Birthday party (2024) aka Kartuli Disko
Back in June 2024, amazing team at Caucasus Translations pulled off an incredible surprise birthday party for my dear partner. The birthday girl of honor had absolutely no clue what was going on as I secretly took her to the party spot in the suburbs of TbilisiAs soon as we arrived, the energy was electric. The music kicked in, and the dancing started immediately. Traditional Georgian dances took over the floor, and of course, Kartuli disko was the highlight of the night. It was impossible not to get swept up in the rhythm and excitement, and soon everyone was dancing nonstop, celebrating together.If the dancing wasn’t enough, we even had smoke bombs that lit up the night with color.…
Schuchmann Wines Château: A Long-Awaited Stay in Georgia’s Premier Winery Hotel & Spa
It took us over a decade to finally make it to Schuchmann Wines Château & Spa, and it was well worth the wait! We’ve spent years recommending this stunning winery hotel to visiting friends and business partners, yet somehow, we had never experienced it firsthand—until now.Back in 2011, when I first relocated to Georgia, Schuchmann Wines was already on my radar. Nestled in the heart of Kakheti, near Telavi, it seemed like the perfect place for a retreat, yet circumstances always got in the way. In fact, we even booked a stay about 10 years ago, but without a car, reaching the hotel from Sighnaghi proved too challenging. Fast forward to 2025, and we finally made it—hosting our annual…
Margao Market, Goa: Spices, Sweets, and a Slice of Local Life
We decided to take a relaxed day trip to Margao, thanks to our host at Maria Guest House in Palolem Beach, who kindly organized everything. The main event? A visit to Margao Market. It turned out to be a short but fascinating experience, filled with sights, smells, and tastes that left a lasting impression.The moment we stepped into Margao Market, it felt alive. The place buzzed with activity—vendors calling out their prices, customers haggling, and the air filled with the scent of spices and fresh produce. The market felt familiar, almost like the Dezerteer Market in Tbilisi. There’s something universal about these bustling marketplaces—they’re chaotic, colorful, and full of life.…
Schuchmann Wines Château & Caucasus Translations New Year's Party (2025)
Caucasus Translations is kicking off the year with an unforgettable annual corporate event at the breathtaking Schuchmann Winery in Kakheti! 🍷✨ From wine baths to hot swimming pools and countless unforgettable moments, this retreat is all about celebrating hard work and looking forward to even greater achievements in the year ahead.A huge THANK YOU to our amazing Caucasus Translations team—your dedication and passion make everything possible. 🙌 Enjoy the video and thumbs up!
Khushi Indian Restaurant in Tbilisi: A Cozy Spot on Kostava Street
If you’re on Kostava Street in Tbilisi, keep an eye out for Khushi Indian Restaurant, a nice little place serving Indian food. It’s right next to Medi Dental Clinic (my go-to dentist) and close to where the Gladius Jiu-Jitsu Club used to be. Funny enough, a few years back, this spot was home to a Czech restaurant. Now, it’s all about Indian spices and flavors.I tried their Fish Masala and Garlic Naan, and while I can’t claim to be an expert in Indian food, I really enjoyed it. The Fish Masala was rich and flavorful, and the Garlic Naan was just the right kind of soft and garlicky.Khushi might not be a huge restaurant, but it’s worth checking out if you’re in the area and craving…
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 the Fish Masala, a rich and flavorful dish that perfectly balanced the aromatic spices of Indian cuisine. Paired with a simple yet perfectly prepared bowl of steamed rice, the combination was nothing short of marvelous. Every bite was a…
Skiing in Gudauri
Nestled in the majestic Caucasus Mountains, Gudauri offered us an unforgettable mix of adventure, stunning landscapes, and cultural experiences. Here's a glimpse into our journey—and don’t forget to watch the full video and give it a thumbs up!Our weekend kicked off with the main attraction: skiing! Gudauri’s expansive ski area boasts slopes for every skill level, from beginners to seasoned pros. With pristine powder snow and breathtaking views, we couldn’t resist hitting the slopes right away. The resort’s modern lift system made it easy to access higher altitudes, where we were rewarded with panoramic vistas that seemed to stretch forever.For those looking for a different kind of winter…
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 Tibet, who manages the store with her sister. Dolma’s gracious personality and keen eye for fashion make Eternal Boutique a standout in a sea of shops. Her expertise in curating beautiful, high-quality dresses and accessories ensures that every item…
Prego & Hava Nagila: Kakheti, Kutaisi, and a Quick Riga Escape
Our latest adventures in Kakheti (September 2024) are out, and it’s been a mix of good vibes, great food, and even better wine! From exploring Kakheti to a spontaneous solo trip to Riga, there’s plenty to share.Let’s start in Kakheti. We kicked things off with fresh ponchiki (basically Georgian beignets) from the Telavi market – fried, fluffy, and irresistible. There was no shortage of Saperavi wine, thanks to Hotel Serodani, where lazy afternoons by the pool turned into evenings of pure relaxation. We skipped the Shukashvili dance performance at the Tsinandali Music Festival (next time!), but the charm of the region kept us busy with vineyard views and good company.After that, it was back…
