NOTE: FOR ALL READERS/VISITORS
IN-ORDER TO EASILY NAVIGATE [TO VIEW THE CONTENTS AND TO SELECT AND READ YOUR PREFERRED PAGES OF THIS BLOG], ON THE RIGHT-HAND-SIDE COLUMN, THE LIST OF EACH SEPARATE PAGES IS GIVEN TOPIC-WISE WITH INBUILT CLICKABLE LINKS! KINDLY MAKE USE OF IT!
Landscape, Mountains And River!
Landscape, Mountains, River, Highway, Snow & Shadow!
NOTE: FOR ALL READERS/VISITORS
IN-ORDER TO EASILY NAVIGATE [TO VIEW THE CONTENTS AND TO SELECT AND READ YOUR PREFERRED PAGES OF THIS BLOG], ON THE RIGHT-HAND-SIDE COLUMN, THE LIST OF EACH SEPARATE PAGES IS GIVEN TOPIC-WISE WITH INBUILT CLICKABLE LINKS! KINDLY MAKE USE OF IT!
Landscape, Mountains And River!
Landscape, Mountains, River, Highway, Snow & Shadow!
Landscape, Mountains And River!
Landscape, Mountains, River, Highway, Snow & Shadow!
Landscape, Mountains, River, Highway, Snow & Shadow!
Is that so simple to get a
"Georgian Visa"?
Yes it is! You are not required to visit the
Georgian Embassy at all! From your home or office, on your laptop just visit
the following link; https://www.evisa.gov.ge/GeoVisa/en/VisaApp
Fill-out the most simplest visa application form; when compared to any-other country and be ready to upload your passport-data page, your passport size photo, also you need to pay an online visa fee of just 20 US dollars and expect your Georgian e-visa within five working days to your email inbox!
Fill-out the most simplest visa application form; when compared to any-other country and be ready to upload your passport-data page, your passport size photo, also you need to pay an online visa fee of just 20 US dollars and expect your Georgian e-visa within five working days to your email inbox!
I applied online for the Georgian Visa on 27th
September 2016 and got the E-Visa approved on 4th Oct 2016! I astonished as
this is the first time I directly applied a Visa for myself and got it
approved! Additionally the visa is a multiple entry visa valid for four
consecutive months with one month permit for stay! Wow Georgia!
Note: For many developed countries even the e-visa may not be required and all they need to have is their Bio-Metric Passport to prove their legal status! Moreover for many developed countries the duration of visa validity and the permission to stay in Georgia are very high!
What would be the cost for a tour to "Georgia":
I applied online for the Georgian Visa on 27th
September 2016 and got the E-Visa approved on 4th Oct 2016! I astonished as
this is the first time I directly applied a Visa for myself and got it
approved! Additionally the visa is a multiple entry visa valid for four
consecutive months with one month permit for stay! Wow Georgia!
Note: For many developed countries even the e-visa may not be required and all they need to have is their Bio-Metric Passport to prove their legal status! Moreover for many developed countries the duration of visa validity and the permission to stay in Georgia are very high!
What would be the cost for a tour to "Georgia":
As I had few meetings and an inaugural function in my
office, I was postponing my visit to Georgia for few weeks. On the other hand I
was in search of tourist agencies, which operates directly from Georgia; among which I
found "VISIT GEORGIA" as the best, cost-wise reasonable and most
trust-worthy company!
Therefore out of my personal experience I have few recommendations for your betterment and they are; kindly choose the 'travel-agency called "Visit Georgia" and choose their package called "GUARANTEED DEPARTURE TOURS".
It would be a tour of 5-6 days and the cost of the entire tour is just 280$, which includes: Accommodation, transportation, guide service, meals for 4-breakfasts and 2-dinners for an individual! You can refer my name and try to claim some discounts from Visit Georgia! LOL:)
For more info kindly visit: www.visitgeorgia.ge
Is that Safe to Visit Georgia?!
I agree that similar to "Ukraine", "Georgia" too had disputes and conflicts with "Russia" but everything is cool for the last couple of years and as a result there is no more war, no border issues, no theft, no mafia; therefore you can feel 100% safe in "Georgia" either during day or in night!
I noticed that more people are visiting "Georgia" from "Europe" including "Russia" as "Georgia"
serves as the best welcoming tourist destination in Europe! I also observed that more students from India are studying in "Georgia"!
As the current President of Georgia Mr. Giorgi Margvelashvili who won in the sixth presidential elections held in Georgia on 27 October 2013, since the country's restoration of independence from the Soviet Union in 1991, Georgia gained a fresh opportunity for an amicable relationship with Russia.
Mr. Giorgi Margvelashvili seems to be more capable to maintain prospective tie-ups with European Union and a friendly relationship with Russia, and as a result on one hand the country is facing sustainable growth on the other hand Georgia is now 100% safe
from any military conflicts!
I'm @ Georgia: The Balcony
of Europe!
My Flight Bookings and few shareable info:
Finally during the month-end of October 2016, I booked my 'To and Fro'
Air-Arabia Flight Tickets, which is the most cheapest but time-wise accurate
Airlines! Here I wish to educate you with few crucial information about the
international flight bookings;
1) Make sure you book the international flight bookings a
minimum of 2-weeks prior to your travelling date so that you may enjoy the
following benefits;
A) You can search week wise and day wise availability
of flights and book a flight with less waiting time during transit as
there is no direct flight available from "CHENNAI-TBILISI" (or)
"TBILISI-CHENNAI"!
B) If you book in advance; you would have the option of refund
in case of cancelling the ticket and hopefully when you wish to make any
changes with the date of travelling you can get it accomplished at reasonable
charges!
2) I recommend the "AirArabia" flight for you as it is not only the cheapest Airlines to go for a tour to "Georgia" but also it serves as most
punctual and reasonably comfortable.
There are "AirArabia" flights which has a less waiting
time of 2 hours as well as longest waiting time of 16 hours during transit.
Make sure you book the flight which has a less waiting time during transit.
3) Make sure that you look at the time of departure before you book the flights tickets as it is similarly important like the date of travel. Example: Ticket shows the travel date is on 28th Nov 2016 at 00:15 AM, which means your reporting time in the Airport would be at 09:15 PM on 27th Nov 2016!
2-negative facts about the AirArabia flights:
1) They do not provide any food or water instead they sell everything for higher cost! Ex. I requested a water-bottle in Air Arabia flight, they informed me that it costs 3-UAE Dirhams but when I paid them 100 INR they returned me only one-AED, where they have to pay me a balance of minimum of 2-AED!
When I questioned about the balance, they replied me that they first converted the INR-USD and then reconverted USD-AED, eventually my balance of one more AED has gone for a toss!
2) When you call "AirArabia" for any changes in the date of travel, you may have to pay around 100$. Therefore they sell tickets cheaper but charge us more when we approach them later for water or for whatsoever!
Note: Even beyond the above setbacks "AirArabia" flights continues to be the cheaper, comfortable and more prompt!
I suggest "GOIBIBO.COM" for your online flight bookings as they not only display the cheapest flights but in addition to that they also provide discounts for their customers. I had paid only 560 US$ to them for my "To and Fro" flight tickets, which includes a travel insurance for 9 USD, after the deduction of all discounts!
My Flight to Georgia:
On the night of 1st Nov 2016, I reached the Chennai
International Airport few hours before the departure time using the cab service. When I reached the "Air-Arabia" Counter, the executive
over there informed his supervisor about 'my intended visit to Georgia' and the supervisor contacted his reporting manager!
As I had few meetings and an inaugural function in my
office, I was postponing my visit to Georgia for few weeks. On the other hand I
was in search of tourist agencies, which operates directly from Georgia; among which I
found "VISIT GEORGIA" as the best, cost-wise reasonable and most
trust-worthy company!
Therefore out of my personal experience I have few recommendations for your betterment and they are; kindly choose the 'travel-agency called "Visit Georgia" and choose their package called "GUARANTEED DEPARTURE TOURS".
It would be a tour of 5-6 days and the cost of the entire tour is just 280$, which includes: Accommodation, transportation, guide service, meals for 4-breakfasts and 2-dinners for an individual! You can refer my name and try to claim some discounts from Visit Georgia! LOL:)
For more info kindly visit: www.visitgeorgia.ge
For more info kindly visit: www.visitgeorgia.ge
Is that Safe to Visit Georgia?!
I agree that similar to "Ukraine", "Georgia" too had disputes and conflicts with "Russia" but everything is cool for the last couple of years and as a result there is no more war, no border issues, no theft, no mafia; therefore you can feel 100% safe in "Georgia" either during day or in night!
I noticed that more people are visiting "Georgia" from "Europe" including "Russia" as "Georgia"
serves as the best welcoming tourist destination in Europe! I also observed that more students from India are studying in "Georgia"!
As the current President of Georgia Mr. Giorgi Margvelashvili who won in the sixth presidential elections held in Georgia on 27 October 2013, since the country's restoration of independence from the Soviet Union in 1991, Georgia gained a fresh opportunity for an amicable relationship with Russia.
Mr. Giorgi Margvelashvili seems to be more capable to maintain prospective tie-ups with European Union and a friendly relationship with Russia, and as a result on one hand the country is facing sustainable growth on the other hand Georgia is now 100% safe
from any military conflicts!
I'm @ Georgia: The Balcony
of Europe!
My Flight Bookings and few shareable info:
Finally during the month-end of October 2016, I booked my 'To and Fro'
Air-Arabia Flight Tickets, which is the most cheapest but time-wise accurate
Airlines! Here I wish to educate you with few crucial information about the
international flight bookings;
1) Make sure you book the international flight bookings a
minimum of 2-weeks prior to your travelling date so that you may enjoy the
following benefits;
A) You can search week wise and day wise availability
of flights and book a flight with less waiting time during transit as
there is no direct flight available from "CHENNAI-TBILISI" (or)
"TBILISI-CHENNAI"!
B) If you book in advance; you would have the option of refund
in case of cancelling the ticket and hopefully when you wish to make any
changes with the date of travelling you can get it accomplished at reasonable
charges!
2) I recommend the "AirArabia" flight for you as it is not only the cheapest Airlines to go for a tour to "Georgia" but also it serves as most
punctual and reasonably comfortable.
There are "AirArabia" flights which has a less waiting
time of 2 hours as well as longest waiting time of 16 hours during transit.
Make sure you book the flight which has a less waiting time during transit.
3) Make sure that you look at the time of departure before you book the flights tickets as it is similarly important like the date of travel. Example: Ticket shows the travel date is on 28th Nov 2016 at 00:15 AM, which means your reporting time in the Airport would be at 09:15 PM on 27th Nov 2016!
3) Make sure that you look at the time of departure before you book the flights tickets as it is similarly important like the date of travel. Example: Ticket shows the travel date is on 28th Nov 2016 at 00:15 AM, which means your reporting time in the Airport would be at 09:15 PM on 27th Nov 2016!
1) They do not provide any food or water instead they sell everything for higher cost! Ex. I requested a water-bottle in Air Arabia flight, they informed me that it costs 3-UAE Dirhams but when I paid them 100 INR they returned me only one-AED, where they have to pay me a balance of minimum of 2-AED!
2) When you call "AirArabia" for any changes in the date of travel, you may have to pay around 100$. Therefore they sell tickets cheaper but charge us more when we approach them later for water or for whatsoever!
Note: Even beyond the above setbacks "AirArabia" flights continues to be the cheaper, comfortable and more prompt!
I suggest "GOIBIBO.COM" for your online flight bookings as they not only display the cheapest flights but in addition to that they also provide discounts for their customers. I had paid only 560 US$ to them for my "To and Fro" flight tickets, which includes a travel insurance for 9 USD, after the deduction of all discounts!
My Flight to Georgia:
On the night of 1st Nov 2016, I reached the Chennai International Airport few hours before the departure time using the cab service. When I reached the "Air-Arabia" Counter, the executive over there informed his supervisor about 'my intended visit to Georgia' and the supervisor contacted his reporting manager!
