This photo was taken in France during the winter of 2015 and features a sign that reads "The bakery no longer gives credit." This message immediately caught my attention, as it reminded me of the difficult times my home country of Georgia faced in the 90s.
During this period, following the collapse of the USSR, we experienced severe economic hardship. Signs like this were commonplace in stores, hairdressers, hospitals, and even public restrooms. "Pee now, pay later" was a practical reality for many. Even basic necessities like bread were rationed with coupons, and finding normal food was a challenge.
The collapse of infrastructure meant that electricity was only available for a few hours each day, if at all. In my school, we relied on a wood-burning stove for warmth. The resulting chaos created fertile ground for criminal gangs to thrive, leading to a civil war that ravaged the country.
As I look at this photo, I was reminded of the stark contrast between the struggles of the past and the relative ease of life in the present. It's easy to take for granted the simple things we enjoy every day, like a fresh loaf of bread or a warm place to sleep.
There are still many places in the world where people struggle to meet their basic needs, where signs like this one outside the bakery are a daily reality.
Despite these challenges, we persevered. The arrival of Western products like Rocky and Cola brought with them the delights of capitalism. Looking back, it's hard to believe we survived those difficult times. This photo serves as a reminder of the resilience of the human spirit in the face of adversity.
By Dato. 23 April, 2023