Batumi

« After the most colorful sunsets 🌅 and gorgeous landscapes 🏞️, I craved for a contrast in nature and weather 😄🌈, so I traveled to my 🌍 sunny and mountainous homeland ❤️🇫🇷. Upon arrival, I was greeted by stunning weather—about 50°F 🎉—spring and bliss indeed! I managed to meet a wonderful friend 👫, and it was such a joy to see you again ❤️. Hoping to catch up soon! 😏🤗

And of course, I wandered around the homeland, saw Mount Batumi from above 🏔️, enjoyed the view, and appreciated everything 🙏✨! Sitting by the seaside is priceless, and it feels invaluable!!! I cherish and thank you 😍🙏❤️❤️! »

« The flip side of the charming city of Batumi. Abandoned pavilions and entrances. I feel like I want to write a separate post about these entrances.
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In the photo, you can see the Republican State Hospital. Inside, it looks quite grim. Overall, healthcare in Georgia cannot be called sufficient. More the other way around. For good treatment, you have to go to Turkey, which is only 9 miles away.
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In hospitals for foreigners, fees apply. A consultation costs around $10-$12 (30-35 lari). Not bad even for someone from a big city! In private clinics, the cost can exceed $20 (50 lari). Overall, if we talk about my experiences, which I am likely to share more broadly, it's hard to get any good quality care here. I have no trust in local doctors, and to get good help, you need to know where and how to go. That’s why it's cheaper to take care of yourself, focus on proper nutrition, engage in sports, and drink at least 0.5 gallons of water a day. Plus, periodic trips to Turkey for healthcare 💧 »

« Batumi is a mix of "cool" homes in a modern style, sleek glass buildings twinkling at night, new chic hotels, and "ruins" of the old Soviet architecture, with doors (each unique 👌) and balconies (each with a view 😍) lining an 8-kilometer waterfront promenade with vintage lanterns illuminating all the streets (I really aimed to feel the local vibe here 🤗) – you'll sense a lasting presence of white saline sea air and palm trees creating a memorable impression 🌴.

There's also a time I absolutely savored in the air: not waiting for the daltaplans to take off, I was lured by a fellow to the channel 🙈. The essence of everyday port life is palpable 🎣⛵🌍. Leading without any doubt, our company headed to Batumi, and it’s worthy of getting acquainted with it 😉. »

« Batumi, with its photos pretending to be a capitalist giant, is a former small resort town on the Black Sea coast. The city attracts with its contrasts. Futuristic sculptures and skyscrapers (the ones I’ve seen so far remind me the most of Valencia) coexist with crumbling huts on the outskirts. The beach, with its purple hues, and infrastructure designed specifically by local authorities, attracts beach traders offering everything from Chinese souvenirs to fortune-telling. Huge investments and an average salary of around $300. Lavish streets juxtaposed with old, battered cars. The cleanliness and luxury of the boulevards stand in stark contrast to the vibrant chaos of the markets. That’s the city I’ve quickly come to love. »

« Here I am with a little snapshot to talk about the modern side of Batumi. Since we live quite far from the center (about a 20-minute walk), we've encountered not only the beauty of Batumi but also some harsh realities. In my opinion, it's probably better to stay away from areas further from the center. There are no sidewalks, the pedestrian crossings seem more decorative than functional, and the streets are poorly lit. However, we’ve concluded that in about 10 years, this place will be something special. There’s construction happening on every corner! The city is slowly taking on a tourist-friendly vibe that's definitely worth noticing. The waterfront alone is impressive! I've already tested the bike lanes, and they’re great in action! 🚴‍♀️🌊 »

« We're already in Batumi, but it feels like we're somewhere in Asia 🌴😄 The humidity, the palm trees, the chaotic traffic where you hesitate to cross at the pedestrian crossing, and cows grazing under the palms or sleeping right on the highway – it's all so surreal! »

« Very strange impressions from Batumi, especially after the self-sufficient Tbilisi. It's a complete style mix, an attempt to turn it into a European town, and the indelible Eastern spirit sometimes struggle to coexist, much like the luxurious hotels and restaurants next to impoverished neighborhoods. And you won’t find the perfect beach vacation here either; it’s better to head to the neighboring Kobuleti for that. »

« A clean, beautiful city with delicious food and wine, warm hospitality everywhere, affordable prices, a warm sea, and a special inviting atmosphere... how can you not fall in love with this city? ❤️🌊 »