Blog Archive: July 2014 | Reinis Fischer

Cycling Tbilisi Embankment - evening ride - Dinamo Arena - Didube

17 July, 2014 | Outdoor Activities | 10 seen

Yesterday was a hot day, it was about 37 Celsius, and I offered to make a cycling after 9:00PM, but we agreed to ride at 7:00PM, at first we stopped for some chicken barbecue at 11 Katkha restaurant near Dinamo Stadium. It turned out - yesterday Georgian National Football team played against Kazakhstan, since our favourite restaurant is located right next to Dinamo Stadium, it was full with folks eager to have a drink before the game.

That's another interesting observation - about 95% of folks there - ordered just beer, and we were left with bad service - although we ordered some food instead of beer. And I believe our total cheque was the same as 10 beer drinkers. But we received 10 times worst service. Georgians tend to serve beer first - this is a pattern I have noticed living in Georgia.

Anyway - after meal we started to wheel. Our route was not new for us - but this time I used Map My Ride Android App, to map this ride and measure the distance (previously I had no clue - how long is this route).

We started from Dinamo Stadium, then headed down to embankment, did some problems crossing the street to get to pathway, but after some 5-8 minutes of staying in middle of street we finally did crossed the street, and headed to Didube. At Didube we had a brief rest, and then we headed back home.

Total distance for this route was about 9.24 km and it took less than 1 hour to finish this route, maiking our average speed about 9.6 km/h. At this route there is not much elevation gain, and it's pretty (not to say very) easy route. Of course there are some fishermen fishing in Mtkvari river, or some parked cars to avoid, but overall, nothing to be afraid route. More about obstacles facing on this route and some photos I have added in article - during my first ride here

Although the average speed was about 9.6 km/h, there were tracks where speed reached 16km/h, and maximum speed was 16.9 km/h.

Compared this rode with rode to Tbilisi sea and back, this was very easy and pleasant, and yes it happened in evening, when it was not so damned hot any more.

As well I would like to add that Map My Ride app is very convenient and works with GPS data excellent, there is no need for Wi-FI, or mobile internet to be turned on.

In next month's I hope I will have more rides in Tbilisi and Georgia. We do have some longer rodes in our minds as well - like to ride to David Gareji Monastery and back, or to take a train to Khasuri and make some ride in Surami. Will, see how it's gonna to happen.

Using Custom Channels in Google Adsense

16 July, 2014 | Blogging | 73 seen

Custom Channels is a great way to measure performance for your Google Adsense ad units, and it's a great way to get more targeted ads for your websites. In this article I will explain how you can use Custom Channels to track which ad units performs better, and how to sell those ad units for potentiall bidders.

How to create Custom Channels

Let's login to our Google Adsense account and head to My ads section, then in the left sidebar you will find - Custom Channels section, click on it

My Google Adsense Custom Channels

We are allowed to create up to 500 Custom Channels in Google Adsense, what is fairly enough for me, who is having some 5-6 websites.

Before you are creating your Custom Channel - I suggest that you have created your Ad units already. My method I preffer working with Google Adsense is to Create a sepperate ad unit for each website and position. For example, on this blog I have 3 ad units (top of the content, bottom of the content and right sidebar) - I'm not using these 3 ad units on any other site.

Now, I have created 3 Custom channels for each of my ad units - you are not obligatory to follow my way - I have done this, just to experiment and because of I have pretty mixed content on my site - there are travel related articles, social media articles, web development articles. So I created for each one channel - for web development - DRUPAL, for social media - SOCIAL, for travel - Travel.

Another reason I'm using multiple channels for one ad unit - I'm looking for ways to get higher bids for my ads, making my ads targetable for bidders. I believe that Google is pretty smart enough to serve most relavant ads, depending on page visitors is looking - is it travel, social or web development related content. For Bidders I have created detailed descriptions for each of channels I'm using.

How to create custom channel Google Adsense

As you can see I have marked a check box next to Targeting - and my custom channel becomes available to advertisers as a target-able ad placement. I added a brief description, explaining what ad format i used and where this ad is displayed, as well I added a summary what ads I'm looking for this channel.

It's been already more than 8 years since Google Adsense introduced multiple custom channels, and here you can read about that more

What's the benefit of tracking with more than one custom channel? Well, multiple channels can be very useful when you want to track one ad unit across several different metrics simultaneously. For example, let's say you run a sports website and you've placed a leaderboard at the top and bottom of every page. To track the performance of the ad placement, you've created two custom channels -- 'TopLeaderboard' and 'BottomLeaderboard' -- and regenerated your ad code appropriately.

But what if you also want to compare your football pages and your baseball pages at the same time? With multiple custom channels, this isn't a problem. Just create two new custom channels called 'FootballPages' and 'BaseballPages', and add them to the appropriate ad units. Now your leaderboards will each be tagged with two custom channels that let you know which position they're in (top or bottom), and the type of page on which they appear (football or baseball).

I'm not a PRO user of Google Adsense, but I have heard that using custom channels might increase your revenue from ads up to 400%, ofcourse I belive that depends, how efficently you are targeting bidders. What I do believe for sure -in order to get someoen to click on your ads - you must have to provide traffic to your site, difference how many clicks you recieve for your Adsense ads will be huge if compared when you have 100 users in a month or 10 000 users in a month.

Don't concentrate just on Adsene - concentrate on ways to get more traffic to your site, and use Adsense (including Custom Channels), to optimize your performance.

You might want to read: How to create URL channels in Google Adsense

How to create URL channels in Google Adsense

15 July, 2014 | Blogging | 58 seen

I have been using Google Adsense for almost 5 years already, first 4 and a half years I didn't paid much attention for it. I mean I was not paying attention for better implementation, CTR, CPC and other things. I just put Adsense code to my webpages, did some small blending stuff and was sitting back and waited when cash will flow in. It didn't!

And then I started my blog - I can tell just one - after I started my own blog, I started to pay attention for more details. In short time I raised my CTR from 0.5% to 1.5-2%, I started to target more paying keywords, and I increased (a little) my CPC rate. Although my highest earnings from Google Adsense in one month haven't reached more than $16 - I'm happy with results - because those results happened just last month.

By learning more techniques, serving more content, I have been able to raise my earning from Google Adsense.

Since I have more web properties than just my blog, where I'm serving Google Adsense, I wanted to have better overview how each website performs on it own. One option is inside Google Adsense to filter sites and see your overview, but that's a little time consuming.

I have installed on my Chrome browser Google Publisher Toolbar, what gives me quick overview, what is my earnings for Today, Yesterday, This month so far and Last Month. What is perfectly fine - if you have one website to observe. If you have more than one website, you might wonder to get more information. Luckly, the same Google Publisher Toolbar gives us a URL channel overview as well.

In order to get data for URL channels we need to add URL channels in Google Adsense

How to add URL channels in Google Adsense

Log in to your Google Adsense account, Click on My ads tabs from upper menu, then click on URL Channels from left sidebar menu (Content section), click on New URL Channel and add your URL. You can add up to 500 URL's.

Google Adsense might ask you to verify your URL(s) after you will submit them. If you have Google Analytics installed and that account is linked with Google Adsense, there shouldn't be problems to verify your URL in Google Adsense. If there is - please follow on screen instructions.

The result?

Now we have a quick Google Publisher Toolbar overview, with filtered URL, and we are a little bit more smarter what's actually going on on our sites. Which site generates more, and which less.

Hope this article helped you to define your Google Adsense URL channels.

Rafting in Georgia - Khertvisi - Aspindza - Borjomi

14 July, 2014 | Outdoor Activities | 23 seen

Some time ago we find some offer on Facebook offering rafting tour in Georgia for 2 days - on Mtkvari river. Tour included raft, safety wests, oars, overnight in tents. It sounded pretty good, and we decided to claim this offer. Said - done!

Our rafting tour started Saturday morning from Tbilisi (minibuss waited for rafters next to Radisson Blue and it was supposed to leave Tbilisi at 9:00 AM)

As usualy doing something unexpected I don't plan it very detailed - for me it was clear - it's rafting, what should I plan here? I'm paying my money - and everything rest is handled by organizators.

We started our trip to our destination place - Khetvisi fortress:

In above map you can see our route - according to Google maps the distance from Tbilisi to Khetvisi fortress is about 211 km and time to drive 2 hours and 51 minute. We made this route in 5 hours. Well we did stop to take some scenic views:

Update:

One of the team members - Bogdan Egikov, pointed that my map is not precise, he gave me route according to his records:

Stop in mountains

Alpine meadows

Our drive took as through Samche-Javaheti region. One of the specific for this region - it's widely populated by Armenians, and driving through some cities in this region - I got the Little Armenia feeling. Let me explain - Armenia is another great destination where to go - of course if you are not afraid of so called "Ghost of Communism" - in Armenia every street name is in Russian. Although Armenians do have their own - unique language Armenian, seems they like to affiliate themselves with Russia (if you are in Geopolitics - you already might now how closely Armenia is related to Russia). In cities of Samche-Javakheti region signs are in Russian as well.

After couple of our we were at our Rafting starting point - Khetvisi fortress, some claim Alexander the Great has been here.

