Ajara Life Magazine, Issue 009 by Ajara Life Magazine

REVENUE SERVICE:

TOURISM SECTOR BUSINESSES EXEMPTED FROM 2021 PROPERTY TAX

BATUMI BOULEVARD HISTORY SINCE 1881 & BOULEVARD TODAY

BATUMI

“PEARL OF THE BLACK SEA”

AJ & G ARA EO TOU RG R IAN IST FO GUI OD DE S

ADVENTURE TOURS IN GEORGIA

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The complex is located on a hill in one of the most picturesque places of Batumi on the way to the famous Sameba Temple. The complex has an open view of the sights of the city, and an incredible panorama of the sea and mountains. pano The road takes only 5 minutes by car from the old Batumi. 2 AJARA Life Magazine

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BEST PLACE FOR SHOPPING WHEN THE SHOPPING IS A PLEASURE 10 AJARA Life Magazine

Batumi mall

88 Z.Gorgiladze St, Batumi.

+995 577225276

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Let’s Discover Ajara! Ajara Life Magazine

Founder & CEO

David Ruebush Austin, Texas USA

Head of Magazine & Design Department Mehdi Maasoomi Head of Sales Department Aphina Martley Head of Marketing Department Ninna Sharadze Head of Logistic Department Kate Gubaeva Accounting Department Omar Nakashidze Sales Agents Polina Kvitaishvili (Batumi) Nino Abramishvili (Tbilisi)

Ajara Life, the English language online and print publication headquartered in Batumi, launched in 2021 under Ruebush Hospitality Group LTD. With over 30 years experience in hospitality and over 15 years of experience in the media industry and our staffs’ commitment, knowledge and energy we feel confident that we will become the most recognised and respected infotainment and Tourist Guide in Ajara & Georgia. Our genuine point of difference is our primary focus on tourist attractions of different cities in Ajara, Georgia, Cultures, Traditions, Foods and Historical Places, Investment opportunities and Real Estate, Businesses and their activities, Product and Service Offers as well as Public Awareness on New Rules and Regulations, Events and Campaigns so that both business owners, readers and listeners – either Georgian residents or Tourists – win benefit. Besides, We gather information on the City’s Best Shops, Restaurants, Bars and Hotels, provide the most useful tourist and travel tips, highlight the best in Museum, Theatre and the events in town. Having the advantage of reaching a wide number of people globally through our online Magazine and Supplement, We intend to better introduce and promote Ajara & Georgia, provide awareness on its tourism potential and information on investment opportunities in various sectors for investors. Ajara Life Magazine is ideal for introducing new products and services, building established brands, presenting seasonal promotions and getting the return on investment that you expect.

David Ruebush

SPECIAL THANKS TO: > GEORGIAN NATIONAL TOURISM ADMINISTRATION > MINISTRY OF FINANCE AND ECONOMY OF AJARA A.R. > DEPARTMENT OF TOURISM AND RESORTS OF AJARA A. R. > AJARA MUSEUMS > BATUMI BOULEVAD 1881 > INVESTINBATUMI.GE > GOBATUMI.COM > AGENDA.GE

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Let’s Discover Ajara!

WEATHER AND SEASONALITY in Batumi

Adventure tours in Georgia Batumi Boulevard

Antique jewelry art from the eastern Black Sea coast

BEST Places for Kids in batumi boulevard

Let’s Discover Ajara! Routes

Content

Batumi “Pearl of the Black Sea”

4 HISTORICAL FIGURES WHO HAVE VISITED BATUMI

Revenue Service: tourism sector businesses exempted from 2021 property tax

AJAPSANDALI (GEORGIAN EGGPLANT STEW)

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BATUMI

“PEARL OF THE BLACK SEA” Batumi the “Pearl of the Black Sea,” as it is often called is located in the autonomous republic of Ajara. European architects undertook numerous projects in Batumi at the beginning of the 20th century, and today it remains a hub of architectural innovation. One of the most beautiful regions in Georgia, Ajara is situated in southwest Georgia on the Black Sea coastline. Turkey borders Ajara to the south. Ajara’s visitors especially admire the region’s pristine and unaltered nature, and it is particularly intriguing for eco tourists.

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1. Beaches of Adjara Ajara is home to the picturesque beaches of Batumi, Kvariati, Sarpi, Gonio, Tsikhisdziri, Mtsvane Kontskhi (the Green Cape) and Kobuleti. In the summertime, the beaches are filled with tourists enjoying their holidays. Ajara’s beach towns offer well developed infrastructure and fresh, healthy air.

2. Old Batumi One of the oldest cities in Georgia, Batumi was founded in the 8th century, but the initial settlement, Batus, is mentioned in texts that date back to the 4th century BC. Batumi’s interesting historical past has considerably influenced the architectural diversity of city (a number of projects were completed by European architects during the Porto Franco period). Old Batumi’s most historical part is stretched between the seaport and the Boulevard, and features distinctive building facades and balconies. 3. Batumi Boulevard Construction of the 7 km seaside boardwalk begun in 1881 by the famous Prussian gardener and landscape architect Ressler. Two years after the project began, Ressler passed away and Michael D’alfons, a French architect, completed the boulevard. Recently, a Spanish architect designed and constructed a new, modern addition for the boulevard. The coastal line of the boulevard has been beautified with bungalows, café-lounges, restaurants, children’s attractions, benches, sculptures and dancing fountains—making it one of the city’s most attractive tourist destinations.

4. Batumi Botanical Garden Boasting one of the widest varieties of flora in the world, the Batumi Botanical Garden was established in 1912 by the prominent botanist and geographer Andrey Krasnov. The garden is 111 hectares and contains flora from nine phyto-geographic areas: East Asia, North America, New Zealand, South America, the Himalayas, Mexico, Australia, the Mediterranean, and the Caucasian humid subtropics. Visitors can wander the botanical garden by foot or in carts, which can be rented from the garden’s administration. 5. Dolphinarium Located within the 6th of May Park, the Batumi Dolphinarium is one of the most-visited tourist attractions in Batumi. The affordably priced and wildly entertaining dolphin show is done in Georgian, Russian, and English. With its construction beginning in 1881, the 6th of May Park is one of Georgia’s oldest public parks. In addition to the Dolphinarium, the 6th of May Park has an aquarium, zoo and amusement rides for children. The park also sells tickets for a relaxing boat tour on Nurigeli Lake.

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BATUMI

“PEARL OF THE BLACK SEA” 6. Piazza Batumi Piazza Batumi is one of the most beautiful squares in Georgia. There are several hotels, cafés, and restaurants located on Piazza Batumi. In just a few short years, the square has become a popular international entertainment venue. It has recently hosted concerts by famous Georgian and foreign performers, including Placido Domingo, Chris Botti, Sting, Macy Grey, Michel Legrand and Tamar Gverdtsiteli.

7. Argo Entertainment Center and Batumi Cable Car 2 km of cable car link Batumi’s waterfront with the Argo Entertainment Center development on Anuria Mountain, sitting at 250 meters above sea level. The complex offers spectacular views of the town, the Black Sea, and the surrounding mountains. The center includes restaurants, cafes, retail shops, open air halls, and roof terraces.

One of the most beautiful regions in Georgia, Ajara is situated in southwest Georgia on the Black Sea coastline. 16 AJARA Life Magazine

8. Gonio-Apsaros Fortress Gonio-Apsaros Fortress is located 12 km south of Batumi, on the left bank of the River Chorokhi. One of Georgia’s most ancient settlements was located around this fortress. Due to its strategic location, Gonio-Apsaros became a supporting citadel first for the Romans and later to the Byzantines and Ottomans along the eastern Black Sea coastline. Respectively, the fortress has several layers: the Roman layer (3rd-4th cc BC), the Byzantine layer (6th-7th cc AD) and the Ottoman layer (16th c AD). The history of Gonio-Apsaros fortress references the myth of Jason and the Argonauts. According to the legend, King Aeetes buried his son Apsaros, who was killed by Jason as he fled, in the territory of Gonio. According to some sources, Mathias, one of the 12 disciples of Jesus Christ, is believed to be buried here. There is a museum inside the fortress.

