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Vialand Amusement Park in Istanbul

Vialand Theme Park is a huge amusement park and shopping mall located in Istanbul, Turkey. We visited this theme park at the end of May 2023, during our weekend trip to Istanbul. We paid a 240 USD entry fee for a family of three (also kids pay full fare). After visiting the park I was left with the feeling that the price might be way too overpriced for the attractions we actually used.  As we were traveling with our 4-year-old daughter,…

Tourism objects | Turkey

Hotel Baykal in Istanbul

Hotel Baykal is located on the shores of Golden Horn in Unkapani, Istanbul. This hotel is located about 3 km from the historical Sultanahmet area.  Free WiFi is accessible in all areas. We booked Hotel Baykal for a 3-night stay at the end of May 2023 during our short trip to Istanbul. At the time of booking, we were just choosing the cheapest options available, and I have to say this was a bargain deal. In total, we paid about USD 160…

Hotel reviews | Turkey

Elia Monastery near Dedoplis Tskaro

Elia monastery is located in Kakheti, in the southern part of Dedoplistskaro, on a double-peak limestone mountain. The Temple of Saint Ilia Tezbiteli is located on Mount Elia since the sixth century. Many people gather here every August 2, on the day of the great prophet, Saint Ilia Tezbiteli. They overnight on a double-peaked mountain and pray at the bottom of the Elia rock. I first learned about this beautiful place from our German friend…

Savanna Guest House in Dedoplis Tskaro

Savanna Guest House is located on Mosulishvili Street 51 in the town of Dedoplis Tskaro. We booked this guest house for a one-night stay at the start of June 2023, paying about gel 150 for a separate house with two bedrooms, a kitchen, a shower, a living room, and a lovely outdoor space. We keep returning to Dedoplis Tskaro because of the Eagle Canyon and this time we decided to extend our stay in the area by booking a guest house. and Savanna…

Hotel reviews | Georgia

Hilton Garden Inn Tbilisi Restaurant on Chavchavadze

Hilton Garden Inn Tbilisi Restaurant on Chavchavadze Street (Vake district) is one of my favorite lunch places in the city - we keep heading to this place for dinner, as our company office is located just around the corner. Also, the business quick & healthy lunch here is among the lowest priced in the city - you can get healthy and delicious food just for GEL 25 (prices as of 2023).  Guests can choose from soups, salads, and starters…

Restaurant reviews | Georgia

The Carmel Market in Tel Aviv, Israel

The Carmel Market (also, the Shuk Hacarmel) is the largest market, or shuk, in Tel Aviv, Israel. It’s a vibrant marketplace where traders sell everything from clothing to spices and fruit to electronics. Visiting the Carmel Market is a fascinating thing to do in Tel Aviv. The hustle and bustle, vibrant noises, and its reputation as the largest shuk in Tel Aviv all combine to make the Carmel Market a favorite. I first visited this market at…

Shopping Venues | Israel

Mayer House Hotel in Tel Aviv

Mayer House Hotel in Tel Aviv is located on  Dizengoff Street 98. It featured an outdoor swimming pool, a terrace, a restaurant, and a bar. We booked this hotel for a 2-night stay at the start of 2023, before returning back to Tbilisi. We paid about USD 430 for a 2-night stay here. Thsi small hotel has an excellent location, from here we were able to explore the neighbourhood, visit the Tel Aviv beach and more. The property is…

Hotel reviews | Israel

The Nachlaot Pearl/ King Salomon apartment in Jerusalem (Be'er Sheva Street)

The Nachlaot Pearl / King Salomon room is an apartment we booked via Airbnb for a two-day stay in Jerusalem on New Year's Eve of 2023. The price we paid seemed a bit high, paying about $350 for a small studio room,  but as we didnt know what to expect from Jerusalem rental market and were not into extensive reserach, we agreed to book this place. And the stay was actually really excellent.  We agreed to book over AirBnB insetad of…

Hotel reviews | Israel

Beruwalage Gems & Jewelry Moonstone Mine in Sri Lanka

During our latest trip to Sri Lanka at the start of 2022, we visited this small and interesting Moonstone Mine - Beruwalage Gems & Jewelry.  We were taken here by our driver / guide we ordered back in the hotel for the day trip to Galle.  Moonstone is a fascinating gemstone that is found abundantly in Sri Lanka. This gemstone has been revered for centuries for its unique beauty, metaphysical properties, and historical…

Tourism objects | Sri Lanka

Paul French Restaurant on Paliashvili street (near Vake Park in Tbilisi)

There is a lovely French restaurant and bakery located on Paliashvili Street near Vake Park in Tbilisi. We keep heading here for delicious French-style desserts and one of my favorite vegetable soups. We come here occasionally, after visiting Vake Park or during the lunch break at the office nearby.  There are several Paul Restaurants located across the city, check out my previous review about Paul restaurant on Abashidze Street Latelty…

Restaurant reviews | Georgia