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Tbilisi Circus: A Historic Landmark with a Surprising Past
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…
Qavalli Aerocity Indian Restaurant in New Delhi
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…
Eternal Boutique in Calangute
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…
Charles Bridge: A Timeless Landmark in Prague
The Charles Bridge (Karlův most) in Prague is one of the most iconic and historic landmarks in Europe. Built in the 14th century under the reign of King Charles IV, this Gothic stone bridge spans the Vltava River, connecting Prague's Old Town with the Lesser Town (Malá Strana). Adorned with a series of 30 Baroque statues and surrounded by stunning views of Prague Castle and the city's skyline, the bridge is a timeless symbol of the Czech capital…
Hotel Belvedere Prague: A Practical Stay with Easy Access
During our recent trip to Prague in mid-October 2024, we stayed at Hotel Belvedere. My partner attended the MEET Central Europe Translators conference, and we were joined by one of our office employees, so we opted to book two rooms. While the hotel might seem a bit outdated at first glance, its reasonable rates and convenient location made it a solid choice for our needs.Hotel Belvedere sits in a prime spot with a range of conveniences nearby.…
St. Vitus Cathedral and Viewing Tower in Prague
In mid-October 2024, we took a family trip to the charming city of Prague. With so much to see and do, we had a packed itinerary, but it was during one of our casual walks around the city that we stumbled upon a true gem — St. Vitus Cathedral. Located within the grounds of Prague Castle, the cathedral’s Gothic towers immediately captured our attention. And while we didn’t initially plan on visiting, the sight was so captivating that we couldn’t…
Review: Art Hotel Prague – A Cozy Stay in a Tranquil Part of Prague
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…
Foraging for Mushrooms near Tsodoreti Lake: A Day in the Suburbs of Tbilisi
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…
Axel Georgian Business Angel Networking Event: Exploring Opportunities in Tbilisi
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…
Maika.ge: My Favorite Print Shop in Tbilisi
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…
Vaclav Havel Airport Prague
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…
Kiketi Farm Near Tbilisi: A Hidden Gem for Family Fun
In mid-September 2024, my better half and I stumbled upon a delightful escape just a short drive from Tbilisi—Kiketi Farm. I must admit, I was pleasantly surprised by what this charming farm had to offer. From a cozy restaurant to engaging activities like horseback riding and arts and crafts for kids, Kiketi Farm proved to be an ideal spot for a family-friendly outing.Nestled in the serene countryside near Tbilisi, Kiketi Farm is a refreshing…
Tbilisi Marathon 2024: Running for Fitness and Crypto Growth
On September 22, 2024, I joined thousands of runners for the annual Tbilisi Marathon. It was a bright, bit cloudy, lively day in the city, and this year, I ran the 10K race alongside the team from Caucasus Translations. As always, I was proud to represent my hedge fund, TerraMatris, sporting the fund’s T-shirt throughout the run.Although my finish time was a bit slower than last year (1 hour 13 minutes, though it is disputable as my fitness app…
Hotel Serodani Near Telavi
At the start of September 2024, during our annual trip to the Tsinandali Music Festival, trip was organized by our company Caucasus Translations, we had the pleasure of staying at Hotel Serodani near Telavi. This hotel provided the perfect blend of comfort, convenience, and Georgian hospitality, making our festival experience even more memorable.Hotel Serodani is conveniently located near Telavi, just 2.9 km away from the historic King Erekle II…
Top Family-Friendly Things to Do in Omiš, Croatia: Beaches, Dining, and Adventure
At the start of August 2024, my family and I embarked on a memorable journey to Omiš, Croatia, to celebrate my 39th birthday. This trip was a perfect blend of relaxation and adventure, all set against the stunning backdrop of the Adriatic coast.Our journey began with a Carpatair flight from Riga to Split, a convenient option that allowed us to reach our destination with ease. The flight was smooth, and the excitement of celebrating my birthday…
