Khobi Central Park

28 November, 2023 | Tourism objects | 35 seen

Khobi is a small town in western Georgia with a population of 4,242. The settlement of Khobi acquired the status of a town in 1981 and currently functions as an administrative center of the Khobi District within the Samegrelo-Zemo Svaneti region.

I first visited this small town at the end of September 2023, during a few-day trip to Svaneti, we made a stop at what seems a central square of the city, found a nice cafe, and enjoyed some light breakfast/dinner. 

There is an impressive mural located on the city hall building and there is an interesting monument, a central element of the square. A little bit further there is an actual central park of Khobi, which seemed nice, equipped with some labyrinths for kids e.t.c

It seems the palce has been renovated and opened for the public back in 2019:

Up to 1 million GEL have been spent on the construction of the central park.The project was supported by the regional development projects fund and local budget. The next stage envisages rehabilitation of culture house, a square in front and a surrounding area.

It looks there is a stadium located behind the park and further away there is Rioni river. Beatiful views. Beutiful city.

Radisson Blu Hotel London Stansted Airport

22 November, 2023 | Hotel reviews | 40 seen

Featuring 3 international restaurants, the Radisson Blu is just a 2-minute walk from Stansted Airport Terminal. Guests can enjoy stylish, non-smoking, modern rooms featuring free Wi-Fi and a fully equipped gym.

We booked this hotel for a night's stay back in August 2023, while traveling from London to Riga, we chose this hotel because it is directly connected to the airport with a passage, which is awesome. For our night stay we spent about EUR 150, brekfast included.

For getting here, we paid about 70-80 Biriths piunds using Bolt application, the ride was about 2 hours

The Wine Tower Bar offers a variety of beers, wine and cocktails. Guests can also enjoy traditional British cuisine in our Collage restaurant. The third restaurant is Station 169, it serves British and American dishes.

The spacious rooms have 24-hour room service, free WiFi and flat-screen TVs. Some rooms feature Nespresso coffee machines, bathrobes and slippers. Express check-out and express laundry is available.

We got a free extra bed for our 5 year old daughter.

The M11 is 10 minutes’ drive away, and central London can be reached in 1 hour by car.

Simple English breakfast - eggs, beans

In literally few meters there is a direct access to London Stansted airport. Convient. Higly recomend if you ever travel to / from London Stansted airport in United Kingdom.

Book now on Booking.com

Dadiani Palace

21 November, 2023 | Tourism objects | 35 seen

Dadiani Palace is an interesting site to visit once in Zugdidi, there is actually located the histroy and architecture musem.

The Dadiani Palaces History and Architecture Museum is considered to be one of the most eminent palaces in the Caucasus. It is a Neo-Gothic building.

I had heard so much about this place, but finally visited and took off my bucket list at the end of September 2023, during a few-day Svaneti trip together with my mom. We were traveling with Vazha, our good old friend and driver here in Georgia. Made a stop just for a brief time to make an aerial photography with a drone. 

The first exhibition, of archaeological excavations of the ancient city of Nakalakevi was prepared by Megrelian prince David Dadiani and took place in 1840. Three palaces form the modern museum complex, parts of which are also Blachernae Virgin Church and Zugdidi Botanical Garden.

The Dadiani Palaces History and Architecture Museum houses some exhibits of natural cultural heritage of Georgia – Tagiloni treasure materials, Mother of God holy vesture, the icon of queen Bordokhan – mother of queen Tamar of Georgia, manuscripts from 13th – 14th centuries, miniatures, memorial relics of Dadiani dynasty, and objects connected to emperor of France Napoleon Bonaparte – brought to the palace by the husband of David Dadiani's daughter, prince Prince Charles Louise Napoléon Achille Murat (1847-1895), grandson of Napoleon's sister, Caroline Bonaparte.

The palace was fully transformed into a museum on May 1, 1921, at the initiative of Georgian ethnographer and geologist Akaki Chanturia.

In early 1848 the prince of Samegrelo, David Dadiani, used to show his guests the archaeological and numismatic collection from Nokalakevi, an archaeological site in Samegrelo. Some of the exhibits were found by David Dadiani himself, and some were purchased by him from settlers in his domain. The most important archaeological dig by David Dadiani was the research of Nokalakevi – known as Archeopolis in Antiquity.

