St. Nicholas Church, Tbilisi

5 April, 2016 | Churches and Monasteries | 154 seen

The chances you have seen or even visited St. Nicholas church, if traveled to Tbilisi, are huge - located on the lower court of city's most famous landmark's - Narikala fortress.

This Church has been "recently" restored. Newly built in 1996–1997, it replaces the original 13th-century church that was destroyed in a fire. The new church is of "prescribed cross" type, having doors on three sides. The internal part of the church is decorated with the frescos showing scenes both from the Bible and history of Georgia.

St. Nicholas church in Tbilisi

Located in the Narkala fortress complex, from here a lovely view towards Tbilisi is seen. The little church/monastery up in the hill is another interesting sight in Tbilisi, from which astonishing view towards Narikala and St. Nicholas church is seen. See: Tabor Monastery of the Transformation in Tbilisi

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Church bells a top on the fortress walls

Inside St.Nicholas church at Narikala fortress

I just love church photography - there is something magical, something mystical.. 

Tombs, cross and Tbilisi

Tbilisi For Dummies- 10 Places To Visit When Planing Your Trip to Georgian Capital

4 April, 2016 | Travel guides | 13 seen

Planing your next trip to the Pearl of Caucasus - Tbilisi? Spending hours researching Lonely Planet, TripAdvisor and travel blogs?

I'm here to help you, save time on researches and let Georgia to surprise you - after five years spent in this South Caucasus republic I decided to craft list of ten interesting tourist attraction sites in Tbilisi which will please most of the travelers.

You don't need a fancy budget to visit these sites (as most of them are free of entrance or for symbolic price). How to get around city? Easy - download taxify mobile app and pay as you go (cheaper can be only marshrutka

How to replace all "http" hyperlink with "https" Drupal

3 April, 2016 | Drupal Development | 11 seen

Recently I made a switch from http to https. I was pretty pleased with results, and started to wait for possible SEO boost from Google. As time passed, instead of boost some traffic drop started to appear in my Google Analytics account.

I cannot say for sure is this because of https thing or some major update in Google Search algorithm (Penguins & Pandas) , I just wanted make sure everything works right on my site.

Traffic dropped to 0 (hourly view)

Most probably it is just some glitch in Google Analytics (it happens time after time), or my server was not accessible, but maybe it was some Google Algorithm update. I'm not sure what was that, but that was the reason to get rid of Mixed content on my site and fix this ASAP.

Since I have a pretty large website with tons of photos uploaded (I'm using both Drupal file upload, both inline uploading images using CKEDITOR) - I started to notice that on some (on most,actually) articles a Mixed Content warning appeared and instead of browser bar turning green it stayed gray, at least for Google Chrome.

This basically means…

Georgia - 5 years latter (Economic Developments 2011-2016)

1 April, 2016 | Living in Georgia | 12 seen

April 1st marks my five year anniversary since I opted to move to this amazing country on the edge where East meets West - Republic of Georgia.

Today, to celebrate this small anniversary I decided to take a look back - to see economic developments in Georgia 2011-2016 - how things how changed since I first landed at Tbilisi airport back at at April 1st, 2011. 

See: 3 years in Georgia and 16 places to visit in Georgia and Tbilisi , for my previous annul reviews about Georgia.

As for a small country, pretty much of daily life in Georgia is related to politics. During past five years a major political turnover happened at the end of 2012, when former Presidents Mikheil Saakashvilli party United National Movement lost a majority to rival Georgian Dream coalition, a year latter, when Presidents term of office ended, Misha flew away country (by know Mikheil Saakashvili has been appointed a governor of Odessa oblast in Ukraine).

Very rarely I have found some useful information about country's economic developments, instead there are plenty of politics, public…

Eldar's Bike Workshop at Kidobani Market (Tbilisi)

1 April, 2016 | Professional services | 54 seen

Eldar's bike workshop is a place where back at the end of 2013 we bought two mountain bikes as a Christmases gift for ourselves.

Take a look of my riding experience in Tbilisi: First ride, Cycling to Tbilisi sea or alternatively check out cycling topic.

At Eldar's place you can fix leaky tires, fix brakes order new details and of course to buy a new or used bicycle. It was at the start of March, warm weather approached Tbilisi and I decided to change the leaky tire for one of our bikes, so I went to Kidobani market and searched for this workshop. 

Eldar's bike shop in Tbilisi

Eldar asked me 8 lari for changing tube, he is a very nice and enthusiastic guy, can speak about bicycles a lot - he has some supplies from Europe - he is truly a master of his business.

Bikes are ready for the next cycling season

Shot at our Tbilisi apartments terrace.

Here are Eldar's contacts (Russian, Georgian)

+995 593 336 479 or +995 597 153 642

Postcards from Mtskheta

31 March, 2016 | | 10 seen

Mtskheta is small and lovely town located some 20 km from nation' s capital Tbilisi. Some will find a lot of similarities in Mtskheta with town of Sighanghi, while others will enjoy architectural and religious pearls of Mtskheta. Svetitskhoveli church, Jvari monastery or Samtavro are just a few to name. 

