Blog Archive: May 2019

Top 5-star Luxury Hotels in Belek (Antalya /All - Inclusive)

31 May, 2019 | Hotel reviews | 68 seen

Belek is a popular travel destination in Turkey's Antalya province. 

Also, the town is one of the centers of Turkey's tourism industry and is as such home to more than thirty four-star and five-star hotels and other accommodation, services, and entertainment facilities. 

In this article, I have listed Top 5-star all inclusive Luxury Hotels in Belek for 7 days (night) stay

For a luxury stay in Belek, you should be ready to pay about $1,500- $7,000 for a week long stay

Disclosure: Hotels listed in this article contains affiliate links to Booking.com, and if you will click on them and make an actual booking I might earn an affiliate income from that at no cost to you

The all-inclusive, 5-star Calista Luxury Resort has a private stretch of Mediterranean beach, a Surf and Sailing school, and luxury spa facilities. There are 10 golf courses within 7 km.

All guest accommodations at Calista Luxury Resort have a private balcony or terrace, giving views of the sea or mountains. All rooms…

HDR Clouds Over Tbilisi

30 May, 2019 | | 31 seen

We are the lucky ones living in an apartment in Tbilisi with some of the most spectacular city views one could think about.

Tbilisi TV tower, mount Mtatsminda, Biltmore hotel building (listed as one of the top 10 luxury hotels in Tbilisi), and many more cool sights

Time after time I love to install a tripod at one (out of three) of our balconies and play with DSLR camera.

Depending on the season the result might vary a lot.

Tbilisi by day (New Apartment Version)

Here is the regular shot:

View towards Tbilisi TV tower

And here is the version with clouds in HDR

Clouds over Tbilisi in HDR

High-dynamic-range imaging (HDRI) is a high dynamic range (HDR) technique used in imaging and photography to reproduce a greater dynamic range of luminosity than is possible with standard digital imaging or photographic techniques. The aim is to present a similar range of luminance to that experienced through the human visual system. The human eye, through adaptation of the iris and other methods,…

Grill Bar Lighthouse Jūrmala

29 May, 2019 | Restaurant reviews | 15 seen

Grill bar Lighthouse is centrally located on Jomas street in Jūrmala. 

We visited this place in early May 2019, during a short  10 day trip to Latvia. Before diving in details - I should note - grill bar Lighthouse is a kid-friendly place, our then 9-month old daughter enjoyed here a lot

Grill bar Lighthouse serves traditional seasonal Latvian cuisine and not only, but you will also find seafood like shrimps and tuna.

Grill bar Lighthouse in Jūrmala

Grill bar „Lighthouse” is a familial, comfortable and opened place. The light interior with elements of homely design is simple and sophisticated at the same time. The restaurant is friendly to families with children because it provides them with children’s corner and different activity opportunities as well as the furniture necessary for babies.

The menu at grill-bar Lighthouse

Pretty large choice of menu. We opted for some classical Caesar's salad and some meat. 

The excellent chef cook Olga Artemjeva believes that the most important principle when cooking is to cook with love and soul. With…

Secret Tunnel Near Tbilisi Sulfur Bath's

26 May, 2019 | Tourism objects | 146 seen

Ok, probably this tunnel is not so secret after all.

In fact, I was more than 100% sure that the name of this place is Kolga Tbilisi Photo Tunnel, as I have seen a photo exhibition at this tunnel, but Kolga.ge is stubbornly silent on this matter.

Turns out the name for this place is "Leghvtakhevi Tunnel" and the owner of the place is Meidan Group. (see comments)

Kolga Tbilisi Photo organises exhibitions throughout the city, but it doesn't mean that Kolga Tbilisi Photo owns the tunnel, Baratashvili Bridge, galleries and etc.

Located on one level with the river flowing through the Sulfur bath district

Tbilisi sulfur bath district

Abanotubani is one of the most attractive neighborhoods in Tbilisi. It's famous for its public sulfur baths, and very spectacular views.

I believe Tbilisi Sulphur bath district is one of the most iconic Tbilisi sights. Personally, I doubt there are many tourists who have not seen Abanotubani (Tbilisi bath district) while visiting Georgian capital

Kolga Tbilisi Photo exhibition at Leghvtakhevi Tunnel

Minimum Wages in European Union 2019

25 May, 2019 | Macroeconomics | 55 seen

In 2019 there were 22 out of 28 European Union member states with an official minimum wage set by the government.

Also, it turns out this is already the sixth (#6) article about minimum wages in European Union featured on the blog.

Traditions must be continued and here comes the latest article with the latest data for 2019 about minimum wages in the European Union.

As it happened in the previous year, for this years article, I was able to pull data both for gross and net minimum wage values across the European Union. 

Opted for 3rd Pension Pillar

23 May, 2019 | Investments | 9 seen

On May 22, 2019, I opted for the 3rd pension pillar at SEB bank Latvia.

The main reason to sign up to this voluntary pension pillar is the hefty 20% tax refund once a year for the sums invested* (strings attached though)

For now, I have decided to start small and invest really small amounts of money to get my foot wet.

As I already have SEB bank Latvia account (I'm using it for holding Baltic stocks and getting dividend payments from the NASDAQ Baltic listed companies) it was not a brainer to signup for the 3rd pension pillar there

Here is what it's all about

• Supplement your savings with amounts and at times you can afford – regardless of your income level
• Contributions are invested to increase the value of savings in a long-term perspective
• Obtain your savings starting from the age of 55

Now, regarding tax refund:

*You can get your personal income tax refund in the amount of 20% from the contributions made in 3rd pension pillar not exceeding 10% of your gross annual income (salary before taxes). You will receive the reclaimed amount on your…

Rebi Gurjaani Restaurant

19 May, 2019 | Restaurant reviews | 30 seen

Rebi Gurjaani is a restaurant located in Gurjaani, we discovered back in September 2017, while returning from a weekend trip to Kakheti back to Tbilisi. Seems Rebi Gurjaani is not only a restaurant but also a hotel. In case you are traveling to Gurjaani, consider Rebi.

