PARTNERS & PHOTOS

45 companies from 10 countries around the World supported the production of our travel documentary films!

During our travels we are very lucky with people! We were met in each country hospitably; people helped us in words and deeds. I write here about everyone who supported our project in this or that way. But my main rule is writing ONLY about those services and products which we tried ourselves and we loved them. And I am responsible for each my word!

Our thanks to:


Gajah Biru

Gajah Biru Bungalows and Spa – beautiful Villas in Ubud, Bali

We spent almost one month on the island of Bali and we drove it through the length and breadth with a motorbike. Let people talk what they want about Bali, but I love this island very much. Don’t be lazy, leave touristic places, then you will find enough secluded spots, authentic villages and untrodden pathways.

Our home in Ubud was beautiful “Gajah Biru” (“blue elephant” in translation). It was one of those places you don’t want to leave. We stayed at the cosiest bungalow with panoramic windows and a huge terrace. From the terrace I could see the roofs of traditional Bali houses and the pool where Anna was having fun. Surinder, the owner of the "Gajah Biru Bungalows and SPA", is one of the most hospitable person I’ve ever met! And the most creative one! You can see it in every detail of the interior – every picture is unique, every statue in the garden is one and only! And what about the café where breakfast was served – it was a whole museum of original ideas and design solutions! And the breakfast itself – it was not only the feast for taste receptors, but pleasure for eyes and soul! Our photos>


Coconut Garden

Coconut Garden Beach Resort, Maumere, Island Flores, Indonesia – stylish bungalows built right in the beach 

Coconut Garden Beach Resort was one of our personal highlights on the Indonesian island Flores. We crossed the island from west to east, from Labuan Bajo to Maumere. Mostly by hitchhiking as the buses were very rare. Flores is beautiful, still quite far from mass tourism, and therefore not rich in infrastructure and hotels where you’d like to stay longer. There we were, tired, hungry and dusty, at last at Maumere and found ourselves in hidden paradise of Coconut Garden Beach Resort. Check yourself>


 

LEGOLAND Malaysia Resort

Legoland Malaysia, Johor Bahru, Malaysia – our 8 - months - on the road - jubilee was a great fun!

Anna and I kept a tradition throughout the journey – every month we held a jubilee („1 month on the way“, „2 months on the way“ and so on). The jubilee in honor of „8 months on the way“ caught us in the city of Johor Bahru in Malaysia. I wanted to make a surprise for Anna and planned out a visit to a nearby LEGOLAND. (Truth to be told, the taxi driver blabbed my secret to Anna on the way there:).

It was an excellent jubilee! I must say that I don’t like this kind of entertainment and I went there only because of Anna. But in the process I must admit that I liked all those roller coasters, flights and  the shaking! I skipped like a child from one to the other attraction and squealed just as well as the kids. It was a very cheerful and naughty jubilee! Our pictures here>


balloon-chiang-mai

Balloon Adventures Thailand, Chiang Mai, Thailand – our first flight!

Chiang Mai, Thailand. Long before the sunrise I and Anna were riding our motorbike among dark rice fields to the place of our first balloon flight! The preparation for the flight itself was quite exciting – bright flame in the predawn, balloon growing right before our eyes… and all those things with live jazz music.

This sunrise from a bird’s eye view will be in our memory for long time! After the flight there was a giant breakfast buffet, champagne and the solemn certificate given ceremony. I still remember my feelings when we returned from the flight: warm wind straight to our happy faces, sensation of happiness as we had done something special, cheerful chirrup of Anna behind my back… for a long time the main topic of her conversations was our balloon flight. See pictures>


Komodo Islands Tour - last dragons, Island Rinca, Indonesia

This indonesian travel agency has organized for us a trip to Komodo dragons (the world’s largest living lizards, something like last dinosaurs) on the island of Rinca in Indonesia. These “pretty” creatures live exclusively on two Indonesian islands – Komodo and Rinca. We started at Labuan Bajo (the island of Flores), visited Rinca island and its inhabitants, then we were taken to the desert island à la Robinson Crusoe; there we were romping on the empty beach for the rest of the day. I must say that I can’t stand group tours (I can agree to a group tour only for the space flight;-), and this magnificent trip was organized only for two of us! Our pictures>


 

Trip Advisor

Da's Organic Farm and Thai Cooking School, Chiang Mai, Thailand 

In a small Thai village not far from Chiang Mai lives Da with his family. They have a nice garden where, in my opinion, there is every possible plant which grows at Thailand. Da teaches a course of Thai cuisine, in which Anna and I have taken part. Before the lesson we picked all the ingredients in the garden, then by combined efforts we processed them into a gorgeous Thai dinner of several dishes! I must confess that cooking has never been my strong point. However, after Da’s culinary experiments, I felt interested in cooking (at last!) and my cooking skills improved a lot!

