Wilderness Hiking

**REAL TALK Tbilisi – a Tuesday English social club!** *Join us and bring your friends! Those who bring a newcomer have a discount!* As usual you'll have the opportunity to meet interesting people, make international friends, and also practice communicational skills in English along the way! Our meetings are organised in a way that allows you to have lively and interesting conversations with as many people as possible. You will be talking one-to-one with other participants, which will give you the opportunity to fully engage in a talk, while a welcoming and considerate host will be rotating participants in fixed periods of time. **TUESDAY – 5th of May** \| **19:30 – 22:00** **Seven Roads Bar** \| Kita Abashidze Street\, 4 [Google Maps](https://maps.app.goo.gl/X2ch6jyh6xBFnhjS6?g_st=ic) \| [Yandex Maps](https://yandex.com/maps/org/100722721626) *No registration! Simply come at the time of the event!* **Participation fee** 20 Lari *5 Lari* – *for those who* *will bring a newcomer!* Membership cards in store: • 8 meetings – 140 Lari • 12 meetings – 200 Lari • 16 meetings – 240 Lari Each card is valid for 6 months ⏳ **Timing** 19:30 – chatting in small groups 19:45ish – one-to-one conversations with rotations 21:15 – short break & time to pay 21:30 – conversational games or free chat 22:00 – finish 22:♾️ – afterparty with survivors A comfortalbe level of English: B1+ Your host – Serge get in touch on [Telegram](https://t.me/sergbalm) [Join the Telegram chat](https://t.me/realtalktbilisi) / [go to Facebook page](https://www.facebook.com/realtalktbilisi) / [sign up on Instagram](https://instagram.com/realtalktbilisi?igshid=OGQ5ZDc2ODk2ZA==)

AI is everywhere, but what does it actually look like when it works? Join us for a meetup that brings together practitioners building and deploying AI systems in real-world environments. **⚡ Building Smarter Financial Technologies with AI** This session will cover practical AI solutions developed for financial institutions, including: * AI-powered data warehouse and AI Data Analyst * AI chatbot for customer support * Segmentation tools and audio analysis for call centers * Income analysis tools for self-employed customers Speakers: **Aleksi Kvitatiani** \- AI & Data Project Lead at Silk Bank\, where he built and manages a cross\-functional team responsible for the bank's end\-to\-end data ecosystem\. His work includes an AI\-powered data warehouse that lets business users query data in natural language\, an agentic chatbot that reduced call center load by 75%\, and an AI\-assisted income analyzer for credit risk teams\. Before Silk Bank\, he consulted as a freelance data analyst for FMCG operations in Georgia\. He also co\-founded Outswift\, a studio building ML and agentic AI solutions for SMBs\. **Shalva Elishakovi** \- AI\, Data & Growth Project Manager at Silk Bank\, where he leads the development of AI\-driven solutions across business functions\. He has contributed to building one of the first AI\-powered banking assistants with secure access to customer data and analytical capabilities for improved support and decision\-making\. He is also a Co-Founder of Outswift, developing AI products across industries, including computer vision for FMCG and audio intelligence for call center analysis, with a focus on scalable, real-world solutions. ⚡ **It turns out you do not need a multi-agent system** Ever thought about building a multi-agent system just because business or marketing said it was a cool idea? Well, we all have. Over the past two years, we’ve been sold countless ideas and swept up in plenty of hype. But as things are becoming somewhat “production-ready”— thanks to coding assistants emerging as the most practical use case for LLMs — we’re now seeing Agent Skills and sub-agents as more effective patterns for building complex systems. Let’s dive into the recent trends that are sticking and explore the challenges we still face, including token consumption costs, guardrails, and creating agents that truly deliver customer value. Speaker: **Natig Kurbanov** \- Lead Software Engineer and an AI Solutions Engineer at EPAM Georgia\. As an EPAM AI Ambassador and community driver for [JAR.GE](http://jar.ge/) and GenAI-X Georgia, he is a frequent face on the tech circuit. During the networking part, feel free to go beyond Natig’s talk theme of multi-agent system — ask him about Japanese maples, magnolias, or Zen gardens, and you may find yourself in a long and engaging conversation. **When:** 7 May, 18:30 **Where:** EPAM Georgia (10 Bidzina Kvernadze Str., Tbilisi) Attendance is free and requires RSVP on Meetup.com. 🤝 The Meetup is organised by [DataFest Tbilisi](https://www.datafest.ge/) and hosted by [EPAM Georgia](https://www.epam.com/). The event partners are [World Quant](https://worldquantbrain.com/consultant) and [Charte](https://charte.ge/).

