4/22/2005

Filed under: Georgia by site admin

My trip still remains very much on my mind. I always find it interesting what surfaces in my mind just before I fall asleep. Last night I remembered the Georgian man who brought his grandmother’s shawl to me. It is difficult to tell the age of people in Georgia. Living a hard life ages people quickly. People that look like they are in their 70′s can often be 40. Anyway, after seeing me on television, many people considered me a “textile” expert which is what brought him to see me. He did not speak English so Nino translated. I could tell from her demeanor that she was uncomfortable but didn’t know why. The man wanted to know the monetary value of the shawl and I could not convince him that I had no idea. He pushed and pushed. I left cornered and desperately wanted out. I finally gave in and gave him a figure. He promptly asked me to buy the shawl or find someone in the U.S. to buy it. I should have seen it coming but I didn’t. When I told him that he should keep this wonderful piece of his grandmother, he explained quite angrily that what he needed was money. I didn’t know what to do and was relieved when he packed up his shawl and left. I also know that Nino did not translate to me all that he said but I can guess. This would happen to me many more times. In Armenia, it would take a different path. There they wanted me to sell their dolls or get them an exhibition in the States . I did get more skilled at handling the situations. However, the sadness, the desperate need for money to live is something I still carry with me. I’m hoping tonight brings a happier memory. Karen