Ajara Life Magazine, Issue 12

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 po 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 .

BEST PLACE FOR SHOPPING WHEN THE SHOPPING IS A PLEASURE

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

AND SEASONALITY

MOUNTAINOUS AJARA

6 REASONS TO VISIT AJARA

Dadiani Palace Museum

WEATHER AND

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

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

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

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

Summer

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

SEASONALITY IN BATUMI

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

Autumn

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. Visi tors 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.

(Source: GoBatumi.com)

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’ recrea tional 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

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

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

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 aver age height is between 2000-2500 meters.

Keda municipality

Tourists often visit Keda to see the Makhuntseti water fall. 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.

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 them selves 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 distin guished 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 predomi nate 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.

WHAT CAN YOU SEE

The Miniature Park is located in Shekvetili, in the touristic-recreational zone near Tsitsinatela Amusement Park, about half an hour north of Batumi on the Black Sea coast.

Georgia’s uniqe tourist attraction has officially working where guests are invited to take a step back in time and explore dozens of the country’s most iconic buildings and sites in small scale.

The country’s first Miniature Park opened on 2017 in Shekvetili, western Georgia. Here visitors can see 44 miniature replicas of iconic buildings and architectural monuments from all over Georgia that explore the coun try’s rich culture and history.

At 1:25 scale, which is European standard for miniature parks, visitors will be able to tower over the displays and get a birds-eye view of sites that normally engulf them.

Among the miniature displays are several iconic churches from different regions, historic stone pillars and towers and a comprehensive display of the country’s medieval city of Sighnagi.

The Miniature Park also showcases a small-scale ver sion of Narikala fortress in capital Tbilisi and many other historic monuments.

AT GEORGIA’S FIRST MINIATURE PARK?

The Miniature Park is located in Shekvetili, in the touristic-recreational zone near Tsitsinatela Amusement Park, about half an hour north of Batumi on the Black Sea coast.

Ten million GEL (about $4.28 million/€3.84 million*) was invested in the new Miniature Park. All of this funding came via a private investment by Georgian tycoon and former Prime Minister Bidzina Ivanishvili through the Cartu Charity Foundation.

A unique database that includes accurate drawings of prototypes of the miniatures featured at the park was also gifted to state by the Cartu Charity Foundation. The drawings were rendered in a way that was particularly valuable for the National Agency of Monument Protection.

Other infrastructure inside the Miniature Park includes a Visitors Centre with a mini amphitheater, a cafe and more.

TOP 6 REASONS TO VISIT AJARA

THERE ARE MANY REASONS TO VISIT ADJARA BUT HERE ARE OUR TOP 6:

1. GEORGIAN HOSPITALITY AND GOODWILL

Exceptional hospitality and the goodwill of the Georgian people make every trip to Georgia very special. According to an ancient Georgian proverb, God sends visitors to Georgia. As such, Georgian culture has developed a strong culture of hospitality. As a guest in Georgia, you will not only experi ence unparalleled hospitality, but you will also be astounded by the genuine kindness of the Georgian people.

2. THE CULTURE OF GEORGIAN SUPRA AND TRADITION OF TAMADA

3. HISTORICAL AND MODERN ARCHITECTURE

Batumi is one of the oldest cities in Georgia founded as before the Common Era. The initial settlement “Batus” is mentioned in sources from the 4th century BCE. The city’s unique history has contributed to the city’s vast architectural diversity. In the 19th century, during the “Porto Franco” period, European architects completed a number of interesting architectural projects. Later during the soviet and post-soviet times, Batumi was developed into a popular seaport and tourist destination. To this day, Batumi is still distinguished by a variety of buildings of different architectural styles.

The Georgian Supra (a traditional feast) has no equiva lent around the world. The culture of toasting does exist in many cultures; however, the Georgian “Tamada” or toastmaster has no parallel. The role of the Tamada is to lead the Supra. The Tamada is considered to be the most honorable member of a traditional Georgian Supra. The ideal Tamada is well educated, has extensive knowledge of Georgia’s history and culture, is eloquent, is sociable, has a good sense of humor and has musical ability. The Tamada should be able to lead a series of toasts on a variety of topics. He should also be able to entertain guests with poems, songs and interesting stories. The Georgian Supra is a fundamental element of Georgian identity, which is why the tradition has been preserved to this very day. In total, there are approxi mately 300 different toasts, some of which are obligatory for each Supra, regardless of its duration.

