Aqua Park – hahu"l calul

Batumi Georgia

hilalevy — Sat, 25 Apr 2020 06:46:37 +0000

This time I went on an organized trip on behalf of my workplace.

Excursion organized by Luna Tours.

We left the country on an Israeli flight,

the plane was a Smart Wings lease

a spacious new aircraft, it was a short, pleasant flight that took about

two and a half hours.

Batumi is a port city on the Black Sea.

We arrived at Batumi at noon, and we immediately saw gypsies.

It must be said that they are real nudes and are in every corner!

It is advisable not to treat them or give them money !!!

If you want to give them some food while you are in the restaurant

It’s possible but it’s best not to mess with them at all!

The gypsy usually pays someone a daily amount for her baby,

they obfuscate the baby with the certain drug so that it does not

cry or interfere and with him, they ask for money from passersby.

Don’t give it a hand! It is terrible.

The currency in Georgia is called Larry,

Larry = about one and a half Israeli shekels.

We arrived at our excellent hotel, the name of the Hotel:

Wyndham Batumi

If you get in trouble with the hotel name when you want to get to it by taxi

Just tell the driver: “Princess Casino“, this is the name of the hotel’s casino

and everyone knows this place.

The hotel is in a great location near the promenade, it has a casino,

excellent service, excellent breakfast,

parking, Internet access, well-equipped gym, excellent spa and

beautiful and clean rooms!

It is highly recommended!

After we got the room I rested a bit and later took a walk around the hotel area.

Near the hotel is Europe Square There are restaurants, shops,

fountains and promenade about 17 km long where you can rent bicycles

(5 Larry for bicycle, 15 Larry for quad bike, 30 Larry for double electric cinema)

or take a horse-drawn carriage, sit by the sea,

go round the giant wheel (3 Larry per round), and more…

I was sitting in a restaurant called Madea, next to the square, eating Hachapuri

(a pastry with cheese), the food at Batumi is very cheap!

There are all kinds of Hachapuri.

This is the Khakpuri I ate:

And this is the familiar and original kashpuri with cheese and butter egg

(which I did not eat):

I completed my day-steps in the hotel gym and ended it on the first day of the trip.

Day 2 – Today, an organized excursion was planned for a waterfall,

after a little group thinking we decided to take two taxi

With a drivers and stroll in places other than a waterfall,

so we closed with our lovely John and Thomas drivers

that each of us would pay 20$ a day for a trip and set off.

John’s Phone (possible at WhatsApp) 995568444844+

We asked the driver to see the Opposite restaurant

(it is only interesting from the outside),

and from there we went to the Botanic Gardens (entrance fee 15 Larry).

In the gardens there is an option to do part of the way with a small vehicle

for the group plus 5 Larry but we preferred to walk all the way!

Please note: since our driver dropped us off at the back entrance to

the gardens We walked most of the way downhill and not up.

From the gardens we continued to the Georgia-Turkey border,

We saw the border crossing, not far from it is a beautiful little waterfall

All the way the driver explained to us in clear English all the things we saw,

from there, we drove to the Citadel of Genonia

It is an ancient Roman fortress. We went in, took a tour, took pictures

and settled on it,

and from there we went to a waterfall (to which the whole our friends

traveled on the organized trip).

On the way we stopped at some beautiful and interesting places,

We got an explanation from the drivers about the streams we saw

and we also stopped by some beautiful bridges that overflowed a stream.

At the waterfall, we met all the guys who were just a few minutes ahead of us,

At the entrance to the waterfall you can buy churchella,

honey and other sweet and tasty things ..

Some sellers have already learned to speak Hebrew (-:

We had lunch at a nearby restaurant

and just as our hike ended, it started to rain.

We got on the vehicles and went back to the hotel.

We had an hour to get organized and went out with the whole group for

an evening of folklore, which took place in a family home in a village.

There we had dinner (not for my taste), after dinner a lovely children

appeared in traditional dances,

one of them sang in Hebrew at the end of the evening,

We joined her in song and dance (Hebrew songs) and enjoyed the atmosphere.

From there we went back to the hotel to sleep ..

Day 3 – We started the day on a walk with our guide,

most of the hike was around the hotel, we passed through the

statue of Madea, the boardwalk, summer theater,

flower Market (not a large market),

We toured a local market, saw a building that in originally served as a bank.

and other interesting buildings and places

Not far from the giant wheel we saw the statues identified with Batumi,

which are Ali and Nino –

a loving couple he was an Armenian warrior and she was a Georgian princess,

an impossible love.

