of Georgia
Post by: Maxx2 on September 23, 2018, 12:18:53 PM
I'll be at the optometrist in a few days. I do NOT trust American doctors at all.


I found out that according to the conservative Heritage Foundation that Georgia ranks two places above America in regards to freedom.


(http://farm2.staticflickr.com/1925/44149339604_34201aac16.jpg)


.



Title: My new life in the Republic of Georgia
Post by: Maxx2 on September 23, 2018, 11:06:08 PM
It may be okay if they have modern equipment or Western equipment and the doctor has lots of experience. They'll check Maxx's vision, the shape of his eyes, and make sure his eyes don't get dry which would ruin the healing process. Based off the pre tests, they plug in the data into a machine and the machine does all the work using a laser to cut and reshape the cornea. Maxx may feel pain the first few days and have blurry vision which will get better over time for about a month but it's worth having 20/20 or sometime better vision.


I've been wearing contacts since I was 16 years old. About 49 years! They were hard plastic in those days You had to gradually build up calluses on your eye lids to wear them. I probably told this story before. I remember having a 4 AM newspaper route in the ghetto of North Minneapolis. It was about 1969-1970 and Elvis was making his comeback singing his song "In the Ghetto". I remember how good the below zero air felt on my eyes then. 
Title: My new life in the Republic of Georgia
Post by: Maxx2 on September 26, 2018, 12:58:25 PM



Went to the Javrishvili Eye Microsurgery Clinic today.


I went there once back in 2016. It is a VERY busy place. The photos don't show it but they must have had about 250 people in the waiting rooms. I'd estimate about 30 staff.


(http://farm2.staticflickr.com/1925/44934420801_952d1c69c4.jpg)




(http://farm2.staticflickr.com/1979/44934425131_d55a83b28d.jpg)


(http://farm2.staticflickr.com/1963/44213788034_317057d226.jpg)


She's nice.


They put me through 4 different machines measuring this and that. Tomorrow I am going to call another doctor they use for a final check before going on to the next step.


(http://farm2.staticflickr.com/1933/44213794134_14c965765a.jpg)


Lots of children and old people. The later are probably there for glaucoma and cataract treatment. They specialize in microsurgery so that would be the place to go.


(http://farm2.staticflickr.com/1975/31061043368_4585f6131c.jpg)


(http://farm2.staticflickr.com/1914/44213803564_fa2bfbedec.jpg)


The doctor I am going to is going to check the back of my eyes. I think also it is for a second opinion on whether I am a good candidate for the next process. They are very careful over here.


Are you sitting down ML?


I am not a candidate for laser surgery like a LASIK procedure. Wrong shaped eyes. LASIK I just checked runs $1000 to $3000 per eye. Probably the more expensive one is for people with really bad eyesight like mine (I wear contact lenses). I am getting another procedure. And like Billy said, it's all done with modern state of the art equipment using computer controls. What is done is a machine is programed to laser open my eye, take out my natural lens and replace it with an artificial one.


They rate vision here like they rate bra sizes. Mine is a "5". That would be like 20-250. Perfect would be "0". I was told I'd be a zero. The process takes 15 minutes. I won't need glasses or contact lens anymore. The cost is 1700 GEL or $654. That is for both eyes. They do one eye, then 2 to 4 weeks later they do the other eye.


Monday I go to my dentist for the next step on getting a zirconium crown on my upper right molar. If my memory is correct I think it will cost me about $175. Dentistry like optometry and car repair is about a tenth of what it costs in the West
.
Title: My new life in the Republic of Georgia
Post by: BC on September 26, 2018, 01:54:37 PM
Thanks for all the insights (pun?) you are sharing as an expat.

Cheers for speedy resolution and recovery.
Title: My new life in the Republic of Georgia
Post by: GQBlues on September 26, 2018, 02:19:56 PM
<snip>...They rate vision here like they rate bra sizes. Mine is a "5". That would be like 20-250. Perfect would be "0". I was told I'd be a zero. The process takes 15 minutes. I won't need glasses or contact lens anymore. The cost is 1700 GEL or $654. That is for both eyes. They do one eye, then 2 to 4 weeks later they do the other eye....<snip>



Yes, but maxx did you ask them what the deal would be just for 'one eye'? You might be able to 'save' for corrective lens in the future, too having just one problematic eye.


~ j/k ~
Title: My new life in the Republic of Georgia
Post by: ML on September 26, 2018, 02:31:52 PM
I don't want to just have negative comments, but . . .

those who think something is safer because it's 'controlled by a computer' are deluding themselves.

A few years back, I was having some sort of MRI or CAT scan or something.
The gal set up some controls and then left the room to gossip with a co-worker.
The machine started lowering the gadget toward my forehead.
When it got a half inch or so away . . . I jerked my head out of the path.

She came back in all indignant asking WTF I was doing, and she would have to start over.

I said, the machine could crush my skull.
She said, it was programmed to stop just short of crushing my skull.

I said, I won't continue with this unless a human is here to stop the machine just before it crushes my skull.  So she stayed.

What she and others are ignoring is that . . . all machines malfunction . . . computer controlled or not.

Don't know exact statistics, but it is often stated that half or so of hospital deaths every year are caused by human error, which includes programming computers wrong.
Title: My new life in the Republic of Georgia
Post by: Maxx2 on September 26, 2018, 02:35:22 PM


Yes, but maxx did you ask them what the deal would be just for 'one eye'? You might be able to 'save' for corrective lens in the future, too having just one problematic eye.


~ j/k ~


I should be sleeping as it is after 1 AM. But I seen the notification. I won't need corrective lens in the future. I'll have 20/20 or better vision. I am on a self improvement kick right now. My blood glucose are at normal levels now.





Day 39, Wednesday September 28, 2018
             Low Carb Day 
                          5:45 AM:  84/95 glucose levels
                                          Metformin 1000 mg
                          6:30 AM:  Coffee with cream              150 calories
                          8:00 AM:  Iced Green tea
                          9:30 AM:  103/115 glucose levels
                        11:00 AM:  Iced Green tea
                                          Coffee with cream               150
                        11:30 AM:  Beef 75 grams                     190
                                          Onion soup 150 grams        150
                                          Carrots 75 grams                  46      (686)
                          6:00 PM:  99/99 glucose levels
                          7:25 PM:  Beef 150 grams                   380
                                          Onion soup 100 grams        100    (1166)
                                          Iced Green tea
                                          Metformin 1000 mg
                                          Flaxseed oil                           36    (1202)
                          8:25 PM:  112/115 glucose levels
                          9:30 PM:  Avocado 1/2                        152    (1354)
                        12:25 AM:  Avocado 1/2                        152    (1506) total calories
                        12:30 AM:  92/95 glucose levels


I cooked up batch of beef roast stew so I've been eating on that. I got fish and chicken in the fridge and lots of vegetables.
Title: My new life in the Republic of Georgia
Post by: Maxx2 on September 26, 2018, 02:54:36 PM
I don't want to just have negative comments, but . . .

those who think something is safer because it's 'controlled by a computer' are deluding themselves.

A few years back, I was having some sort of MRI or CAT scan or something.
The gal set up some controls and then left the room to gossip with a co-worker.
The machine started lowering the gadget toward my forehead.
When it got a half inch or so away . . . I jerked my head out of the path.

She came back in all indignant asking WTF I was doing, and she would have to start over.

I said, the machine could crush my skull.
She said, it was programmed to stop just short of crushing my skull.

I said, I won't continue with this unless a human is here to stop the machine just before it crushes my skull.  So she stayed.

What she and others are ignoring is that . . . all machines malfunction . . . computer controlled or not.

Don't know exact statistics, but it is often stated that half or so of hospital deaths every year are caused by human error, which includes programming computers wrong.


Every thing is a chance. I worry more about getting into an accident driving to the clinic than the laser machine going bonkers. Georgians drive different than Americans. Americans are more polite. Of course they have to be. After all an armed society is a polite society. 
Title: My new life in the Republic of Georgia
Post by: GQBlues on September 26, 2018, 04:03:38 PM

I should be sleeping as it is after 1 AM. But I seen the notification. I won't need corrective lens in the future. I'll have 20/20 or better vision. I am on a self improvement kick right now. My blood glucose are at normal levels now.

Day 39, Wednesday September 28, 2018
             Low Carb Day 
                          5:45 AM:  84/95 glucose levels
                                          Metformin 1000 mg
                          6:30 AM:  Coffee with cream              150 calories
                          8:00 AM:  Iced Green tea
                          9:30 AM:  103/115 glucose levels
                        11:00 AM:  Iced Green tea
                                          Coffee with cream               150
                        11:30 AM:  Beef 75 grams                     190
                                          Onion soup 150 grams        150
                                          Carrots 75 grams                  46      (686)
                          6:00 PM:  99/99 glucose levels
                          7:25 PM:  Beef 150 grams                   380
                                          Onion soup 100 grams        100    (1166)
                                          Iced Green tea
                                          Metformin 1000 mg
                                          Flaxseed oil                           36    (1202)
                          8:25 PM:  112/115 glucose levels
                          9:30 PM:  Avocado 1/2                        152    (1354)
                        12:25 AM:  Avocado 1/2                        152    (1506) total calories
                        12:30 AM:  92/95 glucose levels


I cooked up batch of beef roast stew so I've been eating on that. I got fish and chicken in the fridge and lots of vegetables.


Good *moderated* diet plan, maxx...skip the cream, even better. Do without the 'beef' - JACKPOT!  :P


Now if you can only get at least 7 hours of sleep everyday, and give your body enough time to recharge itself...you'd Sylvester Stallone again!
Title: My new life in the Republic of Georgia
Post by: msmob on September 26, 2018, 10:14:03 PM

 Americans are more polite. Of course they have to be. After all an armed society is a polite society.

Back in '90 I was driving a hire car in San Diego with a friends who were a US Postal Policeman and SWAT respectively ..

I raised the UK style 'TWO fingered salute of displeasure'  to a guy who tried to turn left right in front of me -  he failed - due to the car in another lane failing to stop and so we were face to face ... He smiled and gestured 'peace' back at me ...


Had a -stern - lecture about gun toting loonies who settle road rage disputes ..





Title: My new life in the Republic of Georgia
Post by: DaveNY on September 26, 2018, 10:23:57 PM
Back in '90 I was driving a hire car in San Diego with a friends who were a US Postal Policeman and SWAT respectively ..

I raised the UK style 'TWO fingered salute of displeasure'  to a guy who tried to turn left right in front of me -  he failed - due to the car in another lane failing to stop and so we were face to face ... He smiled and gestured 'peace' back at me ...


Had a -stern - lecture about gun toting loonies who settle road rage disputes ..

Always been lots of gun toting loonies in California for some reason.
Title: My new life in the Republic of Georgia
Post by: Maxx2 on September 27, 2018, 02:30:07 AM
Always been lots of gun toting loonies in California for some reason.


I was born in the Oceanside Naval Hospital. Both my parents were United States Marines. I went to the grammar school the Beach Boys went to. It was in Gardena. I'm sure GQ is familiar with all these places. My parents developed a serious lifetime affliction gotten from the military of wanderlust. We lived all over. I went to 12 schools as a kid. We mostly lived in the Upper Midwest of Minnesota, North Dakota, Iowa and Wisconsin. About age 26 we, my ex and I, decided to move back to our home state of California. It was 1979. First thing we noticed was what crazy people Californians are! They do not make any effort to conceal their eccentricities. You meet a guy at work. In your first conversation he tells you he just got of prison for shooting a guy. The reason he says is because he threw a birthday party for himself and nobody came. So gets his 22 caliber pistol and shoots the first person walking down the street. He lived. You get invited over to someone's house for dinner, you and your wife. You find out later was they were swingers and wanted see if they could start something up.


Out in the parking lot one of the Mexican employees buys guns, any guns out the back of his trunk. I heard they would be smuggled into Mexico for the revolution. More likely for the drug cartels.


Frequent topic for conversation at work was the effectiveness of various guns, rifles and calibers. We used to take the scrap metal parts from our work and use them for 'plinking". Blasting these defective sheet metal parts full of holes We'd do it up in the mountains on Federal Land. Our employers didn't mind use taking their scrap as long as we returned after we filled it full of lead and holes.


California is a yahoo culture full of guns and 4 wheelers.

Hey GQ! Has California changed any since 1979? What year did you get there?


Title: My new life in the Republic of Georgia
Post by: GQBlues on September 27, 2018, 10:28:52 PM
Lower left coast is no different when it comes to guns. Where you have gangs, guns are the primal tool. Private citizens though are much more discreet and diligent about gun ownership. Pre-90s, places like Venice, Inglewood, the usual sh!thole are terrorized by the two major gangs - Bloods and the Crips. The red vs the blue. Anyone wearing any type of clothing with either color, at times even non-gang citizens - have a greater chance of getting shot. When the LA riots happened (Rodney King), those two groups called a truce and momentarily joined forces to perpetuate their common angst - the white man.

Have they changed since 1979...IMO, yup. Are there still gangs? yup. But like roaches anywhere, they pretty much stay within their 'territory'. LA's not as bad as places like Chicago, Baltimore, St Louis, etc...

But then...I don't really hang in these places to be an authority as to the exact prevalence of life beneath the underworld. Too many 'better' things to do, see and occupy ourselves with living here..still too many gorgeous Barbies, too.
Title: My new life in the Republic of Georgia
Post by: Maxx2 on September 29, 2018, 05:35:43 PM



a P.S.A. for you...


Open a Charles Schwab account. Get free checking, no minimum balance, no monthly fees and


(http://farm2.staticflickr.com/1944/44085955025_5fd83de3a1.jpg)


I got credited last month $46.31 for my ATM fees. I get hundreds of dollars a year from my monthly ATM rebates. Also if you lose your ATM card they will send you a new one by FedEx at no charge. I know because this happened to me a year ago. C.S. is open 24/7 so I contacted them. After I got my new card I was contacted by them and asked how they could improve their service. I told them it would help if money could be sent immediately (I had only 37 cents in Lari on me). I was told that could be arraigned and in fact they do have a method for that. The ATM machines here finally got smart and the money will not come out until after you take your card out of the machine. What happened to me last year was I got distracted by some people I know. It wasn't intentional and I didn't find out I left the card in the machine until the next day. Someone after me took the card because it wasn't eaten by the machine (It gets eaten after 3 minutes). Anyway I thought you might like to know. I know having other cards and some cash stashed is a good idea also.
.
Title: My new life in the Republic of Georgia
Post by: GQBlues on October 01, 2018, 01:28:45 PM


a P.S.A. for you...


Open a Charles Schwab account. Get free checking, no minimum balance, no monthly fees and


(http://farm2.staticflickr.com/1944/44085955025_5fd83de3a1.jpg)


I got credited last month $46.31 for my ATM fees. I get hundreds of dollars a year from my monthly ATM rebates. Also if you lose your ATM card they will send you a new one by FedEx at no charge. I know because this happened to me a year ago. C.S. is open 24/7 so I contacted them. After I got my new card I was contacted by them and asked how they could improve their service. I told them it would help if money could be sent immediately (I had only 37 cents in Lari on me). I was told that could be arraigned and in fact they do have a method for that. The ATM machines here finally got smart and the money will not come out until after you take your card out of the machine. What happened to me last year was I got distracted by some people I know. It wasn't intentional and I didn't find out I left the card in the machine until the next day. Someone after me took the card because it wasn't eaten by the machine (It gets eaten after 3 minutes). Anyway I thought you might like to know. I know having other cards and some cash stashed is a good idea also.
.


maxx-


FYI. This practice had been trending the past 20-24 months, if not longer. Rebates, discounts, etc...one is left to believe you're getting benefits more than you really are. You're not.


An example, BofA checking card (Visa) or any of their CCs, mails me notification almost everyday telling me which merchants (mostly picked from my list of recent merchants I made purchases in recent past) is being included in their 'rebate' program. Meaning, if say I used any of BofA's CC/Visa and bought something at Starbucks, they'll issue me a 10% rebate of the total purchase I made (to a certain cap). I spent $20.00 - they credit me $2.00 back in whichever account was used. ALL CC companies are doing this these days.


The banks have an agreement with these merchants that when this happens, there's an added 'premium' with that merchant's fees. The merchants, as expected, simply raises their prices (5-10%) over than normal so in essence the only thing gained in all these exchanges is it gave the consumer an impression they're *benefiting* from this newly developed customer relationship. So Joe Blow goes out and likely spends more than he would normally do because he thinks he's getting a good deal.


I haven't been charged any 'fees' for anything in a very long time. As a 'premium' customer, I can use my BofA ATM card anywhere or on any bank for 'free'. Free everything. Cashier's checks, money orders, check reordering, etc...that benefit is extended to my wife as well. The interest rate in my CC is in the lowest single digit interest rate available with higher 'rebate' percentages.


This is just all about *receipts*...
Title: My new life in the Republic of Georgia
Post by: mendeleyev on October 09, 2018, 09:57:41 PM
Georgia
Title: My new life in the Republic of Georgia
Post by: mendeleyev on October 09, 2018, 09:58:21 PM
Tbilisi, Georgia
Title: My new life in the Republic of Georgia
Post by: mendeleyev on October 09, 2018, 10:10:21 PM
We spend a good deal of the summer in Georgia, first for a photo project in the ancient capital of Tbilisi, and then down in the modern beach city, Batumi, along the Black Sea.


The somewhat high speed train between those cities is as modern as anywhere and very comfortable. We rode first class at approximately $14 each for tickets.
Title: My new life in the Republic of Georgia
Post by: mendeleyev on October 09, 2018, 10:17:44 PM
Our first trip to a supermarket cost all of $4 (in Georgian GEL) and we carried 3 bags back to our apartment. Our favourite restaurant was the Ukrainian restaurant along the beach boardwalk. Very nice meals averaged $6 to $8 for dinner, and we often ate lunches at smaller cafes for less.


Just a couple blocks over a new boardwalk highrise was going up--45 floors. One day we checked it out and could have purchased new, fully furnished, one bedroom units for $18,500 with a beach view. We didn't know enough to make an informed decision so we didn't plunk down any cash, but we still talk about it being a nice Airbnb investment. Foreign investment is welcomed. We have a friend in Batumi and would pay him a percentage to manage it, but not quite ready yet.


The roads are modern and in good condition, the people are awesome, and prices are very affordable. One could retire for very cheap if the permanent visa requirements were not so strict.
Title: My new life in the Republic of Georgia
Post by: mendeleyev on October 09, 2018, 10:52:07 PM
Batumi, Georgia. Along the Black Sea.
Title: My new life in the Republic of Georgia
Post by: jone on October 10, 2018, 12:03:13 AM
Welcome back, Mendy!
Title: My new life in the Republic of Georgia
Post by: msmob on October 10, 2018, 12:33:54 AM
Welcome back, Mendy!

Seconded .. your mines of info and suggestions and opinion are sorely missed
Title: My new life in the Republic of Georgia
Post by: Maxx2 on October 10, 2018, 10:56:41 AM
Our first trip to a supermarket cost all of $4 (in Georgian GEL) and we carried 3 bags back to our apartment. Our favourite restaurant was the Ukrainian restaurant along the beach boardwalk. Very nice meals averaged $6 to $8 for dinner, and we often ate lunches at smaller cafes for less.


Just a couple blocks over a new boardwalk highrise was going up--45 floors. One day we checked it out and could have purchased new, fully furnished, one bedroom units for $18,500 with a beach view. We didn't know enough to make an informed decision so we didn't plunk down any cash, but we still talk about it being a nice Airbnb investment. Foreign investment is welcomed. We have a friend in Batumi and would pay him a percentage to manage it, but not quite ready yet.


The roads are modern and in good condition, the people are awesome, and prices are very affordable. One could retire for very cheap if the permanent visa requirements were not so strict.


Hi Mendy. Nice to see you posting here!


I've busy lately so I haven't had much time to post. I even have a few PMs that I am late at answering.


At the end of next month I'll have been in Georgia 3 years, except for the 7 months in America in '16


I am not sure when you took your trip. Some of your info seems dated but generally correct. Yes, Georgia is retiree's dream, with some exceptions of course. The cost of living is about a third of the US. Profession services such as dental, healthcare and auto repair are about a tenth. As I've said before an American living on a small pension can afford a Mercedes and the cost of repair and maintenance (labor is about $15 an hour).

I often go to this one grocery store called Fresco. I feel like a talked about celebrity. Not that people are rushing up to me asking me for an autograph but I get allot of stares and smiles from the staff. Georgians are generally a hospitable people but they do have that Soviet reserve. So getting smiled at is definitely a sign I am being talked about and probably in a positive way. I think I have developed the reputation of being a friendly fellow. And Americans are generally liked here.

I also get noticed because I look and act strange to Georgians. At first glance I can pass for a Georgian because of my dark eyes that I have inherited from my Sicilian grandmother. However on a second look my Swedish and English heritage gives me away. Georgians have a tint to their skin that I don't have. I was told by a Georgia, "You look like a Viking. Put two horns on the side of your head!" He speaks very good English.

The other thing that gets me notice is the strange things I buy in the stores.

(http://farm2.staticflickr.com/1924/45173467502_8c084f316a.jpg)

How many people come into a Georgian store and buy out the entire store supply of coconut flour?

Or buy a steamer to cook vegetables?

(http://farm2.staticflickr.com/1921/45223502871_d8388cb78e.jpg)

My observation of the staff's reaction when I bought this was, "Thank God we finally sold that!" The very pretty young woman that rang up the bill told me, "I love America!" And I guess the money us Americans spend there....

(http://farm2.staticflickr.com/1971/45173461662_9c75018a11.jpg)

The vegetables tasted great! I like them well cooked, salted and buttered. Butter is A-OK on a Keto Diet. I know I am going off-topic here, but this is my thread.

If you're a diabetic, pre-diabetic or just plain having trouble losing weight, watch this video.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h6aMN6NLOTQ


Butter Bob Briggs tells it like it is.


OK back to Georgia.


Mendy, you have great instincts. You should have listened to that inner voice of yours.


Below is a chart I made of conversion of dollars from GEL


I USD = 2.4 GEL
 GEL 50,000  $20,800  $10,400
 GEL 60,000  $25,000  $12,500
 GEL 70,000  $29,200  $14,600
 GEL 80,000  $33,300  $16,650
 GEL 90,000  $37,500  $18,700
GEL100,000  $41,600  $20,833
GEL110,000  $45,800  $22,900
GEL120,000  $50,000  $25,000


The USD now goes 2.6 instead of 2.4


Basically how buying real estate in Georgia goes. And this would be for a new development. You put 50% down and pay off the balance in payments for 5 years. Generally the developer will wave the interest. Otherwise using a bank they usually charge in the neighborhood of about 10% annually. This also requires a 50% downpayment. My budget was set at around $50K (Hence need for the chart) for an apartment. Now I am going to go into business in the hope to make up the extra $50K I need to get what I really want. But that is another subject.

I found out for $18,500 you get a Georgian building (SNAFU) apartment a good distance from the Sea and with a mountain view. The type you described, and the one that I wanted, in a modern building with a Sea view, goes for about $100K. The apartment I live from November 1st to May 1st is one of those. It is in the modern ORBI Residence Building. The apartment 3 floors below me is being sold at $95-100K. In the off season, October to May, I can rent these for $350 a month. However if I was to rent on the other end of the building, furthest from the Sea, I can get them for about $150-$200 a month. Come busy season monthly rent goes up, way, way up. From $150/$350 a month to $1500/$2100 a month. This is one of the reasons why I am living in Tbilisi now. But in 3 weeks I'll be back to my beloved Batumi. I love that place!


GQ, you're in the know about prices of homes in SoCal. What would be the price of an apartment near the Sea with a clear view of the ocean? Someplace where you can hear the sound of the surf like I do? I know, apples and oranges. Not much of a surf in the Black Sea. Batumi is sort of a faux Malibu in my opinion. A poor man's Palm Beach. And such beaches here! Fist size rocks instead of sand that are at least smooth.

About the permanent resident requirements being so strict. I've heard the opposite. I've heard from an American expat that lives here that getting LPR status is just matter filling out some forms and sending in a fee. I was also told getting citizenship was not too difficult either. Citizenship with a presidential waver of the no-dual citizen constitutional requirement. BUT, I do not know if this is incorrect information I got. I did have a Georgian woman propose marriage to me to help me become a citizen. She did it in a joking way, but I am 100% certain she was serious. I've had a number of odd things happen to me here....

One important thing to consider if contemplating living in Georgia is the no-visa required and the 360 day stays when you enter the county. You can stay here up to 360 days without being considered an overstay. To get another 360 days all you got to do is a visa run into Armenia. Or a 2 1/2 hour plane flight to Kiev. Armenia is a few hours south of Tbilisi by car. Leave the country, get your passport stamped, reenter Georgia, get your passport stamped and you are go to go for another 360 days.

Back in September 2014 the Georgian government changed their generous residency stays to reflect those of the EU, 90 days in and 90 days out. There was such a squawk by the Turks who do a lot of business here that the Georgian government changed it back to the way it was. This was on March 2015. That is what I like about the Georgia government. It is reasonable and not bureaucratic. Can you imagine the American government moving so fast to fix one of their screw-ups?

As you said Mendy, the Georgian government wants foreign investment. That is why I tend believe that getting LPR status, especially for businessmen, is not too difficult. Though I might be wrong.


Mendy, could you check with your friend in Batumi about that apartment? It is something I would consider getting. I so hate being a Airbnb nomad, sort of.     
Title: My new life in the Republic of Georgia
Post by: GQBlues on October 10, 2018, 11:58:26 AM
...GQ, you're in the know about prices of homes in SoCal. What would be the price of an apartment near the Sea with a clear view of the ocean? Someplace where you can hear the sound of the surf like I do? I know, apples and oranges. Not much of a surf in the Black Sea. Batumi is sort of a faux Malibu in my opinion. A poor man's Palm Beach. And such beaches here! Fist size rocks instead of sand that are at least smooth...


$3,000.00-3,500.00 on average for a 1 BR/BA- from Sta Barbara to SD nation. Ventura you can still get a decent 1 BR/BA unit for low-mid $2Ks if you're socially slow. You want the ocean foam moving your front door mat, add $2K on a blue moon Monday.

The apple is, an average 'renter' for these areas will undoubtedly be snagging an income of $75-100K minimum annually. Whereas your oranges are those nowhere near the aforementioned. So yes, relatively no comparison on both fronts, Maxx.

As for 'hearing' the surf, cheaper to buy a wireless speaker and tune into those virtual soothing sounds. That way you have the 'power' to switch from ocean surf, to rain, to trickling stream, to birds happily chirping...but that's just me.  ;D
Title: My new life in the Republic of Georgia
Post by: Maxx2 on October 11, 2018, 08:19:33 AM


$3,000.00-3,500.00 on average for a 1 BR/BA- from Sta Barbara to SD nation. Ventura you can still get a decent 1 BR/BA unit for low-mid $2Ks if you're socially slow. You want the ocean foam moving your front door mat, add $2K on a blue moon Monday.

The apple is, an average 'renter' for these areas will undoubtedly be snagging an income of $75-100K minimum annually. Whereas your oranges are those nowhere near the aforementioned. So yes, relatively no comparison on both fronts, Maxx.

As for 'hearing' the surf, cheaper to buy a wireless speaker and tune into those virtual soothing sounds. That way you have the 'power' to switch from ocean surf, to rain, to trickling stream, to birds happily chirping...but that's just me.  ;D


I should have added besides the sounds of the "surf" there is also the sound of the Karaoke bar downstairs. Instead of birds chirping we have those strange black and grey crows cawing.


(http://farm2.staticflickr.com/1954/45197616712_fd1d628acb.jpg)


(http://farm2.staticflickr.com/1925/45197753622_96c25ddf50.jpg)

I think "Caw Caw" from Tbilisi followed me to Batumi.



Thanks for the info on the rentals. 
Title: My new life in the Republic of Georgia
Post by: GQBlues on October 11, 2018, 11:17:56 AM
maxx,

Not sure what its like in Georgia, but FWIW I've lived by, or at least no more than a half mile of the beach all my life and personally believe it's overrated. The corrosive nature of the ocean mist is pretty destructive and beach traffic alone is more than annoying. When running errands, it's a biyatch navigating through the hordes of beachgoers.

Given the social life is outstanding. In Socal, one huge advantage is being able to be within walking distance to a lot of hip places to hang out and not to have to worry about DUI. But by and large, for an upstart single person, save some $$ and live a bit deeper inland.
Title: My new life in the Republic of Georgia
Post by: ML on October 11, 2018, 11:41:53 AM
maxx,

Not sure what its like in Georgia, but FWIW I've lived by, or at least no more than a half mile of the beach all my life and personally believe it's overrated. The corrosive nature of the ocean mist is pretty destructive and beach traffic alone is more than annoying. When running errands, it's a biyatch navigating through the hordes of beachgoers.

Sort of reminds me of looking for a house to buy.
You find one that seems close to perfect, and then . . . omg . . . it has a swimming pool.
Calculate what it would cost to remove it, and then . . . on to next house.
Title: My new life in the Republic of Georgia
Post by: Maxx2 on October 11, 2018, 11:43:33 AM
maxx,

Not sure what its like in Georgia, but FWIW I've lived by, or at least no more than a half mile of the beach all my life and personally believe it's overrated. The corrosive nature of the ocean mist is pretty destructive and beach traffic alone is more than annoying. When running errands, it's a biyatch navigating through the hordes of beachgoers.

Given the social life is outstanding. In Socal, one huge advantage is being able to be within walking distance to a lot of hip places to hang out and not to have to worry about DUI. But by and large, for an upstart single person, save some $$ and live a bit deeper inland.


I found a place by the airport that was in the back of a person's house. Actually a couple with a son and two beautiful daughters in their 20s. The window in the bedroom looked out to the back of an Army barracks. A particularly safe neighborhood. Anyway I liked it even though it had no view. 


One thing about the Black Sea is it has much less salt in the water than the oceans and no dangerous sharks.
Title: My new life in the Republic of Georgia
Post by: GQBlues on October 11, 2018, 11:51:01 AM
WOW! You're a tough sell...

2 beautiful 20 year olds is not enough 'viewing' to you?
Title: My new life in the Republic of Georgia
Post by: Maxx2 on October 13, 2018, 09:24:33 AM
WOW! You're a tough sell...

2 beautiful 20 year olds is not enough 'viewing' to you?


They were truly beautiful. Not just attractive, but undeniably classically Miss Georgia beautiful! I was invited over for dinner by my Airbnb hosts. These two young women were there doing the translation. The brunette 'Nancy' or a name that sounds like that, sings me a song. She sings in the Batumi Opera House. BEAUTIFUL voice! She tells me she wants to learn English better as it will help her  singing. I'm thinking, "I will be GLAD to tutor you!" but I know she would see through my proposal in a Batumi minute second. The other girl, Erma also gorgeous, is a blonde with long hair like her sister. Her English is much better. She does most of the translation. Both girls, very sweet and respectful. EVERYONE always addresses me as "Mr Maxx." Even by people that know me well.


A few days before this dinner I'm chatting with the father, Joggo. The translator then was a family friend, a Georgian guy. He tells me that Joggo said his highest hope is to find good husbands for his daughters. Georgian men have the same reputation of their Slavic brethren. I had a young Georgian woman Ana, age 26 (And she is also very good looking) tell me she didn't want a Georgian man. She said she would never tolerate her husband running off with his male friends all the time.


A few months ago I sent a PM to the mother, Nano. I invited her and her family over for dinner when I get back to Batumi. She happily said, "Yes!" Since then I've perfected my 'Sweet and Sour Chicken.' I don't eat much of it, just taste test it. I am working on 'Beef Fried Rice' and 'Egg Rolls' but more on that later (with photos). I'm going try to get a family photo and post it here.
Title: My new life in the Republic of Georgia
Post by: Maxx2 on October 13, 2018, 01:13:26 PM
Could somebody tell me what this is? I found it in the cooking oil section of the grocery store I go to.


(http://farm2.staticflickr.com/1923/44385121095_6225358bee.jpg)
Title: My new life in the Republic of Georgia
Post by: Maxx2 on October 13, 2018, 01:34:23 PM



I came out of my dentist's office and crossed the street and thought my friends at RWD might like to see some photos of street life in Tbilisi. I seen this on the two street corners opposite of each other.


(http://farm2.staticflickr.com/1957/43482508990_41a7382c99.jpg)


I said to the old lady "Yah Americanets too-reests. Photo?" which she nodded to. I wish now I had bought some of her produce. I will next time.


(http://farm2.staticflickr.com/1961/30358511387_cdf2d23386.jpg)


On the opposite corner was model being photographed. Nancy and Erma, the sisters, are MUCH better looking!


 
Title: My new life in the Republic of Georgia
Post by: siberia on October 13, 2018, 02:05:33 PM
Could somebody tell me what this is? I found it in the cooking oil section of the grocery store I go to.


(http://farm2.staticflickr.com/1923/44385121095_6225358bee.jpg)
Some kind of vegetable oil.  (i think it means warm vegetable oil)
Title: My new life in the Republic of Georgia
Post by: Maxx2 on October 13, 2018, 02:11:17 PM
Some kind of vegetable oil.  (i think it means warm vegetable oil)


Could it be lard or a type of butter? Something from an animal and not a vegetable? I see it is a solid like butter and lard and not a liquid oil. The last word "MACnA" is butter isn't?


Thank you for the help.
Title: My new life in the Republic of Georgia
Post by: DaveNY on October 13, 2018, 02:22:02 PM
It's probably something like 'ghee'. Ghee is a type of clarified butter. It's very popular in India and has made its way into cooking in the Middle East, Russia and many of the ethnic food stores in the US.

Never seen that brand in Russian food stores in NYC but seen something similar.


http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ghee
Title: My new life in the Republic of Georgia
Post by: Maxx2 on October 13, 2018, 02:41:09 PM
It's probably something like 'ghee'. Ghee is a type of clarified butter. It's very popular in India and has made its way into cooking in the Middle East, Russia and many of the ethnic food stores in the US.

Never seen that brand in Russian food stores in NYC but seen something similar.


http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ghee (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ghee)


I hope it is ghee. Ghee is safe for me to eat on a Keto diet. 8 weeks on Keto and my waking blood glucose levels are in the 80s. Which means I kicked diabetes. This is pretty amazing to me! My doctors in the US never gave me hope that this could happen. They said to me I had a chronic condition and I should accept that my life would not be long. It is pretty depressing to believe you are on your last decade of life.
Title: My new life in the Republic of Georgia
Post by: ML on October 13, 2018, 03:01:34 PM
Could somebody tell me what this is? I found it in the cooking oil section of the grocery store I go to.


(http://farm2.staticflickr.com/1923/44385121095_6225358bee.jpg)

Melted vegetable butter.
Title: My new life in the Republic of Georgia
Post by: SANDRO43 on October 13, 2018, 04:29:42 PM
Melted vegetable butter.
If it's ghee it's not vegetable but clarified butter from India and other Asian regions. In Tibet it is obtained from yak milk, and used also for illumination.

(http://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/1906/7501/products/product-image-146725327_1024x1024@2x.jpg?v=1517003625)
Title: My new life in the Republic of Georgia
Post by: BillyB on October 13, 2018, 05:08:21 PM

Ghee is safe for me to eat on a Keto diet. 8 weeks on Keto and my waking blood glucose levels are in the 80s.


I hope Ghee is healthy. My wife just bought a 3.5 lbs/1.6kg jar of Ghee last week. That's a lot of Ghee to bring me a lot of glee.
Title: My new life in the Republic of Georgia
Post by: Maxx2 on October 13, 2018, 05:09:28 PM
Melted vegetable butter.


Does it say vegetable?
Title: My new life in the Republic of Georgia
Post by: Maxx2 on October 13, 2018, 05:34:23 PM
I hope Ghee is healthy.


Ghee, butter, cream, sour cream and yogurt comes from fat, the good kind of fat. They do not make your blood sugar spike. I put heavy whipping cream in my coffee instead of milk. Cream does not raise my blood sugar like milk does. The fat in the cream suppresses the insulin glucose reaction. Milk because it is low in fat makes the blood glucose (sugar) rise. The key to fat loss is keeping your insulin levels low. A diet high in fat, medium in protein and low in carbohydrates (Keto/Paleo) keeps your insulin levels low. I was injecting myself daily with insulin to make up the extra my pancreas couldn't provide to do the job. Now I am off of insulin and am getting normal blood glucose level readings of a non diabetic. I have energy I haven'r felt in years. And I am losing weight. 
Title: My new life in the Republic of Georgia
Post by: Maxx2 on October 13, 2018, 05:40:02 PM



Google translate of ghee:
топленое масло

What is the other word?  Pact-something?
Title: My new life in the Republic of Georgia
Post by: siberia on October 13, 2018, 07:15:57 PM


Google translate of ghee:
топленое масло

What is the other word?  Pact-something?
I think I told you up above, Warm Vegetable Oil, it is NOT any type of butter. Show us the photo of the back of it, so we can help more. The word you asked about is vegetable.
Title: My new life in the Republic of Georgia
Post by: Maxx2 on October 13, 2018, 08:46:25 PM
Thanks Siberia. I am glad that is clear. When I get to Batumi I am going to find a source for butter and ghee from grass fed cows. About the only healthy oil here is olive oil. Each type of oil has different uses and limitations. I am getting into cooking in a big way. Yesterday I was at a store that sells industrial equipment for restaurants. I am getting equipped for a small food business for tourists. I plan on starting out micro small and see where it goes.


(http://farm2.staticflickr.com/1908/43489054100_fd9d01900c.jpg)


I got a nice set of knives, pots, pans and a small 3 liter deep frier.


I tried to photograph the back but the print is so small my camera can't photograph it.
Title: My new life in the Republic of Georgia
Post by: rwd123 on October 14, 2018, 12:44:52 AM

I hope it is ghee. Ghee is safe for me to eat on a Keto diet. 8 weeks on Keto and my waking blood glucose levels are in the 80s. Which means I kicked diabetes. This is pretty amazing to me! My doctors in the US never gave me hope that this could happen. They said to me I had a chronic condition and I should accept that my life would not be long. It is pretty depressing to believe you are on your last decade of life.
Congrats Maxx! With discipline your health can keep on improving. Do you also measure your iron and testosterone levels?
Title: My new life in the Republic of Georgia
Post by: rwd123 on October 14, 2018, 12:50:39 AM
You don't want vegetable oil. Avoid.

http://roguehealthandfitness.com/category/vegetable-oils/
Title: My new life in the Republic of Georgia
Post by: Maxx2 on October 14, 2018, 02:49:37 AM
Congrats Maxx! With discipline your health can keep on improving. Do you also measure your iron and testosterone levels?


No, but I do plan on regularly giving blood to get the iron level lower. The T levels I haven't thought of. I know higher levels help in muscle growth. But I remember reading it is not a good idea to try and boost them for an older man. Something about the cancer risk. I haven't studied it yet.


I have done the various fasts. Such as wet, dry and intermittent fasting.  I am planning to do a 30 hour dry fast to trigger autophagy every three months (I just did). And continue the 24 hour wet fasts twice a week. I almost never eat in the morning so I'm intermittent fasting. Once a week I do heavier carb loading of healthy foods to break things up and not get adapted.


I don't find doing this fasting routine any too hard. Today is the completion of Week 8, plus one day of my diet.
Title: My new life in the Republic of Georgia
Post by: Maxx2 on October 14, 2018, 02:53:28 AM
You don't want vegetable oil. Avoid.

http://roguehealthandfitness.com/category/vegetable-oils/ (http://roguehealthandfitness.com/category/vegetable-oils/)


I really know that!






Title: My new life in the Republic of Georgia
Post by: MarinaSirena on October 14, 2018, 08:11:49 AM
Some kind of vegetable oil.  (i think it means warm vegetable oil)
its a shit. It's not healthy. Just put it in your garbage. And forget.
Title: My new life in the Republic of Georgia
Post by: BillyB on October 14, 2018, 11:10:54 AM
its a shit. It's not healthy. Just put it in your garbage. And forget.

If vegetable oils are to be avoided, what oils should we be cooking with?

I know there's a lot of information going around that nearly everything is bad for us but what experts aren't telling us is that we are living longer than our grandparents who ate more organic healthier foods than we do.
Title: My new life in the Republic of Georgia
Post by: ML on October 14, 2018, 11:17:31 AM
My bad earlier.

It is melted vegetable oil; not melted vegetable butter.

масло is butter, but the word on bottle was маслA which is oil in Tajik.
Title: My new life in the Republic of Georgia
Post by: Maxx2 on October 15, 2018, 08:18:47 AM
If vegetable oils are to be avoided, what oils should we be cooking with?

I know there's a lot of information going around that nearly everything is bad for us but what experts aren't telling us is that we are living longer than our grandparents who ate more organic healthier foods than we do.


For the Keto diet it would be olive oil, coconut oil, animal lard and butter. Most everything the doctors taught about avoiding fat is false. At one time not long ago avocados were to be avoided because of their high fat content. Now we know they have the good kind of fat and are very good for us. I try an eat one a day.


The Psalms written a three thousand years ago says, "The days of man are 70 years. With special mightiness 80 years, but their days are full of troubles."  (from memory)


Psalm 90:10


New American Standard Bible  (http://biblehub.com/nasb/psalms/90.htm)As for the days of our life, they contain seventy years, Or if due to strength, eighty years, Yet their pride is but labor and sorrow; For soon it is gone and we fly away.
Title: My new life in the Republic of Georgia
Post by: GQBlues on October 15, 2018, 10:18:22 AM
If vegetable oils are to be avoided, what oils should we be cooking with?

I know there's a lot of information going around that nearly everything is bad for us but what experts aren't telling us is that we are living longer than our grandparents who ate more organic healthier foods than we do.

BillyB-

That's a misleading statement. There are referential reports that state mankind IS living longer when compared to yesteryears. But clinical/medical achievements in recent past should not be interpreted as a pass to ignore your dietary awareness. Science after all is an evolving acquirement of knowledge. Bacterial/viral diseases that used to cause numerous untimely deaths have dramatically decreased untimely fatalities worldwide, but another factoid is heart disease/stroke is still the leading cause of death globally.

It isn't the butter that's produced that is the problem, it is the cows that are hormonally assisted to produce the dairy ingredient that is.
Title: My new life in the Republic of Georgia
Post by: msmob on October 15, 2018, 10:41:37 AM


It isn't the butter that's produced that is the problem, it is the cows that are hormonally assisted to produce the dairy ingredient that is.

 :thumbsup:
Title: My new life in the Republic of Georgia
Post by: Maxx2 on October 15, 2018, 11:18:26 AM

It isn't the butter that's produced that is the problem, it is the cows that are hormonally assisted to produce the dairy ingredient that is.


I am with Moby on this. Thumbs up to that statement.


One my list of things to get when I get to Batumi is a source for grass fed cow butter and ghee. It shouldn't be hard to find. Every time I drive to the 3 cites along the Black Sea south of Batumi I got to dodge cows walking on the road. There is always a herdsman or herdswoman there. And I've seen women leading a single milk cow. I bet they would LOVE to have an American willing to buy their butter and ghee at American prices . :D


Price comparison.

Thanks GQ for the suggestion of drinking a little lemon juice in the morning.


I have no idea the cost of lemons in America verses that of Georgia.


I remember American lemons are bigger, have much thicker skins and are less blemished on the outside.


(http://farm2.staticflickr.com/1921/31469274348_3cd427dcf1.jpg)


12 lemons. 2.88 pounds, 1.34 Kilos. $1.18 total cost for above or 41 cents a pound
Title: My new life in the Republic of Georgia
Post by: msmob on October 15, 2018, 11:26:26 AM

Thanks GQ for the suggestion of drinking a little lemon juice in the morning.


I have no idea the cost of lemons in America verses that of Georgia.


I remember American lemons are bigger, have much thicker skins and are less blemished on the outside.


(http://farm2.staticflickr.com/1921/31469274348_3cd427dcf1.jpg)


12 lemons. 2.88 pounds, 1.34 Kilos. $1.18 total cost for above or 41 cents a pound

SC makes me drink Lemon juice in the morning .... and occasionally ground gloves - she says it "kills parasites".. certainly makes me choke ...She stands over me and checks I've drunk / eaten her meds ))

Lemons are much more expensive in the UK than in the US / RU  - but are the same 'perfect' ( blemish free skins) as the US..

We grow 'em in the garden in Cyprus ... much tastier and thinner skins

Title: My new life in the Republic of Georgia
Post by: Maxx2 on October 15, 2018, 11:28:03 AM



I have no idea the cost of lemons in America verses that of Georgia.



(http://farm2.staticflickr.com/1921/31469274348_3cd427dcf1.jpg)

cost for above or 41 cents a pound


I decided to answer my own question. I googled it


This timeline depicts the retail price of lemons in the United States from 1995 to 2017. In that year, the U.S. price for one pound of lemons amounted to 1.99 U.S. dollars.


Maxx: So about a 5th of the cost.
Title: My new life in the Republic of Georgia
Post by: Maxx2 on October 15, 2018, 11:31:53 AM
SC makes me drink Lemon juice in the morning .... and occasionally ground gloves - she says it "kills parasites".. certainly makes me choke ...She stands over me and checks I've drunk / eaten her meds ))



That means she loves you. I've known Russian women who have encouraged their husband's life shortening behavior. The good ones take care of their men.
Title: My new life in the Republic of Georgia
Post by: GQBlues on October 15, 2018, 11:34:28 AM
It's more like 'lemon water' as oppose to 'juice', maxx...best if drank first thing in the morning with warm water before anything.
Title: My new life in the Republic of Georgia
Post by: 2tallbill on October 15, 2018, 11:40:29 AM
It's more like 'lemon water' as oppose to 'juice', maxx...best if drank first thing in the morning with warm water before anything.

My wife swears on warm lemon water, but she likes lime water too
Title: My new life in the Republic of Georgia
Post by: Maxx2 on October 15, 2018, 11:45:11 AM
It's more like 'lemon water' as oppose to 'juice', maxx...best if drank first thing in the morning with warm water before anything.


Yes, not juice. Fruit juice is verboten on a Keto diet. Jack Lalanne with his juicer was wrong in encouraging fruit juicing. Vegetable juicing is A-OK. With lemons it is about getting our system to be more alcholine (sp) than acidic.
Title: My new life in the Republic of Georgia
Post by: GQBlues on October 15, 2018, 11:46:50 AM

Yes, not juice. Fruit juice is verboten on a Keto diet. Jack Lalanne with his juicer was wrong in encouraging fruit juicing. Vegetable juicing is A-OK. With lemons it is about getting our system to be more alcholine (sp) than acidic.

Awesome, maxx.

Here's an additional info about it. It appears to be greatly beneficial for us 'aging' folks:

http://www.edisoninst.com/15-benefits-of-drinking-lemon-water-in-morning-empty-stomach/
Title: My new life in the Republic of Georgia
Post by: Maxx2 on October 15, 2018, 11:49:15 AM
Thanks GQ


Late here. About to go off to slumberland. Catch you guys and gals tomorrow.
Title: My new life in the Republic of Georgia
Post by: BillyB on October 15, 2018, 05:32:42 PM

For the Keto diet it would be olive oil, coconut oil, animal lard and butter. Most everything the doctors taught about avoiding fat is false. At one time not long ago avocados were to be avoided because of their high fat content. Now we know they have the good kind of fat and are very good for us. I try an eat one a day.


I remember buying potato chips fried in lard and it was my favorite. Lard got and bad name and the chips weren't made anymore. Now you're telling me doctors got lard wrong?

B Bacterial/viral diseases that used to cause numerous untimely deaths have dramatically decreased untimely fatalities worldwide, but another factoid is heart disease/stroke is still the leading cause of death globally.



Refrigeration and preservatives has helped us to live longer. Food poisoning was once one of the major reasons humans died early.

It isn't the butter that's produced that is the problem, it is the cows that are hormonally assisted to produce the dairy ingredient that is.

There are more hormones in a potato than a steak from a hormone injected cow. Every living thing we eat has hormones. I don't see warning labels on fruit and vegetables.

If American farmers use hormones to have their cows produce more milk and meat. American farmers may need 10% less cows to feed the same population as European farmers do. Even if you don't like the thought of eating a tiny bit more hormones over the hormones you're already eating, do it for the environment since hormone injected beef allows for the need of less cows. You KNOW cow farts contribute greatly to cow made Global Warming. Do your part to stop cow made Global Warming.
Title: My new life in the Republic of Georgia
Post by: msmob on October 15, 2018, 09:01:55 PM
Save your ignorance for the GW thread, BillyB;)
Title: My new life in the Republic of Georgia
Post by: Maxx2 on October 16, 2018, 01:34:22 AM
Awesome, maxx.

