Asia
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Armenian cuisine – lavash, apricots and the best breakfast ever!
Armenian cuisine due to Armenia’s location combines the influence of neighbouring countries. Turkish and Iranian flavours dominate the west side, while the cuisine in the east of the country combines Georgian and Russian influences. Armenia is not a popular tourist destination, so in most places ordering food can be quite challenging. Besides Yerevan, English is practically not used, and the only option to determine what will land on our plate is Russian, unless someone speaks Armenian ? In fact, to be honest, when I think about Armenian cuisine I get back to a certain morning in the village of Tatev, in the south of Armenia, near the ′′ border ′′…
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Tel Aviv, Caesarea, Haifa, Acre, Rosh Hanira – western Israel
Tel Aviv was the first point of our exploration of western Israel. After a visit to historic Jerusalem, the capital of Israel surprised us with modern architecture. Due to the small amount of time, we decided to see this town from the coastal perspective, more specifically from the old Jaffa port area. This place looked amazingly, especially at sunset. On the other hand, from the boulevard, located right next to the port, we could admire the view of the vast beach and the strict centre of Tel Aviv. However, Tel Aviv surprised me the most by its large number of interesting murals. Tel Aviv is well worth visiting because it…
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Northern Israel – Sea of Galilee, Nazareth, Tzafad
Northern Israel is the main destination for many pilgrims coming to the Holy Land. Beyond Jerusalem here are the main points of the Christian religion, known from the New Testament. We started our trip with Nazareth, where Archangel Gabriel told Mary that she would have a son, whom she was to name Jesus. The main purpose of the trips here, is Basilica of the Annuciation – a place where according to the beliefs the annunciation took place. Basilica is one of the most important temples for Christians, right after the Church of the Holy Sepulchre in Jerusalem and the Basilica of the Nativity in Bethlehem. Basilica is huge and significantly…
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David Gareja – the story of a certain stormy journey
Everything was supposed to look completely different. I was planning to visit David Gareja on the first day just after arrival to Georgia. After visiting the monastery and we were planning to go to Ganja in Azerbaijan. The biggest problem in organizing a tour to Georgia, Armenia and Azerbaijan was the car. Armenia and Azerbaijan are at war and the border between them is closed, but that it’s not a problem because you can get to both through Georgia. The problem is finding a rental car company that allows going to these two countries. Finally we managed to find one, it had good rates and response was immediate. Before leaving,…
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Parks in Moscow are quite cool!
After visiting Moscow, it’s best to relax in one of the many interesting parks which are scattered around the city. Moscow parks are not only the places where you can relax, there you can also find many nice viewpoints and outdoor galleries. Excellent views of the Kremlin, the Cathedral of Vasil the Blessed and the Moscow river can be seen from the special platform platform in Zaryadye park. The amazing Panorama of Moscow can be seen from the Sparrow Hills, which you can access by the cable car from the Luzhniki Stadium. The hills are 721 ft high what makes them the highest point in Moscow. The visit can be…
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Bethlehem, the Palestinian Authority and the separation wall
Bethlehem is located in the West Bank of Palestine. The name West Bank refers to a geographical location, as this area is situated on the west side of the Jordan River. Bethlehem is the cradle of Christianity. It was founded in 338 and is one of the oldest cities in the world. The proper name of the city is Beit Lechem, which in translation from Hebrew means House of Bread or House of Meat in Arabic. Despite numerous tensions and political uncertainty, the city is visited every year by millions of tourists and pilgrims who want to see Christ’s birthplace. It is located in the so-called Gortto of the Nativity…
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Western Armenia, must – see places, part II
The next destination in Armenia, just after the Armenian Stonhenge (which I wrote about in the first part) was Monastyr Tatev. As we’re getting closer and closer, the road became more and more winding and mountainous. On the other hand, visibility decreased with every meter covered, actually directly proportional to the disappearing asphalt on the road. Aside from the fact that we were heading to the most popular monastery in Armenia, it looked like it was one of those places in the middle of nowhere. Tatev Monastery is mainly famous for its spectacular location in the Vorotan Canyon. The initial plan included a ride to the site by one of…
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Armenia – places you won’t forget, part I
Armenia, a country in the shadow of Georgia is still sort of being skipped by mass tourism. Actually, it was one of the many reasons why I wanted to see it so much. I’ve been to Georgia twice and I like this country in my own perverse way, although the last visit left no illusions. Tourism in Georgia is becoming a money-making machine and it would be nothing wrong if this country was also betting on the quality of the services offered. Meanwhile, Armenia is an excellent alternative to commercial Georgia. Why is that? Firstly, I won’t hide, it’s cheap, secondly it’s close to us in a cultural way, thirdly…
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Kazbegi and Georgian Military Highway
I started my trip to Kazbegi just after sunrise. I want to return to Tbilisi on the same day. One-way trip takes about 2 and a half hour, plus I have to take into account the time for climbing to the famous Holy Trinity Church. I shouldn’t have problems to manage it. After getting off at Didube Metro station I went straight to the bus station. There are two ways to get to Kazbegi. Cheaper option is a marshrutka, the cost of singe tickect is 10 GEL – 3€. However, I took a little bit more expensive option – private bus for 15 GEL – 4,3 € one way (supposedly…