Khertvisi fortress

We had a quick lunch here and organisers started to fill up the boat with air

Trademark of Georgia - Cows are everywhere.

Meal before start

Our rafting instructor Stas Miroshnichenko inspects the boat

Speaking of our instructor Stas from Ukraine - this dude seems a fantastic guy - with huge rafting experience in Russia (Syberia). Latter that evening talking next to fireplace - Stas told us his stories about rafting not only in Russia, but in India and other places. Although I'm not a rafting expert, just a Sunday rafter, for me it was interesting to hear his stories. Stas can speak about river flows for hours, and he definetly knows the best raftting places in Georgia.

Actually - he seems very crazy dude - he has left his comfort zone (looking through his FB profile - it turns out he has worked as visiting professor at University of Strasbourg) - to be in more connection with nature. I guess Stas is not only a great rafter, but we could learn from him about survival in rough environment. I mean - kinda Robinson Cruso with Ph.d.

Our raft then started. Unfortunately I was aware of taking my phone or photo camera in boat, so I don;t have pictures from our first raft track - Khertvisi - Aspindza.

Overall the raft was pretty OK, the river was pretty slow, with not many obstacles or dangerous rocks on it. Well ofcourse there was a rocks and obstacles, but nothing to be afraid from. Since the team was with different skill level for raft, we made a pretty long raft. Some 3-4 hours for some 15km. I felt a little exhausted, and when we approached our camp place - I wanted two things to have some meal and to have a cozy bed and plenty of sleep. Instead of this we got a tent, sleeping mattress, fireplace and some ex-USSR camping food - buckwheat with stew - not not regular stew - the Soviet style stew. I'm not against that - It was great, but I did choose instead to take some bread with Sulguni cheese and soon I went for sleep.

Our tent

Fireplace

"Monkey" - Irakli preparing buckwheat with stew

Team gathering around Stas

Next morning I decided not to join for second raft - because of I was exhausted from first - no, it is normally fine for me, not to choose to do something, when not all are in. Since in first day raft there were people pretending they are doing raft, and there were people with right attitude putting all their muscle and body strength to keep boat moving ahead, not just lazy drifting. My hands was in blebs and I got some muscle pains - So I decided not to join, instead to take some nice looking photos.

Boat, safety west's and helmets in rest

Wooden bridge next to our camping place

Truck

Team (some of them) with Ukrainian and Georgian flags

Then we picked our raft stuff (boat, west's e.t.c) and headed to Rabati castle in Ahaltsikhe

Rabati Castle

After short visit of Rabati our second track of rafting started, in which I didn't take participation, but I did take some photos although:

We met more rafters and decided to join them

Team is getting ready for start

Team has started their second day raft

Facing obstacles

In overall this was another great experience in Georgia. And of of the features Georgia can offer is its mountain rivers. Although there were some organization problems with this rafting tour - overall impressions are great - and I would like to repeat rafting in Georgia again.

Feel free to contact Stas (instructor) while he is in Georgia: +995557927924

or contact organiztor of this tour Giorgi: 555982092

The Price? 65 GEL for 2 day rafting tour in Georgia - a for a lot of scenic views.

Flights to Mestia from Tbilisi will resume starting July 18th by Service Air

14 July, 2014 | Living in Georgia | 8 seen

Today I red splendid news on Georgian news - <a href="http://newsgeorgia.ru/economy/20140714/216770339.html" target="_blank">starting July 18Th flights from Tbilisi to Mestia will be resumed</a> - and will be performed by Georgian flight company - Service Air.According to news - the flights will happen 3 times in a week - Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays. Flight will leave Tbilisi at 11:00 and will return from Mestia 14:00. Ticket price will be 65 GEL.I was so impressed and eager to visit Svanetia, I immediately called "Service Air" company - to make a reservation. Unfortunately women at the other end of phone - explained me - that they (Service Air) don't know anything yet, and full confirmation should be announced today/tomorrow. Answering on my question - yes, but the news are already in newspapers, she told me - that newspapers have rushed events.Anyway - that's great news - and I do believe flights will resume to Mestia soon. It's awaited that flight duration will be about 45 minutes - that's just brilliant - instead of 7-8 hour drive by car - you can reach Mestia in just 45 minutes. Awesome, Superb!I want to have ticket on board because I want to visit Mestia and Svanetia, finally!<h2>About Service Air</h2><a href="http://www.serviceair.ge/" target="_blank">Service air</a> is a privately held first Company developing and promoting General Aviation in Georgia. We gladly share our experience and offer help within our capacity to anyone interested in developing or getting involved in General Aviation. The company owns it’s private Aircraft Means and airdrome. Natakhtari Aerodrome is the first general aviation airport in Georgia located on a beautiful valley just 20 miles North of Tbilisi, less than a mile off the highway. We are offering: Charter flights to the remote locations; Cargo and Transportation; Scenic Flights – the Grand Caucasus offers breathtaking vistas – majestic peaks, glaciers, volcanic platos, deep canyons, rich valleys, desert landscapes, soothing Black Sea and its gentle shores; Agricultural and Ecologycal aviation services; We teach flying through the learning courses for airplane using the most advanced computer programs, literature, and the newest navigation technologies; Flight Club membership providing significant advantages; In this business only sky is the limit… We believe in its future. Come and see for yourself. Explaining the concept of General Aviation is harder than actually doing it.<h2>About Mestia</h2>Mestia  is a highland townlet (daba) in northwest Georgia, at an elevation of 1,500 metres (4,921 feet) in the Caucasus Mountains.The townlet is dominated by stone defensive towers of a type seen in Ushguli ("Svan towers"). A typical Svan fortified dwelling consisted of a tower, an adjacent house (machub) and some other household structures encircled by a defensive wall. Unique icons and manuscripts are kept in Mestia Historical-Ethnographic Museum. Mestia is also a center of mountaineer tourism and alpinism.

Vazhatravel.com - tours and travel in Georgia

13 July, 2014 | Drupal Development | 11 seen

Vazhatravel.com was a Drupal-powered site a built for a friend. Vazha Travel offers one of the best rates for tours and transfers in Georgia. With Vazha Travel you can order airport transfer from Tbilisi airport to the Tbilisi city centre as low as 25 GEL (Most taxis at Tbilisi airport will ask you more), so do you can book a transfer to and from Kutaisi or Batumi airport.

The further developments of Vazhatravel website has been canceled, though the service is still available, feel free to contact Vazha by phone numbers listed in this article or visit VazhaTravel Facebook page, alternatively see: Organized tours in Georgia

This site is built with Drupal 7 under its hood, and its expected to use the multilingual feature on it soon. It's awaited to add Russian, Polish and other languages. Right now it's more just the "core" with more functions to come in future.

Vazha Travel front page.

One of the features I wanted to build into this site - booking function - availability for customers to book online tours and transfers. For such a behavior I'm using simple, but yet powerful combination of Drupal nodes and node reference fields.

Vazha Travel booking engine

In pages containing information about tours and transfers, I decided to use attractive head images and long and detailed descriptions. As well to keep visitors attention - we are showcasing more cool tours in right sidebar (just under - "Book this tour" button)

Vazha Travel page layout

In future, it's expected to implement Open Graph protocol for better sharing options on Facebook and other social media sites.

One thing I must admit - working on such projects - it's damned hard to work with customers - friends - who are thinking - a web page is a magic stick - and with help of it - it will generate a ton of customers. It's just not working like this.

As we all know - the web page is a tool - depending on what kind of hands it will be delivered - the success or failures depends. One of the options to use for such websites - to generate more income is to use Pay Per Click ads. The future will show will we decide to use PPC or we will stick with SEO from organic search.

In coming days I will finish my work of building a powerful Drupal website and will stay as a mentor guiding my friend-customer through the amazing process of acquiring customers online. It will ask to add more descriptive texts, more detailed tours - and definitely nice looking pictures of amazing places in Georgia.

About Vazha Travel

Vazha Travel will deliver you to the most remote corners of Georgia and for best rates in Tbilisi, that's for sure.

Vazha Travel is a boutique travel agency offering best of Georgia for best rates

BOOK ONLINE OR CALL +995 599212224

How I turned my Instagram account into a Photo Blog

12 July, 2014 | Drupal Development | 10 seen

In April I bought my first ever "smartphone" - Android phone with Dual SIM... It actully has WI-Fi router built in and in days I have no "ground" Wi-FI I can use Mobile Internet to connect to my laptop. Anyway - I'm very satisfied with my first Android phone.

I must admit I'm using phone for it's sole purpose - to call, but that has changed - with my new Android phone - I'm using few apps on it (Google Adsense, Google Analytics, some news apps and Instagram).

Some already probably knwo - I'm an expat in Georgia (South Caucasus), when I first arrived here, more than 3 years ago. I arrived already with an aim - to build Travel site for Georgia. Since I didn't know anything about this amazing country - I decided this will be amazing expierience. To put my Drupal knoweldge together with something exciting - exploring a new country from A-Z.

I wanted to build something fancy, something cool - I wanted to build kinda a Lonely Planet site for Georgia alone. I believe I created a really good job in terms of site architecture. Site involved complex structure, it used XML feeds to Parse Flickr, Wikipedia, it had geotagged content attached to almost every node. Everything was cool - except, the content sucked.

