Ajara Life Magazine, Issue 25 by Ajara Life Magazine

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AJARA LIFE MAGAZINE

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BEST PLACE FOR SHOPPING WHEN THE SHOPPING IS A PLEASURE 12 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 Social Media Manager Niniko Jakeli Accounting Department Ia Surmanidze Sales Agents 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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ALI & NINO THE KISS OF MOVING STATUES “I designed it at a moment when I was hurt, so I wanted to make what was my idea of being together for a moment, with someone, and then you lose it,”

“ Tamar Kvesitadze ”

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 work was designed in 2007, but only installed in 2010. Made of steel discs, it weighs 7 tons and is 8 meters high. Its construction took 10 months and both figures are controlled by a computer. In addition to the movement, the monument also features spectacular, colorful lighting. The sculpture was inspired by the Azerbaijani novelist Kurban Said’s eponymous novel. 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. To the people of Batumi, the city on Georgia’s Black Sea coast where it has since found a permanent home, it’s Ali and Nino. To everybody who visits the city, it’s likely to be the abid-

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ing memory of their trip: a moving (in every sense of the word) statue which slowly brings two lovers together for a short embrace, only for them to part almost immediately. It’s impossible not to stand transfixed, bewitched almost, before its tragic beauty, for the full 10 minutes it takes to complete the full cycle of coming together and breaking apart. And then you’ll stand there and watch it again. And again. It’s truly mesmerising. who are Ali & Nino? Set mainly in old Baku, Azerbaijan, Ali and Nino is a sweeping novel of romance and adventure which tells the tale of Ali, a Muslim schoolboy from an aristocratic Azeri family who falls in love with Nino, a beautiful Christian girl with distinct European sensibilities. In order to be together they must overcome personal scandal, family blood feuds, World War I and the Bolshevik revolution. In the end, they must choose between loyalty to their cultural beliefs and heritage, and ardent devotion to each other. They choose each other, only for Ali to die fighting the Bolsheviks as they advance on Baku.

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TYPES OF TOURISM

BATUMI

In Georgia, particularly in Ajara there are truly unique natural conditions to develop different kinds of tourism. The most popular tourism directions are Sea tourism and Ecotourism (Rural Tourism, Bird watching). In recent years other popular tourism directions, such as wine tourism, ski and mountain tourism, Cruise tourism, MICE tourism and Gambling tourism began to develop.

SEA TOURISM Sea tourism is one of the most popular types of tourism in Ajara. The region’s subtropical climate, warm sea air, seaside resort infrastructure and unique geography are the ideal conditions for vacationers. The total length of the swimming area is 21 km. The average sea temperature is 16.7 oC.

ECO TOURISM Ecotourism is one of the leading types of tourism in Ajara. The region’s diverse flora and fauna, as well as abundance of historical and cultural monuments create ideal conditions for ecotourists ecotourism development alike. There are 4 protected areas in the territory of Ajara: Mtirala National Park, Kobuleti Protected Areas, Kintrishi Protected Area and Machakhela National Park.

RURAL TOURISM The picturesque nature, diverse flora and fauna, and hospitable culture make Ajara an excellent region for rural tourism and rural tourism development. Tourist farms in the villages of Ajara offer visitors the chance to involve themselves in many aspects of farm life, including cattle breeding, poultry farming, horticulture, viticulture and bee keeping. Guests can learn about popular national handicrafts, try delicious local dishes made using pure ingredients fresh from the farm, go horseback riding, hunting, fishing, camping and sightseeing.

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CULINARY TOURISM Ajarian cuisine is an insperable part of Georgian cuisine; however, Ajarian cuisine has significant Asian influences. Dairy is a highly prevalent component of the foods typically eaten in the mountains of Ajara. Ajarian Khachapuri is the hallmark of Ajarian cuisine. There are also some must-try traditional sweets.

WINE TOURISM Winemaking in Georgia dates all the way back to 8000 BC. The traditional Georgian winemaking technique, which uses a traditional clay vessel called a “kvevri”, is a part of the UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage Lists. In western Georgia, Ajara has one of the longest lasting traditions of winemaking; Keda Municipality boasts the most well-developed wine culture. “Kedis Tsolikauri” and “Chkhaveri” are two wines produced in Georgia that are unique to Ajara.

BIRDWATCHING The Black Sea Coast, and the surroundings of Batumi in particular, are known as “Eastern Black Sea Migration Corridor”. More than 1 000 000 raptors migrate through the corridor annually and the area has one of the highest volume of raptor migration in the world. The unique topography and climate of the region attract myriad migrating birds. Needless to say, Batumi is a must-visit location for birdwatchers. Villages Sakhalvasho and Chaisubani are located in Kobuleti municipality. Both of them are the best places for those, who share information about ecology and migration of raptors. The marked routes lead visitors directly to equipped platforms for bird watching). Despite these villages, bird watching is also possible in Mtirala National Park, Ispani Bog (Kobuleti protected areas) and Chorokhi delta (Khelvachauri municipality) Since 2012 year, “Batumi Bird Festival” Annually held in Ajara Region. It is important event for bird watchers and many foreigners visit Ajara region in September for the Festival. The idea of festival belongs to the international environment protection organization BRC (Batumi Raptor Count) and it is supported by the Department of Tourism and Resorts of Ajara.

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Ajara is home to the picturesque beaches of Batumi, Kvariati, Sarpi, Gonio, Tsikhisdziri, Mtsvane Kontskhi (the Green Cape) and Kobuleti. During the summertime, the beaches are often crowded with tourists enjoying their holidays.

