Blog Archive: April 2023
Tbilisi Adventure Run
| Living in Georgia | 13 seen
The video titled "Next time I will be a referee or our latest Tbilisi Adventure Run video is out!" features a fun and adventurous 7km run that took place in Tbilisi, Georgia.
The video showcases the team of Caucasus Translations as they embark on this exciting journey through the beautiful trails of Tbilisi. The video captures stunning footage of the runners as they navigate through the hills and valleys, providing viewers with a glimpse of the breathtaking scenery along the way.
The video also includes humorous moments, as one of the team members jokingly expresses a desire to become a referee next time.
Overall, the video is a great representation of the fun and excitement that can be had while participating in a team adventure run. The creators encourage viewers to enjoy the video, give it a thumbs up, and look forward to their next adventure on the trails.
Easter Picnic at Birtvisi Canyon
| | 13 seen
On Sunday, April 9, Easter 2023 was celebrated, and this year we decided to spend it in Tbilisi and Birtvisi canyon.
Our day started early in the morning as we prepared for the festivities by experimenting with a new dough and making a Jewish-style pie with eggs (inspired by a similar dish we had tried in Israel), coloring eggs, and baking cinnamon rolls.
To make the day even more special, we invited our friends - a Greek-Latvian family - to join us for an Easter picnic at Birtvisi canyon. It was the perfect way to spend the day, surrounded by the beauty of nature and the joy of spending time with loved ones.
My better part did some good job preparing the dough. Egg filling covered with cheese. Just delicous!
A special tradition we have following for many years already. Kiddo loves!
Sprinkled with powdered sugar. yum!
Here we made a quick stop at Tskenti, to buy some missing items at Nikora store.
For our picnic just the bare minimum - two baskets with food, twigs for fire place, a tent, a few bottles of wine.
Quite awesome picnic area, just before the start of the hiking trails inside the canyon.
Piece of Life!
Top Places to Visit in Georgia and Tbilisi in May
| Travel guides | 37 seen
Georgia is a country with a rich history, diverse culture, stunning natural landscapes and delicous cuisine.
May is a great time to visit as the weather is warm and there are plenty of outdoor activities to enjoy.
In this article I have listed some ideas and top places to visit in Georgia and Tbilisi in the month of May:
Explore the cobblestone streets of Tbilisi's Old Town and admire the mix of architectural styles, including Persian, Byzantine, and European. Visit the Narikala Fortress for stunning views of the city and take a relaxing sulfur bath in one of the historic bathhouses.
Visit the ancient city of Mtskheta, which was the former capital of Georgia and is home to several UNESCO World Heritage sites, including the Jvari Monastery and the Svetitskhoveli Cathedral.
Take a day trip to the picturesque town of Kazbegi, located in the stunning Caucasus Mountains. Hike up to the Gergeti Trinity Church for panoramic views of the surrounding peaks and valleys.
Relax on the beaches of Batumi, a seaside resort town on the Black Sea. Visit the Batumi Botanical Garden, the Gonio Fortress, and Batumi Boulevard for a taste of the local culture and history.
Visit the ancient cave city of Vardzia, which dates back to the 12th century and is a stunning example of Georgian architecture and engineering.
Explore the Kakheti region, which is famous for its wine production. Visit the vineyards and wineries of the area, sample the local wines, and learn about the traditional winemaking techniques.
Visit the remote mountain region of Svaneti, which is home to some of the highest peaks in Europe and has a unique culture and architecture. Explore the medieval towers and churches, and hike through the stunning alpine scenery.
Strada Mosashvili near Vake Park
| Restaurant reviews | 24 seen
Strada is a chain of restaurants in Tbilisi, serving contemporary American and Asian cuisine, created by an international team of chefs.
We love coming here for a glass of wine, meatballs, seabass, or tom yum soup.
Located on Mosashvili street 11 in lively Vake neighbourhood close to the Vake park, Strada seems is a popular choice among lcoals and expats.
There is one more Strada I know about located on Marjanishvili area.
There are many good restaurants and cafeteris located on this street and Strada is among them
One of our favorite latelty is Georgian white desert Tvishi wine
Tvishi is an appellation for wines produced in a 15 km2 (3,700 acres) zone around Tvishi village in northwestern Georgia. The zone is on the right bank of the Rioni River and includes Alpana village.
Tvishi is a dry to semi-sweet, still white wine made from Tsolikouri grapes.
