"Every morning, when I open the window and look at my neighbourhood and beloved city Batumi, I realize that I will be happy only here.

The people here are very warm. In any case, I was very well received by this city. Moreover, we have a lot in common. My homeland, Sudan, is also a very traditional country. Respect for family, neighbour, or friend is also important there. There is even a similar saying in both countries: in Sudan, it is said that your neighbour is closer than a brother who lives far away. So human relationships, attention, respect and cuisine really unite us.

I came to Georgia from Sudan 9 years ago with my spouse and three children as a refugee. We had to leave our homeland because of political persecution. We lived in Tbilisi for a while. When we moved to Batumi, I immediately realized that I only wanted to live here.

I did not know Georgian, but I knew that I could not live alone and I needed to communicate with people. I am like that - I like to communicate with others, so, outside or at home, I would talk to everyone and ask questions… They also saw my kindness and the first communication took place between us. This is how I got to know my current neighbours - I told them my story and said that I was ready to learn everything from them about the local culture, language, cuisine or country.

Over some time, we got used to everything. My children - two girls and one boy - go to Georgian school. The children speak excellent Georgian. It is more difficult to speak Arabic for them now. They are in the yard with their Georgian friends all the time, they study Georgian, do homework in Georgian, they even speak and argue in Georgian at home with each other. I am also very interested in Georgian culture, history and I learn everything from the children's school program with them.

The door to my house is always open for my neighbours and friends. I know the whole district and I know they are like that too. We take interest in each other, we take care of the ones in need, we even go to funerals together... It happened so that we fell in love with each other so much. When it is Bairam, my neighbours come to me. When it's a Christian holiday, I visit them. They too are my family; they too are my people.

In general, many stereotypes are broken when people get to know each other and it turns out that they do not want to harm each other. This country received me very well when I had problems, for which I am grateful. I want my children to grow up here. Batumi is a very beautiful city but people I have relationships with are most important. I cannot even imagine my life without them."