St. Vitus Cathedral and Viewing Tower in Prague
| Churches and Monasteries | 49 seen
In mid-October 2024, we took a family trip to the charming city of Prague. With so much to see and do, we had a packed itinerary, but it was during one of our casual walks around the city that we stumbled upon a true gem — St. Vitus Cathedral. Located within the grounds of Prague Castle, the cathedral’s Gothic towers immediately captured our attention.
And while we didn’t initially plan on visiting, the sight was so captivating that we couldn’t resist exploring it.
St. Vitus Cathedral, officially known as the Metropolitan Cathedral of Saints Vitus, Wenceslaus, and Adalbert, is a masterpiece of Gothic architecture and one of the most important religious sites in the Czech Republic. Towering above the Prague skyline, its striking spires are hard to miss from various vantage points around the city. The cathedral’s storied history, dating back to the 14th century, is evident in its intricate stained glass, ornate facades, and solemn, imposing aura. Stepping inside, we were immediately struck by the sheer grandeur of the structure.
Our unexpected visit felt like stepping back in time. From the impressive tomb of St. Wenceslas to the stunning stained-glass…
Running the Tbilisi Trails: A Challenging 10K at Tsodoreti Lake and a Memorable After-Party
| Living in Georgia | 31 seen
Our latest video from the Tsodoreti Lake race is finally out, capturing some memorable moments from one of the most challenging and scenic runs I've done in recent years. In mid-June 2024, I joined the Tbilisi Trails event, running a 10K to represent TerraMatris alongside friends from Caucasus Translations and several families from the British International School of Tbilisi (BIST). While we all expected some good physical exertion, the reality of the course was far more intense than most of us anticipated.
The race around Tsodoreti Lake was as beautiful as it was grueling. Starting off in the serene surroundings of the lake, the trail wound through rugged paths, forested inclines, and muddy tracks, pushing every runner to their limit. I knew it would be a demanding race, but I was surprised at how tough it became—my finishing time clocked in at about 1 hour and 40 minutes, marking my slowest 10K to date. For context, my typical 10K time is far faster, so this was a real lesson in endurance and humility. The path tested not only physical endurance but also mental resilience, reminding me that nature has a way of setting its own rules and rhythm, no matter how much we…
Review: Art Hotel Prague – A Cozy Stay in a Tranquil Part of Prague
| Hotel reviews | 35 seen
During our recent trip to Prague in October 2024, we opted for a one-night stay at the Art Hotel Prague. We arrived at the hotel via Bolt taxi from Václav Havel Airport, which was straightforward and efficient. At about EUR 120 per room per night, the Art Hotel offered a comfortable yet reasonably priced stay, and we booked directly through the hotel’s website. We also had to pay a small city tax upon check-out.
The Art Hotel is nestled in a quiet and prestigious residential neighborhood, providing a peaceful retreat that still offers easy access to Prague’s iconic spots. The historic center is within walking distance, taking roughly 20 minutes on foot, though we found taking a taxi around the city to be more convenient. Additionally, tram stops nearby provide easy access to popular landmarks for those looking to explore on a budget.
We booked two rooms for our stay, as one of our office staff was traveling with us. The majority of the rooms offer scenic views of Prague, including partial views of the iconic Prague Castle, while others overlook the garden area, creating a lovely green ambiance. A permanent collection of Czech modern art enhances the rooms, featuring…
Foraging for Mushrooms near Tsodoreti Lake: A Day in the Suburbs of Tbilisi
| Living in Georgia | 137 seen
Back in June 2024, I first came across Tsodoreti Lake during one of the Tbilisi Trails races, which turned out to be one of the most challenging runs of my life. While I tackled the 10K trail route, my partner and our kiddo took a gentler 7K path. But even with the varied distances, we all agreed on one thing—Tsodoreti Lake and its surrounding woods had a unique charm.
As we caught our breath by the lake, my partner made a casual yet intriguing remark: "This place might be good for mushrooms." That one sentence planted a seed, and it stayed with us. It’s a classic Georgian forest—dense, wild, and seemingly untouched—a perfect place for mushroom foraging.
