Rainy Day in Tbilisi
Less than a month ago, we changed apartment in Tbilisi and got one with really cool views towards mount Mtatsminda.
I've been playing with a tripod a camera here ever since. See: Tbilisi by night (New apartment version) and Tbilisi by day (New Apartment Version)
Despite my forecast, that next version probably will be an HDR photography, it turned out to be a Rainy day. Actually, about a year and a half ago, I made a cool time-lapse video from our previous apt, see: Rainy day in Tbilisi - Time Lapse Video.
If you are into the rain photography, I could also offer a trip to Verona on a rainy day, see: Rainy day in Verona
Lonely tree
I believe this tree will be…
Trinity Monastery of St. Jonas in Kyiv
The Trinity Monastery of St. Jonas is a Ukrainian Orthodox monastery in the Kievan neighborhood of Zverinets, a short distance from the medieval Vydubychi Monastery.We discovered this monastery back in 2017 when visited Hryshko National Botanical GardenTrinity Monastery of St. JonasIt was Jonas, a Vydubychi hegumen, who founded this monastery in 1864. Princess Vasilchikov, the widow of Kiev's Governor General, decided to support the undertaking and presented her dacha to the brethren.It was on these grounds that the katholikon was constructed.The monastery's bell towerThe monastery's bell tower, at 110 meters,…
Hryshko National Botanical Garden in Kiev
Turns out there are at least two botanical gardens in Kiev. In today's article, I will write and provide photographs from Hryshko National Botanical Garden taken back in Summer 2017.Apparently, we got here by a taxi from our hotel (Hotel Ukraine), and as far as I remember we got back to the city center by trolleybus. The M. M. Hryshko National Botanical Garden is located in Kiev, the capital of Ukraine.Cash desks at Kievs Botanical gardenI don't remember exactly what was the price for entrance, but it was really cheap (compared to Western Europe)The M. M. Gryshko National Botanical Garden is a botanical garden of the National Academy of…
Shio-Mgvime monastery
The Shio-Mgvime monastery is a medieval monastic complex in Georgia, near the town of Mtskheta. It is located in a narrow limestone canyon on the northern bank of the Kura River, some 30 km from Tbilisi, Georgia’s capital.It took me more than seven years since I've been living in Georgia and 60 GEL to get here.Long story short: At the start of November 2018, we booked a 4-star hotel Gino Wellness in Mtskheta and the girl from hotels front desk organized us a taxi for 60 GEL. Now, this is really expensive actually for such a short drive, but it's OK just for one time. According to a historic tradition, the first monastic community at this place…
Hotel Gino Wellness Mtskheta Review
There are at least two Gino Wellness hotels in Georgia (probably more), one is located in the Rabati Fortress in the town of Akhaltsikhe and the other one is located really close to Tbilisi, in Mtskheta. In today's article, I will speak about the one in Mtskheta.Offering free WiFi, a sun terrace with a swimming pool, spa and wellness center and garden, Hotel Gino Wellness Mtskheta is located in Mtskheta. Each accommodation at the 4-star hotel has mountain views, and guests can enjoy access to a children's playground and to a hot spring bath.We booked this hotel at the start of November 2018, in the frames of Georgian Discount Week. Stayed here two nights at the deluxe room…
October 2018 Dividend Income Report - $168.10
Welcome to the eighteenth (#18) dividend income report, covering earnings I've made from dividend-paying stocks, peer to peer lending (both fiat and cryptocurrencies) in October 2018. In case you are wondering why I'm sharing online my earnings - the answer is pretty simple - I like transparency and these reports help me to observe my progress or bounces. Hopefully, my reports can give some inspiration to you as well. (If so, please leave a short comment below) Also, I have a goal to reach one million dollars in my bank account by the time I will turn 60 (27 years still to go). In short, last October turned…
Halloween 2018
Halloween 2018, was celebrated on Wednesday, October 31.This was our first Halloween together with our newborn baby and we made some really cool photos and video's in our new Tbilisi apt.But as each year,it's all about carving the pumpkin and having a lot of fun.How To Carve a Pumpkin and Make Stunning Halloween PhotosHalloween pumpkin 2018I bought this one at local Tbilisi market and paid 9GEL for it (2 gel/kg). Turns out this was a 4 and a half kilos.Pumpkin carvedApple prepared for bakingFilled with yolk/sour cream fillingHalloween 2018
Tbilisi by day (New Apartment Version)
It has been already more than 10 days since we have moved into our new Tbilisi apartment.For today's article in the series Living in Georgia, I just wanted to share some picture with surrounding views towards mount Mtatsminda, TV Tower and other.For the first part, please visit: Tbilisi by night (New apartment version)View towards mount Mtatsminda and TV tower in TbilisiNo doubts,best viewed during night time. This is one of my favorite spots in the apartment to take daughter on the shoulder and tell stories. Quite impressive.Rooftops of TbilisiRooftops of TbilisiStreet in TbilisiNext probably will be golden hour photography(HDR)
Istanbul Airport
Istanbul Airport will be the main international airport serving Istanbul. It is based in the Arnavutköy district on the European side of Istanbul, Turkey.
