Art Cafe Qartuli in Khashuri / The Georgian
| Restaurant reviews | 71 seen
Ar Cafe Qartuli also called The Georgian is a lovely roadside restaurant near the town of Khashuri (located next to Khashuri - Borjomi highway) which serves typical Georgian cuisine.
The pricing is quite affordable, the cuisine is delicious and the interior is nice.
When traveling form Tbilisi to Borjomi, I highly recomend to take a stop here, just after finished the Khashuri circle.
they have it all - khinkali, khachapuri, badrijaani, even fish. Tastes just amazing.
Next time when travleing to Borjomi or Khashuri I will definetly make a stop here again.
Svaneti movie
| Living in Georgia | 67 seen
After over a decade in exile, the moment finally arrived – I set foot in the enchanting region of Svaneti last weekend, and the experience was nothing short of magical. Accompanied by our trusted friend, Vazha, we embarked on a road trip that traced the scenic route from Kutaisi to Mestia and Ushguli, with a return via Leteknhi. This four-day sojourn unfolded like a cinematic narrative, with each stop revealing the rich tapestry of Svaneti's beauty and cultural heritage.
A Journey through Time: From Kutaisi to Ushguli
The road to Svaneti is more than just a passage; it's a journey through time. Driving through the historical city of Kutaisi, we felt the echoes of the past reverberate in its architecture and cobblestone streets. As we ventured further, Zugdidi welcomed us with its lush landscapes, setting the stage for the awe-inspiring mountains that awaited us in Svaneti.
Mestia, the heart of Svaneti, greeted us with its iconic Svan towers, standing tall against the backdrop of snow-capped peaks. A stroll through the narrow streets felt like stepping into a medieval storybook, where every corner held tales of resilience and tradition. Ushguli, with its claim to being the highest continuously inhabited village in Europe, unfolded before us like a hidden gem, revealing the untamed beauty of the Caucasus.
Cultural Gems Along the Way: Dadiani Palace and Enguri Dam
Our journey wasn't just about the breathtaking landscapes; it was also a cultural odyssey. A pit stop at the Dadiani Palace in Zugdidi immersed us in the history of the Dadiani dynasty, with its intriguing artifacts and well-preserved interiors. The Enguri Dam, a colossal structure bordering Abkhazia, captivated us with its engineering marvel and the sheer power it harnessed from the Enguri River.
A Cinematic Chronicle: The Svaneti Movie
Armed with cameras, we documented every moment of this unforgettable journey, creating a cinematic masterpiece that encapsulates the essence of Svaneti. From the misty mountains to the vibrant local life, every frame tells a story of homecoming, discovery, and the enduring spirit of a region that has withstood the test of time.
Thumbs Up to Svaneti: A Tale of Return and Discovery
As you embark on this cinematic journey with us, don't forget to enjoy the movie we've crafted from our Svaneti adventure. It's a tribute to the resilience of a region that has beckoned us back after years of anticipation. Give it a thumbs up and join us in celebrating the timeless beauty and cultural richness of Svaneti – a place that will forever hold a special place in our hearts.
Last chance workout on the trails around Turtle Lake before Tbilisi Marathon
| Living in Georgia | 28 seen
After our successful start at the Tbilisi Adventure run back in April I gathered everyone from the Caucasus Translations office for the Tbilisi Marathon Run in October (2023).
This time we applied for a 10K distance. To test my limits I started to train for the 10K run at the gym on a treadmill.
Surprisingly my results were quite good, and maybe that's why Olga (Latvian explat), after seeing some of my Facebook posts invited me to join her for a trail run. I was intrigued enough and agreed.
After returning from our Svaneti trip - I sent her a message asking which day and where should we plan our run. We agreed on Thursday morning at 8:00 AM at Turtle Lake.
Said - done! I took our kiddo to the school bus in Vake, and from there took a taxi up to Turtle Lake, where I met Olga and Jerry Lee (dog). Our trail run started.
I followed Olga's lead and enjoyed the run which comes with some very spectacular views. Back in the days we come here a lot for hiking trips. It was my first time actually running here.
