Blog Traffic Report - March 2015 - 20,499 Users

2 April, 2015 | Blogging | 11 seen

Welcome to my monthly blog traffic report, this is the 18 traffic report so far.

I'm doing both traffic and income reports to measure were I was, were I am and were I am heading to. Those reports keep me track my progress (or bounces), and hopefully can give a lesson to you as well.

March was pretty crazy month - in total I posted 66 articles what is a personal best so far (Previous time I posted so much was back in October 2013, when I just launched my blog). The reason I decided to increase my blog post count is a plain simple - I believe it helps to give a SEO boost. In fact I have been posting more than 1 post per day for a last of couple months already. I'm planing to go back to my regular schedule (one article per day) starting this month. Read bellow why I made such decision.

Last month I made 8 Tbilisi restaurant reviews, did some hiking and cycling tours in Tbilisi and Georgia (See: Living in Georgia), crafted 2 food blogger posts (Damn, they are one of the hardest).

Pretty much I'm satisfied with what I have done and written last month, except I got trapped in 'Eurovision' traps (I made total of 19 posts related to…

16 Places To Visit In Georgia And Tbilisi

1 April, 2015 | Living in Georgia | 77 seen

More than 10 years ago I first landed at the Tbilisi airport and for the first time took a step on Georgian land. 

That happened on April 1st, 2011 - I like this data - it's known Worldwide as a Fool's day. 

With this article, originally I was celebrating my fourth year living in Georgia. But now, the article has grown into one of the most popular articles about travel destinations in Georgia. 

In this list, I have listed 16 must-see / must-do places while in Georgia that I have personally visited and/or have taken action on. Use this article to plan your trip to Tbilisi, Kutaisi, Gudauri, Bakuriani, and more

World Backup Day: Protect Your Data with a Robust Backup Plan

31 March, 2015 | Servers | 9 seen

World Backup Day is an annual event observed on March 31st to raise awareness about the importance of backup and data protection. The day is a reminder that data loss can occur at any time, and having a backup plan in place is essential to ensure the safety of important data and prevent significant disruptions to our daily lives.

In today's digital age, we rely on technology more than ever before. Our personal and professional lives are heavily dependent on the digital devices and services we use daily. From personal photos, documents, and contacts to business-critical files, databases, and intellectual property, our data is critical to our daily lives.

Despite this dependence, many people fail to realize the importance of data backup until it's too late. Data loss can occur due to various reasons, including hardware failure, malware attacks, accidental deletion, natural disasters, and theft. Losing this data can result in significant financial losses, security breaches, and reputational damage.

To avoid the risks associated with data loss, it's essential to have a robust data backup plan in place. A backup plan is a set of processes and tools used to…

Tbilisi Sulphur Baths On Kiev Street

31 March, 2015 | Health & Wellness | 78 seen

Most often referred just as the "Kiev's Bath" which is a direct translation from Russian "Киевская баня". This sulfur bathhouse is located on Kiev's street (left side cross-street from David Aghmanashebeli avenue)

I have been heading here since days we had a nice apartment in this neighborhood on Rome street, discovered first at the end of 2012.

Some would call Kiev's bathhouse old and neglected (and that's true), some would call them a good and cheap alternative to those more expensive (and fancier) located in the Tbilisi Old Town.

Facade of Kiev's bathhouse in Tbilisi

In 2019 there have been some repair works done, and now bathhouse looks decent. There have been added huge informative posters (saying it's a sulfur bath)  to the broken window boxes. I really love this creative way how to achieve result with a limited budget. 

Renovated Kiev's bathhouse in Tbilisi

One hour bathing here will cost you 10 GEL ($4.50 / EUR 4.10) ( the price has been increased to GEL 20 per hour for a single bath since the start of 2016, the price is still valid in 2019) and it's…

20 Best Toshiba / Dynabook Laptops You Can Buy Online - Amazon.com

30 March, 2015 | Laptop Reviews | 99 seen

Toshiba was once a major player in the world of technology, with a strong reputation for producing high-quality laptops. However, in recent years, the company has experienced significant changes that have affected its laptop business.

In 2018, Toshiba sold off its laptop division to Sharp, a Japanese electronics company. This move came after years of financial struggles for Toshiba, which had been impacted by a number of issues, including an accounting scandal and a costly expansion into the nuclear power industry.

Under Sharp's ownership, Toshiba laptops have been rebranded as Dynabook, although the company still uses the Toshiba name in some markets. Dynabook has continued to produce laptops that are similar in design and functionality to the old Toshiba models, but with a renewed focus on innovation and quality.

Despite the changes, Dynabook has managed to maintain a loyal customer base thanks to its reputation for reliable, durable laptops. In fact, the company was recently ranked number one in laptop reliability by SquareTrade, a leading provider of protection plans for electronics.

In addition to its laptops, Dynabook also produces a range…

Shemoikhede Genatsvale Restaurant Review in Tbilisi (Marjanishvili Street)

29 March, 2015 | Restaurant reviews | 41 seen

Shemoikhede Genatsvale is a restaurant in Tbilisi (Marjanishvili street 5) owned by a GMC Group. GMC Group is famous in Georgia and particularity in Georgia because of they run many chains of restaurants.

