Review: Art Hotel Prague – A Cozy Stay in a Tranquil Part of Prague
During our recent trip to Prague in October 2024, we opted for a one-night stay at the Art Hotel Prague. We arrived at the hotel via Bolt taxi from Václav Havel Airport, which was straightforward and efficient. At about EUR 120 per room per night, the Art Hotel offered a comfortable yet reasonably priced stay, and we booked directly through the hotel’s website. We also had to pay a small city tax upon check-out.The Art Hotel is nestled in a quiet and prestigious residential neighborhood, providing a peaceful retreat that still offers easy access to Prague’s iconic spots. The historic center is within walking distance, taking roughly 20 minutes on foot, though we found taking a taxi around…
Foraging for Mushrooms near Tsodoreti Lake: A Day in the Suburbs of Tbilisi
Back in June 2024, I first came across Tsodoreti Lake during one of the Tbilisi Trails races, which turned out to be one of the most challenging runs of my life. While I tackled the 10K trail route, my partner and our kiddo took a gentler 7K path. But even with the varied distances, we all agreed on one thing—Tsodoreti Lake and its surrounding woods had a unique charm. As we caught our breath by the lake, my partner made a casual yet intriguing remark: "This place might be good for mushrooms." That one sentence planted a seed, and it stayed with us. It’s a classic Georgian forest—dense, wild, and seemingly untouched—a perfect place for mushroom foraging.Late October felt like the ideal…
Axel Georgian Business Angel Networking Event: Exploring Opportunities in Tbilisi
In mid-October 2024, I had the pleasure of attending the Axel Georgian Business Angel networking event, held right here in Tbilisi. Having passively observed the Georgian tech scene for over a decade, this event provided the perfect platform to witness firsthand the innovation and ambition fueling the local startup ecosystem. With TerraMatris Crypto Hedge Fund now in full swing, my focus has shifted to both raising capital and scouting promising investment opportunities—be it over centralized or decentralized exchanges (CEX or DEX). The timing for such an event couldn't have been better.The evening kicked off with an electric atmosphere of pitches and networking. Entrepreneurs…
Maika.ge: My Favorite Print Shop in Tbilisi
When it comes to reliable print services in Tbilisi, Maika.ge is my go-to choice. Located at Dinamo Arena, Gate 10, this small yet efficient print shop has been my trusted partner for several years. Whether for the translation business, Caucasus Translations, or more recently for TerraMatris Crypto Hedge Fund, their service has always impressed me.Most of the custom prints I order for Caucasus Translations are designed by myself, and here's a tip: Canva is your friend when it comes to creating sleek, professional designs. Maika.ge has always been there to take my designs and bring them to life with quality prints. Lately, I’ve expanded my orders to include T-shirts and caps for…
Tbilisi Bootcamp: Exploring the TON Ecosystem and New Opportunities for TerraMatris Crypto Hedge Fund
In October 2024, Tbilisi hosted the Tbilisi Bootcamp by Ton Foundation, a three-day event that brought together developers, entrepreneurs, and crypto enthusiasts from around the world. Although I couldn't participate in the entire event due to travel commitments, I attended the first day to explore and learn more about the TON token and its growing ecosystem. At TerraMatris Crypto Hedge Fund, we’ve been making small but strategic investments into TON, and this event provided an excellent opportunity to deepen my understanding and potentially open new doors for future growth.The TON token (The Open Network) has been gaining significant attention due to its innovative features and deep…
Vaclav Havel Airport Prague
In mid-October 2024, I had the opportunity to visit Vaclav Havel Airport in Prague for the first time, traveling from Tbilisi to Prague with a layover in Riga on AirBaltic, Latvia’s national carrier. The trip was part of a journey that allowed me to explore the airport’s facilities and discover how easy it is to navigate the city from there.Vaclav Havel Airport, though serving one of Europe's most popular tourist destinations, felt compact and easy to navigate. The airport has two main terminals. Terminal 1 caters primarily to international, non-Schengen flights, while Terminal 2 handles Schengen-area traffic. As someone used to the sprawling layouts of larger airports, I found the layout…
Kiketi Farm Near Tbilisi: A Hidden Gem for Family Fun
In mid-September 2024, my better half and I stumbled upon a delightful escape just a short drive from Tbilisi—Kiketi Farm. I must admit, I was pleasantly surprised by what this charming farm had to offer. From a cozy restaurant to engaging activities like horseback riding and arts and crafts for kids, Kiketi Farm proved to be an ideal spot for a family-friendly outing.Nestled in the serene countryside near Tbilisi, Kiketi Farm is a refreshing retreat from the city's hustle and bustle. As soon as we arrived, we were greeted by the inviting atmosphere of the farm, with a rustic yet modern restaurant that quickly caught our eye. We decided to settle down for a leisurely lunch, enjoying the…