Unlike running on a treadmill it was completely different, instead on replying on treadmills screen I had to rely on myself. Might be a little bit hard at the start, but I believe with time it can improve greatly.
Back in the days we used this trails for hiking adventure, could spend hours going around, having a little picnic. Running is completely different.
Best Hikes In Tbilisi Are Located Near Turtle Lake
In total we made little less than 9 km in 1hour and 30 minutes. On treadmill I can manage to finish 10K in 1hours 13 minutes. Answering on question - is it easier or harder running on a trail? Sure, it is harder, but also more fun and adventerous.
Together with Olga we agreed to repeat such runs once in a while.
Sweet Home garage apartment in Borjomi
| Hotel reviews | 27 seen
Sweet Home apartment is located on Rustaveli street 51, Borjomi. What really makes this place stand out - this is a kind of garage apartment or more precisely apartment built a top of a garage.
We booked this place for a one-night stay at the end of August 2023 and paid GEL 80, in cash. At the start, I was a bit skeptical about this place, but once I saw the inside interior I was truly fascinated.
Kind owner even offered as a free parking inside the garage. Besides a free garage, lovely apartment with Wi-FI, TV, hot shower and even gas heating (good if you come here in Winter) we also got a huge terrace.
This apartment offers free private parking and free WiFi. The apartment is fitted with 1 bedroom, 1 bathroom, bed linen, towels, a flat-screen TV with cable channels, a dining area, a fully equipped kitchen, and a terrace with mountain views. A bicycle rental service is available at the apartment.
The best is yet to come, the bedroom was qeuipoed with bunk bed, which gave a trully amazing feeling during our short, but memorable stay in Borjomi
I did finf a lot of inspiration at this place for our frame house.
Highly recoemnded place - book now on Booking.com
Champ de Mars
| Tourism objects | 17 seen
The Champ de Mars is a large public greenspace in Paris, France, located in the seventh arrondissement, between the Eiffel Tower to the northwest and the École Militaire to the southeast. The park is named after the Campus Martius ("Mars Field") in Rome, which was dedicated to the god Mars.
The name alludes to the fact that the lawns here were formerly used as drilling and marching grounds by the French military.
We visited Champ de Mars, and had an amazing picnic in the footsteps of the Eiffel Tower at the start of July 2023 during about our 2 weeks trip around France.
Originally, the Champ de Mars was part of a large flat open area called Grenelle, which was reserved for market gardening. Citizens would claim small plots and exploit them by growing fruits, vegetables, and flowers for the local market. However, the plain of Grenelle was not an especially fertile place for farming.
The construction, in 1765, of the École Militaire designed by Ange-Jacques Gabriel, was the first step toward the Champ de Mars in its present form. Grounds for military drills were originally planned for an area south of the school, the current location of the place de Fontenoy. The choice to build an esplanade to the north of the school led to the erection of the noble facade which today encloses the Champ de Mars. The planners leveled the ground, surrounded it with a large ditch and a long avenue of elms, and, as a final touch, the esplanade was enclosed by a fine grille-work fence.
When in Paris, pay a visit to Champ de Mars.
Tbilisi's Revitalized Beauty: Aghmashenebeli Avenue and Dry Bridge
| | 27 seen
It was one of the few weekends, at the start of September 2023, when we decided to stay in Tbilisi, instead of traveling around Georgia, and spend quality time in the city.
We agreed to walk by foot to Aghmashenebeli Avenue, and from there visit Dry Bridge and Orbeliani Square, and depending on the mood return home or keep exploring the city.
I remember this area before the great restoration works started, and I love returning here time after time.
New Life for Agmashenebeli avenue, Tbilisi
A few weeks ago, Tbilisi mayor Kakha Kaladze announced that all street cafeterias will need a special license to keep outdoor spaces. During our short walk, most of the outdoor spaces were removed, but a few stayed (apparently with a license)
The major restoration works were performed here back in 2016, with renovating completely all streets and all houses (at least facades)
From here on we headed towards Dry Bridge, spent a few minutes, and headed towards Orbeliani Square, but didn't reach it as met some expat friends in the park opposite the President's Palace and stayed there for a few hours.
Piece of Life after all!
