Pona Village
Tucked away in the rugged landscapes of Kakheti, lies the village of Pona—a place where the daily rhythm is marked by great economical and infrastructure challenges, yet the local community exudes a toughness that defines their way of life. Our village is a blend of residing Georgians, Azerbaijanis, Ossetians, and Russians.
Life in Pona is characterized by the kind of resilience that emerges from facing adversity, along with reward of really living with nature. The villagers, deeply connected to their roots, have weathered economic challenges, such as the collapse of the Soviet Union, where nearby factories offered employment that no longer do. Now, the region´s inhabitants are primarily agriculture workers—either farming for their own food, or to sell in the market. Wineries dot over the map of Lagodekhi municipality (our county), and sell produced goods throughout the country.
The traditional Caucasian spirit of toasting to life's struggles finds its true resonance here, as locals share stories of overcoming hardships with a tough mindset that binds the community together.
Navigating Electrical Outages
In a world where constant connectivity is often taken for granted, Pona grapples with almost weekly electrical outages. The village, at times, plunges into darkness, requiring its inhabitants to rely on resourcefulness and self-sufficiency. Candles flicker in our windows, and for the rare lucky few the hum of generators becomes a familiar background humming noise.
We found that relying on portable chargers is of utmost importance here during storm season. In Sept 2023, we were hit with a horrible hurricane that flooded the entire first floor of our house. We were without power for days, yet I was still able to work remotely via hotspotting data from my sim card, and having multiple back up portable chargers.
Everyday Realities
The authenticity of Pona as a true example of a Caucasian village lies not just in its landscapes, but in the of everyday life of our fellow villagers. Rustic homes in shambles, often handed down through generations, bear witness to the passage of time. Local markets up the road, though modest, are vibrant hubs of exchange, where necessities and stories are shared. A visit to Pona offers a raw and unfiltered glimpse into the realities of a community that persists against the odds.
Practical Insights for our Visitors:
Community Engagement: Visitors are encouraged to engage with the locals, sharing stories and experiences. It's through these interactions that the true spirit of Pona emerges. We can set up dinners for our guests with locals.
Respect for Resilience: As you explore Pona, approach the experience with respect for the resilience of its people. As you contemplate a visit to our humble village, be prepared to witness a reality of poverty, farm animals roaming the streets, and an enduring spirit of its people.
Pona, with its tough mindset, resilient community, and unfiltered daily life, stands as a testament to the strength found in facing challenges head-on.
Local Pona resident of for 20 years, David Aladashvili. Our “Georgian Daddy” and expert wood cutter. David has helped us settle into village life from the very start, gifting us vegetables from his farm, cigarettes, homemade raw wine, and tools—such as his chainsaw occasionally.