Herods Boutique Hotel in Eilat Review

3 May, 2023 | Hotel reviews | 32 seen

Herods Boutique Eilat a Premium collection by Fattal Hotels is a 5-star superior hotel located at the end of Eilat's promenade, on the shores of the Red Sea in Israel. It offers luxurious rooms with a balcony, a swimming pool, and a spa. Free WiFi is available in the lobby.

We booked this hotel for a New Year's celebration of 2023 for about 2 nights and paid quite a hefty price of about USD 735 for a stay here.

Was it worth the price? Well, the weather could be better, but if was quite Okay, it maybe a little overpriced, but due to the fact it is actually located in a desert and we had a bathtub with super fast running water, which was quite awesome.

We come here by taxi from the Ramon airport during Sabbath. Flying here from Tel Aviv. It was about a 20-minute drive from the airport. 

The rooms offer views of the New Lagoon and the Edom Mountains. Each comes with air conditioning, an LCD TV, and a seating area equipped with a minibar. The private bathrooms are complete with spa baths, bathrobes, and slippers.

We had a desert view towards the border of Jordan. 

Quite decent breakfast with lots of dairy products, fish e.t.c

Kiddo was very happy about her stay here. Outside weather was about +22 C. 

The hotel is connected to the beach and nearby boulevard, We had many nice dinners on the boulevard, where we tried different cuisines. Also, some shopping centers were located there.

Despite being a bit overpriced, this was an excellent stay in Eilat during New Year's Eve. Great stay  - book now on Booking.com

Also, see my short from Israel: Israel Movie 2022 / 2023

Tbilisi Adventure Run Fun Race with Caucasus Translations Team

2 May, 2023 | Living in Georgia | 20 seen

On April 23, 2023, we run our first adventure race in Tbilisi through the spectacular mountains close to Mtstasminda Park.

The run turned out a bit harder than I expected, but the result still was awesome and everyone from the team finished.

I come up with the idea to have custom print T-shirts for every team member at Caucasus Translations

I made this design in Canva, the idea was to raise awareness of the brand name via QR code. We didn't raise much awareness in the end, but still looks awesome! 

In total there 11 runners (9 grownups, 2 kids) for the 7km fun run distance.

Later that day we went searching poppy fields to Marneuli, and Bolnis, unfortunately, we didn't find them. Just when post-processing the photos I realized, the most poppies that day were at Mtatsminda Park.

The route of all the distances started and finished in Mtatsminda Park. The route was marked, participants had BIB numbers and water, and snacks were offered during the race.

My time for the 7km adventure run was 1.03:23 which gave me 98th place among 129 participants. The best time was 31.52. Wow

Every participant finished, also our 4-year-old daughter did.

Besides dinner at the Funicular restaurant, every participant also got a free beer from the organizers.

Now, that was fun! Hope more such events will come!

Top 10 Best Selling Gaming Laptops with RTX 3050 Ti Graphics Card

1 May, 2023 | Laptop Reviews | 42 seen

In this article, I've listed 10 top-selling gaming laptops with  Nvidia GeForce RTX 3050 TI graphics card, available to purchase on Amazon. 

A quick note: This article contains affiliate links to Amazon, by clicking on links on this page and by making a purchase on the Amazon site, I might earn an affiliate income from that. The prices for laptop computers listed on this page are retrieved using Amazon Product Advertising API and are updated daily. For actual prices please refer to the product page on Amazon.

ASUS VivoBook Pro 16 Laptop, 16” 16:10 Display, Intel Core i7-12650H CPU, NVIDIA® GeForce RTX 3050 Ti GPU, 16GB RAM, 1TB SSD, Windows 11 Home, Quiet Blue, K6602ZE-DB76