Look, what great dishes we have done with Anna! Nice and delicious (I love this combination). Pictures>


Five Art

FiveArt in Ubud, Bali - Art School in a traditional balinese house! Very inspiring and creative!

While travelling we willingly tried and learned new things. Especially we were attracted by the Fine Arts (we visited a wide variety of big and small museums and galleries on our way). It was time to create something with our hands and we went to a small village Keliki near Ubud on Bali. There artist Wayan gave lessons in traditional for this region type of drawing. Anna drew the goddess Saraswati, I drew Ganesha. It wasn’t easy for us – impatient  Europeans - to trace thin lines and draw in detail… but finally we’ve done rather well! Again we had a worthy occasion to be proud of our achievements! Moreover, that day we were lucky to join the spouse of the artist for the traditional Bali ceremony. We learned a lot that day and learned first-hand. Some pictures and our masterpieces are here>


Gold-Sand-Beach-Bungalow

Gold Sand Beach Bungalow, Island Phu Quoc, Vietnam - idyllic right on the beach

Island Phu Quoc, Vietnam. After several very intensive weeks on the road we longed for peace and solitude to digest impressions and get new energy. We went to a comparatively non-touristic north-west  part of the Phu Quoc Island and settled in one of Gold Sand Beach Bungalows. Just near the sea. Peace and quiet. Only the noise of the sea… and (sometimes) of Anna 🙂 We got up at dawn to see the Sun and celebrate a new day start with a cup of tea at the beach. These dawns were unforgettable! And I won’t forget Son – the owner of Gold Sand Beach Bungalow! Not every day one can meet a Vietnamese man who speaks Russian fluently, got education at St. Petersburg University and spent his holidays at students’ construction team at the far north of Russia! And then many years later he built a nice bungalow at the sand beach of Phu Quoc and every day he himself and his family work for us – tourists – to make us happy! Our pictures>


Boutique HomeU-Tiny Boutique Hotel, Bangkok, Thailand - a beautiful oasis in crazy and amazing Bangkok!

We stayed at Bangkok several times, and each time our stay was so different: from colorful Chinese and Indian quarters to a very quiet and unhurried life among Thai people in one of the bedroom suburbs of Bangkok. We have our favorites  – places where we felt especially well! One of our favorite hotels in Bangkok is U-Tiny Boutique Home. It’s located in a quiet and green area of the city, not far from the international airport Suvarnabhumi. Tastefully furnished rooms, perfect state of cleanliness, great swimming pool and a beautiful garden - it is all about them! But most of all I was impressed by the warm welcome of the team. The staff of U-Tiny Boutique Home is definitely one of the best examples of Thai hospitality, politeness and benevolence! During our stay we didn’t see a single frown face, only cordial smiles and sincere kindness. Thank you, dear U-Tiny team, for such a warm welcome! We had a great rest and now we are ready for new adventures! Our pictures >


kamalar-palace

Kamalar Palace Resort Ayutthaya , Thailand - gorgeous villas in the heart of the former capital of Thailand

In the centre of ancient city Ayutthaya (a UNESCO world heritage site) there is Kamalar Palace. This is a settlement of 21 villas with a private road between them. There aren’t any external vehicles and thus no traffic noise. Only birds are singing and banana trees rustling in the wind. Mr. Kamalar hospitably offered us a villa of 200 m2. Two floors, three bedrooms, a balcony, a huge hall and a patio with fruit trees – all these at our disposal! It was quite inappropriate to stagger through the magnificent hall into villa. So we straightened our shoulders and unbent our backs (arched slightly due to the heavy rucksacks) ….and proudly stepped inside... continuation and our pictures >


Elephantstay

Elephantstay, Ayutthaya, Thailand - caring for elephants

In ancient Auytthaya we opened something new for us – elephant handling! This opportunity was provided by Elephantstay – non profit organization that takes care about retired old working elephants! Early in the morning we arrived at Elephantstay. It is located just a couple of kilometers from the center of Ayutthaya  that is why we decided to walk there. Our way was through authentic areas and colorful local markets… They were so attractive that we were almost late for our first lesson. 

