Orbeliani Square
| Tourism objects | 20 seen
Orbeliani square has recently undergone some serious renovations works and has been opened for public.
It's said that about $31 mln has bees spent on renovation works, which took more than two years.
It's interesting to notice President Salome Zurabishvili, moved to the Presidential Palace on the Orbeliani Street when she was elected to the post in 2019
Renovated Oberliani square in Tbilisi
A couple of years ago similar renovation works were done on the Agmashenebeli avenue, see: New Life for Agmashenebeli avenue, Tbilisi
Work on historic buildings included the removal of irreparably damaged sections, constructive reinforcement, removal of unregulated structures from facades, such as air conditioning units, cleaning and refining brickwork, restoration of architectural details, and repairing damaged roofing. 13 monuments of cultural heritage were preserved. In 2017, water, sewage, and natural gas lines were completely renovated on Orbeliani Square, as they had not been functioning properly for some time.
Renovated buildings near Oberlaini square
In one of these buildings, the former…
Fairmont Baku hotel at Flame Towers
| Hotel reviews | 11 seen
Located in the Flame Towers Complex, just a 3-minute walk from the famous Martyrs' Alley, 5-star Fairmont Baku, Flame Towers features picturesque views of Baku City or Caspian Sea.
We booked a two-night stay at Fairmont Baku in early August, during my birthday trip to Baku, Azerbaijan, for a two-day stay we paid USD 349, which I believe is the lowest amount of money we have paid for a luxury stay at 5-star hotel ever.
Top 14 Luxury 5-star hotels in Baku, Azerbaijan
For the money paid we got a large (more than 50 m2) hotel room on the 15th floor, with a city view. The price also included unlimited access to the indoor pool and sauna.
A large room at Fairmont hotel inside Flame Towers
Modern air-conditioned rooms at Fairmont Baku, Flame Towers include contemporary décor and a flat-screen TV. A spacious work desk, fully-stocked minibar and panoramic windows are also fitted in all rooms.
King Size bed
Bathroom
The marble bathrooms come with a glass wall and bidet. Guests are offered rooms with iPod dock station and a coffee machine.…
Amazon Alexa Echo Dot (3rd Gen) - Smart speaker Review
| Gadget Reviews | 18 seen
There are more than 50,000 user reviews about Alexa Echo Dot smart speaker on Amazon, and in this article, I wont be very original, but I will write another review from a point of view of a stock trader and a father of a little baby girl.
I purchased our first Echo Dot smart speaker at the end of August 2019, it took more than 2 weeks to get it shipped to Georgia (country) and just in the mid-September, it was finally here.
Disclosure: This article contains links to Amazon, by clicking on links on this page and by making a purchase on Amazon site, I might earn an affiliate income from that at no cost to you.
How To Order Goodies From US to Georgia - Usa2Georgia.com
Frankly speaking, this was the most awaited gadget I've ever ordered from Amazon. I got that feeling that this device will change our lives forever, as a washing machine did it back in the 50-ies.
The motivation behind this purchase was because of the baby - I wanted to have some smart gadget she could talk with (well she is just 14 months old, and it will take some time, but I can see huge…
Daytrip to Manglisi
| Travel guides | 16 seen
Originally it was planned as a day trip to Dashbashi canyon near Tsalka, but at the end, we reached Buratino lake near Manglisi.
Let me explain, the previous week we headed up to Tskneti and further to Kojori, but discovered there is a road connecting Kojori to Algeti national park up from there, and we agreed to spend one Saturday or Sunday afternoon discovering the area.
From Algeti we are already familiar with Birtvisi canyon and Algeti reservoir. A couple of months ago a friend of mine told me
Our first stop - Visitor center of Algeti National park, a quick conversation with park rangers, and we are told to head to Buratino lake (at that time we didn't know the name) - not knowing actually where are we driving, we make a stop at some ruins and discover there is an impressive church complex on the other side of the road - Manglisi Sioni, what I find interesting - the coat of arms of Imperial Russia on the facade and Russian Orthodox cross atop of the church.
