Blog Archive: July 2023

Top 7 Best Selling Intel Core i9 13th generation laptops

31 July, 2023 | Laptop Reviews | 316 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-on content creation, run resource-intensive tasks flawlessly with the most powerful mobile processor leveraging desktop-grade silicon
• QHD+ 240 Hz Display: Experience smooth, responsive gaming that comes with a greater level of detail—enable NVIDIA G-SYNC to eliminate screen tearing for an immersive, stutter-free experience
• 16 inch Display in a 15 inch Body: Built with similar chassis dimensions to a typical 15” gaming laptop, it's just as ultra-portable yet offers even more screen real estate—a solution that’s the best of both worlds
• Ultra-Compact GaN Charger (Up to 280W): Stay ready to go with a charger that’s not only faster and more power-efficient than standard adapters, but also up to 60% smaller
• Anodized Aluminum Unibody: CNC-milled from a single aluminum block, the chassis achieves optimal strength-to-weight ratio and is anodized with a matte black finish for a smooth, scratch-resistant surface

List price: [amazon B0BSRJ3SQ3 listpriceformattedprice] Buy this laptop on Amazon (Paid link)

MSI Stealth 17 Studio 17.3" QHD 240Hz Gaming Laptop: 13th Gen Intel Core i9, RTX 4080, 32GB DDR5, 1TB NVMe SSD, Thunderbolt 4, USB-Type C, Cooler Boost Trinity+, Win11 Home: Core Black A13VH-053US

• LATEST GEN - 13th Gen Intel Core i9 Processor: Peak performance for elite gaming and content creation. The latest version of performance hybrid architecture will push your gameplay beyond performance, giving you the power to do it all..Bluetooth : BT 5.2, AC Power Adaptor : 240 W.
• Simplistic Design: Enjoy the latest generation Windows 11 Home for your everyday needs. *MSI recommends Windows 11 Pro for business use.
• Beyond Fast: The NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4080 GPU powered by the Ada architecture unleashes the full glory of ray tracing, which simulates how light behaves in the real world.
• QHD Display: The 17.3" 16:9 240Hz 100% DCI-P3 display delivers abundant color gamut, more vivid colors and details for gaming.
• High-Speed Data: Thunderbolt 4 and DDR5-4000 memory for the fastest data transfer, system speed and responsiveness.

List price: [amazon B0BT3DFR8W listpriceformattedprice] Buy this laptop on Amazon (Paid link)

Lenovo Legion Pro 5i 16" LCD Gaming Laptop WQXGA 240Hz Intel Core i9-13900HX 16GB RAM 1TB SSD NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4070 8GB Onyx Grey

• Brand    Lenovo
• Model Name    Legion Pro 5i
• Screen Size    16 Inches
• Hard Disk Size    1 TB
• CPU Model    Core i9
• Ram Memory Installed Size    16 GB
• Operating System    Windows 11
• Special Feature    Backlit Keyboard
• Graphics Card Description    Dedicated
• Graphics Coprocessor    NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4070

List price: [amazon B0BYM88725 listpriceformattedprice] Buy this laptop on Amazon (Paid link)

ASUS ROG Strix G16 (2023) Gaming Laptop, 16” Nebula Display 16:10 QHD 240Hz, GeForce RTX 4050, Intel Core i9-13980HX, 16GB DDR5, 1TB PCIe SSD, Wi-Fi 6E, Windows 11, G614JU-ES94,Eclipse Gray

