Ajara Life Magazine, Issue 14

T h e c o m p l ex i s l o c a te d o n a h i l l i n o n e of t h e m ost p i c t u resq u e p l a c es of B a t u m i o n t h e wa y to t h e fa m o u s S a m e b a Te m p l e.

T h e c o m p l ex h a s a n o p e n v i ew of t h e s i g h ts of t h e c i t y, a n d a n i n c re d i b l e p a n o ra m a of t h e se a a n d m o u n ta i n s. T h e ro a d ta kes o n l y 5 m i n u tes by c a r f ro m t h e o l d B a t u m i .

Batumi mall Batumi mall

Let’s Discover Ajara!

Ajara Life Magazine

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

Founder & CEO

David Ruebush

THIS IS BATUMI

The main city of Adjara-Batumi was declared the best tourist destination by the American Academy of Hospitality Sciences in 2012. In recent Forbes rankings, Batumi was given a place amongst top five ‘velvet season’ recreational resorts.

However, this doesn’t mean that Batumi is suitable for only ‘velvet season’ leisure activities. You can visit the city all year round for business or recreation. Batumi can be a perfect destination whether for high-profile international meetings or family weekends. Furthermore, Batumi city is desirable in any weather.

The rainy Batumi is romantic - Colourful umbrellas, cheerful people-pebbled streets and hot steam of coffee on the sand, seeping through cozy local cafes. Colourful

doors lead you to these cafes. There’s a lot of them in Batumi and taking photos against their background has become a tradition for the city guests.

In old Batumi, next to Piazza, in the alcove of a historical house on Gorgasali street, you can find the statue of a boy with a flute.

This statue is considered to be a symbol of Batumi and has acquired such popularity that its modern, modification versions can be found by the entrance of the city boulevard. Check out Ali and Nino sculpture – their extraordinary date expressed in metal awakes wonderful emotions.

Start from there and be confident that there is much to see. With its old and new architecture, old port, European

style squares, high-class hotels and other attractions Batumi is Georgia’s one of the best parts and cultural centers. You can get to the city easily, through terrestrial, aerial and maritime transport be it from European or Asian countries.

In addition to conference halls where international level conferences take place, Batumi offers various means of entertainment: aqua park, horse riding club, Ferris Wheel, maritime cruises, fly boarding, diving-center, paragliding, cycling, cinemas, casinos. You can also attend annual classical and jazz music festivals where a number of global stars have featured already.

If you find yourself in Batumi in autumn, you will be able to participate in two large-scale events – “Batumoba”

and rural tourism festival – “Gandagana”. On these events markets, concerts, theatrical performances and exhibitions take place. “Gandagana” festival features special decorations on Era square. They represent Adjarian villages and display a wide variety of fruits, local food, wine and sweet delicacies that fill the air with a pleasant smell.

Batumi will open its theatre and exhibition hall doors for you. Spaces where you can walk and think about the past, the present and the future. Batumi feels like a yard which is full of happiness!

This is Batumi – the city which will take its distinguished place in your memories. Source: Gobatumi.com

The city which will take its distinguished place in your memories.

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!

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.

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!

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.

ADVENTURE TOURS IN GEORGIA

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.

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.

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.

Horse Riding

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.

Experience

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.

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!

Eco - National Parks

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.

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

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 VETERAN’S CLUB

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.

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.

EXERCISING FACILITIES

YACHT CLUB

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.

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.

ACTIVITIES & NATURE IN BATUMI BOULEVARD

TROPICAL SQUARE JAPANESE GARDEN

UKRAINIAN 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.

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

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.

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.

AKHALTSIKHE

‘NEW CASTLE’ IN

GEORGIAN

Akhaltsikhe is a town in Southern Georgia, founded in Middle Ages. Its name means “a new fortress”, because the town’s fortress used to be the most important landmark of the region. In 1579 it was a center of a region of Ottoman Empire, then, during Russian – Turkish war in 1828 – 1829, it was brought back to Georgia, which used to be a part of Russian Empire.

part of Rabati includes touristic objects as hotels, cafes, restaurants, an information center, and even a marriage hall. It is a very beautiful place for a wedding ceremony and a romantic photo shooting, indeed!

Beside this, there are also several interesting places near Akhaltsikhe: an ancient fortress of Atskuri, which has been constructed in the X century, and also Saphara monastery, which kept its beauty even after the most difficult years in Georgian history.

