Sulfur Bath N5 in Tbilisi

14 February, 2022 | Health & Wellness | 162 seen

Sulfur Bath N5 is located in the Tbilisi Bath district of Abanotubani. 

We have been heading to these bathhouses a lot in the past (back in 2011-2013), since then we have changed our location, visiting other, not so fancy ones on Kyiv street, but lately again, we have started to visit sulfur bathhouses in the old town district.

Chreli Abano Sulfur Bath in Tbilisi

This time we visited Bath house N5

The bathhouse is located near the Heydar Aliyev park

We got this small but deep sulfur bath for about GEL 70. 

Tea with jam after or during the bath. 

Place seems bit neglected, but also price for private rooms is bit lower. I guess they also have public bath available both for men and women (seperetly)

Experienced my second Earth Quake in Tbilisi

14 February, 2022 | Living in Georgia | 11 seen

On February 13, 2022, late evening for the second time in my life, I felt tremors of an earthquake and they happened in Tbilisi, capital of Georgia. According to the sources the magnitude of the earthquake was 5.4 with the epicenter in Armenia.

My previous experience with earthquakes dates back to June 2014, when I experienced tremours from a 4.8 magnitudes strong earthquake.

We were watching a TV show, when the tremours started, the bed was shacking quite well. I bit panicked, ran to the child room and quickly thought how to evacuate in case of something serious, but couldn't figure nothing better than just to cover our child with my body. Luckly the tremours soon stopped, but I still felt concerned for a few more hours.

M 5.4 - 19 km WSW of Metsavan, Armenia
2022-02-13 18:25:55 (UTC)41.160°N 44.001°E10.0 km depth

Stay safe and take into consideration - time by time - earthquakes happen in Georgia.

Bakuriani ski resort in Georgia

11 February, 2022 | Living in Georgia | 20 seen

Bakuriani COOL - another awesome weekend has been on our tapes. The little one for the first time on skates and skis. Paragliding, chariot riding, and some investment opportunities. Enjoy the video and thumbs up!

Independence Memorial Hall in Colombo

10 February, 2022 | Tourism objects | 26 seen

Independence Memorial Hall is a national monument in Sri Lanka built for commemoration of the independence of Sri Lanka from British rule with the restoration of full governing responsibility to a Ceylonese-elected legislature on February 4, 1948.

It is located in Independence Square (formally Torrington Square) in the Cinnamon Gardens, Colombo. It also houses the Independence Memorial Museum.

I first visited it at the start of January 2022 during our first sightseeing trip around Colombo. Got here by a tuk-tuk.

The monument was built at the location where the formal ceremony marking the start of self-rule, with the opening of the first parliament by Prince Henry, Duke of Gloucester occurred at a special podium February 4, 1948.

Located at the head of the monument is the statue of the first prime minister of the country Rt. Hon. Don Stephen Senanayake "The Father of the Nation". Most of the annual National Independence Day celebrations have been held here. Apart from a monument it served as the ceremonial assembly hall for the Senate of Ceylon and the House of Representatives of Ceylon until the parliament was moved to the new parliament complex…

Restaurant at Georgia Gold Hotel in Gori

9 February, 2022 | Restaurant reviews | 37 seen

Georgia Gold is a 4-star hotel located just in the heart of Gori, Georgia. Seems this place has been opened to the public just recently. 

Anyhow, we didn't stay here for a night, but come for a breakfast and got some of the most delicious ones. 

We stayed overnight in Gori at another,  Royal house hotel, but in the morning decided to check out early and look for some fancy breakfast place. I remembered about this place and here we come.

We were greated by English speaking and very firendly staff. After a brief thinking we ordered some cafe lates, omeletes and juices.

We were served with traditional Georgian cheses, salads and more.

Awesome place. If there is a reason to visit Gori, then one of them might be having a cup of coffee or plate with omelete at Georgia Gold hotel. 

Our check about GEL 75

Galle Fort in Sri Lanka

8 February, 2022 | Military Heritage | 37 seen

Galle Fort is located in the Bay of Galle on the southwest coast of Sri Lanka. The port was built first in 1588 by the Portuguese, then extensively fortified by the Dutch during the 17th century from 1649 onwards. It is a historical, archaeological, and architectural heritage monument, which even after more than 432 years maintains a polished appearance, due to extensive reconstruction work done by the Archaeological Department of Sri Lanka.

We first visited Galle Fort and Galle city at the start of January 2022, during our 11 day trip to Sri Lanka. We arrived here by a taxi from our hotel in Beruwala (Cinnamon Bey Beruwala Hotel)

The fort has a colourful history, and today has a multi-ethnic and multi-religious population. The Sri Lankan government and many Dutch people who still own some of the properties inside the fort are looking at making this one of the modern wonders of the world.

