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Kenya: Africa’s Untouched Paradise
Time slows down in Kenya while yesterday’s deadlines and the noise of the big megapolis become irrelevant and remote. After a 9-hour flight from London, I finally land in Nairobi, where the sun is scorching and a dry wind blows in my face. Throughout my trip, I try to soak it all in – the amazing landscape, which changes from savannah to green oasis and tropical flora, the sights of exotic animals and birds everywhere, and the diversity of architecture – from giant trade centres to modest huts and street mini-markets. Kenya is a colourful kaleidoscope – a mix of modernity and traditions, exotics and simplicity, different cultures and traditions.…
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Queen’s Diamond Jubilee: Street Sketches
They say “a picture is worth a thousands words” and I completely agree. Although I have lots of impressions (some of them you can read here) from the Diamond Jubilee celebrations that lasted 4 days, I thought I would simply post photos I snapped around London to show you the autmosphere during the festivities. Some smart people carried ladders to ensure best view Many windows had some kind of patriotic display A very interesting looking guy in the crowds Thames Flotilla begins Check out gondolla in the middle Yes, right at the moment of Royal Barge my camera battery died! Many stores had something prepared for the Jubilee Everyone was…
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TSV Tips: Travel Light or How to Pack Like a Pro!
Moving every few years and not wanting to lag heavy luggage around, as well as paying additional charges for extra weight, has taught me over the years to travel light. I have even earned compliments from my travel companions, men in particular, who sometimes had more luggage than me. For short vacations to Italy, Spain and Portugal, Turkey, Grand Canaria and Malta I went just with a small backpack. How did I do it? Well, my answer is less can be MORE and packing has to be strategic! Today, I am sharing my practical tips on how a female traveller like myself can pack for a short summer vacation (4-6…
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72-Hour Guide to Malta: Maltese Cross, Fishing Boats, Crackers, Cats, and Much More!
Watching Eurovision 2012, I saw a twitter post: ‘Please vote to Malta, they are the smallest nation in Europe’. That’s right! Malta is a tiny nation in the Mediterranean (only 316 sq km covering three islands) and today the story is about my recent visit to Malta. The idea to visit it came up spontaneously – I wanted a short break from non-stop studying and to spend a ‘girls only’ weekend with my friend who lives in Austria. Not knowing what to expect from Malta apart from sun and sea, I hopped on the EasyJet flight from London and in 3 hours landed in Malta’s International Airport. Already from the…
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72-Hour Guide to New York: “Sex and the City” and Much More
(translated from Russian, originally published in Marie Claire Ukraine) IN ORDER TO FEEL NEW YORK THROUGH, YOU NEED A DIFFERENT APPROACH. COME HERE FOR A COUPLE OF DAYS, WALK ALL DAY LONG AND DON’T STOP FOR SECOND. There was a time I didn’t like New York! Every time I came to visit friends, I complained about its crazy pace, dirty streets, rats as big as cats and huge tourist crowds. But then fate has brought me to New York for work and surprisingly to myself, I fell in love with the city. Yes, in New York the head always spins from the skyscrapers, Times Square lights blind your eyes and…
