nagorno karabakh gandzasar hike

Visiting Gandzasar Monastery Near Vank, Nagorno Karabakh

While backpacking in Nagorno Karabakh, there are more sights to see and things to do than I first imagined. In the end 3 days and 3 nights in the region wasn’t enough, but we did squeeze in some awesome stuff in that time. Having a choice between Dadivank and Gandzasar Monasteries (we didn’t have time Read more about Visiting Gandzasar Monastery Near Vank, Nagorno Karabakh[…]

turkey visa and stamp

Getting a Turkish Visa on Arrival at Istanbul Airport, Turkey

I was in Turkey in November 2013 and I now believe the rules on a Visa on Arrival have changed for certain nationalities, so please try not to follow this guide which may not be current and do leave comments if you have any new updates for myself and other travellers to Turkey. Instead, I Read more about Getting a Turkish Visa on Arrival at Istanbul Airport, Turkey[…]

balaken exit azerbaijan

World Borders: How to Get From Azerbaijan to Georgia (Balaken to Lagodekhi)

Having spent 10 epic days in Azerbaijan, it was time to head back to Georgia. We were heading early morning, north west from the city of Seki (Sheki) and aiming to be in Sighnaghi in Georgia by the afternoon. Here’s an overview of our journey which saw us use the Balaken to Lagodekhi crossing – Read more about World Borders: How to Get From Azerbaijan to Georgia (Balaken to Lagodekhi)[…]

askeran fortress nagorno karabakh

Visiting Askeran Fortress in Nagorno Karabakh

This place is completely off the wall (excuse the pun). Here’s an overview on visiting Askeran Fortress in Nagorno Karabakh. When backpacking in Nagorno Karabakh, nothing will be normal or even remotely straight forward. My journey to Askeran could have been made easier by getting a direct Marshrutky from Stepanakert out to the site. However Read more about Visiting Askeran Fortress in Nagorno Karabakh[…]

why not hostel tbilisi georgia

Why Not? Legend Hostel : My Favourite Hostel in Tbilisi, Georgia

You’ll know I’m a hostel freak when I go backpacking and I found a great place to base myself for over a month in Tbilisi, Georgia! The Why Not? Legend Hostel is a superb place to socialise, hang out, sleep and relax. You can stay on the top floor in a massive room, basically one of the Read more about Why Not? Legend Hostel : My Favourite Hostel in Tbilisi, Georgia[…]

facebook ice cream

Friday’s Featured Food: Facebook Ice Cream in Yerevan, Armenia

Friday’s Feaured Food time on Don’t Stop Living. So you picture the scene. I’m walking nonchalantly through the streets of Yerevan, Armenia’s capital city. I’m on Northern Avenue. The sun’s beating down, it might be the last warm day of 2013. So I decided to have an ice cream. On arrival at a local ice Read more about Friday’s Featured Food: Facebook Ice Cream in Yerevan, Armenia[…]

ministry of foreign affairs stepanakert

How to Get a Nagorno Karabakh Visa in Stepanakert

I write this blog post live from the Republic of Nagorno Karabakh. Nagorno Karabakh is a country which is basically recognised by no-one but itself, and Armenia. As far as backpacking goes, you will need to get a visa to visit Nagorno Karabakh. It is classed separately to Armenia, and the country itself sits on Read more about How to Get a Nagorno Karabakh Visa in Stepanakert[…]

penthouse hostel armenia

Staying in Armenia’s Best Hostel!! The Penthouse Hostel in Yerevan

It has been a pleasure to stay in the best hostel in Yerevan while backpacking in Armenia recently. It could well be the first time I’ve stayed in a hostel voted best in the country (as recommended by Hotsel World). So if you ever find yourself in Armenia looking for a hostel, head to the Read more about Staying in Armenia’s Best Hostel!! The Penthouse Hostel in Yerevan[…]