Makhuntseti Arched Bridge

26 January, 2017 | Tourism objects | 272 seen

The Makhuntseti Arched Bridge is located in the village with same name, in the Keda municipality (region of Adjara in Georgia) on Batumi - Khulo road.

The bridge is pretty large and holds together on the natural rock stones and lime. The bridge is located above Acharistskali river.

Makhuntseti Arched Bridge

The horizontal length of the bridge among piers is 19.5 meters. The walkway length is 28.7 meters and the width in the middle is 2.5 meters. The height of the arch from water level is 5.6 meters. The piers of the bridge have no holes.

Makhuntseti Arched Bridge

There is a small info board located next to the bridge, with detailed information both in Georgian and English.

During the centuries  restoration works have been made for the bridge. Wit latest restoration works been made in 2018.

Makhuntseti Waterfall is located in a walking distance from this arched bridge. 

Waiting For The Water Level To Rise In The Pond

25 January, 2017 | Home Remodeling | 11 seen

In the mid Summer 2016, we did a major task - dug a pond, after pond excavation works we were left with a large hole in the middle of our rural property.

There are no incoming streams actually which could fill pond faster and we are left with just rain and snow waters.

Luckily, there were a lot rain this Summer and our small pond started to fill with water.

Pond

Lovely evening mood and cat on the inspection walk.

Pond seems rather really small from picture above, which is not true in fact,it just has been recently excavated and waiting for water to fill in. It took less than two months and even grass have grown back. See: Pond Digging - Part 3 - The Result 

Pond

View towards house from the road side. 

I wonder what will we see this Spring?

About Tbilisi - Kiev - New York Flight by Ukrainian Airlines

24 January, 2017 | Travel guides | 15 seen

In mid-November 2016 I faced an issue which I had to handle in the United States. I had to fly there soon.

In the past I have flied twice to the United States, both time leaving from Warsaw, Poland by Polish Airlines LOT and once have returned back via Istanbul using Turkish airlines flight from Houston. 

This time I decided to make it happen with less layovers as possible and even smaller waiting times. Our first choice was to fly with Turkish Airlines with connecting flight in Istanbul, the price for two persons round trip (Tbilisi - Istanbul - New York) was nice about $1,200, but it involved 8 hour waiting time in Istanbul, which is not nice for such long flights.

We didn't considered Polish Airlines, as the connecting flight in Warsaw is pretty far from Tbilisi. And last time we flied with them the airplane was some old can from 70ies.

And then Ukrainian Airlines popped up - offering amazing deal, waiting time in Kiev airport just about 2 hours for a connecting flight and price the same as Turkish airlines (about $1,200 for two persons round trip Tbilisi - Kiev - New York). So we booked our flight to NYC with Ukrainian Airlines.

Please note - Turkish Airlines, LOT Polish Airlines and UIA Ukrainian airlines all have direct flights to Tbilisi, with  connecting hubs in their  base countries (Turkey, Poland and Ukraine)

Before booking our flight we had to renew our ESTA (Visa Waiver Program for select nationals) and here we were at the end of December heading to the New York, to handle some business issues and celebrate New Year's night in New York city.

Flight from Tbilisi to Kiev (Borispol airport) was just a regular, short (about 2 and half hour flight) - regular small Boeing plane, not new not old. Simple and very OK for such a short flight. 

When we arrived to Borispol airport in Ukraine, it was announced that our New York flight will be delayed for 10 hours. Personal at UIA Ukraine airlines was not very polite and didn't wanted to answer on our fair questions, there were a bunch of people flying route Tbilisi - Kiev - New York, at least some 10-12 persons. We all were told to wait some official announcements. I told screw you Ukrainian Airlines I'm going to  take at least some city sightseeing trip by my own, as I don't want to sit at airport for 10 hours. It would be just normal if the representatives of airline would offer such possibility because of delayed flight, but they didn't (I'm not sure is that even legal)

Anyhow, not to piss ourselves even more, we went to the border check point, presented our passports, got stamps and went for a city sightseeing by our owns.