Eiffel Tower
| Tourism objects | 43 seen
The Eiffel Tower is a wrought-iron lattice tower on the Champ de Mars in Paris, France. Constructed from 1887, it is named after the engineer Gustave Eiffel, whose company designed and built the tower.
I first visited this iconic place back in 1990 or 1991, together with my mom and brother. back then I was about 5 year old, but I still remmebr that trip from Latvia to France with bus. Quite good memories. One of my first foreign trips.
Now, last time we visited Eiffel tower in Paris back in July 2023, during oour about two week trip in France
Locally nicknamed "La dame de fer" (French for "Iron Lady"), it was constructed from 1887 to 1889 as the centerpiece of the 1889 World's Fair.
Although initially criticised by some of France's leading artists and intellectuals for its design, it has since become a global cultural icon of France and one of the most recognisable structures in the world.
The tower received 5,889,000 visitors in 2022, up by 197 per cent from 2021, when numbers dropped due to the COVID virus.
The Eiffel Tower is the most visited monument with an entrance fee in the world: 6.91 million people ascended it in 2015. It was designated a monument historique in 1964, and was named part of a UNESCO World Heritage Site ("Paris, Banks of the Seine") in 1991.
We had an amazing pickic here, with delicous french cider, cheese and more. Awesome.
The tower is 330 metres (1,083 ft) tall, about the same height as an 81-storey building, and the tallest structure in Paris. Its base is square, measuring 125 metres (410 ft) on each side. During its construction, the Eiffel Tower surpassed the Washington Monument to become the tallest human-made structure in the world, a title it held for 41 years until the Chrysler Building in New York City was finished in 1930. It was the first structure in the world to surpass both the 200-metre and 300-metre mark in height. Due to the addition of a broadcasting aerial at the top of the tower in 1957, it is now taller than the Chrysler Building by 5.2 metres. Excluding transmitters, the Eiffel Tower is the second tallest free-standing structure in France after the Millau Viaduct.
Seems nobody cuts grass here, as tourists just stomp over it.
The tower has three levels for visitors, with restaurants on the first and second levels. The top level's upper platform is 276 m (906 ft) above the ground – the highest observation deck accessible to the public in the European Union. Tickets can be purchased to ascend by stairs or lift to the first and second levels. The climb from ground level to the first level is over 300 steps, as is the climb from the first level to the second, making the entire ascent a 600 step climb. Although there is a staircase to the top level, it is usually accessible only by lift. On this top, third level is a private apartment built for Gustave Eiffel's private use. He decorated it with furniture by Jean Lachaise and invited friends such as Thomas Edison.
Later in the evening we also took the tower ride and got some amazng views of Champ Du Mars and Paris. Once in Paris, pay a visit to Eiffel tower!
ABC Land - Children's party service in Tbilisi
| Entertainment | 144 seen
ABC Land children's party service is located in Saburtalo, Tbilisi on University Street N8.
I first heard about this place some time ago from another expat family here in Georgia, but first visited together at the start of September 2023, when we (our kid) got invited to a birthday party from our class at British International School in Tbilisi.
ABC land is located in a separate 5 or 6-story building, unlike kids' entertainment centers which are quite a few around in Tbilisi, this place is specially designated for kids' parties, like birthdays etc. and seems have to be reserved beforehand
The event we atteneded was 5-year birthday party, event was held in English, there were few attractions, the total time was about 2 hours, with snacks both for kids and grownups
It was a fun time spent together with kiddos and engaging in fun talks with other expat families.
The place seems very professional, especially built or designated for kids' parties, with playrooms, softball etc. At this time I have no idea about pricing, as we were just guests here, but seems might be a little bit pricey, as I hear this place trendy among expat families here in Georgia.
Luxembourg Gardens
| Tourism objects | 21 seen
The Jardin du Luxembour, known in English as the Luxembourg Garden, colloquially referred to as the Jardin du Sénat (Senate Garden), is located in the 6th arrondissement of Paris, France.
