3 Days in Paris: The Perfect Itinerary for Your Visit
Paris is a perfect city to spend a couple of days. The challenge is, there are so many things to do.…
Welcome
Hello everyone! I’m Valeriya. I believe that our world is incredibly beautiful, and we need to try to visit every corner of the globe. There’s always some amazing story, possibly even a mystery, hiding below the surface.
What’s my dream vacation? Someplace warm, with a long golden beach, palms swaying in the gentle breeze, and the high blue skies. But I’d also be perfectly happy at an archaeological site, art museum, or hiking in the mountains. Basically, anywhere I can find some cool things to see and learn about.
Discover best family activities around the globe
Everywhere I go, I try to be on the lookout for fun activities to do for families. My daughter and I do a lot of exploring and we are always happy to share our experiences with other families. On my blog, you will find posts which feature interesting activities to do with kids in Paris, Dubai, Tashkent, Sharm el Sheikh, Washington DC, Orlando and other cities. As I keep traveling and exploring, I will continue adding new destinations. Stay tuned!
Explore the best places in the world to visit
Check out my expat blog about Uzbekistan
5 Day Washington DC Itinerary – History, Hiking, Art and Culture
I moved to DC about two decades ago and never regretted it. Washington is a wonderful place to live …
7 Day Ultimate Orlando Itinerary for Families
Orlando, FL is a magnet for families with kids. The city houses over 18 different amusement parks wh…
The Pamplemousses Botanical Gardens in Mauritius – Visitor Guide
The Pamplemousses Botanical Gardens were opened in 1770. The land for the gardens was chosen much ea…
La Pirogue Mauritius – Hotel Review
If you love Africa, visiting the gorgeous island of Mauritius is a must. It offers so many natural w…
Top Ten Things to Do in Mauritius with Kids
If you visit the island Mauritius, you will quickly discover that there are many things to do with k…
Ten Interesting Facts about Mauritius
Listing ten interesting facts about Mauritius is easy. This small island in the middle of the Indian…
Packing List for Drive, Chip and Putt Golf Tournament
The Drive, Chip and Putt junior golf tournament only happens once a year. So, it’s important t…
How to Prepare for Drive, Chip and Putt Tournament
Drive, Chip and Putt is one of the most popular junior golf tournaments. In order to sign up your ch…
Best Time to Visit Uzbekistan
The best time to visit Uzbekistan will depend on two main factors. First, the objectives of your tri…
Top Ten Things to Do with Kids in Tashkent, Uzbekistan
Tashkent has a lot of great places to visit with kids. This is not surprising, given that Uzbekistan…
Where to Find the Best Plov in Tashkent, Uzbekistan
Uzbekistan is famous for its plov. Both locals and foreigners enjoy eating it. In Tashkent, there ar…
Institute of Sun – Interesting Day Trip from Tashkent
Tashkent offers ample opportunities for day trips. One of the attractions which you can see while vi…
Living in Tashkent: Comprehensive Guide for Expats
When our family was planning to move from the US to Uzbekistan for a couple of years, we read a lot …
Sukok Forest – Perfect Day Trip from Tashkent
Sukok Forest is a great place to visit if you want to go hiking near Tashkent. Everyone will agree: …
Best Restaurants in Tashkent, Uzbekistan
Even before I moved to Tashkent, I knew that Uzbekistan was famous for its food. After spending almo…
Detailed Guide to Visiting Fergana Valley, Uzbekistan
Uzbekistan is famous for many impressive historical landmarks, so Samarkand and Bukhara are some of …
Pyramids of Giza & Cairo Tour – Detailed Guide
Are you interested in visiting the Egyptian pyramids? If so, our recent experience with the Pyramids…
Fifteen Interesting Facts about Uzbekistan (by an Expat)
Are you considering visiting or relocating to Uzbekistan? If so, it’s a good idea to learn som…
From Travel to Fiction: How I Wrote a Novel Inspired by my Trips
I’ve always been an avid traveler, but the idea of writing fiction novels inspired by my trave…
Amirsoy Ski Resort in Uzbekistan- Detailed Visitor’s Guide
If you happen to be in Tashkent in winter and like alpine skiing or snowboarding, you are in luck. A…
Ten Mistakes to Avoid When Visiting Dubai
Everyone who has been to Dubai will agree: this place is incredible. It’s a city like no other. A to…
Top Ten Things to Do with Kids in Dubai
Dubai is a paradise for families with kids. If you want to have fun and are willing to pay for it, y…
Jaz Belvedere Resort, Sharm el Sheikh – Hotel Review
Our family stayed at the Jaz Belvedere Resort, Sharm el Sheikh in the fall of 2024. This five star r…
Best Hotels and Resorts in Sharm el Sheikh, Egypt
Sharm el Sheikh boasts many excellent hotels and resorts to choose from. Here, you will find large r…
