Blog Archive: August 2024
A Family Guide to Borjomi: Hiking Trails and Sulfur Bath Tips
| | 48 seen
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, adventure, and the joy of family time.
This time, we found a unique little apartment, perched on top of a garage. It was a charming, cozy space that offered just what we needed—a comfortable place to relax after our daily adventures. Its unusual setting added a touch of novelty to our stay, making it feel even more special. Price we paid for our stay GEL 80.
One of the highlights of our trip was a day dedicated to hiking. We started by driving up to the Panorama Wheel, where we parked our car. The view from there is always breathtaking, offering a sweeping perspective of the Borjomi Valley. From the Panorama Wheel, we set off on a hike toward the sulfur baths—a route we've come to enjoy for its blend of natural beauty and tranquility.
The trails were peaceful, with the late summer sun filtering through the trees, casting…
Birthday in Croatia
| Travel guides | 49 seen
I'm thrilled to announce that our latest travel movie, "Birthday in Croatia," is now live! In just 3 minutes, you'll join us on a whirlwind adventure filled with unforgettable moments and stunning scenery.
Our journey begins in Tbilisi, where we embark on an exciting trip that first takes us to Riga. From there, we make a quick detour to Courland, where we get hands-on and install a window—an unexpected but satisfying stop on our way. The fun continues as we throw a hotpool party, surrounded by friends, laughter, and good vibes.
The next morning, we fuel up with a delicious chanterelle omelet for breakfast, setting the tone for the day ahead. Then, it's back to Riga, where we hop on Carpatair and head to our ultimate destination: Split, Croatia.
But the adventure doesn't end there. We spend four short yet unforgettable days in the charming town of Omiš, nestled along the stunning Dalmatian coast. The breathtaking views, the historic streets, and the warm Croatian hospitality made this birthday celebration one for the books.
So, sit back, hit play, and join us on this incredible journey. Don't forget to give a thumbs up and enjoy the video!
Split Airport
| Airports | 33 seen
Split Saint Jerome Airport, also known as Split Airport, is the international airport serving the city of Split, Croatia. It is located 19 km (12 mi) from Split, on the west side of Kaštela Bay, in the town of Kaštela, and extending into the adjacent town of Trogir. It is named after Saint Jerome, the patron saint of Split-Dalmatia County.
At the start of August 2024, I found myself on a Carpatair flight from Riga to Split, ready to celebrate my 39th birthday in the picturesque town of Omiš. This trip marked my first experience traveling to and from Split Airport, and I was pleasantly surprised by the ease and convenience of navigating through this gateway to the Dalmatian coast.
Split Airport (Resnik Airport) is the third busiest in Croatia, serving as a major entry point for tourists heading to the Dalmatian region. The airport itself is relatively small, but it offers all the essential amenities, including duty-free shops, restaurants, and car rental services. It’s located about 24 kilometers west of Split, making it a convenient starting point for anyone looking to explore the region.
Upon landing at Split Airport, I hired private taxi driver straight…
July 2024 Stock Portfolio Update ($9,726)
| Stock Portfolio | 46 seen
At the end of July 2024, the total value of our stock portfolio was USD 9,726 (€9,006 ). What is about 6% increase or USD 553 gain, if compared to the previous month.
Half of the July we spent in Latvia, working with our frame house and having our kiddos 6th birthday, while the rest of the month we spent in Georgia, enjoying Summer, having few road trips with German friends to Dedoplis Tskaro and Latvian friend to Birtvisi Canyon.
Our Latvian Summer house is coming along nicely, most of the interior works are finished, there are left few windows to be installed and some other interior works.
Now back to the stock portfolio
The increase in the stock portfolio comes from the market appreciation itself and additionally from options trades, while small part of the growth can be attributed to the dividends.
One of my short-term goals is to grow our portfolio to USD 10,000. With USD 274 to go, I believe this target could be crashed already this August, especially if we recover just form a few options trades, but you never know, market can take a steep correction.
The main longer-term goal for our portfolio is to…
India Movie (Golden Triangle & GOA)
| Travel guides | 38 seen
Back at the end of December 2023, during Renée's school break, our family embarked on an unforgettable journey to India. Our adventure began with a flight from Tbilisi to New Delhi, the bustling capital of India. New Delhi welcomed us with its rich history and vibrant culture, offering a perfect introduction to our travels.
New Delhi: A Cultural Melting PotIn New Delhi, we explored a myriad of attractions, each narrating a tale from a different era. The Red Fort, a stunning relic of Mughal architecture, and the India Gate, a war memorial, were among the highlights.
The Majestic Taj MahalFrom New Delhi, our journey took us to Agra, home to the iconic Taj Mahal. The sheer beauty of this monument, bathed in the soft glow of the morning sun, left us in awe. Built by Emperor Shah Jahan in memory of his beloved wife Mumtaz Mahal, the Taj Mahal is a testament to eternal love and architectural brilliance. Walking through its pristine gardens and admiring the intricate marble work was a surreal experience.
Jaipur: The Pink CityNext, we headed to Jaipur, famously known as the Pink City. The city’s rosy hue and regal charm captivated us. We visited the City Palace, which…