Birthday in London

16 November, 2023 | Travel guides | 116 seen

The long-awaited London movie has finally graced our screens, capturing the essence of a remarkable birthday celebration back in August. Join us as we embark on a journey that begins in the heart of Tbilisi, meanders through Riga via Kutaisi, witnesses the construction of a house in Capšu zeme, experiences grass-trimming adventures in Jēči, indulges in a delightful fish grilling session, and culminates in the vibrant cityscape of London, with travels through Luton and Stansted.

Amidst the hustle and bustle of London, the city unfolds as a compact and charming destination. Our exploration reveals hidden gems, and one area that stole the spotlight was none other than the enchanting Whitechapel. Discover the allure of this locale and its unique character that left us captivated.

Our London escapade wasn't just a visual feast; it was a treat for the taste buds as well. From excellent pints of Guinness to the irresistible allure of tasty cider, London's culinary scene left a lasting impression. Join us as we raise a virtual toast to the delightful gastronomic experiences that added flavor to our adventure.

As we reminisce about our journey, we invite you to relive the moments with us. Thumbs up and dive into the immersive experience of our London adventure. The captivating visuals, combined with the spirit of exploration, promise an engaging watch that resonates with the essence of our birthday documentary.

London has woven itself into the tapestry of our travel adventures, leaving indelible memories. Stay tuned for more exciting chronicles on ReinisFischer.com, where we delve into the intersections of travel, culture, and the joyous pursuit of life's extraordinary moments. Until then, happy exploring!

Installing Hardwood floors for our Frame House In Latvia

15 November, 2023 | Frame House | 101 seen

In October 2023, we enjoyed a week-long school break from the British International School in Tbilisi, Georgia. Seizing the opportunity, we made plans to travel back to Latvia to advance our DIY project involving a Frame House.

In preparation for our trip, I had already placed orders for OSB (Oriented Strand Board) and hardwood flooring from local suppliers. We had coordinated the delivery, with an agreed-upon date of the evening of October 18. As soon as we landed in Riga, we wasted no time and immediately headed to the construction site to unload the eagerly anticipated wooden boards.

Feeling somewhat weary after the flight from Tbilisi to Riga and a two-hour drive to the construction site.

The nearest DIY store is approximately 30 kilometers away from the construction site, and it required multiple trips solely to transport the rockwool needed for the flooring.

Upon our arrival at the site, two significant issues immediately caught our attention. Firstly, we observed that the house had shifted by approximately 15 centimeters. Secondly, on one side of the house, the roofing was flapping freely in the wind. To address these concerns, we immediately set to work. First things first, we secured a few bolts to stabilize the roof, and then we eagerly embarked on the exciting task of leveling the house back to its proper position.

Though it cost us a valuable few hours, we were determined to address these critical issues, and we succeeded in fixing and securing the house. With that essential task behind us, it was finally time to proceed with the flooring installation.

Our next step involved placing rockwool on top of the OSB. Attaching the OSB beneath the floor proved to be a challenging task, but we persevered and successfully accomplished it.

For insulation, we opted for a 15 cm rockwool layer, equivalent to 2x750mm thickness. Additionally, we encountered a slight setback as we needed to readjust and re-screw supporting beams to align with the rockwool's dimensions, which were 600mm.

Hopefully, the vapor barrier will effectively retain the warmth indoors and prevent moisture from entering.

Due to time constraints, I found myself working late into the evenings, meticulously installing this beautiful pine wood flooring.

It's a beautiful sight to see electricity flowing within the house.

We have exciting plans to create a charming attic-style room for our daughter in this space.

Looks quit awesome.

Cant wait to open a laptop here and trade some stock.

Unfortunately, I wasn't able to complete all the planned tasks this time, as we had to return to Tbilisi once the school break ended. In these brief five days in Latvia, we managed to install roughly half of the flooring. I'll consider it a significant achievement nonetheless!

Tsinandali music festival

9 November, 2023 | Living in Georgia | 54 seen

In September, the Tsinandali music festival unfolded, marking another chapter in the cherished tradition upheld by the team at Caucasus Translations. Year after year, this cultural extravaganza has become an integral part of our calendar, drawing us into a world of beautiful classical music and the delectable flavors of Georgian cuisine.