The statues is about 7 meters tall, they move constantly and a few minutes

later come together and separate:

We arrived at Piazza, which has a number of interesting places to sit for coffee,

we saw the Chabad House which is not far away,

at the end of the hike we said goodbye to the guide and went to the funicular.

At 15 Larry, the cable car is on high observation,

all the way there very nice, and takes about 12 minutes each way.

After the observation, we went back down.

* It’s important to get on a funicular at a day with good visibility!

From there we walked up to the dolphinarium.

We passed through a beautiful park with a lake and a small living area,

We bought tickets to the Dolphin show, which was just adorable!

Only 15 Larry to the ticket. It is highly recommended !

From there we took a big taxi for all of us (10 Larry) and drove to

the Alphabet Tower, To the rotating restaurant at the top of the building.

We were told that the restaurant was only going around from 8 p.m.

We had delicious food there (service was a little annoying and slow),

the food there is not generally expensive but it is relatively expensive

for restaurants in Batumi.

From there we walked to Dona Pasta House where there are the most

amazing cakes in Batumi at funny prices!

Dona Bakeshop & Cafe Address:

Pharnavaz Mepe St, Akhaltsikhe, Georgia.

When it was dark we drove to the Chanting Fountains

(operating every day from 9 pm)

There are two places with such fountains, one near the hotel and

one within driving distance.

We watched the fountains (away from the hotel) and then went back

to the hotel Who to sleep and who to turn around in the piazza.

Day 4 of the Tour – we took an organized Jeep Tour for the Mtirala Nature Reserve!

A nature walk in the area about 40 minutes drive from the hotel,

the road was beautiful, we stopped at several places along the way,

We crossed a river on a bridge and also in a wooden wagon on ropes,

Some members of the group did omega (I wouldn’t recommend it,

it didn’t look very safe).

There were some hiking options,

each one chooses the route they want according to their level of difficulty

and destination.

We walked about 700 meters towards the lake, it was beautiful and fun.

When we returned from the jeep tour, we asked our driver to drop us off

at the Turkish market called the Chopa Market,

In the market you will find good counterfeits of Adidas, Nike, Under-Armor

and the like…

There are bags, shoes, clothes, tools for the home and full of Israelis (-:

From there we took a taxi to the hotel, rested for a bit and took a walk on

the street parallel to the hotel.

There are interesting shops of shoes, makeup, cheap cigarettes, clothing

and well-known brands (expensive brands, which isn’t expensive there).

We had dinner at Chabad House again,

recommended restaurant for all opinions! good food, large and rich

dishes and reasonably priced,

and of course – kosher !!

From there we walked at night on the promenade, everything was

bright and beautiful,

we saw the statue of lovers again and saw chanting fountains

in the promenade area.

It was pleasant and beautiful, and from there we returned to the hotel for

one last night in Batumi.

Important general tips:

* 4 full days in Batumi is enough.

* Sim card for the phone (for internet browsing) can be bought at a really cheap price

at the airport or at any phone shop in town.

* We were a big group, we traveled in the same places and still everyone had a

different experience from wherever we were.

There are those who very much liked a particular place and there are those

who did not like (the exact same place), so take any recommendation

in limited warranty.

* All Batumi attractions are cheap! (Meanwhile).

* It is not recommended to rent a car in Batumi because they drive like

crazy there!

Bus drivers also act irresponsibly towards the passengers on the bus.

On the other hand, you can find a courteous taxi driver who travels legally

and knows the driving culture on the spot.

* The taxis in Batumi are very cheap. Taxi ride around town (no matter how

many people) costs between 5 and 10 Larry! no more.

* A day trip outside Batumi (up to an hour’s drive from the city) will cost

between 80 and 100 Larry to a taxi with a driver next to you.

* Those who do not join the organized trips can save a lot of money.

Just decide where you want to go, take a driver and travel independently to

all the sites cheaply, in a very significant financial gap.

For example, we paid 33 $ per person for a jeep ride and there we met people

who took a taxi to the same place,

they paid 80 Larry for a taxi! For everyone together, for the entire trip. Crazy gap!

* Summer: atoms full of tourists, especially from Russia, the roads can be

very crowded.

* Aqua Park – A small water park, suitable for families.

* Near the dolphinarium there is a beautiful park with a small lake and zoo

suitable for children.

* The Black Sea is dangerous – in a few steps the water suddenly reaches deep,

make sure there is a lifeguard on the beach where you are.

* Fish Bazar – picks the fish you want to eat and takes it to a nearby

restaurant there you prepare it as you wish (restaurant name Blue sea).