• ASUS VivoBook Pro 16 laptop comes with 16” WUXGA (1920 x 1200) 16:10 aspect ratio with ultra-slim NanoEdge bezels
• Latest Intel Core i7-12650H Processor (24M Cache, up to 4.7 GHz, 6P cores + 4E cores) with Intel Iris Xe Graphics
• NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3050 Ti Laptop GPU, with 4GB GDDR6 - Studio Ready
• Fast storage and memory featuring 1TB M.2 NVMe PCIe 3.0 SSD and 16GB DDR4 on board RAM, Windows 11 Home
• Extensive connectivity with 1x Thunderbolt 4, USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-C support display / power delivery, USB 3.2 Type A, 3.5mm Combo Audio Jack, SD 4.0 card reader, HDMI 2.1, Wi-Fi 6E (802.11ax) and Bluetooth 5.2 (*USB transfer speed may vary. Learn more at ASUS.com)
• The ASUS IceCool Plus thermal technology in Vivobook Pro 16 uses upgraded 8 mm and 6 mm heat pipes with dual fans that efficiently accelerate heat transfer.
• The 180° lay-flat hinge on Vivobook Pro 16 makes it easier to share creative ideas with those around you

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MSI Katana GF66 15.6" 144Hz FHD Gaming Laptop: Intel Core i7-12650H RTX 3050 Ti 16GB 512GB NVMe SSD, Type-C USB 3.2 Gen 1, High-ResoluTion Audio, Cooler Boost 5, Win11 Home: Black 12UD-436

• Powered Up: The 12th Gen. Intel Core i7 processor to deliver maximum efficiency in gameplay, Multi-task work and producTivity.
• It All Starts Now: Enjoy the latest generation Windows 11 Home for your everyday needs. *MSI recommends Windows 11 Pro for business use.
• Ray-Tracing: The NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3050 Ti GPU powered by the NVIDIA 2nd gen RTX architecture for the most realistic ray-traced graphics and cutting-edge AI features.
• Smooth Display: The 15.6” 144Hz display delivers the fast refresh rate for smooth and vibrant gameplay.
• High-Speed Data: SSD Gen 4x4 and DDR4-3200 memory for the fastest data transfer, system speed and responsiveness.

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Lenovo Legion 5 15.6", Ryzen 5 5600H, GeForce RTX 3050 Ti, 8GB RAM, 512GB SSD, Phantom Blue, Windows 11 Home, 82JW00Q7US

• AMD Ryzen 5 5600H processor 3.3 GHz
• Hard Drive Capacity 512 GB
• RAM Memory 8 GB, Graphic : NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3050 Ti
• Model 82JW00Q7US Windows 11 Home
• Wireless comm standard: bluetooth; Model year: 2022
• System ram type: ddr4_sdram
• Voltage: 230.0 volts

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ROG Zephyrus G14 Alan Walker Special Edition Gaming Laptop, 14” 120Hz Pantone Validated WQHD Display, GeForce RTX 3050 Ti, AMD Ryzen 9 5900HS, 16GB DDR4, 1TB SSD, Wi-Fi 6, Windows 10, GA401QEC-K2064T

• CREATED WITH ALAN WALKER – The Zephyrus G14 AW SE gaming laptop has iconic AW elements designed straight on the chassis for an unmistakably Alan Walker look.
• LIMITED EDITION - Collect the exclusive ROG x AW merch including caps, socks, and a laptop sleeve with Alan Walker DNA.
• COLLECTIBLE ROG REMIX PACKAGING - Get a hands-on DJ experience by remixing Alan Walker’s hit single “Sorry”—or get creative with your own favorite songs with the ROG Remix
• ENTER THE MATRIX – Light up the special Spectre Blue version of the AniMe Matrix LED on the back of the chassis with custom AW animation oir customize it with your own animation to show off your personality.
• POWERFUL PERFORMANCE - Reach another level of Window 10 pc gaming realism with the powerful AMD Ryzen 9 5900HS processor and NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3050 Ti graphics.
• ROG INTELLIGENT COOLING - The G14’s tailored cooling solution features self-cleaning anti-dust tunnels that preserves performance and system longevity.
• SUPERIOR VISUALS - This gaming pc features a 14” QHD (2560 x 1440) fast 120Hz display with PANTONE Validation which will give you a smooth experience no matter the test.