Our final stop - Buratino lake - The reason we wanted to get here is quite simple - to have an outdoor barbecue (for that reason we bought meat, …
Dolma restaurant in Baku
| Restaurant reviews | 130 seen
Dolma restaurant is located on M.Rasulzada street 8 in Baku, this places serves typical Azerbaijani cuisine and is named as of the best Baku restaurants.
This restaurant was a recommendation from a Tripadvisor, we got here from our hotel room in Flames Tower using Bolt Taxi application
At first, it was hard to find this place, as the restaurant is actually located in a basement, which actually is more like a dungeon
Restaurant Dolma in Baku
I barely noticed the signboard among the many other flashing lights in the city
Traditional Azerbaijani pilaf
Wow, that was really good one. Pilaf is served with apricots, chesnuts, raisins and meat. Spcies from East are used to flavor the taste. Yumm.
Dolma with a yoghurt sauce
If there is a reason to visit Azerbaijan, then it's because of Dolma. The best Dolma I've tried so far. And I love Dolma, even so much I like to prepare at Dolma, see: How to Prepare Traditional Dolma (Grape Leaves Roll)
They make it great at restaurant Dolma (apparently there is a reason restaurant is named after it)
Kebab at…
Buratino Lake
| Lakes | 45 seen
Buratino lake is a relatively small, artificial (man-made) water reservoir near Manglisi town in the region of Kvemo Kartli, Georgia.
We first discovered and visited Buratino lake in the mid-August 2019, after getting directions here from the Algeti Visitors center. Just shortly before getting here we made a short stop at Manglisi cathedral.
The road heading to Buratino lake is not in the best shape, an SUV car is recommended, but I noticed locals get here even by taxi - you could probably hike here or take a taxi from Manglisi town to get down to the lake.
The reason we wanted to get here is quite simple - to have an outdoor barbecue (for that reason we bought meat, barbeque grill and even charcoal while departed Tbilisi, at Tskneti), and to give a little swim to our 13-month old baby girl.(For the baby girl we have floating ring we bough in Antalya, Turkey) We got both.
It should be noted that Buratino lake (at least during the high season) is for a fee - even for the entrance is asked 1 GEL, parking a car inside the territory some 2 GEL…
Guest house / Viesu Māja 'Kuncīši' near Murjāņi
| Hotel reviews | 21 seen
Featuring free WiFi and a barbecue, Viesumāja Kuncīši Murjāņos offers accommodation in Murjāņi, 41 km from the center of Rīga. Free private parking is available on site.
We booked guesthouse Kuncīši for a one night stay in July 2019, we paid EUR 100 in cash and for the money got a separate guesthouse (for up to 12 people) - a sauna, small indoor pool and a grill to prepare a barbeque.
The evening spent here reminded me of our travels in Germany about two years ago when we were booking holiday homes. See: 3 day leisure trip to Germany (The Mossel Valley)
Guesthouse Kuncīši near Murjāņi
We got a separate house for up to 12 people. We were traveling 4 (3 adults and our baby girl)
Grill area
We had bought meat and charcoal already back in the city. As we arrived pretty late, I started to grill before even entering the house.
a dining /banquet/wedding hall at guest house Kuncīši
Such guesthouse like Kuncīši are quite popular to rent in Latvia for weddings. Tonight we dined at wedding hall lol
There is a fully equipped kitchen in the house that guests can use and a flat-screen…
Baku Boulevard
| Tourism objects | 22 seen
Baku Boulevard also is known as National Park is a promenade established in 1909 which runs parallel to Baku's seafront.
Its history goes back more than 100 years, to a time when Baku oil barons built their mansions along the Caspian shore and when the seafront was artificially built up inch by inch.