The supervisor and the manager had a lengthy discussion about my tour plan, my appearance, my documents, etc., and only then I had been permitted to proceed further! Again, when I reached the Indian immigration counter I faced the similar questions but as I prepared all the required documents in advance and in-order, I was permitted to boarding!
All passengers should be aware that they can't carry water bottles and enter any flight, no-matter whichever Airlines it belongs to! Either you have to drink the whole water before baggage checking or you have to drop it in dustbin at the baggage checking counter! The only option available is; passengers have to buy it inside the flight.
If passengers could buy some eatables, in a mall or supermarket outside the Airport and stock it for the flight travel, they can definitely save around 100$ when they travel as a family!!
My flight first reached Sharjah for an transit; luckily throughout my journey in all airports, flights and during transit I got very good co-passengers as friends and the transit time got completed very quickly and my flight started flying from Sharjah towards Tbilisi!
I'M IN "TBILISI AIRPORT"
Tbilisi Airport: The Best in Eastern Europe!
My flight was nearing the "Tbilisi Airport" on 2nd November 2016 around 4:40 pm in the evening, I was little disturbed due to the inquiries I faced at Air Arabia and Immigration Counters in India and now for the first time in my lifetime I have to face a foreign immigration officer!
When I reached "Tbilisi Airport" my lungs started consuming less oxygen due to the pressure of thoughts about immigration inquiries, which started pulling me down!
I noticed there were multiple immigration counters, some officers smiled at the passengers and few are robotic; naturally when I observed the officer who handled my queue I found her gloomy! I thought to change my queue but soon changed my mind because such changes might be noticed in cameras and handled in a different way!
When I reached the gloomy immigration officer as expected she directed me towards a counter situated at the extreme end of the hall where I had been rounded by two officers and they started launching questions, all but the same question;
1) Who invited you! 2) Who invited you!! 3) Who invited you!!!
I replied them: I'm a tourist and nobody has invited me and started triggering the documents that I had in a big folder one after another. After viewing them randomly but carefully, the officers responded; yes your documents are good!
Once the verification of all my documents got completed by multiple immigration officers in Tbilisi Airport I had been redirected to a new immigration counter which was a special counter for official visits!
I informed the smiling 'lady officer' sitting on her rolling chair; Mam I not a special person and my passport is an ordinary passport, is that OK, will you handle me?!
She replied, you are welcome sir and she cleared my immigration very quickly with a great smile on her face, from then I enjoyed similar great smiles throughout my journey in Georgia from each and every Georgian faces!
I came out of the immigration hall and inhaled more oxygen and found my baggage is the last one left in the baggage carousel!
Lonely In The Lovely Planet; Georgia!
List of documents that I suggest for Tourists:
The supervisor and the manager had a lengthy discussion about my tour plan, my appearance, my documents, etc., and only then I had been permitted to proceed further! Again, when I reached the Indian immigration counter I faced the similar questions but as I prepared all the required documents in advance and in-order, I was permitted to boarding!
All passengers should be aware that they can't carry water bottles and enter any flight, no-matter whichever Airlines it belongs to! Either you have to drink the whole water before baggage checking or you have to drop it in dustbin at the baggage checking counter! The only option available is; passengers have to buy it inside the flight.
If passengers could buy some eatables, in a mall or supermarket outside the Airport and stock it for the flight travel, they can definitely save around 100$ when they travel as a family!!
My flight first reached Sharjah for an transit; luckily throughout my journey in all airports, flights and during transit I got very good co-passengers as friends and the transit time got completed very quickly and my flight started flying from Sharjah towards Tbilisi!
My flight first reached Sharjah for an transit; luckily throughout my journey in all airports, flights and during transit I got very good co-passengers as friends and the transit time got completed very quickly and my flight started flying from Sharjah towards Tbilisi!
I'M IN "TBILISI AIRPORT"
Tbilisi Airport: The Best in Eastern Europe!
My flight was nearing the "Tbilisi Airport" on 2nd November 2016 around 4:40 pm in the evening, I was little disturbed due to the inquiries I faced at Air Arabia and Immigration Counters in India and now for the first time in my lifetime I have to face a foreign immigration officer!
When I reached "Tbilisi Airport" my lungs started consuming less oxygen due to the pressure of thoughts about immigration inquiries, which started pulling me down!
I noticed there were multiple immigration counters, some officers smiled at the passengers and few are robotic; naturally when I observed the officer who handled my queue I found her gloomy! I thought to change my queue but soon changed my mind because such changes might be noticed in cameras and handled in a different way!
When I reached the gloomy immigration officer as expected she directed me towards a counter situated at the extreme end of the hall where I had been rounded by two officers and they started launching questions, all but the same question;
1) Who invited you! 2) Who invited you!! 3) Who invited you!!!
I replied them: I'm a tourist and nobody has invited me and started triggering the documents that I had in a big folder one after another. After viewing them randomly but carefully, the officers responded; yes your documents are good!
Once the verification of all my documents got completed by multiple immigration officers in Tbilisi Airport I had been redirected to a new immigration counter which was a special counter for official visits!
I informed the smiling 'lady officer' sitting on her rolling chair; Mam I not a special person and my passport is an ordinary passport, is that OK, will you handle me?!
She replied, you are welcome sir and she cleared my immigration very quickly with a great smile on her face, from then I enjoyed similar great smiles throughout my journey in Georgia from each and every Georgian faces!
I came out of the immigration hall and inhaled more oxygen and found my baggage is the last one left in the baggage carousel!
List of documents that I suggest for Tourists:
Lonely In The Lovely Planet; Georgia!
List of documents that I suggest for Tourists:
Hereby I wish to provide a list of documents to be prepared in advance and in-order for immigration clearance from a developing country like India to any Europe country for tour purpose as those tourists might be considered as people engaged in smuggling that includes drug trafficking, people trying for illegal migration or unreported employment!
1) Original Passports [if you have old and new].
2) Original e-visa printout [not a photocopy]; if the visa has not been furnished on the passport.
3) Copy of itinerary [a planned route] for the intended trip i.e. "To and Fro" flight details including transit information provided by the Airlines.
4) Copy of receipt of payment from the tour-agency.
5) Tour plan from the tour-agency.
6) Overseas hotel room booking information sheet from tour-agency.
7) Travel insurance policy which has an overseas / international health Coverage.
8) Leave approval letter from the current employer, which includes the date of re-joining once you are back from the tour.
9) Your recent / latest 6 months bank statements.
10) Copy of credit cards that will be with you during your tour.
11) Try to have approximately 50-100 dollars / Euros per day for the intended days of stay, with Forex purchase bill.
12) If possible list-out all the above information and draft a covering letter addressing the immigration officers in your and foreign country.
I was Welcomed by my Georgian Tour-Agency!
I'm in driver seat & Irakli @ front door
I'm @ front door and Gourami in his seat
Selfie: Irakli @ Left, I'm The Middle, Gourami @ Right
Now I'm at the exit-point of the "Tbilisi Airport" where I found two persons standing together and one of them who is tall and handsome was holding a nameplate that has my name printed on it!
I asked them are you the guys from "Visit Georgia" and the tall guy was surprised to see me on a casual wear without a coat and tie as that is how I appeared on my G-Mail profile photo during my communications with "Visit Georgia"!
The taller and handsome guy introduced the other guy as the driver and the driver's name as Gourami. He then introduced himself as the tour guide and informed me that he would let me know how to pronounce his own name later as it would be little difficult to pronounce. I straightaway called the guide as Irakli to his surprise as I knew well about Irakli Garibashvili; the former Prime Minister of Georgia!
Irakli pointed out a nice Nissan car in the parking area and informed me that it is the one which is allotted for my whole tour and I was really happy about it! It seemed to be a recently purchased car, which was luxurious and flawless during my complete Georgian tour!
While travelling from the Airport towards the hotel, Irakli started explaining an interesting but pathetic incident that took place in Tbilisi last year on the night of 13th to 14th June 2015. On our way he was pointing-out the roads where the wild animals were roaming last year, which resulted with invasion of tourists to Tbilisi carrying their cameras to capture those unimaginable roaming of wild animals on the highways!
Creating awareness on protecting the Zoo-Animals:
A significant flood occurred in the Vere River valley in Tbilisi, the capital of Georgia, on the night of 13 to 14 June 2015. It resulted in at least 20 human deaths and struck the Tbilisi Zoo, leaving half of its animal inhabitants either dead or on the loose.
The Tbilisi Zoo lost more than 300 animals, nearly half of its inhabitants: the majority were killed by flooding. Several surviving inhabitants of the zoo—a hippopotamus, big cats, wolves, bears, and hyenas—escaped from destroyed pens and cages to the streets of Tbilisi and a police unit was employed to round them up.
Some were killed, others were recaptured and brought back to the zoo. A media ran footage has broadcast-ed, the pathos of an escaped hippo, which was making its way to flooded Heroes' Square, one of Tbilisi's major roadway hubs, where it was subdued with a tranquilizer gun!
Hippo Snacking @ Roadside! Photo: Giorgi Bukhaidze
It is not only the responsibility of the government to take care of the citizens of the country but also to take care of the animals living in the country.
Hereby I wish to provide a list of documents to be prepared in advance and in-order for immigration clearance from a developing country like India to any Europe country for tour purpose as those tourists might be considered as people engaged in smuggling that includes drug trafficking, people trying for illegal migration or unreported employment!
1) Original Passports [if you have old and new].
1) Original Passports [if you have old and new].
2) Original e-visa printout [not a photocopy]; if the visa has not been furnished on the passport.
3) Copy of itinerary [a planned route] for the intended trip i.e. "To and Fro" flight details including transit information provided by the Airlines.
4) Copy of receipt of payment from the tour-agency.
5) Tour plan from the tour-agency.
6) Overseas hotel room booking information sheet from tour-agency.
7) Travel insurance policy which has an overseas / international health Coverage.
8) Leave approval letter from the current employer, which includes the date of re-joining once you are back from the tour.
9) Your recent / latest 6 months bank statements.
10) Copy of credit cards that will be with you during your tour.
11) Try to have approximately 50-100 dollars / Euros per day for the intended days of stay, with Forex purchase bill.
12) If possible list-out all the above information and draft a covering letter addressing the immigration officers in your and foreign country.
I was Welcomed by my Georgian Tour-Agency!
I'm in driver seat & Irakli @ front door
I'm @ front door and Gourami in his seat
Selfie: Irakli @ Left, I'm The Middle, Gourami @ Right
Now I'm at the exit-point of the "Tbilisi Airport" where I found two persons standing together and one of them who is tall and handsome was holding a nameplate that has my name printed on it!
I asked them are you the guys from "Visit Georgia" and the tall guy was surprised to see me on a casual wear without a coat and tie as that is how I appeared on my G-Mail profile photo during my communications with "Visit Georgia"!
The taller and handsome guy introduced the other guy as the driver and the driver's name as Gourami. He then introduced himself as the tour guide and informed me that he would let me know how to pronounce his own name later as it would be little difficult to pronounce. I straightaway called the guide as Irakli to his surprise as I knew well about Irakli Garibashvili; the former Prime Minister of Georgia!
Irakli pointed out a nice Nissan car in the parking area and informed me that it is the one which is allotted for my whole tour and I was really happy about it! It seemed to be a recently purchased car, which was luxurious and flawless during my complete Georgian tour!
While travelling from the Airport towards the hotel, Irakli started explaining an interesting but pathetic incident that took place in Tbilisi last year on the night of 13th to 14th June 2015. On our way he was pointing-out the roads where the wild animals were roaming last year, which resulted with invasion of tourists to Tbilisi carrying their cameras to capture those unimaginable roaming of wild animals on the highways!
Creating awareness on protecting the Zoo-Animals:
A significant flood occurred in the Vere River valley in Tbilisi, the capital of Georgia, on the night of 13 to 14 June 2015. It resulted in at least 20 human deaths and struck the Tbilisi Zoo, leaving half of its animal inhabitants either dead or on the loose.
