Obscene architecture and jumpers of the pier. [Honest review Batumi]

It seems like most people have either love or hate relationship with Batumi. It is probably because the place has very strong contrast between old and new, big and small, rich and poor. From the distance, this coastal town resembles something special as the towers of its hotels are the most dominant mark.

Some areas still looks like the Soviet union never ended and it gives quite some charm to the city. The architecture is obscene. There are no or very little regulations when it comes to building regulations in Georgia. That makes the whole country and specially Batumi outstanding from most I have had chance to see.

Recent news or rumors about Donald Trump planning on building his famous Trump tower there speaks for itself. It really is like walking through Las Vegas at some parts of the city.

On the other hand the old town resembles more castles from Harry Potter or medieval dwellings for royals.

When one gets out of the center more residential buildings, villas from communists times starts to emerge and local lifestyle is alive and present. One of the most iconic working class invention caught my attention. The Clothing lines with winches are spread between houses and creates beautiful and very colorful decoration.

The biggest selling point of Batumi is by far the Black sea. Even those ugly soviet housing on the picture above is livable when you have the sea on your doorstep. Locals know that well and try to make the most of it. These local "Bijos" show me the good spot to jump at one of few local piers. It is easy to imagine the high life of communist party members enjoying their summers here at a little Georgian Ibiza.

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