Now, the huge freshly renovated fortress of Rabati remains the main landmark of Akhaltsikhe. Its upper part includes the castle of Jakeli family, where the Museum of Samtskhe-Javakheti region is situated; there are also an Akhmediye Mosque, an orthodox church, an amphitheatre and a citadel. The other

If we talk about important landmarks of SamtskheJavakheti region, we can’t avoid mentioning Vardzia, an impressive cave town founded by King George III in the XII century.

During its golden time it accommodated around 50.000 people. The infrastructure included living quarters, wine

cellars, religious places like churches or monasteries, and even a library. There was even a sewerage system in the town! Hard to believe, that already in XII century far in the mountains people could live in such a developed town hewn in rocks… That’s why you have to go to Vardzia to see it with your own eyes!

THE GOLDEN TREASURY OF OLD ERA

(ARCHAEOLOGICAL MUSEUM OF THE ADJARA STATE MUSEUM, BATUMI)

Tamar Shalikadze (Academic Doctor of History) Service curator Scientific and Publishing Department of the Museum of Adjara.

It is known that contact with the ancient world further contributed to the emergence of new forms. Iranian and Greek-influenced jewelry also entered the high-taste society of Kolkheti. Of course, they are not equal to the masterpieces made by pine masters.

Batumi Archaeological Museum holds a number of unique artifacts from different eras obtained as a result of archaeological excavations. Jewelry works of art stand out among them.

The ancient man started making things from nonferrous metal - gold and using them as various kinds of jewelry from the Early Bronze Age. Interest in them continued in the following eras, creating luxurious collections of headpieces, necklaces, bracelets, rings, clothing, and household items.

It is known that contact with the ancient world further contributed to the emergence of new forms. Iranian and Greek-influenced jewelry also entered the hightaste society of Kolkheti. Of course, they are not equal to the masterpieces made by pine masters.

Kobulet - Pichvnari B.C. According to the jewelry found as a result of archaeological excavations on the Colchian and Greek Samarovians of the 5th-4th centuries, we can say that the sophisticated society of that time was an intensive consumer of precious jewelry. Head ornaments - earrings prevail among the worldly fashionistas.

Among them are earrings with lion heads. Stylized lion heads are made by joining two halves of gold leaf plate together. The neck area is decorated with beaded gavars and double volutes. This type of gold jewelry was found for the first time in Georgia. Making similar pieces of jewelry art in BC. It reached its peak period by the middle of the III century. It should be noted that during this period no other type of earring gained similar popularity.

HOW DO GEORGIANS SPEND THEIR TIME?

GEORGIA’S FIRST-EVER TIME USE SURVEY RELEASED

In total, 3,680 households were selected for the survey by random sampling across the country.

With the support of United Nations Women, the National Statistics Office of Georgia has released Georgia’s first-ever Time Use Survey, highlighting data about the time spent on various activities by the population of the country.

The breakdown of the surveyed individuals showed they spent the following amounts of time on average on the following activities:

• 11.7 hours a day - on self-care and maintenance

• 4.2 hours – on culture, leisure, mass-media and sports activities

• 2.6 hours – on employment and related activities

• 2.1 hours – on unpaid domestic services for household and family members

• 1.4 hours – on socialising and communication, community participation and religious activities 0.9 hours – on production of goods for own final use

• 0.6 hours – on unpaid caregiving services for household and family members

• 0.3 hours – on learning

• 0.1 hours – on unpaid volunteer, trainee and other unpaid work

In terms of time spent on activities, the biggest difference between women and men was observed in unpaid domestic services, Geostat said, with women spending 4.9 times more time per day than men on the tasks.

In the case of employment and related activities, the picture was the opposite – the average time spent by men in the category was 1.9 times higher than the same indicator for women.

In total, 3,680 households were selected for the survey by random sampling across the country. The survey included individuals aged 15 and above who, in their time use diaries, described the activities they conducted over 10-minute intervals for two preassigned full days.

The survey took place between 2020 and 2021 and was based on Eurostat and United Nations Organisation’s methodological guidelines, Geostat said.

Source: Agenda.ge

GEORGIA HOSTS NEARLY 5 MILLION INTERNATIONAL TRAVELLERS IN 11 MONTHS

Georgia hosted 4,862,247 international travellers in the first 11 months of 2022, a 185.5 percent increase yearon-year and a 55.9 percent recovery from the pre-pandemic 2019, the Georgian National Tourism Administration announced on Tuesday.

Figures during the same period included 3,348,333 international tourist type visits, a 133.7 percent increase compared to January-November of 2021 and a 70.2 percent recovery on 2019.

