I'd like to invite everyone to view the latest additions to my photo album. I've uploaded my photos from the Republic of Georgia (1999), as well as more photos from St Petersburg, Belarus, and the northeastern USA.

Here's the address:
http://pg.photos.yahoo.com/ph/ericdn/my_photos

Happy viewing!

Beautiful photos Eric. <img src="/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" /> How did you like Georgia and Belarus? I'd love to hear more about those trips.

I read somewhere that you were heading back to St. Petersburg sometime soon. When are you going? Vacation, work or school?

I'm glad you liked the photos.

Georgia was very nice, despite the problems the country is having. In the Soviet times, Georgia not only had among the highest standards of living of any Soviet republic, but was also the number-one tourist destination. Many of the country's best resorts and spas were located in Georgia. Today, however, civil war, a non-functioning economy, catastrophic energy shortages, and many other problems have made Georgia one of the poorest of the former Soviet republics. Still, despite the problems, I enjoyed the country very much. Georgian hospitality is just incredible, and the food... delicious!

Belarus is also very nice. It's very close in character to Russia, but there are some differences. Even a large city in Belarus is much, much calmer than in Russia, and in Belarus there is a refreshing lack of non-stop advertising that bombards you at every turn. Honestly, I would not mind living in Belarus if a good opportunity came up. <img src="/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />

The trip to Georgia was a school-arranged trip, and so all of my expenses were paid for me!! (Hooray!!) I went to Belarus to visit all the friends I have there, and so that is why my travelling to Belarus is even more important to me. Fortunately, the foundation I've worked for as a translator is able to arrange official visas for me, so at least I don't have to pay that expense - only the $50 or so for the train between St Petersburg and Gomel and back.

In the late summer I will be returning to St Petersburg, Russia. First for my master's degree (magistratura), then to work as either a translator or language teacher.

Wow! Beautiful pictures!

Signaghi is one of my favorite places on Earth! I've been there in late September and there was a heavy snowfall one night. Next morning, all was white but the black leafless branches of sharon trees full of bright orange perfectly spherical fruits. Sometimes, having this picture in my mind I'm doubting I really witnessed such a beauty and it isn't my fantasy -- but then I do know for sure it was real

Oh, and forgot to mention Niko Pirosmanishvili. Have you seen his paintings in Signaghi? I love Pirosmani!

Here's a link to Pirosmani's site:

http://www.steele.com/pirosmani/

Tatiana, I'm glad you enjoyed Signaghi! Honestly, I did not know that there was much tourism to Signaghi these days, even from other CIS countries. Is there something that attracted you there?

I spent one week in Signaghi - the longest of any place I stayed in Georgia. It was really breathtaking. Do you remember driving around the very tall cliff? I remember being so terrified the first time I was on that road - I just kept thinking we will fall down at any second, especially because the car was going so fast!!

Yes, of course I know Prismanishvili. He is the unnamed hero of Alla Pugachova's song "Million scarlet roses"! <img src="/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />

I've been on a conference there (Mathematical modeling of Biological processes believe it or not) and also spent a week there. I love Georgia, its people, its culture -- music (which strangely resembles Basks' music, especially their a cappella 8-voice singing.)

I admire Georian cinema and just yesterday I've been watching old Georgian short comedies enjoying them immensely!

On the "Kultura" network on Russian TV there are often Georgian films from the Soviet days. I enjoy watching them a lot, too.

Of course, perhaps the most famous film from Georgia - "Monanieba" ("Pokayaniye" - "Repentance") is anything BUT a comedy... very dark. I have it on video, but I've only been able to watch it maybe twice. It is very emotionally draining.

As for mathematical modeling of biological processes... I have absolutely no idea what that means! <img src="/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" /> But of course, my education was not scientific in nature, so it doesn't surprise me that I am so clueless!! <img src="/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />

When I was in Tbilisi I bought a CD of Georgian folk songs... yes, it is very beautiful. I can only understand maybe 2 or 3 words, but that's not important. It is listening to the music that is what matters.

Naxvamdis!

My favorite is "Jil pevchii drozd" by Otar Ioseliani (1970, black and white) translated as ONCE UPON A TIME THERE WAS A SINGING BLACKBIRD. Otar is now 70 and his "Blackbird" is considered classics, it is playing in clubs all the time but I failed founding it in video stores.

I also love all Danelia's films, especially "Ne Gorui!" -- "Don't Sorrow!"

Ironically, when I was in Georgia, all I could find on TV were American or Indian films!!