Elia Monastery near Dedoplis Tskaro

6 July, 2023 | Churches and Monasteries | 42 seen

Elia monastery is located in Kakheti, in the southern part of Dedoplistskaro, on a double-peak limestone mountain. The Temple of Saint Ilia Tezbiteli is located on Mount Elia since the sixth century. Many people gather here every August 2, on the day of the great prophet, Saint Ilia Tezbiteli. They overnight on a double-peaked mountain and pray at the bottom of the Elia rock.

I first learned about this beautiful place from our German friend Ralph, during the Vashlovani trip back in Summer 2021. Back then we didn't made a stop here, just passed it by and saw from the distance.

It was back in Summer of 2023 when we actually visited this place and I had a chance to make a few close-ups with a drone and iPhone.

Archaeological excavations prove that the temple of St. Ilia Tezbiteli, existed in the VI century, but the exact date of its construction is unknown. Its restoration was possible in 2006.

The only written note was kept by Alexandre Dumas, who saw the rock of Elia during his trip to Caucasus and Georgia in 1858 and made a brief entry: “There is another mountain, which is located about six miles from the castles of Queen Tamar and there is a legend as well. This mountain is called Elia Mountain and at the bottom there is a salt lake. In the wide cave in the middle of the mountain there is a bell tower, which residents often visit. According to the legend, the crow brought food for the prophet Ilia. He left his cape to his student Elise and raised in the sky from the top of the mountain.” (A. Dumas, Caucasus, Tbilisi, 1970, pp. 259-260).

The chapel of St. Ilia survived many of the storms, which occurred in Kakheti-Hereti and especially in Kambechovan. The chapel is functioning to the present day and worship is performed, all thanks to the local resident, architect of the Patriarchate, Sergo Kartvelishvili.

Mount Elia has one secret. From the side of this mountain there is an entrance to the tunnel, one end of which goes to the castle of Khornabuji. This tunnel enters the Elia mountain and further forks on the different sides. In confirmation of this fact this is the exit of the tunnel in Khornabuji. As it is said, the roads went in different directions from this tunnel, but only one is known- the final exit road to Khornabuji. Nowadays, this tunnel collapsed and only the entrance remained.

There is a little parking lot next to the monastery complex

How To Get pre-paid unlimited internet in Turkey with eSIM

5 July, 2023 | Travel guides | 35 seen

Staying connected while traveling is crucial in today's digital age, and having access to mobile internet is essential for most people.

Turkey, with its rich cultural heritage and stunning landscapes, is a popular destination for travelers from around the world. To ensure you stay connected during your trip, one convenient option is to use an eSIM (embedded SIM) for mobile internet. 

During our latest independent trip to Istanbul, I was exploring my options for getting a sim card with internet for my phone and was very happy to learn that there is actually eSIM available with prepaid unlimited internet for Turkey.

Instead of actually visiting some phone store, buying a sim card, and all that hassle, there is finally a service where you can get unlimited and prepaid internet in 5 minutes with the ease of a few clicks.

The service is called Holafly and cost only $19.00 for a 5-day usage with unlimited internet. See: International travel eSIM for Turkey

I was able to pay for this order by PayPal and got all the information on how to activate this service in my e-mail. in about 5 minutes it was all set and ready. 

For the next few days was using mobile internet heavily to use the local ride-sharing app BiTaksi: How to Get around Istanbul for cheap with this ride-sharing Taxi app

What is an eSIM? An eSIM is an electronic SIM card that is embedded directly into a device, such as a smartphone or tablet, eliminating the need for a physical SIM card. It allows users to switch between different mobile network operators without changing SIM cards. With an eSIM, you can easily connect to local networks in foreign countries, such as Turkey, without the hassle of purchasing and inserting a traditional SIM card.

Benefits of using eSIM for Mobile Internet in Turkey:

How to get mobile internet in Turkey with eSIM:

Really awesome service for s short term stay in Turkey - highly recomend!

From the downsides of Holdalfy eSIM internet I should add - no data sharing -This eSIM does not allow you to share data or use a hotspot with other devices; Might be too expensive if you ar staying longer than 5 days, and no local phone number - This eSIM only includes data. It does not allow you to make cell phone calls or send SMS messages. You can still use WhatsApp or Skype to call your contacts.

The Top Beaches to Visit in Tel Aviv: Unwind and Relax by the Mediterranean Sea

4 July, 2023 | Travel guides | 38 seen

Tel Aviv is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Israel, known for its vibrant culture, nightlife, and beaches. With over 14 kilometers of coastline, Tel Aviv boasts some of the most beautiful and accessible beaches in the country.

