Blog Archive: May 2023
How to Get around Istanbul for cheap with this ride-sharing Taxi app
| Travel guides | 1,078 seen
I have traveled back and forth to Istanbul for dozen times, sometimes just by a connecting flight, sometimes just to spend a day or two in Istanbul. Most of the time, I have relied on shuttle services ordered from hotels or using public transportation.
The last time when we visited Istanbul, via Sabiha Gokcen airport (May 2023) I noticed the price for one way transfer to the city center was EUR 60 (a few years ago I paid USD 40 for the same ride). This time I decided to check if there is a taxi app for Istanbul, like Bolt or Uber.
I'm not sure if is there an Uber service available in Istanbul, but I found the BiTaksi app and I was pleasantly surprised to learn that with this ride-sharing app, the prices are much lower compared to the shuttle services or trying to catch a street taxi. Catching a street taxi as a foreigner in Istanbul might cost you 4 times higher than the actual price.
Sure the name might sound a bit akward - BiTaksi, not sure did the developers of the company were aware of the meaning or it's just me, but the service was quite straightforward.
I was able to add my…
Jerusalem - Tel Aviv Train via Ben Gurion Airport in Israel
| Travel guides | 71 seen
The highly anticipated new high-speed train from Jerusalem to Tel Aviv via Ben Gurion Airport is now operating. The final destination of the Jerusalem train is Tel Aviv. The new Jerusalem to Tel Aviv train service is officially called King David Line.
I have traveled by train from Ben Gurion Airport to Jerusalem on New Year's Eve of 2023. The ticket price per passenger was about ISL 15. The train station is actually located inside the terminal building and is one of the easiest ways to travel between Ben Gurion airport and Jerusalem.
The ride to Yitzhhak Navon station was about 25 minutes. There we were able to catch a street taxi and head to our apartment in Jerusalem.
The trains leave every half hour, but passengers must account for the ten-minute time to reach the entrance in Jerusalem. The station is inside a large-scale granite station which requires three escalators.
The train journey time between Jerusalem and Tel Aviv is around 31 min and covers a distance of around 54 km. Operated by Israel Railways, the Jerusalem to Tel Aviv train service departs from Yerushalayim/Yits'hak Navon and arrives in Tel Aviv Haganah.
I havent actually…
Statue of Medea in Batumi
| Tourism objects | 78 seen
The Statue of Medea is located at Europe square in the Batumi city center. The Statue is dedicated to Medea, Colchian Princess from Greek mythology.
Statue was opened to the public back in 2007. I have visited for many times Europe square and the statue of Medea, especially in the recent years when a McDonalds is opened next to the monument, so I decided add this pictursque place to the blog.
A must have place to visiti once in Batumi:
It is believed that on the territory of Ajara once existed Colchis civilization. Medea, who was the daughter of the king under the spell of the love of Jason the Argonaut, helped to steal a guarantor of prosperity and mascot of her people – the Golden Fleece. The couple ran on the Argo ship, which is depicted in the statue.
Also is known the fact that Medea was a skillful physician and pharmacist of her time, so science medicine was named in her honor. Today Medea statue with Golden Fleece, which is actually gold-plated, symbolizes wealth, prosperity, and connection of Georgia to the European world.
Grill Town Restaurant in Batumi
| Restaurant reviews | 50 seen
Grill Town restaurant in Batumi is among one of my best finds in recent years. Located close to the Sheraton Hotel on Rustaveli Avenue in Batumi.
We first discovered this restaurant in some of our previous Batumi trips, so this time it was a no-brainer to visit this place.
During our latest visit here in April 2023, it turned out to be the restaurant 1 year anniversary and we got some free Sangrias and very smiling staff members.
Grill town restaurant is locatad in two floors. This place serves European and Georgian cuisine with accent on grilled foods.
Even being vegetarian I found the above-grilled chicken very inviting.
