Europa City Amrita Hotel Review in Liepāja
| Hotel reviews | 13 seen
Europa City Amrita Hotel is located in the centre of Liepāja. We booked this 4-star hotel in mid-August 2018 and stayed here for two nights in total paying EUR ~110.
The 4-star hotel offers rooms with a flat-screen TV with cable channels, a minibar, and a private bathroom. Free private parking is available for hotel guests.
A couple of years ago I stayed at another great Liepāja hotel - see: Hotel Fontaine Royal Review In Liepāja
Room at Europa City Amrita hotel in Liepaja
The rooms of the Amrita Hotel feature an elegant interior design with wooden furniture, which includes a work desk and a wardrobe.
The hotel’s staff is available 24 hours a day. The Amrita provides a shuttle service. Guests can rent a car directly at the hotel.
The hotel’s restaurant, Oskars, serves international and Latvian dishes. Grill bar Bruno serves barbecue dishes. In the morning a breakfast buffet is available.
Breakfast at Europa city Amrita hotel
Rich and tasty breakfast for just additional EUR 5 (when booking on site)
A white sand beach is within 1.5 km from Amrita…
Pape Lighthouse
| Tourism objects | 51 seen
The Pape Lighthouse (Latvian: Papes bāka) is a lighthouse located on the Latvian coast of the Baltic Sea. I paid a short visit here during my 33 birthday in August 2018.
The lighthouse was built in 1910; in a place of a former lighthouse (which existed since 1887); on the southernmost tip of Latvia's coast to the Baltic Sea. Although this lighthouse doesn't impress as much as Akmenrags lighthouse located close to Pāvilosta, an interesting historical fact is that the lighthouse was known as a boundary beacon - by the border between tsarist Russia and Prussia.
Pape lighthouse
During its early existence (up until the end of World War I), the lighthouse was known as a boundary beacon - as the lighthouse guided ships to the port of Liepāja, on the border of the Russian Empire and Prussia.
The current lighthouse is a tube-like cylinder, supported by a riveting iron construction. Currently, the lighthouse is closed to visitors, although Emilis Melngailis - a famous Latvian composer, stayed overnight during his…
Padure Manor in Latvia
| Tourism objects | 10 seen
I'm continuing to explore manor houses located in Latvia. This time a short stop at Padure manor near Aizpute
Padure manor in 2018
In 2018, there was located Laža special school in Padure manor. See: http://lazasskola.lv/
Unbiased Mintos.com Review - Results after 19 months
| Peer to Peer Lending | 23 seen
I've been investing in Mintos.com peer to peer lending marketplace since the beginning of 2017, or it has been already 19 months since I've been exposing my funds to this Latvian fintech platform.
In the past 19 months, I've made a nice revenue of EUR 624.78 (before tax) from an investment worth little more than EUR 4,000
I should note that I have been skeptical regarding peer to peer lending business in general and I when started my humble journey with Mintos.com I decided not to invest here more than EUR 5,000. In fact, Mintos.com is the only one peer to peer lending platform I have tried, and I don't plan to try any other platform (yet).
I really like the way how Mintos operates, these past 19 months here have given me a lot of confidence to trust the platform, buyback guarantee works excellent, all due loans have been bought back with interest applied.
Still, I won't hide my doubts in the longer-term success of such business, mainly because of the following reason - investments in developing economies. Countries and regions where…
Invest in Cryptocurrencies - Review After 13 Months (Dollar Cost Averaging)
| Crypto | 11 seen
Time flies and it turns out it has been already more than one year since I've been investing in cryptocurrencies. Wow, what an interesting time it has been - starting with buy and hold, day trading, and even building up a custom ethereum mining rig. At one time I even experimented with cloud mining contracts.
It all started in the July 2017 when the idea of purchasing crypto once in a month came after a brief conversation with a friend over Facebook, while I was enjoying mild Summer nights in Crete, Greece.