Kavtiskhevi Zoroastrian Temple
Sometimes, the most memorable discoveries come when you least expect them. That’s exactly what happened when I stumbled upon the Kavtiskhevi Zoroastrian Temple, a site that left me in awe and filled me with a tinge of regret for not having my drone with me to capture its full grandeur from above.The story of how I found this remarkable site began with a simple invitation. I had invited a German friend to a nearby fish restaurant, known for its…
Split Airport
Split Saint Jerome Airport, also known as Split Airport, is the international airport serving the city of Split, Croatia. It is located 19 km (12 mi) from Split, on the west side of Kaštela Bay, in the town of Kaštela, and extending into the adjacent town of Trogir. It is named after Saint Jerome, the patron saint of Split-Dalmatia County.At the start of August 2024, I found myself on a Carpatair flight from Riga to Split, ready to celebrate my…
Frame House in Latvia: Outdoor Patio, Inner Walls, and More
As June came to an end, our family embarked on a journey from Tbilisi to Latvia, skipping Renee's school year for the last week and focus on our frame house project. Here's a glimpse into our busy but rewarding time working on the house.We left Tbilisi with excitement and anticipation, knowing that a lot of work awaited us in Latvia. Skipping a week of Renee's school was a calculated decision, as we wanted to make the most of this opportunity to…
Wine with Friends Night in Tbilisi: A Perfect Blend of Networking and Tasting
Yesterday, I had the pleasure of attending a delightful wine-tasting event organized by my American friend, Colin. The evening was set in the charming ambiance of a wine gallery located at Irakli Abashidze 64. The event brought together a vibrant mix of expatriates from various industries, predominantly startups and founders, creating an excellent opportunity for networking and socializing.The wine gallery on Irakli Abashidze 64 is an exquisite…
Spring Break Project: Building Progress on Our Frame House in Latvia
As the chill of winter slowly gives way to the warmth of spring, it's the perfect time to roll up our sleeves and dive back into the construction of our dream frame house in Latvia. During this Spring break from British International school in Tbilisi, which fell between the end of March and the beginning of April 2024, our team made significant strides in bringing our vision to life.First and foremost, we focused our efforts on enhancing the…
Amber Fort, India
Amer Fort or Amber Fort is a fort located in Amer, Rajasthan, India. Amer is a town with an area of 4 square kilometres, located 11 kilometres (6.8 mi) from Jaipur, the capital of Rajasthan. Located high on a hill, it is the principal tourist attraction in Jaipur. Amer Fort is known for its artistic style elements. With its large ramparts and series of gates and cobbled paths, the fort overlooks Maota Lake,which is the main source of water for…
Puzes Lutheran Church
Puzes Lutheran Church, a historic landmark, stands proudly in the village of Puze, located in the Ventspils Municipality of Latvia. Built in 1692, it has been a focal point of the community for centuries. The tower, added in 1806 following a devastating fire, rises above the picturesque landscape, serving as both a symbol of resilience and a beacon for worshipers.My Godmather Raēla Rozīte is a priest of this church since 1989. I first visited…
From Online Bid to On-Site Discovery: Our Journey to Unveil the Property in Saldus
Embarking on a real estate investment journey often involves navigating through twists and turns, with each step bringing us closer to our ultimate goal. For us, the story of our property in Saldus began with a successful online bid back in 2022—a pivotal moment that set the stage for an adventure filled with anticipation and excitement.Securing the winning bid for a property in Saldus was a testament to our dedication and strategic approach to…
Rainbow restaurant in Jaipur
Rainbow restaurant in Jaipur was a restaurant we were talking by our tour guide after wandering around the city of Jaipur for a few hours. Really delicious Indian cuisine and that KingFisher beer. As I was vegeterian and on intermittent fasting during our times in India I sticked with some simple fish masala and garlic naan accompanied by beer. Really delicious. Simple but elegant interior at Rainbow Jaipur restaurantIf there is a thing I…