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DIY Frame House in Latvia: Walls and Rafters Completed
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…
Jerusalem in December: A Must-Visit Destination for the New Year Holiday
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…
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, we…
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 for our…
Ring in the New Year in Eilat: A Guide to the Top Attractions
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…
Our frame house has suffered significant damage due to the strong winds
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…
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…
The Top Beaches to Visit in Tel Aviv: Unwind and Relax by the Mediterranean Sea
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…
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…
Discovering Jaffa: A Memorable Day Trip from Tel Aviv
Jaffa is an ancient port city near Tel Aviv in Israel. Jaffa is known for its association with the biblical stories of Jonah, Solomon, and Saint Peter as well as the mythological story of Andromeda and Perseus, and later for its oranges. Today, Jaffa is one of Israel's mixed cities, with approximately 37% of the city being Arab. We had a chance to visit Jaffa and meet with our Latvian friend there at the start of 2023 during our latest trip…
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…
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 close to…
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 booking.com…
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 significance. Sri…
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 we hae…
Jerusalem - Tel Aviv Train via Ben Gurion Airport in Israel
The highly anticipated new high-speed train from Jerusalem to Tel Aviv via Ben Gurion Airport is now operating. The final destination of the Jerusalem train is Tel Aviv. The new Jerusalem to Tel Aviv train service is officially called King David Line. I have traveled by train from Ben Gurion Airport to Jerusalem on New Year's Eve of 2023. The ticket price per passenger was about ISL 15. The train station is actually located inside the terminal…
Statue of Medea in Batumi
The Statue of Medea is located at Europe square in the Batumi city center. The Statue is dedicated to Medea, Colchian Princess from Greek mythology. Statue was opened to the public back in 2007. I have visited for many times Europe square and the statue of Medea, especially in the recent years when a McDonalds is opened next to the monument, so I decided add this pictursque place to the blog. A must have place to visiti once in Batumi: It is…
Grill Town Restaurant in Batumi
Grill Town restaurant in Batumi is among one of my best finds in recent years. Located close to the Sheraton Hotel on Rustaveli Avenue in Batumi. We first discovered this restaurant in some of our previous Batumi trips, so this time it was a no-brainer to visit this place. During our latest visit here in April 2023, it turned out to be the restaurant 1 year anniversary and we got some free Sangrias and very smiling staff members. Grill town…
Ben Gurion International Airport
Ben Gurion International Airport, is the main international airport of Israel. Situated on the northern outskirts of the city of Lod, it is the busiest airport in the country. It is located 45 kilometers (28 mi) to the northwest of Jerusalem and 20 kilometers (12 mi) to the southeast of Tel Aviv. I first visited it back in 2009, flying with Turkish Airlines from Riga (via Istanbul), and also have flown a direct flight by EL AL from Tbilisi and…
Panorama Restaurant Batumi
Panorama Restaurant Batumi is located on the 36th floor of the Orbi skyscraper on 15b Sherif Khimshiashvili Street. We come here by recommendation in Mid-April 2023. Panorama Batumi is highly recommended because of the views, though the cuisine also is excellent. Places serve typical Georgian and European cuisine. Prices seem a bit above average but are still quite reasonable, for the service received. I believe the place is stunning for…
Ramon International Airport near Eilat in Israel
Ramon Airport, named after Ilan and Assaf Ramon, also known as Eilat-Ramon Airport, is an international airport located in the Timna Valley in southern Israel. Ramon Airport is the second busiest in Israel (after Ben Gurion Airport) and has replaced the former Eilat Airport and Ovda Airport for civilian traffic. It also serves as the primary diversion airport in Israel. The airport is located 18 km (11 mi) north of Eilat, next to Be'er Ora.…
Georgia / Turkey Border crossing at Sarpi
Sarpi is a small village on the coast of the Black Sea of Georgia, on the border with Turkey. There is a border crossing point between Georgia and Turkey. Sarpi is the main land border crossing between the two countries and a major conduit for business travel, especially for Turkish companies doing business in Batumi. Sarpi is located about 12 km south of Batumi and about 20 km northeast of Hopa, Turkey. I used this border crossing quite often…
Shopping in Batumi: Metrocity Mall
Metro City Forum is one of the largest shopping and entertainment centers in Batumi in terms of its area. The building, with an area of over 35,000 sqm, with a unique design is becoming a new landmark for the area. A located bit outside of the city center, the shopping mall is reachable by public transport, taxi or if you prefer by walk. I wouldnt call it a shoppers paradise, more like an outlet with lower priced items and few dining options…
Tbilisi Hills Golf Resort with Residences
As the name suggests - Tbilisi Hills Golf & Residences is a place that offers golf and real estate. Kind of a millionaires oasis. But you don't have to be a millionaire to enjoy the perks of this place - playing the golf or at least having brunch or a menu at the restaurant. Price per gold seesions are quite afforable and you don't even have to be a club member to play some. Owned by an Estonian / Russian businessman Oleg Ossinovski,…