Mingrelien und Oberswanetien

Samegrelo-Zemo Svaneti brings together two historic Georgian provinces with very different characters: Samegrelo, or Mingrelia, in the lowlands, and Zemo Svaneti, Upper Svaneti, high in the Caucasus. Each has its own la…

Samegrelo-Zemo Svaneti (Georgian: სამეგრელო-ზემო სვანეთი [s̪äme̞ɡɾe̞ɫo̞z̪e̞mo̞ s̪ʷän̪e̞t̪ʰi]; Megrelian: სამარგალო-ჟიმოლენი შონე [samaɾɡalo-ʒimolenɪ ʃone]; Svan: [zan-lam ʃuan]) is a region (Mkhare) in western Georgia with a popul…

A weatherproof box where anyone can leave books, toys or kitchen bits and take something else: sustainability can be that simple. What matters is a good spot, permission from the owner or the council, and a few people w…

Not everyone finds smartphones, online bookings or long forms easy. Often a patient half hour is all it takes to help someone. Important: never take over passwords or bank details, go through it together step by step in…

Whether it's a part-time job in a café, delivering leaflets or tutoring: your first job brings not just money but confidence too. Make sure you get a written contract and that your hours fit around school or college. Wh…

A driving licence is a big step towards independence for many, but it takes time and money. Compare offers beforehand, study the theory regularly in small chunks and stay relaxed during lessons. Bikes and public transpo…

Spring brings blossom everywhere, summer calls you to the water, autumn leaves glow and winter gets cosy. Which season do you love most in Samegrelo-Zemo Svaneti, and what do you like to do then? Let us know!

Some words only make sense if you grew up here. Which local expression from Samegrelo-Zemo Svaneti do you love, and what does it mean? Post it in the comments, ideally with a short explanation for everyone who moved her…

Moving somewhere new often means not knowing anyone yet, and that's exactly when a neighbourhood can show how welcoming it is. Just arrived in Samegrelo-Zemo Svaneti? Tell us where you're from and what you're looking fo…

A raised bed in the courtyard, a community garden or simply swapping cuttings and seeds: gardening connects generations. People without a garden of their own are often happy to share a bed. Do you have plants, tools or …

Football, table tennis, swimming or a walking group: clubs are often the best way to meet people. Which club are you part of in Durrës County, and are you looking for new members? Give your club a quick shout-out!

Parents and grandparents know it well: not all playgrounds are equal. Which playground in Durrës County is your favourite, and why? Share your tips with other families!

Every place has spots only locals know: a bench with a view, a courtyard full of flowers, a little path along the water. Which hidden corner of Durrës County would you show a newcomer? Let us in on the secret!