October - Perfect Time for Rtveli in Kakheti (Grape Gathering in Georgia)

| Travel guides | 15 seen

Grape harvest gathering is a big occasion in Georgia when the whole nation comes together to honor ancient traditions of winemaking.

See: Grape Harvest Rtveli in Georgia (Region of Kakheti)

Regions like Kakheti, Racha and Imereti are famous for grape-gathering. In Georgian the process is called ‘rtveli’ that literally means plucking ripe grapes from the vine. The flavors and colors differ depending on the region where grapes were picked.

The names of the most famous grapes like Rkatsiteli, Tsolikauri, Tsitska, Saperavi, Aladasturi, Usakhelouri and many others are known to lots of tourists who visit Georgia. Tasting the whole list of all Georgian wines may be on the list of any foreign ‘sommelier’ that is ready to enrich their knowledge of refined wine.

In Georgia grape is picked late in August till the middle of November. There is no certain date when to begin gathering harvest- it all depends on the variety of grapes. The main point is not to miss the precise moment when a grape is full of miraculous nectar and not let it wither. The process of grape gathering is a long and labor-intensive activity where any person can lend a hand to the vinedresser and his family. Kakheti has already opened rtveli season. The regions of Racha together with Imereti are waiting for caring hands to gather the Georgian virtue in baskets. It is expected to get 150 thousand tons of wine this autumn

Rtveli is a special feast which is cherished by all the Georgians, especially those who live in rural part of the country. Wine growers are expecting this special occasion the whole year when they can finally show their wine craft and celebrate the wine season with family and friends. Every common peasant lives with the hope of getting as much harvest as possible and as you can make conclusions vines are raised with great affection, they are like a big indoor plant that brings happiness and luck to the family.

The significance of the vine is so much visible that its role is the second important in the family after mothers and children. The whole village mourns if hail or any other natural disaster ruins the vineyard and the families lose a huge portion of the harvest. Many religious families even light candles in the churches for the sake of good and bountiful harvest. Raising a fine vine is a painstaking work and requires nourishing like a baby. In the end labor pays off on the beautiful days of celebrations. Sometimes it is required to work in the sun when the heat reaches 45 degrees Celsius. Not everyone can handle that but love and hope help Georgians move forward and raise nice harvest.

You can easily find wine and gastronomic tours, especially in Kakheti, where you can take part in celebrations, make wine yourself and eat as many grapes as possible! Every person involved in the feast will be extremely friendly and happy. The fact that you come from a foreign country will make Georgians proud of their centuries-old traditions.

Many tours include the secrets of winemaking and preparation of churchkhela, baking traditional Georgian bread, khinkali-making and khachapuri-baking. The winemaking celebration is one of the most cheerful and fragrant holidays in Kakheti.

There are lots of reasons to visit Kakheti in autumn as people drink wine, dance, heavenly sing, and share food in the streets and yards. Lots of songs are dedicated to vine and grape harvest mentioning the word ‘venakhi’ which literally means the vine. You can see women cutting of ripe bunches of grapes and putting them in the baskets called ‘godori’. Men load trucks with these baskets that will later be taken to the wine factories. Rtveli is very lively and merry process where people tell jokes and anecdotes. Kakhetians are known as extremely hospitable and very kind people. The speed of gathering grapes in godori is approximately the whole bucket within two minutes whereas it might take novices much longer time to fill the godori.

When traveling to Kakheti remember that there is no sense saying ‘no’ to any offered wine or food that is cooked right near the field where grapes are gathered – that’s how people rest a bit after a long day’s work. The most popular dish is of course shashlik. Forget about table manners – everybody eats meat with bare hands and drink wine from clay bowls. Can you imagine how exotic and interesting the traditions of rich Kakheti are? The thoughts of the feast already make you hungry so be ready for gastronomic outrage – you are in the food heaven.

After having some rest drivers bring grapes to the wine factories where juicy berries are squeezed and turned into essence. The liquid is poured in special underground clay jars called ‘kvevri’ where wine is fermented and preserved all year long. Fermentation lasts for one month and later refined wine is again poured in kvevri. Later this liquid that does not really look nice will turn into fine wine. This tradition of wine-keeping dates back to ancient times. The room where kvevris are kept is known as ‘marani’.

The process of wine-making can count as subtle art where you have to know how to ‘speak’ to wine. It is necessary to pour it from kvevri into oak barrels as they say this particular wood gives a special flavor to the wine.

Rtveli is an amazing event and that guides you to the inside of Kakhetian way of life. Getting closer to native Kakhetians, eating a juicy grape, drinking one of the best wines in the world, living a life of a peasant but at the same time enjoying it- that is what it means to be part of rtveli in Georgia.

When coming back from Kakheti spend a few days calmly without any feasts or loads of liters of wine otherwise you may end with a hangover! Only Georgians can handle that much wine and feel well the following days.

Rtveli may be one of the kindest and household celebrations where any contribution is valued. Autumn has already entered its domain and welcomes everyone to join the table!


Investments in Cryptocurrencies, Review After 3 Months (BTC/ETH/LTC/XRP)

| Crypto | 14 seen

End of the September marked a small anniversary - it has been already 3 months since I've been investing in crypto-currencies. In today's article, I will be sharing my experience and thoughts. 

Make sure to read my thoughts after first-month of investing in cryptocurrencies: Invest in Cryptocurrencies - Review After One Month

It all started in Crete, Greece, we were chilling on a lovely balcony, at one of Agia Marina beach hotels, when a friend contacted me online and asked what do I think about cryptos? I didn't know much then, sure I knew in general, I had heard something about bitcoins, but that's all. After this conversation, I decided to explore more, and soon I experience my first FOMO (Fears of Missing Out). 

Indeed, it felt I'm missing out the greatest opportunity of this decade. I've been investing in both stocks and peer to peer lending. The idea of having a small part of a portfolio in cryptocurrencies sounded like a missing part of my portfolio. 

Sure, I understood the high risk involved here, possible ponzi scheme, tulip bulb scam you name it. Still, I decided to opt in. I decided to use dollar cost averaging as part of my crypto investment portfolio strategy and to buy crytpocurrencies once in a month, no matter the price.

Remember - investments are risky, never invest more you can afford to lose.

Strong buy and hold here. I decided to keep cryptos in my portfolio until the end of 2020. That's about 2 and a half years. 

So I bought at start ETH (First Investment In Crypto Currencies - Bought 0.2 ETH for EUR 50), then additional bitcoins and litecoins. Soon I decided to add Ripple (XRP) to portfolio, see: Why I Rushed to Buy Ripple (XRP) Cryptocurrency at $0.19

Affiliate link here: If you are just planning to acquire your first bitcoin, consider to register at coinbase.com with this link, once you buy or sell $100 (€85) of digital currency or more, we will both get $10 (€8) of free bitcoin.

Average investment per month: EUR 175

Now after 3 months I've invested in total EUR 550 with value at the end of September EUR 620.78. That's a +12.87% growth. 

Dollar cost averaging cryptocurrency investments

These past 3 months have been like a roller coaster, I've experienced both bearish and bullish markets in this short history. From a negative -17.50% growth in July (see: Cryptocurrency volatility, lost -54.42% in just two weeks) to bullish +50% value growth in August, ending +12.87% in September.


September 2017 Dividend Income Report - $55.08

| Investments | 11 seen

Welcome to the fifth (#5) dividend income report, covering earnings I've made from dividend-paying stocks, peer to peer lending (both fiat and cryptocurrencies) in September 2017. 

If you are new to my dividend income report series, where I'm sharing my progress towards financial freedom, here is the backstory in short - I started my wealth building adventure (portfolio) in January 2017 with a simple goal to invest $8,561 this year in several batches. First months of the year generated me nothing much, but starting May it has started slowly and steady to increase

September was a decent in terms of dividend income, in total I managed to earn $55.08 by doing nothing much, just investing in great companies, playing a little bit with cryptocurrencies and lending out money via peer to peer marketplace.

About Portfolio September 2017

At the end of September, I've invested a total of $9,463.62 what already greatly exceed my initial plan for investments in 2017 and equals to 110.54% from this year's planned investments. Also,  I've reached 0.96% from my ultimate one million dollar goal by the time I will turn 60 (in 2045)

For the sake of this and all future dividend income articles, I've converted all final/total currencies to the US dollar, though I've investments in GEL, EUR and USD currencies.

Net Worth September 2017

For the past 9 months, it has been a steady value growth resulting in a total of +1.33% value growth for the entire portfolio at the end of September. Here is the breakdown by positions:

  • Mintos.com peer to peer lending: -2.21%
  • Stocks: +2.34%
  • Mutual funds: +4.33%
  • Crypto investments: +12.87%

Despite mintos.com being the top performer in terms of dividend growth (loan repayments) in September, the total value of it has decreased for the second month in a row, and here is why - Georgian Lari currency lost its value against EUR. This is the thing that worries me a lot, as Lari has been a troubled currency for the last 3 years already (at least).

Also, after a great month of August, crypto investment value decreased from +50% and stock value dipped from +4%

Having a diversified portfolio helps, and it definitely helped me last September. A low but positive +1.33% value and I'm still a happy hippo.

Investment portfolio September 2017

I keep investing in - stocks, peer-to-peer lending, mutual funds, cash, and cryptocurrencies. The vast majority remains invested in Nasdaq Baltics and Mintos.com peer to peer lending loans (in EUR and GEL currencies)

About Investments in September 2017

Last month I invested additional:

  • Nasdaq Baltics stock market: EUR 319.55
  • Cash: EUR 195.5
  • Cryptocurrencies: EUR 175 

Total investments in September: EUR 690

From money invested in Baltic equity market I bought following shares:

  • Energijos skirstymo operatorius  (ESO1L ) - 350 Shares

This, Lithuanian company promises dividend payment in October. 

Interest income in September 2017

From investments in stocks, peer to peer lending marketplace Mintos.com and from cryptocurrency lending on Poloniex.com I got following income last month:

  • OlainFarm: EUR 10.89
  • Mintos.com: EUR 35.83
  • Poloniex.com: EUR 0.84

Total: EUR 47.56 / USD 55.08

Monthly income to the date

During past nine months, dividend income from my portfolio have produced a whopping $366.64, or 3.87% year to the date yield

Monthly income chart by September 2017

As you can see from the graph above, July has been the best in terms of dividend and interest payments so far.

Right now it looks I won't crack $100 anytime soon and if, then most probably in December, as I already hold few stocks with historical dividend payments in December.

Goals for September 2018 Dividend income

A year from now I'm looking for a minimum of $110 dividend income in September 2018.


10 Things to Do in Tbilisi in October

| Travel guides | 65 seen

Autumn is a perfect time to spend your holidays in Georgia as long as the unbearable heat has declined and it is more than pleasant to walk in the daytime through busy avenues and narrow streets of charming Tbilisi.

Still, you may think that no matter what time of the year it is Tbilisi keeps hosting lots of tourists exploring its vicinity and suburban areas as well.

Activities that could interest you include not only leisure days and lazy walks in the avenues so be ready for long walking tours and wear appropriate clothes as the weather is extremely changeable in late September and early October.

Let’s make at least 10 points that could make your journey to Tbilisi colorful and enthralling. (scroll down for itinerary and map info)

  • Visit Pantheon and Mama Davit Church that is situated right under Mtatsminda Park. The place is an amazing spot for making striking pictures of Tbilisi and the city seems to be put in the palm of your hand. You can walk through the Pantheon and ask the caretakers about famous Georgian writers, poets, dancers, and activists who are buried high on the hill. Don’t forget to drink the spring water and make a wish – they believe that whenever you drink it and think of something you want it comes true! The way that leads you to Pantheon is steep – the lift that characterizes a saint place indeed.