Kiev is really cheap city, we spent about 40 EUR and drive both taxi's, public buses and even Kiev metro, spent some hours at fancy Kiev restaurants and returned back to the airport some 2 hours before our proposed flight. At that time it was announced flight will be delayed for 30 minutes more. I could start to scream, but I chose not to and just spent the rest of the times at the airports smoking rooms and cafeterias,

Our next connecting flight to New York started. Ohh gosh, the place was the same old can we avoided Polish Airlines because of... the most fun I didn't even had legroom (yes economy class). Luckily we got asleep (somehow) and opened our eyes just after some 9 hours, when it was just about an hour to New York. Thanks Good we had a nice sleep. And thanks God, we landed safely - which is actually what matters most.

It was supposed that we will arrive to NYC in midday, we got booked a hotel in New Jersey, and I was already familiar about public transport options in NYC, so I thought it won't be expensive to get there. As our flight was delayed, we arrived in NYC after midnight, and as I believe there are some of the public transport heading to the Manhattan at that time I was not so sure about public transport to New Jersey. That's why I approached one of the limo service guys at JFK airport and asked what price he would take us to our hotel. We quickly googled and told me $140 (I was ready to pay $200), so I agreed and after about an hour drive though the beautiful Manhattan we checked in at our hotel just shortly after 2:00 AM. We even managed to order Pizza there by phone which was delivered shortly before 3:00 A.M.

Our flight back was after some 10 days again with the same Ukrainian Airlines - New York - Kiev - Tbilisi. We had changed our hotel to the heart of the city (in the Chelsea area, with a nice view towards Empire State building). We checked out from hotel and arranged a yellow street cab to the airport (they have a flat rate from Manhattan to JFK for about USD 65).

Luckily there were no delays at the airport this time and we boarded timely. The plane was still the old junk from 70s with no legroom for me, but again luckily for us, we got asleep and awakened just shortly before landing in Kiev. 

Flight from Kiev to Tbilisi was on time (our waiting time was about 3 hours), and for the surprise of me, the last plane we fly with Ukrainian airlines was the most modern (no, no screens in front of you, but  at least plenty of legroom in the same economy class).

Gosh, we felt lucky being back in Tbilisi.

Makhuntseti Waterfall

23 January, 2017 | Tourism objects | 51 seen

I was more than sure that the name of this waterfall in Keda municipality (region of Adjara) is Queen Tamar Waterfall, and was surprised latter to learn official name is Makhuntseti Waterfall.

No matter of the name, it is just second waterfall I have discovered in Georgia (the other been located behind Tbilisi sulphur baths in Abanotubani district). Waterfalls and water are great for photography. It was in the morning, we left hotel Sputnik in Batumi (in last evening I arranged a taxi driver to take us on the ride to Khulo from Batumi) and this waterfall was our first stop.

It was pretty early still, no tourists on site. The morning was still covered in mist and it was a little bit freezing.

Makhuntseti Waterfall

There are some small cafeteria located near this waterfall, probably it would be nice to enjoy a cup of coffee here. At the time we arrived here, everything was still closed. 

A small channel formed from waterfall

Very lovely place for a photography. Could spend hours with long exposures here.

Makhuntseti Waterfall

The Last Row of Aerated Concrete Blocks Masonry

22 January, 2017 | Home Remodeling | 16 seen

Now, it was pretty easy to build first six rows of wall from aerated concrete blocks, see Constructing Wall From AAC blocks + Finishing Foundation Concreting Works for Bathroom, Another Day, Another Wall and Lintel Installation & First Coffee Break.

For today's task it was to add last row of aerated concrete blocks, prior to that a 

Wall and supporting beams

Before adding the last row of aerated concrete blocks I made final strengthening of the upper beams.

Pile of aerated concrete blocks

In total for this part of house (bathroom) I have spent about 1/4 from the total stocks.

Final row

At one stage I had to use chain saw to saw up a hole to fit aac block in. Also at the end of the day I started to even out soil around fundament.

