Blog Archive: August 2024
A Family Guide to Borjomi: Hiking Trails and Sulfur Bath Tips
| | 47 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 dappled shadows on the path. Our kiddo was especially excited to reach the sulfur baths, where they took a relaxing swim. The warm, mineral-rich waters were just what we all needed to rejuvenate our spirits.
After our time at the sulfur baths, we headed back to the park. Instead of retracing our steps on foot, we decided to mix things up a bit by taking the funicular ride back to the top. It's always a fun experience, especially for our little one, who loves the thrill of the ride and the views that come with it.
Every time we visit Borjomi, it feels like we're adding another chapter to a beloved family tradition. These trips are more than just vacations—they're moments that weave together the fabric of our family’s shared experiences. Whether it's discovering a new hiking trail, finding a quaint apartment to stay in, or simply enjoying the familiar sights and sounds of Borjomi, each visit strengthens our bond and creates memories that will last a lifetime.
As we drove back home, we couldn't help but feel grateful for these moments. Borjomi has a way of recharging our batteries, leaving us with a sense of peace and contentment that carries us through until our next visit. And as always, we left with a promise to return, eager to see what new adventures await us in this timeless town.
Birthday in Croatia
| Travel guides | 48 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 in front of the airport to take me directly to Omiš, a charming coastal town known for its stunning beaches and historic sites. The taxi ride, which cost me EUR 60, was smooth and allowed me to enjoy the scenic drive along the Adriatic coastline.
If you're planning a similar trip, it's worth noting that Uber and BOLT operate in the area, providing more flexible and potentially cost-effective alternatives. For those on a budget, the city bus is also available, connecting travelers from the airport to the city of Split, where further connections to Omiš can be made.
My return journey from Omiš to Split Airport was equally straightforward, although the fare was slightly higher at EUR 80. This variation in price is common, especially during peak travel times, so it’s wise to book your return trip in advance if possible.
For those interested in exploring Split before catching their flight, car rentals are readily available at the airport, giving you the freedom to explore the wider region at your own pace. Whether you’re planning a quick visit to Diocletian's Palace in Split or a longer road trip along the coast, renting a car offers flexibility and convenience.
Split Airport may be small, but it’s well-equipped to handle the influx of tourists heading to Croatia’s beautiful Dalmatian coast. My first trip through this airport was smooth and hassle-free, making it a great starting point for my birthday celebration in Omiš. Whether you opt for a private taxi, Uber, BOLT, or the city bus, there are plenty of transportation options available to suit your needs and budget.
July 2024 Stock Portfolio Update ($9,726)
| Investments | 44 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 grow our portfolio 100 fully covered Morgan Stanley (MS) shares, supported by an additional 100 British Petroleum (BP) shares. This strategy will enable us to sell covered calls on these shares while also benefiting from dividend payments. At the end of July we had 9.32 MS shares and 13 BP shares.
Last month I experimented with fractional shares buying and I have to say I'm quite satisfied with buying smaller bits of shares, the same way we do in our crypto hedge fund.
Stock Portfolio
YTD our stock portfolio has gained 18.09%, which beats SP500 by a few basis points (16.59%).
Options trades
We actively sell put options on MS and BP and other stocks, while reinvesting the premiums back into stocks. Besides these two, last month I was selling options on few other tickers, like PM, TEVA, JNJ, NVDA and some more.
NVDA bull put trade went out of the control and I rolled it out to the August 30 expiry with strike price 95.
Because of this adjustments and not willing to take unnecessary risk to the portfolio, I'm not planning to have more options trade in portfolio at least til the middle of August, once I will be sure the NVDA trade is safe enough.
I keep a separate newsletter for my stocks buys and options trades, make sure to check it out at OptionsBrew.com
Dividend income
Last July, in diivdend payments we received $18.01, which is about $0.58 daily. Following tickers paid us dividend in July
TickerDividendAGNC$0.51MPW$13.77PM$3.31USB$0.42 $18.01Our current yearly dividend from the portfolio stands at USD 193.46 (+27.96) , yielding 3.44%.
While this is not yet enough to retire comfortably, it is a solid foundation upon which we can build.
I believe by the end of the year we should be able to push our dividend portfolio to $250-300/yearly
Plans for August 2024
For the month of August, we are looking to dollar cost average buying fractional shares on NVDA, BP and maybe some other ticker. Not planning lots of options trades as we are recovering NVDA trade. There is at least USD 600 in options recovery trades to be taken in the month of August.
How was your investments performing in the month of June? Leave a comment!
India Movie (Golden Triangle & GOA)
| Travel guides | 36 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 Pot
In 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 Mahal
From 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 City
Next, 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 still serves as the residence of the royal family, and the Hawa Mahal, or the Palace of Winds, with its distinctive honeycomb facade. The Amber Fort, perched on a hilltop, offered panoramic views of the surrounding landscape. The intricate mirror work and the grandeur of the fort were truly mesmerizing.
Soaking Up the Sun in Goa
After our whirlwind tour of the Golden Triangle, we boarded a domestic flight to Goa, ready to unwind and soak up the sun. Goa's laid-back vibe and stunning beaches provided the perfect setting for relaxation.
Palolem Beach: A Slice of Paradise
We chose Palolem Beach as our base in Goa, and it turned out to be an excellent decision. Known for its picturesque crescent shape and calm waters, Palolem Beach is one of Goa’s hidden gems. We spent our days lounging on the soft sand, swimming in the Indian Ocean, and indulging in delicious local cuisine. The garlic naan, in particular, became a family favorite.
Creating Lasting Memories
Our time in Goa was filled with memorable moments. From morning yoga sessions on the beach to evening strolls along the shoreline, every day was an adventure. We also explored the local markets, picking up souvenirs and enjoying the vibrant atmosphere.
Watch Our Adventure Unfold
Our journey through India was an incredible experience, filled with breathtaking sights, rich cultural encounters, and unforgettable memories. We’ve captured all these moments in a video, inviting you to join us on our adventure. Watch our movie, give it a thumbs up, and immerse yourself in the magic of India.
This adventure through India’s Golden Triangle and Goa was a blend of exploration and relaxation, offering us a perfect balance of cultural immersion and beachside bliss. Whether you're planning a trip to India or just love to travel vicariously through others' experiences, we hope our story and video inspire you to embark on your own adventure.