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TYPES OF TOURISM

BATUMI

Batumi - the “Pearl of the Black Sea” as it is often called - is administrative centre of Ajara. European architects undertook numerous projects in Batumi at the beginning of the 20th cent. Today, Batumi is still a place of numerous architectural innovations.

CULTURAL TOURISM As demonstrated by the remnants of ancient monuments, as well as authentic cultural heritage, the region of Ajara is rich in both its culture and history. Ajarian dances “Khorumi” and “Ajaruli” originate from ancient times. In addition, they occupy an important place in Georgian folklore and perfectly express the Georgian identity. Ajara is also an archeological goldmine. In the 19th cent., Batumi was converted into seaport and European architects started to build the city. Numerous buildings in Batumi were constructed using different architectural styles, all of which contribute to the city’s distinctive and interesting aesthetic. Additionally, Ajara-Batumi often hosts major cultural, sports and scientific events, public festivals, international musical and film festivals and so on. Public Festivals: • Shuamtoba (August) • Machakhloba (September) • Kedeloba (October) • Chakvistaoba (September) • Selimoba (June) • Kolkhoba (August) • Autumn in Keda (October)

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One of the most beautiful regions in Georgia, Ajara is situated in southwest Georgia on the Black Sea coastline. Ajara operates as an autonomous republic in Georgia and has its own flag and coat of arms. Turkey borders Ajara to the south.

GAMBLING Gambling has become a popular tourism offering in Batumi. The city has a wide array of casinos available to local as well as foreign gamblers. At present, the majority of casinos in Batumi are located in within Batumi’s upscale hotels. The recent constructions of upscale hotels in Batumi point to the further development of the casino industry in Ajara.

MOUNTAINOUS SKI TOURISM Apart from sea resorts, the region of Ajara has great potential for ski and mountain tourism. In highlands the climate is humid. Winters are relatively cold and long, while summers are short and cool. The average height of Ajara’s mountains ranges between 2000-2500 meters. There are on-going ski resort infrastructure projects in the mountains, and there are resorts in the area that are open year-round for recreation, relaxation and entertainment.

MICE TOURISM

The well-developed tourist infrastructure, recently constructed middle and up-scale hotels, and other upcoming projects have made Ajara an attractive and promising MICE tourism destination on both the local and international market. Numerous international trade fairs and different events are hosted in Ajara year-round, making the region one of the most important MICE tourism centers in Georgia.

CRUISE TOURISM Batumi, a logistics center in Caucasus region, started to become a popular cruise destination in the second half of the 20th century. Consequently, interest in Batumi as a Black Sea cruise destination is steadily increasing, resulting in a growing number of cruise ships entering our region. At present Batumi Sea port hosts several big cruise ships, such as: Riviera, Amadeus, Island Sky, Albatros, Silver Wind, Minerva, Spirit of Adventure, Prinsendam, Regatta, Princess Daphne.

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TOP 7 STREET ARTS IN BATUMI In Georgia’s Black Sea region, the popularity of graffiti and street art summer festivals are gaining increasing popularity. Whenever you take a walk in central Batumi, colourful walls with hand-painted images inevitably catch your attention. Quite often, such sites become popular tourist destinations and focus points for visitor’s photo cameras. As a rule, these festivals feature not only Georgian but foreign artists as well. WE OFFER YOU TOP SEVEN WORKS, WHICH ARE TO BE SEEN ON THE STREET OF BATUMI:

1. SEA SELFIE The largest graphic work on the territory of Georgia is located in Batumi. The work titled “Sea Selfie”, is placed on the wall of the Batumi State University and is one of the most popular places of the city for photo lovers. The author is Dr.Love (Bacha Khoperia).

2. SUNFLOWERS

During a walk through the old Batumi, you can easily come across an interesting interpretation of Van Gogh‘s “Sunflowers” created by Tezi Gabunia.

3. TAMOONZ

The artist named “ Tamoonz “ (Tamuna Tsakhnakia ) was one of the first to paint colourful, distinguished characters in the streets of Batumi within the Graffiti Festival of 2014.

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TOP 7 STREET ARTS IN BATUMI

WE OFFER YOU TOP SEVEN WORKS, WHICH ARE TO BE SEEN ON THE STREET OF BATUMI:

4. DR. LOVE Pop art in the twentieth century was one of the most popular movements of visual art, and it still has a lot of fans. The artist named st Dr. Love (Bacha Khoperia) created a graphic work in this style, which cannot be missed while in Batumi.

5. ‘KUPATA’ Kupata is a street dog who helps kids cross the road at a particular in near May 26 Park in Batumi by running into traffic and barking down passing cars. this street art was painted in June 2020.

6. THE FOX

‘The fox’ was created by local Batumi artist Joseph in May 2019. You can find it at 40 Parnavaz Mepe Street in the Old Town.

7. MAN ON A HORSE

‘Man on a horse’ was painted in May 2019 by German artist Matthias Mross, one half of Haus 75 Art. You can find it on the western facade of Oto Hotel on Pirosmani Street.

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RAFTING IN GEORGIA In Georgia there are many wild fast flowing rivers fed from glaciers in the surrounding mountains.

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Georgia is a country that has possibilities to do every kind of extreme sport, including rafting. This extreme sport in Georgia became popular since 1980s. Simply raft adventurers navigate through different degrees of rough waters (mostly rivers) in order to thrill and excite themselves as they bump up and down along strong waves and currents.