In November alone, the number of international traveller

visits recovered by 70 percent compared to the same month of 2019. Last month, the country hosted 471,165 international travellers, a 160.4 percent year-on-year increase.

In international tourist type visits in November, the number increased by 97.9 percent compared to November 2021 and recovered by 88.4 percent compared to 2019. During the month, 299,605 international tourist type visits were recorded.

Source: Agenda.ge

GERMANY OFFERS €55 MLN FOR WATER TREATMENT PLANT IN BATUMI

German Embassy said €138 million had been spent over more than 16 years on modern water infrastructure in Batumi, as a result of which “even dolphins have been seen from the beach again, which speaks for the improvement of sea water quality”.

The German state development bank KfW has allocated €55 million to support modern water infrastructure in Georgia’s Black Sea city of Batumi, the German Embassy in Tbilisi announced on Tuesday.

KfW and the Ministry of Finance of Georgia yesterday signed a deal to ensure improved supply of drinking water can be extended for the growing population of the city.

An old drinking water treatment plant will be rehabilitated and adapted to the modern standards and the wastewater treatment plant will be expanded and equipped with sludge treatment and nutrient elimination systems”, said the Embassy.

The diplomatic office also said €138 million had been

spent over more than 16 years on modern water infrastructure in Batumi, as a result of which “even dolphins have been seen from the beach again, which speaks for the improvement of sea water quality”.

More than 200,000 people who previously had access to drinking water only for a couple of hours a day, are now continuously supplied with hygienically safe drinking water”, the release noted.

It also pointed out the construction of a modern sewer system and wastewater treatment plant meant wastewater was now “professionally drained and cleaned”, while a new stormwater system and pumping station had significantly reduced the risk of flooding in the city centre.

Source: Agenda.ge

Chr stmas Tree

Long before the advent of Christianity, plants and trees that remained green all year had a special meaning for people in the winter. Just as people today decorate their homes during the festive season with pine, spruce, and fir trees, ancient peoples hung evergreen boughs over their doors and windows. In many countries it was believed that evergreens would keep away witches, ghosts, evil spirits, and illness. The tradition of ornamenting the Christmas tree and homes during Christmas arose from the Roman and Christian cultures. Early Christians believed that flowers of certain trees were bloomed irrationally on Christmas Eve as homage to Jesus’ birth. The impressive traditions of decorating the homes with angel tree toppers have emerged from the early Christian belief and Roman practices.

The concept of Christmas tree was first introduced by Germany long back in 16th century. It was the time when Christians brought adorned Christian tree to their homes. Wooden Christmas tree and evergreens bedecked the new looking homes. Candles are also used to give the homes a better and different look. Eventually, people of the other places of Europe also had started to follow the traditions and cultures related to the Christmas tree. Christmas tree looked even more fashionable and attractive when the husband of Queen Victoria, Prince Albert, had bejeweled the first English tree at Windsor candle with candles, sweets, fruits and gingerbread in 1841.

The tradition was followed by many English families later on. All kinds of extravagant items were used to decorate the tree and homes. According to Charles Dickens the Christmas trees were well covered and adorned with the fine looking dolls, miniature furniture, costume jewelry, little musical instruments, toy guns, swords, candy and fruits in 1850. The particular practice was not liked by the religious leaders initially. However, it spread all over the world later on. By the early 1900s Offering gifts and the tales of Santa Clause became the integral parts of Christmas celebrations along with the Christmas tree decorations.

Even though the popularity of Christmas tree was notable in Germany but by the 1890s Christmas ornaments started to arrive in the US market as well. However, the convention for both Europe and US was quite different. Europeans liked to use small Christmas trees of 4 feet height where as Americans preferred gigantic Christmas trees, length of which varied enormously.

In the early 20th century Americans were inclined towards the homemade ornaments. Homemade decorations were mainly used to bedeck the Christmas trees but the German- Americans had continued their old and impressive tradition of adorning the Christmas trees with apples, nuts and marzipan cookies. Popcorns were the new items of decorations along with berries and nuts. The Christmas lights had helped the Christmas tree to beam when it is dark with the aid of the Electricity.

Christmas trees were on display across the country. The beautifully decorated edifices mark the onset of the Christmas holidays. In the early days, horns and bells were used to scare the evil spirits. Before that angels and fairies were used as signs of bringing good luck. Angels, peacocks, numerous birds and many stars were usually used during Christmas to decorate Christmas tree in Poland. Beautifully painted wooden decorations, animals and children figures were the chief items which were used in Sweden.