• POWER UP YOUR PLAY - Draw more frames and win more games with Windows 11, a 13th Gen Intel Core i9-13980HX processor, and an NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4050 Laptop GPU at 140W Max TGP..Bluetooth Technology : Bluetooth 5.3
• BLAZING FAST MEMORY AND STORAGE – Multitask swiftly with 16GB of DDR5-4800MHz memory and speed up loading times with 1TB of PCIe 4x4.
• ROG INTELLIGENT COOLING – To put this amount of power in a gaming laptop, you need an even better cooling solution. The Strix features Thermal Grizzly’s Conductonaut Extreme liquid metal on the CPU, and a third intake fan among other premium features, to allow for better sustained performance over long gaming sessions.
• ROG NEBULA DISPLAY – The Nebula standard guarantees a premium display with high specs in all fronts for the best visuals no matter the task. Featuring QHD 240Hz/3ms, 100% DCI-P3, Pantone Validation, among other premium features on the Strix G16.
• MUX SWITCH WITH ADVANCED OPTIMUS - A MUX Switch increases laptop gaming performance by 5-10% by routing frames directly from the dGPU to the display bypassing the iGPU. With Advanced Optimus the switch between iGPU and dGPU becomes automatic based on the task, optimizing battery life.

List price: [amazon B0BWH4H89H listpriceformattedprice] Buy this laptop on Amazon (Paid link)

ASUS VivoBook Pro 16 Laptop, 16” Display, Intel Core i9-13900H CPU, NVIDIA® GeForce® RTX™ 4060 GPU, 16GB RAM, 1TB SSD, Windows 11 Home, Quiet Blue, K6602VV-AS96

• ASUS VivoBook Pro 16 laptop comes with 16” WUXGA (1920 x 1200) 16:10 aspect ratio with ultra-slim NanoEdge bezels
• Latest Intel Core i9-13900H Processor 2.6 GHz (24MB Cache, up to 5.4 GHz, 14 cores, 20 Threads) with Intel Iris Xe Graphics
• NVIDIA Geforce RTX 4060 Laptop GPU, with 8GB GDDR6 - Studio Ready
• Fast storage and memory featuring 1TB M.2 NVMe PCIe 4.0 SSD and 8GB DDR5 SO-DIMM + 8GB DDR5 on board RAM, Windows 11 Home
• Extensive connectivity with Thunderbolt 4, USB 3.2 Gen 1 Type A, 3.5mm Combo Audio Jack, SD 4.0 card reader, HDMI 2.1 TMDS, RJ45 Gigabit Ethernet, 3 in1 card reader SD/MMC/MS and Micro SD card reader. Wi-Fi 6E(802.11ax) (Dual band) 2*2 + Bluetooth 5 (*USB transfer speed may vary. Learn more at ASUS.com)
• The ASUS IceCool Plus thermal technology in Vivobook Pro 16 uses upgraded 8 mm and 6 mm heat pipes with dual fans that efficiently accelerate heat transfer.
• The 180° lay-flat hinge on Vivobook Pro 16 OLED makes it easier to share creative ideas with those around you

List price: [amazon B0BXRPCQZ5 listpriceformattedprice] Buy this laptop on Amazon (Paid link)

Lenovo Legion Pro 5i Gaming Laptop, 16" WQHD IPS 165Hz Display, GeForce RTX 4070, Intel 13th Gen i9-13900HX, 64GB DDR5 RAM, 2TB SSD, Webcam, 4-Zone RGB Backlit KB, Wi-Fi 6E, Windows 11 Home

• The PC memory has been upgraded to 64GB DDR5 SDRAM for enhanced high bandwidth to easily switch back and forth between open applications; the Hard drive has been upgraded to 2TB PCIe NVMe M.2 SSD (WD_Black) for fast boot-up and speedy data transfer
• 13th Gen Intel Core i9-13900HX Processor (24 Cores, 32 threads, 36MB Cache, base at 2.20GHz, up to 5.40GHz), with NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4070 (8GB GDDR6)
• 165Hz 16-inch WQHD IPS Display (2560 x 1600)
• 2 x USB Gen 2 Type-C, 4 x USB Gen 1 Type-A, 1 x HDMI, 1 x RJ-45, 1 x Headphone/microphone combo; Wi-Fi 6E and Bluetooth Combo; 4-Zone RGB Backlit Keyboard
• Include KKE Mousepad, Authorized Sellers ONLY

List price: [amazon B0BWSJ5BYG listpriceformattedprice] Buy this laptop on Amazon (Paid link)

