Posted by Wade
As I was walking down the street last week, I was thinking about the "parhelpers" (I made up this word). These are people who "help" you park your car and "help" you back out into the busy streets of Tbilisi. I have to say that I find myself more amused at them than I expect help from them. Most of the time their definition of "help" is running up to your car window after you have already risked your life backing out into traffic by yourself. This is the point where they stick out their hand expecting the customary 50 tetri (which is about 30 cents).
Several months ago, it was reported on the news that there is no obligation to pay these people, but may at your choosing. The government has taken over this business by requiring an annual parking permit to have the privilege of parking in the dotted white lines. So, now you pay for the permit and then you usually feel sorry for the people standing out there all day and pay them too.
So my Americanism comes out when these guys don't do anything and then expect payment anyway. Or is that Americanism anymore (yes, that is another topic).
Anyway, I say all that with a grin because in everything there can be good and bad. Those guys who don’t really work do not impress me, but there have been a few amazing “parhelpers” that we have been able to converse with or observe.
One man named Vaja, who works at the bazroba, is a wonderful man. Several times we have parked in "his" area when we have to go to the market and stock up on flour, sugar, etc. Every time we park near him, he is excited to see us and always does a great job helping us. So, we try to pay him (and pay him extra even). He usually won't even take our money and then he makes us wait. Why? Well, he insists on running to the store to buy us a chocolate bar! We absolutely do not expect this from the “parhelpers,” but this guy is really nice. One day when it was very hot out, we stopped by a store and bought Vaja water. He was super thankful when we gave it to him. When we have guests he treats us extra special and buys them really nice chocolates. We love Vaja, and he even gave us his phone number so we could call ahead for him to reserve us a parking spot!
With our friend Vaja last fall
Another man who is a “parhelper” close to where we live is always enjoying the little kids. He plays with them, talks to them, and you can tell that he really loves them. He is always smiling. However, I have yet to see him actually performing his duties as a “parhelper.”
One man in Old Tbilisi actually stands behind your car while you are backing out and stops traffic for you. This is my definition of what a typical “parhelper” should do. He cares about us and doesn’t want us to get hit. He smiles and talks to us. He lets you put out the money first before sticking his hand out. This guy is a true “parhelper.”
So, thanks to the hard-working “parhelpers.” You are a joy. We are thankful for you. We hope the others learn from you.
