Blog Archive: February 2024
Greece / Athens
| Travel guides | 23 seen
Lights, camera, action! In mid-January 2024, a small team from Caucasus Translations embarked on an unforgettable adventure to Athens, Greece, leaving behind the picturesque landscapes of Kutaisi airport in Georgia for the vibrant streets of the Greek capital.
Our mission? To immerse ourselves in the rich tapestry of Greek culture, indulge in delectable cuisine, and foster connections with both locals and family members alike. And let me tell you, our trip did not disappoint!
From the moment we touched down in Athens, we were swept away by the city's timeless charm and infectious energy. Our itinerary was packed with visits to iconic landmarks, including the awe-inspiring Acropolis and the bustling Ancient Agora. Walking in the footsteps of ancient philosophers and statesmen, we couldn't help but marvel at the sheer magnitude of history that surrounded us.
But our exploration didn't stop there. No trip to Greece would be complete without indulging in some traditional delicacies, and boy, did we indulge! From sipping on refreshing mimosas made with prosecco and freshly squeezed orange juice to sampling succulent octopuses and flavorful dolmas, our taste buds were in for a treat.
Of course, no cultural exchange would be complete without mingling with the locals. We had the pleasure of hanging out with Greek brokers, exchanging insights and forging new connections in the world of business and finance. And let's not forget about the shopping! From charming boutiques to bustling markets, Athens offered a plethora of opportunities to indulge in some retail therapy and snag a few souvenirs to take home.
But perhaps the most meaningful part of our trip was reuniting with Georgian relatives who had made Athens their home. Sharing stories, laughter, and memories over hearty meals and heartfelt conversations, we were reminded of the power of family ties that transcend borders and distance.
As our journey came to a close, we couldn't help but reflect on the incredible experiences we had shared and the friendships we had forged along the way. And what better way to capture the magic of our adventure than with a video to share with the world?
So without further ado, sit back, relax, and enjoy the highlights of our Athens escapade. From ancient wonders to culinary delights and heartwarming reunions, it's a journey you won't want to miss. And if you enjoy the video as much as we enjoyed our trip, don't forget to give it a thumbs up!
Until next time, γεια σας (geia sas), Athens! We'll be back for more adventures soon.
Athens4 hotel (Monastriraki) in Greece
| Hotel reviews | 51 seen
Athens4 is a small boutique hotel in the capital city of Greece, Monastriraki area (city center). This hotel features air-conditioned rooms with satellite flat-screen TV. The property is located 1.2 km from the Acropolis, 300 metres from Monastiraki Flea Market and 700 metres from Athens Ancient Agora.
The property is non-smoking and is set 300 metres from Monastiraki Square. The units in the hotel are fitted with a kettle. With a private bathroom equipped with a shower and a hairdryer, rooms at Athens4 also have free WiFi. Guests at the accommodation can enjoy a buffet breakfast.
We booked thios hotel for a few day stay during our short weekend trip to Athens at the start of January 2023, the total price we paid for a 4 night stay was about USD 373.
Athens4 in the heart of Athens is a conception of its surroundings, influenced by its humble beginnings as a textile factory. The textile industry, which was once a thriving industry, was brought to near extinction in the 1980’s by ready-made clothing.
The area was slowly abandoned as shops and factories closed their doors. Athens4 is a project meant to breathe new life into this historic area.
A pleasant stay in the city center, form here we were able to find local nearby restaurants, shopping and even traveled for some business meeting. Lovely area.
Decent boutique hotel, for a decent price. Very friendly staff, excellent breakfast and coffee for free. Highly recommend.
Book now on Booking.com
How To Update XTRF to The Latest version (Linux/Debian)
| Servers | 142 seen
XTRF is a translation management system. I have been supporting XTRF system for a translation company in Georgia for more than 10 years already. I have seen have this product have grown and developed over the years. It doesnt actually ask much support (in the recent years), as mostly works out of the box. Set and Forget. With performing routine system updates 1-2 per year.
That day come again, and we were asked to perform security upgrade for XTRF version on our server, in this article I decided to keep notes, for further reference.
Official guide here: Update XTRF
Package change
Starting with XTRF 8.6, the package has been redesigned and renamed to xtrf9-full The contents are largely unchanged. In order to update to this version, simply install the new package.
Execute the following commands on your server
sudo apt-get update
sudo apt-get install xtrf9-full
Debian maintenance procedures
You can restart XTRF manually by issuing the following command:
systemctl restart jboss-xtrf.service
XTRF is managed as a systemd service, so all the usual administrative commands from systemd apply.