All parts of Georgia are interesting, but Ajara is place with the sea, the mountains, interesting traditions and a lot of other reasons why you should visit this region.

TOP 6 REASONS TO VISIT AJARA

THERE ARE MANY REASONS TO VISIT ADJARA BUT HERE ARE OUR TOP 6:

4. AJARIAN CUISINE AND WINE

A traditional Georgian feast is a superb display of the diversity of Georgian cuisine, cooking techniques, tablesetting traditions and other accompanying rituals. Ajarian cuisine is an inseparable aspect of Georgian cuisine. In mountainous Ajara, dairy products are common ingre dients in many dishes. Boat-shaped Ajarian khachapuri is one of the most famous Ajarian dishes. Sweets also play an important role in Ajarian cuisine. Viticulture is an essential component of Georgian and Ajarian culture that has been cultivated for hundreds of years. In total, there are around 50 different grape species in Ajara that are still used in wine production to this very day.

5. GEORGIAN CULTURE AND UNIQUE FOLKLORE

Georgia is one of the oldest Christian countries in the world, which has had a significant influence on Georgian culture. Gonio, one of the oldest settlements in Georgia, is located in Ajara. It was inhabited in the 8th-7th cen tury BCE. The Gonio Fortress, which was built by the Romans, has mythic ties to the legend of Jason and the Argonauts. Ajara is famous for its stone-arch bridges and different religious monuments. The monasteries, Gelati and Bagrati recognized by UNESCO as World Heritage Sites are located just a few hours’ drive from Batumi. Tbilisi, Mtskheta and other parts of Georgia are also very rich in unique and diverse cultural monuments. Moreo ver, non-material culture, such as Georgian polyphony and dances, are important parts of Georgian culture. Ajarian songs and dances occupy a special place in Georgian folklore.

6. LONG SEA SEASON, UNIQUE AIR AND LANDSCAPES

Batumi is an attractive destination not only during the summer season but also in spring and autumn. Visitors can sunbathe or swim as early as the beginning of May. The sea becomes even more pleasant during Septem ber and October, given Batumi’s long Indian summers. Winters are warm and summers are hot in Batumi. In addition to the seaside, visitors can also trek to the amazing mountainous regions of Ajara.

Adjara is part of the ancient Kingdom of Colchis, the place where every monument hides history behind it. If you like to read the history in monuments or artefacts, then Adjara should find its spot on your list of the world’s must-see places.

Adjara is the place of new rendezvous where you can have fun and leisure at any time of the year. Adjara has many places to see and discover, especially when you visit for the first time. However, please keep in mind one thing - you want to come back here again.

SAMEBA CATHEDRAL HOLY TRINITY CATHEDRAL

Built in year 2004, the Holy Trinity Tsminda Sameba Cathedral is also called the symbol of new Georgia. The beauty and sizes of cathedral are indeed breathtaking, and rises magnificently on the hill of the St. Ilya, on the left bank of the Kura River. Sameba is the highest church in Georgia. It is 101m high. For comparison, before Sameba, the Alaverdi Cathedral in Kakheti was considered the tallest, with about 50m in height. Sameba Cathedral was built with grandiose scope. Its golden dome is practically seen from any point in Tbilisi.

The cathedral is part of the entire complex including residence of the Patriarch and a monastery, school of theology and academy, hotel and the complex consisting of nine chapels, five of which are located under the ground.

Construction of Sameba Cathedral was timed to the 2000th anniversary of Christianity and 1500th anniversary of the independence of the Georgian church. The construction of the cathedral was decided in 1989 but it started only on 23 November 1995. The first divine service in cathedral was held on 25 December 2002 during the construction works that finally ended in 2004. Construction was sponsored by wealthy residents of the city. The square of the Sameba Cathedral equals 5000 square meters, and can place up to 15,000 people.

The foundation of the cathedral was done according to all traditions: pieces from holy spots were placed in its basement like rocks from the Sion Mountain and the Jordan River, soil from Jerusalem and from the tomb of St. George. The Patriarch and the President have laid the memorial nameplates too. Bells for the cathedral

were cast in Germany. There are nine of them, and the biggest weighs 8,000 kg.

The cathedral is designed in the spirit of modernism, and its architecture has little similarities with old traditions. Faces of the cathedral are done exquisitely with arches and unique fretwork.