  • Get lost in the Old City and climb up the unknown and narrow streets of Tbilisi without asking passersby how to get to the center. This is the most exciting part of the journey as there are loads of streets that remain unnoticed by foreigners who mostly spend their time in the main Rustaveli and Marjanishvili avenues. Streets in Old Tbilisi seem to be keeping charm and secrets of the 19th and 20th centuries’ life. Architecture is fascinating and vision of the so-called ‘Italian yards’ that have so much in common but still differ from each other a lot will be forever sealed in your memories.

  • Sing with the street musicians! Recently lots of youngsters have been taking out their musical instruments and singing in the downtown of Tbilisi. It’s a great experience to merge into Georgian culture and feel the nature and hospitality of people whom you’re meeting for the first time in your life. Young boys and girls will gladly sing the song chosen by you. Later the show may include Georgian singing and dancing. Don’t walk past those cheerful guys and stay for a while to watch their show!

  • Try new Zip-line that runs above the Botanic Garden! The height is about 30 meters and distance is 270 meters. That will cost you 30 GEL and will bring you an unforgettable experience. Don’t forget to bring a selfie-stick with you and record the feelings and the scenery of the beautiful and historical Botanic Garden.

  • Visit RezoRezo Gabriadze Puppet Theater in the tourist cluster district. The performances are unique – each in their own way and is accompanied by the beautiful music of the Georgian contemporary composers. You will see interesting and magic shows by puppets – some of them are tiny and others are three feet tall. The faces of the little stars are detailed and as if express emotions. You will not leave the hall disappointed as the puppet show overwhelms the public even more than regular theater performances.

  • Eat delicious Georgian food like cheese- stuffed bread with an egg yolk, meat dumplings known as khinkali, veggies and dishes cooked with meat. You will be extremely satisfied if you prepare these pieces of culinary masterpiece yourself! It is possible to visit workshops and cook Georgian food with the professional cooks. Restaurant Qvevri provides lessons to all the comers and the ones who took a big liking in Georgian food. The workshops may last up to 5 hours but you can choose the easier culinary adventure and enjoy your food! See Tbilisi Restaurants

  • Take a break from your trip and the walking tours - have a bath! Sulfur baths are famous for incredible water that makes you feel like a newborn baby. Baths are located in the Old Town and are easily recognized by a series of convex domes rising over the tranquil stream. It is a great pleasure to have a bath in the colder seasons as you feel the blessing of natural hot water when you leave the bath. There are both cheap and expensive rooms and the interior depends mostly on how much you are ready to pay. Try the services of ‘meqise’ – the person who makes a traditional Georgian massage with the help of a special broom made of plants designed for bathing procedures.

  • Visit Dry Bridge and purchase Soviet stuff that can be found only in the countries of former the Soviet Union. The Flea Market is popular among collectors and people who are partial to old technology, clothes, medals, stamps, old tea-sets, and many many other things. It is possible to bargain there as long as the vendors love selling their goods for higher prices but later they surrender and cut off the price, though you will hear the phrase like ‘I sold it for a lower price only to you but don’t tell anyone about our bargain!’

  • Visit the Peace Bridge situated in the heart of the Old Town. You can go on a cruise there down the Kura River and look at the city from the board of the ship. The city looks even prettier in the evening and the sound of water beneath your feet makes you feel the spirit of Tbilisi. After the cruise, you can go to the Rike Park and watch the illuminated fountains dance and sing. Pretty!

  • Socialize in numerous bars in Tbilisi! Places like Fabrika, Dive, Warszawa, Canudos are already well-known among tourists and locals as well. Those are the places that live at night and change destinies as you meet strangers and interesting people from all over the world.

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    Top 20 Apartments in Agia Marina Beach, Crete (Aparthotels, Villas & Hotels)

    | Hotel reviews | 19 seen

    Agia Marina is a popular resort town on the island of Crete in Greece, located just some 10 km west from Chania.

    Frankly speaking, I didn't know of the existence of such place before our last trip to the island of Crete during the month of June 2017. Now I can only regret about it. Agia Marina beach is amazing, hotels, resorts, villas, you name it are good, service is amazing and prices are affordable. No wonder why it's so popular among Scandinavian tourists.

    During our about month-long trip around the island of Crete, we stayed at Agia Marina twice -  for about 2 nights at trips start and about 5 days at the end of the trip. For the start, we chose Vergina beach hotel which was good and for the end, we stayed at Eden Beach hotel apartment - which was amazing.

    Agia Marina beach is a really cool, tranquil and I would even say pretty romantic place. See: Mild Summer Evenings at Agia Marina Beach in Crete

    You should be ready to spend about 30-100 EUR for a good apartment/hotel/villa - which IMHO is fantastic. Alternatively see: Top 12 Luxury & Boutique Hotels in Chania Town and Top 20 Luxury 5-star hotels in Athens, Greece

    Please note: hotels listed below may contain links to Booking.com, by clicking on links on this page and by making a reservation on Booking.com site, I might earn an affiliate income, at no cost to you.

    Kyriaki's Cozy Apartments in Agia Marina

    This property is 4 minutes walk from the beach. Offering a sun terrace, Kyriaki's Cozy Apartments is situated in Agia Marina Nea Kydonias. Chania Town is 9 km from the property. Free private parking is available on site.Chania Town is 9 km from the property. Free private parking is available on site.

    The accommodation is air conditioned and comes with a dining area and a seating area with a flat-screen TV. Some units have a terrace and/or balcony. There is also a kitchen, fitted with an oven, microwave and toaster. A fridge and coffee machine are also available. Kyriaki's Cozy Apartments features free WiFithroughout the property. Towels are provided.

    Price: ~ EUR 45 Book this hotel on Booking.com

    Eden Beach Hotel in Agia Marina

    Offering free WiFi and a seasonal outdoor pool, Eden Beach Hotel is set in Agia Marina Nea Kydonias. Chania Town is 8 km away. Free private parking is available on site.Chania Town is 8 km away. Free private parking is available on site.

    All units are air conditioned and include a seating area. Some units feature a terrace and/or balcony with sea views. There is also a dining area and a kitchenette fitted with a fridge and stovetop. Each unit is fitted with a private bathroom with a bath or shower. Towels are featured.

    Eden Beach Hotel also includes a sun terrace.

    Price: ~ EUR 30 Book this hotel on Booking.com

    Meliades Villas in Agia Marina

    This property is 8 minutes walk from the beach. Meliades Villas are located in the area of Agia Marina, within 2 km from the sandy beach. Surrounded by lush olive groves, it offers spacious, fully equipped villas each with a private swimming pool.

    The air-conditioned villas are modernly furnished and open out to balconies and patios with access to the garden. They consist of a fully fitted kitchen with dining area, a living room with fireplace and 2 or 3 bedrooms. Other facilities include flat-screen, satellite TVs, hairdryer and washing machine.

    Book this hotel on Booking.com

    Thalassa Beach Resort & Spa (Adults Only) 

    This property is 1 minute walk from the beach. Situated on the beach of Agia Marina, 9 km from Chania, adults-only Thalassa Beach Resort offers a spa and a sea-facing pool. Its stylish rooms have floor-to-ceiling windows with stunning sea, garden or inland views.Chania, adults-only Thalassa Beach Resort offers a spa and a sea-facing pool. Its stylish rooms have floor-to-ceiling windows with stunning sea, garden or inland views.

    The elegant rooms are fitted with parquet floors and climate control. In-room media includes a satellite TV. Bathrooms come with a bathtub, body care products, hairdryer and magnifying mirror. Rooms include a full-length mirror.

    Fine dining is proposed at the a la carte main restaurant. A lighter fare is available at the snack bar, while the beach tavern serves Greek meze. Private dining on the beach can be arranged.

    Massage rooms and indoor pool are featured in the hotel spa.

    Price: ~ EUR 106 Book this hotel on Booking.com

    Vergina Beach Hotel in Agia Marina

    Read my review here: Vergina Beach Hotel Review, Agia Marina, Crete

    This property is 1 minute walk from the beach. Set right on the sandy beach of Agia Marina, Vergina Beach Hotel offers free WiFi in all areas and air-conditioned accommodation with views over the Cretan Sea. It includes a beach bar and a cocktail bar.

    Vergina studios, suites and apartments are simply, yet tastefully furnished, with a private balcony. They include a kitchenette with electric kettle and mini fridge, as well as a flat-screen TV.

    At the beach restaurant, you can enjoy breakfast, lunch and snacks. The cocktail bar serves cocktails, drinks and pizzas, and it also features 8 large flat-screen TVs.

    Price: ~ EUR 60 Book this hotel on Booking.com

    Orion Star in Agia Marina

    This property is 3 minutes walk from the beach. Just 150 m from the sandy beach of Agia Marina, Orion Star boasts an outdoor pool and a poolside snack bar. Its self-catered and split-level apartments offer a balcony with garden views.

    The spacious and modern accommodation at Orion Star and features an open-plan seating, dining and fully equipped kitchen with a fridge and stove. Each comes with a safe, wardrobe, TV and bathroom with a hairdryer.

    Refreshing drinks and snacks are available at the snack bar by the pool. Each morning an English breakfast is served. Taverns, cafés and minimarkets are all within walking distance.

    The sun terrace is filled with complimentary sun beds and umbrellas and includes a paddling pool for kids. Wi-Fi is free in public areas of the property.

    Price: ~ EUR 20 Book this hotel on Booking.com

    Elia Agia Marina Hotel

    Elia Agia Marina Hotel offers accommodation in Agia Marina Nea Kydonias. The hotel has a hot tub and guests can enjoy a drink at the bar.

    Every room at this hotel is air conditioned and is fitted with a flat-screen TV. Certain units have views of the sea. Every room comes with a private bathroom. For your comfort, you will find slippers and free toiletries.

    You will find room service at the property. Guests will find a restaurant and a supermarket within 100 m of the property. 

    Price: ~ EUR 88 Book this hotel on Booking.com

    Angelica Studios and Apartments

    This property is 2 minutes walk from the beach. Located in the area of Agia Marina, Angelica offers self-catering and air-conditioned studios and apartments set around a free-form swimming pool with sun terrace. Within walking distance, guests will find taverns, mini markets and a bus stop.

    Tastefully decorated with modern furnishings and soft colours, Angelica Studios and Apartments open to a private balcony. They all include a kitchenette with mini fridge and a dining area, where guests can enjoy their own meals. All units also have a TV an en-suite bathroom with shower.

    Price: ~ EUR 30 Book this hotel on Booking.com

    Dias Hotel Apartments

    This property is 3 minutes walk from the beach. Only 300 m from Agia Marina Beach, Dias Hotel Apartments features an outdoor pool with a poolside snack bar for drinks and light meals. Surrounded by lush greenery, it offers self-catering accommodation and free Wi-Fi throughout.

    Located on the ground or first floor, all units open to a balcony with pool, garden, mountain or Cretan Sea views. Each is spacious and has a kitchenette with cooking hobs, a fridge and kettle. Facilities include air conditioning, satellite TV and hairdryer.

    Guests can find a super market and bakery within a short walking distance from the property. Dias Hotel lies 9 km from Chania Town and 21 km from Ioannis Ioannis Daskalogiannis International Airport. Free private parking is possible on site, upon availability. Chania Town and 21 km from Ioannis Ioannis Daskalogiannis International Airport. Free private parking is possible on site, upon availability. 

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

    Iskios Villas

    This property is 3 minutes walk from the beach. Situated in Agia Marina Nea Kydonias, Iskios Villas features a garden, seasonal outdoor pool, and barbecue. The accommodation features a hot tub. Chania Town is 8 km away. Free private parking is available on site.Chania Town is 8 km away. Free private parking is available on site.

    The accommodation is fitted with a dining area and a seating area with a satellite flat-screen TV. Some units have a terrace and/or balcony. There is also a kitchen, equipped with a dishwasher and oven. A microwave and toaster are also offered, as well as a coffee machine. There is a private bathroom with a hairdryer in each unit. The villa features free WiFi throughout the property.

    Iskios Villas also includes a sun terrace.