If you are into grilled foods or just for a glass of wine - Grill Town Batumi is the place to go! Our total check was about GEL 150 for all the above-listed food, plus some french fries, badrijani, ice cream dessert and probably something more.
Ben Gurion International Airport
| Airports | 60 seen
Ben Gurion International Airport, is the main international airport of Israel. Situated on the northern outskirts of the city of Lod, it is the busiest airport in the country. It is located 45 kilometers (28 mi) to the northwest of Jerusalem and 20 kilometers (12 mi) to the southeast of Tel Aviv.
I first visited it back in 2009, flying with Turkish Airlines from Riga (via Istanbul), and also have flown a direct flight by EL AL from Tbilisi and a domestic flight to Ramon airport near Eilat.
There is very easy and nice way to access Ben Gurion Airport via train service connecting both Tel Aviv and Jerusalem.
In 2019, Ben Gurion Airport handled 24.8 million passengers. It is considered to be among the five best airports in the Middle East due to its passenger experience and its high level of security; while it has been the target of several terrorist attacks, no attempt to hijack a plane departing from Ben Gurion Airport has ever succeeded.
The airport holds extreme strategic importance to Israel as it is one of the few convenient entry points into the country for most travellers. As Ben Gurion Airport once held standalone significance,…
Panorama Restaurant Batumi
| Restaurant reviews | 67 seen
Panorama Restaurant Batumi is located on the 36th floor of the Orbi skyscraper on 15b Sherif Khimshiashvili Street. We come here by recommendation in Mid-April 2023.
Panorama Batumi is highly recommended because of the views, though the cuisine also is excellent.
Places serve typical Georgian and European cuisine. Prices seem a bit above average but are still quite reasonable, for the service received.
I believe the place is stunning for coming to catch the sunset.
Life seems a bit better from the top
Made some nice slow-mode videos with my iPhone here
Fish was prepared on live fire. The price seemed bit high, for the person eating fish every day, paying 65 GEL for this Fish seemed bit overpriced, but I will take that.
Seems a trend in fashionable restaurants nowadays - our baklava was improved in front of us
Decent place, located a bit outside the city center. The views are excellent, food is delicious. Give it a try. Our total check was about GEL 180 for a glass of wine, french fries, dumplings, fish and dessert.
Ramon International Airport near Eilat in Israel
| Airports | 50 seen
Ramon Airport, named after Ilan and Assaf Ramon, also known as Eilat-Ramon Airport, is an international airport located in the Timna Valley in southern Israel. Ramon Airport is the second busiest in Israel (after Ben Gurion Airport) and has replaced the former Eilat Airport and Ovda Airport for civilian traffic. It also serves as the primary diversion airport in Israel.
The airport is located 18 km (11 mi) north of Eilat, next to Be'er Ora. Unlike the previous airport in Eilat, it has ample ramp space and a longer 3,600 m (11,800 ft) runway, which allows large aircraft to land and park. The airport was opened in 2019.
We have used this airport to travel from Ben Gurion airport in Tel Aviv to Eilat and back, first on New Year's Eve of 2022. The flight was about 1 hour.
We flew here by local air carrier Isreal air.
There is a small terminal building, few taxis, and public transport available to travel to Eilat. We chose a Taxi for about 120 new Israel shekels. I was told I have to pay extra because it was Sabbath. For the returning drive, I paid about 100 ISL
The airport is located 18 km (11 mi) north of Eilat.[19] Aside…
Georgia / Turkey Border crossing at Sarpi
| Travel guides | 166 seen
Sarpi is a small village on the coast of the Black Sea of Georgia, on the border with Turkey. There is a border crossing point between Georgia and Turkey.
Sarpi is the main land border crossing between the two countries and a major conduit for business travel, especially for Turkish companies doing business in Batumi. Sarpi is located about 12 km south of Batumi and about 20 km northeast of Hopa, Turkey.
I used this border crossing quite often about a decade ago, first crossed it back in August 2011, when hitchhiked in Turkey. Quite awesome memories. Most of the time I've crossed this border on foot, even when going on a bus. Once I was driving Batumi - Istanbul, and even then all passengers where asked to cross the border by foot. I suppose the service is more convenient if you travel in your own vehicle.