Top 10 Hotels in Sofia (Bulgaria)

20 January, 2017 | Hotel reviews | 5 seen

Just recently I booked my first flight to Sofia (capital of Bulgaria), after that I made some "investigation" what to expect in Bulgaria and crafted an article: Planing a Trip to Bulgaria - Hotels, Car Rental, Things to Do, Places to visit and Let's Buy a House There

In that article I talking about many topics, but one of the first I'm looking to have in Sofia is a nice hotel room (hopefully with a nice view). I don't find 5-star or luxury hotels in Sofia beeing out of my league, seems there are nice 4-star and 5-star hotels perfectly in price budget about USD 100 per night.

In fact, once in Sofia, you don't need even to spend $100 or more for a hotel, as you can get a decent one under $50. Amazing.

In this article I have listed TOP 10 Sofia hotels,based on actual user reviews on Booking.com

Best Western Plus Bristol Hotel

Just 199 m from Serdika Metro Station and a 10-minute walk from the central Vitosha Boulevard, Best Western Plus Bristol Hotel provides a stylish lobby bar, and a restaurant serving international cuisine. Free Wi-Fi access is available.

A Sony LCD HD TV with cable channels and individually adjustable air conditioning are standard facilities in all of the elegant rooms at the Best Western Plus Bristol Hotel. Free coffee and tea facilities are provided upon arrival. The large bathrooms include a shower cabin and free toiletries. Some units feature a comfortable sitting area with upholstered sofa.

Excursions and tickets can be reserved for you at the concierge desk, and car rentals and laundry services are offered at the 24-hour front desk.

The major city attractions like Alexander Nevski Cathedral, Parliament and Sofia University are within 20-minute walking distance from the property.

Shuttle service to Sofia Airport, 11.3 km away, can be organized upon request. Sofia Bus and Train Station is 1.6 km away. 

Centrum is a great choice for travelers interested in budget-friendly travel, churches and city trips.

Price: ~USD 51 Book this hotel on Booking.com

Grand Hotel Sofia

Set a 5-minute walk from the Serdika underground railway station, the 5-star Grand Hotel Sofia is located right in the heart of Sofia, overlooking the City Garden. It offers large rooms, free Wi-Fi and free indoor parking.

The National Theatre, the Bulgarian National bank and all government institutions are just a few steps away from the Grand Hotel Sofia. The closest metro station is a 5-minute walk away.

The hotel interior benefits from a unique collection of over 400 original oil paintings. All rooms are air-conditioned and equipped with satellite flat-screen TV. Private bathrooms come with a shower and a bath, as well as a hairdryer, free toiletries, bathrobes and slippers.

The Shades of Red gourmet restaurant overlooks the City Garden and offers a wide selection of delights from the international and local cuisine. The Triaditza restaurant features a summer terrace and guests can also enjoy breakfast there. The hotel also provides a private lounge area.

The Grand Café with open-air terrace is the ideal venue to enjoy a leisurely cup of coffee, a drink to quench a thirst, or the delights of an extensive pastry menu. With its lush green plants and elegant décor, the terrace provides a magnificent setting for relaxing or enjoying afternoon coffee while watching the world go by.

At Grand Hotel Sofia guests can also benefit from using a fitness centre, a health centre and a hairstyle studio. A 24-hour lobby bar, room service, laundry and dry cleaning are also available. A complimentary yoga set can be delivered to the guests room upon request, including a DVD with hatha and flow yoga or ashtanga yoga in English or Kundalini yoga in Bulgarian and a yoga mattress.

Sofia Airport is located 11 km away and the hotel offers a 24-hour airport shuttle service upon request and at a surcharge. Sopharma Business Towers are 4 km away and there is a direct connection to them from the nearest underground railway station. From there guests can also take a line to Business Park Sofia, located 10 km away. 

Price: ~ USD 150 Book this hotel on Booking.com

Central Park Hotel

 Set right next to the National Palace of Culture Subway Station, Central Park Hotel enjoys a prime location in the very heart of Sofia on the famous Vitosha Boulevard, steps away from the Palace of Culture, the biggest convention centre on the Balkans.

Overlooking the Vitosha Mountain, with easy access to all sites of interest in Sofia, it is the ultimate venue for business and leisure travellers alike. Guests, who book a breakfast, receive a complimentary light dinner.

