Some answers

OK - well, it's been an interesting few days. We get up and have a quick breakfast before walking over to the school. Classes start at 9 and the day is over at 2:30. Now, all of you might say, "How cool is that?" However, every Georgian student I have met has private classes or a private tutor in all of their subjects. Then, they compete in academics on the weekends. All of the students at St. Nino's #3 are expected to go to college. Now - I must admit, St. Nino's is not a 'common' school. It is a public school and not private, but it is a pretty special school all in all,

Now - to answer some of your questions:

Is there bullying at St. Nino's? Well, some but not a lot. All of the students here are Georgian so there is no racial bullying and all of the kids are from fairly affluent families so there is not a lot of social bullying. I'm sure there is more than they want to admit, but it does not seem to be a problem. This should also answer your question about racism - it really does not exist here because everyone is Georgian. There are no Muslims, Armenians, or Azerians here at this school.

Driving: You can get your learner's permit when you are 17 and your regular license when you're 18. However, most people don't drive around town at all because they either walk or take the matrushka bus if they are going very far. Taxis are also very cheap here. Also - they drive on the same side we do, however, I've seen the steering wheel on both sides in all kinds of cars.

Drinking: The legal drinking age is 18, however - if you look old enough it's not really enforced. But, because Georgia is an ancient wine-producing country most people start having wine with dinner when they are children.

Dating: Georgia is a very old-fashioned and traditional country. Boys and girls do date but almost always in a group. There is just not a lot of couples only dating because that is just not how it is done here. Teen pregnancy is almost unheard of due to traditional and religious beliefs. In those cases, marriage is most certainly required right away. 

Social media: There are at least 20 students from St. Nino's following me on Facebook right now! (it's not against the rules here) They love Facebook; they didn't really talk about SnapChat or Twitter. 

Music: Believe it or not they love the same music as you guys. They also love classic American rock. Every where we went to have dinner or lunch the restaurant had on a TV channel that is like what MTV used to be - music videos all day every day. I saw only American artists. Even Paris Hilton (YECH!!!)

So - I think I've answered your questions and I'll be traveling tomorrow so I'm not going to post much. I'll post one more time from Georgia on Friday and then I get to come home on Saturday. I'll see you all on Monday!!!