Cafe Discovery In Tbilisi Review

20 March, 2015 | Restaurant reviews | 6 seen

Welcome to another post in series of Tbilisi restaurant reviews.

Today I will write about a lovely Cafe located on Marjanishvili square in Tbilisi which offers tasty wraps for a budget price. Meet Cafe Discovery.

I have been heading to this place for a  years already (It's a good indicator here in Georgia - if restaurant is in business for years - it's a pretty good restaurant or Cafe this time).

Reason I love this place - it's one of few in Tbilisi that makes wraps (tuna fish, salmon e.t.c). I love wrapps.

Entrance at Cafe Discovery

Frankly speaking I would call this place a boutique cafe instead of just cafe, the reason is simple - it's interior is crafted with tiny details and it's not to spacious, it's a tiny tiny place - so in  case you are in a large company of friends - there is possibly you won't get a free table here.

Outdoor terrace at Cafe Discovery

Best enjoyed in summertime

Sweets and fruits in a glass case

Well I believe you can order a freshly squired apple, orange, grape, banana or mixed juice here.

Speaking of sweets - haven't tried them here - can't comment.

Turkish Coffee at Cafe Discovery

Cappuccino at Cafe Discovery

Wraps with tuna filling

This wrap at Cafe Discovery costs GEL 5.50 ($2.5 / EUR  2.30)

Tulips at Cafe Discovery

The Bottom Line

Cafe Discovery is a budget friendly place which offers a really tasty wraps. I'm highly recommending this place.

Potential Business Partner Search In Republic Of Georgia

19 March, 2015 | Living in Georgia | 22 seen

During my blogging career I have received several messages on my blog's contact form asking for advice for potential business partner search in Tbilisi or Georgia.

Well I only feel flattered and honored that I have been noticed and contacted (seems a major role is played here thanks to my posts in Living in Georgia category).

I haven't searched for potential business partners here in Georgia (though I have been doing some business here). Currently  I'm open for a propositions from travel companies willing to serve incoming tourists in Georgia. Contact me for more details. 

I remember my first experience finding a new prospects in Tbilisi (I wasn't looking for partners - I was looking for customers - so I believe it was my core mistake. Partner could bring more than a customer) it all started of paying a visit to local trade show at Expo Georgia.

Author of this blog searching for business partners in Georgia back in April 2011

It was fun, I was just returned from a skiing adventures in Gudauri, it was like my fourth day in Georgia and here I was, sitting at Expo Georgia.

Back in those days I was eager to build a tourism website and was looking for advertisers on it. My initial business failed.

Trade shows and fairs

Best starting point should be Expo Georgia - this is a thing I actually learnt in Georgia - Fairs and Trade shows are one of the best ways of networking and new prospect finding. You are left with two options - either buy a stand or booth at Expo Georgia and represent your company and / or products, either visit such trade show and talk with those standing other side of stand/booth.

I have done only second option (though there had been  times I have thought to represent myself at the stand) My favorite expo fair probably is Caucasus Tourism Fair. Read: Caucasus Tourism Fair 2014 

Another great way of networking is by visiting local charity fairs. Read: Christmas Charity Winter Fair in Tbilisi Sheraton Hotel

Government delegations

Another interesting option I have used here in Georgia - I have participated into official business delegation. Read: Georgian - Latvian Business Forum 

Commercial Chambers

Well - next you could contact some Commercial Chambers here in Georgia, I haven't dealt with them, but I have heard of AmCham (American Chamber of Commerce in Georgia).

Yellow Pages

Common practice here in Georgia is to use Yellow Pages and call to prospects directly, personally I'm a person hating to make a deals over a phone, but on the other hand I'm not a salesperson either. I believe you can hire a local company to handle those phone conversations in place of you. 

Useful websites when searching for business partners in Georgia

• www.expogeorgia.ge - Information about Trade shows and Fairs
• www.investingeorgia.org - Invest in Georgia agency
• www.amcham.ge - American Chamber of Commerce in Georgia
• www.tbsc.ge - managment consulting firm
• www.caucasustranslations.com - English, Georgian, Russian (and many other language combination) translation / interpretation services

Is there a way I can help you?

Well if you are looking for a Drupal Website development - sure thing, contact me by using contact form.

If you are looking for translation and interpretation services I can recommend company I'm working for Caucasus Translations.   

If you would like just to chat with me or buy me a beer in some of the local Tbilisi restaurants, please feel free to contact me.

Projected Future Forecast For GDP In Former Soviet Union Block Countries (2014-2019)

18 March, 2015 | Macroeconomics | 35 seen

In past I have created many GDP reviews regarding former Soviet Union republics, but have never made future GDP forecast report yet. In this article that's exactly what I'm doing.

Now, Soviet Union doesn't exist for more than 25 years already. Those former 15 republics have gone more or less separate way since dissolution of USSR.  

There has happened some geopolitical changes over last 25 years, starting of dissolution of USSR, formation of CIS (Commonwealth of Independent States), three of former soviet republics have joined both European Union and NATO. And for a last of couple of years there has been attempts of trying to build up an Eurasian Union.