It was some copy/pasted (Scrapped) content from Wikipedia, Flickr and other sites. Why? Because all the big sites do this. At that time I didn't realize importance of providing unique and valuable content. I was of my goal - to build a site about MY expierience in Georgia.

At start it kinda worked - the site started to receive so important traffic from Google, but it never reahed more than 2000 unique visitors a month, and finally when I did something wrong with site building stuff - the site dissapeared at all from search engine.

Then I realized, that content is still a king - no matter how cool and fancy is your site architecture, no matter how complex and agile is your site - without actual visitors it's worht of nothing.

I spent some money on buying Facebook bussines page likes and I did spend some money to boost my posts on Facebook page to drive traffic to that cool site. It worked great - but after boost - again - silence. It's not worth of money invested.

And then - I realized -hey, I have my new Android phone - I will Instagram places in Georgia and then I will write a review of those places and put back on Tourgeorgia - and I did it.

Tourgeorgia.eu - 5.0 was born.

Screenshot of Tourgeorgia.eu desktop version

This time site is made with simple blog structure, it is cathegorized with few categories, also there still is some serious engine under the hood, and I do already have few ideas to implement on site in close future. One of the ideas is to add - raitings for each place, and second is to add location data and map using gmap. This time I'm not rushing - visitors first, is my new thining, and then, only then - some fancy complex systems.

I have not forgoten about mobile visitors as well - and built a responsive design for site as well:

Tourgeorgia.eu mobile version

As of today (it's about one month the site is rebranded from scratch) - there is about 230 unique visitors to this site, and it contains about 30 articles.

