Paint Job for Tbilisi Office 3.0 Part 1
| Living in Georgia | 24 seen
At the start of December 2021, my better part decided its time to upgrade her company office to a more spacious and one.
The new office is located just a few hundred meters away from the previous one, but unlike the previous one, the new office actually come a bit outworn and was screaming for a fresh paint job.
At the start it was decided to hire a designer who would plan the new office, make designs for painting, and actually hire contractors, but the designer was a bit busy and said could help us in some 2 months.
Now I decided to step in and help to save a couple of thousand dollars and time.
After dropping our daughter at her preschool I asked our driver David to take us to the Bricorama store and help buy some paint and other useful tools. In about 1 hour we were all setup, by buying 3 different colors, paint brushes, film, ladder e.t.c our total bill about GEL 750 (with a 15% discount, because of the Tuesday)
Bedore actually applying any paint I spent about two hours to tape all the edges and corners
Now already looks awesome
Now, this was fun, in the past I actually enjoyed such tasks. Next will apply some different paint and try to make this office space very stylish.
Shavnabada Monastery
| Churches and Monasteries | 36 seen
Shavnabada Monastery is a medieval Georgian Orthodox monastic complex that is located upon Shavnabada Mountain, approximately 30 km away from Tbilisi, Georgia.
I have noticed this monastery atop of the hill in the past, mostly when driving to the Birtvisi canyon, but this time we were visiting Tbilisi Hills golf club from which the monastery complex was nicely seen, and it was agreed to actually visit it.
So we did and even had a nice picnic here (atop the roof of a dwelling house)
You can see more about our adventures here and Tbilisi Golf resort in this documentary: Holiday Season
Monastery was named in honor of St. George who, according to a local legend, wore a black cloak (Georgian: shavi nabadi, hence the mountain’s name) while leading the army of the king of Georgia in one of the victorious battles of the time.
The monastery of Shavnabada is known for a rare variety of wine, also called Shavnabada, made by the monks there.
Mountain Biking At Birtvisi Canyon
| Living in Georgia | 14 seen
Mountain biking at Birtvisi canyon / or after a long pause I took some drone footage again. Also, now I know the shortcut on how to get here in some 30-40 minutes from Tbilisi (via Amlevi). December 5, 2021
Vilgāle apt update: Wall Plastering
| Home Remodeling | 7 seen
Another week have passed and I got the latest images from the Vilgåle apt renovation works.
This time contractors have finished drywall works and have plastered walls and finished electricity works.
The end is so close I can even feel it.
Nice finishing in kitchen
A good job have been done here, all the plumbing seems is fixed and installed in kitchen (it was in bathroom)
I'm bit sick and tired from this plasetring already, but this is how contractors love to make money
Cost so far:
- Water plumbing: EUR 60
- Sadales Tīkls: EUR 60
- Electrician: EUR 155
- Architect: EUR 800
- Removing walls and floor: EUR 775
- Chalk removing, / wiring: EUR 500
- Wall plastering/frame for drywall ceiling (bedroom): EUR 875
- New windows: EUR 1,252
- Window replacement: EUR 200
- Estrich floor with an underfloor heating system and all plumbing: EUR 1,916
- Rock wool for the ceiling, drywall constructions, drywall, and some wiring: EUR 866
- Plastering bedroom and living room: EUR 1,200
- Chimneysweep: EUR 30
- More drywall, rock wool, electric cables, plumbing, and others: EUR 1094
- Doors for bedroom and bathroom: EUR 291.58
- More sauna, more drywall, more plumbing, more wiring EUR 1,992.56
- More sauna, more drywall, more electricity: EUR 370
- more plastering: EUR 340
TOTAL: EUR 12,777.14
Vet House Hotel and Hospital in Tbilisi
| Professional services | 69 seen
Vet House is a 24-hour hospital with all kinds of veterinary services, a hotel for pets, a rehabilitation center, grooming, a zoo shop, a veterinary pharmacy, and a school for future doctors.
