Shumi winery and vineyards near Tsinandali in Kakheti, Georgia

9 August, 2023 | Tourism objects | 33 seen

Founded in 2001, Shumi Winery is a leading producer of high-quality Georgian wines. Its large estate is located in the Kakheti wine region’s famous Tsinandali village.

A nice stop when traveling to the region of Kakheti. There is a wineshop, restaurant, and of course vineyards at the territory complex.

Shumi Winery takes its name from an old Georgian word that means authentic, undiluted wine. The winery’s griffin logo refers to “Phaskunji”, a creature from Georgian mythology. Legend has it that the griffin brought the very first bunch of grapes to the people, and from these grapes, people started growing vines on the earth.

I havent tried the restaurant here, but at least you should be able to sip some glass of wine here for sure. i bought some Tvishi and Saperavi Cabernet wines at the wineshop located inside the territory

Nice and relaxing place to take a small break while exploring Kakheti. 

Latvian Villa Kursa near Sighnaghi in Georgia

8 August, 2023 | Hotel reviews | 14 seen

Villa Kursa offers friendly accommodation near Sighnaghi, in the village of Anaga, some 6 km from Sighnaghi center and 9 km from Bodbe Monastery. The property features a large terrace, a garden as well as a shared lounge area. Guests can enjoy a mountain view from Villa Kursa. Family rooms at the property come with free Wi-Fi and air-conditioning. 

We booked a two-night stay here at the end of July 2023, paying GEL 200 via booking.com 

I've heard about this place at least since 2012, as I knew the place is run by a Latvian couple Ineta and Valdis Kursiesi.

We had never met before. So finally this day come and we had a chance to finally met and stay here. 

This 3-bedroom villa offers family rooms with a dining area. Private bathroom comes with a bath or a shower, free toiletries, a hairdryer, slippers and a toothbrush. Towels and linen are provided.

During our stya there was also present little outdoor swimming pool

Our 5-year-old daughter was most excited about the swimming pool. The outside temperature was well above +30C, also the water temperature was quite warm.

Cozy sitting area

Guests at the bed and breakfast can enjoy a continental breakfast. A variety of meals are also available, suiting the individual tastes of guests.

Ineta spoiled us with many homemade treats and desserts. Not to say continental breakfast here was just amazing. 

Ineta and Valdis have been running this place at least since 2005, when they bought it. Long term Latvians in Georgia already. In the evenings we sipped some wine and beer with the hosts, listening and telling stories. Interesting.

Great place, great hosts. Book now on Booking.com

Villa Kursa & Kakheti

4 August, 2023 | Living in Georgia | 15 seen

Our recent adventure took us to the breathtaking landscapes of Georgia, where we spent a memorable weekend at Villa Kursa near Sighnaghi. This hidden gem nestled in the heart of Kakheti, a prominent wine region, offered us a delightful blend of nature, wine, and local hospitality. Let's take a journey through our amazing weekend and explore the wonders of this picturesque destination.

Nestled in the lush countryside near the charming town of Anaga, near Sighnaghi, Villa Kursa welcomed us with open arms. The tranquil ambiance and warm hospitality provided by our gracious hosts, Ineta Kursiete and Valdis J. Kursietis, immediately made us feel at home. The property's rustic charm blended harmoniously with modern amenities, offering us the perfect retreat from the hustle and bustle of city life.

One of the highlights of our trip was the opportunity to explore Kakheti, Georgia's premier wine region. The region's fertile soil and favorable climate create the ideal conditions for growing grapes, and Kakheti is renowned for its rich winemaking heritage. We visited several vineyards, where local vintners shared their passion and expertise with us.

From centuries-old wineries steeped in tradition to boutique vineyards employing innovative techniques, we experienced the diverse range of wines produced in this region. Tasting the distinct flavors of Saperavi, Rkatsiteli, and other indigenous grape varieties was a treat for our palates. The winemakers' dedication to preserving ancient winemaking techniques, such as qvevri fermentation, was truly inspiring.

The charming town of Sighnaghi, perched atop a hill overlooking the Alazani Valley, captivated us with its cobblestone streets and well-preserved architecture. Often referred to as the "City of Love," Sighnaghi's romantic ambiance and picturesque surroundings make it a popular destination for travelers seeking a serene escape.