9. Makhuntseti Waterfall Makhuntseti waterfall is located near the town of Keda, at 335 meters above sea level. Near the waterfall several picnic sites are available for visitors. While visiting the waterfall it is also possible to visit nearby tourist attractions, including the ancient arched stone Makhuntseti Bridge, Adjarian wine houses, and private wine cellars scattered throughout Keda Municipality. 10. Skhalta Monastery Skhalta Monastery is located in Khulo Municipality, the highest, most mountainous part of Ajara. The main building of the complex is Skhalta Church of the Virgin. It is a single-nave, hall-like church. Judging from its artistic and stylistic peculiarities, it is speculated that Skhalta Monastery was built during the mid-13th cent. The churches notable frescoes were painted in the 14th and 15th centuries. (Source: georgia.travel)

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WEATHER AND The hot, sunny weather and the allure of the Black Sea attract numerous visitors to Ajara in the summertime - the city will be full of local and foreign tourists.

Ajara’s climate is subtropical, with mild winters and hot summers. The Black Sea coastline is humid compared with highland regions. The mountains are distinguished by the considerable amountof snowfall they receive, which sometimes reachesseveral meters. The temperature in the summer reaches 24oC in the plains and 19oC in areas with higher elevations. The average low temperatures in winter in the seaside Adjara is 5oC, whereas in the highland regions are slightly colder (3oC).

Spring Spring in Ajara is warm and pleasant - visitors will find themselves surrounded by the scent of newly bloomed magnolias and colorful camellias.. In Ajara rural tourism,

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bird watching and visiting protected areas become especially interesting in spring time. Those interested in rural tourism can enjoy hiking, camping, rock climbing, wine making, vodka distillation, tasting treating mineral waters and so on.

Summer The hot, sunny weather and the allure of the Black Sea attract numerous visitors to Ajara in the summertime the city will be full of local and foreign tourists. Ajara is home to several resort towns, including Kvariati, Sarpi, Gonio, Chakvi and Kobuleti. All of Ajara’s resort areas are distinguished by their abundance of entertainment venues and tourist facilities.

SEASONALITY IN BATUMI

One of the most beautiful regions in Georgia, Ajara is situated in southwest Georgia on the Black Sea coastline. Turkey borders Ajara to the south.

Autumn

Winter

Autumn is one of the best seasons to visit Ajara. The autumn season provides excellent conditions for seaside holidays, rural tourism and wine tourism. In particular, autumn is the vintage period in mountainous Ajara. Visitors can involve themselves in many fun and memorable harvest-related activities, including grape harvesting and wine making.

Ajara also has great potential for further developing ski resorts. During the wintertime, visitors can enjoy the offerings of Gomarduli and Goderdzi resorts. The resorts have ski routes and lifts for visitors to enjoy. Presently, there are numerous guesthouses in the area available to visitors. (Source: GoBatumi.com) AJARA Life Magazine 19

TOURISM ADMINISTRATION: 64.1% OF PRE-PANDEMIC VISITS RESTORED

In the first six months of 2022, international travellers made 1,625,928 visits in Georgia, an increase of 234.5 percent compared to the same period of last year and a 42.1 percent recovery compared to 2019. Georgia hosted 445,894 international travellers in June, posting a 51 percent recovery from the pre-pandemic 2019 figure and an increase of 185.5 percent year-onyear, the Georgian National Tourism Administration announced on Wednesday. The GNTA also revealed the number included 302,602 tourist visits - marking a 64.1 percent recovery for the same period of 2019 and a 126.7 percent increase compared to the same period of last year.

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In the first six months of 2022, international travellers made 1,625,928 visits in Georgia, an increase of 234.5 percent compared to the same period of last year and a 42.1 percent recovery compared to 2019. During the same period, the number of tourist visits totalled 1,209,272, which is 186.3 percent increase yearon-year and 56.8 percent recovery compared to JanuaryJune 2019, the GNTA said. Source: Agenda.ge

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ADVENTURE TOURS IN GEORGIA Hunting and Fishing Georgia has an impressive diversity of fauna that makes this country attractive for Big Game as well as Small Game Hunters. Georgia is an important migration point for birds, passing through the border, which according to the season is a great opportunity to hunt more, than thirty different species of birds. When it comes to hunting activities of other animals and birds, there are specially located hunting farms allowing hunting across different parts of Georgia. Also Georgian lakes and rivers boast with variety of fish species. Major ones are trout, common carp, vendace, chub, crucian carp, silver carp, bighead carp and barbel. The best places for fishing are Paliastomi and Paravani lakes, Tkibuli and Shaori reservoirs, Black Sea coast of Samegrelo region, especially Anaklia. In Alazani and Aragvi rivers you can catch catfish and carp. There are also fish farms near Kutaisi and Kazbegi, and lake resorts Lopota and Kvareli, where you are charged for fishing, but you can also rent the equipment there, and be sure that your catch is guaranteed!

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Hiking and Trekking Getting away from it all is easy in Georgia. Whether you’re following ancient trails along lush river valleys, past ancient stone towers and castles or catching your breath on high altitude mountain paths, it is likely that you will be the only person for miles around. Many paths have been maintained over the centuries by locals dedicated to looking after their cattle and livestock, and with so many trails to choose from, your walk can be as challenging or as easy-going as you like. And what an experience. Marvel at the magnificent snowy peaks of the Caucasus Mountains, full of hidden valleys and glaciers. Lower down you come across more varieties of animals, birds and flowers than in any other European country. Wherever you walk, you’ll be sure of a warm welcome. Whether you choose to sit and drink some local wine, sample the delicious locally produced food or even stay overnight in the villagers’ homes, you’ll never be treated better.

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If you would like to explore impressive and natural attractions and enjoy exciting adventure moments of your life, GEORGIA would be a unique destination which provides you an unforgettable experience.

4x4 Adventure Because Georgia is a compact and diverse country, there is a very small distance between completely contrasting landscapes: deserts, sea, subtropics, tea plantations, high mountains etc. Almost everything can be seen within a day or so travelling in a 4x4 vehicle. See the breathtaking scenery change with your own eyes, moment by moment, and capture the essence of what it feels like to be in Georgia. There is also a chance to go offroad totally, without going through beaten paths. Enduro motorbikes and safari cars wait for you to drive you really crazy!

Experience Adventurous, Splendid, Wonderful, Relaxing and Refreshing Holiday which lasts lifetime in Georgia.

Caving Georgia, especially its Western part, contains an amazing array of cave systems, from underground rivers and lakes to enormous caverns and limestone scenery. Trek or ride to some of the many canyons that make up the landscape, and feel the thrill of seeing the 300 million year old dinosaur footprint on the rock. They look so fresh that you can almost believe the animals that made them are only just around the next corner. The Tskaltubo Cave system has not yet been fully explored, but even now it offers to the adventurers the chance to go over a kilometer underground and take a boat across its enchanted lake. Professional cavers will find much for them in the Samegrelo and Imereti Regions. AJARA Life Magazine 25

ADVENTURE TOURS IN GEORGIA Bird Watching

With over 360 endemic species of birds, Georgia is a bird-watchers dream. Principal migration routes through the high Caucasus and along the Black Sea corridor provide superb viewing opportunities in stunning settings.

