#What is the best time to visit Armenia?

[lionheartlr]

Discover Armenia: A Travel Guide to the Land of History and Hospitality

Armenia, nestled in the South Caucasus region, is a country of ancient history, stunning landscapes, and rich cultural heritage. With its friendly locals and a blend of traditional and modern experiences, Armenia offers an unforgettable travel adventure. This guide will walk you through everything you need to know for a perfect trip to this enchanting land. Brief History of Armenia Armenia…

[pedripics]

Pedri via Residency - May 28, 2024

What is something you still want to accomplish in life? - " A lot of things. I am still very young or do you already want to kill me?"

Favourite teammate at Barça? - "I am close with the group in general but Ferran"

Do you play any instruments? or would you like to learn how to play one? - "Better not for the sake of the rest of the people. I like to listen to music but not much else" Favourite series or movie? - "Mi reno de peluche and the one about chapo guzman; favourite favourite is Prison Break and La que se avecina"

Do you know anything about Armenia? - "not too much, to be honest… but recently a very nice driver took me to a shooting was from there. His name was Ara"

Favourite moment of the season? - "It wasn't the best season. On a personal level, I would say the brace."

How do you deal with criticism? - "I try to stay out of it, although it's not always possible, of course... you have to try and keep going and keep believing in yourself"

How do you feel about being able to play for Spain after such a long time? - "Very happy. I haven't been able to play for Spain for a long time. Hopefully we will have great EUROs and also a great 24/25 season with Barça"

How did you feel after the brace? - "crazyyyyy"

"I always try to stop and sign, because I remember when I asked for signatures as a kid"

Plans for the summer? - "I hope to go on vacation, but in a month and a half… that will mean that we go far in the euro with the national team"

Have you eaten German food before? - "Yesss... a member of my marketing team is German and he made us German food a long time ago, with sausages and so on"

How is your English? - "I still have to improve a lot. Give me a few months and I will answer in English"

Do you miss doing anything in your daily life? - "I can't complain. I like to live in peace"

Would you like to go to China? - "Of course, yes. Althpugh in the season there is not really time for anything and during holidays I prefer to stay close and rest. Let's see if we ever have a tour in China"

How many trophies have you won? - "With Barça, La Liga, Copa and Supercopa"

Do you feel ready for the EUROs? - "Siiii"

5 UCL Trophies or a World Cup? - "I don't want to choose. I would like to win it all"

Would you like to play against Portugal in the EUROs final? - "Sure. As long as we play in the final, I don't care against who it is"

Pele or Maradona? - "Maradona... Because he played for Barça and my father told me about him when I was younger. I remember the day he died very well because it was my 18th birthday"

Have you been to New York? - "Yes"

Favourite team to play against? - "Obviously Barça" (he did NOT understand that question lmaooo back to duolingo it is)

Visit Uruguay? You have a lot of fans here - "Ronald also told me once... We'll have to listen to him, because otherwise he gets angry"

How was it going to the Spanish GP in 2022? Are you going this year? - "It was a crazy experience. I don't think I can go this year because it clashes with the EUROs"

Do you like going to concerts? - "I haven't been to many, honestly... I have yet to go to one of Quevedo's. And last year they invited me from Spotify to see Coldplay in Barcelona but in the end I didn't go and I regretted it a little. Teammates went and they love it" (who tf turns down coldplay tickets??? 😭)

Your dad is a great person. - "The best"

How do you feel about receiving so much love? - "Very proud and privileged"

Do you want to score for Spain during the EUROs? - "Clarooo. Let's see if I can make it happen, because I haven't scored for Spain yet"

Red or blue? - "Azulgrana"

Do you like to cook? - "I'm not very good at cooking... My brother and mother are much better"

Pedri or Pedro? - "Pedri... Pedro sounds strange to me. From a young age they already called me Pedri, because there was another boy in the team whose name was Pedro and it was to differentiate us... and everyone calls me Pedri"

What do you think of Alexia, Aitana and Marta? - "They are top footballers!"

Is it difficult to have a 'normal' life? - "It's not easy, but mine doesn't change that much because I really like to be quiet and at home"

Only fish or only meat? - "I prefer meat... but for nutrition, fish"

When you were a kid did you make trouble in class? - "I was more of a quite kid"

Who do you think will win the Golden Boy award? - "Well, I hope a Barça teammate. Lamine, and if not Cubarsi"

What inspires you to perform at such a high level on the field? - "I do what I like the most"

What do you think of your season at Barça this year? - "I was saying this the other day. It hasn't been an easy season and I hope the next one will be much better in every single way and we will win titles"

Have you ever wished to have a sister? - "My mother always wanted to have a daughter, but in the end she had to settle for Fer and me hahaha"

How do you feel for the EUROs? - "Very good. Better and better"

Blue or Black? - "Blue"

[mariacallous]

AGDAM, AZERBAIJAN—In a clearing between overgrown grasses, Khalid Zulfugarov opens a stack of wooden crates, each filled with bright chunks of metal that glint in the winter sun. There are shells, anti-tank mines, and cluster bombs with tail fins. Nearby, next to a crater blown in the earth, a 20-liter water jug is filled with thousands of bullet casings, piled together like spare change, the collected relics of a conflict that has ravaged this land for 30 years.

Zulfugarov, the head of an Azerbaijani mine disposal team, is picking through his contaminated homeland, sifting through the soil with sniffer dogs and metal detectors to find each tiny, potentially deadly fragment. As he does so, his memories of Karabakh rush back.

“This is where I was born. I studied here; I fought with my friends,” he says.

His ancestral village is Nuzgar, which is located 50 miles south of Agdam, the area that he is currently clearing. It was once a bucolic settlement on the fertile lowlands of the southern Caucasus, mostly home to farmers who tended the rich, arable land. During Soviet times, it was part of the Nagorno-Karabakh oblast, home to ethnic Armenians and Azeris such as Zulfugarov, as well as the vineyards that produced the Soviet Union’s best-known cheap wine.

But when communism collapsed, so did the peace in Karabakh. Newly independent Armenia and Azerbaijan fought over the territory. Neighbors became enemies, and as Armenian paramilitaries gained control, Karabakh’s entire population of 700,000 Azeris fled.

For the next three decades, Nagorno-Karabakh was governed by an ethnic Armenian administration as the Republic of Artsakh, an unrecognized country. Its shrunken, monoethnic population lived up on the mountains at its heart. Down on the plains, the abandoned Azeri towns and villages were looted and closed off to the world, becoming a buffer zone between Artsakh and Azerbaijan. A de facto 185-mile border was carved into the landscape with berms, barbed wire, and land mines. What was once vineyards became a barren no-man’s land.

In 1993, Zulfugarov, then a 19-year-old Azerbaijani conscript, fled Karabakh to Azerbaijan proper. There, he worked in construction before joining the national demining agency. For the past three years, he has been clearing the land just miles away from his home village of Nuzgar, yet he is still unable to return.

In 2020, after 26 years of relatively frozen conflict, Karabakh’s war reignited. Azerbaijan had turned into a gas-rich autocracy, and grievances over its loss of Karabakh had become central to its national story. Baku wagered that the geopolitical timing was right, and over the first nine months of 2020, it pumped up its military arsenal with $123 million of Turkish-made defense and aviation equipment. On Sept. 27, Baku launched a surprise offensive and recaptured the lowlands. Three years later, it launched a second offensive and seized the main city, Stepanakert, too. Nearly all of the region’s entire ethnically Armenian population fled, just as the Azeris had three decades earlier.

On Jan. 1 of this year, the Republic of Artsakh officially ceased to exist. The land that was once Nagorno-Karabakh is now fully controlled by Azerbaijan.

War and occupation have stripped the landscape of life and color; the ruins of Azeri villages are now the same beige-grey as the scrubby undergrowth, the once-fertile soil riddled with metal from tanks, shells, and bullets. The pomegranate trees are among the few things that survived from the old times, bearing yearly fruit that hangs unpicked until it bursts blood-red.