Our unforgettable experience in Georgia would not have been possible without the gracious hospitality of our hosts, Ineta Kursiete and Valdis J. Kursietis. Their warm welcome and attention to detail made our stay at Villa Kursa truly exceptional. We extend our heartfelt gratitude to them for sharing their piece of paradise with us and making our weekend so special.

Our weekend at Villa Kursa near Sighnaghi in Georgia was a perfect blend of adventure, relaxation, and cultural immersion. From exploring the vineyards of Kakheti and indulging in delectable Georgian cuisine to discovering the charms of Sighnaghi, every moment was filled with joy and wonder. The experience not only broadened our horizons but also deepened our appreciation for the rich cultural tapestry that Georgia has to offer. As we bid adieu to this beautiful destination, we leave with cherished memories and a newfound love for Georgian hospitality.

Swimming Pool and Spa at Tbilisi Biltmore Hotel

2 August, 2023 | Health & Wellness | 146 seen

The Biltmore Hotel is a 5-star hotel located in the heart of Tbilisi on Rustaveli Avenue.

For the past few years, we have been heading here for its indoor swimming pool. There is also a small gym and a simple spa center with a Steam room and Finnish sauna. 

Small and cozy swimming pool with whirpool and few waterfalls. Not very deep, maybe 1 meter 20 or even less. Kid friendly

There is an outfoor restaurnat next to the pool, offering great cuisine, french firies, tacos, greek salad etc. 

There is a small gym located next to the swimming pool. simple, with a few tradmils and some dumbells. OK for a workout.

Offering an indoor pool, spa, and a fitness center, The Biltmore Tbilisi Hotel is located in Tbilisi, 300 metres from Tbilisi Opera and Ballet Theatre. The hotel has a sun terrace and a sauna. Guests can enjoy a drink at the bar or taste different cuisines at on-site restaurant.Free private parking is available on-site.

We keep cominghere for a few years already. Buying monthly acess pass for GEL 350 pr person, which gives 15 times unlimited access to the gym, spa and of course swimming pool. Our kiddo loves this place. So do we!

From Riga to Disaster: Repairing Our Wind Damaged Frame House in Latvia

1 August, 2023 | Frame House | 46 seen

Just after we finished most of the framing for our frame house in Latvia, we left for a weekend in Riga.

After spending good 4 or 5 days in the nation's capital we found a huge surprise when returned - high wind, the storm has damaged our building and the looks were not good. 

Our frame house has suffered significant damage due to the strong winds

I called to my assistant and together we fixed most of the damage in just a few couple of hours. We started by removing roof constructions

Once the roof was disconected, leveled up and fixed the walls

As the weather was not very good and it kept raining, I decided not to install rafters yet, as we also had a two week trip to France planned the next morning.

Decided to leave this house as it is and finish the roof once returning from France trip.

Against the odds we fixed most of the issues today.

Top 7 Best Selling Intel Core i9 13th generation laptops

31 July, 2023 | Laptop Reviews | 314 seen

Laptops with Intel Core i9 13th gen processors, code name Raptor Lake, have been around for a while already. First launched on October 2022, the Intel Core i9 is popular among gaming and business laptops.

In this article, I've listed the top 7 best-selling laptops with Intel Core i9 13th-generation processors. 

A quick note: This article contains affiliate links to Amazon.com, by clicking on links on this page and by making a purchase on the Amazon site, I will earn an affiliate income at no cost to you. Prices for laptops listed on this page are retrieved using Amazon Product Advertising API and are updated daily. For actual prices please refer to the product page on Amazon.

Razer Blade 16 Gaming -Laptop: NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4060 13th Gen Intel 24-Core i9 HX CPU 16" QHD+ 240Hz - 16GB -RAM - 1TB SSD CNC Aluminum Compact GaN -Charger - Windows 11 Chroma RGB

• NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4060 Graphics: Packed for pure performance with up to 140W TGP.Operating Temperature : 0°C (32˚F) to 40°C (104˚F).
• 13th Gen Intel Core i9 13950HX Processor: From full-blown AAA gaming to full-on content creation, run resource-intensive tasks flawlessly with the most powerful mobile processor leveraging desktop-grade silicon
• QHD+ 240 Hz Display: Experience smooth, responsive gaming that comes with a greater level of detail—enable NVIDIA G-SYNC to eliminate screen tearing for an immersive, stutter-free experience
• 16 inch Display in a 15 inch Body: Built with similar chassis dimensions to a typical 15” gaming laptop, it's just as ultra-portable yet offers even more screen real estate—a solution that’s the best of both worlds
• Ultra-Compact GaN Charger (Up to 280W): Stay ready to go with a charger that’s not only faster and more power-efficient than standard adapters, but also up to 60% smaller
• Anodized Aluminum Unibody: CNC-milled from a single aluminum block, the chassis achieves optimal strength-to-weight ratio and is anodized with a matte black finish for a smooth, scratch-resistant surface

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MSI Stealth 17 Studio 17.3" QHD 240Hz Gaming Laptop: 13th Gen Intel Core i9, RTX 4080, 32GB DDR5, 1TB NVMe SSD, Thunderbolt 4, USB-Type C, Cooler Boost Trinity+, Win11 Home: Core Black A13VH-053US

• LATEST GEN - 13th Gen Intel Core i9 Processor: Peak performance for elite gaming and content creation. The latest version of performance hybrid architecture will push your gameplay beyond performance, giving you the power to do it all..Bluetooth : BT 5.2, AC Power Adaptor : 240 W.
• Simplistic Design: Enjoy the latest generation Windows 11 Home for your everyday needs. *MSI recommends Windows 11 Pro for business use.
• Beyond Fast: The NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4080 GPU powered by the Ada architecture unleashes the full glory of ray tracing, which simulates how light behaves in the real world.
• QHD Display: The 17.3" 16:9 240Hz 100% DCI-P3 display delivers abundant color gamut, more vivid colors and details for gaming.
• High-Speed Data: Thunderbolt 4 and DDR5-4000 memory for the fastest data transfer, system speed and responsiveness.

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Lenovo Legion Pro 5i 16" LCD Gaming Laptop WQXGA 240Hz Intel Core i9-13900HX 16GB RAM 1TB SSD NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4070 8GB Onyx Grey

• Brand    Lenovo
• Model Name    Legion Pro 5i
• Screen Size    16 Inches
• Hard Disk Size    1 TB
• CPU Model    Core i9
• Ram Memory Installed Size    16 GB
• Operating System    Windows 11
• Special Feature    Backlit Keyboard
• Graphics Card Description    Dedicated
• Graphics Coprocessor    NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4070

List price: [amazon B0BYM88725 listpriceformattedprice] Buy this laptop on Amazon (Paid link)

ASUS ROG Strix G16 (2023) Gaming Laptop, 16” Nebula Display 16:10 QHD 240Hz, GeForce RTX 4050, Intel Core i9-13980HX, 16GB DDR5, 1TB PCIe SSD, Wi-Fi 6E, Windows 11, G614JU-ES94,Eclipse Gray

• POWER UP YOUR PLAY - Draw more frames and win more games with Windows 11, a 13th Gen Intel Core i9-13980HX processor, and an NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4050 Laptop GPU at 140W Max TGP..Bluetooth Technology : Bluetooth 5.3
• BLAZING FAST MEMORY AND STORAGE – Multitask swiftly with 16GB of DDR5-4800MHz memory and speed up loading times with 1TB of PCIe 4x4.
• ROG INTELLIGENT COOLING – To put this amount of power in a gaming laptop, you need an even better cooling solution. The Strix features Thermal Grizzly’s Conductonaut Extreme liquid metal on the CPU, and a third intake fan among other premium features, to allow for better sustained performance over long gaming sessions.
• ROG NEBULA DISPLAY – The Nebula standard guarantees a premium display with high specs in all fronts for the best visuals no matter the task. Featuring QHD 240Hz/3ms, 100% DCI-P3, Pantone Validation, among other premium features on the Strix G16.
• MUX SWITCH WITH ADVANCED OPTIMUS - A MUX Switch increases laptop gaming performance by 5-10% by routing frames directly from the dGPU to the display bypassing the iGPU. With Advanced Optimus the switch between iGPU and dGPU becomes automatic based on the task, optimizing battery life.