Creation of the garden began in 1612 when Marie de' Medici, the widow of King Henry IV, constructed the Luxembourg Palace as her new residence. The garden today is owned by the French Senate, which meets in the Palace. It covers 23 hectares (56.8 acres) and is known for its lawns, tree-lined promenades, tennis courts, flowerbeds, model sailboats on its octagonal Grand Bassin, as well as picturesque Medici Fountain, built in 1620. The name Luxembourg comes from the Latin Mons Lucotitius, the name of the hill where the garden is located.
We first discovered and visited this park in July 2023, as it was conventialy located close to our Boutique Hotel Sainte-Beuve in Paris
There was quite awesome, but paid, kids playground located inside the Luxembourg gardens territory. We paid about EUR 5 for an entrance here, our 4-year old daughter spent some good hour here.
In 1611, Marie de' Medici, the widow of Henry IV and the regent for the King Louis XIII, decided to build a palace in imitation of the Pitti Palace in her native Florence. She purchased the Hôtel du Luxembourg (today the Petit Luxembourg) and began construction of the new palace. She commissioned Salomon de Brosse to build the palace and a fountain, which still exists. In 1612 she had 2,000 elm trees planted; she directed a series of gardeners, most notably Tommaso Francini, to build a park in the style she had known as a child in Florence.
Francini planned two terraces with balustrades and parterres laid out along the axis of the château, aligned around a circular basin. He also built the Medici Fountain to the east of the palace as a nympheum, an artificial grotto and fountain, without its present pond and statuary. The original garden was just eight hectares in size.
The Medici Fountain was built in 1630 by Marie de' Medici, the widow of King Henry IV of France and regent of King Louis XIII of France. It was designed by Tommaso Francini, a Florentine fountain maker and hydraulic engineer who was brought from Florence to France by King Henry IV. It was in the form of a grotto, a popular feature of the Italian Renaissance garden. It fell into ruins during the 18th century, but in 1811, at the command of Napoleon Bonaparte, the fountain was restored by Jean Chalgrin, the architect of the Arc de Triomphe. In 1864–66, the fountain was moved to its present location, centered on the east front of the Palais du Luxembourg. The long basin of water was built and flanked by plane trees, and the sculptures of the giant Polyphemus surprising the lovers Acis and Galatea, by French classical sculptor Auguste Ottin, were added to the grotto's rockwork.
The gardens are featured prominently in Victor Hugo's novel Les Misérables. It is here that the principal love story of the novel unfolds, as the characters Marius Pontmercy and Cosette first meet. Several scenes of André Gide's novel The Counterfeiters also take place in the gardens.
Henry James also uses the gardens, in The Ambassadors, as the place in which his character Lambert Strether has an epiphany about his identity. The final scene of William Faulkner's novel Sanctuary is set in the gardens. Patrick Modiano heard the news he had won the 2014 Nobel Prize in Literature via a mobile phone call from his daughter while he was walking through Paris "just next to the Jardin du Luxembourg".
Non-literary references include as the setting for a few episodes of French in Action, the 10th Joe Dassin's 1976 studio album Le Jardin du Luxembourg, the cover of Tame Impala's 2012 album Lonerism, the title of a song by the band The Ghost of a Saber Tooth Tiger and the gardens and palace being added as a mission in the video game Assassin's Creed Unity.
Hiking and Sulphur baths in Borjomi
| Living in Georgia | 23 seen
Check out our newest cinematic creation featuring the highlights of our recent weekend escapade in Borjomi! Whether we're relishing the company of long-time friends from QSI at Tbilisi Zoo or embarking on a scenic drive through Khasuri to reach Borjomi, every moment is expertly captured and post-processed for your viewing pleasure.
Indulge in the rich flavors of Georgian cuisine, as we explore and savor delicious dishes that make our gastronomic journey truly unforgettable. Immerse yourself in the therapeutic experience of open-air sulphur baths, a perfect blend of relaxation and cultural exploration. Our hiking adventures add an extra layer of excitement to the weekend, leaving us already eagerly planning our next thrilling escapades.
Join us on this visual journey by watching the video – a montage of laughter, scenic beauty, and culinary delights. Don't forget to give it a thumbs up and stay tuned for more exciting adventures on the horizon!