Here's an additional info about it. It appears to be greatly beneficial for us 'aging' folks:

http://www.edisoninst.com/15-benefits-of-drinking-lemon-water-in-morning-empty-stomach/ (http://www.edisoninst.com/15-benefits-of-drinking-lemon-water-in-morning-empty-stomach/)


Thank you again GQ


What sold me on doing this was the comments to the article. When people say how much better they felt after doing this a while and how their aches and pains came back after non use that told me a lot.


This morning I took one of those small lemons I have and squeezed it into a glass. It made about 3 tablespoons of juice. I added hot water from the hot water pot, let it cool a bit and then drank it down. I tested my blood sugar readings one hour after as fruit juices would make them rise. I took two readings as they can vary. One reading said there was no rise, the other said 12 points, which is nothing. False highs and false lows so who knows? Anyway I am all into getting healthy.


My morning blood glucose (sugar) reading was 88/90. For the past 4 days it has been at these levels, in the eighties to low nineties. This is normal non-diabetic numbers! 2 months ago when I started the Keto diet my numbers were in the 150s, 160s and 170s! And if I ate ANYTHING they would go up into the 200s and 300s! The only thing to control them would be injecting myself with insulin. The problem with using insulin is the same problem with drinking. You build a tolerance and you have to use more! Eventually your system becomes TOTALLY insulin resistant, your blood sugars rise and next thing organ failure, amputation of limbs, blindness and death!


Over at the other place there was a poster named DB Kneely. This is what happened to him. He lived in Ukraine married to a Ukrainian woman who was an
anesthesiologist. So he must have gotten the best medical care modern medicine could provide. She was a caring wife. He had cancer I understand, that is all part of being a diabetic. They are often linked together. Diabetics are much more prone to cancer than non-diabetics. What he should have done, a year prior to his death, was get onto Keto. Kicked the diabetes and eat the Keto foods that had plenty of antioxidants. He might still be with us, or at least over there.
Title: My new life in the Republic of Georgia
Post by: BdHvA on October 18, 2018, 03:06:46 PM
Over at the other place there was a poster named DB Kneely. This is what happened to him. He lived in Ukraine married to a Ukrainian woman who was an
anesthesiologist. So he must have gotten the best medical care modern medicine could provide. She was a caring wife. He had cancer I understand, that is all part of being a diabetic. They are often linked together. Diabetics are much more prone to cancer than non-diabetics. What he should have done, a year prior to his death, was get onto Keto. Kicked the diabetes and eat the Keto foods that had plenty of antioxidants. He might still be with us, or at least over there.

DB Neeley Was his name, from Texas, he posted on this forum as well, a great guy. I believe there is a tribute here as well as elsewhere. Well worth reading his posts.
Title: My new life in the Republic of Georgia
Post by: GQBlues on October 18, 2018, 04:30:50 PM
Since we were recently on the subject of diet, beef and mutant cows, especially for Americans who still love to chomp down their daily poundage of those quick and juicy killer burgers, here's NDRC's latest report card on which franchise you can go to administer your secondary cellular degradation:

http://www.nrdc.org/experts/lena-brook/most-top-burger-chains-flunk-fast-food-antibiotics-scorecard
Title: My new life in the Republic of Georgia
Post by: rwd123 on October 18, 2018, 10:58:07 PM
I don't read RT very often but here's another article that supports low/no carb diets!

http://www.rt.com/russia/441675-sex-cookies-russia-demographics/
Title: My new life in the Republic of Georgia
Post by: Maxx2 on October 18, 2018, 11:43:29 PM
DB Neeley Was his name, from Texas, he posted on this forum as well, a great guy. I believe there is a tribute here as well as elsewhere. Well worth reading his posts.


I really liked him. Funny thing is, he really disliked me. Until one of my posts. He told me he was surprised on what I wrote. That I sounded like a conservative. I told him being businessman tends to do that to you. After that we exchanged some PMs and figured out why he had this misconception that I was a liberal. He had me confused with Jinx. Jinx was a big time Left-Coast leftist Californian that liked to argue with conservatives like Mr. Neeley.


DB Neeley was formally a newspaper editor. He was brilliant writer! Up there with jb's favorite Victor D. Hanson.  I encouraged him to start a blog as his talent was being wasted posting on threads that would soon be buried under posts by us less talented and thought out posters. His last PM to me was that he wasn't feeling well enough to write. Shortly later I was saddened to hear he had died. I had no idea how bad his health was. 
Title: My new life in the Republic of Georgia
Post by: Maxx2 on October 19, 2018, 01:15:31 AM



GQ, I've been following your suggestion on drinking warm lemon water first thing in the morning. 3 days now. Too soon to tell if it is making any difference in my heath. But I think it might be like the prescribed chicken soup to cure one's ills, It might not help but it sure won't hurt. But it might be good so who knows? I love having heathy habits so I am glad to incorporate this into my daily routine. So thank you. 
Title: My new life in the Republic of Georgia
Post by: ML on October 19, 2018, 07:53:35 AM
DB Neeley was formally a newspaper editor. He was brilliant writer! Up there with jb's favorite Victor D. Hanson.  I encouraged him to start a blog as his talent was being wasted posting on threads that would soon be buried under posts by us less talented and thought out posters. His last PM to me was that he wasn't feeling well enough to write. Shortly later I was saddened to hear he had died. I had no idea how bad his health was.

Not to speak ill of the deceased, but . . .

If this is the same guy I remember, he held some very strong but erroneous ideas about some of the 'find a FSU gal' procedures.

Yes, I know he found his FSU gal, but he was far out of date when it came to newer techniques.

For instance, he never could grasp the difference between the older agency MOB model with catalogs and hand written letters, and the Internet Match Sites.

He thought that with the Internet Match Sites, there was a middle-person involved that the man had to directly interact with.
Title: My new life in the Republic of Georgia
Post by: Maxx2 on October 19, 2018, 08:34:43 AM
Not to speak ill of the deceased, but . . .

If this is the same guy I remember, he held some very strong but erroneous ideas about some of the 'find a FSU gal' procedures.

Yes, I know he found his FSU gal, but he was far out of date when it came to newer techniques.

For instance, he never could grasp the difference between the older agency MOB model with catalogs and hand written letters, and the Internet Match Sites.

He thought that with the Internet Match Sites, there was a middle-person involved that the man had to directly interact with.


Yes, he had strong opinions. If you were on his bad side, you definitely knew it. He reminded me of KenC and Doug Salem in that way. There are lots of Alpha males on these message boards.
Title: My new life in the Republic of Georgia
Post by: GQBlues on October 19, 2018, 08:42:44 AM
GQ, I've been following your suggestion on drinking warm lemon water first thing in the morning. 3 days now. Too soon to tell if it is making any difference in my heath. But I think it might be like the prescribed chicken soup to cure one's ills, It might not help but it sure won't hurt. But it might be good so who knows? I love having heathy habits so I am glad to incorporate this into my daily routine. So thank you.

I'm proud of you, maxx. That's good. Lemon water helps cleanse your liver/kidney. It isn't meant to be a 'quick fix' of anything, but rather an excellent 'staple' part of a healthy program.


Yes, he had strong opinions. If you were on his bad side, you definitely knew it. He reminded me of KenC and Doug Salem in that way. There are lots of Alpha males on these message boards.

Doug Salem (RIP). Man, what a reminder. First guy I sought for info when I first started. Nice guy, but sure was very opinionated. He said I didn't have a chance in Russia because of my ethnicity. He thought I was Asian. Which was pretty darn funny because his best buddy that was with him is Japanese, married to a Russian woman.

He advocated snail mail as the better way to make contacts. I think that was his (agency) business model/method was.

During the last year of his life, IIRC, he was on a mission on RWG (post-Spencer) and was locking horns with everyone (kinda like what msmob does on the boards).
Title: My new life in the Republic of Georgia
Post by: Maxx2 on October 19, 2018, 09:34:45 AM
Doug Salem (RIP). Man, what a reminder. First guy I sought for info when I first started. Nice guy, but sure was very opinionated. He said I didn't have a chance in Russia because of my ethnicity. He thought I was Asian. Which was pretty darn funny because his best buddy that was with him is Japanese, married to a Russian woman.

He advocated snail mail as the better way to make contacts. I think that was his (agency) business model/method was.

During the last year of his life, IIRC, he was on a mission on RWG (post-Spencer) and was locking horns with everyone (kinda like what msmob does on the boards).


Doug and I used to talk on the phone. I am sure he thought I was an idiot also but there was one thing he liked about me. He told me that I had the good sense to bail out of my marriage to my Russian wife. He believed most of these marriages were miserable but the guys didn't have the guts to bail. 


I don't remember him saying anything about you. He did have words for Smooth Operator. He said he was Korean and worked at the Pebble Beach Gulf Course as a caddie. He said him being Asian he could never be anything more than a 6 or 7 in the desirability scale to a RW. I spoke S.O. once. I seen his photo. When he was catching hell over there I defended him. There was some controversy about what he looked like. I said I seen his photo and that he looked younger than his age (about 40) and was a nice looking man. KenC said we get a room. I never mentioned his race. I don't think that should be a factor in anything.


Some of Doug's posts made me laugh. He would be writing a post with all is well in the world message. Then suddenly in mid paragraph he'd start telling someone off, getting angrier and angrier. Even though we got along well, there were a few times he got upset with me and hung up the phone on me.


He hated our friend Larry. Him and Olga had set him up with Irina but then they changed their mind that it was a good match. They wanted Larry to dump her. Larry wouldn't. Doug declared war on Larry after that with his "Denial An't Just a River in Egypt" thread. Since Larry didn't fight back, because he didn't know how, that made Doug even more angry. It's been over 10 years since his passing.   



Title: My new life in the Republic of Georgia
Post by: GQBlues on October 19, 2018, 09:51:18 AM
I remember that 'board fight' between him and Larry. Only like you said, it was one-sided. More of Doug berating Larry. Again, like Moby/Trenchcoat.

S.O. is a good guy. Doug is right about his ethnicity and profession. He had spent 3-4 weekends with us few years back, played golf a couple of times and still have a picture of us together. Smart guy. He actually speaks nearly fluent Russian with almost no hint of accent I would have you know. He's enjoying his single life and goes to Ukraine once or twice every year. Last time I heard from him was when he called me to ask which Sta Monica GC hole did Harrison Ford crashed his plane on... 
Title: My new life in the Republic of Georgia
Post by: Maxx2 on October 19, 2018, 10:44:36 AM
I liked Smooth Operator but he was rather reviled by many others at the other place. His M.E.E. theory of Maximum Economic Exploitation and his proposed application of it used to irritate people. He was a character for sure.
Title: My new life in the Republic of Georgia
Post by: msmob on October 19, 2018, 11:53:25 AM
Again, like Moby/Trenchcoat.





I wasn't aware that pointing out serial howlers was 'berating' ... more of a public service ..
Title: My new life in the Republic of Georgia
Post by: ML on October 19, 2018, 01:10:08 PM

He hated our friend Larry. Him and Olga had set him up with Irina but then they changed their mind that it was a good match. They wanted Larry to dump her. Larry wouldn't. Doug declared war on Larry after that with his "Denial An't Just a River in Egypt" thread. Since Larry didn't fight back, because he didn't know how, that made Doug even more angry. It's been over 10 years since his passing.

Anyone have an update on Olga.  She was pretty good looking, and an actress back in Ukraine as I recall.
Title: My new life in the Republic of Georgia
Post by: Maxx2 on October 19, 2018, 02:08:51 PM
Anyone have an update on Olga.  She was pretty good looking, and an actress back in Ukraine as I recall.


Last I heard, and this was right after Doug's passing, that she went back. There was another Olga you might be thinking of. She was an actress, in Russia, and is very good looking. She is Olga H married Robert H and they are living in Florida. She is Facebook friend of mine. 

Title: My new life in the Republic of Georgia
Post by: GQBlues on October 19, 2018, 02:20:27 PM
I met Olga Salem...I didn't know she was an actress...

The "Olga' that was fairly well known was the poster gal for abuse who was victimized by her old, abusive, fat hubby. Even had a beautiful child with him. She actually came to RWG to post one day when topic about her came out. She shared details of her experiences to everyone. I remember Helen didn't believe who she was at first, but when she finally did, gave her the ol' Helen's wrath for being 'stupid' to marry a man like him.

Helen just seemed to be very cynical of most things anyway. B/B used to say she is what she is because she really only wanted Alaska back.
Title: My new life in the Republic of Georgia
Post by: Maxx2 on October 19, 2018, 04:23:06 PM
I met Olga Salem...I didn't know she was an actress...

The "Olga' that was fairly well known was the poster gal for abuse who was victimized by her old, abusive, fat hubby. Even had a beautiful child with him. She actually came to RWG to post one day when topic about her came out. She shared details of her experiences to everyone. I remember Helen didn't believe who she was at first, but when she finally did, gave her the ol' Helen's wrath for being 'stupid' to marry a man like him.

Helen just seemed to be very cynical of most things anyway. B/B used to say she is what she is because she really only wanted Alaska back.


She wasn't an actress. Just a really shy introverted Russian woman. The Olga I mentioned, Olga Hamilton, used to post here. She was an actress and is a very talented photographer. Doug's Olga I don't think was an actress. Perhaps we/I are getting our Olgas confused? 
Title: My new life in the Republic of Georgia
Post by: Maxx2 on October 19, 2018, 04:30:59 PM


What amazed me was how this felon child molester ex-con in his mid fifties could get his 18 year old fiancee past the embassy interview and the INS? The guy was a total sociopath.
Title: My new life in the Republic of Georgia
Post by: Maxx2 on November 02, 2018, 07:40:19 AM




(http://farm5.staticflickr.com/4857/44955993074_692e05d3a7.jpg)
A car parked on the sidewalk along Gurmashvili Street, a main Tbilisi street


(http://farm5.staticflickr.com/4862/31808453138_91c24dd1e9.jpg)
Another car with a flat tire probably parked there for months


(http://farm5.staticflickr.com/4856/44766508775_6f28a0c369.jpg)
I said to my former interrupter, “This must have been here for months. Look at all the dust on it!”


(http://farm5.staticflickr.com/4907/44955993164_0b092d2cd9.jpg)
Then he pointed to the compact across the street with the flat tires and said, “That one has been there three years.”


(http://farm5.staticflickr.com/4809/31808450868_134c1726c6.jpg)
This one looks like it has really been there for years!


(http://farm2.staticflickr.com/1946/31808452118_593eba09f1.jpg)
Half a block down the street is Batumi's main street.




(http://farm5.staticflickr.com/4895/44955992784_853b6fb6e2.jpg)
The owner of this one decided to tarped it up and pay the $3.67 parking ticket later. Or maybe he plans not too?


Somebody asked me how much hassle the government gives during business safety inspections? I thought of these cars. My bet, not much. Georgia is a really, really laid back kind of place.
Title: My new life in the Republic of Georgia
Post by: krimster2 on November 02, 2018, 08:02:49 AM
do people there park their cars overnight on the street?

when I lived in Sevastopol, NO ONE did that
at a very minimum tires and battery would be gone next morning

old Soviet apartments didn't include garages or parking lots for some reason
so everyone who now owns a car
also has to own or rent a garage
garages are controlled by a "garage mafia"

I liked the "Don" of my garage mafia
I know, everyone ALWAYS says their particular Garage Mafia Don is the best, don't they? (sigh)


Title: My new life in the Republic of Georgia
Post by: Maxx2 on November 02, 2018, 08:50:02 AM
do people there park their cars overnight on the street?

when I lived in Sevastopol, NO ONE did that
at a very minimum tires and battery would be gone next morning


Very little thieving here. Most cars do not have cars alarms and people leave things of value in them. Motorcycles and motor scooters are left out over night parked on the sidewalks or in back alleys. My workout trainer leaves his motorcycle parked out over night outside his gym. I see pots of fancy plants sitting outside of businesses that anyone could pick up and take. I mentioned the possibility of a Georgian mafia to two Georgians I know. They both laughed that I would think that there could be such a possibility. Georgia used be very corrupt until Saakachvili laid down the law, fired all the traffic police, made arrests and imprisonments of corrupt officials and gave those with criminal histories 30 days to leave the country or go to prison. Now it feels very safe to walk the streets at night. I've read comments from Western women who have spent time here say they feel safer in Georgia than they do back home. 
Title: My new life in the Republic of Georgia
Post by: krimster2 on November 02, 2018, 08:58:43 AM
that's totally amazing to me
two such different societies
Georgia and Russia/Ukraine

mafia is a nuanced term
doesn't really mean the "New York Goodfellas" kind
although it can

it can also mean, a shadowy group that controls a particular resource within a particular territory
like garages
ultimately, there will be a connection to real Goodfellas
it's called "Krisha"

this means Georgia businesses don't have Krishas either
wow!


Title: My new life in the Republic of Georgia
Post by: Maxx2 on November 02, 2018, 09:33:40 AM

this means Georgia businesses don't have Krishas either
wow!


I am in the planning stage of starting a business here. I'll let you know what I find out.
Title: My new life in the Republic of Georgia
Post by: Maxx2 on November 03, 2018, 04:49:24 AM
that's totally amazing to me
two such different societies
Georgia and Russia/Ukraine


(http://farm2.staticflickr.com/1966/44781113605_46ffc9cef4.jpg)


The grey door on the left is my door. One Russian woman Airbnb guest said in a review of my apartment, "It looked frightening on the outside! But is was very, very nice on the inside!" I agree. This morning I went into the hallway and noticed I had left the door open. It was noticeably open all night. Nobody came in and took my things. People of course lock their doors here but I don't notice any special precautions taken other than the tradition bars on the lower stories windows. Just an old holdover from the Soviet times.
Title: My new life in the Republic of Georgia
Post by: mendeleyev on November 04, 2018, 12:35:28 AM

топленые (baked) растительные (vegetable) масла (oil). But you can't always rely on a literal translation because it seems more like Ghee (Ghi) as was mentioned a few pages back.

Maxx, I do recognize a couple of bottles in the photo with the lady seller. Georgians produce an amazing assortment of sauces from plums. From dark to medium to light and each has its own degree of "heat" to mild flavour. Used mostly for meats.

Title: My new life in the Republic of Georgia
Post by: BillyB on November 04, 2018, 10:19:01 AM
"It looked frightening on the outside! But is was very, very nice on the inside!" I agree.


Seems to be the theme of most apartments in the FSU. Run down on the outside and cozy on the inside. Many times walking down a hallway or a flight a stairs to my apartment, lightbulbs are all burned out, and there's the smell of piss is in the air but the inside of the apartment is well taken care of. People take care of their homes well but outside their front door, nobody will change a lightbulb or mop up the blood someone dripped on the stairs.

I'd give the outside of the apartment a paint job. You may even start a trend which would improve things around there.
Title: My new life in the Republic of Georgia
Post by: ML on November 04, 2018, 12:20:02 PM
I'd give the outside of the apartment a paint job. You may even start a trend which would improve things around there.

This is true.

I talked one of wife's relatives into painting the entire 4 story stairwell and steps of his apartment building.  They were on 4th and final floor.  He and other relatives thought it would be a waste of money and voiced the standard FSU refrain that it wasn't their responsibility.

However, within the next year all of the other owners had replaced or painted their entrance doors, put out new mats, generally spiffied up the common areas and established a schedule for who would sweep and wash the steps.
Title: My new life in the Republic of Georgia
Post by: msmob on November 04, 2018, 01:38:30 PM
Seems to be the theme of most apartments in the FSU.

BillyB

They have built new apartments since you last visited the FSU ... not everyone lives in Stalin / Khrushchev era blocks

Ours in Sochi has a garden. benches, marble floors in the foyer and the stairs - is neatly decorated and is cleaned every day ..and no adverts in the pristine lift ( elevator)

They have a minimum of 2 Cat 5e network points to each apartment

I've seen some of Maxx's rentals in the off -peak and they were stunning locations and wonderful





Title: My new life in the Republic of Georgia
Post by: Maxx2 on November 05, 2018, 01:20:44 AM
This is true.

I talked one of wife's relatives into painting the entire 4 story stairwell and steps of his apartment building.  They were on 4th and final floor.  He and other relatives thought it would be a waste of money and voiced the standard FSU refrain that it wasn't their responsibility.

However, within the next year all of the other owners had replaced or painted their entrance doors, put out new mats, generally spiffied up the common areas and established a schedule for who would sweep and wash the steps.


That is truly an inspirational story you told. Thank you for telling it!
Title: My new life in the Republic of Georgia
Post by: Maxx2 on November 06, 2018, 01:20:43 AM



(http://farm2.staticflickr.com/1976/45020793164_cced4a41a1.jpg)


I took this yesterday. Besides the potholes note the leaves on the grapevines haven't changed color yet. Autumn come late and spring early in the Republic of Georgia. In 9 days I will be living in beautiful subtropical Butumi.
Title: My new life in the Republic of Georgia
Post by: BillyB on November 06, 2018, 07:03:34 AM
BillyB

They have built new apartments since you last visited the FSU ... not everyone lives in Stalin / Khrushchev era blocks

Do the new apartments have special lightbulbs in the stairwells that never burn out and thus never need replacing? BTW, I own a couple of new, never occupied apartments in brand new buildings.


I took this yesterday. Besides the potholes note the leaves on the grapevines haven't changed color yet. Autumn come late and spring early in the Republic of Georgia. In 9 days I will be living in beautiful subtropical Butumi.

If you have potholes you want filled to improve areas surrounding your property, use cold patch otherwise the potholes will get bigger. It's a do it yourself fix and it's easy to shovel and level out while cold. You may be able to get it from your local asphalt plant or in a hardware store.

http://www.coldasphalt.com/
Title: My new life in the Republic of Georgia
Post by: msmob on November 06, 2018, 09:15:25 AM
Do the new apartments have special lightbulbs in the stairwells that never burn out and thus never need replacing? BTW, I own a couple of new, never occupied apartments in brand new buildings.

If that is the case then why did you post daft, before?

If one uses good quality long life low energy bulbs, no problem with longevity

Perhaps you bought blind  in an area subject to power surges?

Title: My new life in the Republic of Georgia
Post by: GQBlues on November 06, 2018, 09:30:59 AM
...
If you have potholes you want filled to improve areas surrounding your property, use cold patch otherwise the potholes will get bigger. It's a do it yourself fix and it's easy to shovel and level out while cold. You may be able to get it from your local asphalt plant or in a hardware store.

BillyB-

I seriously doubt they'd have this in Georgia. The country not the state anyway...Fast fix though. Maxx should be neighborly and get less than a ton of AC, clean the surface, apply tack, then shovel in the AC. Tamp a bit then apply a nice coat of seal coat. His neighbors would love him for it.
Title: My new life in the Republic of Georgia
Post by: krimster2 on November 06, 2018, 10:16:34 AM
maxx

zaboot fixing stuff

if you can find a pre-85 UAZ 469 grab it and put the biggest tires on it that will fit, or have custom made rims!
and upgrade the suspension
Russian cars designed for Russia understand what means "road"
no pothole or even bomb crater will ever be more than a little bump!
plus it looks bad ass to be tearing around in this, keep it stock of course
Title: My new life in the Republic of Georgia
Post by: Maxx2 on November 06, 2018, 04:44:17 PM
BillyB-

I seriously doubt they'd have this in Georgia. The country not the state anyway...Fast fix though. Maxx should be neighborly and get less than a ton of AC, clean the surface, apply tack, then shovel in the AC. Tamp a bit then apply a nice coat of seal coat. His neighbors would love him for it.


Actually I have giving it some consideration in fixing the potholes. I enjoy being seen as "A strange American!" and bring community responsible is certainty strange. But I'll be out of here in a week and might not be back.
Title: My new life in the Republic of Georgia
Post by: BillyB on November 06, 2018, 05:10:14 PM
His neighbors would love him for it.

Luv him long time?(pun intended)

BillyB-

I seriously doubt they'd have this in Georgia. The country not the state anyway...Fast fix though. Maxx should be neighborly and get less than a ton of AC, clean the surface, apply tack, then shovel in the AC. Tamp a bit then apply a nice coat of seal coat.

I hate to recommend hot mix to people who's never done it. If not used fast enough, Maxx may have a 1000 lb rock stuck in the bed of his truck. I've used hot and cold mix after working in the streets. If Maxx decided to go for hot mix, I can give him pointers on how to keep it hot, keep it from sticking to the delivery vehicle, and an easy way to heat the tack.

If one uses good quality long life low energy bulbs, no problem with longevity


Fluorescent and LED last a long time. It's the other components that's used with those lighting sources that are designed to fail early to keep consumers buying over and over again.
Title: My new life in the Republic of Georgia
Post by: GQBlues on November 06, 2018, 05:25:03 PM
...I hate to recommend hot mix to people who's never done it. If not used fast enough, Maxx may have a 1000 lb rock stuck in the bed of his truck. I've used hot and cold mix after working in the streets. If Maxx decided to go for hot mix, I can give him pointers on how to keep it hot, keep it from sticking to the delivery vehicle, and an easy way to heat the tack.

Nah, cold mix will do, BillyB. Pot holes. Looking at the picture, I can rough out about 50 SF +/- @ 3" thk. = .93 ton. Short load. Bucket of tar and a mop. You can torch it at every 3-4" as you shovel the AC down and tamp. Then seal...

2 hours, tops... :P
Title: My new life in the Republic of Georgia
Post by: Maxx2 on November 06, 2018, 05:58:57 PM
Nah, cold mix will do, BillyB. Pot holes. Looking at the picture, I can rough out about 50 SF +/- @ 3" thk. = .93 ton. Short load. Bucket of tar and a mop. You can torch it at every 3-4" as you shovel the AC down and tamp. Then seal...

2 hours, tops... :P


I think I need to buy you guys side-by-side seats on an airliner bound for Georgia.  :P


5 AM here and I am up and wondering how the election is going? It doesn't look good on the DRUDGE report.
Title: My new life in the Republic of Georgia
Post by: mendeleyev on November 06, 2018, 06:10:25 PM
Don't think that potholes will be a big problem in Batumi. Roads in Georgia are far better than in Ukraine, and in rural areas of Russia.


Nice housing in Batumi.


(http://i64.tinypic.com/noa6ap.jpg)
Title: My new life in the Republic of Georgia
Post by: mendeleyev on November 06, 2018, 06:11:42 PM
(http://i67.tinypic.com/fyzix5.jpg)
Title: My new life in the Republic of Georgia
Post by: Maxx2 on November 06, 2018, 07:40:45 PM

(http://i67.tinypic.com/fyzix5.jpg)




This place is called the Colosseum. Out front is two green bronze statues of Rome's Romulus and Remus. The next building to the right of these buildings is where I will be staying at for the next six months. It is the modern ORBI Residence building known for it's curvy sides. I'll be on the 15th floor with an apartment nearest the Sea. Beautiful views! I'll be leaving for there in 8 days.


Actually the other photo mendeleyev posted is where I will be living next to. The Colosseum is the next building to the left of that one.
Title: My new life in the Republic of Georgia
Post by: krimster2 on November 06, 2018, 07:47:37 PM
Maxx

what is the AC power situation there, are there any blackouts? if so beware elevators
Title: My new life in the Republic of Georgia
Post by: Maxx2 on November 06, 2018, 07:51:48 PM
Maxx

what is the AC power situation there, are there any blackouts? if so beware elevators


Yes, they happen about once every few months. Usually the power is back on within a few hours. The building I will be living at (I have lived there before) has emergency generators for the elevators and hallway lights.
Title: My new life in the Republic of Georgia
Post by: BillyB on November 06, 2018, 08:08:14 PM
5 AM here and I am up and wondering how the election is going? It doesn't look good on the DRUDGE report.

Right now just after 7PM Pacific time, Republicans are highly favored to maintain majority in the Senate. Democrats are likely to take the House. If Republicans keep the Senate and Democrats take the House, it won't be considered a blue wave, but a ripple. Still a long way to go before the final tally.
Title: My new life in the Republic of Georgia
Post by: Maxx2 on November 06, 2018, 08:12:55 PM
Don't think that potholes will be a big problem in Batumi. Roads in Georgia are far better than in Ukraine, and in rural areas of Russia.



I got some stories to tell you about that! (With photos!)


Title: My new life in the Republic of Georgia
Post by: Maxx2 on November 06, 2018, 08:14:57 PM
Right now just after 7PM Pacific time, Republicans are highly favored to maintain majority in the Senate. Democrats are likely to take the House. If Republicans keep the Senate and Democrats take the House, it won't be considered a blue wave, but a ripple. Still a long way to go before the final tally.


Thank you Billy but really surprises me is that there is a 12 hour time difference! 7:14 AM here and the sun is rising behind the mountains.
Title: My new life in the Republic of Georgia
Post by: Maxx2 on November 06, 2018, 10:59:52 PM
A 15 minute drive from where I live in Batumi.


The mountains in the back are in Turkey. Around the first mountain is Sarpi, Georgia where the border is. Because of the currents and where the rivers feed in, the water of the Black Sea is the clearest there. I plan on ordering some snorkel diving gear and have some fun this coming summer.


(http://farm5.staticflickr.com/4910/44846955535_dd741493f4.jpg)


11 weeks and 4 days on my Ketogenic diet. I am losing all sorts of weight and I have energy I haven't had since the 90s. It is amazing what a diet that consists of what we are supposed to eat, does for you!
Title: My new life in the Republic of Georgia
Post by: Maxx2 on November 29, 2018, 10:55:52 PM

11 weeks and 4 days on my Ketogenic diet. I am losing all sorts of weight and I have energy I haven't had since the 90s. It is amazing what a diet that consists of what we are supposed to eat, does for you!




14 weeks and 6 days on my Ketogenic diet.


Today marks 3 years since I first arrived to Georgia. I got to Georgia after visiting my cousins in New Jersey. I got to celibate Thanksgiving with them.

(http://farm5.staticflickr.com/4915/45200593015_c3284e312a.jpg)

Thanksgiving 2015

(http://farm5.staticflickr.com/4842/45200592145_b4d3873d8f.jpg)


(http://farm5.staticflickr.com/4828/45388065864_dc18c01ffa.jpg)


I had made some Georgian contacts before I left. Kingcally is basically a ravioli with no marinara sauce. 
Title: My new life in the Republic of Georgia
Post by: msmob on November 29, 2018, 11:49:01 PM
Dear Maxx

I love the photos and am sorry that the road trip didn't happen before the heavy snows in the Caucus Mountains set in ((

SC is flying from Russia to Cyprus as I write this and we WILL meet up, soon

Keep up the good work with the diet
Title: My new life in the Republic of Georgia
Post by: rwd123 on November 29, 2018, 11:51:26 PM
Maxx - eating well is a life changer. Good to hear it doing wonders for you.
Title: My new life in the Republic of Georgia
Post by: Maxx2 on November 30, 2018, 12:37:29 AM



Quote
Some of these castles and monasteries here have got a lot of high tricky steps. There is a fortress here called Anuria (?). For an invader breaching the walls would be only a first step in defeating it. 


(http://farm5.staticflickr.com/4909/32241675358_9670f6308c.jpg)


(http://farm5.staticflickr.com/4853/45201566535_9b2290ce78.jpg)


(http://farm5.staticflickr.com/4864/45389067434_eb662ff9cc.jpg)


(http://farm5.staticflickr.com/4889/45389068604_7c79e157b9.jpg)











Title: My new life in the Republic of Georgia
Post by: Maxx2 on November 30, 2018, 12:37:57 AM
Maxx - eating well is a life changer. Good to hear it doing wonders for you.


Thanks RWD!
Title: My new life in the Republic of Georgia
Post by: Maxx2 on November 30, 2018, 12:55:02 AM
I erased part of my reply to Moby. I meant Moby to say that your delay is probably for the best. I need time to get into shape to tour these places!
Title: My new life in the Republic of Georgia
Post by: Maxx2 on November 30, 2018, 01:06:17 AM



On the back road to Borjomi


(http://farm5.staticflickr.com/4877/31173847057_d9fc65dfd8.jpg)


(http://farm5.staticflickr.com/4859/45201675395_5bb114d634.jpg)


(http://farm5.staticflickr.com/4902/44296620790_f860757df8.jpg)


(http://farm5.staticflickr.com/4850/32241761088_17436aaf43.jpg)


(http://farm5.staticflickr.com/4838/44296622740_da9462462e.jpg)


(http://farm5.staticflickr.com/4846/31173861877_c32caee9a0.jpg)
Title: My new life in the Republic of Georgia
Post by: Maxx2 on December 04, 2018, 04:57:27 AM



Since part of this thread is about health I thought I should pass on some info I recently heard from an American doctor.


The majority of Americans are predisposed towards Type II diabetes, at least half. 10% of the population has type II diabetes already. But it is said that another 40 to 80% are heading in that direction. You can wake up in the morning with good blood glucose readings yet not have optimum health in your insulin reaction to carbohydrates.


One sign you might look for that all is not right is the lack of hair growth on top of your feet and toes. Those little hairs that grow furthest from the heart. Your lack of good blood circulation is first noticed in your feet and legs.


Meet Christine, a close family friend of my nieces. She was like a sister to them. She was a type II diabetic. One day she was shaving her legs and cut herself. She was washed the cut with some soap and water and didn't think much more about it. It got infected and would not heal. The amputation of her right leg didn't happen soon enough. The gangrene spread and killed her.


(http://farm5.staticflickr.com/4866/31235050847_3e6fa8ced8.jpg)


Sorry about grossing you out. Christine had followed her doctor's orders and kept her blood glucose levels with in range by doing daily insulin injections. Yet insulin injections do not treat the underlying cause, insulin resistance of the cells. Insulin in fact promotes weight gain as a hormone that stores glucose into the fat cells. You cannot lose weight and get healthy by using extra doses of insulin to force the cells to take in the sugar (glucose). It becomes a vicious cycle. Only a low carb diet will work and then getting off of injected insulin.
Title: My new life in the Republic of Georgia
Post by: GQBlues on December 04, 2018, 06:40:35 AM
That’s a bit disturbing maxx  :-X

Anyway how’s you health coming along man?
Title: My new life in the Republic of Georgia
Post by: Maxx2 on December 04, 2018, 07:48:10 AM
That’s a bit disturbing maxx  :-X

Anyway how’s you health coming along man?


I had a party at my place a week ago Tuesday. I ate some of my cooking and fell off my ketosis. I wake up every morning now at 100-105. I was in the 70s and 80s. So I am working to get back to those numbers.


Frankly I haven't been feeling well. I have a cold and have been dragging myself around.
Title: My new life in the Republic of Georgia
Post by: rwd123 on December 04, 2018, 02:57:01 PM
Funny you mention that. I don't understand diets with "cheat days", you only cheat yourself.

I've found that since going keto I normally only get hit with a cold when I travel (less rest and not my normal diet), and when I do get a cold it impacts me less. Exercise has probably helped too.
Title: My new life in the Republic of Georgia
Post by: Maxx2 on December 04, 2018, 11:29:28 PM
Funny you mention that. I don't understand diets with "cheat days", you only cheat yourself.

I've found that since going keto I normally only get hit with a cold when I travel (less rest and not my normal diet), and when I do get a cold it impacts me less. Exercise has probably helped too.


"Cheat days" on Keto is to go a little more on Keto friendly food than you normally do.


It is 10:24 AM as I write this. I woke at 10:00 with a 102, the same exact reading I had yesterday. To get back into the 70s, 80s or 90s (fat burning mode) I am water fasting until I burn up the glucose in my blood and glycogen stores in my liver. That way I get back into ketosis. I feel so much better with greater energy then. 
Title: My new life in the Republic of Georgia
Post by: GQBlues on December 05, 2018, 04:51:54 AM
Mr maxx-

Dunno what the Keto diet consists off or about but to me it’s the ‘going’ into some confined regimen or program, then maintaining it is at times worst than anything. That’s why all these ‘Diet programs’ are more trendy than anything.

You know what you need to do or eat with your condition, forget the idea of it being restrictive but rather it being productive.
Title: My new life in the Republic of Georgia
Post by: Maxx2 on December 05, 2018, 08:08:22 AM
Productive for me is keeping my blood sugars low. And that is what Keto does. It also helps in losing weight. With it I have more energy.


Eating a Keto diet is easy. And it is not difficult to do. A lot of tasty food to eat! What is not so easy is getting back into ketosis (fat burning) once you left it. The fastest way back in is fasting without calories for 24-36 hours. Another way is to eat a low carb (20 grams or less a day) for 2 days to a week.


I have to be restrictive on certain foods, sugar, grains, potatoes, rice, most fruits (high in fructose) and vegetable oils. I can eat fried chicken fried in animal lard. A hamburger patty with melted cheese on top. I can eat salmon with tartar sauce (mayonnaise/dill pickles) and spinach, broccoli, brussels sprouts, asparagus etc soaked in butter and with sour creme. This has no effect on my blood sugar levels. Avocados are super heathy also. So is mayo made from olive oil. Best oil, coconut oil with olive oil coming up second. There is even bread made with coconut flour and/or almond flour which I have in stock. Yesterday I had a Greek salad from the corner restaurant with lettuce, cheese, black and green olives. I eat pretty good! 
Title: My new life in the Republic of Georgia
Post by: GQBlues on December 05, 2018, 10:52:41 AM
To borrow a phrase from the Wolfgang, applicable in more ways than one...

Quote
Eat to live, not live to eat
Title: My new life in the Republic of Georgia
Post by: Maxx2 on December 30, 2018, 11:23:57 AM



(http://farm5.staticflickr.com/4812/46529937501_7e4ef79517.jpg)
Title: My new life in the Republic of Georgia
Post by: SANDRO43 on December 30, 2018, 05:44:57 PM
To borrow a phrase from the Wolfgang, applicable in more ways than one...Eat to live, not live to eat.
That is what a British fellow student said in 1961 when a Portuguese and myself were complaining about the horrid food dished to us in London then, to which we replied: "You don't know what you're missing. If you can make a joy out of a life necessity, so much the better!" ;D. 

10 years later, a totally different picture. The Brits had discovered holydaying in Spain at very convenient prices, and tasted decent food there. London became full of European restaurants :D.
Title: My new life in the Republic of Georgia
Post by: msmob on December 30, 2018, 10:22:38 PM
That is what a British fellow student said in 1961 when a Portuguese and myself were complaining about the horrid food dished to us in London then, to which we replied: "You don't know what you're missing. If you can make a joy out of a life necessity, so much the better!" ;D. 

10 years later, a totally different picture. The Brits had discovered holydaying in Spain at very convenient prices, and tasted decent food there. London became full of European restaurants :D.

Sandro,

In the late 70's I studied a new tertiary level course in Hotel management / Tourism - degrees in same were a novelty and my Dad had nudged my in that direction as I wasn't astrally numerate enough to get an A at advanced level in Maths / physics to be come a Doctor of medicine...     He saw that people had more disposable income and that leisure and travel would become more important - along with other service industries.



Many italians had settled in the UK and Italian restaurants were seen as the posh place to eat !

So, I think you have a point ;)

Trouble is this disposable income also gets spent on fast food and sweets, ( candies) too ((

Let's hope Georgian ( local ) cuisine doesn't lose it's popularity with the younger generation - in favour of Big Mac culture






 
Title: My new life in the Republic of Georgia
Post by: Maxx2 on December 31, 2018, 01:42:07 AM

Trouble is this disposable income also gets spent on fast food and sweets, ( candies) too ((

Let's hope Georgian ( local ) cuisine doesn't lose it's popularity with the younger generation - in favour of Big Mac culture


Young Georgians disposable income is little to nothing. In the resort city of Batumi the money to made from restaurant and fast food comes from tourists. And that season starts at May and goes through September/October.   
Title: My new life in the Republic of Georgia
Post by: SANDRO43 on December 31, 2018, 05:42:29 AM
Trouble is this disposable income also gets spent on fast food and sweets, ( candies) too ((
One thing that struck me as peculiar in London then was the number of candy shops, as many as our coffee bars ::).
Title: My new life in the Republic of Georgia
Post by: msmob on December 31, 2018, 05:55:06 AM
One thing that struck me as peculiar in London then was the number of candy shops, as many as our coffee bars ::).

Sadly, true and I notice  Sweets ( candies) and 'chocolate' bars are often cheapest in the UK
Title: My new life in the Republic of Georgia
Post by: mendeleyev on January 15, 2019, 07:00:18 AM
Maxx, always a pleasure to read and see your photos.


We haven't come to a complete decision yet, but we may buy an apartment in Batumi in the next 8 to 15 months. Lots of positive discussion about it.
Title: My new life in the Republic of Georgia
Post by: Maxx2 on January 15, 2019, 09:02:16 AM
I'll be real glad to meet you and the Misses! Maybe we can have a get together with my Georgian and Russian friends?
Title: My new life in the Republic of Georgia
Post by: mendeleyev on January 15, 2019, 10:48:45 AM
Cool, I'm not sure yet of the exact time line.

Title: My new life in the Republic of Georgia
Post by: Cameraguy on January 19, 2019, 06:43:38 PM
Hey my old buddy Maxx!


Killer thread, what an adventure. I stayed up half the night reading it.


Can't believe you packed it all up and moved to Georgia, where you didn't even know the culture or speak the language. I'm guessing you're a lot more fluent now. I remember after getting on a plane home after spending just a few months in Russia, I was never so happy to hear native English in my life. And these days, I couldn't even live somewhere that doesn't have a Costco and Trader Joe's!


Definitely takes balls to do what you're doing. Fortunately, your 6'4" Sicilian looks probably help in not getting messed with too much, but I'm sure there are plenty of day-to-day challenges and some occasional loneliness. Anything on the horizon with your love life?


Best of luck and keep us updated!


~CG

Title: My new life in the Republic of Georgia
Post by: Maxx2 on February 05, 2019, 07:31:50 AM
Hey my old buddy Maxx!


Definitely takes balls to do what you're doing. Fortunately, your 6'4" Sicilian looks probably help in not getting messed with too much, but I'm sure there are plenty of day-to-day challenges and some occasional loneliness. Anything on the horizon with your love life?


Best of luck and keep us updated!


~CG



Thanks CG! It was great to hear from you again as well!


When I got Georgia 3 years and 3 months ago my biggest challenge was my weight. My doctors in the US said it was a certainty that my health would take a hard turn for the worse and I would have a short life. Having type II diabetes guaranteed it. So I did some online research on what country to move to, to have a less stressful life, and where I could work on my health (losing weight).


I visited am endocrinologist in Tbilisi. She told me something my American doctors didn't. She said that being a diabetic I couldn't lose weight. That didn't make any sense as my American doctors told me I should lose weight. NOBODY though told me how to do it.


(http://farm5.staticflickr.com/4885/46980670511_1814974607.jpg)


(I don't know what happened to the top of my head in the photo!)


So I decided to do what I did before to lose weight. I joined a gym and ate a cleaner diet.


(http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7919/46080325705_47fbc8934a.jpg)


I hired Dato, the guy on the right, to be my personal trainer. After a month of working out and building up my endurance on the treadmill I lost almost nothing. The second month it didn't look too promising either.


What I found out is the doctor in Tbilisi was correct. Diabetics do not lose weight because they have insulin in their bodies almost at all times. Insulin a natural hormone, blocks fat burning. If you inject insulin, as I had been doing to lower my blood sugar, you actually gain weight. So it makes matters worse.


In my online research I heard a doctor say, "You don't lose weight to get healthy. You need to get healthy to lose weight". In other words to lose weight you need to kick the diabetes, to make it go away. Neither the doctors here in Georgia or in the US say that is possible.


I went on to a low carb, medium protein, high fat diet, or a Ketogenic diet. My diabetes went away almost right away. My weight is steadily dropping. So far I've lost 149 pounds, nine pounds of that in the last 2 weeks.


Women? I'll wait until I reach my goal weight of 220 pounds (100 kilos) before I put myself out there. I'm a one-thing at a time type of guy.


 
Title: My new life in the Republic of Georgia
Post by: Cameraguy on February 05, 2019, 12:36:54 PM
Damn Maxx, is that really you on the billboard? Looks like the last face you'll ever see right before you get whacked. :) Hard to believe it's been 3 years and 3 months. Seems like you've become a local celebrity.


I have a friend who owns the Frito Lay concession on the Strip. I used to help him haul hundreds of boxes of Fritos, Cheetos, Doritos and every kind of crap you could imagine to hotel casino gift shops. When bags were damaged or out-of-date, guess what he ate, all day, every day? And what a surprise, he was also a Type II diabetic, with a blood sugar in the 400s.


I got him to watch a couple of documentaries, "Fat, Sick and Nearly Dead" and "Simply Raw: Reversing Diabetes in 30 Days." He followed the advice and after a couple months, his blood sugar dropped from the 400s to <100. He also went off insulin and hundreds of $$$/month in diabetes medications. Isn't it amazing that American doctors or even the American Diabetes Association *still* don't know about weight loss or how crucial diet is? All the "experts" who say diabetes can't be cured are just flat wrong.


The problem is, during medical school, would-be physicians are totally "indoctorinated" by Big Pharma. There's not much money to be made pushing raw veggies or the Keto diet. Which is why we're the only country in the world that allows those ridiculous, interminable Big Pharma commercials that spend half their time telling you all the ways it's gonna kill you. I'm not on a single medication and proud of it.


The one area where you differ from the (now dated) documentaries is your avoidance of *all* fruit juices and I think you're absolutely right. Fructose is not your friend. Keto is the way to go and your results speak for themselves. Not sure if you've looked into HIIT (high intensity interval training) but based on studies I've read, this mode of exercise also seems quite promising.


Thanks for the update!


~CG


P.S. On an entirely different note, I'd still like to hear your thoughts on Georgian women who remain virgins until marriage. Is it really common? When I hear guys talk about "traditional" FSUW (claptrap promulgated by the agencies), THIS is what comes to mind.  ;) 


Title: My new life in the Republic of Georgia
Post by: Gator on February 05, 2019, 03:15:30 PM

I went on to a low carb, medium protein, high fat diet, or a Ketogenic diet. My diabetes went away almost right away. My weight is steadily dropping. So far I've lost 149 pounds, nine pounds of that in the last 2 weeks.


 :applause: :applause: :applause: :clapping: :clapping: :clapping:


And keep it off! 

Is it easy in Georgia to find restaurant menus consistent with a keto diet?     Or do you need to prepare most of the food yourself.   Is salo (Ukrainian seasoned lard) an acceptable dish? 
Title: My new life in the Republic of Georgia
Post by: Maxx2 on February 06, 2019, 11:10:19 PM
Damn Maxx, is that really you on the billboard? Looks like the last face you'll ever see right before you get whacked. :) Hard to believe it's been 3 years and 3 months. Seems like you've become a local celebrity.


I have a friend who owns the Frito Lay concession on the Strip. I used to help him haul hundreds of boxes of Fritos, Cheetos, Doritos and every kind of crap you could imagine to hotel casino gift shops. When bags were damaged or out-of-date, guess what he ate, all day, every day? And what a surprise, he was also a Type II diabetic, with a blood sugar in the 400s.


I got him to watch a couple of documentaries, "Fat, Sick and Nearly Dead" and "Simply Raw: Reversing Diabetes in 30 Days." He followed the advice and after a couple months, his blood sugar dropped from the 400s to <100. He also went off insulin and hundreds of $$$/month in diabetes medications. Isn't it amazing that American doctors or even the American Diabetes Association *still* don't know about weight loss or how crucial diet is? All the "experts" who say diabetes can't be cured are just flat wrong.


The problem is, during medical school, would-be physicians are totally "indoctorinated" by Big Pharma. There's not much money to be made pushing raw veggies or the Keto diet. Which is why we're the only country in the world that allows those ridiculous, interminable Big Pharma commercials that spend half their time telling you all the ways it's gonna kill you. I'm not on a single medication and proud of it.


The one area where you differ from the (now dated) documentaries is your avoidance of *all* fruit juices and I think you're absolutely right. Fructose is not your friend. Keto is the way to go and your results speak for themselves. Not sure if you've looked into HIIT (high intensity interval training) but based on studies I've read, this mode of exercise also seems quite promising.


Thanks for the update!


~CG


P.S. On an entirely different note, I'd still like to hear your thoughts on Georgian women who remain virgins until marriage. Is it really common? When I hear guys talk about "traditional" FSUW (claptrap promulgated by the agencies), THIS is what comes to mind.  ;)


Actually that is not a billboard but a picture of my gym card taken with my cell phone. Not a celebrity yet, but definitely talked about around here. A month ago I got a text message from Aljara (region) public TV station asking me if I would be willing to do a film interview. They wanted to know why an American chose Batumi as a place to live. I haven't gotten back to them yet.


I am slightly pissed at the American Medical Association and the American Diabetes Association for not addressing the issue that diet can be used to cure diabetes. Frankly I think they have two reasons why they don't. First is they would have to admit their advice had been wrong all these years. And second they have the pressure of Big Agra and Big Pharma on them to keep the big money rolling in from all of us sick and dying people. 