    Book this hotel on Booking.com

    Papidakis Studios in Agia Marina

    Located right on the seafront, Papidakis Studios are located in Agia Marina Nea Kydonias in Crete. The property also boasts a sun terrace and direct access to the beach. Free WiFi is offered throughout.

    Each air-conditioned studio includes a balcony overlooking the sea or mountains. It has a seating area with sofas and a TV. The kitchenette is equipped with a stove and microwave. The bathroom comes with a shower.

    Papadakis Studios are a short stroll away from restaurants, cafes and shops. The seaside resort of Platanias is 2 km away. Papidakis Studios is 8 km from the picturesque town of Chania. Chania International Airport is 20 km away. Chania. Chania International Airport is 20 km away. 

    Price: ~ EUR 50 Book this hotel on Booking.com

    Oscar Suites & Village

    This property is 1 minute walk from the beach. Just a few minutes’ walk from Agia Marina Beach, Oscar Suites is set amidst flowery gardens and includes 2 swimming pools, an Italian bar-restaurant and a fitness room. It offers studios and apartments with free Wi-Fi and private balcony.

    Studios and apartments at Oscar are decorated in colourful tones and equipped with blackout curtains, air conditioning and hidden spotlights. Fitted with Cocomat mattresses, they all include a well-equipped kitchenette, wardrobe and a seating area with flat-screen TV. A hairdryer can be found in the modern bathroom.

    The Valentino Pasta & Grill restaurant serves Italian cuisine for lunch and dinner, while cocktails, snacks and ice creams can be enjoyed at the poolside bar. Buffet breakfast is prepared in the morning.

    Price: ~ EUR 81 Book this hotel on Booking.com

    Seagull Hotel and Apartments

    This property is 1 minute walk from the beach. Situated 50 m from the sandy beach of Agia Marina in Crete, the family-run Seagull Hotel features a snack bar. It offers self-catered accommodation with free WiFi and a balcony overlooking the Cretan Sea or the village.

    A kitchenette with cooking hobs, fridge and coffee maker is included in all the air-conditioned units at the Seagull. Each comes with a seating area. Some accommodation types have a separate bedroom.

    A breakfast buffet is provided on the rooftop terrace, fitted with 2 flat-screen TVs. Coffee, drinks and light meals are served there until late in the evening with views of the sea. Many taverns, bars and shops are 100 m from the hotel.

    A shared computer is featured at the reception area. Daily cleaning service is provided.

    Price: ~ EUR 35 Book this hotel on Booking.com

    Nicolas Studios & Apartments

    This property is 2 minutes walk from the beach. Featuring a pool with a furnished sun terrace, Nicolas Studios & Apartments is located in Agia Marina Village within 9 km from Chania Town. The family-run property offers self-catering accommodation with a balcony overlooking the pool and the well-tended garden or the courtyard.Chania Town. The family-run property offers self-catering accommodation with a balcony overlooking the pool and the well-tended garden or the courtyard.

    Simply decorated with wooden furnishings, the air-conditioned studios of Nicolas feature a kitchenette with dining area. Each unit is equipped with a satellite TV, fridge and coffee maker. The private bathroom is stocked with a hairdryer.

    Guests can relax at the sun loungers by the pool, while younger guests can enjoy themselves at the children’s pool. Staff at the front desk can provide information on excursions in the area and can help arrange car and bicycle rental.

    Price: ~ EUR 30 Book this hotel on Booking.comBook this hotel on Booking.com

    Atlantida Mare

    This property is 1 minute walk from the beach. Atlantida Mare enjoys a beachfront location in the area of Agia Marina, 7 km from the centre of Chania. It features a beach bar-restaurant and free Wi-Fi. Shops and restaurants are within walking distance.Chania. It features a beach bar-restaurant and free Wi-Fi. Shops and restaurants are within walking distance.

    All studios and apartments at Atlantida Mare are fully equipped with air conditioning, kitchenette with refrigerator and balcony. Some come with a flat-screen TV. Most rooms boast sea view.

    Guests can try Cretan cuisine and snacks at the property's beach bar-restaurant, while enjoying sea views. Sun beds on the beach can also be provided upon charge.

    The centre of Platanias and Platanias Beach are less than 2 km away. The long sandy beach of Agia Marina caters all sports needs, including jet-skiing, snorkelling and boat tripping facilities. The beach bar-restaurant serves Cretan cuisine all day long. Free public parking is possible nearby. 

    Price: ~ EUR 50 Book this hotel on Booking.com

    Minos Village

    This property is 5 minutes walk from the beach. Offering a pool and a restaurant, Minos Village is in the beach resort of Agia Marina. It features self-catering accommodation with balcony or terrace. Free WiFi is available in public areas. Agia Marina Beach is a short walk away.

    Apartments at Minos Village have a TV and air conditioning.There is a full a kitchenette with a microwave and a refrigerator. Featuring a shower, private bathroom also comes with a hairdryer and free toiletries. You can enjoy garden view from the room.

    At Minos Village you will find a garden, a terrace with sun loungers and a bar. Other facilities like a ticket service, a tour desk and luggage storage are offered. The property offers free, private parking.

    Price: ~ EUR 54 Book this hotel on Booking.com

    Villa Ariella

    This property is 20 minutes walk from the beach. Set in Agia Marina Nea Kydonias, this air-conditioned villa features free WiFi, a spa bath and a terrace. The unit is 9 km from Chania Town. Free private parking is available on site.Chania Town. Free private parking is available on site.

    There is a seating area, a dining area and a kitchen complete with a dishwasher and an oven. A flat-screen TV is offered. Other facilities at Villa Ariella include a year-round outdoor pool.

    You can play mini-golf at the property, and free use of bicycles and car hire are available. Elafonisi is 43 km from Villa Ariella, while Georgioupolis is 35 km away. The nearest airport is Chania International Airport, 20 km from Villa Ariella. Chania International Airport, 20 km from Villa Ariella. 

    Book this hotel on Booking.com

    Elotis Suites

    This property is 1 minute walk from the beach. Situated in lush gardens, Elotis Suites is only 50 m from the sandy Agia Marina Beach, less than a 10-minute drive from the Platanias nightlife, and within walking distance of shops and restaurants. It provides a big pool, and a pool bar.

    A well-equipped kitchenette is offered in all accommodation types at the Elotis. Each elegant unit is decorated in light colours and wooden furnishings.

    There is a separate swimming pool for the children. Colourful flowers and tall trees are around the hotel, making it really nice to walk. Free WiFi is available in public areas.

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

    Canea Mare Hotel And Apartments 

    This property is 1 minute walk from the beach. Located in Agia Marina area, Canea Mare Hotel And Apartments offers accommodation with balcony or patio within 50 m from the beach. Featuring a swimming pool with sun terrace and 2 bars, the property's public areas enjoy free Wi-Fi access.Agia Marina area, Canea Mare Hotel And Apartments offers accommodation with balcony or patio within 50 m from the beach. Featuring a swimming pool with sun terrace and 2 bars, the property's public areas enjoy free Wi-Fi access.

    Canea rooms are bright and tastefully decorated in yellow and green details. Each air-conditioned unit is equipped with a TV and a fridge. Some units also include a kitchenette with dining area.

    The hotel’s snack bar serves drinks and cocktails until late at night, while there is also poolside snack bar.

    Price: ~ EUR 28 Book this hotel on Booking.com

    Akatos Hotel

    This property is 1 minute walk from the beach. Featuring a good-sized pool with bar and a garden, Akatos Hotel is situated in Agia Marina, 9 km west of Chania and 19 km far from the airport.

    Accommodation in Akatos Hotel includes comfortable, self catering studios and apartments with air conditioning and TV.

    Guests can start their day with a continental breakfast including coffee or tea, jam, bread, cheese and cake.

    Agia Marina is a long and sandy beach with a lot of facilities that include beach bars, taverns and water sports. Regular buses connect the seaside resort with Chania. 

    Price: ~ EUR 30 Book this hotel on Booking.com


    Google Spreadsheet To Track BTC/Altcoin Trading on Monthly Basis

    | Macroeconomics | 61 seen

    Track your altcoin/BTC investment portfolio with Google Spreadsheets

    Investments in crypto-currencies are among one of the most interesting findings for me this year (2017). I decided to give them a try just a few months ago, see: First Investment In Crypto Currencies - Bought 0.2 ETH for EUR 50

    For support please visit the Terramatris website: Custom Google Spreadsheet Development for Crypto Currency Portfolio Tracking

    Soon I decided to use dollar cost averaging to acquire four different crypto-currencies once a month, no matter the price. I've been investing in cryptos for about 3 months now, and I can tell you for sure, investments here are like a roller coaster, my crypto portfolio has lost in some periods more than -50%, and in some periods it has grown in value by +50%. Right now (as of writing this, it says +7% growth.). Dollar-cost averaging helps a lot. 

    For tracking long-term investments in crypto I've developed a simple crypto-currency tracking Google Spreadsheet, you can read more about it and get a free download here: How To Track Your CryptoCurrencies Portfolio Automatically Using Google Spreadsheets

    Now, it was about a month ago, I decided to try day-trading / swing-trading altcoins for a profit. See: Starting To Learn Crypto Currency Day Trading With EUR 25

    Google Spreadsheet for BTC/Altcoin portfolio

    Honestly, speaking I'm not very good at day trading, but I have found swing-trading works much better for me. When trading bitcoin versus altcoins it might be a little bit complicated to track your portfolio changes as here we are not using fiat currency anymore. It's just BTC against other altcoins.

    To make it easier to track changes in the altcoin portfolio, I created a new Google Spreadsheet, which I'm sharing with you guys. The spreadsheet does basically the following - tracks percentage change both in fiat and BTC values on a monthly basis. Most values should be entered here manually (once a month).

    It might be tricky at the start to set up your custom Spreadsheet,  but once you are familiar with basic stuff it shouldn't be so tricky after all, for each new month just drag and drop values from the previous month and make some adjustments.

    Google Spreadsheet for tracking altcoin portfolio on a monthly basis

    Few things to explain here - to get the bitcoin exchange rates to USD and EUR  I'm using GoogleFinance and IMPORTXML functions, detailed description of how to use them see in this article: How To Track Your CryptoCurrencies Portfolio Automatically Using Google Spreadsheets

    At the start of each month, I invest (convert) an additional EUR 25 (Column B), to purchase BTC from coinbase.com, send it to Poloniex.com exchange and start swing trading. I write down how much BTC I have bought in a separate sheet (just for tracking purposes). In column C - enter the total BTC amount.

    • Column D (BTC/EUR exchange rate) manually enter a value from C2. If you prefer USD currency just change the EUR field to USD and enter BTC/USD exchange rates from B2.
    • Column E - manually enter a value of how much bitcoin you have invested in total.
    • Column F - the value of how much in total invested EUR (take value from a previous month + newly added money)
    • Columns G/H - Manually enter a value at the end of the month in BTC and EUR
    • Columns I/J - Total Growth from the start BTC/EUR
    • Columns K/L - Month-to-date Growth BTC/EUR
    • Columns M/N - Month-to-date profit BTC/EUR
    • Columns O/P - Currently invested BTC value in altcoins
    • Columns Q/R - Month-to-date growth (Total invested at the end of months minus value at the start of the month)

    Download a free working copy here (open -> save as a copy).

    For support please visit the Terramatris website: Custom Google Spreadsheet Development for Crypto Currency Portfolio Tracking


    Beata's Orange Juice Bar, Crete

    | Restaurant reviews | 67 seen

    It was on our third-day trip around Crete, when we discovered an interesting roadside cafeteria promising breathtaking views, just later, post-processing photos with the help of Google Maps I was able to track down coordinates and name for this place - Beata's Orange Juice Bar, Crete.

    Indeed - views here was lovely, though the most interesting "tourist attraction" was a donkey. A kind owner suddenly got a donkey out of nowhere and here you go - fresh orange juice, donkey, and panoramic views. 