The Tsinandali music festival is a symphony of cultural richness, offering enchanting classical performances that resonate through the picturesque landscapes. Immerse yourself in the harmonic blend of melodies that captivate hearts, making it an experience that transcends the ordinary.

Beyond the musical notes, the festival is a celebration of taste, with Georgian food and wine taking center stage. Indulge in the sensory journey as we explore the diverse and delectable offerings that accompany the cultural symphony, creating a perfect harmony for the senses.

Our journey at the Tsinandali music festival is encapsulated in a vibrant video that captures the essence of this annual tradition. Join us in reliving the moments and celebrating the cultural tapestry weaved through music, cuisine, and camaraderie. Don't forget to give a thumbs up to share the joy!

As we reflect on yet another year of Tsinandali's musical magic, stay tuned for more cultural explorations on our platform. Caucasus Translations continues to be your guide to immersive experiences, where traditions, music, and gastronomy converge. Explore with us and keep the tradition alive!

How To Fix Access to the path 'C:\Users\...\My Music' is denied when opening a Trados Studio project package

7 November, 2023 | Servers | 269 seen

The other day Gvantsa from the translation office in Tbilisi asked if could I help to fix her Trados SDL Studio 2021.

As not being an actual user of this program, just providing support for the office technique I took a look and saw there are some problems with permissions, as the software was saying Access to the path 'C:\Users\...\My Music' is denied when opening a Trados Studio project package.

I thought what a strange choice for the folder and most probably there are some permission problems. Though that may be running this software as an administrator might solve the issue, it didn't

My second guess, was maybe the Windows operating system is glitching as it has been a while since I did some system updates. And I decided to go with a fresh install, but before that, I thought - just to google this error code and... the solution was much more simple:

Seems, not only we have been encountred this problem, but the questin was already asked on Trados support desk (Error processing command line arguments: Access to the path 'C:\Users\...\My Music' is denied when opening a Trados Studio project package)

Symptoms/Context

When you open any Trados Studio package, you receive the following error (the folder location might be different than the ones listed here):

Access to the path ' C:\Users\[username]\Documents\My Music' is denied or
Access to the path ' C:\Users\[username]\Documents\My Pictures' is denied or
Access to path ' C:\$Recycle.Bin\S-1-5-18' denied or
Access to the path ' C:\ProgramData\Application Data' is denied
etc.

Reset Trados Studio to default settings

• for Trados Studio 2015 : rename the folder 12.0.0.0 to OLD_12.0.0.0
• for Trados Studio 2017 : rename the folder 14.0.0.0 to OLD_14.0.0.0
• for Trados Studio 2019 : rename the folder 15.0.0.0 to OLD_15.0.0.0
• for Trados Studio 2021 : rename the folder Studio16 to OLD_Studio16
• for Trados Studio 2022: the folder location is C:\Users\%username%\AppData\Roaming\Trados\Trados Studio where you can rename Studio17 to OLD_Studio17

If you can't find the paths above, open Windows File Explorer, click on View and check Hidden Items checkbox: Showing hidden files, folders and extensions on Windows operating systems

As we were using Trados Studio 2021, I simply renamed Studio16 folder to OLD_Studio16. And on the next launch system automatically created a new folder, with fixed permisons.

Hope it helps!

Mestiatour guesthouse in Mestia

3 November, 2023 | Hotel reviews | 25 seen

This guest house is located in the picturesque village of Mestia. Free Wi-Fi and free parking are provided at Mestiatour Guest House.

We booked here one night stay but two separate rooms for the price of GEL 200 at the end of September 2023, during our few-day Svaneti trip

The private and dormitory rooms are heated and simply furnished.

We got a nice room in the third floor, with nice views towards Mestia. Simple and cozy.

From the guesthosues yard I made a few drone photographies. Impressive surroundings views with dozzens of Svan towers around.

For additional GEL 60 we got some simple brekfast with egg, bread, salad e.t.c

A variety of cafés and restaurants can be found within a 5-minute walk of the guest house. Guests are also welcome to relax in the hostel’s living room with a computer, a TV and a sofa. Queen Tamar Airport is 2 km from Mestiatour Guest House.

Book now on Booking.com

International Night at British INT school of Tbilisi

2 November, 2023 | Living in Georgia | 34 seen

In the vibrant tapestry of Tbilisi's cultural landscape, October 2023 marked a significant celebration – the International Night at the British International School of Tbilisi. This enchanting event brought together a kaleidoscope of experiences, where Georgian dance, delectable cuisine, and the warmth of camaraderie transcended borders.