Now, regarding restaurant - this place serves typical Georgian cuisine for very affordable money.

The huge outdoor terrace at Rebi Gurjaani restaurant

Menu at Rebi Gurjaani

Kababs and mcvadi at Rebi Gurjaani restaurant

Castello Mare Hotel & Wellness Resort

14 May, 2019 | Hotel reviews | 14 seen

Located at the seafront, Castello Mare Hotel & Wellness Resort is located between Kobuleti and Chakvi seaside villages in Western Georgia. The hotel offers spa facilities, an indoor pool tennis court, and a fitness center.

We booked this hotel for a one night stay via Booking.com at the end of April 2019 and paid about GEL 160. 

The hotel offers spa facilities, indoor pool tennis court and a fitness center.

Room with a seaside view

Each unit in all three buildings features sea view. Modernly furnished, the rooms of Castello Mare Hotel&Wellness Resort include flat-screen TV, air conditioning and a private bathroom. For your comfort, you will find free toiletries and a hairdryer. Some rooms also offer a private balcony or a terrace.

We got a room with a balcony giving great views towards the rocky beach of Black Sea

Pine & Palm beach 

Explore the beauty of Georgian Black Sea resort towns

The restaurant serves meals with à la carte and buffet options. There is also a bar on site.

Batumi is 12 mi from Castello Mare Hotel&Wellness Resort…

Cabo Cafe

12 May, 2019 | Restaurant reviews | 7 seen

Cabo cafe is a cafe with a unique charm, located in Mežaparks, on the very shore of lake Ķīšezers.

Cabo cafe serves burgers, french fries, and delicious shashlik. First discovered by a recommendation from a friend. Now visited pretty regular once in Riga.

Grilled meat at Cabo cafe

Cabo cafe neat Ķīšezers in Riga

Chateau Eniseli

11 May, 2019 | Hotel reviews | 20 seen

We booked a stay at Chateau Eniseli back in September 2017.

During our stay here we had a great opportunity to enjoy the rtveli or grape harvesting, see: Grape Harvest Rtveli in Georgia (Region of Kakheti)

Wine cellar at Chateau Eniseli

Offering tours of the historical vineyard and winery at the property, Chateau Eniseli provides hotel accommodation located in the heart of the Kakheti countryside. Free WiFi is available.

Rooms at Chateau Eniseli feature air conditioning, a flat-screen TV with satellite channels and a sofa. They also have a private bathroom with shower. Some rooms also have a balcony.

Room at Chateau Eniseli

As we were traveling in a large company, I had to book 3 rooms for our stay here.

Every morning a hearty continental breakfast is served with lots of fresh produce such as homemade jams and honey. There is also a hotel restaurant providing authentic and delicious regional specialities.

The dining hall at Chateau Eniseli

For additional money, we ordered a supper here.

Guests are welcome to relax in the pleasant gardens at Chateau Eniseli, where…

April 2019 Dividend Income Report - $164.24

8 May, 2019 | Investments | 11 seen

Welcome to the twenty-fourth (#24) dividend income report, covering earnings I've made from dividend-paying stocks, peer to peer lending (both fiat and cryptocurrencies) in April 2019.

Despite Spring is in the full blow here in Tbilisi, we still managed to catch a little from winter at the start of the Month when traveled to the Stepatsminda village (this village has a Google Market) in the footsteps of Mount Kazbek

Mount Kazbek and Gergeti church in Georgia

$164.24 was taken from dividend stocks and peer to peer lending in April 2019.

Additional $214 were made from options trading, but as options trading is not actually a passive form of making money while you are sleeping it wouldn't be fair to include it in dividend income report. On the other hand option income is a nice way to give a boost to the overall portfolio. 

Disclosure: This article contains affiliate links to mintos.com peer to peer lending website, by clicking on links on this page and by making an investment on mintos.com, I might earn affiliate income at no cost to you…

Restaurant by Plane Tree / Telavi

5 May, 2019 | Restaurant reviews | 11 seen

Restaurant by Plane Tree in Telavi is located next to the Giant Plane Tree.

Because of a touristic spot, prices at this restaurant is well above the average, though the food is delicious.

Restaurant by Plane Tree

Cucumber/tomato salads

Autosole Economy Motel in Riga

4 May, 2019 | Hotel reviews | 17 seen

Autosole Economy is set in a wooden building, 3 km from Riga’s Old Town.

We booked Autosole Economy for one night back in September 2017, paid for a stay here ~ EUR 60. 

Despite a week ago we stayed at 4-star Park Hotel by Radisson hotel in Riga, we booked Autosole motel, because it's a rare pet-friendly hotel in Riga, we had a flight next morning to the Tbilisi and we were traveling with both of our cats.

Free parking in front of the motel at Autosole Riga

All rooms at Autosole are decorated with light and warm colours. Each features a TV with satellite channels, a refrigerator and a desk. Every private bathroom comes with a hairdryer and free toiletries. Some rooms boast a sauna.

Sauna at AutoSole economy 

We paid an extra some EUR 20, just to have sauna. Really amazing feature. Not to speak this room included a hot tube also.

Breakfast at Autosole economy motel in Riga

Breakfast is served daily at Autosole Economy and it is possible to order snacks and drinks 24 hours a day. Guests can relax in a garden or at a terrace on site. It is also…