Blog Archive: September 2024
Kiketi Farm Near Tbilisi: A Hidden Gem for Family Fun
| Living in Georgia | 174 seen
In mid-September 2024, my better half and I stumbled upon a delightful escape just a short drive from Tbilisi—Kiketi Farm. I must admit, I was pleasantly surprised by what this charming farm had to offer. From a cozy restaurant to engaging activities like horseback riding and arts and crafts for kids, Kiketi Farm proved to be an ideal spot for a family-friendly outing.
Nestled in the serene countryside near Tbilisi, Kiketi Farm is a refreshing retreat from the city's hustle and bustle. As soon as we arrived, we were greeted by the inviting atmosphere of the farm, with a rustic yet modern restaurant that quickly caught our eye. We decided to settle down for a leisurely lunch, enjoying the tranquil surroundings while savoring some delicious food.
One of the highlights of Kiketi Farm is its variety of activities. For those who enjoy horseback riding, the farm offers guided rides through the scenic countryside, making it a fantastic way to explore the area. While we didn’t try horseback riding during our first visit, it's definitely on our list for the next time, especially for our child, who I’m sure would be thrilled by the experience.
But what really caught our…
Tbilisi Marathon 2024: Running for Fitness and Crypto Growth
| Living in Georgia | 34 seen
On September 22, 2024, I joined thousands of runners for the annual Tbilisi Marathon.
It was a bright, bit cloudy, lively day in the city, and this year, I ran the 10K race alongside the team from Caucasus Translations. As always, I was proud to represent my hedge fund, TerraMatris, sporting the fund’s T-shirt throughout the run.
Although my finish time was a bit slower than last year (1 hour 13 minutes, though it is disputable as my fitness app showed 1 hour and 3 minutes), the real story for me was the astonishing growth of TerraMatris. Since its inception, the fund has grown an incredible 44 times! Running the marathon gave me a moment to reflect on the journey—balancing fitness, family, and finance, all while watching our fund rise in value over the past year. Isn’t that amazing?
It was also a special day for our family, as our little one took part in the kids' run, making it an even more memorable event. The Tbilisi Marathon has always been about community and perseverance, and this year was no exception.
Running with the support of friends, colleagues, and family added another layer of joy to the experience.
While my time on the…
Hotel Serodani Near Telavi
| Hotel reviews | 25 seen
At the start of September 2024, during our annual trip to the Tsinandali Music Festival, trip was organized by our company Caucasus Translations, we had the pleasure of staying at Hotel Serodani near Telavi. This hotel provided the perfect blend of comfort, convenience, and Georgian hospitality, making our festival experience even more memorable.
Hotel Serodani is conveniently located near Telavi, just 2.9 km away from the historic King Erekle II Palace. Its prime location offers easy access to various attractions in the Kakheti region, including the stunning Gremi Citadel, which is only 20 km away. This made it an ideal base for exploring the area's cultural and historical sights.
The hotel features rooms equipped with air conditioning, a private bathroom, a flat-screen TV, and a seating area. We particularly enjoyed the balconies, offering scenic views, including the mountains in some units. Each room is designed with comfort in mind, providing all the essentials for a relaxing stay, such as a desk, fresh linens, and towels. The 24-hour front desk and private check-in and check-out services ensured a smooth experience throughout our stay.
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Georgian Vegetarian Cuisine: Top Dishes You Should Try in Tbilisi
| Living in Georgia | 293 seen
Georgia, known for its rich culinary traditions, offers a diverse array of vegetarian dishes that are both delicious and satisfying. Despite being famous for its meat-heavy recipes, Georgian cuisine has a surprising variety of plant-based options.
If you're a vegetarian traveling to Tbilisi or simply looking to explore new flavors, this curated list of top Georgian vegetarian dishes will take you on a flavorful journey. Plus, I’ll share some of the best restaurants in Tbilisi where you can enjoy these dishes.
1. Khachapuri (Cheese Bread)One of Georgia's most iconic dishes, Khachapuri, is a must-try for any visitor. This cheese-filled bread comes in various forms, with the Adjarian Khachapuri being the most famous. It’s shaped like a boat, filled with melted cheese, and topped with an egg and a pat of butter. While not vegan, it's a favorite among vegetarians for its rich and hearty taste.
Where to Try:
- Machakhela – This chain restaurant offers a wide variety of Khachapuri styles.
- Retro – Known for its authentic Adjarian Khachapuri, it’s a local favorite.
