'The Republic of Georgia can rightly be described as the jewel of the Caucasus and that description is burnished to thrilling brilliance by Conor McKeever's sparkling descriptions of his time working there. The native soil of historic figures as disparate as Pushkin and Stalin, it played host to a series of roller-coaster adventures offering him beguiling insights into the land and its people, their traditions, their culture - and most of all their wonderful food. It's at times tempting to draw the occasional parallel between Georgia and my own Northern Ireland. Both are small countries inhabited by people with strong identities, deeply held beliefs, generous hearts and hefty appetites for fun. Conor's decision to devote the proceeds from his book to teacher training in Georgia is a wonderful reciprocal gesture towards a country that may yet adopt him as one of its sons.' Rt Hon Peter D. Robinson MLA, First Minister Northern Ireland Executive '... this book, with its excellent illustrations, is humourous and funny - an easy read which should stimulate an influx of tourists, keen to experience Georgia's history and its many wonderful buildings and cultural artefacts, not to mention its delicious Khachapuri cheese pies and other culinary delights! Who could have guessed that working as an educational consultant could be so much fun?' Dr Richard McMinn OBE (former Principal, Stranmillis University College, Belfast 'Connor McKeever's book is an example of someone who lives to teach. Reading it I was reminded of a quote I came across recently about the power of teaching; "When you love people and have the desire to make a profound, positive impact upon the world, then will you have accomplished the meaning to live." Sasha Azevedo.' Margaret Ritchie MP