The Tbilisi Zoo lost more than 300 animals, nearly half of its inhabitants: the majority were killed by flooding. Several surviving inhabitants of the zoo—a hippopotamus, big cats, wolves, bears, and hyenas—escaped from destroyed pens and cages to the streets of Tbilisi and a police unit was employed to round them up.
Some were killed, others were recaptured and brought back to the zoo. A media ran footage has broadcast-ed, the pathos of an escaped hippo, which was making its way to flooded Heroes' Square, one of Tbilisi's major roadway hubs, where it was subdued with a tranquilizer gun!
Hippo Snacking @ Roadside! Photo: Giorgi Bukhaidze
It is not only the responsibility of the government to take care of the citizens of the country but also to take care of the animals living in the country.
On the other hand, its also the responsibility of every individual to remind the local authorities to take the precautionary measures based on Weather Forecast to protect our animals, which also have the similar rights for existence!
We all prefer to visit the zoo when everything is fine and forget the creatures over there when things go wrong! Government can accomplish its missions and achieve its visions only with the support of the public.
Therefore let us take an oath today to remind our local authorities and if possible to provide all kinds of assistance to the authorities in-order to take precautionary measures to protect our animals before the strike of natural calamities based on the various
forecasts provided by the Disaster Management Information System!
My Stay @ Hotel Astoria, Near "German Embassy!
Hotel Astoria [Near "German Embassy", Tbilisi]
On the other hand, its also the responsibility of every individual to remind the local authorities to take the precautionary measures based on Weather Forecast to protect our animals, which also have the similar rights for existence!
We all prefer to visit the zoo when everything is fine and forget the creatures over there when things go wrong! Government can accomplish its missions and achieve its visions only with the support of the public.
Therefore let us take an oath today to remind our local authorities and if possible to provide all kinds of assistance to the authorities in-order to take precautionary measures to protect our animals before the strike of natural calamities based on the various
forecasts provided by the Disaster Management Information System!
My Stay @ Hotel Astoria, Near "German Embassy!
Hotel Astoria [Near "German Embassy", Tbilisi]
When we reached the Hotel Astoria - the hotel (room) reserved for me by "Visit Georgia" - it was almost 6:15 pm and as per the schedule, the first day has to be fully allotted for rest. Iraqli informed me that he would be back tomorrow i.e. 3rd Nov 2016 @ 9:00 am in the morning and left the hotel.
I was little tired mentally and physically and therefore I was in need of rest and I relaxed myself without setting up any alarm and as a result I got a call in the morning from the receptionist who has informed me that my guide and the driver are waiting for me at the reception!
I managed to get ready and rushed to the reception where I found my guide, who told me be cool no hurry, nothing to worry! He asked had your breakfast? I informed him No, so he pointed out the buffet hall for breakfast in Astoria.
The hall was too pleasant and tidy, where the hotel people arranged innumerable items, which includes 1) Variety of snacks 2) Baked items 3) Couple of fruits 4) Few fresh juices 5) Honey, Tea, Coffee and many more! I had many and took some with me and had it later!
I'm at the Monument of Vakhtang Gorgasali!
Today [On 3rd Nov 2016, Thursday] we explored the capital city of Georgia, Tbilisi. We have started from the Monument of King Vakhtang Gorgasali, who was a significant ruler in 5th century and a popular historic personality and is celebrated all across the country.
While we were at the monument discussing about Georgian Kings, Irakli started explaining about another great King named "David IV". I observed his eyes were rolling with Proud and his words were gushing from his soul, while he was portraying David-IV as the Golden Era Ruler of Georgia! Let me share few basic information about The Great King David IV:
"David IV" of Georgia, also known as David the Builder (1073 -1125) of the Bagrationi dynasty was a king of Georgia from 1089 until his death in 1125. He is considered as the greatest and most successful Georgian ruler in history, who succeeded in driving the Seljuk Turks out of the country and winning the major battle of Didgori in 1121.
His reforms with the army and administration enabled him to reunite the country and bring most of the lands of the Caucasus under Georgia's control. On the other hand he was a friend of the church and a notable promoter of Christian culture, who was canonized by the Georgian Orthodox Church.
When we reached the Hotel Astoria - the hotel (room) reserved for me by "Visit Georgia" - it was almost 6:15 pm and as per the schedule, the first day has to be fully allotted for rest. Iraqli informed me that he would be back tomorrow i.e. 3rd Nov 2016 @ 9:00 am in the morning and left the hotel.
I was little tired mentally and physically and therefore I was in need of rest and I relaxed myself without setting up any alarm and as a result I got a call in the morning from the receptionist who has informed me that my guide and the driver are waiting for me at the reception!
I managed to get ready and rushed to the reception where I found my guide, who told me be cool no hurry, nothing to worry! He asked had your breakfast? I informed him No, so he pointed out the buffet hall for breakfast in Astoria.
The hall was too pleasant and tidy, where the hotel people arranged innumerable items, which includes 1) Variety of snacks 2) Baked items 3) Couple of fruits 4) Few fresh juices 5) Honey, Tea, Coffee and many more! I had many and took some with me and had it later!
I'm at the Monument of Vakhtang Gorgasali!
Today [On 3rd Nov 2016, Thursday] we explored the capital city of Georgia, Tbilisi. We have started from the Monument of King Vakhtang Gorgasali, who was a significant ruler in 5th century and a popular historic personality and is celebrated all across the country.
While we were at the monument discussing about Georgian Kings, Irakli started explaining about another great King named "David IV". I observed his eyes were rolling with Proud and his words were gushing from his soul, while he was portraying David-IV as the Golden Era Ruler of Georgia! Let me share few basic information about The Great King David IV:
"David IV" of Georgia, also known as David the Builder (1073 -1125) of the Bagrationi dynasty was a king of Georgia from 1089 until his death in 1125. He is considered as the greatest and most successful Georgian ruler in history, who succeeded in driving the Seljuk Turks out of the country and winning the major battle of Didgori in 1121.
His reforms with the army and administration enabled him to reunite the country and bring most of the lands of the Caucasus under Georgia's control. On the other hand he was a friend of the church and a notable promoter of Christian culture, who was canonized by the Georgian Orthodox Church.
My Visit to Metekhi Church!
After viewing the statue of King Vakhtang Gorgasali and discussing about the great rulers of Georgia, Irakli and me entered the Metekhi church. Metekhi is a historic neighborhood of Tbilisi, Georgia, located on the elevated cliff that overlooks the Mtkvari river.
I observed inside the church few women were standing around a table on which the scripture was placed and singing the hymns in Georgian Language and all of them are very old except only one girl, who was young, beautiful and singing the hymns facing my direction.
Naturally I started keenly watching the face expressions of that girl for few minutes together while she was singing the hymns in a magical Georgian voice, which was so rhythmic, and a nice fragrant inside the church altogether taken my soul to a different world and I become unaware of where I'm standing!
Thinking that I admire her, the young girl had smiled to herself for few moments with great pride about her age and beauty and commented about me to other old women in her group that I'm closely watching her!
But the other women were not in a mood to look at me or to show interest towards her comments instead they were too busy with their hymns. However Irakli soon grasped what was happening over there and smiled at me; a funny smile! I managed to inform him that the young girl makes fun of me as I'm a foreigner!!
I'm in Georgian Churches; Mostly UNESCO Sites!
After viewing everything inside, we left the Metekhi church and moved forward to visit other places as per the schedule. Before I move forward, hereby I wish to express the intention behind my tour program:
My Intention of Roaming around the World
After viewing the statue of King Vakhtang Gorgasali and discussing about the great rulers of Georgia, Irakli and me entered the Metekhi church. Metekhi is a historic neighborhood of Tbilisi, Georgia, located on the elevated cliff that overlooks the Mtkvari river.
I observed inside the church few women were standing around a table on which the scripture was placed and singing the hymns in Georgian Language and all of them are very old except only one girl, who was young, beautiful and singing the hymns facing my direction.
Naturally I started keenly watching the face expressions of that girl for few minutes together while she was singing the hymns in a magical Georgian voice, which was so rhythmic, and a nice fragrant inside the church altogether taken my soul to a different world and I become unaware of where I'm standing!
Thinking that I admire her, the young girl had smiled to herself for few moments with great pride about her age and beauty and commented about me to other old women in her group that I'm closely watching her!
But the other women were not in a mood to look at me or to show interest towards her comments instead they were too busy with their hymns. However Irakli soon grasped what was happening over there and smiled at me; a funny smile! I managed to inform him that the young girl makes fun of me as I'm a foreigner!!
I'm in Georgian Churches; Mostly UNESCO Sites!
After viewing everything inside, we left the Metekhi church and moved forward to visit other places as per the schedule. Before I move forward, hereby I wish to express the intention behind my tour program:
My Intention of Roaming around the World
The ongoing wars and uncertainty in countries like
Libya, Iraq, Syria, etc had raised strong concerns in my
mind about the human rights, human welfare, and protection of women, children, older adults, physically and mentally challenged people from Violence.
I observed the great role of three remarkable
leaders in the above scenario as listed here; 1) Turkey's President: RECEP TAYYIP ERDOĞAN
2) Canadian Prime Minister: JUSTIN TRUDEAU
3) Germany Chancellor: ANGELA MERKEL!
The great role of RECEP TAYYIP ERDOĞAN:
when countries like Saudi Arabia and other
wealthy Muslim nations closed their borders
stating that they fear terrorism through refugees,
on the contrary the President of Turkey had
wide opened the doors of turkey and did a lot
for the refugees and saved millions of
human life!
The great role of JUSTIN
TRUDEAU:
The great role of Angela Merkel was
more crucial than the other two as she knew well that unlike in Turkey and Canada, the citizens of Germany (or) the people of European Union are not going to welcome the refugees, instead they may get into protests against such an idea at any cost.
She also knew well that any positive concerns that she is going to reflect towards the welfare of the refugees would negatively impact not only her political carrier but also her party called Christian Democratic
Union of Germany (CDU)!
Knowing all the risks she obviously welcomed, accepted the refugees into Germany risking her and her party's political future! Beyond that she also made the other member countries in European Union to understand and realize their duty towards the refugees welfare and made them to accept thousands of refugees as the contribution of each country that belongs to EU!
By witnessing the work of Angela Merkel I realized that when there are political leaders in this world who would never hesitate to kill the humans because of their selfish political agendas, there are also rulers who would be ready to sacrifice their power, carrier and future for
the welfare of the humanity!
This kind of realization inspired me to travel around the world and to become a Travel Writer. I started searching for my first travel destination and I ended up in Georgia and the next topic explains why I had chosen Georgia as my first tour destination!
Why Georgia?!
Herewith I wish to tell the reasons behind selecting
Georgia as my first travel destination;
Skipping Turkey:
Though I wanted to visit Turkey as a tribute to its earnest role in guarding the EU borders from excessive flow of illegal migrants due to Syrian war, but I decided to skip visiting Turkey as there was such a situation prevailed in 2016 and that was; many suspected ISIS [Islamic State of Iraq and Syria] new joiners tried to sneak into Syria through Turkey and join the Syrian war, and therefore got arrested in Turkey Airports and in such a situation I decided to skip visiting Turkey!
Skipping Germany:
The ongoing wars and uncertainty in countries like
Libya, Iraq, Syria, etc had raised strong concerns in my
mind about the human rights, human welfare, and protection of women, children, older adults, physically and mentally challenged people from Violence.
Libya, Iraq, Syria, etc had raised strong concerns in my
mind about the human rights, human welfare, and protection of women, children, older adults, physically and mentally challenged people from Violence.
leaders in the above scenario as listed here; 1) Turkey's President: RECEP TAYYIP ERDOĞAN
2) Canadian Prime Minister: JUSTIN TRUDEAU
3) Germany Chancellor: ANGELA MERKEL!
The great role of RECEP TAYYIP ERDOĞAN:
when countries like Saudi Arabia and other
wealthy Muslim nations closed their borders
stating that they fear terrorism through refugees,
on the contrary the President of Turkey had
wide opened the doors of turkey and did a lot
for the refugees and saved millions of
human life!
