How does one get rid of very old, worn and damaged appliances in Tbilisi? Some metal-based and heavy. I mean, they still work but I would recommend using these items only if there's nothing else at your disposal. Somebody mentioned some dudes in Lada cars doing the rounds for scrap metals
A friend of mine from Southern Italy (rather dark-skinned for a European) told me that a bigoted cop on duty at Sadguris Moedani took him aside for no reason and asked for his passport. He had a residence card and that surprised the cop who kept asking him if he had a knife. My friend thought the cop wanted the knife to cut open the plastic sheath for the card (it's unusually tight-fitting on the new cards -- they may be using old sheaths and new cards) but, apparently, since the bigot who can't speak English or think straight, was asking if he was carrying a knife on him simply because he looked like he was from a non-Caucasian ethnicity. Amusing. Nothing nasty or hostile -- just bigoted and stupid.
Dear Georgian and Indian friends,
It appears that a med student, who was allegedly being harassed by landlords (possibly Indian given the names of Anil and, possibly, Manya and Zaki) who have a bit of reputation for this, has been missing for many days now. In addition to letting people know what's going on here (risks involved) and informing the cops and the Indian Embassy in Tbilisi if you do see him, please be cautious when engaging in any tenancy agreements here. In particular, be very cautious with those catering to students as some kind of "deal".