Elephantstay team greeted us warmly, offered tea and coffee and provided a short induction course into elephant handling. For that single hour I learnt about elephants and related to them traditions and history  more than I knew in a lifetime. After a thorough safety instruction we were shown to “our” elephant lady... continuation and pictures >


Adagio Bangkok

Hotel Adagio Bangkok, Thailand - our stylish home in crazy Bangkok

We are very happy when we are in Bangkok. Amazing city! I always try to find accommodation at different areas and hotels to expand my vision so to say. We have some favorites – places which we didn’t want to leave. One of them is Adagio Bangkok. One of the best location in the city. Central part of Bangkok, 2 minutes walk from BTS Phrom Phong station, 3 minutes walk from huge shopping centers – Emporium and EmQuartier, 100 m from the famous Sukhumvit street with all the restaurants and many other attractions for any taste. Admirers of local non-tourist activities have an opportunity to dance with locals in the nearby park (Benchasiri Park). Everyday at  6 p.m. there’re  sport dance lessons. Sometimes we have hotels which we would like to leave as soon as possible. Our hands are packing our backpacks in few minutes, our legs are walking straight to the exit... But it was absolutely different with Adagio Bangkok  -  we didn’t want to go anywhere, it was so cozy and comfortable! Our only desire was to sit there with a book and a cup of tea... a lovely lazy sunday morning feeling... all day long. Our deepest thanks to the great Adagio team for the warm welcome and the great days in Bangkok! Our pictures >


Palms Green

Palms City Resort, Darwin, Australia - here we started our 8000 km journey through Australia!

We’ve reached Australia. It’s a completely new country, new continent and new stage for us. We’ve landed at Darwin at sunrise. It was magnificent and in spite of a sleepless night at the plane we were delighted. The delight of new discoveries! We also were happy to have an invitation from Palms City Resort and we knew we were expected there. At 6 a.m. we were warmly greeted at the hotel and moved in one of the houses. Can you imagine: a cozy, fully equipped house under the palm leaves with terrace, kitchen, barbeque and … with our own whirlpool surrounded by tropical plants! Wow! At 6.30 a.m we were happily hopping...  continuation and our pictures >


Big Mama

Big Mama Sailing, Townsville, Australia - unforgettable sailing tours around the Magnetic Island with many extras!

2017 was an excellent year! It deserved a decent seeing out! What a great send-off we had! We rounded beautiful Magnetic Island (Townsville, Australia) on the board of the most beautiful yacht the Big Mama.

The team of the Big Mama is a family of Lisa, Stu and Fletcher. How well and smoothly they worked! And how positive and happy they were! We jumped from the board of the Big Mama into the blue water, examined some coral reefs near Magnetic, did some kayaking, toppled from SUP – boards, ate delicious food, jumped into the ocean again and laughed a lot…  continuation and our pictures >


Aussie-House-Sitters

Aussiehousesitters, Australien -  we have found our housesit in Australia here!

After a long march along the northern part of Australia and several nights at our car among wild landscapes and kangaroos, we reached Townsville on the eastern part of Australia. We were dusty, tired but full of various impressions. We longed for the forthcoming rest and a couple of weeks of “normal life” to digest the impressions and plan where and how we go further and the most important how to celebrate the Christmas and Happy New 2018 Year! We wanted to meet it in comport and at home atmosphere! I organized all that continuation and our pictures >


Parasail

Bay of Islands Parasail, New Zealand - unforgettable flight over the ocean!

We are trying something new – parasailing! I’m anxious, but Anna is as calm as possible. A desperate shriek on start  - and we are in the sky! We’re floating above the Bay of Islands in New Zealand - a kind of huge parachute is above us, below us is a blue ocean and plenty of small islands. A long rope connects us and a tiny boat of Bay of Islands Parasail team. A dazzling blue sky on the right, Anna’s excited eyes and her broad smile on the left. I’m smiling from ear to ear too. We’re flying and smiling. A very special moment.

