Today, the day started with a call from a Russian woman asking for her son and husband having a holiday in Sukhum. She said their phone is not working, and asked me if it is peacefull in Abkhazia. I said everything is fine and peaceful, and life is just going as normal. She asked if there is electricty, I said yes we have everything, life is just as normal as it is.
Than I received news from a friend saying Abkhaz forces have moved in to upper- Kodor valley, that belonged to our territory but was invaded by Georgian troops in 2006 against the Nonaggression pact signed in Moscow in 2004. They have received two decisions by the UN but did not take their forces back. There were some information that the Georgians were bringing soldiers to this area and would attack Abkhazia. The Abkhaz forces, seeing Georgia will never solve the situation in peacefull ways and may attack fiercefully as she did to South Ossetia; have started taking the land that was rightfully theirs.
I left to the sea side. There was a military act taking place, necessary for territorial integrity of Abkhazia, but it would not stop me enjoying a restfull and sunny saturday by the sea coast. That was same for other people. (See the pics) Tourists and locallers all enjoyed the sun and the sea, some tourist were having fun with a boat game, kids were jumping from high ports, dolphins were jumping up and down in the open sea.
10.08.08
Today, the day started with tanks passing by our window, all the Abkhaz forces were being carried towards the Kodor region. People got out to watch the mobilization (mostly women). There was a meeting in the Mescid, and men came together to discuss meeting points in case of emergency. There were some ships sailing in the sea. Big ships. Some people said they arrived during the night. Later, I got a call from my aunt saying that navy was in Abkhazia and my cousin read it in the news. The same time I received the news that there were navy ships in the sea one street from my house, my cousin in Germany gave me the news. The information technology is amazing and it is interesting to see how this small community famous for spreading every word in minutes is small in distributing such an important information. We left for the sea side to swim, have a sun bath and see the ships. As usual, we were not the only ones. Than we had lunch with other friends, enjoyed a cup of tea and cake at the apra cafe on the port.
We could see the ships (protecting the gulf distributed like a crescent). Later there was some word going around if the ships had not arrived on time, Georgians would have did Sukhum the same thing they did to the South-Ossetian capital, Tskinval! Ofcourse, at times of uneasyness, many speculations turn around. Still, watching what they have done in Tskinval, to people, hospitals, city as a whole... That was possibilly true. Anyway, they say these ships are very protective and I am glad that the Russian peace keeping forces do not wait till the distraction of the city before they do their duty to protect our borders and people. (11.08.08-Note: The Georgian ships have really pushed Abkhazia's borders. The presidents site reported 4 Georgian war-ships. www.abkhaziagov.org)
There were two helicopters and a plane flying over the city. (11.08.08-There was an explanation about these in the morning news as well but could not catch it)
The tourists were enjoying the sea and sun, even in the view of the helicopters and ships. We went around the city and to the next district Gulripsh. The city was mostly green, since nearly all men went around with army clothes. They were saying the army cloth shops were emptied already! We saw at some points reserve forces waiting to take their place in the war if necessary. Women, priests, and elderly were with them, giving them support.
We had some more tea with other friends, and came back home to have access to the internet and to communicate with the outside world. Unfortunately, the internet was really too slow- slower than usual- and it was impossible to upload any photos in any way.Hoping to manage it tomorrow.
11.08.08
Have been to the sea side early in the morning, this time mainly to try to wi-fi (which I thought would be faster) that I registered on friday but did not manage to use yet. Could not see the signal again!.
Some people were already swimming and kids were running on the sea side in groups. That was an active morning as usual in Abkhazia.
I heard my friend's father have left with the forces yesterday, no news yet. Last night in the news there was information on two wounded from the Abkhaz forces. Hope there will be no more wounded and no martyr.
Just now on tv the president is addressing the Abkhaz nation (citizens).