Horse Riding Paragliding

Filled with high cliffs, hot sun, and icy peaks, the opportunities to catch a thermal in Georgia is overwhelming. Why not come and find that perfect spot for yourself.

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If walking becomes too tiring, you can always ride. Breathe in the pure sweet air as you gallop across the green plateaus of Southern Georgia; gasp as your horse pulls you up and over the high passes in Khevsureti or Tusheti. And at the end of the day, camp in the remotest, most idyllic of places or find a home stay to bed down for the night. Allowing you to travel into areas beyond the reach of even today’s 4x4s; you’ll understand why horses are so perfect for exploring more of the country.

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ADVENTURE TOURS IN GEORGIA

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Experience Adventurous, Splendid, Wonderful, Relaxing and Refreshing Holiday which lasts lifetime in Georgia.

Rafting & Kayaking In Georgia there are many wild fast flowing rivers fed from glaciers in the surrounding mountains. The water races from their 5.000 meter peaks to the sea. There are a lot of opportunities for rafting there, so you can take advantage of many safely organized tours and experience this incredible adventure by yourself.

Eco - National Parks

Biking With so many fabulous mountains, countryside and well established paths, Georgia is a perfect venue to fulfill your mountain bike ambitions. Race along high ridges or amble down elegant valleys; the choice is limitless and invigorating!

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Georgia’s natural environment is one of the most special in the world. National parks and protected areas cover more than 7% of Georgia. 75% of the all protected areas are covered with woods. There are 14 national reserves, 9 national parks, 17 suppressed, 14 natural monuments and 2 protected landscapes in Georgia. The Georgian landscape is especially suited to eco-tourists, due to its relatively unspoiled status and absence of mass tourism. Amateur botanists or zoologists are going to find themselves in a real heaven full of rare plants and animals.

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BATUMI BOULEVARD HISTORY SINCE 1881 & BOULEVARD TODAY In the new millennium, the boulevard continued to grow at a more rapid pace, antique stile marble sculptures and colonnades project were brought from Italiy, the Summer theater were built, three colored fountains worked out. History since 1881 In 1881, the governor of Batumi district, A. Smekalov had appeared an idea of creating a seaside park. This is where begins the history of Batumi Boulevard. The first project of the boulevard was developed by well-known Prussian gardeners Ressler and Reier. In 1884, Reseller died, and the successful initiative was handed over to a French nobleman, a famous garden designer Michel D’Alfonse. His contribution to the boulevard planning is so great that in historical sources, D’Alfonse is referred as “Kind genius of Batumi seaside”. The next stage of the boulevard development is associated with the gardener-decorator Iason Gordeziani, who using the knowledge gained in the Versailles Agricultural National Institute, encouraged herbal cover, expanded old and created new nurseries. In the new millennium, the boulevard continued to grow at a more rapid pace, antique stile marble sculptures and colonnades project were brought from Italiy, the Summer theater were built, three colored fountains worked out. The history of the Batumi Boulevard includes this century-long, continuous cycle, in which all the stages

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of the seaside park were enriched and gained the sacred significance. Today it is the most visited and characteristic sight of our city. Boulevard Today Batumi Boulevard is the main and most visited sightseeing of the city. Georgia, distinguished by its growing tourist statistics, hosts about 8 million international visitors annually and about 2 million tourists visit Batumi, named as the Black Sea Pearl. It is noteworthy that walking in Boulevard for an alien or Georgian citizen who is in Batumi is a ritual, without which no one leaves this beautiful seaside city. The recreation zone, which at the same time is a cultural heritage monument, for centuries, has unites the city’s guests or native inhabitants. It involves a seven-kilometer seaside promenade, 4 historic alleys, bike path, and more than 40 thousand tree-plants planted at different times on the area. Batumi Boulevard, with its historical meaning and continuous development cycle, became a visiting card of our city where everyone finds their place.

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Michael D’Alfons

Iason Gordezian

The foundation of the Batumi Boulevard is associated with the French Gardener Michael D’Alfons. In 1885 he has assigned on the post of the main gardener of Batumi and he is the one who started to develop the boulevard in the French style. To celebrate his contribution to the development not only of the boulevard but also Batumi botanical gardens, he was often referred to as the kind genius of the Batumi seaside area. In 2012 the bronze sculpture of Michael D’alfons was installed in the boulevard. Facing the eucalyptus planed by himself, Michael’s sculpture features a satisfied expression on his face.

The gardener, decorator, Iason Gordezian has played a key role in development of Batumi Boulevard. Under his management, new species of plants were introduced and planted. After his success, he went abroad to continue his education. In 1911 he graduated from the Versailles national institute of agriculture. He gained experience of working in gardens in France, Belgium, Switzerland, and Holland. He also held a position of the gardener-decorator in the royal botanical garden in London. After returning to Georgia he brought extensive knowledge and expertise back to the country that he used in implementing number of large-scale projects. In 2012 the sculpture of Iason Gordezian was set up in Batumi Boulevard.

Batumi Colonnades

Ali and Nino

For over decades as the Batumi Boulevard has been growing, new sculptures and landmarks have been added. However, the importance and the value of the colonnades have remained timeless making them one of the iconic symbols of Batumi. The local doctor Ivane Mtchedlidze is believed to bring the project from Italy in 1930 with the help of Maksim Gorki. The construction works were supervised by the chief architect of the town Pavle Nadareishvili while the works were executed by the honorable architect in Georgia Bogdan Kirakosyan. As the mosaic inscription on the colonnades says the construction processes were completed in 1934.

Created by the USA-based Georgian sculptor, Tamar Kvesitadze, a kinetic sculpture of Ali and Nino is undoubtedly one of the most popular tourist attractions in the Boulevard. 7-meter constructions of a man and a woman perform a circular motions for 8-10 minutes eventually merging into each other. The sculpture was inspired by the Azerbaijani novelist Kurban Said’s eponymous novel.

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The sculpture symbolizes eternal motion, love and convergence of cultures. However, each visitor can have his/her unique emotions and associations after attending this performance.

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BATUMI BOULEVARD

WELCOME TO BATUMI BOULEVARD

Summer Theater

Central Dancing Fountains

In 1948-1949 a unique wooden building was constructed in Batumi without a single nail.

Thanks to joint efforts of the prominent Georgian architect Giorgi Erkomaishvili and the Armenian engineers, three colorful fountains were installed in the central entrance of Batumi Boulevard in 1977 bringing vibrancy and a new splash of life to the area. In 2007, the fountains underwent large-scale renovations as a result of which music was added to them. Nowadays these musical fountains dancing with rhythm and surrounded by lovely wax sculptures of the boys with pipes, represent the major attraction for tourists.

This was the summer theater hosting concerts, events and celebrations. In 1998 a devastating fire destroyed the building. In 2013 the exact replica of Batumi Summer Theater was constructed which continues to host events.

Cafe Fantasy Octopus

The Woman on a Bike

The café fantasy, also known as Octopus is a truly beautiful and magnificent sample of the mosaic art preserved till nowadays in Batumi Boulevard. Designed by the Georgian painter Zurab Kapanadze, the open air café fantasy was opened in 1981 and was functioning for 37 years. Currently it is undergoing major renovation works and a reopening is expected in the near future. The cafe fantasy is one of the symbols of Batumi.

