Blog Archive: November 2022
Shaori Reservoir
Shaori Reservoir is an artificial lake located in the region of Racha, Georgia - some 170 km northwest of the capital Tbilisi.
I first visited it in mid-October 2022, during our first trip to Racha
The Shaori reservoir stretches from the southwest to the northeast, its length is 7.1 kilometers, the greatest width is 2.7 kilometers.
The greatest depth is 14.5 meters, the average depth is 9.8 meters, the area is 9.2 km². The volume of water is 90.6 million m³. It is fed by tributaries and precipitation that falls on its surface (1500 mm per year).
The banks of the reservoir are mostly low and steep, in some places they are flat.
I can see some great tourism potential…
Sikvaruli Waterfall in Racha
The Sikvaruli waterfall (Waterfall of love) is located in Racha, near the town of Ambrolauri, Georgia
The waterfall flows on the mossy rocky massive and creates marvelous sight. Waterflow is located across the Rioni River.
We discovered this place by a chance - when our Rachan driver Levan, showed this place as one of the top sights around Ambrolauri.
Indeed the waterfall is quite impressive and looks double interesting because of the many colors around it - greed, red, blue. But it also depends on the season of the year. Fall is especially popular among Racha photographers.
The road literally ends at the waterfall, so you cannot pass it.
Spend some time at the waterfall before…
Won Another Online Auction - Plot of Land in Saldus (EUR 4.82/m2)
On November 24, 2022, I helped to win an online auction for a real estate property in Saldus, Latvia
This auction was held online at the E-izsoles platform. And unlike most of the other bids, this was one of the easiest bids, We were just two bidders, the second bidder had entered the bid a few days earlier and probably forgot to bid today, as my bid was just the second highest.
In the past I've bought already one apartment using this platform, see: Today I bought my first flat on an online auction site
In total, we agreed to pay EUR 3,250 for a 668 sqm plot of land in Saldus. Distance to Riga is about 120km, Laidi 48km, Vilgāle 64km, and Jēči another 120km.
With this…
Sakhluka Rachashi, Cozy Cabin in Racha / Agara
Sakhluka Rachashi cabin house is located in Agara in the Racha region of Georgia.
We booked this place on Airbnb for about a 2-night stay in mid-October 2022, during our Racha trip. In total, we paid about $300 for our stay here.
As this time we were traveling without a car, we arrived here from Sadmeli Winery near Ambroulauri, after a short trip around Racha, by a driver I hired in Ambrolauri.
We had a little nice cabin house, with two bedrooms, fake, but fun, little fireplace, nice garden, and best of it - garden oven. We grilled some fish and potatoes there.
I felt bit nostalgig, but also inspired for our canceled garden oven, see: Building a foundation for a garden oven…
Nikortsminda Cathedral
Nikortsminda Cathedral is a Georgian Orthodox Church, located in Nikortsminda, Racha region of Georgia.
I first discovered this beautiful cathedral in mid-October 2022, during our first trip to the region of Racha.
It is said, that Nikortsminda was built in 1010–1014 during the reign of Bagrat III of Georgia and was repaired in 1534 by the King Bagrat III of Imereti. Three-storied bell tower next to the cathedral was built in the second half of the 19th century. Frescoes inside the cathedral date from the 17th century.
The cathedral is on the Tentative List for status as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Stylistically, Nikortsminda reflects the Georgian cross-dome style of architecture,…
14 Things to Do in Latgale
In this article, I will share some notes and points of interest from our latest trip to Latgale at the start of August 2022. to celebrate my 37th birthday.
Our trip actually started a few days earlier on the other side of Latvia. Since this Summer we own a little summer house near Liepāja. Also, we have an apartment near Kuldīga, and back in that Summer, we had a flat in Riga. We started from Jēči with a stop at Pape, Vilgāle, and an overnight stay at our Apartment in Riga.
The next morning we left from Riga towards Latgale with a booked guesthouse in the evening near Varakļāni. There are several highways taking towards Latgale. We chose E22 highway, through Pļaviņas, Koknese, and…
Navtlugi Farmer's market Tbilisi
Navtlugi farmers market is located in the Samgori metro area, Tbilisi.
It seems it is possible to buy here fresh veggies from local farmers, kitchen sinks, electric lamps, bicycles, and many more.
Navtlugi market seems is like a mix of a Dezerteer bazaar, Kidobani market, and Dry Bridge flea market.
I had heard about this market from friends, but I first time discovered it just at the end of 2022, during a scouting tour for buying an apartment in Samgori. A German friend Ralph, happily assisted me and took me on a small guided tour to the Navtlugi market.
Our potential investment project actually is located just behind the Navtlugi market. Property prices in Samgori are among the lowest…
Guest house / Glamping Laimes taure
Located in the village Vabole, the region of Latgale in Latvia, some 20 km from Daugavpils, guest house Laimes taure offers accommodation with a garden, water sports facilities, a terrace, and free WiFi.
We booked this place for a one night stay, during our trip to the region of Latgale at the start of August 2022. As it was also my birthday, I was turning 37, my better part surprised me, by booking a stay inside a glamping tent and hot pool in the eveining.
The hosts prepared grilled fish and other local delicasies for us. In total we paid about EUR 250 for a stay here.
Our glamping tent in the background and hot pool in foreground. The tent had a comfortable bed. It was quite an…