Map of Former Soviet Union (Source: Iron Curtain and Ex-U.S.S.R. Countries) 

I will speak about those economical organizations seperatly latter in this post, but for now, let's take a look of Projected Future Forecast by International Monetary Fund for those former Soviet Union Countries

Projected Future Forecast For GDP (Nominal) In Former Soviet Union Block Countries (2014-2019) 

According to IMF, there will be 4 countries in next 5 years to increase their GDP by more than 50% - Turkmenistan (89.63%), Kazakhstan (71.40%) , Uzbekistan (54.71%) and Tajikistan (51.24%)

• While it may look as impressive growth of 51.24% for Tajikistan, it's overall GDP still will be very modest - up from $9,156 billion in 2014 to $13,84 billions in 2019. It's a growth of "just" $4.69 billions in 5 year term. Pretty modest result for a country with population  8.2 million.
• More slower, but still pretty decent results will show Russia (26.12%), Armenia (28.86%) and Belarus (33.65%). Speaking of Russia  - for me those results seems surprisingly good, taking into account sanctions over Russia made both by EU and USA  I was thinking the Russian economy for next 5 years will be with negative sign, but according to projected future of Russia's GDP, it wont decrease at all. If that's right I will be indeed surprised.

OK, at lets divide those 15 former Soviet countries in smaller blocks:

• Baltic States (Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania)
• South Caucasus (Georgia, Azerbaijan and Armenia)
• Central Asia (Kazakhstan, Turkmenistan, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan and Kyrgyzstan)
• Eurasian Union block countries (Russia, Kazakhstan, Belarus, Armenia and Kyrgyzstan).

What doesn't fit in any group those are Ukraine and Moldova. So I will group them into Eastern Partnership countries together with Georgia, Armenia, Azerbaijan and Belarus)

Baltic States Projected Future GDP (Nominal) (2014-2019)

Baltic states have been members to European Union and NATO since 2004. Since 2014 all countries have euro as national currency. In next 5 years Lithuania is projected to have biggest GDP increase of 38.28%, followed by Latvia (34.76%) and Estonia (34.63%)

• The total combined GDP of Baltic states will increase from $107,900 billions to $147,092 billions. 
• What I can see from those data - Baltic's are united, they will experience modest but stable growth in next 5 years.

South Caucasus Projected Future GDP (Nominal) (2014-2019)

Situation in South Caucasus countries is pretty interesting - Armenia has joined Eurasian Union, Georgia is seeking it's way into European Union while Azerbaijan is trying to be neutral of choosing a larger geopolitical power. There are frozen conflict over disputed Nagorno-Karabakh region between Azerbaijan and Armenia.

My personal observation is simple - if Baltic states we can call more or less united, then situation is quite opposite here in Caucasus.

• In next five years region of South Caucasus is awaited to grow GDP by 44.69%

Central Asia Projected Future GDP (Nominal) (2014-2019)

• Now, according to IMF Estimates region of Central Asia will experience most faster growth in former Soviet Union block making average 69.86% growth in next five years.
• The total output of combined GDP of Central Asia will increase from $0.35 trillions in 2014 to almost $0.6 trillions in 2019. 

Eurasian Union Projected Future GDP (Nominal) (2014-2019)

And here comes a table with Eurasian Union, as you can see - main driving force behind it is Russia.

• If Russia is willing to make it work (Eurasian Union) I believe they will try to get in other Central Asia's countries, like Uzbekistan, Tajikistan and Turkmenistan.
• I believe there will be no problems to get Tajikistan on board (taking into account it's small economy) but I believe Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan are not so eager to join a club (They have oil)

Eastern Partnership country Projected Future GDP (Nominal) (2014-2019)

Now this is a tricky part, though those countries are members of Eastern Partnership -  still Belarus is closest ally to Russia, Armenia has joined Eurasian Union. In Ukraine is ongoing military conflict.

I would call those countries of Eastern Partnership  a trouble kids for EU.

The Bottom Line

Seems next five years could bring a lot of surprises, prosperity will come together with fight for power. I believe European Union will find more struggle to take away from Russia's sphere of influence those countries in Eastern Partnerships as Russia has never kept in secret -  it's vital to keep it's borders safe from NATO. 

Best Hikes In Tbilisi Are Located Near Turtle Lake

17 March, 2015 | Living in Georgia | 23 seen

I have been living in Georgia for more than tvelwe years already. I have traveled around the country quite a lot. 

Probably one of my favorite destinations in Tbilisi is Turtle Lake. On hot summer days, I like to head here to perform some work (in my early Tbilisi years for some Drupal development, latelty managing my crypto hedge fund) or brainstorm new ideas.

Though I started to blog - and document my travels just in 2013, I have been here (at Turtle Lake) some hundred times for sure. If at the start I headed here just to chill near the lake, then lately I'm more into some outdoor activities. 

In this post, I have listed three hiking routes all of them starting at Turtle Lake - one ending at Tskenti village, the second ending at Vake Park, and the third ending at Round Garden (Eristavi Street, almost in the city center)

Stratfor: How Currency Woes Undermine Georgia, Moldova

17 March, 2015 | Emerging Markets | 20 seen

Governments across the former Soviet Union have felt the impact of currency devaluations, but currency depreciations and related economic problems in Georgia and Moldova are exposing their governments to major political pitfalls this year, including even potential government collapse. Both countries have been pursuing greater integration with the West but are still heavily linked to Russia, making them susceptible to Russia's economic downturn. Economic difficulties will undermine both countries' efforts to achieve greater political and economic integration with the European Union and will be a boon to Russia's strategy of slowing the West's push into the former Soviet periphery.

The former Soviet Union has experienced substantial currency devaluations in the past several months. Russia and Ukraine, preoccupied with the conflict in eastern Ukraine, have predictably been the most affected. The Russian ruble lost 43 percent of its value in 2014 and has fallen an additional 11 percent since the start of 2015. Ukraine's currency, the hryvnia, has lost nearly 40 percent of its value in 2015. But the two countries are not alone. Countries that export and produce energy, such as Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan and Turkmenistan, as well as states strongly integrated with the Russian economic bloc, such as Belarus and Armenia, have also felt the impact.