    Outdoor deck with great views

    Could be cool on a cloudy day, walk in the clouds feeling, see my photography from walk in the clouds in Georgia: 5 Days In Georgia Itinerary List - Make Most Of Your Trip

    Orange juice

    Indeed, they serve orange juice here. What a surprise.

    The Donkey

    Indeed - great feature.


    Back to the Gym - Get Under 99kg Beard Challenge

    | Health & Wellness | 13 seen

    Getting fit is cool, getting heart rate normal is awesome. Visiting a gym can be really addictive. For the second time this year I'm taking beard growing challenge - not to shave it under I will get under 99 kilos. 

    Let me explain, back at the start of 2017 I applied for a gym membership at Tbilisi's Champions Academy, my weight was 105 kg, I made a challenge to grow a beard until I will weight less than 100kg. I reached my goal in less than 2 months. My best result was 97.2 kg on March 23rd, 2017. Then starting April I took a pause from a gym for 6 months (obstacles, relocating to another country without access to the gym). I gained weight back. 

    Tip: Losing weight is a lifetime experience, to stay sharp - access to the gym or a lot of physical activities is a must have.

    Now I'm back, renewed my membership and had my first training session (cardio, dumbbells) - first session was hard, sure. I barely managed a 30-minute session on the treadmill - few sit-ups and that's all. 

    Now my weight is 104kg - to reach my goal, to get under 99kg, it will ask me to loose 5kg weight. It should be achievable in a month or something. See: How I Lost 4.4 Pounds In 5 Days In a Gym

    To make my journey more interesting - I won't shave my beard until I'll get there. 

    What about you? Do you have some special rituals, while reaching your goals? Drop a comment - readers and I would love to hear.


    Floating Block for Drupal 8

    | Drupal Development | 24 seen

    The Floating block is a nice helper module which allows you to keep HTML blocks, selected using jquery selectors in a fixed position on the page as you scroll. I've been using Floating block mostly for my personal blog to feature related content (you can see floating module while browsing this web page from a desktop computer.)

    In fact, I stop using floating block module  a couple of years ago, but recently I was contacted by another Drupal webmaster, regarding my tutorial on Floating Block module for Drupal 7 site and taking a fresh look at this module, I understood - Floating block module helps UI by filling up sidebar, so it's never empty. 

    When speaking about Floating block module for Drupal 8, there is not yet a stable release (as of writing this), but there is a dev version, which actually works out of the box.

    Configure Floating Blocks for Drupal 8 website

    As usual, let's start with download

    • Download and enable floating block module
    • Configure floating block from admin/config/user-interface/floating-block

    In my example, I'm looking to make one block from the right sidebar to float.

    Using inspector tool (Chrome CTRL+Shitf+I) find div (#) id element you are looking to make floating, in my case: #block-views-block-tours-block-2

    To float the left sidebar within a container in your theme us selectors, for bootstrap: container=.main-container

    Here is complete configuration for floating block configuration

    #block-views-block-tours-block-2|container=.main-container

    Feel free to drop a comment if you need any help.


    Views Infinite Scroll / Load more with Ajax for Drupal 8

    | Drupal Development | 73 seen

    As you might guess from the title already, in today's Drupal tutorial I will write about how to configure infinite scroll/load more button for Drupal 8 website. The best - both behaviors can be achieved using just one module - Views Infinite Scroll

    Check out following tutorials for Drupal 7: Drupal masonry front page, Views lode more pager with Ajax for Drupal

    And again, as in the previous tutorials, you can find a live preview on Tourgeorgia.eu

    • Download and enable Views Infinite Scroll module
    • Visit views page, you would like to attach infinite scroll or load more function
    • Change Pager: Infinite scroll, I will use 10 items to load on default

    Pager settings for Infinite scroll

    Now in order to make it work with Ajax, let's turn on Ajax:

    • Under Advanced - > Other: Use AJAX: Yes

    Almost there, but here are few things we should fine tune here

    Settings for Infinite Scroll

    Under Pager (use pager) click on Infinite Scroll Options and check next to the Automatically load Content

    Automatically load Content

    Settings for Load more 

    Repeat the same steps as for infinite scroll, just make sure to uncheck Automatically load Content

    Here you go - a really easy way to setup both infinite scroll or load more pager with Ajax.

    Load more button with Ajax for Drupal 8 website

    Optionally 

    CSS code to make load more button 100% width (for Bootstrap powered template}

    .pager li > a, .pager li > span { display: inline-block; padding: 5px 14px; background-color: #fff; border: 1px solid #ddd; border-radius: 0px; width: 100%; }

    CSS bug wit custom views-row classes (first, last) in Drupal 8

    Seems there is a bug with Drupal 8 views, when trying to render classes for views-row. There exist some workarounds, but right I find them secondary and I'm ready to wait until it will be solved with next views updates.


    How To Enable Custom Google Fonts For Drupal 8 Website

    | Drupal Development | 20 seen

    There are several options how to enable custom fonts for Drupal 8 website, in this article I will stick with one of the easiest - using a custom module - @font-your-face

    As usual, for this Drupal tutorial I will use a real-time scenario: For Tourgeorgia.eu website I'm using custom Premium theme adapted for Drupal 8, at one stage I noticed that example theme looks better than customized, and then I realized we are missing few fonts, which must be loaded manually.

    As, said there are several options to handle this, but this time I decided to use a module. Again, there are two scenarios possible, either you are building Drupal theme from scratch and writing custom .css style or you are using a readily built theme. As in this case, I'm using the ready built theme, I won't touch .css part, as code already have been written.

    • Download and enable @font-your-face module
    • As for this case I'm using Google Fonts, enable Google Fonts module
    • Go to admin/appearance/font and enable custom fonts you need
    • Flush cache and enjoy result

    Custom fonts enabled


    Top 20 Luxury 5-star hotels in Athens, Greece

    | Hotel reviews | 37 seen

    For a luxury stay in Athens with a panoramic view towards Acropolis you should be ready to pay between EUR 120 up to EUR 670 per night.

    Although I haven't stayed for a night in Athens, as I have just once been here during a few hours between connecting flights (see: About Tbilisi - Athens - Chania (Greece) flight by Aegean Airlines) I would definitely love to stay close to the Acropolis (Ancient Agora of Athens). Sure I would think twice am I ready to spend about EUR 670 per night for a luxury hotel in Athens, I must admit those hotels with great panoramic views towards Acropolis interests me the most.

    If money is no obstacle, see TOP 20 Luxury 5-star hotels in Athens. No worries if you are on "limited luxury budget", there are still plenty of 5-star hotels in Athens in a price range EUR 120-200 per night.

    Please note: hotels listed below may contain links to Booking.com, by clicking on links on this page and by making a reservation on Booking.com site, I might earn an affiliate income, at no cost to you.

    Electra Metropolis Hotel in Athens

    Located in the heart of Athens, just 200 metres from Syntagma Square, the modern Electra Metropolis boasts a small, rooftop pool with waterfall effect, and a sun terrace with views over the city. Gourmet dishes and refreshing cocktails can be enjoyed at the top-floor restaurant or at the M Bar offering panoramic views over the Acropolis.

    The elegant rooms and suites at Electra Metropolis feature modern decor, wooden floors and warm tones. Each includes a marble-tiled bathroom with hairdryer, bathrobes, slippers and organic KORRES toiletries. A work desk, 40'' Smart TV with satellite channels, a laptop safe and a mini bar are standard. Free WiFi access is provided throughout.

    A retro-style lounge area, where guests can enjoy a coffee or a drink, is featured at the unique sky-light atrium decorated with Fassianos artwork and located at the center of the building. Guests can also taste Mediterranean flavours at the ground-floor bistro featuring an open kitchen.

    Price: ~ EUR 248 Book this hotel on Booking.com

    Sofitel Athens Airport

    The 5-star Sofitel Athens is conveniently located 50 metres from Athens International Airport. It offers 2 restaurants, a spa and an indoor heated pool with views over the airport. Free Wi-Fi is offered throughout.

    Each of the modern rooms is soundproofed and appointed with comfortable beds. Units are air-conditioned and have satellite TVs and work desks. Marble bathrooms feature luxury toiletries.

    Athens Sofitel’s 2 restaurants serve delicious Mediterranean and international cuisine. Artemis Bar features live piano music while Karavi Bar and Restaurant on the 9th floor offers panoramic views of the airport.

    Wellness options include a sauna, massage and facial treatments. A hair salon is also available.

    Price: ~ EUR 190 Book this hotel on Booking.com

    Divani Apollon Suites Hotel in Athens

    Offering an outdoor and indoor pool and a private beach area, Divani Apollon Suites are located in Vouliagmeni. They feature tastefully decorated accommodation with free WiFi and garden views. Facilities include a spa centre and a restaurant.

    Fitted with parquet floor, all air-conditioned rooms and suites of Divani Apollon open to a balcony. Each is equipped with a flat-screen, satellite TV and a minibar. The private bathroom comes with a hairdryer and bathrobes. Some units have a separate living room with sofas.

    The on-site restaurant serves lunch and dinner dishes, while drinks and cocktails are prepared at the bar. Several restaurants and café bars can be found within a short drive.

    Book this hotel on Booking.com

    Wyndham Grand Athens Hotel

    Just steps from Metaxourgeio Metro Station, the modern Wyndham Grand Athens boasts a rooftop swimming pool and bar-restaurant with panoramic views over the Acropolis, Lycabettus Hill and the Saronic Gulf. Guests can pamper themselves at the spa Lycabettus Hill and the Saronic Gulf. Guests can pamper themselves at the spa centre, stay fit at the fully equipped gym or enjoy a drink at the all-day lounge bar. Free WiFi is available in all areas.

    The elegantly decorated rooms and suites at Wyndham Grand Athens are equipped with air conditioning, 43'' LCD TV, direct dial phone, mini bar and espresso coffee maker. Each includes a modern bathroom stocked with branded amenities, hairdryer, bathrobes and slippers. Some units offers views over the city of Athens or the Acropolis. Room service is available 24/7.

    Guests can taste Mediterranean and International gourmet dishes accompanied by signature cocktails at the rooftop restaurant for lunch or dinner. Special diet menus can be prepared upon request, while in-room dining is also available.

    Price: ~ EUR 160 Book this hotel on Booking.com

    St George Lycabettus Hotel in Athens

    Set in the upmarket Kolonaki district, the lifestyle hotel St George Lycabettus features a breakfast room overlooking the Acropolis, Lycabettus Hill and the Saronic Gulf. Taste gourmet Mediterranean flavours at La Suite Lounge Restaurant and indulge yourself at the rooftop pool or AegeosSpas and Gym.

    Each floor features its own theme and exhibition of Greek culture, while rooms are individually decorated. Facilities include free WiFi, a satellite TV, fully stocked minibar and safety box. Most rooms have private balconies with breathtaking Acropolis and Athens views.

    Price: ~EUR 148 Book this hotel on Booking.com

    Royal Olympic Hotel in Athens

    A short walk from the Acropolis, 5-star Royal Olympic Hotel is located right in front of the Temple of Olympian Zeus and features an outdoor pool and a fitness centre. Guests can taste traditional Greek cuisine or enjoy a cocktail at the rooftop Ioannis bar-restaurant offering panoramic views over the Acropolis and Lycabettus Hill.

    The elegantly decorated rooms and suites at Royal Olympic are air conditioned and include a mini bar, hairdryer and bathroom amenities. Each soundproofed unit has a work desk, a satellite TV and a bathroom with shower or bathtub. Most units offers views over the Temple of Zeus or the swimming pool garden.

    Price: ~ EUR 158 Book this hotel on Booking.com

    NJV Athens Plaza Hotel

    With a prestigious location in Syntagma Square and stunning Acropolis views, this 5-star downtown Athens hotel features a trendy restaurant and spacious guest rooms with floor-to-ceiling windows.

    The NJV Athens Plaza Classic rooms are spacious and elegantly decorated. Many guest rooms face Syntagma Square, the Acropolis and Stadiou Street. All of the rooms are soundproofed and feature free WiFi.