During our latest trip to Israel I had a chance to spend a day in Tel Aviv's beaches and was left with that white envy feeling, how lucky Israelis are, having such nice beaches just in front of their city. Just amazing.

Coming back from the trip, I was reasearching more about Tel Aviv's beaches and here's a guide to the top beaches in Tel Aviv.

Frishman Beach is one of the most popular beaches in Tel Aviv. It's located near the city center and offers stunning views of the Mediterranean Sea. The beach is well-equipped with showers, restrooms, sun loungers, and parasols, making it an ideal spot for families with kids. Frishman Beach also has a volleyball court and a fitness area, perfect for those looking to stay active during their beach day.

Gordon Beach is located in the heart of Tel Aviv and is a favorite among locals and tourists alike. The beach is wide and sandy, and the water is clear and calm, making it an excellent spot for swimming and sunbathing. Gordon Beach is also home to several restaurants, cafes, and bars, making it a great place to spend an entire day. The beach also offers a variety of water sports, including surfing, paddleboarding, and kayaking.

Banana Beach is one of Tel Aviv's most relaxed and laid-back beaches, located south of the city center. The beach is named after a banana-shaped bar that was once located there. The beach is less crowded than other beaches in Tel Aviv and is a popular spot for sunbathing and swimming. Banana Beach is also known for its beach volleyball courts, and visitors can often find locals playing pickup games.

Alma Beach is one of the quieter beaches in Tel Aviv, located in the southern part of the city. The beach is a popular spot for families and offers a tranquil atmosphere away from the hustle and bustle of the city center. Alma Beach has several cafes and restaurants, making it an excellent place to grab a bite to eat while enjoying the sea view. The beach also offers a variety of water sports, including windsurfing and kiteboarding.

Jerusalem Beach is one of Tel Aviv's newer beaches, located near the Jaffa port. The beach is named after the nearby Jerusalem Boulevard and offers stunning views of the city skyline. The beach is wide and sandy, and the water is calm, making it an excellent spot for swimming and sunbathing. Jerusalem Beach is also equipped with showers, changing rooms, and a playground, making it a great spot for families.

In conclusion, Tel Aviv's beaches offer something for everyone, from lively and crowded beaches to quiet and tranquil ones. Whether you're looking to swim, sunbathe, or try your hand at water sports, Tel Aviv's beaches are the perfect destination for a fun-filled day by the sea.

Savanna Guest House in Dedoplis Tskaro

29 June, 2023 | Hotel reviews | 27 seen

Savanna Guest House is located on Mosulishvili Street 51 in the town of Dedoplis Tskaro.

We booked this guest house for a one-night stay at the start of June 2023, paying about gel 150 for a separate house with two bedrooms, a kitchen, a shower, a living room, and a lovely outdoor space.

We keep returning to Dedoplis Tskaro because of the Eagle Canyon and this time we decided to extend our stay in the area by booking a guest house. and Savanna Guest house was our perfect match.

We had a free parking on the street. Little nice backyard and even a swing which made our 4-year old daughter very happy.

Very comfortable bed. The room even featured a desk, though I prefered to do my laptop work on the porch.

Each room comes with a private bathroom with a shower, while selected rooms are equipped with a kitchen with a fridge.

A continental, Full English/Irish or vegetarian breakfast is served at the property.

The guesthouse has a grill. You can play darts at Savanna Guest House, and the area is popular for cycling.

Despite the hguest hosue offered to serve us breakfast/dinner, we opted for little kitchen and cooded ourselves some light dinner and easy breakfast. The fridge was useful for cooling beer. Awesome stay.

We agreed to return here one more time, but this tie stay at least for some 3-4 days. 

Highly recommend. Book now on booking.com

Discovering Jaffa: A Memorable Day Trip from Tel Aviv

27 June, 2023 | Travel guides | 18 seen

Jaffa is an ancient port city near Tel Aviv in Israel. Jaffa is known for its association with the biblical stories of Jonah, Solomon, and Saint Peter as well as the mythological story of Andromeda and Perseus, and later for its oranges.

Today, Jaffa is one of Israel's mixed cities, with approximately 37% of the city being Arab. 

We had a chance to visit Jaffa and meet with our Latvian friend there at the start of 2023 during our latest trip to Israel.  

Jaffa is a fascinating destination for a day trip from Tel Aviv. The city is steeped in history, and its winding alleys, colorful markets, and beautiful architecture offer a unique glimpse into the past.