ASUS Zenbook Pro 14 OLED 14.5” OLED 16:10 Touch Display, DialPad, Intel i9-13900H CPU, GeForce RTX 4070 Graphics, 32GB RAM, 1TB SSD, Windows 11 Home, Tech Black, UX6404VI-DS96T

• ASUS DialPad: an intuitive controller that provides instant fingertip control on creative apps including change brush size, saturation and more that’s customizable. Visit ASUS website for more details
• Display: 14.5-inch WQXGA+ (2880 x 1800) OLED NanoEdge touchscreen, with an expansive 16:10 aspect ratio, the touchscreen is Dolby Vision certified and PANTONE Validated to ensure accurate color rendering with 120Hz refresh rate
• Latest 13th generation Intel Core i9-13900H Processor 2.6 GHz (24MB Cache, up to 5.4 GHz, 14 cores, 20 Threads) and Intel UHD graphics
• NVIDIA Geforce RTX 4070 Laptop GPU with 8GB GDDR6 VRAM - Studio Ready
• Fast storage and memory featuring 1TB M.2 NVMe PCIe 4.0 Performance SSD with 16GB DDR5 on board + 16GB DDR5 SO-DIMM RAM, Windows 11 Home

List price: [amazon B0BZ5P2DW3 listpriceformattedprice] Buy this laptop on Amazon (Paid link)

Jomardi X Park And Rafting

26 July, 2023 | Outdoor Activities | 129 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 along the easy ropes. The medium route is for teenagers and adults. The difficult route is for those who are in good shape.

Security measures are in full force in the park and guests are assisted by professional instructors. Aerial ropes are designed with KONG's double protection system to eliminate the risk of falling. The area has 50 campsites and you can rent a tent with a sleeping bag on the spot. Fire pits and picnic tables are available in the yard.

Tvalivi village is located 70 kilometers from Tbilisi. You see the sign for "X Park" one km from the village entrance and the rafting base about 3-4 kilometers after.

"X Park" is open from late spring to mid-October.

Really nice place, great ride and excellent service. 

The Ultimate Israel Itinerary: Exploring Jerusalem, Bethlehem, Eilat, and Tel Aviv

25 July, 2023 | 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 and holy place.

After a few days in Jerusalem, we headed south to the resort city of Eilat by flying Israel air to Ramon airport.  Here, we spent our time relaxing on the beautiful beaches and soaking up the sun at Herod's Place, a luxurious 5-star resort named after King Herod the Great. Paying about $750 for 2-night stay.

After a few days in Eilat, we headed to Tel Aviv, a bustling metropolis on the Mediterranean coast. We stayed in a boutique Mayer house hotel on Dizengoff street, paying about USD 430 for another 2-night stat. 

The city has a unique blend of modern architecture, stunning beaches, and a vibrant nightlife. We spent our first few days exploring the city, strolling along the promenade, and trying out the local cuisine.

The highlight of our time in Tel Aviv was visiting the Jaffa Port, an ancient harbor that dates back to biblical times. We also visited the Carmel Market, which is a bustling marketplace filled with vendors selling everything from fresh produce to handmade crafts.

Our trip to Israel was a whirlwind of history, culture, and adventure, and we were sad to leave such a beautiful and fascinating country.

In conclusion, our short week-long trip to Israel was an incredible experience that we will never forget. We were amazed by the rich history, diverse cultures, and breathtaking landscapes of this beautiful country. We hope that this article inspires you to visit Israel and explore all that it has to offer. From Tel Aviv to Jerusalem, Bethlehem to Eilat, Israel is truly a land of wonder and discovery.

this was not a cheap travel, compared to our other travels, in total we spent well above $2,000 for this trip (excluding airlines). Just for the hotel stay our budget was USD 1,530. But, hey, that was really awesome time. Also I made a short documentary about our trip to Israel here.

DIY Frame House in Latvia: Walls and Rafters Completed

21 July, 2023 | Frame House | 61 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 to spend a few evenings to make the right measurements, Pythagoras theorem helped a lot. 

With the help of Edgariņš we have already done some work in the past. 

