Day 90: Hostel Jeal

Weather Update 🌞Sunny, High: 8°C

Elevation Above Sea Level 3 Metres

Morning Journey

I left Orbi City and walked 2.9 km in some nice sunshine, arriving at the hostel by 10:30 AM. This early start gave me time to explore the area some more.

Rooftop Views

I first headed to the roof, which offers fabulous views of the Carpathian Mountains dusted in snow. It was rather chilly up there, and although I hoped to get some work done while relaxing in the sun, it was around the other side of the building that caters for travellers who have rooms rather than bunks. At first, it was warm, but as the sun tracked around the edge of the building, it became chilly very quickly.

A Promenade Walk

I packed up and went for a nice walk along the promenade. There were plenty of locals fishing along the docks, trying to coax the fish from under the boats with bait. The views across the Black Sea were very relaxing, and the sun made me feel comfortable. Despite my bad start to the week, I feel so much better coming to a peaceful area with cobbled side streets lined with small trees, shops, hotels, hostels, and eateries, with little traffic.

First Stop: The Port

My first stop was the port, where locals sat fishing under the boats, trying to coax out the fish with bait and the views across the Black Sea to the mountains made me skip a heartbeat. Looking forward there is a hotel that is under construction with a Ferris wheel attached to the side of the building when it opens it should be a huge tourist attraction, with an element of fear attached to it.

Ali and Nino Statue

Batumi is a city brimming with sculptures. Among these, the enchanting "Ali and Nino" is sure to leave a lasting impression on your heart and mind. Nestled in Batumi Boulevard, a mere 50 meters from the Alphabet Tower and the Ferris wheel, this alluring work moves synchronously and adorns the shores of the Black Sea.

Created by Georgian artist and sculptor Tamar Kvesitadze, "Ali and Nino" is affectionately known as the "Statue of Love." Comprising two 8-metre tall figures of a man and woman, the sculpture showcases their union as they intersect and merge into one whole. This mesmerizing dance repeats non-stop every 10 minutes. Crafted from lightweight yet sturdy metal, the statue's construction leaves visitors in awe, as if the metallic components are magically hung in the air.

Inspiration

Inspired by the novel of the same name by renowned Azerbaijani author Kurban Said, "Ali and Nino" tells the love story between Ali Sharvashiri, an Azerbaijani Muslim, and Nino Kifiani, a Georgian Christian. The events narrated in the novel take place in the Caucasus during the First World War. The monument stands as a testament to the power of love beyond nationality and religion. Its symbolic significance, coupled with the seamless movement of the sculpture, is sure to leave a lasting impression.

Alphabetic Tower

The Alphabetic Tower is a 130-meter high structure, featuring 33 letters of the Georgian alphabet. The tower combines the design of DNA in its familiar double helix pattern. The two helix bands ascend the tower, holding 4-meter tall letters. The Georgian alphabet, one of the 14 existing alphabets in the world, is unique with its ancient history and the past. Georgian people have always expressed their love towards this beautiful symbol of Georgian identity in different pieces of art and compositions. You can enjoy delicious food in the rotating ATMOSPHERE Restaurant and take in the panoramic views of Batumi city and the Black Sea.

Tower in Batumi, Georgia  

When the Technological University Tower in Batumi, Georgia was completed in 2012, it was the first building to include a Ferris wheel built into the facade. Hanging 330 feet (100 meters) above the ground are eight air-conditioned cabins with room for a total of 40 people. It would offer a great view over Batumi if only it was operational.

The Ferris wheel—as well as the 280-foot (85-meter) mast with a sail on top of the tower—proved to be a challenge for the architects and engineers designing the building, and required wind tunnel tests. Further complicating the construction, the tower was built in a moderate seismic zone. During an earthquake, the soil underneath the tower liquefies, and so strategies to prevent this were also developed.

What's more, the plans to open a technological university in the city fell short, and the building stood empty for two years before it was sold in 2015. The plax xc

Piazza Square

Batumi Piazza is one of the most recognizable symbols of Batumi, Georgia, attracting visitors with its decorative stained-glass windows and mosaics. Since its opening in 2010, the plaza has gained a reputation for having some of the best bars, restaurants, and clubs in town. It is now the largest venue for cultural and entertainment events in Batumi.

Located in the very heart of Old Batumi, the plaza covers a total of 5700 square meters and was designed by architect Vazha Orbeladze, who drew inspiration from Venetian architecture. The colourful stained-glass windows were created by artist Dolores Hoffman, while the figurative marble mosaic, the largest of its kind in Europe, was designed by Natalia Amirejibi de Pita. Regarded as the crowning feature of Piazza Square, the mosaic was designed in Abu Dhabi before being transported to Batumi in pieces. In the mosaic are eight decorated circles reflecting the calm surface of the sea. In the middle of the circles are five water deities wrapped in cloths of red, blue, violet, pink, and green, with a small mermaid depicted in their centre. The mosaic symbolizes the connection between the sea and eternal movement, the force of water, and rapid changes in everyday life—an apt image for this seaside town.

Connecting with Fellow Travelers

I connected with several people, especially Dima from Russia and Mustafa from Istanbul, Turkey. They are keen to learn more English, so we've had many discussions. I find it fascinating and so inspiring to talk and discuss with fellow solo travellers about their journeys, where they are from and where they are going, I love the comradery that each individual has and the experiences they share are truly wonderful and a day will come when I have finished my travels that I will miss that connection or I might just keep going until I pass away.