Gladius Jiu Jitsu Club in Tbilisi

14 April, 2025 | Health & Wellness | 138 seen

For the past few years, we have been proud members of the Gladius Jiu Jitsu Club in Tbilisi, Georgia. It all started when we decided to enroll our then 4-year-old daughter in their kids’ jiu jitsu program. What began as a way to channel our little one’s boundless energy has turned into a rewarding journey that we’ve stuck with ever since. 

At the heart of our experience is our coach, Mr. Giorgi, a truly remarkable individual. Not only is he a highly skilled martial artist with a deep understanding of jiu jitsu, but he’s also a genuinely great guy who makes every session enjoyable. 

What’s fascinating about Mr. Giorgi is that he balances his passion for teaching martial arts with a day job at the National Bank of Georgia. During breaks or after classes, I sometimes find myself chatting with him about bonds or equity. His insights are always sharp, and it’s a bonus to connect with someone who shares an interest in finance while guiding my kiddo to success on the mats.

For most of our time with Gladius, the club was based in the Vere neighborhood of Tbilisi. It was a cozy spot that served us well, but in 2025, the club moved to new premises on Pavle…

Week 1 / How I'm Generating Options Premium with NVDA Covered Calls

10 April, 2025 | | 152 seen

As of April 10, 2025, the value of our covered call stock portfolio stood at $5,219.50, reflecting a -28.65% decrease year-to-date. Despite the broader market volatility and economic headwinds, I'm doubling down on a focused strategy to stabilize and grow the portfolio.

This week I was managing a covered call on NVIDIA. Currently we are holding 100 shares of NVDA, acquired at an average buy price of $118.22 (using margin), though due to previously collected option premiums, our effective break-even point was already $109.31.

The core rationale? NVDA’s dominant position in AI, data centers, and gaming graphics continues to give it long-term upside. Concentrating our capital and covered calls on this name allows us to develop a tighter feedback loop of premium income and stock appreciation.

On April 10, the day before our existing options expiry, I decided to roll up and away this covered call position:

• Bought back the April 11 $104 call for $5.18
• Sold the April 17 $105 call for $6.53
• Net premium…

Aix-en-Provence station

8 April, 2025 | Railway / Bus / Ferry | 48 seen

Aix-en-Provence railway station is one of two serving the city of Aix-en-Provence in the Bouches-du-Rhône department of southeastern France. The other station, served by long-distance high-speed TGV trains on the LGV Méditerranée line, is Aix-en-Provence TGV, and lies about 12 km southwest of the city centre.

Amodest yet charming stop on the TGV line, sits just outside the picturesque Provençal town it’s named after. Unlike the grand hubs of Paris or Marseille, this station feels quieter, more intimate, with its sleek modern design and a backdrop of rolling hills. It’s a junction for travelers heading across southern France, offering a brief pause amid the region’s sunlit beauty. For me, though, it became the scene of an unexpected detour.

During my latest trip from Paris to Marseille in 2023, I accidentally stepped off the train here, mistakenly thinking I’d arrived at Marseille already.

 The station’s unassuming platform caught me off guard—no bustling crowds or coastal vibes to signal my true destination. Realizing my error, I had to scramble for a solution, eventually ordering a Bolt taxi for around €50 to cover the final stretch to Marseille. It wasn…

How To Fix Overexposed video after Adobe Premiere Pro Export

7 April, 2025 | Digital Photography School | 2,534 seen

While working on my latest short documentary about our travels in India, I ran into a frustrating issue: after exporting the final video, it was completely overexposed and unwatchable. The scene of us visiting the Taj Mahal was adorable—except the Taj Mahal itself was barely visible, washed out in a sea of bright white.

After spending hours trying to figure out what went wrong, I finally stumbled upon a surprisingly simple solution.

The footage was shot using an iPhone and a DJI Mavic Air drone in 4K

Taj Mahal scene after default export

Taj Mahal scene fixed

Solution:

Turns out it has somehow related to shooting in HDR format, you can individually adjust settings for scenes from the bin in the left by right-click > Modify > Interpret footage

As I was working with a large about 25 minutes movie with hundreds of scenes, I copied all the scenes from the sequence (CMD+A -> CMD + C) to the new sequence (CMD + V), making sure that the settings for new sequence are enabled for Rec.709 (and not Rec.200)

On mac for export you can use CMD+M to compare actual footage with export

Longer version…

Jvari monastery, Shio-Mghvime & Kavtiskhevi

4 April, 2025 | Living in Georgia | 36 seen

With spring kicking into high gear, we hit the road last weekend for a mix of adventure and downtime. F

irst up, we swung by Jvari and Shi-Mghvime monasteries—two spots that vibe with history and quiet beauty.