The area remains closed to the public, but Foreign Policy was granted access by the Azerbaijani government. (We were not given permission to visit some areas we requested, and Stepanakert is currently closed to foreign media.) We spent five days in the region, being escorted through a huge reconstruction project unfolding behind a curtain of checkpoints: demining sites, new villages, roads and airports, and reforestation projects, all being readied for former residents to return.

The fighting in Karabakh is now over, and the Republic of Artsakh is no more. But a new conflict—this time, centered on the region’s landscape and the scars that war has inflicted on it—is now underway.

Since the beginning, nature has been both a victim to and a weapon of Karabakh’s conflict.

Nagorno-Karabakh is the water source for much of the southern Caucasus. Tributaries of the major Aras, Kura, and Tatar rivers run through the region’s mountains and down to the plains of Azerbaijan. The Soviet-built Sarsang reservoir—once the biggest in the region—fell under the control of Artsakh in 1993. In September 2013, Baku filed a case with the Council of Europe, complaining that Artsakh was misusing Sarsang and intentionally depriving 400,000 people in Azerbaijan’s border regions of water. Baku’s case succeeded: In January 2016, the council called for Armenian forces to withdraw from the area around Sarsang to allow international teams to assess and repair critical infrastructure.

When Karabakh’s hot war reignited in September 2020, the landscape quickly became a focus of misinformation. Huge forest fires broke out on the front lines in the far north and southwest of the territory and close to Stepanakert. Fires are common in conflict, but these blazes were immediately weaponized. Azeri social media accounts accused Armenians of torching the trees as they fled the advancing Azerbaijani army. Armenian accounts accused Azerbaijani forces of starting the fires with incendiary weapons to provide cover for their offensive.

“Nowhere else has environmental misinformation been used at this level. It’s just off the scale,” said Eoghan Darbyshire, a researcher at the U.K.-based Conflict and Environment Observatory. He analyzed open-source satellite imagery and climate data and found that while the fires were almost certainly related to the conflict, proving who had started them and how was far stickier than the absolutist social media posts suggested.

By November 2020, Azerbaijan had recaptured the Karabakh plains, and Artsakh conceded the loss. Stepanakert remained in Armenian hands, while the rest of the territory was left with Azerbaijan. Russian and Turkish peacekeepers monitored the cease-fire. Although combat was over, the environmental dispute only intensified.

Following the cease-fire, Azeris began trickling back to the Karabakh plains to visit their homes for the first time in three decades, only to realize that the whole area had changed. The lush hilltop forests had been hacked away, and the water in the once-clear streams smelled putrid. Agdam’s ancient Oriental plane trees, which had been protected as state monuments since Soviet times, had been felled, and their roots were scorched. Azerbaijani officials say that Artsakh’s government caused the destruction—through some combination of pillaging Karabakh’s hardwood forests, opening a gold mine that leached pollutants into the water, and simple vandalism.

In March 2022, Azerbaijan’s government invited the United Nations Environment Program (UNEP) to assess the Karabakh plains. The UNEP documented 2,000-year-old trees felled, once-cultivated farmland abandoned, 52 new quarries or mines opened under Armenian administration, and extremely high levels of heavy metals in the Okhchuchay River, which flows from Karabakh to Azerbaijan.

The report that the program produced was meant to be for internal use only, but the Azerbaijani government released it publicly, using it as the basis for a new legal challenge. In January 2023, Azerbaijan announced that it would be filing another case against Armenia with the Council of Europe, this time alleging breaches of the Bern Convention, which governs the conservation of European natural habitats and wildlife.

Meanwhile, in December 2022, Azerbaijani eco-activists began blockading Stepanakert with pickets on the Lachin Corridor, the sole road running from the rump state of Artsakh to Armenia proper. Their complaints were the same as those made by the government: that Artsakh was illegally destroying Karabakh’s habitats. Baku said the protests were independently organized, and media organizations connected to the Azerbaijani state invited journalists in to report. Baku also engaged public relations firms to spread the news of the Bern arbitration.

In April 2023, Azerbaijan built a permanent military checkpoint on Lachin, cutting off all traffic in and out of Stepanakert—as well as the city’s gas and electricity cables. For nine months, Artsakh relied solely on the Sarsang dam to generate electricity. As a result, the reservoir, which feeds springs to the Tatar River and supports migratory birds, dropped to critically low levels.

Foreign Policy requested but was not granted access to the reservoir, but photographs shared with FP show the reservoir’s decline over the course of 2023. Steppes of brown banks drop sharply to the new water level, some 20 meters (65 feet) below what it was before the blockade. The ground left behind is sticky and infertile.

Karabakh’s environment is now a cornerstone of Azerbaijan’s image campaign as it pushes to reconstruct and repopulate the region as quickly as possible. At the COP28 U.N. climate conference in Dubai in November 2023, Baku showcased its plans for the reconstruction of Karabakh from a display in its wood-trimmed pavilion, decorated with pictures of tranquil lakes and mountains.

Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev has promised that new hydroelectric dams in the region will be generating 270 megawatts by the end of this year, and that a solar farm capable of generating 240 megawatts will soon begin construction. New houses are being fitted with solar panels, and dams and climate-monitoring stations are undergoing restoration. Huge replantation projects are already underway to regrow lost forests, and native species, such as the Eurasian gazelle, are being reintroduced after decades of localized extinction. Baku has pledged to prioritize environmental and climate concerns during this process and has committed to a net-zero carbon emissions target in Karabakh by 2050, when the reconstruction is expected to be completed. Eventually, Aliyev says, Karabakh will turn Azerbaijan into an exporter of green energy.

“The great return will be a green return. We want to focus on the future, what we can improve,” Umayra Taghiyeva, Azerbaijan’s deputy minister for ecology and natural resources, told Foreign Policy.

In reality, Azerbaijan’s environmental imperatives are clashing with political and economic ones. On the ground, the region is mostly a construction site as new villages and towns, thousands of miles of roads and railways, and even two new airports are being built from scratch. Convoys of diggers chug through the ever-expanding arteries of this newly disturbed land, kicking up dust and petrol fumes.

In Agdam, they are starting to claw down the pomegranate trees to make way for the newly laid-out city. According to UNEP reports, waste from the demolition of old buildings is being poured into landfills, and the construction of new roads is destroying even more of Karabakh’s forests.

Much of what has been built already is Potemkin-like. Brand-new buildings, conference halls, and village squares are silent and underused—a jarring sight against the ruins of the old settlements. The first batch of former residents who have returned and resettled have been willing to withstand a strange isolation for the prize of coming home. Their rebuilt villages lie at the end of the ruler-straight new highways, about a four hours’ drive from Baku. The populations are still tiny—in the thousands overall. Most places, however, are still mined; independent experts and the Azerbaijani government have estimated that more than 1 million mines have been laid in the area. As of April 2023, only 7 percent of the contaminated land had been cleared.

The only commercial flights into the new airports thus far are transporting delegations from Turkey—one of Aliyev’s biggest allies—whose constructors have won major contracts in Karabakh. The construction company Kalyon, which is controlled by in-laws of Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, is building roads, while another in-law has won the contract to build an agropark—part of Baku’s ambitions to turn the once-agricultural region into a high-tech farming hub.

Baku will ramp up its green public relations drive later this year when it hosts COP29—a bid that it won with Armenian backing. Unsurprisingly, given that Azerbaijan is also a major petrochemicals producer, some see this public commitment to sustainability as little more than lip service. Its ambitious promises in Karabakh will undoubtedly be scrutinized under the spotlight.

“It is one of the more powerful examples of state greenwashing. In a different world they could create a new national park, and create employment through environmental projects and tourism,” Darbyshire said.

Aliyev has gained popularity from his victory in Karabakh and its reconstruction; many of the region’s newly returned residents proudly showed Foreign Policy their photos with the president. Today, however, there is almost no political opposition left in Azerbaijan, and critics of the war tend to live abroad in exile. But in less guarded moments, many Azeris working in Karabakh raise an amused eyebrow at the stark differences between the old land and the new.

