Valmiera Market

21 July, 2018 | Shopping Venues | 37 seen

Valmiera market is another market I've visited latelty in Latvia (See: Riga Central Market, Liepāja market and Kuldiga market). 

Though I believe some could buy here goodies grown by local farmers, last time I visited this market (July 2017) all I could find was just flowers and plants.

Valmiera market

Residents of Valmiera come here every day for produce grown by local farmers, gardeners, ranchers and artisan food producers.

Flowers and plants for sale at Valmiera market

Mazais Ansis Restaurant Near Valmiera

19 July, 2018 | Restaurant reviews | 17 seen

Mazais Ansis is a popular roadside cafeteria/restaurant located some 15 km from Valmiera town (if driving from Riga). This place serves a traditional Latvian cuisine.

When traveling to the Vidzeme region in Latvia, I love to take a stop here and have a lunch. Here comes my latest review back from Summer 2017.

The outdoor terrace at Mazais Ansis

Seems that at the nearby lake there are some water attractions available

Interior at Mazais Ansis

Classical Latvian decors with modern touch

A meal at Mazais Ansis

Typical "Latvian cuisine" - French fries with some salads and meat. Tastes good.

Mazais Ansis near Valmiera

Wood carved sculptures are very popular across the Baltics (for sure in Latvia and Lithuania). See: Rural Tourism in Lithuania - Karpyne

Former bath-house of Emilija Racene in Jurmala

17 July, 2018 | Tourism objects | 75 seen

When thinking about bathhouses the first thing that arrives in my head is the sulphur bathhouses located in Tbilisi, should they be located in the Abanotubani district or the old and neglected Kiev's bath. 

Turns out there is not less interesting bath-house (though former) in Latvian Jūrmala - Former bath-house of Emilija Racene

Again, when thinking about something former - I always remember the lovely former hotel London building in Tbilisi. 

Now, back to the subject, according to visitjurmala.lv

The building was constructed in the beginning of the 20th century and saw its expansion in 1914, for he first time ever in this part of Jurmala offering various – warm sea water, carbonic acid, oxygen and pine-tree extract baths daily in summer, and winter time. Two-storeyd wooden building is characterized by a high plinth on the beach side and wooden carvings that creates an urban accent in the buildings and constructions on the beach side. During the Soviet times the building hosted resort clinics that was one of the most well-arranged treatment establishments in Jurmala. 

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Lake Ķīšezers

15 July, 2018 | Lakes | 15 seen

Ķīšezers is a lake in Riga, Latvia, with a primary inflow of the Jugla River. The lake is 1,730 ha (4,300 acres) large, it has 2.4 metres (7 ft 10 in) of average depth and reaches 4.2 metres (14 ft) at the deepest point.

Lake Ķīšezers is a popular recreation area both for locals and foreign guest in the Mežaparks neighborhood. Riga Zoo is located close to the lake. 

A recreational area near Lake Ķīšezers in Riga

Top Hotels & Apartments in Valletta (Malta) when Traveling with Kids (Family Friendly)

13 July, 2018 | Hotel reviews | 29 seen

Valletta is the capital of the island nation of Malta. A harbor city, Valletta preserves much of its 16th-century architectural heritage built under the Hospitallers.

With its large array of shops, catering establishments, entertainment venues, and culture, Malta's capital has what it takes to capture people's imagination.

Though, I have never been to Valletta or Malta, when planning our possible upcoming holidays next travels to Malta I decided to look on hotel offers in Malta, this time looking to travel with a little baby girl. It's interesting to observe that family friendly hotels are in fact more expensive than hotels for couples.

In today's article - top 10 family friendly hotels in Valletta, Malta. 

Disclosure: hotels listed below contain links to Booking.com, by clicking on links on this page and by making a reservation on Booking.com site, I might earn an affiliate income, at no cost to you.

Set just outside the historic entrance to Valletta, this seafront hotel enjoys viewsof Marsamxett Harbour and Manoel Island. It offers …

Pontoon Footbridge Over Mill Lake In Kazdanga

10 July, 2018 | Tourism objects | 13 seen

The pontoon footbridge over Mill Lake in Kazdanga, Latvia is a recently built and opened for a public a really cool tourist attraction.

