Day 4: Great Sleep and Sunny Weather

Weather Update: Sunny with a high of 9°C

Elevation Above Sea Level 3 Metres

Day 4: Exploring My Surroundings

After a good sleep, waking up at 10:05 am, I realized how dark it remains in the mornings here in Georgia due to no daylight saving and our bunk room being windowless. It's nice for a solid sleep but leaves me starting the day later than usual.

The Hunt for Headphones

I lost my headphones somewhere between the hotel and the hostel, so my first mission was to get a new pair. Along the way, I stumbled upon a local bakery and tried a Gorian Bread Pastry. It was delightful – pizza dough folded like a calzone with layers of cheese and two boiled eggs inside, all for just 2.5 GEL (about $1.58 NZ).

ATM Adventures

Finding ATMs in Batumi proved to be an adventure. The first one was in direct sunlight, making the screen impossible to see. The second one had a line of about a dozen people. While waiting, a lady tried to cut the queue, but I stood firm and told her to get back in line. It's a common sight here – people trying to inject themselves up front in a queue by asking questions of the person at the counter.

Casual Day of Scenery and Local Sites

I spent the day enjoying the local scenery and sites. A 500 ml beer was just 2.5 GEL ($1.58 NZ), and the pub across the road charged 4 GEL ($2.53 NZ). I decided to extend my stay by an extra two nights because I'm sleeping well here. With a 90-day visa, extending is just $12 NZ a night for a bunk, and meals are cheap too. You can get a bottle of wine and a meal for 60 GEL ($38 NZ).

Connecting with Fellow Travelers

Last night, I met Mustafa from Turkey, a lively and fun character, and Dima from Russia, who kindly shared his dinner with me. He's trying to understand me, but I talk too fast, so I need to slow down. He's now signed up to follow my travels, which is exciting.

Reflecting on Challenges

I've had moments when things didn't go as planned, and it felt like I was letting myself down. But I've bounced back and feel much better now. Travelling teaches you resilience and how to navigate the bumps in the road.

Batumi:

Batumi is the vibrant capital city of Adjara, an autonomous republic in southwest Georgia, nestled on the eastern coast of the Black Sea. The rich history of Batumi intertwines seamlessly with that of Adjara.

Historical Significance:

Founded on the ancient site of the Hellenic colony of Bathys, Batumi emerged as a small fortified town within the medieval kingdom of Georgia. The 17th century saw Batumi fall under the dominion of the Ottoman Empire, only to be ceded to the Russian Empire in 1878. Russian rule ushered in a transformative era, positioning Batumi as a pivotal port city straddling the crossroads of Eurasia. Batumi’s tale took dramatic turns with successive Ottoman and British occupations post-World War I, until it was incorporated into the Democratic Republic of Georgia in 1920. Sovietization followed in 1921, granting Adjara its status as an autonomous republic, with Batumi as its capital.

Modern Batumi:

Today, Batumi stands as a cornerstone of Georgia’s maritime activities, paralleling the significance of the port city of Poti. Beyond its strategic economic role, Batumi flourishes as a cultural and political hub. Batumi’s captivating past, marked by various conquerors, has sculpted a diverse and resilient spirit. Presently, Batumi boasts the capacity to handle 80,000-tonne tankers, primarily exporting oil originating from Azerbaijan, along with smaller oil consignments from Kazakhstan and Turkmenistan. The city also exports regional agricultural products, with its port witnessing a freight conversion surge, peaking at approximately 8 million tonnes in 2001. The port’s annual revenue is estimated between $200 million and $300 million.

Economic Boom and Real Estate Surge:

Since the power shift in Adjara, Batumi has lured international investors, causing real estate prices to triple since 2001. Kazakh investors alone have poured $100 million into acquiring over 20 hotels in the Adjara region. This investment wave sparked the construction of new hotels in Adjara's Black Sea resorts beginning in 2007.

Military and Political Evolution: Batumi once hosted the Russian 12th Military Base. Post-Rose Revolution, Georgia’s central government pursued the withdrawal of these forces. An agreement with Moscow in 2005 expedited the process, culminating in the handover of the Batumi base to Georgia on 13 November 2007, ahead of schedule.

Tourist Attraction:

Georgians flock to Batumi in the summer, drawn by its delightful climate and resort allure. The city offers a unique blend of history, culture, and modernity, making it a must-visit destination.