There are beautiful frescoes created under the supervision of the icon painter Amiran Goglidze on the walls of the Sameba Cathedral.

Catholicos Patriarch of Georgia Ilia II also took part in painting works of the Tsminda Sameba Cathedral; he painted several icons and a big image of the Holy Virgin that can be seen at the entrance. There are two floors under the ground; on the second floor there are museum and conference hall.

Holy Trinity Cathedral is considered one of the main sights of Tbilisi.

The Trinity (Sameba) Cathedral is one of the tallest Eastern Orthodox cathedrals in the World. The cathedral complex includes an underground section and integrates nine chapels, various supplementary buildings, and beautiful gardens.

THE BEACH IN GONIO

In summer, Ajara has very hot weather, which the best time to enjoying beach vacations and excursions. Therefore, the best time to visit the Black Sea resorts falls on June till end of September.

Convenient location and excellent transport accessibility are also included in the list of beach advantages in Gonio. It is possible to get to it from Batumi by taxi, bus or minibus in just 15-20 minutes.

Gonio is a beach about 2 km long, located in the resort village of the same name, 10 km from Batumi. This is the first beach in a chain of small but cozy resorts stretching up to the Turkish border. Gonio is recognized as one of the best beaches in Adjara. It is comfortable and cozy and attracts tourists with its clean coastline, clear water, picturesque views of the mountains and the sea, a pleas ant atmosphere of solitude.

The beach in Gonio is wide and open, not crowded enough even in high season, so everyone, who is looking for a quiet, secluded place, will like it. Coverage on the beach, as well as in neighboring areas is shingle, and of quite a large size.

It is more convenient to walk on it not barefoot, but in special shoes, that can be brought or bought in the village. The entry into the sea is steep and the shallow water area is very small, so after a few meters it be comes deep. The sea bottom is rocky, the water is pure and clear. There is no natural shade on the coastline, so to hide from the sun, it is necessary take or rent a beach umbrella.

The beach in Gonio can be divided into 3 areas:

1. The central part - a landscaped area, where you can rent beach equipment.

2. The southern part, neighboring to the Kvariati beach, is most popular with merried couples with children, since there is a wider area of shallow water, an entry into the sea is sloping with a gradual transition to depth.

3. The northern part - a wild site, adjacent to the outsta tion.

The resort infrastructure in Gonio is being actively developed, therefore the beach is well equipped and has everything necessary for a comfortable pastime: rental service of beach equipment. It is often installed here in front of the surf line; within walking distance from the sea, and not at a distance, as is usually done on other beaches; changing cabins; paid beach activities - catamarans, jet skis, water skis, boat tours; volleyball court and trampolines for children; cafes and small res taurants under thatched roofs that offer Georgian cuisine. The surrounding area is often equipped with canopies and hammocks, where you can relax after a hearty meal.; outlets where you can buy souvenirs, air mat tresses, children’s circles for swimming, special beach shoes.

Sellers offering water and coffee, local sweets and fruits regularly walk along the beach. Along the entire beach stretches the waterfront, similar to the Batumi Seaside Boulevard. It is convenient for riding a bicycle, a gyro scooter, a gyroboard, making unhurried evening prom enades.

THE DYNASTY OF THE OLDEST GEORGIAN WINE PRODUCER

VLADIMIR DANELIA IS BEING CONTINUED TILL THIS DAY!

The producer and exporter of Georgian wines “Dane lia & Company” was founded in Batumi in 1907 by an entrepreneur - Danelia son of Vladimir Nikolozi. Before Sovietization, the company was considered a large producer and exporter of wine. His property consisted of a wine bottling plant in Batumi, vineyards in different regions of Georgia, wine brand stores in Batumi, Trabzon, Marseille and other cities.

Vladimir was born in Martvili in 1880. Vladimir’s an cestors lived in Martvili (meaning martyred in Greek) from ancient times, planted vines on the church lands and made excellent red wine Ojalesh. Martvilil used to be called Chkondid (big oak in Maghreb). In 996, King Bagrat III, the unifier of Georgia, built the Martvili temple on the site of Great Oak, where the residence of the archbishop of Samegrelo, Chkondideli, was

In the Nobel Brothers technological museum we have the exposition corner of Danelia’s wine company.

located. At the same time, when the Georgian army was going to war, the bishop of Chkondi led with a big cross in his hand and prayed to the army before the battle. King Bagrat IV and Davit Dadiani, the last head of Samegrelo, are enshrined in Martvili Cathedral.

