Supra with Roma and Natalia

Friday night we were invited to a math teacher’s house for dinner. Natalia and Roma, her husband, hosted us in true Georgian fashion. The special meal in which friends and family are invited is called the Supra. There was far more food than five people could eat. Lots of laughter, storytelling, and toasts. Georgians have a very formal way of toasting at meals. There is only one person, called the Tamada, who can offer them. It is considered rude to interrupt or add to the Tamada’s toast. In the four hours or so that the meal lasted, there were 10 - 12 toasts. The topics toasted to included friendship, our homelands, our parents, children, world peace, loved ones who have died, each other, and our host teacher, Nino, for bringing us to their house. I’m sure I’m leaving some out.

It was a fantastic time. The Georgian custom of hospitality to guests is something I wish American culture was known for. They definitely offer their best, and all they have, to guests. At the end of the night, Mario and I gave them gifts from Chicago and Texas. The gifts seem so small after all the hospitality they showed us. I will post pictures of the food and our new friends when I can. I'm having trouble with the card. #frustated