Shemoikhede Genatsvale Restaurant Review in Tbilisi (Marjanishvili Street)

29 March, 2015 | Restaurant reviews | 39 seen

Shemoikhede Genatsvale is a restaurant in Tbilisi (Marjanishvili street 5) owned by a GMC Group. GMC Group is famous in Georgia and particularity in Georgia because of they run many chains of restaurants.

I was really hungry that night and decided let's search for some great offer at local discount portals - I insisted tonight I'm interested in Georgian traditional cuisine like khinkhali or kababi. So we started to search.

Now - we found a great deal, for about 17 GEL ( $7.50 / EUR 7.00) which included 2 kababs and 20 khinkali. Exactly what I was looking for that night. We bought a discount coupon at local Georgian hotsale.ge portal. And shortly we headed to this place, I have never been previously.

For a surprise, staff members asked us to provide a temporary residence permits before we can use that coupon here. Since we have been using those discount coupons pretty much here in Georgia and before nobody have asked for a document confirming our permit residence of living in Georgia I was a bit shocked. Instead of showing our permits I insisted to talk with a a manager - after a short conversations with manager we were fine, no need to show a residence…

'Lermontov' Documentary Film

29 March, 2015 | Documentaries | 8 seen

Lermonov is a documentary film about famous Russian poet Mikhail Lermontov made by Star Media. Babich design. Released in 2014. The film is spoken in Russian, and English subtitles are provided.

I have never thought I will actually spend an evening watching something like this, but after spending a lovely afternoon at charming and for me un-typical Tbilisi literature cafe, where accidentally I started to read some Russian language books with Lermontov's poetry and more accidentally by reading a poem called "Dispute" I was just eager to learn more of this talented 19th-century poet. So I found this amazing documentary film.

This film tells a story about Lermontov's life in chapters, childhood, love, army, Caucasus, and Death. Comparing facts from this film with those available on Wikipedia I found this documentary quite realistic and very fact-based. 

Mikhail Lermontov (1814-1841) was one of Russia’s greatest poets and writers. His famous novel, “A Hero of Our Time” was one of the most popular Russian books of all time. His works were always timely and relevant, enjoying vast popularity especially among young people. Lermontov’s poetry and prose were…

Rachis Ubani Tbilisi Restaurant Review

26 March, 2015 | Restaurant reviews | 68 seen

I would call Rachis Ubani restaurant probably one of the best restaurants in Tbilisi. This restaurant serves a traditional Georgian Cuisine.

It's not even about the great food they are serving here (although food is tremendous here) but more of its location. 

Rachis Ubani restaurant is located on road serpentine between Vake and Turtle lake, on the edge of Tbilisi Open Air Ethnographic Museum. It is best to enjoy your meal at this restaurant's patio during hot summer evenings. The restaurant offers spectacular views of city lights. After tasting the wine they are serving here in combination with those views you will definitely agree with me by saying - it's the best restaurant in Tbilisi.

Rachis Ubani meaning in English is - Racha House. Racha is a historical region of Georgia since this restaurant is located at the edge of Open Air Museum - and probably situated in Rachians style building - so here you have a meaning of this place.

I first discovered this restaurant back in 2011 and as a rule of thumb in Georgia   - if a restaurant is in business for years it's a good restaurant.

Restaurant 'Oriental Pearl' Review In Tbilisi

25 March, 2015 | Restaurant reviews | 14 seen

Welcome to another Tbilisi restaurant reviews series - today I will write about a Chinese cuisine restaurant Oriental Pearl located on Paliashvili street 90 (Vake district) in Tbilisi.

I first discovered this restaurant a few year ago, and ever since have been heading here for some 2 times per year.

In overall it's a lit bit pricey compared to other restaurants, but hey it's a Chinese Cuisine. 

