My dad was born in a small town called Akhalkalaki, Georgia in 1949. At that time, Georgia was a part of the Soviet Union. My dad moved to the town of Gori when he was five and moved to Moscow when he was 10. He hadn't been back to Georgia in 60 years.

This year, for his 70th birthday, he organized a trip back to his birth country. Over the past week, my parents gathered close friends and relatives in Tbilisi. Some of the guests were native Georgians, living in Tbilisi. Others came from Sochi, Singapore, Israel and the US. I got the distinction for most miles traveled, coming from California.

As is the norm for an occasion such as a momentous birthday, speeches were giving by most in attendance. Russians traditionally come ready with witty custom written poems. Most read them to the audience, always with great emotion. One of the guests also wrote and performed a song. Admittedly, I'm not nearly as talented, but I wanted to memorialize the toast I gave for my dad's 70th birthday!

I’m heading back home today, while my parents continue their travels through Georgia. Happy birthday dad!