Blog Archive: January 2025
Schuchmann Wines Château & Caucasus Translations New Year's Party (2025)
| Living in Georgia | 31 seen
Caucasus Translations is kicking off the year with an unforgettable annual corporate event at the breathtaking Schuchmann Winery in Kakheti! 🍷✨
From wine baths to hot swimming pools and countless unforgettable moments, this retreat is all about celebrating hard work and looking forward to even greater achievements in the year ahead.
A huge THANK YOU to our amazing Caucasus Translations team—your dedication and passion make everything possible. 🙌
Enjoy the video and thumbs up!
Khushi Indian Restaurant in Tbilisi: A Cozy Spot on Kostava Street
| Restaurant reviews | 32 seen
If you’re on Kostava Street in Tbilisi, keep an eye out for Khushi Indian Restaurant, a nice little place serving Indian food. It’s right next to Medi Dental Clinic (my go-to dentist) and close to where the Gladius Jiu-Jitsu Club used to be.
Funny enough, a few years back, this spot was home to a Czech restaurant. Now, it’s all about Indian spices and flavors.
I tried their Fish Masala and Garlic Naan, and while I can’t claim to be an expert in Indian food, I really enjoyed it. The Fish Masala was rich and flavorful, and the Garlic Naan was just the right kind of soft and garlicky.
Khushi might not be a huge restaurant, but it’s worth checking out if you’re in the area and craving something different. Simple, tasty, and hits the spot!
Tbilisi Circus: A Historic Landmark with a Surprising Past
| Living in Georgia | 141 seen
Tbilisi Circus is an iconic part of the city's cultural landscape. Having lived in Georgia since 2011, I have passed by the Tbilisi Circus almost every day. However, it wasn’t until I attended a show that I truly appreciated its grandeur and rich history. I was fascinated by the performances and surprised to learn that Lavrentiy Beria, a key Soviet figure, was involved in its development.
Today on my Facebook feed appeared post in Georgian, and without hesitation I decided to translate and borrow the photo:
This article has been translated from Georgian, and the photo has been sourced from the Georgian Circus Facebook page.
The city of old Tbilisi is as unimaginable without the circus as Italy is without opera. In the 1860s to 1880s, Tbilisi residents entertained themselves not only with Verdi's music but also with circus performances by the Godfrey brothers, A. Führer, V. Sura, and others. However, the true renaissance of the Tbilisi Circus began in the 1890s when the Nikitin brothers—Dmitry, Akim, and Peter—built the first stationary circus on Golovin Avenue (now Rustaveli Avenue, 42).
In 1914, another stationary circus building was constructed on the…
Qavalli Aerocity Indian Restaurant in New Delhi
| Restaurant reviews | 14 seen
At the start of 2025, during a short stay in New Delhi, I had the pleasure of discovering Qavalli Aerocity Indian Restaurant. Located in the vibrant Aerocity area, this dining spot stands out for its inviting ambiance and mouthwatering Indian cuisine.
As someone who follows a primarily vegan diet but still enjoys fish occasionally, I was eager to see how the menu catered to my preferences—and it did not disappoint.
The highlight of my meal was the Fish Masala, a rich and flavorful dish that perfectly balanced the aromatic spices of Indian cuisine. Paired with a simple yet perfectly prepared bowl of steamed rice, the combination was nothing short of marvelous. Every bite was a celebration of bold flavors and expert cooking techniques, leaving me thoroughly impressed.
What makes Qavalli Aerocity even more appealing is its welcoming atmosphere. The restaurant's décor is stylish yet cozy, creating an ideal setting for both casual lunches and special dinners. The staff were attentive and knowledgeable, helping me navigate the menu and ensuring that my dietary needs were met.
If you’re in New Delhi and looking for an exceptional dining experience,…
Skiing in Gudauri
| Living in Georgia | 34 seen
Nestled in the majestic Caucasus Mountains, Gudauri offered us an unforgettable mix of adventure, stunning landscapes, and cultural experiences. Here's a glimpse into our journey—and don’t forget to watch the full video and give it a thumbs up!
