I was 5 when my parents first introduced me to ice skating or so they thought. At that time nothing in Georgia was properly functioning. I guess the whole country had PSTSD (Post-Soviet Traumatic Stress Disorder), if this kind of thing exists. Electricity was fairly on and off and most of the time I was finding myself playing with wax next to the candle.
No permanent energy was meant no permanent ice on the rink. So, we patiently waited for better conditions, for a new power importer into Georgia or maybe for an expensive generator (I don’t know, I was 5).
So I had these “ice skating classes” without the ice, meaning: most of the time we concentrated on body strength, stretching and better balance – in short, I was doing fitness and yoga before it was cool.
Finally, our forbearance paid off and I was able to experience the real freedom, the call of my destiny, the ’90s kid’s nirvana – real ice, real boots and blades…
The moment I stepped on the ice, I realized I was born for that!
…but, you know, then you grow up, you change your mind a million times and end up with a career you never imagined.
Even so, I’m happy that this place still exists and I can still can go there, trying to reach that dream, unleash my inner child, remember my bittersweet memories and just be free.