When planning a trip, there are several stages to consider. Once the primary financial expenses, such as hotel accommodations and attraction tickets, have been covered, it is essential to address additional matters like travel insurance, transportation within Georgia, including from home to the airport and abroad, and post-flight hotel transfers. If traveling with friends, responsibilities can be shared, but solo travelers must assume all tasks independently. This was the case with my recent trip to Rome. At a pivotal moment in my life, I decided to embark on a solo journey to Italy. Despite previous interest in the country, my travel plans were spontaneous. After purchasing the tickets, approximately a few weeks later, I found myself on an “OmniBus” bound for Kutaisi Airport.
Hours before the flight, I discovered that an acquaintance, a Georgian taxi driver residing in Italy, had unjustly doubled the agreed-upon fare from Fiumicino Airport to my guesthouse due to escalating fuel prices in Europe. I was unaware of alternative transportation options from the airport to the city center. Consequently, the taxi surcharge prompted me to reconsider my itinerary. Despite the limited information available at 4 a.m., I swiftly made a decision: I would find a solution, locally, when I’ll be there. While queuing at passport control, I contemplated various scenarios when a conversation from a Kutaisi natives interrupted my thoughts. I inadvertently overheard two Imeretian women standing front of me discussing the services of a Georgian taxi driver residing in Italy for transportation from Fiumicino Airport, situated a few kilometers from Rome, to their hotel. This conversation reminded me of the individual who had doubled the agreed-upon fare from Tbilisi to Kutaisi.
In response, I intervened in the dialogue with an apology and offered to join their group. The proposed solution was to divide the cost between three individuals instead of two, which they agreed. Upon boarding, I experienced a severe headache. That day, I made a mental note that this would be my final flight with a porthole. In a low-class aircraft, for an individual of my height, the cramped seating and reduced legroom caused significant discomfort. The restricted breathing and claustrophobic sensations were particularly pronounced.
Furthermore, the frequent need to stretch my knees and disturb other passengers hindered my ability to stand up and pass. As the pressure changes occurred, the seat became increasingly uncomfortable, and the aircraft’s ceiling lowered further than anticipated. Sleep eluded me for an extended period, and finally, after approximately an hour, I succumbed to sleep. However, during my flight, a noise awakened me:
– Individuals like you should not be permitted anywhere!
– Maya, what do you intend to accomplish?
– What do I desire?! How can you regain control of your tongue?! I wanted the funds for the child. I entrusted it to you. I have been searching for you for months, calling and writing, but your number is disconnected, and you have vanished without a trace. Are you aware of the substantial amount I provided for you?
– I informed you that I am uncertain when I will be able to return the funds. If you were in a similar predicament, you could have declined to give it to me.
– I am not interested in discussing this matter further. I previously informed you that I required the funds as soon as possible. Half of the payment was intended for my son’s eye surgery, while the remaining portion was borrowed from you. Subsequently, I was compelled to repay it from my salary, which proved to be a challenging endeavor. I would be apprehensive if I encountered you on the plane, I have been searching for you for several months. I strongly urge you to return the funds promptly, as I am inclined to escalate the matter to legal proceedings if necessary. I prefer that we reach an amicable resolution before our departure to Italy.
– I regret to inform you that I am unable to provide any guarantees. As you are aware, the situation in Georgia can be unpredictable. Upon my arrival, I discovered that my funds had been withdrawn, leaving me without a single euro.
– Should you fail to return the funds, I will be compelled to take appropriate measures to retrieve them.
– If I had previously encountered you in the evenings, would you have been pleased with that?
– Your actions have been deeply disrespectful and shameless. I am experiencing intense anger and frustration towards you. I cannot believe that I was deceived by you.
– Despite our previous encounters, I am not inclined to engage in public discussions about our relationship. Otherwise, you would not be content if I revealed the truth to everyone.
Maya retreated, expressing profanity, and returned to her seat. The passengers on board divided into two groups. Some expressed sympathy for Maya, while others took the man’s position and, judging her based on their perceptions, accused her of engaging in promiscuous behavior. At that moment, my sole focus was on arriving at Fiumicino Airport and proceeding to my hotel. The women from Kutaisi, whom I had met at the airport, were seated a few rows away from me. Despite their Imeretian temperament, they remained composed and composed during the turbulence, which I found surprising.
After several episodes of turbulence, I experienced significant fatigue on board. My knees, bent against the back of the front seat, had lost sensation in my legs due to poor blood circulation. Before succumbing to sleep, I removed my clothing.