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Lenovo IdeaPad 3 Gaming Laptop 15.6" 120Hz, NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3050 Ti 4GB GDDR6, 6-core AMD Ryzen 5-5600H(up to 4.2GHz), 16GB RAM 1TB PCIe SSD, Windows 11

• 15.6" Full HD (1920x1080) IPS LCD 300 Nit display. 120Hz Refresh Rate; Stereo Speakers; 802.11ax Wifi, Bluetooth 5.0, Ethernet LAN (RJ-45),. 720p HD Webcam.
• Intel AMD Ryzen 5-5600H 6-core, 16 MB cache, 3.3 GHz base frequency, up to 4.2 GHz Processor. Escalate your game with up to 6 high-performance cores in the AMD Ryzen 5-5600H processor.
• The GeForce RTX 3050 Ti is a mainstream GPU for gaming laptops, sitting below the RTX 3060 in the product stack. With the graduation from GTX to an RTX product, this means we're set to gain ray tracing and DLSS features. The latter in particular should bring a nice boost for this popular segment.
• Original Seal is opened for upgrade ONLY. Substantial high-bandwidth RAM to smoothly run your games and photo- and video-editing applications, as well as multiple programs and browser tabs all at once.
• It gives you enormous space to save all of your files. Enhance the overall performance of the laptop for business, student, daily usage.

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Lenovo IdeaPad Gaming 3 Laptop: Ryzen 5 5600H, RTX 3050 Ti, 256GB SSD, 8GB RAM, 15.6'' Full HD 120Hz Display, Windows 11 Black

• AMD Ryzen 5 5600H Processor (6 Core, 3.30 GHz up to 4.25 GHz, 16 MB Cache)
• 15.6'' Full HD (1920 x 1080) IPS display with NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3050 Ti GPU to supercharge your favorite games - Slingshot your gaming visuals with 120Hz refresh rate for tear-free gaming
• 8GB DDR4 RAM to smoothly run multiple applications and browser tabs all at once, 256GB Solid State Drive ideal for faster bootup and data transfer
• Windows 11 Home; 45Wh 3-cell Lithium-Polymer Battery; 14.16 x 9.92 x 0.95 inches; Backlit Keyboard
• Ports & Slots : HDMI, 2X USB 3.0 Type A, 1X USB 3.1 Type C, Network (RJ-45), Headphone/Microphone Combo Port, 1 x Headphone/Microphone Combo Jack; Bluetooth 5.0+2x2 802.11AX

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Asus TUF A15 Gaming Laptop, 15.6'' FHD 144Hz Screen, AMD Ryzen 7 4800H, GeForce RTX 3050 Ti, 32GB RAM, 1TB SSD, Webcam, RGB Backlit Keyboard, Wi-Fi 6, Windows 11 Home, Black

• The PC memory has been upgraded to 32GB DDR4 SDRAM for enhanced high bandwidth to smoothly run your graphics-heavy PC games and video-editing applications; Hard drive has been upgraded to 1TB PCIe NVMe M.2 SSD for faster start-up times and data access, no noise, and reduced heat production and power draw on the battery
• AMD Ryzen 7 4800H (8 Cores, 16 Threads, 8MB L3 Cache, 2.9GHz at Base Clock, Up to 4.2GHz at Max Boost Clock) and NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3050 Ti Graphics (4GB GDDR6)
• 15.6-inch, FHD (1920 x 1080) 16:9, anti-glare display, sRGB:62.5%, Adobe:47.34%, Refresh Rate:144Hz, Value IPS-level, Adaptive-Sync, Optimus Display
• 1 x USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-C, 3 x USB 3.2 Gen 1 Type-A, 1 x RJ45 LAN port, 1 x HDMI 2.0b, 1 x 3.5mm Combo Audio Jack; Wi-Fi 6(802.11ax) (Dual band) 2*2 + Bluetooth 5.1; RGB Backlit Keyboard
• Windows 11 Home - Beautiful, more consistent new design, Great window layout options, Better multi-monitor functionality, Improved performance features, New videogame selection and capabilities, Compatible with Android Apps

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ASUS TUF Gaming A15 15.6" FHD 144Hz (32GB DDR5 RAM, 1TB PCIe SSD, AMD 8-Core Ryzen 7 6800H (Beat i7-11800H), RTX 3050 Ti) Gaming Laptop, RGB Backlit, Type-C, Wi-Fi 6, Free HDMI, Win 11 Home