The great role of JUSTIN
TRUDEAU:
He was the one who welcomed and accepted thousands of refugees
to Canada and made them citizens of Canada and proved that Canada always play
its best role towards the welfare of the humanity!
The great role of Angela Merkel was
more crucial than the other two as she knew well that unlike in Turkey and Canada, the citizens of Germany (or) the people of European Union are not going to welcome the refugees, instead they may get into protests against such an idea at any cost.
more crucial than the other two as she knew well that unlike in Turkey and Canada, the citizens of Germany (or) the people of European Union are not going to welcome the refugees, instead they may get into protests against such an idea at any cost.
She also knew well that any positive concerns that she is going to reflect towards the welfare of the refugees would negatively impact not only her political carrier but also her party called Christian Democratic Union of Germany (CDU)!
Knowing all the risks she obviously welcomed, accepted the refugees into Germany risking her and her party's political future! Beyond that she also made the other member countries in European Union to understand and realize their duty towards the refugees welfare and made them to accept thousands of refugees as the contribution of each country that belongs to EU!
By witnessing the work of Angela Merkel I realized that when there are political leaders in this world who would never hesitate to kill the humans because of their selfish political agendas, there are also rulers who would be ready to sacrifice their power, carrier and future for
the welfare of the humanity!
This kind of realization inspired me to travel around the world and to become a Travel Writer. I started searching for my first travel destination and I ended up in Georgia and the next topic explains why I had chosen Georgia as my first tour destination!
Why Georgia?!
Herewith I wish to tell the reasons behind selecting
Georgia as my first travel destination;
Though I wanted to visit Turkey as a tribute to its earnest role in guarding the EU borders from excessive flow of illegal migrants due to Syrian war, but I decided to skip visiting Turkey as there was such a situation prevailed in 2016 and that was; many suspected ISIS [Islamic State of Iraq and Syria] new joiners tried to sneak into Syria through Turkey and join the Syrian war, and therefore got arrested in Turkey Airports and in such a situation I decided to skip visiting Turkey!
Skipping Turkey:
Skipping Germany:
I also dropped the idea of visiting Germany as it is one of the member country of the European Union i.e. Germany falls under the Schengen Area and nobody could possibly underestimate the extra-ordinary documentation procedures required to visit any one of
the Schengen countries, and right now I do not have the luxury of time to prepare those documents due to my busy schedules!
Skipping Canada:
God Willing I intended to visit Canada in the future through a visit visa to see my children, who have a passionate plan to do their higher studies over there in the next few years! Therefore as of now I dropped my idea of visiting Canada!
My intention of visiting, one of the member Country of European Council!
Finally I decided to visit any one of the country that belongs to European Council and soon realized that the EU has already sponsored enormous funds to almost all the countries that belongs to European Council to withdraw their visa sections in developing countries like India! A good example for this is Albania, which had closed all its consulates that used to issue visas in India!
In this scenario if any Indian wish to visit Albania he has to first visit U.A.E or China and he has to visit the Albanian Consulate over there and apply for an Albanian visa, which might get rejected also! This action was taken in favor of EU to protect its borders in all directions from people who try to sneak from developing countries!
I did a simple research to find-out is
there is any
country that belongs to European Council but still left-behind from the
restrictions of EU and I found Georgia as such a (tourist) destination!
CONFUSED, WHERE TO GO? JUST VISIT GEORGIA!
I also realized that due to the decisive bilateral ties with EU on one-hand and with Russia on the other-hand Georgia could possibly never get admitted into European
Union or NATO though Georgians have a Unique Religion, Language, and Culture!
Reality of Indian Tourists After Independence:
When India was ruled by the British Government, one Indian Rupee was an equivalent of one 'US' Dollar! Additionally Indians could visit almost all foreign countries without a visa and they enjoyed the privilege of roaming around the world. It was often said that "the sun never sets in the British Empire!
After Independence normal Indians lost that privilege of roaming around the world without a visa and right-now One 'US' dollar is an equivalent of '70' Indian Rupees! Because of this poor economical development, normal Indians are not welcomed in many parts of the world as tourists, especially in USA, Australia, European Union countries, and in most of the countries that belong to 'European Council! Not only Indians but any international tourist from developing nations are not welcomed in most of the developed countries.
In this scenario if any tourist, who is from a developing country like India prefers to visit Europe; then there is only one welcoming destination available for him, which is hassle free as well as it treats all the genuine tourists with great respect and it is "Georgia"!
Therefore Visit Georgia And Smile Like Me!
I'M ON MOUNT KAZBEGI (5047M), CAUCASUS, GEORGIA!
Some basic information about "Georgia"
1) Travelling time in flight between Chennai - Tbilisi or Tbilisi - Chennai is around eight hours excluding the waiting hours!
2) Time difference between India and Tbilisi is exactly one-hour and thirty minutes, i.e. when it is 10:00 Am at Tbilisi, we are already at 11:30 Am in India!
3) Georgian currency is called Lari (GEL), which is 26 times greater than Indian Rupee (INR)! I.e. One Lari is an equivalent of 26-Indian Rupees!!
4) As many assume "Republic of GEORGIA" is not a state in the USA but it was a state of the former 'USSR! However nowadays diplomatically it is closely associated with the 'Europe' and USA!
5) During winter the temperature goes down to 5 degrees Celsius and during night it may go down to minus Celsius! During Summer temperature may raise up to 35 degree Celsius! Between July-November its a very good time to visit Georgia!
Yes, Georgia Is Cold! But No Nervous, Stay Cool!
6) As a tourist you may be very curious to see the ''Bridge of Peace'' [the one which is highlighted in all the tourist brochures and online advertisements] that is located in Tbilisi, Georgia.
Here I have a suggestion for you and that is; visit ''The Bridge of Peace'' during day time when sun shines as well as during night when all the lights on the bridge glow like stars in the heaven!
''The Bridge of Peace in Night"
''Bridge of Peace and Me''
Back to my Georgian Tour Article...
As per the schedule we came out of Metekhi Church and stood on the elevated cliff and had a magnificent view of the old Tbilisi. Then we strolled along the winding little streets and viewed the main sights of the city.
One of the wonders of the old districts of Tbilisi is they are structured like terraces. We took a walk in the narrow streets to enjoy the colorful houses, patterned balconies and wonderful samples of the modern architecture.
Colorful houses and Patterned Balconies
After a lengthy but enjoyable walk, we reached the place where the flying cars {cable-cars} are operated. This service is established and operated by a Chinese company. Irakli left me back for buying the flying car tickets.
Tbilisi's Most Exiting Ride:
The cable car has started functioning as new in 2012, which swings between the south end of Rike-Park high over the Mtkvari River and the old town up to Narikala Fortress.
Once Irakli purchased the tickets the flying-car operator informed us to board a car, which was ready to move. When we attempted to board the car, we found it was already crowded inside! Irakli gently refused with some reply and signaled the operator that we would wait for some time!
I was curious about Irakli’s interaction with the operator and he explained me that the operator tried to dump us inside the car; may be because he is a Chinese but we Georgians try to treat our tourists in the best possible, feasible manner and that is the way how we always prefer to treat our guests!
Soon to my surprise we got an empty car in which we two alone were boarded! Irakli took a short video and few photos while we were flying on the rope! From the flying car, the panoramic view of the whole Tbilisi; forced me to say ‘unimaginable’.
I also dropped the idea of visiting Germany as it is one of the member country of the European Union i.e. Germany falls under the Schengen Area and nobody could possibly underestimate the extra-ordinary documentation procedures required to visit any one of
the Schengen countries, and right now I do not have the luxury of time to prepare those documents due to my busy schedules!
Skipping Canada:
God Willing I intended to visit Canada in the future through a visit visa to see my children, who have a passionate plan to do their higher studies over there in the next few years! Therefore as of now I dropped my idea of visiting Canada!
I did a simple research to find-out is there is any country that belongs to European Council but still left-behind from the restrictions of EU and I found Georgia as such a (tourist) destination!
CONFUSED, WHERE TO GO? JUST VISIT GEORGIA!
the Schengen countries, and right now I do not have the luxury of time to prepare those documents due to my busy schedules!
Skipping Canada:
God Willing I intended to visit Canada in the future through a visit visa to see my children, who have a passionate plan to do their higher studies over there in the next few years! Therefore as of now I dropped my idea of visiting Canada!
My intention of visiting, one of the member Country of European Council!
Finally I decided to visit any one of the country that belongs to European Council and soon realized that the EU has already sponsored enormous funds to almost all the countries that belongs to European Council to withdraw their visa sections in developing countries like India! A good example for this is Albania, which had closed all its consulates that used to issue visas in India!
In this scenario if any Indian wish to visit Albania he has to first visit U.A.E or China and he has to visit the Albanian Consulate over there and apply for an Albanian visa, which might get rejected also! This action was taken in favor of EU to protect its borders in all directions from people who try to sneak from developing countries!Finally I decided to visit any one of the country that belongs to European Council and soon realized that the EU has already sponsored enormous funds to almost all the countries that belongs to European Council to withdraw their visa sections in developing countries like India! A good example for this is Albania, which had closed all its consulates that used to issue visas in India!
I did a simple research to find-out is there is any country that belongs to European Council but still left-behind from the restrictions of EU and I found Georgia as such a (tourist) destination!
CONFUSED, WHERE TO GO? JUST VISIT GEORGIA!
I also realized that due to the decisive bilateral ties with EU on one-hand and with Russia on the other-hand Georgia could possibly never get admitted into European
Union or NATO though Georgians have a Unique Religion, Language, and Culture!
Reality of Indian Tourists After Independence:
When India was ruled by the British Government, one Indian Rupee was an equivalent of one 'US' Dollar! Additionally Indians could visit almost all foreign countries without a visa and they enjoyed the privilege of roaming around the world. It was often said that "the sun never sets in the British Empire!
After Independence normal Indians lost that privilege of roaming around the world without a visa and right-now One 'US' dollar is an equivalent of '70' Indian Rupees! Because of this poor economical development, normal Indians are not welcomed in many parts of the world as tourists, especially in USA, Australia, European Union countries, and in most of the countries that belong to 'European Council! Not only Indians but any international tourist from developing nations are not welcomed in most of the developed countries.
In this scenario if any tourist, who is from a developing country like India prefers to visit Europe; then there is only one welcoming destination available for him, which is hassle free as well as it treats all the genuine tourists with great respect and it is "Georgia"!
Therefore Visit Georgia And Smile Like Me!
I'M ON MOUNT KAZBEGI (5047M), CAUCASUS, GEORGIA!
Some basic information about "Georgia"
1) Travelling time in flight between Chennai - Tbilisi or Tbilisi - Chennai is around eight hours excluding the waiting hours!
2) Time difference between India and Tbilisi is exactly one-hour and thirty minutes, i.e. when it is 10:00 Am at Tbilisi, we are already at 11:30 Am in India!
3) Georgian currency is called Lari (GEL), which is 26 times greater than Indian Rupee (INR)! I.e. One Lari is an equivalent of 26-Indian Rupees!!
4) As many assume "Republic of GEORGIA" is not a state in the USA but it was a state of the former 'USSR! However nowadays diplomatically it is closely associated with the 'Europe' and USA!
5) During winter the temperature goes down to 5 degrees Celsius and during night it may go down to minus Celsius! During Summer temperature may raise up to 35 degree Celsius! Between July-November its a very good time to visit Georgia!
Yes, Georgia Is Cold! But No Nervous, Stay Cool!
6) As a tourist you may be very curious to see the ''Bridge of Peace'' [the one which is highlighted in all the tourist brochures and online advertisements] that is located in Tbilisi, Georgia.
Here I have a suggestion for you and that is; visit ''The Bridge of Peace'' during day time when sun shines as well as during night when all the lights on the bridge glow like stars in the heaven!
''The Bridge of Peace in Night"
''Bridge of Peace and Me''
Back to my Georgian Tour Article...
As per the schedule we came out of Metekhi Church and stood on the elevated cliff and had a magnificent view of the old Tbilisi. Then we strolled along the winding little streets and viewed the main sights of the city.