Getting to Jaffa from Tel Aviv is easy, with several transportation options available. One can take a bus, a train or even walk to Jaffa, which is about a 30-minute walk from the center of Tel Aviv. Alternatively, visitors can rent a bike or an electric scooter and make their way to Jaffa along the picturesque Tel Aviv-Jaffa promenade.

We come here by a taxi from Tel Aviv, paid about 25 New Shekels, and was taken there by a Georgian driver - Izrail.

Once in Jaffa, there are several sights to see and things to do. The city's historic center is home to a vibrant market, known as the Jaffa Flea Market. Here, visitors can browse through stalls selling everything from antiques and vintage clothing to fresh produce and spices. The market is a treasure trove for those looking for unique souvenirs and gifts.

Near the market is the Jaffa Old City, a maze of narrow streets and alleyways that lead to ancient buildings and monuments. The highlight of the Old City is the Clock Tower, which offers panoramic views of the city and the Mediterranean Sea.

We agreed to meet our friend at Clock Tower, where we also find nice restaurants and shopping malls located. 

Another must-see attraction in Jaffa is St. Peter's Church, one of the oldest churches in the world. The church is said to be built on the site where St. Peter had his vision of a sheet with unclean animals, which inspired the acceptance of gentiles into the Christian faith.

Visitors to Jaffa can also explore the city's art scene by visiting the many galleries and studios scattered around the Old City. Jaffa is home to many artists and artisans, and their work can be seen in the form of paintings, sculptures, and ceramics.

For those looking to relax and enjoy the sun and sea, Jaffa's beaches are a great place to spend some time. The city has several beaches, including Alma Beach and Jaffa Port Beach, which offer stunning views of the Mediterranean Sea.

Finally, no trip to Jaffa is complete without sampling the city's famous hummus. Jaffa is known for its delicious hummus, and there are many restaurants and cafes in the city that serve this tasty dish. Visitors can also try other local delicacies, such as falafel, shawarma, and fresh seafood.

In conclusion, a day trip to Jaffa is a perfect way to explore the history, culture, and cuisine of this ancient port city. Whether you're interested in art, history, or just want to relax on the beach, Jaffa has something to offer for everyone.

Rafting & Birthday

24 June, 2023 | Living in Georgia | 20 seen

June marked a special occasion for the Caucasus Translations team as we embarked on an unforgettable adventure to celebrate Sandra's birthday. The chosen setting? The exhilarating waters of the Aragvi River, offering a unique and exciting rafting experience. Join us as we share the highlights of this action-packed day filled with mcvadi feasts, team building, and an abundance of positive vibes!

The Aragvi River, with its twists and turns through the stunning Caucasus landscape, provided the perfect backdrop for our celebration. As adrenaline pumped through our veins, we navigated the river's rapids, each twist and turn adding to the thrill of the experience. The mesmerizing scenery of Georgia's natural beauty heightened the joy of the occasion.

No celebration is complete without indulging in the local cuisine, and what better way to do it than with a traditional Georgian barbecue? Our rafting adventure included a pit stop for a mouthwatering mcvadi feast. Grilled to perfection, the aroma of sizzling kebabs filled the air as we savored the rich flavors of Georgian cuisine, adding a delicious touch to Sandra's birthday celebration.

Team Building on the Rapids 

Rafting isn't just about navigating the waters; it's also a team effort. The collaborative spirit of the Caucasus Translations team shone as we worked together to conquer the challenges of the river. From synchronized paddling to strategic maneuvers, our teamwork was put to the test, strengthening the bonds that make our team a formidable force, both in and out of the office.

As the sun beamed down on our rafting expedition, so did the positive energy. The combination of adventure, camaraderie, and the joy of celebrating Sandra's birthday created an atmosphere of pure positivity. Laughter echoed through the rapids, creating memories that will be cherished for years to come.

Our rafting escapade on the Aragvi River was more than just a birthday celebration; it was a fusion of adventure, gastronomic delight, and team bonding. Sandra's special day was elevated by the natural beauty of Georgia and the shared moments of triumph on the river. As we wrap up this thrilling chapter, we look forward to more unforgettable adventures that blend the excitement of the outdoors with the warmth of camaraderie. Stay tuned for the next chapter of our journey, filled with exploration, teamwork, and, of course, the spirit of Georgia's enchanting landscapes.

Hilton Garden Inn Tbilisi Restaurant on Chavchavadze

21 June, 2023 | Restaurant reviews | 90 seen

Hilton Garden Inn Tbilisi Restaurant on Chavchavadze Street (Vake district) is one of my favorite lunch places in the city - we keep heading to this place for dinner, as our company office is located just around the corner.