There is public bus service and marshrutkas available to travel to nearby Batumi from Sarpi village. Back in 2012 we lived for some 6 month in Batumi, back then we were using public bus to come to the Sarpi beach, just to enjoy a bottle of Georgian or Turkish bear (Argo/Efes)
For EU nationals crossing both the Georgian and Turkish border…
From Hot Pools to Frame Houses: Our Adventure in Kavtiskhevi
| Living in Georgia | 35 seen
From fishing to flying drones, trying Georgian beer, and staying at a beautiful resort with hot pools, there's no shortage of exciting things to do in this picturesque region of Georgia.
One of the highlights of your trip was undoubtedly the opportunity to visit Ekaterina Jinoridze's village and explore some of the best places nearby. With its stunning scenery, charming architecture, and friendly locals, Kavtiskhevi is truly a hidden gem that more travelers should know about.
After experiencing all the area has to offer, you even joked about buying a plot of land and putting up another Frame house just for fun! And who knows, with its natural beauty and peaceful way of life, Kavtiskhevi might just be the perfect place for a vacation home or even a permanent residence.
So if you're looking for an off-the-beaten-path destination that offers a unique blend of outdoor adventure, cultural immersion, and relaxation, Kavtiskhevi should definitely be at the top of your list. Watch the video of your trip and give it a thumbs up to show your appreciation for the unforgettable experience!
Shopping in Batumi: Metrocity Mall
| Shopping Venues | 376 seen
Metro City Forum is one of the largest shopping and entertainment centers in Batumi in terms of its area. The building, with an area of over 35,000 sqm, with a unique design is becoming a new landmark for the area.
A located bit outside of the city center, the shopping mall is reachable by public transport, taxi or if you prefer by walk.
I wouldnt call it a shoppers paradise, more like an outlet with lower priced items and few dining options. But it can change with time. We headed here to look for kinds entertainmnt center, which we found, and it was quite decent.
Travelling with little kids its always important to find such places. Trampoline, softplay, racing cars and more. Quite decent.
Mostly Turkish fashion brands are featured here, and it is said a large Carefour store also is located here (Didn't notice last time visiting in Mid april 2023, but I was not looking also)
Tbilisi Hills Golf Resort with Residences
| Restaurant reviews | 34 seen
As the name suggests - Tbilisi Hills Golf & Residences is a place that offers golf and real estate. Kind of a millionaires oasis. But you don't have to be a millionaire to enjoy the perks of this place - playing the golf or at least having brunch or a menu at the restaurant. Price per gold seesions are quite afforable and you don't even have to be a club member to play some.
Owned by an Estonian / Russian businessman Oleg Ossinovski, Tbilisi Hills is a place where the Estonian flag stands together with the Georgian and European.
We keep coming here time after time to enjoy dinner , beautiful views towards Tbilisi city or Shanbadaba monastery. or as one of our friends told - to have that British colonial feeling. LOL.
Restaurant serves typical European cuisine, with french fries, hamburgers, and if you are lucky enough - Estonain Saku beer can be ordered.
Tbilisi Hills has a professional 18-hole golf course. The golf facilities occupy 110 hectares, fully comply with European standards and are ready to host international tournaments. Golf is very popular all over the world, because people…
Batumi international Airport
| Airports | 15 seen
Alexander Kartveli Batumi International Airport is an airport located 2 km (1.2 mi) south of Batumi, a city on the Black Sea coast and the capital of Adjara, an autonomous republic in southwest Georgia.
The airport is named after Alexander Kartveli, an aeronautical engineer and aviation pioneer.
I have been traveling back and forth via this airport mostly for domestic Tbilisi or Natakhtari flights by Vanilla Sky. ]This airport is not very busy, it seems it is more like a seasonal airport, with its passenger peak reaching in Summer months.