Demining is expected to take decades, and full reconstruction—let alone rehabilitating the landscape—will take longer still. By the time the region is a fully functioning part of Azerbaijan, it will likely be unrecognizable from the idyllic place where Zulfugarov grew up. Reconstruction is yet to start in Nuzgar, which is still inaccessible, but he is certain that he will move back someday.

“I don’t think of what happened here, I think of what it will become,” he says, gesturing to the diggers working on the horizon. “In five or 10 years, this can be one of the most beautiful places.”

[lizhengcn]

Gay trip in Caucasus countries

Georgia & Armenia, the Caucasus gay trip

Tbilisi, Georgia

For some personal reasons, I flied to Tbilisi from Shanghai on Mar. 10.

When I arrived at the immigration center of Georgia, the staff checked my passport more than 15 minutes than other passengers. I assumed that my photo on the new passport looks like an international the wanted offender.

I was allowed to enter Georgia after 20 minutes' passport check.

The airport pickup driver I booked online seemed impatient and didn't help me to unload my luggage when we arrived at my hotel.

The next evening I went to a chic restaurant called HOLY which is located in a chic area near their city center metro station Rustaveli.

Many local young chic people like hanging out here. If you'd like to see beautiful young local here is a good place to go.

I ordered a salad and main dish, with a bottled juice cost me 72 lari.

After the dinner, I went to 2 gay bars searched from Google. One is SUCCESS bar which is too small for me, I stayed there for 3 minutes and left. The other is called Cafe Gallery, they charged me 20 lari for ticket and it's around 1 am, only few guys came and I left at 1:30 pm.

So the first Saturday night in Tbilisi was boring except that I saw a guard guy in the next-door bar who is cute as hell.

Before I came to Tbilisi, I met a guy Ivan online who owns a real estate website in Georgia. We talked a lot through WhatsApp and I promised to treat him a dinner when I came to Georgia for his kindness of telling me so much useful info about Georgia.

The next day we met at a nice old-fashioned restaurant called Margalita which Ivan reserved. Ivan was born in Ukraine with a Portugal nationality. During the lunch, I found Ivan is a very nice guy with a warm heart. He tried to pay the bill but I insisted and he tipped the waiter when we left.

After lunch, Ivan suggested he'd show me around some nice places of Tbilisi. We went to the Stamba hotel bookstore, vake park, turtle lake on a mountain.

When we finished the day-trip, Ivan booked a taxi for me to my hotel.

I saw a basketball court near my hotel, so when I finished dinner I went to the court to play basketball with the local boys.

The boys on the court were so friendly and passionate to me. Everyone shook hands with me even they didn't speak English much.

There is a boy aged 20-30s who plays basketball so well with beautiful movements and is my dream type. He was so kind to pass the balls to me but I didn't play well that evening. The next day I brought him a bottle of water.

Ivan invited me to a local band live concert at cafe 1890 in the second Friday evening since my arrival.

During the concert I suggested we should go to a popular gay bar that I heard from a guy on Grindr. Ivan, his wife Olga and his employee Vlad and I went to the gay bar UNHOLY which was called BAR34 before.

We were a bit early and there were few guys in the bar. Best time is from 12am-3am at weekend nights.

When we were seated in a sofa, a white boy sat next to me. His name is Andrew and he's from Noway and in his master course in Greece.

We did have a great time there especially that Olga enjoyed dancing with me at the dance floor.

The next morning Andrew sent an e-mail to me saying "Did you suck my cock at the darkroom?".

What the fuck? I even didn't notice there was a darkroom for sex in the bar.

Andrew told me in another e-mail saying, you can suck 10 cocks in 30 minutes in the darkroom. Last night he sucked one cock and other 3 cocks nearby cum to his mouth, meanwhile he cum to a guy's mouth and face.

Maybe Andrew was there only for fun, not like me. I came to the bar to look for a boyfriend.

Apr. 4th, the weather was perfect, I felt so good in the morning and just wanna go out to chill.

My plan was to visit the gay friendly sulfur bathhouse called QUEEN bath. When I arrived at the bath address I found a cozy restaurant nearby. I decided to have a lunch and then I could stay in the bath for a whole afternoon.

I received a message from Grindr when I finished my lunch. The guy named George (80% Georgian boys called George) sent me both his face and nude pictures which I liked a lot. I invited him to join me to go the QUEEN bath together and he said he'll come in 30 mins.

George showed up after 30 mins and we came to the bathhouse together. I bought 2 tickets for us, the facility of the bathhouse is simple and crude but the sulfur spring is the same as the luxury baths nearby.

After the shower and 10 mins bath in the sulfur pool we went into the sauna together.

George has a hairy body and a beautiful cock.

I touched his cock and unwrapped his foreskin, his pink and beautiful glans showed up. My hands was shaking and my cock was hard as rock with the prostatic fluid coming out from my penis.

Yerevan, Armenia

Apr. 17 was a big day in my caucasus trip. A guy named Jack tapped me on Grindr and I tapped back. After a while he sent his nudes and it made me horny. I spent 2 hours walking and enjoying the street singers' performances on the North Avenue which is the most popular street in Yerevan. I tipped 15 dollars to each singer which are my favorites.

When I was back to my hotel I felt so horny because I hadn't wanked more than 3 weeks. I sent a message to Jack asking him if he'd like to be fucked. He said yes because his roommate wasn't home.

I took a taxi and arrived at his apartment within 15 minutes.

Jack opened the door and his cat Furla came to the door to welcome me. Jack is cute with a fit hairy body and seemed very sweet.

I was seated in the sofa and Furla jumped onto my legs. My cock had been hard since I came into Jack's apartment.

Before I tried to touch Jack's hairy arms, Jack kissed me while Furla was playing with us.

Jack led me to his bedroom and the light was soft. The atmosphere was sexy and romantic.

Jack took my tops off and I took off my pants, letting my hard penis out.

Jack kneeled down on his knees and began to suck my cock. His sucking was so comfortable and soft which I enjoyed very much. I touched his hair and his shoulders during his sucking.

Then we went to the bed, we cuddled and kissed each other. I was sucking his big cock and touching his beautiful hairy body and rimming his ass. He turned his pose from lying to a doggy style so that I could rim his ass more comfortably.

He passed me a condom and I wore it. Jack sat his ass on my hard cock and twisted his body on mine. It was amazing.

With Jack's body up and down on my cock, he cum onto my belly and moved his ass from my cock.

Then he lay in my arms, rimming my nipples, I masturbated to cum.

(to be continued)

#Georgia gay life#Tbilisi gay bar#Tbilisi gay sauna#Armenia gay life#Grindr hook up#Tbilisi gay bath#gay#gay travel#gay turist

Blaze

1 note

[travnook-travel-and-tourism]

Best Visa-Free Countries for UAE Residents in 2025

If you are looking for a quick vacation in the coming days, you'd better search for a country that has visa facilitation for UAE residents. This will help you make a spontaneous trip without prior visa preparation, and you won’t need to wait so long for visa approval or gather the documents. 

Visa-free countries offer the best solution if you don’t have time to wait. Some countries enable UAE residents to visit their land without needing a prior visa for tourism purposes. 

In this article, we will discuss the best visa-free countries for UAE residents in 2025 that will help you enjoy your trip from the UAE without the stressful visa preparation. 

1. Georgia

Georgia is one of the best visa-free countries for UAE residents in 2025. It offers a visa-free option for most of the UAE resident nationalities, making it a favorite destination from the UAE. Additionally, Georgia enjoys good weather during summer, so it can be a break from the UAE's hot weather. 

You can visit the cobblestone streets of Tbilisi, the scenic Caucasus Mountains, and more that Georgia offers. You can make a good travel plan that includes the best places in the country to experience its full charm.

2. Maldives

The Maldives is also on the list of the top countries to visit from the UAE without needing a visa for entry. The islands offer pristine beaches and turquoise waters, making them the best summer destination. 