Makes sense why I prefer this wine - as my favorite still is Khvanchakra wine, also from the region of Racha.
Delicous tom yum soup rich with shrimp and coconut milk. Yummy
Being vegetarian for more than one year I still find this photograph very inviting.
Nice place, with prices above the average.
Our total check this time GEL 76 for a tom yum soup, chicken fajitas and two glass of Tvishi wine.
I should also note that the place is kid friendly, we come here sometimes with our kiddo and try meatballs.
Batumi. Easter. 2023
| Living in Georgia | 11 seen
The Great Easter Movie is Out - Another Awesome Weekend in Batumi!
Batumi, the coastal city of Georgia, has always been a favorite destination for tourists all over the world. It is a perfect blend of nature, culture, and modernization that leaves everyone in awe. This year, we visited Batumi once again and had an amazing time exploring the city's hidden gems.
We decided to stay in the Old Town and booked a boutique hotel O. Galogre that gave us a taste of the old-world charm with modern amenities. The narrow streets, the colorful buildings, and the architecture all contributed to making us feel like we were transported back in time. The hotel was cozy and comfortable, and we enjoyed the hospitality of the staff.
During our trip, we visited the Batumi Botanical Garden, which is a natural wonderland filled with diverse flora and fauna. The garden is vast and offers stunning views of the Black Sea. We took a leisurely stroll and admired the beauty of the plants and flowers. It was a peaceful experience that allowed us to connect with nature.
We also decided to visit the Georgia-Turkey border at Sarpi, which was just a short drive away from Batumi.
Overall, our trip to Batumi was a fantastic experience, and we were able to create some wonderful memories. We put together a video of our trip to capture the beauty and essence of Batumi, which we hope you will enjoy watching.
If you're looking for a unique travel destination that offers a combination of nature, culture, and modernization, then Batumi is the place for you. It has something for everyone, and we can't wait to go back and explore more of what this city has to offer. So, thumbs up for Batumi, and start planning your trip today!
Sevanavank Monastery Complex on the shores of Lake Sevan
| Churches and Monasteries | 37 seen
Sevanavank is a monastic complex located on a peninsula at the northwestern shore of Lake Sevan in the Gegharkunik Province of Armenia, not far from the town of Sevan. Initially, the monastery was built at the southern shore of a small island. After the artificial draining of Lake Sevan, which started in the era of Joseph Stalin, the water level fell about 20 metres, and the island transformed into a peninsula.
At the southern shore of this newly created peninsula, a guesthouse of the Armenian Writers' Union was built. The eastern shore is occupied by the Armenian president's summer residence, while the monastery's still active seminary moved to newly constructed buildings at the northern shore of the peninsula.
I first learned about this beautiful place during our business trip to Yerevan back in February 2023, when we made a short stop here and I took my DJI Mavic Air 2 to fly around. One thing I remember was freezing. 5 minute piloting with bare hands was very extreme.
Due to easier accessibility (once it became a peninsula), good highway and railway connections with the Armenian capital Yerevan, a well-developed tourist industry in the nearby town of Sevan, and its picturesque location (although less picturesque than it was before the lake level drop), Sevanavank is one of the most visited tourism sights in Armenia.
According to an inscription in one of the churches, the monastery of Sevanavank was founded in 874 by Princess Mariam, the daughter of Ashot I (who became a king a decade later). At the time, Armenia was still struggling to free itself from Arab rule.
The monastery was strict as it was mainly intended for those monks from Etchmiadzin who had sinned. Jean-Marie Chopin, a French explorer of the Caucasus, visited there in 1830 and wrote of a regimen restraining from meat, wine, youth or women. Another explorer visited the monastery in 1850 and wrote of how manuscripts were still being copied manually.
Khedi Restaurant Tbilisi
| Restaurant reviews | 97 seen
In today's article, I am excited to announce the resumption of my restaurant reviews series, with a special focus on Tbilisi restaurants. I recently discovered a trendy restaurant called Khedi on Ketevan Samebuli avenue, and I cannot wait to share my experience with you.
On a rainy day in early April, my partner and I were searching for a decent dining place near the Tbilisi sea but were unable to find anything in the area. My partner suggested we consult her WhatsApp chat groups, where some expats highly recommended Khedi Restaurant, citing its incredible view of Tbilisi.