Vet House is located on Adam Mitskevichi Street 70, Tbilisi, and 7 Kipsidze street, Tbilisi
We were recommended this place for our cat, to take blood samples. So far I've visited this place twice and I can say this is a pretty nice clinic.
We gave some blood samples here, the cost was about GEL 180 (price as of December 2021)
- Highly qualified veterinarian specialists are ready to help your four-legged friends 24hr a day. We use ultramodern equipment of expert class for quick and accurate diagnosis.
- Service “call a vet to your house” allows us to perform manipulations in your comfy home environment, with minimal stress for animals. Arrival of specialist for examination, vaccination, consultation and preliminary diagnosis, and taking all necessary analysis at home.
- Hotel “Vet House” which consists of 20 rooms, will open its doors on February 1st 2017. We guar-antee You the safety of your pets, patient and friendly attitude towards them, walks and games, attention and control, proper nutrition and care, as well as comfortable living conditions.
Learn more at https://www.vethouse.ge
Center for Immunization and Prevention in Tbilisi
| Professional services | 372 seen
Center for Immunization and Prevention in Tbilisi is located on Tashkent street 10a.
My first visit here happened after a stray dog bit me in the leg, and being afraid of rabies I asked my partner what should I do. She called to our insurance company (Ardi) - and they told me I should go to the Center for Immunization and Prevention on Tashkent street.
After the workout got bitten by a stray dog. Sandra witht the help of office and Insurance company sent me to the immunization center on Tashkent Street, where I had a chance to meet a very nice doctor Badri who had been to Madliena and Ogre one year before my birth. 3 shots today. 5 more visits till the New Year. I must be one lucky man!
I took my passport and insurance policy number, headed to the Center for Immunization and Prevention, and in a matter of 20 minutes, it was all set up. At least the first visit.
In total, I was informed I should come 5 more times to finish the vaccine course.
Very nice and professional people here.
As the insurance covered all the costs I'm not sure what would be the price for vaccines without insurance, but I was told that the first dose would cost me around GEL 120 (price as of Decemebr 2021)
The Grand Documentary of 2020
| Documentaries | 14 seen
From more than 111 GB of footage (1295 short clips per year), I was able to produce about 1 hour 30 minutes long documentary
As every year - documentary, a home video style, filmed with a DSLR camera, and since July, the novelty is the drone
The length of the film is determined by its main character - Rene. The first injuries, the first garden (Georgian), the first friends..tasty "painted pīrādziņš" - everything is for real!
Travels around the World much less, but more within countries (Georgia, Latvia).
Glued, sanded, lathed, beaten, and put together in Riga, Jurmala, and Tbilisi for more than a half year!
How to get Green Passport for a foreigner in Georgia
| Living in Georgia | 8 seen
Foreign citizens and individuals with non-resident status in Georgia can now use the health ministry's newly launched application for confirming their Covid-related status during their stay in the country, while the government has also announced venues and establishments the pass will allow access to.
If you are a holder of the Covid-19 certificate issued in the EU, you can easily register and obtain Georgian Green Passport online, here: https://covidpass.moh.gov.ge
The whole registration process took me less than 5 minutes, and I had my QR code generated,which I saved both on my laptop on phone. Also I was able to use it for the first time entering the gym (also showing passport)
The ‘green status’ are given to the following groups:
- Fully vaccinated individuals
- Those who have recovered from coronavirus
- Those with negative PCR test certificates conducted within the last 72 hours
- People with negative rapid test results conducted within the last 24 hours
Those with COVID-19 passes will be allowed to enter various types of institutions, such as:
- Food facilities: cafes, restaurants, bars (both open and closed spaces)
- Cinemas
- Theatres
- Opera house
- Museums
- Concert halls
- Entertainment centres
- Casinos, the gambling business facilities
- Spa centres
- Gyms
- Hotels
- Mountain resorts
Souce: Covid-19 green passes come into force in Georgia
Vilgāle apt update: Doors, drywall, electricity
| Home Remodeling | 8 seen
Again a few weeks have passed and I got the latest images from the Vilgåle apt renovation. This time contractors have almost finished drywall works and are ready for plastering and finishing electricity works.