The basic principle of rafting is to haul down the river current using speedy inflated air-boats that usually have seats differing in number from one to twelve depending on boat type. Rafting season in Georgia starts in April and continues till the end of October. So if you are keen on rafting visit Georgia during this period and experience whitewater rafting in the Caucasus Mountains. There are several categories of rafting that are divided according to the difficulty of the river – class I is the easiest while class IV means life threatening. Rivers in Georgia offer opportunities for almost all rafting categories.

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DISCOVER BATUMI

CULTURAL MONUMENTS

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An equally pleasant place for walking is the “square of Europe”, which is decorated with singing fountains and an imposing statue of “Medea with the Golden Fleece”. It is on these lands, according to legend, Jason extracted the Golden Fleece. Batumi is famous for it and its surprisingly beautiful architectural sights.

BATUMI, CULTURAL MONUMENTS

BATUMI PUPPET AND YOUTH PROFESSIONAL STATE THEATRE Since January 14, 2016, Batumi Puppet and Youth Theatre has resumed its creative activities in the reconstructed building. With supplementary floor and a summer hall added to the main structure, this historic building bears the status of the monument of cultural heritage. The institution was involved in numerous collaborations with painters and composers. Its programs were enriched and developed year by year.

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COLONNADES The idea to construct Colonnades in Batumi belongs to the local doctor Ivane Mchedlidze. He brought the project with him in 1933-1934 from a professional trip to Sorrento city, Italy. The project was completed under the supervision of Bogdan Kirakosyan, an architect from Batumi. This structure used to serve as a gate to the seashore which used to be closer to it than today. Years later, the shoreline receded and the sea moved back further from the construction. Despite this, colonnades remain one of Batumi’s most frequented landmarks and a popular meeting place in the city. You will meet similar colonnades at the entrance of Batumi Central Park.

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BATUMI ARCHAEOLOGICAL MUSEUM

ADJARA MUSEUM OF ARTS

If historical artefacts are things of your interest that Batumi Archaeological Museum is for you. There you can examine ancient cultural monuments that were unearthed on the territory of Adjara. In 2007, a permanent popular science exhibition was opened. It introduces visitors to the ancient history epochs. Since 1998, the joint expedition of Batumi Archaeological Museum and Oxford University Ashmolean Museum enriched the museum with new artefacts.

Niko Pirosmani, Lado Gudiashvili, Gigo Gabashvili, Davit Kakabazdze, Elene Akhvlediani, Merab Berdzenishvili, Rusudan Petviashvili – these names are only a small part of world-renowned Georgian painters whose works are presented in Adjara Museum of Arts. The museum building itself is a work of art and one of Batumi’s historical buildings on top of it all. Ajara Museum of Arts hosts personal, group and retrospective exhibitions as well as music and theatrical performances.

BATUMI, CULTURAL MONUMENTS

THE STATUE OF MEDEA On the Europe Square stands the statue of Medea, princess of Colchis. Created by Davit Khmaladze, the monument symbolizes the wealth and strength of the country. According to antique mythology the youngest daughter of Aeets the legendary king of Colchis fell in love with the leader of Argonauts’ crew, Jason, and helped him to steal the golden fleece. Medea had in-depth knowledge of herbs and possessed healing gifts. As the legend has it, she could rejuvenate a person which is why Medea was perceived as a goddess and temples were dedicated to her. The term ‘Medicine’ originates from the name – Medea.

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BATUMI ILIA CHAVCHAVADZE STATE THEATRE OF DRAMA Batumi Theatre of Drama which opened its doors in 1952 (Architect I. Teplitski) was named after Ilia Chavchavadze seven years later. The first theatre performance ever staged in Batumi dates back to 1879 when Zurab Antonov’s play “Has the Uncle Married?’ was performed by amateur stage actors. The venture was initiated by Batumi Policemeister’s wife, Ketevan Zhuruli. Like in other theatres of Georgia, plays were held for charity here. Those engaged in the drama art moved from building to building but hardly ever lacked the attention of the audience.

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THE NOBEL BROTHERS MUSEUM

This museum is set up in the same building where Nobel brothers’ crude oil refinery partnership ‘Batumi Kantora’ was located around a century ago. Up to 2,000 museum exhibits depict the examples of technological innovation introduced by Nobel brothers, Rothschilds and Mantashev in Batumi, at the end of XIX and in the beginning of XX centuries. These technological artefacts mainly represent tea, tobacco and printing development dynamics in Georgia. At that time, Nobel brothers also introduced latest technologies for oil transit in Batumi.

KHARITON AKHVLEDIANI STATE MUSEUM Khariton Akhvlediani Adjara State Museum is one of the oldest museums in Georgia. It was founded in 1908 after Batumi city council approved the initiative of then Pushkin school teachers and decided to open a museum for children. The renowned scientist and public figure, Khariton Akhvlediani served as the Head of the museum in 1938-1989. This interesting museum invites visitors to three places at once: Mehmed Abashidze museum-He was a respected persona in Georgia; Personal items, documents and photos of t. Ilia Chavchavadze, Georgia’s greatest public figure; and a science library where a rich fund of old books is represented.