Danelia is one of the oldest surnames in Georgia. Like many Georgian surnames, the etymology is related to the biblical name. In particular, with the name of the prophet Daniel (old perception), Daniel means “God’s judgment”, and literally means “God is my judge”. Danelias live in two neighboring districts - Lekhain drao and Najakhavo, this district is located between Tekhura and Takhurtskal (Gaghma Zanat).

The Danelias family had their own church and inside the church they hid a Webertela cauldron, which they

filled with wine of the “Shonuri” variety, and on Easter day they removed themselves. (from the materials of Academician Jacob Akhuashvili).

Church wine in Georgia has been made from Ojaleshi grapes since ancient times. Vladimir’s ancestors (they were also priests) used honey and bee hives to prepare the wine for the church wine, increasing the beneficial properties of the drink. They carefully kept the secret of this ancestral technology and passed it down from generation to generation, like a great relic.

In the technology museum named after the Nobel brothers, there is an exposition corner of Vladimir Danelia.

The history of one of the old ancestral producers of

Vladimir was born in Martvili in 1880.

Vladimir’s ancestors lived in Martvili (meaning martyred in Greek) from ancient times, planted vines on the church lands and made excellent red wine Ojalesh. Martvilil used to be called Chkondid (big oak in Maghreb).

Georgian wine - “Danelia & Company” and its brand - “Danelia Wine” is outstanding and unique. “Danelia wine” is made by centuries-old ancestral technology from the grapes of the wine vine using honey and bee hives. Treatment of wine with honey increases the beneficial properties of the drink. According to ex perts, semi-dry and semi-sweet “Danelia wine” made from different grapes (Ojaleshi, Alexandrouli, Saferavi and others) has a unique content and original taste properties. At the same time, “Danelia Wine ‘’ meets all the requirements of the brand: distinctive name and visual (1907 label); different technology, taste and aroma; Also, the age required for a wine brand is more than a century. On May 29, 2019, Danelia’s traditional ancestral winemaking technology was granted the status of an intangible cultural heritage monument.

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 pro vide 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 over whelming. 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.

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 experi ence 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 sup pressed, 14 natural monuments and 2 protected landscapes in Georgia.

The Georgian landscape is especially suited to eco-tourists, due to its relatively unspoiled status and absence of mass tourism. Amateur botanists or zoologists are going to find themselves in a real heaven full of rare plants and animals.

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

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.

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

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

GEORGIA’S INTERIOR MINISTRY LAUNCHES CAMPAIGN ON PUBLIC SAFETY, RULE OF LAW IN BATUMI

The Georgian interior ministry has launched an informa tion campaign aiming to raise awareness on public safety and the rule of law, particularly among the young genera tions, the interior ministry said on Thursday.

The ministry kicked off the campaign - entitled Befriend the Police - from Georgia’s seaside city of Batumi, with police and emergency service vehicles and equipment displayed in the downtown.

The ministry’s service agency, forensic investigations department, border police, emergency management ser vice, security police and special tasks department were also presented at the event to visitors, including young

participants who were invited to take part in “cognitive and entertaining activities”.

Information on public safety and road safety issues was also introduced to the audience at the launch, with visitors also invited to try their hand in simulated first aid provision and learn about the work of the involved institutions.

Running through the end of the next month in six of the main cities of Georgia, the campaign also includes visits to schools, where the ministry professionals will speak to students about public safety, law and order.

Source: Agenda.ge

The campaign aims to raise awareness on public safety and the rule of law among the young generation. Photo: interior ministry press office

TOURIST VISITS TO GEORGIA RECOVER BY 67% FROM PRE-PANDEMIC 2019

International tourist visits to Georgia between January and September of this year have marked a 67.8 percent recovery from the pre-pandemic 2019 statistics, deputy economy Minister Mariam Kvrivishvili said on Tuesday while presenting a report of the domestic tourism and aviation industries.

Kvrivishvili said the number of international tourist visits had reached 2,704,133 in the reporting period, with the number included in the 3,892,605 international travellers with all purposes. The latter figure has marked a 53.8 percent recovery from the pre-pandemic figure.

An impressive growth was also observed in the recovery of revenues from international tourism. A 94.6 percent recovery was recorded between January-August 2022 from the same period of 2019, and the revenue reached $2.1 billion. In August alone, the dynamics of recovery amounted to 126.7

percent”, Kvrivishvili said.