Christmas Eve at Palolem Beach: Fire Shows, Old Monk
While we just celebrated Orthodox Christmas in Georgia, I can’t help but delve into the memories of our Western Christmas last year (2024), spent on the serene shores of Palolem Beach in Goa, India. That evening was magical in every way, filled with vibrant energy, beautiful scenery, and a new discovery that made the night unforgettable.Palolem Beach is a place that transforms as the day turns into night. By day, it’s a tranquil haven lined with sunbeds and shaded spots to relax. But as the sun sets, the beach takes on a whole new persona. The sunbeds disappear, and café tables adorned with lit candles are brought out, creating a warm and enchanting ambiance. The entire shoreline glows with…
Batumi / Paragraph hotel / Natakhtari airfield
We’re thrilled to share our latest short film showcasing the breathtaking beauty and unique experiences of the Adjara region in Georgia! This time, we ventured to Batumi and the luxurious Paragraph Resort & Spa Shekvetili, Autograph Collection, and we can’t wait for you to join us on this journey.Our adventure began with an exciting flight from the charming Natakhtari airfield aboard the reliable and beloved Vanilla Sky Airlines, a Czech-operated gem that offers panoramic views of Georgia’s stunning landscapes. The short, scenic journey set the tone for a weekend of fun, exploration, and relaxation.Once in Adjara, we dove headfirst into the region's offerings, starting with some…
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.In mid-October 2024, I had the opportunity to visit this celebrated monument during a week-long business trip to Prague. After spending the morning exploring the fascinating Jewish Quarter, our group decided to spend an afternoon at Charles…
Mushrooms / Hiking / Halloween
In this video, we’re taking you on a family hike near Tsodoreti Lake, revisiting a place I first encountered back in June 2024 during a challenging Tbilisi Trails race. While I ran the tough 10K route, my partner and our kid took on a gentler 7K, and together we were captivated by the lake’s unique charm and dense, wild forests.This autumn, as the forest transformed with vibrant amber and crimson shades, we returned with baskets in hand to see if Tsodoreti’s woods were as perfect for mushroom foraging as my partner had suggested. Starting our hunt, we found a few interesting specimens, like Deer Mushrooms, and identified them with the help of apps. Technology gave us real-time insights,…
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. While we primarily used Bolt taxis to navigate Prague, the tram station just around the corner gave us an alternative when we wanted to explore local neighborhoods. In addition to excellent transit options, the area was packed with amenities…
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 resist exploring it.St. Vitus Cathedral, officially known as the Metropolitan Cathedral of Saints Vitus, Wenceslaus, and Adalbert, is a masterpiece of Gothic architecture and one of the most important religious sites in the Czech Republic.…
Running the Tbilisi Trails: A Challenging 10K at Tsodoreti Lake and a Memorable After-Party
Our latest video from the Tsodoreti Lake race is finally out, capturing some memorable moments from one of the most challenging and scenic runs I've done in recent years. In mid-June 2024, I joined the Tbilisi Trails event, running a 10K to represent TerraMatris alongside friends from Caucasus Translations and several families from the British International School of Tbilisi (BIST). While we all expected some good physical exertion, the reality of the course was far more intense than most of us anticipated.The race around Tsodoreti Lake was as beautiful as it was grueling. Starting off in the serene surroundings of the lake, the trail wound through rugged paths, forested inclines, and muddy…
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 quiet and prestigious residential neighborhood, providing a peaceful retreat that still offers easy access to Prague’s iconic spots. The historic center is within walking distance, taking roughly 20 minutes on foot, though we found taking a taxi around…
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 remark: "This place might be good for mushrooms." That one sentence planted a seed, and it stayed with us. It’s a classic Georgian forest—dense, wild, and seemingly untouched—a perfect place for mushroom foraging.Late October felt like the ideal…
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 investment opportunities—be it over centralized or decentralized exchanges (CEX or DEX). The timing for such an event couldn't have been better.The evening kicked off with an electric atmosphere of pitches and networking. Entrepreneurs…
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 tip: Canva is your friend when it comes to creating sleek, professional designs. Maika.ge has always been there to take my designs and bring them to life with quality prints. Lately, I’ve expanded my orders to include T-shirts and caps for…