Charles de Gaulle Airport
| Airports | 38 seen
Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport, also known as Roissy Airport or simply Paris CDG, is the principal airport serving the French capital, Paris (and its metropolitan area), and the largest international airport in France. Opened in 1974, it is in Roissy-en-France, 23 km (14 mi) northeast of Paris, and is named after World War II statesman Charles de Gaulle (1890–1970), whose initials (CDG) are used as its IATA airport code.
Charles de Gaulle Airport serves as the principal hub for Air France and a destination for other legacy carriers (from Star Alliance, Oneworld and SkyTeam), as well as a focus city for easyJet. It is operated by Groupe ADP under the brand Paris Aéroport.
We traveld to Paris, Franche forth and back via AirBaltic from Riga, Latvia in Summer 2023. Despite being one of the largest airports i have visited, I would say it seemed busy or overcrowded. Well organized.
In 2022, the airport handled 57,474,033 passengers and 34,657 aircraft movements, thus making it the world's ninth busiest airport and Europe's third busiest airport (after Istanbul and Heathrow) in terms of passenger numbers. Charles de Gaulle is also the busiest airport…
Walden Gudaleti
| Living in Georgia | 37 seen
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Boutique Hotel Sainte-Beuve in Paris
| Hotel reviews | 23 seen
Boutique Hotel Sainte-Beuve is located in the heart of Paris on a small and quiet street of Rue Sainte-Beuve 9 in the 6th arrondissement of Paris.
The hotel is conventionally located within walking distance of neighborhoods Montparnasse and Saint Germain Des Prés, 200m from the Luxembourg Gardens.
We booked about a 2-night stay here at the start of July 2023. Paying about EUR 700.
For getting here we used the Bolt ride-sharing app from Paris Charle de Gaulle airport
We arrived late in the evening and were greeted by a nice hotel manager lady. She spoke fluent English and helped us out in every detail.
At the lobby fresh Le Figaro and The New York times were available during our stay,
We got a tiny room, but spacious enough to fit in a sofa for our 4-year-old kiddo and even a tiny bathtub,
Tiny room, with nice Paris street views
Bought some Fischer beer at the corner shop.
For an additional EUR 18/per person we got a typical French breakfast with croissants and French Press.
In overall - pleasant stay in the heart of Paris. Bit reminded me of scenes from Emily in Paris. Highly…
Louvre
| Museums | 18 seen
The Louvre or the Louvre Museum, is a national art museum in Paris, France. A central landmark of the city, it is located on the Right Bank of the Seine in the city's 1st arrondissement (district or ward) and home to some of the most canonical works of Western art, including the Mona Lisa and the Venus de Milo.
The museum is housed in the Louvre Palace, originally built in the late 12th to 13th century under Philip II. Remnants of the Medieval Louvre fortress are visible in the basement of the museum. Due to urban expansion, the fortress eventually lost its defensive function, and in 1546 Francis I converted it into the primary residence of the French Kings.
I first visited Louvre back in 1990 or 1991 together with my mom and brother. I was 5 years old back then and I don't remember much actually. The last time we visited Louvre was when my daughter was already almost 5 year old back in July 2023
The building was extended many times to form the present Louvre Palace. In 1682, Louis XIV chose the Palace of Versailles for his household, leaving the Louvre primarily as a place to display the royal collection, including, from 1692, a collection of ancient…
Shumi winery and vineyards near Tsinandali in Kakheti, Georgia
| Tourism objects | 34 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
| 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…
Villa Kursa & Kakheti
| Living in Georgia | 17 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-…
Swimming Pool and Spa at Tbilisi Biltmore Hotel
| Health & Wellness | 148 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…
From Riga to Disaster: Repairing Our Wind Damaged Frame House in Latvia
| 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
| Laptop Reviews | 321 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-…
Jomardi X Park And Rafting
| Outdoor Activities | 131 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…
The Ultimate Israel Itinerary: Exploring Jerusalem, Bethlehem, Eilat, and Tel Aviv
| 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…
DIY Frame House in Latvia: Walls and Rafters Completed
| Frame House | 65 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…
Summer Solstice 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
| Travel guides | 22 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,…
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Tsikhisdziri & Batumi Botanical Garden
After returning from our amazing trip to Thessaloniki, we decided to extend our holiday a bit longer — this time in beautiful Tsikhisdziri. Huge thanks to Eto for kindly offering her cozy apartments at Bambo Beach, where we enjoyed a full week of relaxation by the sea.During our stay, we explored local gems like Shukura Tsikhisdziri (შუქურა…
Summer in Latvia 2025
Summer in Latvia movie is out - Join us on our July (2025) journey through Latvia: installing a bathtub in our countryside cottage, setting up a pop-up store at Bangotnes, celebrating a birthday in Vērbeļnieki, traveling via Riga to Jaunpiebalga, Vecpiebalga, Smiltene, and Valka. From sipping sparkling wine with swallows to running 4K morning…
Chateau Ateni. Gori
This time (May 2025), our journey takes us to Gori and the enchanting Chateau Ateni - a hidden gem where authentic Georgian cuisine blends seamlessly with avant-garde natural wines, soulful traditional dance, and even the charming surprise of a small chick farm.What makes this trip extra special is sharing it with our Latvian/Georgian friends,…Living in Georgia