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ETHNOGRAPHIC MUSEUM ‘BORJGALO’

ILIA CHAVCHAVADZE MUSEUM

Folk crafts and lifestyle museum which was created and founded by the native of upper Adjara, Kemal Turmanidze, is today the ethnographic museum which covers 3,000 m2. Once you get to the museum, you plunge into the old Georgian traditions. Pottery, metal, stone and wood processing, beekeeping, fruit farming, viticulture and agriculture is displayed at the level of the work process. Mannequins dressed in traditional attire, props, folk music – all this paraphernalia will animate your imagination. You can find residential, worship and agricultural buildings here too, both in the form of small models and in life-size.

Another museum worth your visit is the museum of Ilia Chavchavadze, who was one of the most distinguished sons of Georgian nation, later sanctified and declared a saint by the Georgian Orthodox Church. The writer, the publicist, the philanthropist, the public figure and the leader of Georgian national-liberation movement was shot and killed in 1907 by the opponents of the liberation of Georgia. The museum was opened in Batumi in 2001 where you can examine personal belongings of Ilia Chavchavadze and his Adjarian peers. There are 289 exhibits kept in the museum, including a table, a closet, small and big samovars (tea-kettles), a sewing machine belonging to Ilia’s wife, Olga Guramishvili and many other items.

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KNOW BEFORE YOU GO:

WHITE WATER RAFTING

Jonesing for some wet n’ wild exercise that’s a little more extreme than a dip in the pool? Consider hitting some bubbly rapids. Adventure tourism — activities that involve an element of risk plus water, heights, or extreme speeds — is the perfect fit for adrenaline junkies. But if bungee jumping or ejecting yourself from a plane seems a bit too extreme, then try out beginner-friendly white water rafting. Here’s what to expect from that first white water run. Arts and Rafts — The Need-to-Know When we say raft, we don’t mean one like Tom Hanks fashioned in Castaway. We’re talking about an inflatable vessel that cuts through rushing streams and whips around doom-impending boulders. The mission: Propel and maneuver the raft with a paddle through varying grades of rapids. While an expert instructor takes on the brunt of the work, the team-focused exercise also amps strength and endurance levels for all rafters (usually eight per raft). Just a few hours scaling turbulent waters can burn some serious energy (over 300 calories per hour, on average), and work the arms, abs, and core. Frank Mooney, a river guide for over 20 years, says those shoulders and hips might also be a little sore after a day on the river. Adventurers may reap the benefit of some mood boosters, too. A study on wilderness river rafting trips found that rafting touted psychological advantages like relaxation, nature appreciation, or achievement . As far as safety goes, it’s not always the catastrophic stuff to

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watch out for (think capsizing and the like). Minor injuries like slips, trips, and falls were most frequently reported in a study of 21 adventure tourism activities including rafting, horseback riding, and tramping . Risky business may be grounds for injury, but with expert guides, proper instruction, and the right gear, white water rafting makes for a fun (and challenging) activity. Rapido, Rapido! — Your Action Plan To get first-time rapid-goers on their way, we talked to some veteran rafting guides and river experts for a few essential pointers. Here are their suggestions on what to bring, wear, and expect on the water. Start out slow: Experts classify rapids on a scale of 1-6. Class 1 rapids are small with a slow current and low waves, and no obstructions in the water (child’s play), while Class 6 rapids feature large, frequent waves (read: you will fall out and lose your shorts on the way). Wear proper wet gear: Expect to get soaked (who doesn’t love a good chance to show off that itsy bitsy, teenie weenie, yellow polka dot bikini?). And to stave off tush chafing, pack a pair of gym shorts or water-resistant shorts for a barrier to the raft. Reservationist Michelle Fisher recommends wearing synthetic materials because cotton pulls heat away. And to protect the toes, Fisher suggests water shoes over flip-flops.

De-bling: Leave jewelry, grillz, and cash money in the car. Sky Fogal, professional river guide at Pocono Whitewater, says, “The general rule of thumb for river trips is if it got lost or wet and it would ruin your day, don’t bring it.”

days, keep a lifejacket on at all times. In the event that you find yourself in the river, a lifejacket not only serves as a floatation device, but makes it easier for a guide to pull you back onboard.

Protect your noggin: Most facilities require rafters to wear helmets past Class 1 and 2, but it depends on the state, the river, and the company (who will provide them before launching). The right protective equipment, and procedures to hop in and out of the raft minimize the risk factors .

Dry off: Pack a change of clothes, a towel, and some water — though drenched, you’ll likely be thirsty once on land.

Lather up: Logging a solid day in the sun requires some sun block application. “What folks don’t expect is how sunburned the tops of their thighs and neck will be,” says PJ Stevenson, a 17-year rafting veteran. Stay afloat: Just like swimmies from the kiddie pool

White water rafting is not only a fun, exhilarating activity for most age groups, but also a way to switch up your workout routine and get some fresh air (and an excessive amount of water). Beginners should shoot for Class 1 and 2 rapids. (Source: Greatist, By Nicole McDermott)

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WHERE TO GO AROUND OF BATUMI?

MOUNTAINOUS AJARA

The mountainous regions of Ajara include the Keda, Khulo and Shuakhevi municipalities. Each municipality is full of rich and diverse natural beauty. The Meskheti, Arsiani and Shavsheti Ranges create a very interesting geographic relief of Ajara. Their average height is between 2000-2500 meters. Keda municipality Tourists often visit Keda to see the Makhuntseti waterfall. The nearby areas offer authentic restaurants and scenic picnic locations. The Archaristkali mountain and river gorge of Keda municipality are home to a variety of different flora and fauna, as well as other natural beauty, including a waterfall. The plants in the area are primarily deciduous and coniferous. The animal life in the area is also diverse. Additionally, the region has several mineral waters with unique medicinal qualities.