In today' s Piece of Life series - Mtskheta as we saw it on International Women' s day (March 8)

Cobbled street in Mtskheta

With the famous Svetitskhoveli cathedral at the end of the street

Svetitskhoveli cathedral

Mtskheta and surrounding mountains

Mtskheta definitely is a photographers paradise

Group of tourists gathered near cathedral

Panorama of Svetitskhoveli cathedral

It is the second largest church building in the country, after the Holy Trinity Cathedral of Tbilisi (Sameba), and is listed as an UNESCO World Heritage Site along with other historical monuments of Mtskheta.

Massive fortification walls of Svetitskhoveli cathedral

Highway in Mtskehta

To the city centre…

Samtavro Monastery

31 March, 2016 | Churches and Monasteries | 36 seen

Samtavro Monastery together with Svetitskhoveli cathedral and Jvari monastery are one of the main sights of historical town of Mtskheta, located some 20 km from nation's capital Tbilisi. 

Official nam of this place is Samtavro Transfiguration Orthodox Church and Nunnery of St. Nino in Mtskheta, Georgia. It is believed that church were built in the 4th century by King Mirian III of Iberia. Nowadays Samtvaro is very popular tourist destination in Mtskheta with much greater popularity among Georgian believers - it's always crowded here. The nuns living and praying here speaks very good English, and don't allow photograph inside.

Samtavro monastery in Mtskheta

Tombs near the church

Visitors at Samtvaro monastery in Mtskheta

Beheaded angels sculpture at Samtvaro monastery

Church photography has always been interesting for me.

Prayers candles

 The famous Georgian monk Gabriel is buried in the yard of Samtavro Church.

Archimandrite Gabriel born Goderdzi Urgebadze is one of the most renowned…

Guest House / Restaurant 'Āķa Gals' in Pāvilosta

30 March, 2016 | Restaurant reviews | 15 seen

If there is a reason I would love to return to Latvian coastal town of Pāvilosta - cuisine served at restaurant Āķa Gals will be probably at top of my priorities. 

Cozy tavern located in the dunes of Pāvilosta, only 100 meters from the sea, is a great place for celebrations, relaxation and recreation with family and friends.

Guesthouse / Tavern Āķagals in Pāvilosta

Visitors both of simple and refined tastes will enjoy traditional Latvian dishes and international cuisine served in pleasant atmosphere by kind staff.

Salmon cream soup - a traditional Latvian dish

Here you can taste dishes cooked from the local fishermen fished fishes.

Potato pancakes with salmon

One of mine all times favorite traditional Latvian dishes

Creme brulee

Āķagals in Pāvilosta is a must have dinning place, highly recommended! 

Pāvilosta piers and Lighthouse

30 March, 2016 | Tourism objects | 14 seen

If planing your trip to Latvian coastal town of Pāvilosta don't forget to plan a trip to Pāvilosta piers, grab your camera and make some stunning sunset photography here. 

I first visited the piers of Pāvilosta and the town at the end of Summer 2015, and let me express my desire to acquire a small summer cottage here, thus I you plan to make some investments here - hurry up, a lot of foreigner have already bought real-estate at this Latvian coastal town and the prices might be up (haven't checked actually).

It might sound a little bit overstated, but allow me to say - Latvians have their own Portofino (hmm, should we call it part of Latvian Riviera?)

Pāvilosta pier

Pāvilosta is a popular destination for surfers as well - I'm not a surfer dude, but seems locals are pretty excited about wind and waves here. You can try to lend a yacht if you prefer more calmer relaxation.

Boat decks in Pāvilosta

Much of the Pāvilosta history and foundation is related to harbor here - Information about the history of Pavilosta dates back to the period of Duke Jekabs (1642-1682) when ships could enter the Saka…

Gujari Restaurant Museum in Mtskheta

29 March, 2016 | Restaurant reviews | 118 seen

Gujari restaurant - museum is another absolutely brilliant restaurant I have lately discovered. Located in the historical and picturesque town of Mtskheta, some 20 km from nation's capital Tbilisi.

Discovered again - by accident - after just wandering around town of Mtksheta, After visiting Svetitskhoveli cathedral I decided it would be great to walk around Mtskheta and find some non-touristic places. And wuola - instead of tourist attractions - another great restaurant.

Giraffe at Gujari restaurant in Mtskheta

This restaurant features a very good landscaped territory, equipped with a lot of interesting garden elements - I had a chance to take some ideas for our upcoming home remodeling tasks here

Menu at Gujari restaurant

The menu consists mostly of local Georgian cuisine, prices at first seems well above average, but portions they are serving here are at least double if compared to Tbilisi restaurants.