    Price: ~ EUR 180 Book this hotel on Booking.com

    Divani Caravel Hotel in Athens

    This luxury Athens hotel is ideally situated in the heart of Athens. It boasts a rooftop pool with Acropolis view, and offers exquisite dining and luxurious guest rooms with views of the city, Lycabettus Hill and the Acropolis.Lycabettus Hill and the Acropolis.

    Every room is well appointed with stylish furnishings. Standard room features include a satellite TV, individual climate control and minibar.

    Located on the rooftop with view to the city, the Peak Health Club & Spa features an extensive gym, 3 treatment rooms, and offers signature Ligne St. Barth and Thalgo Treatments.

    Member of the Leading Hotels of The World, the Divani features 3 restaurants, 2 bars and 16 meeting rooms appointed with latest audiovisual facilities. WiFi is provided throughout the entire property, meeting rooms and guest rooms.

    The Divani Caravel’s award-winning staff are available at all hours, happy to provide a wide range of services and facilities to ensure guests’ comfort.

    Price: ~ EUR 188 Book this hotel on Booking.com

    Electra Palace Athens Hotel

    With a great location in the centre of Plaka, facing the Acropolis, this 5-star hotel offers personalised service, a beautiful rooftop pool and well-appointed rooms with a buffet breakfast included.

    Electra Palace Hotel Athens is within walking distance from most of Athens' main attractions. Syntagma Square is less than 5 minutes' walk away and the parliament and shopping districts are nearby.

    The spacious rooms are equipped with air conditioning and satellite TV. Thoughtful touches also include bathrobes and slippers. Some rooms offer direct views of the Acropolis.

    Price: ~ EUR 255 Book this hotel on Booking.com

    Hilton Athens Hotel

    Located in the heart of Athens, the Hilton Athens boasts elegant rooms, 3 swimming pools, the popular rooftop Galaxy Bar and 4 restaurants. Evangelismos Metro Station is just a few steps away and connects to Syntagma Square within 5 minutes.

    This 5-star hotel offers spacious rooms and suites with marble bathrooms with walk-in shower and bathtub. LCD TVs with cable and satellite channels, and work desks with adjustable lamps are included. Floor-to-ceiling patio doors and balconies offer views of the Athenian landscape or the Acropolis.

    Book this hotel on Booking.com

    Hotel Grande Bretagne, a Luxury Collection Hotel in Athens

    With a prime location, opposite Constitution Square and the House of Parliament, the Grande Bretagne boasts luxurious rooms and stunning city views from its magnificent rooftop terrace. WiFi is offered in all rooms and areas.

    The lavish rooms are appointed with the finest furnishings. The marble bathrooms feature a vanity counter, separate bathtub, and shower. Some rooms have balconies facing the Acropolis, and the daily changing of the guard at the parliament building.

    From Grande Bretagne’s Roof Garden Restaurant you can see the original Olympic Stadium as you dive into the pool; the Acropolis from your barstool; the Parthenon as you sample the finest Mediterranean cuisine.

    Price: ~ EUR 425 Book this hotel on Booking.com

    New Hotel in Athens

    This brand new design hotel stands in a prominent central city location, 200 metres from Syntagma Square. With free Wi-Fi throughout the property, New Hotel houses a Mediterranean restaurant and a fitness area.

    Designed by award-winning Brazilian designers the Campana Brothers, 79-room and non-smoking New Hotel is a member of Design Hotels of the world. The New Hotel was formerly the Olympic Palace Hotel and while strikingly modern in design today, original features have been retained, including the 1940s black marble staircase.

    Rooms feature floor to ceiling windows, bamboo floors and tables.The impressive bathrooms have solid brass washbasins. LCD TVs are standard.

    Price: ~ EUR 226 Book this hotel on Booking.com

    Radisson Blu Park Hotel Athens

    Overlooking Pedion Areos Park, Radisson Blu Park Hotel Athens features free Wi-Fi and is located in a safe area of the city, 5 minutes’ walk from Victoria Metro Station.

    Radisson Blu Park Hotel Athens boasts sophisticated urban design with elegantly designed accommodation equipped with free Wi-Fi access, mini bar and TV. Bathroom amenities are standard. Most rooms offer views to the park and some to the Acropolis.

    Price: ~ EUR 180 Book this hotel on Booking.com

    Divani Palace Acropolis Hotel in Athens

    Featuring breathtaking views of the Acropolis from its rooftop terrace, Divani Palace Acropolis offers elegant rooms. It is walking distance from the new Acropolis museum and Herodion theatre.

    All with private furnished balconies, Divani Palace rooms are decorated in natural colours and feature classic furnishings. They are equipped with a TV with satellite and cable channels, air conditioning and safety box. Most offer spectacular views to the Acropolis and Philopappou Hill.

    A unique feature of the Divani Palace Acropolis hotel is the ancient ruins of Themistocles wall, discovered in the foundations during construction and tastefully incorporated in the hotel's architectural design.

    Price: ~ EUR 180 Book this hotel on Booking.com

    Athenaeum Intercontinental Hotel

    Located within 3 km from the Acropolis and close to Metro stations and the business district of Athens, the Athenaeum Intercontinental features award-winning restaurants, a spa centre and a 24-hour gym. The spacious, elegant rooms include marble bathrooms and a seating area.

    Featuring wooden furnishings, soft colours and carpets, all rooms at the Athenaeum Intercontinental are equipped with 32’’ LCD satellite TVs, a work desk and coffee maker. Bathrooms are stocked with luxury toiletries, bathrobes and a scale. Some rooms feature artwork by Greek artists and Acropolis views. Executive Lounge is available in some rooms where check in services and breakflast/beverages are available.

    Price: ~ EUR 295 Book this hotel on Booking.com

    Holiday Inn Athens Attica Av, Airport W.

    Located close to the airport in Attica Avenue Highway, Holiday Inn Athens Attica Av, Airport W. offers stylish rooms with marble bathrooms and high speed internet. Guests enjoy free use of the gym, indoor pool and sauna.

    Eleftherios Venizelos International Airport is at a distance of 13.5 km. There is a shuttle bus service to the airport and the hotel is also just 1.5 km from the suburban rail link.

    All rooms are air conditioned, and fitted with a satellite TV and video on demand. Each features an ergonomic desk with desk lamp, safe and complimentary coffee and tea making facilities.

    Price: ~EUR 123 Book this hotel on Booking.com

    Holiday Suites Hotel in Athens

    Within a few minutes from the business and historical centre of Athens, this elegant boutique hotel is ideally situated.

    This hotel is situated near 2 main roads in Athens city centre and next to transport stops, facilitating guests in their travels to ancient sites, commercial centres and beaches. It is also convenient for Athens International Airport and Piraeus Port. All suites are air conditioned and include a spacious living room and a comfortable bedroom as well as internet access, double glazing and the listed amenities. The highly-experienced management and staff offer valuable services on a 24-hour basis, catering to its clients every need. The business centre and conference rooms are state-of-the-art venues for highly-organised meetings and events. Guests of this hotel can also use the facilities in Crowne Plaza Athens City Centre, which is just a 2-minute walk from the suites.

    Book this hotel on Booking.com

    Divani Apollon Palace & Thalasso Hotel in Athens

    This property is 1 minute walk from the beach.

    A 25-minute drive south from downtown Athens, the 7-floor Divani Apollon Palace & Thalasso has a spa centred on thalassotherapy. Guests enjoy 3 pools, and a private beach on the Athenian Riviera.

    A member of The Leading Hotels of the World, the Divani Apollon Palace & Thalasso offers luxurious rooms with furnished sea-facing balconies. Rooms are fitted with designer fabrics, oak furniture and paintings.

    The fine-dining Mythos by Divani has mostly seafood and an intimate atmosphere. Casual restaurants include Anemos, with buffets and outdoor seating, and Atlantis Lounge and A&D bar, both offering light snacks, signature cocktails and live music. Meltemi Poolside Snack Bar offers a shaded seating area and is open during the summer period.Meltemi Poolside Snack Bar offers a shaded seating area and is open during the summer period.

    Price: ~ EUR 672 Book this hotel on Booking.com

    Metropolitan Hotel in Athens

    With a view to the Saronic Gulf, offering free transfer to the historical centre of Athens, the 5-star Metropolitan Hotel, is located in front of the Faliron Olympic Park, close to the sea. It features a rooftop pool and a rich breakfast.

    Featuring carpeted floors, sofas and work desks, all rooms at the Metropolitan are equipped with air conditioning, satellite TV and minibar. Each has a bathroom with bathtub, toiletries and hairdryer.

    The Metropolitan Hotel, Athens, offers a diverse array of tastes in its restaurants. You can start your day with a rich buffet breakfast at Le Trocadero restaurant. For lunch or dinner Avenue bistro serves French dishes signed by Michel Roux, made with fresh Greek ingredients. During summer months La Veranda restaurant on the roof top offers Mediterranean menu in a idyllic setting overlooking Saronic gulf.

    Price: ~ EUR 200 Book this hotel on Booking.com

    King George, a Luxury Collection Hotel in Athens

    Featuring a neoclassical facade, King George boasts a prime location in the historic Syntagma Square, between the Parliament and the fashionable Voukourestiou Street. A signature restaurant, fitness centre and meeting facilities are included.

    Luxuriously decorated with hand-picked items and chandeliers, all rooms open to a balcony or window facing the Acropolis or the tranquil inner courtyard. Bathrobes, slippers and free toiletries stock the bathroom.

    Enjoying panoramic views of the Athens City from the seventh floor, Tudor Hall Restaurant serves gourmet and Greek dishes. Guests can relax with a drink or cocktail from the on-site bar.

    Price: ~ EUR 313 Book this hotel on Booking.com


    Matsoni House

    | Restaurant reviews | 11 seen

    Matsoni is a Georgian fermented milk product, kind of similar to yogurt. Made from cow’s milk. Now, there is even a Matsoni House, where some (probably you) can try this product served with honey or nuts and so on. There is even an ice cream made from Matsoni. 

    Matsoni house is located just opposite to the Alaverdi Monastery, in the region of Kakheti, Georgia.

    Matsoni house near Alaverdi monastery

    If you are visiting the Alaverdi Monastery, it' s hard to miss this lovely place, located just opposite the cathedral. Smart.

    Matsoni with honey and walnuts

    Ice cream from Matsoni

    Delicious.!


    Grape Harvest Rtveli in Georgia (Region of Kakheti)

    | | 14 seen

    If there is the best time to visit lovely Georgia, I would highly recommend to visit it in September, during the grape harvest time, or Rtveli. 

    Rtveli is a traditional vintage and rural harvest holiday in Georgia accompanied by feasts, musical events, and other celebrations. It normally takes place in late September in eastern Georgia and in mid-October in western Georgia.

    It was in the mid-September of 2017, we had just returned from Latvia, where we already gathered our autumn harvest and decided to spend a weekend in Kakheti (Region of wine), we booked a lovely chateau, next to Gremi monastery complex and just enjoyed our time here. Let the photos speak up for themselves!

    Grapes at vineyard

    In Georgia, where wine has an iconic significance, the tradition of rtveli dates back to ancient times, having its roots in the festivity of mid-Autumn abundance and variety. Rtveli usually lasts for several days, with people starting working in early morning hours and ending the day with a feast in the accompaniment of vintage-themed folk songs.

    Truck column taking grapes for processing

    The column was very long, indeed. Most probably were taken to Vinery Khareba in Kvareli, place better know with its unique wine tunnel. See:  Wine Tunnel Near Kvareli in Georgia (Winery Khareba)

    Local farmers

    Grapes post-processed

    A small winery at Chateau Eniseli in Kakhetia. 

    A lovely experience. Though we didn't take a part in this Rtveli, instead just enjoyed great views and lovely time. A piece of Life after all. 


    Top 15 Laptops With 24GB RAM Memory - For Better Gaming Experience

    | Laptop Reviews | 316 seen

    Are you looking for a really fast laptop? Super Fast Gaming experience? Consider a 24 GB RAM laptop.