The trendy pedestrian zone, which is lined with luxury shops and fashion boutiques, banks, cinemas and cosy cafés, is nearby. Sofia International Airport is 10 km away providing a smooth connection.

The Central Park attains the very highest standards of comfort and all amenities essential to modern living. It offers contemporary design and an intimate, homely atmosphere, combining elegant living standards with warm Bulgarian hospitality. The outstanding personal services guarantee to please the most discerning guests. 

Price: ~ USD 100 Book this hotel on Booking.com

Ibis Sofia Airport Hotel - Park & Fly

Opened in August 2014, Ibis Sofia Airport Hotel is just 500 m from the airport and offers a free airport shuttle, free WiFi, and free private parking. There is a restaurant with a summer garden and a bar serving snacks and drinks around the clock.

The rooms are all air-conditioned and soundproof, and come with a flat-screen cable TV, a telephone and a bathroom with a shower and free toiletries.

Breakfast is served from 04:00 to 10:00. The Sofia Airport Ibis features a business corner, and offices can be rented for a day.

Garage parking is available at an additional cost. A bus stop is a 1-minute walk away.

Airport Sofia Metro Station is set 1 km away from Ibis Sofia Airport Hotel. Park & Fly service is provided by the property at an additional charge. Megapark, European Trade Center and Arena Armeets are within a 2-minute drive, and the Interexpo Centre is a 5-minute drive away. 

Price: ~ USD 66 Book this hotel on Booking.com

Best Western Art Plaza Hotel

Art Plaza Hotel is located in the city centre of Sofia. Vitosha boulevard pedestrian street with cafes and shops is a 1-minute walk away. Free WiFi access is available at the property.

Each room here will provide you with a TV, air conditioning and cable channels. There is also an electric kettle. Featuring a hairdryer, private bathroom also comes with bathrobes and free toiletries. Extras include bed linen.

At Art Plaza Hotel you will find a 24-hour front desk. Other facilities offered at the property include luggage storage. Complimentary coffee and tea facilities, as well as a business center with copy machine are at guests disposal.

The hotel is 600 m from NDK, 700 m from Ivan Vazov Theater and 800 m from Archaeological Museum. Sofia Airport is 7 km away. 

Centrum is a great choice for travelers interested in budget-friendly travel, churches and city trips.

This is our guests' favorite part of Sofia, according to independent reviews.

This property also has one of the top-rated locations in Sofia! Guests are happier about it compared to other properties in the area.

Price: ~ USD 69 Book this hotel on Booking.com

Light Hotel

Delightfully set in the very heart of Sofia down a quiet side street, this hotel combines the finest traditions of Bulgarian hospitality and a cordial homey atmosphere.

The level of services and facilities endeavor to satisfy the most discerning guests. The hotel houses a selection of tastefully furnished, comfortable and contemporary accommodations, with luxurious suites that include a cozy living room and large terrace.

The hotel has 2 state-of-the-art meeting rooms providing full-scale equipment and all the necessary accompanying amenities. The restaurant offers a wide choice of delicacies and beverages, a contemporary design and attentive service. The lobby bar is the perfect place to unwind in. 

Centrum is a great choice for travelers interested in budget-friendly travel, churches and city trips.

This is our guests' favorite part of Sofia, according to independent reviews.

This property is also rated for the best value in Sofia! Guests are getting more for their money when compared to other properties in this city.

Price: ~ USD 41 Book this hotel on Booking.com

Sofia Hotel Balkan, A Luxury Collection Hotel

In a great location in the heart of Sofia, next to Serdika Underground (subway) Station, the exclusive Sofia Hotel Balkan, A Luxury Collection Hotel provides free access to the on-site casino. It includes the Pliska Bar and the Stardust Restaurant.

The Sofia Balkan Hotel includes various dining options, a health club, a 24-hour business center, and various shops. Guests receive free Wi-Fi access in the lobby and in the rooms.

Sofia Airport and the Mladost Business Park are 9.7 km from this Luxury Collection Hotel. The Mall and the Armeec Arena are both just 5.6 km away. 

Centrum is a great choice for travelers interested in budget-friendly travel, churches and city trips.