The ideal early morning blood glucose (sugar) number is between 60 to 90. In the 110-130s you are pre-diabetic, and highly likely to get this disease. This morning my blood glucose number is


(http://farm5.staticflickr.com/4842/32072045247_2ee3509134.jpg)



Day 173     

of my Ketogenic diet                              24 weeks 5 days
                                                      9:00 AM glucose reading:    74   41%~13.9 g/dL


I have been off of insulin for about a year. And off all medication since I started this diet on August 19th 2018. My blood glucose numbers usually stay under 100 through out the day. Under 100 I am burning fat for energy. The energy from fat burning is not glucose, but ketones. Ketones are much smaller than glucose and are more easily penetrating into the cells. When you go into ketosis you get MORE energy than when you are in the glucose burning mode. Ketones are super fuel! Ketones are particularly beneficial for those heading toward dementia as it goes past the blood brain barrier and starts feeding the brain. Dementia/Alzheimer's is actually diabetes of the brain.     


Fruit is not a bad thing unless you are a diabetic or pre-diabetic. Then the fructose (sugar) in fruit is going to spike your blood sugar. It used to be thought and it still is, that the nutriments in fruit will counter the negative effects of the sugar spike. It doesn't.


Here is a video from an American medical doctor entitled "Fruit is Evil" I think  she chose the title primarily because it would attract attention.


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A_m3UibHqGE


 
Title: My new life in the Republic of Georgia
Post by: Maxx2 on February 07, 2019, 08:51:40 AM
:applaud: :applaud: :applaud: :clapping: :clapping: :clapping:


And keep it off! 

Is it easy in Georgia to find restaurant menus consistent with a keto diet?     Or do you need to prepare most of the food yourself.   Is salo (Ukrainian seasoned lard) an acceptable dish?


Thank you Gator! We go back a long way don't we! I remember the first time we talked on the phone and you told me you were a well known guy. That maybe I had heard of you. I heard your last name and thought "Oh My God! He was in my favorite 60s rock band! "The <insert last name> s" But I found out later you had authored a technical book well known in the industrial circles I was involved in. So no rock god but that's fine! :)


Georgian restaurants have some acceptable Keto foods to eat. Fish with tartar sauce is excellent as is barbecue chicken and pork. Greek salad with Georgian cheese on. Ordering it is something I am known for by the staff at the corner restaurant. That and a bottle of carbonated Barjomi spring water. And my 5 Lari tips (Big money here) make for very friendly waiters.


I do most of my own cooking. My mother taught me to cook at age 7 so I rather enjoy it.


Salo is excellent food! Six months ago I would never had thought so. But since then I learned a thing or two. Fat does not make you fat. In fact fat is your best friend if you want to lose weight. Fat keeps you from getting hungry. It releases a natural hormone in your body called cholecystokinin that cuts hunger.


Here is video by a plain talking guy whom I truly admire.


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h6aMN6NLOTQ

Title: My new life in the Republic of Georgia
Post by: ML on February 07, 2019, 10:11:51 PM

I am slightly pissed at the American Medical Association and the American Diabetes Association for not addressing the issue that diet can be used to cure diabetes. Frankly I think they have two reasons why they don't. First is they would have to admit their advice had been wrong all these years. And second they have the pressure of Big Agra and Big Pharma on them to keep the big money rolling in from all of us sick and dying people. 

Maxx, sorry but this thinking is like people in tin hats who talk about being kidnapped by aliens, or that the government has implanted listening devices in their bodies, etc., etc.

If you just think a little more about this you would realize that there are thousands of doctors involved and it would be impossible to keep all of them quiet and suppress some info that could actually help people.

Think of doctors who devote their entire life to looking for cures for cancer, etc.
You think after all that time spent that they would then suppress info about cures?

Same holds true for those researching diabetes.

The results you are experiencing from your 'diet' just indicates you are an 'outlier' and it is unlikely that any significant proportion of diabetes sufferers could achieve similar results.

In fact, if there is any unethical thing going on in the field of medicine, it is those who tout unproven methods and medications to gain money from naive persons.
Individual 'ad hoc' results for some will never suffice to prove anything.

With the thousands of doctors and researchers involved . . . none of us should have the slightest worry that helpful methods will ever be withheld from us.
Title: My new life in the Republic of Georgia
Post by: Maxx2 on February 07, 2019, 11:25:47 PM
Maxx, sorry but this thinking is like people in tin hats who talk about being kidnapped by aliens, or that the government has implanted listening devices in their bodies, etc., etc.

If you just think a little more about this you would realize that there are thousands of doctors involved and it would be impossible to keep all of them quiet and suppress some info that could actually help people.

Think of doctors who devote their entire life to looking for cures for cancer, etc.
You think after all that time spent that they would then suppress info about cures?

Same holds true for those researching diabetes.

The results you are experiencing from your 'diet' just indicates you are an 'outlier' and it is unlikely that any significant proportion of diabetes sufferers could achieve similar results.

In fact, if there is any unethical thing going on in the field of medicine, it is those who tout unproven methods and medications to gain money from naive persons.
Individual 'ad hoc' results for some will never suffice to prove anything.

With the thousands of doctors and researchers involved . . . none of us should have the slightest worry that helpful methods will ever be withheld from us.


Wow, you couldn't be more wrong. Wrong in your argumentative techniques of hyperbole and exaggeration of where I stand on these issues. It is called the straw man argument. I am not going 'ad hominem' on you.


 Also I am not an 'outlier'. Thousands of people are kicking their diabetes by limiting their carbohydrates to low levels. Watch this youtube video of nephrologist (kidney specialist) Dr Jason Fung and he can explain it all. Dr Fung is a doctors' doctor. He treats the patients that other doctors have given up on. 


   I realize your time is very, very valuable so watch from the 0:50 mark to 2:30 mark to get the gist of it. Type 2 diabetes can be cured but the American Medical Association and the American Diabetes Association says it can only be managed. 


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1a2Fsfa8e4I
Title: My new life in the Republic of Georgia
Post by: Maxx2 on February 08, 2019, 01:17:33 AM



Here is another video by Doctor Fung

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ekqq6DE8vGE
This guy deserves a Nobel Prize




He says the American Diabetes Association insists that type 2 diabetes is chronic and can't be cured. He says they are wrong and says why they are. If you are searching for truth then watch the video.


Anyone who has any contact with large organizations knows about something called "group think" and the pressure it can be put on you. Do we think Monsanto 'Big Agra' wouldn't insert pressure through their lobby to mold public opinion that their products are OK? Could you say the same for the 42.9 billion dollar diabetic insulin industry? ($42,900,000,000.00 ~ 2017 numbers)


I had a doctor level with me. He said, "We have given up on telling people to watch their diet. They want to eat donuts, so we give them insulin."


"The Swamp," is not only in D.C.  Saying that is a "conspiracy theory" and dismissing it out of hand is very dishonest intellectually.


http://www.psmarketresearch.com/market-analysis/human-insulin-market (http://www.psmarketresearch.com/market-analysis/human-insulin-market)
Title: My new life in the Republic of Georgia
Post by: Maxx2 on February 08, 2019, 02:38:27 AM
"The increasing number of diabetic patients is expected to continue driving the growth of the human insulin market. The number of diabetic patients is rising at a fast pace, globally. It had risen from 108 million in 1980 to 422 million in 2014 and is expected to reach 592 million by 2035. According to the International Diabetes Federation (IDF), globally, 425 million people aged 20–79 years had diabetes in 2017, and this number is projected to reach 629 million by 2045. The surge in the number of diabetic patients is not restricted to developed countries but is also being witnessed in emerging countries. Thus, the growth in diabetes cases is expected to continue fueling the demand for HI solutions in the coming years."

Sounds like quite a growth industry. What could threaten it? The American Diabetes Association? Not a chance.
Title: My new life in the Republic of Georgia
Post by: Cameraguy on February 08, 2019, 04:20:14 PM
Maxx, I'm with you 100%. As mentioned above, my friend reversed and I'll even say cured his Type II diabetes simply by changing his diet. I personally gave him the information and witnessed his entire transformation from diabetic to non-diabetic with my own two eyes. Blood sugar <100. No more insulin. No more diabetes drugs. And permanent.

I'm certain anyone could do the same, but as the doctor in your video says, most people don't have the desire or willpower. Easier to keep injecting insulin and taking Metformin. The doctor does what he knows best -- prescribes drugs and insurance usually pays for everything, so damn the side effects.

Hell, I'll even proudly don my tin foil hat and emphatically declare that if anyone thinks the only treatments for cancer are surgery, chemotherapy and radiation (aka cut, poison and burn), then they've never heard of a 1930s American scientific genius by the name of Royal Raymond Rife. Or perhaps the equally brilliant Belarusian inventor Georges Lakhovsky. Both invented electronic oscillator machines that transmit radio waves to create a "resonant frequency" that specifically destroys cancer cells, along with various other viruses and bacteria. Rife spent decades experimenting with a wide variety of frequencies, which he called the MOR, or mortal oscillatory rate.

There's even a '60 Minutes' segment about an American radio engineer who invented a similar frequency device that cured his own cancer. Funny, no mention of Royal Rife was ever made. My mother (who died of cancer) never believed me until she saw that '60 Minutes' segment. I'll never forget the call she made to me after watching it.

If you think the AMA (which is a trade and not a medical association) wouldnt ruthlessly suppress any invention or treatment that seriously threatens their livelihood and the zillion dollar Nixon-era "war on cancer", read the story of Royal Rife and think again...

~CG
Title: My new life in the Republic of Georgia
Post by: Maxx2 on February 09, 2019, 12:12:13 AM
It is real, real hard for people to accept they don't know everything and have been operating off misinformation. It is especially hard for people who are highly educated like doctors who are used to doing things a certain way.


Four months ago I seen woman doctor for a health check up. I told her my diabetes went away. She said that was impossible and got huffy with me when I told it was so. She got up from her chair and left the room. The doctors are like people in a religion. They don't want you to question their orthodoxy.
Title: My new life in the Republic of Georgia
Post by: 2tallbill on February 09, 2019, 10:50:22 AM
It is real, real hard for people to accept they don't know everything and have been operating off
misinformation. It is especially hard for people who are highly educated like doctors who are used
to doing things a certain way.

Four months ago I seen woman doctor for a health check up. I told her my diabetes went away.
She said that was impossible and got huffy with me when I told it was so. She got up from her
chair and left the room. The doctors are like people in a religion. They don't want you to question
their orthodoxy.

Back in the day the clinical treatment of ulcers relied on dieting and antacids which were as effective
as placebo. In 1982 Australian physicians Robin Warren and Barry Marshall first identify the link between
Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) and ulcers, concluding that the bacterium, not stress or diet, causes
ulcers.

1995 Data show that about 75 percent of ulcer patients are still treated primarily with antisecretory
medications, and only 5 percent receive antibiotic therapy.

1996 The Food and Drug Administration approves the first antibiotic for treatment of ulcer
disease.

My point is that the medical industry is very slow to change, but eventually they did.
You've got your health and your life back due to the fact that you took matters into your
own hands. The Medical industry is VERY slow to make changes, part of that is the big
pharma and part of that is that the Medical industry is slow to change their minds about
anything.

Title: My new life in the Republic of Georgia
Post by: Maxx2 on February 21, 2019, 12:33:52 AM



My daughter just informed me that her mother got hit by a garbage truck, totaled her car and broke her sternum.

Quote
"Mom got in a bad car accident, hit by a garbage truck, totaled her car and broke her sternum. This happened Friday morning and she was released from the hospital Sunday afternoon. She’s feeling better and was yelling at me and H all day on Monday, so her spirits are back!"




If you knew the history there between her and me you might see some irony in there...


In 2016 I was hit by a semi tractor trailer. The double-trailer kind.


(http://farm5.staticflickr.com/4876/45747420022_1ffd0aba2d.jpg)


'82 Cadillac Eldorado


It put me in the hospital for 3 weeks and after into a nursing home for 5 weeks learning to walk again. The day after the accident the ex went to her attorney to see if she could collect some of the money she anticipated I would get in a coming lawsuit. Based on her a lifetime spousal maintenance agreement she had with me. She was told she couldn't. 'Pain and suffering' settlements can't be touched. So I am sure she has visited her attorney by now about getting hit by a garbage truck. They are eager to get their cut of a lawsuit settlement. Lawyers are killing America.
 
Title: My new life in the Republic of Georgia
Post by: Maxx2 on February 21, 2019, 02:26:42 AM
Back in the day the clinical treatment of ulcers relied on dieting and antacids which were as effective
as placebo. In 1982 Australian physicians Robin Warren and Barry Marshall first identify the link between
Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) and ulcers, concluding that the bacterium, not stress or diet, causes
ulcers.

1995 Data show that about 75 percent of ulcer patients are still treated primarily with antisecretory
medications, and only 5 percent receive antibiotic therapy.

1996 The Food and Drug Administration approves the first antibiotic for treatment of ulcer
disease.

My point is that the medical industry is very slow to change, but eventually they did.
You've got your health and your life back due to the fact that you took matters into your
own hands. The Medical industry is VERY slow to make changes, part of that is the big
pharma and part of that is that the Medical industry is slow to change their minds about
anything.


Proud highly educated people are usually the last to re-examine their opinions and beliefs. They usually go along with the collective wisdom of their peers. We really have to check things out ourself.
Title: My new life in the Republic of Georgia
Post by: 2tallbill on February 21, 2019, 12:04:20 PM
Women? I'll wait until I reach my goal weight of 220 pounds (100 kilos) before I put
myself out there. I'm a one-thing at a time type of guy.

I imagine if the right girl popped up out of the blue and you still had 3 lbs
to go that you wouldn't kick her totally to the curb  ;D

I do think that getting yourself right; physically, mentally and spiritually make
you a far better catch and you will have a better outlook, more confidence, and
that many less things to distract you. You will have to beat them off with a stick. 
 
Udachi!

Bill
Title: My new life in the Republic of Georgia
Post by: Maxx2 on February 21, 2019, 12:52:23 PM
I imagine if the right girl popped up out of the blue and you still had 3 lbs
to go that you wouldn't kick her totally to the curb  ;D

I do think that getting yourself right; physically, mentally and spiritually make
you a far better catch and you will have a better outlook, more confidence, and
that many less things to distract you. You will have to beat them off with a stick. 
 
Udachi!

Bill


I wouldn't kick her to the curb now at my present weight and it is a lot more than three pounds to goal.  :D 


I had an acquaintance from Tbilisi recently visit me. He said he noticed nobody gives me a second look. Or stares at me like they used to. He said I just look like "a normal overweight Georgian guy."
Title: My new life in the Republic of Georgia
Post by: SteveInBoston on February 21, 2019, 03:55:53 PM
Maxx,

You're not entirely cured.  Whatever condition that triggered your type 2 diabetes is still there.  You are managing it with your diet.  But you're not fully cured.  Once you switch to normal meals (for others, that is), your diabetes will return.

It is great that you are maintaining your diet and keeping your blood sugar and weight low.

I have gout.  There is no medicine or surgery that can cure it.  My genetics doesn't process nitrogen proteins well, so my blood contains elevated levels of uric acid.  I suffered for years, getting gout attacks every few months.  All doctors except my last one just prescribed pain killers and gave me a list of certain meats to avoid (along with alcohol).

The last doctor was a specialist.  On my second visit, after he reviewed my case and test results, told me that although my condition cannot be cured, he could guarantee I would never have another gout attack.  By medication or by diet control and exercise.  He said only one of his patients had the determination and will power to make the diet/exercise regiment work.

He spent about 2 years with me, adjusting the medication level after reviewing test results at each visit.  He monitored not only the uric acid level in my blood but also protein and enzyme levels in my liver and kidneys to achieve the right dosage that reduced uric acid and kept the organs healthy.

That was 10 years ago, and he was right - I haven't had a gout attack since.  I take 2 pills a day.  3 months supply (180 pills) from Costco is $18 - full price without insurance.
Title: My new life in the Republic of Georgia
Post by: Maxx2 on February 22, 2019, 10:30:25 AM
Maxx,

You're not entirely cured.  Whatever condition that triggered your type 2 diabetes is still there.  You are managing it with your diet.  But you're not fully cured.  Once you switch to normal meals (for others, that is), your diabetes will return.

It is great that you are maintaining your diet and keeping your blood sugar and weight low.



Yes, I realize I am prone to diabetes. If I fall off the wagon and bombard my body with sugar and carbs my blood glucose numbers will go up, and my type 2 diabetes will return. Probably, at a very fast rate of return.


Diabetes is a family condition. My father had it, his mother had it and members on my mother's side had it like her parents and aunts. My two daughters are either pre-diabetics or will be. That is why they struggle to keep the weight off. We are not like skinny people who can eat like horses and not gain a pound. It is all genetics and it gets right down to how well do you handle carbs. 


My great-grandfather had gout. It was called dropsy in his day. He died from it because he was too stubborn and probably too cheap to go to a doctor. His dropsy was probably caused in part by inflammation from too high of glucose in his diet. Perhaps this is why your doctor said it can be controlled by diet and exercise. Do you think part of your doctor's diet is heaping teaspoons of sugar in your coffee every morning? Followed by a pastry?   


I do a lot checking with glucose and ketone monitors on foods and what I drink. I do it to figure out what is best to eat and drink. Here is photo of my test on coffee with heavy cream added to it. Cream which is a fat, has little reaction in raising blood sugar (glucose). Milk on the other hand does. Since this is a high fat diet cream is one of the things I can drink. Besides water, coffee and tea does not seem to have a glucose or ketone reaction on me. So I ruled those safe for me to drink.


(http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7852/33302578308_72f0a7d529.jpg)


 The monitor on the left measures my glucose levels. 85 is good number. The monitor on the right measures my ketones. 3.7 is an excellent number for weight loss. Anything between 1 and 8 is considered good.


(http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7829/33302640388_81976ca9cd.jpg)


I made a ketone pizza today. Tasted pretty good. I ate half, about 500 calories. No rise is glucose levels afterwards or a lowering of ketone levels. This is a good thing. The crust was made from grated cheese, cream cheese, almond flour and egg. I am learning what I can eat. Pizza is not my usual diet but it is good for a change now and then. I prefer meat and vegetables, fish and so on. They are more filling and healthier.



Title: My new life in the Republic of Georgia
Post by: Maxx2 on February 25, 2019, 12:16:08 AM

Anyway how’s you health coming along man?


It is definitely improving. I notice that I have a lot more energy and I move around much more with ease. One of the first things I noticed when I got into ketosis was finding myself power walking down the hall and street without thought. I bought a ketone monitor to measure my level of ketosis. I should be doing good fat burning. But other than my weigh-in on the 19th I chose to avoid the scale. 


Other things I've noticed is my feet look a lot better. Before they were swollen and red. Now they look healthy.. I also have better clearer vision.


I'll be 66 in 3 months. As my oldest daughter said, "Dad's not pretty." But I do see I am a lot thinner in my face.


(http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7916/40240498073_8e5c42832b.jpg)
Title: My new life in the Republic of Georgia
Post by: msmob on March 04, 2019, 09:04:05 PM
Good morning from Tiblisi !

I arrived at the airport and was met by ....Maxx !

Didn't get wink's sleep and the transit at Istanbul was 'rapid'  as the flight from the UK was late and Mikhail and I had to run from one end of the Int term to the other

Maxx wants to cook us breakfast, but we declined as we had THE most fantastic breakfast courtesy of Turkish Airlines..


More later - but THANKS, Maxx


Title: My new life in the Republic of Georgia
Post by: Maxx2 on March 06, 2019, 12:31:34 AM



Mark and his Russian business partner Misha are converting the electronics of this apartment into British. Late morning here. Yesterday my car wouldn't start in the restaurant parking lot we were at. But the real good thing was we were in the auto section of the city. "Work shops," what they call auto repair here, were everywhere. 3 hours of repair work, a computer diagnostic and the replacement of the starter with a rebuilt one cost 200 GEL ($75.47). This is for a Mercedes ML 350. Mark googled the cost of a starter and labor in America. In round numbers the part was (this maybe for new verses rebuilt) $600 and labor $300 plus.


Mark and I have different political leanings as some of you know. I am wearing a black tee shirt with white letters in front that say,"We Are All Alex Jones" and beneath the coiled rattlesnake, "Don't Censor Me". Mark will be walking a distance from me when we do our tourist site seeing stuff. Lots and lots of photos coming!
Title: My new life in the Republic of Georgia
Post by: msmob on March 06, 2019, 01:03:15 AM
Waiting for Maxx at the airport

note - only ONE taxi driver and only asked once - politely - if a taxi was needed.. no hassling !

(http://i.imgur.com/wVQsKwG.jpg)
Title: My new life in the Republic of Georgia
Post by: msmob on March 06, 2019, 01:20:23 AM
The street behind Maxx's ( old )apartment in Tiblisi that we are now renting

(http://i.imgur.com/E3p0N8k.jpg)

This apt is 3 mins walk to a metro station to the centre..

(http://i.imgur.com/9EaWZXG.jpg)

Going deep ..but no adverts ! 

(http://i.imgur.com/BSRupxh.jpg)

Handy transport links info that shows bus routes from stn

(http://i.imgur.com/yVdk9oW.jpg)

Plenty of books for sale.. not too many in English ..approx 30 US cents

(http://i.imgur.com/vh77Iu6.jpg)


Irish bar found.

(http://i.imgur.com/9rgxvxl.jpg)

And a Brit one ?!
(http://i.imgur.com/0apCykR.jpg)

Modern day Tiblisi

1/ Evakuator ...( hate them)
2/ Delivery service for food
3/ Functional sculpture

(http://i.imgur.com/HS1mek8.jpg)

'posh' street - Marriot hotel
(http://i.imgur.com/lFXPc0a.jpg)

more
(http://i.imgur.com/M6N68Jx.jpg)

Maxx's Merc reused to start - at a restaurant - luckily near the car workshop / parts and spares area of the city

(http://i.imgur.com/cl3eOTf.jpg)

A message that made us smile ..

(http://i.imgur.com/ON0kJVc.jpg)

Tarragon drink - apparently VERY natural and tasted great

Fantastic food and Maxx

(http://i.imgur.com/Vb1MuwB.jpg) 17 quid ,approx 23 USD - for three - with 2 drinks each  -huge portions

Maxx's car is pushed by us to 'the box' - Garage - five of us -it weighs a LOT - and the starter motor is diagnosed 'kaput' - a replacement ( jap made) re-con motor is fitted

(http://i.imgur.com/lkCR5iY.jpg)

3 hours work - in the park and the guy with the CAN diagnostic box 200 Lari - approx 55 GBP

Title: My new life in the Republic of Georgia
Post by: msmob on March 06, 2019, 01:23:25 AM
(http://i.imgur.com/PB8jb4I.jpg)

I will NOT go near Maxx - if he wears this ))
Title: My new life in the Republic of Georgia
Post by: Maxx2 on March 06, 2019, 01:41:36 AM
(http://i.imgur.com/PB8jb4I.jpg)

I will NOT go near Maxx - if he wears this ))


Moby is REAL fun to aggravate. I wish I had my World War 2 rifle collection with me.
Title: My new life in the Republic of Georgia
Post by: msmob on March 06, 2019, 01:45:32 AM
 :D
Title: My new life in the Republic of Georgia
Post by: Maxx2 on March 06, 2019, 02:11:00 AM




(http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7922/32355551057_0aa2a08715.jpg)


The photo of my landlady that terrified Mark. I've heard liberals are frighten of guns because they know they would use them on themselves. Not other liberals, themselves.
Title: My new life in the Republic of Georgia
Post by: msmob on March 06, 2019, 02:24:43 AM
Maxx will understand ... 

1/ I am afraid of the humans holding the guns

2/ Americans need to get it ... Banning easy access to gus is not 'politics' of the left / right .. it is COMMON SENSE

We will see who 'cracks' :)))
Title: My new life in the Republic of Georgia
Post by: SANDRO43 on March 06, 2019, 08:05:46 AM
Good morning from Tiblisi !
Isn't the capital of Armenia Tbilisi? Or is that the local pronunciation of the difficult initial T-B combination, two consecutive occlusives?
Title: My new life in the Republic of Georgia
Post by: BdHvA on March 06, 2019, 08:17:36 AM
Isn't the capital of Armenia Tbilisi? Or is that the local pronunciation of the difficult initial T-B combination, two consecutive occlusives?

I thought Yerevan was the capital of Armenia.
Title: My new life in the Republic of Georgia
Post by: Maxx2 on March 06, 2019, 11:17:18 AM
He is in Georgia chatting with SC who is in Thailand.
Title: My new life in the Republic of Georgia
Post by: msmob on March 06, 2019, 06:29:29 PM
Isn't the capital of Armenia Tbilisi? Or is that the local pronunciation of the difficult initial T-B combination, two consecutive occlusives?

Ouch....busted ))

Title: My new life in the Republic of Georgia
Post by: msmob on March 06, 2019, 06:31:47 PM
He is in Georgia cehatting with SC who is in Thailand.

Indeed...I only came here to be only 3 hours behind, rather than 7
Title: My new life in the Republic of Georgia
Post by: SANDRO43 on March 06, 2019, 06:45:28 PM
I thought Yerevan was the capital of Armenia.
You're right, I mixed Armenia with Georgia :(.
Title: My new life in the Republic of Georgia
Post by: Maxx2 on March 07, 2019, 01:31:55 AM

Maxx's car is pushed by us to 'the box' - Garage - five of us -it weighs a LOT - and the starter motor is diagnosed 'kaput' - a replacement ( jap made) re-con motor is fitted

(http://i.imgur.com/lkCR5iY.jpg)

3 hours work - in the park and the guy with the CAN diagnostic box 200 Lari - approx 55 GBP


It cost me for the diagnostics, rebuilt starter and 3 hours labor $75.47 at 2.65 GEL per USD. I think I posted this before (TERRIBLE short term memory). Here is a photo of the car being pushed into the repair "work shop."


(http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7824/32365047967_c04c3039ce.jpg)


Moby's on the one farthest away pushing the car.


Today we are waiting around for a plumber to come to fix a backed up toilet. Misha and I think it is because Moby is full of $hit.
Title: My new life in the Republic of Georgia
Post by: msmob on March 07, 2019, 01:38:56 AM
May be I WAS full of sh*t  - hence the problem ?..

NB - absolutely NOT a slur on the Georgian cuisine which has long been a personal fav ;)
Title: My new life in the Republic of Georgia
Post by: Maxx2 on March 07, 2019, 01:47:29 AM
May be I WAS full of sh*t  - hence the problem ?..

NB - absolutely NOT a slur on the Georgian cuisine which has long been a personal fav ;)


I've been eating a large chicken Caesar Salad with Borjomi water for 11 GEL plus 2 GEL for the water. Really tasty for about 5 dollars. Food is great here. 
Title: My new life in the Republic of Georgia
Post by: mhr7 on March 07, 2019, 03:40:44 AM



(http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7922/32355551057_0aa2a08715.jpg)


The photo of my landlady that terrified Mark. I've heard liberals are frighten of guns because they know they would use them on themselves. Not other liberals, themselves.

What reliable source was this from?
Title: My new life in the Republic of Georgia
Post by: mhr7 on March 07, 2019, 03:42:24 AM

Moby is REAL fun to aggravate. I wish I had my World War 2 rifle collection with me.

"We" being those with an IQ in the 70s and lower?
Title: My new life in the Republic of Georgia
Post by: Maxx2 on March 07, 2019, 04:16:57 AM




Moby and I are just teasing each other about our politics. No need to take this serious.
Title: My new life in the Republic of Georgia
Post by: 2tallbill on March 07, 2019, 12:02:47 PM
Maxx will understand ... 

1/ I am afraid of the humans holding the guns

2/ Americans need to get it ... Banning easy access to gus is not 'politics' of the left / right .. it is COMMON SENSE

We will see who 'cracks' :)))

Moby, stop it.

Take your politics to a political page and stop infecting every other page.
Title: My new life in the Republic of Georgia
Post by: msmob on March 07, 2019, 09:07:04 PM
Moby, stop it.

Take your politics to a political page and stop infecting every other page.

Beel, STFU...  this is banter.... between two members with diverse opinions who are enjoying each others' company

Title: My new life in the Republic of Georgia
Post by: Maxx2 on March 08, 2019, 11:30:41 PM
Beel, STFU...  this is banter.... between two members with diverse opinions who are enjoying each others' company


I was around when Moby posted the above. He was in an amused mood, 'Tongue and cheek.' We are giving each other the business about our accents. I speak the proper Upper Midwest American accent, the one that National journalists like Anderson Cooper are supposed to speak. His is just Irish. Sounds like the typical 'Mick' in an Irish pub.


 :cluebat:
Title: My new life in the Republic of Georgia
Post by: msmob on March 09, 2019, 12:01:20 AM
I was filming an overloaded hay truck wobbling when Manx went native and pulled out to overtake on a bend.?!

He has lived here too long ))

http://.www.youtu.be/rJOiAj2a1Ig (http://.www.youtu.be/rJOiAj2a1Ig)

Title: My new life in the Republic of Georgia
Post by: Maxx2 on March 10, 2019, 09:07:00 PM


I'm going to be gone for a while. I will keep going on my health restoration quest.
Title: My new life in the Republic of Georgia
Post by: Patagonie on March 11, 2019, 01:11:01 AM
Max if find your topic very intesting and reading all about.
I have applied for a job there few years ago.
It's beautiful but Russia made a dent in it.
Title: My new life in the Republic of Georgia
Post by: mhr7 on March 11, 2019, 04:46:22 AM
Max if find your topic very intesting and reading all about.
I have applied for a job there few years ago.
It's beautiful but Russia made a dent in it.
Russia made 2 dents in it.
Title: My new life in the Republic of Georgia
Post by: Patagonie on March 11, 2019, 06:02:23 AM
Russia made 2 dents in it.
Yes  ;) that's true
Title: My new life in the Republic of Georgia
Post by: msmob on March 12, 2019, 12:24:59 PM
I would like to take this opportunity to thank Maxx for his hospitality  and his guidance.

I am now back from his beutiful Batumi...a smaller version of Sochi...an with my Russian partners in Tbilsi

 We had now power today..guys dug up the street..and the power went off, so after the laptops dead, we headed unto town to arrange for Misha to get a TB xray for his UK work visa

It cost 10 bucks...GREAT..we thought...but then he got a call to come back....Sorry..your xray will cost 7 times more ss the British require two senoir docs to verify the xtay and we must translate it using the UK format.... what a crock of BS..


At Maxx's suggestion I tried to open a Georgian bank account as my Russians will stay here longer and it is easier to provide to pay their rent, etc., in the locsl currency and I forgot to pay Maxx for the food he loaded the fridge with...so I can refund him, too.

It took 20 mins and the visa card should be ready tomorrow.

Will be interesting to see if I can send GBP to Georgia via paysend and if it is prompt.

Maxx has found a wonderful place to live and the people are friendly.

I am being thought the Georgian alphabet, but most people know Russian or English ( younger people) so no issues with communicating

Maxx and I visited two cities in Georgia that were temporarily occupied by Russia in 2008 ..the port of Poti and Gori..Stalin's birthplace.

Frankly, I found both towns  depressing, but Maxx found THE best Hachapuri and Harchou soup restaurant just ofc the main highway ..

Nothing can beat his find.

Photos to follow.. my dropbox will not load until 30 percent is on my battery.

Want to watch Mrs May get another kicking in Parliament and gave a good laugh at Trenchie's
expense ..Well, I would, but as I said...he did not accept my bet...knowing I would be right...))

Didi madloba, Maxx

Ooops Mrs May DID get a good kicking)))


Title: My new life in the Republic of Georgia
Post by: Blighty on March 12, 2019, 12:43:51 PM
We had now power today..guys dug up the street..and the power went off, so after the laptops dead, we headed unto town to arrange for Misha to get a TB xray for his UK work visa 

HO only recognises TB tests from Medical Center Cito in Tbilisi ... see
http://www.gov.uk/government/publications/tuberculosis-test-for-a-uk-visa-clinics-in-georgia/tuberculosis-testing-in-georgia
Title: My new life in the Republic of Georgia
Post by: msmob on March 12, 2019, 01:04:55 PM
Thanks Blighty..THAT is where we went...The lady on reception WAS told what the test was for and thankfully someone woke up, there.





Title: My new life in the Republic of Georgia
Post by: Maxx2 on March 12, 2019, 09:51:42 PM


Things are good and cheap here, like dentistry, medical and banking services. You just got to watch to see if you get what you would expect in the West. They tend to cut corners here.

http://georgiastartshere.com/how-to-travel-budget-in-tbilisi/ (http://georgiastartshere.com/how-to-travel-budget-in-tbilisi/)

Good site above.




I look forward to seeing the photos.
Title: My new life in the Republic of Georgia
Post by: Maxx2 on March 26, 2019, 01:29:27 AM

I went on to a low carb, medium protein, high fat diet, or a Ketogenic diet. My diabetes went away almost right away. My weight is steadily dropping. So far I've lost 149 pounds, nine pounds of that in the last 2 weeks.



So far I am down 162 pounds as of my last weigh-in today. I'm losing about 1 kilo a week. I was told years ago that 2-3 pounds a week of weight loss is what to aim for. August 19th last year was when I started the ketogenic diet. I should be pretty close to my goal weight by my one year anniversary. Or at least looking pretty reasonable. 


I ate so far today hamburger, eggs, sour cream, cheese and mushrooms cooked in butter and coconut oil. My coffee has cream in it. High fat diets work because they don't spike your glucose/insulin levels and keep you satiated. 


Anyway I am really happy.  :clapping: :clapping: :clapping: :clapping: :clapping: :clapping: :thumbsup: :thumbsup: :thumbsup: :thumbsup:
Title: My new life in the Republic of Georgia
Post by: ML on March 26, 2019, 07:16:28 PM
Maxx, what is the best website reference that will lay out the details of your Ketogenic Diet?
Title: My new life in the Republic of Georgia
Post by: Maxx2 on March 26, 2019, 11:53:38 PM
I've not been drawn to any Keto websites yet except the one RWD123 recommended. That one is not about the Ketogenic diet per se but it recommends it. It is mostly for older men who want to restore their health, get their vitality back and live healthily decades longer.


http://roguehealthandfitness.com (http://roguehealthandfitness.com)




Quote
You want to be lean and muscular and to fight aging, and you've come to the right place.




Welcome to Rogue Health and Fitness. I’m P. D. Mangan, age 64.



This is a email I just wrote to my daughter:

Quote
I am so glad you are doing this. When you have good results you can inspire others such as your sister.


I've asked this question a few times but have yet to hear from you on it. Do you have access to watching youtube videos? Some of the best information on this diet comes from youtube. Have you watched any of the videos by Dr Jason Fung, Dr Annette 'Boz' Bosworth, Dr Eric Berg or 'Butter Bob' Briggs? Bob takes you through a Wal-Mart grocery store and explains what you can eat and what you can't. He is a layman but he is in my opinion a very good source of information, a plain speaking Tennesseean. He cuts through all the nonsense and tells you how you should think. He has a recommendation of a sweetened called "Da Vinci" you might like in your coffee or tea (I'd ditch Diet Coke as soon as possible). Another character I recommend for his recipes is an East Indian fellow and his wife, google "Headbangers kitchen youtube". 


I recommend getting these items to help you with your diet:


1) Blood glucose monitor  Dr 'Boz' has a recommendation on an accurate one on her website
2) 50-100 glucose test strips
3) Ketone urine test strips to see when you are in ketosis
4) Digital food scale that weighs in grams and ounces
5) Steam cooker for your vegetables


After you get into this I'll send you some recommendations of supplements you can take to enhance your health and weight loss.


The best way to do this diet is not to sweat it. Just do it here and there and learn. Eventually you will get it.
Title: My new life in the Republic of Georgia
Post by: ML on March 27, 2019, 08:39:34 AM
OK Maxx, thanks for the info.
Title: My new life in the Republic of Georgia
Post by: msmob on April 04, 2019, 11:07:52 PM
An update about my trip to Georgia..where I met Maxx and we drove back together to his home in Batumi..

It seems we missed some other Brits on tour

This is a video with exerpts of a trip from Batumi,  Georgia to Baku in Azerbaijan

You will see, Maxx's Butumi, Stalin' s  Gori..

If you have Amazon Prime membership..or take a trial..you can watch the video without the video game inserts...

http://youtu.be/_fRSvXE-VJ8 (http://youtu.be/_fRSvXE-VJ8)

Yes..it is the old BBC Top Gear 'rejects'...


Title: My new life in the Republic of Georgia
Post by: msmob on April 05, 2019, 02:03:57 AM
Maxx

Your home is FAMOUS !

(http://i.imgur.com/V6OfB0J.png)

Maxx has rented a place here and lives high up in this largest building in shot with an uninterrupted view of the Black Sea

On a clear day - one can see Turkey to the South and the Caucasian Mountains that mark the frontier with Russia

As Jeremy Clarkson says just before this screengrab -.. " this doesn't seem like the former Soviet Union" ;)

Well done, Maxx

The show shows Batumi in all its splendour and RAVES about Tbilisi
Title: My new life in the Republic of Georgia
Post by: Maxx2 on April 05, 2019, 03:03:44 AM
If I was producing the show I would cut down the sim by 90% and have more scenery shots. And in the sim I'd have cattle in street needing to be dodged. I almost hit a brown heifer on the highway on my way to Tbilisi. I think the government here encourages the herders to graze their cattle along the roads to keep the weeds down. You never see lawn mowers along the roads just herds of cattle.


(http://live.staticflickr.com/4813/33516403568_8180dd68c3.jpg) 


The Georgian road north to Russia
Title: My new life in the Republic of Georgia
Post by: msmob on April 05, 2019, 08:37:25 AM
Hi Maxx

If you have a proper Amazon Prime account there IS no Game SIM ;)

I'll let you watch it on my account when I'm next over !

Title: My new life in the Republic of Georgia
Post by: Maxx2 on April 07, 2019, 12:58:47 AM
OK Maxx, thanks for the info.


I should give you a better answer.


(http://live.staticflickr.com/7800/46830594904_b39c97e895.jpg)


The key to weight loss is get the body to use body fat as fuel. This happens when there is a lack of glucose in the blood, tissues and organs. That happens when you restrict your daily carbs to 20 grams or so. What you want is to keep your insulin levels low and this happens with carb restriction. Foods high in fat like cream instead of milk, create almost no glucose/insulin reaction. Proteins need to be limited to about 100-180 grams per meal otherwise they will bump up the glucose/insulin levels.


(http://live.staticflickr.com/7866/40588231963_567fafa19c.jpg)


Bacon and eggs are wonder foods for going into ketosis (fat burning). Fat in the diet satiates the appetite. Have you ever noticed after eating high carb foods like cookies and cake that you get hungry right away? Then you have to eat again. Calories do count, but so does glucose/insulin.
Title: My new life in the Republic of Georgia
Post by: ML on April 07, 2019, 09:52:34 AM
Yes, thanks Maxx for the more complete info.

I have lost 3-4 pounds since my operation, mostly because I didn't feel like eating as much as I used to, so need to get started in serious way to follow up.

Wife needs to do the same as she found she didn't look good in some dresses she was trying on when heading out to Citizenship Interview.  She has been wearing jeans (which are all filled with stretch material for women) so she didn't notice anything she didn't fit into until this recent event.

But I don't think she has the will power to do it.
Title: My new life in the Republic of Georgia
Post by: Maxx2 on April 09, 2019, 01:33:25 AM
Yes, thanks Maxx for the more complete info.

I have lost 3-4 pounds since my operation, mostly because I didn't feel like eating as much as I used to, so need to get started in serious way to follow up.

Wife needs to do the same as she found she didn't look good in some dresses she was trying on when heading out to Citizenship Interview.  She has been wearing jeans (which are all filled with stretch material for women) so she didn't notice anything she didn't fit into until this recent event.

But I don't think she has the will power to do it.


The best way to get going on a ketogenic diet is just make some keto food dishes. When you see how good they taste it is encouraging for the diet. Eventually you get hang of the diet and the bad food choices become less and less.


It helps to have the refrigerator stocked with the right food and to have things you can snack on. As example I keep caviar in the refrigerator. If I get hungry I eat a spoonful of that. Of course it doesn't cost much here. Or you could make some deviled eggs using mayonnaise made from olive oil for the yokes with paprika and bacon bits sprinkled on top. It is totally ketogenic.


Ever heard of the story about the doctor who back in the 1850s did a diet experiment on a group of 5 men? He had these guys come live with him. He would track their health eating only certain foods, one month potatoes only, the next month something else. He found the best food was minced meat or hamburger along with water and coffee. Dr Salisbury created the Salisbury Steak.


Quote
Salisbury served as a physician during the American Civil War (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/American_Civil_War), and became convinced that diarrhea (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Diarrhea) suffered by the troops could be controlled with a diet of coffee (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Coffee) and lean chopped beefsteak (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Beefsteak).
Salisbury was one of the earliest health food faddists (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Food_faddist) and taught that diet was the main determinant of health.[2] (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/J._H._Salisbury#cite_note-2) He believed vegetables (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vegetables) and starchy foods produced poisonous substances in the digestive system which were responsible for heart disease (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Heart_disease), tumors (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tumors), mental illness and tuberculosis (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tuberculosis). He believed that human dentition (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Human_dentition) demonstrated that humans were meant to eat meat, and sought to limit vegetables, fruit, starches (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Starches), and fats (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fat) to one-third of the diet (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Diet_(nutrition)).[3] (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/J._H._Salisbury#cite_note-3)
The Salisbury steak, his means of achieving this goal, is ground beef flavored with onion and seasoning and then deep-fried (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Deep-fried) or boiled (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Boiling#Boiling_in_cooking) and covered with gravy or brown sauce. It was introduced in 1888. Salisbury saw beef as an excellent defense against many different physical problems. He suggested that Salisbury steak should be eaten three times a day, with lots of hot water to cleanse the digestive system. He was an early American proponent of a low-carbohydrate diet (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Low-carbohydrate_diet) for weight loss (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Weight_control), and he promoted his diet for that purpose. His diet became known as the "Salisbury diet". It has been described as an early example of a fad diet (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fad_diet) [4] (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/J._H._Salisbury#cite_note-4)[5] (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/J._H._Salisbury#cite_note-5) The Salisbury diet was promoted by Elma Stuart in her book What Must I do to Get Well?, that went through at least 32 editions.[6] (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/J._H._Salisbury#cite_note-6)
Salisbury steak is similar to a number of other dishes made of ground beef. Its name caught on partly because World War I (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/World_War_I) inspired a movement in English-speaking nations to avoid German-sounding terms such as "hamburger"


100 years ago there were no medications to prevent epilepsy. Epileptics where treated by the ketogenic diet. The brain actually functions better running off of ketones than it does glucose. Ketone are much smaller in size than glucose and are able to penetrate the brain cells easier. That is why the doctors in the know advise a ketogenic diet for Alzheimers patients. Alzheimers is essentially insulin resistance (type 2 diabetes) of the brain. Without the brain cells being fed energy they die.


An interesting story about US Navy SEALS and ketosis: For a while Navy SEALS were having problems with epileptic fits while diving. This was very dangerous of course. The rebreather was the cause, but it was a necessity to maintain stealth. So the Navy tried epileptic medication. It worked but it took the edge off the SEALS. Drugs numbed them and took the alert fighting edge away. So they tried a ketogenic diet and it was problem solved.


I've noticed I am thinking clearer. I'm not forgetting things like I used to. My memory is better. Learning Russian is easier than it used to be. For a while I was wondering if I was heading for demential. Maybe I was.
Title: My new life in the Republic of Georgia
Post by: ML on April 09, 2019, 09:58:46 AM
Maxx, thanks for this additional info.

But strange thing.

The Keto diet stresses avoiding carbs.  With fewer carbs for body to burn, body starts burning fat and we lose weight.

But . . . Keto diet lets us eat much more fat than most people do anyway . . . so if we are eating fat, the body will burn that newly eaten fat (or store it) and not burn existing fat.

Max, how do you explain this allowing the eating of fat, if we are trying to get rid of fat to lose weight?

And then there is the cholesterol angle.  Cholesterol kills via the heart and via stroke from clogged vessels.  Eggs = cholesterol.   Fat = cholesterol.
Title: My new life in the Republic of Georgia
Post by: SteveInBoston on April 09, 2019, 12:01:14 PM
Just like with any diets, if you eat too much it does not work.

The "more fats" is relative - higher percentage of fats comprising the diet, but not necessarily more than your body needs and uses throughout the day.

A normal carb diet has a disadvantage with regards to sugar.  Sugar will give an initial boost of energy, but will also spike insulin levels as a reaction to convert excess sugar in the blood to fats for long term storage.  The first blow is this conversion of excess sugar into fat and storage.  The second blow is that you will feel tired (the sugar crash) after the initial energy boost fades, and the excess sugar that is converted to fat is not processed because the body is in sugar burning mode.  The ketosis cycle takes time to ramp up, during which time you are temped to eat more from hunger.  If you starve yourself for a while then ketosis can take over to burn body fat, but most people tend to eat before this happens.  And the longer you wait to eat, the more chances you will overeat due to hunger and not wait long enough for ketosis.

A second way the keto diet can help you loose weight is that fats and protein are typically larger molecules than sugar and carbs and take longer for the body to absorb.   This helps people feel full/sated while not absorbing all the calories at once.  For example, the primary component of olive oil is oleic acid, C18H34O2, a much larger molecule than glucose - C6H12O6.  Sugar starts being absorbed right away and takes about 2 hours to be completely absorbed.  Fats and protein take about 12 hours.





Title: My new life in the Republic of Georgia
Post by: Maxx2 on April 09, 2019, 11:46:02 PM
Just like with any diets, if you eat too much it does not work.

The "more fats" is relative - higher percentage of fats comprising the diet, but not necessarily more than your body needs and uses throughout the day.

A normal carb diet has a disadvantage with regards to sugar.  Sugar will give an initial boost of energy, but will also spike insulin levels as a reaction to convert excess sugar in the blood to fats for long term storage.  The first blow is this conversion of excess sugar into fat and storage.  The second blow is that you will feel tired (the sugar crash) after the initial energy boost fades, and the excess sugar that is converted to fat is not processed because the body is in sugar burning mode.  The ketosis cycle takes time to ramp up, during which time you are temped to eat more from hunger. If you starve yourself for a while then ketosis can take over to burn body fat, but most people tend to eat before this happens.  And the longer you wait to eat, the more chances you will overeat due to hunger and not wait long enough for ketosis.

A second way the keto diet can help you loose weight is that fats and protein are typically larger molecules than sugar and carbs and take longer for the body to absorb.   This helps people feel full/sated while not absorbing all the calories at once.  For example, the primary component of olive oil is oleic acid, C18H34O2, a much larger molecule than glucose - C6H12O6.  Sugar starts being absorbed right away and takes about 2 hours to be completely absorbed.  Fats and protein take about 12 hours.


Thank you Steve for an excellent post.


I've noticed on the past when I lost a lot of weight it started with a bout of the flue. What happened was I was sick and couldn't eat for a few days. After I got better I noticed I had lost weight. I also wasn't hungry. So I decided to not eat so much and I continued to lose weight. I got down to my ideal weight. But bad eating habits and food choices I put the weight back on. But it took a several years to do so. That was age 16 to about 23.


What I didn't know then (age 16) was I was in ketosis. That is why I didn't feel hungry. My body was burning fat as energy and the hunger hormone ghrelin was turned off. In addition my fat cells were putting out leptin, which is an appetite suppressor.


http://www.webmd.com/diet/features/your-hunger-hormones#1 (http://www.webmd.com/diet/features/your-hunger-hormones#1)


I have watched that show 'My 650lb So Called Life'. I see these morbidly obese people who struggle to get out of bed. Most of the program is them arguing with their doctor about why they are not losing any weight (They are eating pizza and drinking Coke). I get irritated with them and can't accept what they are doing. But I understand the battle of the hormones in their messed up bodies. The fatter you get, the hungrier you get because of the appetite stimulant ghrelin. The appetite suppressor hormone leptin, no longer works in these people. So they have an enormous struggle to lose weight.


Title: My new life in the Republic of Georgia
Post by: Maxx2 on April 10, 2019, 04:19:47 AM
Maxx, thanks for this additional info.

But strange thing.

The Keto diet stresses avoiding carbs.  With fewer carbs for body to burn, body starts burning fat and we lose weight.

But . . . Keto diet lets us eat much more fat than most people do anyway . . . so if we are eating fat, the body will burn that newly eaten fat (or store it) and not burn existing fat.

Max, how do you explain this allowing the eating of fat, if we are trying to get rid of fat to lose weight?


I'll get into the cholesterol on another post.