    24 GB RAM laptops come with a price attached - to get a brand new one - expect to spend at least $1,000 up to $5,000.  Looking for a bargain deal? You could get one under $1,000 but that would be an older model. 

    Keep reading to find out the TOP 15+ laptops with 24GB RAM  or see the Top 20 Laptops with 32GB RAM (Gaming / Business)

    A quick note: This article contains affiliate links to Amazon.com, by clicking on links on this page and by making a purchase on the Amazon site, I might earn an affiliate income from that. Prices for laptop computers listed on this page are retrieved using Amazon Product Advertising API and are updated daily. For actual prices please refer to the product page on Amazon.

    Newest Dell Vostro 7500 Business Laptop, 15.6" FHD (1920 x1080) Display, Intel i5-10300H (Quad-Core), 24GB RAM, 2TB PCIe SSD, Backlit KB, FP Reader, Webcam, HDMI, Wi-Fi 6, Windows 11 Pro, Gray

    • 24GB high-bandwidth RAM to smoothly run multiple applications and browser tabs all at once, 2TB PCIe NVMe M.2 Solid State Drive provides fast bootup, ample storage space and speedy data transfer
    • 10th Generation Intel Core i5-10300H(4 Core, 8 Threads, 8MB Cache, Base Frequency at 2.5 GHz, up to 4.5 GHz), Intel Turbo Boost Technology delivers dynamic extra power when you need it
    • 15.6'' Full HD Display, the 1920 x 1080 resolution with native 1080p support to showcase your games and HD movies with impressive color and clarity
    • 1 x USB 3.2 Type-C Port, 2 x USB 3.2 Type-A Ports, 1 x Headphone/Microphone Combo, 1 x HDMI Output, 1 x SD card reader, 1 x Power Jack; Intel Wi-Fi 6 and Bluetooth, Webcam, Fingerprint Reader, Backlit Keyboard
    • Windows 11 Pro - Get all the features of Windows 11 Home operating system plus Mobile device management, Group Policy, Enterprise State Roaming, Assigned Access, Dynamic Provisioningm, Windows Update for Business, Kiosk mode, and Active Directory/Azure AD

    List price: [amazon B09MJM4ZML listpriceformattedprice] Buy this laptop on Amazon (Paid link)

    ASUS TUF Dash 15 RTX 3070 Gaming and Entertainment Laptop (Intel i7-11370H 4-Core, 24GB RAM, 1TB PCIe SSD, 15.6" Full HD (1920x1080), WiFi, Bluetooth, 1xHDMI, Win 10 Home)

    • Brand    ASUS
    • Screen Size    15.6 Inches
    • Operating System    Windows 10 Home
    • Human Interface Input    Microphone, Keyboard
    • CPU Manufacturer    Intel
    • Card Description    Dedicated
    • Processor Count    4
    • Chipset Brand    NVIDIA
    • Resolution    1080p
    • Item Weight    2 Kilograms

    List price: [amazon B08XK45X41 listpriceformattedprice] Buy this laptop on Amazon (Paid link)

    2022 HP Pavilion 15.6" IPS FHD Touchscreen Laptop Intel 4-Core i7-1195G7 Iris Xe Graphics 24GB RAM DDR4 512GB NVMe SSD USB-C WiFi AX Bluetooth HDMI Webcam Backlit Keyboard Windows 11 Home w/ 32GB USB

    • Intel Core i7-1195G7 (up to 5.0 GHz with Intel Turbo Boost Technology, 12 MB L3 cache, 4 cores, 8 threads)
    • Seal is opened for Hardware/Software Upgraded only to enhance performance. Upgraded to 24GB DDR4 SDRAM, 512GB M.2 NVMe SSD, No-DVD
    • 15.6" Touchscreen Full HD IPS, Micro-edge, BrightView (1920 x 1080) Display powered by Intel Iris Xe Graphics,HP Wide Vision 720p HD camera with integrated dual array digital microphones
    • MediaTek Wi-Fi 6 (2x2) Gig and Bluetooth 5.2 combo; 2 x USB 3.1 Gen 1 Type-A ; 1 x SuperSpeed USB Type-C 10Gbps signaling rate (USB Power Delivery, DisplayPort 1.4, HP Sleep and Charge); 1 x HDMI 2.0; 1 x headphone/microphone combo
    • Upgraded to Windows 11 Home, fullsize keyboard with NumPad , 3-Cell 45WH Lithium-Polymer Battery, 14.18"L x 9.21"W x 0.70"H,3.86 lbs; Cloud Blue, Free Rock eDigital 32GB USB Drive

    List price: [amazon B09PTJMR1T listpriceformattedprice] Buy this laptop on Amazon (Paid link)

    ASUS TUF Dash 15 Ultra Slim Gaming Laptop, 15.6" 144Hz IPS FHD, GeForce RTX 3050Ti, Intel Core i7-11370H, 24GB DDR4 RAM, 1TB PCIe NVMe SSD, Wi-Fi 6, Backlit Keyboard, Win 10, Eclipse Grey Color

     

    • GeForce RTX 3050 Ti 4GB GDDR6 up to 1585MHz at 60W (75W with Dynamic Boost 2.0)
    • Intel Core i7-11370H processor (12M Cache, up to 4.8GHz)
    • 15.6” 144Hz IPS-Type Full HD (1920x1080) display with adaptive sync
    • 24GB DDR4 RAM | 1TB PCIe NVMe M.2 SSD | Backlit Precision Gaming Keyboard | Windows 10 Home | 0.8” thin, 4.4 lbs ultraportable form-factor
    • Oydisen Cloth Included

    List price: [amazon B09B14CJ4H listpriceformattedprice] Buy this laptop on Amazon (Paid link)

    Lenovo Yoga 730 2 in 1 Laptop 15.6" FHD Intel i5, 24GB RAM, 1TB SSD Touchscreen PC, 4 Cores up to 3.90 GHz, 1920x1080, Backlit, Fingerprint, Thunderbolt, USB-C, Flip-N-Fold, Pen Support, Win 10

    • 8th Gen Intel Core i5-8265U mobile processor, Quad-Cores, 8 Threads, max turbo up to 3.90 GHz, provides maximum high-efficiency power to go.
    • 15.6" Full HD (1920 x 1080) 10-point multitouch screen, Windows Ink support. Backlit keyboard for easy typing in dim or dark locations.
    • DDR4 RAM Memory and PCI-e Solid State Drive (SSD) for full-power multitasking, great for major gaming applications, multiple servers, daily backups, and more.
    • 360° FLIP AND FOLD design offers four versatile modes — laptop, tablet, tent and stand. Lenovo Transition automatically switches specific applications to full screen when changing from PC to tablet, tent or stand position.
    • Other features: HDMI output expands your viewing options. Thunderbolt port for connecting advanced monitors and external drives. Built-in HD webcam with dual array microphone. Built-in fingerprint reader

    List price: [amazon B07WGWRD4H listpriceformattedprice] Buy this laptop on Amazon (Paid link)

    HP 17.3" HD+ Notebook Laptop PC, Intel Quad Core i5-8250U Processor, 24GB Memory: 16GB Intel Optane + 8GB RAM, 2TB Hard Drive, Optical Drive, HD Webcam, Backlit Keyboard, Windows 10 (Gold)

    • 8th Gen Intel Quad-Core i5-8250U Processor (1.6Ghz, up to 3.4GHz, 6MB Cache), Intel UHD Graphics 620
    • 17.3" Diagonal HD+ SVA BrightView WLED-backlit Display (1600x900), Windows 10 Home
    • 8GB DDR4 SDRAM + 16 GB Intel Optane Memory, 1TB SATA Hard Drive, DVD-Writer
    • Intel 802.11b/g/n/ac (2x2) Wi-Fi + Bluetooth 4.2, Full-size island-style Backlit Keyboard, Pale Gold
    • 2 USB 3.1 Gen 1 (Data Transfer Only), 1 USB 2.0, 1 HDMI, 1 RJ-45, 1 Headphone-out/microphone-in combo jack

    List price: [amazon B07QMLJVLH listpriceformattedprice] Buy this laptop on Amazon (Paid link)

    HP 14" Touchscreen Laptop 24GB RAM, 256GB SSD, 8th Gen i3 HD Business Notebook, Dual-Core up to 3.90 GHZ Processor, USB Type-C, 1366x768, UHD 620 Graphic, HDMI, Bluetooth, Webcam, Energy Star, Win 10

    • 14" touch screen with 1366 x 768 HD resolution. WLED backlight. HDMI output expands your viewing options.
    • 8th Gen Intel Core i3-8145U mobile processor. Dual-Core up to 3.90 GHz. Intel UHD Graphics 620, for basic photo editing and casual gaming.
    • Adequate high-bandwidth DDR4 RAM with M.2 Solid State Drive (SSD), best choice of multitasking performance.
    • Weighs 3.22 lbs. and measures 0.7" thin. Ultrathin and ultralight for maximum portability.
    • Built-in media reader for simple photo transfer. Built-in HP TrueVision HD webcam with dual-array digital microphone.

    List price: [amazon B07XV9V378 listpriceformattedprice] Buy this laptop on Amazon (Paid link)

    2020 Lenovo ThinkPad T480s 14" FHD Touchscreen Business Ultrabook Laptop Computer, 8th Gen Intel Quad-Core i7-8650U vPro, 24GB DDR4 RAM, 2TB PCIe SSD, Windows 10 Pro, EST External DVD + Accessories

    • Powered by 8th Gen Intel Core i7-8650U with vPro (1.90GHz, up to 4.20GHz with Turbo Boost, 4 Cores, 8MB Cache)
    • 14.0" FHD (1920 x 1080) IPS, anti-glare, touchscreen, 250 nits Display; Intel UHD Graphics 620
    • 24GB DDR4 Memory for full-power multitasking; 2TB Solid State Drive (PCI-e), Save files fast and store more data. With massive amounts of storage and advanced communication power, PCI-e SSDs are great for major gaming applications, multiple servers, daily backups, and more.
    • Intel Dual Band 8265 Wireless AC (2 x 2) & Bluetooth 4.1 with vPro; 2 x USB 3.1 Gen 1, 1 x USB 3.1 Gen 1 Type-C, 1 x USB 3.1 Gen 2 Type-C / Intel Thunderbolt 3, 4-in-1 card reader (SD, MMC, SDHC, SDXC), Headphone and microphone combo jack, HDMI, RJ45 Gigabit Ethernet
    • Windows 10 professional, 64-bit, English; Fingerprint Reader; Backlit Keyboard; EST External DVD drive + USB extension cord 6ft, HDMI cable 6ft and Mouse Pad

    List price: [amazon B083NZ4CX6 listpriceformattedprice] Buy this laptop on Amazon (Paid link)

    Dell Inspiron 5000 14" FHD Laptop Computer, AMD Ryzen 5 3500U Quad-Core Up to 3.7GHz, 24GB DDR4 RAM, 256GB PCIe SSD, 802.11ac WiFi, Bluetooth, USB Type-C, HDMI, Platinum Silver, Windows 10 Home

    • The powerful AMD Ryzen 5 3500U Processor @ 2.1GHz (4 Cores, up to 3.7GHz, 4MB Cache), With ultra-low-voltage platform and quad-core, eight-way processing, provides maximum high-efficiency power to go. The Intel Turbo Boost technology delivers dynamic extra power when you need it.
    • 14" FHD (1920 x 1080) Anti-glare LED Backlight Non-touch IPS Display; Radeon RX Vega8 Graphics
    • 24GB DDR4 2400MHz SDRAM Memory for full-power multitasking; 256GB PCIe NVMe Solid State Drive for faster performance and better reliability; Pci-e SSDs are great for major gaming applications, multiple servers, daily backups, and more.
    • 802.11ac Wireless WiFi and Bluetooth; 2x USB 3.1 Gen 1, 1x USB 3.1 Gen 1 Type-C, 1x USB 2.0, 1x HDMI, 1x RJ45, 1x Media Card Reader, 1x Combo Headphone/Microphone Jack
    • Windows 10 Home (64-bit); Platinum Silver