Also, the business quick & healthy lunch here is among the lowest priced in the city - you can get healthy and delicious food just for GEL 25 (prices as of 2023). 

Guests can choose from soups, salads, and starters + get fresh homemade lemonade for free. The menu is updated once in a while.

Besides delicious food, I love to come here to read local English newspapers and journals, like Georgia Today, Finnachnel, and others.

If you are not into the lunch menu, you are free to choose from the main menu.

One of the best finds in Tbilisi. Highly recommended!

The Carmel Market in Tel Aviv, Israel

20 June, 2023 | Shopping Venues | 52 seen

The Carmel Market (also, the Shuk Hacarmel) is the largest market, or shuk, in Tel Aviv, Israel.

It’s a vibrant marketplace where traders sell everything from clothing to spices and fruit to electronics.

Visiting the Carmel Market is a fascinating thing to do in Tel Aviv. The hustle and bustle, vibrant noises, and its reputation as the largest shuk in Tel Aviv all combine to make the Carmel Market a favorite.

I first visited this market at the start of 2023, during our New Year's trip to Israel. 

Everyone from first-time tourists visiting the city to locals who come here to get the freshest fruit and vegetables till the alleyways.

The Carmel Market first opened in 1920, some eleven years after the establishment of the city. It is an integral part of the history of Tel Aviv. Although much of the trade has now shifted to modern malls and the internet, the market is still immensely popular. Its narrow street is busy whenever you visit, particularly before Shabbat on Thursdays and Fridays, as residents buy supplies for their family meals. Recent years have seen a growing number of boutique stalls and food places opening alongside the traditional traders. They range from boutique beers to arrays of halva, and small eateries who take advantage of the market’s produce.

We bought some strawberries here, intersting, most of the prices are shown for 0.5kg. 

I tried one, they are just delicious. We spent a good part of day at this amaizng market. Wanderign thorught its many ailways and trying both the fruits and fish and chips and some of the cafeterias located inside the market. Trully Amazing!

The Carmel market is open every day of the week, except Shabbat (Saturday), and sells mostly food but also a variety of items such as home accessories, and flowers. Tuesdays and Fridays are the signature days at the market as several independent artists and vendors sell unique crafts, art, and jewelry along Nahalat Binyamin Street.

Eagle Canyon and Dedoplis Tskaro (2023)

16 June, 2023 | Living in Georgia | 22 seen

In early June 2023, my family and I embarked on another unforgettable road trip, this time venturing into the scenic wonders near Dedoplis Tskaro.

Our first stop on this thrilling journey was the captivating Eagle Canyon, a true haven for birdwatching enthusiasts. The canyon, tucked away in the heart of Georgia, offered a breathtaking spectacle of nature's beauty. Surrounded by lush greenery and echoing with the melodies of diverse bird species, it was a paradise for anyone seeking solace in the arms of untouched wilderness.

For our accommodation, we chose the Savanna guest house, a hidden gem itself. Nestled in the tranquility of nature, this charming abode provided us with a cozy retreat after our day of exploration. The warm hospitality and comfortable amenities made it a perfect home away from home.

The following day, our adventure continued as we made our way to the majestic St. Elia Mount. This picturesque destination is a testament to Georgia's diverse topography, featuring rolling hills and panoramic vistas that extend as far as the eye can see. Whether you're an avid hiker or a casual observer, St. Elia Mount promises an unforgettable experience.

What makes this particular region of Georgia truly special is its off-the-beaten-track allure. Unlike some of the more popular tourist destinations, Dedoplis Tskaro and its surrounding areas retain an authentic charm that's best appreciated in the company of fellow explorers. As a family, we relished the joy of discovering hidden gems together, creating memories that will undoubtedly last a lifetime.

To capture the essence of our journey, I've put together a video showcasing the highlights of our road trip. From the mesmerizing Eagle Canyon to the enchanting St. Elia Mount, each frame tells a story of our exploration in this less-explored corner of Georgia.

So, if you're yearning for a travel experience that goes beyond the ordinary, join us on this virtual adventure. Give the video a thumbs up, and let the wanderlust inspire your next expedition!

Safe travels and happy exploring!

How to Install Drupal 10 with Nginx, PHP-FPM 8.1, MySQL, phpMyAdmin on Ubuntu 23.04 - Linode Guide

15 June, 2023 | Servers | 1,614 seen

In this article, you will learn how to set up a webserver for serving Drupal websites running with Nginx, PHP-FPM 8.1, MySQL, and phpMyAdmin on Ubuntu 23.04

For the following tutorial, I used very much the information from my previous guide with 22.04, but I decided to rewrite it for Ubuntu 23.04 version as it is shipped with php8.1 version and will work with Drupal 10 (most probably with previous versions too)

If you need any assistance configuring servers or working with Drupal, consider hiring me at the Terramatris website

Prerequisites

• Ubuntu 23.04 
• Root privileges.