The heritage value of the fort has been recognized by the UNESCO and the site has been inscribed as a cultural heritage UNESCO World Heritage Site under criteria iv, for its unique exposition of "an urban ensemble which illustrates the interaction of European…

Gori Railway Station

7 February, 2022 | Railway / Bus / Ferry | 61 seen

Gori Railway Station, a small stop on the Georgian Railway line, is an intermediate station on the Tbilisi-Batumi route which sees more than a dozen trains passing through each day. 

Whether you are looking to travel to Gori from Tbilisi by train or just prefer wandering about Soviet Architecture, the Gori railway station might be the answer. 

The train station is located in southern Gori, 2 kilometers from the city center and away from all of the tourist sights.

There were several taxis located in the fron of the railway building, so this shoudn;t eb a problem to get to the city center, or if you prefer, you can always walk.

Gori Railway station building reflects a Soviet classicist style, complete with columns, and since the interior has not undergone any major renovations it exudes a nostalgic atmosphere. Inside are ticket booths, a luggage storage area and a small waiting room.

According to Advantour A large statue of Joseph Stalin, who was born in Gori, still stands in its own separate wing inside Gori Railway Station. As I havent been inside the building - cannot confirm or deny!

Cinnamon Bey Beruwala Hotel Review

3 February, 2022 | Hotel reviews | 99 seen

Surrounded by coconut trees and vast green lawns, Cinnamon Bey features bright and spacious rooms with a private balcony. It provides an outdoor pool and 6 on-site food and beverage options.

We booked this 5-star hotel at the start of January 2022, and for a 3-night stay here we paid about $540. By accident, we booked a superior room, but I was able to get a free upgrade to a deluxe room, which was amazing and included access to deluxe pool.

The sea-facing rooms are air-conditioned and include a minibar, a safe and satellite TV. The private bathrooms have a shower and a hairdryer.

It was a pleasure swimming here, just a few meters away from the Indian Ocean. 

In the beach next to the hotel, there are local tour sellers. We booked a boat trip to the Barbaryn lighthouse from here. 

Bandaranaike International Airport is approximately 34 miles from Cinnamon Bey.

Decent hotel, bit expensive, despite it feature 5-stars, I would give it 4 with a minuss, and the biggest drawback being staff, if we wouldn't get that free upgrade I would be pretty unhappy, but after having great room with a private pool I was left pretty happy…

Viharamahadevi Park Colombo

1 February, 2022 | Tourism objects | 36 seen

Viharamahadevi Park, formerly Victoria Park, is a public park located in Cinnamon Gardens, Colombo, situated in front of the colonial-era Town Hall in Sri Lanka.

We had a chance to discover this lovely park and try some mango drinks in the park at the start of January 2022, when a tuk-tuk driver showed us some of the top sightseeing places in Colombo.

It was built by the British colonial administration and is the oldest and largest park of Colombo. The park was originally named "Victoria Park" after Queen Victoria but was renamed after Queen Viharamahadevi, the mother of King Dutugamunu on July 18, 1958.

The park features include a huge Buddha statue which replaced the statue of Queen Victoria which originally stood there, and a series of water fountains. It also includes a mini zoo, a children's play area and a BAC Jet Provost. There are Muscovy ducks in the park. They swim in the artificial lake and walk on the grass beside it.

Viharamahadevi Park is the only large-scale public park in Colombo, and is maintained by the Colombo Municipal Council. Located at its western end is the Cenotaph War Memorial, Colombo and the Colombo…

Gorijvari

31 January, 2022 | Churches and Monasteries | 19 seen

The ancient church called ‘’Gorijvari’’ stands between the Trialeti Mountains and the river bank of Mtkvari close to the Gori town in Georgia.

The church was named after Saint Georges, which was originally built in the 12th century.  It was burned down by the Turks, rebuilt, and destroyed again by an earthquake in 1920. The current church was built in the 1980s.

It was at the end of January 2022, we were traveling around Gori town and were looking for some interesting sightseeing objects  - and Gori Jvari popped on our radar. Unfortunately, we were not able (didn't try) to actually reach the monastery complex, instead, I was using a drone to film and photograph this place from a distance. Impressive!

I would call this place as awesome as Gergeti church near Kazbegi. Great touristic potential. The views from the top should be awesome. I guess a hotel like Rooms Hotel in Kazbegi in the footsteps would help Shida Karli region to boost tourism. 

Gorijvari church is located in Shida Kartli region, Gori Municipality, in the village of Didi Gorijvari, 4 km away from Gori. The road goes to the church.