The end is so close I can even feel it.
Slowly, but we are progressing here. seems the next task is to plaster ceiling and add tiles on the walls
New doors have been installed, also lamps for the halway
Cost so far:
- Water plumbing: EUR 60
- Sadales Tīkls: EUR 60
- Electrician: EUR 155
- Architect: EUR 800
- Removing walls and floor: EUR 775
- Chalk removing, / wiring: EUR 500
- Wall plastering/frame for drywall ceiling (bedroom): EUR 875
- New windows: EUR 1,252
- Window replacement: EUR 200
- Estrich floor with an underfloor heating system and all plumbing: EUR 1,916
- Rock wool for the ceiling, drywall constructions, drywall, and some wiring: EUR 866
- Plastering bedroom and living room: EUR 1,200
- Chimneysweep: EUR 30
- More drywall, rock wool, electric cables, plumbing, and others: EUR 1094
- Doors for bedroom and bathroom: EUR 291.58
- More sauna, more drywall, more plumbing, more wiring EUR 1,992.56
- More sauna, more drywall, more electricity: EUR 370
TOTAL: EUR 12,437.14
3 Days into My Meatless Experiment: Reflections and Observations
| Health & Wellness | 15 seen
I decided to take a quick experiment and stop eating meat for 7 days. Just meat, not dairy or eggs.
I guess age, current affairs, people around me, and go green hype have finally reached me. Despite that I still love meat, and I don't call myself a vegetarian. Not yet.
Today is day 3, and I noticed I eat a lot more veggies, bread, and fish. I will keep you posted
Going meat-free for a week is a great way to experiment with a plant-based diet and explore the potential benefits of reducing meat consumption. The growing awareness of animal welfare, environmental concerns, and health benefits has driven many people to consider reducing their meat intake or even transitioning to a vegetarian or vegan diet.
As a meat lover, the idea of giving up meat for a week might seem daunting. However, it is a small step that can have a significant impact on your health, the environment, and the lives of animals.
On day three of the experiment, it's not surprising that you have started to consume more veggies, bread, and fish. This shift in your diet has likely introduced new flavors, textures, and nutrients into your meals that you may not have experienced before. Eating more plant-based foods can lead to an increased intake of fiber, vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, which can promote overall health and wellness.
However, it's important to remember that simply removing meat from your diet does not automatically make it a healthy one. Replacing meat with processed foods, such as junk food or refined carbohydrates, can still lead to an unhealthy diet. To ensure you are getting the right nutrients, it's important to include a variety of whole, unprocessed plant-based foods in your meals, such as fruits, vegetables, legumes, whole grains, and nuts.
It's also crucial to understand that a vegetarian or vegan diet can still be high in unhealthy fats, added sugars, and processed foods, which can negatively impact health. A well-planned plant-based diet that includes a variety of wholesome foods can provide all the essential nutrients your body needs to thrive.
In addition to the potential health benefits, reducing meat consumption can also have a positive impact on the environment. Livestock farming is a significant contributor to greenhouse gas emissions, deforestation, and water pollution. By reducing the demand for meat, you can help reduce the environmental impact of livestock farming.
Furthermore, reducing meat consumption can also improve animal welfare. The factory farming system, which dominates the meat industry, subjects animals to cruel and inhumane conditions, including cramped living spaces, lack of access to sunlight and fresh air, and a diet that is often unnatural and unhealthy. By reducing the demand for meat, you can help reduce the demand for these cruel practices.
In conclusion, going meat-free for a week can be a great way to explore the potential benefits of reducing meat consumption. By incorporating a variety of whole, unprocessed plant-based foods into your meals, you can ensure that your diet is both nutritious and ethical. Whether you decide to continue reducing meat consumption or go fully vegetarian or vegan, the impact of your choices can have a positive impact on both your health and the environment.