The body digests the food we eat into glucose for energy. What isn't taken into the blood stream winds up in the toilet. It doesn't think during digestion that animal fat consumed belongs with body fat so that is where it should go. "Fat makes you fat" is not true unless you eat too much of it. As Steve said, eat too much and you won't lose weight. 


There is a doctor, an MD by the name of Annette Bosworth or 'Doctor Boz' She did a video entitled "Fruit is Evil". Of course fruit isn't evil and she would admit to that. It is just that by eating fruit most of its carbohydrates in them are stored as fat. She said in her youtube "The body doesn't care where the carbohydrates come from. It uses about the first 7 grams of carbohydrates to maintain your blood sugar level. The rest of the carbohydrates gets converted to fat." As example a 3 inch medium size apple has 25 grams of carbohydrates. 7 grams of that will be used to maintain your blood glucose level of around 100. The other 18 grams of carbohydrates in the apple will increase your blood glucose level. This triggers an insulin response to get that glucose out of your blood. Insulin blocks fat burning so you want it to stay low. These extra carbs are converted to fat by the liver. By eating fat or a limited amount of protein instead there will be little increase in the glucose level and little increase in the insulin response.


Here is my breakfast I ate 4 hours ago


(http://live.staticflickr.com/7890/33701265638_7b9161a2e1.jpg)


Frankly it was too much. 2 eggs is OK. 2 sausage halves instead of 4 would have been better. Processed meats are not good for me. A couple of slices of bacon would have been better. The green stuff is spinach dip. The pink stuff is caviar, high on Omega 3s. And there is an olive. My coffee has cream in it. Cream is fat so it causes little or no rise in glucose levels. Milk does. However it is high in calories so I am going to cut it down to one cup a day and drink iced green tea instead.


Overall I need to cut the calories down. The good thing is I do not get hungry when I eat this kind of food. And my blood glucose levels stay good. No more taking insulin injections!

(http://live.staticflickr.com/7872/47578266021_73dd5ab201.jpg)


My morning blood glucose level.


I know this photo doesn't look too exciting, but it does for me. I was told by my doctors, MDs, that type 2 diabetes can't be cured. I was also told I would not live a long life. Type 2 diabetics that were as severe as me rarely do. Yet here is proof the doctors do not know everything.


Heading for the gym!


 
Title: My new life in the Republic of Georgia
Post by: Maxx2 on April 14, 2019, 05:51:46 AM



I remember you.  :welcome:
Title: My new life in the Republic of Georgia
Post by: Maxx2 on April 15, 2019, 07:52:15 AM



(http://live.staticflickr.com/7830/33737081938_061655e51f.jpg)


The light pink and orange stuff tastes like caviar. The orange stuff is very creamy and the pink stuff tastes like there are little eggs in it. I have eaten red caviar before and they are clearly fish eggs b b size. What is this stuff? Is it some sort of blend? It is really tasty. They are about $2.25 each.
Title: My new life in the Republic of Georgia
Post by: Gator on April 15, 2019, 08:04:36 AM
Are you certain its not blended fish guts.   ;D

At that price, the caviar content is minimal.  Probably similar to our smoked whitefish spread, which is smoked fish less skin and large bones blended with mayonnaise , cream cheese, and condiments.   

Title: My new life in the Republic of Georgia
Post by: Boethius on April 15, 2019, 08:57:12 AM


(http://live.staticflickr.com/7830/33737081938_061655e51f.jpg)


The light pink and orange stuff tastes like caviar. The orange stuff is very creamy and the pink stuff tastes like there are little eggs in it. I have eaten red caviar before and they are clearly fish eggs b b size. What is this stuff? Is it some sort of blend? It is really tasty. They are about $2.25 each.


Based on the lid label, it's the caviar from capelin.  It's mixed with small shrimp to make that particular spread.


This post was composed without the aid of google.
Title: My new life in the Republic of Georgia
Post by: Maxx2 on April 15, 2019, 09:21:02 AM
Are you certain its not blended fish guts.   ;D

At that price, the caviar content is minimal.  Probably similar to our smoked whitefish spread, which is smoked fish less skin and large bones blended with mayonnaise , cream cheese, and condiments.


That crossed my mind and male fish.... ahhh... never mind.


I did buy real caviar which cost about 4 times as much at half the size. The orange stuff tastes the best
Title: My new life in the Republic of Georgia
Post by: Maxx2 on April 15, 2019, 09:23:59 AM

Based on the lid label, it's the caviar from capelin.  It's mixed with small shrimp to make that particular spread.


This post was composed without the aid of google.


It sure tastes good. I think Gator is right about a mixture of fish eggs, mayo and cream cheese.
Title: My new life in the Republic of Georgia
Post by: Maxx2 on April 21, 2019, 08:51:43 AM
Interesting to me...


I had two dark moles on my upper arm and on my forearm. At one time I thought they might have been skin cancer. I've had them for 18 years. Now they are gone. What changed? My ketogenic diet and a bodily process called autophagy. I've been practicing fasting on a regular bases as a way to clean up my body of old junk. In 2016 Japanese bio researcher Doctor Osumi won the Nobel Prize on his research into autophagy. Autophagy comes from the Greek word "to eat thy self." Sounds strange I know but it is the process to restore health and turn back the biological clock. What happens when the body is not feed food is it turns on itself and consumes all the old, dead and dying cells and converts them into energy. That is no doubt where these moles went. Also fasting, which by the way most religions recommend, generates new stem cells. After 24 hours of fasting the body creates a huge surge in HGH Human Growth Hormone and adrenaline which is good for the workout. The HGH goes up 2000% in men and this helps in muscle growth. 

(http://live.staticflickr.com/65535/46935527594_b14fb530ff.jpg)

There used to be a dark spot the size of a half of a pea on my arm. Now its gone.
Title: My new life in the Republic of Georgia
Post by: msmob on April 29, 2019, 11:29:55 AM
This is in Maxx's thread - as it is thanks to him that we are here - again ! )

Tbilisi has replaced Kyiv as a meeting point for biz meetings for European and Russian passport holders without the need for pre arranged Visas.( Russian males of military age are currently not welcome )

I adored Georgian wine and cuisine from my earliest travels to S.Russia's Black Sea resorts in the mid noughties and when a member decided to live here, I thought it would make a suitable replacement.

It has not disappointed.

Sochi is a hop over the Mountains by air, but my nutty colleagues decided to DRIVE!

Because of 'Abkhazia'..which Georgia claims is part of her territory and Russia recognises as a separate nation (but gives Russian passports) one cannot take the coastal route from Sochi via Sukhum(i) That would save nearly 50 percent in distance.

The journey was just under 1000km and some of the Russian roads were not covered with asphelt !


At the border it took over 2 hours to leave Russia and 2 minutes to enter Georgia,  then a qick stop to buy insurance for the RU reg!d car...( 50 Gel).. c.$20 approx

The no man's land was only 1 km...much less than the RU-Finland border crossing I experienced in Dec '17

 I travelled via Wizzair from Luton...the ticket with 10kg checked in hold luggage was £60))..The Irish chap sat next to me paid only £19 for carry on!

The flight is nearly six hours and goes to Kutaisi...mid way between Tbilisi and Batumi.

The airport is 20 mins from Kutaisi city and a coach costs 20 GEL..less than £6 to Tbilisi.

Then a15 min taxi ride to our apartment.  When booked with the Bolt app it cost 10 GEL..less than £3 . It was my first trip in a Toyota Prius.

It was a mark2 ..an insurance write off from New Jersey, USA...Imported to Georgia,  done up and cost the driver $4900 all in ( taxes and repair) a year ago.

It seemed v.solid and no rattles.

Toyota Prius seem to be 20 to 25 percent of vehicles on the road!  Hybrids are BIG here.

Although we have the Russian vehicle, we use the Metro..which costs 14p (18 US cents ) per journey and one can transfer to a bus at no charge..if one transfers within 60 mins(?) it is considered  a continuation of the journey and free.

One buys a metro card for 2 GEL and scan it on entering a bus. 

Inspectors occasionally arrive and pick out folk at random to check the car was scanned or if one has bought a ticket!

I was here in March and was shocked to see so many RU reg'd cars...but it will soon be the Russian May holidays.

Generally, younger people speak English and over 40's Russian.

The relationship with Russia is complex ..  The photo - overlooking the city's Botanic Park ( c.$1.5)   says " Russian Occupiers" 

(http://i.imgur.com/i4ZYPX8.jpg)

Many - esp. younger people resent Russia occupying what THEY see as Georgia ( S.Ossetia and 'Abkhazia' )  and seek closer ties with the west and the EU

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=05Qgp1xd6Mw (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=05Qgp1xd6Mw)

I am writing this as we await a delivery of our evening meal..delivery cost c. £1 ..There are 4 competing food courier firms and earing out here is so cheap, it makes cooking at home seem crazy.

Things to try...Tarragon 'ade' ..'Takhun' and Khachapuri... which makes pizzas seem boring.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2r7A6EFrJZM (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2r7A6EFrJZM)

The view from the top
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mu10bFzdMII
 (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mu10bFzdMII)

(http://i.imgur.com/Z9vzrfi.jpg)


Title: My new life in the Republic of Georgia
Post by: msmob on April 29, 2019, 01:02:29 PM
Driving from the border with Russia to Tbilisi

(http://i.imgur.com/SNchBgu.jpg)


It was -4C in the mountains and +21C in Tbilisi
Title: My new life in the Republic of Georgia
Post by: SANDRO43 on April 29, 2019, 06:25:57 PM
The no man's land was only 1 km...much less than the RU-Finland border crossing I experienced in Dec '17
In  1972 - still USSR times - I drove from Helsinki through Carelia for a couple of days (dark blue line in map below).

(http://www.floriani.it/Foto/Viaggi/Carelia.jpg)

Some 5 km before reaching Lake Ladoga, huge placards at the roadside repeatedly informed motorists that it was forbidden to stop on the lake shores, to use cameras or binoculars there :o. The Finns were very leery of antagonising their heavyweight neighbour in any way ;).
Title: My new life in the Republic of Georgia
Post by: Maxx2 on April 29, 2019, 11:53:44 PM

Quote
At the border it took over 2 hours to leave Russia and 2 minutes to enter Georgia,

Moby, I just now noticed your contribution. Thank you! Georgia really is an overlooked gem of a nation. So, so nice it hasn't become a bureaucratic pain-in-the-neck like so many other countries. One of countries I examined to expat too was Ecuador. I read on expat forums about all the difficulties it takes to establish an expat life there, most of which comes from government. I am glad I found Georgia with its mostly libertarian way of doing things. I hope it doesn't become a member of the EU because I fear I'll have the problems you and SC had with Brexit. Or did have. Nice when government gets out of the way.
Title: My new life in the Republic of Georgia
Post by: ML on April 30, 2019, 03:10:02 PM
Maxx, my wife and I are getting started on the Keto diet.

I am still mystified by one thing you posted in response to a question I asked you earlier.

I asked something like:  On Keto, eating fat is allowed, but why isn't this fat stored as fat?

You answered: The body digests the food we eat into glucose for energy. What isn't taken into the blood stream winds up in the toilet. It doesn't think during digestion that animal fat consumed
belongs with body fat so that is where it should go.

So you were saying that 'most' animal fat eaten goes into toilet.

I have searched the Internet several times . . . and have not seen anything that suggests
what you are saying . . . i.e. that animal fat eaten mostly ends up in toilet.

Basically it seems a little illogical to think that the body converts carbs to sugar and stores excess as fat . . . yet the body passes directly eaten fat into the toilet.

So Maxx, can you point me to an authoritative source for this?

Thanks
Title: My new life in the Republic of Georgia
Post by: Maxx2 on April 30, 2019, 03:58:41 PM
Maxx, my wife and I are getting started on the Keto diet.

I am still mystified by one thing you posted in response to a question I asked you earlier.

I asked something like:  On Keto, eating fat is allowed, but why isn't this fat stored as fat?

You answered: The body digests the food we eat into glucose for energy. What isn't taken into the blood stream winds up in the toilet. It doesn't think during digestion that animal fat consumed
belongs with body fat so that is where it should go.

So you were saying that 'most' animal fat eaten goes into toilet.

I have searched the Internet several times . . . and have not seen anything that suggests
what you are saying . . . i.e. that animal fat eaten mostly ends up in toilet.

Basically it seems a little illogical to think that the body converts carbs to sugar and stores excess as fat . . . yet the body passes directly eaten fat into the toilet.

So Maxx, can you point me to an authoritative source for this?

Thanks


I'm up on a bathroom break reading this at 2:38 in the morning. I move to my new apartment later today. Looking for authoritative sources right now...


From what I understand and know eating high fat foods keeps you more satiated than high carb foods. There is a less of a chance of eating more calories that way. Calories are measured units of energy (glucose) that are either used for energy or if in excess converted into storage (fat). Doctor Jason Fung discusses this at length in his videos. 
Title: My new life in the Republic of Georgia
Post by: msmob on May 04, 2019, 03:56:03 AM
A bit like most of Ukraine, speaking Russia does not cause offence to most folk, but from time to time one sees reminders of the Civil Wars on which Russia took sides 'Abkhazia' / S.Ossettia and the resentment of refugees from the conflict

From a street in Tbilisi:

(http://i.imgur.com/v0SRo1B.jpg)

Who can translate ?

I know the answer..but that's because one of my Russians is so bloomin' clever he gets Georgian within days
Title: My new life in the Republic of Georgia
Post by: Maxx2 on May 04, 2019, 07:56:57 AM

because one of my Russians is so bloomin' clever he gets Georgian within days


Genius mind there!
Title: My new life in the Republic of Georgia
Post by: ML on May 04, 2019, 11:39:01 AM
From what I understand and know eating high fat foods keeps you more satiated than high carb foods. There is a less of a chance of eating more calories that way. Calories are measured units of energy (glucose) that are either used for energy or if in excess converted into storage (fat).

Maxx, thanks for your reply.  Not to be over critical, but your above is quite different than what you posted before.

i.e. "It (body) doesn't think during digestion that animal fat consumed belongs with body fat so that (toilet) is where it should go.

That statement of yours held a lot of appeal to me because it indicated that the body really does just automatically pass animal fat through without processing.  But I think now there is no basis for that idea.

So can we conclude that animal fat is no different than any other thing we consume? 

That is to say that if we overeat anything, the excess will be stored as fat . . . which is what we all know or should know.

Thus, can we conclude that the only thing left to praise the Keto method is that fat keeps you more satiated than carbs?
Title: My new life in the Republic of Georgia
Post by: SteveInBoston on May 04, 2019, 09:46:43 PM
There are a couple of benefits of fat over carbs in the diet.

First is that fats are harder/slower to metabolize than carbs (especially sugar).  If you mix fiber with the diet, then some fat will pass through and not get absorbed.  But this is dependant on the type of fat and each person's digestive metabolism.

The second benefit, which is related to the "satiated" effect, is that fats supply steady energy over carbs.  Simple carbs are absorbed too quickly for the body to utilize. The excess energy potential is converted to fat for long term storage.  To re-convert the fat to energy, the body has to switch from sugar burning to fat burning move (keto cycle), which takes time.  In the interim the body triggers hunger signals for consumption of more energy.  If deprived of food, then the body completes transfer to ketosis and starts processing fat.

If you consume too much calories, the excess absorbed fat will lead to weight gain.  If calories are limited to reason, then there shouldn't be weight gain.

But with a high carb diet, even if you consume normal/recommended calories you may still gain weight due to the spike of calories absorbed and the convergence of the excess glucose to triglycerides.

The downside to a high fat diet is that your cholesterol levels may spike, especially if not selecting the type of fats being consumed.  Also, there may be issues with elevated liver enzymes related to ketosis.  And, without proper exercise, muscle loss can occur faster than other weight loss diets.
Title: My new life in the Republic of Georgia
Post by: Maxx2 on May 05, 2019, 05:07:24 AM
There are a couple of benefits of fat over carbs in the diet.

First is that fats are harder/slower to metabolize than carbs (especially sugar).  If you mix fiber with the diet, then some fat will pass through and not get absorbed.  But this is dependant on the type of fat and each person's digestive metabolism.

The second benefit, which is related to the "satiated" effect, is that fats supply steady energy over carbs.  Simple carbs are absorbed too quickly for the body to utilize. The excess energy potential is converted to fat for long term storage.  To re-convert the fat to energy, the body has to switch from sugar burning to fat burning move (keto cycle), which takes time.  In the interim the body triggers hunger signals for consumption of more energy.  If deprived of food, then the body completes transfer to ketosis and starts processing fat.

If you consume too much calories, the excess absorbed fat will lead to weight gain.  If calories are limited to reason, then there shouldn't be weight gain.

But with a high carb diet, even if you consume normal/recommended calories you may still gain weight due to the spike of calories absorbed and the convergence of the excess glucose to triglycerides.

The downside to a high fat diet is that your cholesterol levels may spike, especially if not selecting the type of fats being consumed.  Also, there may be issues with elevated liver enzymes related to ketosis.  And, without proper exercise, muscle loss can occur faster than other weight loss diets.


Steve, you stated it better than I am able to. I heard Dr Fung or maybe it was Dr Berg say for those that recoil from the word "Keto" he restates it as a low inflammation diet.


In bold what is of particular interest to me. The Keto diet recommends these types of foods except the milk and oatmeal. For the former we substitute cream for its high fat content. Oatmeal is too high in carbs and converts quickly to glucose.





Here are a few foods to include in your healthy liver diet:

1. Coffee to lower abnormal liver enzymes

Studies (http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/nonalcoholic-fatty-liver-disease/diagnosis-treatment/treatment/txc-20211616) have shown that coffee drinkers with fatty liver disease have less liver damage than those who don’t drink this caffeinated beverage. Caffeine appears to lower the amount of abnormal liver enzymes (http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/9781118556153.ch22/summary) of people at risk for liver diseases.

2. Greens to prevent fat buildup

Broccoli is shown to help prevent the buildup of fat in the liver (http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/26865652) in mice. Eating more greens, like spinach, Brussels sprouts, and kale, can also help with general weight loss (http://www.healthline.com/health/diet-and-weight-loss). Try the Canadian Liver Foundation’s recipe for vegetarian chili (http://www.liver.ca/files/PDF/Fatty_Liver_Recipes/Vegetarian_Chili.pdf), which lets you cut back on calories without sacrificing flavor.

3. Tofu to reduce fat buildup

A University of Illinois study (http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/04/120422162417.htm) on rats found that soy protein, which is contained in foods like tofu, may reduce fat buildup in the liver. Plus, tofu is low in fat and high in protein.

4. Fish for inflammation and fat levels

Fatty fish such as salmon, sardines, tuna, and trout are high in omega-3 fatty acids. Omega-3 fatty acids can help improve liver fat levels (http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5019889/) and bring down inflammation (http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4588084/). Try this teriyaki halibut recipe (http://www.liver.ca/files/PDF/Fatty_Liver_Recipes/Teriyaki_Halibut.pdf), recommended by the Canadian Liver Foundation, that’s especially low in fat.

5. Oatmeal for energy

Carbohydrates from whole grains like oatmeal give your body energy. Their fiber content also fills you up, which can help you maintain your weight.

6. Walnuts to improve the liver

These nuts are high in omega-3 fatty acids. Research finds (http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4588084/) that people with fatty liver disease who eat walnuts have improved liver function tests.

7. Avocado to help protect the liver

Avocados are high in healthy fats, and research suggests (http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2000/12/001219074822.htm) they contain chemicals that might slow liver damage. They’re also rich in fiber, which can help with weight control. Try this refreshing avocado and mushroom salad (http://fattyliverdietreview.com/tag/fatty-liver-disease-diet-plan/) from Fatty Liver Diet Review.

8. Milk and other low-fat dairy to protect from damage

Dairy is high in whey protein, which may protect the liver from further damage, according to a 2011 study (http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3096574/) in rats.

9. Sunflower seeds for antioxidants

These nutty-tasting seeds are high in vitamin E, an antioxidant that may protect the liver from further damage.

10. Olive oil for weight control

This healthy oil is high in omega-3 fatty acids. It’s healthier for cooking than margarine, butter, or shortening. Research (http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4588084/) finds that olive oil helps to lower liver enzyme levels and control weight. Try this liver-friendly take on a traditional Mexican dish (http://www.liversupport.com/recipes/spinach-artichoke-enchiladas/) from LiverSupport.com.

11. Garlic to help reduce body weight

This herb not only adds flavor to food, but experimental studies also show that garlic powder supplements (http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/26955623) may help reduce body weight and fat in people with fatty liver disease.

12. Green tea for less fat absorption

Data supports that green tea can help interfere with fat absorption, but the results aren’t conclusive yet. Researchers are studying (http://today.uconn.edu/2009/02/nutritional-scientist-studies-impact-of-green-tea-on-liver-disease/) whether green tea can reduce fat storage in the liver and improve liver function. But green tea also has many benefits (http://www.healthline.com/health-slideshow/essential-benefits-of-green-tea), from lowering cholesterol to aiding with sleep.
Title: My new life in the Republic of Georgia
Post by: Maxx2 on May 05, 2019, 08:25:18 AM
Maxx, thanks for your reply.  Not to be over critical, but your above is quite different than what you posted before.

i.e. "It (body) doesn't think during digestion that animal fat consumed belongs with body fat so that (toilet) is where it should go.

That statement of yours held a lot of appeal to me because it indicated that the body really does just automatically pass animal fat through without processing. But I think now there is no basis for that idea.

So can we conclude that animal fat is no different than any other thing we consume?

That is to say that if we overeat anything, the excess will be stored as fat . . . which is what we all know or should know.

Thus, can we conclude that the only thing left to praise the Keto method is that fat keeps you more satiated than carbs?


What I meant to say was what isn't absorbed as nutriments winds up the toilet. All food is processed and broken down. Because it was originally fat doesn't mean it automatically winds up as fat storage, fat-to-fat.

What is highly praiseworthy about Keto is its low inflammation properties. Less chance of getting diabetes, cancer, heart and circulatory disease and arthritis.
Title: My new life in the Republic of Georgia
Post by: GQBlues on May 05, 2019, 08:50:06 AM
Maxx, my wife and I are getting started on the Keto diet.

I am still mystified by one thing you posted in response to a question I asked you earlier.

I asked something like:  On Keto, eating fat is allowed, but why isn't this fat stored as fat?

You answered: The body digests the food we eat into glucose for energy. What isn't taken into the blood stream winds up in the toilet. It doesn't think during digestion that animal fat consumed
belongs with body fat so that is where it should go.

So you were saying that 'most' animal fat eaten goes into toilet.

I have searched the Internet several times . . . and have not seen anything that suggests
what you are saying . . . i.e. that animal fat eaten mostly ends up in toilet.

Basically it seems a little illogical to think that the body converts carbs to sugar and stores excess as fat . . . yet the body passes directly eaten fat into the toilet.

So Maxx, can you point me to an authoritative source for this?

Thanks

ML-

Keto dieting isn't necessarily for everyone. Weight loss is the beneficial by-product of going into the metabolic state of ketosis. It was originally prescribed for those with brain/focus problems i.e ADD, epilepsy, Parkinson/Alzheimer, etc...Weigh loss benefit of keto surged in popularity recently due largely in the overall obesity awareness, sugar-laden comfort foods consumption, insulin sensitivities, etc...

Folks often mistake 'animal fats' as the main fatty consumption in keto dieting. Huge mistake. Consuming animal fats also consumes an inordinant amount of 'protein'. Protein converts to glucose. I believe to be in a state of ketosis, the ratio in your diet is something like <5% carbs, 10-15% protein, the rest being fat. GOOD fat. Your carb/sugar consumption need to be so low to enable your system to slip into the state of ketosis. Successfully, your body begins to start using ketones for energy not glucose. Once the liver is deprived of carb/sugar, the body begins to depend on those 'stored' fat (ketones) as a source of energy.

Ketosis succeeds in making your brain/consciousness from not getting that feeling you're 'hungry' and begin to burn the stored fat instead. Unlike being in glucose-dependent diet, they feel the need to eat more times that they should which only results in sugar blitz burns, triggers the insulin to spike and 'store' large amounts of excess fat. Largely why many folks are obese.
 
I'm not into this diet as I know very little about it, and from I understand from some of my associates who did this profess its benefit if done right. The great many that tried and failed were due to it being very nearly impossible to follow due to its constraints. The majority of those who 'thinks' they're into the diet will err in their perception of the core dynamics of how and why keto diet works. Not to say it can't be done, as there have been plenty of successful stories.

If you or wife wants to get into this diet, spend a few dollars and consult with your doctor to see if keto is right for you, then see a proven keto dietician. Don't just surf the internet and make it your holy grail. We are all different, our diet habits, physiological state, medical conditions, etc...

YMMV.
Title: My new life in the Republic of Georgia
Post by: Maxx2 on May 05, 2019, 09:18:52 AM
The great many that tried and failed were due to it being very nearly impossible to follow due to its constraints.


I told a guy that I skip the toast when I eat my morning eggs and bacon. He said, "I can't eat eggs and bacon without toast!" Many people have an emotional attachment to food. Kind of like how some people get about their birthdays.


I've just entered hour 23 of a 40 hour fast. I'll be sleeping in a few hours so that will chew up some of the time until I get to hour 40. 40 is just some arbitrary number I chose to fast. I feel only a little hunger now and then that quick passes. I drink coffee, green tea, hot and iced, and Barjomi fizzy water. This is the third weekend (Saturday night to Monday noon I don't consume any calories) I've fasted. I do it for health benefits besides weight loss. Believe me once you fasted a few times eating Keto and staying on the diet is a breeze!


I've been on Keto since August 19th 2018, so about 9 months now. I have purposely gone off the diet for a day or two and noted what happened in regard to my blood sugar and mood about the food I've eaten (McDs double cheeseburgers on 2 occasions). First i didn't find them all that appealing. I'd much prefer the keto dishes I have been eating. The stuffed with rice green pepper at "The Sultan" a Turkish restaurant south of Barjomi tasted pretty good! I noticed my blood sugars didn't crazy spike like they once did. So my conclusion is my insulin sensitive has improved quite a bit.


Nice to see you here GQ.
Title: My new life in the Republic of Georgia
Post by: ML on May 05, 2019, 10:21:25 AM
Many thanks to Maxx, Steve and GQ for their comments.
Title: My new life in the Republic of Georgia
Post by: Maxx2 on May 07, 2019, 04:41:12 AM
Many thanks to Maxx, Steve and GQ for their comments.


You are welcome ML.


I went off of Keto for 2-3 days during my packing, moving and unpacking. My waking blood glucose numbers went into the low, low 100s, like 101 and 105. This morning my waking number was 87. Which is good. I recommend to anyone getting into Keto get a blood glucose monitor. I've found that when my numbers are under 100 I am in Ketosis. I've confirmed this with a Keto monitor. Unfortunately the Keto test strips are expensive at $1 each so I have been relying on glucose monitor instead.
Title: My new life in the Republic of Georgia
Post by: Maxx2 on May 07, 2019, 04:42:44 AM



http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ANzIkxyuj9I




Seems like a nice guy.
Title: My new life in the Republic of Georgia
Post by: Maxx2 on May 07, 2019, 04:58:18 AM
http://www.meputkre.ge/index.php?lang=2&menu=1 (http://www.meputkre.ge/index.php?lang=2&menu=1)


Moby, buy this honey. I have never tasted anything like it! It has a slight taste of licorice to it. It is enough to tempt me off of Keto!....


I see from their website there are a few varieties of it. Mine says in the fine print it comes from Arcadia blossoms. It has a most pleasant after taste. I've tested it 3 times to see if I am not imagining it. Definitely a licorice taste.   
Title: My new life in the Republic of Georgia
Post by: msmob on May 07, 2019, 07:38:10 AM
Tbilisi bikers ))

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GGQox0YNjnY (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GGQox0YNjnY)
Title: My new life in the Republic of Georgia
Post by: Maxx2 on May 07, 2019, 06:55:12 PM



 Chris Rea ~ Road to Hell  (Real Bikers)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RatHPuFLqUQ&lc=z22dz55zry3ih55z304t1aokgtklfdqmoh1okh54c4tyrk0h00410
Title: My new life in the Republic of Georgia
Post by: Maxx2 on May 08, 2019, 02:32:24 AM



Hotel Imperial via booking.com£17..approx 21 USD ...Incredible value for a king size bed and a single bed with en suite.

Nino will let you stay at her place for 40 GEL a night or $100 a week if it is available. I think she likes to avoid the Airbnb fees.
Title: My new life in the Republic of Georgia
Post by: Omega82 on May 15, 2019, 09:23:24 PM
Maxx, considering the drastic change the US has gone through post 911, are you glad you've permanently relocated and if so specifically why? 

I truly feel we have less freedom now than in the 90's. 
Title: My new life in the Republic of Georgia
Post by: msmob on May 15, 2019, 09:26:29 PM
mistake - ignore


Title: My new life in the Republic of Georgia
Post by: Maxx2 on May 16, 2019, 12:18:08 AM
To answer Omega's question I'll do it through my correspondence to my new Georgian acquaintance Jaba. Jaba is married to an American woman. He wants to know how they can get to America. He didn't know he was married to his ticket to get there.


Quote
Yes my wife is US citizen, born in Michigan, lived in Florida and Ohio. She has 2 kids there from the past man. However she doesn't own residency in US. If I we will go there I want to go legally and become legal immigrant. I don't have any criminal history at all, even a minor.


I did this process with my immigrant ex-wife 17 years ago. Unless things have changed this is what I know:
She doesn't need to own property there. She needs to earn $21,173 a year (I looked this up) in pre-tax income to sponsor an immigrant spouse. She would be required to show paycheck stubs that she earns at least this much money. She will be signing an I-864 Affidavit of Support and filing an I-130 relative petition with the USCIS (US Citizenship and Immigration Services) to get you a visa and on your way to a green card (LPR status) and then on to US citizenship if you want this. What she needs is a full time job (8 hours a day 5 days a week) that pays a little over $10 an hour to meet the minimum to sponsor you. In Ohio the minimum wage is $8.50 an hour. So if she got one of those jobs she would need to earn a little more by working a second shift or getting a part-time job working a day on the weekend. Many jobs pay MORE that $10 an hour so earning enough to get $21K a year minimum would be no problem. A minimum wage job can be working at McDonalds or a liquor store. These jobs are easy to get.

Near as I can figure the processing times once she submits the petitions would be about 2 to 6 months. Then you would be scheduled for interview at the US Embassy in Tbilisi to get a visa. Once in America you would apply for a Social Security Card and a Work Authorization Card. These usually come rather fast. A few weeks or so. Then you can legally work in the US while your green card is processing. Back when I did this with the ex getting a green card took 1 1/2 years. Citizenship 3 more years later if you are still married or 5 years if you are not. But all these rules and processing times might have changed.

"The United States Citizenship & Immigration Services, (USCIS) Vermont Service Center is now averaging 1-2 month processing time, the USCIS California Service Center is currently averaging a 4 month processing time."

There is also a Nebraska Service Center (for Ohio) and a Texas Service Center.

http://www.visapro.com/processin... (http://www.visapro.com/processing-times/vermont-service-center/)
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mi... (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Minimum_wage_in_the_United_States)

Back when I did this the Vermont Service Center was by far the fastest in processing petitions. But the State of Ohio isn't in its jurisdiction. But the next State over Pennsylvania is but its minimum wage is only $7.25 an hour.

In short for you to get to America you and your wife will have to be apart for a while. Some money she earns will have to be spent on petition fees. These are not cheap but with an American income they affordable if she is thrifty and can save money. A U.S. immigration attorney once told me that is rather hard for the government to keep out a spouse of a US citizen. But it does take effort to get the ball rolling.
I hope this helps.14h ago


I reread the processing times for the Vermont Service Center. It said
I-130   Petition for Alien Relative   U.S. citizen filing for a spouse, parent, or child under 21   5 Months to 7 Months




Hi, thanks for all this information, I really appreciate the time you spent on this. After reading those information, I'm not sure if I want to go there. I don't think we can live one year without each other apart. Plus that horrible American healthcare worries me as I need doctors quite often, I don't have good health.


We can talk this over and perhaps get a long range plan for you and your wife. I take it you and your wife live in or near Tbilisi? My phone number is +995 555 XXX XXX. My email is XXXXX  at  Yahoo dat com and Skype address is XXXXXX 5m agoAll right, I saved you info. My phone is +995 591 XX XX XX and email is XXXX @gmail.com (j.chutlashvili@gmail.com)




I'll post here what I tell him about the negativities of living in America.
Title: My new life in the Republic of Georgia
Post by: Faux Pas on May 16, 2019, 05:57:06 AM
To answer Omega's question I'll do it through my correspondence to my new Georgian acquaintance Jaba. Jaba is married to an American woman. He wants to know how they can get to America. He didn't know he was married to his ticket to get there.


Maxx as I've been out of the business of visa for over a decade things might have changed but unlikely I'd think. There is a spousal visa she can apply for in Georgia at the US consulate, K2, K12 or something. Interviews would be at their nearest place or regional offices that conduct them. In other words they don't have to apply in the US nor would need to spend time apart
Title: My new life in the Republic of Georgia
Post by: ML on May 16, 2019, 06:50:32 AM
Maxx, considering the drastic change the US has gone through post 911, are you glad you've permanently relocated and if so specifically why? 

I truly feel we have less freedom now than in the 90's.

Yes, Maxx was lucky to get out when he could.

Currently there is a flood of US Ciitizens trying to get out of the country, while those wanting to come into the USA has dwindled to a trickle.

I can hardly sleep at night thinking about how terrible it is to live here.
Title: My new life in the Republic of Georgia
Post by: Omega82 on May 16, 2019, 07:29:18 PM
Do you really think we're free here? 

Maxx it would be great to hear your comments and first hand experience how the US compares to Georgia in various aspects. 
Title: My new life in the Republic of Georgia
Post by: Maxx2 on May 17, 2019, 03:46:26 AM
Maxx as I've been out of the business of visa for over a decade things might have changed but unlikely I'd think. There is a spousal visa she can apply for in Georgia at the US consulate, K2, K12 or something. Interviews would be at their nearest place or regional offices that conduct them. In other words they don't have to apply in the US nor would need to spend time apart


He doesn't want to be apart from his wife. Perhaps they could petition right here in Georgia? Only problem is she has no way to supporting him as in the Affidavit of Support the old I-864. I notice in the list I looked at they don't have that anymore. Perhaps they don't need one? Anyway back 17 years ago when I did this process a spousal visa for a wife and child (They have no children) was called a K-3 and K-4.


I am going to tell him about some of the negatives of living in the U.S. and I'll post it here.


Omega, "None are more hopelessly enslaved as those that falsely believe they are free" ~ Goeth
Title: My new life in the Republic of Georgia
Post by: SteveInBoston on May 17, 2019, 05:04:03 AM
The K3 is not being processed anymore, apparantly.  At visajourney forums they stated only 6 K3's  were processed last year.  K3's get administratively closed and the petitioner is told to submit IR-1/CR-1.

Good news is the couple can submit IR-1/CR-1 (form I-130) as a direct consular filing in Georgia, which cuts down on the processing time significantly.  The I-864 still needs to be submitted, but perhaps his wife can contact a relative in the US who can agree to be a sponsor?

Title: My new life in the Republic of Georgia
Post by: Maxx2 on May 17, 2019, 08:01:30 AM
The K3 is not being processed anymore, apparantly.  At visajourney forums they stated only 6 K3's  were processed last year.  K3's get administratively closed and the petitioner is told to submit IR-1/CR-1.

Good news is the couple can submit IR-1/CR-1 (form I-130) as a direct consular filing in Georgia, which cuts down on the processing time significantly.  The I-864 still needs to be submitted, but perhaps his wife can contact a relative in the US who can agree to be a sponsor?


Thanks for the info. I'll pass it on.


Years ago I was told by a retired District Director of the USCIS that the affidavit of support is not enforced. Do you if that is still true?
Title: My new life in the Republic of Georgia
Post by: ML on May 17, 2019, 09:01:01 AM

Years ago I was told by a retired District Director of the USCIS that the affidavit of support is not enforced. Do you if that is still true?

Actual facts on this would be hard to come by.

But on an ad hoc basis, I have also heard that no one knows of cases where support has tried to be enforced.  Likely there is not manpower available for such.
Title: My new life in the Republic of Georgia
Post by: SteveInBoston on May 17, 2019, 10:23:55 AM

Thanks for the info. I'll pass it on.


Years ago I was told by a retired District Director of the USCIS that the affidavit of support is not enforced. Do you if that is still true?

Officially the sponsor in on the hook for any gov benefits are given to the beneficiary due to lack of support from the sponsor.  However, I wonder how many state gov. know about the stipulation of I-864 in order to enforce it.

If it is used at all, I think the most likely scenario is that the beneficiary used the I-864 to sue their partner during divorce or separation.  Just my opinion.

Title: My new life in the Republic of Georgia
Post by: Omega82 on May 17, 2019, 08:38:40 PM
Maxx, could you summarize for us the pros and cons of living in the US vs Georgia please. 
Title: My new life in the Republic of Georgia
Post by: Maxx2 on May 18, 2019, 12:31:05 AM




(http://live.staticflickr.com/65535/47083942544_8848e1c947.jpg)


Fish from the Black Sea I am about to prepare for cooking.


Below is letter exchange I am having with an American named Jon. He and his wife are thinking of expating here. One of the things that I find superior to the US is the food. Much more likely to be organic, less pesticides and hormone injections. The local farmers simply can't afford this. ALL the cattle are free range. And a lot of the chickens are also.




Hi Maxx,

Don't get me wrong, most of the food here is grown in either US or Mexico and some from South America in our winter time.  But the Chinese have been slowly creeping into the store shelves. I will not buy it. I mistook a frozen Salmon filet at Walmart and saw when I gothome it was processed in China so I took it back and got my moneyback.  I told them why. I am not surprised the food is better there as probably not so much pesticides and factory farms.

I asked you about the address where I saw the apartments for $14 anight.  Is that a decent area ?  They said it was in "Old Town". What is the story on public transport. I think you mentioned underground or were you talking about Tbilisi ?  What is available inBatumi ?  What about cheap car rental ? What about crime there in regards to stealing and or mugging ?

Best regards...............................Jon







You get used to things being different from the States after you live here for a while. It is the fourth segment of getting over culture shock. The honeymoon phase, the irritation phase, the rejection of the culture phase and the acceptance of the culture. I'm definitely in the last one.


Taxis are the best way to get around. They are EVERYWHERE. I was told that half the population of Tbilisi is taxi drivers. It is not uncommon and to see 4 or 5 taxis in a cluster driving down the street looking for fares. Stand on the curb and look like you need a ride and someone will see you and pull over. The cost? Very low, usually  under $5. I used to get taxis to take me to the gym that was a few miles away for 5 Lari ($1.82). So a $5 cab fare will probably get you to any place in Tbilisi. The only place where the cab drivers try to rip you is at the airport. I took a taxi one time to the airport. It was on the opposite side of town, through the city and out in the outskirts of Tbilisi. Maybe 10-15 miles away. It cost me 15 Lari ($5.45). But when I wanted a taxi ride (I took a friend to the airport) back they wanted to charge me 40 Lari ($14.55)! I laughed and told him to get here only cost me 15 Lari. He found me a taxi for 20 Lari ($7.27).


I've never used public transportation. I am not sure how I would. I would need an aid to show me what buses or marshukas (Mercedes/Dodge Sprinters) to take. I had a friend from Ireland visit me last month and I met him in Tbilisi. He used the Metro (underground subway) and was quite impressed with it. Very, very low cost. But he speaks Russian fairly well so he is able navigate his way around easier than I. There is a Metro in Tbilisi, but not in Batumi.


Speaking of Russian. It would be a good idea to learn a few sentences. Scol-ka Minn-yah means "How much for me?" and point to your destination on a map. The driver if he doesn't understand English and if you don't understand numbers in Russian (I do) will hold up a number of his fingers. If he holds up too many fingers, then just back away. There will be another cab coming along within a minute. 


I know a woman in Tbilisi that has a few places to rent. I've stayed at her place a few times. I like it because it has got nice kitchen,  comfortable beds and the best shower (STRONG water pressure) I've ever had. She charges 40 Lari a night ($14.55), $100 a week, $350 a month. Her name is Nino. Her friend and caretaker Magda lives upstairs. It is on the ground floor with its own entrance. It has got like a 2 inch step up. The outside looks like a fright as does a lot of FSU places but the inside is nice. It is actually quite big. Two single beds in the bedroom and big living room with couches and chairs. A dining room with a nice big table. A good kitchen for preparing meals. There is a nice grocery store and pharmacy called Fresco about a kilometer down the street. It is in safe neighborhood. I lived there last year from August 1st to November 15th.  When my Irish friend came to Georgia I got him and his Russian business partners a place there. They have been back to this place several times working on their business project. I could set you up there. Magda speaks good English.


But if you want a place in the old town that has its advantages. You could walk the city at night and enjoy the night life, bars and restaurants and such. Then walk back home. As long as you don't flash a lot of money around you will be safe. Georgia is much safer than America. I've read Western women who have visited here say they felt safer walking the streets in Tbilisi than they did in Europe or the US. I know, I feel that way. I've never felt threatened. Even the police here are relaxed.


Rent in Batumi during tourist season (May 1 to October 1) is generally high. You probably could find a place for $25 a night from Airbnb. But it wouldn't be one of those premium places with a view of the Black Sea. Right now I am staying at a place I rented last July for $25 a night. But because I am renting long term they agreed to $350 a month plus utilities (which will be about $50).


I've heard about the Chinese putting melamine in baby food. I used to use crucibles for melting gold. Depending on usage they would last a month or two before my needing a new one. I bought one that had been made in China. It fell apart during the first melt. I was worried when I was lifting it out of the furnace that it would fall apart and I would have tens of thousands of dollars of molten gold spill out on the floor. After it cooled I could break off pieces with my bare hand and I could crumble them into sand. So besides putting crap in our food they make some dangerous products. It is all about the money with them. A lot of fish to eat in America comes from fish farms in China. They raise those poor fish in the polluted environment of fish feces. Then got the industrial plants without environment regulations spewing mercury into the air and some of it winding up in the ponds. There is no health benefit of eating salmon from China.


The food raised in America is mostly GMO. It has 'Round Up' pesticide sprayed all over it. Monsanto is the criminal there.


Title: My new life in the Republic of Georgia
Post by: msmob on May 18, 2019, 04:31:46 AM



(http://live.staticflickr.com/65535/47083942544_8848e1c947.jpg)


Fish from the Black Sea I am about to prepare for cooking.



Looks like Mackerel !
Title: My new life in the Republic of Georgia
Post by: Maxx2 on May 18, 2019, 04:35:58 AM
Looks like Mackerel !


They taste pretty good. I ate half of the biggest one. Now I got enough cooked and refrigerated fish to last me to the end of next week.


(http://live.staticflickr.com/65535/47874088101_df43de29a4.jpg)
Title: My new life in the Republic of Georgia
Post by: Maxx2 on May 19, 2019, 03:04:53 AM
Maxx, could you summarize for us the pros and cons of living in the US vs Georgia please.




Hi Jaba, I hope my long letter doesn't weary you!

I hear Georgians tell me all the time how much they want to visit America. Many of them tell me their dream is to live there. My unspoken thought is, "Careful what you wish for. You just might get it."

Did you know every year about 5000 Americans give up their citizenship? The reasons are not for lack of patriotism or love of country. It is for the financial liability of being an American and living abroad. You see the government of the United States bases its tax system on citizenship and not residence. Except for one small country in Africa, American citizens are required to pay taxes on their world-wide income. Even if the citizen has been living outside the United States for years and years. They are required to file a tax document by June 15th of every year (for those living outside the US) called a "Ten-Forty" (1040). This is to report income or financial benefits they have received. They are required to report any bank accounts outside of America to the Department of the Treasury that have more than $10,000 go through them. The failure to do so is a fine from $10,000 to $100,000 per  year and 50% of the assets that are in the bank account. These burdens are not only for US Citizens they are for Green Card holders (Legal Permanent Residents).

Jaba, take your wife for example. Since she is an American if she earns any money in Georgia she is required to report this to the US government. The first 15.3% of her income and any Federal and State income taxes are to be paid to the Internal Revenue Service (IRS). Failure to do so is called tax evasion and it is a criminal offense. You know Chicago's infamous gangster Al Capone? Al Capone was sent to prison for tax evasion. The IRS is called the scariest agency on the planet. The IRS wanted Switzerland to turn over all the names of US citizens who had accounts in their banks. Switzerland didn't want to do it because it violated its centuries old bank secrecy laws. The IRS threatened the Swiss banks that they would seize their assets unless they turned over the names of their US banking customers. Switzerland broke its own laws and gave the IRS what they wanted.

Jaba if you were to go to the United States by a 'family based' visa (Husband of a wife who is a US Citizen) you would be pushed to get a green card. Immigrants in America will kill to get a green card. They are highly desired. Once they get a green card they do not have to worry about deportation. How you would be "pushed to get a green card" is you would get your documents to be able to work in the US by applying for a green card. Then once you get a green card you are required to pay taxes.

You mentioned your income. If you went to America and got a green card. Then decided to leave America and go back to Georgia and got the job you have now. It would be like this for you. 1000 GEL is your gross income. 784 is your net (after tax) income and you would be required to pay 153 GEL (15.3% tax) to the US government for your retirement. You would also have to pay tax to the State taxing authorities in the State you used to live in. Minnesota where I am from, the top income tax for that State is 9.85%. The top tax rate in America is 37% plus State income taxes and the retirement tax of 15.3 %. Then there are sales taxes on items you buy. If you see something marked $1000 and you want to buy it, you have to pay a tax. Most States have a sales tax around 7%. So it would cost maybe $1070 instead of just $1000. Also there are property taxes. Most home owners pay hundreds of dollars a month in property taxes. That is a tax just for the privilege of living in your own home. My cousins live in Colonial, New Jersey in average houses. They pay the city of Colonial $11,000 a year in property tax. That is close to a thousand dollars a month in tax!

Now the good thing about these taxes is, except for the 15.3 % retirement tax most of them wouldn't apply to you if you lived here in Georgia. My fear is the IRS will ask all taxing authorities world-wide to turn over their data collected on any US citizens or green card holders living in their countries.

When I set up my business I have to keep all of the above in mind. And I am NOT going to give up my US citizenship!

http://www.forbes.com/sites/robertwood/2018/12/03/americans-renouncing-citizenship-not-what-you-might-think/#7553a3f7d224 (http://www.forbes.com/sites/robertwood/2018/12/03/americans-renouncing-citizenship-not-what-you-might-think/#7553a3f7d224)
Title: My new life in the Republic of Georgia
Post by: SteveInBoston on May 19, 2019, 04:57:16 PM
Maxx,

There are some inconsistencies in your post. 

First, state income tax does not apply if you have not lived in the state the entire tax year.  You have to file tax returns if you lived in a state that has income tax.  A few states do make you pay state taxes if you still own property in that state.

Second, if you live abroad for most of the year (11 months total time, iirc), then about $100,000 of your earned income is exempt from US taxes.  You still have to file the tax form, but your tax liability is $0.

If you have US retirement income, it may be taxed based on calculations, even if you live outside the US the entire tax year.

If you give up US citizenship, the IRS will automatically deduct about 25% of your Social Security retirement income for as nonresident alien tax.  I'm not sure if other retirement income sources are taxed.

Title: My new life in the Republic of Georgia
Post by: Maxx2 on May 19, 2019, 06:30:21 PM
Maxx,

There are some inconsistencies in your post. 

First, state income tax does not apply if you have not lived in the state the entire tax year.  You have to file tax returns if you lived in a state that has income tax.  A few states do make you pay state taxes if you still own property in that state.

Second, if you live abroad for most of the year (11 months total time, iirc), then about $100,000 of your earned income is exempt from US taxes.  You still have to file the tax form, but your tax liability is $0.

If you have US retirement income, it may be taxed based on calculations, even if you live outside the US the entire tax year.

If you give up US citizenship, the IRS will automatically deduct about 25% of your Social Security retirement income for as nonresident alien tax.  I'm not sure if other retirement income sources are taxed.


I'm not really in the mood to get into this right now. It is a start of a new day for me (5:13  AM) and discussing US tax regulations and rules that apply to me even though I have haven't lived in the US for 2 1/2 years is a depressing way to start a day. State income taxes still apply. Best is to establish residency in a no income tax state like Texas. FICA the "payroll tax" of 15.3% applies from dollar one of gross income earned. Unless United States has a tax treaty with the country and credits you paying to their pension fund. Georgia doesn't have such a treaty, Poland for example does.


In my letter to Jaba I was warning him of the trap that many of you guys unknowingly sprung on your wives. Once they get their green cards they are hooked up to the US tax system and are required to spend money to tax professionals to keep book on themselves. This is NOT cheap.     
Title: My new life in the Republic of Georgia
Post by: Maxx2 on May 19, 2019, 08:26:08 PM



I am considering going into business soon as I am about the reach full retirement age and can open a business outside the United States without forfeiting my pension.