Tsunami Honganji Vihara

28 January, 2022 | Tourism objects | 48 seen

Tsunami Honganji Vihara is a Buddhist Monument in Hikkaduwa, Sri Lanka

We discovered this place at the start of January 2022 while taking a local driver for a trip from our hotel in Bentota to Galle. Our driver told us the tragic story about Tsunami taking more than 35,000 lives in Sri Lanka back in 2004.  This place is a memorial to the over 35,000 Sri Lankans killed by the Tsunami on the 26th December 2004

This Buddha statue was opened on the 26th of December 2006 at Paraliya as a memorial to the over 35,000 Sri Lankans killed by the Tsunami on the 26th December 2004. This statue is a exact replica of the 5th Century 175 feet Barmiyan Buddha Statue destroyed by the Muslim Fundamentalists in Afghanistan. This replica was created using the earliest known sketches of the statue.

The statue is a replica of Afghanistan's Bamiyan Buddha, which was destroyed by the Taliban in 2001.

We didn't actually visited the memorial insde, just a quick stop before the Galle town

Barberyn Lighthouse

27 January, 2022 | Tourism objects | 50 seen

Barberyn Lighthouse (also known as Beruwala Lighthouse) is a lighthouse located on Barberyn Island some 800 meters offshore from the town of Beruwala on the southwest coast of Sri Lanka.

I noticed Barveryn Lighthouse from our hotel (Cinnamon Bey Berawula) and one day when at the beach, a local tour seller offered me a trip to the island and lighthouse. Our agreed price was USD 30 (two adults and one kid).

From our hotel the boat ride was about 5-10 minutes. Life jackets were provided.

The lighthouse was completed in November 1889, and operated by the Imperial Lighthouse Service. In 1969 it was upgraded with the replacement of the old dioptric apparatus (produced by Chance Brothers) and with a pedestal rotating beacon (Pharos Marine PRB-21 sealed beam optic and drive pedestal). It was further modernised in 2000, with the introduction of a Differential Global Positioning System (DGPS) and is computer linked to the other major lighthouses around the country. The Barberyn Lighthouse is one of the four international lighthouses in Sri Lanka.

Our guide got one coconut and demonstrated us how to crack it. Awesome. 

Besides the lighthouse…

Gori Fortress

26 January, 2022 | Military Heritage | 28 seen

Gori Fortress is a medieval citadel in Georgia, situated above the city of Gori on a rocky hill.

I've visited Gori several times, and several times have seens this impressive fortress, once I even made a nice photography with impressive warrior statues in the footsteps of the fortress, see: Gori Fortress & Memorial of Georgian Warrior Heroes

It was back in January 2022, I visited Gori again and decided to make a nice photograhy with the fortress

Standing on the hilltop, the fortress’s outlines follow the natural relief, hence the irregular shape. The inner fortifications occupy the entire plateau, from which the walls descend towards the road along the western slope. Originally, the walls reached the river below and the water had to be diverted through a tunnel, but the river has retreated since.

The fortress first appears in records from the 13th century, but archaeological evidence shows that the area had already been fortified in the final centuries BCE. The fortress was of major strategic importance, given its dominant position guarding a regional trade route, and accommodated a large garrison. In the 16th century the Ottomans…

Colombo Town Hall

25 January, 2022 | Tourism objects | 34 seen

The Town Hall of Colombo is the headquarters of the Colombo Municipal Council and the office of the Mayor of Colombo. Built-in front of the Viharamahadevi Park, Colombo, Sri Lanka, it is the meeting place for the elected municipal council.

I discovered this awesome architectural place a by an accident, by taking a tuk-tuk ride around Colombo city at the start of January 2022.

In 1921 renowned Scottish town planner, Professor Patrick Geddes, recommended that the Council should construct a large central and dignified municipal building to house the council, a public reception hall, the mayor's office and a public library. The need for the Colombo Public Library was addressed by a philanthropic donation of a building by Dr. W. Arthur Silva in 1925. This building, Sirinivasa, is now the official residence of the mayor.

Although many alterations have been made to the original design, the building still possesses a few characteristics that have not been touched by modern renovations. The council chamber and its furniture, including the original lamps and lamp bases are still intact. All the doors and windows of the building are original, as well as the…

How To Start a Restaurant in Tbilisi, Georgia - Food Safety and Permissions

24 January, 2022 | Doing Business | 291 seen

With this post, I'm starting a new series on the Doing Business in Georgia topic - opening and operating a profitable restaurant in Georgia.

Turns out - I'm not only enjoying eating at Tbilisi restaurants but now I'm also looking to open one. Well, my case might be a bit different as I'm more looking to open an online restaurant, the ghost kitchen also called the dark kitchen, serving orders online only. I have no idea where this journey will end, but one is for sure I'm looking to enjoy the road as much as possible. 

Anyhow, once I was able to visualize and formulate what I want to achieve, I started to explore what steps should be taken next.  Finding premises, registering a business, hiring staff, last but not least - food safety. Georgia is known as a country of easy-to-do business. so I guess opening and running a restaurant shouldn't be a brainer.

At this step, I could probably start looking to hire some local law firm, but I decided to learn as much as I can and visited the National Food Agency website to learn more about food safety measures and requirements. There is a lot of good read on that website, if you are up for opening a…