As usual for taking photographs I'm using my Samsung phone and using Instagram (then taking them from Instagram and adding to posts - you can read a blog post on how I turned my Instagram account into a photo blog 

Window case at Oriental Pearl

Entrance doors at Oriental Pearl restaurant

Table at Oriental Pearl

The menu at Oriental Pearl

Chicken in sweet and sour sauce

Oriental Pearl restaurant is pretty good but is a bit expensive compared to other Tbilisi restaurants. It's about 60 GEL ($27.00 / EUR 25.00) for all seen above. But without doubt, I can recommend it - if you are fond of…

Algeti Reservoir

24 March, 2015 | Lakes | 43 seen

The other day during a hiking tour at Birtvisi Canyon we discovered another interesting tourism object in Georgia- Algeti reservoir. I couldn't resist making some photos here (see below). 

I didn't find much information about this reservoir in English language resources, but I found one in Russian Wikipedia, so I will try to translate it here:

Algeti reservoir is a reservoir on the river of Algeti, located in the territory of Georgia in Tetri Ttskaro district, near the village of Tbeti.

The total volume of the reservoir - 65 million m³, useful - 60 million cubic meters. It's is planned to build a hydroelectric power station "Algeti HPP" with a capacity of 1.1 MW on Algeti reservoir.

Water from the Algeti reservoir is used in the irrigation system of Tbisi-Kumisi, which supplies water to villages of Jorjiashvili, Asureti, Borbalo, Koda, Marabda, Khaishi, Dundruki, Kasalari and other villages in Marneuli region.

Photos:

Down at the Algeti Reservoir

Scenic view to Algeti Reservoir

You can drive down and park your car

Though I would not recommend…

Hiking In Birtvisi Canyon (Hidden Trails Of Georgia)

22 March, 2015 | Outdoor Activities | 185 seen

The other day in the company of three we headed to Birtvisi Canyon for some hiking experience.

It all started reading some info of a non-standard close to Tbilisi located destinations. And Birtvisi just popped up on this list. Turns out - there is a Birtvisi Fortress located somewhere in the middle of these canyons.

I had never before heard of such place and was pretty much surprised learning that it's located just some one-hour drive from Tbilisi, in the region of Kvemo Kartli (Lower Kartli). Birtvisi canyon is located in Trialeti Planned National Park.

There are two main roads heading to Birtvisi from Tbilisi:

Tbilisi - Birtvisi road

Driving directions: Tbilisi - Birtvisi (distance ~ 60 km)

We choose the longest but probably the better road (asphalt road) via road 6

Head on Rustavi Highway (Road 6), at the intersection turn right on Marnueli direction (Road E117 - look on road  for signs heading to Marnueli), then at village of Koda again make a right turn and just drive straight passing villages of Asureti, Jorijashvili, Sagharasheni now you…

Cafe Discovery In Tbilisi Review

20 March, 2015 | Restaurant reviews | 7 seen

Welcome to another post in series of Tbilisi restaurant reviews.

Today I will write about a lovely Cafe located on Marjanishvili square in Tbilisi which offers tasty wraps for a budget price. Meet Cafe Discovery.

I have been heading to this place for a  years already (It's a good indicator here in Georgia - if restaurant is in business for years - it's a pretty good restaurant or Cafe this time).

Reason I love this place - it's one of few in Tbilisi that makes wraps (tuna fish, salmon e.t.c). I love wrapps.

Entrance at Cafe Discovery

Frankly speaking I would call this place a boutique cafe instead of just cafe, the reason is simple - it's interior is crafted with tiny details and it's not to spacious, it's a tiny tiny place - so in  case you are in a large company of friends - there is possibly you won't get a free table here.

Outdoor terrace at Cafe Discovery

Best enjoyed in summertime

Sweets and fruits in a glass case

Well I believe you can order a freshly squired apple, orange, grape, banana or mixed juice here.

Speaking…

Potential Business Partner Search In Republic Of Georgia

19 March, 2015 | Living in Georgia | 23 seen

During my blogging career I have received several messages on my blog's contact form asking for advice for potential business partner search in Tbilisi or Georgia.

