Georgian railway offers free WiFi

30 May, 2014 | Railway / Bus / Ferry | 299 seen

Update: Georgian Railway still (2016) offers free Wi-FI (at least in the Tbilisi - Batumi line), but it is slow because most of the passengers have tuned their devices (laptops and mobile phones) to online video streaming services making this a very bad internet browsing experience.

Once I noticed a dude opening torrent sites and downloading movies (most probably piratical)  - while browsing YouTube meanwhile.

For some serious work - Wi-FI offered by Georgian Railways (it's Geocell actually) - is not an option - and if you need a stable internet connection while on the trip - I highly suggest using 3G/4G - personally I'm using Magti 3G internet which is - cheap and fast most of the Tbilisi - Batumi route.

There are places en route where no mobile networks are available and Wi-Fi neither.

Coffee bar Palms Batumi

30 May, 2014 | Restaurant reviews | 12 seen

Coffee bar Palms is one of the oldest coffee places I know located in Batumi park between Hotel Intourist Palace and Seaside Boulevard. 

Here you can order scramble and delicious Turkish coffee for breakfast for reasonable price.

Coffee bar Palms in Batumi

Interior made from Bamboo tree

The bamboo furniture and decor create a cozy and inviting ambiance that makes you feel right at home.

The menu is diverse and caters to a variety of tastes and preferences, making it the perfect place to grab a quick bite or spend a leisurely afternoon.

The staff at Coffee bar Palms is friendly and welcoming, always making sure that their customers are comfortable and well taken care of. They take pride in their coffee and are passionate about ensuring that every cup is made to perfection.

One of the best things about Coffee bar Palms is its location. It is situated in the heart of Batumi park, surrounded by lush greenery and beautiful flowers. This makes it the perfect place to relax and enjoy the beauty of nature while sipping on a delicious coffee. The park is also a popular spot for families and children, who come…

Discover the Top 7 Reasons to Visit Batumi, Georgia

29 May, 2014 | Living in Georgia | 6 seen

Batumi is a charming coastal city located on the eastern coast of the Black Sea in Georgia. It is the capital of the Adjara region and is known for its stunning beaches, rich culture, and delicious cuisine. In recent years, it has emerged as a popular tourist destination, attracting visitors from all over the world.

In this article, we will take a closer look at the top reasons to visit Batumi.

One of the main reasons to visit Batumi is its beautiful beaches. The city boasts a long coastline with many stunning beaches, including the popular Batumi Beach and Gonio Beach. These beaches offer crystal-clear water, soft sand, and plenty of sunshine, making them ideal for swimming, sunbathing, and water sports.

Batumi is known for its unique architecture, which is a blend of different styles, including Gothic, Baroque, and Ottoman. The city is home to many beautiful buildings, including the Batumi Boulevard, the Alphabet Tower, and the Batumi Sea Port, all of which are must-visit attractions for architecture enthusiasts.

A Beach Lover's Guide to Batumi: Where to Swim, Sunbathe, and Relax in the City

28 May, 2014 | Travel guides | 449 seen

Batumi, a beautiful city on Georgia's Black Sea coast, is a popular destination for beach lovers looking for a relaxing vacation. With its warm weather, crystal clear waters, and stunning scenery, Batumi has everything you need for a perfect beach getaway.

In this article, we will explore the best places to swim, sunbathe, and relax in the city, as well as the best time to visit.

The best time to visit Batumi is during the summer months, from June to September, when the weather is warm and sunny. During this time, the water temperature is perfect for swimming, and the beaches are lively and bustling with activity. However, keep in mind that this is also the peak tourist season, so the beaches can get quite crowded.

Batumi Beach is the most popular beach in the city and for a good reason. It's located in the heart of the city, making it easily accessible for tourists. The beach is well-maintained, and there are plenty of amenities available, including sun loungers, umbrellas, showers, and changing rooms. The water is clean and perfect for swimming, and there are plenty of restaurants and cafes nearby where you…

Exploring Tbilisi and Mtatsminda: A Day of Adventure with My Dad in Georgia

27 May, 2014 | Living in Georgia | 8 seen

Back in May 2014, my dad came to visit me in Georgia and also celebrate his 60 birtdhay, and we had an amazing time exploring the country. One of our most memorable days was when we went on a walking tour of Tbilisi, the capital city of Georgia.

We started the day by taking a ride on the metro to Avlabari and then hired a taxi to take us up to Sameba, one of the largest Orthodox churches in the world. From there, we walked down to the old city and explored the historic streets and buildings.

Next, we headed up to Narikala Fortress, an ancient citadel that overlooks the city. The views from the top were breathtaking, and we spent some time admiring the panoramic views. We then made our way to the nearby Mother Georgia monument, which towers over the city and is a symbol of Georgian national pride.