She also stated that compared to 2019, a 100 percent increase had been observed in the airline sector in terms of resumption of flights as well as flight frequencies.

Today, 43 airline companies operate flights to 86 destinations on the Georgian airline market”, Kvrivishvili said. The deputy minister also shared a forecast for 2025, saying the number of visits by international visitors was expected to reach 10 million, with the revenue exceeding $5 billion.

Economy minister Levan Davitashvili said tourism, related industries and the airline sector had been “most affected” by the Covid-19 pandemic, but added “we were able to create a positive dynamic in terms of tourism recovery during the post-pandemic period”.

Source: Agenda.ge

The deputy minister also shared a forecast for 2025, saying the number of visits by international visitors was expected to reach 10 million, with the revenue exceeding $5 billion.

ZUGDIDI A HISTORICAL CITY IN WEST OF GEORGIA

The city is the capital of the Samegrelo-Zemo Svaneti region, which combines Samegrelo (Mingrelia) and Svaneti. The name “Zugdidi” means “big/great hill” in Laz and Mingrelian.

Zugdidi served as the capital of the principality of Mingrelia (Odishi) until 1867, when the principality was abolished by the Russian Empire. In 1993 the administration of the first President of Georgia, Zviad Gamsakhurdia, was here.

Get in Trains run to Tbilisi and all stops on the way. Night trains are also available, and are the most popular way to get from Tbilisi to Zugdidi, since the marshrutkas to Mestia are coordinated with them. Arrival in Zugdidi is at 6:30AM. Marshrutkas and buses are also available to most major cities in Georgia.

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The name “Zugdidi” first appears in XVII century. Literally it means “big hill” in Mingrelian language. An alternative version of the name recorded in old sources is “Zubdidi” with same meaning from Megrelian.

THE DADIANI PALACE MUSEUM

A BEAUTIFUL MANSION FULL OF HISTORY TO DISCOVER.

Dadiani Palaces Historical and Architectural Museum in Zugdidi, West Georgia, Samegrelo region, was established in 1921 and contains 41000 items.

The museum complex includes: palaces of the Samegrelo queen Ekaterine ChavchavadzeDadiani and Prince Niko Dadiani, court church, and the botanic garden. In 1850 Prince David Dadiani organized museum in the palace and displayed unique numismatic materials from the present day village Nokalakevi, the antique period town and Dadiani family collections of medieval European armor and weapons, ethnographic objects and fine art.

At the present in the museum are kept: samples of the I c. B.C. – XIX A.D. goldsmith works: icons, various religious objects, fine art samples; archaeological materials from Greek and Georgian antique culture; collection of Christian sacred objects, samples of European applied art (of Boulet, Rococo, Empire styles); relics of Samegrelo princes, royal families of France (numerous items connected with the Napoleon Buonaparte, from Ashil Miurat – Son in law of David Dadiani), Russia, Spain; XV-XIX c.c. manuscripts and charters; libraries of Napoleon (6.000 items) and Dadiani family; samples of European and Asian weapons; collection of paintings of Russian peredvizhniks, French painters of battle-pieces, and English painters of seascapes; rich collection of photographs (5.000 items); collection of crystal, china and faience crockery (French, German, Russian), etc.

This holiday season, forget the plane ticket to Milan. Cancel Berlin. And don’t bother with London. Instead, head to Georgia. (And we don’t mean hop on a local liner to Atlanta to enjoy a game of college football and a mint julep.) Georgia also happens to be the name of a tiny Caucasus country that sits under the belly of Russia and borders Turkey, Armenia, and Azerbaijan—a hidden, Black Sea–skirting gem tucked between Eastern Europe and Western Asia.

The recommendation to visit is not so random either. The country has been under an international spotlight recently thanks to the Georgian-born designer Demna Gvasalia of Vetements, who is also now the creative director of Balenciaga. And it doesn’t stop at the runway: Georgian cuisine has been making a delectable move to the States. So why not head to the country to see the trove of cool for yourself? Here, the top five reasons why you should book your ticket and explore Tbilisi, Georgia—now.