Upon arriving at the location and parking our car on a nearby street, we were a bit confused to find a hotel called Khedi instead of a restaurant. Nevertheless, we ventured inside and inquired with the receptionists about the restaurant's location. To our delight, they confirmed the existence of the restaurant and directed us to the 7th floor.
If you're fortunate enough to secure a window-side table, you'll be treated to breathtaking views of the old town.
After being a vegetarian for over a year, I have found myself gravitating towards soups like this one.
Badrijani rolls are a popular appetizer in Georgian cuisine that feature fried eggplant slices stuffed with a spiced walnut paste. The dish is believed to have originated in the western region of Georgia, but it has since become a staple in Georgian restaurants and homes across the country.
I had always avoided trying Adjarian Khachapuri in Tbilisi, believing that the locals didn't know how to make it properly. However, I was proven wrong during a recent visit to Khedi restaurant, where I had a delicious and authentic Adjarian khachapuri that exceeded my expectations.
A delicious treat awaits!
We were treated to a truly amazing culinary experience when the food was prepared right before our eyes, taking us completely by surprise.
Khedi Restaurant is one of the best discoveries I've made in Tbilisi thus far. Though our total bill came out to be around GEL 130, slightly above average, it was worth every penny. Additionally, the restaurant is kid-friendly, as evidenced by the fact that they provided my 4-year-old with french fries, paper, and pencils to keep busy.
I highly recommend it!
Postcards from Yerevan (Winter)
| | 30 seen
Back in February 2023, we made a short, but very remarkable business trip to Armenia and of course it's capital Yerevan.
In today's Piece of Life series - a day from Winter in the city of Yerevan. Many years ago I featured Postcards from Yerevan (Spring)
Republic Square in Yerevan definitely is the city's one of main landmarks and popular tourist spots. I first discovered it back at the start of January 2014, and have returned to Yerevan city since then a couple of more times.
Centrally located on Republic Square. We booked this hotel for about 3 day stay at mid-February 2023 paying about EUR 420.
If you are into Soviet Architecture, this place deffintely is worth the visit. The views from the viewing platfom are just awesome.
One of the top attractions in Yerevan, Armenia is the Cascade - stairways providing probably the most beautiful views of the city.
Let's see how many years it will take me to take Yerevan in Summer photos?!
Jiu-Jitsu, Easter, Birtvisi
| Living in Georgia | 20 seen
This past weekend was an unforgettable one, full of excitement and adventure. We were privileged to spend it with Coach Giorgi and experience the amazing world of Jiu-Jitsu. Along with this incredible martial art, we also got to partake in some Easter festivities such as egg coloring, food experiments, and an unforgettable picnic at Birtvisi Canyon.
Jiu-Jitsu is a unique form of martial arts that originated in Japan and has since spread all over the world. It is a discipline that teaches students how to defend themselves in real-life situations using grappling and ground fighting techniques. Coach Giorgi is a skilled and experienced practitioner of Jiu-Jitsu, and he is really nice to our 4 year old. .
We also experimented with some new food recipes, trying out different ingredients and combinations to create some unique and delicious dishes.
However, the highlight of our weekend was undoubtedly the Easter picnic at Birtvisi Canyon. This stunning natural wonder provided the perfect backdrop for a relaxing and enjoyable day spent with friends and family.
It was a wonderful way to celebrate Easter, try out new things, and create unforgettable memories. We highly recommend Jiu-Jitsu to anyone looking for a unique and empowering martial art, and we urge everyone to explore the beautiful natural wonders of Birtvisi Canyon.
Monument to 50 Years of Soviet Armenia in Yerevan
| Tourism objects | 90 seen
The monument to the 50th anniversary of the October Revolution is located in the Arabkir administrative district of Yerevan, at the beginning of Azatutyan Avenue, above the Cascade complex.
The monument was built in 1967 and is dedicated to the 50th anniversary of the establishment of the Soviet Union in Armenia.
If you are into Soviet Architecture, this place deffintely is worth the visit. The views from the viewing platfom are just awesome.
The 50-meter obelisk, which is 65 meters, symbolizes the 50th anniversary. It ends with three slightly pointed arches. Such an end of the monument was used in the Urartian period and used to symbolize the royal crown.
A stylized pine tree (15m) is perceived as a wheat spike, which had historical and cultural significance in the past and symbolized the Tree of Life.
I first visited this place back in Summer of 2014, the place looked more or less the same. Which leads to think it could take anothed decade (or two) bedore making looks prettier.