Late October felt like the ideal time to return and explore Tsodoreti for mushrooms. The autumn colors painted the forest in warm shades of amber and crimson, and we came prepared with small baskets, ready to dive into a day of foraging. As with any mushroom hunt, our mission was half excitement, half learning. There’s an undeniable thrill to wandering through nature, scanning the forest floor, and stumbling upon something unexpected.
We began our adventure with a few findings, modest…
Axel Georgian Business Angel Networking Event: Exploring Opportunities in Tbilisi
| Living in Georgia | 46 seen
In mid-October 2024, I had the pleasure of attending the Axel Georgian Business Angel networking event, held right here in Tbilisi. Having passively observed the Georgian tech scene for over a decade, this event provided the perfect platform to witness firsthand the innovation and ambition fueling the local startup ecosystem.
With TerraMatris Crypto Hedge Fund now in full swing, my focus has shifted to both raising capital and scouting promising investment opportunities—be it over centralized or decentralized exchanges (CEX or DEX). The timing for such an event couldn't have been better.
The evening kicked off with an electric atmosphere of pitches and networking. Entrepreneurs passionately presented their ideas, and the energy in the room was contagious. One standout was Sergi, who pitched his Tata app, a promising project with potential. It’s always refreshing to see such talent emerging from Georgia, a country that has consistently shown resilience and growth in the tech space over the years.
Though I haven't yet become a member of the AXEL network, the thought of becoming an Angel investor in Georgia is something I’ve considered for a long time. With…
Maika.ge: My Favorite Print Shop in Tbilisi
| Living in Georgia | 52 seen
When it comes to reliable print services in Tbilisi, Maika.ge is my go-to choice. Located at Dinamo Arena, Gate 10, this small yet efficient print shop has been my trusted partner for several years.
Whether for the translation business, Caucasus Translations, or more recently for TerraMatris Crypto Hedge Fund, their service has always impressed me.
Most of the custom prints I order for Caucasus Translations are designed by myself, and here's a tip: Canva is your friend when it comes to creating sleek, professional designs. Maika.ge has always been there to take my designs and bring them to life with quality prints. Lately, I’ve expanded my orders to include T-shirts and caps for TerraMatris, and their execution has been flawless.
What stands out about Maika.ge is their fast and efficient service. Most of the process can be handled via email, making it convenient for those who have tight schedules. They even offer a delivery service, but I personally enjoy visiting the shop to pick up my orders. There's something special about seeing the small workshop in action—it's a place that exudes professionalism and passion for their craft.
For anyone looking…
Tbilisi Bootcamp: Exploring the TON Ecosystem and New Opportunities for TerraMatris Crypto Hedge Fund
| Living in Georgia | 30 seen
In October 2024, Tbilisi hosted the Tbilisi Bootcamp by Ton Foundation, a three-day event that brought together developers, entrepreneurs, and crypto enthusiasts from around the world. Although I couldn't participate in the entire event due to travel commitments, I attended the first day to explore and learn more about the TON token and its growing ecosystem.
At TerraMatris Crypto Hedge Fund, we’ve been making small but strategic investments into TON, and this event provided an excellent opportunity to deepen my understanding and potentially open new doors for future growth.
The TON token (The Open Network) has been gaining significant attention due to its innovative features and deep integration with platforms like Telegram. Its fast, scalable blockchain, along with its potential to handle millions of transactions per second, makes it a compelling investment opportunity. With TerraMatris exploring new avenues for growth, it felt natural to dive deeper into TON's capabilities at this event.
I had the pleasure of listening to some great speakers during the first day of…
Vaclav Havel Airport Prague
| Airports | 27 seen
In mid-October 2024, I had the opportunity to visit Vaclav Havel Airport in Prague for the first time, traveling from Tbilisi to Prague with a layover in Riga on AirBaltic, Latvia’s national carrier. The trip was part of a journey that allowed me to explore the airport’s facilities and discover how easy it is to navigate the city from there.