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ASUS VivoBook Pro 16 Laptop, 16” Display, Intel Core i9-13900H CPU, NVIDIA® GeForce® RTX™ 4060 GPU, 16GB RAM, 1TB SSD, Windows 11 Home, Quiet Blue, K6602VV-AS96

• ASUS VivoBook Pro 16 laptop comes with 16” WUXGA (1920 x 1200) 16:10 aspect ratio with ultra-slim NanoEdge bezels
• Latest Intel Core i9-13900H Processor 2.6 GHz (24MB Cache, up to 5.4 GHz, 14 cores, 20 Threads) with Intel Iris Xe Graphics
• NVIDIA Geforce RTX 4060 Laptop GPU, with 8GB GDDR6 - Studio Ready
• Fast storage and memory featuring 1TB M.2 NVMe PCIe 4.0 SSD and 8GB DDR5 SO-DIMM + 8GB DDR5 on board RAM, Windows 11 Home
• Extensive connectivity with Thunderbolt 4, USB 3.2 Gen 1 Type A, 3.5mm Combo Audio Jack, SD 4.0 card reader, HDMI 2.1 TMDS, RJ45 Gigabit Ethernet, 3 in1 card reader SD/MMC/MS and Micro SD card reader. Wi-Fi 6E(802.11ax) (Dual band) 2*2 + Bluetooth 5 (*USB transfer speed may vary. Learn more at ASUS.com)
• The ASUS IceCool Plus thermal technology in Vivobook Pro 16 uses upgraded 8 mm and 6 mm heat pipes with dual fans that efficiently accelerate heat transfer.
• The 180° lay-flat hinge on Vivobook Pro 16 OLED makes it easier to share creative ideas with those around you

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Lenovo Legion Pro 5i Gaming Laptop, 16" WQHD IPS 165Hz Display, GeForce RTX 4070, Intel 13th Gen i9-13900HX, 64GB DDR5 RAM, 2TB SSD, Webcam, 4-Zone RGB Backlit KB, Wi-Fi 6E, Windows 11 Home

• The PC memory has been upgraded to 64GB DDR5 SDRAM for enhanced high bandwidth to easily switch back and forth between open applications; the Hard drive has been upgraded to 2TB PCIe NVMe M.2 SSD (WD_Black) for fast boot-up and speedy data transfer
• 13th Gen Intel Core i9-13900HX Processor (24 Cores, 32 threads, 36MB Cache, base at 2.20GHz, up to 5.40GHz), with NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4070 (8GB GDDR6)
• 165Hz 16-inch WQHD IPS Display (2560 x 1600)
• 2 x USB Gen 2 Type-C, 4 x USB Gen 1 Type-A, 1 x HDMI, 1 x RJ-45, 1 x Headphone/microphone combo; Wi-Fi 6E and Bluetooth Combo; 4-Zone RGB Backlit Keyboard
• Include KKE Mousepad, Authorized Sellers ONLY

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ASUS Zenbook Pro 14 OLED 14.5” OLED 16:10 Touch Display, DialPad, Intel i9-13900H CPU, GeForce RTX 4070 Graphics, 32GB RAM, 1TB SSD, Windows 11 Home, Tech Black, UX6404VI-DS96T

• ASUS DialPad: an intuitive controller that provides instant fingertip control on creative apps including change brush size, saturation and more that’s customizable. Visit ASUS website for more details
• Display: 14.5-inch WQXGA+ (2880 x 1800) OLED NanoEdge touchscreen, with an expansive 16:10 aspect ratio, the touchscreen is Dolby Vision certified and PANTONE Validated to ensure accurate color rendering with 120Hz refresh rate
• Latest 13th generation Intel Core i9-13900H Processor 2.6 GHz (24MB Cache, up to 5.4 GHz, 14 cores, 20 Threads) and Intel UHD graphics
• NVIDIA Geforce RTX 4070 Laptop GPU with 8GB GDDR6 VRAM - Studio Ready
• Fast storage and memory featuring 1TB M.2 NVMe PCIe 4.0 Performance SSD with 16GB DDR5 on board + 16GB DDR5 SO-DIMM RAM, Windows 11 Home

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Jomardi X Park And Rafting

26 July, 2023 | Outdoor Activities | 128 seen

"X Park" run by “Jomardi” Rafting Club is located nearby Tvalivi village on the left side of Pshavis Aragvi River at 900 meters above sea level.

I have been familiar with the Jomardi Rafting Club since 2011 when I took my first rafting ride here in Georgia.

At the start of June 2023, my better part had a birthday, and we agreed to celebrate it together with the office employees by having a rafting ride. Great for party, great for team building. 