The peaceful and romantic environment characteristic to the Boulevard has been formed over the years. Abundance of fountains definitely contributes to the creation of this mood. In 2012 the sculpture a woman on a bike was set up according to the Georgian architect, Irakli Zhvania’s project. The sculpture is beautifully located in a fountain making it even more peculiar

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Alphabet Tower

Lighthouse

A 130-meter Alphabet Tower is located in the Boulevard right in the Miracle Park. The architecture of the Alphabet Tower was inspired by the Georgian alphabet which is performed in the shape of DNA alluding to the special importance the Georgian people adhere to the Georgian Alphabet. Two spiral lines go up to the tower carrying 33 Georgian letters 4 meters each. The Spanish architect Alberto Domingo Cabo designed the project celebrating the Georgian alphabet in a unique way. Guests of the Alphabet Tower can enjoy breathtaking views on the Black sea from the watching platform (called Panorama bar) which also serves snacks and beverages. The building also houses a rotating restaurant offering wide range of delicious Georgian and European dishes. One turn takes 60 minutes enabling you to have 360 degree views while having your meal.

The first building of the lighthouse was built in 1863, before the Batumi Boulevard was developed. In 1882 it was redesigned according to the project of the French engineers and since then already for 155 it has been guiding the ships entering the Black sea. The light coming from the lighthouse stretches far away for 14 sea miles. In addition, the lighthouse is located in a unique spot, where 41 degree parallels of the longitude and the latitude coincide with each other. The lighthouse also performs the function of a hydrographic center, where weather forecasters observe weather conditions for 24/7. Being an innovative sample of the engineering of that time, the lighthouse has become one of the symbols of Batumi.

Batumi Boulevard, with its historical meaning and continuous development cycle, became a visiting card of our city where everyone finds their place.

Dancing Fountains in the Lake Ardagani Japanese Garden Similar to Old Boulevard, New Boulevard houses number of tourist attractions. One of them is the French dancing fountains attracting visitors with its hologram shows. ou can watch this beautiful show from a specially arranged platform.

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The Japanese garden is set up stretching over 1020 sq.m. nearby the university building. The garden features a miniature lake, decorative bridge and plants typical for the Eastern culture. Finding the Japanese garden is quite easy thanks to red Japanese style entrance gates. (Source: boulevard.ge)

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ANTIQUE JEWELRY ART FROM THE EASTERN BLACK SEA COAST

Article by Tamar Shalikadze (Scientific and publishing house of Adjara Museum Service Curator)

Early Classical Pichnari Age (second quarter of the 5th century BC). Among them, especially noteworthy are: gold-plated earrings (preserved in the Batumi Archaeological Museum. Photo. 1). They are looking for a parallel between Vani and Sachkhere materials. Such jewelry is unknown outside of Georgia (A. Kakhidze, Pichnari II - The Ancient World on the Eastern Black Sea Coast, 2007: 150).

Jewelry art reached the peak of perfection for the classical period (5th-4th centuries BC). Despite some influence from the Achaemenid and Bedouin schools, it still retained its identity. All this was reflected in the use of a single technical method - this is granulation. It is believed that the unmistakable evidence of the local origin of the items characteristic of the golden Colchis is their stylistic and technical unity, the decoration of the façade of the arch, the widespread use of Gavarsi. In this regard, rich and diverse material cultural monuments have been identified in Vani, Sachkhere and Akhalgori (Sadzeguri).

Attention is drawn to the golden beam earrings (preserved in the Tbilisi National and Batumi Archaeological Museum. Fig. 2. A. Kakhidze, Ancient Cities of the Georgian Seaside, 1971: 61.65, Tab. XVIII / 1; -Colchians and Greeks in the Eastern Black Sea, 2014: 34,35, Fig. XIII / 3, XVIII / 2). Featuring gold immovable earrings with no parallels sought. They must be made in Pichnari village (preserved in the Batumi Archaeological Museum. Fig. 3). The gold-plated earrings are also the fruit of the work of pine jewelers (preserved in the Batumi Archaeological Museum. Fig. 4. A. Kakhidze; M. Vickers; Another example of jewelry is a gold crescent earring found in Pichnari area, in the Colchian and Greek necropolises of the 5th century BC. Fig.5. Their chronological range and distribution area are quite large.

Interesting material has been extracted on the territory of Adjara as well. Ancient specimens have been found in the Colchian and Greek necropolises of the

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They first appear in V BC.. For the 2500s, it is also known in the Mycenaean era, BC. From the turn of the VIII-VII centuries they reached the Greek settlements on the west coast of Asia Minor. It is found in Urartu, Achaemenid Iran, Etruria, the northern Black Sea, and the Dnieper. The early ones are plain and small in size. From the turn of the VI-V centuries BC it appears with Gavarsi and Filigran Decorated patterns. Colchian, crescent-shaped earrings are distinguished by high artistry. The only plain arched gold crescent earrings have been found in the Pichnari village, while the rest, like the Van, Sairkhe and Racha (Shromisubani) finds, have a flattened oval arched flat surface, covered with a rose and an ornamental belt. It is a magnificent work of Colchian jewelry art. This is especially true of Pichnari earrings.

Jewelry art reached the peak of perfection for the classical period (5th-4th centuries BC). Despite some influence from the Achaemenid and Bedouin schools, it still retain its identity.

The first rise of jewelry in Georgia is related to the last stage of the Early Bronze Age (second half of the 3rd millennium BC). The next rise to the Middle Bronze Age (first half of the 2nd millennium BC), already used inlays, granulation and filigree techniques. The most numerous pieces of fine art-like artifacts have been found on this monument. To these are added pieces made of silver or bronze. The elongated ovalshaped ring of the golden crescent-shaped earrings of the pine tree, with its high cones, turns into a crescentshaped enlargement, which is covered with geometric faces (triangles, rhombuses) drawn in a frieze-shaped, granular shape. The line of crescent-shaped expansion plates is surrounded by pyramids made by granulation technique (A. Kakhidze, Pichnari II-Ancient World in the Eastern Black Sea, 2007: 146, 148). It is confirmed that the classical era is one of the most important stages in the history of ancient Colchis. It seems that the eastern Pontus, especially the pine forest, was a contact zone between the Hellenes and the Colchians, where some forms of Colchian influence were common in the ancient world. This is especially true of the so-called. Towards the crescent-shaped earrings. New forms are created, directed in Colchian goldsmith style. Granulation technique occupies a leading place among the motifs of embellishment. Collection on display Archeological museum of Adjara. AJARA Life Magazine 41

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RE G E V H O D

16.07.2022 23.00

B U LE N T E R S OY 13.08.2022 22.00

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ECLIPSE.GE Entertainment complex ‘Eclipse’ includes a night club, a bar, three VIP areas, midnight live show and other entertainment facilities. Age limit and face control is applied. გასართობი კომპლექსი ‘ექლიპსი’ მოიცავს ღამის კლუბს, ბარს, სამ VIP ზონას, შუაღამის ლაივ შოუს და სხვა გასართობ ობიექტებს. გამოიყენება ასაკობრივი ზღვარი და სახის კონტროლი. AJARA Life Magazine 47

HISTORICAL FIGURES WHO HAVE VISITED BATUMI John Steinbeck

In the summer of 1947, John Steinbeck, an American writer along with the legendary war photographer Robert Capa began their journey to the Soviet Union. In his “Russian Diary” Steinbeck describes Georgia with particular admiration and pays great attention to Batumi with its beautiful landscapes, tropical climate and natural diversity. Many health resorts were located in Batumi at that time and citizens of the Soviet republics had to work really hard to get a chance of spending their holidays there. “We have come to believe that the majority of Russians hope to go to Georgia, and not to heaven when they die, since Georgia has a wonderful climate, rich soil and a small private ocean”- he wrote.

Mikhail Bulgakov The famous Russian writer visited Batumi twice, first in 1921, when he came to Caucasus in search of more favorable conditions for his creative life. Bulgakov had even planned migration from Batumi to Turkey, but returned to his homeland in the end. The second visit took place in 1928 when Bulgakov arrived in Batumi with his wife, visited Green Cape, and decided to write his “Master and Margarita” novel. He is the author of a play called “Batumi”, which was written for the 60th anniversary of Stalin.

