Blog Archive: January 2022
Gorijvari
The ancient church called ‘’Gorijvari’’ stands between the Trialeti Mountains and the river bank of the Mtkvari, close to the town of Gori in Georgia. Today, Gorijvari Monastery is increasingly recognized as one of the most scenic viewpoints in the Shida Kartli region, attracting both travelers and drone photography enthusiasts.The church is named after Saint George and was originally built in the 12th century. Over the centuries, it has faced multiple destructions — first burned down by the Turks, later rebuilt, and then damaged again by a powerful earthquake in 1920. The current structure dates back to the 1980s restoration, preserving its historical and cultural significance.At the end…
Tsunami Honganji Vihara
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…
Barberyn Lighthouse
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…
Gori Fortress
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…
Colombo Town Hall
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…
How To Start a Restaurant in Tbilisi, Georgia - Food Safety and Permissions
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,…
Pshavi's Champions Natakhtari Restaurant
Pshavi's Champions is another awesome roadside restaurant located in the village of Natakhari (Gudauri highway)
We love coming to this area for dinner and have discovered already a few Natakhtari restaurants so far. We were jsut returned from Sri Lanka trip and were looking for some nice dinning place - that show we ended up at Pshavi's Champions place.
Turns out Pshavi Champions is a chain of restaurants
Khashi's House and Pshavi Champions is a chain of restaurants that first appeared on the Georgian market in 2016 and offers customers delicious Georgian dishes, cozy and comfortable environment
-Pshavi Champions serves typical Georgian cuisine and a friend of mine…
Hilton Colombo Residence Apartment Review
Located in the heart of Colombo city, Hilton Colombo Residence offers rooms and suites with panoramic views of the city, harbor, or the Indian Ocean. Boasting an outdoor pool, it also has a fitness center, squash court, and tennis court.
We booked a two-night stay here at the start of January 2022, during our trip to Sri Lanka. In total paid about USD 370. Additionally, we ordered an airport shuffle from the Colombo airport for about $35.
Top 13 5-star hotels in Colombo, Sri Lanka
Instead of a 2bd we got a free upgrade to 3bd apartment.
We were quite happy with 1 and a half room already, but having apartment with 3bd and two showers was quite awesome.
Spacious suites at Hilton…
Seema Malaka Buddhist temple in Colombo
Seema Malaka is a Buddhist temple in Colombo, Sri Lanka. The temple is mainly used for meditation and rest, rather than for worship. Situated in Beira Lake, the temple was originally constructed in the late 19th century. Seema Malaka is a part of the Gangaramaya Temple and is situated a few hundred meters to its east.
I had a chance to visit this temple at the start of January 2022, during our Sri Lanka trip. We found this awesome place thanks to the local tuk-tuk driver, who agreed to show us 10 sites in Colombo for just 1,000 Sri Lankan Rupees.
Really picturesque place.
Seema Malaka was originally constructed in the late 19th century. The original structure slowly sank into the…
Hotel Marino Beach Colombo
Marino Beach Colombo has a restaurant, outdoor swimming pool, fitness center, and bar in Colombo. 2.4 km from Galle Face Beach and 1.7 km from U.S. Embassy, the property offers a garden and a terrace. The accommodation features a 24-hour front desk, room service, and currency exchange for guests.
We booked here a one-night stay at the start of January 2022 and paid about $135.
The reason we booked this hotel, probably is its rooftop infinity pool.
Top 13 5-star hotels in Colombo, Sri Lanka
Th room size was quite ok.. Nowadays its modern having bathroom with a glass window.
Our threenager daughter enjoyed her time at the kid pool, while we were sipping mango and strawberry…
Gangaramaya Temple in Colombo
Gangaramaya Temple is one of the most important temples in Colombo, Sri Lanka, being a mix of modern architecture and cultural essence. Located on the Beira Lake, it was completed in the late 19th century.
We were for the second day in Colombo, at our Hilton Colombo residences when I decided to google for top sightseeing objects in Colombo and Gangaramaya Temple popped up.
It was a matter of catching a tuk-tuk and for 100 Sri Lankan Rupees, we were taken to this temple. At the temple, we were asked to pay 800 Sri Lankan Rupee entrance fee and our journey started (after removing our shoes)
The temple's architecture demonstrates an eclectic mix of Sri Lankan, Thai, Indian, and…
Madu Ganga River Boat Safari
Madu Ganga river boat safari is a fun and pretty easy attraction in Balapitiya, Sri Lanka
We booked a tour on Madu Ganga (and a few other destinations) from a local guy at our hotel's beach (Taj Bentota Resort & Spa).
We agreed to pay 8,000 Sri Lankan rupees for a Madu Ganga river boat safari, a visit to the turtle shelter and a visit to the spices and herbal garden. At an agreed time, our driver (s) already waited for us at the hotels' lobby and the trip started.
After some 25 minutes drive we were at the Captain Boat House Balaptiya and our actual boat trip started
Situated at Balapitiya, Madu Ganga is the second biggest wetland in Sri Lanka. Abundantly rich in biodiversity, the…
Hamad International Airport
Hamad International Airport is the sole international airport in the state of Qatar, and the home of Qatar’s flag carrier airline, Qatar Airways. Located south of its capital, Doha, it replaced the nearby Doha International Airport as Qatar's principal airport.The airport is named after the previous Emir of Qatar, Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani. I first visited Hamad International airport at the start of 2022 while traveling in transit from Tbilisi (Georgia) to Colombo (Sri Lanka).Our connecting flight was some 8 hours long, to make our stay more comfortable in transit we booked lounge access with a chance to take a nap and have refreshments. Plenty of food, drinks and even a shower. Nice.…
The Grand Documentary of 2021
From more than 235 GB of footage (1409 short clips per year), I was able to produce about 48 minutes long documentary.
As every year - the documentary is made in a style of a home video, filmed with a DSLR camera, DJI Mavic drone and since April I've replaced the DSLR camera with a mobile phone. Which IMHO gives a much better result having both A-Roll and B-rolls.
The length of the film is determined by its main character, our daughter Renee.
Still, just a few travel around the World but more exploring our home countries (Georgia, Latvia).
Glued, sanded, lathed, beaten, and put together in Riga, Tbilisi, and Colombo
Šaha Kluba Apartmenti Kuldīga
Šaha kluba apartmenti is a beautiful place to stay in Kuldiga and enjoy the unbeatable atmosphere of the old city and its surroundings, which is recognized as one of the Top 10 tourist attractions in Latvia.
Apartments are located in a renovated building right in the heart of the historic town center next to the city garden - a recently renovated park in old medieval castle location.
We booked a one-night stay here at the end of December 2021. This place is located some 15 km from our Vilgāle apartment. I just needed a comfortable stay after I did some paint job.
We paid EUR 74 for a one night stay here
Nice and cozy stay in the Kuldīga
The unique attraction - Venta…
December 2021 Dividend Income Report - $154.65
Welcome to the fifty-sixth (#56) dividend income report, covering earnings I've made from dividend-paying stocks in December 2021.Last December, just like in November, October, and September we spent both in Georgia and Latvia. We had a nice family gathering on Christmas and New Year in Riga. Shortly before the New Yeae I did some paint job at our Vilgåle aptFrom the perspective of dividend income - Last December was very good, after a longer time I was able again to break a $100 monthly milestone In total, I took $154.65 in dividend income last month. Which is quite awesome, for doing nothing, just holding stakes at…