Diving and Snorkeling with Kids in Sharm el Sheikh, Egypt
Sharm el Sheikh is a world famous snorkeling and diving destination. Consequently, if you come here,…
Rano Eco Village – Lovely Day Trip from Tashkent, Uzbekistan
Rano Eco Village is located about 40 km away from Tashkent in the Parkent district, making it ideal …
Top Ten Reasons to Visit Sharm el Sheikh, Egypt
Sharm el Sheikh is a renowned tourist destination on the Red Sea coast of Egypt. I visited it multip…
Titanic – the Artifact Exhibition in Orlando, Florida
The Titanic artifact exhibition in Orlando is a great place to visit if you want to take a little br…
Bukhara, Uzbekistan: The Ultimate Visitor’s Guide
Bukhara is an ancient city which strikes the visitors by its beautiful architecture and relaxed atmo…
The Hope Diamond and other Famous Gems in Washington DC
You’ve probably heard of the iconic Hope Diamond. But do you know the incredible history behin…
Tips for Visiting Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History
Without doubt, Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History is one of the best museums in DC. Its …
Complete Guide to Smithsonian National Zoo in DC
The National Zoological Park (or simply National Zoo) is one of the best places families can visit i…
NOVA Wild – Interactive Zoo in Reston, VA
NOVA Wild is an interactive zoo located in Reston, VA (about 40 minute drive from DC). It’s a …
National Museum of the American Indian in Washington DC
The National Museum of the American Indian is a great place for families to spend their morning or a…
Landmarks of Paris: La Madeleine
The Church of Saint-Marie-Madeleine (or simply La Madeleine) is a famous Catholic church in central …
Landmarks of Paris: The Pantheon
The Pantheon is a monumental structure with a large stone dome situated in the Latin Quarter of Pari…
Disneyland Paris: One Day Itinerary
Is it worth visiting Disneyland Paris for just 1 day? Many families come to Paris for only one week,…
Top Ten Things to Do in Paris with Kids
Paris is a fantastic city to visit with kids. In this post, I’ve listed ten activities which a…
Zaamin National Park in Uzbekistan – Tips for Your First Visit
Zaamin National Park is usually not on the radar of tourists who visit Uzbekistan. Let’s face …
Magic City Tashkent – All You Need to Know Before Your Visit
Magic City Tashkent (“Tashkent Disneyland”) is a modern amusement park in Tashkent that …
Ten Must See Artworks in Paris and Amazing Stories Behind Them
Paris has thousands and thousands of incredible artworks in its collections. It’s impossible t…
Chateau de Fontainebleau: Ultimate Visitor’s Guide
If you are visiting Paris, one of the best day trips you can take is to see the Royal Chateau de Fon…
Golf in Tashkent
Tashkent offers great opportunities for playing golf. The weather in Uzbekistan is quite mild, with …
Guide to Visiting Bongoyo Island, Tanzania
Visiting Bongoyo Island is one of the best day trips you can take in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania. Bongoy…
Our First Six Months in Tashkent
Moving to a new country is never easy. Saying goodbye to your friends, relatives and favorite places…
An Unforgettable Trip to Zanzibar
When my work first took me on a trip to Zanzibar some years ago, I felt incredibly lucky. I was fina…
Winter in Tashkent
This is our family’s first winter in Tashkent. We moved to Tashkent from Washington DC in Augu…
Tashkent Zoo – History, Exhibits, Activities, Pictures of Animals
Visiting Tashkent Zoo is one of the best activities for families in Tashkent. It’s perfect for…
Five Things to Do and See in Abu Dhabi
When I think about Abu Dhabi, several things immediately come to mind. Stunning mosques. Gorgeous pa…
Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque in Abu Dhabi
I immediately spotted this masterpiece when I was in a taxi, going to my hotel from the airport in A…
First Junior Tennis Tournament in the US- Tips for Parents
At 7 years of age, my daughter Elizabeth has just completed her first junior tennis tournament in th…
Guide to Visiting Uganda
When I think about Uganda, many things immediately come to mind. First, the gorgeous weather all yea…
Perfect Family Vacation in Jekyll Island, GA
Jekyll Island is an amazing place to visit. It has rich history, great hotels, awesome restaurants, …
Beautiful Kyiv-Forever in my Heart
The golden domes of the Saint Sophia Cathedral glittering in the sun. The snow-white flowers crownin…
Hryhoriy Skovoroda-a Famous Ukrainian Writer, Minimalist, and Avid Traveler
Ukrainian literature is beautiful and rich. It boasts a long list of famous writers and poets. I was…
Crimea–the Beautiful Gem You’d Want to Visit Some Day
Crimea has always been a very special place for me and my family. We used to go to the southern coas…
War in Ukraine-a Glimpse of Hope in the Darkness
Ever since February 24, 2022 happened, the lives of all Ukrainians changed forever. We found out wha…