I found this article in my research of where I will be if I go into business.





"It was Obama who pushed FATCA (Foreign Account Tax Compliance Act) that requires all foreign entities to report on anything they do with Americans outside the USA or else their assets will be confiscated in the USA. The FATCA legislation was passed into law in 2010 as part of the unrelated jobs legislation known as the HIRE law. FATCA is a broad, complex set of rules designed to increase tax compliance by Americans with financial assets held outside the United States. * Consequently, no American can have a bank account outside the USA, for banks will no longer accept the risk that an American failed to pay their taxes. Prior to FATCA, growth rates were generally greater than 6% reaching 7% in 2004 annually. Since then, the highest growth rate was 5.4% in 2018.
All countries are now hunting taxes and destroying would economic growth. The tax dispute UBS is in nowwith France (http://www.marketwatch.com/story/swiss-bank-ubs-ordered-to-pay-42-billion-in-fines-2019-02-20) will occupy them for years to come. At the end of February 2019, a Paris-based criminal court ordered UBS to pay a fine and pay 5 billion Swiss francs in damages because the big bank helped wealthy French between 2004 and 2012 to hide their money from the tax authorities. UBS has moved on. It will take years to reach a final decision. The entire Swiss secrecy policy was installed because of Hitler who made it a crime to have money outside of Germany. Hitler did not invade Switzerland nor did he have his fake court impose huge fines on Swiss banks. Today, governments no longer respect international law.


The entire direct taxation is what the Founding Fathers in the US forbid. We are now witnessing the destruction of the world economy and everyone is being hunted globally. The Common Reporting Standard (CRS) is an information standard for the automatic exchange of tax and financial information on a global level. It was put together by the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) back in 2014. Its purpose was to hunt down tax evasion primarily for the European Union. They took the concept from the US Foreign Account Tax Compliance Act (FATCA), which imposed liabilities on foreign institutions if they did not report what Americans were doing outside the country.


The legal basis of the CRS is the Convention on Mutual Administrative Assistance in Tax Matters. As of 2016, 83 countries signed an agreement to implement it. First reporting took place in September 2017. The CRS has many loopholes, for countries have to sign the agreement. This has omitted the United States as well as most developing countries. Note that countries that are included are China, Singapore, Switzerland, most tax havens, and of course Australian/New Zealand as well as Canada.

As of 2018, the signing nations to avoid are:
Albania, Andorra, Antigua and Barbuda, Aruba, Australia, Austria, The Bahamas, Bahrain, Belize, Brazil, Brunei Darussalam, Canada, Chile, China, Cook Islands, Costa Rica, Dominica, Ghana, Grenada, Hong Kong (China), Indonesia, Israel, Japan, Kuwait, Lebanon, Marshall Islands, Macao (China), Malaysia, Mauritius, Monaco, Nauru, New Zealand, Pakistan, Panama, Qatar, Russia, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Samoa, Saint Lucia, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Saudi Arabia, Singapore, Saint Marten, Switzerland, Turkey, United Arab Emirates, Uruguay, Vanuatu."



Georgia is not in the list of CRS countries that will report on you. However that could change in the future.
* Not exactly true. Banks have been known to be reluctant to take Americans as new customers because of the reporting requirement burden. However I do have a Georgian bank account. Not much activity in it. If I used this account for my future business and more than $10,000 per year passed through it I would be required to register it with the Department of Treasury or face massive fines. It was easy for me to open a Georgian bank account probably because Georgia is not part of the CRS.
Title: My new life in the Republic of Georgia
Post by: GQBlues on May 20, 2019, 10:07:15 AM
http://www.forbes.com/sites/robertwood/2018/12/03/americans-renouncing-citizenship-not-what-you-might-think/#7553a3f7d224 (http://www.forbes.com/sites/robertwood/2018/12/03/americans-renouncing-citizenship-not-what-you-might-think/#7553a3f7d224)

Hi maxx,

Allow me to throw caution into this wind. The main gist in this article is the supposed 'high taxation' for Americans. Written on the eve of tax reform no less.

True there's an 'x' number of 'Americans' denouncing their citizenship on an annual basis. But missing in this yearly accounting is precisely who these 'Americans' really are. While there's a good number of them are Americans such as yourself, methinks the healthier dosage are former 'foreign nationals' who, after amassing a sizeable 'wealth' working their younger days in the US, are now rooting themselves 'back' to their respective 'original nations' to live out their remaining years. Mexicans easily comes to mind. Asians, Filipinos, etc...Lot's of my employees do this throughout their years building their nest 'back home' in preparation, which includes buying/building homes, etc...Union employees are the exception. They'd be crazy if they renounced their citizenship and give up their right for their earned full pension.

So my feeling is 'no'. The article is much too sensationalized and offered no definitive data to support the assertion because its intent lies somewhere else.

Just IMO.
Title: My new life in the Republic of Georgia
Post by: krimster2 on May 20, 2019, 11:05:51 AM
maxx, I operated several businesses when I lived in Ukraine...
I managed them through offshore shell corporations located in a tax free country, I chose Isle of Man, because I like to visit and stock up on their unusual coins!!!
HSBC is a convenient offshore bank I like, where you can get accounts in Euros (recommended) and Sterling
if you do business under a shell corp and conduct the transaction in euros, the USA doesn't ever know about it
otherwise ANY over seas dollar transfer could be accessible by the IRS...
I assume Georgia's banking system is similar to Ukraine's in which case I would not hold deposits there... 
just use it to wire in some cash and receive through front window...
I don't know if Georgia will want you to account for your transfers into the country possibly for taxation purposes...
Title: My new life in the Republic of Georgia
Post by: Maxx2 on May 20, 2019, 10:12:01 PM
Hi maxx,

Allow me to throw caution into this wind. The main gist in this article is the supposed 'high taxation' for Americans. Written on the eve of tax reform no less.

True there's an 'x' number of 'Americans' denouncing their citizenship on an annual basis. But missing in this yearly accounting is precisely who these 'Americans' really are. While there's a good number of them are Americans such as yourself, methinks the healthier dosage are former 'foreign nationals' who, after amassing a sizeable 'wealth' working their younger days in the US, are now rooting themselves 'back' to their respective 'original nations' to live out their remaining years. Mexicans easily comes to mind. Asians, Filipinos, etc...Lot's of my employees do this throughout their years building their nest 'back home' in preparation, which includes buying/building homes, etc...Union employees are the exception. They'd be crazy if they renounced their citizenship and give up their right for their earned full pension.

So my feeling is 'no'. The article is much too sensationalized and offered no definitive data to support the assertion because its intent lies somewhere else.

Just IMO.


Hi GQ.


You would think Forbes would be less likely to sensationalize than say Nomad Capital. Still a lot of people giving up US citizenship. There has got be a reason why. Taxes are the most likely reason why.


I'm a stickler about following the law and the spirit of the law. I don't want to worry that some government entity will clothesline me for violation of some rule, Georgian or American.


I've been preparing to possible go into a food service business for tourists. I'll start out small and see how that goes. If it goes well, I'll expand. I figure there might be an attraction for genuine American food made by a genuine American.


I bought these kitchen tools in Tbilisi last year.

(http://live.staticflickr.com/65535/47107397424_c4e5ef5d2f.jpg)
(http://live.staticflickr.com/65535/46980634935_0a90ea3bc1.jpg)

 I enjoy cooking and food prep gives me something to do.


I've hosted a few parties and served my guests various dishes. People from the FSU have different pallets (is that the right word?) of taste than us Americans although McDonalds and CocaCola do well here. I've never seen maple syrup here? Maybe people would be curious enough to buy just to see how somethings tastes coming out of a tree?
Title: My new life in the Republic of Georgia
Post by: Maxx2 on May 29, 2019, 10:20:06 PM



(http://live.staticflickr.com/65535/47963258488_705494eb99.jpg)


(http://live.staticflickr.com/65535/47963288041_11dbd92413.jpg)


(http://live.staticflickr.com/65535/47963240172_0713bdbbe9.jpg)
NOT Moonstruck!


Does anyone know how to get Russian subtitles for the 1987 film 'Moonstruck'?


I am planning on having movie parties at my place. My first guests will be the family that owns the apartment I stay in. I chose Moonstruck because of the comedy, romance (It appeals to women) and the theme of opera that runs through it. The oldest daughter of the two is an opera singer at the Batumi opera. This Sunday she leaves for Italy on tour. A few days ago I downloaded a high resolution copy of this movie. Coincidentally I came home yesterday and heard her singing La Boheme which is in this movie. Anyway it would be a good to have some Russian subtitles to go with it. Russian is the predominant language in their house.


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FtvJexR4iVg
Title: My new life in the Republic of Georgia
Post by: Maxx2 on May 29, 2019, 11:38:56 PM



Anon: I was looking for the Russian subtitles only. I couldn't find them on the link you sent. But thank you.

I plan on showing films in their original language but with Russian or English subtitles.
Title: My new life in the Republic of Georgia
Post by: Maxx2 on June 01, 2019, 03:14:59 AM


Last night May 31st there was a knock on my door.


(http://live.staticflickr.com/65535/47977214488_1287c4f30f.jpg)


Inga, Irma and Joggo


My Georgian family brought me a birthday cake!
Title: My new life in the Republic of Georgia
Post by: msmob on June 01, 2019, 05:42:18 AM
I have not met the brunette, but if she is anything like her sister and Ma... Lovely family

You are a lucky chap, Maxx
Title: My new life in the Republic of Georgia
Post by: Gator on June 01, 2019, 07:26:02 AM

Last night May 31st there was a knock on my door.


Inga, Irma and Joggo


My Georgian family brought me a birthday cake!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY! 

 :applause: :applause: :applause:

Any significance in two candles?  I realize the cake would be a fire hazard if it had a candle for each year.   ;)   Maybe two is just the way it is. 
Title: My new life in the Republic of Georgia
Post by: BillyB on June 01, 2019, 07:50:05 AM

Happy Birthday Maxx! I'm probably like you and expect nothing for my birthday but it's great when people remember and surprise you.
Title: My new life in the Republic of Georgia
Post by: Maxx2 on June 01, 2019, 12:22:26 PM
I have not met the brunette, but if she is anything like her sister and Ma... Lovely family

You are a lucky chap, Maxx


Both sisters are equally nice. If I was 40 years younger it would be this for me -


(http://live.staticflickr.com/1907/44392433985_d3c3315a73.jp)
Title: My new life in the Republic of Georgia
Post by: ML on June 01, 2019, 01:24:05 PM
Best wishes to you Maxx on your 39th birthday.

Only folks our age will understand this.
Title: My new life in the Republic of Georgia
Post by: Maxx2 on June 01, 2019, 11:12:38 PM
Best wishes to you Maxx on your 39th birthday.

Only folks our age will understand this.


Ah the great JB and I don't mean Bragg or jb. "Well!"  >:(
Title: My new life in the Republic of Georgia
Post by: Maxx2 on June 13, 2019, 12:21:01 AM



My utilizes for the month of May.



$4.44 electricity
$2.96 gas
$3.70 internet
$7.40 cell phone
Title: My new life in the Republic of Georgia
Post by: msmob on June 13, 2019, 12:32:39 AM
You need to take control of your spending, Maxx .. it is TOTALLY out of control ;)
Title: My new life in the Republic of Georgia
Post by: Maxx2 on June 13, 2019, 12:37:36 AM
You need to take control of your spending, Maxx .. it is TOTALLY out of control ;)


I know  :-[
Title: My new life in the Republic of Georgia
Post by: Maxx2 on June 17, 2019, 10:58:10 PM

Eventually the men here are going to want to see what Georgian women look like.




(http://live.staticflickr.com/65535/48083990111_9c983cc99e.jpg)


(http://live.staticflickr.com/65535/48084088197_c0ef7ba394.jpg)


(http://live.staticflickr.com/65535/48084088282_ca9cbaf278.jpg)


(http://live.staticflickr.com/65535/48084088337_0f129b1dac.jpg)


(http://live.staticflickr.com/65535/48084030208_b234080503.jpg)


(http://live.staticflickr.com/65535/48084030333_564c1e4541.jpg)


(http://live.staticflickr.com/65535/48084088522_94fa744f30.jpg)


(http://live.staticflickr.com/65535/48083990006_632039e40d.jpg)


(http://live.staticflickr.com/65535/48084088582_405dde942b.jpg)


(http://live.staticflickr.com/65535/48084088457_840c591397.jpg)
Title: My new life in the Republic of Georgia
Post by: SANDRO43 on June 18, 2019, 06:32:09 AM
Apparently, all Georgian girls are in the Police force. An arresting situation :D.
Title: My new life in the Republic of Georgia
Post by: Gator on June 18, 2019, 08:05:54 AM
Maxx,

Fine looking women!

How did Georgia fare under Soviet rule?  I would assume their native son Stalin was their friend.

What was the attitude of the Georgian people towards the CCCP?
Title: My new life in the Republic of Georgia
Post by: ML on June 18, 2019, 08:22:41 AM
OMG  I never suspected the Georgian alphabet was anything other than Roman or Cyrillic.
Title: My new life in the Republic of Georgia
Post by: Maxx2 on June 18, 2019, 09:37:57 AM
Maxx,

Fine looking women!

How did Georgia fare under Soviet rule?  I would assume their native son Stalin was their friend.

What was the attitude of the Georgian people towards the CCCP?


Stalin I was told, did them no favors. He did though have his favorite Georgian wine and Barjomi water was served at the Kremlin. I heard during Soviet times Georgia had an advantage of over much of the rest of the USSR in that they could grow food year long, especially along the coastal area. I was told Georgians could make some extra money with wine, cognac, "cha cha", citrus, figs and pomegranates. The place I live at is quite rich in food. No chickens but I do hear the neighbor's rooster in the morning. Most homes in the suburbs have gardens of vegetables and fruit trees. I see orange and lemon trees with fruit on them in December and January. My place the owner makes his own wine and distills his own 'cha cha' which is Georgian moonshine. Lots and lots of people make wine and cha cha here. I drove by a road side stand that was selling stills. Must have had twenty of them.


(http://live.staticflickr.com/65535/48086928228_051c4488c4.jpg)


Early May's Grape vines


(http://live.staticflickr.com/65535/48086926758_76b6b29c34.jpg)


Photo taken a few weeks ago.


(http://live.staticflickr.com/65535/48086927253_05269b22cf.jpg)


Small but really tasty. Tastes like apricots. Maybe they are?


(http://live.staticflickr.com/65535/32909696277_e33e23c6ee.jpg)


My well under a fig tree for when the water goes out. Rarely it does.


(http://live.staticflickr.com/65535/48087114668_61979448f2.jpg)
(http://live.staticflickr.com/65535/48087114668_61979448f2.jpg)
(http://live.staticflickr.com/65535/48087114668_61979448f2.jpg)


There is still a Communist Party Georgia but it is really, really small. The vice president of CP Georgia runs a tour of Stalin's underground print shop in Tbilisi. Stalin before the 1917 Revolution used to rob banks and print propaganda literature. He did this in an underground room accessed by scaling down a well and into a side tunnel. It is all there. The White army blew it up but Stalin had it rebuilt after he came into power. The CP VP speaks highly of Stalin calling him the greatest man that ever lived. Most Georgians are indifferent to Stalin. I have never noticed any of them take any pride that he was a Georgian.
Title: My new life in the Republic of Georgia
Post by: Maxx2 on June 18, 2019, 09:46:31 AM




(http://live.staticflickr.com/65535/48087014881_9a6b862ea6.jpg)


There are many, many thousands of Georgian men proud of their stills and there means to ferment wine. It is everywhere.


(http://live.staticflickr.com/65535/48087050638_86cd7e9c05.jpg)


(http://live.staticflickr.com/65535/48087109037_b748119c37.jpg)


10 minute drive south of me near the Turkish border. Where Apostle Andrew, brother of Jesus landed to preach Christianity in a land that was called Iberia. The city beyond is Sarpi that is on the Georgian Turkish border. 



Title: My new life in the Republic of Georgia
Post by: Maxx2 on June 18, 2019, 09:49:24 AM
The propane stove was given to me by the landlord when the city was repairing the gas line. Georgians are prepared for this kind of thing.
Title: My new life in the Republic of Georgia
Post by: ML on June 18, 2019, 09:59:25 AM

(http://live.staticflickr.com/65535/48086927253_05269b22cf.jpg)

Small but really tasty. Tastes like apricots. Maybe they are?


Looks sort of like a guava.

http://www.fast-growing-trees.com/products/ruby-supreme-guava-tree?gclid=EAIaIQobChMI7LPC_r_z4gIVBMpkCh0KDwo9EAQYAiABEgJJJPD_BwE
Title: My new life in the Republic of Georgia
Post by: Maxx2 on June 18, 2019, 10:12:29 AM


(http://live.staticflickr.com/65535/48087275963_a2ca3aeaf7.jpg)


In the garage with the still and barrel


(http://live.staticflickr.com/65535/48087236001_600e650251.jpg[/img)


Outside a house in Poti


(http://live.staticflickr.com/65535/48087235156_839d3dff54.jpg)


"Our comrade Stalin loves children!"
Title: My new life in the Republic of Georgia
Post by: Maxx2 on June 18, 2019, 10:17:14 AM




(http://live.staticflickr.com/65535/48087233511_50403485df.jpg)


Stalin museum in Gori


Other than there and a tourist attraction in Tbilisi that doesn't get much tourists the only things I've seen of Stalin is some novelty wine and cognac bottles of his image. The one in his white military suit is the best in my opinion.
Title: My new life in the Republic of Georgia
Post by: SANDRO43 on June 18, 2019, 03:40:19 PM
(http://live.staticflickr.com/65535/48086926758_76b6b29c34.jpg)
Photo taken a few weeks ago.
(http://live.staticflickr.com/65535/48086927253_05269b22cf.jpg)
Small but really tasty. Tastes like apricots. Maybe they are?

Loquats (Eriobotrya japonica)?

(http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/4/4e/Eriobotrya_japonica_JPG1b.jpg/800px-Eriobotrya_japonica_JPG1b.jpg)

Quote
Eriobotrya japonica is a large evergreen shrub or small tree, with a rounded crown, short trunk and woolly new twigs. The tree can grow to 5–10 metres (16–33 ft) tall, but is often smaller, about 3–4 metres (10–13 ft). The fruit begins to ripen during Spring to Summer depending on the temperature in the area. The leaves are alternate, simple, 10–25 centimetres (4–10 in) long, dark green, tough and leathery in texture, with a serrated margin, and densely velvety-hairy below with thick yellow-brown pubescence....Loquats are unusual among fruit trees in that the flowers appear in the autumn or early winter, and the fruits are ripe at any time from early spring to early summer. The flowers are 2 cm (1 in) in diameter, white, with five petals, and produced in stiff panicles of three to ten flowers. The flowers have a sweet, heady aroma that can be smelled from a distance. Loquat fruits, growing in clusters, are oval, rounded or pear-shaped, 3–5 centimetres (1–2 in) long, with a smooth or downy, yellow or orange, sometimes red-blushed skin. The succulent, tangy flesh is white, yellow or orange and sweet to subacid or acid, depending on the cultivar. Each fruit contains from one to ten ovules, with three to five being most common. A variable number of the ovules mature into large brown seeds (with different numbers of seeds appearing in each fruit on the same tree, usually between one and four). The fruits are the sweetest when soft and orange. The flavour is a mixture of peach, citrus and mild mango.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Loquat
Title: My new life in the Republic of Georgia
Post by: ML on June 18, 2019, 04:31:30 PM
Or maybe kumquat.

http://www.google.com/search?q=kumquat+tree&oq=cumquat&aqs=chrome.2.69i57j0l5.6723j0j7&sourceid=chrome&ie=UTF-8
Title: My new life in the Republic of Georgia
Post by: SANDRO43 on June 18, 2019, 05:34:42 PM
Or maybe kumquat.
They are similar externally, their internal structure/taste should show which is which.
Title: My new life in the Republic of Georgia
Post by: msmob on June 18, 2019, 09:30:05 PM



(http://live.staticflickr.com/65535/48087014881_9a6b862ea6.jpg)


There are many, many thousands of Georgian men proud of their stills and there means to ferment wine. It is everywhere.



If David introduces you to the guy above, make sure your stomach is well prepared to absorb alcohol or be the designated driver.)))

Title: My new life in the Republic of Georgia
Post by: Maxx2 on June 19, 2019, 04:43:07 AM



I meant to tell Moby this but a few weeks ago. I seen the HMS ECHO docked in the Batumi harbor.


http://agenda.ge/en/news/2019/1150


It was off from having Naval exercises with the Georgian Navy.


The most heavily armed Georgian Naval ship I have seen is this one.


(http://live.staticflickr.com/65535/48091592206_d56d3c8a76.jpg)


I took these photos off my balcony.


(http://live.staticflickr.com/65535/48091610726_9978753926.jpg)



Title: My new life in the Republic of Georgia
Post by: Maxx2 on June 19, 2019, 04:47:12 AM
If David Maxx introduces you to the guy above, make sure your stomach is well prepared to absorb alcohol or be the designated driver.)))


I seen Moby drink this guy under the table. Moby was stuffing katchupori (cheese bread) down his throat constantly. I didn't get the connection at the time. I just thought his ability to handle alcohol was because he was Irish.
Title: My new life in the Republic of Georgia
Post by: msmob on June 19, 2019, 05:25:38 AM

I seen Moby drink this guy under the table. Moby was stuffing katchupori (cheese bread) down his throat constantly. I didn't get the connection at the time. I just thought his ability to handle alcohol was because he was Irish.

Dear Maxx,

I was also drinking Jaco's pear juice, eating potatoes and fruit jelly - ANYTHING to abosorb / dilute the alcohol ..

As SC would tell you - I'm normally a complete light-weight and would prefer to be the designated driver ... :D

In Jaco's defence - I was sl. slurring my speech and SC had NO idea I must have been inebriated when I called her in Thailand

At least Jaco might be wary of out toasting me .. I can hoestly say that since that day in March - I have had less alcohol in all that time than I had in those few hours  :rolleyes:
Title: My new life in the Republic of Georgia
Post by: Maxx2 on June 19, 2019, 08:49:47 AM
Dear Maxx,

In Jaco's defence - I was sl. slurring my speech and SC had NO idea I must have been inebriated when I called her in Thailand



I was the designated driver as I had to drive back to the ORBI Residence building afterward. You looked only a tiny bit drunk. Not even that. I didn't notice any slurred speech. And you were carrying on a pretty good conversation in Russian with Joggo. I was a bit proud of your ability to handle your alcohol. I figure I may have some Irish blood in me. I got English and Welsh for sure.


About 20 minutes ago I returned from my favorite Turkish restaurant 'The Sultan'. Who to greet me over the balcony was Joggo. I told him you and S "Moby's shean-nah" would be here soon. I told him we will come over and have a party with "cha cha" and "vino". He was clearly happy to hear that. Well, 10 minutes ago I get a knock on the door.


(http://live.staticflickr.com/65535/48092772068_c21bc7debe.jpg)


 That ain't Georgian mineral water. Those are Army barracks behind him. It's a safe neighborhood.
Title: My new life in the Republic of Georgia
Post by: SANDRO43 on June 19, 2019, 10:01:38 AM
The garden area in front of my apartment building has a slim tree now displaying a bunch or two of loquat fruits (nespole in Italian) at its top.
Title: My new life in the Republic of Georgia
Post by: SANDRO43 on June 19, 2019, 04:27:57 PM
The internal structure of kumquats and loquats is quite different:

(http://file.cure-naturali.it/site/image/content/17868.jpg?format=jpg) (http://www.mr-loto.it/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/xnespole-mature.jpg.pagespeed.ic.XtkIGEmf7v.jpg)

The kumquat (left) resembles other citrus fruit, while the loquat (right) has large dark, inedible seeds.
Title: My new life in the Republic of Georgia
Post by: Maxx2 on June 20, 2019, 12:22:15 AM
I just went outside and picked a leaf and one of the fruits that fell to the ground. The others in the tree were too high to reach.


(http://live.staticflickr.com/65535/48096435526_5505458940.jpg)


What I had thought was one pit was two rounded seeds side by sides. The fruit had shriveled quite a bit.
Title: My new life in the Republic of Georgia
Post by: SANDRO43 on June 20, 2019, 07:00:38 AM
I rest my case ;D.
Title: My new life in the Republic of Georgia
Post by: ML on June 20, 2019, 07:02:50 AM
I rest my case ;D.

Yes, Sandro is King of the Quats !!!
Title: My new life in the Republic of Georgia
Post by: Maxx2 on June 20, 2019, 08:03:40 AM
Yes, Sandro is King of the Quats !!!


I knew he was King of something, I just didn't know what  ;D
Title: My new life in the Republic of Georgia
Post by: msmob on June 20, 2019, 08:48:16 AM



(http://live.staticflickr.com/65535/48083990111_9c983cc99e.jpg)



Some more Georgian women - welcoming a Russian delegation in Tbilisi ;)

(http://i.imgur.com/elPhc6M.jpg)
Title: My new life in the Republic of Georgia
Post by: msmob on June 20, 2019, 11:44:16 AM
Georgian Parliament being stormed ..

(http://i.imgur.com/8LqpvEo.jpg)

Because a Russian MP opened the season in the Speaker's seat. He was an active participant of military actions in Abkhazia.

Title: My new life in the Republic of Georgia
Post by: msmob on June 21, 2019, 01:47:01 PM
Hi Maxx, it's all kicking off in Tbilisi - again  - tonight - thousands surrounding parliament - reports of a death and others of eyes being lost in Police charges on demonstrators - no idea as to the veracity of the reports

Putin is apparently signing a decree - cancelling flights to Georgia [ from July 8th] - and looking at arranging the evacuation of RU citizens ?!


Misha says there were demonstrations in Batumi last night ?


There were no buses / trains and everything is dealy quiet in 'our' Tbilisi  neighbourhood..


I was thinking that SC could meet me next week in Batumi - coming by boat - but who knows what will be going down ((
Title: My new life in the Republic of Georgia
Post by: Gator on June 21, 2019, 03:07:54 PM

thousands surrounding parliament - reprts of a death and others of eyes being lost in Police charges on demonstrators - no idea as to the veracity of the reports

Putin is apparently signing a decree - cancelling flights to Georgia - and looking at arranging the evacuation of RU citizens ?!

I was thinking that SC could meet me next week in Batumi - coming by boat - but who knows what will be going down ((


Protect yourself and your  woman. 
Title: My new life in the Republic of Georgia
Post by: msmob on June 21, 2019, 09:16:23 PM

Protect yourself and your  woman.



I have business interests there - in the form of RU collegues... SC is in Sochi - thanks
Title: My new life in the Republic of Georgia
Post by: Maxx2 on June 21, 2019, 10:56:04 PM
I had no idea any of this was going on until I read this 1 minute ago.
Title: My new life in the Republic of Georgia
Post by: Maxx2 on June 21, 2019, 11:39:32 PM



I talked with Givi and said things are being worked out.


Quote
Zakaria Kutsnashvili, who was the head of the Georgian delegation in the Inter-parliamentary Session on Orthodoxy, has renounced his MP mandate. “The civil peace and consent are much more valuable than being a member of the parliament," he told InterPressNews.

http://www.georgianjournal.ge/politics/35930-zakaria-kutsnashvili-renounces-his-mp-mandate.html





Title: My new life in the Republic of Georgia
Post by: msmob on June 22, 2019, 01:17:41 AM
Hi Maxx

Found this article. too
http://edition.cnn.com/2019/06/20/europe/georgia-protests-intl/index.html (http://edition.cnn.com/2019/06/20/europe/georgia-protests-intl/index.html)

Peskov is the Russian spokesman that told us that Russian Troops were not involved in the military take-over of Ukrainian infrastructure in Crimea ..


Not heard of a Russian Tourist in Georgia that feels intimidated - other than the Duma MP ..


So what does the Kremlin do ?  Speaks of 'Russophobia' and tells it's citizens to come home   :cluebat:

http://www.rt.com/news/462413-georgia-protests-russophobic-provocation/
Title: My new life in the Republic of Georgia
Post by: Maxx2 on June 22, 2019, 01:45:33 AM
Hi Maxx

Found this article. too
http://edition.cnn.com/2019/06/20/europe/georgia-protests-intl/index.html (http://edition.cnn.com/2019/06/20/europe/georgia-protests-intl/index.html)

Peskov is the Russian spokesman that told us that Russian Troops were not involved in the military take-over of Ukrainian infrastructure in Crimea ..


Not heard of a Russian Tourist in Georgia that feels intimidated - other than the Duma MP ..


So what does the Kremlin do ?  Speaks of 'Russophobia' and tells it's citizens to come home   :cluebat:

http://www.rt.com/news/462413-georgia-protests-russophobic-provocation/ (http://www.rt.com/news/462413-georgia-protests-russophobic-provocation/)


I think it is going to blow over.


When I talked to Givi he told me 45% of his tourist business comes from Russians.


My guess the Russian government's reaction (Putin) is just a reminder to Georgia to stay out of the EU and NATO. I wouldn't be surprised if the whole thing was staged by the FSB. If Georgia was a bigger player on the world stage then we would have the benefit of the analysis of Alex Jones. Then we would know for sure what to believe. But alas it is not so... 


Meanwhile here is Jeremy Clarkson giving Georgia a big thumbs up  :thumbsup:


(http://live.staticflickr.com/65535/48107323262_51dc234a14.jpg)


Quote
Jeremy Clarkson found the place so amazing that he concluded that “America gave the world aviation, Germany gave the world car, Britain – internet but Georgia’s contribution was much more profound and important -
[/size]Georgia gave the world wine”.


http://www.georgianjournal.ge/society/35699-georgia-gave-the-world-wine--what-did-jeremy-clarkson-find-amazing-in-georgia.html
Title: My new life in the Republic of Georgia
Post by: Maxx2 on June 22, 2019, 01:57:33 AM
Some comments:


Notice the NATO, EU and Ukrainian flags in the background? That should tell you who is behind this.

Title: My new life in the Republic of Georgia
Post by: msmob on June 22, 2019, 02:05:52 AM
Comments from Russia Today 'bots' and loonies ..


You should post ... I LIVE in Georgia and do not know any Russians who are scared ;)

You will be referred to as a CIA rep, Mossad, rep or some other wacko description .. One can't have sensible discord, there !
Title: My new life in the Republic of Georgia
Post by: msmob on June 22, 2019, 02:15:52 AM

I think it is going to blow over.


When I talked to Givi he told me 45% of his tourist business comes from Russians.


My guess the Russian government's reaction (Putin) is just a reminder to Georgia to stay out of the EU and NATO. I wouldn't be surprised if the whole thing was staged by the FSB. If Georgia was a bigger player on the world stage then we would have the benefit of the analysis of Alex Jones. Then we would know for sure what to believe. But alas it is not so... 


Meanwhile here is Jeremy Clarkson giving Georgia a big thumbs up  :thumbsup:


(http://live.staticflickr.com/65535/48107323262_51dc234a14.jpg)



http://www.georgianjournal.ge/society/35699-georgia-gave-the-world-wine--what-did-jeremy-clarkson-find-amazing-in-georgia.html

Hi Maxx, Russia will use this protest to make Georgia 'pay' - by ensuring Tourism is down ...

Russian oppostion  figurehead :

http://twitter.com/navalny/status/1142141689118810114 (http://twitter.com/navalny/status/1142141689118810114)

"“Now, many Russians will not be able to go there for an inexpensive and high-quality vacation. The question is: Why is Putin punishing Russians for Georgian protests?” he wrote on Twitter."


As for Clarkson and co .. in that episode of Granf Tour - series 3 episode 11 'Sea to un-salty Sea2 ..they stop off at a place where Russia's have moved the 'border' south overnight - leaving an Old farmer in his house being cut off from his land ..   I have no idea if this was a setup or genuine

http://www.motoringbox.com/cars/entertainment/the-grand-tour/sea-to-unsalty-sea-the-grand-tour-series-3-episode-11-preview/
 (http://www.motoringbox.com/cars/entertainment/the-grand-tour/sea-to-unsalty-sea-the-grand-tour-series-3-episode-11-preview/)
Sadly, this will not be short .. this is to 'teach Georgia a lesson'


Title: My new life in the Republic of Georgia
Post by: Faux Pas on June 22, 2019, 07:05:21 AM
Quote
Jeremy Clarkson found the place so amazing that he concluded that “America gave the world aviation, Germany gave the world car, Britain – internet but Georgia’s contribution was much more profound and important -
Georgia gave the world wine”.

He may enjoy good wine but he obviously isn't the sharpest tool in the shed
Title: My new life in the Republic of Georgia
Post by: Maxx2 on June 22, 2019, 07:07:47 AM
He may enjoy good wine but he obviously isn't the sharpest tool in the shed


That was my thought too because of the poor wording. But actually he does have a good rounded knowledge of things. Far more than me.
Title: My new life in the Republic of Georgia
Post by: Maxx2 on June 22, 2019, 07:27:59 AM
http://www.yahoo.com/news/several-injured-tbilisi-clashes-break-143423834.html


Video of the rioting
Title: My new life in the Republic of Georgia
Post by: msmob on June 22, 2019, 07:41:48 AM
He may enjoy good wine but he obviously isn't the sharpest tool in the shed

What was factually incorrect ? 
Title: My new life in the Republic of Georgia
Post by: Maxx2 on June 22, 2019, 08:19:41 AM



(http://live.staticflickr.com/65535/48092772068_c21bc7debe.jpg)



That is my landlord with a bottle of 'cha cha' for me. Behind him is a Georgian Army barracks. If this problem with Russia goes 2008 and I suddenly disappear off the board, it has been good to know you!
Title: My new life in the Republic of Georgia
Post by: Faux Pas on June 22, 2019, 09:15:55 AM
What was factually incorrect ?

All of it except for the Georgian wine. The car is highly questionable but the internet is not
Title: My new life in the Republic of Georgia
Post by: BillyB on June 22, 2019, 09:19:05 AM
 
The best wine I ever drank was made in Georgia.
Title: My new life in the Republic of Georgia
Post by: msmob on June 22, 2019, 09:43:33 AM
All of it except for the Georgian wine. The car is highly questionable but the internet is not

Carl Benz patented the concept of what we know as a car..strictly speaking Arpanet became the internet -  Tim Berners-Lee's invented the web protocol

I thought Georgia was one of the first nations claiming to have produced wine
Title: My new life in the Republic of Georgia
Post by: Maxx2 on June 22, 2019, 09:46:34 AM



Armenia also claims to be the first make wine.
Title: My new life in the Republic of Georgia
Post by: msmob on June 22, 2019, 09:48:29 AM
Armenians claim that their alphabet is the basis of Georgian - but it's not ! ;)
Title: My new life in the Republic of Georgia
Post by: Faux Pas on June 22, 2019, 10:08:32 AM
Carl Benz patented the concept of what we know as a car..strictly speaking Arpanet became the internet -  Tim Berners-Lee's invented the web protocol

I thought Georgia was one of the first nations claiming to have produced wine

The idea of what we know as a car was 100 years before Benz. Benz invented the gasoline combustible engine. The father of the internet is Robert Kahn with the first demonstration of Arpanet and later introduced TCP and IP which was the first internet.
Title: My new life in the Republic of Georgia
Post by: msmob on June 23, 2019, 01:49:17 AM

That is my landlord with a bottle of 'cha cha' for me. Behind him is a Georgian Army barracks. If this problem with Russia goes 2008 and I suddenly disappear off the board, it has been good to know you!

Hi Maxx

a third night of protests outside the Georgian Parliament and Euronews showing Georgians telling Russians they are welcome .which you won't see on RU news

A third night of protests on the streets of Tbilisi ..

Putin tries his usual 'trick' of stopping Russians of going to places for tourism - 'for their safety' when the truth is economic punishment - because Russians  choose to spend their money outside
Russia in nations that dare to consider joining the EU or NATO

First it was Turkey, now Georgia - there's the common denominator ..

As someone with Russians in Georgia and a Russian who wants to come to our next Georgian meet-up  - they see/ saw no anti-Russia tourist sentiment  -despite the occasional wall poster . Russia Occupiers ' and will carry on coming by boat or train / bus  - feeling in no way unsafe - or needing to obey a request to come home ..


http://www.euronews.com/2019/06/22/georgia-s-president-calls-for-de-escalation-after-unrest (http://www.euronews.com/2019/06/22/georgia-s-president-calls-for-de-escalation-after-unrest)
Title: My new life in the Republic of Georgia
Post by: Maxx2 on June 23, 2019, 02:48:05 AM
"On Friday President Vladimir Putin signed a decree suspending Russian passenger flights from Russia to Georgia from July 8 (http://www.euronews.com/2019/06/22/putin-suspends-russian-flights-to-georgia-amid-escalating-tension) to protect people from what the Kremlin called "criminal actions". [/size]Putin also recommended Russian travel agencies suspend tours to Georgia and ordered the government to bring Russian tourists already there home. On Saturday he also banned flights coming from Georgia to Russia. Over one million Russian tourists holiday in Georgia each year and the bans are likely to significantly hit the tourist sector."Hi Moby. I guess the best thing to do is watch how Russians come and go out of Georgia. See how this plays out.
Title: My new life in the Republic of Georgia
Post by: rwd123 on June 23, 2019, 03:36:56 AM
"On Friday President Vladimir Putin signed a decree suspending Russian passenger flights from Russia to Georgia from July 8 (http://www.euronews.com/2019/06/22/putin-suspends-russian-flights-to-georgia-amid-escalating-tension)
That sucks. I was thinking of having a Georgian stopover next time I was in Ukraine instead of the usual Belarus route.
Title: My new life in the Republic of Georgia
Post by: msmob on June 23, 2019, 03:40:50 AM
Huh?

No issue with Ukraine- Georgia ... they have a common 'thorn in the side' ;)


You can either miss out Russia - or travel to/ from Russia via train / then mini van transfer from Vladikavkas to Tbilisi or take the Hydrofoil ( 7k Rub) from Sochi to Batumi
Title: My new life in the Republic of Georgia
Post by: Maxx2 on June 23, 2019, 03:59:34 AM
That sucks. I was thinking of having a Georgian stopover next time I was in Ukraine instead of the usual Belarus route.


If you get over this way let me know and I'll meet you.
Title: My new life in the Republic of Georgia
Post by: Maxx2 on June 23, 2019, 04:00:34 AM
Huh?

No issue with Ukraine- Georgia ... they have a common 'thorn in the side' ;)


You can either miss out Russia - or travel to/ from Russia via train / then mini van transfer from Vladikavkas to Tbilisi or take the Hydrofoil ( 7k Rub) from Sochi to Batumi


Did you tell me it was a 6 hour ride?
Title: My new life in the Republic of Georgia
Post by: rwd123 on June 23, 2019, 04:39:04 AM
Huh?

No issue with Ukraine- Georgia ... they have a common 'thorn in the side' ;)
I meant next Ukraine-Russia trip, with a hop in between.

Maxx, that would be great, but not sure I'll stop by now as this change makes it less likely. If there is a silver lining it will mean Georgian airlines will be providing lots of discounted tickets in the second half of the year to offset lost business.
Title: My new life in the Republic of Georgia
Post by: msmob on June 23, 2019, 09:43:58 PM

Did you tell me it was a 6 hour ride?

5 to six ..depending on conditions

Not tried the trip...YET

SC might..
Title: My new life in the Republic of Georgia
Post by: Maxx2 on June 23, 2019, 10:53:04 PM
5 to six ..depending on conditions

Not tried the trip...YET

SC might..


Might be a fun trip.


Heading for the gym.
Title: My new life in the Republic of Georgia
Post by: BillyB on June 24, 2019, 12:10:48 PM

The quality of Georgian alcoholic beverages has deteriorated says Russia and Russia is tightening control over the imports. The move by Russia translates to more drink for Maxx.

http://news.yahoo.com/russia-accuses-u-stoking-anti-100826839.html
Title: My new life in the Republic of Georgia
Post by: Maxx2 on June 24, 2019, 09:56:36 PM
The quality of Georgian alcoholic beverages has deteriorated says Russia and Russia is tightening control over the imports. The move by Russia translates to more drink for Maxx.

http://news.yahoo.com/russia-accuses-u-stoking-anti-100826839.html (http://news.yahoo.com/russia-accuses-u-stoking-anti-100826839.html)


 :ROFL: You're a funny guy BillyB! You think you will ever get over this way?


Such a coincidence of finding fault of Georgian adult beverages at the time of Putin's travel ban.
Title: My new life in the Republic of Georgia
Post by: BillyB on June 25, 2019, 08:01:03 PM

 :ROFL: You're a funny guy BillyB! You think you will ever get over this way?


I thought about going to Georgia for the food, the wine, and the girls. I never thought about going to Georgia for you but I'll consider it. You still buff from working out at the gym? ;)
Title: My new life in the Republic of Georgia
Post by: Maxx2 on June 25, 2019, 08:59:42 PM
I thought about going to Georgia for the food, the wine, and the girls. I never thought about going to Georgia for you but I'll consider it. You still buff from working out at the gym? ;)


I haven't gotten there yet. I go to the gym today to work rokey e nogee (arms and legs) and then on to a 4 day water only fast. I did a 4 day water fast before. No fun but it does get me back into ketosis and is good for getting rid of visceral (belly) fat. It should also trigger autophagy. This time I know what I need to do to prepare for this.
Title: My new life in the Republic of Georgia
Post by: Maxx2 on July 01, 2019, 09:53:30 PM
http://www.militarytimes.com/news/your-military/2019/07/01/defense-department-to-ban-beer-and-pizza-mandatory-keto-diet-may-enhance-military-performance/ (http://www.militarytimes.com/news/your-military/2019/07/01/defense-department-to-ban-beer-and-pizza-mandatory-keto-diet-may-enhance-military-performance/)


While a nutritionally enhanced future could eventually be put into effect for all branches, the SEALS and other underwater dive-mission specialists might be the first groups targeted for the change in nutritional guidelines.
Lisa Sanders, the director of science and technology at U.S. Special Operations Command, presented an Ohio State University study that recommends the nutritional change based on the keto diet, which is high in fat and low in carbohydrates. The diet works to deprive the body of glucose needed for energy and forces it to burn stored fats instead. The study was conducted on the university’s Army ROTC cadet population.
“One of the effects of truly being in ketosis is that it changes the way your body handles oxygen deprivation, so you can actually stay underwater at depths for longer periods of time and not go into oxygen seizures,” Sanders said (http://www.businessinsider.com/navy-seals-keto-diet-to-be-even-more-effective-2019-6) at the Special Operations Forces Industry Conference last month.
Discussion of new dietary guidelines for service members comes at a time of growing concern about obesity in the military and its potential threat to readiness (http://www.armytimes.com/news/your-army/2018/10/10/americas-obesity-is-threatening-national-security-according-to-this-study/).


It’s well known at this point that just under 30 percent (http://www.armytimes.com/news/your-army/2018/08/01/army-using-drug-waivers-bonuses-to-fill-ranks/) of Americans ages 17 to 24 ― the prime age to join the Army ― aren’t eligible to join (http://www.armytimes.com/news/your-army/2018/07/30/the-army-is-tightening-waiver-authority-for-recruits-with-issues-like-self-mutilation-misconduct-and-substance-abuse/).
But beyond that, almost a third of those who sit down with a recruiter to take the first steps are immediately disqualified.
Why? Because of their  (http://www.militarytimes.com/opinion/commentary/2018/07/18/commentary-heres-why-fighting-youth-obesity-is-a-matter-of-national-security/)weight. (http://www.militarytimes.com/opinion/commentary/2018/07/18/commentary-heres-why-fighting-youth-obesity-is-a-matter-of-national-security/)
“Out of all the reasons that we have future soldiers disqualify, the largest – 31 percent ― is obesity,” Maj. Gen. Frank Muth, head of Army Recruiting Command, said Wednesday at AUSA’s annual meeting in Washington, D.C.
Title: My new life in the Republic of Georgia
Post by: msmob on July 03, 2019, 11:49:58 PM
SC arrived in Tbilisi this morning

Maxx and my friend and work collegue met her at the airport ... they THOUGHT they were taking her to the apartment I booked for her and myself - I arrive late tonight ..


NO..

She was shown said apartment, dumped the bags and announced she wished to be taken to the farmers market - where she is buying up Tbilisi's stocks off Honey, eggs and masses of fruit and veg ..



Maxx, you DID want to meet SC .. ;)

I'll be there, soon !

Title: My new life in the Republic of Georgia
Post by: Maxx2 on July 04, 2019, 07:40:25 AM

Moby, SC, is a dream woman! Not only beautiful but with a sparkling personality! And funny! It is going to be quite fun seeing the sights with her.   

" where she is buying up Tbilisi's stocks off Honey, eggs and masses of fruit and veg .."

At least three jars of honey and enough "stuff" to weigh down the back of my car. Poor Misha had to carry it. Did you know Moby SC knows the word "stuff?" Misha and I were talking about SC's "stuff" when she says "STUFF!" like "just be careful about what you say about my stuff."
  :tongueout: 
Title: My new life in the Republic of Georgia
Post by: msmob on July 04, 2019, 02:55:22 PM
She says she is careful about the stuff she puts in her mouth........)


Food related
Title: My new life in the Republic of Georgia
Post by: msmob on July 11, 2019, 11:54:07 PM
http://www.cnbc.com/amp/2019/07/11/russia-and-georgia-tensions-are-rising-heres-why-and-why-it-matters.html (http://www.cnbc.com/amp/2019/07/11/russia-and-georgia-tensions-are-rising-heres-why-and-why-it-matters.html)

SC is sleeping and we are 24 floors up in. a huge Thunderstorm and driving rain..
We have no electric

Luckily this tablet is charged up and has a local data SIM)..

The link above talks about the recent Georgia Russia relationship and protests.


Batumi ..the coastal resort seems teeming with Russians and cars from Russia...the ferry to Sochi is booked for nearly 3 weeks ahead ...RU Tourists cannot fly  to Georgia, but arrive via Armenia Belarus and Turkey.

Tbilisi ..the capital, seems more effected ...

Maxx has friends seriously effected by the cancellations by RU tour firms

SC does not feel unsafe as a Russian...

Maxx has been the perfect host...coming to Tbilisi and meting SC and a friend from the airport and taking them to an apartment from the airport..

Then we drove to Batumi in sveltering heat ...

SC wants to live on the beach and protests when  others want to actually see life in Georgia and we probably make Maxx wonder if he'd want an FSU woman)))

SC likes Batumi and aI love it and the people...



If relations with Russia continue to be stony .I expect there'll be bargains on the property front..as long as they sort out dodgy lifts )


You should come and check out Maxx..,.







Title: My new life in the Republic of Georgia
Post by: Maxx2 on July 15, 2019, 01:56:05 AM
I thought 7 would be for Sochi Russia and not 8?

I met a woman from Sochi that I think is the one. We spent quite a bit of time together. She is amazing!  I got her phone number starting with 8, but nothing rings. I thought 7 was the number for Russia. Is Sochi the exception?
Title: My new life in the Republic of Georgia
Post by: Maxx2 on July 15, 2019, 02:57:04 AM
I tried 7 and I got through. She told me she has no internet connection and she has no laptop. I have my own problems as my Apple Macbook has a motherboard issue and I am using a PC. Does PC stand for Piece of Crap? It certainly is. Suddenly some of this text disappears and I got to retype it. Nothing goes smooth. Everything has been chaos these last few days. Oh well everything will pass...
Title: My new life in the Republic of Georgia
Post by: Maxx2 on July 15, 2019, 03:33:35 AM
She didn't seem too happy to hear from me.
Title: My new life in the Republic of Georgia
Post by: Maxx2 on July 15, 2019, 03:40:17 AM
All is OK. I just talked with her. I just have the jitters from past disappointments.
Title: My new life in the Republic of Georgia
Post by: msmob on July 15, 2019, 04:16:53 AM
Just back from escorting SC and Maxx' lady to Yerevan, Armenia...as there are no flights via Georgia to the Rosina and the Sochi ferry to Batumi was full for days.

1/ Maxx your PC is temp and costs 6 times less than your MacBook!  It has v.little Ram and cannot be upgraded...the secret is close other programs or reboot to free up memory....I hope you and the Mac Pro will be reunited ...


2. It is +7 for Russia......8 is only used internally within Russia....just store all numbers with the international codes and they will work any where..no extra charge for using the intl code to make local calls on a cell/ mobile)

Over to you, now....this was all SC's doing.....I thought she was mad.