Before visiting the Maldives, ensure you have sufficient funds for your stay and book good accommodation with a sea view.​ 

3. Kazakhstan

UAE residents can obtain a visa on arrival for Kazakhstan or don’t need a visa at all if they are from certain nationalities, allowing them to explore historic places and amazing natural places. You have to visit attractions like the futuristic architecture of Nur-Sultan, the cultural hub of Almaty, and the scenic beauty of the Altai Mountains during your trip.​

4. Seychelles

Seychelles is also a visa-free country for most nationalities in the UAE. It has white-sand beaches and lush rainforests, and it's a cheap destination to visit during summer. 

5. Jordan

Jordan is a hidden gem with a unique taste that needs specific mind seats to enjoy there. What makes it a must-visit country, that it is a visa-free country for most UAE residents, also it has natural wonders and amazing vibes. During your visit, explore the ancient city of Petra, the desert landscapes of Wadi Rum, and the therapeutic waters of the Dead Sea. 

6. Azerbaijan

Azerbaijan allows UAE residents to obtain a visa on arrival and visa-free for some nationalities. If you visit the country, you will be amazed at Baku and its streets. For a summer trip, explore the Caspian Sea coastline and the Caucasus Mountains. ​

7. Armenia

Armenia offers visa-free entry to most UAE residents, making it a suitable destination to visit for short holidays from the UAE. During your visit to Armenia, explore Lake Sevan and experience the warmth of Armenian hospitality.

8. Montenegro

Montenegro grants visa-free access to UAE residents for up to 90 days. This Balkan country offers stunning Adriatic coastlines, medieval towns like Kotor, and scenic national parks. Make sure you hold a valid passport and a UAE residence permit before going to the airport.​

Note: There are changes in regulations, so make sure you check that your nationality has the permission for visiting the countries we have discussed without a visa, before booking flights or accommodations. You can visit the official website of the country you want to visit and check the visa-exempt list. 

Tips When Visiting Visa-Free Countries

Before heading to the airport, make sure you carry your valid passport, UAE residence permit, return flight tickets, and proof of accommodation in the country you want to visit.​

Some countries require specific vaccinations. Check for any health advisories or vaccination requirements for your destination before arriving in the country.​

The destinations we discussed are different from the UAE culture. You should know the local laws and traditions of the country you're visiting before visiting it.​

Additionally, travel insurance can save you from risky situations. Consider obtaining comprehensive travel insurance for the country you will visit to cover unforeseen circumstances.​

Conclusion

 If you want a spontaneous trip or don’t want to waste your time in visa preparations and gathering documents, you now know what the best visa-free countries for UAE residents in 2025 are. 

If you make your decision, you will need to book the flight tickets and the accommodation before your visit, to avoid wasting your time at the airport or looking for a good hotel. Many reliable travel agencies in the UAE specialize in booking flight tickets with discounts and selecting reputable accommodation that ensures comfort during your trip. 

[lovetravel2025]

The Best Way to Apply for an Iran Visa: A Complete 2025 Guide

If you're planning to visit Iran with iran visa and wondering how to get your visa with ease — you're in the right place! Whether you're a solo traveler, visiting family, or coming for business, getting an Iranian visa is simpler than you might think… if you know the right steps. In this guide, we'll walk you through the best, most efficient way to apply for an Iran visa, updated for 2025.

✅ First Things First: Do You Need a Visa?

Before you apply, check if your country requires a visa for entry. Citizens of some countries like Turkey, Armenia, Lebanon, and a few others can enter Iran visa-free for short stays.

But for most nationalities — especially those from the EU, UK, US, Canada, Australia, and Asia — you need to apply for a visa in advance or get a Visa on Arrival (VOA) at certain airports.

🥇 Best Option: Iran E-Visa (Online Visa Application)

The most recommended and hassle-free method in 2025 is to apply online through the Iranian e-visa system. It’s fast, efficient, and suitable for tourists and business travelers alike.

🔗 Website:

📌 Steps:

Visit the official e-visa website

Fill out the application form (upload your passport photo, scan of your passport, itinerary, etc.)

Choose your point of visa collection (airport or embassy/consulate)

Wait for your visa authorization code

Receive the code and collect your visa from the place you selected

🕒 Processing Time: Usually 5–10 working days 💰 Cost: Varies by nationality (generally $50–$150 USD)

📍 Alternative Option: Visa on Arrival (VOA)

If you're in a hurry or prefer spontaneity, Iran offers Visa on Arrival at major international airports like:

Tehran (Imam Khomeini International)

Shiraz

Isfahan

Mashhad

Tabriz

✋ But there’s a catch:

Visa on Arrival is not available for citizens of the US, UK, Canada, Bangladesh, or a few African countries. Also, it’s not guaranteed, especially if you lack the required documents or travel insurance.

Important: You still need to apply online beforehand and get an authorization code — even for VOA — to avoid rejection.

🧾 What Documents Do You Need?

Regardless of the method, here’s what you typically need:

✅ A valid passport (6+ months validity)

✅ A recent passport-size photo

✅ Travel itinerary (hotel bookings, flight info)

✅ Travel insurance (mentioning “Iran” explicitly)

✅ Visa application form (filled online)

✅ Visa fee payment receipt (depending on your method)

🧳 Special Case: US, UK & Canadian Citizens

Travelers from these countries need to book a guided tour or have a pre-arranged itinerary with a licensed Iranian travel agency. The agency will help you apply and get the visa authorization code.

It takes longer — around 6–8 weeks — so start early!

📈 Pro Tip: Use a Travel Agency (Fastest & Easiest)

One of the best ways to apply for an Iran visa — especially for first-timers — is to go through a reputable Iranian travel agency. They handle all the paperwork, ensure your documents are correct, and speed up the process.

Benefits:

Expert guidance

No errors or delays

Help with insurance and hotel booking

Emergency support if anything goes wrong

Look for agencies with good reviews or ask your hotel in Iran to sponsor your application.

[globalbusinessetup]

Visa on Arrival Countries for UAE Residents in 2025

As a UAE resident, one of the several perks includes visa-free international travel. Most Travelers can access several countries with a UAE residence visa and your home passport of origin either visa-on-arrival or visa-free. Whether you are considering a weekend escape or an extended trip, having an idea of where you can gain relatively easy access can help save time, money and frustration.

In this guide we’re going to share the best visa on arrival countries for the residents of the UAE with you, as well as highlighting entry requirements and tips for stress-free travel in 2025.

What is a Visa on Arrival?

A visa on arrival (VOA) is a kind of travel authorization you get at the airport or border crossing as you enter a country. That means you do not need to apply in advance — just present valid documents, submit any required fee and receive your visa on the spot.

Essential Requirements for Residents of the UAE

UAE residents usually require the following to avail visa on arrival benefits:

Valid UAE residence visa ( Preferred 6 months validity)

A valid passport from their home country (at least 6 months validity)

This is only data up to October 2023.

In some cases, travel insurance and Emirates ID

Visa on Arrival: Best Countries for UAE Residents 2025

These are the top visa-on-arrival and visa-free destinations popular with UAE residents.

Georgia

Visa on Arrival:

Stay Duration: Up to 90 days

Note: Regarding the UAE residence visa holders, irrespective of nationality, they can visit Georgia visa-free, provided their UAE residence visa expiry is not due during their travel.

Azerbaijan

Visa: e-Visa or visa on arrival (for some passports)

Stay Duration: 30 days

Notes: Indian, Pakistan, and other residents may apply for e-visa online or secure VOA on UAE residency.

Maldives

Visa : Visa is issued on the arrival for all nationalities

Duration of Stay: 30 days (extendable)

Notes: Need to present hotel booking and return ticket.

Sri Lanka

Visa: On arrival — eTA (Electronic Travel Authorization)

Stay Duration: 30 days

Note: South Asians, such as those who live in the UAE and hail from India, Pakistan, Nepal, and similar countries, qualify for VOA.

Armenia

Visa Type: On-arrival or e-visa

Stay Duration: 120 days

Note: Holders of UAE residence visa can get visa on arrival regardless of the nationality.

