Blog Archive: October 2024
Running the Tbilisi Trails: A Challenging 10K at Tsodoreti Lake and a Memorable After-Party
| Living in Georgia | 31 seen
Our latest video from the Tsodoreti Lake race is finally out, capturing some memorable moments from one of the most challenging and scenic runs I've done in recent years. In mid-June 2024, I joined the Tbilisi Trails event, running a 10K to represent TerraMatris alongside friends from Caucasus Translations and several families from the British International School of Tbilisi (BIST). While we all expected some good physical exertion, the reality of the course was far more intense than most of us anticipated.
The race around Tsodoreti Lake was as beautiful as it was grueling. Starting off in the serene surroundings of the lake, the trail wound through rugged paths, forested inclines, and muddy tracks, pushing every runner to their limit. I knew it would be a demanding race, but I was surprised at how tough it became—my finishing time clocked in at about 1 hour and 40 minutes, marking my slowest 10K to date. For context, my typical 10K time is far faster, so this was a real lesson in endurance and humility. The path tested not only physical endurance but also mental resilience, reminding me that nature has a way of setting its own rules and rhythm, no matter how much we…
Review: Art Hotel Prague – A Cozy Stay in a Tranquil Part of Prague
| Hotel reviews | 32 seen
During our recent trip to Prague in October 2024, we opted for a one-night stay at the Art Hotel Prague. We arrived at the hotel via Bolt taxi from Václav Havel Airport, which was straightforward and efficient. At about EUR 120 per room per night, the Art Hotel offered a comfortable yet reasonably priced stay, and we booked directly through the hotel’s website. We also had to pay a small city tax upon check-out.
The Art Hotel is nestled in a quiet and prestigious residential neighborhood, providing a peaceful retreat that still offers easy access to Prague’s iconic spots. The historic center is within walking distance, taking roughly 20 minutes on foot, though we found taking a taxi around the city to be more convenient. Additionally, tram stops nearby provide easy access to popular landmarks for those looking to explore on a budget.
We booked two rooms for our stay, as one of our office staff was traveling with us. The majority of the rooms offer scenic views of Prague, including partial views of the iconic Prague Castle, while others overlook the garden area, creating a lovely green ambiance. A permanent collection of Czech modern art enhances the rooms, featuring…
Foraging for Mushrooms near Tsodoreti Lake: A Day in the Suburbs of Tbilisi
| Living in Georgia | 135 seen
Back in June 2024, I first came across Tsodoreti Lake during one of the Tbilisi Trails races, which turned out to be one of the most challenging runs of my life. While I tackled the 10K trail route, my partner and our kiddo took a gentler 7K path. But even with the varied distances, we all agreed on one thing—Tsodoreti Lake and its surrounding woods had a unique charm.
As we caught our breath by the lake, my partner made a casual yet intriguing remark: "This place might be good for mushrooms." That one sentence planted a seed, and it stayed with us. It’s a classic Georgian forest—dense, wild, and seemingly untouched—a perfect place for mushroom foraging.
Late October felt like the ideal time to return and explore Tsodoreti for mushrooms. The autumn colors painted the forest in warm shades of amber and crimson, and we came prepared with small baskets, ready to dive into a day of foraging. As with any mushroom hunt, our mission was half excitement, half learning. There’s an undeniable thrill to wandering through nature, scanning the forest floor, and stumbling upon something unexpected.
We began our adventure with a few findings, modest…
Axel Georgian Business Angel Networking Event: Exploring Opportunities in Tbilisi
| Living in Georgia | 45 seen
In mid-October 2024, I had the pleasure of attending the Axel Georgian Business Angel networking event, held right here in Tbilisi. Having passively observed the Georgian tech scene for over a decade, this event provided the perfect platform to witness firsthand the innovation and ambition fueling the local startup ecosystem.
With TerraMatris Crypto Hedge Fund now in full swing, my focus has shifted to both raising capital and scouting promising investment opportunities—be it over centralized or decentralized exchanges (CEX or DEX). The timing for such an event couldn't have been better.
The evening kicked off with an electric atmosphere of pitches and networking. Entrepreneurs passionately presented their ideas, and the energy in the room was contagious. One standout was Sergi, who pitched his Tata app, a promising project with potential. It’s always refreshing to see such talent emerging from Georgia, a country that has consistently shown resilience and growth in the tech space over the years.