As I had already investments and even investment strategy, since the start of 2017. Desire or FOMO (fears of missing out) to acquire cryptocurrencies was so huge, that I quickly developed, so-called, Dollar Cost Averaging strategy to buy and hold cryptocurrencies. I had a plan to buy 3-5 cryptocurrencies each month, no matter the price, until the end of 2020.
In general, that is still in what I believe - dollar cost averaging, but since July 2018 I have stopped buying more cryptocurrencies, instead focusing on dividend stock portfolio. Let's say this I have taken pause…
July 2018 Dividend Income Report - $202.84
| Investments | 38 seen
Welcome to the fifteenth (#15) dividend income report, covering earnings I've made from dividend-paying stocks, peer to peer lending (both fiat and cryptocurrencies) in July 2018.
In case you are wondering why I'm sharing online my earnings - the answer is pretty simple - I like transparency and these reports help me to observe my progress or bounces. Hopefully, my reports can give some inspiration to you as well.
For the second year in a row - July is the best performing month in my portfolio, and this July did break all milestones and for the first time since tracking, cracked pretty impressive $200 milestone.
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…
Let's Encrypt Fix for "produced an unexpected error: Problem binding to port 443: Could not bind to IPv4 or IPv6.. Skipping."
| Servers | 22 seen
The other day I faced this problem - server was not automatically renewing Let's Encrypt certificate:
produced an unexpected error: Problem binding to port 443: Could not bind to IPv4 or IPv6.. Skipping.
It took me some time to debug and find a solution, which is as easy as shutting down nginx server and then renewing lets encrypt (Solution found here: Trying to renew cert on nginx but getting “Problem binding to port 443: Could not bind to IPv4 or IPv6”)
sudo /etc/init.d/nginx stop then sudo certbot renew and finally sudo /etc/init.d/nginx start Hope it helps!Dubulti Evangelical Lutheran Church
| Churches and Monasteries | 12 seen
Dubulti church, the most expressive object and the visual dominant of the surrounding area is the most monumental and exquisite Art Nouveau building in Jurmala from the viewpoint of historical and sacral architecture.
The size and details of the building clearly show the tradition of national romanticism that may be seen in the rich sculptural elements of the building in the placement of the elements, decor of ornamental sculptural details, as well as the diversity of the facade decoration with the smooth, corrugated and coarse plaster.
Dubulti Evangelical Lutheran Church
Dubulti church with 750 seats as it is today, was built by Riga building contractor and manufacturer, master of masonry Krisjanis Kergalvis (1856-1936) according to the design of the architect Wilhelm Ludwig Bockslaff (1858-1945) and Edgar Woldemar Eduard Friesendorf (1881-1945). Its foundations were laid in September 1905, but officially the foundation stone celebration took place on 16 June 1907.
2 Baby Stocks To Have in Portfolio
| Investments | 9 seen
Being a proud father of one little princess, and being an active and growing portfolio investor, in today's stock watchlist series I want to speak about two great "baby stocks" - Kimberly-Clark and Procter&Gamble.
If you ever have changed a diaper you will know these companies because of Huggies and more famous Pampers brand diapers
Both companies will be a good fit in almost every portfolio, both are more than 100 years old, and what's interesting, both companies currently offer pretty attractive ~3.5% yield. Speaking of me, currently, 3.5% yield for me is way too low (right now I'm focusing more on +9% and more dividend stocks) - but I'm ready to come back here after a year or two and add the blue chips to my portfolio.
Kimberly-Clark (NYSE: KMB)Kimberly-Clark Corporation is an American multinational personal care corporation that produces mostly paper-based consumer products. Kimberly-Clark brand name products include Kleenex facial tissue, Kotex feminine hygiene products, Cottonelle, Scott and Andrex toilet paper, …
Pica Diāna - Pizzeria in Ventspils
| Restaurant reviews | 19 seen
Pizza Diana probably is the most popular pizzeria in Ventspils. This Pizzeria offers more than 25 types of pizzas and various second dishes at very friendly prices.
Located on J.Poruka street in an old 5-story Soviet apartment house, the pizzeria is pretty close to the city center.