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Shuakhevi municipality Shuakhevi is a typical mountainous municipality full of diverse flora and fauna. Agriculture is the main industry in Shuakhevi. The locals of Shuakhevi pride themselves on their generosity and hospitality. Visitors can get an authentic taste of village life and take part in a variety of farming activities. The area is also excellent for hiking, hunting (wild boars, hares and badgers in particular), horseback riding, rock climbing and cycling. Shuakhevi is also home to the Gomarduli ski resort. Khulo municipality Khulo - a beautiful part of the Ajaran highland - is distinguished by its rich natural beauty, cultural sites and history. Khulo is composed of mount-forest and mount-meadow soils. Deciduous and coniferous trees and plants predominate the area. The beautiful Mtsvane Tba (Green Lake) is located in Khulo municipality. Beshumi is a well-developed summer resort, and Goderdzi, Kedlebi and Danisparauli are ski resorts located within the municipality.

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KHULO CABLE CAR

ONE OF THE MAIN DESTINATIONS IS KHULO

One of the main destinations is Khulo – cozy and small town which has a beautiful location overlooking the river gorge. It’s 80km from Batumi. You will find some small hotels and restaurants in the town and the cable cars which will take you to the other slope of the river gorge, village Tago where you can sit and enjoy breathtaking views.

The cable car works from 9:00AM – 6:00PM When and from where the cable car moves during those hours depends on the number of people who want to use the cable car.

Within a three-hour drive from Batumi, in Ajarian mountains, a little village exists that will absolutely take your breath away from first sight. This tiny village connects to the outer world by the Khulo cable car, which is known to be the fastest way of transportation from Khulo to the village named Tago. This cable car is the second-longest free span cable car in Europe. This cable car is unique in its kind. The Khulo cable car was built in 1985 and has a length of 1.919 meters. The entire road, from Khulo to Tago, does not have a single intermediate pillar. With all this, the road passes at an altitude of 350 meters, over the gorge of the Adjaristskali River.

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The adventure begins from the first moment you enter the cable car. It might be a bit frightful in the beginning, however, once you take a look at the huge mountains with their tops covered with clouds, you instantly slip into a vastly different world where there is no noise and only clean fresh air. While riding on a cable car, you can get an incredible adrenaline rush, and at the same time enjoy the breathtaking views that will open during this short but exciting journey.

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SHANGRI LA’S UNFORGETTABLE BIRTHDAY CELEBRATION:

A NIGHT TO REMEMBER

Shangri La, the luxurious oasis of entertainment in Tbilisi, once again outdid itself as it celebrated its birthday on September 28th,2023. This spectacular evening was filled with an array of entertainment that left everyone in awe, making it a night to remember.

One of the highlights of the night was the “Mad Mozart” performance. This quirky rendition of classical music brought Mozart’s genius to life with a playful twist. Air acrobatics left the audience breathless as performers defied gravity in a show of strength and grace.

As guests entered the casino, they were welcomed by stilt-walkers and mimes who added an air of whimsy to the celebration. It wasn’t just confined to the indoors; meeting guests on the street and on the stairs, these performers set the tone for an evening that promised to be nothing short of magical.

Meanwhile, marionette dances added an enchanting touch to the evening. As the night continued, a dance show featuring mirror costumes dazzled the audience with its optical illusions. The fire show, featuring five talented artists, lit up the street near the casino entrance, leaving spectators in awe of their

Life Magazine 52 AJARAMtkvari right Emb. Bridge of peace Tbilisi | Age limit and face control is applied.

Shangri La, the luxurious oasis of entertainment in Tbilisi, once again outdid itself as it celebrated its birthday on September 28th,2023.

daring feats. As the headliner of the night the one and only STEPHANE took the audience on a musical journey, blending modern jazz, blues, and pop in a way that only he can, ensuring that the crowd was on their feet, dancing and singing along. Of course, no birthday celebration is complete without a cake, and Shangri La’s birthday cake was big and tasty, just as promised. It was the perfect centerpiece to a night filled with delectable treats and drinks. VIP guests at the Shangri La XO club were treated to a special lottery with a staggering 260,000

GEL prize fund. Lucky winners walked away with substantial rewards, making the night even more unforgettable. In summary, Shangri La’s birthday celebration on September 28th, 2023, was a night to remember. From the enchanting performances on the street to the captivating shows within the venue, it was a whirlwind of entertainment and excitement. With the perfect blend of music, art, and surprises, Shangri La truly outdid itself, living up to its reputation as the ultimate entertainment destination in Tbilisi.

AJARA Life Magazine 53 +995 32 220 07 01 | Shangri La Tbilisi - The biggest Game in town 24/7

AJARIAN ‘’NISHAN-BOKHCHA’’ TRADITION www.ajaramuseums.ge

The ethnographic existence of Ajara has preserved various traditions, rituals and customs characteristic of the Georgian people and related to the spiritual culture and social and family life of the Georgian people.

wooden perfume box decorated with precious blue fabric. The homemade perfume is kept in it together with various things. Devrish Bezhanidzebrought this set for his wife from Turkey, as he was often travelling.