Price: ~ USD 133 Book this hotel on Booking.com

Ramada Sofia

The Ramada Sofia is situated within walking distance to tourist sights and commercial areas of the city, offering comfortable rooms in a modern building. Free WiFi is available in all areas.

Being 12 km from Sofia International Airport, near to Central Railway and International Bus Station, the hotel enjoys a convenient location and won the Bulgaria's 2009 Best Convention Hotel prize. An airport shuttle service is available on request and for a surcharge.

The lobby bar has a pleasant ambience, and the Meridien Restaurant serves international cuisine.

You can use the indoor pool and fitness centre for free. You can also indulge yourself with some of the exceptional spa treatments in the Real Asian Victoria SPA centre. 

Price: ~ USD 72 Book this hotel on Booking.com

Hotel Fashion

he uniquely designed Hotel Fashion is located in the exclusive Lozenez area, near South Park, Paradise Centre and Vitosha underground railway station. Modern rooms have a flat-screen TV with satellite channels, minibar and bathroom amenities.

Guests have access to free underground and outdoor private parking. Free Wi-Fi is available throughout Hotel Fashion. Clothes can be dry cleaned the same day.

You can use the spa and wellness facilities at the spa complex located opposite the hotel, for an additional cost. A snack bar is available on site, where breakfast is served.

The hotel offers airport transfers and is 13 km from the Sofia Airport. The nearest ski slopes are a 10-minute drive away and the Ring Road can be reached in 2 km. A shopping centre and a public bus station are both 200 m from the property. 

Price: ~ USD 48 Book this hotel on Booking.com

Best Western Hotel Europe

Best Western Hotel Europe in Sofia is centrally situated near the Tsarigradsko Shose Boulevard, offering luxuriously equipped and stylish rooms and an outdoor swimming pool. Free WiFi is available in all areas. Private parking is also provided on site and is free of charge.

The majority of rooms have balconies with a panoramic view of Sofia and the Vitosha Mountain.

Restaurant Europe has a capacity of up to 120 seats, serving European and international dishes accompanied by fine wines. It can be used for a formal lunch or dinner, cocktails, family celebrations or weddings. There is also a Sky Piano Bar Europe on the rooftop. In addition, Best Western Hotel Europe offers a fitness centre.

The property is located 800 m away from Sky City Mall, a 7-minute drive away from Arena Armeets and an 8-minute drive away from Boris Garden Park. 

Price: ~ USD 47 Book this hotel on Booking.com

Samikitno Batumi Restaurant

19 January, 2017 | Restaurant reviews | 24 seen

Samikitno is a popular restaurant chain across Georgia.

We visited this Batumi restaurant in the late evening during our latest trip to the lovely seaside town of Batumi, after discovered that restaurant at hotel we stayed was already closed. See Hotel Sputnik in Batumi.

There is a very popular Samikitno restaurant located in the Old Tbilisi. See: Samikitno / Machakhela Restaurant review (Meidan square, Tbilisi)

Combo meal at Samikitno

Grilled vegetables, rice, sliced onions, meat and of course tasty Georgian tradional Satsebeli sauce.

Q4 2016 Blog Traffic & Income Report - 197,850 Users / $6,921.16

17 January, 2017 | Blogging | 9 seen

That time of the year have come and it's time to wrap up a round up income and traffic report post for the last quarter of 2016 (October, November and December).

If you are new to my blog or just wondering why I'm sharing such data, here is a brief explanation on sharing data on traffic and income:

In short, it helps me to track my online success of failures. It makes me accountable. I have been collecting and sharing data for my online success or failures since January 2014, back then my blog was 3 month old and I decided to start an online experiment - can someone actually make money through blogging? Now, I know  - yes, you can, but it takes a time and determination. Back in January 2014, I made enormous eight dollars. I hope my online income reports could  inspire you as well.

Last quarter of the year for me was pretty easy, not to say lazy, I spent some time on a few day trips around Georgia, photographed a lot and made dozen of Georgia related articles. At the end of the year I went to the United States to handle some financial issues (latter on that). I believe the last quarter of the year was the long deserved rest after Q3 and Q2 spent on home remodeling works. 