Tbilisi - Yerevan Transfer by GoTrip.Ge Review
| Travel guides | 74 seen
If you are planning to travel from Tbilisi to Yerevan, you might want to consider using the services of gotrip.ge company. This is a popular company in Georgia that offers transportation services to different destinations in the country, including the transfer between Tbilisi and Yerevan.
The founder of the company, Sergey, actually contacted me a few years ago asking to make a review of this company, but never actually came back. Anyhow, as I had used gotrip.ge service for a couple of times myself I decided to give my unbiased review.
In the past I have used several ground transportation options to Yerevan, private cars and minivans, see my article here: Tbilisi - Yerevan Transfers By Taxi Car
First of all, let's talk about the price. Back in February 2023, the price for a one-way transfer between Tbilisi and Yerevan with gotrip.ge was around GEL 450 / USD 176 per car. This price might be subject to change, so it's always a good idea to check the company's website or contact them directly for more up-to-date information. Despite being a bit on the expensive side, this price includes several benefits that make the journey more comfortable and convenient.
We were travelling two grownups and kiddo, plenty of space in the backseat + luggage in the trunk
One of the main advantages of using gotrip.ge for your transfer is that they offer a door-to-door service. This means that they will pick you up from your location in Tbilisi and drop you off at your destination in Yerevan. This can save you a lot of time and hassle, especially if you are carrying heavy luggage or travelling with children. We were picked up at our home address in Tbilisi and delivered to our hotel in Yerevan.
The transfer between Tbilisi and Yerevan takes around 6 hours, including the time spent at the border crossing. The distance between the two cities is around 270 km, and the route passes through some beautiful landscapes and scenic views. The journey is quite comfortable and safe, and the driver will make sure to take breaks and stop at suitable places along the way.
Border crossing is easy, make sure you took your passport with you: Georgia / Armenia Border Crossing at Sadakhlo / Bagratashen
In conclusion, if you are looking for a comfortable and convenient way to travel from Tbilisi to Yerevan, gotrip.ge is a great option to consider. Despite being a bit expensive, their services include several benefits that make the journey more enjoyable and stress-free. The transfer takes around 6 hours, including the border crossing, and the company's staff takes care of all the paperwork and procedures. So, sit back, relax, and enjoy the beautiful scenery along the way!
P.S. You can order car also from Yerevan to Tbilisi.
Beyond Yerevan: Why Vanadzor Should Be on Your Armenia Itinerary
| | 185 seen
Vanadzor, also known as Kirovakan during the Soviet era, is the third-largest city in Armenia. Located in the northern part of the country, Vanadzor serves as the administrative center of the Lori Province.
The city is situated on the banks of the Pambak River and is surrounded by the picturesque mountains of the Lesser Caucasus. I made a quick stop and made a few drone photos here in Mid February 2023, after returning from Yerevan to Tbilisi.
Vanadzor has a rich history and culture, with several notable landmarks and attractions. The city is home to many museums, art galleries, and cultural centers, including the Vanadzor Fine Arts Museum, the House-Museum of Stepanavan Brothers, and the Vanadzor Drama Theatre.
Visitors can also explore the natural beauty of the region by hiking in the nearby mountains or visiting the Vanadzor Botanical Garden.
One of the must-visit places in Vanadzor is the Lori Berd Fortress, a medieval fortress situated on a hill overlooking the city. Another popular attraction is the Sanahin Monastery, a UNESCO World Heritage Site located about 20 kilometers from Vanadzor. The monastic complex, dating back to the 10th century, is renowned for its exquisite architecture and decorative art.
Vanadzor is also known for its traditional crafts, including carpet weaving, pottery, and woodcarving. Visitors can witness these crafts firsthand by visiting local workshops and markets.
Vanadzor is a fascinating destination for those who want to explore the history, culture, and natural beauty of Armenia. With its stunning landscapes, rich cultural heritage, and vibrant arts scene, Vanadzor is a city that should not be missed.
12 years in Georgia
| Living in Georgia | 17 seen
Georgia, a land of diverse cultures, mouth-watering cuisine, and breathtaking landscapes, has been my home for the past twelve years. Time flies when you're having fun, and I can say without a doubt that every year has been nothing short of amazing. From the bustling city streets to the tranquil countryside, Georgia has never ceased to amaze me.
The first weekend at the start of April 2023 was no exception. I decided to document my adventures in cinematic mode, using my new iPhone 14 plus and DJI Mavic.
