Jama Masjid of Delhi

23 January, 2024 | Tourism objects | 391 seen

Masjid-i-Jehan-Numa, commonly known as the Jama Masjid of Delhi, is one of the largest mosques in India.

It was built by the Mughal emperor Shah Jahan between 1644 and 1656, and inaugurated by its first Imam, Syed Abdul Ghafoor Shah Bukhari. Situated in the Mughal capital of Shahjahanabad (today Old Delhi), it served as the imperial mosque of the Mughal emperors until the demise of the empire in 1857. 

The Jama Masjid was regarded as a symbolic gesture of Islamic power across India, well into the colonial era. It was also a site of political significance during several key periods of British rule. It remains in active use, and is one of Delhi's most iconic sites, closely identified with the ethos of Old Delhi.

I had a chance to visit this mosque at the end of December 2023, during our 3 week trip to India. Our tour here was arranged by a tour company. 

The mosque has two names. The older one, bestowed by Shah Jahan, is Masjid-i-Jehān-Numā, interpreted as "mosque that reflects the whole world", probably an allusion to the Jām-e-Jehān Numā. The other more common one is Jāmā Masjid (Urdu: جامع مسجد, from the Arabic meaning "congregational mosque"), which emerged among the common populace.

 The term 'Jama Masjid' is not unique to this mosque; since the 7th century, it has been used to denote the community mosque or Friday mosque, and hence many around the world bear this name and variants of it.

The mosque is located within the historic city of Shahjahanabad, today known as the locality of Old Delhi. Across from the mosque are the Red Fort and Sunehri Masjid. As one of the focal points of Old Delhi, Jama Masjid is surrounded by various commercial centres, such as the historic Chandni Chowk. The tomb of Abul Kalam Azad, Indian independence activist, is located adjacent to the mosque.

Our guide was very into trading, we had a chance to discus a lot import/export. 

Author of this blog with family at Jama Masjid Mosque, Delhi, December 17, 2023

The Jama Masjid serves as Delhi's primary mosque and has a largely congregational function. The Muslims of the city traditionally gather here to offer communal Friday prayer, as well as for major festivals such as Eid. The mosque is also a major tourist attraction, and derives a significant amount of income through the visits of foreigners.

The function of the mosque as an autonomous political space has continued in the modern era. For example, in 2001 (in the aftermath of the 9/11 attacks) the mosque was a site of protest against U.S bombings in Afghanistan. In 2019, massive protests occurred at the site due to the controversial Citizenship Amendment Act.

Nahei Cottage near Martvili

17 January, 2024 | Hotel reviews | 66 seen

Featuring a garden and views of the inner courtyard, the Nahei cottage is a sustainable guest house located some 7 km from Martvili and 35 km from Okatse Canyon.

We booked this place for a one-night stay back in September 2023, while returning from the Svaneti trip. In total we booked three rooms and paid a little bit more than 500 GEL.

Getting here on your own might be a little bit daunting task, as you will need a good SUV car and willingness to drive offroad, even crossing the Abasha river over the concrete plate. While booking we didn't know that, but that makes our stay at this place even more awesome.

It was already getting dark on our arrival. But we managed to order a few bottles of beer and drink wine near the fireplace. Met some Indian couple.

Guests staying at this guest house have access to a patio. There is a restaurant serving local cuisine, and free private parking is available.

Looks like a hypsy camp from a drone. Really nice place. I learnet they have installed sollar panels to get electricty here. Also Free Wi-FI was available.

At the guest house, every unit is fitted with a wardrobe. Some units include a terrace and/or a balcony with mountain or garden views.

At the guest house, all units are equipped with bed linen and towels. A selection of options including warm dishes, local specialities and fresh pastries is served for the continental breakfast. You can play table tennis at the guest house. The guest house has a picnic area where you can spend a day out in the open. Kinchkha Waterfall is 41 km from nahei cottage. The nearest airport is Kutaisi International Airport, 54 km from the accommodation.