Tiny Danish flags, mobile of bells stars, snowflakes and small hearts were hanged to decorate the Christmas tree in Denmark. On the other hand, tiny fans and paper lamps were used during Christmas in Japan. The awe-inspiring trees were covered with straw bird cages, stars and geometric shapes in Lithuania. In the forthcoming year everyone wishes for good crops from the almighty through straw. Ornaments of painted egg shells were portrayed on Czechoslovakian trees.

To bring good luck in the daily life spider and web were used on the Christmas tree in Ukraine. According to a folktale an unfortunate and poor woman woke up in the early Christmas morning to find the branches wrapped with spider webs for decorating Christmas tree. She found out that the spider webs turned to silver by the bright sunlight of rising sun. The patterns of decorations have changed over the years. Today evergreens are used in large numbers to adorn the Christmas trees. Hand crafted and edible items were predominately used previously. Nuts, candles, fruits and colored papers were the commonly used items for decorations.

Ornaments brought from stores are used more often than not. Chain of electric lights is used to decorate the branches of the trees now. The essence of the festival is in the congregation of the family members at one particular place. Exchanging gifts and love still are the central ideas of the majestic Christmas carnival.

Santa Claus

TODAY, THIS MYTHICAL CHARACTER IS STILL ALIVE AND WELL AND IS KNOWN ALL OVER THE WORLD AS: NICHOLAS OF MYRA, SANTA CLAUS OR “SANTA” IN AMERICA.

The American version of St. Nicholas, or Santa Claus originally came from the Dutch version called Sint Nikolaas or Sinterklaas.

There are some legends about this Patron Saint of Giving known as St. Nicholas. As said by these legends, St. Nicholas was born in the city of Patara, and traveled to Palestine and Egypt when he was young. He was later imprisoned during persecutions of the Emperor Diocletian, but was fortunately released by the more humanitarian Emperor Constantine. It is said that he died on December 6, A.D. 342. December 6th is celebrated as his feast day, and in many countries this is the day he arrives with his presents and punishments. Today, this mythical character is still alive and well and is known all over the world as: Nicholas of Myra, Santa Claus or “Santa” in America. His popularity spread fast during the Middle Ages and thousands of churches are dedicated to him.

His gift-giving role in Christmas rites probably follows from his fame as the friend of children. He was renowned for his extreme kindness and generosity – often going out at night and taking presents to the needy.

The story also tells that he used to give anonymous donations of gold coins to persons in need. His cult spread in Europe and Christmas presents were distributed on December 6th when the celebration of St. Nicholas took place.

In many countries this day is still the day of Christmas gift-giving, although there is a mounting pressure everywhere to conform to the custom of 24th/25th December. The relics of St.Nicholas are in the basilica of St. Nicola, in Bari, Italy (they were stolen from Myra in 1087 AD). For this reason he is sometimes known as St. Nicholas of Bari.

> In the European countries, St. Nicholas is usually pictured as a bearded saint, wearing ecclesiastical robes and riding a white horse. He carries a basket of gifts for the good children and a batch of rods for the naughty ones.

> In the United States and Canada, his name is Santa Claus.

> In China, he is called Shengdan Laoren.

> In England, his name is Father Christmas, where he has a longer coat and a longer beard.

> In France, he’s known as Pere Noel.

> In Germany, children get presents from Christindl, the Christ Child.

> In Morocco he is known as Black Peter.

Pã Norsk (in Norwegian) “Julenissen” arrives on the evening of the 24th.

> In the Netherlands, he is called Kerstman.

> In Finland, he is called Joulupukki.

> In Russia, he is called Grandfather Frost that is “ded moroz”.

> In Spain children leave their shoes under the Christmas tree the night of January 5th and presents from the Three Kings (Los Reyes Magos: Melchor, Gaspar and Baltasar) appear the next morning. Santa Claus is called Papa Noel and some children receive presents both days on December 24th (from Papa Noel) and on January 6th (from the Three Kings).

> In Sweden Jultomten visits the evening before Christmas day, pulling a big bag of julklappar (Christmas presents) in the deep snow.

> Sinter Klaas in Dutch. He is much thinner than the American Santa Claus. He rides a white horse and gets help from numerous Zwarte Pieten (Black Petes) handing out gifts and candy. He arrives the first Saturday in November by Boat. On the 5th of December Dutch households have a “Pakjesavond” (Presents night) and exchange presents. happy new year !