Mziuri Tennis Club in Tbilisi
Our family has been attending Mziuri Tennis Club in Tbilisi since September 2025, after several recommendations from our BIST community. We signed up our 7-year-old for the junior program, which costs 300 GEL per month. After a few months…
12 Rounds Boxing Club in Tbilisi
Sometimes even the most loyal gym-goers need to shake things up—and that's exactly what I did this month. After years of training at the "luxurious Axis Tower gym", I decided to take a short break. Not because I had any complaints about…
Tbilisi Circus: A Historic Landmark with a Surprising Past
Tbilisi Circus is an iconic part of the city's cultural landscape. Having lived in Georgia since 2011, I have passed by the Tbilisi Circus almost every day. However, it wasn’t until I attended a show that I truly appreciated its grandeur…
Foraging for Mushrooms near Tsodoreti Lake: A Day in the Suburbs of Tbilisi
Back in June 2024, I first came across Tsodoreti Lake during one of the Tbilisi Trails races, which turned out to be one of the most challenging runs of my life. While I tackled the 10K trail route, my partner and our kiddo took a gentler…
Frame House
Frame House Upgrades: Big Windows, New Porch, and Apple Trees Planted in Latvia
In mid-April, during our kiddo’s Easter school break, we traveled to Latvia for about 10 days — a trip packed with projects, energy, and transformation. A lot of pre-planning had gone into it before we even arrived: we ordered the windows…
Frame House in Latvia: Outdoor Patio, Inner Walls, and More
As June came to an end, our family embarked on a journey from Tbilisi to Latvia, skipping Renee's school year for the last week and focus on our frame house project. Here's a glimpse into our busy but rewarding time working on the house.We…
Spring Break Project: Building Progress on Our Frame House in Latvia
As the chill of winter slowly gives way to the warmth of spring, it's the perfect time to roll up our sleeves and dive back into the construction of our dream frame house in Latvia. During this Spring break from British International…
Piece of Life
Postcards from Marseille
It’s been nearly two years since our last trip to Marseille, a sun-drenched jewel on France’s southern coast that left an indelible mark on our memories. That summer of 2023, we set out to explore the city’s vibrant beaches and winding old town, arriving and departing through the bustling hub of Marseille St. Charles train station. As I sit…
Christmas Eve at Palolem Beach: Fire Shows, Old Monk
While we just celebrated Orthodox Christmas in Georgia, I can’t help but delve into the memories of our Western Christmas last year (2024), spent on the serene shores of Palolem Beach in Goa, India. That evening was magical in every way, filled with vibrant energy, beautiful scenery, and a new discovery that made the night unforgettable.Palolem…
A Family Guide to Borjomi: Hiking Trails and Sulfur Bath Tips
As summer came to a close, we continued our family's tradition of visiting Borjomi. This year marked yet another memorable trip at the end of August 2024, reaffirming our love for this beautiful Georgian town. Visiting Borjomi at least twice a year has become a cherished routine, a piece of life that we look forward to, blending relaxation,…
Travel guides
Summer in Latvia 2025
Summer in Latvia movie is out - Join us on our July (2025) journey through Latvia: installing a bathtub in our countryside cottage, setting up a pop-up store at Bangotnes, celebrating a birthday in Vērbeļnieki, traveling via Riga to…
Birthday in Thessaloniki, Greece
Turning 40 is a milestone worth celebrating in style, and what better way than in Thessaloniki — a city that seamlessly blends history, culture, and cuisine. From affordable flights and boutique stays to seafood feasts and hidden beaches,…
Azeula Fortress, Tbilisi Sea, and Ateni Sioni
August ended with yet another packed and memorable weekend in Georgia. This time, our journey took us from the hills near Kojori to the refreshing waters of the Tbilisi Sea, and finally to the historical town of Gori, where we enjoyed a…
Hotel Reviews
Stays & Trails La Maison Hotel Review in Panaji
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Schuchmann Wines Château: A Long-Awaited Stay in Georgia’s Premier Winery Hotel & Spa
It took us over a decade to finally make it to Schuchmann Wines Château & Spa, and it was well worth the wait! We’ve spent years recommending this stunning winery hotel to visiting friends and business partners, yet somehow, we had…
Hotel Belvedere Prague: A Practical Stay with Easy Access
During our recent trip to Prague in mid-October 2024, we stayed at Hotel Belvedere. My partner attended the MEET Central Europe Translators conference, and we were joined by one of our office employees, so we opted to book two rooms. …
Review: Art Hotel Prague – A Cozy Stay in a Tranquil Part of Prague
During our recent trip to Prague in October 2024, we opted for a one-night stay at the Art Hotel Prague. We arrived at the hotel via Bolt taxi from Václav Havel Airport, which was straightforward and efficient. At about EUR 120 per room…
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Plage des Catalans: A Shrinking Memory in Marseille
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Colva Beach: Golden Sands and Tranquility in Goa
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Charles Bridge: A Timeless Landmark in Prague
The Charles Bridge (Karlův most) in Prague is one of the most iconic and historic landmarks in Europe. Built in the 14th century under the reign of King Charles IV, this Gothic stone bridge spans the Vltava River, connecting Prague's Old Town with the Lesser Town (Malá Strana). Adorned with a series of 30 Baroque statues and surrounded by…