Closer Lives Travel Blog: Inspiring Cultural Discovery and Adventure

9 min read

A bus travels on a scenic road with hills in the background. Text reads "Tirana to Ohrid Bus Border Crossing" with symbols representing the flags of Albania and North Macedonia.

How to Take the Bus from Tirana, Albania Across the Border to Lake Ohrid, North Macedonia

Traveling from Tirana to Lake Ohrid by bus? Get tips on tickets, routes, and crossing the Albania–North Macedonia border smoothly.

ALBANIA

7 min read

How to make Jägermeister Mulled Wine, we tried it in Batumi, Georgia!

The recipe and taste test video for this delicious mulled wine we tried during our stroll through the Batumi Christmas Market in Georgia!

GEORGIA

4 min read

Vibrant tubes in blue and pink surround a glowing tree at the Art Aquarium Museum, Tokyo. Text: Ginza, Tokyo, Art Aquarium Museum.

Art Aquarium Museum, Ginza, Tokyo

This vibrant museum has stunning exhibits that showcase the beauty of goldfish, considered sacred in Japan, with light & color as living art

JAPAN

9 min read

Avatar Robot Cafe in Tokyo, Creating Remote Work for People with Disabilities

This concept café uses cutting-edge robotics to offer work to people who have health conditions, allowing them to work & socialize remotely!

JAPAN

8 min read

Alight at Night Festival at Upper Canada Village, Ontario

Stroll through a historic village adorned with a million lights! Enjoy music, carols & Beaver Tails in this enchanting winter wonderland!

CANADA

7 min read

Photos of faces cover a bunker dome. Text: "Inside a Secret Police Nuclear Bunker," "Bunk'Art 2 Museum," "Tirana, Albania." Somber mood.

Bunk’Art 2, Tirana: Albania’s Underground Cold War Bunker Museum

Explore Bunk’Art 2 in Tirana—an eerie Cold War-era bunker turned museum that uncovers Albania’s secretive past beneath the capital’s streets

ALBANIA

11 min read

Piano and cello set for a trio at Archaeological Museum of Durrës, Albania. Historic sculptures in the background, text overlaid.

Durrës Archaeological Museum & Galan Trio: Culture in Coastal Albania

Explore the Durrës Archaeological Museum in Albania and enjoy a cultural twist—a live performance by the Galan Trio by the sea.

ALBANIA

8 min read

Purple brain outline on black background with white text: "CONSCIENCE, poetry by Leon Gregori

Conscience: A Poem on Morality and Inner Struggles

Explore the inner workings of the conscience. Delve into the balance between morality, instinct, and self-awareness captured through poetry.

3 min read

View of Uzungöl village surrounded by lush green mountains. A hand with a Turkish flag glove points to the village with text: "Day trip from Trabzon to Uzungöl, Türkiye.

Day Trip From Trabzon to Uzungol, the Lake Village Jewel of Türkiye

All you need to know about traveling to Uzungöl from Trabzon, including food, things to do, tour info and as ever our hotel recommendation.

TÜRKIYE

12 min read

Two hands reaching towards a bright light in the center, with the text "The Force: poetry by Leon Gregori" overlaid. Blurred heart shapes in the background.

The Force: A Poem on Love Across Distances

Discover how love bridged continents and overcame distance, creating a bond between Jenn and Leon that transcends time and oceans!

4 min read

Discover Tskaltubo, an urbex playground of abandoned hotels and sanatoriums

We explore this crumbling yet alluring collection of dilapidated spa resorts and bathhouses in our first ever urbex adventure in Georgia

GEORGIA

13 min read

A blue flame ring with the text "The Game by Leon Gregori" at the center on a black background.

The Game: A Poem on Life’s Relentless Cycle

This piece tackles the cyclical nature of modern life - eat, work, sleep, repeat - and how this relentless rhythm has shaped our humanity.

3 min read

Aerial view of Palenque ruins with a Mexican flag overlay. Lush greenery surrounds ancient stone structures. Text: "Ruinas de PALENQUE".

Palenque Maya Ruins, All You Need to Know About This Amazing Location

A must see location, Palenque is considered to be as impressive as Chichen Itza and this is our guide to this exceptional Mayan site.

MEXICO

8 min read

Rise: Redefining Falling in Love

Reimagine love in Rise. The transformative journey of love as an ascent to new heights, breaking free from the gravity of past hurts,

3 min read

A smiling couple poses in front of the Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall. Blue sky, flags, text "Our Story" overlay.

Romantic Love Story of Two Poets Who Met Online and Now Travel the World

Discover the inspiring love story of two poets who found each other online through their shared passion for poetry and now travel full-time.

LIFESTYLE

3 min read

10 Awesome places to check out in Batumi, Georgia (the country)

Ten best things to see in Batumi including the Alphabetic Tower, Ali & Nino, Europe Square, Astronomical Clock and the Fountain of Neptune

GEORGIA

8 min read

View of the ancient theater in Ohrid, North Macedonia, a true Balkan gem surrounded by lush greenery and traditional houses on a hillside. With Lake Ohrid nearby, the Macedonian flag is stylized in the top left corner. Text reads "Ancient Ohrid North Macedonia.

Ohrid, the Jerusalem of the Balkans, Home to Europe's Oldest Lake

This is our story from the ancient, historic, quaint town of Ohrid, which also straddles one of the deepest and oldest lakes in Europe.

NORTH MACEDONIA

19 min read

Evolution stages from ape to digital human, set on a blue grid background. Text: "DE-EVOLUTION Poetry by Leon Gregori".

De-Evolution: Reflecting on Humanity’s Path and Future Potential

Explore humanity’s journey from ancient wonders to modern technology dependency in De-evolution, a reflective poem by Leon Gregori.

6 min read

A woman and man smiling by the sea with large rocks. Text: "What She Means to Me, poetry by Leon Gregori." Bright, sunny day.

What She Means to Me: A Poem on Love and Gratitude

Celebrate love and gratitude in What She Means to Me, a heartfelt poem inspired by an unforgettable birthday surprise!

Rated 5 out of 5 stars.(1)

2 min read

Hands with text-patterned nails flip a magazine page. The words "Glossy" and "A poem by Jennifer David" are displayed in artistic fonts.

Glossy – A Poem by Jennifer David

"Glossy" by Jennifer David is a thought-provoking poem that explores themes of perception, beauty, and self-discovery.

A Broad Perspective

2 min read

Colorful abstract artwork with intricate patterns and shapes, featuring vibrant reds, blues, and greens. Text overlay reads: "The Artist by Leon Gregori.

The Artist: A Poem on Sadness and Creative Expression

The Artist confronts sadness by reminding us of the power within all of us to create something beautiful from even the darkest of emotions.

3 min read

Man crouching on beach, woman kicking playfully in water. Mexican flag above "Passion Island Mexico" text. Ocean pier and blue sky.

Isla de Pasion: The Secluded Island Paradise Off the Coast of Cozumel, Mexico

Ever dreamed of having an island all to yourself? You can get close to it with our guide to the amazing Passion Island in Mexico!

MEXICO

8 min read

Colorful street art mural of geometric bulls on a yellow background, with "Mexican Street Art" text above. Vibrant and energetic design.

Vote for Your Favorite Mexican Street Art from our Top Ten Picks!

Vote on your favorite in our poll! We need your help deciding the best from our exceptional Mexico top ten street art picks!

MEXICO