5 Life Lessons I got from 1 year of War
Today, on the 24th of February, is a grievous anniversary. Like many Russians, I decided to leave Russia after the war with Ukraine started. This is always a painful experience as you leave your friends and your cozy home to start a new life with all its challenges. Though, this year taught me valuable lessons … Continue reading
Colombia
I recall my visit to Colombia some times ago before the pandemic with nostalgia. Many travelers rank this Latino America country as one of the best destinations in the world. No wonder why, as Colombia has it all: magnificent landscapes, rich biodiversity, historic architecture. First, never mix up Colombia and Columbia again! The US State … Continue reading
How Not To Be Disappointed by the Lake Baikal
The Baikal Lake is not nicknamed the Pearl of Siberia for no reason. I had very high expectations when going there for the first time in my life this autumn. I must confess my emotions far exceeded what I was prepared to see. If, like me, you like adventures and are ready to fully grasp … Continue reading
Iran
With its big territory and many landmarks, Iran appealed to me for a long time. I’ve been often thinking of taking three weeks to explore it as much as I could. But planning for perfection never works. It’s better to take a small bit now than hoping for a long trip with no fixed date. … Continue reading
The Faroe Islands
The Faroe Islands are a jewel of nature in the middle of the Atlantic Ocean. Let the pictures that you are going to see give you the desire to discover this place and meet their welcoming inhabitants. Traditional grass-roofed loghouse in Kirkjubour. There are only 52 thousand inhabitants on the Faroe Islands, but you do … Continue reading
Israel
Israel is real! Thanks to the numerous bank holidays that Mother Russia generously offers, I seized the opportunity and discovered Israel. It’s been a few weeks since I came back and I now realize how helpful the trip was. It helped me to understand quite a few things about the situation in Israel, its history, and the … Continue reading
Tips for Making your First Time in Japan more Comfortable
The Kasuga shinto shrine in Nara Going to Japan was haunting my dreams for more than a decade. Japan is a long distance flight; I should thoroughly prepare my trip, I thought. What if people don’t understand English and will be unable to help? Perfection paralysis made me postpone for years my decision to book … Continue reading
Norilsk and the Putorana Mountains
In a new attempt to go off the beaten track, I felt thrilled, when I was offered to go above the Arctic Circle to a remote place accessible only by air, and closed to foreigners. Have you ever heard about Norilsk? Norilsk is an industrial city in Russia, about 400 km north of the Arctic … Continue reading
The sweet taste of Armenia
Last week, while having lunch at my company cafeteria, my colleague Ashot was surprised when I told him that last weekend I went to Yerevan, his native city in Armenia. Indeed, Armenia would not come immediately in mind for a recreational trip, but this is definitely a country you should visit if you like authentic … Continue reading
Wine on the Burgundy Canal
This small post is not about a fareway, exotic place. It is about a travel out of time in the good old France, along the Canal of Burgundy and the Cote d’Or vineyards. Calmly stretching along hills, forests and fields, walking along the the Canal of Burgundy brings you a feeling of peace of mind. … Continue reading
When pigs fly 