Blog Archive: March 2025
Palolem Beach / Goa / India
Palolem beach movie is out - or during the winter school break (2024/2025), we returned to India—Goa, and one of our favorite spots on Earth: Palolem Beach. With a short stop in Delhi, warmly hosted by the Klimis family (Aleksandra Klimi & Evangelos Klimis), we kicked off another unforgettable adventure. Besides African Swine Flu - Days were filled with sunbathing, fishing, painting, and, of course, a little rum-sipping by the shore.
My High-Protein / Ultra-Rich Calorie Deficit Diet (Banana & Matsoni) Helped me to Drop about 5kg in 3 weeks
For the past three weeks, I’ve been sticking to an ultra-low-calorie diet that’s delivered fantastic results—dropping from a weight that was creeping dangerously close to 100 kg down to 93.3 kg, a loss of about 5 kg in just 21 days. I’ve tweaked the plan by squeezing in a serving of roasted peanuts (about 120-180 grams) once a day for extra flavor and satisfaction. I haven’t counted calories precisely, but I believe the peanuts from a jar fall in the 400-500 kcal range. Honestly, they probably should be avoided at all costs for a stricter cut, but beyond just losing weight, I need to get protein—nuts are a perfect source, and all my ingredients are protein-rich. Plus, every once…
Gare de Lyon, Paris
The Gare de Lyon, is one of the seven large mainline railway stations in Paris, France. It handles about 148.1 million passengers annually making it the second-busiest station of France after the Gare du Nord and one of the busiest in Europe.Gare de Lyon, one of Paris’ busiest and most iconic railway stations, is more than just a transit hub—it’s a masterpiece of architecture and a portal to countless stories. Located on the northern bank of the Seine in the 12th arrondissement, this bustling station blends Belle Époque elegance with modern efficiency. Its grand clock tower, reminiscent of London’s Big Ben, and the ornate frescoes inside the historic Le Train Bleu restaurant make it a…
Baltic German DNA Uncovered: Tracing My Ancestry to the von Anrep Nobility
Family legends often hold a grain of truth, even if they become distorted over time. My journey into family history, particularly on my maternal lineage—through my mother's mother's father’s side (Rozentāls)—has been a fascinating one. What started as a casual exploration turned into a deeper dive into historical records, DNA analysis, and surprising discoveries about Baltic German nobility in my ancestry.While researching my family history, I used Latvia’s Periodika.lv archive to look for information about Omuļi Manor. My search led me to the historical owners of the estate. Interestingly, I also found hints about Omuļi Manor through Estonian-language Wikipedia, which provided additional…
Salty Garden and David Gareja Monastery complex
Our latest weekend escapade in Georgia was nothing short of a whirlwind, filled with diverse experiences, stunning landscapes, and a touch of nostalgia. It’s hard to believe that it’s been four years since we first stumbled upon the hidden gem that is Salty Garden back in 2021. That initial trip introduced us to its warm and welcoming host, David, and sparked a love for this unique spot near Bazaleti Lake. Fast forward to 2025, and we’re back at it—chasing adventures, capturing them on film, and sharing the journey with you.This time around, we packed our weekend with a little bit of everything. With temperatures climbing above 28°C, the heat only fueled our excitement. Our adventure kicked…
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 a relaxing stopover in the charming old town of Fontainhas, known for its colorful Portuguese-style houses and laid-back vibe. This boutique hotel seemed like the perfect pick—and it didn’t disappoint for a quick, cozy stay.Located right in the heart of Fontainhas, La Maison blends into the historic neighborhood with its quaint charm. We arrived late in the evening, and the check-in was smooth. The room itself was a pleasant surprise: an extra-large bed…
Things to do in Palolem: Art Class with Swaroop
After spending a few weeks unwinding on Palolem Beach—swimming, surfing, and soaking up the sun—we decided it was time to explore some of the other activities the area had to offer. Palolem is more than just a stunning beach; it’s a vibrant hub of experiences for both kids and adults. Among the variety of activities, Sandra booked an art class for Renee, which quickly turned into a family affair.The art class, led by the talented and inspiring Swaroop, was a highlight of our stay. Swaroop’s warm and approachable nature made him a hit with both kids and grownups alike. What started as an activity for Renee became an opportunity for all of us to tap into our creative sides. Swaroop’…
Prague / Meet CE Conference
In mid-October, during Renee's school break, we traveled to Prague for the Meet Central Europe Translator Conference. It was a great opportunity to connect with professionals from the industry, exchange ideas, and see how the translation business is evolving. But let’s be honest—the real highlight was exploring the city.Between conference sessions, we made sure to check out some of Prague’s must-see spots. We climbed towers for panoramic views, wandered through historical museums, and even visited the Prague Zoo—though it felt a bit staged, like an artificial experience rather than a real wildlife environment. Still, an interesting stop.Of course, no trip to Prague is complete without beer…
Fishing Adventure in Palolem: Dolphins, Turtles, and Local Flavor
During our stay at Maria Guest House in Palolem, we had the pleasure of embarking on an unforgettable fishing adventure organized by our host, Mir. It all began with an early start to the day—we left the hotel at 7:00 AM, just as the sun began to light up the picturesque Goan coastline.Mir had arranged everything seamlessly. A taxi was waiting to take us to the local boat pier, a short 10-15 minute drive from the guest house. Upon arrival, we found our boat ready and waiting. Excitement filled the air as we set off for a three-hour fishing trip in the serene waters near Palolem.The experience was as thrilling as it was tranquil. Sandra had the best luck among us, catching two fish, while…