Quite an interesting stat in the middle of nowhere. Book now on Booking.com

Maria Guest House, Palolem, Goa

16 January, 2024 | Hotel reviews | 71 seen

Nestled just 200 meters from the enchanting Palolem Beach in Goa, India, Maria Guest House beckons with air-conditioned accommodations adorned with terraces and complimentary WiFi.

Maria guest house takes pride in offering family rooms, creating a welcoming atmosphere for travelers with children. During our delightful 5-night stay in December 2023, secured at a pocket-friendly rate of USD 200, we experienced seamless airport transfer from Goa International Airport for a mere 2,100 Indian Rupees (approximately USD $25).

Upon arrival, we were greeted by the affable host, Mir, whose warmth and hospitality set the tone for our memorable stay. Mir not only acquainted us with the guest house facilities but also went the extra mile, assisting us in organizing easy day trips to enhance our Goa experience.

Traveling with our 5-year-old, we appreciated the option of an additional mattress as an extra bed, available at a reasonable cost of 300 Indian Rupees per day. Our little one thoroughly enjoyed the comfort, making the stay even more family-friendly.

All units at Maria Guest House boast a thoughtfully designed seating area, private bathrooms stocked with free toiletries, and cozy bed linen for a restful night's sleep. 

Situated in Palolem,  guest house offers more than just accommodation – it's an experience. Its proximity to the beach, restaurants, and an array of shops, our stay was nothing short of awesome. We highly recommend securing your spot by booking on Booking.com for an unforgettable Goa retreat. Embrace the beauty, comfort, and convenience at Maria Guest House - your haven by the sea!

Goa International Airport (Dabolism)

11 January, 2024 | Airports | 115 seen

Dabolim Airport is an international airport serving the state of Goa, India. 

The airport is located in Dabolim, in South Goa district, 4 km (2.5 mi) from the nearest city of Vasco da Gama, 23 km (14 mi) from Margao, and about 30 km (19 mi) from the state capital, Panaji.

We first visited this airport at the end of December 2023, during out about 3 weeks travels in India, flying in from Delhi Airport by Indigo Airlines.

In fiscal year 2022-2023, the airport handled around 8.5 million passengers. Several European charter airlines fly to Goa seasonally, typically between November and May. Flights from the UK (London Gatwick Airport and Manchester Airport) are operated by TUI Airways. 

There are also several seasonal charter flights to various Russian cities.

Passengers can reach the airport using taxis, buses, trains, or automobiles. Public buses go to the nearby city of Vasco da Gama, approximately 4 km (2.5 mi) away, and also stop at the closer Chicalim bus stop, about 1.5 km (0.93 mi) from the airport. Local mini-buses connect both Vasco da Gama and Chicalim to the airport. Pre-paid taxis are available from the airport. There are various new transportation plans in the works, including the addition of a second bridge. 

Railway tracks of Indian Railways, which also run through Goa, pass beside the airport. The nearest station is Dabolim railway station. The port at Mormugao is located about 5 km (3.1 mi) away. Konkan Railway provides services to Margao in South Goa, Tivim in North Goa, Carambolim, and Ponda.

Ophitara Three Cascade Waterfall

10 January, 2024 | Tourism objects | 95 seen

Ophitara three cascade water wall is located near the Kutaisi - Tskaltubo - Tsageri - Lentekhi - Lasdili highway, after the village of Ghvedi. We first discovered this beauty back at the end of September 2023, returning from Ushguli via Lentekhi road. 

Made a quick stop here to take a few drone photos and stretch our legs. We were accompanied by a few friendly stray dogs. On-site, there are picnic tables available. 

It seems that there are dozens of such waterfalls in the Western part of Georgia. Look at the impressive moss-covered rock waterfall if crossing.

Spectacular place to stay and take a short rest (or longer)

Indira Gandhi Delhi International Airport

4 January, 2024 | Airports | 54 seen

Indira Gandhi International Airport is the primary international airport serving Delhi, the capital of India. The airport, spread over an area of 5,106 acres (2,066 ha), is situated in Palam, Delhi, 15 km (9.3 mi) southwest of the New Delhi Railway Station and 16 km (9.9 mi) from New Delhi city centre. 