• 32GB (16GB x 2) DDR5 4800MHz Memory; 1TB PCIe SSD; AMD Ryzen 7 6800H (Octa-core, 16 Threads, base clock speed 3.2 GHz, max turbo to 4.7GHz, 16MB L3 Cache); Dedicated NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3050 Ti Graphics Card.
• 15.6” Full HD (1920 x 1080) Anti-glare IPS, 144Hz, 16:9 LED display; Rise your gaming performance via 144 Hz refresh rates; Expandable to external monitors via HDMI, max resolution of external monitors can be 4K @60Hz.
• NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3050 Ti 4 GB GDDR6, up to 1585 MHz, 95 W; The Powerful and efficient Dedicated Graphics offers gameplay at medium settings. Ideal for gaming enthusiasts and ensure your most AAA Gaming applications will run reliably on this Gaming laptop: The Witcher 3, Fortnite, Elden Ring, Titanfall 2, APEX Legends and Cyberpunk 2077; Ultimate Ray Tracing and AI (NVIDIA DLSS and NVIDIA Broadcast); VR Ready.
• 1 x USB 3.2 Gen 1 Type-C support DisplayPort/G-SYNC, 1x USB 3.2 Gen 1 Type-C, 2 x USB 3.2 Gen 1 Type-A, 1 x RJ45 LAN port, 1 x HDMI 2.0b, 1 x 3.5mm Combo Audio Jack; Wi-Fi 6(802.11ax) (Dual band) 2*2 + Bluetooth 5.2.
• Brand New Computer has been resealed to upgrade the Memory or SSD. One-year warranty from the manufacturer. Three-year warranty for upgraded Memory/SSD for Issaquah Highlands Tech customers; Windows 11 Home 64-bit.

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ASUS Vivobook Pro 15 OLED Laptop, 15.6” 2.8K OLED Display, AMD Ryzen 7 6800H Mobile CPU, NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3050 Ti GPU, 16GB RAM, 1TB SSD, Windows 11 Home, Quiet Blue, M6500RE-EB74

• Complimentary 3-month Adobe Creative Cloud subscription with the purchase. Learn more on ASUS website for more details
• ASUS Vivobook Pro 15 OLED laptop comes with 15.6”2.8K (2880 x 1620) OLED 16:9 aspect ratio with 120Hz refresh rate and ultra-slim NanoEdge bezels
• The laptop comes with 600nits peak brightness, 100% DCI-P3 color gamut, 1,000,000:1 Contrast ratio, VESA CERTIFIED Display HDR True Black 600, and Pantone Validated
• Latest AMD Ryzen 7 6800H Mobile Processor (8-core/16-thread, 16MB cache, up to 4.7 GHz max boost) and AMD Radeon Graphics
• NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3050 Ti Laptop GPU, with 4GB GDDR6 - Studio Ready

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ASUS ZenBook Pro 15 OLED Laptop 15.6” FHD Touch Display, AMD Ryzen 9 5900HX CPU, NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3050 Ti gpu, 16GB RAM, 1TB PCIe SSD, Windows 11 Pro, Pine Grey, UM535QE-XH91T

• Aspect Ratio:16:9
• Complimentary 3-month Adobe Creative Cloud subscription with the purchase. Learn more on ASUS website for more details
• 15.6 inch 400 nits FHD OLED NanoEdge bezel touch display
• Latest AMD Ryzen 9 5900HX Processor (16M Cache, 8 cores) and NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3050 Ti 4GB GDDR6 graphics
• Windows 11 Pro
• Fast storage and memory featuring 1TB PCIe NVMe SSD with 16GB DDR4 RAM
• Built-in IR camera for facial recognition sign in with Windows Hello

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Tbilisi Adventure Run

28 April, 2023 | Living in Georgia | 12 seen

The video titled "Next time I will be a referee or our latest Tbilisi Adventure Run video is out!" features a fun and adventurous 7km run that took place in Tbilisi, Georgia.

The video showcases the team of Caucasus Translations as they embark on this exciting journey through the beautiful trails of Tbilisi. The video captures stunning footage of the runners as they navigate through the hills and valleys, providing viewers with a glimpse of the breathtaking scenery along the way.

The video also includes humorous moments, as one of the team members jokingly expresses a desire to become a referee next time.

