Batumi's High Costs: A Cautionary Tale for the Frequent Urinator in Georgia

Since the onset of the Russo-Ukrainian War, Georgia's 🇬🇪 cost of living has skyrocketed. Public restrooms now charge a minimum of 1 Lari (approximately $1), and some even reach 2 Lari, or about $2. With my daily consumption of 3-4 liters of water, I'd be spending a considerable sum on restroom visits alone. I've resorted to using free restrooms at gas stations, though not all stations provide them.

Beyond restroom fees, the cost of food and drink has also risen exorbitantly. A simple meal at a restaurant, barely sufficient to satiate one's appetite, can easily amount to 50-60 Lari (approximately $20), shattering the illusion of Georgia 🇬🇪 as a land of European vistas at Asian prices.

Today, Batumi, nestled along the Black Sea, remains pleasant with daytime temperatures in the 80s and evenings in the 60s, ideal for vacationing. However, its charms are somewhat tarnished by elevated prices and challenging parking conditions, exacerbated by the stony shorelines that replace sandy beaches.