As the rhythmic beats of Georgian dance echoed through the venue, attendees were immersed in the rich cultural heritage that has become synonymous with this enchanting region. The captivating performances were not just a testament to the nation's artistic prowess but also an invitation for everyone present to join in the celebration of diversity.

The culinary journey at International Night was a feast for the senses, showcasing the best of Georgian cuisine. From savory khachapuri to the irresistible aroma of khinkali, each dish told a story of tradition and gastronomic delight. As a devoted lover of Georgian cuisine, I couldn't help but be delighted by the array of vegetarian options that graced the tables, a testament to the inclusivity of the event.

The joyous atmosphere was further enhanced by the presence of friends, both old and new. QSI International School of Tbilisi and even Little Seedlings English Kindergarten were well-represented, creating an environment where connections flourished. Conversations flowed effortlessly, breaking down cultural barriers and fostering a sense of global community.

International Night wasn't just an event; it was a testament to the power of cultural exchange and understanding. It served as a reminder that, despite our diverse backgrounds, we share a common thread that unites us all. As an expatriate who has called Georgia home since 2011, witnessing this celebration was a poignant reminder of the beauty of cultural diversity that defines this remarkable country.

In the snapshots captured during the evening, the joy and laughter shared by attendees reflected the true essence of International Night. As a world traveler and passionate photographer, these moments became a visual narrative of unity, friendship, and the richness of cross-cultural experiences.

Events like International Night are not just occasions on the calendar; they are bridges that connect us to the world around us. As I continue my journey in Georgia – trading stocks, exploring new landscapes through my lens, and savoring the flavors of its cuisine – this celebration remains etched in my memory as a testament to the harmonious coexistence of diverse cultures within the heart of Tbilisi.

In the tapestry of life, International Night added a vibrant thread, weaving together the stories of people from different corners of the globe, creating a mosaic of unity, friendship, and shared experiences. Here's to more moments that celebrate the beauty of diversity and the tapestry it creates in our lives.

Tbilisi Airbnb market overview - October 2023

1 November, 2023 | Living in Georgia | 88 seen

Back in 2022, I had the idea of creating a Tbilisi Airbnb property management service. I created a few articles on my blog and got some attention from the expats living in Georgia, but haven't yet concluded any deal.

Recently I got contacted by a French investor and we agreed to share a cup of coffee to talk about a potential partnership I decided to take another look at the Tbilisi Airbnb property market.  

According to AllTheRooms, the average daily rate in October 2023, for hosts earned in Tbilisi was $46, which is a -4% decrease if compared to the previous month (September 2023). but a15% growth if compared to May 2022, when I did my first overview of the Tbilisi Airbnb market.

The occupancy rate in October was 49% (a +2% increase compared to the previous month)

• There were 4,402 listings in Tbilisi during the month of October (which is significantly less than in May 2022, when the total listing were more than 6,000)
• The average earning per listing is $582 (-2% growth). a significant increse if comapred to May 2022, when it was about $339

Taking all those data together, it seems that the Tbilisi Airbnb property market in the month of October was worth about $2,98M (significant increase if compared to May 2022, when the total market value was about 2.16M).

Whether you are an expat looking for someone that does Airbnb management in Tbilisi? Someone that can take care of your apartment and rent it out when you are out of town. Or local looking to get maximum return from short-term rentals. We are here to help.

I'm open to helping manage your property, listing it on Airbnb, Booking.com, and other travel booking websites. Helping with quality photography, copywriting, setting the right price to get the best results, and last but not least taking care of maintenance and cleaning. We will take 20% of the Gross income.

If you have an apartment you are ready to rent out for the long term (at least 1 year) - we are interested in renting it for a fixed price and subletting for short-term rentals. You will get a fixed monthly payment - no matter, will we make any booking or not. We are interested in newly finished projects in Vake, Saburtalo.

We are also open to buying your real estate in Tbilisi or any other part of Georgia. 

Interested? Send me a message and lets discuss! 