* Churchhalla – selling everywhere (about Larry and a half), I

buy Churchhalla at a Small Boutique Store

Near my hotel, because it is the most aesthetically clean! a little more

expensive (3.5 Larry) but most delicious and worthwhile!

* Nightclubs – CAUTION! Don’t get into a dubious club!

Men, not agreeing to girls to join your table,

this “pleasure” can cost you dearly!

You will be surprised to receive a 2000 Larry account at the end of the evening.

Stingers of this kind are known from Thailand and there are same clubs here too,

so be vigilant.

Do you have any more tips on Batumi?

I would be happy if you write it in the comments.

* The capital of Georgia is Tbilisi. Want to read more about Georgia?

Read here about a tour of Yochai in Georgia.

Overall this is a close, lightweight destination, suitable for everyone, and it’s

best to get there between May and September.

Enjoy!

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Astana Kazakhstan – Jonathan Furman’s Trip

hilalevy — Fri, 24 Apr 2020 05:06:53 +0000

Imagine a huge country,

For instance, the ninth largest in the world as the size of all Western Europe!

With friendly locals, diverse landscapes, rare animals (like the snow leopard),

Futuristic cities and fascinating history!

In addition, imagine an anti-extremist Muslim state,

Secular and tolerant and multi-minority!

The president is careful to respect all religions and minorities in the country

And it seems that the Jewish community also lives here with confidence

and goodness.

This country reads: Kazakhstan!

Get a hot recommendation and some detailed “eating head”

About Kazakhstan’s new and designed capital:

Astana!

In fact, this is a thriving futuristic city brimming with luxury towers,

Parks and Shopping Centers!

A relatively new discovery of oil and gas reservoirs has created an

incredible, uninterrupted construction momentum.

Astana has become a declining Soviet town, surrounded by thousands of

square kilometers of desolate steppes

To a glittering modern city, lush with wide avenues, luxury hotels,

Blooming parks, luxury towers and bustling shopping centers!

Although Estana is located in the heart of Asia, it is heavily influenced by

Europe and has been nicknamed

“The Star of Euro-Asia”,

And this is the only capital city in the world, meaning “capital” in Kazakh.

Some claim that the city was not given a specific name, to allow it to be named

in due time after the president.

Today Astana is an administrative, socio-economic and political center

of Kazakhstan.

A few days’ visit to the new capital turns out to be a fascinating but

very confusing experience.

It takes at least two days to get out of the shock of what you see there.

Most important and recommended sites in the city:

* Kazakhstan National Avenue – (Nurzhol Boulevard) –

It is a magical avenue located in the heart of the city, and it is for pedestrians

only.

* The Baiterek Tower – the symbol of the city! This is a 97 meter

high observation tower,

Symbolizing Kazakhstan’s cultural past, and seen from every corner of the city.

At the top of the tower is a large glass crown with a gold ball symbolizing

Samarok, the mythical bird that cast a golden egg.

You can take a quick elevator into the panoramic hall for spectacular city views

The yellow windows can prevent proper photography, inside the tower there is

also an art gallery and restaurant.

* Aqorda Presidential Palace – Kazakh Presidential Palace,

Designed similar to the White House and incorporates colors from the

state’s national flag.

The huge complex, which surrounds the presidential palace, is located:

Houses of Parliament, Supreme Court,

The National Library, whose building looks like a blue-eyed eye,

Gold towers, open plazas and beautiful flower gardens (in summer).

*Hazret Sultan Mosque – the largest and most beautiful mosque in Central

Asia.

It is a huge palace, considered the most beautiful site of Astana.

* Palace of Peace and Reconciliation – special structure,

Built in the shape of a colored glass pyramid, which many believe is an

“eighth world wonder”.

The pyramid aims to symbolize peace and the way to unity of peoples

and religions in the world,

It includes a concert and opera hall, a conference hall, art galleries,

exhibitions, and more.

* National Museum of Kazakhstan –

The museum deals with the history and culture of Kazakhstan from

ancient times to the present day.

The museum’s halls include interactive displays and art displays.

The museum also has a rich collection of objects related to the

nomadic culture of Kazakhstan and a collection of breathtaking gold jewelry.

* Independence Square – a huge and impressive square

With so many amazing buildings in one place.

The square is located close to the pyramid, the mosque and the

National Museum.

Other sites you can visit:

Kazakhstan’s first presidential museum – one of Astana’s main attractions.

The museum presents unique archival documents, scientific material,

and books written by Nazarev, the first President of Kazakhstan.

The museum also has many gift collections, prizes and items.

Atkman – a huge complex (spread over 2 dunams),

showcasing its historical and cultural wealth

Of Kazakhstan using miniatures.