One of the wonders of the old districts of Tbilisi is they are structured like terraces. We took a walk in the narrow streets to enjoy the colorful houses, patterned balconies and wonderful samples of the modern architecture.
Colorful houses and Patterned Balconies
After a lengthy but enjoyable walk, we reached the place where the flying cars {cable-cars} are operated. This service is established and operated by a Chinese company. Irakli left me back for buying the flying car tickets.
Tbilisi's Most Exiting Ride:
The cable car has started functioning as new in 2012, which swings between the south end of Rike-Park high over the Mtkvari River and the old town up to Narikala Fortress.
Once Irakli purchased the tickets the flying-car operator informed us to board a car, which was ready to move. When we attempted to board the car, we found it was already crowded inside! Irakli gently refused with some reply and signaled the operator that we would wait for some time!
I was curious about Irakli’s interaction with the operator and he explained me that the operator tried to dump us inside the car; may be because he is a Chinese but we Georgians try to treat our tourists in the best possible, feasible manner and that is the way how we always prefer to treat our guests!
Soon to my surprise we got an empty car in which we two alone were boarded! Irakli took a short video and few photos while we were flying on the rope! From the flying car, the panoramic view of the whole Tbilisi; forced me to say ‘unimaginable’.
The cost for the ride is just less than 50-cents, which enable us to have a marvellous 360-degree view of the city through the wide glass windows of the cable-car. Only complaint about the ride is; it gets completed quickly within minutes.
Therefore you have to ensure that you make use of your eyes and the cameras in a fastest manner to view and capture the beautiful sights. All sides of the cable-car is made out of glass that includes the floor and excludes the roof!
I recommend the flying car journey for every tourist as it would take you back to your childhood days and make you to feel like a child! Here I’m not exaggerating anything as it was really joyful, cheerful, enjoyable and one of the top highlight of my whole tour program!!
Tbilisi Mall
Finally we visited the Tbilisi Mall and it was a nice experience. Though shopping malls are not new for me still it helped me a lot for my observation about the social life of Georgia!
In Tbilisi Mall, I found two things were sold out at reasonable prices and they are (1) All eatables and (2) Garments! Regarding the eatables, I would go further and say that they are sold-out at lowest prices!!
Last night [2nd Nov 2016, Wed] I visited an Indian restaurant in Tbilisi and had few small pieces of fish, yogurt, and a bottle of water for around 25-Lari [around 10$], but today in Tbilisi Mall I’m able to buy a delicious and sufficient chicken roll for just 1.35-Lari and a water bottle for 0.60-Lari, which means a lunch was comfortably completed with less than 2-Lari i.e. for around 0.80 USD!
When I probed with Irakli about the price difference between a restaurant and a mall, he informed me that not only in Tbilisi Mall but throughout Georgia the prices of eatables in malls and super markets are much cheaper compared to restaurants and I experienced the same throughout my journey!
A Closeup View inside "Tbilisi Mall"
Therefore including
"Tbilisi Mall" wherever we found a mall or supermarket I started
purchasing more eatables, which includes varieties of fruits, chocolates, cookies,
jellies, and much more!!
Unlike in India, you can trust and exchange the foreign currencies at best
rates in Georgia as they do not play any tricks to get more margins out of you
and they do not quote varying prices for every different customers!
In Tbilisi Mall I found the
service center of a bank and I remember it as "TBC Bank", which also
buy and sell currencies at a reasonable price! From a very small 'currency
exchange store' and up to a service center of a national bank, everywhere the
best exchange rate is guaranteed for all major foreign currencies in Georgia!
Social Life of
Georgia:
Georgian Women are the most hardworking women in this globe! They are always
most active in economically supporting their families. In cities you may see
them working in malls, restaurants, shops and everywhere else!
In villages you can see fruits are arranged for sales in-front of almost all
the Georgian houses! Women would be inside the houses taking care of their home
and children but when someone stand outside and shout for prices, they would
immediately appear and finish the deal!
In cities girls mostly work in malls, supermarkets and shops. They seems
to be jovial and probably they may crack some jokes on you and laugh; like a
type of Flirting!
You may see some Georgian men sitting here and there and wasting their time but
you could never see such a Georgian woman; even if she is old! But do not get
confused with the hippy women who are visible in tourist spots; less in number
but more in troubling the tourists by pleading for money!
Anyone from Asia could possibly never ever underestimate the beauty of Georgian
girls! Yes they are wonderful! So if anyone decide to marry a beautiful and
responsible girl; their right choice would be Georgian Girls!
Wanna see Angels? Kindly see Georgians! 
Even in villages Georgian Moms provide their children with luxury dresses to
certain extent, which exhibits their culture that they willingly spend high for
raising their children!
One of the information about Georgian Social life is very strange but most common throughout Georgia and that is; as per their sentiments marrying the cousins is equal to marrying one's own brother or sister! Therefore if they come across any such marriages they would ensure that they murder the couples!
On the one hand, though it seems to be cruel but on the other hand this may be the right time for the humanity to reconsider about marrying the close relatives as the modern Science proved it as one of the major reasons for the birth of mentally retarded children and physically handicapped children and also it leads to many health related complications!
Bearing the above information in mind, to my surprise, throughout my Journey in Georgia I found only one person who was physically handicapped by birth!
Religious Life of Georgians:
Georgians have
very good faith with Orthodox Christianity for centuries together!
Minority Muslims are there in most parts of the country without any remarkable
leaders!
Many Christian Missionaries from developed countries have their
representatives in Georgia to spread the biblical way of Christianity as an
substitute of Orthodox Christianity!
The presence of "Jehovah Witness" is in Georgia, who claims that they
are oppressed by the Fanatic Orthodox Christians, but the present situation is
OK as EU has intervened into that matter!
Minority Muslims also think that the Government is not neutral when its comes
to funding the religious institutions like allotting a place for mosque or
funds to construct a mosque etc.
There is a split among the Georgian Muslims as SUNNI AND SHIITE;
where the Sunni Muslims are more oriented with Turkey and Shiite
Muslims towards Iran. Hopefully the fortune of Georgian Muslims may
begin if Georgia becomes a part of the EU!
Major sources of the economy of Georgia:
It is very easy to list out the three major sources of the economy of Georgia and it is 1) Tourism 2) Agriculture and 3) Traditional Wine Making
Stalin's Armoured Train = Tourist Attraction!
Preserved Native House of Joseph Stalin!
1) Tourism:
As discussed earlier the government has made the visa procedures too easy and very simple i.e. the e-visas to promote tourism.
But there are regular complaints about the improper approach of immigration officers in the airport and many visitors have been detained at the immigration counters of Georgia.
Most probably the detainees belongs to the developing countries like India. The immigration officer may pickup few passengers randomly and may reject all their documents and keep them in separate cabins and send them back to their home countries in the next return flight!
Georgia: Best For Global Tourists!
If you are confident and skillful to face, answer, convince the immigration officers of Georgia, and once you are able to exit the Airport and enter Georgia; soon you would realize that "Georgia" as the best welcoming destination for global tourists in Europe!
2) Agriculture:
Georgia's soil is one of the most fertile soils in the world! Fertile lands attracts many farmers to Georgia from different parts of the world including India!
I'm with Mr.Avto: Our Host & A Farmer @ Ananuri!
As a consequence of 2008 Russo-Georgian War, the economy of Georgia faced a severe downfall and as a result Georgia's fertile lands were sold at a cheaper price of around $800 per hectare and farmers from different countries purchased such lands including the farmers from Punjab, India!
However nowadays the government of Georgia has made many legitimate changes to restrict the foreigners from buying agricultural lands in Georgia!
Georgia’s fertile soil and favorable climate support production of a wide variety of high‐value agricultural products. Georgia leads the country in the production of peanuts and pecans. Cotton ranks second among Georgia's crops, followed by tobacco, soybeans and corn. Other crops include hay, oats, sorghum grain and wheat. Georgia is a leading producer of peaches, apples and watermelons.
Russia traditionally received most of Georgia’s exports but, since 2014 when Georgia signed a Deep and Comprehensive Free Trade Area (DCFTA) with the European Union, new European markets are developing. Georgia also grows an increasing quantity of crops, including vegetables and corn, for domestic consumption.
Agriculture remains an important sector in terms of GDP contribution for Georgia. In 2013, 8.3% was the contribution of agriculture to GDP, which raised up to 12.4% in 2016.
Agricultural sector of Georgia also provides an important safety net for the rural population, employing around 56 percent of the labor force. Small farmers comprise 95 percent of all farmers, typically cultivating around one hectare of land with low output.
As a result of land reform, the Georgian government has privatized over 25 percent and leased out about 30 percent of the country’s agricultural land.
The amount of privately held arable land is much higher at 55 percent compared to any other country! The law on Privatization of State‐owned Agricultural Land was passed in July 2005, which increased the efficiency and output in agricultural sector.
Georgian Parliament has passed a bill in 2015 for laying limitations on allowing the foreigners to own cultivate lands. Foreigners now may own agricultural land if they inherit it; co-own the land through marriage to a Georgian citizen or by being a member of a Georgian citizen household; or hold a residence permit!
Also, agricultural plots owned by foreigners must be no larger than 20 hectares. For entities founded by foreigners, the land plot is limited to 200 hectares. Lastly, the bill stipulates that all agricultural land sales to foreigners require a notarized contract.
The notary must check if the alien or the entity registered by an alien under Georgian jurisdiction meets all the legal requirements for agricultural land ownership. Due to pending Constitutional changes, further restrictions are expected to be introduced on sale of agricultural land to foreigners.
The Georgian government identified agriculture as a priority for development and has increased funding for agriculture by 60 percent. It has also set up the Agriculture Investment Fund to support the sector by providing credits for farmers. This may create additional demand for equipment and inputs to be supplied from many foreign countries.
3) Georgia: The Origin of Wine!
Wine Cellar+Ethnographic Museum in Nunus Marani!
Wine lovers have to thank Georgia a lot as it is the native; where the wine production has first began over 7000 years ago. Archaeological researches have proved that as early as 4000 BC in Georgia grape juice was being placed in underground clay jars to ferment during the winter.
Georgia is a land popular for its natural bounty, where there are over 500 species of grape; a greater diversity than anywhere else in the globe, with around 40 of these grape varieties are being used in commercial wine production.
The wine is the center of attraction of Georgian culture and tightly blended to their religious tradition. It is very common for families throughout Georgia to grow their own grapes and produce wine.
Feasting and hospitality are the true identities of Georgian culture, in which traditional banquets are presided over by a toastmaster, who proposes numerous toasts throughout the feast, and ensures that the wine flows liberally.
Georgia has exported wine to 53 countries in 2016, and earned $114 million revenue. The top five countries that imported Georgian wine in 2016 are listed below: Russia, Ukraine, China, Kazakhstan, and Poland. Georgia's Wine export in 2016 was also increased to the European Union!
Background of Russo-Georgian
War in 2008
Georgia
under the Rule of Russia:
During
18th century, Russia emerged as the new imperial power in the region and as
Russia was an Orthodox Christian country like Georgia, the Georgians preferred
seeking the Russian help.
In
1801 Georgia was completely annexed by Russia, and made it as a region of
Russia. Until 1918 for 117 years, Georgia remained as a part of the Russian
Empire.
Russian
rule offered the Georgians, security from external invasions but, naturally
Georgians who have an unique language and culture would never prefer to be the
subjugate of any empire including Russia.
Discontent
with the Russian authorities, Georgians led a national movement during the late
19th century. Georgia finally won its independence in 1918, with the efforts of
Georgian nationalists' and socialists' and as a result of the collapse of the
Russian Empire in World War-1.
However
Georgia was able to remain as a successful independent country only for three
years [1918-1921] after separating from the Russian Empire. The Red Army
invasion on Georgia during 1921 resulted in Georgia becomes an integral part of
the Soviet Socialist republic and remained as same for 70 years.