Such tourist attractions seem is really gaining the momentum in Latvia, as in fact, this is already third such type of construction I've visited lately in Latvia. See: The Great Kemeri Bog Boardwalk and Hiking Trails in Kemeri National Park (Near Forest House)

Kazdanga footbridge is 2 meters wide and 190 meters long, with a viewing tower 2.7 meters height it has been built with a support of funds by European Union

Discovered by an accident, after wandering around Kazdanga Mill Lake in April. 

Pontoon footbridge in Kazdanga

The estimated cost for such footbridge is about EUR 100,000

Mill Lake in Kazdanga

Located in a very close distance to the impressive Kazdanga manor Kazdanga Mill Lake and its surroundings is a must have attraction while you are in Kazdanga.

The pontoon footbridge in Kazdanga

Observation deck

Eden Beach Hotel Review in Agia Marina

9 July, 2018 | Hotel reviews | 10 seen

During our about a month-long trip around the island of Crete back in 2017, we stayed at Agia Marina twice -  for about 2 nights at trips start and about 5 days at the end of the trip. For the start, we chose Vergina beach hotel which was good and for the end, we stayed at Eden Beach hotel apartment  - which was amazing.

Eden Beach Hotel is set in Agia Marina Nea Kydonias and provides air-conditioned accommodation with free WiFi, as well as access to an outdoor swimming pool.

Top 20 Apartments in Agia Marina Beach, Crete (Aparthotels, Villas & Hotels)

Disclosure: This article contains affiliate links to Booking.com, by clicking on links on this page and by making a reservation on Booking site, I might earn an affiliate income from that at no cost to you.

Our apartment at Edem beach Hotel in Agia Marina

Instead of a hotel room, we got a nice 2 bedroom aparthotel with a kitchenette. 

All units include a fully equipped kitchenette, allowing guests to prepare their own meals. Some units include a dining area and/or a terrace.

The aparthotel offers a terrace…

The Great Kemeri Bog Boardwalk

8 July, 2018 | Tourism objects | 20 seen

The Great Kemeri Bog Boardwalk is a popular tourist destination in Kemeri National Park, offering visitors a chance to explore the bog and its inhabitants.

As we have been relocated to Latvia's Jūrmala for some time, we decided to explore nearby vicinity, and we started with nearby hiking trails. Ķemeri has many attractions to offer, sure The Great Ķemeri Bog Boardwalk probably is the most popular, but there are other routes as well, for example, Hiking Trails in Kemeri National Park (Near Forest House)

Now, it was a sunny April's Sunday morning and here we go:

Start of the Ķemeri bog hiking trail

The boardwalk takes visitors to the world of moss, small pine trees, deep pools, tiny dark lakes, and the smell of wild rosemary.

Turquoise blue ponds in the bog

The pretty rare scenery in Latvia

Bird observation deck in Kemeri bog

The astute visitor will notice the carnivorous plant of sundew, and a variety of birds – wood sandpipers, white wagtails, tree pipits, and also hear cranes further away. Those who prefer shorter strolls can take the small boardwalk arc (~1.4 km),…

La Playa Taverna Cafe Ouzeri Near Rethymno

7 July, 2018 | Restaurant reviews | 21 seen

And again I must say - strange how it works - I almost missed coordinates for this place but with a little investigation from pictures and help with Greek transliteration and even Greek car plate registration table I was able to locate this place finally on the map.

Meet La Playa Taverna Cafe Ouzeri Near Rethymno

Discovered during our latest trip to the island of Crete back in Summer 2017

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Beach near La Playa Taverna Cafe Ouzeri

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Palms near La Playa Taverna Cafe Ouzeri

Beautiful scenery

Interior at La Playa Taverna Cafe Ouzeri

If I remember correct, we actually didn't offered any meal here, instead enjoyed just a cup of coffee during our little break

Postcards from Talsi

6 July, 2018 | | 4 seen

Talsi is a city in Latvia, I have discovered just lately. During the Summer of 2017, I had to spend here some time.

During my stay, I discovered some amazing places, and have returned here for a couple of times more. In today's Piece of life series - postcards from Talsi.