I was really hungry that night and decided let's search for some great offer at local discount portals - I insisted tonight I'm interested in Georgian traditional cuisine like khinkhali or kababi. So we started to search.

Now - we found a great deal, for about 17 GEL ( $7.50 / EUR 7.00) which included 2 kababs and 20 khinkali. Exactly what I was looking for that night. We bought a discount coupon at local Georgian hotsale.ge portal. And shortly we headed to this place, I have never been previously.

For a surprise, staff members asked us to provide a temporary residence permits before we can use that coupon here. Since we have been using those discount coupons pretty much here in Georgia and before nobody have asked for a document confirming our permit residence of living in Georgia I was a bit shocked. Instead of showing our permits I insisted to talk with a a manager - after a short conversations with manager we were fine, no need to show a residence…

'Lermontov' Documentary Film

29 March, 2015 | Documentaries | 8 seen

Lermonov is a documentary film about famous Russian poet Mikhail Lermontov made by Star Media. Babich design. Released in 2014. The film is spoken in Russian, and English subtitles are provided.

I have never thought I will actually spend an evening watching something like this, but after spending a lovely afternoon at charming and for me un-typical Tbilisi literature cafe, where accidentally I started to read some Russian language books with Lermontov's poetry and more accidentally by reading a poem called "Dispute" I was just eager to learn more of this talented 19th-century poet. So I found this amazing documentary film.

This film tells a story about Lermontov's life in chapters, childhood, love, army, Caucasus, and Death. Comparing facts from this film with those available on Wikipedia I found this documentary quite realistic and very fact-based. 

Mikhail Lermontov (1814-1841) was one of Russia’s greatest poets and writers. His famous novel, “A Hero of Our Time” was one of the most popular Russian books of all time. His works were always timely and relevant, enjoying vast popularity especially among young people. Lermontov’s poetry and prose were…

Rachis Ubani Tbilisi Restaurant Review

26 March, 2015 | Restaurant reviews | 69 seen

I would call Rachis Ubani restaurant probably one of the best restaurants in Tbilisi. This restaurant serves a traditional Georgian Cuisine.

It's not even about the great food they are serving here (although food is tremendous here) but more of its location. 

Rachis Ubani restaurant is located on road serpentine between Vake and Turtle lake, on the edge of Tbilisi Open Air Ethnographic Museum. It is best to enjoy your meal at this restaurant's patio during hot summer evenings. The restaurant offers spectacular views of city lights. After tasting the wine they are serving here in combination with those views you will definitely agree with me by saying - it's the best restaurant in Tbilisi.

Rachis Ubani meaning in English is - Racha House. Racha is a historical region of Georgia since this restaurant is located at the edge of Open Air Museum - and probably situated in Rachians style building - so here you have a meaning of this place.

I first discovered this restaurant back in 2011 and as a rule of thumb in Georgia   - if a restaurant is in business for years it's a good restaurant.

Restaurant 'Oriental Pearl' Review In Tbilisi

25 March, 2015 | Restaurant reviews | 14 seen

Welcome to another Tbilisi restaurant reviews series - today I will write about a Chinese cuisine restaurant Oriental Pearl located on Paliashvili street 90 (Vake district) in Tbilisi.

I first discovered this restaurant a few year ago, and ever since have been heading here for some 2 times per year.

In overall it's a lit bit pricey compared to other restaurants, but hey it's a Chinese Cuisine. 

As usual for taking photographs I'm using my Samsung phone and using Instagram (then taking them from Instagram and adding to posts - you can read a blog post on how I turned my Instagram account into a photo blog 

Window case at Oriental Pearl

Entrance doors at Oriental Pearl restaurant

Table at Oriental Pearl

The menu at Oriental Pearl

Chicken in sweet and sour sauce

Oriental Pearl restaurant is pretty good but is a bit expensive compared to other Tbilisi restaurants. It's about 60 GEL ($27.00 / EUR 25.00) for all seen above. But without doubt, I can recommend it - if you are fond of…

Algeti Reservoir

24 March, 2015 | Lakes | 44 seen

The other day during a hiking tour at Birtvisi Canyon we discovered another interesting tourism object in Georgia- Algeti reservoir. I couldn't resist making some photos here (see below). 

I didn't find much information about this reservoir in English language resources, but I found one in Russian Wikipedia, so I will try to translate it here:

Algeti reservoir is a reservoir on the river of Algeti, located in the territory of Georgia in Tetri Ttskaro district, near the village of Tbeti.

The total volume of the reservoir - 65 million m³, useful - 60 million cubic meters. It's is planned to build a hydroelectric power station "Algeti HPP" with a capacity of 1.1 MW on Algeti reservoir.

Water from the Algeti reservoir is used in the irrigation system of Tbisi-Kumisi, which supplies water to villages of Jorjiashvili, Asureti, Borbalo, Koda, Marabda, Khaishi, Dundruki, Kasalari and other villages in Marneuli region.