The Calorie-Boasting Cuisine

Over the past few years, a wave of Georgian

restaurants have become a hit stateside: homelike nooks on New York’s Lower East Side such as Oda House, or Compass Rose in Washington, D.C. And there is no doubt about why this Eastern European cuisine has crossed the Atlantic. Who wouldn’t love the rich and delicious clogyour-arteries effect? Aside from broth-y, meatstuffed dumplings called khinkali, or badrijani nigvzit, walnut-and-garlic-filled eggplant rolls, the perfect example of an ultimate calorie-packed national delicacy is khachapuri adjaruli. In this dish, the bread is in the shape of a pinched boat, stuffed and baked with a traditional Georgian cheese called suluguni , topped with a melted stick of butter and raw egg, and then mixed together by the server or diners. Too tame to try the fresh-from-the-chicken garnish? You can also opt for a simple khachapuri. It’s still guaranteed to leave you happily full as well as soar past your daily nutritional requirements. The best way to top it off, too? A swig of Georgian wine—it’s fermented in a kveri,a B.C. tradition that involves a clay vessel buried far underground. We’ll toast to that anytime.

WHY GEORGIA

Head to the Old City for Some Cobblestone Cool

A blast from the past, the Old City of Tbilisi looks intact from its ancient Byzantine-meets-Russian inception. The 12th-century MetekhiChurch sits on top of a cliff, while primary color–slathered houses pop in the foreground and buildings appear as if they may tip into the Mtkvari River. As you explore the throwback section, make sure to catch the city’s famed marionette show by Rezo Gabriadze, held in a teetering clock tower, or pick up a simple souvenir. Also, remember to look toward the sky when you walk: Traditional Georgian architecture is known for its high-scooping, filigreelike take on woodwork when it comes to balconies.

Georgia’s Heart-Pumping Take on Ballet

Ready for some ballet? No, not the delicate Swan Lake–type pirouettes or wispy ballerina topknots. We’re talking swords, shields, and lots of lower body strength. Welcome to the Sukhishvili Georgian National Ballet. Founded by ballet dancers Iliko Sukhishvili and Nino Ramishvili in 1945 (it was previously named Georgian National Ballet), the Georgian style of dance is an intense, chest-puffing production, pumped with testosterone and sweat—almost like a weapon-waving cardio workout in traditional Georgian clothing. Another fun fact? The men skip the classic box-toe ballet shoes. Talk about tough.

The Down-Low Spa Experience: The Sulfur Baths

Need to soak off that jet lag? The quickest cure-all is to take a dive into the Georgian version of the Turkish hammam or Russian banya: the sulfur bath. Built on hot sulfur springs, tons of bathhouses offer visitors a dip in warm, egg-scented pools of water to rejuvenate. The ancient tradition is said to have magical healing powers, from curing muscle aches to clearing up skin. And you don’t need deep pockets to experience the poached egg moment: A typical dip ranges from $20 to $70. If you want to get the luxe treatment, you can rent out a private bathhouse, complete with a personal massage-meets-scrub and a sauna room to sweat it out.

Where to Stay: Rooms Hotel

Please, skip the adventure of booking an Airbnb or a youth-packed hostel when you arrive in Tbilisi. The place to stay is Rooms Hotel—or as the locals simply refer to it, Rooms. A part of the Design Hotels franchise that includes the Ludlow Hotel and Crosby Street Hotel, Rooms is a chic limbo that wavers between Georgia and New York. There is a throwback vibe to the decor: antique rugs, plush lounge couches, and a very-wellstocked library. Hungry or thirsty? There is a stellar cocktail bar (complete with a mixologist), and the food is locally sourced. Expect to eat up and sleep well.

Source: [ www.vogue.com]

IS THE SECRET GEM OF EUROPE?

PROMOTING TOURISM

The Enguri dome-shaped dam is considered a unique construction in global hydroelectric engineering.

Georgia is encouraging people to go to the far north-west and visit one of the country’s most unique monuments, the Enguri River dam.

The dome-shaped dam is regarded as the world’s second largest concrete arch dam, measuring 271.5 metres high and 728 metres wide.

This week officials announced plans to build new tourist infrastructure at the site to encourage more local and foreign visitors. This new infrastructure included a visitor centre, museum and high lookout spots that overlooked Enguri River.

The dam located near Georgia’s north-western town of Jvari, was last years added to the list of the country’s most distinguished cultural heritage sights and officially granted the status of National Monument.

Enguri dam is an interesting place in Georgia as it lies on the administrative boundary separating Georgia from its occupied Abkhazia region. The dam is part of the Enguri Hydro-Electric Power Plant.