The opening ceremony took place on 29 October 2018, scheduled so as to coincide with the 95th anniversary of the proclamation of the Republic.
On November 1 2018, five daily flights will start to arrive and depart from the airport: Ankara, Antalya, Baku, Ercan, İzmir.These flights will all be operated by Turkish Airlines. Regularly scheduled flights to these destinations will still depart from Atatürk and Sabiha Gökçen airports alongside these trial flights…
Tbilisi Office 2.0.
In October 2018, we changed not only apartments but also offices as well. In short, we moved from Agmanashabeli avenue to Vake district in Tbilisi.There is a little change compared to previous years when trying to find a new office in Tbilisi. Let's say this, this time we got lucky. See: Renting an Office in TbilisiSee pictures from the previous office here: Audio & Video Transcription Service by Caucasus TranslationsWorking space in the new Tbilisi officeThe office is located on the tenth floor in a residential / office/aparthotel building in VakeInterior at the new officeWe bought furniture (shelf, table, and chairs) at local Jysk store, paying about $1,000 for itSecond…
TP-Link TL-WN725N 150Mbps Wireless N Nano USB Adapter Review
TP-Link is a popular brand in Georgia, and most probably in CIS region, manufacturing Wireless routers and wireless adapters (probably a lot of other useful gadgets as well).I remember about 10 years ago I used a PCI WIFI adapter to have a WiFi functionality for a desktop PC.Now, in 2018, when moving into a new office, I decided it would be cool to get rid of at least some of the wiring for or desktop computers. And here comes miniature, I would even say nano-sized TP-Link Wireless adapterSleek miniature design so small that once plugged in, can be left in a Laptop’s USB portSpeedy wireless transmission at up to 150Mbps ideal for video streaming or internet callsAdvanced Security…
Tbilisi by night (New apartment version)
It has been a while since I last time did a night photography (one of my favorite photography techniques).
The thing is, recently we moved in to a new apartment here in Tbilisi, which offers a very fantastic views towards Mtatsminda, TV tower and other..
Back in the night of October 21, 2018 I took out my tripod, put it on one out of three huge balconies and here you go:
Tbilisi by night - long exposure
What's really great, the next time I will want make those cool stripes I won't even need to leave my apt. Everything I can get from the balcony. Awesome.