Georgia and Moldova are two countries that do not fall into these paradigms because they are neither energy producers nor members of Russia-led economic groupings like the Eurasian Economic Union. In fact, both countries are Western-oriented and are pursuing greater economic integration with the European Union, having signed free trade agreements with the bloc in 2014. In spite of this, both the Georgian and Moldovan currencies have suffered. The Georgian lari has tumbled by nearly 30 percent over the past four months, and the Moldovan leu has lost 20 percent of its value since Jan. 1.

Worrying Indicators

The countries' reliance on remittances from migrants working in Russia drives these depreciations. Moldova saw a 20 percent year-on-year drop in remittances as of January, and Georgia recorded a 23 percent drop. Moreover, while neither country is a member of Russia's economic bloc, they are still dependent on trade with Russia, which accounts for 26 percent of Moldova's total exports and 13 percent of Georgia's total exports. Moldova's exports to Russia nearly halved in 2014, and Georgia's total exports fell by 30 percent — largely because of loss of trade with Ukraine and Russia.

The worrying economic indicators are as much a result of a poor regional economic climate as they are a consequence of a deliberate Russian response to both countries' Western integration efforts. Russia has increased import restrictions over certain goods exported by these countries and has also enacted structural regulations on migrants from states outside of the Eurasian Economic Union.

As a result, both countries have attempted to mitigate the effects of their currency depreciation by raising interest rates while selling foreign currency reserves. However, the relatively small size of their economies — Moldova's GDP is less than $9 billion while Georgia's is around $16 billion — hampers their ability to manage the depreciation and increases the impact of even minor fluctuations. Georgia has spent $120 million in currency reserves, bringing the total down to $2.5 billion. Moldova has sold $87 million of its currency reserves, bringing it down to $1.96 billion.

Both countries have received some EU financial assistance as part of their trade agreements, but the amount, in tens of millions of euros, has so far been minimal. Both countries have also planned tax hikes and public spending cuts for 2015, and additional assistance from foreign lenders such as the International Monetary Fund would likely come with further austerity measures.

Georgia

Such economic headwinds would prove politically troublesome for any country, but Georgia and Moldova are particularly vulnerable given their volatile political situations. In Georgia's case, the emergence of the Georgian Dream movement led by billionaire tycoon Bidzina Ivanishvili in 2011 and its victory in both the parliamentary and presidential elections in 2012 and 2013 ushered in a new era for Georgian politics.

However, over the past year Georgian Dream has been subject to increased infighting over internal differences, as seen in the dismissal of former Defense Minister Irakli Alasania and the departure of his Free Democrats party from the ruling coalition. Alasania even announced he would challenge Georgian Dream in the next parliamentary elections in 2016.

The infighting and poor economic conditions have led to public protests. Several hundred people demonstrated Feb. 25 in Tbilisi, calling for the resignation of the government over currency depreciation. The opposition United National Movement, the party of former Georgian President Mikhail Saakashvili that Georgian Dream replaced, has also seen a resurgence in popularity. The United National Movement has called for fresh nationwide protests on March 21.

These conditions could aggravate the fracturing within the Georgian Dream movement and complicate the government's ability to address the economic crisis and salvage its position from political rivals. Growing rifts within the government would also undermine Georgia's plans to integrate with the European Union, though its plans to increase cooperation with NATO are less likely to be affected.

Moldova

Moldova's political system is even more fractured than Georgia's. Since 2009, the parliament has been split almost evenly between EU- and Russian-oriented parties, creating a deadlocked government. Parliamentary elections held Nov. 30 produced a weak minority coalition of the pro-EU Democratic Party and the Liberal Democratic Party, but they needed the support of the pro-Russian Communist Party in order to elect the politically inexperienced Prime Minister Chiril Gaburici. Moreover, given that the coalition only has 47 of 101 seats and will depend on the Communists to push through key legislation, the new government will have a difficult time staying together.

Under a fractured political landscape, the Moldovan government will face domestic political pushback, threatening its stability. Some 400 people demonstrated against economic conditions in Chisinau on Feb. 24, with more protests expected. The government will also face setbacks to its EU integration plans. There are already several groups opposed to Moldova's integration process, namely the pro-Russia Socialist Party and the autonomous and breakaway regions of Gagauzia and Transdniestria. A minority government will find it difficult to overcome such opposition and pass integration policies.

Furthermore, reports from Moldovan media suggest that Russia has agreed to import certain Moldovan goods without taxes in 2015, including value-added tax, a decision that would represent a notable shift from Russian import restrictions in 2014. If the reports are true, this would run contrary to Moldova's efforts to distance itself from Russia in favor of the European Union, potentially derailing Chisinau's Western integration ambitions. These shifting relations with Russia and Europe as well as political unrest will define Moldova and Georgia.

"How Currency Woes Undermine Georgia, Moldova is republished with permission of Stratfor."

Hiking trails near Turtle Lake (Tbilisi) - Photos And Route Map

16 March, 2015 | Outdoor Activities | 12 seen

Welcome to another hiking / trekking post in Tbilisi. 

This time in a company of three we made a route from Turtle Lake - Round Garden (Eristavi street). 

As warm weather is more approaching, I'm more into outdoor activities. So - last week we took our bikes and headed to Lisi lake.

Speaking of hiking near Turtle lake - this was already third time this year (first two were made on January) - so it actually doesn't matter what are the weather conditions, right?