Well I only feel flattered and honored that I have been noticed and contacted (seems a major role is played here thanks to my posts in Living in Georgia category).

I haven't searched for potential business partners here in Georgia (though I have been doing some business here). Currently  I'm open for a propositions from travel companies willing to serve incoming tourists in Georgia. Contact me for more details. 

I remember my first experience finding a new prospects in Tbilisi (I wasn't looking for partners - I was looking for customers - so I believe it was my core mistake. Partner could bring more than a customer) it all started of paying a visit to local trade show at Expo Georgia.

Author of this blog searching for business partners in Georgia back in April 2011

It was fun, I was just returned from a skiing adventures in Gudauri, it was like my fourth day in Georgia and here I was, sitting at Expo Georgia.

Back…

Projected Future Forecast For GDP In Former Soviet Union Block Countries (2014-2019)

18 March, 2015 | Macroeconomics | 35 seen

In past I have created many GDP reviews regarding former Soviet Union republics, but have never made future GDP forecast report yet. In this article that's exactly what I'm doing.

Now, Soviet Union doesn't exist for more than 25 years already. Those former 15 republics have gone more or less separate way since dissolution of USSR.  

There has happened some geopolitical changes over last 25 years, starting of dissolution of USSR, formation of CIS (Commonwealth of Independent States), three of former soviet republics have joined both European Union and NATO. And for a last of couple of years there has been attempts of trying to build up an Eurasian Union.

Map of Former Soviet Union (Source: Iron Curtain and Ex-U.S.S.R. Countries) 

I will speak about those economical organizations seperatly latter in this post, but for now, let's take a look of Projected Future Forecast by International Monetary Fund for those former Soviet Union Countries

Best Hikes In Tbilisi Are Located Near Turtle Lake

17 March, 2015 | Living in Georgia | 26 seen

I have been living in Georgia for more than tvelwe years already. I have traveled around the country quite a lot. 

Probably one of my favorite destinations in Tbilisi is Turtle Lake. On hot summer days, I like to head here to perform some work (in my early Tbilisi years for some Drupal development, latelty managing my crypto hedge fund) or brainstorm new ideas.

Though I started to blog - and document my travels just in 2013, I have been here (at Turtle Lake) some hundred times for sure. If at the start I headed here just to chill near the lake, then lately I'm more into some outdoor activities. 

In this post, I have listed three hiking routes all of them starting at Turtle Lake - one ending at Tskenti village, the second ending at Vake Park, and the third ending at Round Garden (Eristavi Street, almost in the city center)

Stratfor: How Currency Woes Undermine Georgia, Moldova

17 March, 2015 | Emerging Markets | 20 seen

Governments across the former Soviet Union have felt the impact of currency devaluations, but currency depreciations and related economic problems in Georgia and Moldova are exposing their governments to major political pitfalls this year, including even potential government collapse. Both countries have been pursuing greater integration with the West but are still heavily linked to Russia, making them susceptible to Russia's economic downturn. Economic difficulties will undermine both countries' efforts to achieve greater political and economic integration with the European Union and will be a boon to Russia's strategy of slowing the West's push into the former Soviet periphery.

The former Soviet Union has experienced substantial currency devaluations in the past several months. Russia and Ukraine, preoccupied with the conflict in eastern Ukraine, have predictably been the most affected. The Russian ruble lost 43 percent of its value in 2014 and has fallen an additional 11 percent since the start of 2015. Ukraine's currency, the hryvnia, has lost nearly 40 percent of its value in 2015. But the two countries are not alone. Countries that export and…

Hiking trails near Turtle Lake (Tbilisi) - Photos And Route Map

16 March, 2015 | Outdoor Activities | 17 seen

Welcome to another hiking / trekking post in Tbilisi. 

This time in a company of three we made a route from Turtle Lake - Round Garden (Eristavi street). 

As warm weather is more approaching, I'm more into outdoor activities. So - last week we took our bikes and headed to Lisi lake.