Since its founding, Batumi has often attracted foreign visitors and people of different professions, interests and social status visited it at different times. Among many such visitors, there are people of special interest. 48 AJARA Life Magazine

Sergei Yesenin

A well-known Russian poet lived in Batumi from December 1924 to January 1925, in a house located on Melikishvili Street. During these two months in the city, Yesenin, managed to fall in love with two girls - Shagane Talyan, whom he dedicated a poem “Shagane, oh my Shagane!” and someone known as Kabtsova, whom he jokingly introduced to his friends as his new wife . Evenings spent with his new friends in Batumi, had a very positive influenced on his creative work. A poem “Anna Snegina” and dozens of others were written here, including those dedicated to the city.

Nobel Brothers In 1873, the founders of “Branobel” company went to the Caucasus in search of cheap resources. Already in 1875, in Baku, they established Nobel Brothers Oil Extracting Partnership, which then became the largest company of the Russian Empire. Baku-Tbilisi-Batumi was chosen as a transit route for oil transportation which has contributed significantly to the establishment of the “free port” regime in the city of Batumi. Nobel brothers have made a noticeable contribution to the construction of the Baku-Batumi pipeline, railway and Batumi Oil Terminal and were the first to transport oil from Batumi to Europe. In 2007, the house that once belonged to the Nobel brothers was transformed into a Technological Museum of Nobel Brothers, where in addition to the Nobels’ achievements, one can also get acquainted with the accomplishments of the Rothschilds and Mantashev, tea and tobacco extension process in Adjara and development of printing industry in Batumi. (Source: GoBatumi.com)

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YOUR INVESTMENT IN A LUXURY LIFESTYLE “Georgia has been proving itself as a mecca for international tourism. We couldn’t be happier with the decision and opportunity to invest in this beautiful country and the companies that work daily to improve it”.

We sat down with Dimitris Manikis, President of Wyndham Hotels & Resorts for Europe, the Middle East and Africa, to learn more about the Wyndham Residences Batumi, a global partnership between Wyndham Hotels & Resorts and Georgia’s own Next Group. The resort will be opened in 2024, giving Gonio its first 5* hospitality experience. And what an experience it will be. Journalist: Wyndham Hotels & Resorts is the world’s largest franchisor, with approximately 9000 hotels (over 813 000 rooms under 22 global brands) in 223 cities. However, this new project comprises 450 serviced apartments and 100 hotel rooms (also serviced), bringing it closer to the Buy-Use-Let philosophy. Is this the trend of hospitality? Dimitris Manikis: We think it is. The hospitality sector has undergone major changes over the past years, and, excluding the pandemic, one of the most decisive factors in that change was the success extended stay and buyuse-let sectors had along with the concept of the branded residences. But, if you analyze that closely, what’s really at the base of that business is freedom. It’s the “home away from home” idea that attracts people, the freedom it gives them to live different experiences in different locations. Of course, we want our clients to experience that also, but within the quality standards and wide investment opportunities for the property investors, we believe we can make that experience even better.

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Journalist: A home away from home without the hassles of home? Dimitris Manikis: (laughs) Yes! Exactly. You have the freedom to come and go as you please but aren’t limited to having to eat out all the time, for example. We understand this factor is very important for people who prefer to cook their meals or sit down in a more intimate and private setting with their family or friends. Seeing as the apartments are fully equipped, this is now easily possible. The branded residence service guarantees that you won’t have to worry about anything else after that. Professional Hotel Management Company will take care of everything. Journalist: Wyndham has a Georgian partner in this venture: Next Group. How has that partnership developed? Dimitris Manikis: It has been a rewarding experience to work with so many different professionals, each expert in their area. Next Group and their selection of international partners have proved themselves to be the best investment and development ally we could find. They already operate in the Gonio-Batumi region and have been successful with their projects. They have provided us with precious local know-how and an unwavering commitment to quality. Our standards, requirements and expectations have been fully met with them.

Journalist: Speaking of the Gonio region, why did this partnership decide on this little corner of Georgia? Dimitris Manikis: Georgia is quickly becoming a mecca for international tourism. Its natural beauty and history make it the perfect destination for those wanting a holiday away from the usual tourist-heavy destinations elsewhere in Europe. Gonio has the ideal combination of all this – the Black Sea is magnificent here, and the fact that it’s nestled between the sea and the mountains makes its natural beauty even more alluring. We’re building the first 5* experience within the branded residences in the region, providing quality accommodation for people from all over the world but, first and foremost, to Georgians. Another factor was finding a successful partner to help develop the project with dedication and professionalism.

Journalist: Do you see this project as a strong factor in attracting more hospitality industry players to the region? Dimitris Manikis: Well, that could and probably will happen in the future, especially if our project runs as well as expected. But we have total faith in the quality of Residences product, our services and the professionalism of our partners. We know the market and operate globally. We have everything it takes to be leaders in the region and this type of offering.

Next Group really helped with this and made that decision easy.

packages catered to different needs, a swimming pool and a fitness center, a restaurant, a conference hall, a playground for children, a spa, a winter garden and a casino.

Journalist: A casino is in the works? Dimitris Manikis: Yes, it’s part of WYNDHAM Residences Batumi, and we’re confident it will be a significant factor in attracting more people to our venue, including those from neighboring countries. We also have other services and facilities such as conference rooms for businesses or those meeting there on business trips, a restaurant, all-inclusive packages and modern, contemporary design and business-class features that will elevate the experience for everyone.

The WYNDHAM Residences Batumi, located in Gonio, Batumi, offers 576 serviced apartments to buy or rent (from 30.5 to 56.8 square meters). In addition, there will be 100 rooms WYNDHAM Garden hotel, all-inclusive

Promoted and developed by Next Group (Georgia) and Wyndham Hotels & Resorts, Wyndham Residence Batumi promises to bring the perfect experience to this beautiful corner of the Black Sea coast in 2024. For more information, visit: www.nextgroup.ge/wyndham-residence +995 514 111 111 AJARA Life Magazine 51

GEORGIA T I S I V O T WAY T THE BES We bring new European standards to the travel industry in the Caucasus region. World Sightseeing Tour makes holidays affordable for everybody. Our prices are not a little bit cheaper - most of our packages are half of the market price Are you looking for a truly unique tour, something absolutely new and at the same time as old as ancient Greece? Then WST & CitySightseeing Tbilisi has all what you are looking for – a isit to and incredible land of Georgia and the outh Caucasus. The country of Golden Fleece, a birthplace of wine, fascinating dance and polyphonic songs, a place where there are no hosts and no guests, where all can travel to discover something special, without which life would be incomplete. You can visit, see and feel, fulfill your dreams, make your trip a magnificent adventure, meet people connecting old culture and traditions with ultramodern life, locals with great soul and a great instinct of ancient hospitality. Do you want active or relaxing vacancy in absolutely new surrounding in multi climate Caucasus Region? Reach Georgian, Armenian and Azerbaijani icy peaks or stay in relaxing comfortable hotels on a seaside. Choose any tour with our travel agency and use your opportunity to make your

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dreams come true. WST & CitySightseeing Tbilisi , the leading tour operator in South Caucasus, will always take care of your holiday. Let us be your traveler’s key to the Caucasus region to make sure you enjoy your travel and take unforgettable memories with you. You will be able to cover the wide range of the region’s beautiful landscapes, unique nature and great variety of its climate zones. Feel Georgia’s truly pleasant climate through the year from summer tours for nature lovers and trekkers, until winter tours for skiers and mountain climbers. And in between the autumn beauty of vintage and traditional harvesting. If you happen to be on a business trip, you can still combine your work with great leisure time. From the sea to the top of the mountains, WST & CitySightseeing Tbilisi tour operator, Georgia and South Caucasus are waiting for you. You will travel to the real Paradise. With best wishes, WST & City Sightseeing Tbilisi

DAY TRIPS ANANURI - KAZBEGI MOUNTAINS

KAKHETI WINE REGION

BOOK YOUR TRIP IN ADVANCE!