“Anna, you won’t forget our flying, will you? Even if we quarrel badly, please remember what we have experienced together…” I ask her. Continuation and our pictures >


Dolphin Seafaris

Dolphin Seafaris, Bay of Plenty, New Zealand - swimming with wild dolphins!

We joined two tours with Dolphin Seafaris in the Bay of Plenty, New Zealand. Our first trip was in  New Zealand summer, in february – perfect time for encountering dolphins!  We started in the port of Tauranga city, rounded the picturesque and very important for Maori mountain Maunganui - and there they were a group of dolphins near the boat! For the first time we saw wild dolphins so close – such beautiful creatures! They followed the boat for many kilometers – a fascinating spectacle! In wetsuits and masks we jumped into the water in small groups and touching the swim bars of the boat that slowly pulled us along the waves - we went underwater looking for dolphins. Read more and to the pictures >


Green-Wave-Raglan

Green Wave Raglan - our Surfing School in New Zealand

I was absolutely convinced that surfing was not for me. My arguments:

1) I should be in perfect physical condition;

2) I should practice for months just to catch at least one wave;

3) I should constantly fall face down into the cold salt water… oh, that must be very unpleasant;

4) Surfers are often eaten by sharks as they look like big yummy fishes from sharks’ point of view…

But Anna was not persuaded by my arguments and she often asked me when we would go surfing…

Anna: ”Look, how many people are surfing! Perhaps it is not so difficult! We are not worse than the others!” The last argument hurt my ambition. Continuation and our pictures >


House-Carers

Housecarers, worldwide - here we have found our housesit in Mexico!

We spent two great weeks in the Mexican town of San Sebastián del Oeste. It is a small settlement in the mountains at an altitude of 1480 meters above the sea level. Cobbled streets, old buildings, a beautiful church on a pretty plaza, tiny shops, colorful restaurants - San Sebastián del Oeste definitely has its own charm!

For us it was a kind of retreat in nature! The house we lived in was unique and absolutely amazing! Surrounded by a garden full of tropical plants and fruit trees - mountain views, and a natural pool with the purest cool water. This is the house of our dreams. We decided that if we were going to settle down somewhere one day - we would build this type of house - from natural materials, made of wood, stone and clay, with huge panoramic windows and greenery around, bright and sunny. Continuation and our pictures >


Choco-museo

Choco Museo Puerto Vallarta, Mexico - we learned how to make chocolate!

In the city of Puerto-Vallarta (Mexico, the Pacific coast) there is a chocolate museum – Choco Museo Puerto Vallarta. It goes without saying, we couldn’t help passing by and we even participated in the workshop “From bean to bar”. We learnt plenty of new information about the history of cocoa and the “chocolate” traditions of the indigenous people of Mexico! After the short introduction into the history of chocolate and familiarization with the traditional tools, we got started – we roasted cocoa beans, grinded them into powder, boiled them and immediately tasted delicious exotic drinks based on Maya recipes! Continuation and our pictures >


VILLAS-PAROTA

Villas Parota, Nuevo Vallarta, Mexico - fantastic, extraordinary villa!

Just few kilometers away from the international airport of Puerto Vallarta in the city of Nuevo Vallarta (Mexico, the Pacific coast) we discovered a fantastic place – Villas ParotaVillas Parota has several accommodation options and Villa la Ceiba became our home. When we stepped into the house, we stopped in amazement … WOW… and were amazed the whole week that we spent there! An absolute unique ambiente! The furnishings of the villa are extraordinarily beautiful – highest ceilings with almost royal chandeliers, spacious rooms, amazing decorations and paintings! A superb bathroom! Every woman’s dream! Continuation and our pictures >


Flying Pictures

Flying Pictures, Teotihuacan, Mexico - amazing balloon flight over pyramids!

Our next dream has come true! We can hardly believe it, but we already are in the huge colourful hot-air balloon of Flying Pictures high in the sky. It is an early morning: the settlements and forests are misty, the air is fresh and cool; we are basking in the rays of the rising sun and near the open flame that heats the air of our balloon. We are rising higher and higher until we are floating above the ancient pyramids of Teotihuacan - the huge pyramid of the Sun, next the pyramid of the Moon... we are looking at these eternal constructions from above, and our faces are shining with joy! And not only ours - all the passengers in the balloon are radiant with delight and can’t stop clicking their cameras!  Continuation and our pictures >


Hom For

HomFor Viaducto, Mexico - our cozy home in Mexico City.