Just
shortly before the collapse of the Soviet Union, on 9th April 1991, the Supreme
Council of Georgia declared independence after a referendum held on 31st March
1991. Gamsakhurdia was elected as the first President of independent Georgia on
26-05-1991.
Problematic Regions: South
Ossetia & Abkhazia
The war of 2008 between Georgia and Russia was
initiated by the allies of Russia within the Georgian Territory the so-called
and self-proclaimed republics of south Ossetia and Abkhazia.
The war triggered during August 2008 due to long and
gradual fall of diplomatic-goodwill between Russia and Georgia and it was considered
as the first European war of 21st century.
The tragedy is both Russia and Georgia are former constituents
of USSR and the location of the war was in the strategically and diplomatically
vital Transcaucasia area.
During
1991 - South Ossetia a well known Georgian province had declared its independence
from Georgia. Heavy fighting breaks out, forcing thousands of people to flee
their homes and during 1992, Abkhazia another Georgian province declared its
independence from Georgia, leading to armed conflict. Finally during September
1993 Abkhazian separatist forces had defeated the Georgian military.
Georgia claimed that Russian army and Russian intelligence bureau had contributed decisively to the Georgian defeat in the Abkhazian war and considered this conflict (along with the Georgian Civil War and Georgian-Ossetian War) as one of Russia's attempt of restoring its influence in the post-Soviet region.
During
May 1994, a ceasefire was agreed upon and signed between the Georgian
government and Abkhaz separatists. Russian peacekeeping forces are deployed to
the area.
On
November 12th, 2006 - A referendum was voted upon in which South Ossetians overwhelmingly
voted for independence. In a simultaneous referendum, South Ossetia's ethnic
Georgians, the minority people; voted in favor of Georgia’s Unity. The referendum
was rejected by the Georgian government.
Overview of Russo-Georgian War of 2008
During
November 2007 - Russia announces that it has withdrawn its troops that had been
based in Georgia since 1991 [i.e. during soviet era] but, Russia also announced
that it retains a peace-keeping presence in Abkhazia and South Ossetia.
During
August 7-8, 2008 - South Ossetian separatists started attacking the Georgian peacekeepers,
ending a ceasefire.
Georgian President Mikhail Saakashvili sends troops into
South Ossetia. Russia responds by moving its troops to the border, flying
aircraft over Georgia, and beginning air strikes in South Ossetia.
On
August 10, 2008 The Georgian Ministry of Foreign Affairs passes a formal
request for ceasefire to the Russian Embassy in Tbilisi. On August 12th, 2008 - Russia agreed to halt its military incursion into Georgia
and announced a six-point diplomatic push for peace.
On
August 15, 2008 - Georgian President Mikheil Saakashvili signs a cease fire
agreement with Russia. The French President Nicolas Sarkozy intermediates the
deal.
On
August 26th, 2008 - Russian President Dmitry Medvedev hastened and signed an order
recognizing the independence of South Ossetia and Abkhazia. The
August 2008 war lasted only five days, but it had serious geopolitical
implications on the South Caucasus.
It also created very different outlooks for
both Moscow and Tbilisi about the future of the two troubled regions of
Georgia.
Conclusion about the Russo-Georgian War
Russia’s rush towards recognizing the independence of the breakaway republics of Abkhazia and South Ossetia following the 2008 war, shows that the purpose was not merely related to South Ossetia or even Abkhazia!
But it seems that Russia’s actual intentions were to pinpoint the inability of the west to prevent Russia from moving aggressively to restore its primacy over one of the former Soviet Union territory (Georgia), to demonstrate the upper-hand of
As this war constituted Moscow’s first military aggression against a member of the European Council, it initiated greatest crisis in Russia’s relationship with the West. It is the right time for the west to realize that the Georgian war of 2008 is a sufficient alarm towards the most significant challenge of European Security since the Cold War’s ends.
Many conclude that the Romania's stand on April 3rd, 2008 during the NATO members summit in Bucharest; to defer the decision on Georgia and Ukraine's admittance into NATO was a key reason for Russia's brave aggression towards Georgia first and Ukraine later [i.e. during February 2014].
The Russian aggression also appears like it wanted to punish Georgia for its pro-western foreign policy, and to achieve the demise of the Georgian government led by Mikheil Saakashvili who was pro-American & pro-European in his approaches and attitudes.
When I was in Georgia and interacted with a
common-man, I probed him, what was the possible reason for Russia to agree to
leave Georgia after the 2008 war?!
The Georgian replied me that the arrival of USA War-Ship called USS MCFAUL DESTROYER in Georgia’s black
sea port Batumi as the reason for Russia’s acceptance of withdrawal!
But historically the reason of arrival of USA
War-Ship is just to deliver the humanitarian aids in a gesture of support for
the constituent of ex-Soviet Republic [i.e. Georgia] in its conflict with Russia.
All that the USA War-Ship was able to
achieve is; it just supplied tons of aid including bottled water, blankets,
hygiene kits and baby food for people who were affected by the war.
When Russia’s black sea fleet was based in
the Ukrainian port of Sevastopol, there is no logic for Russia to fear the
arrival of the USA Warship!
On the other hand USA has three big worries regarding a military conflict with Russia and they are as follows 1) About
a blow on economy due to an ever ending war, 2) Unnecessary war with Russia will have its impact in the upcoming US elections, 3) At times it may lead to a nuclear war! Whereas Russia never worried about economy, elections, or nuclear war, instead it was always keen towards its military supremacy and through the
Georgian War it had been well demonstrated.
I have a Pro-American stand here which I adopted from my dear father who used to tell me from my childhood days, till his demise and it is; If USA is in a good shape then Europe will prosper and if USA and Europe is in a good shape and prosperity then the whole World will be benefited out of it! Therefore my soul always stand in favor of USA due to the ever ending memory of my beloved dad!
Let me tell the another reason for my Pro-American stand and that is; I worked around a decade for American customers and clients representing the great brands of USA like AT&T, HP, MICROSOFT, DELL and ACT! Through this experience I realised that Americans are lovely and lovable!❤️
The
2008 war sent a clear signal to the Georgian Rulers that if you wish to lead a prosperous
life you may get closer to EU but if you wish to live peacefully you also have to get closer with Russia as well!
Second day of my Georgian tour!
Yes, today [4th Nov 2016, Friday] is the second day of my Georgian Tour! As per the schedule, first we started our travel in the Nissan and moved towards the place called Tsinandali.
While we were travelling halfway, Irakli and the driver has decided to stop the car and asked me, do you need "PUSH TOILET"? I was confused as i knew only flush toilet but not the push toilet, that too in the mid of the highway; I was little puzzled!?
Irakli clarified that he called me for Urinating roadside. Yes I too wanted to answer the call of nature. The car was parked in a location where there were lot of trees on the roadside. Soon to my surprise I found my guide and the driver were disappeared and returned from two different and too distant locations! Yes Georgian males are too shy when nature calls!
Tsinandali is a manorial
estate of Georgian noble house Chavchavadze and a popular place located in
Kakheti region of Georgia, which is 140 km away and the travelling-time is 2.5
hours from Tbilisi. Kakheti region is famous for being wine making area, where
we can see both snowy Caucasus Mountains and fertile valleys.
The Tsinandali Garden occupies 18 Hectares of Land. There
are many rare trees such as Cedars, Umbrella Pines, Lime Trees, Magnolia
and as well as Bamboos and Palms. The park is a combination of Natural and
Decorated Gardens.
Once we reached the local
Duke Alexander Chavchavadze’s estate in Tsinandali; from the
entrance, I glanced it’s beautiful garden, and the historical house. The garden
and the house were once used as the gathering place of all poets and artists of
the 19th century.
The house in the estate is maintained with rare historical paintings, furniture, household utensils, etc. The garden in the estate contains exotic flowers, meadows, bamboo groves, evergreen alleys, centuries-old trees, pomegranates, etc.
The British style garden, designed by British gardeners in 19th century retains to this day and its unique appearance has touched my heart with lot of inspirations.
I had experienced a little shock and surprise when I
went inside to view the historical paintings, furniture, household
utensils, etc., which were well placed inside the house in "Chavchavadze’s
Estate", and what was that surprise is all about?!
Paintings and Furniture, Photo: Mikhail Golubev
The Surprise was: My guide Irakli has handed over me to a very young and beautiful girl and left the house. She is a subject matter expert over there, who took me to many different rooms, started explaining about the history and importance of the things kept over there, but as soon as we entered any particular room, she immediately closed all the doors in that room and started explaining things to me in privacy!
First I felt the situation as delicate and sensitive but soon realized that; it is how the Georgians wanted to treat their guest with personal attention, without any distractions so that the guest can pay attention to details and the attender can personalize the information!
Glimpses of "Chavchavadze’s Estate"
I can assure you that Tsinandali Garden is a perfect place for kids to enjoy more than anywhere else as there is none to forbid them from running on meadows, playing hide&seek in mazes of boxwood or climbing on trees and while observing that your mind would Relax with Joy and Rest!
Conclusion:
After viewing everything, when you try to move from "GEORGIA" your soul will say: I want to stay! That is how Georgia is!
Though it is the right time to move from 'Georgia' but leaving behind its beautiful landscapes, rivers, mountains, gardens, architecture, especially the lovely "Georgians" and their great history is not so easy.
While drafting this article I realized that I had not left 'Georgia' but actually I lost my soul in Georgia! I thought I'm the only-one but soon realized that already millions of tourists are in search of their stolen souls in Georgia and when they tried to leave from Georgia most of them heard their soul's whisper and that was 'Don't Quit! Just Stay Back! Everything is secured in 'Georgia' but not our souls! Yes, 'Georgia' will steal your soul and leave you alone!!
I'm not willing to prolong this article beyond this point as the readers may be length-concerned and I'm time-concerned!
Though hereby I decided to cut-short this article still I wish to provide you with my comprehensive photo collections from Georgia, which has hundreds of images with mind-blowing musical backgrounds! If you really like photography with Music and wish to view my albums, kindly view it at:
Theme Images Tells Messages!
MESSAGES: (1) TRAVELING UNITES THE MANKIND WITH LOVE, RESPECT AND BETTER UNDERSTANDING! (2) THEREFORE LET THIS WORLD BECOME A VISA-FREE ZONE: ENABLING THE EFFORTS OF EXPLORING THE EARTH! THE END!!
Dedication to "Angela Merkel!
"Angela Merkel", 'German' Chancellor!
I dedicate this humble work
to "Angela Merkel", Chancellor of 'Germany, for treating all Humans
as one Community!
I
consider "Angela Merkel" as one of the greatest soul of all the
times! I'm very much proud of living in the same era of "Angela
Merkel", The German Chancellor!
One day Mankind would realize
how great "Angela Merkel" was and history would record the
same!
Hats off to my dear "Angela Merkel"! We all love you! Go-on and continue you services to humankind, humanism and humanity!
I have a question for "Angela Merkel" Do you think, that you are the Chancellor only for 'Germany? No, that is not the truth but actually you are the Chancellor of Billions of regretted souls as you have a heart of benevolence, tenderness, and fellow feeling!
Is that not pride for 'Germany, when millions of anonymous souls consider "Angela Merkel" as their deliverer, who possess a heart of humanity and a soul of compassion!
Like Jesus Christ,
"Angela Merkel" is hated by her own people as she has a heart of love
for others. Many great leaders' life was full of curse but history records
their life with full of praise.
Polluters are there among the
Politicians, Criminals are there among the Citizens; yes terrorists are also
there among the refugees like Judas Iscariot among the disciples of Jesus Christ!
Is this not a great opportunity for the refugees to learn about
Christianity practically and Democracy in reality?!
I have one more question here; what would Jesus Christ do
if he is the Chancellor of Germany?! Will he hate the refugees and close its
doors?! Never,
even if they crucify Him!
Many wish to celebrate
Christmas but none prefers to celebrate the life of Jesus Christ,
which is always with full of mercy for every human and that is why Jesus Christ is
celebrated beyond religion, over two millenniums!