This time I did record this route using MapMyRide app and made plenty of photos (Lately I'm really into macros)

About Route

This was a 6.3 km route in Tbilisi, Georgia near Turle lake. The route has a total ascent of 209.46 m and has a maximum elevation of 912.2 m. 

Route Map

Photos

Former Aerial tram stop at Turtle lake

Out Of Service Aerial Tram

Hikers at Turtle lake trails

Mountainous flowers near Turtle Lake

First buds 

View to Turtle Lake from Svan Tower

First macro of a butterfly

Met some cows

Anther macro of mountain flowers

Rocky hiking trails near Turtle Lake

View to Tbilisi

Turtle lake from above

Another angle of Tbilisi

Pine

Tbilisi

Neighbourhood in Tbilisi

Junk collector

After this hike we caught a taxi and went straight to Restaurant Shengen in Old Town. Why Restaurant Shengen? That day Georgian Rugby team was playing against Russia, and there at Shengen restaurant they have a Huge TV. 

Pork and Sausages at Restaurant Shengen. 

Read: Restaurant 'Shengen' Review in Tbilisi 

P.S. Georgia Rugby team won: 33:0

Spring Is In The Air - Colourful Photos From Tbilisi Dezerter Bazaar

13 March, 2015 | Living in Georgia | 13 seen

On the lovely date of March 8 which in Georgia and many other countries is celebrated as International Women's Day I headed to Tbilisi Dezerter Bazaar to capture impressions of that day.

I was hoping to capture smiling man with flowers in hand but instead I did photographed a lot of vegetables, fruits and yes flowers as well.

As well I managed to capture both happy and unhappy sales persons in action.

Take a look

Narcissus for Sale at Tbilisi Dezerter Bazaar

Radishes and sorrels for sale at market

At least I believe those are some sorels, but maybe they are beet leaves?

Colored paprika

Pineapples and bananas at market

Cherry Tomatoes

At Tbilisi Dezerter Bazaar

Oranges at Tbilisi market

Price for 1Kg tomatoes at Tbilisi market

At Tbilisi Dezerter market

Carrots

Cabbages for sale at Tbilisi market

Unhappy sales woman

Spring Onions at Tbilisi market

Radishes at Tbilisi market

At Tbilisi Dezerter Bazaar

Tulips for sale at Tbilisi market

Happy sales women

Fruits at Tbilisi market

Cyclamens for sale

Enabled Cache For Drupal Views Gives A Better Performace

12 March, 2015 | Drupal Development | 5 seen

The other day talking with my dad on Facebook, he asked me, why my blog is so slow today - it's so slow that he cannot open my site at all. I straight went to my Linode VPS to investigate server logs. Nothing unusual did find there. I used http://tools.pingdom.com/fpt/ to test speed of my site and it actually was really slow.

Since my blog is heavily based on Drupal views, and I had not before enabled cache neither for CSS or JS (I'm still not aggregating CSS and JS) I decided to give a try and to enable cache for all of my views.

The result? Pretty fast right now.

Actually I did a lot of up keeping my disabling and uninstalling unused modules. There is still much left to do - my next big thing is to compress images or better use adaptive image approach to save bandwidth and improve page load times. As well I'm looking how to get fix Eliminate render-blocking JavaScript and CSS in above-the-fold content and other issues.

But yes - enabled views cache did help a lot :)

How to enable Drupal views block cache

Drupal views block cache

Under Other change Caching from None to Time-based. In next window choose your cache time from a drop-down menu.

Basically that's all. Just clear your cache and head to http://tools.pingdom.com/fpt to test is there some improvements.

How To Make Fresh Egg Pasta Noodles Using Macaroni machine

12 March, 2015 | Food blogger | 10 seen

Welcome to my third attempt of being a food bloger, today I will demonstrate how one (perhaps you) can make a home-made noodles by using a macaroni machine.

I believe just like in my previous food blog posts I will learn some new English culinary language.

Ingredients you will need: flour, eggs, salt and a macaroni machine.

We bought our macaroni machine here in Georgia some years ago already, if you don't have one, take your chances and browse on amazon.com

[amazon:B0009U5OSO:full]

Lets dig in:

Ingredients for fresh Egg Pasta - Flour, Eggs and salt

Add Flour to a bowl (make a small cavity to put eggs in)

Add egg to a flour

Add eggs to a flour

Knead your pasta

Oh, I spent some 40 minutes of kneading this egg pasta, it requires a lot of muscle strength and patience. 

Kneaded pasta

Once you have finished your pasta kneading, make a ball shape of it and put it in fridge for some 30 minutes (at least)

A Macaroni Machine

Meanwhile fix your macaroni machine on the table

Divided pasta dough

Divide your pasta in smaller pieces to make it easier to work with macaroni machine

Rolling pin

Take your rolling pin to roll out pasta dough

Roll out pasta dough using Macaroni machine

Pasta being rolled out using macaroni machine

Author of this blog captured in action

Making noodles using macaroni machine

Making noodles using macaroni machine

So simple. in some of my next food blogger posts I will show how you can make some noodle based food.

Words I learned today: rolling pin; cavity

Top 3 Macaroni Machines on Amazon (Best Selling)

Please note those items are available for sale on Amazon, by clicking on links on this page and by making a purchase on Amazon site, I will earn an affiliate income from that.

[amazon:B0009U5OSO:full]

[amazon:B00004SPDH:full]

[amazon:B000679FZ8:full]

Cycling Near Lisi Lake In Tbilisi (Route Map + Photos)

11 March, 2015 | Outdoor Activities | 30 seen

Welcome to another cycling in Tbilisi post series. Today I will write about our latest cycling route near the Lisi lake, will provide you with a cycling map and plenty of photos I managed to capture here. 