    List price: [amazon B07XR82ZHW listpriceformattedprice] Buy this laptop on Amazon (Paid link)

    ASUS VivoBook F510QA 15.6” WideView FHD Laptop Computer, AMD Quad-Core A12-9720P up to 3.6GHz, 24GB DDR4 RAM, 512GB SSD + 1TB HDD , USB 3.0, 802.11ac WiFi, HDMI, Windows 10

    • Powerful AMD Quad Core A12-9720P Processor (2.7 GHz, up to 3.6GHz); Performance that Matters for Everyday Users.
    • 15.6" anti-glare Full HD WideView display with ASUS Splendid software enhancement; AMD Radeon R7 Integrated graphics chipset with shared video memory provides solid image quality for Internet use, movies, basic photo editing and casual gaming.
    • 24GB DDR4 2400 MHz sdram Memory for full-power multitasking; 512GB SSD + 1TB HDD offers a compact warehouse for storing all your favourite movies, music, photos, and more in one convenient place
    • 802.11ac WLAN, Comprehensive connections including USB 3.1 Type-C, USB 3.0, USB 2.0, HDMI
    • Windows 10 in S mode, 14.2" wide, 0.8" thin and portable footprint with 0.3" NanoEdge bezel for a stunning 80% screen-to-body ratio

    List price: [amazon B07TXGNF7V listpriceformattedprice] Buy this laptop on Amazon (Paid link)

    Lenovo IdeaPad Y410p Laptop Computer - 59399860 - Dusk Black - 4th Generation Intel Core i7-4700MQ / 12GB RAM / 14.0" HD Display 1600 x 900 / 1TB HDD + 24GB SSD / NVidia GT755M 2GB / Bluetooth / Cam / DVD Drive / Windows 8

    • Intel Core i7-4700MQ
    • 1TB HDD + 24GB SSD / 12GB RAM Memory
    • NVidia GT755M 2GB Dedicated Graphics
    • 14.0" HD Display (1600x900) with 720p HD Webcam / DVD Burner
    • Windows 8 64-bit

    List price: [amazon B00I93CDCI listpriceformattedprice] Buy this laptop on Amazon

    HIDevolution Asus ROG Zephyrus GX501VI-XS74-HID4-US Black 15.6" w/ IC Diamond Thermal Compound on CPU+GPU – Optimal System Temperatures (FHD/i7-7700HQ/GTX1080 Max-Q/512G PCIe SSD/24GB RAM)

    • CPU: Intel 7th Generation "Kaby Lake" Core i7-7700HQ (2.8-3.8GHz) Quad Core Processor, 6MB Smart Cache
    • GPU: NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1080 Max-Q w/ 8GB GDDR5 - NVIDIA G-Sync Enabled
    • RAM: 24GB 2400MHz DDR4, Hard Drive: 512GB PCIe x4 SSD
    • DISPLAY: 15.6" FHD (1920 x 1080) 120Hz Antiglare, OS: Windows 10 Pro 64 bit
    • WARRANTY: 1 Year Warranty, KEYBOARD: US English, SPECIAL FEATURES: Thunderbolt 3 Port

    List price: [amazon B0736DN3KQ listpriceformattedprice] Buy this laptop on Amazon

    ASUS ROG G752VL-UH71T 17.3-Inch FHD Touchscreen Gaming Laptop (Intel i7-6700HQ (Skylake), 24GB RAM, 256GB SSD + 1TB HDD Drive, NVIDIA GeForce GTX 965M, Windows 10), Copper Titanium

    Souped-up, sleek, and spec'd to the max, the ASUS Republic of Gamers (ROG) G752 is ready to become your unfair advantage. It's a sight to behold with a design inspired by the clean, sharp lines of stealth fighter jets, and finished in an armor titanium and plasma copper color scheme. Under the hood it's powered by the sixth-generation Intel Core i7 processor and combines a lightning-fast 256GB SSD with 1TB hard drive for storing all your games. There's also a dust-release thermal fan and backlit anti-ghosting keyboard with 5 programmable macro keys and 30-key rollover for smooth control in every battle. ROG G752 comes with a lifetime XSplit Gamecaster account for recording or streaming games. It's simple, easy to use, and perfect for sharing your action with the world. Enjoy your games at their highest settings, or play and broadcast live stream with the smooth, stutter-free performance of NVIDIA GeForce GTX 965M graphics. With dedicated cooling modules and a unique thermal design, the ROG G752 always stays cool and prevents internal dust build-up by directing it into an anti-dust tunnel. Faster than ever, the sixth-generation Intel Core i5 delivers striking visuals, extended battery life, and higher data transfer rates. Anti-ghosting keys ensure your commands are instantaneously and correctly interpreted—even if you mash up to 30 keys at once. Sonic Studio provides high-quality gaming audio, as well as improved streaming and recording for perfect voice pickup and noise reduction. Thunderbolt technology delivers single-cable data and signal transmission rates of up to 20Gbits/s—twice the bandwidth of USB 3.1. Windows 10 delivers faster start-ups, a familiar yet expanded Start menu, and great new ways to get stuff done across multiple devices. PORTS: 4 USB 3.0 (1 powered) • 1x USB 3.1 Type-C with Thunderbolt • HDMI • Mini DisplayPort • 3.5mm line-out • Headphone output combo with S/PDIF • Microphone input • LAN (10/100/1000)

    • 17.3 in (439.42 mm) Full HD IPS touchscreen (1920 x 1080), 10-finger multi-touch support
    • Intel Core i7-6700HQ 2.60 with Turbo Boost Technology up to 3.50 GHz
    • 24GB DDR4 2133 MHz; 256GB SSD + 1TB 5400 RPM HDD
    • NVIDIA GeForce GTX 965M with 2GB graphics memory
    • Windows 10 Home, 64-bit; Dual-layer DVD±RW/CD-RW; Sonic Studio with built-in subwoofer

    List price: [amazon B01G43VFBY listpriceformattedprice] Buy this laptop on Amazon

    CUK ASUS 15-inch Gaming Laptop (i7-7700HQ, 24GB RAM, 512GB NVMe SSD + 1TB HDD, NVIDIA GTX 1060 3GB, 15.6" Full HD IPS, Windows 10) - 2017 HTC Vive Compatible Notebook Computer for Gamers

    ASUS FX502 delivers excellent performance thanks to the 7th-generation Intel Core i7 core processor combined with discrete NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1060graphics and full Microsoft DirectX 12 support.

    The hardware gives you efficient and powerful performance along with stylish and light-weight design for more productive multitasking.

    • Processor: Intel Core i7-7700HQ Quad Core Processor (6MB Cache, 2.8GHz-3.8GHz) 45W
    • RAM: 24GB DDR4 2400MHz | Hard Drive: 512GB NVMe Solid State Drive + 1TB 5400rpm Hard Disk Drive
    • Keyboard: Backlit | Operating System: Windows 10 x64
    • Graphics Card: NVIDIA Geforce GTX 1060 3GB GDDR5 | Display: 15.6-inch Full HD IPS Display (1920 x 1080)
    • 24GB RAM / 512GB NVMe SSD / 15.6" Full HD IPS Upgrades | 3-Year CUK Limited Warranty (View warranty section below for more details)

    List price: [amazon B072BXRQBM listpriceformattedprice] Buy this laptop on Amazon

    MSI GT80 TITAN SLI-009 18.4-Inch Gaming Laptop

    • Intel Core i7-4980HQ 2.8 GHz Processor
    • 24GB DDR3L 1600MHz RAM
    • 1 TB 7200 rpm Hard Drive, 256 GB Solid-State Drive
    • 18.4-Inch Screen; NVIDIA Geforce GTX980M Graphics
    • Windows 8.1

    List price: [amazon B00SB7HYU8 listpriceformattedprice] Buy this laptop on Amazon

    MSI GT80S TITAN SLI-002 18.4" GAMING LAPTOP NOTEBOOK Dual GTX980M SLI i7-6820HK 24GB 256GB SSD+1TB THUNDERBOLT

    • Intel Core i7 2.7 GHz
    • 24 GB
    • 1024 GB 7200 rpm Hard Drive, 256 GB Solid-State Drive
    • 18.4-Inch Screen
    • Windows 10

    List price: [amazon B016E80J0M listpriceformattedprice] Buy this laptop on Amazon

    ASUS ZenBook Pro UX501VW-DS71T (i7-6700HQ, 24GB RAM, 512GB NVMe SSD, NVIDIA GTX 960M 2GB, 15.6" IPS UHD Touchscreen Glossy, Windows 10) Laptop

    • Display: 15.6" IPS 4K UHD (3840 x 2160) Touchscreen Glossy Display | Graphics Card: NVIDIA® GeForce® GTX 960M 2GB GDDR5
    • Processor: 6th Gen Intel® Skylake Core i7-6700HQ Quad Core (2.6GHz-3.5GHz, 6MB Intel® Smart Cache, 45W)
    • RAM: 24GB (8GB+16GB) DDR4 2133MHz (Free Upgrade from 16GB) | Hard Drive: 512GB PCIe NVMe SSD
    • OS: Microsoft® Windows 10 (64 Bit) | Warranty: 1-Year ASUS USA + Global Warranty Parts & Labor + Lifetime Tech Support from EXcaliberPC
    • *PROMOTION: Exclusive Gaming Bundle (FREE Memory Upgrade to 24GB/Carry Bag).

    List price: [amazon B01ERJZ0L8 listpriceformattedprice] Buy this laptop on Amazon.

    ASUS FX502VM Select Edition (i7-7700HQ, 24GB RAM, 1TB NVMe SSD + 1TB HDD, NVIDIA GTX 1060 3GB, 15.6" Full HD, Windows 10) Gaming Notebook

    • Display: 15.6" Full HD (1920x1080) Matte Display | Graphics Card: NVIDIA® GeForce® GTX 1060 3GB GDDR5
    • Processor: 7th Generation Kaby Lake Intel® Core i7-7700HQ Quad Core (2.8GHz-3.8GHz, 6MB Intel® Smart Cache, 45W)
    • RAM: 24GB DDR4 2400MHz (8GB onboard + 16GB) | Hard Drive: 1TB Intel 600p NVMe SSD (Seq. Read 1800MB/s, Seq. Write 560MB/s) + 1TB 5400RPM HDD
    • OS: Microsoft® Windows 10 (64 Bit) | Warranty: 1-Year ASUS USA + Global Warranty Parts & Labor + Lifetime Tech Support from EXcaliberPC

    List price: [amazon B01N5SKPB0 listpriceformattedprice] Buy this laptop on Amazon

    ASUS UX32 13-Inch Laptop [2012 model]

    • Intel Core i5 3317U 1.7 GHz
    • 24 GB SSD, 500 GB Hybrid Hard Drive
    • Backlit keyboard
    • 13.3-Inch Screen, Intel HD Graphics
    • Windows 7 Home Premium 64-bit

    List price: [amazon B008CWLHJQ listpriceformattedprice] Buy this laptop on Amazon

    ASUS ROG Zephyrus GX501VS-XS71 Select Edition (i7-7700HQ, 24GB RAM, 480GB NVMe SSD, NVIDIA GTX 1070 8GB, 15.6" Full HD, 120Hz, G-Sync, Windows 10 Pro) Gaming Notebook

    • Display: 15.6" Full HD (1920x1080) 120Hz Anti-Glare Display w/ NVIDIA® G-Sync | Graphics Card: NVIDIA® GeForce® GTX 1070 8GB GDDR5 (Max-Q)
    • Processor: 7th Generation Kaby Lake Intel® Core i7-7700HQ Quad Core (2.8GHz-3.8GHz, 6MB Intel® Smart Cache, 45W)
    • RAM: 24GB (8GB onboard + 16GB) DDR4 2400MHz | Hard Drive: 480GB MyDigitalSSD BPX NVMe SSD (Seq. Read 2600MB/s, Seq. Write 1300MB/s)
    • OS: Microsoft® Windows 10 Professional (64-bit) | Warranty: 1-Year ASUS USA + Global Warranty Parts & Labor + Lifetime Tech Support from EXcaliberPC
    • *PROMOTION: Exclusive Gaming Bundle ($195 value). 