In Georgia, as in other countries of the world, weddings are considered a great holiday. Various wedding traditions have developed since ancient times. Certain peculiarities in all regions characterise these traditions. However, the rules are mostly the same. In performing the wedding ritual, one of the most important and oldest customs in Ajara is the “nishan-bokhcha” tradi-

The wedding dress in purple velvet is embroidered with a large stylised flower with gold threads surrounded by a circle framed by a wave ornament. “Kumbilebi” - small dots are also embellished with gold threads in the circle. The silk dress for the second day is yellow (ivory). It is deco-

tion. In the lives of Ajarians, this tradition is characterised by viability and sustainability and preserves essential information about the character, identity, and cultural identity of the people here. The couple prepare for the wedding with great enthusiasm. In the days before the wedding, the groom always sent the bride as a gift ‘’bokhcha’’ - a number of things (jewellery, clothes: crepe de chine fabric for the dress, woolen coat, shirts, socks, simple dress, a dress fabric for the bride’s mother) to signify the status of the woman. It was very important to make sure that the colourof the dress fabric matched the colour of the silk braid and the elements of the different garments. The wedding collection of Devrish-Beg Bezhanidze’s (KedaZendidi) wife, Salie Shervashidze, is exhibited in KharitonAkhvlediani Museum of Adjara. She was the daughter of Tufan-beg Shervashidze, the governor of Keda district, a well-known personality of the time. This collection entered the museum in 1967. The museum exhibition presents a

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rated with many pink plants. The dress consists of two parts: the sleeves of the upper part are decorated with lace, and the lower part is pleated. The wedding dress was cut according to the pattern of a festivedress. Still, it was distinguished by luxurious ornamentation and an abundance of pleats on the lower part of the body. When choosing the colour of the wedding dress, preference was given to red. The use of red fabric is explained by its magical significance. However, it did not exclude the use of other colours. The decoration of the front area also distinguished the bride’s dress. According to the materials at the depots of KharitonAkhvlediani Museum of Ajara, the process of making perfume is interesting: “They put rose petals in a jar, pour a little water over it, and cover it with a lid so that no air gets in. It stays like that for 15 days, then they take off the lid, squeeze it well, press it through a gauze cloth, and store it in a bottle. Then it should be left in the sun for a week”. (the narrator is Emine Sharadze). In the showcase for the dowry, the jewellery boxes of various sizes are presented, in which the women’s gold and silver jewellery was kept.

One of the components of wedding jewellery is the original type of jewellery ‘’cordom’’. the ‘’cordom’’ was made in different sizes. It was only worn by a married woman. The ‘’cordom’’ was attached to the garment on the right side of the breast. It consists of two parts with balls or spirals at the ends. Its surface is well decorated on both sides. The ‘’cordom’’ was usually worn at feasts and weddings. Among the necessary elements of the wedding jewellery was a silver necklace to which was attached a small silver segment of the creeping element that could move freely in either direction. The chain was up to two metres long.

Ajara, the most beautiful region of Georgia, stands out for its unique authenticity.

The most important attributes of “Nishan-bokhcha” were rings and gold, silver, and copper bracelets. Silver rings with and without gem, simple ring-shaped rings were standard. They were engraved with geometric and plant ornaments, sometimes with Arabic inscriptions. Women wore several rings at weddings and festive ceremonies. The ring was a necessary element in the engagement; a golden ring had to be presented to the bride by the representative of the groom’s family. A bracelet occupied an essential place among the hand jewellery. Ajarian women wore two types of bracelets: a plain, silver, ring-shaped bracelet and a round, open bracelet with a chain. The exhibition is decorated with a ‘’mujda’’ cushion (Reward for glad tidings). There is an interesting legend about the “’Mujdecushion.” In Ajara, it was customary to have a’’Mujda’’ pillow given to the herald on approaching the groom’s family.” The bride embroidered this cushion with a mirror in the middle. The son-in-law, who was hiding near the ‘’Nalia’’ (building to dry grains), came out into the road with the request of the herald. The herald cried and finally throw the pillow. If the son could not hold the pillow, he would deserve to be mocked. This pillow hung beside the bride’s bed until it was old.’ A mirror as a means of reflecting appearance is associated with the soul according to ancient customs. Among some people, the mirror is a sacred object with negative energy; among others, it is the opposite, positive. The pillow mirror hanging in the corner of the room had the task of protecting the bride and groom from harmful energy. Besides its ritual-sacred function, the ‘’mujda’’ pillow also had a practical purpose. Wedding traditions are significant in different parts of Georgia. The universality of the ethnos is evident in these traditions. Although folk traditions and rituals have changed, some are still relevant today and play an important role in Georgian society. AJARA Life Magazine 55

ACTIVITIES & NATURE IN BATUMI BOULEVARD

Batumi Boulevard is the main and most visited sightseeing of the 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.

TENNIS COURTS

An open air tennis court of European standards has been functioning in the boulevard already for years. The tennis court hosts international tournaments. Therefore, you can often watch sportsmen training. If you want to engage into some physical activities while in Batumi, we advise you to visit tennis court and try your hand at tennis being surrounded by a beautiful scenery.

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VETERAN’S CLUB

In 2004 the Veteran’s club was opened in Batumi named after Nona Gaprindashvili, the world five-time champion in chess from Georgia. It is a gathering place for the veterans of Batumi who regardless the weather play chess, backgammon and discuss important matters here. The positive vibes coming from the experienced veterans, their vintage style of dressing and abundance of canes will definitely put a smile on your face. Maybe they will even challenge you to try some games.