Tbilisi Marathon 2024: Running for Fitness and Crypto Growth
On September 22, 2024, I joined thousands of runners for the annual Tbilisi Marathon. It was a bright, bit cloudy, lively day in the city, and this year, I ran the 10K race alongside the team from Caucasus Translations. As always, I was proud to represent my hedge fund, TerraMatris, sporting the fund’s T-shirt throughout the run.Although my finish time was a bit slower than last year (1 hour 13 minutes, though it is disputable as my fitness app showed 1 hour and 3 minutes), the real story for me was the astonishing growth of TerraMatris. Since its inception, the fund has grown an incredible 44 times! Running the marathon gave me a moment to reflect on the journey—balancing fitness,…
Hotel Serodani Near Telavi
At the start of September 2024, during our annual trip to the Tsinandali Music Festival, trip was organized by our company Caucasus Translations, we had the pleasure of staying at Hotel Serodani near Telavi. This hotel provided the perfect blend of comfort, convenience, and Georgian hospitality, making our festival experience even more memorable.Hotel Serodani is conveniently located near Telavi, just 2.9 km away from the historic King Erekle II Palace. Its prime location offers easy access to various attractions in the Kakheti region, including the stunning Gremi Citadel, which is only 20 km away. This made it an ideal base for exploring the area's cultural and historical sights.The hotel…
Georgian Vegetarian Cuisine: Top Dishes You Should Try in Tbilisi
Georgia, known for its rich culinary traditions, offers a diverse array of vegetarian dishes that are both delicious and satisfying. Despite being famous for its meat-heavy recipes, Georgian cuisine has a surprising variety of plant-based options. If you're a vegetarian traveling to Tbilisi or simply looking to explore new flavors, this curated list of top Georgian vegetarian dishes will take you on a flavorful journey. Plus, I’ll share some of the best restaurants in Tbilisi where you can enjoy these dishes.1. Khachapuri (Cheese Bread)One of Georgia's most iconic dishes, Khachapuri, is a must-try for any visitor. This cheese-filled bread comes in various forms, with the Adjarian…
Amilakhvari Castle: A Hidden Gem in the Kaspi Region
During a recent day trip around the Kaspi region in Georgia, I had the pleasure of visiting the historic Amilakhvari Castle, thanks to a recommendation from a German friend who joined us for the journey. Nestled in the serene landscape of central Georgia, this castle offers a fascinating glimpse into the country’s rich history, and it turned out to be a highlight of our trip.Amilakhvari Castle, though not as widely known as some of Georgia's other fortresses, holds its own charm and significance. Built in the medieval period, the castle once served as a stronghold for the Amilakhvari family, a prominent noble house in Georgian history. The structure, though partially in ruins, still carries…
Top Family-Friendly Things to Do in Omiš, Croatia: Beaches, Dining, and Adventure
At the start of August 2024, my family and I embarked on a memorable journey to Omiš, Croatia, to celebrate my 39th birthday. This trip was a perfect blend of relaxation and adventure, all set against the stunning backdrop of the Adriatic coast.Our journey began with a Carpatair flight from Riga to Split, a convenient option that allowed us to reach our destination with ease. The flight was smooth, and the excitement of celebrating my birthday in a new place added to the anticipation.We had prebooked an apartment in Omiš for around EUR 600, a decision that turned out to be just right for our needs. The town of Omiš, with its rich history and beautiful beaches, offered the perfect setting…
Kavtiskhevi Zoroastrian Temple
Sometimes, the most memorable discoveries come when you least expect them. That’s exactly what happened when I stumbled upon the Kavtiskhevi Zoroastrian Temple, a site that left me in awe and filled me with a tinge of regret for not having my drone with me to capture its full grandeur from above.The story of how I found this remarkable site began with a simple invitation. I had invited a German friend to a nearby fish restaurant, known for its fresh catch and serene atmosphere. After placing our order, we realized we had about 20-25 minutes before the food would be ready. My friend then mentioned a nearby spot—the Kavtiskhevi Zoroastrian Temple—that he thought might be worth a quick visit.…
A Family Guide to Borjomi: Hiking Trails and Sulfur Bath Tips