La Fregate French Restaurant in Paris
| Restaurant reviews | 76 seen
La Frégate is set on the Left Bank of the Seine in central Paris between the Louvre, the Tuileries Gardens and the Musee d'Orsay. This stylish brasserie is said to be built on the site of the house occupied by Field Marshal D'Artagnan, the character that inspired Alexandre Dumas to write The Three Musketeers.
La Frégate has a lovely décor with ornate frescoed ceilings, pale lemon Louis XVI chairs, tables laid with crisp white linen while soft lighting sets the scene.
I had a chance to take a dinner after visiting the famous palace of Louvre back in July 2023
Typical offerings on the carte are duck foie gras served with toast or frog legs with garlic mayonnaise followed by mains of veal cutlet with mushroom sauce and mashed potatoes or grilled sea bass with vegetables while desserts tempt with the likes of chocolate profiteroles and crêpes suzette. Service is friendly and efficient by the bi-lingual waiting staff and there are tables outside to take in the views.
We tried the traditional French Onion soup, salmon steak and both French beer and cider. Kiddo enjoyed pasta and ice cream
Surprisingly our total bill was quite Okay, around EUR 70-80. The staff spoke English very well, service was great and food amazing. Highly recommend!
Charles de Gaulle Airport
| Airports | 38 seen
Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport, also known as Roissy Airport or simply Paris CDG, is the principal airport serving the French capital, Paris (and its metropolitan area), and the largest international airport in France. Opened in 1974, it is in Roissy-en-France, 23 km (14 mi) northeast of Paris, and is named after World War II statesman Charles de Gaulle (1890–1970), whose initials (CDG) are used as its IATA airport code.
Charles de Gaulle Airport serves as the principal hub for Air France and a destination for other legacy carriers (from Star Alliance, Oneworld and SkyTeam), as well as a focus city for easyJet. It is operated by Groupe ADP under the brand Paris Aéroport.
We traveld to Paris, Franche forth and back via AirBaltic from Riga, Latvia in Summer 2023. Despite being one of the largest airports i have visited, I would say it seemed busy or overcrowded. Well organized.
In 2022, the airport handled 57,474,033 passengers and 34,657 aircraft movements, thus making it the world's ninth busiest airport and Europe's third busiest airport (after Istanbul and Heathrow) in terms of passenger numbers. Charles de Gaulle is also the busiest airport within the European Union. In terms of cargo traffic, the airport is the eleventh busiest in the world and the busiest in Europe, handling 2,102,268 tonnes (2,069,066 long tons; 2,317,354 short tons) of cargo in 2019. It is also the airport that is served by the greatest number of airlines, with more than 105 airlines operating at the airport.
Charles de Gaulle Airport has three terminals: Terminal 1 is the oldest and situated opposite to Terminal 3; Terminal 2 is located at another side with 7 sub-terminal buildings (2A to 2G). Terminal 2 was originally built exclusively for Air France; since then it has been expanded significantly and now houses other airlines. Terminals 2A to 2F are interconnected by elevated walkways and situated next to each other. Terminal 2G is a satellite building connected by shuttle bus.
There are easy connections tot he city center by a train, we used Bolt ride sharing app, paying about EUR 60 for one way transfer. (2023)
Walden Gudaleti
| Living in Georgia | 35 seen
The day kicked off with a spontaneous morning call to a friend, setting the stage for an exciting adventure. Our destination? The intriguing Gudaleti, where a German friend was crafting something truly extraordinary. The prospect of exploration and the promise of a great time propelled us forward, making this Sunday a perfect blend of relaxation and discovery.
Scenic Stops in Mtskehta
Our journey meandered through the charming town of Mtskehta, known for its rich history and breathtaking landscapes. Each stop along the way added to the anticipation of the adventures awaiting us in Gudaleti.
After a few scenic detours, we finally arrived at our destination in the afternoon, where the main character of our day, Ralph, was eagerly waiting.
Soaring High with the Drone
As a drone enthusiast, the thrill of taking to the skies and capturing stunning aerial shots is an experience like no other. Gudaleti's rolling hills and scenic beauty provided the perfect backdrop for our airborne escapades.
