Under the Monument, Placing a Bit of Nostalgia and Peace

I came to Georgia more to find a sense of belonging than to travel. As a Russian, I've visited many countries—Beijing and Shanghai in China, experiencing Eastern culture's charm; Paris and Berlin in Europe, appreciating Western culture's romance; Bangkok and Kuala Lumpur in Southeast Asia, feeling tropical vibrancy. But Georgia has never been a foreign country to me. Its culture, faith, even cuisine share too many similarities with ours, and the Chronicle of Georgia especially gave me that long-lost sense of familiarity that I could never experience in any other country.

The flight from Moscow to Tbilisi takes only 2 hours, with cheap tickets and visa-free entry—like a short escape for me. After the Russia-Ukraine conflict, I've felt exhausted, always wanting to find a quiet place to relax, away from noise and disputes. I visited many countries but never found that sense of peace until I came to Georgia. There are no shadows of war here, no noisy crowds, just tranquility and beauty—like Russia's countryside, warm and healing, yet with the unique flavor of the Eurasian crossroads.

When I stood before the monument, looking at those familiar Orthodox icons and Soviet-era artistic styles, my eyes suddenly welled with tears. This monument was built during the Soviet period, our shared historical memory. Each bronze pillar carries my memories of the past and the friendship between our two countries, just like Moscow's Red Square and St. Basil's Cathedral—irreplaceable cultural symbols in our hearts. Touching the patterns in the reliefs, I could almost feel the builders' intentions from that time. That cultural intimacy cannot be replaced anywhere. I've visited historical monuments in many countries: China's Great Wall is magnificently spectacular, France's Eiffel Tower is romantically charming, but none gave me such a strong sense of belonging as this monument.

Unlike other tourists busy taking photos, I found a quiet corner, sat on the grass, looked at distant Tbilisi Sea, felt the wind, thinking of nothing. There was no noise, no disputes, just tranquility and beauty, letting me temporarily forget all troubles. Sometimes I chat with local Russian immigrants, listening to their lives here—that共鸣 of being fellow countrymen in foreign lands makes me feel warm. I also communicate with local Georgians—they are warm and kind, sharing with us Russians a love for life and reverence for history. This cross-national friendship particularly moves me.

For me, this monument is not just a historical site but the home of my soul. It has witnessed Georgia's history and our two countries' past. Here I can find cultural roots and inner peace. Every time I come here, I feel grounded, as if all my homesickness can be placed here. I've traveled to many places, seen many landscapes, but I particularly favor this place—this cross-regional intimacy, this tranquility and beauty. If you come to Georgia, you must visit this monument. It will let you understand what cultural resonance is, what peace in the heart is, and make you realize that no matter where you are, cultural power can always cross regional boundaries and warm people's hearts.