6 rows of rafters installed already

All the constructions are made out of wood

All the rafters are fixed with metal angles

Quite an amazing work

Here I started already to install cross wind sheet.

In total it took us about 10 days at the end of June 2023 to build these walls and install rafters. 

Cost so far:

• Ground Screws: EUR 805
• Wood beams: EUR 1000
• Support clamps and angles: EUR 100
• Tools and other goodies: EUR 150
• Wood preservative liquid: EUR 12
• Wood planks and slats: EUR 1,030
• Metalic clamps and other goodies: EUR 400
• Cross wind sheet: EUR 80

Total: EUR 3,577

Summer Solstice 2023

20 July, 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

18 July, 2023 | Travel guides | 21 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, creating a magical atmosphere.

Jerusalem is a city with a rich religious heritage, and it is a particularly special destination for those celebrating Christmas. In the weeks leading up to the holiday, the city is adorned with Christmas lights and decorations, and there are a variety of events and activities taking place. Visitors can attend Christmas services at some of the city's historic churches, such as the Church of the Nativity, or explore the Christmas markets that spring up around the city.

Jerusalem is also known for its vibrant culinary scene, which draws inspiration from the city's diverse cultural influences. Visitors can indulge in traditional Israeli dishes such as falafel, hummus, and shakshuka, or explore the city's many international restaurants. In the weeks leading up to New Year's, many restaurants offer special holiday menus, making it a great time to sample some of Jerusalem's culinary delights.

While Jerusalem is not known for its wild New Year's Eve parties, there are still plenty of ways to ring in the New Year in the city. Visitors can attend the annual New Year's Eve concert in Safra Square, which features live music, fireworks, and a festive atmosphere. Alternatively, they can take part in one of the many New Year's Eve dinners or events taking place at hotels and restaurants around the city.

Jerusalem offers a wide range of accommodation options to suit all budgets and tastes. Visitors can choose to stay in the heart of the city, close to the Old City and other popular attractions, or in a more secluded location outside the city center. Many hotels offer special holiday packages during the weeks leading up to New Year's, making it a great time to book a stay in Jerusalem.

In conclusion, visiting Jerusalem before New Year's is a unique and unforgettable experience. Whether you're exploring the historic Old City, celebrating Christmas, indulging in the city's culinary delights, or ringing in the New Year with live music and fireworks, Jerusalem offers something for everyone.

Vialand Amusement Park in Istanbul

13 July, 2023 | Tourism objects | 107 seen

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, we were using just the bare minimum. The total price of USD 240 for spending a few hours at this theme park. Well, it depends. The daughter was quite happy at least. and that is the most important thing!

For getting here, we used BiTaksi ride-sharing app, see: How to Get around Istanbul for cheap with this ride-sharing Taxi app. There are zillions of shops and dining options located at Vialand

On the Firday day, when we visited Vialand theme park, it was not overcrowded (as we thought before), in fact it seemed working on some 20% capacity.

There are quite a lot of options to choose from, but seems many are aimed for teenagers. Though there is plenty to do also for small kids.

The complex covers and area of 600.000 m2

Is is said, there are 24 different rides and attractions in Vialand Theme Park Istanbul to choose from.

There are at least two types of boat tours inside the theme park, one of them is featurign the History of Istanbul. Quite ipresive installations, with dozzens of echanic turks.

According to sources, that is the world’s 4th best Roller Coaster named “Nefeskesen (Breathtaking), that reaches to 110 km/hrs speed in just 3 seconds.

At the park we took plenty of attractions, 2 types of boats rides, a smaller roller coaster suitable for preschoolers, 3D Alladin ride and more. The price seems bit overpriced, but I believe you can buy ticklets online cheaper. In overall great place to visit, we managed to take about 4 hours with our 4-year old. 

Visit vialand.com to learn more

Hotel Baykal in Istanbul

12 July, 2023 | Hotel reviews | 30 seen

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 for our 3-day stay here, which is something really awesome. We could spend about $1,000 for a luxury stay, with access to swimming pools, a la carte restaurant, but this time we decided to save huge, and indeed this was quite a value deal.