During this cycling route, we discovered a few and very interesting places in Tbilisi I had previously barely heard but never had visited them before. Places like Tbilisi Hippodrome and Tbilisi Dog Shelter. 

It all started with a call to a friend with a mini-van. Damn, we are like typical tourists, why should you wheel if you can call a friend and ask to drive you up in the hill (Lisi lake is located in mountainous suburbs of Tbilisi). See Organized tours in Georgia,  if you are looking for minivan transfers in Tbilisi or around Georgia.

About this route

This is a 10.05 km route in Tbilisi, Georgia (Near Lisi lake) The route has a total ascent of 38.06 m and has a maximum elevation of 670.55 m. This route was completed in 3 Hours 49 minutes and 12 seconds (I didn't pause MapMyRide app during breaks, visit of Tbilisi Hippodrome and Tbilisi Dog Shelter)

Route Map

Photos

Route starting point near Lisi Lake

View to Lisi Lake

Plenty of trekking paths

A Sheppard doing some business over a mobile phone

Road near Lisi Lake

Author of this blog captured in action

Sheep's near Lisi Lake

Georgian mountain goat with horns

Lisi lake in Tbilisi

Lisi lake in Tbilisi

Recreational area near Lisi lake

Recreational area near Lisi lake

View to Tbilisi from road leading to Lisi lake

UFO landed in Tbilisi - actually it's some emergency call centre building

View to Tbilisi city

About Lisi Lake

Lisi lake is a small lake in the vicinity of Tbilisi, Georgia; belongs to the Kura River valley, home to a large mixed-use development project by the same name. The landscape is rocky and arid with shrub vegetation and plots of the steppe.

The lake itself provides shelter to various waterbirds. In landscapes near the lake, one can watch small reptiles, birds, fox and hare.

Haven't Received Amazon Associates Payment By Check? Contact Support

11 March, 2015 | Blogging | 37 seen

Tbilisi Dog Shelter Near Lisi Lake

10 March, 2015 | Professional services | 121 seen

The other day, while cycling near Lisi Lake in Tbilisi, we discovered a few interesting places. I have already written a blog post about Tbilisi Hippodrome, which we stumbled upon by accident.

By accident, we also discovered a Tbilisi dog shelter. 

While cycling from Tbilisi Hippodrome back to Lisi Lake, my eyes caught an interesting scene—in the middle of nowhere, people were doing some exercises. So we decided to approach, and the closer we got, the louder a dog started barking. And there it was—A Tbilisi Dog Shelter.

I first heard about this organization at the last Christmas Charity Fair held at Sheraton Hotel. I even subscribed to a volunteer list by providing my email, but I never got a response. Well, things are as they are.

We were quickly handed two dogs to take for a walk in the nearby meadows, so we did.

It was lame, funny, and socially responsible all at once. First, we must acknowledge the problem of stray pets in Tbilisi and Georgia, so we must be socially responsible. As Antoine de Saint-Exupéry would say:

We are responsible for those we have tamed.

It was lame because we were not prepared to walk a dog at all (remember, we were just cycling). It was funny because it's fun to do lame yet socially responsible things together, right?

Some fitness activities with dogs at Tbilisi Shelter

Tbilisi dog shelter near Lisi Lake

Dog shelter

At Tbilisi dog shelter

Tbilisi Dog Shelter

Walking a dog at Tbilisi Shelter - Lovely Penny

Tbilisi dog shelter neighbors

At Tbilisi dog shelter

House dog

Sheep

In short: Volunteers here can walk dogs, play with them, and even do fitness activities together. 

The longer version: It's a Dutch-financed project, according to information found on a website with a Dutch domain (.nl):

Welcome to DOG – Dog Organization Georgia

DOG is a foundation that rescues dogs in Georgia. There are about 25,000 stray dogs in the capital alone, causing issues due to hunger and disease and posing a danger to traffic.

Because of this, they are often mistreated, hit, or captured

DOG has set itself the goal of improving the lives of these dogs by:

• - Providing shelter and medical care
• - Conducting sterilization campaigns
• - Running information campaigns
• - Consulting with authorities
• - Running an adoption program (in Georgia)

Visit www.dogshelter.nl or Dog Organization Georgia on Facebook to learn more.

Tbilisi Hippodrome Near Lisi Lake (Jockey Club)

9 March, 2015 | Entertainment | 195 seen

After a longer break of my cycling advetures, on a lovely Saturday morning we took our bikes and headed to Lisi Lake.

Turned out that just a few hundred meters away from Lisi Lake there is located a place called 'Tbilisi Hippodrom LTD' - At start I was kinda suspicious, because only one for me known Hippodrome in Tbilisi (now we should call it a former hippodrome) is located along the Vake-Saburtalo road.

I'm not an expert in this field - if owner of this place wanted to call it a hippodrome - fine with me.

I managed to take 18 pictures of this place:

Construction works at Tbilisi Hippodrome

Horse stables at Tbilisi hippodrome

Girl with a horse at Tbilisi hippodrome

Tbilisi Hippodrom LTD

Parking a bike

We were asked to park our bikes at the entrance to not to scare horses

Horse stables at Tbilisi Hippodrome

At Tbilisi Hippodrome

Working hours at Tbilisi Hippodrome 9:00-19:00

Jockey and a horse at a training ring

A horse and a horse handler lady

At Tbilisi Hippodrome

A tractor at Tbilisi Hippodrome

A Cafe located in territory of hippodrome

At Tbilisi hippodrome

A pony riding at Tbilisi Hippodrome

Some Awards (In Georgian)

Inside Horse Stables

At Tbilisi Hippodrome

I'm definitely not an expert in horse breeding, and honestly speaking this was first time ever I visited a place called hippodrome.