Welcome To Mestia

“

Mestia, the main regional center of Zemo (upper) Svaneti, is situated 456 km from Georgia’s capital city, Tbilisi, and is 1,500 meters above sea level.

It is the starting point for most trips to Svaneti, with a range of hotels, guesthouses and local travel services, and makes a convenient base for exploring the area. From the center of Mestia it is possible to hike up to the glaciers at the foot of mount Ushba, or take horses into the pristine alpine mead-

MESTIA IS A CITY IN UPPER SVANETI, GEORGIA. IT’S THE REGIONAL CAPITAL.

“

ows. A new ski resort makes it possible to ski or snowboard even in the height of summer.

Tourists interested in religious history will find plenty of examples of wall paintings, frescoes and icons from the Middle Ages in the churches around Mestia.

Within Mestia, the Church of Saint George contains well-preserved crosses and icons from the XII century. Additionally, Pusdi Church still contains fragments of XIII century wall paintings.

Mestia

HOW CAN GET IN ?

- 55 GEL (2022). Duration 3-4 hours.

GET IN

By plane

A new airport in Mestia - Queen Tamar Airport - has recently opened, and flights between Mestia and Tbilisi are now available 5 times a week for 125 lari (including transfer to Tbilisi if flying from Mestia) each way. Reserve tickets at least a week in advance.

By train

From Tbilisi to Zugdidi by night train, then take a

By bus

Tbilisi - Mestia marshrutkas (mini buses) go every day from “Vagzali” bus station. Number of seats 16, ticket price 45 Gel per person. Departure time : 5:00 am. Duration 8-9 hours (depends on the weather conditions). Mestia-Tbilisi mini bus leaves at 7am and 8am. It is possible to book beforehand through hotels and agencies in the center of town. Only one (maximum 2) marshrutka goes

There are four to five villages next to a mountain.

marshrutka (minibus) from Zugdidi train station to Mestia. Ticket price around 45

to Zugdidi at 6 a.m. and around midday. Costs 35 lari There are also marshrytki to Batumi.

From Zugdidi, just go to the train station (all the mashrutkas are there) and try to find the Mestia sign on a small shop (or ask around). They leave every time the mini bus is full and it costs 35 GEL (you can say it’s 25 GEL and they usually say OK).

From Kutaisi there’s a daily morning mini-bus from the main bus station (near McDonalds). It has no definite schedule and departs when full. Try to come early, by 9am it might already

be gone. In this case, however, you can catch marshrutka to Zugdidi (20 Gel, July’2021). Ask the driver to drop you off at the mini-bus to Mestia. Be prepared to wait for some time until the bus if full. This second leg of the trip will cost you another 35 lari.

By car

A new highway from Zugdidi to Mestia has been opened and the trip has become safe and comfortable by public or private transport. (Drive off-road cars with high attention if you are not an experienced driver). A taxi cost 150 - 175 GEL from Zugdidi to Mestia and can hold four people.

WHY INVEST IN GEORGIA?

INVEST IN ENERGY

Over the last decade electricity consumption has grown largely in line with real GDP growth rate and reached 10.2 TWh in 2014. This trend is expected to continue. Electricity generation also grew significantly between 2004 and 2010 as a result of renewal and rehabilitation of existing HPPs. As consumption continues to rise not only in Georgia, but in neighboring countries as well, there is great opportunity to develop new power plants to keep up with this ever increasing demand. According to estimates, Georgia has potential to generate up to 33 TWh electricity from renewable sources. Mostly from hydro resources (24 TWh), but also from wind, solar, Geothermal and biomass sources as well. In 2014, Georgia’s electricity generation reached 10.4 TWh, of which hydropower accounted for 80% (8.3 TWh). Because of

seasonality of electricity generation, Georgia imported 0.8 TWh during winter months, but still managed to export 0.6 TWh to neighbors. Currently, 15 hydropower plants are under construction, eight of them, with total annual

generation potential of around 1.5 TWh, are expected to be completed in 2015-2017. By the end of 2015, a 230 MW gas-fired combined cycle Thermal Power Plant will also be commissioned and works on first Wind Power

Plant in Georgia are already underway. Georgian Energy sector is developing rapidly and with all the competitive advantages that Georgia offers, it’s not too hard to see why.

Source: investingeorgia.org

WHY INVEST IN ENERGY?

