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72-Hour Guide to Berlin: Berlin Wall, Flea Markets, Checkpoint Charlie, van Gogh and Apple Strudel
Before I went to Berlin, all I heard from my friends was “Oh, you will love it. It’s such a great city”! Millions of tourists flock there from all over the world and now I understand why. Berlin is probably one of few cities I have visited where recent history, to which you and I can relate, is so apparent and in your face. Throughout the city you can feel the pain that Berliners themselves have endured and the pain the country caused to others. Yet, you can feel city’s resilient spirit and sense of hope. Berlin is also a city of contrasts and divisions: it’s very German in some…
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New York: Sex and the City (in Russian)
Published in Marie Claire Ukraine February 2011 issue
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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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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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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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Great Skin on a Student Budget
Wanna see what cheap beauty products I picked for my skin in 2013? Read my article originally published in AGI Magazine (Dec-Jan issue).
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Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan: Return of the Prodigal Daughter
Every time I land in Bishkek, I am filled with mixed feelings – excitement and worry. On one hand I look forward seeing my family and friends, on another – I always wonder: will I connect with the city? Will it recognize and welcome me, the prodigal daughter who has left it in the end of the 1990s? I have visited Bishkek in the last couple years several times. I hardly go to new trendy places and popping everywhere Western-style cafes. Instead, I look for clues to put together in my mind the image of the city I used to know. I have grown up and moved on, so did…
