I heard from many friends and fellow travelers that Morocco is amazing and a true "must-visit" destination. But what struck me was that while they were all talking about the same country, they were excited about completely different things. Some were captivated by medieval cities with bustling Oriental bazaars, as if coming straight from "The… Continue reading Not So Obvious Morocco: Unveiling Places Most Tourists Miss
The Most Underappreciated European Country: Bosnia & Herzegovina
When I talked with friends about plans to visit Bosnia & Herzegovina, most of them would ask: "To visit what?" The other common reaction was: "Really? Why bother?" Situated on the Balkan Peninsula, Bosnia & Herzegovina (informally known as "Bosnia") is a country in southeastern Europe. With a population of about 3,5 million and a… Continue reading The Most Underappreciated European Country: Bosnia & Herzegovina
Spring in Taiwan
Trip to Taiwan (April 2025) was among my best travel experiences over the past decade. In this post, you will receive an answer to the question: "Why so?" Taiwan is an East Asian island nation which lies in the Pacific, with China to the west, Japan to the north, and the Philippines to the south.… Continue reading Spring in Taiwan
An Ancient Monastic Community in the Heart of California: New Camaldoli Hermitage in Big Sur
Big Sur is one of California's most iconic areas. Here, in the rugged and undeveloped section of Central Californian coast, Santa Lucia mountains rise abruptly from the Pacific Ocean. There is only one road to come here and explore: the narrow and winding Highway 1. It takes visitors into mesmerizing blend of dramatic cliffs, bizarre… Continue reading An Ancient Monastic Community in the Heart of California: New Camaldoli Hermitage in Big Sur
Dinagat Island: Blessed with Tranquil Nature, Friendly People and Mystical Faith
Philippines is the nation of about 7,000 islands, but most tourists flock to just a few destinations: like Boracay, Palawan, Coron, or Bohol. And - luckily for more inquisite travelers - they completely miss Dinagat. Unlike its close neighbor Siargao - the "surfing capital" of the Philippines - Dinagat remains undiscovered, offering an escape into… Continue reading Dinagat Island: Blessed with Tranquil Nature, Friendly People and Mystical Faith
A World on Its Own: the Outer Hebrides Islands (Scotland)
Luckily, there are still places in Europe where the nature feels untouched and the past history continues to deeply penetrate today's living. The Outer Hebrides islands of Scotland are definitely one of such places. Ocean, rocks, green pastures, and sheep are most common features of landscapes here The stern but stunningly beautiful landscapes of Hebrides… Continue reading A World on Its Own: the Outer Hebrides Islands (Scotland)
Only One Day in Hong Kong
Many people would ask: "Why 'ONLY ONE DAY' in Hong Kong? Is it not worth to stay longer?" The answer is: "Absolutely. Hong Kong is a great place to immerse yourself in a cultural blend of East and West. It is also safe, clean and relatively inexpensive (by the U.S. standards)." One more interesting fact… Continue reading Only One Day in Hong Kong
The Beautiful “Dead-End” of the Philippines: the Batanes Islands
After my trip to Port Barton on Palawan (read the story HERE), the "lost in time" island of Culion, and the "healing" island of Siquijor, I felt in love with the Philippines. Consisting of 7,641 islands, this country has a lot to offer to anyone: pristine beaches, abundant marine life, picture-perfect emerald rice terraces, majestic… Continue reading The Beautiful “Dead-End” of the Philippines: the Batanes Islands
Port Barton (Philippines): the next “Goa” is about to emerge?
First thing first: where is Port Barton and why is this reference to Goa? Port Barton is a village on the northwestern coast of Palawan island. Palawan island is located in the southwestern Philippines - the country comprised of about 7,000 islands. As to comparison with "Goa," it is one of the states in India.… Continue reading Port Barton (Philippines): the next “Goa” is about to emerge?
The Town which Has Everything (Even a “Secret” Orthodox Christian Church): Vezelay, France
A first-time visitor to France is NOT likely to choose Vezelay as his/her prime destination. Indeed, why to bother and go to a small (population 400) provincial town, which is far from major tourist destinations (125 km / 80 miles to Dijon, 250 km / 170 miles to Paris) and relatively hard to reach because… Continue reading The Town which Has Everything (Even a “Secret” Orthodox Christian Church): Vezelay, France
Alexei on the Road 