18 Kutaisi Hostels That Won't Break Your Travel Budget

11 July, 2014 | Hotel reviews | 8 seen

Kutaisi although second largest city in Georgia, comes with pretty bad infrastructure. In 2012 new Kutaisi airport was opened in Kutaisi (actually it's located some 30 km out of Kutaisi city centre). Wizzair cheap avio flights come to Georgia, new routes from Kiev, Warsaw, Vilnius and other destinations has been added and new hostels popped like a mushrooms after a rain in Kutaisi. These hostels are not typical hostels with standards you might seen somewhere else in Europe. Most often they come with basic necessities. My observations - that many owners of Kutaisi hostels are Ukrainians. I guess the reason is Kiev-Kutaisi flights. Anyhow -  if you are one of the "lucky ones" arrived at Kutaisi airport, and are desperate finding an accommodation for your future discoveries in rest of Georgia, then here is the list with:18 Hostels in Kutaisi with price less than 50 GEL for 2 persons per night. <h2 class="item"><a href="http://www.booking.com/hotel/ge/sun-hostel.en-gb.html?aid=363972" target="_blank">Sun Hostel</a></h2><a href="http://www.booking.com/hotel/ge/sun-hostel.en-gb.html?aid=363972" target="_blank"><img src="http://www.reinisfischer.com/sites/default/files/sunhostel.jpg" alt="Sun Hostel Kutaisi" title="Sun Hostel Kutaisi" width="840" height="460" class="null"></a>Located on Bagrati street in Kutaisi, Sun Hostel offers:Free WiFi access is available. Each room here will provide you with a TV, a balcony and satellite channels. There is a full kitchen with a refrigerator and kitchenware. Shared bathroom also comes with a hairdryer.At Sun Hostel you will find a 24-hour front desk, a garden and barbecue facilities. Other facilities offered at the property include grocery deliveries, a shared lounge and a ticket service. An array of activities can be enjoyed on site or in the surroundings, including hiking.Price: ~ 15 GEL<a href="http://www.booking.com/hotel/ge/sun-hostel.en-gb.html?aid=363972" target="_blank">Check price and Book online</a> <h2 class="item"><a href="http://www.booking.com/hotel/ge/hostel-lviv.en-gb.html?aid=363972" target="_blank">Hostel Lviv</a></h2><a href="http://www.booking.com/hotel/ge/hostel-lviv.en-gb.html?aid=363972" target="_blank"><img src="http://www.reinisfischer.com/sites/default/files/hostellyv.jpg" alt="Hostel Lviv Kutaisi" title="Hostel Lviv Kutaisi" width="840" height="460" class="null"></a>Located on Rodzevichi street, Kutaisi, this hostel offers:Free WiFi access is available. Each room here will provide you with a TV, air conditioning and a balcony. There is a full kitchen with an oven and a refrigerator. Shared bathroom also comes with a shower. You can enjoy garden view from the room.At Hostel Lviv you will find an airport shuttle, a 24-hour front desk and a garden. Other facilities offered at the property include a shared lounge, a tour desk and luggage storage.Price: ~20 GEL<a href="http://www.booking.com/hotel/ge/hostel-lviv.en-gb.html?aid=363972" target="_blank">Check price and Book online</a> <h2> </h2><h2><a href="http://www.booking.com/hotel/ge/imereti-hostel.en-gb.html?aid=363972&qu…; target="_blank">Imereti Hostel</a></h2><a href="http://www.booking.com/hotel/ge/imereti-hostel.en-gb.html?aid=363972&qu…; target="_blank"><img src="http://www.reinisfischer.com/sites/default/files/imeretihostel.jpg" alt="Imereti Hostel Kutaisi" title="Imereti Hostel Kutaisi" width="840" height="460" class="null"></a>Located on Kostava street in Kutaisi, this hostel offers:Each room here will provide you with air conditioning and a terrace. Private bathroom also comes with a hairdryer. You can enjoy mountain view and city view from the room. Extras include a desk and a fan.At Imereti Hostel you will find a 24-hour front desk, a garden and a terrace. Other facilities offered at the property include a shared lounge.The distance to Kutaisi Train Station is 2 km from Imereti Hostel.Price: ~ 26 GEL<a href="http://www.booking.com/hotel/ge/imereti-hostel.en-gb.html?aid=363972&qu…; target="_blank">Check price and Book online</a> <h2 class="item"><a href="http://www.booking.com/hotel/ge/daniel-s-hostel.en-gb.html?aid=363972&q…; target="_blank">Daniel's Hostel</a></h2><a href="http://www.booking.com/hotel/ge/daniel-s-hostel.en-gb.html?aid=363972&q…; target="_blank"><img src="http://www.reinisfischer.com/sites/default/files/danielhostel.jpg" alt="Daniel's Hostel Kutaisi" title="Daniel's Hostel Kutaisi" width="840" height="460" class="null"></a>Located on Tsereteli street Tbilisi, this hostel offers:Rooms here will provide you with air conditioning and a terrace. Shared bathrooms also come with towels. You can enjoy a mountain view and a river view from all the rooms. Extras include a desk.At Daniel`s Hostel you will find a terrace and a shared kitchen. Other facilities offered include a shared lounge and laundry. A variety of cafés and restaurants can be found within a 5-minute walk of the hostel.Price: ~ 30 GEL <a href="http://www.booking.com/hotel/ge/daniel-s-hostel.en-gb.html?aid=363972&q…; target="_blank">Check price and Book online</a> <h2 class="item"><a href="http://www.booking.com/hotel/ge/mtsvane-kvavila.en-gb.html?aid=363972&q…; target="_blank">Mtsvanekvavila</a></h2><a href="http://www.booking.com/hotel/ge/mtsvane-kvavila.en-gb.html?aid=363972&q…; target="_blank"><img src="http://www.reinisfischer.com/sites/default/files/Mtsvanekvavila.jpg" alt="Mtsvanekvavila Kutaisi" title="Mtsvanekvavila Kutaisi" width="840" height="460" class="null"></a>Located in Gelati street in Kutaisi, this hostel offers:Mtsvane Kvavila Hostel features a garden and free private parking.This room offers a balcony, air conditioning, working area and satellite TV. The bathrooms are shared.Guests can cook in the shared kitchen or use on-site barbecue facilities. Grocery delivery is provided upon request. WiFi is free and available in public areas.Price: ~ 30 GEL<a href="http://www.booking.com/hotel/ge/mtsvane-kvavila.en-gb.html?aid=363972&q…; target="_blank">Check price and Book online</a> <h2 class="item"><a href="http://www.booking.com/hotel/ge/hostel-lll.en-gb.html?aid=363972" target="_blank">Hostel Ell</a></h2><a href="http://www.booking.com/hotel/ge/hostel-lll.en-gb.html?aid=363972" target="_blank"><img src="http://www.reinisfischer.com/sites/default/files/Hostel%20Ell.jpg" alt="Hostel Ell Kutaisi" title="Hostel Ell Kutaisi" width="840" height="460" class="null"></a>Located on Gaponova street in Kutaisi, this hostel offers:The bright rooms offer simple, traditional interiors. The shared bathrooms are in the hallway.Guests can cook their meals in the shared fully equipped kitchen, complete with a dining area. A restaurant serving Georgian and European cuisine can be found within a 7-minute walk of the hostel.Price: ~ 35 GEL<a href="http://www.booking.com/hotel/ge/hostel-lll.en-gb.html?aid=363972" target="_blank">Check price and Book online</a><h1 class="item"> </h1><h2 class="item"><a href="http://www.booking.com/hotel/ge/shay.en-gb.html?aid=363972" target="_blank">Shay Apartment</a></h2><a href="http://www.booking.com/hotel/ge/shay.en-gb.html?aid=363972" target="_blank"><img src="http://www.reinisfischer.com/sites/default/files/shay-apartment.jpg" alt="Shay Apartment Kutaisi" title="Shay Apartment Kutaisi" width="840" height="460" class="null"></a>Located on Jibladze street, Shay Apartment offers:Free WiFi access is available. Accommodation will provide you with a TV, laptop and a seating area. There is a full kitchen with an oven and a refrigerator. Featuring a shower, private bathrooms also come with a hairdryer and free toiletries.Price: ~ 40 GEL<a href="http://www.booking.com/hotel/ge/shay.en-gb.html?aid=363972">Check price and Book online</a><h1 class="item"> </h1><h2 class="item"><a href="http://www.booking.com/hotel/ge/golden-fleece-kutaisi.en-gb.html?aid=36…; target="_blank">Hotel Golden Fleece</a></h2><a href="http://www.booking.com/hotel/ge/golden-fleece-kutaisi.en-gb.html?aid=36…; target="_blank"><img src="http://www.reinisfischer.com/sites/default/files/Hotel%20Golden%20Fleec…; alt="Hotel Golden Fleece Kutaisi" title="Hotel Golden Fleece Kutaisi" width="840" height="460" class="null"></a>Located on Newport street in Kutaisi, this hotel offers:Free WiFi access is available. Each room here will provide you with a TV and cable channels. There is a full kitchen with an electric kettle. Featuring a shower, private bathroom also comes with a bath or shower and a hairdryer.At Hotel Golden Fleece you will find a 24-hour front desk, barbecue facilities and a shared kitchen. Other facilities offered at the property include grocery deliveries, a shared lounge and laundry facilities. An array of activities can be enjoyed on site or in the surroundings, including cycling. The property offers free parking.Price: ~ 40 GEL<a href="http://www.booking.com/hotel/ge/golden-fleece-kutaisi.en-gb.html?aid=36…; target="_blank">Check price and Book online</a><h1 class="item"> </h1><h2 class="item"><a href="http://www.booking.com/hotel/ge/hostel-bavaria.en-gb.html?aid=363972&qu…; target="_blank">Hostel Bavaria</a></h2><a href="http://www.booking.com/hotel/ge/hostel-bavaria.en-gb.html?aid=363972&qu…; target="_blank"><img src="http://www.reinisfischer.com/sites/default/files/Hostel%20Bavaria.jpg&q…; alt="Hostel Bavaria Kutaisi" title="Hostel Bavaria Kutaisi" width="840" height="460" class="null"></a>Located on Tbilisi street in Kutaisi, Hostel Bavaria offers:It offers a tour desk, and coffee and tea are provided free of charge.The property features bright, simply decorated rooms. Guests can use a shared bathroom.At Hostel Bavaria you will find a garden, a terrace and a shared kitchen. Other facilities offered at the property include grocery deliveries, a shared lounge and laundry facilities. An array of activities can be enjoyed on site or in the surroundings, including cycling, and bicycles can be rented at the hostel.Price: ~ 40 GEL<a href="http://www.booking.com/hotel/ge/hostel-bavaria.en-gb.html?aid=363972&qu…; target="_blank">Check price and Book online</a> <h2 class="item"><a href="http://www.booking.com/hotel/ge/hostel-gio.en-gb.html?aid=363972" target="_blank">Hostel Gio</a></h2><a href="http://www.booking.com/hotel/ge/hostel-gio.en-gb.html?aid=363972" target="_blank"><img src="http://www.reinisfischer.com/sites/default/files/Hostel%20Gio.jpg" alt="Hostel Gio Kutaisi" title="Hostel Gio Kutaisi" width="840" height="460" class="null"></a>Located in Kutaisi, this hostel offers:Free WiFi access is available. Each room here will provide you with a terrace. Complete with a refrigerator, the dining area also has an electric kettle and a dining table. You can enjoy city view from the room. Extras include a washing machine, a sofa and bed linen.At Hostel Gio you will find a 24-hour front desk, a terrace and a shared kitchen. Other facilities offered at the property include a shared lounge and laundry facilities. The property offers free parking.Price: ~ 40 GEL <a href="http://www.booking.com/hotel/ge/hostel-gio.en-gb.html?aid=363972" target="_blank">Check price and Book online</a><h1 class="item"> </h1><h2 class="item"><a href="http://www.booking.com/hotel/ge/hostel-sweet-home.en-gb.html?aid=363972…; target="_blank">Sweet Home Hostel</a></h2><a href="http://www.booking.com/hotel/ge/hostel-sweet-home.en-gb.html?aid=363972…; target="_blank"><img src="http://www.reinisfischer.com/sites/default/files/Sweet%20Home%20Hostel…; alt="Sweet Home Hostel Kutaisi" title="Sweet Home Hostel Kutaisi" width="840" height="460" class="null"></a>Located on Jibladze street in Kutaisi, Hostel Sweet Home offers:All rooms have air conditioning. Guests can use a shared bathroom.At Sweet Home Hostel you will find a garden, a terrace and a shared kitchen. Other facilities offered at the property include meeting facilities and a games room.Price: ~ 40 GEL<a href="http://www.booking.com/hotel/ge/hostel-sweet-home.en-gb.html?aid=363972…; target="_blank">Check price and Book online</a> <h2 class="item"><a href="http://www.booking.com/hotel/ge/guest-house-millenium.en-gb.html?aid=36…; target="_blank">Millennium Guest House</a></h2><a href="http://www.booking.com/hotel/ge/guest-house-millenium.en-gb.html?aid=36…; target="_blank"><img src="http://www.reinisfischer.com/sites/default/files/Millennium%20Guest%20H…; alt="Millennium Guest House Kutaisi" title="Millennium Guest House Kutaisi" width="840" height="460" class="null"></a>Located in Kutaisi, this guest house offers:Free private parking is available.All rooms feature a TV. Guests can use shared bathroom facilities.At Millennium Guest House you will find a 24-hour front desk, a garden and a terrace. Other facilities offered at the property include a shared lounge and a ticket service.Price: ~ 40 GEL<a href="http://www.booking.com/hotel/ge/guest-house-millenium.en-gb.html?aid=36…; target="_blank">Check price and Book online</a><h1 class="item"> </h1><h2 class="item"><a href="http://www.booking.com/hotel/ge/hostel-kutaisi-centre.en-gb.html?aid=36…; target="_blank">Kutaisi Hostel Center</a></h2><a href="http://www.booking.com/hotel/ge/hostel-kutaisi-centre.en-gb.html?aid=36…; target="_blank"><img src="http://www.reinisfischer.com/sites/default/files/Kutaisi%20Hostel%20Cen…; alt="Kutaisi Hostel Center" title="Kutaisi Hostel Center" width="840" height="460" class="null"></a>Located on Jibladze street in Kutaisi, this hostel offers:Dormitories and private rooms only 250m away from the Davida Agmashenebeli Square. It offers a shared kitchen.Each of the rooms is equipped with free Wi-Fi and air conditioning and guests share the 2 bathrooms. Mosquito nets can be requested.The shared kitchen can be used to prepare meals and local restaurants are situated only 50-metres away from Hostel Kutaisi.Guests can enjoy the entertainment at Gabashvili Park or visit Begrati Cathedral, both only 2 km away. The garden of Hostel Kutaisi contains a children’s playground.Price: ~ 40 GEL<a href="http://www.booking.com/hotel/ge/hostel-kutaisi-centre.en-gb.html?aid=36…; target="_blank">Check price and Book online</a> <h2 class="item"><a href="http://www.booking.com/hotel/ge/new-kutaisi.en-gb.html?aid=363972" target="_blank">New Kutaisi</a></h2><a href="http://www.booking.com/hotel/ge/new-kutaisi.en-gb.html?aid=363972" target="_blank"><img src="http://www.reinisfischer.com/sites/default/files/New%20Kutaisi.jpg" alt="New Kutaisi hostel" title="New Kutaisi hostel" width="840" height="460" class="null"></a>Located on Jibladze street, this hostel offers:Free WiFi access is available. There is also a dining table. Featuring a hairdryer, shared bathroom also comes with free toiletries. You can enjoy mountain view from the room. Extras include a washing machine, a desk and bed linen.At New Kutaisi you will find a 24-hour front desk, a garden and a terrace. Other facilities offered at the property include a shared lounge, a tour desk and an ironing service. The property offers free parking.Price: ~ 40 GEL<a href="http://www.booking.com/hotel/ge/new-kutaisi.en-gb.html?aid=363972" target="_blank">Check price and Book online</a> <h2 class="item"><a href="http://www.booking.com/hotel/ge/hostel-kutaisi.en-gb.html?aid=363972&qu…; target="_blank">Kutaisi Hostel</a></h2><a href="http://www.booking.com/hotel/ge/hostel-kutaisi.en-gb.html?aid=363972&qu…; target="_blank"><img src="http://www.reinisfischer.com/sites/default/files/Kutaisi%20Hostel.jpg&q…; alt="Kutaisi Hostel" title="Kutaisi Hostel" width="840" height="460" class="null"></a>Located on Solomon Pirveli street in Kutaisi, this hostel offers:This hostel features free Wi-Fi and a shared kitchen. It also offers a terrace and free private parking.Each room at Kutaisi Hostel includes simple décor and wooden furnishings. Guests use shared bathrooms with a shower.Meals can be prepared in the hostel’s kitchen, which also has a dining area. Al fresco dining is available on the terrace.Price: ~ 40 GEL<a href="http://www.booking.com/hotel/ge/hostel-kutaisi.en-gb.html?aid=363972&qu…; target="_blank">Check price and Book online</a> <h2 class="item"><a href="http://www.booking.com/hotel/ge/hostel-georgian-friends.en-gb.html?aid=…; target="_blank">Hostel Georgian Friends</a></h2><a href="http://www.booking.com/hotel/ge/hostel-georgian-friends.en-gb.html?aid=…; target="_blank"><img src="http://www.reinisfischer.com/sites/default/files/Hostel%20Georgian%20Fr…; alt="Hostel Georgian Friends Kutaisi" title="Hostel Georgian Friends Kutaisi" width="840" height="460" class="null"></a>Located on Leselidze street in Kutaisi, this hostel offers:Free Wi-Fi access is available.Rooms here will provide you with a TV. Shared bathrooms come with towels. You can enjoy a garden view from all the rooms.Guests can cook their meals in the shared fully equipped kitchen, complete with a dining area. A variety of cafés and restaurants can be found within a 15-minute walk of the hostel.At Hostel Georgian Friends you will find a 24-hour front desk and a terrace. Other facilities offered include a shared lounge. The property offers free parking.Price: ~ 40 GEL<a href="http://www.booking.com/hotel/ge/hostel-georgian-friends.en-gb.html?aid=…; target="_blank">Check price and Book online</a> <h2 class="item"><a href="http://www.booking.com/hotel/ge/nikola.en-gb.html?aid=363972" target="_blank">Nikola Guest House</a></h2><a href="http://www.booking.com/hotel/ge/nikola.en-gb.html?aid=363972" target="_blank"><img src="http://www.reinisfischer.com/sites/default/files/Nikola%20Guest%20House…; alt="Nikola Guest House Kutaisi" title="Nikola Guest House Kutaisi" width="840" height="460" class="null"></a>Located on Nizami street in Kutaisi this guesthouse offers:Free Wi-Fi, free parking and a children’s playground are featured at Nikola Guest House.The bright, simply decorated rooms come with a TV and a balcony. Guests use the shared bathrooms.Guests can cook their meals in the shared fully equipped kitchen, complete with a dining area. A variety of cafés and restaurants can be found within a 10-minute walk of the guest house.Price: ~ 40 GEL<a href="http://www.booking.com/hotel/ge/nikola.en-gb.html?aid=363972" target="_blank">Check price and Book online</a><h1 class="item"> </h1><h2 class="item"><a href="http://www.booking.com/hotel/ge/korena.en-gb.html?aid=363972" target="_blank">Agro Guesthouse Korena</a></h2><a href="http://www.booking.com/hotel/ge/korena.en-gb.html?aid=363972" target="_blank"><img src="http://www.reinisfischer.com/sites/default/files/Agro%20Guesthouse%20Ko…; alt="Agro Guesthouse Korena" title="Agro Guesthouse Korena" width="840" height="460" class="null"></a>This guesthouse is located on Gelati street in Kutaisi, and offers:Featuring a garden and BBQ facilities, Agro Guesthouse Korena offers simple accommodation in the countryside of Kutaisi. The property organizes visits to the farm, fishing trips on the lake and wine tasting.With a balcony and views of the Gelati Monastery, rooms include free Wi-Fi and a shared bathroom.Price: ~ 42 GEL<a href="http://www.booking.com/hotel/ge/korena.en-gb.html?aid=363972" target="_blank">Check price and Book online</a>  <a href="http://www.booking.com/city/ge/kutaisi.en-gb.html?aid=363972" target="_blank">You can find more deals on Kutaisi hostels and Hotels here.</a>