Adding Custom CSS stylesheet to Drupal Olivero theme
| Drupal Development | 303 seen
Just recently I migrated my blog from Drupal 7 to the Drupal 9 platform, and this time I decided to stick with what I get, instead of building it all from scratch.
I really like the default experimental theme Drupal Olivero, but of course, there are a few things I would love to fine-tune.
Instead of building a theme from scratch I decided to apply a few customizations for the stylesheet, and here is how (this is not recommended as when upgrading your Drupal theme you will need to patch it again and you risk loosing your custom.css file).
from the themes folder (core/themes/Olivero)
sudo nano olivero.libraries.yml
and under the base settings:
css/custom.css: {}
now, I have my custom css stylesheet added and I can start fine-tuning / overriding existing theme
Top 10 Best Selling Mirrorless Cameras 2022
| Digital Photography School | 40 seen
When talking about mirrorless cameras in 2022, Canon, Sony, Nikon, and Panasonic are the brands to consider.
In this article, I've listed the top 10 best selling mirrorless cameras on Amazon.com
A quick note: Please note this list 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 from that. Prices for mirrorless cameras listed on this page is retrieved by using Amazon Product Advertising API and is updated daily
Canon EOS M50 Mirrorless Vlogging Camera Kit with EF-M 15-45mm Lens, Black
- Dual Pixel CMOS AF for fast, accurate autofocus that helps you get the photo you want right as the moment happens
- 241 Megapixel APS C CMOS sensor and the DIGIC 8 Image Processor delivers incredible color, clear details, and stunning range
- Vari angle touchscreen LCD has a flexible tilt range ideal for high angle and low angle shooting, and reviewing your photos
- Built in high resolution electronic viewfinder features approximately 2,360,000 dots to see high amounts of detail when capturing
- Use the EOS Utility Webcam Beta Software (Mac and Windows) to turn your compatible Canon camera into a high-quality webcam
List price: [amazon B079Y45KTJ listpriceformattedprice] Buy this mirrorless camera on Amazon (Paid link)
Canon EOS RP Full-frame Mirrorless Interchangeable Lens Camera + RF24-105mm Lens F4-7.1 IS STM Lens Kit-- Compact and Lightweight for Traveling and Vlogging, Black (3380C132)
- Compact, Lightweight and High-Quality RF Lens with a Versatile Zoom Range of 24-105mm
- Optical Image Stabilization at up to 5 Stops of Shake Correction
- Maximum Magnification of 0.4x and Minimum Focusing Distance of 0.66 feet in Auto Focus
- Maximum Magnification of 0.5x and Minimum Focusing Distance of 0.43 feet when using Center Focus Macro
- Use the EOS Utility Webcam Beta Software (Mac and Windows) to turn your Canon Camera into a high-quality webcam, or do the same using a clean HDMI output
- Video Capture Resolution: 4K UHD 2160p
List price: [amazon B086TTTZR5 listpriceformattedprice] Buy this mirrorless camera on Amazon (Paid link)