Overall, the video is a great representation of the fun and excitement that can be had while participating in a team adventure run. The creators encourage viewers to enjoy the video, give it a thumbs up, and look forward to their next adventure on the trails.

Easter Picnic at Birtvisi Canyon

27 April, 2023 | | 11 seen

On Sunday, April 9, Easter 2023 was celebrated, and this year we decided to spend it in Tbilisi and Birtvisi canyon.

Our day started early in the morning as we prepared for the festivities by experimenting with a new dough and making a Jewish-style pie with eggs (inspired by a similar dish we had tried in Israel), coloring eggs, and baking cinnamon rolls.

To make the day even more special, we invited our friends - a Greek-Latvian family - to join us for an Easter picnic at Birtvisi canyon. It was the perfect way to spend the day, surrounded by the beauty of nature and the joy of spending time with loved ones.

My better part did some good job preparing the dough. Egg filling covered with cheese. Just delicous!

A special tradition we have following for many years already. Kiddo loves!

Sprinkled with powdered sugar. yum!

Here we made a quick stop at Tskenti, to buy some missing items at Nikora store.

For our picnic just the bare minimum - two baskets with food, twigs for fire place, a tent, a few bottles of wine.

Quite awesome picnic area, just before the start of the hiking trails inside the canyon.

Piece of Life!

Top Places to Visit in Georgia and Tbilisi in May

26 April, 2023 | Travel guides | 36 seen

Georgia is a country with a rich history, diverse culture, stunning natural landscapes and delicous cuisine.

May is a great time to visit as the weather is warm and there are plenty of outdoor activities to enjoy.

In this article I have listed some ideas and top places to visit in Georgia and Tbilisi in the month of May:

Explore the cobblestone streets of Tbilisi's Old Town and admire the mix of architectural styles, including Persian, Byzantine, and European. Visit the Narikala Fortress for stunning views of the city and take a relaxing sulfur bath in one of the historic bathhouses.

Visit the ancient city of Mtskheta, which was the former capital of Georgia and is home to several UNESCO World Heritage sites, including the Jvari Monastery and the Svetitskhoveli Cathedral.

Take a day trip to the picturesque town of Kazbegi, located in the stunning Caucasus Mountains. Hike up to the Gergeti Trinity Church for panoramic views of the surrounding peaks and valleys.

Relax on the beaches of Batumi, a seaside resort town on the Black Sea. Visit the Batumi Botanical Garden, the Gonio Fortress, and Batumi Boulevard for a taste of the local culture and history.

Visit the ancient cave city of Vardzia, which dates back to the 12th century and is a stunning example of Georgian architecture and engineering.

Explore the Kakheti region, which is famous for its wine production. Visit the vineyards and wineries of the area, sample the local wines, and learn about the traditional winemaking techniques.

Visit the remote mountain region of Svaneti, which is home to some of the highest peaks in Europe and has a unique culture and architecture. Explore the medieval towers and churches, and hike through the stunning alpine scenery.

Strada Mosashvili near Vake Park

25 April, 2023 | Restaurant reviews | 24 seen

Strada is a chain of restaurants in Tbilisi, serving contemporary American and Asian cuisine, created by an international team of chefs. 

We love coming here for a glass of wine, meatballs, seabass, or tom yum soup. 

Located on Mosashvili street 11 in lively Vake neighbourhood close to the Vake park, Strada seems is a popular choice among lcoals and expats.

There is one more Strada I know about located on Marjanishvili area. 

There are many good restaurants and cafeteris located on this street and Strada is among them

One of our favorite latelty is Georgian white desert Tvishi wine 

Tvishi is an appellation for wines produced in a 15 km2 (3,700 acres) zone around Tvishi village in northwestern Georgia. The zone is on the right bank of the Rioni River and includes Alpana village.

Tvishi is a dry to semi-sweet, still white wine made from Tsolikouri grapes. 

Makes sense why I prefer this wine - as my favorite still is Khvanchakra wine, also from the region of Racha.

Delicous tom yum soup rich with shrimp and coconut milk. Yummy

Being vegetarian for more than one year I still find this photograph very inviting. 

Nice place, with prices above the average.

Our total check this time GEL 76 for a tom yum soup, chicken fajitas and two glass of Tvishi wine.