Setting my first Booking.com affiliate goal

10 July, 2014 | Blogging | 11 seen

I'm new to affiliate marketing and I'm new to Booking.com affiliate marketing. Although I have been using Booking.com affiliate marketing for more than one year already - I haven't made much of it. But that doesn't mean this affiliate marketing program sucks. That means - my affiliate marketing tactics sucks. And I have decided to change that. To make changes we must change our behaviour. It so simple. If I want to succeed with Booking.com affiliate marketing - I must define some goals at first.

I could now write down - how I plan to get 80K in a year from Booking.com - but I wont do that. That doesn't mean I wouldn't be happy to make 80k with Booking.com, what it means - I'm to small to make such a money in such a short time. Instead I will write how I plan to send my first 50 visitors in a month to Booking.com site.

Yes, that's right -

My first Booking.com affiliate goal is to send 50 visitors to it in one month.

I'm not talking right now for any actual bookings, I'm talking to drive traffic to my site(s) to drive traffic to Booking.com

Why my goal is so modest?

As I already mentioned at start of this post - I have been using Booking.com affiliate program for more than one year already, and actually I do have some bookings made from it. But in past 12 month - there has been no month when it would be 50 sent visitors to Booking.com site.

Actually the most visitors I have sent to Booking.com in one month is 31 and it happened in December 2013. Unfortunately there didn't happen any booking and my earnings equals 0 in that month. But I have made my commissions from Booking.com affiliate program by sending less than 30 visitors.

Conversation rates

That said - I have no clue, what could be possible conversation rates from 50 sent visitors to Booking.com, but according to my inner feeling and previous experience, conversation rates might be around 3% in Booking.com. It doesn't mean that I will have 1.5% rate from my 50 sent visitors to Booking.com. It's just approximate measurement.

I will speak more about conversation rates after I will fulfil my first goal on Booking affiliate marketing.

I agree, for some might seen very pathetic goal to send 50 visitors to other affiliate site, but for me - who never ever before has sent 50 visitors to any affiliate site - this is actually huge goal.

Some time ago - I did setup my first Google Adsense Goal - to reach $40.00 in a month. In last month I did recieve just a little more than $16.00 in earnings from Google Adsense. At the time I set my Adsense Goal, I was earning about $6-$7 per month. Right now - I feel a little bit sad - I made such a "high goal" - although in overall - my traffic is growing and I hope to reach $40.00 in a month any time soon (it might take some 6 more months - again - it depends)

Speaking of my goal to reach 50 sent visitors to Booking.com - I hope to fulfil this goal this month (july) or next month. I have started to work with content providing valuable information about hotels and I'm starting to receive some bits of traffic, that leads me to think - that goal 50 sent visitor to Booking.com, although a pathetic, however is a huge goal for me - could happen any time soon.

In conclusion

If you are just like me are a newbie to Booking.com affiliate marketing or you have started new travel site - set yourself smaller, but achievable goals, don't set your first goal to earn 80K in a year. Work on your site, provide more valuable travel/hotel related content, get more traffic and you will be able to reach your smaller goals as I hope to achieve mines.

Former Georgian President Eduard Shevardnadze died at 86

7 July, 2014 | Living in Georgia | 12 seen

Today at 12:00, Tbilisi time - former president of Georgia Eduard Shevarnadze after continues illness has died. Many including me - remember Eduard Shevarndadze not only as president of Georgia, but also as a foreign minister of Soviet Union. There were time Mr. Shevernadze was considered second person after Mikhail Gorbochov in USSR.Eduard Shevernadze after collapse of Soviet Union became a 2nd president of Georgia in 1995 and held his position till 2003, when resigned from office after Rose Revolution, which led Mikheil Saakashhili in power.There has been many talks about Mr. Shevernadze impact on Soviet Unions foreign policy as well his role in newly independent Republic of Georgia. But one is for sure - such an important political figure be hard to find soon in Georgia.Taking in consideration that Mr. Eduard Shevernadze was not in active politics for last decade, he was considered prominent consultant. I remember some time ago I red an interview with Eduard Shevernadze, where  - quote:<blockquote>Mikheil Saakashilli was best gift Russia could dream of. He gave  to Russia Abhazia and South-Ossetia </blockquote><h2> </h2><h2>About Eduard Shevernadze</h2>Eduard Shevardnadze (25 January 1928 – 7 July 2014) was a Georgian politician and diplomat. He served as First Secretary of the Georgian Communist Party (GPC, the de facto leader of Soviet Georgia) from 1972 to 1985 and as Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Soviet Union from 1985 to 1991. Shevardnadze was responsible for many key decisions on Soviet foreign policy during the Gorbachev Era. Following the dissolution of the Soviet Union, he was President of Georgia (or in equivalent posts) from 1992 to 2003. He was forced to retire in 2003 as a consequence of the bloodless Rose Revolution. Shevardnadze's political career started in the late 1940s as a leading member of his local Komsomol organisation. He was later appointed its Second Secretary, and even First Secretary. His rise up the Georgian Soviet hierarchy continued until 1961 when he was demoted after he insulted a senior official. After spending two years in obscurity, Shevardnadze returned as a First Secretary of a Tbilisi city district, and was able to charge the Tbilisi First Secretary at the time for corruption. His anti-corruption work quickly garnered the interest of the Soviet government, and Shevardnadze was appointed to First Deputy of the Ministry of Internal Affairs of the Georgian SSR. He would later become the head of the internal affairs ministry and was able to charge First Secretary (leader of Soviet Georgia) Vasil Mzhavanadze for corruption charges. As First Secretary, Shevardnadze started several economic reforms which would spur economic growth in the republic, an uncommon occurrence in the Soviet Union because the country was experiencing a nationwide economic stagnation. Shevardnadze's anti-corruption campaign continued until he resigned from his office as First Secretary. Mikhail Gorbachev appointed Shevardnadze to the post of Minister of Foreign Affairs. From then on, with the exception of a brief period between 1990 and 1991, only Gorbachev would outrank Shevardnadze in importance in Soviet foreign policy. In the aftermath of the Soviet Union's collapse in 1991 Shevardnadze returned to a newly independent Georgia. He became the country's head of state following the removal of the country's first president, Zviad Gamsakhurdia. He was formally elected president in 1995. His presidency was marked by rampant corruption and accusations of nepotism. After allegations of apparent electoral fraud during the 2003 legislative election Shevardnadze was forced to resign following a series of public protests and demonstrations colloquially known as the Rose Revolution. He later lived in relative obscurity, but published his memoirs.Materials used:<ul><li>http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Eduard_Shevardnadze</li><li>http://newsgeo…;