In this short documentary -lunch with the team of Caucasus Translations, a local translation agency, where I had the pleasure of meeting some of the brightest minds in the industry.
Parking on Chavchavadze Avenue with our almost brand new Jeep Renegade car, while waiting for our kiddo from QSI school.
Technical inspection while sipping a latte at Mc Donalds.
With a stop at Chateau Ateni, a beautiful winery nestled in the rolling hills of the Georgian countryside. The winery has been producing some of Georgia's finest wines. I took a tour of the vineyard and learned about the traditional Georgian winemaking process.
The highlight of the video was spending quality time with my family and Frogallina, a pet frog from QSI. Frogallina even made an appearance in the video, and I have to say, she stole the show.
As I reflect on my twelve years in Georgia, I am filled with gratitude for the experiences I've had and the people I've met. From the vibrant culture to the breathtaking landscapes, Georgia has left an indelible mark on my heart. I look forward to many more adventures in this incredible country and can't wait to see what the future holds. Cheers to twelve brilliant years!
March 2023 Stock & Crypto Portfolio Update
| Investments | 58 seen
At the end of March 2023, I was managing 3 small investment portfolios. The total value of all portfolios combined was USD 6,466.07 / EUR 5,948.35.
One of my short-term goals is to grow portfolios to $10,000. To get there it is planned to deposit additional capital, plus selling options premium.
Portfolio #1
It was a good month for portfolio #1. It grew by + EUR 2,426.37 and stood at EUR 4,379.47 ($4,760.70) at the end of the month. For the truth's sake, we deposited an additional EUR 2,200 in it to have margin collateral for our options trades.
The main goal for this portfolio at the moment is to grow it to 100 fully covered Amazon shares, so we can sell covered calls on Amazon.
At the end of March, we were holding just 19 shares of Amazon. 81 to go. The average buy price per Amazon share is $105.02
Additionally, we are selling high probability options trades (delta under 0.1) collecting options premium to boost the returns for the portfolio.
In March we were selling options with AMZN, INTC, BAC, and WFC stocks.
In the end, we managed to collect +198.77 USD from expired options trades. That would give about a 4.17% yield from the portfolio's value.
Portfolio #2
Newest and smallest portfolio so far.
Opened at the start of February by opening a new account with Interactive Brokers and depositing EUR 50/mo. Buying TLRY stock. Currently holding 54 TLRY with an average buy price $3.05.
46 shares to go before will start selling covered calls on it.
The total value of the portfolio: EUR 132.37 / USD 143.78
Crypto Portfolio #3
Our third portfolio is a crypto portfolio, where I trade options on the Deribit trading platform with Ethereum.
At the end of March total value of this portfolio was $1,561.59 (EUR 1,436.51)
in March we took a -0.2193 ETH loss, which comes from badly managed options trades from the previous months.
Overall it was a good month with most gains coming from the first portfolio, and no surprise of that as it also is the largest one.
Armenia Marriott Hotel Yerevan
| Hotel reviews | 89 seen
Centrally located on Republic Square, Marriott Armenia Hotel Yerevan offers soundproofed rooms with classic-style décor and fine international cuisine. A bar and an outdoor summer terrace are also available.
We booked this hotel for about 3 day stay at mid-February 2023 paying about EUR 420.
Our booking included access to the executive lounge, which included free meals and drinks. Despite being rated as just a 4-star hotel, this is by far the most recommended stay in Yerevan. And I have stayed in a quite a few great hotels in Yerevan.
We got a king size bed and a seperate bed for our 4 year old kid. Our room was located just next to the exectuive lounge, free meals and drinks whole day.
It just cannot get located more centrally. As we traveled here to open an Yerevan office and conduct face to face interviews, it was great for business stay.
Behind its grand façade, the Marriott Armenia Hotel Yerevan provides spacious rooms and suites with flat-screen TV, mini-bar and seating area. Guests enjoy views of Mount Ararat or Republic Square.
It was a plesant surpirse having this executive lounge with meals for free. Last tim I enjoyed executive lounge was at Batumi Hilton hotel.
Marriott Armenia Hotel Yerevan offers 24/7 service at Cristal Bar and Lounge, delicious breakfast at the M-Club, and an amazing outdoor café with a view to the Republic Square.
There is a 24-hour front desk, and free private parking is available upon request.
Trully amazong stay! Hihly recommend for a business stay in Yerevan! Book now on Booking.com