Paragraph Resort Hotel & Batumi

26 October, 2023 | Living in Georgia | 62 seen

As our weekend journey led us back to Georgia via Kutaisi, my family and I seized the opportunity to extend our school break. Our chosen retreat? The exquisite Paragraph Resort Hotel nestled near Shekvetili and Batumi. This decision promised days filled with water attractions, encounters with majestic white sharks, and the renowned warmth of Georgian hospitality. Dive into our adventure through the video, and don't forget to give it a thumbs up!

Our extended stay at the Paragraph Resort Hotel opened doors to a world of aquatic adventures. From exhilarating water slides to relaxing poolside moments, the water attraction parks on the premises provided the perfect blend of excitement and relaxation for every family member. The video captures the joy and thrill of these moments, making it a must-watch for fellow adventure seekers.

Imagine a unique and awe-inspiring experience with white sharks right in Georgia! Our stay included a visit to a fascinating venue where these majestic creatures gracefully glided through the water. The video showcases this extraordinary encounter, offering a glimpse into the mesmerizing world of marine life that awaits those who venture beyond the typical tourist spots.

No trip to Georgia is complete without savoring the legendary hospitality of the locals. Our extended school break allowed us to immerse ourselves in the warmth and generosity that Georgians are renowned for. From delicious traditional meals to heartfelt welcomes, the video captures the essence of this hospitality, inviting viewers to appreciate the authentic and inviting spirit of the region.

Our Georgian escapade was a delightful mix of water park thrills, shark encounters, and genuine hospitality. Whether you're planning your next family vacation or seeking inspiration for your travel bucket list, our video is a visual testament to the incredible experiences awaiting you in Georgia. Give it a thumbs up and join us in reliving the moments that made our extended school break an unforgettable adventure.

From the mesmerizing landscapes near Shekvetili to the vibrant charm of Batumi, our extended school break at the Paragraph Resort Hotel was a journey filled with laughter, excitement, and the unparalleled beauty of Georgia. Join us in this virtual exploration through our video, and let the magic of Georgian hospitality and adventure unfold before your eyes. Thumbs up for unforgettable memories!

Hotel Intourist Palace Batumi

24 October, 2023 | Hotel reviews | 54 seen

Intourist Batumi Hotel is located in the popular Black Sea resort of Batumi, 300 metres from the nearest beach.

We booked a one-night stay here at the end of October 2023, paying a little less than EUR 80 (breakfast included).  After arriving here from Parapgraph Resort Hotel in Shekvetili it felt a little bit outdated, but for the price paid  - Hotel Intourist Palace is an excellent choice in the heart of Batumi.

Legend says that Yalta conference during WW2 was intented to be held in Batumi as wished by uncle Joe (Stalin) and the hotel Batumi Intourist Palace was among the choises (built in 1939). In the last minute they agreed to change the location to Yalta. Haven't verified though!

It offers air-conditioned rooms with a minibar, a LCD TV and free Wi-Fi. The rooms of the Intourist feature a classic interior design in bright colours and wooden furniture.

All have a private bathroom with a bathtub, as well as a balcony. The TVs have satellite channels.

Seaside Boulevard is only 10 metres from the hotel. The Sea Port is located 1 km from the Intourist. The Central Square is within 200 metres.

The hotel’s restaurant serves Italian dishes. It also has a bar.

It was a decent stay for a decent money. Hotel looks bit outdated, but price and location outweights it. Book now on booking.com

10 Year Blog Anniversary

10 October, 2023 | Blogging | 17 seen

10 years ago today, on October 10, 2013, my blog went online at reinisfischer.com

10 years have passed like a flicker, especially the last 6 or 7 years. Over the years the blog has turned into a massive archive covering my travels in Georgia and around the World, documented progress on stock investments, options trading and even running a crypto hedge fund.

Over the years I have documented the progress of home remodeling, apartment remodeling and even building a frame house from scratch. We have been building mining rigs, launched custom tokens on the blockchain, and many more. In the recect years I've put more effort on video content and I try to publish 1 video weekly.

For many years the blog was earning enormous affiliate income from Amazon Associates, something which still brings us in a couple of dollars every month.

For most of the years, I was writing an article per day, which now has stayed at around 5 articles per week. For the next year, I'm looking to limit it even further down to just 4 articles per day - Monday to Thursday.