Anyway, despite being easy and slow I experimented for the very first time with Google AdWords and put some money into Facebook ads to build brand recognition. 

As usual I managed not to miss a single day without a blog post - that has been one of mine corner success strategies since day 1 when I started this blog. 

About Blog traffic in Q4 2016

Last quarter of the 2016 set a new record in terms of visitors coming to blog and yes it did set a new record on income (see bellow). Almost 200,000 users in three months. By now each month my blog gets about 65,000 monthly users, compared with previous quarter blog have experienced a small but nice 15% traffic gain. Awesome.

For the second quarter in the row I have completed my goal I did set up at the end of 2015, to get more than 162,000 users quarterly. 

About Income Q4 2016

Combined income from affiliate sales and display ads in Q4 made me a nice revenue of $7,342.01, which actually is more than amazing and awesome.

About half of that money was made during December holiday season. For the second year in the row I have noticed following pattern - October is one of the slowest months in terms of affiliate sales (thus for the first time this October cracked $1,000 milestone), with the real deals starting at the end of November (Black Friday and following Cyber Monday) and December is just a killer in terms of sales in internet. Holiday season, after all.

Combined RPM from all revenue channels stands at $26.05 for Q4 2016, what is up from $22.77 at Q3 2016. RPM - stands for earnings for 1000 page views/impression - Reach per Mile. Again this have been one of the highest RPM values so far this blog have experienced.

That's actually double I got at the start of the year, when reached RPM just $13 at Q1.  I believe a RPM rate close to $20 per 1000 page views is pretty satisfactory. Of course raising this number more would increase overall income, but as long it is close to twenty - I'm a happy hippo. 

About expenses Q4 2016

To earn some money, you should spend some money on some basic or advanced things. In last quarter I spent in following positions:

• Facebook Ads: $53.95
• KeyCDN: $29
• Linode VPS: $107.50
• Godaddy: $16
• Google Adwords: $58.4
• Other: $156

Total: $420.85

Other Stats:

• Twitter: 6,347 followers (-154)
• Facebook: 2,895 likes (+375)
• Email subscriptions: 68 subscribers (+7)
• Alexa global rank: 175,075 position (+4,726)
• Web push subscribers: 4,963 (+4,508)

Thoughts on Q1 2017

Now, speaking about goals for the first quarter (January, February and March) of 2017 - Traffic combined should be at least 220,000.  I have that good feeling that soon blog should start cracking 100,000 page views per month. Speaking of Income - I will stick with a positive $5,000 goal. 

Can You Buy a Good Life in Tbilisi With $500 as a Foreign Expat?

16 January, 2017 | Living in Georgia | 22 seen

A time ago I did an experiment - counted our (two persons and two cats) daily expenses for a month to find out that our monthly expenses have been at about USD 1,800 for that month. You can see my findings with detailed positions in this article: Cost of Living in Tbilisi (Republic of Georgia).

I have counted for a few more times - and very often the amount we spend per month in Georgia is more or less the same. From my side I should add we travel a lot across the country and spend many evenings at the fancy Tbilisi restaurants. My spending habits have helped me to build a pretty popular blog about food and travels in Georgia. 

As my blog gets older, and hopefully more mature, it gets more visits (in December it set a new milestone - about 70,000 users) and more questions on contact form. Just recently I got an interesting question from a solo female expat from Dubai, UAE - wandering could she have a decent life in Tbilisi with $500 per month if se decided to move here.

Hi, i read your travel blog on Republic of Georgia. I am surprised to know one needs around 1,000 to 2,000 dollars to live here. Is that US dollars?

I was going to move to Georgia from totally inflated Dubai because i thought it would be much cheaper to live there. I was calculating if i get a decent apartment not in City Center but little outside but in good location for around 300 Dollars and then pay bills which are not much and i got 2 cats their food and little traveling, cooking at home and we dont entertain much, then i can survive in 500 US dollars? Am i dreaming.