Thailand

Visa Type: Visa on arrival (for certain nationalities)

Stay Duration: 15 days

Visa on Arrival: Indian, Chinese and other passport holders may obtain VOA while departing from UAE.

Jordan

Visa Type: UAE Residents Visa on Arrival

Stay Duration: 30 days

Notes: Not available for most passports; must carry Emirates ID and copy of UAE visa.

Kenya

Visa requirement: eTA or visa on arrival

Stay Duration: 90 days

Note: New eTA system now optional in some instances; visa on arrival option remains.

Nepal

Visa Type: Visa on arrival

Stay Duration: 15/30/90 days

Notes: Open to most nationalities, payment required based on length.

Tanzania

Visa Type: Visa on arrival

Stay Duration: 90 days

Notes: Most UAE residents from most countries can get VOA at major airports.

Countries a Resident of the UAE can enter Visa-Free

A few countries grant visa-free access for UAE residents, depending on the person's nationality. Popular ones include:

Kyrgyzstan

Montenegro

Serbia

Albania (seasonally in the summer)

Mauritius (90 days for most nationalities)

Indonesia (30 days for some nationalities)

Note: Always refer to the official government or embassy websites for the most current information, as visa regulations can be subject to change.

Travel Tips from UAE Residents Ready to Fly

Make sure your passport is valid for at least 6 months.

Carry Emirates ID: usually requested together with residence visa.

An Accommodation Booking Mentioned (May be required by immigration)

GET TRAVEL INSURANCE Some destinations ask for evidence of your insurance upon entry.

Know the COVID-19 Rules: Entry rules, such as testing or vaccine requirements, may still apply at some destinations.

Final Thoughts

Thanks to the country’s diplomatic relations and travel-friendly policies, UAE residents enjoy a strong travel advantage. If you are from India, Pakistan, Philippines, Egypt or other origin country have your UAE residence visa and you can have access to dozens of countries that offers you visa on arrival or e-visa.

Always check official government advice before you fly, as the latest entry requirements can vary depending on both your passport and your residence visa status. There is no reason your travel plans can’t be effortless and filled with wonderful adventures if you can only get prepared!

[visa166]

Your Complete Guide to Emirates Visa Types for Armenia Citizens 

Emirates Visa for Armenian Citizens

You were knowing how to get an Emirates visa from Armeniaplanning a trip to the UAE. Whether you’re traveling for fun, business, or to see family, the process is straightforward with some preparation. This guide will help you understand how to apply for an Emirates visa from Armenia, covering everything you need for a smooth application.

Emirates Visa Types for Armenia Citizens 

Business Visa: For those visiting for business or conferences. This visa allows a single entry for 14 days and is valid for 58 days.

Tourist Visa: This is the most common type for travelers wanting to explore the UAE. You can choose a 30-day or 60-day visa for single or many entries.

Leisure Visa: This 90-day visa is great for longer stays, perfect for visiting Dubai with family. Note that it allows only one entry.

Transit Visa: If you're stopping in the UAE on your way to another country, this visa lets you stay for up to 48 or 96 hours to explore.

Required Documents for the Emirates Visa

Here are the documents you need:

Passport: A photocopy of your valid passport, which should be valid for at least 6 months.

Passport Photo: A recent colored passport-size photo with a white background.

Identification: A copy of your PAN Card.

Travel Itinerary: Round-trip flight tickets and your travel plan.

Financial Proof: Recent bank statements or salary slips to show you can support yourself during your stay.

National ID: If you’re a citizen of Iran, Iraq, Afghanistan, or Pakistan living in Armenia, you need to show your national ID.

Application Form: Complete the online visa application form found on the official Emirates Visa website.

How to Apply for an Emirates Visa from Armenia

Follow these steps for a smooth application process:

Complete the Application:

Choose your country and citizenship.

Select the type of visa.

Fill out the application and upload your documents.

Pay the Visa Fee:

Choose a payment method (PayPal, credit card, or debit card).

After payment, you’ll receive an application ID and confirmation email.

Get Your E-Visa:

You can check your visa status online.

Once approved, download your e-visa.

Emirates Visa Costs for Armenian Citizens (2024)

Visa fees vary depending on the type and length of stay. It’s important to stay updated on current fees to plan your budget. Remember, these costs can change.

Best Time to Visit the Emirates Visa for Armenian Citizens

The best time to visit is between November and March when the weather is cooler (20°C to 30°C). This is perfect for outdoor activities like visiting the Burj Khalifa, desert safaris, and beach trips. Many festivals also take place during these months, adding to the experience.

Conclusion

Getting an Emirates Visa Types for Armenia Citizensis easy if you know what to do. To avoid last-minute issues, apply early and ensure you have all the required documents. Keep track of costs and processing times, and reach out for help if needed. Enjoy your trip to the Emirates!

[domi-scu]

Day off, hallelujah!

The plan was to start with some shopping at Vernissage and then look at the main touristy parts of Yerevan. To begin with, I forgot my hat in the room so I was very aware I’m risking a heatstroke but thankfully, that was avoided as the city centre has loads of trees that cool things down quite significantly. The Vernissage market was larger than expected and I think I looked through everything multiple times. This meant that my tourist day turned into a shopping day with some great finds.

The handmade cashmere scarf was the biggest win. It looked beautiful and I knew I wanted it right away but knowing how expensive it probably was, I hesitated. I also knew that I’ll be given a higher price as a tourist so I googled how much cashmere costs and wasn’t expecting anything below £50 AT BEST. I figured I would ask and just walk away said but when the woman said £14????? I have a new scarf. Another great find was a tiny bookshelf carved out of wood with miniature song books by an Armenian songwriter (I think. The language barrier is real.)

Crossing the streets was a bit of an experience. It took me a while to figure out because there seems to be no rhyme or reason to it so I just had to wait for a local to show up and follow their lead for a while. It’s one way to do it!

I ended up spending £50 at the market after 2.5h so I figured that was enough for one day and moved on to a café and lunch. Touristy stuff will have to come later. For how little I’ve seen, I walked a surprising amount so by the time I finished my food, I was glad to go back to the hotel to drop things off and take another taxi back to the centre to a music marketing workshop.

The information was totally outside of what I do but I did learn a thing or two that I might try to apply. Don’t ask me what, I need to think on it for a while. During the networking session after, I got to know a local artist whose goal it is to collect and record lullabies from around the world. How innovative and interesting. She kindly invited me to join her and half the Portuguese band called Malotira at a ‘hidden away café with the best coffee around’.

It was raining as we left so we got pretty soaked but I got to experience the local metro! And get told off for taking photos in it too- who knew it’s not allowed? I'm also really curious to know why. Maybe tourists tend to fall of the escalators when they take selfies.

My new friend wasn’t lying about this place. We got to choose from about 20 kinds of Colombian coffees. I opted to have mine with ice cream and we also got some homemade chocolate with it too. Both the coffee and chocolate were indeed one of the best I’ve ever had.

We headed back just in time to catch the concert of the best tar player in Armenia with a visiting Albanian polyphonic group- that was very new to me and, once again, impressive. The entire group along with the EU ambassador and one of the UK guys went to a nearby beer garden afterwards so I joined them for drinks along with the other half of Malotira band. One of them being from Chile, the other one from UK (as it turns out, none of the guys from the Portuguese band are actually Portuguese).

As we were chatting, one of them mentioned that he once played a gig in Slovakia. He couldn’t remember where but said he really loved the venue and all he can remember is that it was a train station that was turned into a music venue. I knew immediately where that was- my favourite venue in my hometown. What a coincidence!

As we were slowly getting kicked out because they were closing, we asked for our individual bills- only to find out that the EU ambassador already paid everything (and forgot his tie there in the process). How lovely of him. I then got talked into going next door because apparently this is the place to get the best cognac. And who am I to argue with that, especially when I have multiple meetings and a panel tomorrow? I joined in and was given a 10 year old cognac. I’m no expert but it was surprisingly enjoyable. We finally headed back to the hotel and I was asleep around 2am.