See: Practicing Photography: Doing Night Shots - Tbilisi By Night
View towards mount Mtatsminda
Guess what? I now have the…
Funicular Restaurant Complex
High above Tbilisi you will find the most stylish centre for food and drink in the city: the Funicular Restaurant Complex.Without doubt, the Funicular Complex is one of the most important places in Tbilisi, with its significant long history dating back to 1905. I have been visiting this place on rare occasions, during trip to Mtatsminda mountain. My first visit here, probably was back in 2014, during Latvia - Georgia business forum. Nowadays, Funicular Restaurant complex has become one of the most popular Tbilisi restaurants among city guests.Panoramic views toward TbilisiThe Funicular Complex includes 4 separates dining facilities: Chela (traditional Georgian), Puri Guliani (bakery),…
Mtatsminda Park in Tbilisi
Mtatsminda Park is an amusement facility located atop on Mount Mtatsminda on a 770-meter height overlooking the Georgian capital Tbilisi. It is the highest point in Tbilisi. Located on more than 100 hectares. Park has more than 100 years of history. Mtatsminda Park is the most popular theme park in Tbilisi. It is the best choice for fun and relaxation. You can find various cafes, Souvenirs shops, child entertainment center, a wedding house, picnic zones, a Ferris Wheel at the edge of the mountain, offering splendid views over the city, funicular tram and other fun attractions on the venue.Carousels in Mtatsminda park, TbilisiFresh air, fascinating view of Tbilisi, fun…
Tbilisi TV Tower
Tbilisi TV tower probably is the most visible construction in the city, located inMtatsminda I haven't heard though it would be opened for public. Here is what we know about it:Georgia Tbilisi TV Broadcasting Tower is a free-standing tower structure used for communications purposes. The tower is located in Tbilisi, Georgia and was built in 1972.The preceding structure, built in 1955, was moved to the vicinity of the city of Gori.Tbilisi TV towerThe tower is operated by "Georgian Teleradiocenter", that was established 1955. Communication systems on the tower include regular broadcast, MMDS, pager and cellular, commercial TV, and…
Tbilisoba 2018
Tbilisoba or Tbilisi City Festival is an annual October festival which celebrates the diversity and history of Tbilisi, the capital of Georgia. If you are planning your first trip to Georgia - consider your trip here during the city festival and try local cuisine (horis mcvadi) and that awesome Georgian wine. Tbilisoba 2018wase held on October 6-7 in the streets of ..you are right - Tbilisi. This year's Tbilisoba was special for us, as it was the first Tbilisoba we took with us our little baby girl. We went by foot from our apartment to the Rike Park and ending this walk at the right embankment of Mtkvari. My best finds this year was:…
Back to Georgia, Back to Gym
It has been already 9 days since we have been relocated back to Georgia, and it has been already 5 days I have been back to the gym.
Now this time I returned 120.5kg... that's insane. A year ago my weight was about 102 kilos. On average I have gained 20 kilos in 2018. There are two simple reasons to explain this. First and most important - a newborn baby born. Second - I quit smoking about 4 months ago.
I believe both happenings have a huge impact on my total body weight. Now, I feel really happy holding little toddler on my hands and knowing she will raise a healthy girl free of tobacco smoke. Also, I feel it's time to get back into the shape.
I renewed my membership at Champions…
Actual Price Index at Tbilisi Market - October 2018
Three years ago I launched a fun project - Actual Price Index at Tbilisi market, just to document price movements for veggies and fruits in the market, depending on the season. In total I have made two kinds of research for 2015 and 2016, see: Actual Price Index in Tbilisi Market (Georgia) - At Start of October 2015 and Actual Price Index at Tbilisi Market - March 2016Now, today, three years later I once again decided to measure, how prices have changed in the past three years.Here is my basket of goods I bought in Tbilisi market on October 1, 2018Veggies from Tbilisi market 201820151 kg potatoes10.71 bunch of spring onions10.61 bunch of parsley111 bunch of dills111…
September 2018 Dividend Income Report - $65.33
Welcome to the seventieth (#17) dividend income report, covering earnings I've made from dividend-paying stocks, peer to peer lending (both fiat and cryptocurrencies) in September 2018. In case you are wondering why I'm sharing online my earnings - the answer is pretty simple - I like transparency and these reports help me to observe my progress or bounces. Hopefully, my reports can give some inspiration to you as well. (If so, please leave a short comment below) Also, I have a goal to reach one million dollars in my bank account by the time I will turn 60 (27 years still to go). Last September turned worst than…
Kalvene Railway Station
Kalvene Station is a railway station on the Jelgava – Liepāja Railway.The station is located in the Kalvenes municipality of the Aizpute district in Latvia. I noticed this railway couple of years ago and was amazed by its impressive heights visible from the road. Kalvene Railway Station September 2018Kalvene Station was opened on September 25, 1929, along with the opening of the railway line Jelgava-Liepaja . The modern type building was built in 1932. Until 2001, the diesel train Riga-Liepaja stopped here. After the cancellation of this train, there is no passenger turnover at the station. The station operates as an intermediate station, it changes the train.Diesel…