Large table at garden

Double portion of cucumber/tomatoes salads and freshly baked shotis puri

Grilled fish

An excellent meal - expensive (20 GEL) but worth of…

Georgian Yard (Kartuli Ezo) in Mtskheta

29 March, 2016 | Restaurant reviews | 38 seen

Restaurant "Georgian Yard" is located in the central part of Mtskheta - the ancient capital of Georgia, near the Cathedral Svetitskoveli in the territory of the central square of parking.

This restaurant is famous among tourists and guests serving delicious traditional Georgian dishes, medium prices, interesting and pleasant environment.

Georgian Yard in Mtskheta

Restaurant "Georgian Yard" unites few companies - "Fast Food," where you can enjoy delicious meals as well as hot and cold drinks;  "Wine shop" where you can taste for free and purchase the desired type of alcoholic beverage - wine, brandy and "Chacha"; 3. The most important thing - the restaurant, which is famous mainly for Georgian traditional dishes.

Wine shop Enoteka in Georgian Yard / Mtskheta

Seems this wine shop is owned by Winery Khareba - if you are not familliar with their wines and wine making traditions, I highly recommend to take you another trip to Wine Tunnel near Kvareli.

Shotis puri

Mmm a loaf of freshly baked Georgian bread - shotis puri  - can anything be better than that?

Saka Baptist Church

28 March, 2016 | Churches and Monasteries | 12 seen

An interesting church I discovered driving Aizpute - Pāvilosta road, back at the Summer 2015 - Meet Saka Baptist church in the middle of nowhere. Thus the church was closed, I was amazed of how well the territory around Saka Baptist church was landscaped. 

Saka Baptist church

There is an inscription plate above the main entrance doors at church saying this church was built in 1888, although there is written in strange (old?) Latvian - Bap.Basniza, which would translate as Baptist church, thus there is no such  word as Basniza in modern Latvian, instead there is Baznīca.

Priest's house at Saka church

We didn't met any people here today, but as I told above, I was really surprised of seeing very well landscaped territory, freshly cut lawn, flower garden and more.

Mole repeller

Awakening garden in Aizpute

28 March, 2016 | Tourism objects | 8 seen

Almost in the city center of Aizpute, on Atmodas street is located Awakening garden (Atmodas dārzs, in Latvian). It's created by group of people from cross-art organization 'Serde' ('Core')

The second life is given to empty water bottles in which tomatoes, cabbage, strawberries, mint and many other popular plants are grown. 

Awakening garden in Aizpute

I really love such sustainable development ideas, Less is more. Some time ago we planted veggies at our rural house in wooden boxes and got really good harvest.

Veggies in plastic bottles

Dirt cheap way to have a mini garden. Each plastic bottle is with a little tube at the bottom, making it effective way to water plants and save resources. Love it.

Svetiskhoveli cathedral in Mtskheta

27 March, 2016 | Churches and Monasteries | 73 seen

Svetitskhoveli Cathedral is an another must have tourist attraction site not to miss when traveling to Georgia. Located in historical and picturesque town of Mtskheta some 20 km from nation's capital Tbilisi.

It is the second largest church building in the country, after the Holy Trinity Cathedral of Tbilisi (Sameba), and is listed as an UNESCO World Heritage Site along with other historical monuments of Mtskheta.

Rumor has it - Jesus robe (mantle) is buried exactly here - well, there are at least three official church versions of Jesus robe destiny, and among them Svetitskhoveli stands out as well:

According to the tradition of the Georgian Orthodox Church, the chiton was acquired by a Jewish Rabbi from Georgia named Elioz (Elias), who was present in Jerusalem at the time of the crucifixion and bought the robe from a soldier. He brought it with him when he returned to his native town of Mtskheta, Georgia, where it is preserved to this day beneath a crypt in the Patriarchal Svetitskhoveli Cathedral. 

There is even an official holiday…

Plaza Hotel in Batumi

27 March, 2016 | Hotel reviews | 35 seen

Are you looking for a budget friendly hotel in Batumi? I can highly recommend one -  Plaza hotel, located next to the Batumi bay.

Plaza Hotel is located close to Batumi Port and in very short distance from city center. We booked Plaza hotel using local Georgian coupon site - hotsale.ge and got a lovely room with balcony and access to the Olympic swimming pool for just 50 GEL per night (with breakfast included). 

We stayed here for two nights at the start of March 2016.

It was already late night when we arrived to Batumi (with rail from Tbilisi) - and just shortly we checked in to our room I decided to make a lovely night photography - so I installed a tripod (on balcony) and got following night scenery from our room:

Batumi by night

By now I felt super tired and went to sleep, next morning I repeated the same scene.

Batumi in day

Now it was time to try in the rooftop pool

Rooftop swimming pool at Plaza Hotel in Batumi

Wow- an Olympic swimming pool offering great views to Batumi

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View towards Batumi bay from roof

From here you can take…