Home

Acorns return triumphant from Georgia

 

(well, we won the singing and the drinking!) 

The Acorns seem to have just survived the rigours of Georgia, and what an amazing time was had by all. We anticipated something special but could never have believed what a great country and how incredibly hospitable the people were, and that is not to forget the overwhelming kindness and generosity of Levan, our host. Georgia has the most amazing traditions of history, culture, wine-making and also strong friendships and family bonds that surpass anything that we have witnessed before.

We thought that we would share this message from our host Levan Vasadze with everyone – it will give you an idea of the character of the man and the Georgian people and a glimpse in to the unforgettable time that we spent in that very special country:

 

"My fellow Acorns,

As I continue to read your heart-warming emails, I cannot but think that we are the ones who should thank you more for your visit.

I do not remember who of the two of you were the last ones I said farewell to at the airport, but when I said "go" (perhaps a too literal translation from Georgian "midit") I felt like I should have said "please stay".  As I drove back to my sleeping school in Kiketi, I remembered not seeing Malcolm at the departure gate and had a glimpse of hope that he fell asleep at his hotel room and missed the bus and that I would have a chance to enjoy at least his company for another day or two until we changed his ticket.  Unfortunately Grovesy's message proved me wrong and it was my red eye that misled me, as he too said his good bye after checking in first.

I said to some of you in Tbilisi that it takes a great guest to make an ok host and your visit is a true testament to that.  Your great culture of self-irony, gratitude for things that are the host's obligation anyway, ability to close your eyes on our failures (picking proper matching ages, preparing better souvenir packages, shortening exhausting museum tours, to name a few) have all been a great lesson for us as representatives of a nation with a weaker rugby touring tradition.

I earnestly hope that this is not the last time we meet and our door and heart is always open to all of you and your loved ones.

Your thigh-muscle-torn-so-sorry-I--couldn't-face-you-in-the-battle friend Levan

 

May 10th, 2012, Kiketi School"

Enough said, methinks.

 

 

Acorns squad before the Barbarian (Barbarosebi) match - the calm before the storm 

 

Our Host, the great Levan Vasadze, in full battle gear