For getting here we organized a van from Tbilisi for up to 24 persons. Mamuka from Jomardi helped to find us a driver with a van and sent the driver to Vake, right to the office. The transfer fee was GEL 350 for both directions. 

The price for a rafting ride was GEL 80 per person. We bought some fish and meat in Tbilisi. There are several grilling areas available on spot.

There is a very nice camping area organized on-site, featuring gazebos, and even a cafeteria.

A rope park, zip lines, and an obstacle course are just a few of the activities available at X Park

There are easy, medium, and difficult aerial rope routes. Children as young as 6 can walk along the easy ropes. The medium route is for teenagers and adults. The difficult route is for those who are in good shape.

Security measures are in full force in the park and guests are assisted by professional instructors. Aerial ropes are designed with KONG's double protection system to eliminate the risk of falling. The area has 50 campsites and you can rent a tent with a sleeping bag on the spot. Fire pits and picnic tables are available in the yard.

Tvalivi village is located 70 kilometers from Tbilisi. You see the sign for "X Park" one km from the village entrance and the rafting base about 3-4 kilometers after.

"X Park" is open from late spring to mid-October.

Really nice place, great ride and excellent service. 

The Ultimate Israel Itinerary: Exploring Jerusalem, Bethlehem, Eilat, and Tel Aviv

25 July, 2023 | Travel guides | 21 seen

We decided to head to Israel for New Year's Eve of 2023, where we spent short, about a week-long trip to the Holy Land, exploring the cities of, Jerusalem, and Bethlehem, basking in the sun at Herod's place in Eilat, and then returning to Tel Aviv. The trip was an unforgettable experience, and we are excited to share our journey with you.

We arrived to Israel from Tbilisi, Georgia by El AL arways, landing at Ben Gurion airport, from which we took a train to Jerusalem, the train ride was shot about 25 minutes and in no matter of time we checked in at our airbnb on Be'er Sheva street in Jereusalem. Paying about $350 for a 2-night stay 

In Jerusalem we visited the Western Wall and Mahane Yehuda Market, we also visited Bethlehem, located in the Palestinian territories, just a short drive from Jerusalem. I jsut caught a random street taxi and bargained paying about USD 100 for a trip back and forth inside the Palestianian authority.

The city is famous for being the birthplace of Jesus Christ, and we visited the Church of the Nativity, which is built on the site where Jesus was born. We were humbled by the experience of being in such a significant and holy place.

After a few days in Jerusalem, we headed south to the resort city of Eilat by flying Israel air to Ramon airport.  Here, we spent our time relaxing on the beautiful beaches and soaking up the sun at Herod's Place, a luxurious 5-star resort named after King Herod the Great. Paying about $750 for 2-night stay.

After a few days in Eilat, we headed to Tel Aviv, a bustling metropolis on the Mediterranean coast. We stayed in a boutique Mayer house hotel on Dizengoff street, paying about USD 430 for another 2-night stat. 

The city has a unique blend of modern architecture, stunning beaches, and a vibrant nightlife. We spent our first few days exploring the city, strolling along the promenade, and trying out the local cuisine.

The highlight of our time in Tel Aviv was visiting the Jaffa Port, an ancient harbor that dates back to biblical times. We also visited the Carmel Market, which is a bustling marketplace filled with vendors selling everything from fresh produce to handmade crafts.

Our trip to Israel was a whirlwind of history, culture, and adventure, and we were sad to leave such a beautiful and fascinating country.

In conclusion, our short week-long trip to Israel was an incredible experience that we will never forget. We were amazed by the rich history, diverse cultures, and breathtaking landscapes of this beautiful country. We hope that this article inspires you to visit Israel and explore all that it has to offer. From Tel Aviv to Jerusalem, Bethlehem to Eilat, Israel is truly a land of wonder and discovery.

this was not a cheap travel, compared to our other travels, in total we spent well above $2,000 for this trip (excluding airlines). Just for the hotel stay our budget was USD 1,530. But, hey, that was really awesome time. Also I made a short documentary about our trip to Israel here.

DIY Frame House in Latvia: Walls and Rafters Completed

21 July, 2023 | Frame House | 59 seen

At the end of June 2023, we traveled to Latvia for about two weeks, during which I continued work with our frame house and installed both walls and rafters.