I want to live a humble not high fi but good life in Georgia. I am going to eventually move their permanently and perhaps find some job or start some small business. Are the laws to start small food vendor business easy. Here in Dubai it is extremely difficult. Kindly let me know and if you tell me how safe is the place for a single lady to live in Tbilisi? How are the people there and is it pet friendly place. Is it good to Muslims? Thanks a lot.

Seems there is a trend or at least a minor expat re-routing from United Arab Emirates to Georgia. 

Now, I felt a bit confused and didn't know what to answer at first, so I decided to give it a free flow in an e-mail reply:

Sure you can have a decent live in Tbilisi by $500, most of the Georgians live on $500 or less. See: average salary in Georgia. Speaking of quality of life - it depends. 

At start you could make it fun and cheap, but latter I would suggest to raise your minimum, but hey it all depends. Yes you can get a cheaper flat in the suburbs for about $200 or even less. And yes you can afford pretty decent living on the rest in Tbilisi. It will involve public transport, see: How to Get around in Tbilisi by Taxify (Taxi Mobile Application),  less travels across the country, and at the end you might end wandering - why did you move to the suburbs in Tbilisi.

 
Sure you can survive with $500

It's complicated for me to answer, by not knowing your requirements.

Basically it might be tricky with food permits in Georgia, but I believe easier than in Dubai - thus, I don't know for sure, haven't never tried to open a food store here :)

For the single lady part and Muslim. I believe it is safe for solo female. I doubt there are problems being a Muslim, as long as you pay respect to Georgian traditions I believe it's fine. 

About pets - we are pet owners, we have two cats, as they live in the apartment, we haven't faced any problems. There are some pet clinics here, see: Veterinary Clinic Natia Beridze in Tbilisi, but sometimes its hard to get specific cat food.
Sorry for giving such fuzzy answers.

To make my "investigation" more realistic I contacted two other female expats and asked could they give me their thoughts on living in Georgia with $500/mo. I got reply from Michelle:

Hi, short answer is yes and I definitely do. However, this totally depends on lifestyle! I live in an unmodern studio flat downtown for $200 USD and cook 70% of my meals and shop 50% from produce vendors on the street, don't eat meat, not fancy tastes, etc. I rarely go to bars. Someone could find a room in a shared flat (nicer) for $150-$200. 

How about you, do you think it's possible to buy a good life for a $500/mo in Tbilisi? Leave a comment!

Lintel Installation & First Coffee Break

15 January, 2017 | Home Remodeling | 10 seen

If you have been following my blog and in particular home remodeling series you are already familiar with our construction works at our rural country house we started back in 2015. 

In the Summer 2016 we started another major reconstruction project - demolished old log walls for bricklaying new aerated concrete walls, I have been documenting most of the construction works on blog. In today's home remodeling series  - installing a lintel and enjoying first coffee break at upcoming bathroom (we are building a bathroom here).

I bought a special lintel to install over window opening - I had to hire two guys today to help me install it over. It wasn't so bad after all - we might get along by two people, but three is better (if you don't have special equipment)

Lintel installed over window opening

Walls from AAC blocks

It's not only about installing a lintel today, we added the supporting corner beam. It's just a matter of few more aac blocks and nice finishing and roof at this part of house will be fixed again, as for the last couple of days it was supported just by vertical supporting beams.

Coffee break

Ahh, cant wait to see the day when hipster style flower boxes will be hanging at outer walls of our bathroom, but for now - a large bowl of coffee is what is needed the most.

Privet iz Batuma

14 January, 2017 | Restaurant reviews | 16 seen

Privet iz Batuma, literally meaning Hi from Batumi, if translated from Russian is just another cool cafe located in Georgian seaside resort city Batumi.

Despite the name, giving a feeling you will be returned to the times of Imperial Russia, cuisine served here is quite modern, I managed to order shaslik with French fries, while my better part even got some American style lemonade. Eclectic, thus cool.

Interior at Privet iz Batumi

Yes, quite 19th century.

Mcvadi with French fries

Quite a touristic meal, thus well prepared and pretty affordable. 

Another Day, Another Wall

12 January, 2017 | Home Remodeling | 9 seen

Today was another lovely day to excel a little bit as a constructor. Today we continued to construct walls from aac blocks.