    List price: [amazon B0742854GC listpriceformattedprice] Buy this laptop on Amazon

    ASUS ROG Zephyrus GX501VS-XS71 Enthusiast (i7-7700HQ, 24GB RAM, 1TB NVMe SSD, NVIDIA GTX 1070 8GB, 15.6" Full HD, 120Hz, G-Sync, Windows 10 Pro) Gaming Notebook

    • Display: 15.6" Full HD (1920x1080) 120Hz Anti-Glare Display w/ NVIDIA® G-Sync | Graphics Card: NVIDIA® GeForce® GTX 1070 8GB GDDR5 (Max-Q)
    • Processor: 7th Generation Kaby Lake Intel® Core i7-7700HQ Quad Core (2.8GHz-3.8GHz, 6MB Intel® Smart Cache, 45W)
    • RAM: 24GB (8GB onboard + 16GB) DDR4 2400MHz | Hard Drive: 1TB Samsung 960 EVO NVMe SSD (Seq. Read 3200MB/s, Seq. Write 1900MB/s)
    • OS: Microsoft® Windows 10 Professional (64-bit) | Warranty: 1-Year ASUS USA + Global Warranty Parts & Labor + Lifetime Tech Support from EXcaliberPC
    • *PROMOTION: Exclusive Gaming Bundle ($195 value). 

    List price: [amazon B07429HGXV listpriceformattedprice] Buy this laptop on Amazon

    HIDevolution Asus ROG Strix GL502VM-DS74-HID7 w/ IC Diamond Thermal Compound on CPU+GPU – Optimal System Temperatures Titanium Gold 15.6" G-SYNC 7700HQ (FHD/1060 6G/PCIe 256G SSD+1T HDD/24G RAM)

    • CPU: 7th Generation "Kaby Lake" Intel® Core™ i7-7700HQ Quad Core Processor, 2.8-3.8 GHz
    • GPU: nVIDIA GeForce GTX 1060 192bit w/ 6GB GDDR5 - Desktop Class Graphics
    • RAM: 24GB 2400MHz DDR4, Hard Drive: 256GB PCIe x4 SSD + 1TB 5400 RPM HDD
    • DISPLAY: 15.6" FHD (1920 x 1080) IPS Antiglare w/ G-SYNC, OS: Windows 10 Home 64 bit
    • WARRANTY: 1 Year Warranty, KEYBOARD: US English, SPECIAL FEATURES: Thunderbolt 3 Port

    List price: [amazon B071DMQS7H listpriceformattedprice] Buy this laptop on Amazon

    ASUS ROG Zephyrus GX501VI-XS74 Pro Extreme (i7-7700HQ, 24GB RAM, 1TB NVMe SSD, NVIDIA GTX 1080 8GB, 15.6" Full HD, 120Hz, G-Sync, Windows 10 Pro) Gaming Notebook

    • Display: 15.6" Full HD (1920 x 1080) 120Hz Anti-Glare Display w/ NVIDIA® G-Sync | Graphics Card: NVIDIA® GeForce® GTX 1080 8GB GDDR5 (Max-Q)
    • Processor: 7th Generation Kaby Lake Intel® Core i7-7700HQ Quad Core (2.8GHz-3.8GHz, 6MB Intel® Smart Cache, 45W)
    • RAM: 24GB (8GB onboard + 16GB) DDR4 2400MHz | Hard Drive: 1TB Samsung 960 PRO NVMe SSD (Seq. Read 3500MB/s, Seq. Write 2100MB/s)
    • OS: Microsoft® Windows 10 Professional (64-bit) | Warranty: 1-Year ASUS USA + Global Warranty Parts & Labor + Lifetime Tech Support from EXcaliberPC

    List price: [amazon B073B7WL1K listpriceformattedprice] Buy this laptop on Amazon

    ASUS ROG Zephyrus GX501VI-XS74 (i7-7700HQ, 24GB RAM, 512GB NVMe SSD, NVIDIA GTX 1080 8GB, 15.6" Full HD, 120Hz, G-Sync, Windows 10 Pro) Gaming Notebook

    • Display: 15.6" Full HD (1920 x 1080) 120Hz Anti-Glare Display w/ NVIDIA® G-Sync | Graphics Card: NVIDIA® GeForce® GTX 1080 8GB GDDR5 (Max-Q)
    • Processor: 7th Generation Kaby Lake Intel® Core i7-7700HQ Quad Core (2.8GHz-3.8GHz, 6MB Intel® Smart Cache, 45W)
    • RAM: 24GB (8GB onboard + 16GB) DDR4 2400MHz | Hard Drive: 512GB PCIe NVMe SSD
    • OS: Microsoft® Windows 10 Professional (64-bit) | Warranty: 1-Year ASUS USA + Global Warranty Parts & Labor + Lifetime Tech Support from EXcaliberPC

    List price: [amazon B073B5C65Q listpriceformattedprice] Buy this laptop on Amazon

    ASUS ROG Zephyrus GX501VS-XS71 Pro Extreme (i7-7700HQ, 24GB RAM, 2TB NVMe SSD, NVIDIA GTX 1070 8GB, 15.6" Full HD, 120Hz, G-Sync, Windows 10 Pro) Gaming Notebook

    • Display: 15.6" Full HD (1920x1080) 120Hz Anti-Glare Display w/ NVIDIA® G-Sync | Graphics Card: NVIDIA® GeForce® GTX 1070 8GB GDDR5 (Max-Q)
    • Processor: 7th Generation Kaby Lake Intel® Core i7-7700HQ Quad Core (2.8GHz-3.8GHz, 6MB Intel® Smart Cache, 45W)
    • RAM: 24GB (8GB onboard + 16GB) DDR4 2400MHz | Hard Drive: 2TB Samsung 960 PRO NVMe SSD (Seq. Read 3500MB/s, Seq. Write 2100MB/s)
    • OS: Microsoft® Windows 10 Professional (64-bit) | Warranty: 1-Year ASUS USA + Global Warranty Parts & Labor + Lifetime Tech Support from EXcaliberPC

    List price: [amazon B07426WSCM listpriceformattedprice] Buy this laptop on Amazon


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    Tbilisi Circus is an iconic part of the city's cultural landscape. Having lived in Georgia since 2011, I have passed by the Tbilisi Circus almost every day. However, it wasn’t until I attended a show that I truly appreciated its grandeur…

    Foraging for Mushrooms near Tsodoreti Lake: A Day in the Suburbs of Tbilisi

    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…

    Axel Georgian Business Angel Networking Event: Exploring Opportunities in Tbilisi

    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…

    Frame House

    Frame House Upgrades: Big Windows, New Porch, and Apple Trees Planted in Latvia

    In mid-April, during our kiddo’s Easter school break, we traveled to Latvia for about 10 days — a trip packed with projects, energy, and transformation. A lot of pre-planning had gone into it before we even arrived: we ordered the windows…

    Frame House in Latvia: Outdoor Patio, Inner Walls, and More

    As June came to an end, our family embarked on a journey from Tbilisi to Latvia, skipping Renee's school year for the last week and focus on our frame house project. Here's a glimpse into our busy but rewarding time working on the house.We…

    Spring Break Project: Building Progress on Our Frame House in Latvia

    As the chill of winter slowly gives way to the warmth of spring, it's the perfect time to roll up our sleeves and dive back into the construction of our dream frame house in Latvia. During this Spring break from British International…

    Piece of Life

    Postcards from Marseille

    It’s been nearly two years since our last trip to Marseille, a sun-drenched jewel on France’s southern coast that left an indelible mark on our memories. That summer of 2023, we set out to explore the city’s vibrant beaches and winding old town, arriving and departing through the bustling hub of Marseille St. Charles train station. As I sit…

    Christmas Eve at Palolem Beach: Fire Shows, Old Monk

    While we just celebrated Orthodox Christmas in Georgia, I can’t help but delve into the memories of our Western Christmas last year (2024), spent on the serene shores of Palolem Beach in Goa, India. That evening was magical in every way, filled with vibrant energy, beautiful scenery, and a new discovery that made the night unforgettable.Palolem…

    A Family Guide to Borjomi: Hiking Trails and Sulfur Bath Tips

    As summer came to a close, we continued our family's tradition of visiting Borjomi. This year marked yet another memorable trip at the end of August 2024, reaffirming our love for this beautiful Georgian town. Visiting Borjomi at least twice a year has become a cherished routine, a piece of life that we look forward to, blending relaxation,…

    Travel guides

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    Summer in Latvia 2025

    Summer in Latvia movie is out - Join us on our July (2025) journey through Latvia: installing a bathtub in our countryside cottage, setting up a pop-up store at Bangotnes, celebrating a birthday in Vērbeļnieki, traveling via Riga to…

    Embedded thumbnail for Birthday in Thessaloniki, Greece

    Birthday in Thessaloniki, Greece

    Turning 40 is a milestone worth celebrating in style, and what better way than in Thessaloniki — a city that seamlessly blends history, culture, and cuisine. From affordable flights and boutique stays to seafood feasts and hidden beaches,…

    Embedded thumbnail for Azeula Fortress, Tbilisi Sea, and Ateni Sioni

    Azeula Fortress, Tbilisi Sea, and Ateni Sioni

    August ended with yet another packed and memorable weekend in Georgia. This time, our journey took us from the hills near Kojori to the refreshing waters of the Tbilisi Sea, and finally to the historical town of Gori, where we enjoyed a…

    Hotel Reviews

    Stays & Trails La Maison Hotel Review in Panaji

    At the tail end of 2024, just before catching our flight back to Delhi, we decided to book a one-night stay at Stays & Trails La Maison Fontainhas in Panaji, Goa. After weeks staying in Palolem beach, we wanted to wrap up our trip with…

    Schuchmann Wines Château: A Long-Awaited Stay in Georgia’s Premier Winery Hotel & Spa

    It took us over a decade to finally make it to Schuchmann Wines Château & Spa, and it was well worth the wait! We’ve spent years recommending this stunning winery hotel to visiting friends and business partners, yet somehow, we had…

    Hotel Belvedere Prague: A Practical Stay with Easy Access

    During our recent trip to Prague in mid-October 2024, we stayed at Hotel Belvedere. My partner attended the MEET Central Europe Translators conference, and we were joined by one of our office employees, so we opted to book two rooms. …

    Review: Art Hotel Prague – A Cozy Stay in a Tranquil Part of Prague

    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…

    Toursim objects

    Plage des Catalans: A Shrinking Memory in Marseille

    Plage des Catalans, a sandy crescent tucked along Marseille’s coastline, holds a special place in my travel tapestry. I first visited this beach in the summer of 2003, a carefree stop during my early adventures in the city. Back then, it felt like a haven—close to the bustling port yet offering a slice of Mediterranean calm. When I returned…

    Colva Beach: Golden Sands and Tranquility in Goa

    Colva Beach, located in South Goa, is known for its expansive golden sands and tranquil atmosphere. Stretching for several kilometers along the Arabian Sea, the beach offers a peaceful escape from the busier tourist hubs in the region. Its wide shoreline, framed by swaying palm trees, provides plenty of space for visitors to relax, stroll, or…

    Charles Bridge: A Timeless Landmark in Prague

    The Charles Bridge (Karlův most) in Prague is one of the most iconic and historic landmarks in Europe. Built in the 14th century under the reign of King Charles IV, this Gothic stone bridge spans the Vltava River, connecting Prague's Old Town with the Lesser Town (Malá Strana). Adorned with a series of 30 Baroque statues and surrounded by…

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