You can get a cheap VPS starting at just $5/mo from Linode. That's what I did - bought a new nanode from Linode

Literally, in a couple of seconds, the new server was up and running - that's what I love about sticking with Linode for years

Follow the basic security guide, see: Securing Your Server

I will use Terminal from MAC to access  over SSH (Windows users could use Putty)

Secure your server

Create the user, replacing example_user with your desired username. You’ll then be asked to assign the user a password:

Add the user to the sudo group so you’ll have administrative privileges:

Disallow root logins over SSH. This requires all SSH connections to be by non-root users. Once a limited user account is connected, administrative privileges are accessible either by using sudo or changing to a root shell using su -.

Under # Authetification section change to

Update the Ubuntu system

sudo apt-get update

Install Nginx and PHP-FPM

Install Nginx with the following apt command:

Next, install php8.1-fpm with php-gd extension that is required by Drupal core:

Configure Nginx and PHP-FPM

In this step, we will configure Nginx to use php-fpm to serve HTTP requests for PHP pages. Go to the php-fpm directory "/etc/php/8.1/fpm" and edit the "php.ini" file:

Un-comment the cgi.fix_pathinfo line and change the value to "0"

When using nano command you can use CTRL+W to locate that line. Once changed press CTRL+O to save changes and CTRL+X to exit from nano editor

Now we should modify the default Nginx virtual host configuration. Edit the "default" file and enable the php-fpm directive.

Un-comment  location ~ \.php$ section, so it look like this

CTRL+O and CTRL+X

Then test the Nginx configuration with the command "nginx -t" to ensure that it is valid:

If there is no error, restart nginx and the php-fpm service:

PHP Info file (Optional)

Next, test that php-fpm is working properly with Nginx by creating new PHP info file in the web directory "/var/www/html"

Visit the info.php file at the server IP  in a web browser.

Configure the VirtualHost for Drupal

We will install Drupal 10 in the directory "/srv/www/reinisfischer.com". Please replace my domain name in your installation with the domain name of the website that you want to use this Drupal installation for. So let's create the directory:

Paste the Nginx configuration for Drupal 10:

CTRL+O and CTRL + X

The Drupal virtual host file has been created, now we have to activate it by creating a symlink to the file in the "sites-enabled" directory:

Test the Nginx configuration and if there are no errors restart Nginx:

Install MySQL

Warning: As of July 2022, an error will occur when you run the mysql_secure_installation script without some further configuration. The reason is that this script will attempt to set a password for the installation’s root MySQL account but, by default on Ubuntu installations, this account is not configured to connect using a password.

See: How To Install MySQL on Ubuntu 20.04 for mysql_secure_installation fix

Prior to July 2022, this script would silently fail after attempting to set the root account password and continue on with the rest of the prompts. However, as of this writing, the script will return the following error after you enter and confirm a password:

Output

... Failed! Error: SET PASSWORD has no significance for user 'root'@'localhost' as the authentication method used doesn't store authentication data in the MySQL server. Please consider using ALTER USER instead if you want to change authentication parameters. New password:

This will lead the script into a recursive loop which you can only get out of by closing your terminal window.

Because the mysql_secure_installation script performs a number of other actions that are useful for keeping your MySQL installation secure, it’s still recommended that you run it before you begin using MySQL to manage your data. To avoid entering this recursive loop, though, you’ll need to first adjust how your root MySQL user authenticates.

First, open up the MySQL prompt: 

Then run the following ALTER USER command to change the root user’s authentication method to one that uses a password. The following example changes the authentication method to mysql_native_password:

After making this change, exit the MySQL prompt:

Following that, you can run the mysql_secure_installation script without issue.

Install phpMyAdmin

Hit ESC when the installation prompts you for auto-configuration because there is no option for Nginx.

Make an easily accessible symlink

Install and Configure Drupal

Enter the directory that we created earlier and download Drupal with wget. I'm using the latest Drupal 10.0.9. release as of May 3, 2023, make sure you are downloading the latest version by visiting the Drupal download page and writing down the last numbers (version)

Now visit your Drupal site in the web Browser, you should see the similiar screen

Now, using phpmyadmin login into MySQL and setup database

Optional: How to edit hosts file on Mac

from the terminal 

sudo nano /etc/hosts

add your IP address pointing to the domain name to test before the DNS zone gets updated

If you need any assistance configuring servers or working with Drupal, consider hiring me at the Terramatris website

Discovering Sri Lanka: A Journey near Indian Ocean from Colombo to Galle

14 June, 2023 | Travel guides | 28 seen

At the start of 2022, we traveled to Sri Lanka for about a two-week-long life-changing journey.