As summer came to a close, we continued our family's tradition of visiting Borjomi. This year marked yet another memorable trip at the end of August 2024, reaffirming our love for this beautiful Georgian town. Visiting Borjomi at least twice a year has become a cherished routine, a piece of life that we look forward to, blending relaxation, adventure, and the joy of family time.This time, we found a unique little apartment, perched on top of a garage. It was a charming, cozy space that offered just what we needed—a comfortable place to relax after our daily adventures. Its unusual setting added a touch of novelty to our stay, making it feel even more special. Price we paid for our stay GEL…
Birthday in Croatia
I'm thrilled to announce that our latest travel movie, "Birthday in Croatia," is now live! In just 3 minutes, you'll join us on a whirlwind adventure filled with unforgettable moments and stunning scenery.Our journey begins in Tbilisi, where we embark on an exciting trip that first takes us to Riga. From there, we make a quick detour to Courland, where we get hands-on and install a window—an unexpected but satisfying stop on our way. The fun continues as we throw a hotpool party, surrounded by friends, laughter, and good vibes.The next morning, we fuel up with a delicious chanterelle omelet for breakfast, setting the tone for the day ahead. Then, it's back to Riga, where we hop on Carpatair…
Split Airport
Split Saint Jerome Airport, also known as Split Airport, is the international airport serving the city of Split, Croatia. It is located 19 km (12 mi) from Split, on the west side of Kaštela Bay, in the town of Kaštela, and extending into the adjacent town of Trogir. It is named after Saint Jerome, the patron saint of Split-Dalmatia County.At the start of August 2024, I found myself on a Carpatair flight from Riga to Split, ready to celebrate my 39th birthday in the picturesque town of Omiš. This trip marked my first experience traveling to and from Split Airport, and I was pleasantly surprised by the ease and convenience of navigating through this gateway to the Dalmatian coast.Split…
India Movie (Golden Triangle & GOA)
Back at the end of December 2023, during Renée's school break, our family embarked on an unforgettable journey to India. Our adventure began with a flight from Tbilisi to New Delhi, the bustling capital of India. New Delhi welcomed us with its rich history and vibrant culture, offering a perfect introduction to our travels.New Delhi: A Cultural Melting PotIn New Delhi, we explored a myriad of attractions, each narrating a tale from a different era. The Red Fort, a stunning relic of Mughal architecture, and the India Gate, a war memorial, were among the highlights.The Majestic Taj MahalFrom New Delhi, our journey took us to Agra, home to the iconic Taj Mahal. The sheer beauty of this…
Frame House in Latvia: Outdoor Patio, Inner Walls, and More
As June came to an end, our family embarked on a journey from Tbilisi to Latvia, skipping Renee's school year for the last week and focus on our frame house project. Here's a glimpse into our busy but rewarding time working on the house.We left Tbilisi with excitement and anticipation, knowing that a lot of work awaited us in Latvia. Skipping a week of Renee's school was a calculated decision, as we wanted to make the most of this opportunity to push our frame house project closer to completion.Our first major task was finishing the outdoor patio. This space is crucial for us as it extends our living area and provides a beautiful spot to relax and enjoy the surrounding nature. We installed…
Wine with Friends Night in Tbilisi: A Perfect Blend of Networking and Tasting
Yesterday, I had the pleasure of attending a delightful wine-tasting event organized by my American friend, Colin. The evening was set in the charming ambiance of a wine gallery located at Irakli Abashidze 64. The event brought together a vibrant mix of expatriates from various industries, predominantly startups and founders, creating an excellent opportunity for networking and socializing.The wine gallery on Irakli Abashidze 64 is an exquisite venue that exudes both elegance and warmth. Its cozy, inviting atmosphere set the perfect backdrop for a night dedicated to the appreciation of fine wines and engaging conversations. The gallery's carefully curated selection of wines offered a…
The Great Latvia Summer 2024: From Riga to Nīca
As the warmth of summer envelops the Baltic region, there’s no better way to experience its charm than by embarking on a journey through the scenic landscapes of Latvia. This year, we invite you to join us on an unforgettable adventure in our latest film, "The Great Latvia Summer 2024." From the bustling streets of Riga to the tranquil shores of Nīca, and the historic town of Valka, this summer promises to be filled with exploration, local flavors, and hands-on projects.We kicked off our adventure by skipping a week from the British International School in Tbilisi to travel to Latvia on June 21. We stayed until July 14, making memories that will last a lifetime. During our stay, we…