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EXERCISING FACILITIES

Batumi Boulevard tries to promote healthy lifestyle. After indulging yourself into Georgian cuisine if you decide to burn calories, you can have some exercises on the fresh air on an open air exercising facilities set up throughout the boulevard.

BIKE STATIONS

Throughout the city you can find 23 bike stations, majority of which are located on the territory of the boulevard. You can purchase a special so called Velo card in a tourism information center which gives you a chance to use comfortable bicycles and enjoy a beautiful ride in the boulevard.

ALLEY OF MAGNOLIAS

The first alley of the Old Boulevard is known as the Alley of Magnolias.Stretching over a kilometer and boasting Magnolias of different sizes, it is the first alley after Ninoshvili Street. For over three centuries, Magnolias have been planting on the territory of the boulevard enchanting the visitors with its mind blowing scent.

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YACHT CLUB

A yacht club is located nearby a panoramic wheel. Fans of extreme activities can rent a paraglide here and enjoy stunning views of the Black sea from the above. In addition, here you can rent small cozy yachts to have a nice trip on the black sea.

ZOO CORNER

Batumi Boulevard boasts diversity of flora and fauna. A zoo corner located in the heart of the boulevard houses more than 140 species. Let us introduce you to the real star of the zoo corner, a 15-year-old pelican called Bebero (old) who is always ready to interact with guests and pose for photos. Just call his name Bebero.

ALLEY OF PALMS

In Batumi you can easily find a subtropical ever-green palm trees.The development of a dedicated palm alley in the Batumi Boulevard started in 2003 and was finalized in 2006. The palm alley stretches along the coastline for over 4.7 kilometers.

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ACTIVITIES & NATURE IN BATUMI BOULEVARD TROPICAL SQUARE

On the old boulevard, near the alphabet tower, a space created with new tropical trees was arranged. The new tropical square, which is an additional attraction for the old boulevard, is cultivated on an area of 2300 sq.m., where more than 1500 roots of various types of tropical and subtropical plants have been planted. These include Strelitzia, Bamboo, Flax, Banana Trees, Dihondres, Cordylinins, Santolina, Pampas, Palma Yucca, etc. In the tropical square, it is planned to mulch plants and arrange decorative lighting in the near future.

JAPANESE GARDEN

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.

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UKRAINIAN SQUARE

In 1970-ies the writer from Batumi Amiran Shervashidze had an idea to set up a square of prominent poets and novelists in Batumi Boulevard. With this intent, he brought the busts of Lesya Ukrainka and Taras Shevchenko from Ukraine. The busts were located nearby the colonnades leading to the creation of the Ukrainian square. Ukrainian literature’s foremost woman writer, Lesya Ukrainka had special ties with Georgia spending last years of her life here. As it is known, she also visited Batumi few times.

PINE FOREST IN BATUMI BOULEVARD

2500 pine trees grow near the coastal line in Batumi Boulevard. Pine trees are renewed annually with new seedlings, where mainly coastal and black pine varieties are planted. The pine alley plays a special health-improving role in the green space of the boulevard and is distinguished by its healing properties along with the sea and mountain climate.

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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.

KAYAKING IN GEORGIA Kayaking is a watersport that involves paddling using a double-bladed oar and a small boat known as a kayak. The boats come in a variety of sizes and types, depending on their intended use, but most kayaks feature an enclosed deck that covers the legs.

with other activities, like camping or fishing. Different kayaks are designed to handle specific conditions. Some are made for taking on white water courses, while others are built for racing and then there’s everything in between. Rivers, lakes, oceans and even surf zones are popular spots for kayaking and due to the different types, everyone from beginners to experts can enjoy the sport. The boat sits low in the water and usually only accommodates a single paddler, but tandem kayaks hold two people and some boats hold three people. Kayaking is a versatile sport that can be done in practically any body of water and is easily pared 62 AJARA Life Magazine

The beginner-friendliness and the epic challenges are a few of the reasons people kayak, but there are several others. Whether you’re looking to take in the sights in a distinctive way or you’re looking to get a low-impact workout, kayaking has something to offer everyone.

If you’re looking to try kayaking for the first time, it’s best to rent the equipment. The only gear you need is a kayak, a paddle and, in some places, a life jacket. If you’re going camping or fishing, you’ll need other supplies and if you plan on bringing things with you, a waterproof bag is a good idea. In flat-water kayaking, the learning curve is more than manageable, allowing most people to have fun on their first day out. As you progress there are interesting facets of the sport challenging enough to keep even the most advanced paddler interested. Options for expert kayakers include entering races, completing multi-day trips and tackling white water.

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AJARA IS FOUR SEASON REGION

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 amount of snowfall they receive, which sometimes reaches several meters. 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 Ajara 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, 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

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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. Autumn 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. Winter 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.

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THE HOUSE “SAKHLI” 3 года Business Community Batumi

Сахли 1 (Переулок Реваза Комахидзе, 8) +995 555 522 388 @sakhli_batumi

Совсем недавно в Сахли мы отпраздновали большую для нашего сообщества дату! Юбилейный Бизнес Завтрак #120 прошел великолепно. Нас было более 50 человек, среди которых были участники, которые 3 года посещают наши мероприятия и те, которые недавно вступили в наши ряды. Бизнесмены и предприниматели рассказали о том, каких успехов достигли за эти годы, а специалисты презентовали себя и рекламировали свои услуги. 72 AJARA Life Magazine

Мы очень гордимся каждым участком нашего клуба «Business Community Batumi» и хотим выразить огромную благодарность за поддержку и помощь. У нас самое дружелюбное комьюнити Если Вы еще не были у нас, приходите! До скорых встреч! Photo by @lianagvianidze @business_community_batumi @sakhli_batumi

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STORY OF BCB MEMBER

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Компания Mashkov Media - это полный цикл услуг по продвижению и сопровождению бизнеса.