Postcards from Talsi

Reminds me panoramas from Germany's Mossel Valley, see: 3 day leisure trip to Germany (The Mossel Valley)  or Andernach - A Lovely German Town On The Banks Of Rhine

View towards Talsi town

Early Spring 2018 in the Yard

5 July, 2018 | | 2 seen

Since early 2018 we have been relocated to Jūrmala resort town in Latvia. It was in early April 5th morning I decided to run my second 365 days photo challenge. I didn't sleep that night, I thought about making a cool sunset photography at Jūrmala beach. I actually did.

Once we returned from the nearby sea to our yard - I decided to make a panoramic photography of the yard we have spent so much time. Piece of Life.

Our yard for 2018 (panoramic photography)

Restaurant Istabas In Talsi Review

4 July, 2018 | Restaurant reviews | 20 seen

Restaurant Istabas in Talsi is among the best restaurants I've tried in Latvia lately, located on Liela street 31 in Talsi city, the restaurant offers great views of Lake Talsi .

Istabas restaurant serves great European/American cuisine.

First visited back in the Summer of 2017, since then have returned here for a couple of times.

Restaurant Istabas in Talsi

Located in a three-storey building, seems there is a hotel available as well. 

Lovely patio (during Summers)

Salmon tartar

Well made, great looking and tasty

Burger menu for hungry men

Galaxy Iraklio 5-star Hotel Review (Heraklion, Crete)

3 July, 2018 | Hotel reviews | 11 seen

Located in Heraklion's elegant district, this 5-star hotel offers 2 gourmet restaurants, a free wellness centre and a large freshwater pool. Luxurious rooms feature balconies with pool and city views.

We booked this hotel for a one night stay back in the Summer of 2017 and paid about EUR 100. 

Top 5 star and Luxury hotels in Heraklion

Disclosure: this article contains links to Booking.com, by clicking on links on this page and by making a reservation on Booking.com site, I might earn an affiliate income, at no cost to you.

All accommodation in Galaxy Iraklio offers work desks, satellite LCD TV and free Wi-Fi access. Air-conditioned rooms are equipped with pure Egyptian cotton linen and pure wellness or hypoallergenic rooms are available. Some units feature whirlpools.

Breakfast at Galaxy Iraklio Hotel

Vetri Restaurant serves an American buffet breakfast prepared with fresh, local ingredients and Cretan cuisine. Per Se Lounge offers casual meals, wines and cocktails. The Pool Deck serves light meals and drinks. 24-hour room service is available with additional in-room dishes…

How To Fix "gzip is failing for js files" Nginx

2 July, 2018 | Servers | 28 seen

From Drupal Reports status page I noticed gzip is failing for js files error

The web servers configuration will need to be adjusted. In most cases make sure that the webroots .htaccess file still contains this section "Rules to correctly serve gzip compressed CSS and JS files". Certain default web server configurations (nginx) do not gzip HTTP/1.0 requests. If you are using cloudfront you will have to add metadata to the .gz files. There are some other options if using cloudfront.

For Nginx web servers there is an easy fix, adding just a few lines of code to the server block

here is the fix (source: Enable GZIP for CSS and JS files on NGINX server for Magento)

copy following under the server config

June 2018 Dividend Income Report - $147.44

1 July, 2018 | Investments | 10 seen

Welcome to the #14 dividend income report, covering earnings I've made from the dividend-paying stocks (Baltic and European) and peer to peer lending (both fiat and cryptocurrencies).

Last June turned out much better than I thought before, more precisely it turned better $40 thanks to the bitcoin lending on Poloniex.com 

The total income generated in June was the highest so far for 2018.

Disclosure: This article contains affiliate links to mintos.com peer to peer lending website, by clicking on links on this page and by making an investment on mintos.com, I might earn affiliate income at no cost to you. Also, I'm not a financial advisor and I don't give you any advice, I'm just sharing my own experience. Investments in stocks, funds, bonds or cryptos are risk investments and you could lose some or all of your money. Do your due diligence before investing in any kind of asset. 

From the stocks, Mintos.com peer to peer lending  and from cryptocurrency lending on Poloniex.com I got following income last…