I should also note that the place is kid friendly, we come here sometimes with our kiddo and try meatballs.

Batumi. Easter. 2023

21 April, 2023 | Living in Georgia | 11 seen

The Great Easter Movie is Out - Another Awesome Weekend in Batumi!

Batumi, the coastal city of Georgia, has always been a favorite destination for tourists all over the world. It is a perfect blend of nature, culture, and modernization that leaves everyone in awe. This year, we visited Batumi once again and had an amazing time exploring the city's hidden gems.

We decided to stay in the Old Town and booked a boutique hotel O. Galogre that gave us a taste of the old-world charm with modern amenities. The narrow streets, the colorful buildings, and the architecture all contributed to making us feel like we were transported back in time. The hotel was cozy and comfortable, and we enjoyed the hospitality of the staff.

During our trip, we visited the Batumi Botanical Garden, which is a natural wonderland filled with diverse flora and fauna. The garden is vast and offers stunning views of the Black Sea. We took a leisurely stroll and admired the beauty of the plants and flowers. It was a peaceful experience that allowed us to connect with nature.

We also decided to visit the Georgia-Turkey border at Sarpi, which was just a short drive away from Batumi.

Overall, our trip to Batumi was a fantastic experience, and we were able to create some wonderful memories. We put together a video of our trip to capture the beauty and essence of Batumi, which we hope you will enjoy watching.

If you're looking for a unique travel destination that offers a combination of nature, culture, and modernization, then Batumi is the place for you. It has something for everyone, and we can't wait to go back and explore more of what this city has to offer. So, thumbs up for Batumi, and start planning your trip today!

Sevanavank Monastery Complex on the shores of Lake Sevan

20 April, 2023 | Churches and Monasteries | 37 seen

Sevanavank is a monastic complex located on a peninsula at the northwestern shore of Lake Sevan in the Gegharkunik Province of Armenia, not far from the town of Sevan. Initially, the monastery was built at the southern shore of a small island. After the artificial draining of Lake Sevan, which started in the era of Joseph Stalin, the water level fell about 20 metres, and the island transformed into a peninsula.

At the southern shore of this newly created peninsula, a guesthouse of the Armenian Writers' Union was built. The eastern shore is occupied by the Armenian president's summer residence, while the monastery's still active seminary moved to newly constructed buildings at the northern shore of the peninsula.

I first learned about this beautiful place during our business trip to Yerevan back in February 2023, when we made a short stop here and I took my DJI Mavic Air 2 to fly around. One thing I remember was freezing. 5 minute piloting with bare hands was very extreme. 

Due to easier accessibility (once it became a peninsula), good highway and railway connections with the Armenian capital Yerevan, a well-developed tourist industry in the nearby town of Sevan, and its picturesque location (although less picturesque than it was before the lake level drop), Sevanavank is one of the most visited tourism sights in Armenia.

According to an inscription in one of the churches, the monastery of Sevanavank was founded in 874 by Princess Mariam, the daughter of Ashot I (who became a king a decade later). At the time, Armenia was still struggling to free itself from Arab rule.

The monastery was strict as it was mainly intended for those monks from Etchmiadzin who had sinned. Jean-Marie Chopin, a French explorer of the Caucasus, visited there in 1830 and wrote of a regimen restraining from meat, wine, youth or women. Another explorer visited the monastery in 1850 and wrote of how manuscripts were still being copied manually.

Khedi Restaurant Tbilisi

19 April, 2023 | Restaurant reviews | 96 seen

In today's article, I am excited to announce the resumption of my restaurant reviews series, with a special focus on Tbilisi restaurants. I recently discovered a trendy restaurant called Khedi on Ketevan Samebuli avenue, and I cannot wait to share my experience with you.

On a rainy day in early April, my partner and I were searching for a decent dining place near the Tbilisi sea but were unable to find anything in the area. My partner suggested we consult her WhatsApp chat groups, where some expats highly recommended Khedi Restaurant, citing its incredible view of Tbilisi.

Upon arriving at the location and parking our car on a nearby street, we were a bit confused to find a hotel called Khedi instead of a restaurant. Nevertheless, we ventured inside and inquired with the receptionists about the restaurant's location. To our delight, they confirmed the existence of the restaurant and directed us to the 7th floor.