Neverthless, the airport served more than 600,000 passengers in 2022, that woul be about 1,643 daily.
Batumi is one of three international airports in operation in Georgia (along with Tbilisi International Airport serving the Georgian capital and David the Builder International Airport in Georgia's second largest city Kutaisi).
The new airport terminal has been in operation since 26 May 2007. With a total area of 4,256 square meters (45,810 sq ft), it is capable of handling 600,000 passengers a year.
The ir a public pus and taxis available for getting to the city center,…
Herods Boutique Hotel in Eilat Review
| Hotel reviews | 35 seen
Herods Boutique Eilat a Premium collection by Fattal Hotels is a 5-star superior hotel located at the end of Eilat's promenade, on the shores of the Red Sea in Israel. It offers luxurious rooms with a balcony, a swimming pool, and a spa. Free WiFi is available in the lobby.
We booked this hotel for a New Year's celebration of 2023 for about 2 nights and paid quite a hefty price of about USD 735 for a stay here.
Was it worth the price? Well, the weather could be better, but if was quite Okay, it maybe a little overpriced, but due to the fact it is actually located in a desert and we had a bathtub with super fast running water, which was quite awesome.
We come here by taxi from the Ramon airport during Sabbath. Flying here from Tel Aviv. It was about a 20-minute drive from the airport.
The rooms offer views of the New Lagoon and the Edom Mountains. Each comes with air conditioning, an LCD TV, and a seating area equipped with a minibar. The private bathrooms are complete with spa baths, bathrobes, and slippers.
We had a desert view towards the border of Jordan.
Quite decent breakfast…
Tbilisi Adventure Run Fun Race with Caucasus Translations Team
| Living in Georgia | 24 seen
On April 23, 2023, we run our first adventure race in Tbilisi through the spectacular mountains close to Mtstasminda Park.
The run turned out a bit harder than I expected, but the result still was awesome and everyone from the team finished.
I come up with the idea to have custom print T-shirts for every team member at Caucasus Translations
I made this design in Canva, the idea was to raise awareness of the brand name via QR code. We didn't raise much awareness in the end, but still looks awesome!
In total there 11 runners (9 grownups, 2 kids) for the 7km fun run distance.
Later that day we went searching poppy fields to Marneuli, and Bolnis, unfortunately, we didn't find them. Just when post-processing the photos I realized, the most poppies that day were at Mtatsminda Park.
The route of all the distances started and finished in Mtatsminda Park. The route was marked, participants had BIB numbers and water, and snacks were offered during the race.
My time for the 7km adventure run was 1.03:23 which gave me 98th place among 129 participants. The best time was 31.52. Wow
Every participant finished, also…
Top 10 Best Selling Gaming Laptops with RTX 3050 Ti Graphics Card
| Laptop Reviews | 44 seen
In this article, I've listed 10 top-selling gaming laptops with Nvidia GeForce RTX 3050 TI graphics card, available to purchase on Amazon.
A quick note: This article contains affiliate links to Amazon, by clicking on links on this page and by making a purchase on the Amazon site, I might earn an affiliate income from that. The 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.
ASUS VivoBook Pro 16 Laptop, 16” 16:10 Display, Intel Core i7-12650H CPU, NVIDIA® GeForce RTX 3050 Ti GPU, 16GB RAM, 1TB SSD, Windows 11 Home, Quiet Blue, K6602ZE-DB76- ASUS VivoBook Pro 16 laptop comes with 16” WUXGA (1920 x 1200) 16:10 aspect ratio with ultra-slim NanoEdge bezels
- Latest Intel Core i7-12650H Processor (24M Cache, up to 4.7 GHz, 6P cores + 4E cores) with Intel Iris Xe Graphics
- NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3050 Ti Laptop GPU, with 4GB GDDR6 - Studio Ready
- Fast storage and memory featuring 1TB M.2 NVMe PCIe 3.0 SSD and 16GB DDR4 on board RAM, Windows 11 Home
- …