Pica Diāna in Ventspils
Despite you cannot compare this pizzeria with the famous Armenia Tashir Pizza - one thing is common, both pizzerias have very similar outdoor terraces. See: Tashir Pizza (On Mashtots Avenue, Yerevan)
Pizza at Pica Diāna in Ventspils
Postcards from Ventspils
| | 7 seen
Ventspils is a city situated on the western coast of Latvia, on the Baltic Sea. Ventspils is one of Europe's busiest ports. It is also the city that honours the past, thinks of the future, and never stops working!
In today's Piece of Life series - postcards from Latvian seaside town - Ventspils.
Captured back in Summer 2017
A cannon
Found one at the inner yard of Ventpils Livonian Order Castle
Cow-traveler sculpture in Ventspils
View towards Ventspils port
Shot from Viewing Platform In Ventspils
Blue cow at Ventspils Southern quay
Concrete blocks at Southern quay
Viewing Platform In Ventspils
| Tourism objects | 9 seen
You can have a look at the city from the bird’s eye view from the 19 meters high viewing tower located next to the Ventspils Southern quay.
When visiting a new place for the first time I'm always looking for some observation desk to make some great landscape photography, that's how I discovered this Venstpils viewing platform - offering great views across the Baltics and some urban cityscape.
19 meters high viewing platform in Ventspils
I have climbed in more dangerous constructions and this one located in Ventspils seems safe enough
Construction of viewing tower in Ventspils
As it was a sunny Summer day back in 2017 when I visited this tower, there were a lot of folks in the city, but just a few tried this free attraction in Ventspils
View towards Southern quay in Ventspils
And a large parking lot.
View towards Ventspils
Venstpils Livonian Order Castle
| Military Heritage | 9 seen
The Castle of the Livonian Order, which houses Ventspils Museum since September 2001, is the oldest preserved building in Ventspils, built in the second half of the 13th century (first mentioned in 1290).
The castle was built as a convent-house type building with an inner yard and can be regarded as the oldest medieval fortress in Latvia to have retained its original form virtually unchanged.
Indeed, after visiting a couple of Livonian Order Castle Ruins (Dobele Castle Ruins, Livonian Order Castle Ruins at Aizpute) Ventspils castle is a rare exemption of a surviving castle in the territory of modern Latvia.
Back in Summer 2017, I spent a short visit to Ventspils and visited both this castle and some exhibition at castle's museum.
Ventspils Livonian Order Castle
The castle chapel is the oldest preserved church building in the region of Kurzeme. In the 13th–16th century the castle was used by the brothers of the Livonian Order, later there was an Evangelical Lutheran church in the castle (1706–1835), a Russian Orthodox church (1845–1901) and also a prison (1832–1959).
A cannon
If you are into…
Rāmkalni restaurant near Murjāņi
| Restaurant reviews | 14 seen
Rāmkalni is a popular recreational area near Murjāņi (some 60km from Riga), this place features a traditional Latvian Cusine restaurant/bistro
The venue is on the edge of the Murjāņi-Valka road (A3) and in the Gauja River Valley. It offers Latvian and Western European cuisine, as well as a shop at which you can buy local goodies and homemade treats. An active leisure park is alongside the restaurant.
Goodies at Rāmkalni
Typical Latvian cuisine
Interior at Rāmkalni
Miciņi
| Tourism objects | 15 seen
Miciņi has a very special place in my heart. I spent a good time in my early teenage years living here together with my dear granny. In fact, she was born here in 1929. Back in these days, a life buzzed in this area. Now, little has left over from the past glory - our family even doesn't own the land plot here. This is the thing I'm planning to change.
When I have a chance - I always try to visit this now almost abandoned place - it gives a good energy for me and of course a lot of good memories. For this article I'm attaching a few photographies I made at Miciņi in Summer 2017.
Crop fields at Miciņi
Nowadays some large farmer is running a farm here.
Chipped wood and crop fields
Most probably the farm is heavily subsided by EU funds
fir trees at Miciņi
Somewhere at this place was a house
My Great Grandfather (1900-1973) built a house here after WW1, the house name was Kalnmiciņi
Latest video
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
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…