Despite my understanding of hippodrome in short is that it's a place where horse races are held and viewers can make a bids, after seeing this hippodrome - I don't think there is some horse race available yet, though after seeing construction works on site I believe races will come here after completing works.

Right now It's more a place where you can store your horse, visit it, take care of it and make some horse riding.  

I noticed many workers here speaks Azerbaijani. Probably it's a joint Georgian-Azerbaijan venture company, where rich Azerbaijan people are storing their horses for a cheaper price.

I'm a complete noob in this form of business. 

Anyway - it was a great experience and few new things I learned.

Unfortunately I have no clue about prices and horse riding options here - I didn't find a person who could explain me this, on the other hand I was not looking for such person hard enough. It all started just as a chance, remember I was cycling around Lisi lake.

I didn't find a website of Facebook page at least as well, in case you are interested in Tbilisi hippodrome take your chances, visit it on site.

All I found was an article dated back from 2007 on Finchannel

Jockey Club Building New Tbilisi Hippodrome

Jockey Club, proprietor of the Tbilisi hippodrome, Kulari rancho and Betania rancho, is constructing a new hippodrome near Lisi Lake, while City Centre Tbilisi, a multifunctional social-administrative district, is being built on the territory of the old hippodrome.

The new hippodrome is supposed to be one of the biggest in the whole of the Caucasus region. It will be a multifunctional infrastructure, with a total area of 32.8 hectares, embodying different thematic zones: Sporting demonstrative zone, including a 2 500-place open stand tribune; Hippodrome field, used for horse testing, including a 1 600 meter long race track; Training-learning zone, used for the professional learning of equestrianism, embodying a closed tribune with 1 000 places; Household zone, including 6 fully equipped stables; Veterinary clinic; Special premises, including parking, forge, irrigation systems; Entertainment-playing zone.

Read full article on Finchannel

Yamato Sushi Bar in Tbilisi Review

8 March, 2015 | Restaurant reviews | 11 seen

Welcome to another post in series of Tbilisi restaurant reviews.

Today I will write about a Yamato Sushi bar located on Alexander Kazbegi avenue in Tbilisi.

As usual we bought a coupon on local Georgian groupon clone style site hotsale.ge.

Offer was for around 20 GEL ($10.00 / EUR 9.00) or probably even cheaper and included a sushi set and a miso soup.

As usual for taking photographs I'm using my Samsung phone and using Instagram (then taking them from Instagram and adding to posts - you can read a blog post on how I turned my Instagram account into a photo blog 

Yamato Sushi Bar in Tbilisi

Iamato Sushi bari (Georgian Transliteration)

Inside interior at Yamato Sushi Bar

Inside interior at Yamato Sushi Bar

Miso soup at Yamato Sushi Bar

I'm not very familiar with Japanese cuisine, just some random stereotypes I guess, so it's hard for me to tell - was it a real Japanese miso soup or local version of that. Well I believe the second version is the correct answer - in this variation of miso soup were added some mushrooms but cut in a very large pieces. Maybe that's how it must be - don't know. Just my inner feeling :) Overall a pretty good soup with some unknown mushrooms.

Sushi set

Avocado, cucumber and salmon I guess. Of course wasabi and ginger.

Tea in a kettle 

Waitress told that it's some Japanese tea - again, how no clue what's a Japanese tea.

Japanese tea at Yamato Sushi bar

But that's how it looked like. Tasted pretty good!

Menu at Yamato Sushi Bar

The Bottom line

Yamato sushi bar is a pretty OK place, you will definitely get some sushi here.

Prices are really democratic here, for all above seen food and tea we paid 29GEL ($13.00 / EUR 12) - and frankly speaking it's one of the rare times we paid so low. 

Find Yamato Sushi bar on Facebook

15 Best Recommended Hotels in Girona, Spain on Booking.com (Close to Cathedral; Price Range EUR 50 - 100)

7 March, 2015 | Hotel reviews | 8 seen

Last autumn I made a week long trip to Spain, region of Catalonia, after landing at Barcelona El Prat Airport, we took our car from rental company and went straight to Girona. You can read more about my first impressions of Girona, but here is a quick tip - major tourist attractions in Girona are: Girona Cathedral and Jewish Quarter. 

Back then we stayed at Hotel Gran Hotel, which actually is pretty good bet, but I decided to list another great Girona hotels and apartments. 

Depending on your travel budget you will learn that you can get your Girona hotel in average EUR 50 - EUR 100. 

As said the closer your hotel is located to Girona Cathedral and Jewih Quarter - the better.

Those hotels listed bellow are most recommended in Girona among Booking.com users

Hotel Gran Ultonia

Hotel Gran Ultonia is situated just 500 metres from Girona Cathedral and the historic Barri Vell district. Each air-conditioned room includes a rain shower, free Wi-Fi and a flat-screen TV.

The stylish, functional rooms at the Gran Ultonia feature soft lighting and hardwood floors. They all have a minibar, a safe and an elegant, modern bathroom with a hairdryer and toiletries.

The hotel offers a buffet breakfast, and there is also a bar where you can get a snack or a drink. Gran Ultonia Hotel is 200 metres from Plaça Independencia, where many popular bars and restaurants can be found.