In this article, I'm sharing my travel notes with listing places of interest we visited. Also, make sure to watch our short video from this trip: Sri Lanka, Colombo, Bentota and Galle

The Tbilisi-Doha flight was good, with plenty of legroom. The plane seemed a bit outdated, a Boeing A230. But for a less than 3-hour flight, it was very decent.

The biggest surprise came at the Doha Airport, where we had reserved a business lounge with an option to stay at the so-called cubicles. It turned out they were on a first-served basis. I thought, "Alright, we got scammed."

Nevertheless, after some 40 minutes, we got our cubicle. It was nothing fancy, but better than nothing. We managed to get some sleep at our cubicle, and soon we were boarding the next plane departing for Colombo, Sri Lanka.

On the plane, I met a nice Sri Lankan software developer. We talked a bit, and he told me about Asian careers in Qatar. It turned out he hadn't been home for two years because of the pandemic.

Before booking the plane, we reserved Hilton Apartments in Colombo and requested an airport shuttle. It was approved for USD 35. After arriving in Colombo, we were asked to fill out a few more declarations and forms related to health and crossed the border.

Our driver waited for us, and soon we were taken to the Hilton Colombo hotel in Colombo. Here, we ordered a nice dinner with some fish and chips, rice and beef, and more. I also got a complimentary adapter for European/Sri Lankan plugs.

The next morning, we visited the hotel swimming pool and were surprised at the cold water in it, despite the temperature being +30 outside. The hot pool located inside helped.

After visiting the pools, I made a list of the top 3 sightseeing places in Colombo and caught a tuk-tuk on the street. The driver agreed to take us to the first location for 100 Sri Lankan Rupees.

We arrived at the temple, paid the entrance fee of 800 Sri Lankan Rupees, walked around, and took a lot of photos. When leaving the temple, another tuk-tuk driver approached us and offered to show us the top 10 places in Colombo for 1,000 Sri Lankan rupees. I quickly agreed, as I was against walking. We made stops at a few places, and I took photos and videos. We decided to skip some places from the list and return to our hotel.

In the evening, we visited the pool again, hoping it would be warm, but it was pretty cold again. The hot inside pool helped. Later in the night, we booked the next hotel in Bentota.

The next morning, before breakfast at Hilton Colombo Residences, I asked if they could help us arrange a transfer to Bentota, and the hotel helped. We were asked about 12,400 Sri Lankan rupees (around 60 USD) for the transfer.

In about two hours, we arrived at the Bentota Taj Spa Resort, checked in, and got a nice ocean view room. We went to the swimming pool and spent a few hours there. In the evening, we went to the ocean, and I took some amazing drone footage. Nice.

We spent a nice 2 nights here, and during our stay, we met Bata, a local tour seller at the beach. He sold us a day trip to the Madu Ganga safari boat, a visit to the Turtle hatchery, and a local spices and herbal garden. On the second day, I bought a surfing class again from Bata. Surfing was very fun. I took some more drone footage in the evening, with lightning in the background. Awesome.

In the evening, we agreed to cancel our plans to visit Kandy and instead spend the rest of our days near the Indian Ocean. We booked another 5-star resort spa located about 12 km away and paid 1,500 Sri Lankan rupees for the transfer. Once we were in the car, the driver started to sell us his awesome tours. Well, that's how it works here, I guess.

When we arrived at the Cinnamon Bay hotel, we were assigned a superior room. I made a little fuss and we were upgraded to a nice deluxe room for free. There's no victory without a fight! We enjoyed swimming in the deluxe pool, kids pool, and at the nearby Beruwala beach.

We also ordered a boat trip to the nearby Barberyn lighthouse for USD 30 the next day. I wasn't very excited about what I saw, but I'm just a very spoiled tourist, and it's hard to excite me. But what can you do? At least I made some nice drone footage.

I asked the same guide if he could provide us a day trip to Galle and the surrounding area. He agreed, but he was asking for USD 150. I tried to bargain, but the guide was not very flexible and wouldn't agree to a lower price. The next morning, before breakfast, I ordered the same day trip from another driver for USD 50.