Named after Indira Gandhi (1917–1984), the former Prime Minister of India, it is the busiest airport of India

I first traveled to Indira Gandhi Delhi international airport at the end of Decmeber 2023 from Tbilisi airport by indigo airlines

IGI Airport serves as a major hub or a focus destination for several Indian carriers including Air India, Alliance Air, IndiGo, SpiceJet, GoAir, and Vistara. Approximately 80 airlines serve this airport. At present, there are three actively scheduled passenger terminals, as well as a cargo terminal.

Recently, Delhi Airport operator DIAL has introduced an e-boarding facility for passengers at all the three terminals of the airport, by which all boarding gates will have contactless e-boarding gates with boarding card scanners, which will allow passengers to flash their physical or e-boarding cards to verify flight details in order to proceed for security checks

Despite being named one of the busiest airport in the World, for my surprise we didn't encounter any quees or delays at this airport during our recent travels. 

There are several travel options from the airport to the city, like taxi or public transport. As we had organized a tour for us, we were greated by our driver at the exit and transfered to the hotel in downtown.

Crypto, Retreats, and Tiny Houses: Goals for 2024

2 January, 2024 | Investments | 92 seen

Greetings from Goa, India. As we hoist the sails and set our course for 2024, I'm thrilled to share the compass points guiding my journey. I'm Reinis Fischer, CEO and Founder of Terramatris crypto hedge fund, and this year is brimming with exciting goals that promise to make waves in both my professional and personal life.

It was shortly before midnight in Goa, India when I quickly wrapped up my goal for 2024 and with the help of my buddy ChatGPT we made them sound awesome:

Hosting 4 Trading Retreats: 

Picture this: trading wisdom shared under the open sky, surrounded by kindred spirits. In 2024, I'm steering the ship toward hosting not one, not two, but four trading retreats. It's more than just charts and numbers; it's a chance for us to unite, learn, and grow together. I'm looking to host these retreats in different parts of the world, with first being hosted in Georgia already at the end of March 2024. Second might happen in mid-Summer in Latvia. Third - not sure yet, while the fourth might be hosted in Brazil. Exciting.

Crafting a Tiny House Oasis:

Away from the buzz of the market, I'm embarking on a unique project—a tiny house with a sauna. A sanctuary in nature, it's my way of harmonizing modern comforts with the tranquility of the great outdoors. A retreat for the soul, where I can recharge and reconnect. 

On December 8, 2023, an exciting milestone was achieved as we won an online auction for a picturesque property nestled in Western Latvia. This 1.24-hectare plot of land comes with a charming old house dating back to the 19th century, and the entire acquisition was sealed with a total buying price of EUR 31,400.

Once finished, I'm looking to turn this place into a trader's hut.

Finishing the Frame House: 

My frame house, a labor of love, is reaching its crescendo in 2024. It's more than just a structure; it's the embodiment of dreams and resilience. As the final nails find their place, I'm reminded that with dedication, even the loftiest goals can become reality. At the moment, half way there.

TerraMatris Crypto Hedge Fund  at $10,000: 

In the crypto seas, Terramatris is setting sail for new horizons. Our goal: grow the hedge fund to $10,000. It's not just about numbers; it's about trust and strategy. Join me on this crypto odyssey as we navigate the waves of the digital frontier. Will need to grow portfolio by more than $9.600 or about $800/mo to get there. We start 2024 with much more humble about $4 daily premium. Hope to be able to growth it 7fold.

Stock Portfolio Voyage to $13,000:

As we explore the financial archipelago, my stock portfolio is on a voyage to $13,000. Diversification is the key to weathering the market storms. I'm excited to see the treasure chest of opportunities that lie ahead across different financial landscapes. Getting there from selling put options on few selected stock tickers, like MS, PFE, EWZ and investing in MS stock or similar. 