INVEST IN GEORGIA

Growing domestic demand

From 2007 to 2011, Georgia was net electricity exporter, but since 2012, the country has become a net importer of electricity. In 2014, Georgia imported 0.8 TWh and exported 0.6 TWh of electricity. With the completion of the HPPs currently under construction exports are expected to grow in the summer period, however without additional Power Plants Georgia’s generation capacity will not be sufficient to meet domestic demand in the long term, as per capita electricity consumption continues to grow. Estimated deficit by 2025 is more than 5 TWh.

Guaranteed PPAs

Government of Georgia can offer 10 year Power Purchasing agreement (PPA) for up to 100% of total generation, definitely in winter months. Investor has an option to export remaining generated electricity, and considering Georgia is surrounded by countries that have higher generation cost of electricity, export is clearly an attractive opportunity.

Liberalized and deregulated market

Starting from 2008 Georgia has liberalized and deregulated energy market. Renewable

projects are based on Build-Own-Operate (BOO) principle. There are no tariffs set for newly built HPPs, investor is free to choose market and negotiate price. No fee is required for the connection to transmission grid. No license is required for export and new HPPs have priority access to the capacity on the new interconnection to Turkey. Generation and export activities are exempted from VAT tax.

Perfect Export opportunity

Georgia is surrounded by countries that either have higher electricity generation cost or electricity deficit. With abundance of high mountains and fast-flowing rivers, Georgia has competitive advantage over neighbors in terms of generation cost. Most attractive export market is Turkey.

Turkey is ranked first in Europe and second in the world after China in terms of electricity demand increase.

Turkey experiences electricity shortage during summer months, while Georgia has generation surplus.

Over the last decade, Turkey’s electricity consumption has increased by 6% annually on average, reaching 250.38 TWh in 2014, with deficit of 5.1 TWh.

The Turkish Electricity Transmission Company (TEIAS) forecasts that Turkish electricity consumption will grow by 5.5% on average annually, reaching 415.7 TWh in 2023.

As a result, Turkey will need to nearly double its current generation to meet the demand.

Out of the 250.38 TWh electricity generated in Turkey in 2014, 48.1% was generated by gas-fired plants, 29.2% by plants burning coal, 16.1% by hydro plants, 3.3% by wind plants, 2.3% from plants burning liquid hydrocarbons and 1% by other renewable energy plants.

Even with lower oil and gas prices, it’s expected that electricity prices in Turkey will remain high. 2014, prices fluctuated in the range of 10.2-16.8 USD cents per KWh (Source: TEDAS).

In 2013, a new 400 KV line with HVDC back-to-back substation connecting Georgia with Turkey was commissioned, bringing transmission capacity to 860 MW. Plan for construction of another transmission line to Turkey, with capacity of 350 MW, is already in place.

Georgia already has well developed transmission network with all neighbors, but by the end of 2022 Georgia’s transmission capacity will rich 5,000 MW.

Source: investingeorgia.org

ENERGY INVESTMENT OPPORTUNITIES

INVEST IN GEORGIA

Hydro Power Plants

Georgia has more than 20,000 rivers and almost 300 of them provide excellent opportunity for hydropower generation. Georgia is one of the top countries in terms of water resources per capita and it’s logical that today 80% of total electricity is generated from Hydro Power Plants (8.3 TWh). Despite this, there still is vast untapped potential, as only 25% of economically feasible Hydro potential is exploited today. Georgia could produce additional 24 TWh annually with hydro resources alone. There are approximately 90 potential HPP projects (less than 100 MW) on the Pre-feasibility Study Level with Financial and Technical projection, the list is public and can be downloaded here or can be seen on the website

of Ministry of Energy. All hydro power plants with installed capacity of 13 MW or less are totally deregulated, licenses for generation and export are not required, investor is free to choose the market and negotiate the price. They can sell generated electricity to direct consumers.

Currently there are 6 big HPP projects with the Provisional studies already in place (up to 670 MW). Because of the high importance of these projects Government of Georgia has flexibility in negotiations with investors. These ready projects are just a drop in the ocean of Georgia’s Hydro Potential. Any investor is welcome to identify new opportunities by themselves.

Thermal Power Plants

TPPs are source of guaranteed electricity supply. Usually, TPPs are in standby mode, ready to supply the system when needed, typically in winter period. Last year TPPs accounted for 19.6% of total generation, meaning they are vital to Georgia’s electrical stability. Because of this, even when in standby mode TPPs receive payment to cover maintenance and fixed costs. Tariffs are set by regulator. 2 new TPP projects are under way. First, 230

MW combined cycle TPP, which will be first of its kind in Georgia, is being developed by Georgian Partnership Fund and will be built by Turkish Company Çalik Enerji. Second project is being developed by Georgian Energy Development Fund. Installed capacity of power plant will be 250 MW and will be commissioned by 2019, with another 250 MW is being considered for the future.