Title: My new life in the Republic of Georgia
Post by: Maxx2 on July 15, 2019, 06:50:19 AM
I am supposed to be seeing Givi and Alvina in a few days. They are staying over by the Black Sea arena  That is about 30 miles north of Batumi. The Black Eyed Peas are or will be playing there.  I am going to have them hook me up and call Sonya and explain about the phones and the text messaging not going through. Funny though the calls go through but not the messages. The language problem adds to the misunderstandings. I am not sure who is angry.  If it is Sonya then Givi can straighten everything out. He is good at things like that.

Givi just told me the computer guy said where was water damage. That it might not be able to be fixed. I asked Givi to call him and ask if he has a 2015 or newer Macbook for sale.  My head is spinning from not knowing what is next.
Title: My new life in the Republic of Georgia
Post by: Maxx2 on July 15, 2019, 07:10:22 AM

With 5 people it becomes like herding cats. Somebody is not going to be happy.
Title: My new life in the Republic of Georgia
Post by: msmob on July 15, 2019, 10:36:15 AM
I am supposed to be seeing Givi and Alvina in a few days. They are staying over by the Black Sea arena  That is about 30 miles north of Batumi. The Black Eyed Peas are or will be playing there.

They PLAYED there on June 16th - you were driving and probably tuned out to the Ringlish  :D


I am going to have them hook me up and call Sonya and explain about the phones and the text messaging not going through. Funny though the calls go through but not the messages. The language problem adds to the misunderstandings. I am not sure who is angry.  If it is Sonya then Givi can straighten everything out. He is good at things like that.

 Calling will be expensive and you'd be better paying S to have unlimited interness access - $6 / month in Russia - to allow her to message / chat

Givi just told me the computer guy said where was water damage. That it might not be able to be fixed. I asked Givi to call him and ask if he has a 2015 or newer Macbook for sale.  My head is spinning from not knowing what is next.

Get a 2nd opinion ? It is strange it took a week to diagnose ... I simply do not believe it - or the guy never looked at it earlier (
Title: My new life in the Republic of Georgia
Post by: Maxx2 on July 16, 2019, 10:00:12 AM

But the really big event was not stated. Finally after 16 years I met someone I want to have a life with. The days we were together we grew closer and closer. But Saturday we parted at the Batumi train station and there is very little communication coming from her since. I have to face what that means. A few days before our departure I seen she was in serious mood. Suddenly she starts crying huge huge bent over wails. It was the saddest thing I ever seen! I almost started crying myself. She kept saying "robotic" which means her job. The situation reminds me of the movie Fiddler on the Roof  "A bird may love a fish but where will they build their home together?"
I knew this problem before. That is why last year I gave up on finding a wife from Russia or Ukraine. Where would we I build our home?
Title: My new life in the Republic of Georgia
Post by: Maxx2 on August 05, 2019, 08:38:48 AM
I am excited as all heck! I am in the process of starting two businesses. Working with some folks here. Ordering inventory and various items to start these businesses. I'll be careful!

 I was in business in Minnesota from 1990 (Gold refining) until 2015. I took an early retirement at age 62. If I had waited until I reached full retirement age, age 66, I would have gotten a larger pension. However I did the math and it would take me to age 78 before making up for the 4 years of lost retirement income.

Another condition put on us retired folks is you cannot start a business outside the United States, join a partnership or work more that 45 hours a month without forfeiting your pension. Another way the government puts pressure on you to not retire early.

Anyway all those conditions are off me now because I reached full retirement age this May. When I get things going I'll post them here.

I'm doing a GQ suggested. Checking myself out of this board and only popping in once in a while to post updates

BTW I am relieved things worked out the way they did with the above lass (She is about to become a grandmother in November so I wouldn't have been robbing the cradle). I don't time for a woman in my life right now. A distraction when I need to stay focused. And perhaps I'll find one the natural way in all this business activity?
Title: My new life in the Republic of Georgia
Post by: ML on August 05, 2019, 08:48:24 AM
Sounds good Maxx.

Hope the best for you.
Title: My new life in the Republic of Georgia
Post by: LiveFromUkraine on August 05, 2019, 08:55:35 AM
Sounds really cool Max.  I'm glad you are staying busy in your retirement.  I've seen people who never really found anything to occupy their time and it looks to be a miserable existence.  One of the reasons I doubt I will ever retire myself.


I didn't realize Social Security had those restrictions in place when it comes to starting a business outside of the US.  Weird.
Title: My new life in the Republic of Georgia
Post by: GQBlues on August 05, 2019, 10:05:39 AM
I am elated to hear you've embarked on a more positive stride, maxx.

May you use better discretion in the future on who, and what, to share your lot with based on your recent experience. Don't fall victim on that again.

Good luck in your future endeavor.
Title: My new life in the Republic of Georgia
Post by: Maxx2 on August 05, 2019, 10:07:27 AM
Thanks ML and LiveFromUkraine and GQ!  Perhaps I'll be like Colonel Sanders and become a success late in life? I had my years of success in the 90s and to mid 2000s.

Like the birth of a child, for a Mac guy getting a new Macbook is quite the deal. I have one on the way. I should have it in a week to 10 days. My old one from 2015 died. The newer one is totally refurbushed by a guy who has a good reputation. $750 plus the 18% import tax of $135. 8 Gigs of RAM verses 4 from my old one. An I-7 operating system instead of the I-5. 512 Gigabytes SSD verses the 256 I had before. 

My health is improving. No more needing to get up at night. Could it be the magnesium I am taking? Or the sulfuraphane from the broccoli sprouts I grow? The nice thing about Georgia is the beef has Omega-3s in it. ALL the cattle are grass fed. Omega-3s knock down inflamation. They are in fish too. That is why salmon is considered good to eat. I checked my morning blood glucose levels today and yesterday, 83 and 84. Even after the diet disruption from my visitors and all the tension around here (cortisol) I am still maintaining good health. Even losing weight.
Title: My new life in the Republic of Georgia
Post by: Maxx2 on August 05, 2019, 10:15:10 AM

May you use better discretion in the future on who, and what, to share your lot with based on your recent experience. Don't fall victim on that again.


Lesson strongly learned. I am not going to be like Mark Twain's cat after sitting on a hot stove lid won't sit on a cold either (avoid women). I'll make sure to check the temperature before sitting down with anyone, woman or man.

Also I was restricted from making more than $1300 a month in income until I reached full retirement age. If I went over that level every 2 dollars I made 1 would be taken from my monthly pension.  So 50% taken right off the top. That applies outside the United States and inside. Retired Government do not have such restrictions. And they don't have Social Security either. GQ remember our friend Larry? He worked for SS. He told me he will get a pension of 80% of his government pay and free healthcare. Those of us in private sector don't have it as good.
Title: My new life in the Republic of Georgia
Post by: GQBlues on August 05, 2019, 06:28:05 PM
Hell yeah of course I remember the son of Clyde. Or is it Lorenzo? Hahah!

80% I was always under the impression it’s full pension. It could be since they likely won’t get SS deduction anymore. Likely any other income tax/es. Not sure how that works.

Unions are the same maxx. They cap at a 30-year work period too.

Give Larry my regards if or when you speak to him.
Title: My new life in the Republic of Georgia
Post by: msmob on August 05, 2019, 11:24:16 PM

May you use better discretion in the future on who, and what, to share your lot with based on your recent experience. Don't fall victim on that again.


 :ROFL:

Title: My new life in the Republic of Georgia
Post by: Maxx2 on August 06, 2019, 12:45:31 AM

80% I was always under the impression it’s full pension. It could be since they likely won’t get SS deduction anymore. Likely any other income tax/es. Not sure how that works.


Works like this. A government worker (and this is from a known example) makes $75K. When he retires he gets $60K which is $5K a month. BUT he has to pay taxes on that. So Maybe he nets $3800 plus free health care. The platinum kind. And I believe he gets increases on the level of increased government pay. So I wouldn't be surprised if the net is closer to $5K than $4K. Nine years have past since then.

The maximum SS recipient gets, if he delays retirement to 70, is a $3770. No free health care. The average SS benefit is $1461 a month. I get $1277 a month. The reason it is so low is I pay my American ex between $500 to $600 a month for a lifetime spousal support agreement. If we had divorced in Texas instead of liberal Minnesota that would not be an issue. It will be lifted off of me if I out live her.
Title: My new life in the Republic of Georgia
Post by: GQBlues on August 06, 2019, 08:13:25 AM
Pretty cool, maxx. Thanks...

I get those annual SS statement they send out. I liken it more like a cheat sheet where they show you what to expect if you retired at certain ages, how much you've contributed (shows you your annual reported income since you started working, etc..). I'm often confused why the amount they're saying I'll get always seem to be a lot more than people are actually getting.

Anyway, It still gives me a fairly decent grasp that I can easily cover my golf budget when I retire and can still keep up with the latest and greatest clubs and drivers on the market that guarantees an additional 10 yards in every swing. If I keep up with these equipment technology giving me 10 yards every year, I really just need to show up at the club. The clubs will do all the work for me.

But, your thread dude. Always think positive and go make hay!
Title: My new life in the Republic of Georgia
Post by: Maxx2 on August 06, 2019, 09:08:02 AM
I'm often confused why the amount they're saying I'll get always seem to be a lot more than people are actually getting.


You live in an expensive place in the country so you have to have an above average income. I was only making low six figures from 1993 through 2006. Then the Free trade deal hit, NAFTA etc and wiped out my client base. One of the two main issues Trump trumpeted. I paid into Social Security $248,000. Your 15.3% FICA tax that you have paid on from dollar one on everything you have earned probably has got your account into quite a few hundreds of thousands of dollars. Frankly if you got paid a decent rate of interest you should have doubled or tripled it by now. But the government doesn't pay interest.

Cool about the golf. Getting new gadgets is a lot fun. Kind of like to tool guy on 'Home Improvement' when he gets the latest hammer drill or saber saw, woo woo woo! I'll feel that way when my Apple laptop arrives.
Title: My new life in the Republic of Georgia
Post by: GQBlues on August 06, 2019, 10:10:03 AM
OK maxx, secret confessions here:

You live in an expensive place in the country so you have to have an above average income. I was only making low six figures from 1993 through 2006. Then the Free trade deal hit, NAFTA etc and wiped out my client base. One of the two main issues Trump trumpeted. I paid into Social Security $248,000. Your 15.3% FICA tax that you have paid on from dollar one on everything you have earned probably has got your account into quite a few hundreds of thousands of dollars. Frankly if you got paid a decent rate of interest you should have doubled or tripled it by now. But the government doesn't pay interest.

When I first arrived, mumski beat this down on us that it was against the law for us immigrant/s to become a burden to society. We are never to ask for government assistance or we'll get deported. She said that things like social security is something we needed to pay back to society for allowing us to be here, and we will never get any of this refunded back to us. Needless to say, it didn't take long for my brothers and I to realize that wasn't really true. It said that in the affidavit we are not to rely on the government for assistance but Uncle Sam never really enforced it. But the lasting effect of Mumski's words was neither me nor my bros had ever gotten any form of government assistance - EVER. My younger bro was unemployed for over a year in 2010 and he never found himself in the unemployment line filing for a 'check'. We offered to help the bro out a bit ourselves but even with that, he didn't really need it. Good on him, man.

My point is, none of us ever relied on whatever this SS program will or will not do. It's the result of Mumski's fib. She got all of us thinking of self-reliance and preservation. i.e. developed our own 'nest egg'. Big bro is retiring soon. Lives in Frisco - owns a huge home in one of the better neighborhood on the hill - fully paid for.  He's sitting on a goldmine. He'll be OK, I think.

Quote
Cool about the golf. Getting new gadgets is a lot fun. Kind of like to tool guy on 'Home Improvement' when he gets the latest hammer drill or saber saw, woo woo woo! I'll feel that way when my Apple laptop arrives.

An 'ex' auditioned to become Tim Allen's Tool Time Girl in that show to replace Pamela Anderson. But Debbie Dunning (sp) beat a whole bunch of them to get the role. My 'ex' was a total babe, but Debbie, damned, was just smokin'!!  Although it wasn't exactly a 'prestigious, ground-breaking role'.  :devil:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Hx88-m5DS1U
Title: My new life in the Republic of Georgia
Post by: LiveFromUkraine on August 06, 2019, 12:00:23 PM
I look at Social Security as something that will be a surprising bonus if it is available when I am of age to collect.  I will probably donate it to a charitable cause anyway.  Not that I would mind not even getting what I put into Social Security if it went to someone who needed it more.  I just don't trust the government to decide such things.
Title: My new life in the Republic of Georgia
Post by: Maxx2 on August 12, 2019, 02:43:52 AM
A wise man once said, "Old age is one of the most unexpected things to happen to a man."  ;D

Yesterday I am sitting out front on the patio chatting with Joggo my landlord. We are getting pretty good at using the translation feature on my cell. And my increasing knowledge of Russian helps. When my upper left front tooth falls out. Joggo's wife's sister is a dentist. This morning and 30 minutes later problem solved. She glued it back into place. 20 GEL which is ..... $6.92

In western Wisconsin in 2015 I go to the dentist. The dentist looks in my mouth and says. "Root canal, root canal, root canal, implant, implant, crown, crown and crown. He was very flippant about it. He knew I didn't have the money. I asked his dental assistant about the price. She said $22,400. The alternative is pull my teeth and get dentures. The State of Wisconsin will pay for tooth removal and dentures but the won't pay for doing it right. So I am thinking, "Hell I'll find a dentist that is much less expensive.

I met a Georgian woman who teaches Georgian and Russian to embassy employees. She told me about a dentist in Tbilisu that does the dental work of the embassies employees. He is considered high price. His office was way better equipped that my Wisconsin dentist. A long story short over a few months all work done, about $2000
Title: My new life in the Republic of Georgia
Post by: Maxx2 on August 13, 2019, 10:34:34 AM
Tonight I went to the local store. I bought 2 large liter bottles in mineral water and 2 dozen quail eggs. The eggs were 2.7 GEL which is less than $1 per dozen. The water about 35 cents.

I am coming down the street I see a rather large woman with two white medium size dogs on leashes. When she got closer I noticed these dogs horns on their head and their ears sticking out the side. They were billy goats.
Title: My new life in the Republic of Georgia
Post by: 2tallbill on September 14, 2019, 10:20:53 AM
Maxx,

I hope all is going well and that you will continue with your blog.

Title: My new life in the Republic of Georgia
Post by: Maxx2 on September 19, 2019, 08:53:41 PM

Yesterday I am sitting out front on the patio chatting with Joggo my landlord. We are getting pretty good at using the translation feature on my cell. And my increasing knowledge of Russian helps. When my upper left front tooth falls out. Joggo's wife's sister is a dentist. This morning and 30 minutes later problem solved. She glued it back into place. 20 GEL which is ..... $6.92



It lasted a week and fell out again. The second glue back costed me 10 GEL ($3.46) only lasted 2 days. So I decided to wait for my dentist in Tbilisi to do it right. He is well equipped and trained to Western standards. So I got it fixed when I was in Tbilisi last week. They put a bigger peg in it and after 10 days it seems to be Okay. It was a crown I got done back in early 2016. 


I also had two other broken teeth side by side (upper left). I found out they needed a root canal. One was a single root and the other a double root. Got those done. Total cost for everything was 685 GEL ($232). In the States my dentist quoted me $1200 per root canal. $2400! The $2,168 I saved I could live here comfortably for two months!  Maybe even three months. BTW I have been told my dentist is considered expensive by Georgian standards. Embassy employees use him and there is absolutely no pain. I didn't even feel the pain of the Novocain needle. They swab the gum with something that makes it painless. Modern dentistry is amazing!


Back in the States I was given two options. Pull my teeth and get dentures. Or get them fixed right with crowns, root canals, a bridge and a couple of implants. Total cost quoted to me was $22,400. Here I got everything done for between $2000 to $3000 at my "expensive" dentist.
Title: My new life in the Republic of Georgia
Post by: Maxx2 on September 19, 2019, 09:45:21 PM
A week ago from last Sunday I attended an expat event in Tbilisi. Too bad they don't have any here in Batumi. Anyway I met three ladies. One was a Brazilian of Japanese decent. I would say early 50s. But she was there to meet a particular guy. The other two women were way young for me (late thirties). But I've been in communication with both. One is an American from Missouri. A very friendly upbeat person. And very pretty. I seen all the men there giving her the look over. She sat next to me and we had a nice conversation. Later she gave me her contact information with the hope of me getting her a referral for a job in editing. The other lady was Georgian. I found her very attractive. Such big eyes! I learned later she was a ballet dancer employed by the Georgian National Opera. She is in her late 30s and has a daughter, a single mom. We had quite a chat yesterday. I don't know if that will continue but if it does when I get back to Tbilisi I'll invite her and her daughter to the Hard Rock Cafe.
Title: My new life in the Republic of Georgia
Post by: Maxx2 on September 19, 2019, 10:43:37 PM



A week and a day ago I had a meeting with AmCham, the American Chamber of Commerce in Tbilisi. I was with a Georgian man and his American wife. We are working on getting a food service business going in Tbilisi.The man that met with us was from the UK, an Englishman named George married to a Georgian woman. We sat in their conference room at a long table.


Starting a business in Georgia is super easy. To become a LLC it is a one day deal. The only thing that takes time is getting a translation done. That just takes a day. Other than that it is like 15 minutes to get incorporated.


George told that a successful food service business is possible, even with the weak economy. He told us to check out a business called the Fire Wok as he noticed they get good business.


http://glovoapp.com/ka-ge/tbi/store/fire-wok/ (http://glovoapp.com/ka-ge/tbi/store/fire-wok/)


After the meeting was over we walked over to the Fire Wok. It was 2 blocks away. First thing we noticed was there were 4 Glovo scooter drivers waiting for orders to finish and to be delivered. This was about 2 in the afternoon. The Fire Wok is best described as a hole-in-the-wall. I would say about 120 square feet (not yards). About the size of a small bedroom. I think the key is find a small place and rely on a delivery service like Glovo, Volt or Menu.ge. They charge 3 GEL for delivery. The customer pays for that.


George also told us of a restaurant that he and his wife go to in a city that is 100 kilometers away. He said he and wife will drive more that two hours to get there. The restaurant is Mexican. He said there is no good Mexican food in Tbilisi. Mexican food was something we had been exploring. George said if we got something going with Mexican food he and his wife would be our best customers.


My newest friend is an American that has been living in Georgia for several months now. He has been unemployed for quite some time and has been living off of savings. He worked in the oil business in Azerbaijan. He is not having much success with his job quest. Anyway I talked with him about teaching me how to cook Tex-Mex food. He and his father ran a Tex-Mex restaurant in southwest Texas. He told me the only thing he can't get here is good corn flour. So we will order this off of Amazon


http://www.amazon.com/Maseca-Gluten-Free-Instant-Flour/dp/B07QWK9G4P/ref=sr_1_1?crid=140BX2XN6771M&keywords=corn+masa+flour&qid=1568726213&s=gateway&sprefix=Corn+Masa+Flour%2Caps%2C283&sr=8-1 (http://www.amazon.com/Maseca-Gluten-Free-Instant-Flour/dp/B07QWK9G4P/ref=sr_1_1?crid=140BX2XN6771M&keywords=corn+masa+flour&qid=1568726213&s=gateway&sprefix=Corn+Masa+Flour%2Caps%2C283&sr=8-1)


The truth is I have been suffering from quite a lot of depression lately. It will be real difficulty in getting a business going with this on me. My enthusiasm for anything, especially women, has left me. But anything positive happening I will snap out of it.


Tourist season is supposed to go to October but it really dies out by September. Virtually no tourists even though the weather has been excellent (70s-80s F) and little rain.
Title: My new life in the Republic of Georgia
Post by: BillyB on September 19, 2019, 11:35:00 PM


If you wanted to pay someone to build you a rocket to get you into space, for increased chances of success, would you choose a rocket scientist with 40 years experience to lead the project or a guy with little or no experience? What's your and the unemployed American's experience in the restaurant business? You'll need more than just a good cook to be successful.

Before choosing a business partner you know little about and dumping money in a business, cook up some food with your partner and have people try it out. Figure out if they'll pay for it and pay for it more than once.
Title: My new life in the Republic of Georgia
Post by: Maxx2 on September 20, 2019, 12:33:35 AM

If you wanted to pay someone to build you a rocket to get you into space, for increased chances of success, would you choose a rocket scientist with 40 years experience to lead the project or a guy with little or no experience? What's your and the unemployed American's experience in the restaurant business? You'll need more than just a good cook to be successful.

Before choosing a business partner you know little about and dumping money in a business, cook up some food with your partner and have people try it out. Figure out if they'll pay for it and pay for it more than once.


He ran a Tex-Mex family business with his father in southwest Texas.


 I did some test marketing at the Expat event. So I sam, planning on doing more.


Also I was in business for 24 1/2 years. I know you really got to watch your costs and monthly overhead. And I know when to quickly get out out if it suddenly becomes a money pit. It gives me something to do and maybe I'll meet somebody.
Title: My new life in the Republic of Georgia
Post by: Maxx2 on September 20, 2019, 12:37:28 AM
A week ago from last Sunday I attended an expat event in Tbilisi. Too bad they don't have any here in Batumi. Anyway I met three ladies. One was a Brazilian of Japanese decent. I would say early 50s. But she was there to meet a particular guy.


She just contacted me and wanted to know if we could meet at the event tomorrow. But I am not in Tbilisi.


She told me she had been very busy with work and that she found an apartment. I invited her to Batumi. Who knows?
Title: My new life in the Republic of Georgia
Post by: GQBlues on September 20, 2019, 06:12:48 AM

He ran a Tex-Mex family business with his father in southwest Texas.


 I did some test marketing at the Expat event. So I sam, planning on doing more.


Also I was in business for 24 1/2 years. I know you really got to watch your costs and monthly overhead. And I know when to quickly get out out if it suddenly becomes a money pit. It gives me something to do and maybe I'll meet somebody.

Maxx,

Straight up. IMO, you are in no condition (emotionally, financially, health-wise, etc) to embark in any type of biz, especially one that has a very high turnover ratio (failure rate), in a foreign land no less. There are reasons why things are cheaper where you are. All things in life are relative.

Think this over rightly.
Title: My new life in the Republic of Georgia
Post by: Maxx2 on September 20, 2019, 06:45:08 AM
Maxx,

Straight up. IMO, you are in no condition (emotionally, financially, health-wise, etc) to embark in any type of biz, especially one that has a very high turnover ratio (failure rate), in a foreign land no less. There are reasons why things are cheaper where you are. All things in life are relative.

Think this over rightly.


Thank you GQ. I was in a bit of anxiety today at lunch thinking over some of the things you touched upon. I thought of them myself.


Today I had lunch with Michael the Tex-Mex guy. He told me about rents. He had checked. Apparently I can get get a small place for about $250-$300 a month. Last year in Tbilisi I spent about $3000 on kitchen tools. Things like a convection oven, a microwave, cutlery and deep friers. I have some savings and a budget for this of about $3-4K. If I spend my SS wisely I have enough left over every month for the rent. One thing I will not do is dip into my emergency fund to start my life up in the the US if I have to return.



Title: My new life in the Republic of Georgia
Post by: ML on September 20, 2019, 10:35:11 AM

 One thing I will not do is dip into my emergency fund to start my life up in the the US if I have to return.

You will return to US eventually for your health care.
Title: My new life in the Republic of Georgia
Post by: BC on September 20, 2019, 01:02:18 PM
Thank you GQ. I was in a bit of anxiety today at lunch thinking over some of the things you touched upon. I thought of them myself.

Take your well-calculated business plan and double the startup costs, calculate a third of the expected turnover and at least two years before being able to put anything at all in your pocket.  Employees always come first in line, always paid on time and fairly (in that order) they are your real capital.  Any biz in the service and hospitality sector will take 200% of your time. JMHE
Title: My new life in the Republic of Georgia
Post by: BillyB on September 20, 2019, 03:17:20 PM
Last year in Tbilisi I spent about $3000 on kitchen tools. Things like a convection oven, a microwave, cutlery and deep friers. I have some savings and a budget for this of about $3-4K.


What about time? Do you have time? Are you ready to work 14 hour days, 7 days a week in keeping the restaurant open? What if the Tex Mex cook gets sick? Do you have others that can cook as well to take his place?

One big secret to McDonalds success is that they made it easy for dummies to make their food and it taste the same at any McDonalds you go to. If a customer has one bad meal, they will never come back and they will tell others never to go to that restaurant. Good food along with consistency is critical to be successful.

Not trying to be negative but being aware of anything that can take your business down will get you better prepared to be successful should you proceed.
Title: My new life in the Republic of Georgia
Post by: ML on September 20, 2019, 07:07:03 PM
Take your well-calculated business plan and double the startup costs, calculate a third of the expected turnover and at least two years before being able to put anything at all in your pocket.  Employees always come first in line, always paid on time and fairly (in that order) they are your real capital.  Any biz in the service and hospitality sector will take 200% of your time. JMHE

Some studies years ago (I have no references now) showed that those who got degrees in business did not start new businesses at nearly the rate started by those who had no education or experience in business.

Reasoning was that when persons study about what it takes to start and run a business (as you would in business school) then they see the tremendous work and risk involved . . . and decide not to do it.  Instead they seek out more stability with already established firms for their career.

While those with no knowledge or understanding of the risks . . .

Note:  I realize that our man Maxx has operated a business . . . I am just talking in general here.
Title: My new life in the Republic of Georgia
Post by: Maxx2 on September 20, 2019, 10:48:20 PM



Just a recipe for burrito and taco shells from Michael



Flour Tortillas
Made Approximately: 14 tortillas


1/2 - 3/4 kg flour
Oil - 3 tablespoons
Baking Powder - 2 teaspoons
Salt - 1 - 1. 1/2 teaspoon


Tortillas


Flour Tortillas
Ingredients
* 3 3/4 cups unbleached all purpose flour
* 3 tablespoons lard or shortening
* 1 to 1.5 teaspoons salt
* 1 1/3 cup warm water
* 2 teaspoons of Baking Powder - if lard is not available.


Instructions
* Add the salt to the flour and mix well.  Use your fingers to crumble the lard into the flour mixture.  Add 1 cup warm water and stir as much as you can with a spoon, then dump onto a flat surface and knead into a cohesive ball.  Let rest for at least 30 minutes.
* Tear into golfball sized chunks, rolling between your hands to shape them into smooth balls.
* Use a rolling pin to roll them out approximately 5-6 inches in diameter.
* Heat a comal/griddle to medium high temperature and add a tortilla.
* Cook each side for 45-60 seconds or until light brown spots form.
* As one tortilla cooks, roll out the next to expedite the process.
Notes
If the tortillas are springing back and not holding their shape as you roll them out, then let the dough (or dough balls) rest for a little longer.


It can take a few tries to get the heat of the stove right.  If you're quickly getting black spots then your temp is too high.  If it's taking too long to get brown spots then your temp is too low.


Corn Tortillas
Ingredients
* 2 cups masa harina
* 1/2 teaspoon salt
* 1.5 cups warm water


Instructions
* Add 2 cups masa harina and 1/2 teaspoon salt to a mixing bowl.  Add 1 cup of the warm water and stir until the water is absorbed.  Add the rest of the water incrementally until the flour melds into a dough.  Use your hands to knead the dough into a cohesive ball.  If the dough is sticking to your hands, add a bit of masa harina to dry it out.
* Separate the dough into golf ball sized chunks, this will make tortillas approximately 4 inches across.
* Flatten the dough balls using a tortilla press or a flat bottomed pan. Be sure to line each side of the dough ball with plastic or ziploc pieces.
* Heat a skillet or comal to medium-high heat.  (Lately I use a tad over medium heat and this will have brown spots forming in about 60 seconds.)
* Add a tortilla and flip after 10 seconds. Then cook each side for 1-2 minutes or until light brown spots are forming.
* Continue cooking the rest of the tortillas.
* Serve immediately or store in an airtight container in the fridge.
Notes
Sometimes it can take some fiddling to get the heat right on the stove. If the tortillas are getting singed black spots quickly, then dial down the heat. Ideally each side takes about 1-2 minutes before brown spots start forming.


If you don't want to do the 'quick flip' method, then you can simply cook each side of the tortilla for 1-2 minutes, or until brown spots are forming.
Title: My new life in the Republic of Georgia
Post by: Maxx2 on September 20, 2019, 11:33:59 PM

Note:  I realize that our man Maxx has operated a business . . . I am just talking in general here.


I am hearing what everyone posted above loud and clear. It is morning here and I am drinking my coffee. That always picks up my mood.


The long hours... I remember those. When I ran my gold refining business (1990-2014) I slept on my couch in my office more often that in my bed at home. The people who I refined for wanted their purified gold back as soon as possible. I worked every other weekend and holidays.


People are potential problems. When I was in Tbilisi a week ago I stayed with a Georgian family. They are a 34 year old Georgian man and his 41 year old American wife (She was born in Michigan and grew up in Ohio and Florida. She got some experience in fast food both in the States and in Georgia). I'll call them 'Joe' and 'Kathy'  They live with his mother 'Katy'. 'Katy' stayed with her daughter when I was there but came to the apartment during the day to cook meals and clean. Anyway Joe is expecting Kathy will be my business partner. That was what put me in a bit anxiety yesterday when I was having lunch with Michael. I don't want to get into details about the family dynamic. Lets just say Joe wants Kathy to be home when he gets home at 7:30. They are newly weds married about a year and a half. He is very protective of her. Doesn't want her working alone and so on. So I see problems there.


AND the biggest potential problem, a partnership, could would come around and bite me. Of course I would take all the risk financially wise and would have three people (including the mother) trying to make decisions. So a partnership is definitely out.




 
Title: My new life in the Republic of Georgia
Post by: Maxx2 on September 21, 2019, 12:40:02 AM
You will return to US eventually for your health care.


I sure hope not. My biggest hope is to have a Georgian wife and family and die at home. They'll take my corpse and stick it into a refrigerated coffin. On the third day I will be lifted out and carried around in a circle 3 times (Clockwise) and taken to the family plot. There will be toasts of 'chacha' and speeches made of what a good guy I am/was. Maybe a fight will break out as often does at funerals and weddings? Then exactly a year later there will be another food and drink celebration at the graveyard. That is when my spirit goes off to heaven according to Georgian belief.  I get to hang around earth for a year but I am not sure what I will do. Maybe I'll get to haunt some of you?
Title: My new life in the Republic of Georgia
Post by: Maxx2 on September 21, 2019, 02:18:27 AM
Does anyone know how to post photos from Flickr? Used to be able to do it. But now nothing comes up. Perhaps it is the board? I have some photos in my account of kitchen tools I would like to show.
Title: My new life in the Republic of Georgia
Post by: msmob on September 21, 2019, 02:27:23 AM
http://www.russianwomendiscussion.com/index.php?topic=23138.msg491648#msg491648 (http://www.russianwomendiscussion.com/index.php?topic=23138.msg491648#msg491648)
Title: My new life in the Republic of Georgia
Post by: Maxx2 on September 21, 2019, 02:37:22 AM
http://www.russianwomendiscussion.com/index.php?topic=23138.msg491648#msg491648 (http://www.russianwomendiscussion.com/index.php?topic=23138.msg491648#msg491648)


Thanks Moby.
Title: My new life in the Republic of Georgia
Post by: Maxx2 on September 21, 2019, 02:41:38 AM
(http://live.staticflickr.com/65535/46980634935_0a90ea3bc1_b.jpg)
Title: My new life in the Republic of Georgia
Post by: Maxx2 on September 21, 2019, 02:43:14 AM
(http://live.staticflickr.com/65535/47107397424_c4e5ef5d2f_b.jpg)
Title: My new life in the Republic of Georgia
Post by: Maxx2 on September 21, 2019, 02:44:56 AM



And I got a real big stainless steel stock pot. I bought all of this last year. My mom taught me to cook when I was seven years old.
Title: My new life in the Republic of Georgia
Post by: fathertime on September 21, 2019, 09:15:43 AM
Maxx,

Straight up. IMO, you are in no condition (emotionally, financially, health-wise, etc) to embark in any type of biz, especially one that has a very high turnover ratio (failure rate), in a foreign land no less. There are reasons why things are cheaper where you are. All things in life are relative.

Think this over rightly.

While I'm sure you are correct in your assessment of Maxx, I'd say he should get his business off the ground if that is what he wants to do.  He may fail of his own accord, but it is simply something he needs to do.  And what difference does it make if he does fail?  He isn't getting younger and the likelihood of him pulling him self out of his current mind set isn't all that good.   Perhaps a line of work he apparently loves will pull him together.  It is better than stagnating with a bottle of vodka in the evening.

Fathertime! 
Title: My new life in the Republic of Georgia
Post by: fathertime on September 21, 2019, 09:16:44 AM
(http://live.staticflickr.com/65535/47107397424_c4e5ef5d2f_b.jpg)
Put that stuff to use immediately!

Fathertime!
Title: My new life in the Republic of Georgia
Post by: Maxx2 on September 21, 2019, 09:26:41 AM
Put that stuff to use immediately!

Fathertime!


Have been. I hope to surprise everyone.


Frankly I am not too concerned about success or failure. To me it is just a game. Something to do. It is said at the end of life what we regret the most is not what we did but what we didn't do.
Title: My new life in the Republic of Georgia
Post by: ML on September 21, 2019, 09:41:17 AM

I'll call them 'Joe' and 'Kathy'  They live with his mother 'Katy'. 'Katy' stayed with her daughter when I was there but came to the apartment during the day to cook meals and clean.

Maxx, I am lost here.

Joe and Kathy live with Katy who is Joe's mother.
Katy stayed with her daughter when Max was there.

- - - - - - -   

Why Katy moved away from Joe and Kathy just because you were there ?

Katy came to your apartment to cook and clean, or came to apt where Joe and Kathy are living?
Title: My new life in the Republic of Georgia
Post by: Maxx2 on September 21, 2019, 10:27:26 AM
Maxx, I am lost here.

Joe and Kathy live with Katy who is Joe's mother.
Katy stayed with her daughter when Max was there.

- - - - - - -   

Why Katy moved away from Joe and Kathy just because you were there ?



I slept in Katy's bed for my 9 days I was there. I saved about $300 in hotel fees. It was Joe and Kathy's idea. It was good in that I got to know them better.


And the mother went to a holy woman who put a blessing on us. I was told she has special powers or a good connection with God.
Title: My new life in the Republic of Georgia
Post by: Maxx2 on September 21, 2019, 06:20:52 PM
http://www.cbsnews.com/news/retirement-crisis-economic-refugees-why-more-americans-are-retiring-abroad/

Title: My new life in the Republic of Georgia
Post by: BillyB on September 21, 2019, 07:44:03 PM
http://www.cbsnews.com/news/retirement-crisis-economic-refugees-why-more-americans-are-retiring-abroad/

Maxx, the journalist and CBS News is messing with their readers brains. Since Trump is President, they need to report bad news such as people are financially hurting and need to flee America.

"The number of retirees who draw Social Security outside the U.S. jumped 40%, to more than 413,000, between 2007 to 2017, according to the Social Security Administration. "

Quote in bold from your article wants us to believe in 10 years the number of retirees have fled America jumped by a whopping 40%. Why did they choose to begin the math in 2007? That is because it's the year right before the baby boomers retire in large numbers.

Look at the chart in the link below. in 2007 about 6000 Americans retired everyday. In 2017, about 10,000 Americans retired everyday. So there's your 40% jump and while 40% more retirees fled America, 40% more retirees stayed in America. There's really no change to retirees behavior. The only change from 2007-2017 is there are more people retiring. The article is to plant a seed in the readers head that people are financially suffering in Trump's so called great economy. Don't drink the kool aid.

http://finance.yahoo.com/news/americans-retiring-increasing-pace-145837368.html
Title: My new life in the Republic of Georgia
Post by: Maxx2 on September 22, 2019, 12:27:55 AM
The article is to plant a seed in the readers head that people are financially suffering in Trump's so called great economy. Don't drink the kool aid.


I try to stay out of political discussions and choosing sides here on this board. I posted the article that was linked by the DRUDGEREPORT to show why people choose a life abroad. Many of the points made in the article are points I have been making here.


The country noted in the article, Ecuador is one I have investigated to expat to. The pluses of living there have negatives I don't find in Georgia. And Georgia has positives that American expats in Ecuador could only dream about. As example the ease of starting a business. Many Americans etc have given up trying to get a business license in Ecuador. Inspectors jack them around. The police expect "cola money" A few bucks to supposedly buy a Coca Cola. The government in that corrupt socialist country throws down every road block they can think of. They make it hard to register a car or open a bank account. It takes weeks to do so. Here in Georgia those things can be accomplished in a few hours. And Georgia has much, much less crime. In Ecuador if you don't have a guard watching your property you can expect everything stolen right to the slab of concrete your house used to sit on. And you got to watch the taxis also. Sometimes they drive you to a corner where 3 guys get in and escort you to a ATM.


I'll just say this politically. 8 years of the past 12 years were Obama years. Those were the hardest years economically speaking of my life.
Title: Re: My new life in the Republic of Georgia
Post by: BillyB on September 22, 2019, 07:55:06 AM
I try to stay out of political discussions and choosing sides here on this board.


Unfortunately many news articles written aren't politically neutral. Imagine Fox News using the same data CBS used and said 40% more retirees are staying home in America. Then try to spin the story implying it's due to Trump's great economy. Also they can find a couple of retirees with stories like CBS did that will back up their narrative.

I posted the article that was linked by the DRUDGEREPORT to show why people choose a life abroad. Many of the points made in the article are points I have been making here.


Retirees living depending on SS will have to move to a cheaper location to live. Usually they move to small towns or in some cases, cheaper countries. Also they tend to move to warmer climates since colder climates can be painful on the joints.
Title: Re: My new life in the Republic of Georgia
Post by: ML on September 22, 2019, 11:07:20 AM
http://www.cbsnews.com/news/retirement-crisis-economic-refugees-why-more-americans-are-retiring-abroad/

Those and other such articles are totally stupid.

The articles and persons they quote talk about the cheaper cost of medical care in the places they retire to.

Nowhere does anyone want to discuss the quality of that medical care.

Strangely enough . . . most wealthy people and government leaders around the world seem to come to USA for their critical medical care.

Anyone hear of president of major country XYZ going to Ecuador or any of the other so called 'great places' to retire to get their critical medical care?

My wife won't even think of letting me go to Ukraine for ANY medical or dental care.
Title: Re: My new life in the Republic of Georgia
Post by: Maxx2 on September 23, 2019, 02:04:43 AM
(http://live.staticflickr.com/65535/48780630431_741db97d5f_b.jpg)
Title: Re: My new life in the Republic of Georgia
Post by: Maxx2 on September 23, 2019, 02:09:09 AM
The above photo I took a few weeks ago. This was on the back road to my apartment. Here in Batumi where the grass is green all year long all the cows are grass fed. Their meat and dairy products are full of the anti-inflammatory omega 3s.
Title: Re: My new life in the Republic of Georgia
Post by: Maxx2 on September 23, 2019, 02:58:24 AM
Those and other such articles are totally stupid.

The articles and persons they quote talk about the cheaper cost of medical care in the places they retire to.

Nowhere does anyone want to discuss the quality of that medical care.

Strangely enough . . . most wealthy people and government leaders around the world seem to come to USA for their critical medical care.

Anyone hear of president of major country XYZ going to Ecuador or any of the other so called 'great places' to retire to get their critical medical care?

My wife won't even think of letting me go to Ukraine for ANY medical or dental care.


Speciality healthcare for the rich verses ordinary healthcare for the non-rich.


In Batumi and in Tbilisi there are hospitals and clinics that work in partnership with American hospitals and clinics. The healthcare is affordable unlike in America where you need insurance that costs hundreds of dollars a month and you fear using it because of the thousands of dollars in deductibles you got to pay. So you are less likely to go to the doctor and more likely to miss the treatment you need to catch it in time.


Do you know the three leading causes of death in America? First come heart disease, then cancer and the third is death by doctor.
http://www.usnews.com/news/articles/2016-05-03/medical-errors-are-third-leading-cause-of-death-in-the-us (http://www.usnews.com/news/articles/2016-05-03/medical-errors-are-third-leading-cause-of-death-in-the-us)

Quote
MEDICAL ERRORS ARE THE third leading cause of death in the U.S., after heart disease (http://health.usnews.com/health-news/articles/2015-12-16/heart-disease-now-kills-1-of-every-3-americans) and cancer (http://health.usnews.com/health-news/articles/2014/06/10/breast-cancer-drug-herceptin-linked-to-risk-of-heart-problems-study), causing at least 250,000 deaths every year, according to an analysis out Tuesday indicating that patient safety efforts fall far short."People don't just die from heart attacks and bacteria, they die from system-wide failings and poorly coordinated care," says the study's lead author, Dr. Martin Makary, a professor of surgery and health policy at Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine. "It's medical care gone awry."


Living in America and going to the doctor is a big risk. The doctors will push drugs on you that will lead to your early death. Big Pharma is behind that. There is no profit in the cure. The treatment on the other hand is lucrative. Did any doctors tell me type 2 diabetes was reversible by diet? No, they just told me to take insulin and treat this "progressive disease." Everyday I wake up and check my blood glucose number. It is always below 100. I haven't been on insulin in over a year.


And there is the American diet. Food saturated with corn syrup. Meat devoid of omega 3s. Meat filled with injected hormones. Grains, fruits and vegetables covered in pesticides. The GMO foods that nobody knows exactly how they interact with your gut.


This is the big picture.




Title: Re: My new life in the Republic of Georgia
Post by: Maxx2 on September 23, 2019, 04:43:00 AM
My wife won't even think of letting me go to Ukraine for ANY medical or dental care.


Then come to Georgia for your dental care.


(http://live.staticflickr.com/65535/48780867963_7e56204731_c.jpg)


Here is my dentist 'Gigi' (George). Gigi is trained to Western standards. He is the one the employees of the American and Swiss embassies go to.


(http://live.staticflickr.com/65535/48781230391_423a0e0aa0_c.jpg)


He is better equipped and trained than my dentist back in Wisconsin. And one-tenth the cost. As I wrote before, I recently had 2 root canals done. My dentist in Wisconsin quoted me $1200 each, $2400. Mine done by Gigi, $232 for both. 
.
Title: Re: My new life in the Republic of Georgia
Post by: fathertime on September 23, 2019, 05:02:51 AM

Speciality healthcare for the rich verses ordinary healthcare for the non-rich.

 


Do you know the three leading causes of death in America? First come heart disease, then cancer and the third is death by doctor.
 
I've been happy with health care here in the states to this point. 

I could be wrong, but I'd suspect a relatively wealthy ex-pat would be able to get far better than average treatment in foreign lands because of his fat wallet.  One concern could be communication barriers if the ex pat doesn't speak the language.  Another concern is who is backing up the ex pat who may be alone.  Me and my family saved a family member by just being there and making sure our frail family member was taken care of when in the hospital, and that made all the difference.  Being mostly alone abroad could be concerning in that respect....

Fathertime!
Title: Re: My new life in the Republic of Georgia
Post by: Maxx2 on September 23, 2019, 10:34:17 AM
I've been happy with health care here in the states to this point. 

I could be wrong, but I'd suspect a relatively wealthy ex-pat would be able to get far better than average treatment in foreign lands because of his fat wallet.  One concern could be communication barriers if the ex pat doesn't speak the language.  Another concern is who is backing up the ex pat who may be alone.  Me and my family saved a family member by just being there and making sure our frail family member was taken care of when in the hospital, and that made all the difference.  Being mostly alone abroad could be concerning in that respect....

Fathertime!


You make some good points FT.


Being alone is said to be worse for a person's health than smoking cigarettes. So says some study (Maybe a fake study).


When I had a woman in my life for that brief time (about 10 days) I slept like a baby. No booze, nothing. I wouldn't be surprised my blood pressure was lower too. I remember at the apartment in Tbilisi stepping out of the bathroom (It is elevated about 6 inches) and my wet feet hit the wood floor and I landed hard on my back. Luckily I didn't injure myself. But what if I did? I could have laying there for days or weeks. 


Title: Re: My new life in the Republic of Georgia
Post by: BillyB on September 23, 2019, 10:57:23 AM
Being alone is said to be worse for a person's health than smoking cigarettes. So says some study (Maybe a fake study).


Did the study say that choosing the wrong partner can drive the other partner to drink and smoke more?
Title: Re: My new life in the Republic of Georgia
Post by: ML on September 23, 2019, 10:59:23 AM

I could be wrong, but I'd suspect a relatively wealthy ex-pat would be able to get far better than average treatment in foreign lands because of his fat wallet.

This could help a person get perhaps the best treatment available . . . but in most instances (outside some major countries) this best treatment available would be far short of truly good treatment.
Title: Re: My new life in the Republic of Georgia
Post by: GQBlues on September 23, 2019, 11:26:28 AM

Thank you GQ. I was in a bit of anxiety today at lunch thinking over some of the things you touched upon. I thought of them myself.

That's good, maxx.

Regardless which direction you decided to take from here on in, may it always be a decision you can easily own up to for better or for worst.

I was reading through some of the concerns and comparison about healthcare. I will always believe, for me, I am well taken care of where I currently am today. Not because it is better than anywhere else, but simply because I made it a priority for me (us) to be diligent in this aspect of our existence given the programs and demands of the society in which we live in.

In short, our healthcare, and its coverage, was very carefully planned for. So I didn't have to suffer having a tooth fall of and get it glued back on for 2 bucks.  :P (poking at you there, maxx).

Lastly, tortillas are better served 'hot'.
Title: Re: My new life in the Republic of Georgia
Post by: Maxx2 on September 23, 2019, 02:30:30 PM

Lastly, tortillas are better served 'hot'.


Michael (The Apache native American) says hot tamales are the more difficult dish to make. Burritos, enchiladas, tortillas, quasadias and tacos are a piece of cake. We just placed our order for Mesa corn flour today. Should be here in two weeks. Did you know that Mexican food is the third most popular food in America right after American all menu food items and pizzerias? 54,000 restaurants! It even beats out hamburger joints in popularity. American restaurants such as McDonalds, Burger King, Wendy's and Dunkin Donuts is considered fine eating by Georgia's young.
Title: Re: My new life in the Republic of Georgia
Post by: GQBlues on September 23, 2019, 02:47:20 PM

Michael (The Apache native American) says hot tamales are the more difficult dish to make. Burritos, enchiladas, tortillas, quasadias and tacos are a piece of cake. We just placed our order for Mesa corn flour today. Should be here in two weeks. Did you know that Mexican food is the third most popular food in America right after American all menu food items and pizzerias? 54,000 restaurants! It even beats out hamburger joints in popularity. American restaurants such as McDonalds, Burger King, Wendy's and Dunkin Donuts is considered fine eating by Georgia's young.

10-4. Just be aware it is also the most-ladened lectin rich food in America. It's no coincidence why Mexicans are 'mostly' overweight, maxx.
Title: Re: My new life in the Republic of Georgia
Post by: Maxx2 on September 23, 2019, 03:29:45 PM
10-4. Just be aware it is also the most-ladened lectin rich food in America. It's no coincidence why Mexicans are 'mostly' overweight, maxx.


I don't plan on eating much of it!
Title: Re: My new life in the Republic of Georgia
Post by: GQBlues on September 23, 2019, 03:47:27 PM

I don't plan on eating much of it!


Good to know, maxx. Mexican food is loaded with vitamin 'T', or so I heard, 'Tacos, Tostadas, Tamales,etc..' The more lard it contains, the better the taste. Then slap cheese, sour crème, salt on top - holy gringo Pancho! We got a great thing going homeboy!

 :P Seriously, there's a crisis going on in Mexico in terms of their obesity rate.
Title: Re: My new life in the Republic of Georgia
Post by: Maxx2 on September 23, 2019, 04:10:44 PM

The more lard it contains, the better the taste.


Funny thing GQ, tomorrow my best friend Alex (Russian man married to a Georgian woman) and I are going to a grocery store he knows of and buying some lard. Lard Michael tells me, is the key to making good Tex-Mex food.
Title: Re: My new life in the Republic of Georgia
Post by: GQBlues on September 23, 2019, 04:28:23 PM

Funny thing GQ, tomorrow my best friend Alex (Russian man married to a Georgian woman) and I are going to a grocery store he knows of and buying some lard. Lard Michael tells me, is the key to making good Tex-Mex food.

That's funny, maxx. I hope Georgians can appreciate such fine culinary specialty. They should be so lucky!  :devil:

We have a franchised Mexican hole-in-the-wall pit stop in our region called 'Campos Famous Burritos'. Our favorites are 'All Pork (Chile Verde Pork) Burrito with Guacamole' and Menudo. Not too many Mexican gig can whip up better menudo that Campos, man. Killer!!!!

