Today we visited a Roman fortress that was built in the second century. Here lies the headstone from the grave of the Apostle Mathis.
Here we met a very hospitable Georgian priest who was also named Mathis. He treated us to a tour of the fortress, told us the history of Georgian Orthodox Christians, showed us a giant cross, and then treated us to a great feast of Georgian food.
A big shout out to the people who follow me. Unfortunately I’ve had to leave Russia. It became impossible to receive any funds from the US. I am currently living in Batumi, Georgia.
This is my family in the living room of my apartment in Kimovsk, Russia. I am a disabled Vietnam veteran. Seventy six years of age. My son Aleksandr (left), and my granddaughter Dasha (center) look in on me. Here, I had hoped to live out my retirement years.
Christmas Day Walk
I went for a walk today. Almost all businesses are closed for Christmas Day. The store that sells Turkish carpets was open so I went in and immediately spotted a beautiful Oriental carpet, bright red, black and gold.
I ask if it was a magic carpet and if it would fly.
The lady answered, “All my carpets are magical. As to whether it will fly, that all depends on what you put in your hookah.”
This is my apartment in Batumi. It’s on the eighth floor and the elevator works most of the time.
I pay 800 lari per month for this two bedroom apartment. That is approximately $294.
I have a fifteen to twenty minute walk to the beach. This is a great town for retirement. There are plenty of beaches to rest when you get tired.
The pink bedroom I call my guest room and it’s where my granddaughter will sleep when she visits me.