Looking to expand your social circle and meet new people in **Tbilisi’s international community**? Join us for a fun and relaxed gathering where **expats, internationals, digital nomads, travelers, and locals** come together to connect, share stories, and build new friendships. Whether you're **new to Tbilisi**, here long-term, or simply looking to meet fresh faces, this is the perfect opportunity to socialize, break the ice, and join a warm, **welcoming, safe space** (female-owned bar) known for its inclusive vibes. **Date:** Every Wednesday **Location:** https://maps.app.goo.gl/q1cAkaiJYnnKBVej9 ⏰ **Time:** From 10 PM until midnight ️ **Entry:** Free (Buy drinks in the bar) Come alone or bring a friend—either way, you're sure to meet **new friends**, enjoy **international conversations**, practice languages, and connect with Tbilisi’s most active **expat & socializing community**! Join Expats in Tbilisi chat: [https://chat.whatsapp.com/IUnd6m86Ado8R8FFaeGsdC](https://chat.whatsapp.com/IUnd6m86Ado8R8FFaeGsdC) We are looking forward to seeing you!

Weekly open mic night at Crossroads Bar! Join us every Thursday at 8:00 PM for an open mic style jam session where expats and locals come together to make music and have fun! Whether you're a seasoned musician or just love watching live music, you're more than welcome to join us. Time: Every Thursday, 8:00 PM Location: Crossroads Bar What to expect: \- A welcoming atmosphere for both performers and listeners \- Mix of musical styles and impromptu collaborations \- Great opportunity to meet fellow expats and music enthusiasts \- Friendly environment for all skill levels Bring along: \- Your instrument \(if you play one\) \- Your voice \(if you like to sing\) \- Your good vibes \(if you just want to enjoy the music\!\) No musical experience? No problem! Come enjoy the atmosphere, meet new people, and be part of our growing community. Free entry!

**REAL TALK Tbilisi – a Thursday English social club!** *Join us and bring your friends! Those who bring a newcomer have a discount!* As usual you'll have the opportunity to meet interesting people, make international friends, and also practice communicational skills in English along the way! Our meetings are organised in a way that allows you to have lively and interesting conversations with as many people as possible. You will be talking one-to-one with other participants, which will give you the opportunity to fully engage in a talk, while a welcoming and considerate host will be rotating participants in fixed periods of time. **THURSDAY – 7th of May** | **19:30 – 22:00** **21PM — Kitchen, Coffee & Bar** | Petre Melikishvili Street, 21 [Google Maps](https://maps.app.goo.gl/5FyYMbUZPvmgx5fU6?g_st=ic) | [Yandex Maps](https://yandex.com/maps/org/113571966544) *No registration! Simply come at the time of the event!* **Participation fee** 20 Lari *5 Lari* – *for those who* *will bring a newcomer!* Membership cards in store: • 8 meetings – 140 Lari • 12 meetings – 200 Lari • 16 meetings – 240 Lari Each card is valid for 6 months ⏳ **Timing** 19:30 – chatting in small groups 19:45ish – one-to-one conversations with rotations 21:15 – short break & time to pay 21:30 – conversational games or free chat 22:00 – finish 22:♾️ – afterparty with survivors A comfortalbe level of English: B1+ Your host – Keke get in touch on [Telegram](https://t.me/kekeshelia) [Join the Telegram chat](https://t.me/realtalktbilisi) / [go to Facebook page](https://www.facebook.com/realtalktbilisi) / [sign up on Instagram](https://instagram.com/realtalktbilisi?igshid=OGQ5ZDc2ODk2ZA==)