Sony Alpha a6400 Mirrorless Camera: Compact APS-C Interchangeable Lens Digital Camera with Real-Time Eye Auto Focus, 4K Video, Flip Screen & 16-50mm Lens - E Mount Compatible Cameras - ILCE-6400L/B
- 20.1MP stacked back illuminated 1" Exmor RS CMOS sensor w/ DRAM, large aperture 24-70mm1 F1.8-2.8 ZEISS Vario-Sonnar T lens
- Enhanced subject capture: wide 425 Phase/ 425 contrast detection points over 84 percent of the sensor
- Fast and accurate: Up to 11Fps continuous shooting at 24.2 MP raw with crisp, clear natural colors
- Multiple movie functions: Make time lapse movies or slow/quick motion videos without post processing
- Tiltable LCD screen: customizable for vlogging, still photography or recording a professional film
- In the box: rechargeable battery (NP FW50) AC adaptor (ac uud12), shoulder strap, body cap, accessory shoe cap, eyepiece cup, micro USB cable. Metering Type: 1200 zone evaluative metering
List price: [amazon B07MV3P7M8 listpriceformattedprice] Buy this mirrorless camera on Amazon (Paid link)
Sony a7 III (ILCEM3K/B) Full-frame Mirrorless Interchangeable-Lens Camera with 28-70mm Lens with 3-Inch LCD, Black
- Advanced 24.2MP BSI Full-frame Image Sensor w/ 1.8X readout speed Advanced 24.2MP Back-Illuminated 35mm Full-frame Image Sensor
- 15-stop dynamic range, 14-bit uncompressed RAW, ISO 50 to 204,800
- Up to 10fps Silent or Mechanical Shutter with AE/AF tracking
- 693 phase-detection / 425 contrast AF points w/ 93% image coverage
- In the box: SEL2870 lens, Lens hood, Lens cap, Lens rear cap, Rechargeable Battery (NP-FZ100), AC Adapter (AC-UUD12), Shoulder strap, Body cap, Accessory shoe cap, Eyepiece cup, Micro USB cable
List price: [amazon B07B45D8WV listpriceformattedprice] Buy this mirrorless camera on Amazon (Paid link)
Nikon Z50 Compact Mirrorless Digital Camera with Flip Under "Selfie/Vlogger" LCD | 2 Zoom Lens Kit Includes: NIKKOR Z DX 16-50mm f/3.5-6.3 VR & NIKKOR Z DX 50-250mm F/4.5-6.3 VR
- Compact, lightweight and durably constructed mirrorless camera
- First DX-format mirrorless camera to use a large 55 millimeter lens mount, offering advantages in high image quality and lowlight performance.
- 20.9 MP sensor with robust 4K UHD video features
- Built-in Wi-Fi and Bluetooth for simple pairing to a smartphone.
- "Selfie" flip down touch LCD screen, great for self-portraits and vlogging.
- Compatible with Nikkor Z lenses.
- Also compatible with F Mount NIKKOR Lenses using FTZ Mount Adapter (sold separately).
List price: [amazon B07YX8FX9Q listpriceformattedprice] Buy this mirrorless camera on Amazon (Paid link)
Canon EOS R5 Full Frame Mirrorless Camera + RF 24-105mm F4 L is USM Lens Kit, Black (4147C013)
- High Image Quality featuring a New 45 Megapixel Full-frame CMOS Sensor.
- DIGIC X Image Processor with an ISO range of 100-51200; Expandable to 1024001.
- High-Speed Continuous Shooting of up to 12 fps with Mechanical Shutter and up to 20 fps Electronic (Silent) Shutter.
- Dual Pixel CMOS AF covering Approx. 100% Area with 1,053 AF Areas.
- Subject tracking of People and Animals2 using Deep Learning Technology.