I still remember the story the first time wifey had Mexican food after arriving in LA. She didn't like it at all, saying that she preferred the Mexican food we ate in St Petersburg "La Bonita Cocina" (or something like that I don't remember)> She said their food was far more 'authentic'.  :o
Title: Re: My new life in the Republic of Georgia
Post by: Gator on September 23, 2019, 05:50:16 PM

I still remember the story the first time wifey had Mexican food after arriving in LA. She didn't like it at all, saying that she preferred the Mexican food we ate in St Petersburg "La Bonita Cocina" (or something like that I don't remember)> She said their food was far more 'authentic'.  :o

 :ROFL:

I am sure it had more mayonnaise, just like the Big Mac.   
Title: Did you guys know I am a honorary Texas Ranger?
Post by: Maxx2 on September 25, 2019, 02:13:47 AM



Sworn in by a Texas Ranger Chaplin in an Exxon gas station in Bells, Texas in 2014.
Interestingly, for me at least, my partner Michael in this business is 100% Apache Indian.

Title: Re: My new life in the Republic of Georgia
Post by: Maxx2 on September 25, 2019, 02:43:08 AM



Yesterday I bought the beef and pork fat to be processed into lard, 14 kilos! 9 Kilos of beef, 5 kilos of pork. We scheduled Friday for doing this. Last year I bought from a business in Tbilisi that sells professional restaurant equipment all the tools we need for cooking and processing. I also have 3 deep friers that might come in handy when making hard shell tacos and chips.


(http://live.staticflickr.com/65535/48792489257_6c407e4879_b.jpg)


(http://live.staticflickr.com/65535/48792398356_c1559fd34b_z.jpg)


A nice by product of the pork fat (Upper shelf) is it can be processed easily into pork rinds. That is an excellent kenogenic food good for curbing appetite.


Also yesterday we ordered the Mesa corn flour to be shipped from the US. Shipping 25 pounds by air cost 3 times ($77) what the cost of the product ($28). By ship it is only $11 but it takes about 2 months to get here. We don't want to wait two months before test marketing our product.


One thing we might have a problem getting is a steady supply of Avocados. They are very seasonal here. Many people here don't even know what they are. My landlady in Tbilisi and her caretaker/translator (women in their 40s) had never seen one before. Avocados might be in stock at the Carrefour store. I have seen them there before. We'll have to experiment and see how well they keep in the freezer, either whole or made into guacamole. They have guacamole in a jar on the shelves here next to the chips, but it is the most vile stuff I've ever tasted! Doesn't even taste like avocados.


Posting this helps me think. I am not sure I would have even thought of testing the keep ability of avocados.
Title: Re: My new life in the Republic of Georgia
Post by: Gator on September 25, 2019, 07:14:40 AM
Having a good guacamole will be key.   The best I know of outside Mexico is served at the gourmet Mexican restaurant chain Cantina Laredo.  They prepare it tableside with charred jalepeno.   My Russian family devoured it, scraping the bottom of the dish.

(http://img.sndimg.com/food/image/upload/c_thumb,q_80,w_562,h_316/v1/img/recipes/48/70/81/pica5CDxO.jpg)

Here's a recipe. 

         http://www.food.com/recipe/top-shelf-guacamole-cantina-laredos-487081

Could you not make arrangements with a restaurant distributor?   Surely they have suppliers who would ship a carton of avocados from Africa, where avocado trees are ubiquitous? 

Not having fresh avocados in your city, you could use something my RW wife enjoys.  It is not inexpensive, even though from Target.   

(http://www.eatwholly.com/wp-content/uploads/classic-guac.png)

http://www.target.com/p/wholly-guacamole-174-all-natural-hand-scooped-hass-avocados-16oz/-/A-13488150?ref=tgt_adv_XS000000&AFID=google_pla_df&fndsrc=tgtao&CPNG=PLA_Grocery%2BShopping_Local&adgroup=SC_Grocery&LID=700000001170770pgs&network=g&device=c&location=9012120&ds_rl=1246978&ds_rl=1247077&ds_rl=1246978&gclid=Cj0KCQjwoKzsBRC5ARIsAITcwXE41j1Bsx7cQJ49P-xSfwlAHFA0k4j5DzaivcGdMMhfdLVROC4ZnSQaAqRdEALw_wcB&gclsrc=aw.ds#
Title: Re: My new life in the Republic of Georgia
Post by: Maxx2 on September 25, 2019, 09:02:27 AM
Gosh Gator, thank you for the ideas! I'll run this past Michael (and I just did via Skype)

A few days ago I asked my winter apartment caretaker Ilona what her husband paid for his hotdog business rent. She a sked me what location? He has three hot dog business places in Batumi. He started them 2 years ago. As the man at AmCham told me, it is possible to have a successful food service business in Georgia.

I'm eating dinner now, 12 quail eggs that cost me $1 (3 GEL). Quail eggs are supposed to be good for the brain, so "M" told me so...
Title: Re: My new life in the Republic of Georgia
Post by: GQBlues on September 25, 2019, 09:42:15 AM
Freezing avocados doesn't work, maxx. You'd be better of mashing a ripe one and dehydrating it to powder, then just add water later - or better yet, get what Gator told you.

Do remember one very important thing behind any Mexican food. Its heart and soul. SALSA.
Title: Re: My new life in the Republic of Georgia
Post by: BC on September 25, 2019, 12:03:27 PM

Also yesterday we ordered the Mesa corn flour to be shipped from the US. Shipping 25 pounds by air cost 3 times ($77) what the cost of the product ($28). By ship it is only $11 but it takes about 2 months to get here. We don't want to wait two months before test marketing our product.


Curious as to the 11 buck shipping cost by sea.  Meest?

http://www.mex-al.de/shop/de/food/maismehl-masa-harina/naturelo-masa-harina-maismehl-weiss-tortillas-20kg-sack-gmo-free

Somebody is importing to Europe at what looks like decent prices.  Take a peek.

What are import and sales tax in Georgia?
Title: Re: My new life in the Republic of Georgia
Post by: Maxx2 on September 25, 2019, 07:38:33 PM

What are import and sales tax in Georgia?


Anything that costs over 300 Lari (approximately $100) there is an 18% import tax. No sales tax, No property tax in the Republic of Georgia. Most of my purchases we keep to under $100. Alex has multiple accounts and orders are segmented to keep from being taxed.


Shipping costs are $7 a kilo by air (10 days to two weeks) and $1 a kilo by ship (6 weeks to 2 months).


Thanks BC, I'll check your link. I just got up. 6:38 AM where I am at.




Title: Re: My new life in the Republic of Georgia
Post by: Maxx2 on September 25, 2019, 07:55:25 PM
Freezing avocados doesn't work, maxx. You'd be better of mashing a ripe one and dehydrating it to powder, then just add water later - or better yet, get what Gator told you.

Do remember one very important thing behind any Mexican food. Its heart and soul. SALSA.


The problem with Gator's lead is it needs refrigeration and that would add heavily to its cost.


Dehydrating avocados might be tricky. They have a high fat content and from what I read have a short shelf life. Maybe it would work if it was put in the freezer?


It is amazing what you can find with Google. I just read this:


Turkey aims to grow 60 million avocados

Antalya's Alanya district produces 70% of the total number of avocados in Turkey. This year, the aim is to produce 60 million avocados throughout the country in a total area of 40 thousand hectares.


The avocado was first brought to Turkey from Mexico in 1953, but commercial production only started in Antalya (Alanya and Gazipasa) and Mersin (Anamur) in the 1990's. Last year, Alanya alone produced 40 million avocados. The wholesale price for avocado is 2 to 2,5 Lira (0,3 to 0,4 Euro), it costs 4 to 5 Lira (0,6 to 0,8 Euro) in grocery stores.


An abundance of avocado this year

Hilmi Sevilgen, the head of Alanya Avocado Producers' Association, said that producers are content with the avocado production this year and that the prices are at normal levels. Sevilgen added: "Thanks to the good weather avocado production is abundant and the quality is good".

Sevilgen emphasized that they exported avocados to Ukraine, Romania, Russia and Iran and said: "We exported to 5 different countries this year. These include Ukraine, Romania, Russia and Iran. Recently, Azerbaijan asked for avocados, however we were finished with the harvest then, so we couldn't send any. We often say that we need to produce more avocados, but the good news is that we increase the production day by day. We used to produce 20 million avocados, this was increased to 40 million in 2018. Now we expect 60 million of avocados in Turkey this year."


Can You Dehydrate Avocado ?

Why sure if you follow as described in our tutorial you will get what you want.
The food dehydrator i used is the Nesco food dehydrator (http://www.tech-mods.net/nesco-snackmaster-food-dehydrator-review/) which on of the top food dehydrators (http://www.tech-mods.net/food-dehydrator-reviews/) and besy sellers on Amazon because it’s cheap and very easy to use.

Ingredients

4 avocados, split and set (don’t remove the skin ) 1/2 lemon

Title: Re: My new life in the Republic of Georgia
Post by: 2tallbill on September 25, 2019, 09:36:00 PM
The above photo I took a few weeks ago. This was on the back road to my apartment. Here in Batumi where the grass is green all year long all the cows are grass fed. Their meat and dairy products are full of the anti-inflammatory omega 3s.

Maxx,

I'm glad you are continuing your blog.

Good luck!

Bill
Title: Re: My new life in the Republic of Georgia
Post by: Maxx2 on September 25, 2019, 10:26:15 PM
Maxx,

I'm glad you are continuing your blog.

Good luck!

Bill


Thanks Bill.


My days starts while your's ends. Drinking my second cup of coffee and getting ready to go out.
Title: Re: My new life in the Republic of Georgia
Post by: BC on September 26, 2019, 04:33:49 AM

Shipping costs are $7 a kilo by air (10 days to two weeks) and $1 a kilo by ship (6 weeks to 2 months).


Thanks BC, I'll check your link. I just got up. 6:38 AM where I am at.

Would be interested in knowing the shipping company with those prices.  Send me a message if you don't want to post on board.

Regarding avocados, Turkey is farming them in the Gazipasa area and they are exporting to several countries in the region.  Considering geography worth looking into.  Turkey does a lot of dried fruits also so that process is well known there.  Fresh in season, dried otherwise.

Title: Re: My new life in the Republic of Georgia
Post by: Maxx2 on September 26, 2019, 07:00:01 AM
Would be interested in knowing the shipping company with those prices.  Send me a message if you don't want to post on board.

Regarding avocados, Turkey is farming them in the Gazipasa area and they are exporting to several countries in the region.  Considering geography worth looking into.  Turkey does a lot of dried fruits also so that process is well known there.  Fresh in season, dried otherwise.


I'm getting it and will post it here.


Camex.ge New Castle, Delaware  $7 per kilo by air
 
Inex.ge  Williamton, Delaware $6.95 per kilo by air


Barami.ge  Williamton, Delaware  $1 per kilo by ship and shipped to the port of Poti, Republic of Georgia

Title: Re: My new life in the Republic of Georgia
Post by: Maxx2 on September 26, 2019, 07:04:56 AM
Three years, one month, a week and two days ago after an accident with a semi. I'm Skyping a Ukrainian woman I know in Lviv


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P0ua0EPw4OM


 (http://live.staticflickr.com/4913/45747426952_a77bcbd665_c.jpg)



Title: Re: My new life in the Republic of Georgia
Post by: GQBlues on September 26, 2019, 08:41:47 AM

The problem with Gator's lead is it needs refrigeration and that would add heavily to its cost.


Dehydrating avocados might be tricky. They have a high fat content and from what I read have a short shelf life. Maybe it would work if it was put in the freezer? ...

My daily routine in the morning is coffee, then an alternating smoothie for breakfast. I alternate between blueberries or avocado w/ coconut water (not milk). I use my ninja for this. IMO, every time I refrigerate (froze it once) avocadoes to 'regulate' down their ripening, they lose both the taste and that buttery texture. Worst when placed in the freezer, then thawed. The texture after thawing never reach that 'ripen' state with an accelerated browning of the fruit. It has a rubber-like texture and tastes 'bitter'.

We get avocadoes from 3 sources where we are: Local growers (farmer's market), imports from Mexico and Peru (markets). Sold individually or bunches. So you either go to the source and get one for the morning smoothie, or a bunch of 3-4 for the week's supply. That's when you begin juggling with the different stages of the fruit's ripening stages. BTW, IMHO, Hass avocadoes from Mexico had consistently been the better fruit compared to the other two.

Again - SALSA, mind the SALSA. I know of no good Mexican restaurant that served mediocre Salsa.
Title: Re: My new life in the Republic of Georgia
Post by: Maxx2 on September 26, 2019, 07:13:30 PM
My daily routine in the morning is coffee, then an alternating smoothie for breakfast. I alternate between blueberries or avocado w/ coconut water (not milk). I use my ninja for this. IMO, every time I refrigerate (froze it once) avocadoes to 'regulate' down their ripening, they lose both the taste and that buttery texture. Worst when placed in the freezer, then thawed. The texture after thawing never reach that 'ripen' state with an accelerated browning of the fruit. It has a rubber-like texture and tastes 'bitter'.


6:08 AM as I start to write this. Evening your time for those in the US.


Thanks GQ for the information. I think dehydrating avocados is something I shouldn't even think about. It is such a delicate fruit.


Today Michaell is supposed to come over to teach me to process fat into lard. There is supposed to be some spices added to it. I'll take some photos and post them here.


SALSA, I am sure he knows a good recipe for that. 
Title: Advice welcomed
Post by: Maxx2 on September 26, 2019, 07:59:34 PM
Maxx,

Straight up. IMO, you are in no condition (emotionally, financially, health-wise, etc) to embark in any type of biz,



Actually the one to worry about is Michael.


Michael is a 50 year old Native American (Apache) I met living here in Batumi. As I said he grew up running a Tex-Mex restaurant with his father in southwest Texas. Michael is an easy going likable guy. He is going through an emotional crisis right now. His Azerbaijani wife left him a month ago. Supposedly she moved back to Azerbaijan as he was told and cut off all communication with him. I say supposedly because he found evidence of her living here. He was walking as he often does and spotted her hair tie on the sidewalk. He figured she had dropped it from the clothes line above so he waited and seen her at the window. Later when he was walking he ran into her. They had a brief conversation. She told him she had filed for a divorce. She has a job at the front counter of a downtown casino and shares an apartment with a woman. Michael says his wife is quite beautiful.


He met his wife at the office of his former employer. He worked in the Caspian Sea oil fields and made good money. They were married 3 years ago. About that time they left their jobs and lived the good life that a pile of money can provide. After a one year honeymoon of foreign travel Michael decided to look for a job. His resumés got nowhere. After 3 years on not working he is running out of savings. Adding to his problems was the Azerbaijani government was threatening to deport him as he hadn't kept up with their residency requirements. Hence a life in Georgia. He does not want to go back to the US. He is hoping to get a good job someplace in this world and get his wife back.


Michael's emotions are a roller coaster right now. I am not sure he will even be up for getting together today. A few times he has told me "no" for going to a restaurant (I pay) because he wasn't up for it.


Anyway I see red flags and potential pitfalls for a partnership (to put it mildly). However I don't want to throw away the idea of a Tex-Mex food service business. I just got to have a legal agreement for "what ifs?" and a business structure (individual LLCs) to get something together.


Advice welcomed. 
Title: Re: My new life in the Republic of Georgia
Post by: ML on September 26, 2019, 09:00:32 PM
Maxx, I was told very early in my business career . . . going into partnership (contractually formalized or just informal)
with anyone has the same effect as getting married to someone.

And for sure in my early work as a CPA seeing small partnerships and in my continuing work as independent consultant;
this early advice has been proven in spades.

So now you are contemplating (and actually moving ahead with) a partnership with a person who has more than the
average amount of trouble already.
Title: Re: My new life in the Republic of Georgia
Post by: Maxx2 on September 26, 2019, 10:56:20 PM
Maxx, I was told very early in my business career . . . going into partnership (contractually formalized or just informal)
with anyone has the same effect as getting married to someone.

And for sure in my early work as a CPA seeing small partnerships and in my continuing work as independent consultant;
this early advice has been proven in spades.

So now you are contemplating (and actually moving ahead with) a partnership with a person who has more than the
average amount of trouble already.


This is why I only want a "partnership" only in getting the necessary information to set this thing up. I am thinking he has his hope in finding employment and not in business. I think this because he is the busiest unemployed guy I know. He is constantly online in regards to finding work and continuing his education. Take for example today's schedule of processing fat into lard (One of the ingredients in making flour/corn shells/wraps). This got put off for doing for three days. He had other things to do. I'm not complaining, just observing. 
Title: Re: Advice welcomed
Post by: GQBlues on September 27, 2019, 09:14:32 AM
Michael is a 50 year old Native American (Apache) I met living here in Batumi.

 :o Reminded me of my story when I was in a bar deep the heart of Ekaterinburg, with the gal I was with along with and a room full of drunk Russians celebrating the upcoming Victory Day.

I can still remember the still and worried look on my friend's face....when the room's attention started to focus towards us.

Advice welcomed.

Well, you already have mine at least. It hasn't changed.
Title: Re: My new life in the Republic of Georgia
Post by: Maxx2 on September 27, 2019, 06:59:05 PM



Michael prepping the fat to be turned into lard.


(http://live.staticflickr.com/65535/48805995713_cf703260a4_c.jpg)



Title: Re: My new life in the Republic of Georgia
Post by: jone on September 27, 2019, 07:58:13 PM
Max,

If you are really serious about this goal of a TexMex restaurant, start some tomato plants.   While tomatos are cheap now, in late summer, around February, you will thank me.
Title: Re: My new life in the Republic of Georgia
Post by: Maxx2 on September 28, 2019, 07:21:48 AM
Step-by-step


http://www.mexicanplease.com/homemade-lard/ (http://www.mexicanplease.com/homemade-lard/)


Refried beans, flour tortillas, tamales…they all have a secret ingredient in common that makes them taste Mexican.   
What is it?

Answer:  Lard
(http://live.staticflickr.com/65535/48808498366_625e940f2e_b.jpg)


(http://live.staticflickr.com/65535/48808498526_48520b4f9c_b.jpg)


(http://live.staticflickr.com/65535/48808641607_6c9eda3a23_b.jpg)


It seems that 90% of the weight and 75% of the volume of the fat gets converted into lard. This is just the pork lard. I've got twice as much of the beef lard to process. Should be good to go for quite some time.


Note to the moderators. I've noticed the page is quite elongated. Is it because of Gator's long link posted on a previous page?

Title: Re: My new life in the Republic of Georgia
Post by: Maxx2 on September 28, 2019, 07:35:10 AM

Note to the moderators. I've noticed the page is quite elongated. Is it because of Gator's long link posted on a previous page?


I mean when I am writing a reply or doing a modification. The page stretches way out.
Title: Re: My new life in the Republic of Georgia
Post by: Maxx2 on September 28, 2019, 07:40:03 AM
Max,

If you are really serious about this goal of a TexMex restaurant, start some tomato plants.   While tomatos are cheap now, in late summer, around February, you will thank me.


I'll give an update on the tomatoes soon.The cost per kilo etc. (Very low)

A red tomato sauce is next and salsa comes afterwards. For now just a photo of the two types of tomatoes we will be checking for the best taste. The bigger ones cost 60% more.



(http://live.staticflickr.com/65535/48808498816_441f824daa_b.jpg)





Title: Re: Advice welcomed
Post by: Maxx2 on September 28, 2019, 07:46:00 AM
:o Reminded me of my story when I was in a bar deep the heart of Ekaterinburg, with the gal I was with along with and a room full of drunk Russians celebrating the upcoming Victory Day.

I can still remember the still and worried look on my friend's face....when the room's attention started to focus towards us.



I know the feeling. When you are really different people don't know what to make of you and leave you alone. I feel a sort of protection around me. Even the police leave me alone and let me off when I get pulled over for some minor traffic violation. Four times now!
Title: Re: My new life in the Republic of Georgia
Post by: Maxx2 on September 28, 2019, 09:04:20 AM
The name of the business


Los Compadres Americanos


The Los Compadres was the name of Michael's Tex-Mex family business. I added the Americanos. Here fast food like McDonalds and Burger King is considered a treat, by the young. The older folks can't get past their Khinkali (ravioli without the marinara sauce) and Khatchapuri (cottage cheese bread).
Title: Re: My new life in the Republic of Georgia
Post by: Maxx2 on September 29, 2019, 05:47:21 AM



(http://live.staticflickr.com/65535/48812789173_aab3f1e5dc_c.jpg)


My Landlord's daughter and her aunt.

Title: Re: My new life in the Republic of Georgia
Post by: msmob on September 29, 2019, 06:28:24 AM
.....
Title: Re: My new life in the Republic of Georgia
Post by: Maxx2 on September 29, 2019, 08:48:42 AM
Tex-Mex food prep carries on


(http://live.staticflickr.com/65535/48814849861_e5947e1348_c.jpg)


First the tomatoes are cored and sectioned for skin removal


(http://live.staticflickr.com/65535/48814850126_07f369766b_b.jpg)


Boiled


(http://live.staticflickr.com/65535/48814851401_af763d8559_c.jpg)
[/color][/size]
De skinned

(http://live.staticflickr.com/65535/48814495718_013bd04841_c.jpg)


(http://live.staticflickr.com/65535/48814852091_70e9375fdf_b.jpg)


We liked the taste of the cheaper costing tomatoes the best. 27 cents a pound verses 46 cents a pound.
.




.


.
Title: Re: My new life in the Republic of Georgia
Post by: BdHvA on September 29, 2019, 09:47:28 AM
One thing we might have a problem getting is a steady supply of Avocados. They are very seasonal here. Many people here don't even know what they are. My landlady in Tbilisi and her caretaker/translator (women in their 40s) had never seen one before. Avocados might be in stock at the Carrefour store. I have seen them there before. We'll have to experiment and see how well they keep in the freezer, either whole or made into guacamole. They have guacamole in a jar on the shelves here next to the chips, but it is the most vile stuff I've ever tasted! Doesn't even taste like avocados.


Posting this helps me think. I am not sure I would have even thought of testing the keep ability of avocados.

Maxx, Thank you continuing the thread.

Regarding keeping avocado's long term I would suggest looking at how apples are long term stored. I believe supper dry and just above freezing.
Title: Re: My new life in the Republic of Georgia
Post by: Boethius on September 29, 2019, 01:30:23 PM
Avocados can't be stored the same way as apples.  Their texture changes, probably because of the softeness and high fat content of the fruit.


Ripe avocados can be frozen.  Their flavour will be preserved, but their texture changes.  That's not a problem for guacamole or mashed avocado, but it will be for any use for whole pieces. 


This post was composed without the aid of google.
Title: Re: My new life in the Republic of Georgia
Post by: BillyB on September 29, 2019, 06:45:14 PM

Regarding keeping avocado's long term I would suggest looking at how apples are long term stored. I believe supper dry and just above freezing.



Some of the apples we eat in America are a year old. Refrigeration is good for short term storage but controlled atmosphere is needed for long term storage. Maybe Maxx can make a storage systemand lower the amount of oxygen and increasing the percentages of other gases in there. This thread is making me hungry. When's dinner Maxx?

http://www.usatoday.com/story/news/nation/2013/11/02/sleep-storage-keeps-bumper-crop-of-apples-fresh/3389877/

http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/092552149400032N
Title: Re: My new life in the Republic of Georgia
Post by: Boethius on September 29, 2019, 07:28:16 PM
Some of the apples we eat in America are a year old. Refrigeration is good for short term storage but controlled atmosphere is needed for long term storage. Maybe Maxx can make a storage systemand lower the amount of oxygen and increasing the percentages of other gases in there. This thread is making me hungry. When's dinner Maxx?

http://www.usatoday.com/story/news/nation/2013/11/02/sleep-storage-keeps-bumper-crop-of-apples-fresh/3389877/ (http://www.usatoday.com/story/news/nation/2013/11/02/sleep-storage-keeps-bumper-crop-of-apples-fresh/3389877/)

http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/092552149400032N (http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/092552149400032N)

Back in the old days, my grandparents stored apples grown on their farms in root cellars.  Those apples, harvested in September, were perfectly edible in early-mid May, when root cellars were emptied.  Typically at that time, a root cellar would be emptied as they were no longer cool, and what was left was fed to the pigs.  So, apples, when refrigerated even naturally, have a long shelf life.

Unlike apples, avocados do not produce a great deal of ethelyne while on the tree.  Also unlike apples, avocados do not ripen until harvested.  Methlycylopropene can delay avocado ripening, but only by about two weeks.   Removing ethelyne in storage has been tried with Haas avocados, and the maximum length of time they can be kept under ripened is 9 weeks.  However, this can lead to blackened fruit when it does ripen.  It "skips" the ripe stage to turn black.  I've had this occur when I purchase avocados at Costco - most will ripen, but one will be black, or a couple won't ripen at all.  They will look ripe on the outside, will even turn black, but the fruit inside is unripe.   I've even had cases where none of the avocados ripen.  I suppose I could return them, but can't really be bothered to do so for $9.  It is not comparable to apples.

This post was composed without the aid of google.
Title: Re: My new life in the Republic of Georgia
Post by: ML on September 29, 2019, 07:43:17 PM
Some of the apples we eat in America are a year old. Refrigeration is good for short term storage but controlled atmosphere is needed for long term storage.

Apples can be preserved in sealed storage with specific combination of oxygen, nitrogen and carbon dioxide.
I did financial work for a firm involved in this operation.
Title: Re: My new life in the Republic of Georgia
Post by: Maxx2 on September 29, 2019, 07:49:14 PM
Avocados can't be stored the same way as apples.  Their texture changes, probably because of the softeness and high fat content of the fruit.


Ripe avocados can be frozen.  Their flavour will be preserved, but their texture changes.  That's not a problem for guacamole or mashed avocado, but it will be for any use for whole pieces. 


This post was composed without the aid of google.


6:30 AM as I start to write this.


I plan on going to the store and buy hamburger, avocados (If they have them) lettuce, cheddar cheese, red onion, tomatoes (for the cut up chunks) pickled jalopinos and some chicken breasts. I've already got white onion, garlic cloves, red and green hot peppers and lots of different spices.


Michael took home some of my lard to make flour shells. When he comes here he will show me how to make them.


Thanks Boe for the tip on freezing ripe avocados. I will get several and put them wrapped into the freezer and see how they do. They sure are a pain-in-the-neck fruit! Highly recommended for a ketogenic diet.


The special Mesa corn flour should be here within a week. Michael told me it can be made into chips. I suggested why not just get Doritos off the shelf? He told me Doritos are garbage and shouldn't be considered. That corn flour chips are less expensive, easy to make and taste much better.
Title: Re: My new life in the Republic of Georgia
Post by: Maxx2 on September 29, 2019, 08:49:56 PM
Michael's family restaurant photos


(http://live.staticflickr.com/65535/48818683091_8a780c5bfc_b.jpg)




(http://live.staticflickr.com/65535/48818835402_1a6e2bae3c_b.jpg)


(http://live.staticflickr.com/65535/48818835517_d7cb0c117c_b.jpg)


(http://live.staticflickr.com/65535/48818683621_157c305d83_b.jpg)
Title: Re: My new life in the Republic of Georgia
Post by: Boethius on September 30, 2019, 12:43:06 AM
Thanks Boe for the tip on freezing ripe avocados. I will get several and put them wrapped into the freezer and see how they do. They sure are a pain-in-the-neck fruit! Highly recommended for a ketogenic diet.


I think you have to peel them and take out the pit.  To preserve colour, sprinkle with lemon juice, and take all the air out of the bag in which you freeze the avocado. 


I've never tried this, so let me know how it works out.


This post was composed without the aid of google.
Title: Re: My new life in the Republic of Georgia
Post by: Maxx2 on September 30, 2019, 04:20:34 AM
(http://live.staticflickr.com/65535/48820265451_4fb091ee14_b.jpg)



(http://live.staticflickr.com/65535/48819905278_23f8b088be_b.jpg)


(http://live.staticflickr.com/65535/48820265151_367e7bf80c_b.jpg)




(http://live.staticflickr.com/65535/48819905693_3b2e58f954_b.jpg)



Title: Re: My new life in the Republic of Georgia
Post by: Maxx2 on September 30, 2019, 04:23:00 AM

I think you have to peel them and take out the pit.  To preserve colour, sprinkle with lemon juice, and take all the air out of the bag in which you freeze the avocado. 


I've never tried this, so let me know how it works out.


This post was composed without the aid of google.


I've got 3 ripe avocados wrapped in plastic and in the freezer. At the end of every month I will check one each.
Title: Re: My new life in the Republic of Georgia
Post by: BC on September 30, 2019, 04:30:41 AM
Which country are the avocados from?
Title: Re: My new life in the Republic of Georgia
Post by: Maxx2 on September 30, 2019, 05:11:42 AM



Here is the breakdown on the more expensive items in pounds and kilograms in USD.


Avocados are priced here not in weight but each. I have a good electronic food scale and like to check things.


The cost of an avocado is 4.35 GEL which is $1.47 each. They weigh approximately 180 grams each. That comes out to be $7.94 a kilogram or $3.60 a pound. And the pit and skin is 30% of the weight (I checked). I'll probably use this information when we want to calculate how much guacamole will costs us.


Limes, which are used more as a dress up item, are rather expensive, 16.95 GEL per kilo which is $5.75 per kilo. Or $2.61 per pound.


Cheddar cheese, $9.49 a kilogram or $4.31 a pound. Cheese, butter and all dairy products are usually very inexpensive here. However these specialty imported products are considerably more expensive.


Fresh Hamburger, is 19.90 GEL a kilogram or $4.11 a pound. The 900 grams of frozen ground beef might be less expensive.




Title: Re: My new life in the Republic of Georgia
Post by: Maxx2 on September 30, 2019, 05:23:01 AM
Which country are the avocados from?


(http://live.staticflickr.com/65535/48820710267_3ab3bf5be9_c.jpg)
 
I think Turkey. Turkey is pushing the export of avocados into Russia, Ukraine, Azerbaijan, maybe Armenia but maybe not. Georgia would be a logical market as there is a lot of business being done with the Turks. I see Turkish semis everywhere here.
Title: Re: My new life in the Republic of Georgia
Post by: Maxx2 on September 30, 2019, 05:25:53 AM
I ate half an avocado. It tasted pretty good. I've seen the large dark Haas avocados. They are considerably more expensive. Like almost $2 each.
Title: Re: My new life in the Republic of Georgia
Post by: BC on September 30, 2019, 05:58:18 AM
Anything with hamburger you'll probably want to prepare from fresh, then vacuum bag in portions and seal for freezing. Don't want to unfreeze and re-freeze hamburger and doubt you'll want to cook up everything fresh daily.  Likely will need a chamber type vacuum bagger/sealer since juices don't work well in the normal food saver type systems.  The chamber vacuum devices are fairly expensive 1-2k+ but maybe can find something on the used market. for a bit cheaper.  Alternative Ziploc if you can find 'em in large quantities, chamber vacuum sealer is less expensive than Ziploc's and food saver type.
Title: Re: My new life in the Republic of Georgia
Post by: Maxx2 on September 30, 2019, 06:19:14 AM

Before I start buying more expensive things I got to figure if this business has a prayer for survival. We have 5 sets of folks we want to test market it on. One of the restaurants/bars here suggested we can have a Mexican food night and their end would be to sell margaritas etc. The other is my landlord and landlady, family and neighbors. Another is the guys and gals at the gym. The fourth is the folks from AmCham. One of them is a big fan of Mexican food. We want to get business advice in regard to tax laws and accounting recommendations. The final group is an expat association I belong to.

This year is not about making money, but just figuring out how to structure this thing. I want to officially go into business this coming year, if all things look like a go.
Title: Re: My new life in the Republic of Georgia
Post by: BC on September 30, 2019, 06:49:00 AM
The restaurant with the Mexican food night sounds like the best way to go at least initially ;) great idea~!

Used to do an all you can eat taco night long, long ago at a local country-western bar in Germany mainly frequented by the military but also Germans as well.  Had quite a turnover and wasn't difficult to manage or set up.
Title: Re: My new life in the Republic of Georgia
Post by: Maxx2 on September 30, 2019, 07:29:35 AM
The restaurant with the Mexican food night sounds like the best way to go at least initially ;) great idea~!

Used to do an all you can eat taco night long, long ago at a local country-western bar in Germany mainly frequented by the military but also Germans as well.  Had quite a turnover and wasn't difficult to manage or set up.


We could work out an arrangement with the bar owner for every margarita sold, the taco with it would be half price. And "all you can eat" isn't done here,... but it could be.


I am picking up Michael tomorrow morning at 10. Objective, to make flour taco/burrito shells from scratch. The special Mesa corn flour to make crunchy taco shells should be here within a week.
Title: Re: My new life in the Republic of Georgia
Post by: BC on September 30, 2019, 07:34:54 AM
I am picking up Michael tomorrow morning at 10. Objective, to make flour taco/burrito shells from scratch.

That should be fun!  Send some pics when done :) 
Title: Re: My new life in the Republic of Georgia
Post by: BC on September 30, 2019, 07:40:45 AM
Apples can be preserved in sealed storage with specific combination of oxygen, nitrogen and carbon dioxide.
I did financial work for a firm involved in this operation.

Sounds like air to me  8)
Title: Re: My new life in the Republic of Georgia
Post by: Maxx2 on September 30, 2019, 07:41:21 AM
Will do BC! I am having fun! Business to me was always a game. 
Title: Re: My new life in the Republic of Georgia
Post by: ML on September 30, 2019, 07:54:26 AM

 The special Mesa corn flour to make crunchy taco shells should be here within a week.

I actually won't eat traditional tacos anymore because of the crunchy shells.
Too much of a mess with pieces flying off and sauce dripping out.

However, just this week wife and I went to 'all you can eat' buffet having a very, very wide variety of food.
Included were all the taco ingredients which were very good.
So I put the ground spicy beef part on my plate, add the spicy yellow cheese, put some salsa and chopped lettuce on top; and then pick up an empty taco shell to go along with it.

Take a big spoonful or forkful of the concoction on my plate, and another bite from the empty taco shell.
All the same taste without the mess.
Title: Re: My new life in the Republic of Georgia
Post by: GQBlues on September 30, 2019, 11:19:59 AM
Hhhmmm...why don't I see oregano, cilantro and cabbage in these pictures?


 :o
Title: Re: My new life in the Republic of Georgia
Post by: Gator on September 30, 2019, 03:14:42 PM
I actually won't eat traditional tacos anymore because of the crunchy shells.

Order them with small flour tortillas instead, or soft shell (flour or corn). 

Maxx, Georgians may actually prefer such, calling it soft lavash.   My wife does.  Most good taco places offer both soft are hard shell. 

Maxx wiill you have one of those curbside vehicle such as the baked potato (kortoshka) truck in Moscow?   

Here in Tampa, Buzzfeed has named our Taco Bus one of the nation's top 25 “Most Popular Food Trucks of 2013."  It has grown with multiple stores around the city, and voted one of the area's best 10 foodie spots (some others in the top 10 are expensive gourmet restaurants).   

Check the creative menu, and their fancy taco bus here. 

http://taco-bus.com/

One orders at the counter in three quick steps: first the dish (tacos, tortillas, tostada, etc.), second the protein, and third the toppings. 

Title: Re: My new life in the Republic of Georgia
Post by: GQBlues on September 30, 2019, 03:27:33 PM
http://taco-bus.com/

 :ROFL:

Shesssh..talk about the 'American' effect...

We use to skit down to Baja to surf for the weekend, and believe you me, you haven't had carne asada tacos if you haven't had one in Tijuana.

http://thatbestbite.com/2013/03/26/carne-asada-taco-in-tijuana-mexico/

Wash that down with Dos Equis or Negro Modelo and you're good to go.....

I admit liking tacos before. That is, until the Mexican government decided to market their own telephone company to compete with Ma Bell in the US. They called it 'Taco Bell'. I was so furious...
Title: Re: My new life in the Republic of Georgia
Post by: jone on September 30, 2019, 04:06:45 PM
Order them with small flour tortillas instead, or soft shell (flour or corn). 

Maxx, Georgians may actually prefer such, calling it soft lavash.   My wife does.  Most good taco places offer both soft are hard shell. 

Maxx wiill you have one of those curbside vehicle such as the baked potato (kortoshka) truck in Moscow?   

Here in Tampa, Buzzfeed has named our Taco Bus one of the nation's top 25 “Most Popular Food Trucks of 2013."  It has grown with multiple stores around the city, and voted one of the area's best 10 foodie spots (some others in the top 10 are expensive gourmet restaurants).   

Check the creative menu, and their fancy taco bus here. 

http://taco-bus.com/

One orders at the counter in three quick steps: first the dish (tacos, tortillas, tostada, etc.), second the protein, and third the toppings.

Personally, I was thinking of Sopes.   We have some great Mexican restaurants here.   Even a couple of fast food outlets that put out a great product.   King Taco comes to mind.   Wow.  My mouth is watering just thinking about it.
Title: Re: My new life in the Republic of Georgia
Post by: Gator on September 30, 2019, 08:15:12 PM
:ROFL:

Shesssh..talk about the 'American' effect...

We use to skit down to Baja to surf for the weekend, and believe you me, you haven't had carne asada tacos if you haven't had one in Tijuana.

The world is changing fast.   When I first moved to Tampa over 25 years ago, ignorant me thought I would find some good Mexican food,  which I developed a fondness for from about 15 vacations in Mexico over my younger years.

No way, Jose.  In Tampa  Cubans have a long history, and greatly outnumbered the Mexicans.  Cuban food in no way resembles Mexican food.  There were of course those chains of Tex-Mex geared for insipid American tastes.   

Years later   Rene Valenzuela who had grown up in Mexico converted an old bus into a taco stand on wheels and parked along a busy street.  He knew how to cook authentic Mexican street food using only fresh supplies.    My son soon discovered it as had many, many other gringos. Rene's concept flourished, and he expanded.   Then he sold the business to a group now accelerating its growth. Rene ventured back into the business and almost killed himself in a kitchen fire (be careful Maxx).


Quote
Wash that down with Dos Equis or Negro Modelo and you're good to go.....

Perfecto.  Yet I choose Pacifico if available.   
Title: Re: My new life in the Republic of Georgia
Post by: Maxx2 on September 30, 2019, 08:33:34 PM
Rene ventured back into the business and almost killed himself in a kitchen fire (be careful Maxx).[size=78%]   [/size]


I was a working gold refiner for 34 years. Knowing how to work around hot stuff is second nature to me. The only hot stuff I have trouble with, is female.  >:(
Title: Re: My new life in the Republic of Georgia
Post by: Maxx2 on September 30, 2019, 09:01:37 PM



(http://live.staticflickr.com/65535/48824261603_74db2cedd8_b.jpg)


A month ago Michael and I visited a land developer. An Englishman named Arthur. He had a lot he was showing us here. And he had 20,000 square meters sitting on a mountaintop he wanted to turn into a resort. What our involvement in this was Arthur wanted us develop a website to attract investors. Financial compensation never came up in conversation.


After an interesting day of getting the tour, I came away thinking, "What is this going to do for me?" Arthur had that glad-hander salesman personality that triggered my spidey senses. So walked away and left it to Michael.


Two days ago Michael tells me he tried to get an understanding with Arthur about pay. Arthur told him, "I'd rather work with the American (me) than an Indian." Michael tells him, "I hope you are kidding. I am an American. A Native American."  The arrogance of some people!


Title: Re: My new life in the Republic of Georgia
Post by: ML on September 30, 2019, 09:03:24 PM

I was a working gold refiner for 34 years. Knowing how to work around hot stuff is second nature to me. The only hot stuff I have trouble with, is female.  >:(

Was yours the type of business where people brought you old gold watches, rings, unwanted jewelry, etc.?
Any gold teeth that you had to wonder how such was obtained ??

Coins probably had too much value as coins to be melted down; right ??

After you melted down and refined, who were your major buyers?  Jewelry stores or industrial or ??
Title: Re: My new life in the Republic of Georgia
Post by: Maxx2 on September 30, 2019, 09:21:11 PM
Was yours the type of business where people brought you old gold watches, rings, unwanted jewelry, etc.?
Any gold teeth that you had to wonder how such was obtained ??

Coins probably had too much value as coins to be melted down; right ??

After you melted down and refined, who were your major buyers?  Jewelry stores or industrial or ??


I worked mostly with jewelry manufactures. But also with jewelry stores and pawn shops. In the 80s I worked on a lot of circuit scrap but when I went on my own in 1990 I decided it was too much work for too little gold. Plus it created a lot of waste such as cyanide solution used to strip the gold off the boards, connectors etc.


Gold teeth is known in the business as "dead gold." If you get a good amount of gold teeth from a jeweler, you can bet he got it from the town undertaker.


Coins unless damaged could be sold to pawn shops or jewelry stores for over their melt value.


24 karat gold (99.95%) was usually sold to jewelry manufactures. However after NAFTA etc all the jewelry manufactures pretty much went out of business. The last 7 years I was in business (1990-2014) I sold my gold to a refiner who had connections to the few jewelry manufactures left. Gold was sold to them in a karated form, 10K, 14K, 18K etc yellow and white.


I also processed platinum and silver too.


(http://live.staticflickr.com/65535/47982283116_22976c5de3_c.jpg)


                                             Some gold I refined in 1981

Title: Re: My new life in the Republic of Georgia
Post by: Maxx2 on September 30, 2019, 09:45:15 PM



A month ago Michael and I visited a land developer. An Englishman named Arthur.  he had 20,000 square meters sitting on a mountaintop he wanted to turn into a resort.


This is definitely NOT a winter resort. It is covered with 2 meters or more of snow and there are a number of shear drop offs.


(http://live.staticflickr.com/65535/48824932677_43b9257cc2_b.jpg)


(http://live.staticflickr.com/65535/48824768201_7ee83d3feb_b.jpg)


(http://live.staticflickr.com/65535/48824402133_01fddcf069_b.jpg)


(http://live.staticflickr.com/65535/48824401988_c334dbc53e_b.jpg)


(http://live.staticflickr.com/65535/48824925197_7a8cb7562b_b.jpg)


(http://live.staticflickr.com/65535/48824766026_36da10f8bf_b.jpg)




(http://live.staticflickr.com/65535/48824399993_ccbe2321cd_b.jpg)


(http://live.staticflickr.com/65535/48824765771_f2ef81247d_b.jpg)
Title: Re: My new life in the Republic of Georgia
Post by: Maxx2 on September 30, 2019, 11:08:10 PM

This business is going to take some time in getting going. If it does at all. Well at least I have something to keep me occupied.
Title: Re: My new life in the Republic of Georgia
Post by: Maxx2 on October 01, 2019, 05:31:44 AM



(http://live.staticflickr.com/65535/48826280516_d04757ac2b_b.jpg)


(http://live.staticflickr.com/65535/48826280776_14b7363b58_b.jpg)
.
Title: Re: My new life in the Republic of Georgia
Post by: BC on October 01, 2019, 07:11:03 AM
That looks very tasty Maxx!  Compliments to y'all!
Title: Re: My new life in the Republic of Georgia
Post by: Maxx2 on October 01, 2019, 08:07:54 AM
That looks very tasty Maxx!  Compliments to y'all!


It was BC and thank you!


Tomorrow or the next day we are going to tackle the rice. Two types. White steamed rice with cilantro and a Mexican fried rice. I have a rice maker that will work like a dream for the white rice.


Michael's aunt's fried rice is legendary in southwest Texas. Interesting how Mexican fried rice is made. It is cooked in lard with spices until it turns into that nice yellow color.


One thing that stood out today was how much time food prep took. We will definitely need a food processor of some sort. Once you have everything prepared the assembly is easy.
Title: Re: My new life in the Republic of Georgia
Post by: ML on October 01, 2019, 08:18:45 AM
A wet towel perhaps, but . . .

Back 30 years or so, a friend of mine used to say:

Let's go to the Mexican place.  We can get sick as a dog for less than $5 each.
Title: Re: My new life in the Republic of Georgia
Post by: Maxx2 on October 01, 2019, 08:21:49 AM
A wet towel perhaps, but . . .

Back 30 years or so, a friend of mine used to say:

Let's go to the Mexican place.  We can get sick as a dog for less than $5 each.


That is up there with the Chinese serving cat for dinner.
Title: Re: My new life in the Republic of Georgia
Post by: GQBlues on October 01, 2019, 10:51:56 AM

It was BC and thank you!


Tomorrow or the next day we are going to tackle the rice. Two types. White steamed rice with cilantro and a Mexican fried rice. I have a rice maker that will work like a dream for the white rice.

Michael's aunt's fried rice is legendary in southwest Texas. Interesting how Mexican fried rice is made. It is cooked in lard with spices until it turns into that nice yellow color.

One thing that stood out today was how much time food prep took. We will definitely need a food processor of some sort. Once you have everything prepared the assembly is easy.


In many circles, they usually just sprinkle a dash of turmeric when cooking rice. Either long grain or Basmati. Mexican rice is a bit more on the 'orange' hue instead of 'yellow', but that's likely because of the chili powder they sprinkle it with.

Have fun, maxx.
Title: Re: My new life in the Republic of Georgia
Post by: Maxx2 on October 01, 2019, 10:14:39 PM




Mexican Rice:


Pour about half an inch of oil in medium size pot, heat until hot.


Then pour 2 cups of rice and stir until brown on high heat


While browning add 2 cubes of chicken bouillon or 1 can of chicken broth


Premix these items all in a bowl
4 cups of water
cumin to taste
garlic salt to taste
(1 each) 8oz can of tomato sauce


Then add to rice - mix and cover and simmer on low for 20 minutes
Title: Re: My new life in the Republic of Georgia
Post by: Maxx2 on October 01, 2019, 10:58:36 PM



(http://live.staticflickr.com/65535/48830534791_0d9acc628f_b.jpg)


Our Pico de Gallo   


We need to get a food processor to get smaller pieces and to ease the process of food preparation.
Title: Re: My new life in the Republic of Georgia
Post by: Maxx2 on October 02, 2019, 01:46:22 AM





(http://live.staticflickr.com/65535/48831150872_069e166d3a_z.jpg)


Guacamole
Title: Re: My new life in the Republic of Georgia
Post by: Maxx2 on October 04, 2019, 01:44:38 AM



I haven't seen or heard from Michael in 3 days. I'm thinking I will have do this on my own, or perhaps in competition? 





Tortillas


Flour Tortillas:


Ingredients
* 3 3/4 cups unbleached all purpose flour
* 3 tablespoons lard or shortening
* 1 to 1.5 teaspoons salt
* 1 1/3 cup warm water
* 2 teaspoons of Baking Powder - if lard is not available.


Instructions:


* Add the salt to the flour and mix well.  Use your fingers to crumble the lard into the flour mixture.  Add 1 cup warm water and stir as much as you can with a spoon, then dump onto a flat surface and knead into a cohesive ball.  Let rest for at least 30 minutes.
* Tear into golfball sized chunks, rolling between your hands to shape them into smooth balls.
* Use a rolling pin to roll them out approximately 5-6 inches in diameter.
* Heat a comal/griddle to medium high temperature and add a tortilla.
* Cook each side for 45-60 seconds or until light brown spots form.
* As one tortilla cooks, roll out the next to expedite the process.


Notes:


If the tortillas are springing back and not holding their shape as you roll them out, then let the dough (or dough balls) rest for a little longer.


It can take a few tries to get the heat of the stove right.  If you're quickly getting black spots then your temp is too high.  If it's taking too long to get brown spots then your temp is too low.


NOTE: Flour Tortillas - Made Approximately: 14 tortillas
1/2 - 3/4 kg flour
Oil - 3 tablespoons
Baking Powder - 2 teaspoons
Salt - 1 - 1. 1/2 teaspoon


Corn Tortillas:


Ingredients
* 2 cups masa harina
* 1/2 teaspoon salt
* 1.5 cups warm water


Instructions:


* Add 2 cups masa harina and 1/2 teaspoon salt to a mixing bowl.  Add 1 cup of the warm water and stir until the water is absorbed.  Add the rest of the water incrementally until the flour melds into a dough.  Use your hands to knead the dough into a cohesive ball.  If the dough is sticking to your hands, add a bit of masa harina to dry it out.
* Separate the dough into golf ball sized chunks, this will make tortillas approximately 4 inches across.
* Flatten the dough balls using a tortilla press or a flat bottomed pan. Be sure to line each side of the dough ball with plastic or ziploc pieces.
* Heat a skillet or comal to medium-high heat.  (Lately I use a tad over medium heat and this will have brown spots forming in about 60 seconds.)
* Add a tortilla and flip after 10 seconds. Then cook each side for 1-2 minutes or until light brown spots are forming.
* Continue cooking the rest of the tortillas.
* Serve immediately or store in an airtight container in the fridge.
Notes:
Sometimes it can take some fiddling to get the heat right on the stove. If the tortillas are getting singed black spots quickly, then dial down the heat. Ideally each side takes about 1-2 minutes before brown spots start forming.