**REAL TALK Tbilisi – a Saturday English social club** *Join us and bring your friends! Those who bring a newcomer have a discount!* As usual you'll have the opportunity to meet interesting people, make international friends, and also practice communicational skills in English along the way! Our meetings are organised in a way that allows you to have lively and interesting conversations with as many people as possible. You will be talking one-to-one with other participants, which will give you the opportunity to fully engage in a talk, while a welcoming and considerate host will be rotating participants in fixed periods of time. **SATURDAY – 9th of May** | **14:00 – 16:30** **Coffee Lair the coffee shop** | 14 Giorgi Chitaia st. [Google Maps](https://maps.app.goo.gl/q6eX32Gi5p4LTcZm8?g_st=ic) | [Yandex Maps](https://yandex.com/maps/org/116279744418) *No registration! Simply come at the time of the event!* **Participation fee** 20 Lari *5 Lari* – *for those who* *will bring a newcomer!* Membership cards in store: • 8 meetings – 140 Lari • 12 meetings – 200 Lari • 16 meetings – 240 Lari Each card is valid for 6 months ⏳ **Timing** 14:00 – chatting in small groups 14:15-ish – one-to-one conversations with rotations 15:45 – short break & time to pay 16:00 – conversational games or free chat 16:30 – finish 16:3♾️ – afterparty with survivors A comfortalbe level of English: B1+ Your host – Serge get in touch on [Telegram](https://t.me/sergbalm) [Join the Telegram chat](https://t.me/realtalktbilisi) / [go to Facebook page](https://www.facebook.com/realtalktbilisi) / [sign up on Instagram](https://instagram.com/realtalktbilisi?igshid=OGQ5ZDc2ODk2ZA==)

Whether you're looking to practice your **Georgian**, polish your **English**, or dive into any other language, **La Mano** provides the perfect laid-back atmosphere to bridge the gap between cultures. No formal lessons here—just good vibes and great people. ### Event Details * **When:** Every Thursday * **Time:** 9:00 PM * **Where:** La Mano, [G. Kikodze Street #5](https://www.google.com/search?q=https://www.google.com/maps/search/%3Fapi%3D1%26query%3DG.%2BKikodze%2Bstreet%2B5%2BTbilisi) *** ### Why Join Us? * **Diverse Community:** Meet locals, expats, and travelers from all over the world. * **Casual Setting:** Swap the classroom for a cozy bar environment. Grab a drink, find a table, and start talking. * **All Levels Welcome:** From absolute beginners to native speakers—everyone has something to share. > **Pro Tip:** Don't be shy! Most people come alone and leave with a dozen new friends. Just look for the signs or ask the staff where the exchange is happening. Join our community here: https://chat.whatsapp.com/IUnd6m86Ado8R8FFaeGsdC Address: https://maps.app.goo.gl/H5R3mXk3qw7SnS1F7