Photos:

Down at the Algeti Reservoir

Scenic view to Algeti Reservoir

You can drive down and park your car

Though I would not recommend…

Hiking In Birtvisi Canyon (Hidden Trails Of Georgia)

22 March, 2015 | Outdoor Activities | 185 seen

The other day in the company of three we headed to Birtvisi Canyon for some hiking experience.

It all started reading some info of a non-standard close to Tbilisi located destinations. And Birtvisi just popped up on this list. Turns out - there is a Birtvisi Fortress located somewhere in the middle of these canyons.

I had never before heard of such place and was pretty much surprised learning that it's located just some one-hour drive from Tbilisi, in the region of Kvemo Kartli (Lower Kartli). Birtvisi canyon is located in Trialeti Planned National Park.

There are two main roads heading to Birtvisi from Tbilisi:

Tbilisi - Birtvisi road

Driving directions: Tbilisi - Birtvisi (distance ~ 60 km)

We choose the longest but probably the better road (asphalt road) via road 6

Head on Rustavi Highway (Road 6), at the intersection turn right on Marnueli direction (Road E117 - look on road  for signs heading to Marnueli), then at village of Koda again make a right turn and just drive straight passing villages of Asureti, Jorijashvili, Sagharasheni now you…

Cafe Discovery In Tbilisi Review

20 March, 2015 | Restaurant reviews | 8 seen

Welcome to another post in series of Tbilisi restaurant reviews.

Today I will write about a lovely Cafe located on Marjanishvili square in Tbilisi which offers tasty wraps for a budget price. Meet Cafe Discovery.

I have been heading to this place for a  years already (It's a good indicator here in Georgia - if restaurant is in business for years - it's a pretty good restaurant or Cafe this time).

Reason I love this place - it's one of few in Tbilisi that makes wraps (tuna fish, salmon e.t.c). I love wrapps.

Entrance at Cafe Discovery

Frankly speaking I would call this place a boutique cafe instead of just cafe, the reason is simple - it's interior is crafted with tiny details and it's not to spacious, it's a tiny tiny place - so in  case you are in a large company of friends - there is possibly you won't get a free table here.

Outdoor terrace at Cafe Discovery

Best enjoyed in summertime

Sweets and fruits in a glass case

Well I believe you can order a freshly squired apple, orange, grape, banana or mixed juice here.

Speaking…

Potential Business Partner Search In Republic Of Georgia

19 March, 2015 | Living in Georgia | 23 seen

During my blogging career I have received several messages on my blog's contact form asking for advice for potential business partner search in Tbilisi or Georgia.

Well I only feel flattered and honored that I have been noticed and contacted (seems a major role is played here thanks to my posts in Living in Georgia category).

I haven't searched for potential business partners here in Georgia (though I have been doing some business here). Currently  I'm open for a propositions from travel companies willing to serve incoming tourists in Georgia. Contact me for more details. 

I remember my first experience finding a new prospects in Tbilisi (I wasn't looking for partners - I was looking for customers - so I believe it was my core mistake. Partner could bring more than a customer) it all started of paying a visit to local trade show at Expo Georgia.

Author of this blog searching for business partners in Georgia back in April 2011

It was fun, I was just returned from a skiing adventures in Gudauri, it was like my fourth day in Georgia and here I was, sitting at Expo Georgia.

Back…

Projected Future Forecast For GDP In Former Soviet Union Block Countries (2014-2019)

18 March, 2015 | Macroeconomics | 35 seen

In past I have created many GDP reviews regarding former Soviet Union republics, but have never made future GDP forecast report yet. In this article that's exactly what I'm doing.

Now, Soviet Union doesn't exist for more than 25 years already. Those former 15 republics have gone more or less separate way since dissolution of USSR.  

There has happened some geopolitical changes over last 25 years, starting of dissolution of USSR, formation of CIS (Commonwealth of Independent States), three of former soviet republics have joined both European Union and NATO. And for a last of couple of years there has been attempts of trying to build up an Eurasian Union.

Map of Former Soviet Union (Source: Iron Curtain and Ex-U.S.S.R. Countries) 

I will speak about those economical organizations seperatly latter in this post, but for now, let's take a look of Projected Future Forecast by International Monetary Fund for those former Soviet Union Countries

Best Hikes In Tbilisi Are Located Near Turtle Lake

17 March, 2015 | Living in Georgia | 27 seen

I have been living in Georgia for more than tvelwe years already. I have traveled around the country quite a lot. 

Probably one of my favorite destinations in Tbilisi is Turtle Lake. On hot summer days, I like to head here to perform some work (in my early Tbilisi years for some Drupal development, latelty managing my crypto hedge fund) or brainstorm new ideas.

Though I started to blog - and document my travels just in 2013, I have been here (at Turtle Lake) some hundred times for sure. If at the start I headed here just to chill near the lake, then lately I'm more into some outdoor activities. 

In this post, I have listed three hiking routes all of them starting at Turtle Lake - one ending at Tskenti village, the second ending at Vake Park, and the third ending at Round Garden (Eristavi Street, almost in the city center)