In this article, I'm sharing notes and photos from the construction. 

It was a huge surprise when arriving on site I saw a lot of overgrown grass.

It was just a few months ago, we come to Latvia to install this foundation on the grounds crews.

The Cost-Saving Way to Build a Frame House in Latvia: Our DIY Project (Screw Foundation Piles)

Just like in the Spring, I ordered wood from PATA Saldus, here is delivered wood both for walls and roof and also slats

I made the first frames myself, using just a hand saw and a drill. I thought I will be able to lift these walls up alone, but turned out heavier than expected. 

With the help of neighbors (Mamma Santa) - I was able to lift up these walls.

It was Summer Solstice evening and my mom come to visit us from Riga.

Once the walls were finished, it was time to think about how to get a top of the construction and install rafters for the roof

Installing inner wall

I had to spend a few evenings to make the right measurements, Pythagoras theorem helped a lot. 

With the help of Edgariņš we have already done some work in the past. 

6 rows of rafters installed already

All the constructions are made out of wood

All the rafters are fixed with metal angles

Quite an amazing work

Here I started already to install cross wind sheet.

In total it took us about 10 days at the end of June 2023 to build these walls and install rafters. 

Cost so far:

• Ground Screws: EUR 805
• Wood beams: EUR 1000
• Support clamps and angles: EUR 100
• Tools and other goodies: EUR 150
• Wood preservative liquid: EUR 12
• Wood planks and slats: EUR 1,030
• Metalic clamps and other goodies: EUR 400
• Cross wind sheet: EUR 80

Total: EUR 3,577

Summer Solstice 2023

20 July, 2023 | | 46 seen

In case you wondered how we celebrated Summer's Solstice 2023  - we celebrated it at our rural country house some 25 km from Liepåja in Latvia. Having a lot of fun.

I invited my mom to join us for the little party. Just four of us.

We bought this little Dacha last year for just EUR 5,000 and now we have a place where to come and celebrate at least Līgo once in a year.

I had to spend a good evening trimming grass tonight

Having a property puts on a lot of responsibility, and my biggest fight for years - grass.

Small but hearty Līgo

Jerusalem in December: A Must-Visit Destination for the New Year Holiday

18 July, 2023 | Travel guides | 21 seen

Jerusalem is a city steeped in history, culture, and religion, making it a fascinating destination to visit any time of the year. However, there is something particularly special about visiting Jerusalem in the weeks leading up to New Year's.

In this article, we'll explore some of the highlights of experiencing Jerusalem before New Year's eve. We arrivied to Jerusalem from Ben Gurion airport terminal and our discoveries could start. After booking nice apartment on Be'er Sveva street, we left exploring city, by visitng The Western Wall, Mahane Yehuda Market and even the Church of the Nativity in Bethlehem. Later on we left Jerusalem for Eilat and returned back to Tel Aviv. 

One of the must-see attractions in Jerusalem is the Old City, which is home to some of the most significant religious sites in the world. Visitors can wander through the narrow alleyways and ancient buildings, taking in the sights and sounds of this historic area. Some of the highlights include the Western Wall, the Church of the Holy Sepulchre, and the Dome of the Rock. In the weeks leading up to New Year's, the Old City is decorated with festive lights, creating a magical atmosphere.

Jerusalem is a city with a rich religious heritage, and it is a particularly special destination for those celebrating Christmas. In the weeks leading up to the holiday, the city is adorned with Christmas lights and decorations, and there are a variety of events and activities taking place. Visitors can attend Christmas services at some of the city's historic churches, such as the Church of the Nativity, or explore the Christmas markets that spring up around the city.

Jerusalem is also known for its vibrant culinary scene, which draws inspiration from the city's diverse cultural influences. Visitors can indulge in traditional Israeli dishes such as falafel, hummus, and shakshuka, or explore the city's many international restaurants. In the weeks leading up to New Year's, many restaurants offer special holiday menus, making it a great time to sample some of Jerusalem's culinary delights.

While Jerusalem is not known for its wild New Year's Eve parties, there are still plenty of ways to ring in the New Year in the city. Visitors can attend the annual New Year's Eve concert in Safra Square, which features live music, fireworks, and a festive atmosphere. Alternatively, they can take part in one of the many New Year's Eve dinners or events taking place at hotels and restaurants around the city.