Meeting Point: Citysightseeing Tbilisi Office Duration of tour: 10:00-19:00

WE VISIT

ADULT /CHILD

65 GEL

Ananuri, Zhinvali Lake, Kazbegi mountains

Meeting Point: Citysightseeing Tbilisi Office Duration of tour: 10:00-19:00

ADULT /CHILD

60 GEL

WE VISIT

The Monastery of St. Nino in Bodbe Sighnaghi – the city of Love Tsinandali – wine cellars, wine-tasting

VARDZIA - RABATI - BORJOMI

KUTAISI - PROMETE CAVE

BOOK YOUR TRIP IN ADVANCE!

Meeting Point: Citysightseeing Tbilisi Office Duration of tour: 09:00-21:00

WE VISIT

ADULT /CHILD

90 GEL

Borjomi mineral springs and park,Vardzia cave town Akhaltsikhe, Rabati fortress

Meeting Point: Citysightseeing Tbilisi Office Duration of tour: 09:00-21:00

WE VISIT

ADULT /CHILD

85 GEL

Bagrati Cathedral, Gelaty Monastic Complex Motsameta Monastery Prometheus cave

GORI-UPLISTSIKHE OLD TOWNS

DAVID GAREJI MONASTERY COMLEX

BOOK YOUR TRIP IN ADVANCE!

Meeting Point: Citysightseeing Tbilisi Office Duration of tour: 10:00-16:00

WE VISIT Gori Uflistsikhe

ADULT /CHILD

55 GEL

Meeting Point: Citysightseeing Tbilisi Office Duration of tour: 10:00-16:00

WE VISIT

ADULT /CHILD

70 GEL

David Gareji, Georgian-Azerbaijani border, The ancient village Martkopi, Martkopi Generic tower, Martkopi monastery to the tomb of st. Anthony

Contact: +995 514 21 77 22 +995 322 43 88 08 info@citysightseeing.com.ge Str. Kote Apkhzi 44 (Meidan Sq.)

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BEST PLACES FOR KIDS IN BATUMI BOULEVARD

If you’re looking for the best place to spend time with your little ones, the boulevard is the best option. The fresh air, combined with a variety of plants, coniferous trees and sea breeze, is exactly what your little ones need.

In addition to promoting health in an environmentally friendly recreation area, you will find many exciting adventures. There is a variety of infrastructure on our boulevard to entertain and lifting the mood in children. There is a children’s playground with swings and various entertainment installations on the opposite side of

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the colonnades in the first coastal area, environment is decorated with statues of cartoon characters in natural size. Exactly the same kind of playground is found on the territory of the New Boulevard.

IN THE ZOO CORNER MORE THAN 140 WINGED INHABITANTS ARE ALWAYS READY TO LIFT YOUR LITTLE ONES MOOD If your kids are old enough and are attracted to the vibrant sensations and moderately extreme rides, then you should visit the area nearby Ardagan Lake, where there are several attractions on the seashore

that will interest guests of all ages and tastes, including their parents.

One of the advantages of the boulevard, of course, is its proximity to nature. Kids especially love animals and to get in touch with them, so the zoo corner in the center of the boulevard is the best place - more than 140 winged inhabitants are always ready to lift your little ones mood. After a cognitive and busy day, you don’t have to go too far with the kids for a snack - there are a variety of sweets and pastries on the boulevard, which can be purchased at specially arranged booths.

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REVENUE SERVICE: TOURISM SECTOR BUSINESSES EXEMPTED FROM 2021 PROPERTY TAX

Changes in the Tax Code of Georgia will see over 1,200 taxpayers benefit from the initiative through a reduction of their liability in property tax, the state body added. The Georgian tourism sector businesses have had 40 million Gel ($13.9mln/€13.3mln) written off in their property taxes from the previous year following a Government decision to alleviate effects of the Covid-19 pandemic on industry, the Georgian Revenue Service announced on Monday. Changes in the Tax Code of Georgia will see over 1,200 taxpayers benefit from the initiative through a reduction of their liability in property tax, the state body added. The activities benefiting from the initiative include: Hotels and similar accommodation facilities Vacation and other short-term accommodation facilities Restaurants and mobile food service businesses Beverage service activities

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Travel agencies, tour operators and other booking services and related activities The office said the property tax exemption also applied to property transferred by lease or other such forms if it was used for any of the aforementioned activities. Georgian Deputy Economy Minister Mariam Kvrivishvili said the decision had helped to “strengthen the private sector” in the country and played a “large role” in the “rapid recovery of tourism”, adding it facilitated the implementation of new projects and the creation of new jobs. The Government decided to write off the property taxes from the country’s tourism sector businesses in April this year, following studies of challenges in the sector. Source: Agenda.ge

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3TH INTERNATIONAL HEALTH EQUIPMENTS TECHNOLOGIES AND MEDICAL TOURISM FAIR

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STORY OF BCB MEMBER

“

По своему опыту можем сказать, что находясь в Грузии, можно открыть свой бизнес и сделать его успешным. Наш секрет: просто делать свою работу качественно и с заботой о своих клиентах. Это оценит каждый.

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Founder of “UNBOX”

Николай Корень и Юлия Рожек НА СЕГОДНЯШНИЙ ДЕНЬ ЦЕНТР ЯВЛЯЕТСЯ МНОГОПРОФИЛЬНЫМ И ОБЪЕДИНЯЕТ СПЕЦИАЛИСТОВ ИЗ РАЗНЫХ СТРАН И ПРАКТИКУЮЩИХ В РАЗЛИЧНЫХ ПСИХОТЕРАПЕВТИЧЕСКИХ ПОДХОДАХ. «UNBOX» — это первый Центр психологии, психотерапии в городе Батуми. Основатели центра — Николай Корень и Юлия Рожек. Николай: «Я родился в Крыму, вырос в Николаеве (Украина), с 2012 года жил в Киеве, а в январе 2020 года переехал в тёплый Батуми. На тот момент переезда в Грузию я активно практиковал и планировал в Батуми продолжать работу психотерапевта. Когда завершилась первая волна пандемии, возникла потребность в месте для проведения очных сеансов с клиентами. Так оказалось, что в этом прекрасном городке на берегу моря нет ни то что профессионального

психологического центра, но даже кабинета, который можно было арендовать для сессий с клиентами. Во время поисков кабинета для работы я нашел офис в старом городе, в котором до пандемии находился хостел и собственники предложили арендовать у них помещение. Это и стало отправной точкой в создании нашего собственного центра. Мой партнёр Юлия меня в этом поддержала, Мы совпали в базовых ценностях про то, каким должен быть первый профессиональный центр психологии и психотерапии — центром развития личности, в широком смысле. На сегодняшний день центр является многопрофильным и

объединяет специалистов из разных стран и практикующих в различных психотерапевтических подходах. Юлия: «Родилась я в Украине. В течении 10 лет работала и путешествовала на круизных лайнерах. Посетила более 90 стран. И когда нужно было «бросить якорь в тихой бухте для жизни», мой выбор пал на Батуми. Влюбилась в этот город с первого визита в 2018 году. А второй визит был 2 недели спустя, с одним чемоданом и приглашением на работу в Батуми. Пандемия в 2020 году помогла мне освоить новую профессию — стать сертифицированным игропрактиком. После решения открыть центр развития к нам часто поступал запрос о том, что в Батуми нет детских и подростковых клубов, в которых дети и подростки не

только проводили бы время без гаджетов, но и развивались. Так пришла идея открытия «UNBOX KIDS» и «UNBOX TEENS». И этот проект успешно работает на сегодняшний день. Благодаря трансформационным играм, которые я провожу в Батуми, я поняла, что мне уже недостаточно тех знаний, которые у меня есть и я поступила в университет по направлению «Профессиональный коуч». UNBOX стал для меня первым бизнес проектом, на котором я не собираюсь останавливаться.» По своему опыту можем сказать, что находясь в Грузии, можно открыть свой бизнес и сделать его успешным. Наш секрет: просто делать свою работу качественно и с заботой о своих клиентах. Это оценит каждый. @unboxyourself_official +995 599 32 46 68 office@unbox.com.ge 4 Paliashvili st. , Batumi

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THE HOUSE “SAKHLI” Уникальное пространство для жителей и гостей города Батуми.