We got a very nice and friendly driver who took us to a jewelry shop to exchange money, then to the moonstone mines where we learned how moonstone is mined out of the ground and bought some jewelry.

We made a short stop at the Tsunami victim memorial and were then taken to the amazing Galle Fort, where I met a Latvian-speaking craft seller named Jeffrey and made some nice drone footage.

We had a lovely dinner in Galle city and were later taken back to Beruwala by our driver with stops to buy some fresh fruit and visit temple elephants. It was a lovely day. With the same driver, we agreed that he would take us to Colombo the next morning for 8,000 rupees.

The next morning, we also ordered PCR tests to be done at our hotel. We woke up early, did the test at around 8 am, had breakfast, and spent a few hours at our deluxe pool, where we met a very curious baby lizard. At 12 pm, our driver arrived and our drive to Colombo started.

Despite the location being quite short, about 60 km, we spent more than 2 hours driving. Crazy! In Colombo, we checked into the Marino Beach hotel.

The hotel has a rooftop infinity pool, where we took a nice swim and ordered a few milkshakes. Sandra did some shopping at the nearby mall, and we went to bed early as we had a morning flight from Colombo airport. We had to leave at 6:30 am.

Mayer House Hotel in Tel Aviv

13 June, 2023 | Hotel reviews | 20 seen

Mayer House Hotel in Tel Aviv is located on  Dizengoff Street 98. It featured an outdoor swimming pool, a terrace, a restaurant, and a bar.

We booked this hotel for a 2-night stay at the start of 2023, before returning back to Tbilisi. We paid about USD 430 for a 2-night stay here.

Thsi small hotel has an excellent location, from here we were able to explore the neighbourhood, visit the Tel Aviv beach and more.

The property is close to several well-known attractions, 400 m from Dizengoff Center, 800 m from Meir Park and 1.3 km from Shenkin Street. The property is 500 m from the city centre and less than 1 km from Frishman Beach.

The room was really tiny, thus it had enough space to fit an extra bed for ur 4 year old daughter.

Looks rather small, and we didnt actually try it this time. But I like the ideas of rooftoip pools. Remind me one we visited in Colombo, Sri Lanka, see: Hotel Marino Beach Colombo

The hotel will provide guests with air-conditioned rooms offering a desk, a coffee machine, a fridge, a safety deposit box, a flat-screen TV and a private bathroom with a shower. Free WiFi is accessible to all guests, while selected rooms also boast a balcony. At Mayer House the rooms have bed linen and towels.

The accommodation offers an American or vegetarian breakfast.

Popular points of interest near Mayer House include Bograshov Beach, Gordon Beach and Dizengoff Square. The nearest airport is Ben Gurion Airport, 14 km from the hotel.

From here we took a taxi for about 120 ISL and travel back to Ben Gurion airport to fly next to Tbilisi

Decent stay. Great location. Book now on Booking.com

Istanbul With Kids

9 June, 2023 | Travel guides | 28 seen

In late May 2023, my family and I embarked on a spontaneous adventure to Istanbul, immersing ourselves in the lively atmosphere of this vibrant city.

Our itinerary was filled with the thrill of amusement parks, where we embraced the joy of heart-pounding rides and laughter. Amidst the fun, we had the pleasure of meeting a dozen skilled Turkish mechanics, adding a unique touch to our journey. Engaging conversations and shared moments made this encounter a highlight of our trip.

Now, picture this: singing Bruģis and belting out "Let It Go!" in the heart of Istanbul. Our musical escapade added a touch of spontaneity to the trip, creating memories that resonate with the vibrant energy of the city.

And, of course, no adventure is complete without capturing the essence of the journey from above. Cue the drone footage! The stunning aerial views of Istanbul, its iconic landmarks, and the dynamic cityscape were all captured to create a visual feast for your wanderlust.

I've compiled all the excitement into a video, and I invite you to join us on this whirlwind of fun and exploration. Hit that thumbs up button and immerse yourself in the vibrant spirit of Istanbul. It's a journey filled with joy, laughter, and the magic of the moment.

Stay tuned for more travel tales, and until then, happy exploring!

The Nachlaot Pearl/ King Salomon apartment in Jerusalem (Be'er Sheva Street)

8 June, 2023 | Hotel reviews | 28 seen

The Nachlaot Pearl / King Salomon room is an apartment we booked via Airbnb for a two-day stay in Jerusalem on New Year's Eve of 2023.

The price we paid seemed a bit high, paying about $350 for a small studio room,  but as we didnt know what to expect from Jerusalem rental market and were not into extensive reserach, we agreed to book this place. And the stay was actually really excellent. 