If you're fortunate enough to secure a window-side table, you'll be treated to breathtaking views of the old town.

After being a vegetarian for over a year, I have found myself gravitating towards soups like this one.

Badrijani rolls are a popular appetizer in Georgian cuisine that feature fried eggplant slices stuffed with a spiced walnut paste. The dish is believed to have originated in the western region of Georgia, but it has since become a staple in Georgian restaurants and homes across the country.

I had always avoided trying Adjarian Khachapuri in Tbilisi, believing that the locals didn't know how to make it properly. However, I was proven wrong during a recent visit to Khedi restaurant, where I had a delicious and authentic Adjarian khachapuri that exceeded my expectations.

A delicious treat awaits!

We were treated to a truly amazing culinary experience when the food was prepared right before our eyes, taking us completely by surprise.

Khedi Restaurant is one of the best discoveries I've made in Tbilisi thus far. Though our total bill came out to be around GEL 130, slightly above average, it was worth every penny. Additionally, the restaurant is kid-friendly, as evidenced by the fact that they provided my 4-year-old with french fries, paper, and pencils to keep busy.

I highly recommend it!

Postcards from Yerevan (Winter)

18 April, 2023 | | 30 seen

Back in February 2023, we made a short, but very remarkable business trip to Armenia and of course it's capital Yerevan.

In today's Piece of Life series - a day from Winter in the city of Yerevan. Many years ago I featured Postcards from Yerevan (Spring)
 

Republic Square in Yerevan definitely is the city's one of main landmarks and popular tourist spots. I first discovered it back at the start of January 2014, and have returned to Yerevan city since then a couple of more times.

Centrally located on Republic Square. We booked this hotel for about 3 day stay at mid-February 2023 paying about EUR 420.

If you are into Soviet Architecture, this place deffintely is worth the visit. The views from the viewing platfom are just awesome.

One of the top attractions in Yerevan, Armenia is the Cascade - stairways providing probably the most beautiful views of the city.

Let's see how many years it will take me to take Yerevan in Summer photos?!

Jiu-Jitsu, Easter, Birtvisi

14 April, 2023 | Living in Georgia | 20 seen

This past weekend was an unforgettable one, full of excitement and adventure. We were privileged to spend it with Coach Giorgi and experience the amazing world of Jiu-Jitsu. Along with this incredible martial art, we also got to partake in some Easter festivities such as egg coloring, food experiments, and an unforgettable picnic at Birtvisi Canyon.

Jiu-Jitsu is a unique form of martial arts that originated in Japan and has since spread all over the world. It is a discipline that teaches students how to defend themselves in real-life situations using grappling and ground fighting techniques. Coach Giorgi is a skilled and experienced practitioner of Jiu-Jitsu, and he is really nice to our 4 year old. .

We also experimented with some new food recipes, trying out different ingredients and combinations to create some unique and delicious dishes.

However, the highlight of our weekend was undoubtedly the Easter picnic at Birtvisi Canyon. This stunning natural wonder provided the perfect backdrop for a relaxing and enjoyable day spent with friends and family. 

 It was a wonderful way to celebrate Easter, try out new things, and create unforgettable memories. We highly recommend Jiu-Jitsu to anyone looking for a unique and empowering martial art, and we urge everyone to explore the beautiful natural wonders of Birtvisi Canyon.

Monument to 50 Years of Soviet Armenia in Yerevan

13 April, 2023 | Tourism objects | 90 seen

The monument to the 50th anniversary of the October Revolution is located in the Arabkir administrative district of Yerevan, at the beginning of Azatutyan Avenue, above the Cascade complex.

The monument was built in 1967 and is dedicated to the 50th anniversary of the establishment of the Soviet Union in Armenia.

If you are into Soviet Architecture, this place deffintely is worth the visit. The views from the viewing platfom are just awesome.

 The 50-meter obelisk, which is 65 meters, symbolizes the 50th anniversary. It ends with three slightly pointed arches. Such an end of the monument was used in the Urartian period and used to symbolize the royal crown.

