Georgia is one of the most beautiful places on earth. With its landscapes and natural beauty, Georgia is referred to as the ‘Mecca of Tourists and Backpackers’. The country has lots of tourist places dating back to ancient times that are located on the hill-tops as well. Bounded by Russia in the North and the Black Sea in the West, the country of Georgia offers 12 different kinds of microclimates and 49 different kinds of soils filling it with diversity.
Waterfalls, canyons, mountains, jungle safaris, snow skiing, winter sports, paragliding, white-water rafting, and hot air balloon rides – Georgia is a never-ending fest of all kinds of outdoor tourist activities. It is a haven of adventure tourism.
However, if you are travelling to Georgia for the very first time, then there are various things that you should consider. This post is about those things which you should never do when you are in Georgia.
Don’t swear; like never!!
Georgians are happy-go-lucky persons, and they get temperamental when it comes to things such as swearing. They might get very easily offended if you swear while conversing. Swearing is limited to only close circles and if you are a tourist and talking to some native, then saying a swear word to a Georgian might earn you a deep frown or other such things on a rougher side. Take good care while conversing with Georgian women. Georgia has a patriarchal culture where women are highly respected and swearing in front of them is a big ‘NO! NO!’
So, swearing is the foremost of all the things which tourists shouldn't do when you are in Georgia.
Don’t call the ‘Georgians’ Russians!!!
The war between Georgia and Russia in 2008 is a bad memory for the people of Georgia. Don't call them RUSSIANS, mistakenly or even as a joke since Georgians cannot deal that with ease. Therefore, it will be a good idea for you to abstain from discussing Russia occupied places namely Abkhazia and Ossetia while conversing in public as well as discussing politics and related topics. Try to steer clear of any topic related to these places and be polite while addressing the sensitive topics related to the war. These are some important things you shouldn’t do while in Georgia.
Atheist? Stay away from religious discussions!!
Georgia is a highly religious place. More than 83% of the population is still practising Orthodox Christianity. Even after being an atheist, it is totally fine if you don't hurt the religious sentiments of Georgians. But, if you are an Atheist and are making serious claims or indulging into heated discussions regarding the existence of God and other such things, then you might not be treated politely. However, the younger generation is much tolerant and relaxed about these and, you have to take care while talking with an elder.
The nativity of Shota Rustaveli is not to be debated upon
It would be better if you abstain from discussions regarding the nativity of Shota Rustaveli when you are in Georgia. For the ones who don't know about him, he was a mediaeval Georgian poet and one of the most significant contributors to the country’s Literature. ‘Knight in the Panther’s Skin’ is the Georgian epic poem by Georgia's national poet Shota Rustaveli. It is also considered as the ‘Second Bible’ by many people who preach about love, friendship, and loyalty. Therefore, this topic is really sensitive to Georgians.
Steer clear of the debate about Stalin
Joseph Stalin is a person who is loved as well as hated in Georgia. He is Georgia's most famous son, and attitudes towards him vary to the extremes. You can find people who totally hate him and also those who revere him, for his strong political and leadership skills. Therefore, discussing Joseph Stalin with passion might earn you frowns, and is one of the things which you should avoid when you are in Georgia.
Homophobia is an actual thing here!!
Georgia is a highly religious place that still practices Orthodox Christianity. Therefore, homosexuality is a sin here. If you see people walking hands in hands, especially of the same gender, then don't get wrong impressions; Georgians exhibit their friendship and friendly behaviour towards each other by physical contacts such as holding hands and hugging. Always remember that Georgia is one of the most homophobic countries.
So, displaying affection in public with your same-gender partner is also one of the things which you should avoid when you are in Georgia.
Don’t Tell the ‘I used to think Georgia is in USA’ age-old joke.
Georgians have had their fill of 'I used to think that Georgia is in USA' statement. In fact, the line is not even worthy of any kind of discussions. Some people might even find it trashy. Therefore, steer clear of such things; otherwise, you might even earn a scoff or rude comment.
Avoid Arguments about their Heritage
Khinkali (or ‘Hinkali’) is the national staple dish of Georgia, and people love it like anything. Georgians are extremely proud of their heritage and get temperamental if someone argues about the origins of such things.
Don’t cuss with anything related to ‘GOD’
Swearing or cussing is not tolerated in Georgia; so don’t even think of saying something like “Holy S***” in Georgia!! You might get schooled about the language and God and many other things.
Well, this is the list of the main things which you should never do when you are in Georgia. Rest, indulge in the natural beauty and have the time of your life in a place blessed with beauty and natural as well as historical wonders. So, don’t be late to buy an affordable Georgia holiday package from Oman to enjoy your vacation.
