Most of the housing in Tbilisi consists of blocks of concrete apartment buildings. While they may be look old and seem to be crumbling on the outside, they are sturdy and well built. Many of the individual flats boast original hardwood flooring, high ceilings, and crown molding. Chandeliers of varying sizes are not uncommon in sitting and bedrooms.
Heat and hot water are supplied by gas radiators and hot water tanks, which must be turned on prior to use. Rolling blackouts in some areas of Tbilisi are common, but only occur once every week. The water can also be shut off once every few weeks, but there are always vats of water on hand in every house for emergencies. Kitchens are sometimes small, but functional, and are equipped with a stove, oven, refrigerator, and a microwave at the very least. Dishwashers are not commonplace, but some flats will have them. Bathrooms can either house a toilet, sink, and a shower in one room, or have the toilet in a separate room. Some bathrooms have bathtubs and some do not.
While living with your host family, you will have your own room, which, in most cases, is their children’s bedroom. In my particular situation, I sleep in the children’s bedroom, while the children sleep on the sofa-bed in the living room. Don’t be surprised at this type of arrangement; the host-families are happy to have a guest in their house and will do everything they can to make you feel comfortable.
Rukhsana Jiwan
Footprints’ Teacher in Georgia
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