**History** The history of [Blendon Woods Metro Park](https://www.metroparks.net/parks-and-trails/blendon-woods/) began long before its 1951 opening, rooted in a landscape of rugged ridges and deep ravines that made the land unsuitable for traditional farming. In 1945, a report proposing a metropolitan park system for Franklin County specifically highlighted these cliffs of Bedford Shale as some of the "wildest land in the vicinity". Following this recommendation, the recently formed park district purchased the first 229 acres in early 1949. Because the terrain was so uneven, developers had to cut a mile-and-a-half-long roadway through dense woods just to bring in heavy equipment. This initial preservation effort ensured that the mature second-growth hardwood forests remained largely untouched by the urban expansion spreading toward Westerville. Opening day arrived on Labor Day, September 3, 1951, marking Blendon Woods as the second park in the Columbus and Franklin County Metro Parks system. The final push to open was a frantic race; the State Highway Department only finished the primary gravel access road four days before the gates opened. Early staff members, consisting of just four full-time employees, had to hand-dig pit toilets and learn construction skills on the fly to build the first picnic shelters. Despite the dusty conditions and limited facilities, the park was an immediate success, drawing massive crowds from across Central Ohio. By the end of the 1950s, annual visitation had already climbed to over 190,000 people. As the surrounding suburbs grew in the 1960s, the park faced severe overcrowding that threatened its natural habitats. In response, Franklin County voters passed the first Metro Parks levy in 1960, providing the funds necessary for a decade of steady expansion. During this era, the park nearly doubled in size, growing from 264 acres to over 570 acres by 1968. Planners also addressed a critical water shortage by collaborating with the U.S. Soil and Conservation Service to build a lake in 1964. This body of water originally served as a temporary reservoir before its role shifted toward conservation and wildlife support. The 1970s marked a transition toward the specialized wildlife and educational focus for which the park is known today. In 1971, the Walden Waterfowl Refuge was established around the 11-acre Thoreau Lake, creating a sanctuary that remains restricted to provide a quiet habitat for migratory birds. A formal nature center was also developed during this period, expanding on the guided Sunday walks that had been a park staple since the early 1950s. The park’s famous "Monarch Mansion" also became a prominent fixture, starting a long tradition of raising and releasing thousands of monarch butterflies each September. These initiatives cemented the park’s reputation as a premier destination for birders and nature enthusiasts. In more recent decades, Blendon Woods has continued to modernize while maintaining its wilderness character. The 10-acre Natural Play Area was added in 2017, encouraging kids to explore the ravines and woods off-trail. This was followed by the opening of a $1.5 million inclusive playground in April 2025, designed to accommodate children of all physical abilities. The nature center also underwent major renovations to include immersive, three-dimensional exhibits and a new butterfly house. Today, the park encompasses 653 acres, preserving a unique geologic and biological corridor amidst the bustling Westerville and Northeast Columbus area. **Map of the Park** Here is a map of [Blendon Woods](https://www.metroparks.net/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/BLN_map_Inclusive-Playground-and-Butterfly-Trail_May-2025_1980px.png). **Summary** For this event, we will hike the Lake View, Hickory Ridge, Ripple Rock, Overlook, Brookside, and Sugarbush Trails. This sounds like a lot, but it will really be only a little over five miles. Blendon Woods has a few hills here and there, but it's not one of the more strenuous metro parks. **Where We'll Meet** We'll meet just in front of the Nature Center. This is about a mile into the park from the main entrance. You have to go past the Ranger Station and the Shadblow Reservable Area to get to it, so don't stop too early at the Ranger Station and get it confused with the Nature Center. **After the Hike** Afterward, we will head over to [Forbidden Root Restaurant & Brewery](https://forbiddenroot.com/restaurants/columbus-ohio/) at Easton for [drinks](https://forbiddenroot.com/restaurants/columbus-ohio/#dinner-menu) and [food](https://forbiddenroot.com/wp-content/uploads/Cbus-Food.pdf). We should be there by 5 if you can't make the hike and just want to join us for drinks. The brewery's actual address is [4080 Worth Ave, Columbus, OH 43219](https://www.google.com/maps/place/4080+Worth+Ave,+Columbus,+OH+43219/data=!4m2!3m1!1s0x88388a86d10b6619:0x4d42b470a5cf11d3?sa=X&ved=1t:242&ictx=111); however, I recommend pointing your GPS to the [Worth Garage](https://www.google.com/maps/place/Worth+Garage/@40.0542293,-82.9137962,17z/data=!3m1!4b1!4m6!3m5!1s0x88388b4df6082825:0x17582f0eccd9dda1!8m2!3d40.0542293!4d-82.9137962!16s%2Fg%2F11rzfvvv8b?entry=ttu&g_ep=EgoyMDI2MDQxNS4wIKXMDSoASAFQAw%3D%3D) across the street. Parking in this garage is free as long as you're not on the first floor, and it is literally right next to the brewery.

Join us for 2 loops of the 1.1 mile trail surrounding Civic Park In Reynoldsburg this Thursday (5/7) at 6:30 pm. This is a fully paved trail so no worries about mud after a rainy week. Just come and get some exercise while connecting with others.

Hi ladies. Let's hike the Edward Thomas, Spring Creek, and a little multi-purpose trail - approximately 4 miles. Please bring a water bottle as needed and appropriate shoes. Meet in the Maple Grove Picnic area.

Hi ladies. We will meet in front of the Nature Center and head to the two Observation decks. We will then hike Hickory Ridge, Ripple Rock, Overlook and Sugarbush trails to get approximately four miles total distance. We will walk approximately a 18 minute mile pace. Please wear appropriate hiking shoes.

Hi ladies. Let's hike the Edward Thomas, Spring Creek, and a little multi-purpose trail - approximately 4 miles so please wear your shoe of choice. Please bring a water bottle as needed and appropriate shoes. Meet in the Maple Grove Picnic area.

June 17, 2026: Worthington Library. Wild Ohio: The Best of Our Natural Heritage. Jim McCormac. Worthington, Ohio. 7 pm.

Hi ladies. Let's hike the edward thomas trail, lake trail , spring creek and a short walk on the multi purpose trail. This is one large loop . Wear your shoe of choice. Meet in the Maple Grove Picnic area. 4.2 miles in length .