Living In A Ghost Town
A deserted cafe in Poti.
August 30, 2008
10 p.m. local time (6 p.m. GMT)
Even though it's a Saturday, the cafes and restaurants are deserted. People still meet -- everyone wants to talk -- but they meet each other at their houses and flats.
On the way back home, I had a conversation with a taxi driver. He says that, like most of his colleagues, he doesn't have enough work. He says he only recently purchased the car and if the current situation continues, he doesn't think he'll be able to make the payments.
When I got home, my neighbors were sitting outside in the courtyard fanning themselves with eucalyptus branches to keep off the heat and keep away the mosquitoes. They're talking about the only thing that people talk about these days -- the Russians -- and knowing I'm a journalist, they quiz me, asking about Saakashvili's visit yesterday.
Today has been busy. I meant to visit my parents and family, but just didn't have the time.