[fastrepaircaree]

Coffee tourism is an exciting way to travel while indulging in your love for coffee. It involves visiting coffee-growing regions, experiencing local coffee cultures, and learning about the coffee production process. This guide will help you understand what coffee tourism is, why it's worth exploring, and some top destinations to consider.

## What is Coffee Tourism?

Coffee tourism is a niche form of travel where enthusiasts visit regions known for their coffee production. It combines the joy of discovering new places with the thrill of tasting high-quality, freshly brewed coffee. From farm tours to coffee tastings, coffee tourism offers a deep dive into the world of coffee beyond the cup.

## Why Choose Coffee Tourism?

### Immersive Coffee Experiences

Coffee tourism provides unique experiences such as farm visits where you can see how coffee beans are grown and processed. You might also attend coffee tastings and workshops to learn about brewing techniques and flavor profiles.

### Cultural Insights

Visiting coffee regions gives you a chance to explore local cultures and traditions. Each coffee-growing area has its own unique methods and customs related to coffee production, offering rich cultural insights.

### Support for Local Economies

By engaging in coffee tourism, you contribute to the local economy of coffee-producing regions. This supports small-scale farmers and local businesses, promoting sustainable and ethical coffee practices.

## Top Coffee Tourism Destinations

### Ethiopia

Ethiopia is often considered the birthplace of coffee. Here, you can explore coffee farms in regions like Sidamo and Yirgacheffe. Experience traditional Ethiopian coffee ceremonies and taste some of the world’s best beans.

### Colombia

Colombia is renowned for its high-quality coffee. The Coffee Triangle region, including areas like Manizales, Pereira, and Armenia, offers coffee farm tours and tastings. The stunning landscapes and coffee culture make it a must-visit destination.

### Costa Rica

Costa Rica is known for its eco-friendly coffee farms and lush landscapes. In regions like the Central Valley and Tarrazú, you can tour coffee plantations, learn about sustainable farming practices, and enjoy breathtaking views.

### Brazil

As the largest coffee producer globally, Brazil has a rich coffee heritage. Visit coffee farms in Minas Gerais or São Paulo to see large-scale production and learn about Brazil’s coffee history.

## How to Plan Your Coffee Tourism Trip

### Research Destinations

Start by researching coffee-growing regions and their unique offerings. Consider what type of coffee experiences you're interested in, such as farm tours, tastings, or cultural events.

### Book Tours in Advance

Many coffee farms and tours require advance booking. Look for reputable tour operators and book your tours ahead of time to ensure availability.

### Pack Accordingly

Prepare for different climates and activities by packing appropriately. Comfortable shoes for walking tours and a camera for capturing your experiences are essential.

## Conclusion

Coffee tourism offers a unique and immersive way to explore the world of coffee while traveling. By visiting coffee-growing regions, you gain a deeper appreciation for the journey of coffee from farm to cup. Whether you’re savoring Ethiopian brews or learning about sustainable practices in Costa Rica, coffee tourism provides unforgettable experiences and supports local communities. 

Embark on a coffee tourism adventure and discover the rich flavors and cultures that make coffee truly special.

[aijamisespava]

Visiting Eurovision 2008

To do a very brief "long story short" testimonial of my Eurovision journey, I got interested and listened to all the songs in the 2021 contest. Shortly after, during my school's winter break, I speedran the rest of the years down to 2009. I had contemplated picking the project back up, but hadn't for the longest time (that was 2021, and here we are in 2023).

So, almost 2 years and 2 contests later, here I am again. I added another year to my growing Eurofan Resume with 2008. I'm not going to do a full out ranking because I've done a LOT of long posts, and with 43 songs, that would be enough for a book. I'll bring up a few key entries (winner, host, personal winner) and maybe bring up some other thoughts.

The winner in 2008 was Russia with Dima Bilan's "Believe" and while I got chills when I heard it, it was also the first song I heard of the set, it kind of got pushed down by other entries I liked a little more, ranking 19th.

After winning in 2007, Serbia took up hosting duties with "Oro" by Jelena Tomasevic. And this one was on my playlist before the song was even done. Serbia did such a good job hosting with this song, and in my opinion, should be kind of what future host entries should look up to (I also partly say it as a joke).

Now for my winner....it was tough to choose between 2 countries as both songs were really good and were rather quick additions to my playlist when they appeared in the playlist. My 2nd place was Turkiyë's "Deli" by Mor Ve Ötesi. And my winner was..."Qélé Qélé" by Sirusho from Armenia! The song was just so infectious and is so easy to get stuck in my head (and not be annoying!).

Some entries that surprised me (as we wrap up), were Belgium, Croatia, and Moldova. I didn't realize I would find these entries good after seeing some low (I know that 2008 wasn't exactly a good year in the fandom's eyes). And with that, that's my Eurovision 2008 briefing!

If you want to know my thoughts about a country I didn't mention (or even expand on my opinions), don't be shy and comment or use the ask function and I'll do my best to get back to you!

That was so much fun, and I may do it again with another year sometime in the future, who knows!

[rabbitcruiser]

National White Wine Day

National White Wine Day on August 4 is the perfect opportunity to enjoy a glass of this very versatile drink. White wines make for great apéritifs before a meal, a suitable companion to fish or white meat dishes, and a great accompaniment to dessert. White wine is generally considered to be lighter and more refreshing than red wine and is the preferred alcoholic beverage for millions of people throughout the world. So, whether it is a chardonnay or a sauvignon blanc, National White Wine Day is here and it’s time to relax and treat yourself to a crisp little tipple.

History of National White Wine Day

The origins of wine can be traced back as far as 7500 years ago, in what is now known as Iran.  Experts are pretty sure that wine was being drunk long before this but there’s no actual evidence for them to point towards at the moment. By 460 BC it was being consumed in Europe and the Greek physician Hippocrates was prescribing it as a remedy to some of his patients.

During the Roman times, wine featured heavily at expensive banquets and was considered a sign of prestige. It was the Romans who began to produce less sweet versions of white wine as they conquered new territories in the North and cultivated on new land. It was also the Romans who introduced the concept of drinking cool wine in the summer and warm wine in the winter, a practice which many still follow today.

White wine eventually became popular throughout all of Europe, which led to more vineyards throughout the continent. By the 16th century, that popularity haNational White Wine Dayd spread to the Americas, with vines being planted in Mexico, Peru, Bolivia, Argentina, and Chile.

Champagne was created in the 18th century and by the 19th century, it was the drink of choice for the elite. Champagne is only produced in the Champagne province of France, an area that has unique soil due to its sloping landscapes.

The 20th century has seen vines introduced to new places and technological developments that have changed the process of winemaking throughout the world. One thing, though, hasn’t changed, and that’s the people’s love for a glass of white wine. The origins of National White Wine Day are unclear but we do know the best way to celebrate, and that’s with a glass of the good stuff.

National White Wine Day timeline

4100 BC The First Winery

The oldest winery found in a cave in Armenia can be traced back to this period.

1697 Bubbly arrives

The French monk Dom Perignon invented champagne.

1811 A Fine Year

A bottle of Château d'Yquem from 1811 sold for $117,000 in 2011, making it the most expensive bottle of white wine ever.

1857 California Dreamin’

The first commercial California winery, Buena Vista Winery, is founded.

National White Wine Day FAQs

What day is National Chardonnay Day?

National Chardonnay Day is celebrated on the Thursday before memorial day each year.

How many National Wine Days are there?

We currently celebrate 8 different wine holidays on National Today.

How many days is white wine good after opening?

If you are keeping it in the fridge then white wine is usually good for 5 to 7 days.

National White Wine Day Activities

Pour yourself a glass of white

Host a wine tasting evening with friends

Visit a vineyard

There’s no better way to celebrate National White Wine Day than by treating yourself to a glass of white wine. Invite some friends over, pop open a bottle, and savor its unique and refreshing taste.