I will keep my focus on TerraMatris crypto hedge fund for the years to come, in fact, Terramatris is almost 3 years older than my blog, I founded TerraMatris as a Drupal development company back in the end of 2010. Something that didn't work as expected - I was never able to take it off as a Drupal company, I had some customers and still have, I keep performing Drupal development tasks - but this is something completely I'm not interested in anymore. 

My body weight this morning was 94kg - I hope I will be under 90, before turning 11. Also I found that I should sell cash secured puts on Dow Inc stock for the next 52 weeks.

Thank you!

Tbilisi Marathon 2023 & Tbilisoba

6 October, 2023 | Living in Georgia | 32 seen

October 2023 witnessed the dynamic convergence of two major events in the heart of Georgia - the Tbilisi Marathon and the Tbilisi City Festival, famously known as Tbilisoba. As proud participants in both celebrations, we embarked on a journey that encapsulated the spirit, diversity, and unity that defines this vibrant city. Buckle up as we share our firsthand experience, offering you a glimpse into the exhilarating festivities that unfolded.

The Tbilisi Marathon, an annual spectacle, kicked off the month on a spirited note. Runners from diverse backgrounds and skill levels laced up their shoes to navigate the city's picturesque routes. Against the backdrop of historic landmarks and scenic landscapes, each step resonated with tales of determination, perseverance, and community. As we joined the marathon, the energy was palpable, creating an unforgettable tapestry of shared ambitions and personal triumphs.

Following the marathon's adrenaline-pumping run, Tbilisi seamlessly transitioned into the Tbilisoba Festival. The city transformed into a kaleidoscope of colors, aromas, and melodies as streets buzzed with locals and visitors alike. Traditional Georgian cuisine took center stage, offering a feast for the senses. From khachapuri to khinkali, the flavors of Tbilisi were on display, tempting taste buds and providing a gastronomic journey that mirrored the richness of the city's culture.

Armed with our cameras, we set out to capture the essence of these extraordinary events. The result? A captivating movie that encapsulates the heart and soul of Tbilisi during this lively October weekend. From the determined strides of marathon participants to the jubilant faces at Tbilisoba, every frame narrates a story of celebration, unity, and the unique charm that makes Tbilisi a jewel in the Caucasus.

Amidst the revelry, one couldn't help but appreciate the strong sense of community that permeated both events. Whether it was cheering on marathon runners or sharing a table at Tbilisoba, the genuine warmth and hospitality of the Georgian people shone through. Thumbs up indeed to the collective spirit that makes these gatherings not just events but living narratives of a city that takes pride in its cultural heritage.

As we bid farewell to the October festivities, our memories linger as a testament to the indomitable spirit of Tbilisi. The marathon and Tbilisoba have left an indelible mark on our hearts, reinforcing the idea that this city is more than just a location on the map—it's a living, breathing celebration of life. Until next year, Tbilisi, thumbs up and thank you for the unforgettable experience!

10K Challenge: Conquering Tbilisi Marathon with Caucasus Translations and Terramatris

5 October, 2023 | Living in Georgia | 27 seen

On October 1st, 2023 Tbilisi Marathon was held (organized by Heildebergcement and I  participated in running 10 kilometer distance setting my personal record, finishing in 1 hour 10 minutes, and 1 second.

After our successful start at Tbilisi Fun Run in early spring, we decided to challenge ourselves one more time and most team members from Caucasus Translations joined the race. 

Before the race, I took 4 training sessions on running 10K, three times on a treadmill and once an almost a 9K trail run with a friend in Tbilisi mountains. 

The start hour for the marathon was very early, at 7 AM, so we had to get up very early to get to the start. As Marathon was actually passing the street we live on (Mikheil Tsinamdzgvrishvili Street), we were a bit worried there would be no way to get to the start line in time, but luckily at 6:30 street was still open and we managed to get a taxi ride to Rustaveli avenue.

The start was given and we started our race. I started from the slow runners positions (more than 60 minutes for 10K). During this race i ran 1km and the took a break for about 60 seconds waling slowly. Surpirsingly but the result at the finish line was my abosulte best. 

I always enjoys makeing such photos

Our kiddo did both the kids run and together with mom 10K

Besides running for Caucasus Translations team I was running under Terramatis crypto hedge fund T-shirt, looking to grow it into somthing huge over the years. On the running day funds value - $80.51. 

I hope to run some od the next 10K's under 60 minutes.