- Video capture resolution: 8K UHD 4320px
List price: [amazon B08C6CWVNZ listpriceformattedprice] Buy this mirrorless camera on Amazon (Paid link)
Panasonic LUMIX G95 20.3 Megapixel Mirrorless Camera, 12-60mm F3.5-5.6 Micro Four Thirds Lens, 5-Axis Dual I.S. 2, 4K 24p 30p Video, Pre-Installed V-Log L, 3” Flip-Out Touchscreen - DC-G95MK (Black)
- Focus on Your Creativity: Perfect for photographers who are ready to excel, the LUMIX G95 has a superb, powerful 20.3 MP Digital Live MOS sensor and advanced technologies for both photo and video
- Versatile and Portable: Lightweight Micro Four Thirds mirrorless camera is weather sealed with a flexible, free-angle monitor, ready for any adventure; LUMIX G 12-60mm F3.5-5.6 POWER O.I.S. lens ensures crisp, clear images
- Exceptional Flexibility: 4K 24/30P video capture, plus preinstalled Vlog-L, features log characteristics with 12 Stops of dynamic range for maximum freedom in editing. Send out 4: 2: 2/ 8 bit video to an external monitor simultaneously while recording
- Features for Maximum Expression: Live View Composite mode lets you compose a single image out of many; adjust focus after shooting; develop, and retouch inside this photography camera
- High Sound Quality: External microphone/headphone jacks let you record and monitor sound using external equipment
List price: [amazon B07PZB47HN listpriceformattedprice] Buy this mirrorless camera on Amazon (Paid link)
Sony Alpha A6100 Mirrorless Camera with 16-50mm Zoom Lens, Black (ILCE6100L/B)
- World’s fastest AF at 0 02 sec W/ real-time AF & Object tracking
- Wide 425-phase/425-contrast detection AF points over 84% of sensor
- 24 2MP APS-C Exmor sensor w/ front end LSI and ISO up to 51 200
- Up to 11fps continuous shooting at 24 2MP RAW w/ AF/AE tracking
- Real-time AF Tracking Real-time Eye AF for human and animal
- Movie recording with mic and 180-degree tiltable 3” touchscreen LCD
- Touch Tracking provides smooth continuous focus tracking of your subject activated with a simple touch of the display screen
List price: [amazon B07X71JK4L listpriceformattedprice] Buy this mirrorless camera on Amazon (Paid link)
Sony Alpha ZV-E10 - APS-C Interchangeable Lens Mirrorless Vlog Camera Kit - White
- Large 24.2MP APS-C Exmor CMOS Sensor and fast BIONZ X processor
- 4K Movie oversampled from 6k w/ full pixel readout, no pixel binning
- Product Showcase Setting transitions focus from face to object
- Background Defocus button instantly toggles between defocus effect on/off
- Easy live streaming w/ single USB cable and no extra hardware/software
List price: [amazon B09BBMQKSR listpriceformattedprice] Buy this mirrorless camera on Amazon (Paid link)
Z fc DX-Format Mirrorless Camera Body w/NIKKOR Z DX 16-50mm f/3.5-6.3 VR - Silver
- Superb image quality: 20.9 MP DX CMOS sensor paired with EXPEED 6 processing engine
- Vlogger Ready: 4K UHD, Flip out Vari-angle LCD, full time AF with eye detection, built-in stereo microphone, external microphone jack, live stream and web conference compatible
- Heritage Design: Classic tactile design with analog controls for shutter speed, ISO and exposure compensation
- Send images to your phone: Always connected using the free Nikon SnapBridge app and a compatible smart device. Intuitive: Easy access to Auto Mode, quick settings and the Menu help guide.
- Lens Compatibility: Compatible with NIKKOR Z lenses as well as F Mount NIKKOR lenses using FTZ Mount Adapter (sold separately).
List price: [amazon B09883TR5L listpriceformattedprice] Buy this mirrorless camera on Amazon (Paid link)
Latvian National Opera
| Entertainment | 45 seen
The Latvian National Opera and Ballet is an opera house and opera company at Aspazijas boulevard 3 in Riga.
Its repertoire includes performances of opera and ballet presented during the season which lasts from mid-September to the end of May.
During a typical season, LNOB presents almost 200 performances, including, on average, 6 new productions. The largest is the Great Hall which houses 946 seats, while the smaller ones – the New Hall, the Dress Circle Hall (Beletāžas zāle) and the Red Hall – have a maximum seating capacity of 338, 170 and 100 respectively.
The building is located on the bank of the Riga Canal, near the Freedom Monument.
The origins of the Latvian National Opera and Ballet stem back to 1782 when the Riga City Theatre (Rigaer Stadttheater) a.k.a. the Musse Building was opened. It was designed by Christoph Haberland and housed a total of 500 seats. Its director Otto Hermann von Vietinghoff personally funded a symphony orchestra of 24 musicians. Conrad Feige who staged productions not only in Riga but also in St. Petersburg, Reval (Tallin) and Dorpat (Tartu), was invited to fill the posts of concert master and conductor.