HomFor Viaducto has become our home in Mexico City. This is a complex of apartments located just in the middle between the international airport and the city center. It took us 10-15 minutes of relaxed walking to the metro station and 5 metro stops to the old city of Mexico. (A note for ladies traveling on their own - there are special wagons  for women and children in the metro of Mexico City. It is more safe, quiet and spacious there. Ladies-wagons are usually situated at the end of the train, there are signs on the platform.) Continuation and pictures >


NANAVIDA-Hotel-Boutique

NanaVida Hotel Boutique, Oaxaca, Mexico - stylish and beautiful in the heart of Oaxaca! 

"NanaVida!" is an exclamation of joy in the language of one of the indigenous groups in the Oaxaca region, Mexico. When things are going well or something great happens, they shout "NanaVida!". When they receive good news, they exclaim: "NanaVida!"

In the city of Oaxaca there is a hotel that has the same name - NanaVida Hotel Boutique! We stayed there, and I can assure that the name is very suitable for the place! 

NanaVida Hotel Boutique is located in the central part of Oaxaca city, but it is built in such a way that all the windows and doors overlooking a quiet, cozy courtyard and garden with fruit trees. It is very quiet in the rooms; the night life of the city does not disturb the sleep of NanaVida guests. We stayed at this hotel for five days and enjoyed every moment! Our morning began... Continuation and our pictures >


Las Mariposas Hotel

Las Mariposas Eco Hotel, Oaxaca, Mexico - committed and environmentally conscious!

I have never seen a hotel like this! The team of the Eco-Hotel Las Mariposas makes "bricks" from plastic bottles, which will be used as building material for houses for families in needs in Mexico! In addition, they collect milk packaging which further will be used for walls insulation in the houses. There is a container for collecting special plastic (mainly plastic bottles' caps) in the lobby. Las Mariposas sells this plastic (some factories use it for producing furniture) and the money goes for buying wigs for cancer patients! And this is not all - Las Mariposas supports many very human projects, there are many letters of appreciation and awards on the walls around! Las Mariposas is one of the first hotels in Oaxaca which began to produce its own electricity by installing solar panels. The water supply system of the hotel is arranged in such a way that it allows collecting rainwater in the cisterns for further use. Rain water is used not only for watering plants in the garden, but also for cleaning the floors! The amazing Theresa leads Las Mariposas. Practically from nothing she created this Eco-Hotel  in 35 years of work! Continuation and our pictures >


Spanish Immersion School

Spanish Immersion School, Oaxaca, Mexico - we had our spanish classes here and a lot of fun!

I enjoy learning! It is very important for me not just to move from place to place, but to learn something new and useful during our journey around the world, to experience the culture of each state as far as we can and to communicate with local people. Therefore, we travel mainly by public transport, eat where the locals eat and avoid tourist routes and tourist entertainments. 

It is much easier to travel like that if one knows at least a couple of words in the language of the country. Therefore, in Mexico, in the traditional city of Oaxaca, we decided to start learning some Spanish. We booked a one-week course at the Spanish Immersion School. This school is located in the old town of Oaxaca, just two minutes walk to Plaza de la Danza. From the hotel we stayed (NanaVida Hotel Boutique) we walked around 10-15 minutes.

We were warmly welcomed by Lazaro Continuation and our pictures >


Dollar Thrifty

Dollar-Thrifty, Mexico - here we have got a great off-road vehicle!

Dollar-Thrifty, one of the biggest rental car companies in the world, supported our film project! At the airport of Cancún, Mexico, we got a practically new car to continue our trip through beautiful Mexico! We traveled by the car for 16 days and visited many amazing places on the Yucatán Peninsula! It was a big and reliable SUV Jeep vehicle. Suddenly our trip became so comfortable – no need to pack backpacks every day and to carry them on our fragile backs. We loaded the huge trunk with food reserves for every possible life situation and started our drive with a loud song – we were happy and felt like Nomads Deluxe!

From Cancun we drove along the Caribbean coast to the south of the country... Continuation and our pictures >


Anah Leasing

Anah Suites, Playa del Carmen, Mexico - luxury apartments on the Caribbean Sea.