Alas! When Angela Merkel is attempting to follow the footsteps of Jesus Christ with love and pity; do her own people
wish to crucify her?! Is that because they only love Jesus Christ but
not his lifestyle of loving others?!
O God, now Christianity attracts me more by seeing Angela Merkel. O God now I understand the secrecy of becoming a true believer: I have to love others like I love myself even if my own people curse me!
O God! Bless me a heart and a soul like Angela Merkel so that I too can love every human beyond their age, sex, color, religion, race, country, language, etc., even if my own people hates me, collapses my fame & credibility, break my strength and even if they crucify me! -Amen
Merkel:A Living Example of Jesus's Teachings
Matthew 5:43-47
Jesus Christ said to the crowds, “You have heard that it was said, ‘You shall love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’
But I say to you, Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, so that you may be sons of your Father who is in heaven.
For he makes his sun rise on the evil and on the good, and sends rain on the just and on the unjust.
For if you love those who love you, what reward do you have? Do not even the tax collectors do the same?
And if you greet only your brothers, what more are you doing than others? Do not even the Gentiles do the same?"
1 John 4:20
If Anyone Says, I Love God, And Hates A Brother Or Sister,
He Is A Liar, Because The Person Who Doesn’t Love A Brother Or Sister Who Can
Be Seen Cannot Love God, Who Can’t Be Seen.
www.visitrepublicofgeorgia.blogspot.com
In Tbilisi Mall, I found two things were sold out at reasonable prices and they are (1) All eatables and (2) Garments! Regarding the eatables, I would go further and say that they are sold-out at lowest prices!!
Last night [2nd Nov 2016, Wed] I visited an Indian restaurant in Tbilisi and had few small pieces of fish, yogurt, and a bottle of water for around 25-Lari [around 10$], but today in Tbilisi Mall I’m able to buy a delicious and sufficient chicken roll for just 1.35-Lari and a water bottle for 0.60-Lari, which means a lunch was comfortably completed with less than 2-Lari i.e. for around 0.80 USD!
When I probed with Irakli about the price difference between a restaurant and a mall, he informed me that not only in Tbilisi Mall but throughout Georgia the prices of eatables in malls and super markets are much cheaper compared to restaurants and I experienced the same throughout my journey!
A Closeup View inside "Tbilisi Mall"
Therefore including
"Tbilisi Mall" wherever we found a mall or supermarket I started
purchasing more eatables, which includes varieties of fruits, chocolates, cookies,
jellies, and much more!!
Unlike in India, you can trust and exchange the foreign currencies at best rates in Georgia as they do not play any tricks to get more margins out of you and they do not quote varying prices for every different customers!
In Tbilisi Mall I found the
service center of a bank and I remember it as "TBC Bank", which also
buy and sell currencies at a reasonable price! From a very small 'currency
exchange store' and up to a service center of a national bank, everywhere the
best exchange rate is guaranteed for all major foreign currencies in Georgia!
Social Life of
Georgia:
Georgians
love their country, language, traditions more than any other
community in this world! Georgians are unique and their identities are Caucasus,
Georgian language and Orthodox Christianity!
Georgian Women are the most hardworking women in this globe! They are always most active in economically supporting their families. In cities you may see them working in malls, restaurants, shops and everywhere else!
In villages you can see fruits are arranged for sales in-front of almost all the Georgian houses! Women would be inside the houses taking care of their home and children but when someone stand outside and shout for prices, they would immediately appear and finish the deal!
In cities girls mostly work in malls, supermarkets and shops. They seems to be jovial and probably they may crack some jokes on you and laugh; like a type of Flirting!
You may see some Georgian men sitting here and there and wasting their time but you could never see such a Georgian woman; even if she is old! But do not get confused with the hippy women who are visible in tourist spots; less in number but more in troubling the tourists by pleading for money!
Anyone from Asia could possibly never ever underestimate the beauty of Georgian girls! Yes they are wonderful! So if anyone decide to marry a beautiful and responsible girl; their right choice would be Georgian Girls!
Wanna see Angels? Kindly see Georgians!
Even in villages Georgian Moms provide their children with luxury dresses to certain extent, which exhibits their culture that they willingly spend high for raising their children!
One of the information about Georgian Social life is very strange but most common throughout Georgia and that is; as per their sentiments marrying the cousins is equal to marrying one's own brother or sister! Therefore if they come across any such marriages they would ensure that they murder the couples!
Bearing the above information in mind, to my surprise, throughout my Journey in Georgia I found only one person who was physically handicapped by birth!
Religious Life of Georgians:
Georgians have
very good faith with Orthodox Christianity for centuries together!
Minority Muslims are there in most parts of the country without any remarkable
leaders!
Many Christian Missionaries from developed countries have their representatives in Georgia to spread the biblical way of Christianity as an substitute of Orthodox Christianity!
The presence of "Jehovah Witness" is in Georgia, who claims that they are oppressed by the Fanatic Orthodox Christians, but the present situation is OK as EU has intervened into that matter!
Minority Muslims also think that the Government is not neutral when its comes to funding the religious institutions like allotting a place for mosque or funds to construct a mosque etc.
There is a split among the Georgian Muslims as SUNNI AND SHIITE; where the Sunni Muslims are more oriented with Turkey and Shiite Muslims towards Iran. Hopefully the fortune of Georgian Muslims may begin if Georgia becomes a part of the EU!
Major sources of the economy of Georgia:
It is very easy to list out the three major sources of the economy of Georgia and it is 1) Tourism 2) Agriculture and 3) Traditional Wine Making
Stalin's Armoured Train = Tourist Attraction!
Preserved Native House of Joseph Stalin!
1) Tourism:
But there are regular complaints about the improper approach of immigration officers in the airport and many visitors have been detained at the immigration counters of Georgia.
Most probably the detainees belongs to the developing countries like India. The immigration officer may pickup few passengers randomly and may reject all their documents and keep them in separate cabins and send them back to their home countries in the next return flight!
Georgia: Best For Global Tourists!
If you are confident and skillful to face, answer, convince the immigration officers of Georgia, and once you are able to exit the Airport and enter Georgia; soon you would realize that "Georgia" as the best welcoming destination for global tourists in Europe!
2) Agriculture:
Georgia's soil is one of the most fertile soils in the world! Fertile lands attracts many farmers to Georgia from different parts of the world including India!
I'm with Mr.Avto: Our Host & A Farmer @ Ananuri!
As a consequence of 2008 Russo-Georgian War, the economy of Georgia faced a severe downfall and as a result Georgia's fertile lands were sold at a cheaper price of around $800 per hectare and farmers from different countries purchased such lands including the farmers from Punjab, India!
However nowadays the government of Georgia has made many legitimate changes to restrict the foreigners from buying agricultural lands in Georgia!
Georgia’s fertile soil and favorable climate support production of a wide variety of high‐value agricultural products. Georgia leads the country in the production of peanuts and pecans. Cotton ranks second among Georgia's crops, followed by tobacco, soybeans and corn. Other crops include hay, oats, sorghum grain and wheat. Georgia is a leading producer of peaches, apples and watermelons.
Russia traditionally received most of Georgia’s exports but, since 2014 when Georgia signed a Deep and Comprehensive Free Trade Area (DCFTA) with the European Union, new European markets are developing. Georgia also grows an increasing quantity of crops, including vegetables and corn, for domestic consumption.
Agriculture remains an important sector in terms of GDP contribution for Georgia. In 2013, 8.3% was the contribution of agriculture to GDP, which raised up to 12.4% in 2016.
Agricultural sector of Georgia also provides an important safety net for the rural population, employing around 56 percent of the labor force. Small farmers comprise 95 percent of all farmers, typically cultivating around one hectare of land with low output.
As a result of land reform, the Georgian government has privatized over 25 percent and leased out about 30 percent of the country’s agricultural land.
The amount of privately held arable land is much higher at 55 percent compared to any other country! The law on Privatization of State‐owned Agricultural Land was passed in July 2005, which increased the efficiency and output in agricultural sector.
Georgian Parliament has passed a bill in 2015 for laying limitations on allowing the foreigners to own cultivate lands. Foreigners now may own agricultural land if they inherit it; co-own the land through marriage to a Georgian citizen or by being a member of a Georgian citizen household; or hold a residence permit!
Also, agricultural plots owned by foreigners must be no larger than 20 hectares. For entities founded by foreigners, the land plot is limited to 200 hectares. Lastly, the bill stipulates that all agricultural land sales to foreigners require a notarized contract.
The notary must check if the alien or the entity registered by an alien under Georgian jurisdiction meets all the legal requirements for agricultural land ownership. Due to pending Constitutional changes, further restrictions are expected to be introduced on sale of agricultural land to foreigners.
The Georgian government identified agriculture as a priority for development and has increased funding for agriculture by 60 percent. It has also set up the Agriculture Investment Fund to support the sector by providing credits for farmers. This may create additional demand for equipment and inputs to be supplied from many foreign countries.
3) Georgia: The Origin of Wine!
Wine Cellar+Ethnographic Museum in Nunus Marani!
Wine lovers have to thank Georgia a lot as it is the native; where the wine production has first began over 7000 years ago. Archaeological researches have proved that as early as 4000 BC in Georgia grape juice was being placed in underground clay jars to ferment during the winter.
Georgia is a land popular for its natural bounty, where there are over 500 species of grape; a greater diversity than anywhere else in the globe, with around 40 of these grape varieties are being used in commercial wine production.
The wine is the center of attraction of Georgian culture and tightly blended to their religious tradition. It is very common for families throughout Georgia to grow their own grapes and produce wine.
Feasting and hospitality are the true identities of Georgian culture, in which traditional banquets are presided over by a toastmaster, who proposes numerous toasts throughout the feast, and ensures that the wine flows liberally.
Georgia has exported wine to 53 countries in 2016, and earned $114 million revenue. The top five countries that imported Georgian wine in 2016 are listed below: Russia, Ukraine, China, Kazakhstan, and Poland. Georgia's Wine export in 2016 was also increased to the European Union!
Background of Russo-Georgian
War in 2008
Georgia
under the Rule of Russia:
The
country of Georgia was part of the Russian Empire from 1801 to 1918. Throughout
the period of 1450-1750, the Muslim Ottoman and Persian empires had fought over
various fragmented Georgian kingdoms.
During
18th century, Russia emerged as the new imperial power in the region and as
Russia was an Orthodox Christian country like Georgia, the Georgians preferred
seeking the Russian help.
The
Georgian kingdom became a Russian Protectorate in 1783 and aborted its dependence
on the monarch of Persia.
In
1801 Georgia was completely annexed by Russia, and made it as a region of
Russia. Until 1918 for 117 years, Georgia remained as a part of the Russian
Empire.
Russian
rule offered the Georgians, security from external invasions but, naturally
Georgians who have an unique language and culture would never prefer to be the
subjugate of any empire including Russia.
Discontent
with the Russian authorities, Georgians led a national movement during the late
19th century. Georgia finally won its independence in 1918, with the efforts of
Georgian nationalists' and socialists' and as a result of the collapse of the
Russian Empire in World War-1.
However
Georgia was able to remain as a successful independent country only for three
years [1918-1921] after separating from the Russian Empire. The Red Army
invasion on Georgia during 1921 resulted in Georgia becomes an integral part of
the Soviet Socialist republic and remained as same for 70 years.
Just
shortly before the collapse of the Soviet Union, on 9th April 1991, the Supreme
Council of Georgia declared independence after a referendum held on 31st March
1991. Gamsakhurdia was elected as the first President of independent Georgia on
26-05-1991.
Problematic Regions: South
Ossetia & Abkhazia
The war of 2008 between Georgia and Russia was
initiated by the allies of Russia within the Georgian Territory the so-called
and self-proclaimed republics of south Ossetia and Abkhazia.
The war triggered during August 2008 due to long and
gradual fall of diplomatic-goodwill between Russia and Georgia and it was considered
as the first European war of 21st century.
The tragedy is both Russia and Georgia are former constituents of USSR and the location of the war was in the strategically and diplomatically vital Transcaucasia area.