Devesa Park is only 150 metres away, and Girona Train and Bus Stations are around 15 minutes' walk away. Staff at the hotel’s 24-hour reception can provide further information about the city. Good-value secure parking is available on site, and motorbikes can park free of charge.

Price: € 78.20 Book this hotel on Booking.com

Hotel Margarit

Hotel Margarit is next to the River Onyar, in the heart of Girona. This small hotel offers accommodation, just 300 metres from the historic Barri Vell district.

Fitted with parquet flooring, rooms at Hotel Margarit come with a private bathroom, heating and free WiFi. Each room has a fan, a flat-screen TV and a telephone. They also have an en suite bathroom with a hairdryer.

Girona’s old city wall begins near the hotel. The Cathedral and Arab Baths are both a short walk away. There is also good access to the train and bus stations.

Hotel Margarit has a small garden and serves a daily breakfast buffet. Breakfast for celiacs and lactose-free options are available, and packed breakfast is also an option.

The hotel's 24-hour reception offers tourist information and a safety deposit box. There is a children´s play area.

Price: € 48 Book this hotel on Booking.com

Hotel Nord 1901 Superior

This family-run hotel is a 5-minute walk from Girona Cathedral. It offers a garden terrace with a small swimming pool, and rooms with flat-screen TV and free WiFi.

All the elegant rooms include climate control, a safe and kettle. Apartments also have a kitchenette. Bathrobes, slippers and a professional hairdryer are provided in the modern bathrooms.

At Nord 1901 Superior´s reception staff can arrange room service or massages. They can also provide information about Girona and the nearby Costa Brava.

Nord 1901 Superior is just 100 metres from the coloured houses of the River Onyar. Plaza Independencia is a 2-minute walk away and has a range of popular restaurants and cafés.

Guests can also enjoy a buffet breakfast with views of the garden and in warm weather breakfast is served in the garden itself.

Price: € 90 Book this hotel on Booking.com

Girorooms Catedral

Located 300 metres from Arab Bath Girona and a 5-minute walk from Girona Cathedral, Girorooms Catedral offers a spacious apartment with a balcony with city views.

The apartment comes with a living room with a sofa and a flat-screen TV; and a modern kitchen with oven, and bed linen and towels are provided. You can enjoy city view and river view from the room.

Several bars, restaurants as well as supermarkets acan be found within 3 minutes’ walk.

If you feel like visiting the surroundings, check out Girona Art Museum 400 metres away. Girona-Costa Brava Airport is located 11 km from the property.

Price: € 66 Book this hotel on Booking.com

Girorooms Barri Vell

Girorooms are set in the Medieval centre of Girona, just 250 metres from the Cathedral. These stylish apartments offer flat-screen TVs and free Wi-Fi access in most of them.

Each Girorooms apartment has a living-dining area and a modern bathroom. The well-equipped kitchens have an oven and a ceramic hob.

The apartments are in Girona’s Barri Vell district, near the historic Jewish quarter. The Devesa Park and the River Onyar are a short walk away.

The Girorooms tour desk can provide information about the city and the area. Girona Train and Bus Station is around 15 minutes' walk away. The Costa Brava is about half an hour away by car.

Price: € 49 Book this hotel on Booking.com

Peninsular

Peninsular has an ideal location is central Girona, 700 metres from the city's cathedral and the train and bus stations. The air-conditioned rooms include flat-screen satellite TV and free WiFi.

The Peninsular Hotel’s rooms have simple, functional décor. Each room has a work desk and a private bathroom with a hairdryer and toiletries.

Staff at Hotel Peninsular’s 24-hour reception are happy to provide information about Girona. A daily breakfast buffet is available in the dining room. Cafe Savoy, located on the main floor, offers lunch and dinner.

Situated on a popular shopping street, the Peninsular is a 5-minute walk from the cafés and restaurants of La Rambla and Plaza Independencia Square. Girona’s old city wall and historic Jewish Quarter are only 500 metres away.

Price: € 51 Book this hotel on Booking.com

Carlemany Girona

Carlemany Girona is ideally situated 600 metres from the historic Barri Vell district and 400 metres from Girona Train and Bus Station. Rooms feature 32-inch flat-screen TVs and free Wi-Fi.

Hotel Carlemany offers spacious modern rooms, with luxury cotton bed linen and Loewe toiletries. Each room is air-conditioned and includes a minibar and safe.

The Carlemany’s Indigo Restaurant & Bar serves cocktails on the attractive terrace. The Pati Verd serves a daily buffet breakfast, and offers regional cuisine using seasonal ingredients. There is also a café serving snacks throughout the day.

The Carlemany Hotel is set in a quiet street near Girona’s main shops. Girona Cathedral and the Jewish Quarter are within a 10-minute walk. Secure parking with direct access to the hotel is available on site.

Price: € 73.60 Book this hotel on Booking.com

Hotel Europa

The Hotel Europa is a small, cosy hotel boasting a superb location just 800 metres from Girona's picturesque old quarter, and only 40 metres from the railway and bus station.

Make your stay a comfortable one at the Europa, whose tasteful rooms have a private bathroom, flat-screen TV and both air conditioning and heating.

The hotel has a library and free Wi-Fi in all areas. Reception is open 24 hours a day, allowing you greater flexibility during your stay.

Explore Gironas famous monuments on foot, including the iconic Plaça Catalunya, just a 2-minute walk away, as well as the Jewish quarter and the university, also found nearby.