Aparthotel Anah Suites Playa del Carmen (Caribbean coast of Mexico) is ideally located - just a few minutes' walk to the main street and to the beach, but at the same time away from the touristy part of the city. That was very important to me, because I really appreciate silence and privacy. It was very quiet at night, no one and nothing disturbed our sleep. The ferry station to the Cozumel Island is a 15-minute walk away. And just within 3 minutes of walking there is a huge supermarket. In this part of the world we traveled by car that is why a reliable parking was important for me. Anah Suites has a private underground garage which guests can use without any additional charge and there is no need to reserve it in advance.
The building is modern and everything is new. We lived in a huge 3 level apartment, with two bedrooms, a terrace surrounded by greenery, a fully equipped kitchen and a hydromassage bath... Continuation and our pictures >


Casa Ambar

Casa Ambar, Tulum, Mexico - a designer hotel on the Caribbean coast.

On the way from Cancun to the south of Mexico we stopped in Tulum on the Caribbean coast for a couple of days. We stayed at Casa Ambar in the heart of the trendy coastal street in Tulum, just one minute's walk to the white sandy beach. We stayed in a room with a terrace facing directly to the jungle. This place became our favorite - we had our regular tea-times and lengthy conversations with Anna, sitting there and enjoying the nature directly in front of us. Beautiful!
The hotel Casa Ambar is built in harmony with the surrounding nature, even huge palm trees are growing in the lobby. Ecological awareness is one of the priorities of the hotel team. Casa Ambar produces itself the largest part of electricity it needs by using solar panels, composts  biological waste and recycles all glass, cans and plastic. The sustainable water system in the hotel converts sewage waste water into... Continuation and pictures >


Explorean Kohunlich

The Explorean Kohunlich, Mexico -  All-Inclusive Luxury Resort by Fiesta Americana

For 5 hours we were driving the car through the storm, heavy rain, lightings, closed roads because of the car accident and with only one eye (the second was swollen due to the insect’s bite)… That was a day! But it was worth it! We achieved our next destination The Explorean Kohunlich and there…

– We were met with flowers and strawberries with chocolate!

– Our photos were at the beds in the bungalow prepared for us!

– There were words of greetings in Russian in the room! 

We were delighted! We beamed with happiness and gratitude! We arrived at The Explorean Kohunlich at about 5 pm, but we managed to eat because lunch there was till 6 pm. Then at 7 pm there was dinner! The table decorated with flowers was laid for us; we were offered delicious dishes! What a gorgeous welcome! Continuation and our pictures >


Casa Kaan

Casa Kaan, Xpujul, Mexico - an idyllic bungalow complex in the mexican jungle

On the way to the pyramids of Calakmul (one of the largest preserved Mayan pyramids!) we settled in a wonderful place Casa Kaan near the town of Xpijul, Campeche region, Mexico. Hotel Casa Kaan is located away from the main road and the town, there are several bungalows with a huge private area surrounded by untouched jungle. We were cordially greeted by the owner of Casa Kaan Nicholas and led to our house "Aguacate".

This place is just a fairy tale! Here we are, deep in the Mexican jungle, but at the same time enjoy all the comforts of modern life... Continuation and our pictures >


Palaya Selva

Playa Selva, Tulum, Mexico - a dreamlike resort right in the beach of the Caribbean!

My birthday was exactly as I wished it this year!

– I wanted to wake up without an alarm clock in a lovely place by the sea. And I woke up in the beautiful and cozy house in Playa Selva right on the the Caribbean beach… awakened by the sun and the sounds of the sea…

– I wanted to eat my birthday cake sitting on a snow-white beach. And I had it. For breakfast!

– I wanted a quiet day without unnecessary movements. Just some time to think, sum up and make plans for the future. And I had a perfect place for this program – a hammock on the terrace with the view on the Caribbean Sea in the house of Playa SelvaContinuation and our pictures >


Kite Boarding

Extreme Control Adventures, Tulum, Mexico - Cenotes, SUP Boarding, Kiteboarding and much more to learn and to try!

Cenotes are systems of underground rivers formed naturally from the collapse of limestone caves. This natural miracle can be seen only at the Yucatan Peninsula in Mexico. There are about 6000 thousand cenotes around in this region! And most of them has not even been studied. The people of Maya were very sensitive to these underwater caves, according to their beliefs, the cenotes were the entrances to the other world and a connection to the afterlife. They used them as a place for ritual ceremonies and sacrifices. With Extreme Control Adventures team we went to one of the cenotes in the Tulum region. 