Jerusalem offers a wide range of accommodation options to suit all budgets and tastes. Visitors can choose to stay in the heart of the city, close to the Old City and other popular attractions, or in a more secluded location outside the city center. Many hotels offer special holiday packages during the weeks leading up to New Year's, making it a great time to book a stay in Jerusalem.

In conclusion, visiting Jerusalem before New Year's is a unique and unforgettable experience. Whether you're exploring the historic Old City, celebrating Christmas, indulging in the city's culinary delights, or ringing in the New Year with live music and fireworks, Jerusalem offers something for everyone.

Vialand Amusement Park in Istanbul

13 July, 2023 | Tourism objects | 103 seen

Vialand Theme Park is a huge amusement park and shopping mall located in Istanbul, Turkey.

We visited this theme park at the end of May 2023, during our weekend trip to Istanbul. We paid a 240 USD entry fee for a family of three (also kids pay full fare).

After visiting the park I was left with the feeling that the price might be way too overpriced for the attractions we actually used.  As we were traveling with our 4-year-old daughter, we were using just the bare minimum. The total price of USD 240 for spending a few hours at this theme park. Well, it depends. The daughter was quite happy at least. and that is the most important thing!

For getting here, we used BiTaksi ride-sharing app, see: How to Get around Istanbul for cheap with this ride-sharing Taxi app. There are zillions of shops and dining options located at Vialand

On the Firday day, when we visited Vialand theme park, it was not overcrowded (as we thought before), in fact it seemed working on some 20% capacity.

There are quite a lot of options to choose from, but seems many are aimed for teenagers. Though there is plenty to do also for small kids.

The complex covers and area of 600.000 m2

Is is said, there are 24 different rides and attractions in Vialand Theme Park Istanbul to choose from.

There are at least two types of boat tours inside the theme park, one of them is featurign the History of Istanbul. Quite ipresive installations, with dozzens of echanic turks.

According to sources, that is the world’s 4th best Roller Coaster named “Nefeskesen (Breathtaking), that reaches to 110 km/hrs speed in just 3 seconds.

At the park we took plenty of attractions, 2 types of boats rides, a smaller roller coaster suitable for preschoolers, 3D Alladin ride and more. The price seems bit overpriced, but I believe you can buy ticklets online cheaper. In overall great place to visit, we managed to take about 4 hours with our 4-year old. 

Visit vialand.com to learn more

Hotel Baykal in Istanbul

12 July, 2023 | Hotel reviews | 29 seen

Hotel Baykal is located on the shores of Golden Horn in Unkapani, Istanbul.

This hotel is located about 3 km from the historical Sultanahmet area.  Free WiFi is accessible in all areas.

We booked Hotel Baykal for a 3-night stay at the end of May 2023 during our short trip to Istanbul. At the time of booking, we were just choosing the cheapest options available, and I have to say this was a bargain deal.

In total, we paid about USD 160 for our 3-day stay here, which is something really awesome. We could spend about $1,000 for a luxury stay, with access to swimming pools, a la carte restaurant, but this time we decided to save huge, and indeed this was quite a value deal.

For getting here from Sabiha Gocken airport I ordered airport shuttle for about EUR 60, directly at the airport, but you could use ride-sharin app like Bi-Taksi and save at least half of that, see: How to Get around Istanbul for cheap with this ride-sharing Taxi app

The rooms at Baykal Hotel feature a TV, wardrobe and heating. Each has a private bathroom. Some rooms also have sea views.

Located in a historic neighborhood with numerous restaurants and cafés, you can venture out and sense the local atmosphere.

This hotel also served free breakfast. Excellent bargain stay. Book now on booking.com

Ring in the New Year in Eilat: A Guide to the Top Attractions

11 July, 2023 | Travel guides | 35 seen

Eilat is a city in southern Israel that is well known for its sunny beaches and vibrant nightlife. The city is especially popular during the New Year's holiday season when visitors flock to the area to enjoy the warm weather and festive atmosphere. In this article, I'll explore some of the highlights of visiting Eilat around New Year's.

We come to Eilat, especially for New Year's Eve, and booked Herods Boutique hotel, paying about USD 750 for a 2-night stay. Might be a bit expensive, but the stay was awesome and it was New Year's Eve. We chose Israil Air to fly from Ben Gurion Airport to Ramon airport near Eilat for getting here, additonaly a taxi service form the airport. The domestic flight was about 1 hour. 