 Then, we kicked back at Kavtiskhevi resort, soaking in the calm. Things got wilder at Gori’s fish market, where, believe it or not, someone snagged an octopus. To cap it off, we torched some old papers—call it a symbolic reset. Want the full scoop? Go watch it now!

March 2025 Stock Portfolio Update ($7,124)

2 April, 2025 | Stock Portfolio | 51 seen

At the end of March 2025, the total value of our stock portfolio was USD 7,124 (€6,594 ). What is about -13.86% decrease if compared to the previous month. In dollar terms we lost -$1,147. Ouch. The loses come both from the happenings in overall stock market and from some over-leveraged trades with options. More on that bellow.

During the month of March we stayed in Georgia, the temperatures in mid March were hovering above +26, we did a few memorable roadtrips, like to David Gareja and even to Gori. Besides that kiddo was attending Jiu Jitsu for most of the weekends here in Tbilisi.

now, back to the stocks:  

YTD our stock portfolio has dipped -1.3%, still outperforming SP500 slightly (-4.59%). Last month we got hit hard by over-leveraged options positions, and took loss of about $1,000 from closing short put on Morgan Stanley. 

To realign my portfolio and regain momentum, I’ve opted to consolidate my investments into a single stock: NVDA. At least for a while. The ascent of a robotics-driven future may carry unsettling implications, but securing ownership in its vanguard could mitigate the downside while positioning me to…

Marseille-Saint-Charles station

1 April, 2025 | Railway / Bus / Ferry | 17 seen

Marseille-Saint-Charles is the main railway station and intercity bus station of Marseille, France. It is the southern terminus of the Paris–Marseille railway and the western terminus of the Marseille–Ventimiglia railway.

Perched atop a hill overlooking the heart of Marseille, is more than just a railway hub—it’s a gateway to the soul of this vibrant port city. With its grand staircase cascading down to the bustling streets below and panoramic views of the Mediterranean, the station exudes a raw, timeless energy. Opened in 1848, it connects Marseille to Paris and beyond, welcoming travelers with a mix of historic charm and the gritty pulse of a modern metropolis.

I first arrived here by train from Paris back in 2003, stepping onto the platform with little idea of what lay ahead. My discoveries in Marseille began at this very station, sparking a chain of events that eventually led me to join the French Foreign Legion for a brief moment—an unexpected chapter in my life. 

The station’s chaotic hum, the salty breeze drifting up from the sea, and the sense of possibility stuck with me. Two decades later, in 2023, I returned by train from Paris once more.…

How to Install Google Analytics for Substack Newsletter

31 March, 2025 | Servers | 561 seen

To install Google Analytics 4 (GA4) for your Substack newsletter and track its performance, follow these steps. This process involves setting up a Google Analytics account, obtaining a Measurement ID, and linking it to your Substack publication. Here’s how to do it:

Palolem Beach / Goa / India

28 March, 2025 | Travel guides | 24 seen

Palolem beach movie is out - or during the winter school break (2024/2025), we returned to India—Goa, and one of our favorite spots on Earth: Palolem Beach. 

With a short stop in Delhi, warmly hosted by the Klimis family (Aleksandra Klimi & Evangelos Klimis), we kicked off another unforgettable adventure. Besides African Swine Flu - Days were filled with sunbathing, fishing, painting, and, of course, a little rum-sipping by the shore.

My High-Protein / Ultra-Rich Calorie Deficit Diet (Banana & Matsoni) Helped me to Drop about 5kg in 3 weeks

26 March, 2025 | Health & Wellness | 261 seen

For the past three weeks, I’ve been sticking to an ultra-low-calorie diet that’s delivered fantastic results—dropping from a weight that was creeping dangerously close to 100 kg down to 93.3 kg, a loss of about 5 kg in just 21 days. 

I’ve tweaked the plan by squeezing in a serving of roasted peanuts (about 120-180 grams) once a day for extra flavor and satisfaction. I haven’t counted calories precisely, but I believe the peanuts from a jar fall in the 400-500 kcal range. 

Honestly, they probably should be avoided at all costs for a stricter cut, but beyond just losing weight, I need to get protein—nuts are a perfect source, and all my ingredients are protein-rich. Plus, every once in a while, I’ve added a protein shake, which bumps up the calories a bit but also boosts my protein intake. Protein is crucial for muscle maintenance, especially with my gym routine.

For those who don’t know me, I’ve been a vegetarian for over three years, practicing intermittent fasting for more than two years, and hitting the gym 5 days a week with intense workouts for the past eight years. Despite all this discipline, my weight was still inching upward. Clearly, even…

Gare de Lyon, Paris

25 March, 2025 | Railway / Bus / Ferry | 33 seen

The Gare de Lyon, is one of the seven large mainline railway stations in Paris, France. It handles about 148.1 million passengers annually making it the second-busiest station of France after the Gare du Nord and one of the busiest in Europe.