The drone gracefully soared, capturing the essence of the landscape from a unique perspective. Each twist and turn brought the beauty of the region to life, and navigating the drone added an extra layer of excitement to our Sunday adventure.
Unveiling Gudaleti's Wonders
Amidst the drone's mesmerizing flights, we couldn't help but marvel at Gudaleti's natural beauty. From lush greenery to hidden gems waiting to be discovered, the location proved to be a visual feast.
Ralph's mysterious project, initially shrouded in secrecy, began to take shape before our eyes. The combination of innovation and natural beauty created an atmosphere that left us inspired and eager to witness the final result.
Post-Processing Magic
The adventure didn't conclude with the drone's descent. Back home, the magic continued as we delved into the world of post-processing. Each click of the camera had frozen a moment in time, and now it was time to enhance those moments into lasting memories.
With each adjustment of the editing tools, colors became more vibrant, details sharper, and emotions more vivid. The post-processing stage allowed us to transform our collection of images into a visual story—a testament to the joys of a Sunday well spent.
Wrapping Up a Perfect Day
As the sun dipped below the horizon, casting a warm glow over Gudaleti, we reflected on the day's adventures. From the spontaneous morning call to the drone's graceful flights and the post-processing magic that followed, every moment had contributed to an easy Sunday filled with joy and discovery.
With hearts full and SD cards loaded with memories, we bid farewell to Gudaleti. Until the next adventure calls, this Sunday remains a testament to the simple pleasures of life—friendship, exploration, and the enchanting surprises that unfold when you least expect.
Boutique Hotel Sainte-Beuve in Paris
| Hotel reviews | 23 seen
Boutique Hotel Sainte-Beuve is located in the heart of Paris on a small and quiet street of Rue Sainte-Beuve 9 in the 6th arrondissement of Paris.
The hotel is conventionally located within walking distance of neighborhoods Montparnasse and Saint Germain Des Prés, 200m from the Luxembourg Gardens.
We booked about a 2-night stay here at the start of July 2023. Paying about EUR 700.
For getting here we used the Bolt ride-sharing app from Paris Charle de Gaulle airport
We arrived late in the evening and were greeted by a nice hotel manager lady. She spoke fluent English and helped us out in every detail.
At the lobby fresh Le Figaro and The New York times were available during our stay,
We got a tiny room, but spacious enough to fit in a sofa for our 4-year-old kiddo and even a tiny bathtub,
Tiny room, with nice Paris street views
Bought some Fischer beer at the corner shop.
For an additional EUR 18/per person we got a typical French breakfast with croissants and French Press.
In overall - pleasant stay in the heart of Paris. Bit reminded me of scenes from Emily in Paris. Highly recommened!
Book now on Booking.com
Louvre
| Museums | 17 seen
The Louvre or the Louvre Museum, is a national art museum in Paris, France. A central landmark of the city, it is located on the Right Bank of the Seine in the city's 1st arrondissement (district or ward) and home to some of the most canonical works of Western art, including the Mona Lisa and the Venus de Milo.
The museum is housed in the Louvre Palace, originally built in the late 12th to 13th century under Philip II. Remnants of the Medieval Louvre fortress are visible in the basement of the museum. Due to urban expansion, the fortress eventually lost its defensive function, and in 1546 Francis I converted it into the primary residence of the French Kings.
I first visited Louvre back in 1990 or 1991 together with my mom and brother. I was 5 years old back then and I don't remember much actually. The last time we visited Louvre was when my daughter was already almost 5 year old back in July 2023
The building was extended many times to form the present Louvre Palace. In 1682, Louis XIV chose the Palace of Versailles for his household, leaving the Louvre primarily as a place to display the royal collection, including, from 1692, a collection of ancient Greek and Roman sculpture.[ In 1692, the building was occupied by the Académie des Inscriptions et Belles-Lettres and the Académie Royale de Peinture et de Sculpture, which in 1699 held the first of a series of salons. The Académie remained at the Louvre for 100 years. During the French Revolution, the National Assembly decreed that the Louvre should be used as a museum to display the nation's masterpieces.