We agreed to book over AirBnB insetad of booking.com because it seemed that all decent hotels in Jerusalem are overpriced as we were booking already late (around mid-November). 

Anyhow, the house is located in the center of Jerusalem in the great, quiet, and historical neighborhood of Nachlaot on Be'er Sheva street), on a pedestrian street next to a beautiful public garden.

Location is unbeatable: close to all public transportation (light rail, buses, Itshak Navon train station), less than five minutes walking distance to the great Mahane Yehuda Market, Sacher Park, Jaffa, and Ben Yehuda Street, and many typical restaurants.

It was a small studio room, with one bed and extra sofa for our kiddo, a flat screen TV, mini fridge and a shower.

Before booking via airbnb, we were left with a feeling that it is actually bit larger. Never believe photos, double check. Well anyhow it was still a great stay. The kind owner, whom we bever met, left a phone with internet access which we were able to use as a hotspot during our stay i Jerusalem, and we actially took it with us during our wanderings. Really sweet, can save on internet.

Chair - bed transformed into a bed for our 4 year old daughter. 

It was a decent stay, from here we exploired main sites of Jerusalem - The Western Wall and more.

Check out this listing on Airbnb.

Beruwalage Gems & Jewelry Moonstone Mine in Sri Lanka

7 June, 2023 | Tourism objects | 266 seen

During our latest trip to Sri Lanka at the start of 2022, we visited this small and interesting Moonstone Mine - Beruwalage Gems & Jewelry. 

We were taken here by our driver / guide we ordered back in the hotel for the day trip to Galle. 

Moonstone is a fascinating gemstone that is found abundantly in Sri Lanka. This gemstone has been revered for centuries for its unique beauty, metaphysical properties, and historical significance. Sri Lanka is one of the world's top producers of moonstones, and the country has a rich tradition of mining, cutting, and polishing these gems to the highest standards.

We were offered a short excursion at the moonstone mine, before we were taken to to shop and had a cnahce to buy some moosntone jewelry

The geological conditions in Sri Lanka are ideal for the formation of moonstones. The island is situated in the Indian Ocean, and it has a tropical climate that is characterized by heavy rainfall and high humidity. These conditions promote the growth of feldspar crystals in the soil, which are the primary components of moonstone. The mineral-rich soil in Sri Lanka also contains traces of other minerals such as quartz, mica, and garnet, which give the moonstones their unique color and translucency.

I was told that a good worker might earn a couple fo dollars by mining moonstone. Well, thats a great career alterntive, i thought before wathcing this guy diving into a deep well.

Sri Lankan moonstones are known for their bluish sheen, which is caused by the scattering of light through the layers of feldspar crystals. This phenomenon is known as adularescence, and it gives the moonstones a mystical and ethereal quality. The finest moonstones are transparent or semi-transparent, with a bright blue or white sheen that seems to float beneath the surface of the stone.

Moonstones have a long and storied history in Sri Lanka, dating back to ancient times. The gemstone was prized by the rulers of the island for its beauty and mystical properties. According to legend, moonstones were used as talismans by the ancient kings of Sri Lanka, who believed that the gemstone had the power to bring good fortune, protect against evil, and enhance intuition and spiritual awareness.

Today, moonstones are still highly prized in Sri Lanka and are a vital part of the country's gemstone industry. The gemstones are mined in the central and southern regions of the island, where the soil is rich in feldspar crystals. The moonstones are typically found in alluvial deposits, where they are extracted using traditional mining techniques.

Once the moonstones are extracted, they are cut and polished by skilled artisans in Sri Lanka. The cutting process is crucial, as it determines the quality and brilliance of the gemstone. Moonstones are typically cut into cabochons, which are smooth, polished, and dome-shaped. The cabochon cut is ideal for moonstones, as it enhances the gemstone's unique sheen and translucency.

Moonstones are used in a variety of jewelry designs, including necklaces, earrings, bracelets, and rings. They are a popular choice for engagement rings and are also used in spiritual and healing jewelry. Moonstones are believed to have powerful metaphysical properties, including the ability to enhance intuition, creativity, and emotional balance.

In conclusion, Sri Lankan moonstones are some of the most beautiful and unique gemstones in the world. They are prized for their ethereal quality, mystical properties, and rich history. The gemstones are an essential part of Sri Lanka's cultural heritage and a significant contributor to the country's economy. Whether you are a collector, jewelry enthusiast, or simply appreciate the beauty of natural gemstones, Sri Lankan moonstones are a must-see.

We bought a few stones on site just to have them for a memory from our Sri Lanka trip.