Georgia And The Black Sea

Anne Bernays and Pamela Painter - What If? Writing Exercise for Fiction Writers prompts

The Exercise - Choose a country where you have always longed to go but haven't yet been and set a story there. Read old and new Fodor's guides as well as other recent travel guides and National Geographic; buy a map; study the country's politics, religion, government, and social issues; read cookbooks - always, always looking for the persuasive detail, something you would almost have to be there to know.

The Objective - To write with authority and conviction about a place you have never been to.

While visiting Georgia, Logan was anxious to visit the Orthodox church he had heard about in Minnesota. He had been attending the Orthodox religion since he was about 17 years old. He was anxious to visit because he had been told that Orthodox was the primary religion in Georgia.

He was sure that it would be a nice place to visit, as he heard stories of how nice the people were. Stories about how you can be walking down the street and have strangers invite you into their house to eat with them.

There is a strong communal and hospitality feel in Georgia. Then add in the baked cheese bread, and who wouldn't like visiting Georgia?

The climate is variable depending on where you are in Georgia. The Black Sea, subtropical regions, to the eastern plains and highlands. There is a diverse cultural blend with spicy dishes being influenced by the Turks, Greeks, Arabs, and Indian food.

Their elders are well treated. There is respect for elders, so Logan was looking forward to spending time there. He was raised in a culture that respects elders, even when he admits he isn't always good at it.

The Government struggles as they have had secessionist wars in the past. They continue to struggle with economic crisis and instability. In spite of all that, he loves seeing Georgia. Before his trip to Georgia, he visited Costa Rica. Logan enjoys traveling and hopes to continue his travels.

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Author's Note: I asked my grandson to choose a country that he would like to visit, and he said Georgia. I thought he was talking about the State in the United States, but he was talking about the country. The reason I am writing about a story set in Georgia is that I have no country where I have longed to go.

Author's Note: My Grandson and the World Culture Encyclopedia contributed to the above story.