The museum opened on 10 August 1793 with an exhibition of 537 paintings, the majority of the works being royal and confiscated church property. Because of structural problems with the building, the museum was closed from 1796 until 1801. The collection was increased under Napoleon and the museum was renamed Musée Napoléon, but after Napoleon's abdication, many works seized by his armies were returned to their original owners. The collection was further increased during the reigns of Louis XVIII and Charles X, and during the Second French Empire the museum gained 20,000 pieces. Holdings have grown steadily through donations and bequests since the Third Republic. The collection is divided among eight curatorial departments: Egyptian Antiquities; Near Eastern Antiquities; Greek, Etruscan, and Roman Antiquities; Islamic Art; Sculpture; Decorative Arts; Paintings; Prints and Drawings.
The Louvre museum is located inside the Louvre Palace, in the center of Paris, adjacent to the Tuileries Gardens. The two nearest Métro stations are Louvre-Rivoli and Palais Royal-Musée du Louvre, the latter having a direct underground access to the Carrousel du Louvre commercial mall.
If you happen to be in Paris, paying a visit to Louvre should be on your top prioroty list.
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Summer in Latvia movie is out - Join us on our July (2025) journey through Latvia: installing a bathtub in our countryside cottage, setting up a pop-up store at Bangotnes, celebrating a birthday in Vērbeļnieki, traveling via Riga to…
Birthday in Thessaloniki, Greece
Turning 40 is a milestone worth celebrating in style, and what better way than in Thessaloniki — a city that seamlessly blends history, culture, and cuisine. From affordable flights and boutique stays to seafood feasts and hidden beaches,…
Azeula Fortress, Tbilisi Sea, and Ateni Sioni
August ended with yet another packed and memorable weekend in Georgia. This time, our journey took us from the hills near Kojori to the refreshing waters of the Tbilisi Sea, and finally to the historical town of Gori, where we enjoyed a…
Hotel Reviews
Stays & Trails La Maison Hotel Review in Panaji
At the tail end of 2024, just before catching our flight back to Delhi, we decided to book a one-night stay at Stays & Trails La Maison Fontainhas in Panaji, Goa. After weeks staying in Palolem beach, we wanted to wrap up our trip with…
Schuchmann Wines Château: A Long-Awaited Stay in Georgia’s Premier Winery Hotel & Spa
It took us over a decade to finally make it to Schuchmann Wines Château & Spa, and it was well worth the wait! We’ve spent years recommending this stunning winery hotel to visiting friends and business partners, yet somehow, we had…
Hotel Belvedere Prague: A Practical Stay with Easy Access
During our recent trip to Prague in mid-October 2024, we stayed at Hotel Belvedere. My partner attended the MEET Central Europe Translators conference, and we were joined by one of our office employees, so we opted to book two rooms. …
Review: Art Hotel Prague – A Cozy Stay in a Tranquil Part of Prague
During our recent trip to Prague in October 2024, we opted for a one-night stay at the Art Hotel Prague. We arrived at the hotel via Bolt taxi from Václav Havel Airport, which was straightforward and efficient. At about EUR 120 per room…
Toursim objects
Plage des Catalans: A Shrinking Memory in Marseille
Plage des Catalans, a sandy crescent tucked along Marseille’s coastline, holds a special place in my travel tapestry. I first visited this beach in the summer of 2003, a carefree stop during my early adventures in the city. Back then, it felt like a haven—close to the bustling port yet offering a slice of Mediterranean calm. When I returned…
Colva Beach: Golden Sands and Tranquility in Goa
Colva Beach, located in South Goa, is known for its expansive golden sands and tranquil atmosphere. Stretching for several kilometers along the Arabian Sea, the beach offers a peaceful escape from the busier tourist hubs in the region. Its wide shoreline, framed by swaying palm trees, provides plenty of space for visitors to relax, stroll, or…
Charles Bridge: A Timeless Landmark in Prague
The Charles Bridge (Karlův most) in Prague is one of the most iconic and historic landmarks in Europe. Built in the 14th century under the reign of King Charles IV, this Gothic stone bridge spans the Vltava River, connecting Prague's Old Town with the Lesser Town (Malá Strana). Adorned with a series of 30 Baroque statues and surrounded by…