For getting here from Sabiha Gocken airport I ordered airport shuttle for about EUR 60, directly at the airport, but you could use ride-sharin app like Bi-Taksi and save at least half of that, see: How to Get around Istanbul for cheap with this ride-sharing Taxi app

The rooms at Baykal Hotel feature a TV, wardrobe and heating. Each has a private bathroom. Some rooms also have sea views.

Located in a historic neighborhood with numerous restaurants and cafés, you can venture out and sense the local atmosphere.

This hotel also served free breakfast. Excellent bargain stay. Book now on booking.com

Ring in the New Year in Eilat: A Guide to the Top Attractions

11 July, 2023 | Travel guides | 36 seen

Eilat is a city in southern Israel that is well known for its sunny beaches and vibrant nightlife. The city is especially popular during the New Year's holiday season when visitors flock to the area to enjoy the warm weather and festive atmosphere. In this article, I'll explore some of the highlights of visiting Eilat around New Year's.

We come to Eilat, especially for New Year's Eve, and booked Herods Boutique hotel, paying about USD 750 for a 2-night stay. Might be a bit expensive, but the stay was awesome and it was New Year's Eve. We chose Israil Air to fly from Ben Gurion Airport to Ramon airport near Eilat for getting here, additonaly a taxi service form the airport. The domestic flight was about 1 hour. 

One of the main draws of Eilat is its stunning beaches. During the winter months, the water is still warm enough for swimming, and the beaches are less crowded than during the summer season. Some of the most popular beaches in Eilat include Coral Beach, Mosh's Beach, and Dolphin Reef. Visitors can relax on the sand, swim in the crystal-clear waters, or participate in water sports such as windsurfing or jet skiing.

Another popular activity in Eilat around New Year's is partying. The city has a vibrant nightlife scene, with a variety of bars and clubs that cater to all tastes. Visitors can dance the night away to live music or enjoy a drink with friends at a cozy pub. Some of the most popular nightclubs in Eilat include Haoman 17 and Papaya.

For those interested in exploring the local culture, Eilat offers several attractions that are worth visiting. One of the most popular is the Underwater Observatory Marine Park, which features an aquarium, a turtle and shark pool, and an underwater observatory that allows visitors to see the marine life up close. Another must-see attraction is the Timna Park, which is home to stunning rock formations and ancient copper mines.

Eilat is also known for its delicious food, and visitors will find a wide variety of dining options to choose from. Some of the most popular local dishes include falafel, hummus, and shakshuka. Seafood is also a popular choice, with fresh catches from the Red Sea served in many restaurants.

Finally, Eilat offers a range of accommodation options to suit all budgets, from luxury hotels to budget hostels. Visitors can choose to stay in the heart of the city or in a more secluded location near the beach.

In conclusion, visiting Eilat around New Year's is a great way to experience the city's warm weather, beautiful beaches, vibrant nightlife, and unique culture. Whether you're looking to party, relax, or explore, Eilat has something to offer for everyone.

Our frame house has suffered significant damage due to the strong winds

7 July, 2023 | Frame House | 33 seen

Over the past few weeks, I have been fully engrossed in the laborious task of constructing our frame house from the ground up. Unfortunately, amidst the hustle and bustle of the construction process, I have been remiss in updating our progress on this blog. However, I regret to inform you that our endeavors have taken a devastating blow.

This past weekend marked a significant milestone as we completed the roof installation and eagerly commenced the placement of the crosswind sheet. With each passing day, we inched closer to the realization of our dream home. Today, as I was in the midst of finalizing the order for the metal roofing, I received some profoundly disheartening news.

A tumultuous storm, characterized by gales reaching an astounding speed of 21 meters per second, ravaged Latvia earlier today, on July 3, 2023. Tragically, our house fell victim to the unrelenting wrath of this tempestuous weather event.

The forceful winds unleashed their fury upon our fledgling structure, causing considerable damage that exceeded our worst fears. The heart-wrenching sight that greeted me upon surveying the aftermath was nothing short of a devastating blow. It felt as though our aspirations had been dashed by the unforgiving forces of nature.

