Well summer has finally hit. Hard. No socks, one shirt instead of four, and kids skipping class. At least there are beautiful green trees, blooming roses, and fresh vegetables. Fresh fruit is growing, and I find students up in trees picking cherries and licking fingers. I guess I can’t blame them for missing English class…

This post is accompanied by an assortment of pictures from Easter, a visit to my friend’s site in Khulo, and views from my bedroom window. I’m going to talk about one of the things I’ve taken up again since snow has turned into rain and I’ve been able to keep the windows open at night. Running!

A new pair of shoes has been taking me on short releases from my daily routine. The dirt roads are filled with rocks, cows and their poop, as well as some very cute pigs. I also get the occasional dog that would rather chase me than play, but I find inspiration in my “Run, Forrest, Run” mentality. If only I was as fast…

The path I choose to take is followed by the river, or maybe it’s the other way around, but nevertheless, it’s got a nice breeze and isn’t lined with houses and people wondering who or what I’m running from. There’s Mr. Rogers who shouts “ცხოვრება დიდი ხან!” (long life) as I jog by. Thanks, Mr. Rogers! But aren’t you hot in that sweater? Then there are the older women who assume I’m Russian and are seemingly disappointed when I respond in Georgian. They find out through friendly conversation that I’m from America and respond with kind words about me being such a “კარგი გოგო” (good girl). Nothing like a few adorable old ladies to boost your self-image.

Some people think I’m weird. They watch me as I go by and I turn around to see them looking behind me as to where the dog or crazed person is. I smile, say hello, and go on my way. I get asked “why?” more often than not. Reasons I think up revolve around my health and heart. Plus it’s a nice balance from all the delicious Georgian food I have inhaled in the past thirteen months. But I also find encouragement from the neighborhood girls that see me and giggle, waving as I pass them.

It’s a nice break. It’s something I can do for myself. I was never one for marathons or treadmills back in the states, but here I enjoy the cool breeze, the scenic views and the open spaces.

Happy spring and almost summer.