Our weekend kicked off with the main attraction: skiing! Gudauri’s expansive ski area boasts slopes for every skill level, from beginners to seasoned pros. With pristine powder snow and breathtaking views, we couldn’t resist hitting the slopes right away. The resort’s modern lift system made it easy to access higher altitudes, where we were rewarded with panoramic vistas that seemed to stretch forever.
For those looking for a different kind of winter fun, Gudauri’s tobogganing tracks were a delight. Zooming down the snowy hills on a sled was pure joy, and it brought out our inner children. The laughter, adrenaline, and sheer simplicity of this activity made it one of our weekend highlights.
As lovers of aerial photography, we couldn’t miss the chance to capture Gudauri’s beauty from above. Flying our drone over the snow-covered peaks provided a unique perspective of the resort. From the dramatic ridges to the bustling…
Eternal Boutique in Calangute
| Shopping Venues | 76 seen
Nestled in the vibrant streets of Calangute in North Goa (Holiday street), Eternal Boutique is a delightful store that exudes charm and creativity. Discovered during our first trip to India in late 2023/early 2024, this boutique quickly became a favorite for its unique selection of dresses and accessories. It’s not just a store; it’s an experience that lingers long after you leave Goa.
The boutique is run by Dolma, a warm and welcoming lady from Tibet, who manages the store with her sister. Dolma’s gracious personality and keen eye for fashion make Eternal Boutique a standout in a sea of shops. Her expertise in curating beautiful, high-quality dresses and accessories ensures that every item in the store feels special and thoughtfully chosen.
During our first visit, my partner was so captivated by the boutique’s offerings that she purchased several dresses. Each piece was not only stunning but also unique, showcasing the artistry and craftsmanship that Dolma and her sister bring to their work. It was clear that Eternal Boutique was more than just a business for them; it was a labor of love.
When we planned our second trip to Goa at the end of 2024, one thing…
Prego & Hava Nagila: Kakheti, Kutaisi, and a Quick Riga Escape
| Living in Georgia | 38 seen
Our latest adventures in Kakheti (September 2024) are out, and it’s been a mix of good vibes, great food, and even better wine! From exploring Kakheti to a spontaneous solo trip to Riga, there’s plenty to share.
Let’s start in Kakheti. We kicked things off with fresh ponchiki (basically Georgian beignets) from the Telavi market – fried, fluffy, and irresistible. There was no shortage of Saperavi wine, thanks to Hotel Serodani, where lazy afternoons by the pool turned into evenings of pure relaxation. We skipped the Shukashvili dance performance at the Tsinandali Music Festival (next time!), but the charm of the region kept us busy with vineyard views and good company.
After that, it was back to Tbilisi and then Kutaisi, where I hopped on a Georgian bus – always an adventure in itself – to make our way to Riga via Wizzair. Riga was a quick but memorable two-day escape, packed with beautiful architecture, Baltic vibes, and plenty of DIY.
Oh, and let’s not forget the random fun we had back home with Karcher and Depo – cleaning, fixing, and just making life a…
Christmas Eve at Palolem Beach: Fire Shows, Old Monk
| | 94 seen
While we just celebrated Orthodox Christmas in Georgia, I can’t help but delve into the memories of our Western Christmas last year (2024), spent on the serene shores of Palolem Beach in Goa, India. That evening was magical in every way, filled with vibrant energy, beautiful scenery, and a new discovery that made the night unforgettable.
Palolem Beach is a place that transforms as the day turns into night. By day, it’s a tranquil haven lined with sunbeds and shaded spots to relax. But as the sun sets, the beach takes on a whole new persona. The sunbeds disappear, and café tables adorned with lit candles are brought out, creating a warm and enchanting ambiance. The entire shoreline glows with flickering lights, making it a perfect spot to soak in the festive spirit.
We found ourselves at the Royal Touch Café, one of the many inviting spots on the beach, just as the fire shows were starting. The performers, local entertainers with incredible skill and flair, put on a dazzling display of spinning and twirling flames against the backdrop of the dark sea. Their energy and passion lit up the night, drawing cheers and applause from the crowd. After each performance, they…