I first visited Baku on August 2019, and Baku boulevard was our first stop after arriving at Baku Railway station. To get here we caught a street taxi
The park stretches along a south-facing bay on the Caspian Sea. It traditionally starts at Freedom Square continuing west to the Old City and beyond. Since 2012, the Yeni Bulvar (new boulevard) has virtually doubled the length to 3.75 km, extending the promenades to National Flag Square.
At the main entrance in Baku boulevard
In 2015 White City Boulevard added a further 2 km to the east of Freedom Square and reports have suggested that eventually, the boulevard might be as long as 26 km, including Bibiheybət.
Baku Boulevard
Originally the boulevard was established to…
Manglisi Cathedral
| Churches and Monasteries | 17 seen
Manglisi Cathedral or Manglisi Sioni Cathedral is a 6th-7th-century Georgian Orthodox cathedral near the town of Manglisi, Tetritsqaro Municipality, Georgia.
For me, it was interesting to observe the traditional cross from the Russian orthodox church decorating the top of this cathedral. Also, the coat of arms with two-headed eagle from Tzarist Russia is featured on the facade of Manglisi cathedral.
Two-headed eagle from Tzarist Russia
According to sources the first church was built in 4th century. The current cathedral was constructed in 6th-7th century. The cathedral went through a huge restoration in 1002.
The arch gate is the main focus of the western façade. On either side of it are arches based on triple decorative semicircles and decorated with several types of ornaments. This gate was built in the 19th century, as indicated by a Russian inscription on the restoration, as well as a profusion of stone-cut stones.
Russian inscription on the bell tower
In short, it's said that the bell tower was restored in 1852
The dominant mass of…
Hotel 'Keizarmezs' Review in Riga
| Hotel reviews | 12 seen
The Keizarmezs is located on the shore of Lake Kisezers in the Mezaparks district, a 20-minute drive from Riga’s centre. A private car park is available free of charge.
We booked a couple of nights here in July 2019, during our visit to Riga hotel Keizarmezs offered lowest value deal price, for a 3-night stay we paid here about $70 (while most of the other Riga hotels asked around $300)
Now, the hotel is bit outdated, but the price compensates that.
A simple, little bit outdated room at hotel Keizarmezs
The rooms at the Keizarmezs Hotel have a bathroom and satellite TV. Irons and hairdryers are available at the reception. Room service is also available.
Bathroom at Hotel Keizarmezs
A bit rust here and there, but everything was clean at least.
Dining area at Hotel Keizarmezs
The price we paid for the hotel, didn't include breakfast, but we could dine all day for an affordable price at the hotel's restaurant - the food - nothing special, simple bistro style.
Spa facilities at Hotel Keizarmezs include an indoor pool, a hot tub, a sauna, a gym, and a steam bath…
Top Gurjaani Hotels & Guest Houses
| Hotel reviews | 15 seen
If there is a good reason to visit Gurjaani in Georgia's region of Kakheti, then tranquility, family-friendly trips, and clean air are the top 3 reasons according to Booking.com
Gurjaani is situated in the fertile Alazani Plain, at 415 m above sea level, and 110 km east of Georgia's capital of Tbilisi. It is the center of an important region of viticulture and wine-making. Important landmarks of the town are Akhtala, a historic spa, locally known for its mud bathes, and the early medieval Gurjaani Kvelatsminda Church, the only example of a two-domed design in Georgia. There are also several museums, the largest of which is the Gurjaani Museum of Local Lore and History.
There are not many fancy five-star luxury hotels in Gurjaani. In fact, there are none.
Though there is one great 4-star hotel (Akhasheni Wine Resort). In Gurjaani there are many guesthouses and holiday houses available for rent. The best, you should expect to pay about $14 per night at the lower budget guest house up to $120 per night at the more expensive Akhasheni Wine Resort
Please note: Hotels listed in this article…
August 2019 Dividend Income Report - $259.58
| Investments | 12 seen
Welcome to the twenty-eight (#28) dividend income report, covering earnings I've made from dividend-paying stocks and peer to peer lending in August 2019.