After taking in the sights at Mother Georgia, we headed down to Rustaveli Boulevard, one of Tbilisi's main thoroughfares. From there, we caught a bus to Mtatsminda amusement park, which is located on top of a hill overlooking the city. We took a funicular down to the Pantheon, a famous cemetery where many famous Georgians are buried, and then walked back down to…

Georgia Turned 96: A Personal Account of Celebrating Independence Day

26 May, 2014 | Living in Georgia | 15 seen

On May 26, 2014, I had the opportunity to witness firsthand the celebration of Georgia's Independence Day in the heart of Tbilisi. The day marked the country's 96th anniversary of independence, and as a foreigner visiting Georgia, it was an unforgettable experience.

I was joined by my dad who visited me in Tbilisi, and we decided to venture out and explore the city on this special day.

We made our way to Liberty Square, where a military parade was scheduled to take place in honor of the occasion. As we arrived, we were greeted by a sea of people, all eagerly waiting for the parade to begin. The atmosphere was electric, with music blaring and crowds cheering as Georgian military personnel marched by in their uniforms.

The sense of national pride and unity was palpable, and it was an incredible sight to see so many people coming together to celebrate their country's independence.

As the parade ended, my friend and I wandered around the city, taking in the festive atmosphere and enjoying the sights and sounds of the day. We stopped for a traditional Georgian lunch and shared stories about our experiences in the country. My dad, who had visited me…

Exploring the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Mtskheta

25 May, 2014 | Travel guides | 9 seen

Mtskheta is a small town located in the Mtskheta-Mtianeti region of Georgia, about 20 kilometers north of the capital city of Tbilisi. Known for its rich history, religious significance, and stunning natural scenery, Mtskheta is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Georgia.

One of the most important features of Mtskheta is its status as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This is due to the town's long and fascinating history, which dates back over 3,000 years. Mtskheta was once the capital of the ancient kingdom of Iberia, and it has played a significant role in Georgian culture and religion ever since.

One of the most famous landmarks in Mtskheta is the Svetitskhoveli Cathedral. Built in the 11th century, this stunning cathedral is considered one of the most important religious sites in Georgia. It is said to house the robe of Christ, and it has served as the burial site for many Georgian kings and queens throughout history.

Another important religious site in Mtskheta is the Jvari Monastery. Situated on a hill overlooking the town, the Jvari Monastery was built in the 6th century and is widely regarded as a…

New Wine Festival Tbilisi: Celebrating Georgia's Ancient Winemaking Traditions

24 May, 2014 | Living in Georgia | 6 seen

Georgia, a country known for its ancient wine-making traditions and distinctive varieties of wine, has been holding the annual New Wine Festival in Tbilisi since 2012. The festival is a celebration of the end of the grape harvest and the beginning of the winemaking season. It is an opportunity for visitors to sample some of the country's finest wines, learn about the winemaking process, and immerse themselves in Georgian culture.

The event attracts wine lovers and connoisseurs from all over the world who come to experience Georgia's unique winemaking techniques, which have been passed down from generation to generation for thousands of years.

The festival is an excellent opportunity to taste some of the best wines in Georgia. The country has over 500 grape varieties, and many of these are used to produce unique wines that are not available anywhere else in the world. Visitors can sample red, white, and amber wines, as well as sparkling wines and brandies. There are also traditional Georgian snacks, such as khachapuri (cheese-filled bread), lobiani (bean-filled bread), and grilled meat.

The New Wine Festival is not just about wine tasting. It is also a…

Experience the Best of Georgia: A Road Trip from Kutaisi to Tbilisi

23 May, 2014 | Living in Georgia | 91 seen

Georgia is a country that is filled with breathtaking natural landscapes, rich culture, and unique experiences that can be enjoyed by visitors of all ages. From the soaring peaks of the Caucasus Mountains to the pristine beaches of the Black Sea coast, Georgia has something to offer every type of traveler.

Back in 2014, I had the pleasure of taking a road trip with my dad from Kutaisi to Tbilisi. Along the way, we experienced the many different sides of Georgia and the wonderful people who call it home.

One of the first things we noticed on our drive was the abundance of honey being sold by local vendors in the Imereti region. The air was thick with the sweet smell of honey, and we couldn't resist stopping to sample some of the local varieties. Each jar had a unique flavor and aroma, and we were impressed by the craftsmanship and care that went into making them.

As we continued our journey, we came across a small town called Khashuri. Here, we discovered that the locals were known for selling handmade nets. The town's main square was lined with vendors selling an array of fishing nets, each one crafted with skill and care. It was fascinating to see the…

How to Launch a Successful Facebook Ad Campaign on a Minimal Budget

22 May, 2014 | Blogging | 5 seen

Facebook advertising can be a powerful tool for businesses of all sizes to reach their target audience and drive conversions. However, many small businesses may feel like they don't have the budget to launch an effective Facebook ad campaign. The good news is that with some smart planning and execution, it's possible to create a successful Facebook ad campaign even on a minimal budget.

