After a thrilling Carnival week in Rio de Janeiro, we arrived in São Paulo on a night bus and took a taxi to our hotel. We had booked a stay at Hotel Piratininga. Something felt off about the place. Centrally located, somewhat upscale, with 24-hour reception, and a generous free breakfast, it was somehow cheaper than various shitholes on the outskirts. It sounded too good to be … [Read more...]
One Week in Rio de Janeiro during Carnival
I'm not great at keeping track of the calendar. Before social media started reminding me, I barely remembered my own birthday, let alone festivities in distant lands. It wasn’t until we landed in Rio de Janeiro in early January that I realized—by sheer coincidence—we were just a month and a half early for the city’s legendary Carnival.Our original plan was to head straight to … [Read more...]
Armação dos Búzios, RJ, Brazil: Our Day-Trip Itinerary
Armação dos Búzios, commonly known as Búzios, is a picturesque seaside town on Brazil’s Costa do Sol, about 30 km from Cabo Frio. Once a quiet fishing village, it gained international fame after Brigitte Bardot visited in the 1960s, transforming it into a sought-after beach destination. The town is known for its 23 stunning beaches, each with a unique character, from the calm … [Read more...]
What to Do in Cabo Frio, RJ, Brazil: Our Day-Trip Itinerary
Cabo Frio is a coastal city in Brazil’s Rio de Janeiro state, known for its pristine beaches and colonial history. Its most famous stretch of sand, Praia do Forte, is lined with soft white dunes and overlooked by the 17th-century São Mateus Fort, a remnant of the region’s Portuguese past. The city is also home to a thriving seafood scene and lively markets, where you can find … [Read more...]
Two Days in Astana: Kazakhstan’s Futuristic Capital City
Astana, now the capital of Kazakhstan, was formerly known as Akmola and later Tselinograd during the Soviet era. In 1997, the capital was moved here from Almaty as part of President Nursultan Nazarbayev’s vision to develop a more centrally located and strategically positioned capital. The following year, the city was renamed Astana, which simply means “capital” in Kazakh. Over … [Read more...]
Two Days in Karagandy: the Industrial Heart of Kazakhstan
Karagandy (or Karaganda) is one of Kazakhstan’s largest cities, known for its coal mining heritage and Soviet-era architecture. Once a major center of the KarLag labor camp system, the city has a complex history tied to Stalin-era repression, which is commemorated in local museums. Despite its industrial roots, Karagandy has developed into a modern city with parks, theaters, … [Read more...]
Three Days in Almaty: Kazhakhstan’s Cosmopolitan Former Capital
Almaty, the largest city in Kazakhstan, is a cultural and economic hub set against the backdrop of the Trans-Ili Alatau mountains. Once the capital until 1997, it remains the country’s most vibrant urban center, known for its wide boulevards, green spaces, and mix of Soviet and modern architecture. The city’s name comes from the Kazakh word for apple, and the region is believed … [Read more...]
Two Days in Bishkek: Kyrgyzstan’s Vibrant Capital City
Bishkek, the capital of Kyrgyzstan, is a dynamic city where Soviet influences blend with the traditions of Central Asia. Set against the stunning backdrop of the Kyrgyz Ala-Too Mountains, it’s a place of wide boulevards, green spaces, and a vibrant urban atmosphere. The city is known for its relaxed vibe, friendly locals, and thriving markets where you can find everything from … [Read more...]
One Day in Cholpon Ata: Kyrgyzstan’s Beach Resort Town
Cholpon-Ata is a serene lakeside town on the northern shore of Issyk-Kul, one of the largest and deepest alpine lakes in the world, located in Kyrgyzstan. Known for its dramatic mountain backdrop and clear blue waters, this small resort town has a blend of natural beauty and cultural significance. One unique feature of Cholpon-Ata is its collection of ancient petroglyphs—rock … [Read more...]
What to See in Karakol, Kyrgyzstan
Karakol, a small town in eastern Kyrgyzstan, is nestled between the towering Tien Shan mountains and the shores of Lake Issyk-Kul, one of the largest alpine lakes in the world. Originally founded as a Russian military outpost in the 19th century, Karakol has grown into a hub for travelers seeking both cultural experiences and outdoor adventures. Its unique blend of Kyrgyz, … [Read more...]
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