When it comes to white wine there is such an incredible variety that you’re basically spoilt for choice. Why not host a white wine tasting evening and invite your friends over to sample the different wines available. Score them and the group can collectively decide on their favorite wine.

Become more knowledgeable about white wine by visiting a vineyard and learning more about how it is produced. Many vineyards offer tours of their grounds so you can see what goes into that bottle of wine and of course there will be some wine tasting involved too.

5 Facts About White Wine That Will Surprise You

The Phobia

75 Grapes

Nebuchadnezzar

Temperature is key

If it was a popularity contest

Some people suffer from a phobia of wine, it’s called oenophobia.

It takes approximately 75 grapes to make a glass of white wine. Which means you need 300 grapes for a bottle.

Nebuchadnezzar is the name given to the largest bottle of white wine that you can buy. It’s a 15-liter bottle, which equates to 20 normal-sized bottles.

White wines should be served at a temperature of 45 to 50 degrees Fahrenheit.

Chardonnay is the most popular white wine in the world,

Why We Love National White Wine Day

It’s versatile

The variety

The taste

White Wine is a drink for many occasions. Whether it’s chicken, fish, a dessert, or just a social catch up with friends, a glass of white wine will suit the occasion.

From chardonnay to champagne and everything in between, there is a huge range of different white wines out there and you could spend a lifetime deciding which your favorite is.

Let’s not forget that the main reason white wine is so popular is that it tastes great.

Source

[carelesssserenity]

a day at the local library! 

wow? wow. why didn’t anyone tell me earlier libraries are this amazing? everything i need is drawn up there. libraries <3 

anyway, i keep posting my english notes, and that’s not a coincidence. english is indeed the only subject i’m focused on at the moment. 

it has been raining for the last 20 hours in moscow and this is somehow unmotivating. i barely have the strength to get out of bed these days and my mental state is so bad. thus i’d like to remind everyone reading this that no matter how bad things seem to be right now, they will get better with time! never give up, you matter, you are loved and as you press ahead you’ll succeed. stay hydrated as well, try to keep up with meals. stay healthy. 

i also started to dive in digital notetaking and this is already super-duper hard, i admire the pretty notes i see here on tumblr!! 

Summer Studying Challenge 2021! 

7th July - What did you do during the summer when you were a young child?

as a child, me and my brother would spend time at our grandmother’s house. we played a lot and liked to see fountains. that’s all i clearly remember, i’d also like to see those fountains this year </3

8th July - What’s your happiest summer memory from your childhood?

hmmmm... i guess my brother’s birthday? it’s the best event of each year. in childhood we’d spend the whole day at mcdonalds and watch soviet movies during the night. i wish to be as careless as back then 

9th July - Do you usually go on vacation during the summer?

usually, yes i do! i visit my hometown in armenia every year. however, i wasn’t able to do so this year and the prior year as well :((( missing armenia hours 

10th July - What is the best vacation you have ever been on? (note: doesn’t have to be a summer vacation)

the best vacation i’ve ever been on happened in 2016 when i got to visit Greece. what a beautiful country!! and the people are so kind too. i’d do anything to visit it again but getting visa is hard nowadays

11th July - What is your favourite vacation memory?

once again, the fountains. and i mean the singing fountains. they are honestly so aesthetically pleasing to watch. and the amount of serotonin i get when feeling the water drops on my skin (and it usually happens at night in a big crowd, too) simply overweights anything 

sorry for such a long post! im genuinely struggling to keep up a posting schedule. 

08/11/21, 🎵using you - mars argo ; yes, i’m changing - tame impala

[obsessionsposts]

🇳🇴Yan!Nyo!Norway with a Magical! Fem! Country!s/o🇳🇴:

Tw: Manipulations, gaslighting, war, violence, slight power complex, unhealthy relationships, violence, objectification, delusional thoughts and monopolize, etc....

Ah, Norway. One of your favoured places around the world, due to its mystical nature and enticing history. Not to mention, Camilla was and will always be the reason for your frequent visits to her country. Alongside the fact, that both of you are allies for eons.

One of the reasons that bonded you with her, is that you were innately sensitive to the presence of supernatural creatures and your interest of mysticism.

It all took place in 1231 AD, when a young girl with flowing (h/c) that cascades her shoulder and a warm (e/c) that are filled to the brim with curiosity ventured into her lands. At first, she was skeptic of your intentions but that changed as fast as her air currents.

To her, the fact you were aware of the creatures that hid behind nature made you special. Not everyone-especially her idiot søster-, are capable to witness such creatures without fearing their lives or commenting obnoxious remarks.

Instead, she saw you mesmerized and fascinated with the elves. And that fact, you interacted with them without any ulterior motive.

Since then, you become her new point of focus. Maybe....you're not as bad as the others. Plus, she found another girl who shares the same interest as her. So, she took the chance to form a political and romantic platonic relationship with you.

As time passed by, Camilla's bond with you skyrocketed as you both showcased your abilities, hidden dreams(outside your duties as a country) and open hearts to each others. Now, all that's left is for you to become hers...

Camilla Bondevik is a precise, calculating and 'has a stoic approach to life' kind of women. Unlike her male counterpart, she is a bit warmer. Which eases the manipulating romantic process significantly.

Rather being direct and risk her relationship with you, she'll begin to play the puppeteer with you. However, you must understand that you mean the world to her. Thus, you'll understand her actions..... And if you don't, she'll force make you!

Anyway, Camilla decided to lure the female country with the premises of experimenting new type of magic and exploring the vast enchanting lands of hers that houses all sorts of creatures. Her main goal of attracting the (h/c), is to slowly entrap her in her country without her awareness. Afterall, war is such a fickle thing she'd rather avoid. So, she'll have to be patient for her plan to work. She is willing to wait a century, if it means that she'll get you in the long run.

"Don't worry, Freyja. We have much to explore if you're up to it. It would be a shame, if we did not uncover the mysteries of Alfheim. Also, it would do great harm to our diplomatic relations wouldn't you say?"

Another thing to note, is that she'll keep an eye in your magical abilities. On one hand, she wants to tutor you in the arts of magic to see what you'll create. But, Camilla paranoia is picking her mind apart. Will you use it against her? Will you run from her? No, No. That simply won't do.

In this phase, her possessive nature will be bare for the eyes to see due to the rising fear that you may leave her like her damn younger søster. This is your last chance for you to take action, before you get retracted back to her.

At this point, Camilla knew what she's doing is irrational but she can't help it. You're filling the aching void in heart, that her sister left. From this point on, her actions becomes progressively aggressive until you are subdued.

She'll monopolize you, if she has to. Whether diplomatically, by anonymously spreading rumors about you funding terrorists in multiple nations. To which, it results in numerous countries cutting relationship ties with you forcing you to depend on her.

If that didn't deter you, then be prepared for war(which is her last resort)and mind you it's not a fair one either. She'll have the other nordics nation to back her up, so it will be 5 vs 1. Unless you have reliable allies or powerful forces, you'll be physically and mentally cornered. Just like how she prefers it.

A scared little animal cornered by a large predator. She won't deny it, but it gives her the satisfaction and power to see her s/o in such comprising positions. It has been so long since she has been in control.

And, so long you are (c/n). Now, you are simply a colony of your former delusional friend. Your history is shadowed by her. Whatever she says, it goes. Afterall, Camilla knows what's best for you! Even if she made a sea of carcasses out of your people, to prove that you desperately need her for protection that she's willingly to give.

"Shhh, no need to cry. I'm here. Afterall, we were bond by the fates to be together. As long as you're with me, I'll give you everything you desire and I'll protect you. Min elskede."

-----------------------

A/n: Sup, it has been a while. Sorry for that, I had alot of things to do and I was burned out. Anyway, I have some news for you.

First, I've got accepted at CS department in my University. 😁

Second, Historical Hetalia is acceptable if you want to request(if I opened the request) from them.

Third, Hetalia OC's are fine as well. Ex: Albania, Armenia, etc...(any nation that didn't appear in hetalia).