Miniatures Park – contains over 200 different cities and sites from all

over Kazakhstan.

* If there is enough time, it is highly recommended to leave the city for

a few days to the nature reserves and / or take a plane flight to Almaty

The largest city in Kazakhstan, and the country’s capital in the past.

Shopping:

Astana offers quite a few shopping malls, fashion boutiques,

souvenir shops, and unique stores, and all at attractive prices.

The highlight and the first place to stop for shopping in Astana is

the Khan Shatyr Center!

It is a huge indoor center (127,000 square meters) for entertainment

and shopping,

Spread over three floors of brand shops, cafes, restaurants, playgrounds,

movie theaters

And even an artificial beach with an aquatic park that maintains a constant

35 degree tropical climate

And original sand from the Maldives! The complex is covered all seasons,

And serves as an entertainment and shopping center even as temperatures

drop below zero during Astana winters.

Address: 25 Abay Avenue, Almaty, Kazakhstan

The center is considered the largest tent in the world!

pictue from the internet:

Food:

In Astana you can taste traditional Russian and Kazakh cuisine,

Alongside American, Japanese, Indian and European cuisine.

Thanks to the import of chefs from all over the world, these chefs now run

the best restaurants in Astana,

And the menus vary with the seasons and the personal preferences of

each chef.

The food is excellent and cheap, the menus are usually written only in Russian.

Astana at night

Night life:

The city’s club scene is booming, with new and hot places opening all the time.

Astana’s clubs attract Dj’s international and young audience.

The first thing to know about Astana nightlife,

The one who usually comes to the club late fashionable.

The clubs are empty until midnight, and most of them stay open until

four in the morning.

The second thing to know is that the entry policy is very tough,

So make sure you get dressed nicely and respectfully to enter the club.

Accommodation:

There are dozens of hotels in Astana,

When the fancy and expensive hotels are in the new part of town.

I highly recommend the Best Western Plus Hotel (click on the hotel-name)

The hotel is located in the heart of the city and (relatively) close to all

major and recommended sites of the city.

How to get to Astana?

There are no direct flights from Israel to Kazakhstan,

So the most likely options for reaching Astana International Airport (TSE) are:

With Turkish Airlines via Istanbul (IST), or with Airplot via Moscow (SVO).

* It is highly recommended to check the flight hours (take-off and landing)

and the duration of the connection.

* Another option is to integrate Moscow at the end or beginning of the trip,

(Take a long concoction in Moscow and take a walk around the city).

currency:

The local currency is called Tanga (KZT)

One dollar is worth about 330 tanga.

One shekel is worth about 92 tanga.

Transportation from the airport to the city:

You can reach the city center by convenient and efficient buses,

Or order a taxi from a taxi station located within the airport at a cost

of 2500 tanga (about NIS 30).

Public transportation and city traffic:

You can travel by bus and / or get there by taxi.

About Taxi Travel:

It should be noted that the same side of the river should not cost

more than 500 tanga (about NIS 5),

And a trip across the river should cost about 700 tanga (about NIS 8).

A few more things to know:

* The recommended period for visiting Astana is from May to October.

November to April are the coldest months in the country that manifest in

harsh winters with extreme temperatures.

* Power outlets like in Israel.

* Languages spoken: Residents are fluent in Russian, and few speak English.

* Israelis are not required to issue a visa.

Astana is ahead of the Israeli clock in three hours.

*** Possibility to go to Moscow city ***

After landing at SVO Airport, continue towards Passport Audit,

There they indicate that they are in a long concourse and want to go around

the city for a bit.

Go towards the Harrox Express Train (there is a Train to Moscow signage),

Purchase a round-trip ticket by train through the machine or through a

manned checkout

– Ticket cost 1000 rubles (about 60 NIS).

The train leaves every half hour to the city, and the journey takes

about 35 minutes.

Get off at the last station called Belorusskaya,

Get out of the station, turn left or ask a young friend who knows some English,

And arrive at the Belarsky Metro Station on Line 2, which is green in the

direction of Teatralnaya Station

– The third stop from Belaroski.

Exit the metro station and go up the stairs.

We recommend staying close to the metro station, most of the important

attractions are there.

(The information on the Moscow connection is taken from

Hila Mor Alon’s post on “This Abroad Here” on Facebook)

Conclusion,

In my opinion, it’s only a matter of time before Kazakhstan re-enters the

world map,

And anyone who visits it – will come back with a taste of more!

Just don’t try jokes about Borat, it doesn’t really work with them..

Jonathan

May, 2018

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