Vaclav Havel Airport, though serving one of Europe's most popular tourist destinations, felt compact and easy to navigate. The airport has two main terminals. Terminal 1 caters primarily to international, non-Schengen flights, while Terminal 2 handles Schengen-area traffic. As someone used to the sprawling layouts of larger airports, I found the layout of Prague’s airport quite manageable. Moving between terminals and finding amenities was straightforward and stress-free.
One of the most pleasant surprises was the ease with which we could connect to Prague’s city center. Despite not using public transport this time, the options for travelers are extensive. From buses to direct airport express trains, the city has made it simple to transition from the airport to its bustling center. However, for the sake of convenience, we opted…
Tbilisi Marathon 2024
| Living in Georgia | 35 seen
At the end of September, the Tbilisi Marathon 2024 was nothing short of exhilarating! Alongside the fantastic team from Caucasus Translations, I had the privilege of running the 10K race, proudly representing TerraMatris Crypto Hedge Fund. It was a thrilling day packed with action, camaraderie, and just a bit of last-minute drama.
The day started off with one of those classic movie-style moments. Picture this: We’re all geared up and ready to go, but due to a small detour (read: pre-race jitters!), we were cutting it dangerously close to missing the start. In a scene that could have been ripped straight from a Georgian version of a Luc Besson film, we managed to sprint our way to the start line just in time. Talk about an adrenaline rush before the race even began!
Once the race kicked off, the energy was electric. Running through the streets of Tbilisi, surrounded by fellow runners and spectators cheering us on, it reminded me of the vibrant community spirit that this city fosters. Though my result was slightly slower than last year, the day was still a success. TerraMatris Crypto Hedge Fund has grown 44x since its founding, and this run was a…
Kiketi Farm Near Tbilisi: A Hidden Gem for Family Fun
| Living in Georgia | 174 seen
In mid-September 2024, my better half and I stumbled upon a delightful escape just a short drive from Tbilisi—Kiketi Farm. I must admit, I was pleasantly surprised by what this charming farm had to offer. From a cozy restaurant to engaging activities like horseback riding and arts and crafts for kids, Kiketi Farm proved to be an ideal spot for a family-friendly outing.
Nestled in the serene countryside near Tbilisi, Kiketi Farm is a refreshing retreat from the city's hustle and bustle. As soon as we arrived, we were greeted by the inviting atmosphere of the farm, with a rustic yet modern restaurant that quickly caught our eye. We decided to settle down for a leisurely lunch, enjoying the tranquil surroundings while savoring some delicious food.
One of the highlights of Kiketi Farm is its variety of activities. For those who enjoy horseback riding, the farm offers guided rides through the scenic countryside, making it a fantastic way to explore the area. While we didn’t try horseback riding during our first visit, it's definitely on our list for the next time, especially for our child, who I’m sure would be thrilled by the experience.
But what really caught our…
Tbilisi Marathon 2024: Running for Fitness and Crypto Growth
| Living in Georgia | 34 seen
On September 22, 2024, I joined thousands of runners for the annual Tbilisi Marathon.
It was a bright, bit cloudy, lively day in the city, and this year, I ran the 10K race alongside the team from Caucasus Translations. As always, I was proud to represent my hedge fund, TerraMatris, sporting the fund’s T-shirt throughout the run.
Although my finish time was a bit slower than last year (1 hour 13 minutes, though it is disputable as my fitness app showed 1 hour and 3 minutes), the real story for me was the astonishing growth of TerraMatris. Since its inception, the fund has grown an incredible 44 times! Running the marathon gave me a moment to reflect on the journey—balancing fitness, family, and finance, all while watching our fund rise in value over the past year. Isn’t that amazing?
It was also a special day for our family, as our little one took part in the kids' run, making it an even more memorable event. The Tbilisi Marathon has always been about community and perseverance, and this year was no exception.
Running with the support of friends, colleagues, and family added another layer of joy to the experience.
While my time on the…
Hotel Serodani Near Telavi
| Hotel reviews | 25 seen
At the start of September 2024, during our annual trip to the Tsinandali Music Festival, trip was organized by our company Caucasus Translations, we had the pleasure of staying at Hotel Serodani near Telavi. This hotel provided the perfect blend of comfort, convenience, and Georgian hospitality, making our festival experience even more memorable.