When in 1788 von Vietinghoff moved to St. Petersburg an actor by the name of Meierer took over the position. In 1815 the Musse Society (die Gesellschaft der Musse) bought the building from the von Vietinghoff family. Richard Wagner was the Kappelmeister of the theater from 1837 to 1839.
How to Rotate a video in Adobe Premiere Pro (Portrait to Landscape)
| Digital Photography School | 90 seen
Sometimes when filming with a mobile phone, I shoot in portrait mode. Portrait mode is Okay for social media posts, but not really cool looking on larger screens.
Recently, when working on a larger home video in Adobe Premiere Pro, I discovered a few scenes shot in portrait mode, but actually where meant to be landscape.
Without further ado, here is how to rotate a video in Adobe Premiere Pro
Upload your clip, from the timeline select clip, and click on the effects control, from there under Motion click Rotate and change to 90 degrees
Hope it helps. For a Youtube, tutorial check out this video: How to Rotate a video in Premiere Pro (Portrait to Landscape)
Vilgāle apt update: Hallway, Sauna and more
| Home Remodeling | 7 seen
It has been a few weeks already since the works with Vilgāle apt have been restarted, finishing the hallway, kitchen and sauna. more wiring were done, additional drywall constructions, some plumbing and a lot of sauna works.
Hopefully the works could be done by the end of the year, but more realistic I'm looking on Spring 2022. Will see.
There is built a closet for storing wooden pellets, boiler and wood pellet stove itself.
Looks bit tidy, but will see
Still a lot to do, but the good thing, most of the plumbing is already done. Next tiles and wooden boards for sauna
here is planned to install little electric stove for sauna
Cost so far:
- Water plumbing: EUR 60
- Sadales Tīkls: EUR 60
- Electrician: EUR 155
- Architect: EUR 800
- Removing walls and floor: EUR 775
- Chalk removing, / wiring: EUR 500
- Wall plastering/frame for drywall ceiling (bedroom): EUR 875
- New windows: EUR 1,252
- Window replacement: EUR 200
- Estrich floor with an underfloor heating system and all plumbing: EUR 1,916
- Rock wool for the ceiling, drywall constructions, drywall, and some wiring: EUR 866
- Plastering bedroom and living room: EUR 1,200
- Chimneysweep: EUR 30
- More drywall, rock wool, electric cables, plumbing, and others: EUR 1094
- Doors for bedroom and bathroom: EUR 291.58
- More sauna, more drywall, more plumbing, more wiring EUR 1,992.56
TOTAL: EUR 12,067.14
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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
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…
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…
Toursim objects
Plage des Catalans: A Shrinking Memory in Marseille
Plage des Catalans, a sandy crescent tucked along Marseille’s coastline, holds a special place in my travel tapestry. I first visited this beach in the summer of 2003, a carefree stop during my early adventures in the city. Back then, it felt like a haven—close to the bustling port yet offering a slice of Mediterranean calm. When I returned…
Colva Beach: Golden Sands and Tranquility in Goa
Colva Beach, located in South Goa, is known for its expansive golden sands and tranquil atmosphere. Stretching for several kilometers along the Arabian Sea, the beach offers a peaceful escape from the busier tourist hubs in the region. Its wide shoreline, framed by swaying palm trees, provides plenty of space for visitors to relax, stroll, or…
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…
Macroeconomics
| GDP Growth in the Baltic States (2016–2025) | |
| Minimum Wages in European Union 2024 | |
| Minimum Wages Set to Increase in Baltic States in 2024 | |
| GDP Per Capita in OECD countries 2022 |
Servers and Drupal
Genealogy
| Baltic German DNA Uncovered: Tracing My Ancestry to the von Anrep Nobility | |
| MyHeritage DNA test result | |
| MyHeritage DNA test, flight to Tbilisi, Stock Recovery |