”

Ждем Вас Сахли 1 (Переулок Реваза Комахидзе, 8) @sakhli_batumi

Уникальное пространство для жителей и гостей города Батуми. Арт и бизнес пространство в самом сердце старого Батуми. На территории Сахли большой красивый зал, 4 комнаты (конференц зал, студия, офис, библиотека), 2 фото зоны, детский уголок, балкон, терраса, уникальный двор с атмосферным освещением, рыбками в бассейне, деревьями и цветами. На территории Сахли ежедневно проходит более 10 мероприятий разных форматов. Языковые клубы и обучение, бизнес лекции, творческие

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мастер классы, игры и многое другое. Также, у всех есть возможность взять в аренду комнату, забронировать место в коворкинге или кафе. Спикинг клаб с носителем языка по понедельникам, кинопоказы по вторникам, любительский покер по средам, стенда ап по четвергам, живая музыка пятница и суббота, а по воскресеньям по традиции Бизнес Завтрак. Это и многое другое в нашем общем уютном дома! Ждем Вас Сахли 1 (Переулок Реваза Комахидзе, 8) @sakhli_batumi photo by @likagvianidze

На территории Сахли ежедневно проходит более 10 мероприятий разных форматов. Языковые клубы и обучение, бизнес лекции, творческие мастер классы, игры и многое другое. Также, у всех есть возможность взять в аренду комнату, забронировать место в коворкинге или кафе.

Dental Lounge clinic is a state-of-the-art private healthcare clinic in Batumi, specializing in a full mouse restoration (smile makeover) treatments for overseas patients. We offer a full range of affordable and professional dental care to help you maintain a healthy smile. Our clinic is valued for its expertise in implantology and cosmetic dentistry, its extensive background in implants and restoration, and the highly-qualified and experienced staff. The moment you step into our office, you will notice that it is our top priority to hear and understand your needs and concerns while making you feel relaxed and comfortable. We are committed to providing you with the finest dental treatments you could come across anywhere the globe.

www.dentallounge.ge daviddentclinic@gmail.com dental_lounge_batumi dentallounge.batumi +995 550 00 00 72 5 Nuretin Charmikli St., Batumi 67 AJARA Life Magazine

THE HOUSE “SAKHLI ” 2

года в центре старого Батуми открылся Сахли 2.

”

26 мая 2022 года в центре старого Батуми открылся Сахли 2. Сахли 2 - это уникальное пространство для работы, творчества и новых знакомств. - уютный коворкинг - кафе с домашней едой - бар с вкусными напитками и коктейлями - место для арт мероприятий - идеально подходит для деловых встреч и переговоров

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Готовим очень много сюрпризов для наших гостей, партнеров и друзей. Следите за нашими анонсами в инстаграме @sakhli_batumi. Еще раз хотим выразить огромную благодарность всем тем, кто помогал в подготовке и поддерживал нашу дружную семью. Мы готовим для Вас очень много новых мероприятий и эксклюзивных предложений. Отдельное спасибо хотим выразить нашим партнерам @lady_aphinamartley & @ajaralife.ge Ждем в гости Сахли 2 (Гиорги Мазниашвили, 6) photo by @likagvianidze

26 мая 2022 года в центре старого Батуми открылся Сахли 2. Сахли 2 - это уникальное пространство для работы, творчества и новых знакомств.

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LET’S DISCOVER AJARA! ROUTES If have already packed your backpack and are ready to explore the mountains of Ajara, we will help you choose and plan the right route. Our region has a lot of interesting destinations one can marvel over : adventure routes, including in the alpine zone, as well as cultural, historical, culinary or wine routes. All these are accompanied by incredibly picturesque landscapes making your camera working hard throughout your whole journey.

MILISI VILLAGE - MILISI MOUNTAIN - MACHAKHELA NATIONAL PARK - ACHARISAGMARTI VILLAGE Route type: linear Route type: walking, car, cycling Difficulty level: easy Total: 14.2 km Maximum height above sea level: 938 m Duration: 5-6 hours Cellular coverage area: full Recommended route: April - October. The route starts from the village of Milisi and follows a dirt road. It can be completed either by car, preferably 4WD, or on foot. After you reach the border of Machakhela National Park, then you can walk or drive by car through Uchkhiti to Machakhela Gorge. The distance from the village of Milisi to Mount Milisi is 4 kilometers. This distance is best covered with an all-wheel drive vehicle. Further, you need to walk a 5-kilometer path from Mount Milisi to Mount Archangel (Machakhela National Park). Here the route crosses the walking trail of Machakhela National Park and continues southeast of the crossing point along a dirt road. After 1 kilometer, a concrete road begins, and after another 4 kilometers the road leads to the Visitors’ Center of Machakhela National Park.

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The route continues from the Visitors’ Center of Machakhela National Park. To the north, there is a concrete road to the village of Acharisagmarti. After 4 kilometers, the trail turns into unpaved road again. This is where you need an SUV. After 1 km you will come to a road junction. To the west of it, the mountain trail of the Archangel continues. After 2 kilometers, you will meet another crossroads, from where the road leads to the village of Uchkhiti in the northern direction. But our route goes east to the village of Milisi, 4 km from the specified intersection of roads.

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AKHO - DIDVAKE - KHINOTSMINDA - LAKE TBIKELI - MOUNT KABANI - JVARIMINDORI The total length of the route is 45 km The length of the car road section is 11 km The length of the pedestrian section is 34 km Difficulty of the route: medium Route type: pedestrian, car (4x4) Duration of the route: three days, two nights Maximum height above sea level: 2518 m Cellular coverage area: partial Season: May-September It is better to go with an experienced guide. The walk along the wilderness trail will take 2-3 days and requires good physical fitness, use of GPS, orientation in the terrain, as well as the ability to read maps of the area. For spending the night, you will need a tent, which you need to take with you along with other necessary things. We start the route from the village of Akho, which is located 50 km from Batumi, in the municipality of Keda. In the village of Akho, you can visit a monument of national importance - the Akhos Jame (mosque), built on the ruins of a Christian church.

The distance from the village of Akho to the beginning of the walking route is 11 km. This section of the route can be driven by an off-road vehicle. After passing 6.6 km to the north, the route enters the village of Khino. Only one family lives in this village, there is a monastery and the ruins of an old church. According to legend, the name “Khino” is associated with Queen Tamar. Once this village was visited by Queen Tamara and a big feast was held in her honor. Hence the name of the village “Khino” (Lkhini, Lkhena - feast / feast) originated. The 4-kilometer section of the trail from Khino to Khinotsminda passes through the forest along a dirt road. If you accidentally bump into a vehicle while traveling on the road, you can take it and save your time.