Price: € 48 Book this hotel on Booking.com

Ciutat de Girona

The Hotel Ciutat de Girona is set in the historic and cultural heart of Girona, a 10-minute walk from Girona Train Station. It offers a heated indoor pool and a professional spinning room.

This property is decorated with iconic images from the city’s past, which blend well with the modern style. Rooms come with free Wi-Fi, flat-screen satellite TV, a safe and a minibar.

Blanc restaurant serves local products, all of which come from within a 100 km radius. It serves a hot and cold buffet breakfast every morning.

Price: € 99 Book this hotel on Booking.com

DoubleTree by Hilton Girona

Situated next to Devesa Park, DoubleTree by Hilton Girona is 300 metres from Girona Auditorium and Convention Centre. This modern hotel has a rooftop swimming pool and offers free WiFi throughout.

Rooms feature bright, stylish décor and wooden floors. Each room includes a flat-screen TV, pillow menu and minibar. The top floor of the hotel has a terrace with amazing views over Girona.

DoubleTree by Hilton Girona has a terrace bar and a restaurant serving Mediterranean cuisine. The popular bars and restaurants around Plaza de Independencia are within a 10-minute walk.

DoubleTree by Hilton Girona is a 10-minute walk from the old town and a 20-minute walk from the city’s Cathedral, Jewish Quarter and the old city walls. The famous El Celler Can Roca Restaurant is 5 minutes' drive away.

PGA Catalunya Golf Club is a 20-minute drive away. The beaches of the Costa Brava are 35 km away. Girona Airport can be reached in around 20 minutes by car or bus, and Barcelona is an hour’s drive away.

Price: € 57.80 Book this hotel on Booking.com

Melia Girona

Situated a 10-minute walk from Girona Train and Bus Station, Melia Girona offers on-site parking and free access to its gym, sauna and hot tub. Rooms feature free Wi-Fi access and tea and coffee-making facilities.

Each room at the Girona Melia has elegant, classic design. All have a minibar, safe and plasma satellite TV. Bathrooms come with a hairdryer and a selection of amenities.

Meliá Girona’s restaurant offers a buffet breakfast with a range of hot and cold options, as well as modern versions of typical local dishes. Gluten and lactose-free menus are available. You can also enjoy room service.

Girona’s charming historic centre, including 4 rivers, the Jewish Quarter and Arab Baths, is within a 15-minute walk. There is also a large shopping centre next door. There is 24-hour reception and staff can organise guided city tours, as well as bicycle rental.

A frequent bus service stops 50 metres from the hotel, and private parking is available on site. Located just 10 minutes' walk away, the train station connects you with Barcelona in just 35 minutes and with Paris in 4 hours.

Price: € 65 Book this hotel on Booking.com

Hotel Costabella

Hotel Costabella offers an outdoor swimming pool, free Wi-Fi and free private parking on-site. Surrounded by gardens, the hotel is 15 minutes’ walk from Girona’s Old Town.

The hotel is near the AP7 motorway. It has good access to Girona Airport, 12 km away.

Hotel Costabella has a poolside sun terrace and a garden. There is also a bar and a restaurant.

At an extra cost, the hotel offers a gym and spa. It has a sauna and hot tub. Massages and beauty treatments are also available.

Rooms at the hotel are elegant and comfortable. They all have air conditioning, a minibar and satellite TV.

Price: € 49 Book this hotel on Booking.com

Hotel Llegendes de Girona Catedral

Housed in a restored 18th-century building, Llegendes de Girona Catedral is located in Girona's old town, 150 metres from the Cathedral and Arab Baths. Rooms feature flat-screen TV, rain showers and free Wi-Fi.

This design hotel offers elegant, individually decorated rooms. They all include air conditioning, a safe and minibar. The stylish modern bathrooms come with toiletries and slippers. Some have bathrobes.

Breakfast is served in the Llegendes Girona’s dining room. The hotel has its own bar, and the popular cafés and restaurants of Plaça Independencia are just 400 metres away.

Hotel Llegendes de Girona offers views of Girona Cathedral and is just 200 metres from the famous Jewish Quarter. The hotel’s tour desk can provide more information about the city.

Price: € 99 Book this hotel on Booking.com

AC Hotel Palau de Bellavista by Marriott

This hotel is 20 minutes’ walk from Girona's historical centre, its Fortress, and Cathedral, and offers rooms with minibar and 24-hour room service. There are impressive views from its roof terrace bar.

The stylish, air-conditioned rooms at AC Hotel Palau de Bellavista by Marriott have a CD player and satellite TV. The private bathroom comes with a dressing room, hairdryer and amenities.

There is a 24-hour front desk, and you can hire a car at the AC Hotel Palau de Bellavista by Marriott. Free parking is available near the hotel. Free Wi-Fi is available throughout.

The property's Grill Girona Restaurant is open from Tuesday to Saturday.

Price: € 64.35 Book this hotel on Booking.com

Ibis Girona

Ibis Girona features free parking and a 24-hour bar. It is just 250 metres from Josep Trueta Hospital and 1.5 km from Girona's historic centre.

Public areas at the Girona Ibis feature bright colours and plenty of natural light. Rooms are functional and air-conditioned, with flat-screen satellite TV and a bathroom with hairdryer. Downstairs there is a computer with free internet access.

Hotel Ibis Girona serves a varied buffet breakfast every morning from 06:30. The hotel’s Vino y Cia restaurant opens for dinner, offering à la carte Mediterranean meals.

The Ibis is 950 metres from the River Ter, a 10-minute walk from the Devesa Park. There is easy access to Girona’s historic Old Town by bus or on foot.

Price: € 52 Book this hotel on Booking.com