Pinch of Spice Restaurant in Agra
| Restaurant reviews | 33 seen
Pinch of Spice is restaurant located in Agra, India serving Indian and Chinese cuisine. We made our lunch break after visiting the Worlds famous Taj Mahal.
Spent some good time and tried delicious cuisine.
During this trip to India I was fond of fish curry and garlic naan. Yum. Accompanied by Kingfisher beer.
We got here by our tour guide, after asking for some of the best restaurant recommendations. If you happen to be in this part of the world- give it a try.
Birtvisi Canyon & Seila
| Living in Georgia | 47 seen
Embark on an exhilarating journey with our latest short film, "The Winner Takes It All," showcasing the breathtaking beauty of Birtvisi and our mastery of the art of Georgian khinkali consumption. Join us as we effortlessly blend easy hiking, engaging conversation, and a delightful tutorial on the proper way to enjoy this iconic Georgian dish. Grab your virtual hiking boots and get ready for an adventure like no other!
Nestled in the heart of Georgia, Birtvisi offers a picturesque landscape that serves as the perfect backdrop for our latest escapade. The easy hiking trails winding through lush greenery and ancient ruins provide a refreshing experience for both seasoned hikers and casual enthusiasts. Follow us as we traverse these scenic paths, capturing the essence of the journey with every step.
Our adventure at Birtvisi isn't just about the physical exertion; it's about the engaging conversations that accompany the trek. Share in our smart talk moments as we discuss everything from travel tales to life's profound mysteries. The synergy between captivating vistas and insightful discussions makes this hike a holistic experience that stimulates both body and mind.
No Georgian adventure is complete without a lesson in khinkali etiquette. Watch as we demonstrate the art of savoring these delectable dumplings—the right way. From the perfect pinch to the satisfying slurp, our khinkali tutorial ensures that you, too, can indulge in this culinary delight with finesse.
As you accompany us through the ups and downs of Birtvisi, don't forget to hit that thumbs up button to show your support. Your approval fuels our passion for exploration and storytelling, inspiring us to continue sharing our adventures with the world. Join us in celebrating the spirit of conquering challenges, savoring delicious moments, and embracing the winner's mindset.
Taj Mahal
| Tourism objects | 38 seen
The Taj Mahal is an ivory-white marble mausoleum on the right bank of the river Yamuna in Agra, Uttar Pradesh, India. It was commissioned in 1631 by the fifth Mughal emperor, Shah Jahan (r. 1628–1658) to house the tomb of his beloved wife, Mumtaz Mahal; it also houses the tomb of Shah Jahan himself. The tomb is the centrepiece of a 17-hectare (42-acre) complex, which includes a mosque and a guest house, and is set in formal gardens bounded on three sides by a crenellated wall.
I had a chance to visit World famous Taj Mahal in the end of December 2023, during our three week family trip to India. I booked the so called Golden triangle trip in New Delhi, and it took us a few hours to reach Taj Mahal from New Delhi. Our tour company organized us transfer and guides, and it was very easy to get access to Taj Mahal thanks to our guide.
Construction of the mausoleum was essentially completed in 1643, but work continued on other phases of the project for another 10 years. The Taj Mahal complex is believed to have been completed in its entirety in 1653 at a cost estimated at the time to be around ₹32 million, which in 2023 would be approximately ₹35 billion. The construction project employed some 20,000 artisans under the guidance of a board of architects led by Ustad Ahmad Lahori, the emperor's court architect. Various types of symbolism have been employed in the Taj to reflect natural beauty and divinity.
We spent here about one hour taking a lot of pictures and enjoying nice weather
Franly speaking I thought this building will be much much much more bigger. Not saying it was not impressive enough, it is, but from the size I could easily compare it to the Sameba cathedral in Tbilisi.
The Taj Mahal was designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1983 for being "the jewel of Muslim art in India and one of the universally admired masterpieces of the world's heritage". It is regarded by many as the best example of Mughal architecture and a symbol of India's rich history. The Taj Mahal attracts 7-8 million visitors a year, and in 2007 it was declared a winner of the New 7 Wonders of the World (2000–2007) initiative.
The tomb is the central focus of the entire complex of the Taj Mahal. It is a large, white marble structure standing on a square plinth and consists of a symmetrical building with an iwan (an arch-shaped doorway) topped by a large dome and finial. Like most Mughal tombs, the basic elements are Indo-Islamic in origin.