[armeniaitn]

More than 10 000 signatories join The FUTURE ARMENIAN Initiative

New Post has been published on https://armenia.in-the.news/society/more-than-10-000-signatories-join-the-future-armenian-initiative-74376-02-06-2021/

More than 10 000 signatories join The FUTURE ARMENIAN Initiative

More than 10 thousand people from Armenia and all over the world have joined The FUTURE ARMENIAN public Initiative. The signatories are mainly from Armenia – 57%, Russia – 17%, the United States – 10%, people from Canada, Argentina, France, Germany, and other countries have also joined the Initiative. Discussions, meetings, workshops will be organized with them to discuss and determine the best way to achieve the 15 goals of the Initiative.

The FUTURE ARMENIAN Initiative aims to foster a dialogue that leads to a common framework of understanding around the sustainable development of Armenia and Armenians as a nation. The Initiative group includes Richard Azarnia (France), Artur Alaverdyan (Armenia), Noubar Afeyan (USA), and Ruben Vardanyan (Russia).

“The FUTURE ARMENIAN is a public Initiative aimed at defining important objectives that can help take Armenia to a much better place in the future, by being realistic about the current situation and also realistic about what might be the strengths of Armenia’s nation, its reach around the world, its economy, its resources. We need to build a plan for the future that we can get all Armenians first engaged with and working towards. And that is the goal of The FUTURE ARMENIAN,” says Noubar Afeyan, The FUTURE ARMENIAN Co-Initiator. 

The next goal of the Initiative is to involve 30,000 signatories. Only they will receive articles on the analysis of 15 goals before publication, and the special report developed by McKinsey & Company and the program on the development of Armenia.

 “We try to unite people who think about the future, want to join, discuss together and plan our next steps. This is a pan-Armenian Initiative; we invite everyone to join on an equal basis. This is our common problem. We are convinced that no small group can solve all these problems alone,” says Artur Alaverdyan, The FUTURE ARMENIAN Co-Initiator.

“Today is a very difficult time for us, but at the same time, we all believe that this is a great opportunity to rethink many things, change some of the approaches that wouldn’t have been done before and try to do something new. This new Initiative started with the message that we do not want to give answers. We want to raise key points so that people can talk, debate on what kind of future we want to see collectively for our nation, our state, the relationship between the Diaspora and our state, our relationship with Armenia and Artsakh,” says Ruben Vardanyan, The FUTURE ARMENIAN Co-Initiator.

The Initiative intends to encourage open debate to select a future that would appeal and galvanize the collective forces of Armenia and Armenians globally. The Initiative is aimed at involving 100 thousand signatories.

“I think Armenia should take advantage of the Diaspora. We have to rethink our role as citizens, as individuals, as part of a network which Armenia already is, Armenians already are, and develop that new social contract on the back of a historical strength that we have and the willingness for Diasporans to engage and support Armenia”, says Richard Azarnia, The FUTURE ARMENIAN Co-Initiator. Anyone interested can become a signatory by visiting www.futurearmenian.com, participating in the upcoming discussions of The FUTURE ARMENIAN Initiative, and planning the next steps together.

Read original article here.

[moonsubinpr]

𝐌𝐎𝐑𝐄 & 𝐌𝐎𝐑𝐄! 𝐇𝐄𝐀𝐃𝐂𝐀𝐍𝐎𝐍𝐒

NOTE: Rather that posting each response separately alongside the messages sent through the inbox, I have decided to compile all of the headcanons to a single post for better reading as well as organization. I hope you all enjoy! 

✨: What motivates them? Is it a deep rooted passion/motivation, or is it something they struggle with from time to time?

      Mother is a driven individual. Once something is in her mind, she perseveres in order to accomplish her goals---regardless of whether or not people have faith in her. English is not her native language, and she did not perform well in the subject when younger in South Korea. Thus, when arriving to the United States due to her husband's career, she was forced to assimilate as well as to study the language. It was especially essential due to the fact that not many Koreans lived nearby in the same neighborhood as them in Iowa City. She had to learn in order to provide a better future for her son, Subin. She would attend late ESL classes at a community college, she would attend book clubs in order to practice her language skills, and she even became a regular guest at an English speaking church as opposed to driving an hour to attend a small Korean speaking church. Subin, despite being young, witnessed and recalls the difficulties endured by his mother. All she wanted was to be a voice for her newfound community as well as for her father's life. That is why she kept trying, even if she did struggle a lot. Her drive to learn a language for communication is what drives Subin to be a voice for people today. 

💞: What was their first love like?

Complicated. Upon his arrival to New York in order to attend university, the young Korean-American never pursued a relationship with another individual. He did not even go on a date with anyone until his second semester at New York University. The male was always too focused on his education as well as career, never favorable of becoming distracted with a romantic relationship. However, his perspective on the topic altered once befriending more people in the city---these people made him realize that he does, indeed, want to fall in love. And he did. Dahlia embodied a persona in which Subin very much admired. An intelligent woman enrolled in the Fashion department of a nearby university, she was passionate with her creative visions and pursuits. She spoke with much enthusiasm and hope, and Subin held her in his arms as if she was an antique porcelain doll. He never wanted to stunt her glow. He loved her dearly, and she loved him. However, their love never did compare. Their romance only lasted thirteen months before she was sending him a voicemail announcing her leave from the country. Dahlia had to leave the program in order to return to Armenia where her family awaits. One year later, he finds Dahlia's new Facebook account, and he discovers the she was engaged to someone else from back home. Subin learned that he was only her entertainment while her stay in New York City. 

🌙: Where is the most unusual place they’ve fallen asleep at?

Subin is not one to fall asleep at unusual places, for he struggles with falling asleep in general. Even in the most comfortable bed, he cannot catch slumber as easily as most people. He has tried counting sheep, taking steady breaths, as well as taking medication to better his sleep; however, the press secretary continues to be kept awake during the late hours with his eyes wide open and body tossing and turning between the sheets. Thus, due to his insomnia, he cannot recall an unusual place where he’s been caught asleep. 

💣: Did they ever get caught in a situation because they were in the wrong place at the wrong time?

Only once before did Subin have to be attained for questioning due to being at the wrong place at the wrong time. The male was twenty-two, and he attended a party hosted by the school of engineering that was rumored to be one of the best party of the year. Little did Subin think that his image would be in jeopardy simply because he was alongside a group of people partaking in unlawful activities. He needed something to eat because he drank a bit more than he should have. When the group suggested going to a nearby pizza parlor, he tagged along because the thought of a greasy cheese pizza did not leave his mind. While on their way, though, he noticed a few of the people stumble about, taking a turn he did not expect. Suddenly, the two were standing outside someone’s home, and glass was shattered. Someone threw something, yelling profanity to whoever resided inside. Handcuffed and taken in for questioning, Subin begged to be released, for he did not want this incident to taint his image nor his volunteering opportunities in politics. Luckily, the officer took notice of his innocence, and Subin was released with no charges.

🌟: Do they have any places they want to go before they die? For what reasons do they want to go there?

South Korea. Despite his family being from Seoul, Subin has never gone to his family’s upbringing due to conflicts concerning their visas as well as due to tight financial support. He has never experienced his family’s culture in their home country, and he has never met his extended family still residing in the country. He would like to visit sometime soon, and he would like to take his parents with him so that the two can reconnect with family and friends. 

☣: Have they ever been severely ill? If so, did it leave an effect on their overall health in the long run?

Moon Subin has never been severely ill or injured. He counts himself lucky for never undergoing a critical condition concerning his health. 

🔥: What’s a place that left them motivated in some fashion?

Years ago at his first political convention. He was young and a bit ignorant on a lot of the political language. But, Subin wanted to get involved with the environment, for he thought that it would be best to dive in head first with little to no preparation. At the convention, the college freshman witnessed a powerful speech delivered by a political candidate. At that moment, he could have sworn their eyes met, and he felt a rush of adrenaline run through the course of his body’s nervous system. He knew that this is where he was meant to be.