Gare de Lyon, one of Paris’ busiest and most iconic railway stations, is more than just a transit hub—it’s a masterpiece of architecture and a portal to countless stories. Located on the northern bank of the Seine in the 12th arrondissement, this bustling station blends Belle Époque elegance with modern efficiency. 

Its grand clock tower, reminiscent of London’s Big Ben, and the ornate frescoes inside the historic Le Train Bleu restaurant make it a destination in itself. Serving as a key link to southern France and beyond, Gare de Lyon hums with the energy of travelers embarking on journeys of all kinds.

I first discovered this place back in the summer of 2003, when I stepped off a TGV bound for Marseille. That trip was no ordinary vacation—I was on my way to briefly join the French Foreign Legion, a decision that marked a turning point in my life. 

The station’s chaotic beauty left an impression on me…

Baltic German DNA Uncovered: Tracing My Ancestry to the von Anrep Nobility

24 March, 2025 | Genealogy | 127 seen

Family legends often hold a grain of truth, even if they become distorted over time. My journey into family history, particularly on my maternal lineage—through my mother's mother's father’s side (Rozentāls)—has been a fascinating one. What started as a casual exploration turned into a deeper dive into historical records, DNA analysis, and surprising discoveries about Baltic German nobility in my ancestry.

While researching my family history, I used Latvia’s Periodika.lv archive to look for information about Omuļi Manor. My search led me to the historical owners of the estate. Interestingly, I also found hints about Omuļi Manor through Estonian-language Wikipedia, which provided additional leads. Step by step, I was able to trace the von Anrep family—one of the prominent Baltic German noble families in Livonia. Eventually, my research even led me to Max von Anrep (1870–1915), one of the last barons of the family.

Curious about a potential genetic link, I decided to check my DNA matches on MyHeritage. To my surprise, there were von Anrep…

Salty Garden and David Gareja Monastery complex

21 March, 2025 | Living in Georgia | 31 seen

Our latest weekend escapade in Georgia was nothing short of a whirlwind, filled with diverse experiences, stunning landscapes, and a touch of nostalgia. It’s hard to believe that it’s been four years since we first stumbled upon the hidden gem that is Salty Garden back in 2021. That initial trip introduced us to its warm and welcoming host, David, and sparked a love for this unique spot near Bazaleti Lake. Fast forward to 2025, and we’re back at it—chasing adventures, capturing them on film, and sharing the journey with you.

This time around, we packed our weekend with a little bit of everything. With temperatures climbing above 28°C, the heat only fueled our excitement. Our adventure kicked off in Tbilisi, where we started the day with some intense Jiu-Jitsu training—a perfect way to get the adrenaline pumping. From there, we hit the road, heading northwest to reunite with friends at Salty Garden. The familiar drive brought back memories of that first visit in 2021, when we were instantly charmed by the serene surroundings and David’s hospitality. This time, we soaked in the laid-back vibes, caught up with old friends, and let the peaceful energy of Bazaleti Lake wash…

Stays & Trails La Maison Hotel Review in Panaji

18 March, 2025 | Hotel reviews | 31 seen

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 a relaxing stopover in the charming old town of Fontainhas, known for its colorful Portuguese-style houses and laid-back vibe. This boutique hotel seemed like the perfect pick—and it didn’t disappoint for a quick, cozy stay.

Located right in the heart of Fontainhas, La Maison blends into the historic neighborhood with its quaint charm. We arrived late in the evening, and the check-in was smooth. The room itself was a pleasant surprise: an extra-large bed that felt like a luxury after day of travel, a clean bathroom with hot water, and a refreshing shower. It wasn’t a sprawling resort, but for a one-night stay, it hit all the right notes—cozy, comfortable, and practical.

One quirky detail: breakfast isn’t served on-site. Instead, the staff directed us to another nearby hotel for the morning meal. It was a short walk, and while not the most convenient setup, the food was decent enough to fuel us for the day ahead. Back at La Maison…

GDP Growth in the Baltic States (2016–2025)

13 March, 2025 | Macroeconomics | 332 seen

Between 2016 and 2025, the Baltic states—Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania—have undergone significant economic transformations. This period spans two U.S. presidential terms under Donald Trump (2016–2020 and 2024–present). Analyzing the GDP growth of these nations during these intervals provides insights into their economic trajectories.

The second Trump presidential term has introduced new uncertainties regarding U.S. foreign policy and its commitment to NATO and European allies. The Baltic states, heavily reliant on American security guarantees, face concerns over potential shifts in defense priorities and economic cooperation. This uncertainty could influence investment trends, trade policies, and regional stability, making it critical for these nations to strengthen their economic and geopolitical resilience.

I have been following economic developments in the Baltic states for years, analyzing their growth patterns, economic policies, and market opportunities. Given my continued interest, this article expands on how the Baltic states have performed economically over the past decade and what to expect in the coming years.