Speaking of hiking near Turtle lake - this was already third time this year (first two were made on January) - so it actually doesn't matter what are the weather conditions, right?

This time I did record this route using MapMyRide app and made plenty of photos (Lately I'm really into macros)

This was a 6.3 km route in Tbilisi, Georgia near Turle lake. The route has a total ascent of 209.46 m and has a maximum elevation of 912.2 m. 

Former Aerial tram stop at Turtle lake

Out Of Service Aerial Tram

Hikers at Turtle lake trails

Mountainous flowers near Turtle Lake

First buds 

View to Turtle Lake from Svan Tower

First macro of a butterfly

Met some cows

…

Spring Is In The Air - Colourful Photos From Tbilisi Dezerter Bazaar

13 March, 2015 | Living in Georgia | 13 seen

On the lovely date of March 8 which in Georgia and many other countries is celebrated as International Women's Day I headed to Tbilisi Dezerter Bazaar to capture impressions of that day.

I was hoping to capture smiling man with flowers in hand but instead I did photographed a lot of vegetables, fruits and yes flowers as well.

As well I managed to capture both happy and unhappy sales persons in action.

Take a look

Narcissus for Sale at Tbilisi Dezerter Bazaar

Radishes and sorrels for sale at market

At least I believe those are some sorels, but maybe they are beet leaves?

Colored paprika

Pineapples and bananas at market

Cherry Tomatoes

At Tbilisi Dezerter Bazaar

Oranges at Tbilisi market

Price for 1Kg tomatoes at Tbilisi market

At Tbilisi Dezerter market

Carrots

Cabbages for sale at Tbilisi market

Unhappy sales woman

Spring Onions at Tbilisi market

Radishes at Tbilisi market

At Tbilisi Dezerter…

Enabled Cache For Drupal Views Gives A Better Performace

12 March, 2015 | Drupal Development | 8 seen

The other day talking with my dad on Facebook, he asked me, why my blog is so slow today - it's so slow that he cannot open my site at all. I straight went to my Linode VPS to investigate server logs. Nothing unusual did find there. I used http://tools.pingdom.com/fpt/ to test speed of my site and it actually was really slow.

Since my blog is heavily based on Drupal views, and I had not before enabled cache neither for CSS or JS (I'm still not aggregating CSS and JS) I decided to give a try and to enable cache for all of my views.

The result? Pretty fast right now.

Actually I did a lot of up keeping my disabling and uninstalling unused modules. There is still much left to do - my next big thing is to compress images or better use adaptive image approach to save bandwidth and improve page load times. As well I'm looking how to get fix Eliminate render-blocking JavaScript and CSS in above-the-fold content and other issues.

But yes - enabled views cache did help a lot :)

Drupal views block cache

Under Other change Caching from None to Time-based. In next window choose your…

How To Make Fresh Egg Pasta Noodles Using Macaroni machine

12 March, 2015 | Food blogger | 10 seen

Welcome to my third attempt of being a food bloger, today I will demonstrate how one (perhaps you) can make a home-made noodles by using a macaroni machine.

I believe just like in my previous food blog posts I will learn some new English culinary language.

Ingredients you will need: flour, eggs, salt and a macaroni machine.

We bought our macaroni machine here in Georgia some years ago already, if you don't have one, take your chances and browse on amazon.com

[amazon:B0009U5OSO:full]

Lets dig in:

Ingredients for fresh Egg Pasta - Flour, Eggs and salt

Add Flour to a bowl (make a small cavity to put eggs in)

Add egg to a flour

Add eggs to a flour

Knead your pasta

Oh, I spent some 40 minutes of kneading this egg pasta, it requires a lot of muscle strength and patience. 

Kneaded pasta

Once you have finished your pasta kneading, make a ball shape of it and put it in fridge for some 30 minutes (at least)

A Macaroni Machine

Meanwhile fix your macaroni machine on the table

…