The first step in creating a minimal budget Facebook ad campaign is to define your target audience and your campaign goals. This will help you determine the most effective ad format, targeting options, and messaging to use. With a clear understanding of who you're trying to reach and what action you want them to take, you can create ads that are highly targeted and focused on driving results.

Once you've defined your audience and goals, it's time to create your ad content. Facebook offers a range of ad formats, including image, video, and carousel ads, each with its own strengths and weaknesses. For a minimal budget campaign, it's best to start with a single ad format that's aligned with your campaign goals and has been shown to be effective for your audience. Keep your messaging…

I failed to blog 365 days in a row

15 May, 2014 | Blogging | 6 seen

<p>Unfortunatelly due to my travels abroad, and despite I have 3G phone, I failed to connect to internet and post blog posts for 2 days. There still is places on Earth where is no internet connection.&nbsp;</p><p>I hope I wont fail next time</p>

Laidi Manor

9 May, 2014 | Tourism objects | 83 seen

Laidi manor or palace (Laidu muiža - pils in Latvian) is a very cool tourism sight in Laidi parish, Kuldīga municipality, in the historical region of Courland (Kurzeme)

Built in the early 19th century by the local German nobility, it has housed the Laidi primary school since 1921.

Park at Laidi manor

The origins of the manor date back to the turn of the 16th and 17th centuries. The complex of the manor has formed around the administrator’s house, which is the oldest one in the manor. From the year 1800 to 1810 the nobleman Manteuffel was building the manor’s castle with its household buildings in classicism style. The complex is symmetrical and has been formed around the inner yard. At both sides of the castle facing each other are two buildings – a barn with a coach house and the administrator’s house, connected by a gate.

Bagrati Cathedral in Kutaisi

4 May, 2014 | Churches and Monasteries | 54 seen

Bagrati Cathedral probably is among the most iconic site to visit in Georgia, and it should be a must have on your travel list if you have been in those parts of Georgia (Kutaisi). If you are traveling to or from Kutaisi International airport take your time and pay a visit here.

In fact I have visited Bagrati cathedral just between my travels to or from Kutaisi airport. So did happened my first visit here after I had been living in Georgia for more than 3 years. And so did happened when I last time took my mom here after she arrived to Kutaisi.

P.S. Both of my parents have visited Bagrati Cathedral while visiting me in Georgia.

I was eager to play with a HDR images for my digital photography school project and here are some lovely photos of Bagrati Cathedral. 

Bagrati cathedral in HDR

It was a lovely October Sunday, weather was great and  managed to take a decent HDR with super rich architecture and blue skies. Just lovely.

Bell tower at Bagrati Cathedral 

Bagrati cathedral and bell tower in HDR

Old stone pillars at Bagrati cathedral

…

How to add Pin It button to Drupal 7

3 May, 2014 | Drupal Development | 20 seen

In this Drupal tutorial I will show you how to add Pinterest Pin It Button to Drupal 7 site using views and html.tpl.php file.

I like it keep it simple, and I have created a separate view for all social share plugins (Facebook, Twitter, G+ and Pinterest). Each of the social sites came with his own JavaScript you have to load either to your template.php file or I prefer to add it to html.tpl.php in theme folder (If you have not it, consider creating it).

Create a new view, or modify your existing one

• Add Contextual Filter: Nid
• Add Relationship: File usage

More for configuring Relationship for this task please read this comment: https://drupal.org/node/1098938#comment-5025942

Add Fields:

• Content:Path (Excluded) 
• File: Path (Excluded)
• Content (Title) (Excluded)
• Custom Text

In field Custom Text…

Hotel Royal Batoni, Kvareli, Kakheti, Georgia

3 May, 2014 | Hotel reviews | 15 seen

One of the most interesting hotels I have stayed last time. Located in the footsteps of surrounding mountains next to Ilias lake, which offers some recreation opportunities, in heart of Georgia, Kakheti, Kvareli.

We stayed here at Easter weekend, 2014 and we definitely got what we paid for.

Located in a picturesque area on the bank of Ilia Lake, between the Kvareli Mountains and the Duruji River, Royal Batoni offers a sauna and outdoor swimming pool with beautiful views of the lake. Free Wi-Fi and private parking are available.

The elegant rooms feature modern design and furnishings. They offer satellite TV and private bathroom with a bath or shower, hairdryer and free toiletries. Rooms feature lake or mountain views.

Royal Batoni has a wine cellar, cigar room and restaurant serving local cuisine. It offers a games room with billiards and table tennis. The hotel has a terrace and BBQ facilities. Free bikes are available.

Tbilisi is 90 km away. Tbilisi Airport is 122 km away.

Book Royal Batoni online