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At the beginning of the village of Khinotsminda, there used to be the Church of St. John the Baptist, which by its construction technology dates back to the 8th-9th centuries. According to historical data, only the altar has survived, which in 1919 it was completely destroyed. During the route, travelers will spend the night in Khinotsminda, in the local guest houses or in tents. 5.8 km from Khinotsminda, in the vicinity of Mount Sarbiela, there is a crossroads, from where a 4.4 km hiking trail leads to the north to Lake Tbikeli, and a 9-km trail to Jvarimindori to the east. The trail from Khinotsminda to Lake Tbikeli is marked, its length is 10 km. Lake Tbikeli, located between the mountains, fascinates at first glance with its oval shape and mirror surface. Around it you will find a very clean meadow and unspoiled nature. Lake Tbikeli is located at an altitude of 2200 meters above sea level. If you look closely at the clear water, you will easily notice the Caucasian newts in it, listed in the Red Book of Georgia. You can spend your second night in tents near Lake Tbikeli. It is important to know that there is no telephone connection or the Internet and you cannot contact anyone from here if necessary. In addition, the lake is foggy in the evenings and windy at night. Considering all of the above, it is better to return and spend the night in tents at the already marked place (in Khinotsminda). Jvarimindori is a spacious alpine meadow, often covered with fog, with wooden cabins. A traveler who has come here from afar can relax in these houses and eat fresh local products.

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LET’S DISCOVER AJARA! ROUTES MINDAZEEBI VILLAGE - KIKIBO PASTURES (YAYLAS) Route type: circular Route type: pedestrian, car, horse, bicycle Difficulty of the route: medium Total route length: 32.1 km Maximum from sea level: 2641 m Duration of the route: 12 hours 40 minutes Cellular coverage area: partial Seasons: May-September The route starts from the road connecting the center of Khulo and the Gorjomi gorge. The route starts from the road connecting the center of Khulo and the Gorjomi gorge. The village of Mindadzeebi is located two kilometers from here. The route runs along the paved road. After passing through the village of Mindazeebi, a dirt road for off-road vehicles begins. It passes through the forest. After 8 kilometers, the route reaches the gorge of the Chudurouli River. This spacious plain has been home to numerous folk festivals and events for many years. On holidays, shepherds from Adjara, Adigeni and Guria gather here. Locals call this place Chudurouli. Next, you need to follow the trail northwest of the Chudurouli river bank. Here you will come across a sign from which you must again follow the river to the northwest towards the Jangjnari yayla. After reaching the yayla, you must follow the road west to the pass. Here the route intersects with a dirt road that leads east to the Leknari Yaila through a place called “Bodishi”, connecting with the road leading to the village of Gorjomi and the resort of Bakhmaro. To the north, the

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trail leads to Mount Tbiseri. On the way, you will pass a place called Karchkhlikapana, Mount Satseravi and reach the Chidila Pass, where the route again follows the unpaved, off-road road connecting Gorjomi and Bakhmaro. After 3 kilometers, you will arrive at the Kikibo Yayla and reach your destination. The circular route continues from the Kikibo yayla to a dirt road leading to the Chidila pass. From here, to the southeast, you need to cross the road leading to Mount Satseri, which first leads to Mount Tbiseri and then to Mount Karchkhlikapani. You will cross the alpine fields towards the mountain and reach the pass where the road intersects. At the crossroads, the road goes northeast to Yaila Janjnari, east to Yaila Leknari and southeast to Chudurouli. From Chuduruli, a dirt road leads through the forest to the Mindadzeebi village.

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Speak Georgian The country’s official language is Georgian, but English is widely used. Russian is also spoken by the majority of Georgians. See below for a list of some of the most common words.

Hello .................................................. gamarjoba Goodbye ............................. nakhvamdis, kargad Please ........................................... tu sheidzleba You’re welcome ....................................... arapris Thank you .............................................. madlobt Excuse me ........................................ ukatsravad Yes ........................................................ diakh, ki No ................................................................. ara Enjoy your meal ...................... gemrielad miirtvit Cheers! ............................................ gaumarjos! I don’t understand ................................. ar mesmis I don’t know ............................................. ar vici Help! ........................ mishvelet! damekhmaret! Hospital ......................................... Saavadmkofo Ambulance .......................................... sastsrafo Where is…? ..................................... sad aris...? Do you speak English? .. inglisurad laparakobt? How much does … cost? ................... ra ghirs? What’s your name? .......................... ra gqviat? Right .................................................... marjvniv left ................................................... martskhniv Push (on a door) ................................ miatsekit Pull (on a door) ............................... gamoaghet Open ........................................................ ghiaa Closed ................................................. daketilia Beer ............................................................. ludi Wine ....................................................... ghvino Water ...................................................... tsk’ali One ............................................................... erti Two ................................................................ ori Three .......................................................... sami Four ........................................................... otkhi Five ............................................................ khuti Six ............................................................. ekvsi Seven ....................................................... shvidi Eight ............................................................. rva Nine .......................................................... tskhra Ten ................................................................. ati Hundred ....................................................... asi Thousand ................................................... atasi 76 AJARA Life Magazine

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Here, Chef Elene shares her recipe for AJAPSANDALI Ajapsandali (Georgian: აჯაფსანდალი), is a Georgian vegetarian dish popular as a family meal.

აჯაფსანდალი

AJAPSANDALI

At its core, ajapsandali is essentially a Georgian ratatouille as it’s just a hodgepodge of vegetables stewed together for a period of time, breaking them down and releasing their flavours.

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So, prepare your apron and kitchen tools and here we go: AJAPSANDALI (GEORGIAN EGGPLANT STEW) Ingredients (4 servings): 500 grams of potatoes, 600 grams of eggplant (aubergine), 2 large tomatoes, 1 tablespoon of tomato puree, 2 large white onions, 3 green onions, 3 bay leaves, 2 green peppers, 2 red sweet peppers, 3 cloves of garlic, pinch of dry coriander, pinch of red ground pepper, pinch of black ground pepper, a pinch of salt and 50 grams of oil.

Instructions Remove skin from the tomatoes, peel potatoes and chop all vegetables. Add 3 tablespoons of water to the tomato puree and mix. Put the chopped potatoes, chopped onion, chopped eggplant and 3 bay leaves into a large pan and then add oil. Putting oil in last helps to ensure coverage. Cover the pan and cook on a medium heat, stirring several times until the vegetables become soft. Remove the lid, add chopped tomatoes and tomato puree. Stir and re-cover.

After 3 minutes add the chopped green and red peppers, garlic, coriander, red and black pepper and salt. Stir, re-cover and cook for a further 5 minutes. Add garnish of chopped green onions and enjoy your delicious Ajapsandali!

Bon appetit!

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UPS (NYSE: UPS) is a global leader in logistics, offering a broad range of solutions including transporting packages and freight; facilitating international trade, and deploying advanced technology to more efficiently manage the world of business. Headquartered in Atlanta, UPS serves more than 220 countries and territories worldwide, having more than 434,000 employees. The company can be found on the web at www.ups.com® and its corporate blog can be found at longitudes. ups.com. To get UPS news direct, visit pressroom.ups.com/RSS. UPS has broken barriers throughout its 100+ years as a leader in global commerce and is recognized as one of World’s Most Ethical Companies for Eleventh Consecutive year. In Georgia, Meridian Express LTD acts as the Authorized Service Contractor of UPS and provides high quality international and domestic express shipping and logistic services to customers. Meridian Express Ltd. provides UPS services in Georgia in compliance with UPS standards and quality and focuses on customers’ individual needs, demands and problem solutions.

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