Hotel Serodani is conveniently located near Telavi, just 2.9 km away from the historic King Erekle II Palace. Its prime location offers easy access to various attractions in the Kakheti region, including the stunning Gremi Citadel, which is only 20 km away. This made it an ideal base for exploring the area's cultural and historical sights.
The hotel features rooms equipped with air conditioning, a private bathroom, a flat-screen TV, and a seating area. We particularly enjoyed the balconies, offering scenic views, including the mountains in some units. Each room is designed with comfort in mind, providing all the essentials for a relaxing stay, such as a desk, fresh linens, and towels. The 24-hour front desk and private check-in and check-out services ensured a smooth experience throughout our stay.
…
Georgian Vegetarian Cuisine: Top Dishes You Should Try in Tbilisi
| Living in Georgia | 294 seen
Georgia, known for its rich culinary traditions, offers a diverse array of vegetarian dishes that are both delicious and satisfying. Despite being famous for its meat-heavy recipes, Georgian cuisine has a surprising variety of plant-based options.
If you're a vegetarian traveling to Tbilisi or simply looking to explore new flavors, this curated list of top Georgian vegetarian dishes will take you on a flavorful journey. Plus, I’ll share some of the best restaurants in Tbilisi where you can enjoy these dishes.
1. Khachapuri (Cheese Bread)One of Georgia's most iconic dishes, Khachapuri, is a must-try for any visitor. This cheese-filled bread comes in various forms, with the Adjarian Khachapuri being the most famous. It’s shaped like a boat, filled with melted cheese, and topped with an egg and a pat of butter. While not vegan, it's a favorite among vegetarians for its rich and hearty taste.
Where to Try:
- Machakhela – This chain restaurant offers a wide variety of Khachapuri styles.
- Retro – Known for its authentic Adjarian Khachapuri, it’s a local favorite.
Amilakhvari Castle: A Hidden Gem in the Kaspi Region
| Tourism objects | 77 seen
During a recent day trip around the Kaspi region in Georgia, I had the pleasure of visiting the historic Amilakhvari Castle, thanks to a recommendation from a German friend who joined us for the journey. Nestled in the serene landscape of central Georgia, this castle offers a fascinating glimpse into the country’s rich history, and it turned out to be a highlight of our trip.
Amilakhvari Castle, though not as widely known as some of Georgia's other fortresses, holds its own charm and significance. Built in the medieval period, the castle once served as a stronghold for the Amilakhvari family, a prominent noble house in Georgian history. The structure, though partially in ruins, still carries the grandeur of its past, with towering walls, defensive towers, and a sense of mystery that beckons visitors to explore.
Our six-year-old daughter was particularly taken with the hidden stairs within the castle. As we wandered through the labyrinthine passages, she let her imagination run wild, envisioning secret rooms, treasure troves, and daring escapes from ancient enemies. The castle, with its partially concealed pathways and staircases, seemed almost designed to spark the…
August 2024 Stock Portfolio Update ($9,248)
| Stock Portfolio | 158 seen
At the end of August 2024, the total value of our stock portfolio was USD 9,248 (€8,360 ). What is about 5% decrease or USD -478 loss, if compared to the previous month. Fundamental mistake with options trade on INTC stock took us there.
Just like previous month, also August we spent some time in Latvia, some time in Georgia. At the start of August we took a short few days trip to Croatia, staying in town of Omiš celebrating my 39 birthday. Awesome.
You can read mora bout our adventures in Omiš, Croatia here: Top Family-Friendly Things to Do in Omiš, Croatia: Beaches, Dining, and Adventure or see my video: Birthday in Croatia
Now back to the stock portfolio
The decrease in the stock portfolio comes from the market appreciation itself and additionally from options trades, while small part of the growth can be attributed to the dividends.
One of my short-term goals is to grow our portfolio to USD 10,000. With USD 752 to go, I believe this target could be crashed already this Fall, especially if we recover just form a few options trades, but you never know, market can take a steep correction.
The main longer-term goal for…
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