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…
Tbilisi Bootcamp: Exploring the TON Ecosystem and New Opportunities for TerraMatris Crypto Hedge Fund
In October 2024, Tbilisi hosted the Tbilisi Bootcamp by Ton Foundation, a three-day event that brought together developers, entrepreneurs, and crypto enthusiasts from around the world. Although I couldn't participate in the entire event due to travel commitments, I attended the first day to explore and learn more about the TON token and its growing ecosystem. At TerraMatris Crypto Hedge Fund, we’ve been making small but strategic investments into TON, and this event provided an excellent opportunity to deepen my understanding and potentially open new doors for future growth.The TON token (The Open Network) has been gaining significant attention due to its innovative features and deep…
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 easy to navigate. The airport has two main terminals. Terminal 1 caters primarily to international, non-Schengen flights, while Terminal 2 handles Schengen-area traffic. As someone used to the sprawling layouts of larger airports, I found the layout…
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 retreat from the city's hustle and bustle. As soon as we arrived, we were greeted by the inviting atmosphere of the farm, with a rustic yet modern restaurant that quickly caught our eye. We decided to settle down for a leisurely lunch, enjoying the…
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 showed 1 hour and 3 minutes), the real story for me was the astonishing growth of TerraMatris. Since its inception, the fund has grown an incredible 44 times! Running the marathon gave me a moment to reflect on the journey—balancing fitness,…
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 Palace. Its prime location offers easy access to various attractions in the Kakheti region, including the stunning Gremi Citadel, which is only 20 km away. This made it an ideal base for exploring the area's cultural and historical sights.The hotel…
Georgian Vegetarian Cuisine: Top Dishes You Should Try in Tbilisi
Georgia, known for its rich culinary traditions, offers a diverse array of vegetarian dishes that are both delicious and satisfying. Despite being famous for its meat-heavy recipes, Georgian cuisine has a surprising variety of plant-based options. If you're a vegetarian traveling to Tbilisi or simply looking to explore new flavors, this curated list of top Georgian vegetarian dishes will take you on a flavorful journey. Plus, I’ll share some of the best restaurants in Tbilisi where you can enjoy these dishes.1. Khachapuri (Cheese Bread)One of Georgia's most iconic dishes, Khachapuri, is a must-try for any visitor. This cheese-filled bread comes in various forms, with the Adjarian…
Amilakhvari Castle: A Hidden Gem in the Kaspi Region
During a recent day trip around the Kaspi region in Georgia, I had the pleasure of visiting the historic Amilakhvari Castle, thanks to a recommendation from a German friend who joined us for the journey. Nestled in the serene landscape of central Georgia, this castle offers a fascinating glimpse into the country’s rich history, and it turned out to be a highlight of our trip.Amilakhvari Castle, though not as widely known as some of Georgia's other fortresses, holds its own charm and significance. Built in the medieval period, the castle once served as a stronghold for the Amilakhvari family, a prominent noble house in Georgian history. The structure, though partially in ruins, still carries…
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 in a new place added to the anticipation.We had prebooked an apartment in Omiš for around EUR 600, a decision that turned out to be just right for our needs. The town of Omiš, with its rich history and beautiful beaches, offered the perfect setting…