I believe will get there with few additional investments and careful trades. At the start of the year portfolio is about $8,000.Projected dividend income $200/yearlt

Renting the Riga Property

Back in the homeland, I'm looking to turn my Riga property haven for others. Looking to rent it out for a year at €500/month . But before that a few more paperworks.

So, there you have it—a glimpse into the compass points guiding my journey through 2024. As I navigate these waters, I invite you to join me in this adventure. From trading retreats to building sanctuaries, growing financial endeavors, and turning assets into opportunities, it's a year of setting sail, chasing dreams, and embracing the unknown. Fair winds, my friends!

Minimum Wages Set to Increase in Baltic States in 2024

27 December, 2023 | Macroeconomics | 119 seen

As we usher in the new year, significant changes are on the horizon for the Baltic states, particularly in the realm of minimum wage. In 2024, Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania are all set to witness an increase in their minimum wage, signifying a shift in economic dynamics. Let's delve into the details of these changes and their potential impact.

In 2024 minimum wage is set to increase in all Baltic states. Estonia will have a minimum wage of EUR 820; Latvia - EUR 700 and Lithuania - EUR 924.

Estonia, a key player in the Baltic region, is slated to implement a notable increase in its minimum wage. Starting from 2024, the minimum wage is set to rise to EUR 820. This move reflects Estonia's commitment to addressing economic disparities and ensuring a fair standard of living for its workforce.

Across the border in Latvia, the minimum wage is poised to see an increase as well, reaching EUR 700 in 2024. This adjustment comes in response to various factors, including inflation rates and the cost of living, aiming to uplift the financial well-being of workers in the country.

Meanwhile, Lithuania, another significant player in the Baltic economic landscape, will witness its minimum wage rise to EUR 924 in 2024. This upward adjustment is part of Lithuania's ongoing efforts to align wage levels with the evolving economic landscape and to provide a better livelihood for its citizens.

The increase in minimum wages across the Baltic states is expected to have a positive impact on the workforce. With higher minimum wages, employees are likely to experience an improvement in their standard of living, enabling them to meet the rising costs of daily necessities.

While the move towards higher minimum wages is laudable from a social perspective, it also raises questions about potential economic implications. Businesses, particularly small and medium enterprises, may face challenges in adjusting to the increased labor costs. Striking a balance between fair wages and economic sustainability will be a crucial task for policymakers.

 As we step into 2024, the Baltic states are set to undergo significant changes in their minimum wage structures. Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania's commitment to improving the living standards of their citizens is evident in these adjustments. While the move is expected to benefit the workforce, it also prompts a careful consideration of its broader economic implications. As these changes unfold, it will be interesting to observe how businesses, policymakers, and the workforce adapt to this economic shift in the Baltic region.

Now, let's see if I'll be able to take at least the Latvian minimum wage from the growing TerraMatris crypto hedge fund by the end of 2024. 

Postcards from Ushguli

26 December, 2023 | | 66 seen

Ushguli is a community of five villages located at the head of the Enguri gorge in Svaneti, Georgia.

Ushguli is one of the highest continuously inhabited settlements in Europe. Compared to somewhat more developed towns like Mestia, Ushguli is not in an accessible location, which has preserved many of the villages' medieval characteristics, including unique defensive tower houses called Svan towers. Because of their preservation and traditional architecture, Ushguli, Mestia, and the surrounding area was recognized as the Upper Svaneti UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1996.

I had a chance to visit Ushguli for a few hour visit back in September 2023, during which I made some amazing drone photography (I was so inspired that order photo prints for our office walls in Tbilisi)

We traveled to Ushguli by a 4x4 car, back in the days there was just a dirt road, but in recent yeras major improvemtn has been made, and currently there was about.6km unpaved dirt road. I would say quite accesible location.

The famous Swan towers of Ushguli

Ushguli is located at an altitude of 2,100 metres (6,900 ft) near the foot of Shkhara, one of the highest summits of the Greater Caucasus mountains. About 70 families (about 200 people) live in the area, enough to support a small school. The area is snow-covered for 6 months of the year, and often the road to Mestia is impassable.

