The Georgian, The Russian, and The View

There are a few different transportation options, but the most commonly used method for tourists is taking a mini-van from Tbislii to Yerevan.  The mini vans were mostly Mercedes and pretty comfortable so It was nice option. I had no idea what to anticipate in terms of the drive, but I knew I wanted to sit in the front drivers seat. 

I had not reserved by seat ahead of time so I got the front, but I got the middle front seat, which was not even a seat and I had to move my knee every time the driver wanted to shift gears. I sat next to the most obnoxious man who was Russian, but lived somewhere in the US...forgot where, but we did not start off on a good note as he gave me a lecture on how I should of reserved my seat.  

Since I basically had to sit on top of him for 2.5 to 3 hours (I was suprised myself I even fit into the middle), I had to "Smile, act nice, and act stupid." This was what this man wanted me to do so I just listened to him talk about his family, his job, and how many cars he has at home. He was showing me a photo of his daughter wearing a mini skirt, a crop top, and a pound of makeup. 

I said, "Oh wow she is beautiful she looks like a model." 

He said, "No she just likes to dress sexy for Instagram." 

Awkward silence. 

"So you liked Georgia?" 

"Yes I loved it and I want to invest in some property there so I can live in USA and in Georgia." 

"Well that sounds like a great idea." Priscilla 

I am thinking to myself, "Oh the poor Georgians having to deal with this guy on a daily basis." 

Even though we started off on the wrong foot, we were both trying to act like we liked one another when we really had absolutely no care for one another. 

While I could barely breathe or move my legs, it really was all worth it with that view. The changes in scenery and Fall colors, the rivers, small towns, churches, and mountains-one of the best drives ever between countries...it reminded me of a drive through Slovakia....gave me those incredibly scenic feelings. We passed horses and lots of donkeys-that was a thing in Armenia. IT was really all WOW

Now the drivers and I are always best friends. I have this relationship with the conductor and the driver where I always talk to them and get to know them and even with NO english-it doesn't matter - there is a special bond there almost all the time....

This driver, Yesi(Georgian), was laughing with me about the annoying Russian and we were just joking in a silly way. He offered me some candy and played good music to enjoy. He was taking my friendly ways a little too nicely as we were arriving into Yerevan and he placed his hand on my leg. I smiled and removed his hand from my leg.. placed his hand back on my leg.  "This went on for like 10 minutes and I was smiling in an awkward way(keep in mind I had no place to move my leg). He was really sweet and totally harmless(not intimidated at all by him), but I was locked in with nowhere to go!

I was thinking to myself, "Ok Priscilla. "We are almost there-it's okay just breathe and smile. Do not cause a scene." It is kind of rare that men are this forward when traveling, BUT in Georgia-it does not surprise me at all-eyeroll. Georgian men need their own post- stay tuned on the Georgia blog!  

It was awkward as the Russian had no idea what was going on, but he was on a video call. When we finished the ride, I was talking with him and some other drivers, "No harm done." He said that I can take his number if he wanted to drive back on his van with another group tomorrow afternoon (driver translate lol). 

I never took his contact number, but I did see him when I left Yerevan a week later and I said, "Hey, that's my friend and I gave him a handshake." 

Always be nice, be kind, be chill, but always have boundaries and beware of Georgian men-they like women a bit too much lol 

And take that drive from Tbisli to Yerevan, but just get a proper seat and reserve in advance:) 

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