It's fun, easy, like everyone could do this. As long as you keep it all leveled.

See part 1 Remove a Wall to Finish Foundation Concreting and part 2 Constructing Wall From AAC blocks + Finishing Foundation Concreting Works for Bathroom

Bricklaying aac blocks

Today we are going to finish the end wall and construct four rows on front wall. We are building a bathroom here.

Bathroom from inside

Can't wait to install sinks and mirrors here.

View toward house from garden

Today we did another great thing - planned a place for a window. Admit - really lovely bathroom we will have one day!

Georgian Enamel Souvenir Shop in Batumi

11 January, 2017 | Shopping Venues | 14 seen

I tried hard, but couldn't locate precise location or name of this Georgian enamel souvenir shop in Batumi. What I know, most probably it's located on Zviad Gamsakhurdia street in Batumi, in the Goodwill shop area.

Why I believe it's worth to mention this shop? It's very good souvenir shop filled with interesting Georgian enamel art. We bought here lovely ashtrays and decided to return here one for time to buy some cool Georgian interior elements for our rural house.

Georgian enamel dish

They glove in dark- I was especially invited to the dark room, and yes I can confirm these plates glove in the dark. Cool.

Georgian souvenir shop in Georgia

Wide selection of interesting enamel and interior elements.Sad I cannot recall the name of this place. Would love if you would help me - leave me a comment!

Anker Hostel in Oslo

10 January, 2017 | Hotel reviews | 13 seen

Think hostels are cheap? Think twice.

Anker hostel officially is the most expensive hostel I have stayed so far, and there is no surprise about that. Located in Oslo, one of the most expensive cities in the World (yes, I know one of the best salaries as well), you should expect to pay about USD 100 for a hotel and remember - linens are not included. You can get linen for additional about USD 10 price.

We were returning from Malaga to Riga, through Oslo, and had to spend one night in Norway. We booked cheapest available property in Oslo a day before, still sunbathing near Malaga. Arrived here from Moss Airport, Rygge by a very expensive coach (about 70 EUR per person round-trip). Anker hostel is not located far from Oslo Bus terminal and we didn't find any problems locating it. 

Anker Hostel is 800 m from Oslo Central Station and the main shopping street, Karl Johan. It offers good-value accommodation in Oslo city centre. Most rooms have access to a kitchenette.

We got our room in 7th floor, with, as what I think, nice view towards Oslo city

View towards Oslo from Anker hostel

Grunerlokka is a great choice for travellers interested in nature, parks and museums.

Anker hostel

Small room with two beds. Kind of reminded me times when I was a student in Finland, and had a room in dorm. Yes, I would rather call this a student dormitory instead of hostel. If you are a student, you will most probably enjoy your stay here.

Kitchenette at Anker hostel

Anker’s facilities include a café bar with TV, a laundry room and a snack shop. Kitchen equipment and alarm clocks can be borrowed at reception. Free WiFi access is available throughout.

Constructing Wall From AAC blocks + Finishing Foundation Concreting Works for Bathroom

9 January, 2017 | Home Remodeling | 13 seen

In today's home remodeling series we are continuing to build bathroom from scratch.

The other day we removed walls and finished foundation concreting works for one part of house, today we re going to start construct first wall and finish foundation works for another wall, yes still some wall demolition works involved for today.

 A few days ago construction materials arrived and today it was just a a matter of tools and two men power (I had a helping hands) to start some actual works for upcoming bathroom.

Ruberoid coating for hydro isolation 

Before bricklaying we must install a hydro insulation - ruberoid is glued with special mastic. 

Bricklaying first row of aac blocks

There is a special glue/mastic to keep blocks together, but here is the secret first row over ruberoid must be placed on lute.

Four rows of aac blocks

It's not recommenced to build higher that four rows per day (it's about 1.2 meters in height) to avoid block shifting while glue hardens.

Reinforcement

At top of the each row we used reinforcement from 5mm metal rods, again to keep wall in level and avoid shifting.

Demolishing the other wall

We will move on to this part of house with brick laying, but first we must finish pouring foundation here.

Concreting foundation

Here you go, another day in my home remodeling adventures.