Both of these projects are open for investment.

Source: investingeorgia.org

ENERGY INVESTMENT OPPORTUNITIES

INVEST IN GEORGIA

Wind Power

Georgia has estimated achievable potential wind power of up to 4 TWh. Georgian Energy Development Fund is working on Wind Power projects, they have already started Kartli wind farm project, which will have 20 MW of installed capacity and expected generation will be of between 80 and 85 GWh/yr. Another wind farm project is being developed in western part of Georgia, in Zestaponi, with projected installed capacity of 150 MW and generation of 480 GWh/yr.

SOLAR

Due to the geographical location of Georgia, the emanation of the Sun is rather high. In most regions of the country there are 250-280 sunny days in a year, which is approximately 6,000-6,780 hours per year.

The annual radiation of the Sun varies depending on regions from 1,250-1,800 KWh/m2, while the average sun radiation equals 4.2 KWh/m2. The total annual solar energy potential in Georgia is estimated to be 108 MW, which is equivalent to 34,000 tons of standard fuel.

GEOTHERMAL

According to modern hydro-geological studies, the Georgian geothermal water reserves reach 250 mln m3 per year. At present there are more than 250 natural and artificial water channels where the average temperature of geothermal waters ranges from 30 to 110 C, while the total debit is 160,000 m3 per day and night. These water channels are grouped into 44 deposits. Within the territory of 3,500 km there are bore-hole wells with the water temperature of 85 C and more. Up to 80% of the geothermal deposits are in Western Georgia. In the Zugdidi-Tsaishi geothermal area, there are now 9 productive, 7 reinjection and 3 observation borehole wells which are considered to be exploitable.

BIOMASS

Thanks to an advantageous geographical location and a climate favorable to forest and agricultural development, Georgia is endowed with major potential for biomass power plants, especially for producing heat and hot water. Biomass could be of the most important sources of power supply in rural areas, given that forests cover 40% of the country’s total territory.

“и корпоративным клиентам, и частным ребятам, кто хочет круто отпраздновать ДР или другое событие. Опыт

1. Расскажите о себе (откуда вы приехали, когда и сколько лет уже в Грузии) Человек с бородой – это Александр, а зашкаливающий славянин – это Вячеслав. Более 15 лет мы занимаемся event-ом в Москве и решили: «Пора!». Пора испытать себя на прочность. Кто-то раньше, кто-то позже – Слава в марте, а Саша в сентябре, но ребята оказались тут в Батуми. Саша Грузин, поэтому ездит в Грузию с рождения каждый год, а вот Слава только погрузился в неповторимый колорит. С момента переезда изменилось практически всё, но одно осталось постоянным: сфера. 2. Какой у Вас проект в Батуми?

мы занимаемся тем, что умеем делать лучше всего –организовывать мероприятия. Нам за 30, а значит верить в то, что вторая половина жизни приготовила нам судьбу серфера, нутрициолога или

коуча по личностному росту, нам не положено уже по возрасту. «Однажды в Батуми!» - вот что мы делаем тут. Сам по себе это проект доступный каждому: и корпоративным клиентам, и частным ребятам, кто хочет круто отпраздновать ДР или другое событие. Опыт позволяет нам найти подход к большим корпорациям со строгими комплаенсами и к людям как мы – обычным… А, забыл, что нужно максимально кратко и ясно. Итак, мы ИВЕНТ АГЕНТСТВО! Или агентство праздников – как угодно. Еженедельно мы проводим интерактивные шоу, чтобы всё большее число людей увидело, как мы это делаем. Это компиляция из популярных на ТВ игр и стендапа. МЫ НЕ КВИЗ! Мы очень много общаемся с аудиторией, хотим познакомиться с каждым и узнать, чем он или она могут быть полезны остальным гостям шоу. Так же это возможность для потенциальных клиентов увидеть в каком стиле

мы можем организовать их частное мероприятие. Одним словом: мы проводим демо версии тех ивентов, которые вы потом можете заказать у нас.