During
1991 - South Ossetia a well known Georgian province had declared its independence
from Georgia. Heavy fighting breaks out, forcing thousands of people to flee
their homes and during 1992, Abkhazia another Georgian province declared its
independence from Georgia, leading to armed conflict. Finally during September
1993 Abkhazian separatist forces had defeated the Georgian military.
Georgia claimed that Russian army and Russian intelligence bureau had contributed decisively to the Georgian defeat in the Abkhazian war and considered this conflict (along with the Georgian Civil War and Georgian-Ossetian War) as one of Russia's attempt of restoring its influence in the post-Soviet region.
During
May 1994, a ceasefire was agreed upon and signed between the Georgian
government and Abkhaz separatists. Russian peacekeeping forces are deployed to
the area.
On
November 12th, 2006 - A referendum was voted upon in which South Ossetians overwhelmingly
voted for independence. In a simultaneous referendum, South Ossetia's ethnic
Georgians, the minority people; voted in favor of Georgia’s Unity. The referendum
was rejected by the Georgian government.
Overview of Russo-Georgian War of 2008
During November 2007 - Russia announces that it has withdrawn its troops that had been based in Georgia since 1991 [i.e. during soviet era] but, Russia also announced that it retains a peace-keeping presence in Abkhazia and South Ossetia.
During November 2007 - Russia announces that it has withdrawn its troops that had been based in Georgia since 1991 [i.e. during soviet era] but, Russia also announced that it retains a peace-keeping presence in Abkhazia and South Ossetia.
During
August 7-8, 2008 - South Ossetian separatists started attacking the Georgian peacekeepers,
ending a ceasefire.
Georgian President Mikhail Saakashvili sends troops into
South Ossetia. Russia responds by moving its troops to the border, flying
aircraft over Georgia, and beginning air strikes in South Ossetia.
On
August 10, 2008 The Georgian Ministry of Foreign Affairs passes a formal
request for ceasefire to the Russian Embassy in Tbilisi. On August 12th, 2008 - Russia agreed to halt its military incursion into Georgia
and announced a six-point diplomatic push for peace.
On
August 15, 2008 - Georgian President Mikheil Saakashvili signs a cease fire
agreement with Russia. The French President Nicolas Sarkozy intermediates the
deal.
On
August 26th, 2008 - Russian President Dmitry Medvedev hastened and signed an order
recognizing the independence of South Ossetia and Abkhazia. The
August 2008 war lasted only five days, but it had serious geopolitical
implications on the South Caucasus.
It also created very different outlooks for
both Moscow and Tbilisi about the future of the two troubled regions of
Georgia.
Conclusion about the Russo-Georgian War
Russia’s rush towards recognizing the independence of the breakaway republics of Abkhazia and South Ossetia following the 2008 war, shows that the purpose was not merely related to South Ossetia or even Abkhazia!
But it seems that Russia’s actual intentions were to pinpoint the inability of the west to prevent Russia from moving aggressively to restore its primacy over one of the former Soviet Union territory (Georgia), to demonstrate the upper-hand of
As this war constituted Moscow’s first military aggression against a member of the European Council, it initiated greatest crisis in Russia’s relationship with the West. It is the right time for the west to realize that the Georgian war of 2008 is a sufficient alarm towards the most significant challenge of European Security since the Cold War’s ends.
The Georgian replied me that the arrival of USA War-Ship called USS MCFAUL DESTROYER in Georgia’s black
sea port Batumi as the reason for Russia’s acceptance of withdrawal!
But historically the reason of arrival of USA
War-Ship is just to deliver the humanitarian aids in a gesture of support for
the constituent of ex-Soviet Republic [i.e. Georgia] in its conflict with Russia.
All that the USA War-Ship was able to
achieve is; it just supplied tons of aid including bottled water, blankets,
hygiene kits and baby food for people who were affected by the war.
When Russia’s black sea fleet was based in
the Ukrainian port of Sevastopol, there is no logic for Russia to fear the
arrival of the USA Warship!
On the other hand USA has three big worries regarding a military conflict with Russia and they are as follows 1) About
a blow on economy due to an ever ending war, 2) Unnecessary war with Russia will have its impact in the upcoming US elections, 3) At times it may lead to a nuclear war! Whereas Russia never worried about economy, elections, or nuclear war, instead it was always keen towards its military supremacy and through the
Georgian War it had been well demonstrated.
I have a Pro-American stand here which I adopted from my dear father who used to tell me from my childhood days, till his demise and it is; If USA is in a good shape then Europe will prosper and if USA and Europe is in a good shape and prosperity then the whole World will be benefited out of it! Therefore my soul always stand in favor of USA due to the ever ending memory of my beloved dad!
Let me tell the another reason for my Pro-American stand and that is; I worked around a decade for American customers and clients representing the great brands of USA like AT&T, HP, MICROSOFT, DELL and ACT! Through this experience I realised that Americans are lovely and lovable!❤️
The
2008 war sent a clear signal to the Georgian Rulers that if you wish to lead a prosperous
life you may get closer to EU but if you wish to live peacefully you also have to get closer with Russia as well!
Second day of my Georgian tour!
Yes, today [4th Nov 2016, Friday] is the second day of my Georgian Tour! As per the schedule, first we started our travel in the Nissan and moved towards the place called Tsinandali.
While we were travelling halfway, Irakli and the driver has decided to stop the car and asked me, do you need "PUSH TOILET"? I was confused as i knew only flush toilet but not the push toilet, that too in the mid of the highway; I was little puzzled!?
Irakli clarified that he called me for Urinating roadside. Yes I too wanted to answer the call of nature. The car was parked in a location where there were lot of trees on the roadside. Soon to my surprise I found my guide and the driver were disappeared and returned from two different and too distant locations! Yes Georgian males are too shy when nature calls!
Tsinandali is a manorial
estate of Georgian noble house Chavchavadze and a popular place located in
Kakheti region of Georgia, which is 140 km away and the travelling-time is 2.5
hours from Tbilisi. Kakheti region is famous for being wine making area, where
we can see both snowy Caucasus Mountains and fertile valleys.
The Tsinandali Garden occupies 18 Hectares of Land. There
are many rare trees such as Cedars, Umbrella Pines, Lime Trees, Magnolia
and as well as Bamboos and Palms. The park is a combination of Natural and
Decorated Gardens.
Once we reached the local
Duke Alexander Chavchavadze’s estate in Tsinandali; from the
entrance, I glanced it’s beautiful garden, and the historical house. The garden
and the house were once used as the gathering place of all poets and artists of
the 19th century.
The house in the estate is maintained with rare historical paintings, furniture, household utensils, etc. The garden in the estate contains exotic flowers, meadows, bamboo groves, evergreen alleys, centuries-old trees, pomegranates, etc.
The British style garden, designed by British gardeners in 19th century retains to this day and its unique appearance has touched my heart with lot of inspirations.
I had experienced a little shock and surprise when I went inside to view the historical paintings, furniture, household utensils, etc., which were well placed inside the house in "Chavchavadze’s Estate", and what was that surprise is all about?!
Paintings and Furniture, Photo: Mikhail Golubev
The Surprise was: My guide Irakli has handed over me to a very young and beautiful girl and left the house. She is a subject matter expert over there, who took me to many different rooms, started explaining about the history and importance of the things kept over there, but as soon as we entered any particular room, she immediately closed all the doors in that room and started explaining things to me in privacy!
First I felt the situation as delicate and sensitive but soon realized that; it is how the Georgians wanted to treat their guest with personal attention, without any distractions so that the guest can pay attention to details and the attender can personalize the information!
Glimpses of "Chavchavadze’s Estate"
I can assure you that Tsinandali Garden is a perfect place for kids to enjoy more than anywhere else as there is none to forbid them from running on meadows, playing hide&seek in mazes of boxwood or climbing on trees and while observing that your mind would Relax with Joy and Rest!
Conclusion:
After viewing everything, when you try to move from "GEORGIA" your soul will say: I want to stay! That is how Georgia is!
Though it is the right time to move from 'Georgia' but leaving behind its beautiful landscapes, rivers, mountains, gardens, architecture, especially the lovely "Georgians" and their great history is not so easy.
While drafting this article I realized that I had not left 'Georgia' but actually I lost my soul in Georgia! I thought I'm the only-one but soon realized that already millions of tourists are in search of their stolen souls in Georgia and when they tried to leave from Georgia most of them heard their soul's whisper and that was 'Don't Quit! Just Stay Back! Everything is secured in 'Georgia' but not our souls! Yes, 'Georgia' will steal your soul and leave you alone!!
I'm not willing to prolong this article beyond this point as the readers may be length-concerned and I'm time-concerned!
Though hereby I decided to cut-short this article still I wish to provide you with my comprehensive photo collections from Georgia, which has hundreds of images with mind-blowing musical backgrounds! If you really like photography with Music and wish to view my albums, kindly view it at:
Theme Images Tells Messages!
MESSAGES: (1) TRAVELING UNITES THE MANKIND WITH LOVE, RESPECT AND BETTER UNDERSTANDING! (2) THEREFORE LET THIS WORLD BECOME A VISA-FREE ZONE: ENABLING THE EFFORTS OF EXPLORING THE EARTH! THE END!!
Dedication to "Angela Merkel!
"Angela Merkel", 'German' Chancellor!
I dedicate this humble work to "Angela Merkel", Chancellor of 'Germany, for treating all Humans as one Community!
I consider "Angela Merkel" as one of the greatest soul of all the times! I'm very much proud of living in the same era of "Angela Merkel", The German Chancellor!
Hats off to my dear "Angela Merkel"! We all love you! Go-on and continue you services to humankind, humanism and humanity!
I have a question for "Angela Merkel" Do you think, that you are the Chancellor only for 'Germany? No, that is not the truth but actually you are the Chancellor of Billions of regretted souls as you have a heart of benevolence, tenderness, and fellow feeling!
Is that not pride for 'Germany, when millions of anonymous souls consider "Angela Merkel" as their deliverer, who possess a heart of humanity and a soul of compassion!
Like Jesus Christ,
"Angela Merkel" is hated by her own people as she has a heart of love
for others. Many great leaders' life was full of curse but history records
their life with full of praise.
Polluters are there among the
Politicians, Criminals are there among the Citizens; yes terrorists are also
there among the refugees like Judas Iscariot among the disciples of Jesus Christ!
Is this not a great opportunity for the refugees to learn about Christianity practically and Democracy in reality?!
I have one more question here; what would Jesus Christ do if he is the Chancellor of Germany?! Will he hate the refugees and close its doors?! Never, even if they crucify Him!
Many wish to celebrate
Christmas but none prefers to celebrate the life of Jesus Christ,
which is always with full of mercy for every human and that is why Jesus Christ is
celebrated beyond religion, over two millenniums!
Alas! When Angela Merkel is attempting to follow the footsteps of Jesus Christ with love and pity; do her own people wish to crucify her?! Is that because they only love Jesus Christ but not his lifestyle of loving others?!
O God, now Christianity attracts me more by seeing Angela Merkel. O God now I understand the secrecy of becoming a true believer: I have to love others like I love myself even if my own people curse me!
O God! Bless me a heart and a soul like Angela Merkel so that I too can love every human beyond their age, sex, color, religion, race, country, language, etc., even if my own people hates me, collapses my fame & credibility, break my strength and even if they crucify me! -Amen
Merkel:A Living Example of Jesus's Teachings
Matthew 5:43-47
Jesus Christ said to the crowds, “You have heard that it was said, ‘You shall love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’
But I say to you, Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, so that you may be sons of your Father who is in heaven.
For he makes his sun rise on the evil and on the good, and sends rain on the just and on the unjust.
For if you love those who love you, what reward do you have? Do not even the tax collectors do the same?
And if you greet only your brothers, what more are you doing than others? Do not even the Gentiles do the same?"
1 John 4:20
If Anyone Says, I Love God, And Hates A Brother Or Sister,
He Is A Liar, Because The Person Who Doesn’t Love A Brother Or Sister Who Can
Be Seen Cannot Love God, Who Can’t Be Seen.
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