We found a nice cafe near the river, order some wine and I went exploring Ushguli with the help of drone.

Latter we decided to return to Racha via Lentekhi and took some of the most spectacualr rides.

The most notable feature of the villages in Ushguli are the defensive tower houses found throughout the community. These houses are between 3-5 stories tall were built primarily between the 9th and 12th centuries. Although many of the towers in the lower towns such as Mestia have fallen into disrepair, the isolation of Ushguli has preserved the towers. Chazhashi, one of the villages within the community, contains over 200 of these towers and has been preserved as a Museum-Reserve

Our returning road to Tbilisi, via Kutaisi and via Lentekhi. Spectacular. We didnt met any car for about 2 hours. 

If there is a reason to visit Georgia, then Ushguli and region of Svaneti should be a top of your priorities. 

Westminster Abbey

20 December, 2023 | Tourism objects | 30 seen

Westminster Abbey, formally titled the Collegiate Church of Saint Peter at Westminster, is an Anglican church in the City of Westminster, London, England. Since 1066, it has been the location of the coronations of 40 English and British monarchs, and a burial site for 18 English, Scottish, and British monarchs. At least 16 royal weddings have taken place at the abbey since 1100.

I had a chance to visit the famous Abbey at the start of August 2023, during my birthday trip to London

Although the origins of the church are obscure, there was certainly an abbey operating on the site by the mid-10th century housing Benedictine monks. The church got its first grand building in the 1060s under the auspices of the English king Edward the Confessor, who is buried inside. Construction of the present church began in 1245 on the orders of Henry III. The monastery was dissolved in 1559 and the church was made a royal peculiar—a Church of England church responsible directly to the sovereign—by Elizabeth I. In 1987, the abbey, together with the Palace of Westminster and St. Margaret's Church, was designated a UNESCO World Heritage site because of its historic and symbolic significance.

Although historians agree that there was a monastery dedicated to St. Peter on the site prior to the 11th century, its exact origin is somewhat obscure. One legend claims that it was founded by the Saxon King of Essex Sæberht, and another that its founder was the fictional 2nd-century British king Lucius.

One tradition claims that a young fisherman on the River Thames had a vision of Saint Peter near the site. This seems to have been quoted as the origin of the salmon that Thames fishermen offered to the abbey, a custom still observed annually by the Fishmongers' Company.

The origins of the abbey are generally thought to date to c.960, when Saint Dunstan and King Edgar installed a community of Benedictine monks on the site.

At that time, the location was an island in the middle of the River Thames called Thorn Ey. The buildings from this time would have been wooden, and have not survived.

Tower of Love in Svaneti

19 December, 2023 | Tourism objects | 50 seen

As you make your way from Mestia to Ushguli, one of the highest settlements in Europe, look out for the “Tower of Love”, which stands on a huge boulder in the river Enguri.

This three-story tower has high floors that are connected with one another by vertical stairs, although you should be especially careful when climbing them. The thick walls of the tower have stood for centuries and are likely to stand for many more. 

We forst discovered this tower at the end of September 2023, during our few day trip to Svaneti. We were asked GEL 2 for entrance and were actaully allowed to climb up the tower. I decided not to climb but filmed with a drone.

The root of the tower’s name lies in local legend. Once upon a time, Miaguli Pirveli, a beautiful woman, met a skilled hunter called Otia Margvelani during the Kvirikoba festival. They fell in love, but Otia was married and had five children, while Miaguli did not want to ruin her beloved’s family.

Saddened by this story, Otia went hunting, fell into the river and died. His wife could not bear the pain of her husband’s death and jumped into the Enguri river as well. According to the legend, the husband and wife turned into trout. Miaguli asked her father to build a tower on the boulder, where she lived till the end of her life, feeding the fishes every day. 

Once the water level in Enguri decreases, a pure spring appears from the bottom of the boulder, which is said to be Miaguli’s tears.