Amilakhvari Castle: A Hidden Gem in the Kaspi Region
| Tourism objects | 77 seen
During a recent day trip around the Kaspi region in Georgia, I had the pleasure of visiting the historic Amilakhvari Castle, thanks to a recommendation from a German friend who joined us for the journey. Nestled in the serene landscape of central Georgia, this castle offers a fascinating glimpse into the country’s rich history, and it turned out to be a highlight of our trip.
Amilakhvari Castle, though not as widely known as some of Georgia's other fortresses, holds its own charm and significance. Built in the medieval period, the castle once served as a stronghold for the Amilakhvari family, a prominent noble house in Georgian history. The structure, though partially in ruins, still carries the grandeur of its past, with towering walls, defensive towers, and a sense of mystery that beckons visitors to explore.
Our six-year-old daughter was particularly taken with the hidden stairs within the castle. As we wandered through the labyrinthine passages, she let her imagination run wild, envisioning secret rooms, treasure troves, and daring escapes from ancient enemies. The castle, with its partially concealed pathways and staircases, seemed almost designed to spark the…
August 2024 Stock Portfolio Update ($9,248)
| Stock Portfolio | 158 seen
At the end of August 2024, the total value of our stock portfolio was USD 9,248 (€8,360 ). What is about 5% decrease or USD -478 loss, if compared to the previous month. Fundamental mistake with options trade on INTC stock took us there.
Just like previous month, also August we spent some time in Latvia, some time in Georgia. At the start of August we took a short few days trip to Croatia, staying in town of Omiš celebrating my 39 birthday. Awesome.
You can read mora bout our adventures in Omiš, Croatia here: Top Family-Friendly Things to Do in Omiš, Croatia: Beaches, Dining, and Adventure or see my video: Birthday in Croatia
Now back to the stock portfolio
The decrease in the stock portfolio comes from the market appreciation itself and additionally from options trades, while small part of the growth can be attributed to the dividends.
One of my short-term goals is to grow our portfolio to USD 10,000. With USD 752 to go, I believe this target could be crashed already this Fall, especially if we recover just form a few options trades, but you never know, market can take a steep correction.
The main longer-term goal for…
Top Family-Friendly Things to Do in Omiš, Croatia: Beaches, Dining, and Adventure
| Travel guides | 88 seen
At the start of August 2024, my family and I embarked on a memorable journey to Omiš, Croatia, to celebrate my 39th birthday. This trip was a perfect blend of relaxation and adventure, all set against the stunning backdrop of the Adriatic coast.
Our journey began with a Carpatair flight from Riga to Split, a convenient option that allowed us to reach our destination with ease. The flight was smooth, and the excitement of celebrating my birthday in a new place added to the anticipation.
We had prebooked an apartment in Omiš for around EUR 600, a decision that turned out to be just right for our needs. The town of Omiš, with its rich history and beautiful beaches, offered the perfect setting for our stay. Our apartment was cozy, well-equipped, and just a short walk from the beach—ideal for a family looking to relax and enjoy the sun.
We decided to spend all our days in Omiš, soaking up the sun and enjoying the laid-back atmosphere of the town. The local beaches were a highlight, offering crystal-clear waters and plenty of space to relax and tan. The warm Mediterranean climate made it easy to unwind, and the scenic views of the surrounding mountains added to the…
Kavtiskhevi Zoroastrian Temple
| Tourism objects | 72 seen
Sometimes, the most memorable discoveries come when you least expect them. That’s exactly what happened when I stumbled upon the Kavtiskhevi Zoroastrian Temple, a site that left me in awe and filled me with a tinge of regret for not having my drone with me to capture its full grandeur from above.
The story of how I found this remarkable site began with a simple invitation. I had invited a German friend to a nearby fish restaurant, known for its fresh catch and serene atmosphere. After placing our order, we realized we had about 20-25 minutes before the food would be ready. My friend then mentioned a nearby spot—the Kavtiskhevi Zoroastrian Temple—that he thought might be worth a quick visit. With time to spare, we decided to explore the site while our meal was being prepared.
Reaching the Kavtiskhevi Temple was surprisingly easy. A short drive and a brief walk brought us to the ruins, where I was immediately struck by the aura of mystery that surrounded the place. The ruins themselves were more expansive than I had anticipated, with various structures and remnants that hinted at its historical significance. The experience reminded me of visiting the famous Erebuni…