Feature Film Mayrig Review

7 July, 2014 | Worth to Watch | 57 seen

Mayrig is a feature film about Armenian immigrant family living in France, shortly after they have emigrated from their motherland - Armenia. Set on the streets of 1920-ties in Marseilles, France this film shows different aspects of life and struggles of an Armenian family.

You can access this movie on Youtube

A chapter or some 30 minutes is dedicated to Armenian Genocide in 1915 - when Ottoman empire humiliated, starved and mass killed a large population of Armenian people.

Mayrig movie is about a mother. As far as my Armenian language knowledge reaches - Mayrig, means mother in the Armenian language.

The story is told by young Armenian boy - Azad Zakairian, who later becomes a famous director of theater and changes his name to Pierre Zakar. He never forgets his native Armenia.

There is a great scene in this film when young Azad together with other French schoolboys attends Sunday school at French Catholic Church, and pastor impacts to schoolboys - There can be no forgiven without Catholics Church, young Azad silently in his thoughts replies to the pastor:

Armenian Apostolic church was built 17 centuries before Rome Catholic church

In movie Mayrig - a little is pictured Armenia, there are scenes of Mount Ararat (over-day Turkey), Etchmiadzin Cathedral.

Mayrig is released on 1991 and it may be viewed as a semi-autobiographical film written and directed by French-Armenian film-maker Henri Verneuil.

This movie is available also in French on Youtube

About Armenian Genocide

The Armenian Genocide also known as the Armenian Holocaust, the Armenian Massacres and, traditionally by Armenians, as Medz Yeghern was the Ottoman government's systematic extermination of its minority Armenian subjects from their historic homeland in the territory constituting the present-day Republic of Turkey. The starting date is conventionally held to be 24 April 1915, the day Ottoman authorities rounded up and arrested some 250 Armenian intellectuals and community leaders in Constantinople. The genocide was carried out during and after World War I and implemented in two phases: the wholesale killing of the able-bodied male population through massacre and subjection of army conscripts to forced labor, followed by the deportation of women, children, the elderly and infirm on death marches leading to the Syrian desert. Driven forward by military escorts, the deportees were deprived of food and water and subjected to periodic robbery, rape, and massacre. The total number of people killed as a result has been estimated at between 1 and 1.5 million. Other indigenous and Christian ethnic groups such as the Assyrians, the Greeks and other minorities were similarly targeted for extermination by the Ottoman government, and their treatment is considered by many historians to be part of the same genocidal policy. The majority of Armenian diaspora communities around the world came into being as a direct result of the genocide.

Related nodes based on taxonomy terms

5 July, 2014 | Drupal Development | 29 seen

Today I will show you, how you can create a list with related items for your Drupal site using taxonomy terms and Drupal views. At first you will need you actual content with taxonomy terms on it. If you are not familiar how to add taxonomy terms to your Drupal site, you might want to read this guide on that.

I presume you have your content set up, it's tagged with different terms. Now lets add a block with related items on that.

Related nodes based on taxonomy terms

In above screen you can see an example with node page and related nodes in block. You can see a live example as well here.

This is achieved by using views and placing it on themes region.

Related nodes by taxonomy term using views

Create a new content based view - call it Related Items (or so) add title, image and body fields to it. We will need to use 2 contextual filters. Nid and Has taxonomy term id.

Configure your nid filter as following:

Provide default value: Content ID from URL
Under More tab - Check next to Exclude

Configure your Has taxonomy term id as following:

Provide default value: Taxonomy term ID from URL
Check next to: Load default filter from node page, that's good for related taxonomy block
Multiple value handling: Filter to items that share any value
Check next to Reduce Duplicates
Under more tab check: Allow multiple values and Allow multiple values to work together.

That's it. Save your view (be sure you have created a block not page view)

Turtle lake - My working place for today

5 July, 2014 | Living in Georgia | 11 seen

In summertime it's hot as hell in Tbilisi city - there are two options - air conditioner or Turtle lake. I prefer second option.

The features of working at Turtle lake - here is a free Wi-Fi internet available, all across the lake (Silkspot), here is a great coffee bar - Intelligentsia, which Turkish coffee is among the best available in Tbilisi and Georgia overall.

Turkish coffee at Intelligentsia coffee bar (Turtle lake)

And best of all you can get out of your everyday Tbilisi routine. Did I mentioned? Weather here is more windy and for a few degrees lower than in city? Why it so? That's an easy question - Turtle lake is located up in the Tbilisi mountains, the altitude is some 400-500 meters.

Simply put your laptop on table, connect to Silkspot and enjoy

Intelligentsia coffee bar

I must admit it's not about working only - it's about being outdoors and getting breath of fresh mountainous/lake air.

Speaking of internet connections here, as I said - here is free Wi-Fi available, but in case it's not working (it's Georgia) you might to use your phone as a Wi-Fi router. I do have Samsung Android phone with built in Wi-Fi router, and in places there is no Wi-Fi available I'm using mobile internet to get access to internet and phone as a router, to connect from my laptop.

About Turtle lake

Turtle Lake is a direct English translation of Kus Tba (Georgian: კუს ტბა), a small lake at the outskirts of Tbilisi, the capital of Georgia, so named due to the perceived abundance of turtles living in these places. The other, less frequently used name of this lake is K'ork'i (ქორქის ტბა).

Turtle Lake is located on the wooded northern slope of Mtatsminda Mount at elevation of 686.7 m above sea level and fed by a small river Varazis-Khevi, a tributary to the Mtkvari (Kura). The area of surface is 0.034 km², while the catchment area is 0.4 km². Maximal depth is 2.6 m.

The Turtle Lake area is designed as a recreational zone and is frequented by the Tbilisians on weekends. It is also a place where festivals and concerts are held. It could be reached either via a road or an aerial tramway leading from Tbilisi’s Vake Municipality, but it is now defunct. West to the lake is the Open Air Museum of Ethnography, a large exhibition of Georgia’s folk architecture.

That said - I have figured that I should create a Turkish Coffee index - reasons forces me to think this - I'm found of Turkish coffee. This could be a great alternative to Georgian Khachapuri index (Georgian alternative to Big Mac index)

Breath more fresh air and visit Turtle lake, once in Tbilisi.

