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3 Top Recession Alternatives to a Hotel Stay
In the times of economic recession and trying to find alternatives for a cheaper travel (think budget airlines), a hotel stay for many avid travellers just doesn’t cut it. They are often too expensive, while lacking originality, personal touch and ways to meet/socialize with fellow travellers. So, then nomads like myself consider alternative places to crash for the night during the travel. Today, I am sharing my experiences with three great and affordable (or even free) types of accommodation: hostels, Airbnb flats and Couchsurfing. Hostel For travellers on the budget but who don’t want to give the idea of a hotel entirely, I would recommend hostels. Even though sceptical about…
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Kenya: Following the Footsteps of a ‘White Masai’
This week was about Masai memories…I came across pictures of fashionista Olivia Palermo in Masai Mara, working together with a Spanish footwear brand Pikolinos on the 2013 Maasai Collection campaign and it brought some sweet memories I wanted to share. Adorned from head to toes with Masai jewellery and accessories, Olivia looked amazing as ever. This project, which seeks to provide Masai community with alternative sources of income while supporting their traditional craft making, combines fashion with development – two things I truly care about. I too have fallen in love with the Masai and their beautiful culture and traditions. My most prized possession from Kenya, a beaded multi-tiered necklace,…
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TSV Tips: A Simple Shirt Saves a Day!
So you are travelling and realized you forgot your cool dress or a top. What to do? If you are travelling with a male companion, better your boyfriend, borrow his shirt and make yourself a fashionable outfit in few mins. Just watch and learn!
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72-Hour Guide to Morocco: Marrakesh
Visiting Morocco has been on the top of my travel list for years so when a friend of mine and I came up with an idea of a short trip to clear our minds from constant PhD writing, I immediately suggested going to Marrakech. It ticked all the boxes: it was warm and sunny (unlike cold and grey London!), relatively cheap and only 3 hours away by air. A month later, with tickets in hand and full of excitement, we set off for our short adventure. Day 1 On my journey from the airport to hostel, I already felt warm breath of the evening air, while silhouettes of tall palm…
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La Vie En Rose: Getting Ready for Spring with Floral Perfumes
While the winter is still in full swing and it has even snowed in London this year (shocking!), I am already looking forward the spring. One way to get in the spring mood is to wear floral perfume and today I open up my bathroom cabinet to reveal my own collection of floral scents. L’Occitane Pivoine Flora Eau de Toilette Roll-on Again, another L’Occitane great product that can travel with me anywhere since it’s only 10 ml. Peonia Eau de Toilette is made of peony extract from the south of France and captures the subtle aura of this beautiful flower. This luxurious portable roll-on contains a more intense version of the fragrance…
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TSV Tips: Making Keepsake for Chinese New Year!
Today is a Chinese New Year! This year is a year of Snake so I decided to make few keepsakes as good luck charms for 2013. I made snake Father Frost (Russian Santa Clause), Snegurochka (Father Frost’s granddaughter and helper) and snake ballerina (since I wanted to become one as a child). But you can make any character you wish as they are easy and fun to make. You just need to use your imagination and creativity! You will need following supplies: Thick felt (preferably white or bone colour) Thin felt (different colours) Pencil Round cup Threads (different colours) Needle Scissors Glue-on wiggle eyes Cotton ball Other accessories, such as feathers,…
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‘Hybrid’ Kids: Identity in the Age of Globalisation
Growing up, I felt like an ugly duckling, an experience with which I am sure many mixed kids can relate. For me, half Russian, half Kazakh, born in Soviet Siberia, raised in Kyrgyzstan, and now an American living in London, identity has always been a complex issue. Even today, when people ask where I am from, it takes me a moment to answer what seems a simple question. While sometimes I long for a strong cultural identity, and one place to call home, I’ve also come to appreciate my unique background, and feeling a true ‘citizen of the world’. Usually you hear that mixed, or ‘hybrid’, kids, born into intercultural…