If you happen to be in the area, make sure to make a stop, climp up the tower or buy some goodies at the kiosk in front of it. 

Big Ben

13 December, 2023 | Tourism objects | 49 seen

The Elizabeth Tower is the clock tower of the Palace of Westminster in London, England. It contains the Great Clock, a striking clock with five bells. The tower is nicknamed "Big Ben", a name which was originally applied only to the largest bell of the clock.

The tower was officially called the Clock Tower until 2012, when it was renamed to mark the Diamond Jubilee of Elizabeth II.

Probably one of the most recognizable tourist attractions around the World. I first had a chance to visit it, in August 2023, during my birthday trip to London.

The tower was designed by Augustus Pugin in a Perpendicular Gothic Revival style and was completed in 1859. It is elaborately decorated and includes symbols related to the four nations of the United Kingdom, the Tudor dynasty, and a Latin inscription to Queen Victoria.

The tower stands 316 feet (96 m) tall, and the climb from ground level to the belfry is 334 steps. Its base is square, measuring 40 feet (12 m) on each side. The dials of the clock are 22.5 feet (6.9 m) in diameter.

Elizabeth Tower, originally named the Clock Tower, and popularly known as "Big Ben", was built as a part of Charles Barry's design for a new Palace of Westminster after the old palace was largely destroyed by fire on 16 October 1834.

Although Barry was the chief architect of the neo-gothic palace, he turned to Augustus Pugin for the design of the Clock Tower, which resembles earlier Pugin designs, including one for Scarisbrick Hall in Lancashire.

Construction of the tower began on 28 September 1843. The building contractors were Thomas Grissell and Morton Peto. An inscribed trowel now in the Parliamentary Archives records that Emily, sister of Peto's daughter-in-law, was given the honour of laying the first stone.

It was Pugin's last design before his descent into mental illness and death in 1852, and Pugin himself wrote, at the time of Barry's last visit to him to collect the drawings: "I never worked so hard in my life for Mr Barry for tomorrow I render all my designs for finishing his bell tower and it is beautiful".

The Elizabeth Tower is a British cultural icon. It is one of the most prominent symbols of the United Kingdom and parliamentary democracy, and it is often used in the establishing shot of films set in London. The clock tower has been part of a Grade I listed building since 1970 and a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1987. The fabric was repaired and renovated between 2017 and 2021, during which the bells remained silent with few exceptions.

KidZania London

6 December, 2023 | Entertainment | 25 seen

KidZania London is a unique learning and entertainment experience filled with ultra-realistic role-play activities designed to mirror real-world careers. Their unique blend of education and entertainment aims to boost confidence, and independence and empower children to make a difference early on in life.

KidZania London is located at the Westfield London shopping mall (Ariel Way Shepherds Bush LONDON W12 7GF).

It took us about 1-hour taxi drive by Botl from our hotel at White Chappel to reach this place at the start of August 2023. 

Join Kidzania to unleash your child's full potential in a world of hands-on discovery, learning and fun (and all without their phones or devices), and children aged 8+ are welcome to explore without an accompanying adult for that added sense of freedom and autonomy!

As our kiddo during our visit was 5 year old, one parent had to stay with her during the activities. Mom stayed, while daddy explored shopping mall.

Kids got involved into flying an airplane, paramdecis, police, banks, shops and even firefighters. 

About KidZania

We're a learning and education centre for children to explore their interests, develop essential skills and cultivate social responsibility in immersive activities that mirror the real world, such as being a doctor, firefighter or radio host. Each realistic experience is designed to challenge children’s decision-making skills, boost their practical learning and feel a real sense of achievement. 

Our mission extends beyond our scaled city in London. Not only will you find KidZania in almost 30 locations worldwide, we also encourage children to apply their learnings outside KidZania, becoming active global ‘CitiZens’ who contribute positively to their communities, believing in the right to ‘be, know, create, share, care and play’; values brought to life through our RightZKeepers.