Tbilisi hostels: 15 hostels in Tbilisi for couples

4 July, 2014 | Hotel reviews | 12 seen

Tbilisi is a brilliant city.  Once heading to Tbilisi you might consider your options for safe and clean home away feeling. In this article I have listed 15 hostels that are suited for those who travel as couples and offer great value for even better price.Although Tbilisi is a home for some 2 millions inhabitants, don't be scared, it's pretty easy to navigate around Tbilisi. Good strategic locations for your hostel could be considered - Rustaveli Avenue  or Marjanishvilli neighbourhood.. anyway, there is plenty of taxi's who will take you to any destination in Tbilisi and even beyond.Most of the hostels listed here are close to the city centre, and all offers Free Wi-Fi internet. In this list you will find some guest houses and boutique hotels as well.For budget travellers - Tbilisi offers great hostels, guest houses and even boutique hotels. Most of here listed hostels varies in price from 30 - 50 GEL ($17 - $28 or EUR 12.5 - EUR 20) per night. If you are really on tight budget you might consider to book a dormitory room.  <h2 class="item"><a href="http://www.booking.com/hotel/ge/old-house-hostel.en-us.html?aid=363972"… House Hostel</a></h2><a href="http://www.booking.com/hotel/ge/old-house-hostel.en-us.html?aid=363972"… src="http://www.reinisfischer.com/sites/default/files/oldhousehostel.jpg" alt="Old House Hostel Tbilisi" title="Old House Hostel Tbilisi" width="840" height="460" class="null"></a>Located on Agmeneshabeli avenue, this hostel offers:Free WiFi access is available. Each room here will provide you with a TV, air conditioning and laptop. There is a full kitchen with a microwave and a refrigerator. Private bathroom also comes with a shower.At Old House Hostel you will find a 24-hour front desk, a bar and a shared kitchen. Other facilities offered at the property include a shared lounge and a tour desk.Price: ~25 GEL<a href="http://www.booking.com/hotel/ge/old-house-hostel.en-us.html?aid=363972"… out price and book online Old House Hostel in Tbilisi</a> <h2 class="item"><a href="http://www.booking.com/hotel/ge/sky-guest-house.en-us.html?aid=363972">… Guest House</a></h2><a href="http://www.booking.com/hotel/ge/sky-guest-house.en-us.html?aid=363972">… src="http://www.reinisfischer.com/sites/default/files/skyguesthouse.jpg" alt="Sky Guest House Tbilisi" title="Sky Guest House Tbilisi" width="840" height="460" class="null"></a>Located on Agmeneshabeli avenue, this hostel offers:Free WiFi access is available.The private and dormitory rooms are simply decorated. Some rooms have a private bathroom.At Sky Guest House you will find a 24-hour front desk and a shared kitchen. Other facilities offered at the property include a shared lounge, a ticket service and a tour desk. Laundry and ironing services are provided.Price: ~ 30 GEL<a href="http://www.booking.com/hotel/ge/sky-guest-house.en-us.html?aid=363972">… out price and book online SKY Guest house in Tbilisi</a><h2><a href="http://www.booking.com/hotel/ge/gallery-hostel-tbilisi.en-us.html?aid=3… Hostel Tbilisi</a></h2><a href="http://www.booking.com/hotel/ge/gallery-hostel-tbilisi.en-us.html?aid=3… src="http://www.reinisfischer.com/sites/default/files/galleryhoteltbilisi_0…; alt="Gallery Hostel Tbilisi" title="Gallery Hostel Tbilisi" width="840" height="460" class="null"></a>Located on the Brose street this hostel offers:Free WiFi access is available.The property features simply decorated rooms. Guests can use either shared or private bathroom facilities.At Gallery Hostel Tbilisi you will find a 24-hour front desk and a shared kitchen.Price: ~ 30 GEL<a href="http://www.booking.com/hotel/ge/gallery-hostel-tbilisi.en-us.html?aid=3… out price and book online Gallery Hostel in Tbilisi</a><h2><a href="http://www.booking.com/hotel/ge/tiflislux.en-us.html?aid=363972">Tiflis… Hostel</a></h2><a href="http://www.booking.com/hotel/ge/tiflislux.en-us.html?aid=363972"><img src="http://www.reinisfischer.com/sites/default/files/tiflisiluxhostel.jpg&q…; alt="Tiflislux Hostel in Tbilisi" title="Tiflislux Hostel in Tbilisi" width="840" height="460" class="null"></a>Located on Barnovi street, Tbilisi this hostel offers:The bright, classic-style rooms of TiflisLux Hostel have parquet floors and offer free Wi-Fi, and most rooms have balconies. The shared bathrooms and toilets are in the hallway.Guests can cook their meals in the shared kitchen equipped with a dishwasher, oven and microwave, and decorated with Georgian paintings. Free coffee and tea is offered during the day.Price: ~ 39 GEL<a href="http://www.booking.com/hotel/ge/tiflislux.en-us.html?aid=363972">Check out price and book online TiflisLux Hostel in Tbilisi</a> <h2 class="item"><a href="http://www.booking.com/hotel/ge/old-district.en-us.html?aid=363972">Old District</a></h2><a href="http://www.booking.com/hotel/ge/old-district.en-us.html?aid=363972"><img src="http://www.reinisfischer.com/sites/default/files/guesthouseolddistrict…; alt="Guest house Old District in Tbilisi" title="Guest house Old District in Tbilisi" width="840" height="460" class="null"></a>Located on Kojori street, guesthouse Old district offers:Both private and dormitory rooms. The shared bathrooms are located in the hallway.Guests can cook their meals in the shared fully equipped kitchen, complete with a dining area. A variety of cafés and restaurants can be found within a 5-minute walk of the property.At Old District you will find a 24-hour front desk, a garden and a terrace. Other facilities offered include a shared lounge.Price: ~45 GEL<a href="http://www.booking.com/hotel/ge/old-district.en-us.html?aid=363972">Che… out price and book online Old District Guesthouse in Tbilisi</a> <h2 class="item"><a href="http://www.booking.com/hotel/ge/tbilisi-classic.en-us.html?aid=363972">… Classic Hotel</a></h2><a href="http://www.booking.com/hotel/ge/tbilisi-classic.en-us.html?aid=363972">… src="http://www.reinisfischer.com/sites/default/files/tbilisiclasichotel.jpg…; alt="Tbilisi Classic Hotel" title="Tbilisi Classic Hotel" width="840" height="460" class="null"></a>This hotel is located on Kheivani street in Tbilisi and offers:Free WiFi access is available.You can enjoy city view and garden view from all the rooms. At Tbilisi Classic Hotel you will find a 24-hour front desk, a garden and a terrace. Other facilities offered at the property include entertainment staff and a shared lounge. The property offers free parking.Price: ~45GEL<a href="http://www.booking.com/hotel/ge/tbilisi-classic.en-us.html?aid=363972">… out price and book online Tbilisi Classic Hotel</a>  <h2><a href="http://www.booking.com/hotel/ge/open-2-guesthouse.en-us.html?aid=363972… 2</a></h2><a href="http://www.booking.com/hotel/ge/open-2-guesthouse.en-us.html?aid=363972… src="http://www.reinisfischer.com/sites/default/files/open2.jpg" alt="Guesthouse Open 2 in Tbilisi" title="Guesthouse Open 2 in Tbilisi" width="840" height="460" class="null"></a>This guesthouse is located on Mazniashvilli street in Tbilisi, Guesthouse Open 2 offers:Free Wi-Fi and a 24-hour reception are featured at Open 2 Guest House.The simply decorated rooms of the guest house come with a desk and a wardrobe. The shared bathrooms are in the hallway.Guests can cook their meals in the shared fully equipped kitchen, complete with a dining area. A variety of cafés and restaurants can be found within a 5-minute walk of the guest house.Price: GEL 45<a href="http://www.booking.com/hotel/ge/open-2-guesthouse.en-us.html?aid=363972… out price and book online Guesthouse Open in Tbilisi</a> <h2><a href="http://www.booking.com/hotel/ge/open-guesthouse.en-us.html?aid=363972">… Guesthouse</a></h2><a href="http://www.booking.com/hotel/ge/open-guesthouse.en-us.html?aid=363972">… src="http://www.reinisfischer.com/sites/default/files/openguesthouse.jpg" alt="Open Guest house in Tbilisi" title="Open Guest house in Tbilisi" width="840" height="460" class="null"></a>This guesthouse is located on Imereti street in Tbilisi, guesthouse offers:All bright rooms come with a flat-screen TV, and guests can use a private bathroom.A lot of cafes, bars and restaurants are located within 5 minutes’ walk from the property. Also it possible to cook in a common kitchen, and barbecue facilities are available on site.The guesthouse’s tour desk offers various guided tours, and its personnel can help to book tickets.Price: ~45 GEL<a href="http://www.booking.com/hotel/ge/open-guesthouse.en-us.html?aid=363972">… out price and book online "Open Guesthouse" in Tbilisi</a> <h2 class="item"><a href="http://www.booking.com/hotel/ge/orion-econom.en-us.html?aid=363972">Hot… Orion Econom</a></h2><a href="http://www.booking.com/hotel/ge/orion-econom.en-us.html?aid=363972"><img src="http://www.reinisfischer.com/sites/default/files/hotelorioneconom.jpg&q…; alt="Hotel Orion Econom Tbilisi" title="Hotel Orion Econom Tbilisi" width="840" height="460" class="null"></a>This hotel is located on Pavle Aslanidi street in Tbilisi and offers:Free WiFi access is available. Each room here will provide you with a TV, air conditioning and a minibar. There is also a refrigerator. Featuring a shower, private bathroom also comes with free toiletries and slippers. You can enjoy city view from the room. Extras include satellite channels and cable channels.At Hotel Orion Econom you will find a 24-hour front desk, a terrace and a snack bar. Other facilities offered at the property include a shared lounge, a ticket service and a tour desk. The property offers free parking.Price: ~50 GEL<a href="http://www.booking.com/hotel/ge/orion-econom.en-us.html?aid=363972">Che… out price and book online "Hotel Orion Econom" in Tbilisi</a> <h2><a href="http://www.booking.com/hotel/ge/ludus.en-us.html?aid=363972">Hostel Ludus</a></h2><a href="http://www.booking.com/hotel/ge/ludus.en-us.html?aid=363972"><img src="http://www.reinisfischer.com/sites/default/files/ludus.jpg" alt="Hostel Ludus in Tbilisi" title="Hostel Ludus in Tbilisi" width="840" height="460" class="null"></a>This hostel is located on Avlip Zurabisvilli street in Tbilisi and offers:The simple rooms come with bunk beds. The hostel offers two shared bathrooms with a shower.Ludus has a fully equipped shared kitchen and lounge area. It also offers a washing machine. Various tours can be arranged on request.Price: ~ 50 GEL<a href="http://www.booking.com/hotel/ge/ludus.en-us.html?aid=363972">Check out price and book online "Hostel Ludus" in Tbilisi</a> <h2 class="item"><a href="http://www.booking.com/hotel/ge/omari-guesthouse.en-us.html?aid=363972"… Guest House Tbilisi</a></h2><a href="http://www.booking.com/hotel/ge/omari-guesthouse.en-us.html?aid=363972"… src="http://www.reinisfischer.com/sites/default/files/omariguesthouse.jpg&qu…; alt="Omari Guest House in Tbilisi" title="Omari Guest House in Tbilisi" width="840" height="460" class="null"></a>Located on Tsinamdzgvrishvili Street in Tbilisi, this guest house offers:Rooms here will provide you with a TV, a seating area and satellite channels. Some rooms come with a private bathroom.At Omari Guesthouse you will find a 24-hour front desk, a garden and a terrace. Other facilities offered include a tour desk and luggage storage.Guests can cook their meals in the shared fully equipped kitchen, complete with a dining area. A variety of cafés and restaurants can be found within a 5-minute walk of the guest house.Price: ~50 GEL<a href="http://www.booking.com/hotel/ge/omari-guesthouse.en-us.html?aid=363972"… out price and book online Omari Guesthouse in Tbilisi</a> <h2><a href="http://www.booking.com/hotel/ge/fox-hostel.en-us.html?aid=363972">Fox Hostel</a></h2><a href="http://www.booking.com/hotel/ge/fox-hostel.en-us.html?aid=363972"><img src="http://www.reinisfischer.com/sites/default/files/foxhostel.jpg" alt="Fox hostel in Tbilisi" title="Fox hostel in Tbilisi" width="840" height="460" class="null"></a>Located on Griboedov street in Tbilisi, Fox hostel offers:Rooms at the hostel offer towels and linens, heating, and a shared bathroom.Other facilities at Hostel Fox include a sun terrace, lockers, laundry and ironing facilities, a 24-hour front desk, and a safety deposit box.The Tbilisi State Academy of Arts is a 2-minute walk, and Freedom Square is a 15 to 20-minute walk away.Price: ~ 50 GEL<a href="http://www.booking.com/hotel/ge/fox-hostel.en-us.html?aid=363972">Check out price and book online Fox Hostel in Tbilisi</a> <h2><a href="http://www.booking.com/hotel/ge/nika.en-us.html?aid=363972">Guesthouse Nika</a></h2><a href="http://www.booking.com/hotel/ge/nika.en-us.html?aid=363972"><img src="http://www.reinisfischer.com/sites/default/files/guesthousenika.jpg" alt="Guest House Nika in Tbilisi" title="Guest House Nika in Tbilisi" width="840" height="460" class="null"></a>Located on Mitskevich street in Tbilisi, this guesthouse offers:Nika offers simple rooms with free Wi-Fi. Freedom Square is 5 km away. Free parking is available.The classic-style rooms offer a fan and TV. Bathroom facilities are either private or shared.Nika has a fully equipped shared kitchen where guests can prepare their own meals. Cafes and bars are a 10-minute walk away. Lake Lisi is 4 km away.Price: ~ 50 GEL<a href="http://www.booking.com/hotel/ge/nika.en-us.html?aid=363972">Check out price and book online "Guest house Nika" in Tbilisi</a> <h2><a href="http://www.booking.com/hotel/ge/lion-tbilisi.en-us.html?aid=363972">Hos… Lion</a></h2><a href="http://www.booking.com/hotel/ge/lion-tbilisi.en-us.html?aid=363972"><img src="http://www.reinisfischer.com/sites/default/files/hostellion.jpg" alt="Hostel Lion in Tbilisi" title="Hostel Lion in Tbilisi" width="840" height="460" class="null"></a>Located on Irakli Paghava street in Tbilisi, hostel Lion offers:It features a fully-equipped kitchen and lounge area. Free Wi-Fi is available throughout.The rooms are simply decorated and come with wooden furniture. All rooms feature air conditioning.Guests can prepare their meals in the kitchen, which comes complete with a fridge, stove and kitchenware. Free tea and coffee are provided.The Old Town is located a 2-minute walk from the hostel, and Tbilisi Botanical Garden is 2.5 km away.Price: ~ 50 GEL<a href="http://www.booking.com/hotel/ge/lion-tbilisi.en-us.html?aid=363972">Che… out price and book online Hostel Lion in Tbilisi</a> <h2 class="item"><a href="http://www.booking.com/hotel/ge/guest-house-nice.en-us.html?aid=363972"… House Nice</a></h2><a href="http://www.booking.com/hotel/ge/guest-house-nice.en-us.html?aid=363972"… src="http://www.reinisfischer.com/sites/default/files/guesthousenice.jpg" alt="Guest House Nice in Tbilisi" title="Guest House Nice in Tbilisi" width="840" height="460" class="null"></a>Located on Saiatnova street in Tbilisi, this guest house offers:Rooms here offer guests air conditioning, towels, and linens.Other property facilities include a shuttle service, a library, a shared lounge, and laundry facilities.Price: ~ 50 GEL<a href="http://www.booking.com/hotel/ge/guest-house-nice.en-us.html?aid=363972"… out price and book online Guest house Nice in Tbilisi</a>