One of the main draws of Eilat is its stunning beaches. During the winter months, the water is still warm enough for swimming, and the beaches are less crowded than during the summer season. Some of the most popular beaches in Eilat include Coral Beach, Mosh's Beach, and Dolphin Reef. Visitors can relax on the sand, swim in the crystal-clear waters, or participate in water sports such as windsurfing or jet skiing.

Another popular activity in Eilat around New Year's is partying. The city has a vibrant nightlife scene, with a variety of bars and clubs that cater to all tastes. Visitors can dance the night away to live music or enjoy a drink with friends at a cozy pub. Some of the most popular nightclubs in Eilat include Haoman 17 and Papaya.

For those interested in exploring the local culture, Eilat offers several attractions that are worth visiting. One of the most popular is the Underwater Observatory Marine Park, which features an aquarium, a turtle and shark pool, and an underwater observatory that allows visitors to see the marine life up close. Another must-see attraction is the Timna Park, which is home to stunning rock formations and ancient copper mines.

Eilat is also known for its delicious food, and visitors will find a wide variety of dining options to choose from. Some of the most popular local dishes include falafel, hummus, and shakshuka. Seafood is also a popular choice, with fresh catches from the Red Sea served in many restaurants.

Finally, Eilat offers a range of accommodation options to suit all budgets, from luxury hotels to budget hostels. Visitors can choose to stay in the heart of the city or in a more secluded location near the beach.

In conclusion, visiting Eilat around New Year's is a great way to experience the city's warm weather, beautiful beaches, vibrant nightlife, and unique culture. Whether you're looking to party, relax, or explore, Eilat has something to offer for everyone.

Our frame house has suffered significant damage due to the strong winds

7 July, 2023 | Frame House | 33 seen

Over the past few weeks, I have been fully engrossed in the laborious task of constructing our frame house from the ground up. Unfortunately, amidst the hustle and bustle of the construction process, I have been remiss in updating our progress on this blog. However, I regret to inform you that our endeavors have taken a devastating blow.

This past weekend marked a significant milestone as we completed the roof installation and eagerly commenced the placement of the crosswind sheet. With each passing day, we inched closer to the realization of our dream home. Today, as I was in the midst of finalizing the order for the metal roofing, I received some profoundly disheartening news.

A tumultuous storm, characterized by gales reaching an astounding speed of 21 meters per second, ravaged Latvia earlier today, on July 3, 2023. Tragically, our house fell victim to the unrelenting wrath of this tempestuous weather event.

The forceful winds unleashed their fury upon our fledgling structure, causing considerable damage that exceeded our worst fears. The heart-wrenching sight that greeted me upon surveying the aftermath was nothing short of a devastating blow. It felt as though our aspirations had been dashed by the unforgiving forces of nature.

The storm's powerful gusts tore through our construction site, leaving a trail of destruction in their wake. The very framework we painstakingly erected stood weakened and compromised. The once-sturdy walls now bear the scars of battle, and the roof we meticulously installed succumbed to the relentless assault, its integrity shattered. Our dreams of a completed home lay in ruins before us.

Amidst the despair and disappointment, I am reminded of the resilience that lies within us. The setback we now face will undoubtedly test our resolve, but it will not break our spirit. We are determined to pick up the pieces, rebuild what has been lost, and forge ahead in our pursuit of a place to call our own.

In the face of such adversity, we must channel our energy into the process of recovery and reconstruction. It is a humbling experience that teaches us the importance of adaptability and preparedness for the unforeseen challenges that life may throw our way.

While the road ahead may be arduous, we remain steadfast in our commitment to turning this setback into a stepping stone. We will rally our resources, seek assistance from professionals, and employ our unwavering determination to rebuild our frame house, stronger and more resilient than ever before.

Our journey may have hit a roadblock, but we refuse to let it define us. We are steadfast in our belief that our dream home will rise from the ashes, standing tall as a testament to our unwavering determination and the power of resilience.

As we embark on this challenging chapter, I invite you to accompany us on this arduous yet inspiring journey. Together, let us navigate the trials and tribulations, and emerge victorious in the pursuit of our dream. Stay tuned for updates on our progress, as we rebuild our frame house and transform adversity into triumph.