The storm's powerful gusts tore through our construction site, leaving a trail of destruction in their wake. The very framework we painstakingly erected stood weakened and compromised. The once-sturdy walls now bear the scars of battle, and the roof we meticulously installed succumbed to the relentless assault, its integrity shattered. Our dreams of a completed home lay in ruins before us.

Amidst the despair and disappointment, I am reminded of the resilience that lies within us. The setback we now face will undoubtedly test our resolve, but it will not break our spirit. We are determined to pick up the pieces, rebuild what has been lost, and forge ahead in our pursuit of a place to call our own.

In the face of such adversity, we must channel our energy into the process of recovery and reconstruction. It is a humbling experience that teaches us the importance of adaptability and preparedness for the unforeseen challenges that life may throw our way.

While the road ahead may be arduous, we remain steadfast in our commitment to turning this setback into a stepping stone. We will rally our resources, seek assistance from professionals, and employ our unwavering determination to rebuild our frame house, stronger and more resilient than ever before.

Our journey may have hit a roadblock, but we refuse to let it define us. We are steadfast in our belief that our dream home will rise from the ashes, standing tall as a testament to our unwavering determination and the power of resilience.

As we embark on this challenging chapter, I invite you to accompany us on this arduous yet inspiring journey. Together, let us navigate the trials and tribulations, and emerge victorious in the pursuit of our dream. Stay tuned for updates on our progress, as we rebuild our frame house and transform adversity into triumph.

Elia Monastery near Dedoplis Tskaro

6 July, 2023 | Churches and Monasteries | 42 seen

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 Ralph, during the Vashlovani trip back in Summer 2021. Back then we didn't made a stop here, just passed it by and saw from the distance.

It was back in Summer of 2023 when we actually visited this place and I had a chance to make a few close-ups with a drone and iPhone.

Archaeological excavations prove that the temple of St. Ilia Tezbiteli, existed in the VI century, but the exact date of its construction is unknown. Its restoration was possible in 2006.

The only written note was kept by Alexandre Dumas, who saw the rock of Elia during his trip to Caucasus and Georgia in 1858 and made a brief entry: “There is another mountain, which is located about six miles from the castles of Queen Tamar and there is a legend as well. This mountain is called Elia Mountain and at the bottom there is a salt lake. In the wide cave in the middle of the mountain there is a bell tower, which residents often visit. According to the legend, the crow brought food for the prophet Ilia. He left his cape to his student Elise and raised in the sky from the top of the mountain.” (A. Dumas, Caucasus, Tbilisi, 1970, pp. 259-260).

The chapel of St. Ilia survived many of the storms, which occurred in Kakheti-Hereti and especially in Kambechovan. The chapel is functioning to the present day and worship is performed, all thanks to the local resident, architect of the Patriarchate, Sergo Kartvelishvili.

Mount Elia has one secret. From the side of this mountain there is an entrance to the tunnel, one end of which goes to the castle of Khornabuji. This tunnel enters the Elia mountain and further forks on the different sides. In confirmation of this fact this is the exit of the tunnel in Khornabuji. As it is said, the roads went in different directions from this tunnel, but only one is known- the final exit road to Khornabuji. Nowadays, this tunnel collapsed and only the entrance remained.

There is a little parking lot next to the monastery complex

How To Get pre-paid unlimited internet in Turkey with eSIM

5 July, 2023 | Travel guides | 36 seen

Staying connected while traveling is crucial in today's digital age, and having access to mobile internet is essential for most people.

Turkey, with its rich cultural heritage and stunning landscapes, is a popular destination for travelers from around the world. To ensure you stay connected during your trip, one convenient option is to use an eSIM (embedded SIM) for mobile internet. 

During our latest independent trip to Istanbul, I was exploring my options for getting a sim card with internet for my phone and was very happy to learn that there is actually eSIM available with prepaid unlimited internet for Turkey.

Instead of actually visiting some phone store, buying a sim card, and all that hassle, there is finally a service where you can get unlimited and prepaid internet in 5 minutes with the ease of a few clicks.