If you don't want to do the 'quick flip' method, then you can simply cook each side of the tortilla for 1-2 minutes, or until brown spots are forming.

Title: Re: My new life in the Republic of Georgia
Post by: Maxx2 on October 04, 2019, 01:55:37 AM
http://www.thekitchn.com/how-to-make-basic-tomato-sauce-with-fresh-tomatoes-cooking-lessons-from-the-kitchn-193622
Title: Re: My new life in the Republic of Georgia
Post by: Maxx2 on October 04, 2019, 02:03:13 AM




Focus on:


1. Tomato Sauce.
2. Making tortillas, wheat and corn
3. Picadilo - ground Beef dish.
4. Chopped up tomatoes
5. Chopped up lettuce
6. Shredded cheddar cheese
7. Fresh long red and green peppers
8. Pickled jalapeños
9. Pico de Gallo
10. Guacamole
11. Salsa
12. Red sauce, mild and hot
13. Corn Chips
Title: Re: My new life in the Republic of Georgia
Post by: Maxx2 on October 08, 2019, 09:40:21 PM

Unlike apples, avocados do not produce a great deal of ethelyne while on the tree.  Also unlike apples, avocados do not ripen until harvested.  Methlycylopropene can delay avocado ripening, but only by about two weeks.   Removing ethelyne in storage has been tried with Haas avocados, and the maximum length of time they can be kept under ripened is 9 weeks.  However, this can lead to blackened fruit when it does ripen.  It "skips" the ripe stage to turn black.  I've had this occur when I purchase avocados at Costco - most will ripen, but one will be black, or a couple won't ripen at all.  They will look ripe on the outside, will even turn black, but the fruit inside is unripe.   I've even had cases where none of the avocados ripen.  I suppose I could return them, but can't really be bothered to do so for $9.  It is not comparable to apples.



(http://live.staticflickr.com/65535/48868690496_d5ed261606_z.jpg)


This is what a ripe avocado look like after being frozen for a week. Looks good but the flavor had been flattened.
.
Title: Re: My new life in the Republic of Georgia
Post by: Maxx2 on October 08, 2019, 09:55:24 PM



(http://live.staticflickr.com/65535/48868169443_1a2706d177_b.jpg)


Flour, lard and water


(http://live.staticflickr.com/65535/48868690306_1b3b762635_b.jpg)


1.5 Kilos of flour, 6 tablespoons of lard and water which made 35 tortillas.


(http://live.staticflickr.com/65535/48868938897_bd0b885fa5_b.jpg)


A golf ball size of doe being rolled out.


(http://live.staticflickr.com/65535/48868690046_5a14871e6b_b.jpg)


Cutting the circle with a stainless steel cake ring. This is the 6 inch size.


(http://live.staticflickr.com/65535/48868887417_98a91b9906_b.jpg)


Ready to be fried on a hot pan. I forgot to take a photo of the frying and finished product. It took 1 hour to make 35 tortillas. Very low cost to make and tasted excellent.


(http://live.staticflickr.com/65535/48868169318_9f50e9c6f6_b.jpg)


The browning of the rice, cooking the tomato red sauce and the hamburger picodila. The dark brown in the rice is the chicken bullion cubes dissolving. We found out the tomatoes are best with the skins left on. It tastes better and it has a richer brighter color.


(http://live.staticflickr.com/65535/48868220803_6fa069db5d_b.jpg)


The finished Spanish rice. Tasted good!
Title: The Tex-Mex food was a hit!
Post by: Maxx2 on October 08, 2019, 10:10:34 PM



We had a taco party at my gym Monday night. About 20 people were there. We ran out of tortillas so people made taco salads. We learned 3 things. 


1) Not one Georgian or one Russian had ever tasted Mexican food before.


2) EVERYONE loved it! They raved over it! Everyone went back for seconds and thirds.


3) A small restaurant in a good part of town can be rented for about $500-$600 a month. This would be in areas where there would be a good amount of tourist foot traffic. In a lesser out of the way place about $300 a month. The key though is the delivery services they have here. Delivery is done by motor scooter, Glovo, Wolt and Menu.ge Delivery charge is 3 GEL ($1.01) and the customer pays it when the food is delivered.
Title: Re: My new life in the Republic of Georgia
Post by: BillyB on October 08, 2019, 10:58:57 PM

That’s good news! Now we need to pick a name for your restaurant that’s original and rings well with customers. I’m leaning towards the name McMaxx’s with the symbol of not one, but TWO sets of Golden Arches on top of your restaurant representing the two “m”s in your name. I’ll charge you a small fee with a friends and family discount amounting to $1000 for my idea and you’ll own the rights to it.
Title: Re: My new life in the Republic of Georgia
Post by: Maxx2 on October 09, 2019, 12:50:46 AM
Billy, you are a funny guy!  :ROFL:


There is restaurant in the downtown area with a Golden Arches. Only is is inverted and looks like a yellow 'W'. It is the exact same symbol as Mc D's except it is upside down.
Title: What a drama
Post by: Maxx2 on October 09, 2019, 03:43:50 AM



As I said Michael has been out of work for 3 years. His savings are nearly exhausted. And his wife left him a few months ago. He tells me today there was more to the problem of his being out of work. He and his wife had wanted a child. She was unable to conceive. So they traveled to a clinic in Turkey where it was found that her fallopian tubes had collapsed. All this came together and she left because she didn't see a solution. Money is needed to fix the problem. He has been walking, walking, walking around Batumi and online at the public library looking for work. But that so far fits Einstein's definition of insanity. He also told me his brother's wife, his American sister-in-law, has been in communication with his Azerbaijani wife. But that is not going well as there is a communication (language) problem. I told him I had a similar problem with Sonya who is also from Azerbaijan. Sonya was my recent drama a few months ago.


I told him about my Russian friend Alex. Alex is married to a Georgian woman. They had the same problem as Michael and his wife, she couldn't conceive. What they did was use a clinic in Tbilisi and did in vitro fertilization. Now they have two beautiful boys, age 4. I told Michael what he needs to do is put his head down and get working on this business. Get some photos of the parties we are throwing and some photos with Alex, Yulia and sons. Then have his sister-in-law send them to his wife and tell her Michael is really trying to make something of his self. Then see what happens.


At the party at the gym 2 days ago Michael stayed only at the beginning. Then he left to suffer his grief alone. I didn't see him or hear from him at all yesterday. I didn't try and contact him. Today we talked on the phone and chatted on Skype. I don't know if he will be able to pull himself together. Believe me, I am not going to dig into my pocket to help him. What ever I spend will strictly be for business.
Title: Re: My new life in the Republic of Georgia
Post by: BC on October 09, 2019, 04:07:20 AM
Maxx,

Suggest not to go into other folks intimate personal issues without explicit permission to publish it on the 'net.  This is an open part of the board, thus easily googleable.  Even if names are partial, photos are not and can be used to identify someone. ;)
Title: Re: My new life in the Republic of Georgia
Post by: fathertime on October 09, 2019, 05:22:37 AM
Hey Maxxx,
The business sounds really good.  If you haven’t already I’d suggest you really pin your ears back and jump into it four square.  It is  one of the first times you appear to be content with something. Doing this may shave weight and add in every other aspect of your life. 

Regarding your buddy.  I realize your buddy hasn’t  asked you for money but if you and him put more time in together and you decide he is a worthwhile individual I’d consider helping him out if you had the means  there may be no better use of money    Just a thought   
Fathertime!   
Title: Re: My new life in the Republic of Georgia
Post by: GQBlues on October 09, 2019, 06:31:35 AM
Hey Maxxx,
The business sounds really good.  If you haven’t already I’d suggest you really pin your ears back and jump into it four square.  It is  one of the first times you appear to be content with something. Doing this may shave weight and add in every other aspect of your life. 

Regarding your buddy.  I realize your buddy hasn’t  asked you for money but if you and him put more time in together and you decide he is a worthwhile individual I’d consider helping him out if you had the means  there may be no better use of money    Just a thought   
Fathertime!

Always hoping for all good things to happen to maxx, and all ex-pats abroad trying to make ends meet.

Having said that, I completely disagree with the above. I haven’t seen anything posted that convinced me proper planning had been exercise. A kilo there, a pound there, hours to make lard here, skin and boil tomatoes over there, experiment with freezing avocados another day, etc. does not make a ground-breaking opportunity to march head-on to fully devote and invest your lifeline.

You folks may as well push the guy over a cliff.

Sorry maxx, not raining on your parade but just not buying it! I hope the folks stayed over long enough to help you clean up and wash the dishes. There’s also ‘that’  :(
Title: Re: My new life in the Republic of Georgia
Post by: BC on October 09, 2019, 07:05:21 AM
Sorry maxx, not raining on your parade but just not buying it! I hope the folks stayed over long enough to help you clean up and wash the dishes. There’s also ‘that’  :(

If I understood correctly what has been done so far was just a feasibility study.  I would think a true business plan will develop from there...
Title: Re: My new life in the Republic of Georgia
Post by: GQBlues on October 09, 2019, 08:10:44 AM
If I understood correctly what has been done so far was just a feasibility study.  I would think a true business plan will develop from there...


Even more reason, IMHO. One, there are far more significant things maxx should've first attended to. There are major, key business parameters that should've been completed. Local suppliers (farmers, not markets. Where/who/how to outsource certain aspects of 'production'? Cost evaluation/comparison studies, etc..), local ordinances/regulations (licenses, health permits, additional capital sources (funding, if necessary). These and many others are your baseline costs (overheads). You want that to be as consistent as possible. Cranking/ sampling one 'product' for any test marketing is not a god idea unless that's all you're offering - to a limited audience / all/most of whom you know ). Secondly, the 'learn as you go' approach is NOT one should invest in on a limited capital.

Not even touching the state of the 'partner'.

Again, IMHO.
Title: Re: My new life in the Republic of Georgia
Post by: BillyB on October 09, 2019, 08:20:07 AM
There is restaurant in the downtown area with a Golden Arches. Only is is inverted and looks like a yellow 'W'. It is the exact same symbol as Mc D's except it is upside down.

I've seen a lot of that going on in the FSU. Businesses there using similar logos with a twist or similar names like "King Burger" instead of "Burger King" to give customers they are an American business.

Maxx, you need to stand out. Dress up in a clown costume and do some commercials on tv advertising your food. It worked for Ronald McDonald.
Title: Re: My new life in the Republic of Georgia
Post by: Maxx2 on October 09, 2019, 08:52:10 AM
If I understood correctly what has been done so far was just a feasibility study.  I would think a true business plan will develop from there...


I haven't read GQ's response yet. Basically you are right BC. It is just a 3 month long till the end of the year feasibility study. I looked over what I can spare out of my emergency fund and figure I can spare $4000 to $5000 and $300 a month out of my pension. If it develops into a money pit without a counter balance of income I will cut it off. Meanwhile I am having fun.
Title: Re: Did you guys know I am a honorary Texas Ranger?
Post by: Maxx2 on October 09, 2019, 08:59:51 AM
Did you guys know I was an honorary Texas Ranger?

Sworn in by a Texas Ranger Chaplin in an Exxon gas station in Bells, Texas in 2014.
Interestingly, for me at least, my partner Michael in this business is 100% Apache Indian.


This is response to Billy's suggestion for promotion...
Title: Re: My new life in the Republic of Georgia
Post by: fathertime on October 09, 2019, 09:00:40 AM



You folks may as well push the guy over a cliff.

Based on what I have read he is already heading towards the cliff. 

   I'm sure it would be a messy start because nothing much works according to plan. Maybe the cliff is coming either way, so overall, I like the idea that Maxx would die with his boots on rather than fade away with a vodka bottle by his side in the late night.  The spirit and energy he could garner from an adventure such as he is describing seems to me to be a big positive.  That is my opinion. 

Fathertime! 
Title: Re: My new life in the Republic of Georgia
Post by: fathertime on October 09, 2019, 09:04:14 AM
t.

Having said that, I completely disagree with the above.
I really don't think my words of encouragement require a 'completely disagree'.  Of course as a part of jumping in four square he would need to plan. 

You brought up some valid concerns, and I'd say the biggest x factor is a critical partner who is suddenly inaccessible which I would fine both disturbing and aggravating. 

Fathertime! 
Title: Re: My new life in the Republic of Georgia
Post by: Maxx2 on October 09, 2019, 09:06:27 AM

Even more reason, IMHO. One, there are far more significant things maxx should've first attended to. There are major, key business parameters that should've been completed. Local suppliers (farmers, not markets. Where/who/how to outsource certain aspects of 'production'? Cost evaluation/comparison studies, etc..), local ordinances/regulations (licenses, health permits, additional capital sources (funding, if necessary). These and many others are your baseline costs (overheads). You want that to be as consistent as possible. Cranking/ sampling one 'product' for any test marketing is not a god idea unless that's all you're offering - to a limited audience / all/most of whom you know ). Secondly, the 'learn as you go' approach is NOT one should invest in on a limited capital.

Not even touching the state of the 'partner'.

Again, IMHO.


My plan is to use the food to get the help. Monday at the party I met the "Soya King" of Georgia (with his own restaurant) and my winter apartment's caretaker's husband who is about to open his forth hotdog place. Both people want to help me with all the ins and outs of this business. And I will help them where I can. In short, there is a method to my madness. And I am having fun.
Title: Re: My new life in the Republic of Georgia
Post by: Maxx2 on October 09, 2019, 09:09:03 AM
Based on what I have read he is already heading towards the cliff. 

   I'm sure it would be a messy start because nothing much works according to plan. Maybe the cliff is coming either way, so overall, I like the idea that Maxx would die with his boots on rather than fade away with a vodka bottle by his side in the late night.  The spirit and energy he could garner from an adventure such as he is describing seems to me to be a big positive.  That is my opinion. 

Fathertime!


I like your spirit. Remember, I am having fun.
Title: Re: My new life in the Republic of Georgia
Post by: GQBlues on October 09, 2019, 09:38:01 AM

My plan is to use the food to get the help. Monday at the party I met the "Soya King" of Georgia (with his own restaurant) and my winter apartment's caretaker's husband who is about to open his forth hotdog place. Both people want to help me with all the ins and outs of this business. And I will help them where I can. In short, there is a method to my madness. And I am having fun.

Good to know you're having fun, maxx.
Title: Re: My new life in the Republic of Georgia
Post by: Maxx2 on October 09, 2019, 08:48:14 PM
I'd say the biggest x factor is a critical partner who is suddenly inaccessible which I would fine both disturbing and aggravating.

Fathertime!


That was my thoughts as I woke up this Thursday morning. Will I not see him going on three days come this evening? The parties on Sunday and Monday were a complete success. A green light to get the move on.


Edited to add: If I don't hear from him today or tomorrow I am going to shelve the idea until next year. In the meantime I should learn what I can about this business and business conditions here in Batumi. And find someone else to work with if I do decide to go into business. I talked with Alex from the gym yesterday and Saturday would be the best day to throw another party and test another dish. But I am not going tell this to Michael unless he contacts me first.   
Title: Re: My new life in the Republic of Georgia
Post by: Maxx2 on October 09, 2019, 10:39:28 PM
Good to know you're having fun, maxx.


Sometimes it is fun. I like the creative part of it. And because of it I get out and meet people.
Title: Re: My new life in the Republic of Georgia
Post by: Maxx2 on October 10, 2019, 12:56:19 AM

 And because of it I get out and meet people.


This morning I met a young Georgian woman at a business. She asked me over a cup of coffee if I can help her improve her English. Then I asked her if she can help me improve my Russian. So I'll have something to do besides the business.


About noon here. No sign of Michael.
Title: Re: My new life in the Republic of Georgia
Post by: Maxx2 on October 15, 2019, 09:22:10 PM
(http://live.staticflickr.com/65535/48904108281_991cf394c9_b.jpg)


(http://live.staticflickr.com/65535/48904314827_e482eb9cc1_c.jpg)


I've got a good recipe and an easy way of making tortillas. All the food turned out great!


In the second photo the lady in the front, Diana, said she could help me in investigating various costs such as rent. She does sales work going out to food service businesses so she used to talking with people. She showed me photos of her unmarried mom. Beautiful woman! Unfortunately she lives in Italy and won't be returning soon.
Title: Re: My new life in the Republic of Georgia
Post by: Maxx2 on October 15, 2019, 11:50:15 PM



I am using this thread to make notes.


My previous recipe for making tortillas was all wrong.


(http://live.staticflickr.com/65535/48906860638_89e147a69b_c.jpg)


The old recipe the tortillas were prone to cracking.


The new recipe:


6 cups of flour
1 tablespoon of salt
1/4 tablespoon of baking soda
Mix thoroughly 


Add 1 cup of melted lard, shortening or vegetable oil. (I am going to try using butter)
Mix together


Add 2 cups of boiling water


Knead the doe thoroughly for at least 3 minutes
Place in a plastic bag and let sit for 20 minutes


Depending on the size, 6, 8 or 10 inch tortillas make golf ball to tennis ball size doe balls and flatten.
Flour up your rolling board and rolling pin
Roll out the tortillas
Cut into circles using a cake ring
Place them on a very hot pan
Wait until they bubble
Flip and cook the other side
Put them into a container lined with a slightly damp towel


This should make
35 6 inch tortillas
25 8 inch tortillas
15 10 inch tortillas


Chipotle tortillas are 10 inches in size


The tortilla below was made from doe that had been stored in the refrigerator overnight. It came out perfectly fine.


(http://live.staticflickr.com/65535/48907314681_62a2c67886_b.jpg)


(http://live.staticflickr.com/65535/48907314731_23b7510f88_c.jpg)

Flexible, soft and tastes good! BUT, a little doey. I'll continue working on it. Try making it with butter and see what happens if I leave out the baking soda.

(http://live.staticflickr.com/65535/48907390066_39567c0dfb_b.jpg)

Title: Re: My new life in the Republic of Georgia
Post by: Maxx2 on October 16, 2019, 12:00:36 AM



Diana is a vegetarian with the exception of eating shrimp and some sea food. I have encountered a number of young Georgian woman who are vegetarians. Men, not so much. I am thinking I should talk to the 'Soya King' of Georgia about a making soy burger 'meat' for me. The Soya King has a place next to the gym where he makes soy products. He is the only one in Georgia that does this. I met him the other day at the Tex-Mex party at the gym. He also has a restaurant that sells his product that I want to check out.
Title: Re: My new life in the Republic of Georgia
Post by: Maxx2 on October 16, 2019, 08:36:58 AM



1.25 pounds of butter from grass fed cows costs 90 cents or 72 cents a pound.


(http://live.staticflickr.com/65535/48909172591_1516515c6f_z.jpg)



Title: Re: My new life in the Republic of Georgia
Post by: ML on October 16, 2019, 09:10:01 AM
Maxx, try a recipe for blini.
Much simpler I think, and never cracks.

http://www.allrecipes.com/recipe/260537/easy-blini-russian-pancake/
Title: Re: My new life in the Republic of Georgia
Post by: BillyB on October 16, 2019, 06:43:28 PM

My previous recipe for making tortillas was all wrong.


The old recipe the tortillas were prone to cracking.


(http://live.staticflickr.com/65535/48907390066_39567c0dfb_b.jpg)

Okay Maxx. I've identified a problem. Only one out of the three women are giving thumbs up. You need 100% participation in the thumbs up category.

Another problem is you are missing a tortilla warmer on that table. All authentic Mexican restaurants have that. It keeps the tortillas steaming hot and being steaming hot will prevent the cooling and cracking of tortillas. Your old recipe may have not been perfect but if you don't have a tortilla warmer, your new recipe won't be perfect when you serve the tortillas cold. Tortilla warmer in the link below. Paypal me $50 if you like my advice. I also take Mastercard and Visa.

http://www.amazon.com/Tortilla-Warmer-combination-Container-Microwave/dp/B0756C62QG
Title: Re: My new life in the Republic of Georgia
Post by: Maxx2 on October 16, 2019, 11:57:40 PM
(http://live.staticflickr.com/65535/48904108281_991cf394c9_b.jpg)




BillyB, as Meatloaf sang, "Two out of three an't bad." Indira, the girl on the left ate the most by far. Diana (in the middle) told me she had eaten 20 minutes before I arrived. It took me longer to get everything cooked and organized than I thought. I am learning to do the food prep better.


I got another party scheduled for the gym this Saturday. I made a Chipotle size burrito last night. The tortillas are 10 inches in diameter but I think a 11 inch tortilla would be better. And then wrap it in aluminum foil.


(http://live.staticflickr.com/65535/48908643233_147f16f2cc_c.jpg)


Besides tortilla bowls and maybe a warmer I will be checking out how make a taco salad bowl in Mesa corn flour. Something that is deep fried.

(http://live.staticflickr.com/65535/48912430971_a2a473946b_c.jpg)



I bought this deep frier last year. I've used it to fry chicken. Chicken fried in lard without the breading, is perfect for the Ketosis diet. Especially fried with the skin on.
Title: Re: My new life in the Republic of Georgia
Post by: Maxx2 on October 17, 2019, 01:00:32 AM

Crime Wave in Georgia


I've had more than one expat tell me how safe Georgia is. Western women have remarked how safe they feel walking the streets alone at night. I see semi valuable things left out that anyone could take like construction supples, bicycles and potted plants. Outside stores are refrigerators loaded with drink left open. A Ukrainian woman who visited me told me how surprised she was with the lack of car alarms. In Ukraine her father's garage was broken into and his car radio was stolen. I rarely hear of a crime happening here.


This is Alex.


(http://live.staticflickr.com/65535/48911941968_531fef5652_c.jpg)


He is Russian. Born in Saint Petersburg. Came to Georgia with his mother when he was 12 years old. A merchant marine, now co-owner of the gym I go to. He is married to a Georgian woman. They have two boys age 4.


Alex told me last week his bike had been stolen. He had left it in the apartment building hallway unlocked. It had been stored there unlocked for the past 4 1/2 years. Here in Georgia the entrances to the apartment buildings usually don't have locked doors. Often they don't have doors! In Alex's building there is a security camera. He seen on the tape an older guy come in and take his bike. Probably to swap for some booze.

So about a week ago Alex goes to the bike 'workshop'. Workshop is what they call repair places here. When my car needs a repair, it goes to the workshop. Alex decided he needed to buy a newer used bike. Found a nice mountain bike for 450 GEL ($150) when someone comes into the workshop looking to sell Alex's old bike!

Alex had on his phone the video of the guy stealing his bike. The guy quickly left.

(http://live.staticflickr.com/65535/48912032313_67522b672c_b.jpg)

Alex decided to buy the other one and now has two bikes.

A celebration was in order. A little vodka, some coffee and snacks. Smoked fish is popular here.

On the way home Alex loses his phone. But he has hope it will be returned to him. I've lost my phone twice and both times it was retuned to me. The first time the taxi driver returned it directly to me. I gave him a 30 GEL tip. The second time the taxi driver (It is said half the male population of Tbilisi drive cabs) turned it over to the police. Alex went with me to pick it up. He said we should bring a special ($$) gift for the police. We bought a $20 GEL ($6.92) bottle of wine. Everyone was happy.   
Title: Re: My new life in the Republic of Georgia
Post by: Maxx2 on October 17, 2019, 02:01:56 AM

Another problem is you are missing a tortilla warmer on that table. All authentic Mexican restaurants have that. It keeps the tortillas steaming hot and being steaming hot will prevent the cooling and cracking of tortillas. Your old recipe may have not been perfect but if you don't have a tortilla warmer, your new recipe won't be perfect when you serve the tortillas cold. Tortilla warmer in the link below. Paypal me $50 if you like my advice. I also take Mastercard and Visa.

http://www.amazon.com/Tortilla-Warmer-combination-Container-Microwave/dp/B0756C62QG (http://www.amazon.com/Tortilla-Warmer-combination-Container-Microwave/dp/B0756C62QG)



http://www.amazon.com/Nordic-Ware-Microwave-Tortilla-10-Inch/dp/B07Y5JFCYS/ref=sr_1_7?crid=10POH06G7B8X9&keywords=tortilla%2Bwarmer%2B12%2Binch&qid=1571303051&s=home-garden&sprefix=Tortilla%2B%2Cgarden%2C287&sr=1-7&th=1 (http://www.amazon.com/Nordic-Ware-Microwave-Tortilla-10-Inch/dp/B07Y5JFCYS/ref=sr_1_7?crid=10POH06G7B8X9&keywords=tortilla%2Bwarmer%2B12%2Binch&qid=1571303051&s=home-garden&sprefix=Tortilla%2B%2Cgarden%2C287&sr=1-7&th=1).

This one looks good and will hold the 10 inch tortillas and there is a 11 inch plate cover that comes with it.

http://www.amazon.com/MEXI-10007-Sunburst-Tortilla-Warmer-12-Inch/dp/B00HWF4E7G/ref=sxin_1_osp24-fcfc73c2_cov?ascsubtag=fcfc73c2-f241-4cd3-880f-75ef439506d0&creativeASIN=B00HWF4E7G&cv_ct_id=amzn1.osp.fcfc73c2-f241-4cd3-880f-75ef439506d0&cv_ct_pg=search&cv_ct_wn=osp-search&keywords=tortilla+warmer&linkCode=oas&pd_rd_i=B00HWF4E7G&pd_rd_r=4c56aae3-54db-4e69-9dbd-1c123fd4a4c4&pd_rd_w=T5Mg7&pd_rd_wg=15nje&pf_rd_p=53eff971-6e12-4016-9864-b6dfd929b2b3&pf_rd_r=3DSTHHJZQDQY3ZE4DGGR&qid=1571303563&tag=atkamznsearch-20.


Tortilla blanket


Tortillada – Premium Cast Iron Tortilla Press with Recipes (10 Inch) / Biggest Tortilla Press in the Market (http://www.amazon.com/dp/B07QDZRCCY/ref=psdc_3741681_t1_B07H9WF6GH)


I am going to order a tortilla warmer and a tortilla press. I also should get a food processor. Can't find one in the shops here.
Title: Re: My new life in the Republic of Georgia
Post by: Maxx2 on October 19, 2019, 12:27:38 PM



Almost got into a fight

Had a Tex-Mex party at my gym tonight. The people there devoured my food. I was toasted and told I was a good man. At the party was Scott, a guy from the UK. A former British paratrooper and a big fan of UFW or whatever martial arts contests are called. Anyway he gets totally waisted. Kissing everybody and telling the men he is their brother. He shows them his martial arts moves. Since I never drink and drive and I had my car I offered him a ride home. During my drive to the McDonalds where he lived close by he told me us Americans were Satan's c*** holes and we were stupid beyond belief. Then he told me why he believed it so. When I got to the McDonalds where he was supposed to get out, he wouldn't. Instead he kisses me on my cheek and kept calling me brother. We were blocking traffic. I had to get out and pull him out of my car which angered him. At that point he tried to knock me over. Butting into me and pushing me. I told him. "Scott, stop it. You are assaulting me!"  I kept my balance and walked around my car and got behind the wheel. He then tried to block me but I was able to drive around him. I haven't been in a physical altercation since 1968!
Title: Re: My new life in the Republic of Georgia
Post by: BillyB on October 19, 2019, 01:34:52 PM
he kisses me on my cheek


Maxx, gentlemen do not kiss and tell. But since the cat is out of the bag, did you like it?
Title: Re: My new life in the Republic of Georgia
Post by: Maxx2 on October 19, 2019, 02:03:31 PM
Maxx, gentlemen do not kiss and tell. But since the cat is out of the bag, did you like it?


F.U. BillyB!  :D  I think it is silly.


BTW he tells me he want to help me. I'll pass.
Title: Re: My new life in the Republic of Georgia
Post by: Grumpy on October 19, 2019, 02:04:56 PM


Almost got into a fight

 When I got to the McDonalds where he was supposed to get out, he wouldn't.  I had to get out and pull him out of my car which angered him.

He was obviously a remainer!   :cheesy:
Title: Re: My new life in the Republic of Georgia
Post by: BillyB on October 19, 2019, 02:29:07 PM
BTW he tells me he want to help me.


He's thinking with his little head.
Title: Re: My new life in the Republic of Georgia
Post by: Maxx2 on October 19, 2019, 10:50:53 PM
He's thinking with his little head.


You are reading that wrong. He is not gay. Married to a Georgian woman and has 4 kids. He is of one of those UK alpha males who has to assert their dominance over us Americans. 
Title: Re: My new life in the Republic of Georgia
Post by: msmob on October 19, 2019, 10:55:31 PM
Maxx,I cannot resist posting what many will be thinking..

You SAY another Brit tried to 'pick a fight' with you ..?  :ROFL:

In this case, the guy clearly had a few too many and had no idea if he loved you or hated you..

It was kind of you to offer to give him a lift home.




Title: Re: My new life in the Republic of Georgia
Post by: BillyB on October 19, 2019, 11:06:19 PM
He is not gay.
 

He is not gay when he's sober but he wasn't sober. Next time let him get to first base by accepting his kiss. Then observe if he tries to get to second base or even a home run. Report back to us your findings.

He is of one of those UK alpha males who has to assert their dominance over us Americans. 


He'd like to Fukc us alright.
Title: Re: My new life in the Republic of Georgia
Post by: Maxx2 on October 19, 2019, 11:31:23 PM
He is not gay when he's sober but he wasn't sober. Next time let him get to first base by accepting his kiss. Then observe if he tries to get to second base or even a home run. Report back to us your findings.

He'd like to Fukc us alright.


I have no intention of testing his boundaries.  >:(
Title: Re: My new life in the Republic of Georgia
Post by: ML on October 20, 2019, 08:38:12 AM
UK alpha males who has to assert their dominance over us Americans.


This is wrong wording Maxx.

It implies that UK males DO have some dominance over us Americans . . . and that, in this case, it was asserted.
Title: Re: My new life in the Republic of Georgia
Post by: Maxx2 on October 20, 2019, 09:18:20 AM

This is wrong wording Maxx.

It implies that UK males DO have some dominance over us Americans . . . and that, in this case, it was asserted.


Yes, you are right. I should have inserted the word "try".
Title: Re: My new life in the Republic of Georgia
Post by: Maxx2 on October 20, 2019, 09:26:57 AM
I heard from Scott. A text message.


"Hi Maxx. It is Scott. I wanted to firstly apologise for drinking far too much yesterday. Also I would like to thank you for getting me home safely. I don't often get out so went over the top a bit. Again apologies."


I told him apologies accepted. And I changed the subject.


Title: Re: My new life in the Republic of Georgia
Post by: BillyB on October 20, 2019, 10:08:40 AM
"Hi Maxx. It is Scott. I wanted to firstly apologise for drinking far too much yesterday. Also I would like to thank you for getting me home safely. I don't often get out so went over the top a bit. Again apologies."


Translation: Don't tell my wife I tried to kiss you! I still want to be friends. I'll do anything to make it up to you.
Title: Re: My new life in the Republic of Georgia
Post by: Maxx2 on October 20, 2019, 10:28:56 AM
Translation: Don't tell my wife I tried to kiss you! I still want to be friends. I'll do anything to make it up to you.


Billy, you are being silly. Knock it off.
Title: Re: My new life in the Republic of Georgia
Post by: Hammer2722 on October 20, 2019, 10:46:01 AM
Translation: Don't tell my wife I tried to kiss you! I still want to be friends. I'll do anything to make it up to you.


Seriously dude, give it up already. Not funny anymore.....
Title: Re: My new life in the Republic of Georgia
Post by: BillyB on October 20, 2019, 11:22:47 AM

On the translation, I wasn't trying to be funny. I was serious. I don't believe that this is the first time that married UK guy went around kissing Maxx and other men while being drunk. Maxx should be cautious.
Title: Re: My new life in the Republic of Georgia
Post by: Hammer2722 on October 20, 2019, 12:12:40 PM
On the translation, I wasn't trying to be funny. I was serious. I don't believe that this is the first time that married UK guy went around kissing Maxx and other men while being drunk. Maxx should be cautious.


Yeah, but who cares?

Title: Re: My new life in the Republic of Georgia
Post by: Maxx2 on October 21, 2019, 12:07:15 AM
I don't believe that this is the first time that married UK guy went around kissing Maxx and other men while being drunk.


The kissing was gentle quick kisses on the cheek calling me brother and patting me on the back. Nothing sexual about them. He is one of those happy drunks. Until he isn't. Then he becomes a mean drunk. Probably any man that drinks is like him, to one degree or another.


Edited to add: Here in Georgia men kiss men when they meet. Not always, but often. I seen these two guys walking down the street with their arms over each other's shoulders. I told this Georgian guy that in America people would think they were gay. He laughed and told me that was not how it was here. At the party I had a number of men give me a hug and a quick kiss on the cheek. Sometimes more than just one kiss. The more loaded they get the more kisses they give. I think Scott was up to five.


A couple of times I seen him nearly passing out in my car. At the point the mean drunk came out. "You Americans are Satan's c*** holes". Then he wouldn't get out so I had to walk around the car, open his door and literally pull him out. I told him I have a strong back which he interpreted as I was challenging him in regard to physical strength. That is when he pushed me by ramming into me. I told him, "Scott, you are assaulting me." Which startled him. I quickly got around the car and got into the driver's seat. But he tryed to keep the door open but I managed to shut it and I drove off. Just another Georgian experience.
Title: Re: My new life in the Republic of Georgia
Post by: Maxx2 on October 21, 2019, 12:28:55 AM

Yeah, but who cares?


I don't even care.
Title: Re: My new life in the Republic of Georgia
Post by: Maxx2 on October 29, 2019, 04:20:03 AM



(http://live.staticflickr.com/65535/48979122988_47242ab713_b.jpg)


Soy or soya as they call it here. I'll see if I can make this into a meatless ingredient


(http://live.staticflickr.com/65535/48979862332_ff1db564f2_c.jpg)


At the Carrefour grocery store.
Title: Re: My new life in the Republic of Georgia
Post by: Maxx2 on October 30, 2019, 12:59:26 AM
I am learning new recipes and learning where to get certain ingredients. For example chicken broth. My recipe called for a can of chicken broth. My first thought was, "Does Carrefour have it?" Turns out they didn't. But not a problem. I have made broth before and had a large stainless steel pot. Next step buy three chickens.


(http://live.staticflickr.com/65535/48979856772_cdba9cee36_b.jpg)


Now you would never see this in the US. The people from PETA would be all over the grocery store purchaser.


(http://live.staticflickr.com/65535/48983912733_6458d88174_b.jpg)


I decided to buy them more prepared. They cost 1 Lari more per kilo. That is about 10 cents a pound less. I figured why pay for feet? I found out later the feet have the most collagen in them and are the moist nutritious for skin, hair and the joints.


(http://live.staticflickr.com/65535/48979119938_4b2fd209ba_b.jpg)


The chicken is cut up and thoroughly cleaned and washed. No organ meat or blood. Cleaned of fat as much as possible.


 
(http://live.staticflickr.com/65535/48983966128_2191895a5c_b.jpg)


I broth the chicken with onion, celery (If I had it), bay leaves, various spices such as a bit of salt, pepper and oregano. Literally it takes all afternoon.

(http://live.staticflickr.com/65535/48983966428_f97513be61_b.jpg)

Then I strain out chicken and shred it by hand. Most of it is put into the freezer. It will be mixed with spices and sauces and such bring out the flavor.


(http://live.staticflickr.com/65535/48979859062_3fc3eaea30_b.jpg)


The precious chicken broth. The mistake I made was boiling this down. I boiled it down to half its volume. It would have been better to keep the volume. Next time I'll do 5 chickens and not boil it down afterwards. When the chickens are being brothed the water is not brought to a boil. If it was the fat cooks into the liquid, something you don't want in a broth. During the brothing process the fat floats to the surface and is periodically skimmed off.  It is a lot of work
Title: Re: My new life in the Republic of Georgia
Post by: Maxx2 on October 30, 2019, 01:45:13 AM



Cooking for my parties new dishes tells me what might sell.


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Shrimp enchilada, Spanish rice and a mini salad. Wow! did it taste good! The enchilada is covered with a white sauce made from butter, garlic, chicken broth, sour creme and heavy whipping creme. The whipping creme is my addition to the recipe. It comes out in my opinion much better.


So far I am happy with my tortillas, tacos, salsa, white creme sauce, picadillo (the red meat mixture) and Spanish rice. I've yet to work on recipes for my soya (soy) 'meat'. If I can develop a good recipe and cooking technique this might become popular with vegetarians here and with the Orthodox who are on fasting. Also I have not done anything with is with my mesa corn flour. According the instructions on the 25 pound bag I have enough for 850 tortillas.


I have some tools ordered from Amazon that should be here soon. As was suggested here I have four tortilla warmers of various sizes, 6, 8, 10 and 11 inch being shipped here. I have a tortilla holder tool for hard shell deep fried corn tortillas. I have a tool for making taco bowls for taco salads. I have noticed women are particularly attracted to salads. I've decided to order a tortilla press. I want to get my tortillas to a uniform thickness and it may be helpful in doing that. It is about $50 on Amazon. These tools are very low cost.




.
Title: Re: My new life in the Republic of Georgia
Post by: Maxx2 on October 30, 2019, 05:31:17 AM



Gives me some ideas


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=65WLfvHGRPM
Title: Re: My new life in the Republic of Georgia
Post by: BillyB on October 30, 2019, 09:32:44 AM
I decided to buy them more prepared. They cost 1 Lari more per kilo. That is about 10 cents a pound less. I figured why pay for feet? I found out later the feet have the most collagen in them and are the moist nutritious for skin, hair and the joints.


In some cultures, they love the chicken feet. If Georgians love chicken feet, you may want to experiment with cooking some Tex-Mex style.
Title: Re: My new life in the Republic of Georgia
Post by: ML on October 31, 2019, 08:09:51 PM
There are certain animal parts (and even other types of food) most people find disgusting to think about eating.

All should understand there is a reason that these very same items are eaten by those in certain locations.  Economics.

Those items were eaten by necessity because they were to least cost method of obtaining nutrition necessary for survival.

And this practice continues to some extent even after incomes increase, mostly due to cultural tradition.

But it is silly to romanticize these foods, pretend that they are not disgusting to think about, and seek to replicate recipes.

Title: Re: My new life in the Republic of Georgia
Post by: msmob on November 20, 2019, 06:31:16 AM

Maxx has been too quiet .. much as he disappointed me - I'm hoping he's OK
Title: Re: My new life in the Republic of Georgia
Post by: Maxx2 on November 21, 2019, 05:46:53 AM
Maxx has been too quiet .. much as he disappointed me - I'm hoping he's OK


I'm OK. Many interesting things are happening to me. I just don't have a desire to post them.
Title: Re: My new life in the Republic of Georgia
Post by: Maxx2 on November 28, 2019, 02:52:59 AM




(http://live.staticflickr.com/65535/49136448401_c683696fa6_c.jpg)


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.
Title: Re: My new life in the Republic of Georgia
Post by: Maxx2 on December 03, 2019, 09:56:18 AM
(http://live.staticflickr.com/65535/49164165021_5a5736ac4c_b.jpg)



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Title: Re: My new life in the Republic of Georgia
Post by: jone on December 03, 2019, 10:01:46 AM
Lookin good Maxx.

I like mine with re-fried beans in the bottom.  Some lettuce, avocado, Spanish rice and chicken makes up the remainder of my favorite tostadas.

To eat them, I break open the shell and eat it along with the rest.   Not too good on my waistline, but it is one of my favorites.
Title: Re: My new life in the Republic of Georgia
Post by: Maxx2 on December 03, 2019, 11:15:54 AM
Thanks Jone. The beans are next after the salsa on our learning curve.
Title: Re: My new life in the Republic of Georgia
Post by: BillyB on December 03, 2019, 12:22:51 PM

Good to see you still cooking Maxx or should I say good to see that lady cooking! Hopefully all your dreams come true when you finally get to serve me the best Tex-Mex food Georgia has to offer.
Title: Re: My new life in the Republic of Georgia
Post by: GQBlues on December 03, 2019, 02:15:46 PM
Lookin good Maxx.

I like mine with re-fried beans in the bottom.  Some lettuce, avocado, Spanish rice and chicken makes up the remainder of my favorite tostadas.


Tostadas?!? Call it 'TACO BOWL' and declare 'I Love Hispanics!' ala Trump...
Title: Re: My new life in the Republic of Georgia
Post by: Maxx2 on December 04, 2019, 03:12:55 AM

declare 'I Love Hispanics!' ala Trump...




They'd think it was just another Mexican dish... We have Roma here instead, but they are seasonal. They don't work the fields but do the street begging. Mothers with babies and toddlers, always asleep, and slung to their hip. Or prepubescent boys or girls tapping at your window while you are stopped at the light. I keep some tetra in the center consol. Rumor has it that there is a Gypsy godfather who gets the money and lives like a king. Police don't do anything unless some teenage boys do the squeegee routine. That happened to me once. When I didn't pay him her squirted my window and gave me a dirty look. I think the police got him. The Roma disappear during the winter. I think they go to Turkey or someplace a little warmer.
Title: Re: My new life in the Republic of Georgia
Post by: ML on December 04, 2019, 09:01:44 AM
The Roma disappear during the winter. I think they go to Turkey or someplace a little warmer. [/font]

Yes, I encountered a lot of them in Turkey.

The first two women to approach my gal and I held out their hands and said in unison:

Hello; Money.
Title: Re: My new life in the Republic of Georgia
Post by: GQBlues on December 04, 2019, 09:28:08 AM



They'd think it was just another Mexican dish... We have Roma here instead, but they are seasonal. They don't work the fields but do the street begging. Mothers with babies and toddlers, always asleep, and slung to their hip. Or prepubescent boys or girls tapping at your window while you are stopped at the light. I keep some tetra in the center consol. Rumor has it that there is a Gypsy godfather who gets the money and lives like a king. Police don't do anything unless some teenage boys do the squeegee routine. That happened to me once. When I didn't pay him her squirted my window and gave me a dirty look. I think the police got him. The Roma disappear during the winter. I think they go to Turkey or someplace a little warmer.

In the mid-90s to early Y2K when I was spending a lot of time in CR and Slovakia, I've been introduced to the plight of the Roma population there. I remember my friends would be so protective making sure I never wandered off on my own. To put it mildly, back then, I guess the general population aren't too fond of Romas. It was almost racism in nature. Almost the same attitudes I was confronted with in St Petersburg.
Title: Re: My new life in the Republic of Georgia
Post by: Maxx2 on December 09, 2019, 01:12:19 AM
This is Ilona. She came to Georgia a few years ago from Minsk. Recently divorced. She has two 'ditty' ages 3 and 5.


(http://live.staticflickr.com/65535/49192278657_3b260c041b_c.jpg)


She has been working for me for a week. I pay her 60 GEL ($20) a day, five days a week. She has been doing excellent! Besides food prep she will be my scout in matters of rent, wholesale food sources et cetera. If a restaurant opens it will be about April, a month before tourist season (May through August).
Title: Re: My new life in the Republic of Georgia
Post by: Maxx2 on December 09, 2019, 01:31:59 AM


Somewhere up thread I think it was GQ who said excellent salsa was essential. Boy was he right!


(http://live.staticflickr.com/65535/49191670868_65a35c12e6_b.jpg)



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(http://live.staticflickr.com/65535/49192168321_d9c0139892_b.jpg)


The top photo is the adding of the cilantro. Here it is called coriander. 


The bottom photo behind the two jars is the secret ingredient, Mexican oregano. That takes it to a whole new level of taste! I sent away for the oregano through Amazon USA. I got two big bags of it.
Title: Re: My new life in the Republic of Georgia
Post by: Maxx2 on December 09, 2019, 01:47:48 AM
(http://live.staticflickr.com/65535/49164165021_5a5736ac4c_b.jpg)



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According my scout, the people at the gym had no idea about taco bowls or how to eat them . Second problem was neither Ilona or I taste tested them. We were in such a hurry to make a dozen and a half of them in time for the Saturday party that we made the assumption they tasted as good as they looked. They didn't. They tasted oily and were tough and chewy and not brittle like chips. Of the 17 taco bowls we brought only about 5 were partially eaten. Our 20 tortillas went fast though!   
Title: Re: My new life in the Republic of Georgia
Post by: Maxx2 on December 11, 2019, 11:29:21 PM








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Title: Re: My new life in the Republic of Georgia
Post by: ML on December 12, 2019, 02:56:40 PM

(http://live.staticflickr.com/65535/49206760658_a84dde3484_b.jpg)

I could get in there with her.
Title: Re: My new life in the Republic of Georgia
Post by: Maxx2 on December 13, 2019, 10:33:44 AM
I could get in there with her.


Today she wore the exact same shirt only 2X smaller. It still draped on her.
Title: What brand of Mexican beer do you recommend?
Post by: Maxx2 on December 13, 2019, 10:38:27 AM



According to my market research a good beer can really sell a place. 


In your opinion what is a good Mexican beer?



Title: Re: My new life in the Republic of Georgia
Post by: GQBlues on December 13, 2019, 10:41:51 AM
While I really not a drinker, but when I do I always liked Negro Modelo & Pacifico. Many prefer Dos Equis..Where you are, it'll probably be cheaper to acquire Corona...
Title: Re: My new life in the Republic of Georgia
Post by: jone on December 13, 2019, 11:27:58 AM
Need to go as mainstream as possible here, Max.   I'd go with Coronas.   But I might add in something obscure as well.
Title: Re: My new life in the Republic of Georgia
Post by: Gator on December 13, 2019, 12:26:01 PM
While I really not a drinker, but when I do I always liked Negro Modelo & Pacifico. Many prefer Dos Equis..Where you are, it'll probably be cheaper to acquire Corona...

Pacifico has been my favorite for years.  It has a hint of bitterness that appeals to me,  especially with food.   It was acquired by the Belgian Anheuser-Busch beer conglomerate, and may have declined because a blind taste test of 7 Mexican cervesas  ranked it 5th, saying "This beer may have seen better days."

Numero Uno was Tecate, which has been just "okay" in my rankings.  But what do I know?   

  http://vinepair.com/articles/7-best-mexican-lagers-ranked/

Decades ago, when I traveled some in the Far East, I preferred San Miguel (from your roots).  Have not seen it in years, or maybe it is simply hidden among the 1,000 beers on the market today.  Maybe it too has seen better days.   

American beer has improved dramatically in my long lifetime, starting as a teenager drinking bland PBR, because it was the cheapest. 
Title: Re: My new life in the Republic of Georgia
Post by: BillyB on December 13, 2019, 02:07:53 PM
Corona is the #1 Mexican beer sold in America. Modelo is #2 and catching up fast. I don't drink much beer but Modelo is my favorite if I chose to drink a bottle of beer. Both beers are owned by the same parent company. One beer isn't going to please everybody. It's important to have some variety in your restaurant.
Title: Re: My new life in the Republic of Georgia
Post by: GQBlues on December 13, 2019, 02:40:40 PM
Very surprised Tecate was numero uno! I was often told Tecate is the common man's brewski, and maybe the 'poll' illustrated exactly that.

In LA, San Miguel can be found in most ordinary supermarket like Ralph's/Von's. Of all the brewski I've tasted the world over, I'd still choose CZ's Pilsner, SL's Zlaty Bazaant then Thai's Singha...

Locally, there's a brewery up in Ft Bragg wifey and I stumbled upon not too long ago. They have a beer I really like and had occasionally order a 12-pack along with Pilsner/Zlaty when we have guests coming. The Beer is called Blue Star. The brewery is named North Coast Brewery. I believe it was originally owned by Russians as the area have a very deep Russian heritage.

http://northcoastbrewing.com/

Very funny story about Corona...when I met my wife in Moscow the very first time, we were at a bar and the waitress asked us what we'd like to drink, I looked at my wife and ask her to order the best Russian beer she thinks I should taste. She did...

I thought I heard her say 'corona', but I figured I must be mistaken. Not only it isn't 'Russian', it was also too far from Mexico and it's likely not up to the Russian palette for beers...

When it came, there it is 'Corona'. I told her it can't be Russia as Corona is a Mexican beer. She started laughing. She said she thought it was Russian because they have 'factory' in Siberia!! I am reminded of her 'authentic Mexican food' in St Petersburg.

Title: Re: My new life in the Republic of Georgia
Post by: Maxx2 on December 14, 2019, 12:10:38 AM



Thanks for the recommendations!


I'll have at least 2 brands of Mexican beers, maybe three, and the Georgian one that they favor here.
Title: Re: My new life in the Republic of Georgia
Post by: 2tallbill on December 14, 2019, 12:19:56 AM
Need to go as mainstream as possible here, Max.   I'd go with Coronas.   But I might add in something obscure as well.

My opinion is that Corona's go skunky fast when they aren't refrigerated and kept
of out the sun, because of the clear bottle. I think a dark bottle is necessary
if you can't control the temperature and it's exposure to the sun.

That's my two kopecks,

Bill