Each of us got a stand-up puddle board (SUP) and we started off. Anna was already familiar with SUPs, she paddled really fast and confidently and even performed some yogi-like stands on it. Continuation and our pictures >


Tulum Diving

Tulum Diving and Travel, Tulum, Mexico - our first encounter with sea turtles!

During our trip around the World, Anna and I saw many miracles! Two of them were organized for us by the team of Tulum Diving and Travel! (City of Tulum, Mexico)

In the morning we went by boat along the Caribbean Coast, and after enjoying the great view of the ancient Mayan city in Tulum from the water, we went further to a beautiful reef. We jumped into blue waters, and there the first miracle was waited for us – huge sea turtles!
It was our first time with sea turtles ever! And we did not just stare at them but could come very close and swim with them! Sea turtles are so amazing and cute, how beautiful and harmonious they are moving! Some huge skates joined our company too ... Continuation, our video with the turtles and pictures >


Villa Teresa

La Villa Teresa, Havanna, Kuba - an exceptional hotel overlooking Havana

La Villa Teresa is located on one of the highest hills in Havana in the suburb Vibora. The magnificent building is 100 years old! But it did not always look so gorgeous. Silvio and Jenny, a young family, bought the nearly ruined villa a few years ago and rebuilt it. After three years of reconstruction La Villa Teresa is now open for guests. It is a unique hotel in Havana! I can hardly imagine how much work, energy and will were invested in this project! In Cuba, where buying simple things for everyday use could be a real challenge! I respect people who are able to build something valuable out of almost nothing! La Villa Teresa is located in a very quiet residential area in Havana, in a small street with almost no traffic. The center of the city is easy to reach by taxi (for those who prefers comfort), or by public bus (for those who like some adventures for a very reasonable price). We always took a bus and were very pleasantly surprised. Continuation and our pictures >


 

Sukhayus Cherai Beach Ayurveda Resort

I have wanted to reward myself with Ayurvedic treatments for a long time. And since the birthplace of Ayurveda is Kerala, India, I considered this region. I researched throroughly and settled on the Ayurvedic resort of Sukhayus Cherai Beach. 

Because:

1) The location of the resort Sukhayus Cherai Beach is unique - on a narrow isthmus between one of the best beaches of Kerala (Cherai Beach) and backwaters with fishermen with boats and regionally unique Chinese nets... Read the full report and see our pictures > 


 

Aquasail 360 - Sailing school in India

My daughter Anna (12 years old) really wanted to learn sailing a sailboat.  It took me a long time to find a good and safe sailing school; I surfed the Internet, read many reviews and analyzed feedback. In the end I’ve decided that India is quite good for this purpose. Here are some basic reasons why I have chosen this wonderful country:

  • Warm ocean any time of the year!
  • No sharks!
  • Very reasonable price in comparison with Europe, Australia and the USA!
  • We craved to ride India and we needed one more appropriate excuse!

Aquasail 360 is a sailing school number 1 in India! And this is not my humble opinion; this title is reasonably grounded for several reasons below... Read more and look at our video and pictures >


Arco Iris Boutique Hotel – the rainbow you’ve never seen!

While travelling in India, we discovered a unique place  - Arco Iris Boutique Homestay. This hotel is so different from all other numerous and popular Goa hotels. It is located off the beaten touristic tracks – in small Goa village Curtorim in South Goa.

Arco Iris Homestay is fenced by a huge garden full of birds. The majority of tourists don’t even suspect that Goa can be so peaceful and quiet.

This manor house is more than 2oo years old and it was built by the Portuguese long long time ago at the colonial period. Arco Iris house is furnished with unique antiquarian furniture from different parts of India; as for the building itself is was reconstructed so that to immerse you in the atmosphere and splendor of colonial times. Arco Iris Homestay is a real museum with only one difference -   you can use the exhibits actively  - sleep in the 200 years old bed or rock in the creeping chair, which is a contemporary to the bed. Read more and look at our pictures and video >


Sur La Mer Resort is a very special hotel, so unique and unforgettable!