The service is called Holafly and cost only $19.00 for a 5-day usage with unlimited internet. See: International travel eSIM for Turkey

I was able to pay for this order by PayPal and got all the information on how to activate this service in my e-mail. in about 5 minutes it was all set and ready. 

For the next few days was using mobile internet heavily to use the local ride-sharing app BiTaksi: How to Get around Istanbul for cheap with this ride-sharing Taxi app

What is an eSIM? An eSIM is an electronic SIM card that is embedded directly into a device, such as a smartphone or tablet, eliminating the need for a physical SIM card. It allows users to switch between different mobile network operators without changing SIM cards. With an eSIM, you can easily connect to local networks in foreign countries, such as Turkey, without the hassle of purchasing and inserting a traditional SIM card.

Benefits of using eSIM for Mobile Internet in Turkey:

How to get mobile internet in Turkey with eSIM:

Really awesome service for s short term stay in Turkey - highly recomend!

From the downsides of Holdalfy eSIM internet I should add - no data sharing -This eSIM does not allow you to share data or use a hotspot with other devices; Might be too expensive if you ar staying longer than 5 days, and no local phone number - This eSIM only includes data. It does not allow you to make cell phone calls or send SMS messages. You can still use WhatsApp or Skype to call your contacts.

The Top Beaches to Visit in Tel Aviv: Unwind and Relax by the Mediterranean Sea

4 July, 2023 | Travel guides | 42 seen

Tel Aviv is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Israel, known for its vibrant culture, nightlife, and beaches. With over 14 kilometers of coastline, Tel Aviv boasts some of the most beautiful and accessible beaches in the country.

During our latest trip to Israel I had a chance to spend a day in Tel Aviv's beaches and was left with that white envy feeling, how lucky Israelis are, having such nice beaches just in front of their city. Just amazing.

Coming back from the trip, I was reasearching more about Tel Aviv's beaches and here's a guide to the top beaches in Tel Aviv.

Frishman Beach is one of the most popular beaches in Tel Aviv. It's located near the city center and offers stunning views of the Mediterranean Sea. The beach is well-equipped with showers, restrooms, sun loungers, and parasols, making it an ideal spot for families with kids. Frishman Beach also has a volleyball court and a fitness area, perfect for those looking to stay active during their beach day.

Gordon Beach is located in the heart of Tel Aviv and is a favorite among locals and tourists alike. The beach is wide and sandy, and the water is clear and calm, making it an excellent spot for swimming and sunbathing. Gordon Beach is also home to several restaurants, cafes, and bars, making it a great place to spend an entire day. The beach also offers a variety of water sports, including surfing, paddleboarding, and kayaking.

Banana Beach is one of Tel Aviv's most relaxed and laid-back beaches, located south of the city center. The beach is named after a banana-shaped bar that was once located there. The beach is less crowded than other beaches in Tel Aviv and is a popular spot for sunbathing and swimming. Banana Beach is also known for its beach volleyball courts, and visitors can often find locals playing pickup games.

Alma Beach is one of the quieter beaches in Tel Aviv, located in the southern part of the city. The beach is a popular spot for families and offers a tranquil atmosphere away from the hustle and bustle of the city center. Alma Beach has several cafes and restaurants, making it an excellent place to grab a bite to eat while enjoying the sea view. The beach also offers a variety of water sports, including windsurfing and kiteboarding.

Jerusalem Beach is one of Tel Aviv's newer beaches, located near the Jaffa port. The beach is named after the nearby Jerusalem Boulevard and offers stunning views of the city skyline. The beach is wide and sandy, and the water is calm, making it an excellent spot for swimming and sunbathing. Jerusalem Beach is also equipped with showers, changing rooms, and a playground, making it a great spot for families.

In conclusion, Tel Aviv's beaches offer something for everyone, from lively and crowded beaches to quiet and tranquil ones. Whether you're looking to swim, sunbathe, or try your hand at water sports, Tel Aviv's beaches are the perfect destination for a fun-filled day by the sea.