The base structure is a large multi-chambered cube with chamfered corners forming an unequal eight-sided structure that is approximately 55 metres (180 ft) on each of the four long sides. Each side of the iwan is framed with a huge pishtaq or vaulted archway with two similarly shaped arched balconies stacked on either side. This motif of stacked pishtaqs is replicated on the chamfered corner areas, making the design completely symmetrical on all sides of the building. Four minarets frame the tomb, one at each corner of the plinth facing the chamfered corners. The main chamber houses the false sarcophagi of Mumtaz Mahal and Shah Jahan; the actual graves are at a lower level.
BIST Christmas Market 2023
| Living in Georgia | 33 seen
Tis the season of giving, and what better way to celebrate the spirit of Christmas than by sharing moments of joy and charity? Our recent visit to the Christmas Charity Fair at British International school of Tbilisi (BIST) was nothing short of magical, and we've captured the highlights in a heartwarming video. Join us as we take you on a visual journey, skillfully crafted with the latest post-editing techniques in Adobe Premiere Pro 2024.
The Christmas Charity Fair at BIST unfolded as a vibrant tapestry of colors, laughter, and goodwill. From festive decorations to the heartfelt smiles of attendees, every frame of our video encapsulates the warmth and generosity that filled the air.
Watch the video, immerse yourself in the festive atmosphere, and be a part of our celebration of Christmas giving. A simple thumbs up is all it takes to show your support and spread the holiday cheer. Let's come together as a community, cherishing the true meaning of Christmas – the spirit of generosity, compassion, and love.
Inn Tawang Hotel In Delhi
| Hotel reviews | 43 seen
Hotel Inn Twang is located 3.5 km from the New Delhi Railway Station. Free WiFi access is available in public areas.
We stayed at this hotel for two nights at the end of December during our 3 week trip to India. The hotel was offered to us by a tour company, and we got transferred here directly from the airport in Delhi.
Despite not being a bad hotel, I doubt I would book it again. The hotel defiantly was cheap, but not for us, as we booked from the travel agency. And we paid like for a decent 4star hotel. Otherwise pretty decent 3-star hotel with all the basic amenities. I believe room could be get here for about $25. For us it cost more like $75 (but not hotel took the money, travel agency did).
Each room here will provide you with a TV, air conditioning and a balcony. There is also a refrigerator. Featuring a shower, private bathroom also comes with free toiletries. Extras include a seating area and cable channels.
At Hotel Inn Twang you will find a 24-hour front desk, a garden and a terrace.
Other facilities offered at the property include a shared lounge, a ticket service and a tour desk. An array of activities can be enjoyed on site or in the surroundings, including cycling. The property offers free parking.
The hotel is 7.5 km from India Gate, 9 km from Red Fort and 17.5 km from the UNESCO World Heritage Site, Qutb Minar. The Kashmere gate ISBT is 7.8 km away while Indira Gandhi International Airport is 13 km away.
The in-house restaurant serves regional and Indian delicacies. Room service can be requested for in-room dining comforts.
Budget class hotel, book now on Booking.com
IWA Charity Fair Tbilisi 2023
| Living in Georgia | 33 seen
As the chilly winds of December swept through the vibrant streets of Tbilisi, our family embraced the warmth of the season at the IWA Charity Fair. This annual event has become a cherished tradition for expat families, offering not only delectable treats but also a chance to contribute to a noble cause.
The IWA Charity Fair in Tbilisi is not just an ordinary event; it's a celebration of community and goodwill. Expatriates from various corners of the world gather to share the festive spirit, creating a unique blend of cultures and camaraderie. The air is filled with laughter, joy, and the delightful aroma of international cuisines.
One highlight was the French pop-up restaurant, where he indulged in a scrumptious salmon burger. The fusion of French culinary finesse with locally sourced ingredients created a culinary masterpiece that left taste buds dancing.
Amidst the cheerful ambiance, hot wine flowed freely, providing a perfect remedy to the winter chill. Families engaged in heartfelt conversations, sharing stories of their unique journeys and experiences in the charming city of Tbilisi. It was more than just a fair; it was a platform for forging lasting connections and friendships.
Beyond the festivities, the IWA Charity Fair serves a higher purpose – contributing to meaningful causes. The sense of fulfillment derived from knowing that their enjoyment was helping others added an extra layer of joy to the experience.
As December unfolded in Tbilisi, the IWA Charity Fair became a memorable chapter in Reinis Fischer's annual traditions. A fusion of gastronomic delights, cultural exchange, and philanthropy, the event exemplifies the true spirit of the holiday season. Thumbs up to a heartwarming celebration that brings people together for a good cause!