Last August, I turned 34. For this years birthday celebrations, we traveled to Baku, Azerbaijan and had some really good time there.
Fairmont Baku hotel at Flame Towers (Read my review here)
As I've reached the age of 34, starting the next year I will put aside at least 54% from my yearly income. Here is the formula = my age + 20 = 54%. I'm raising this number every year.
Now, the last August was very good and even had a surprise dividend from Silvano Fashion Group. At the end of the month, I have collected $259.58 -what is about $100 more I was looking to get this month.
Disclosure: This article contains affiliate links to mintos.com peer to peer lending and deribit.com options trading websites, by clicking on links on this page and by making investment mintos.com or derbit.com, I might earn affiliate income at no cost…
Baku Central Railway Station
| Railway / Bus / Ferry | 33 seen
Baku central railway station has gone through some serious modernization recently.
We booked a train to Baku from Tbilisi in early August 2019, and that's how I first visited this railway station.
Tbilisi - Baku by Train Ticket Information
According to RailwayPro - It took 2 years to renovate and modernize the whole capital’s rail station. The station has a shopping area on the second floor, the main building has been renovated and all the platforms been reconstructed.
Baku Railway building
Inside the building, there are modern facilities - a shopping and dining area (a hint at Pizza hut they have a free Wi-FI). There is a few ATM located inside the building, I was able to withdraw 95 manats here from VISA card (the commission though was about 3 EUR)
Reconstructed platforms at Baku Railway Station
On the left there is a RVR train departing/arriving.
Rīgas Vagonbūves Rūpnīca (RVR) is one of the largest machine-building plants in Latvia, founded in 1895 by the businessman Oscar Freywirth under the name Phoenix. RVR is based in Riga and was for many years the largest…
Georgia / Azerbaijan Border Crossing by train (Gardabani / Boyuk Kasik)
| Travel guides | 61 seen
When traveling by train from Tbilisi to Baku, there are two border checkpoints (one in Georgia, and one in Azerbaijan) - the total border crossing procedure can take around 2 hours (an hour for each side) and you can stay inside the train during the checkups.
In this article, I'll share some notes from our latest trip to Baku from Tbilisi by train in the start of August 2019
Tbilisi - Baku by Train Ticket Information
It takes about an hour for the train to reach Georgia / Azerbaijan border at Gardabani. Police officers (border guards) will enter the train, collect passports and check if you have Azerbaijani e-visa.
Cold drinks on the Gardabani border checkpoint
During the border checkups toilets are closed inside the train. While in Georgian side you are allowed to left the train and try some cold drink at a lonely kiosk or visit really nasty though free toilet.
Georgian side is not checking customs (obiviouly when departing Georgia) - just e-visa and passports.
Baku - Tbilisi train
Passports are brought back to the train, and the train departs for the…
Algeti National Park Visitor Center Manglisi
| Tourism objects | 31 seen
The main entrance of the national park is located near the Cathedral of the Assumption of the Virgin Mary of Manglisi.
Algeti National Park Administration has a small infrastructural unit – a picnic area with auxiliary buildings and a forest adventure park.
Algeti has been on our radar ever since we discovered Algeti water reservoir while hiking in Birvisi Canyon.
To get here we used Tbilisi - Kojori - Tsalka - Ninotsminda road
Day trip To Tsalka and nearby Villages
Forest adventure park at Algeti Visitors center
From first sight, the forest adventure park looks quite easy. During our visit here in the mid-August 2019, the adventure park didn't seem to be working.
Children playroom inside the visitors center of Algeti National Park
A tourist trail called “Sanepo Ridge” starts from the cathedral and includes a visit to the picnic area. It is possible to hire a guide and horses to enjoy the visit to its fullest. Visitors can visit the national park at any time of the year, though it is much more difficult in winter due to heavy snow.
Algeti National…
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