Though I haven't yet become a member of the AXEL network, the thought of becoming an Angel investor in Georgia is something I’ve considered for a long time. With…
Maika.ge: My Favorite Print Shop in Tbilisi
| Living in Georgia | 51 seen
When it comes to reliable print services in Tbilisi, Maika.ge is my go-to choice. Located at Dinamo Arena, Gate 10, this small yet efficient print shop has been my trusted partner for several years.
Whether for the translation business, Caucasus Translations, or more recently for TerraMatris Crypto Hedge Fund, their service has always impressed me.
Most of the custom prints I order for Caucasus Translations are designed by myself, and here's a tip: Canva is your friend when it comes to creating sleek, professional designs. Maika.ge has always been there to take my designs and bring them to life with quality prints. Lately, I’ve expanded my orders to include T-shirts and caps for TerraMatris, and their execution has been flawless.
What stands out about Maika.ge is their fast and efficient service. Most of the process can be handled via email, making it convenient for those who have tight schedules. They even offer a delivery service, but I personally enjoy visiting the shop to pick up my orders. There's something special about seeing the small workshop in action—it's a place that exudes professionalism and passion for their craft.
For anyone looking…
Tbilisi Bootcamp: Exploring the TON Ecosystem and New Opportunities for TerraMatris Crypto Hedge Fund
| Living in Georgia | 29 seen
In October 2024, Tbilisi hosted the Tbilisi Bootcamp by Ton Foundation, a three-day event that brought together developers, entrepreneurs, and crypto enthusiasts from around the world. Although I couldn't participate in the entire event due to travel commitments, I attended the first day to explore and learn more about the TON token and its growing ecosystem.
At TerraMatris Crypto Hedge Fund, we’ve been making small but strategic investments into TON, and this event provided an excellent opportunity to deepen my understanding and potentially open new doors for future growth.
The TON token (The Open Network) has been gaining significant attention due to its innovative features and deep integration with platforms like Telegram. Its fast, scalable blockchain, along with its potential to handle millions of transactions per second, makes it a compelling investment opportunity. With TerraMatris exploring new avenues for growth, it felt natural to dive deeper into TON's capabilities at this event.
I had the pleasure of listening to some great speakers during the first day of…
Vaclav Havel Airport Prague
| Airports | 27 seen
In mid-October 2024, I had the opportunity to visit Vaclav Havel Airport in Prague for the first time, traveling from Tbilisi to Prague with a layover in Riga on AirBaltic, Latvia’s national carrier. The trip was part of a journey that allowed me to explore the airport’s facilities and discover how easy it is to navigate the city from there.
Vaclav Havel Airport, though serving one of Europe's most popular tourist destinations, felt compact and easy to navigate. The airport has two main terminals. Terminal 1 caters primarily to international, non-Schengen flights, while Terminal 2 handles Schengen-area traffic. As someone used to the sprawling layouts of larger airports, I found the layout of Prague’s airport quite manageable. Moving between terminals and finding amenities was straightforward and stress-free.
One of the most pleasant surprises was the ease with which we could connect to Prague’s city center. Despite not using public transport this time, the options for travelers are extensive. From buses to direct airport express trains, the city has made it simple to transition from the airport to its bustling center. However, for the sake of convenience, we opted…
Tbilisi Marathon 2024
| Living in Georgia | 35 seen
At the end of September, the Tbilisi Marathon 2024 was nothing short of exhilarating! Alongside the fantastic team from Caucasus Translations, I had the privilege of running the 10K race, proudly representing TerraMatris Crypto Hedge Fund. It was a thrilling day packed with action, camaraderie, and just a bit of last-minute drama.
The day started off with one of those classic movie-style moments. Picture this: We’re all geared up and ready to go, but due to a small detour (read: pre-race jitters!), we were cutting it dangerously close to missing the start. In a scene that could have been ripped straight from a Georgian version of a Luc Besson film, we managed to sprint our way to the start line just in time. Talk about an adrenaline rush before the race even began!
Once the race kicked off, the energy was electric. Running through the streets of Tbilisi, surrounded by fellow runners and spectators cheering us on, it reminded me of the vibrant community spirit that this city fosters. Though my result was slightly slower than last year, the day was still a success. TerraMatris Crypto Hedge Fund has grown 44x since its founding, and this run was a…