SPAR enters Georgian market; SCANIA to produce fuel from wine making waste; Georgia celebrates EU AA and Free Trade

3 July, 2014 | Living in Georgia | 12 seen

On the other day I spent interesting afternoon walking around one of Tbilisi's neighbourhoods - Saburtalo. Made a ton of instagrams, visited local shopping chain Goodwill, tasted sushi and other different activities.On days like that - is great opportunity to observe what is happening around in city and in country. You might ask how? Well, it's easy with your eyes. I usually prefer free business newspapers available in different city's place. So it got my free newspapers at <a href="http://www.tourgeorgia.eu/goodwill-saburtalo">Saburtalo Goodwills</a> shopping centre. <h2>Georgian Press Review</h2>First SPAR supermarket to open in Georgia - interesting article about Dutches owned supermarkets store, soon will be available in Georgia - it seems that SPAR will acquire two other local Georgian supermarket stores - IOLI and Foodmart. I have no idea what is Foodmart, but IOLI is small chain with few store across the city.I guess after entrance in Georgian shopping market - SPAR will aim to get 1st place. On the other hand there are already French Carefour store and the local Goodwill store. Tough competition? Tough competition means lower prices - usually... Anyway - my predictions - after 5-10 years Georgia will be just another shopping mall culture country. Is it bad or Good?It depends - my only argument against - many (if not all) small store owners will go bankrupt. On the other hand - it not serious that every second person in city is owner of small food store.I will say this - Georgia is transforming to the better side, of course there will be side effects a well. But overall  - article about SPAR's entrance into Georgian market leaves me thing that life goes up!Wine making waste could become fuel starter in Georgia - article on Business week. According to this article Sweden's Scania is developing  a new business direction - clean fuel production. It's awaited that Scania will opens it sales and service centre in Georgia soon. Again - I have no idea how sales and service center is related to fuel production - I guess it's just a PR move from side of SCANIA to sell their trucks in Georgia, but according to the minister of Economy and Sustainable Development, George Kvirikashvili - technology of fuel from organic waste decreases carbon dioxide emissions by 90%.Again as I already said - looks just as a PR move from SCANIA, because I doubt that Georgia's monopolist SOCCAR will allow some swedes to produce fuel here. Anyway - at least some hi-tech news here in Georgia.Georgia and EU sign association and free trade agreements - long and ambitious article on Business Week (cover story) - how Georgia could benefit. In overall I support Georgia's move toward EU, but I stay rather low in Georgia - Russia relations. You migh like to read my own thought regarding to <a href="http://www.reinisfischer.com/georgia-has-signed-association-agreement-e… EU AA deal</a>.Although here is a quick idea - which is still formulating in my head - Actually Russia is interested in closer Georgia - EU relations. What made me to think this? Well  - Georgia has improved it's Trade Balance with Russia in last months drastic:<blockquote>Georgian exports to CIS member states in January-May 2014 stood at $ 627.6 million of which Azerbaijan, Armenia and Russia were Georgia's largest export markets.</blockquote>Although Georgian exports to EU stood at $253 million the same time period.And so - taking in consideration notes coming from Russian Foreign policy makers - Russia could protect its market, by putting higher custom tolls to those countries seeking closer ties with EU, the word "could" - makes me think, that regarding to Georgia - Russia will not impose such protective steps. Instead Georgia might become a transit corridor for Russian goods to EU.There is a proverb in Russian - "Кавказ дело тонкое" - literally meaning - "Caucasus is a slippery thing"Anyway - seems for now Georgian policy makers know what they are doing - and Georgia will benefit both from EU and Russia.