Long Overdue Update

SO MUCH has happened since I've returned to beloved Vladimir!!! All wonderful things, of course. I'v been back here for nearly one month- on Friday, it'll be officially one month.

For starters, I live with the absolute BEST family in Vladimir. The Kozmavas, they are so loving, considerate, generous and fun! I love coming home to visit with them every night.

My Beloved Host Family, The Kozmavas.

Sitting is my host dad, Oleg.

To his right is Manana, my host mom.

Standing next to me is my Russian brother, George.

We took this photo last Saturday (21 Feb 09). They took me with them to a Georgian Christening Dinner Party. It was OUTSTANDING!!!!! I was introduced to everyone single person there but no one thought I was foreign. Ironically, everyone tells me that I look Georgian. Perhaps that is why I blended in so well =) Then the people sitting around us heard me speaking to George, my host brother, in English. They asked and I told them I was American. NO SOONER THAN FIVE MINUTES LATER, the DJ is on the mic calling for "The American" to be brought to the front for a dance.

A line of at least ten people, men and women, formed- all of whom brought their cameras and shot glasses to take photos and shots with me. It was hilarious! I felt sorry for the little two-year-old girl whose party it really was, because it turned into mine for the few hours I was there.

I can't tell you how many photos, shots and dances later it was when I finally left with George. But suffice it to say that we left at 11pm. It was tons of fun. While there, I was invited to two more Georgian functions- both weddings. I'm told that it will be more even grand. It's hard to imagine since this party was so extravagant. I kept commenting and George, who is only 14, continued to assure me "this is nothing, Erin". I can't wait to see more!!!!

Here are some photos:

AN OUTSTANDING SPREAD of DELICIOUS Georgian food!!!!!

Their food is very similiar to Mexican food in that it's very flavorful and they use a lot of the same spices.

With my Georgian aunts, The Ladies Kozmava.

Nona is to my left. She's married to Oleg's younger brother Soso.

Next to her is Oleg and Soso's sister, Mamida.

With Soso and Nona Kozmava.

They have three BEAUTIFUL kids who are my Georgian cousins, of course.

The American- dancing with a random Georgian/Russian man. He was such a great dancer.

I was telling George "I'm going to kill you" because he was taking photos papparazzi style.

The American dancing with random man from above's son. I can't remember his name and

that's his mom in the background. They are George's godparents. Their son invited me to his wedding in September and I'm in!

Not to be left out- A GOAT made a cameo at the shindig. It was announced that we should all dance with him (and PEOPLE DID!) because he'll be the meal at the next soiree!

My two FAVORITE ladies in Vladimir!!! My host mom and host aunt. They are both WONDERFUL moms to their kids (and me), AMAZING cooks and hostesses, and BRILLIANT doctors. Behind them in my dance partner from the previous photo. In spite of having just one eyebrow, he was pretty hot.

Last, but not least, my friends- introducing the correct way to begin and end a party. Any gathering, actually =) PELAMUSHI!!! It's this outstanding dish with nuts as a topping that is essentially congealed red wine, OH YEAH!!!!