In a unique division, the dam is located on Georgiancontrolled territory while the underground station of the power plant - serving to generate electricity - is on the other side, under Abkhazian control. Because of this it is jointly operated by staff from both sides of the Administrative Boundary Line (ABL).

The plan to develop the monument was created with help from Estonian experts Ott Sarapuu and Andrus Koeresaar and will include efforts to involve the Abkhazian side in preparing a submission to recognise the dam as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

AT GEORGIA’S UNIQUE ENGURI DAM

Recognised as the largest hydroelectric plant in South Caucasus, the Enguri power plant is a sprawling complex built on an area of nearly 1,000 km2, from Jvari town to the Black Sea.

The electricity generated by the dam goes back into grids in Abkhazia, while it also serves nearly half of Georgia’s hydro energy requirements.

Construction of Enguri dam began in 1961 and at the time was unprecedented for its scale and ambition.

Completed in 1977, the dam was the final result of a half-century process initiated by Georgian public figure Niko Nikoladze (1843-1928) just before World War I. Aiming to find ways to use Georgia’s rich hydroelectric potential, Nikoladze invited engineers from St. Petersburg, Russia to study the feasibility of

building a plant on Enguri River. Their efforts, as well as a number of follow-up projects over the following decades by independent experts and Soviet-era planners were deemed unfeasible due to financial and practical considerations, before the 1961 project received green light from authorities.

The final Enguri dam construction was the largest-ever industrial project in Georgia, with the finished plant attracting attention of international experts and global engineering publications over decades during the Soviet era.

Involving a specially created mix of concrete building material, the building was the largest arched hydroelectric dam in the world until a construction of a larger dam project in China began in 2012.

(Source: Agenda.ge)

Ну а в стартовом городке можно было поучится полезным навыкам в Школе скорочтения IQ007, выполнить интеллектуальные задания от центра Qac tion, пройти мастер-класс по живописи от арт-студии “Марили”, сфотографироваться в фотозоне или приобрести фирменную футболку забега. Про перекус тоже не забыли: семейная пироговая

Brisee угощала участников мероприятия фирменной выпечкой.

Победители забега на разных дистанциях стали - многократные победители соревнований клуба

Дмитрий Памфилов, Кристина

Варданян, Богдан Коваль, а также победившие впервые Мария Булова, Анастасия Темнова, Тема Забавнов и конечно “железный

человек”, супер триатлонист Илья Рогожин, с большим отрывом победивший на полумарафоне. Самому опытному участнику соревнований было 73 года самому младшему 3 года. Абсолютно все участники получили медали с символикой забега, а победители стали обладателями призов от партнеров мероприятия:

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!

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!

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BOLT FOOD

Here, Chef Elene shares her recipe for GEORGIAN BEAN DISH

Lobio (Georgian: ლობიო), is a popular dish made with kidney beans and usually eaten with Mchadi and marinaded vegetables .

The Georgian word ‘lobio’ means ‘beans’. There are a number of varieties of this dish and we will show how to make one of the most popular.

LOBIO

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

LOBIO (GEORGIAN BEAN DISH)

Ingredients (4 servings):

400 grams of dried red kidney beans, 100 grams of onions, 50 grams of fresh green coriander (optional), 2 cloves of garlic, a pinch of dried coriander, half spoon of dried Blue Fenugreek, 3 bay leaves, 1 tsp black pepper and 70 grams of oil, 2 tsp salt.

Instructions

Soak beans in cold water for two hours prior to cooking. Drain water and add beans, bay leaves and salt to a deep pot containing 1.5 liters of water. Cook on a medium heat until the beans are tender. Chop the fresh coriander and onions.

Add fresh and dried coriander, Blue Fenugreek, garlic, black pepper and a pinch of salt to a mortar. Grind the ingredients with a pestle. Fry the chopped onions in a pan of hot oil.

Drain the water from the cooked kidney beans but keep 200 milliliters in a separate jug to use later. Use the back of a wooden spoon to mash the beans on the side of the pot.

Add the ingredients that were crushed in a mortar, together with fried onions and the oil they were fried in. Mash all ingredients until completely mixed, add the 200 milliliters of bean water (saved when draining the beans).

Transfer the ingredients to a pot and cook on a medium heat for 4-5 minutes, stirring occasionally. Georgian baked in individual clay pots in the oven.

Bon appetit!

Stay Amazing!

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