 A stylized pine tree (15m) is perceived as a wheat spike, which had historical and cultural significance in the past and symbolized the Tree of Life.

I first visited this place back in Summer of 2014, the place looked more or less the same. Which leads to think it could take anothed decade (or two) bedore making looks prettier.

Tbilisi - Yerevan Transfer by GoTrip.Ge Review

12 April, 2023 | Travel guides | 74 seen

If you are planning to travel from Tbilisi to Yerevan, you might want to consider using the services of gotrip.ge company. This is a popular company in Georgia that offers transportation services to different destinations in the country, including the transfer between Tbilisi and Yerevan. 

The founder of the company, Sergey, actually contacted me a few years ago asking to make a review of this company, but never actually came back. Anyhow, as I had used gotrip.ge service for a couple of times myself I decided to give my unbiased review.

In the past I have used several ground transportation options to Yerevan, private cars and minivans, see my article here: Tbilisi - Yerevan Transfers By Taxi Car

First of all, let's talk about the price. Back in February 2023, the price for a one-way transfer between Tbilisi and Yerevan with gotrip.ge was around GEL 450 / USD 176 per car. This price might be subject to change, so it's always a good idea to check the company's website or contact them directly for more up-to-date information. Despite being a bit on the expensive side, this price includes several benefits that make the journey more comfortable and convenient.

We were travelling two grownups and kiddo, plenty of space in the backseat + luggage in the trunk

One of the main advantages of using gotrip.ge for your transfer is that they offer a door-to-door service. This means that they will pick you up from your location in Tbilisi and drop you off at your destination in Yerevan. This can save you a lot of time and hassle, especially if you are carrying heavy luggage or travelling with children. We were picked up at our home address in Tbilisi and delivered to our hotel in Yerevan.

The transfer between Tbilisi and Yerevan takes around 6 hours, including the time spent at the border crossing. The distance between the two cities is around 270 km, and the route passes through some beautiful landscapes and scenic views. The journey is quite comfortable and safe, and the driver will make sure to take breaks and stop at suitable places along the way.

Border crossing is easy, make sure you took your passport with you: Georgia / Armenia Border Crossing at Sadakhlo / Bagratashen

In conclusion, if you are looking for a comfortable and convenient way to travel from Tbilisi to Yerevan, gotrip.ge is a great option to consider. Despite being a bit expensive, their services include several benefits that make the journey more enjoyable and stress-free. The transfer takes around 6 hours, including the border crossing, and the company's staff takes care of all the paperwork and procedures. So, sit back, relax, and enjoy the beautiful scenery along the way!

P.S. You can order car also from Yerevan to Tbilisi.

Beyond Yerevan: Why Vanadzor Should Be on Your Armenia Itinerary

11 April, 2023 | | 184 seen

Vanadzor, also known as Kirovakan during the Soviet era, is the third-largest city in Armenia. Located in the northern part of the country, Vanadzor serves as the administrative center of the Lori Province.

The city is situated on the banks of the Pambak River and is surrounded by the picturesque mountains of the Lesser Caucasus. I made a quick stop and made a few drone photos here in Mid February 2023, after returning from Yerevan to Tbilisi.

Vanadzor has a rich history and culture, with several notable landmarks and attractions. The city is home to many museums, art galleries, and cultural centers, including the Vanadzor Fine Arts Museum, the House-Museum of Stepanavan Brothers, and the Vanadzor Drama Theatre.

Visitors can also explore the natural beauty of the region by hiking in the nearby mountains or visiting the Vanadzor Botanical Garden.

One of the must-visit places in Vanadzor is the Lori Berd Fortress, a medieval fortress situated on a hill overlooking the city. Another popular attraction is the Sanahin Monastery, a UNESCO World Heritage Site located about 20 kilometers from Vanadzor. The monastic complex, dating back to the 10th century, is renowned for its exquisite architecture and decorative art.

Vanadzor is also known for its traditional crafts, including carpet weaving, pottery, and woodcarving. Visitors can witness these crafts firsthand by visiting local workshops and markets.

Vanadzor is a fascinating destination for those who want to explore the history, culture, and natural beauty of Armenia. With its stunning landscapes, rich cultural heritage, and vibrant arts scene, Vanadzor is a city that should not be missed.