BCB Member

MASHKOV MEDIA:

Новый уровень стиля, творчества и развлеченийразвлечений Пока вы обновляете осенний гардероб и греетесь горячим чаем - самое время вспомнить как мы провожали лето. Особенно ярко на вечеринке SUMMER COMEBACK FASHION SHOW от компании Mashkov Media. Основанная Денисом Машковым, экспертом в сфере моды и красоты, дипломированным визажистом, компания предложила новый живой формат нетворкинга, который объединил креативных людей Батуми, увлекающихся модой, стилем и искусством. Компания Mashkov Media - это полный цикл услуг по продвижению и сопровождению бизнеса. Рекламные проекты, создание фото и видео контента, ивенты любых направлений под ключ: от камерных мероприятий, будь то презентация, открытие ресторана, модный показ, публикации в глянце до масштабных мероприятий, конкурсов, презентаций и

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выставок. Команда предоставляет свои услуги, как в комплексе, так и локально, исходя из индивидуальных запросов. Гости SUMMER COMEBACK FASHION SHOW смогли оценить слаженную работу Mashkov Media из команды лучших визажистов, которые готовили моделей и создавали образы. Фотографов, видеографов, которые весь вечер снимали качественный контент, моделей, которые профессионально представили коллекции участников и технического персонала, отвечающего за качественный звук и свет. На подиуме прошли показы от Fashion Boutique “CULT”, дизайнер Valeria Eristavi и совместный показ от студентов Батумского университета искусств “BATU”. Отдельно хочется упомянуть спонсоров мероприятия: агентство

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OUR COMMUNITY COUNTS OVER 700 MEMBERS, WE ARE ALWAYS HAPPY TO MEET NEW MEMBERS AND DO NOT DIVIDE PEOPLE INTO CATEGORIES. OUR DOORS ARE ALWAYS OPEN TO EVERYONE!

BCB - is the community which unites people from different spheres of businesses but with one goal, promote its businesses and share its experiences. Throughout the year we unite various entrepreneurs, business people and specialists. Our community counts over 700 members. недвижимости Georgia Investment Market “GIM”, салон красоты ‘’ORIGINAL’’, массажный салон “Samui”, салон красоты ‘’George Lab’. Информационные партнеры: журнал “Ajara life”, сообщество “ Sakhli”. За приятный отдых и развлечение гостей отвечали приглашенные артисты Ларго Турманидзе & Георгий Гогиберидзе, Карина Ярина & Михаил Бороховский, Антон Сеняткин, Anashine, “This Rocks”, “BACKFAM”. Это было по-летнему красивое, стильное и полезное на новые знакомства событие. Мероприятия Mashkov Media - это не просто модные вечеринки. Это концептуальные оффлайн встречи, которые и дальше продолжатся в Батуми, обещает сам Денис Машков. Следите за анонсами и мы обязательно встретимся на одном из них. Location: @paulinebar Mashkov.media2023@gmail.com | Instagram: @mashkov.media Telegram: https://t.me/Mashkov_media +995 555 38 18 71 | +7 903 614 93 89 Текст: Юлия Кузьмина Foto by: @lianagvianidze | @fotobushe | @alexparshinn @stelmaharina | @cherry_ph.batumi

We dont mentor or put out our opinion, we created a platform where people can share their experiences with potentials of collaborations between each business sphere. We are always happy to meet new members and do not divide people into categories. Our doors are always open to everyone! Would like to express special thanks to Ajara Life Magazine for the opportunity to announce our community.

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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 78 AJARA Life Magazine

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Stay Amazing! We are passionate about hospitality. Every day we host travelers from all around the world and we know everybody wants an awesome holiday experience. This is why we offer the very best, hand selected vacation properties in Batumi. The apartment you’ll be staying at is special, because it’s a labor of love and attention of a dedicated group of people we call the Ruebush Hospitality Group. Our team has designed, planned, and developed this property with your maximum comfort in mind. –Whether you’re traveling for business, or on a long-awaited holiday, we’ll be happy to make your trip a hassle-free, and enjoyable experience. The exclusive collection of apartments in our portfolio shares the same common denominator – excellence. We aim to deliver excellence in every aspect: from beautifully designed spaces, to the quality of your sleep, and the impeccable daily service. We’re incredibly grateful that you’ve taken notice! Over the past 6 years we have hosted thousands of guests. We have thousands of reviews averaging 5 stars. We often get requests for direct bookings, so now we’ve finally created a space for you to book with us directly without incurring any additional channel fees.

www. bookingbatumi.com

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URY X U L A N I STAY TUMI A B N I E C PLA WITH US

reservations@bookingbatumi.com

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Apartments with the panoramic sea view Playground and game room Client’s pp and smart house system 24/7 concierge -service appartments service

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Fitness, spa, swimming pools, beauty salon, restaurant 24/7 video surveillance and security service Underground parking and car wash Coworking, ooces and conference halls

www.7th.ge +995 706 777 134 Batumi, Sherii Khimshiashvili st., 53