3. Почему выбрали именно эту нишу? Тут работает принцип «Зачем придумывать велосипед?». Мы уже профессионалы высокого уровня (а главное скромняшки), так зачем нам лезть в криптовалюты или недвижку, если мы уже на своём месте? Любой запрос, касающийся ивента имеет сразу как минимум два решения от нас: нужно оформление шарами –без проблем, хотите вечеринку друзей с крутой программой – это к нам, нужна свадьба с тактичным ведущим – добро пожаловать, нужен корпорат для айтишников – влетаем с двух ног. А если вопрос стоит так «Почему…» мы изначально выбрали эту сферу, то приготовьтесь… Высоко – высоко в горах… Да ладно, сэкономлю ваше время. Просто со студенчества мы что-то организовываем и создаём, а когда узнали, что это не плохо монетизируется – это стало делом жизни. Креатив + эмоции + деньги = идеальная схема

мы всегда стараемся говорить на одном языке с клиентами и подстраиваться под его темп. Нужно предложение завтра и клиент спешит – мы подхватываем, предложение не горит и на его составление есть неделя – мы будем присылать несколько вариантов, выбирать, корректировать вместе. К сожалению, после переезда стало актуальным говорить о таких базовых качествах как ответственность, пунктуальность и организация, хотя мы как закаленные большим мегаполисом кадры уже считали это мастхэвом по умолчанию. В Москве нет возможности дважды произвести хорошее первое впечатление. Мы придерживаемся этого принципа и тут. Ну и во-вторых, мы, без преувеличения, на острие всегда. Мы знаем, что стильно сейчас и что будет в тренде завтра. Главное, чтобы у аудитории был такой запрос. Короче, хотите идеальное мероприятие в Грузии или любой другой точке мира – Однажды в Батуми! instagram: once.batumi

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.

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.

“

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!

DOLMA

Here, Chef Elene shares her recipe for Dolma.

Dolma (Georgian: ტოლმა), known as Dolma in Armenia, Azerbaijan and Turkey, is a popular meal in Georgia and many other countries and there are many variations. It usually describes a filled, hollowed-out vegetable or a filling wrapped in a leaf. Fillings can include meat and vegetables.

In Georgia, fillings wrapped in cabbage or vine leaves and stuffed peppers are very popular.In this recipe we will show how to make a meat and rice filled tolma wrapped in a vine leaf, served with a matsoni, garlic and cinnamon dip/sauce.

TOLMA ( DOLMA ) – STUFFED VINE LEAVES

Ingredients (5-6 servings): For the wrapping:

up to 60 Vine leaves (new leaves will be more tender). half Kg of pork/beef mix mincemeat, 120 grams of rice, 1 tsp of red pepper, half tsp of dried coriander, salt (quantity dependent on personal preference), 4 cloves of garlic, 2 white onions. finely chopped basil, parsley and coriander is also used.

Instructions

Wash the leaves in cold water and add (individually) to a pot of salted, boiling water.

Arrange the leaves so that they lay open and flat in the pot. Boil for 3-4 minutes. When the leaves have boiled, pour the whole pot (water and leaves) into a sink full of cold water and let the leaves cool.

It is not necessary to cook the rice at this stage but we prefer to parboil it before adding it to the tolma filling. After parboiling, pour the rice into a sieve and pour cold water onto it to prevent it sticking.

Add the parboiled rice, together with the mincemeat, to a bowl. We used a meat grinder to add crushed garlic and onions. Add 1 tsp of red pepper, half tsp of dried coriander and salt (quantity dependent on personal preference). Mix the ingredients. To make an individual tolma, take a small amount of the filling and mold it by hand until it is oblong shape (5-6 cm long). The aim is to create a bite sized tolma.

Carefully place a wet vine leaf on a flat surface (we used a large wooden chopping board) and place the molded filling at the base of the leaf. Wrap the sides of the leaf over the mixture (see picture below).

Fold the base of the leaf over and repeat until you have completely wrapped the filling (see picture below). Placed the wrapped filling on a clean surface. We stack ours as it makes them easier to pick up. When all of the tolma have been made, place them in layers in a deep pot. Ensure that they are placed close to each other. Cover them with a plate and weigh the plate down with a suitable heavy object. Pour slightly salted, boiled water into the pot up to but not covering the plate. Cover the pot and cook the tolma on a lowmedium heat for 30-35 minutes. serving Dolma with Matsoni, garlic and cinnamon dip/sauce. Bon appetit!

So, prepare your apron and kitchen tools and here we go:

BOLT TAXI

YANDEX TAXI

MAXIM TAXI

FREE TAXI

WOLT

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.