Enguri Dam

5 December, 2023 | Tourism objects | 90 seen

The Enguri Dam is a hydroelectric dam on the Enguri River in Tsalenjikha, Georgia. Currently, it is the world's second-highest concrete arch dam with a height of 271.5 meters (891 ft).

It is located north of the town of Jvari. It is part of the Enguri Hydroelectric Power Station (HES) which is partially located in Abkhazia. In the past, I had heard about this damn but didn't expect I will actually visit it during our few-day trip to Svaneti at the end of September 2023. 

Construction of the Enguri dam began in 1961. The dam became temporarily operational in 1978, and was completed in 1987. In 1994, the dam was inspected by engineers of Hydro-Québec, who found that the dam was "in a rare state of dilapidation". In 1999, the European Commission granted €9.4 million to Georgia for urgent repairs at the Enguri HES, including replacing the stoplog at the arch dam on the Georgian side and, refurbishing one of the five generators of the power station at the Abkhaz side.

In total, €116 million loans were granted by the EBRD, the European Union, the Japanese Government, KfW and Government of Georgia. In 2011 the European Investment Bank (EIB) loaned €20 million in order to complete the rehabilitation of the Enguri hydropower plant and to ensure safe water evacuation towards the Black Sea at the Vardnili hydropower cascade.

While the arch dam is located on the Georgian controlled territory in Upper Svanetia, the power station is located in the Gali District of breakaway Abkhazia. Enguri HES has 20 turbines with a nominal capacity of 66 MW each, resulting in a total capacity of 1,320 MW. Its average annual capacity is 3.8 TWh, which is approximately 46% of the total electricity supply in Georgia as of 2007.  According to the 1992 agreement Abkhazia gets 40% and the rest of Georgia gets 60%, however in the late 2010s the Abkhazian consumption increased significantly driven in part by bitcoin mining.

The facility's arched dam, located at the town of Jvari, was inscribed in the list of cultural heritage of Georgia in 2015.

London Stansted Airport

29 November, 2023 | Airports | 73 seen

London Stansted Airport is an international airport serving London, England. It is located near Stansted Mountfitchet, Essex, 42 mi (68 km) northeast of Central London.

London Stansted serves over 160 destinations across Europe, Asia and Africa. Stansted is a base for a number of European low-cost carriers. This includes being the largest base for low-cost airline Ryanair, with over 100 destinations served by the airline. As of 2022, it is the fourth-busiest airport in the United Kingdom after Heathrow, Gatwick, and Manchester. 

I first visited this airport back in August 2023, returning to Riga from London by Ryanair. Cozy little airport. To get here we used the BOLT app, while actually staying for a night in a nearby hotel at Radisson Blu. 

Converted to civil use from RAF Stansted Mountfitchet in the late 1940s, Stansted was used by charter airlines. It came under British Airports Authority control in 1966. The privatised BAA sold Stansted in February 2013 to Manchester Airports Group as a result of a March 2009 ruling by the Competition Commission against BAA's monopoly position.

London Stansted Airport is located near the village of Stansted Mountfitchet. It has one main passenger terminal. Three passenger satellites have departure gates; one is connected to the main terminal by an air bridge and the other two by the Stansted Airport Transit System people mover.

The terminal building was designed by Foster and Partners with input from structural engineer Peter Rice, and features a "floating" roof, supported by a space frame of inverted-pyramid roof trusses, creating the impression of a stylised swan in flight. The base of each truss structure is a "utility pillar", which provides indirect uplighting illumination and is the location for air-conditioning, water, telecommunications, and electrical outlets. The layout of the airport was originally designed to provide an unobstructed flow for passengers to arrive at the short-stay car park, move through the check-in hall, and go through security and on to the departure gates, all on the same level.

From 1997 to 2007, Stansted had rapid expansion of passenger numbers on the back of the boom in low-cost air travel, peaking at 24 million passengers in the 12 months to October 2007, but passenger numbers declined in the next five years. Passenger totals later increased, and in 2016 recorded an annual increase of 8.0% to 24.3 million, and numbers have since continued to rise.