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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…
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…
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…
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…
Kakhaberi Restaurant: A Culinary Gem Near Bibliani
In early January 2025, during a weekend trip to Gudauri, we stumbled upon Kakhaberi restaurant near Bibliani. What a discovery it turned out to be! Nestled along the route to the mountains, this place is a treasure trove of authentic Georgian cuisine, offering a delightful mix of great food, efficient service, and genuine hospitality.Our experience was memorable from the moment we stepped in. The food was not only amazing but also served…
Erisoni Restaurant in Gori
During my recent visit to Gori, I had the pleasure of dining at Restaurant Erisoni, a place I wouldn’t have discovered if it weren’t for a friendly recommendation. The night before, while enjoying a cup of coffee at Georgia Hotel Gold, I struck up a conversation with David, my business partner. As we chatted about things to do in Gori, I asked for some tips on must-visit spots, and without hesitation, David insisted that I should check out…
Karavela Restaurant: A Cozy Gem Near Tbilisi Sea
For years, we’d been eyeing Karavela, a charming restaurant perched near the Tbilisi Sea. The idea of stopping by lingered in our minds, especially during our many drives around the area back in 2019-2020 One memory stands out vividly—driving around the serene waters with our toddler daughter in her baby seat, hoping the gentle motion of the car would lull her to sleep. Each time, we’d search for a decent spot to dine but somehow never made it…
Tbilisi Museum of Illusions & Holloseum
At the start of February, we spent a delightful afternoon exploring the Tbilisi Museum of Illusions and Holloseum. Our little one, having already visited the museum a few weeks prior with her class from the British International School of Tbilisi (BIST), enthusiastically suggested we go as a family. Given her excitement, we couldn’t resist!While sipping on a late latte at Entree on Marjanishvili, I decided to book a taxi, and soon we were off to…
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 simply enjoy the sound of the waves.We visited Culva Beach on the recommendation of our hosts at Maria…
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 never experienced it firsthand—until now.Back in 2011, when I first relocated to Georgia, Schuchmann Wines was already on my radar. Nestled in the heart of Kakheti, near Telavi, it seemed like the perfect place…
Margao Market, Goa: Spices, Sweets, and a Slice of Local Life
We decided to take a relaxed day trip to Margao, thanks to our host at Maria Guest House in Palolem Beach, who kindly organized everything. The main event? A visit to Margao Market. It turned out to be a short but fascinating experience, filled with sights, smells, and tastes that left a lasting impression.The moment we stepped into Margao Market, it felt alive. The place buzzed with activity—vendors calling out their prices, customers haggling…
Khushi Indian Restaurant in Tbilisi: A Cozy Spot on Kostava Street
If you’re on Kostava Street in Tbilisi, keep an eye out for Khushi Indian Restaurant, a nice little place serving Indian food. It’s right next to Medi Dental Clinic (my go-to dentist) and close to where the Gladius Jiu-Jitsu Club used to be. Funny enough, a few years back, this spot was home to a Czech restaurant. Now, it’s all about Indian spices and flavors.I tried their Fish Masala and Garlic Naan, and while I can’t claim to be an expert in…
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 and rich history. I was fascinated by the performances and surprised to learn that Lavrentiy Beria, a key Soviet figure, was involved in its development.Today on my Facebook feed appeared post in Georgian, and…
Qavalli Aerocity Indian Restaurant in New Delhi
At the start of 2025, during a short stay in New Delhi, I had the pleasure of discovering Qavalli Aerocity Indian Restaurant. Located in the vibrant Aerocity area, this dining spot stands out for its inviting ambiance and mouthwatering Indian cuisine. As someone who follows a primarily vegan diet but still enjoys fish occasionally, I was eager to see how the menu catered to my preferences—and it did not disappoint.The highlight of my meal was…
Eternal Boutique in Calangute
Nestled in the vibrant streets of Calangute in North Goa (Holiday street), Eternal Boutique is a delightful store that exudes charm and creativity. Discovered during our first trip to India in late 2023/early 2024, this boutique quickly became a favorite for its unique selection of dresses and accessories. It’s not just a store; it’s an experience that lingers long after you leave Goa.The boutique is run by Dolma, a warm and welcoming lady from…
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 stunning views of Prague Castle and the city's skyline, the bridge is a timeless symbol of the Czech capital…
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. While the hotel might seem a bit outdated at first glance, its reasonable rates and convenient location made it a solid choice for our needs.Hotel Belvedere sits in a prime spot with a range of conveniences nearby.…
St. Vitus Cathedral and Viewing Tower in Prague
In mid-October 2024, we took a family trip to the charming city of Prague. With so much to see and do, we had a packed itinerary, but it was during one of our casual walks around the city that we stumbled upon a true gem — St. Vitus Cathedral. Located within the grounds of Prague Castle, the cathedral’s Gothic towers immediately captured our attention. And while we didn’t initially plan on visiting, the sight was so captivating that we couldn’t…
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 per night, the Art Hotel offered a comfortable yet reasonably priced stay, and we booked directly through the hotel’s website. We also had to pay a small city tax upon check-out.The Art Hotel is nestled in a…
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 7K path. But even with the varied distances, we all agreed on one thing—Tsodoreti Lake and its surrounding woods had a unique charm. As we caught our breath by the lake, my partner made a casual yet intriguing…
Axel Georgian Business Angel Networking Event: Exploring Opportunities in Tbilisi
In mid-October 2024, I had the pleasure of attending the Axel Georgian Business Angel networking event, held right here in Tbilisi. Having passively observed the Georgian tech scene for over a decade, this event provided the perfect platform to witness firsthand the innovation and ambition fueling the local startup ecosystem. With TerraMatris Crypto Hedge Fund now in full swing, my focus has shifted to both raising capital and scouting promising…
Maika.ge: My Favorite Print Shop in Tbilisi
When it comes to reliable print services in Tbilisi, Maika.ge is my go-to choice. Located at Dinamo Arena, Gate 10, this small yet efficient print shop has been my trusted partner for several years. Whether for the translation business, Caucasus Translations, or more recently for TerraMatris Crypto Hedge Fund, their service has always impressed me.Most of the custom prints I order for Caucasus Translations are designed by myself, and here's a…
Vaclav Havel Airport Prague
In mid-October 2024, I had the opportunity to visit Vaclav Havel Airport in Prague for the first time, traveling from Tbilisi to Prague with a layover in Riga on AirBaltic, Latvia’s national carrier. The trip was part of a journey that allowed me to explore the airport’s facilities and discover how easy it is to navigate the city from there.Vaclav Havel Airport, though serving one of Europe's most popular tourist destinations, felt compact and…
Kiketi Farm Near Tbilisi: A Hidden Gem for Family Fun
In mid-September 2024, my better half and I stumbled upon a delightful escape just a short drive from Tbilisi—Kiketi Farm. I must admit, I was pleasantly surprised by what this charming farm had to offer. From a cozy restaurant to engaging activities like horseback riding and arts and crafts for kids, Kiketi Farm proved to be an ideal spot for a family-friendly outing.Nestled in the serene countryside near Tbilisi, Kiketi Farm is a refreshing…