Anna and I spent at Sur La Mer Resort one wonderful week and several times went to visit the owner of the hotel Aneel, when our Goa trips were through Morjim. The atmosphere here is wonderful, I had a holiday feeling all the time as if Christmas and Birthday coincided. And in the evenings, when the lights were on, beautiful music sounded and the hotel sparkled against the sunset, I was just delighted with beauty and the atmosphere of Sur La Mer! Read the entire report and look at the pictures >


Rajasthan with Janu Private Tours

Usually I do everything myself: plan the route, think what places of interest to see, organize the lodging, food and "spectacles". But in Rajasthan it was all different. I entrusted myself into skilled hands of Janu from Janu Private Tours. They think everything over and organized a great trip for us. I didn’t poke my nose into anything. I trusted. Our entire report, many pictures and a special interview >


SEOFIED - a digital marketing agency headquartered in Bangalore, India.

SEOFIED company has more than 80 employees who work in digital marketing  and SEO worldwide. SEOFIED has been helping me for 1.5 years with the SEO of my "English version of this website". Since I don't know much about SEO myself, I am very happy to have delegated this part of work to the SEOFIED company. The team is super disciplined, punctual, responsible an reliable. They delivered all work in time and sometimes even disciplined me if I was late with providing materials. It is a pleasure to work with SEOFIED. Our project is growing and I am very thankful for the help!  Here is my video review>


Skyrock Dahab - where Art, Nature and Sports meet - at the Red Sea in Egypt

Skyrock Dahab is located in a quiet part of the town, in Assallah. In just 3 minutes walk you will reach the Assallah Square with local shops and markets. In about 5 minutes  walking you will enjoy the tourist part of Dahab - the pedestrian zone with many restaurants, shops, diving schools and yoga studios.

Skyrock Dahab is located directly on the Red Sea, just 5 meters from the private beach, equipped with loungers and parasols... To our report, pictures and video >


Sheikh Ali Dahab - where charming local history meets modern comfort

We are travelling around the World for more than 4 years now and have "tested" many hotels, also in Egypt. Sheikh Ali Resort is definitely one of the best in Dahab! And one of our absolute favorites! Here we lived like princesses! 

Sheikh Ali Dahab Resort is a historical place. The father of the hotel owner Gabaly - Sheikh Ali (the hotel was named after him) was the first person who invited tourists to this area many years ago. In times, when there was almost nothing in Dahab except of desert. He founded the very first camp for travelers in the region. It was the beginning of tourism in Dahab. Read our entire report with pictures >


 

Only One Apnea CenterSharm el Sheikh

We chose the Only One Apnea Center because: 1) This freediving school offers individual lessons - adapted to the needs of the students and their goals. (other schools only offer courses according to certificates such as AIDA / PADI Level 1, 2, 3.)

2) This is the oldest freediving school in Sharm el Sheikh! Marco Nones, the founder and the owner of Only One Apnea Center, was the first person who started teaching freediving in Sharm el Sheikh in 2007. During this time he trained a lot of freedivers (from beginners to professionals) and organized various international freediving competitions and championships.

3) Read or complete report with pictures and videos from the course >


I love hotels with a story behind or with some unique concept. Our hotel in San Cristobal - the Ganesha Hotel - has both!!

The Ganesha Hotel is absolutely beautiful and not a mainstream hotel! You have the feeling that you are not in Mexico at all, but in India! I really had that Himalayan feeling there and really enjoyed it!
Each room in the hotel is dedicated to an Indian god or goddess, is also decorated accordingly and color thought through. Even the furniture is from India! Read our report with pictures >


A recommendation for travellers, who wish a fully care-free time in the Costa Rican jungle - Rancho Naturalista! Rancho Naturalista is one of the most famous lodges for birdwatching worldwide! And is one of the finest lodges in Central America! Perfect for nature-lovers and people, who enjoy a quiet and serene green surroundings. The lodge is located deep in the rainforest. Jungle as far, as the eye can see. Our travel report with pictures and an interview with the owner is here >


Olas Verdes Boutigue Hotel Is located directly at the Guiones Beach. That's the quiet and less touristic part of Nosara. Here is the exact location on map.
Olas Verdes Is the perfect choice:

- For surfers who want to have it luxurious and comfortable during their stay. The beach in Nosara is one of the best for surfers, also very good for beginners. The hotel has its own surf school. It is a 3 to 5 minute walk to the beach.

- For yoga - friends who want to live nice and quiet in nature. The hotel is located in the jungle and has a yoga hall in the countryside with everything you need for yoga.

Our travel report with pictures, a lot of information about the area and a video from Nosara is here >