I spent a wonderful, relaxing October weekend at Kohler Waters Spa in Kohler, Wisconsin. One of only 48 five-star spas in the world, Kohler combines the best of nature with fabulous spa services. It showed me that it was possible to have 5-star luxuries in a rustic cabin, on 380 acres of picturesque land! The refreshing weekend was filled with hikes on beautiful trails amid the changing colors of autumn, along with relaxing spa treatments and fine dining.
Read MoreSince I relocated my business to Chicago in 2005, every trip back to Michigan is full of memories. It was there that I first lived after immigration from Russia, that I earned my undergraduate degree, and that I founded Russian Pointe.
My visit in September was particularly reminiscent. I had been invited to speak and moderate a panel of fellow alumni at the Eastern Michigan University Alumni Business Conference (read more here). While in Michigan, I also visited with family and attended the third annual Russian Festival of Ann Arbor’s St. Vladimir Orthodox Church.
Read MoreThe scenery and service were equally stunning on our flight into Bhutan on Drukair-Royal Bhutan Airlines. View Gallery.
Read MoreOne of the highlights of my recent week spent in the Caribbean island St. Martin was a series of amazing dining experiences.
The food was both delicious and healthy, and its presentation was a feast for the eyes. Even at a little café next to the beach where we ate lunch, every detail was exquisite. True to its French nature, the food was very rich but served in small, artistically arranged portions, and each meal was a leisurely, congenial event.
Read MoreI was moved and inspired by my recent visit to Corcovado School, on the Osa peninsula in Costa Rica. This vibrant community of learners is a wonderful example of passion, dedication and persistence.
Surrounded by the beautiful rainforest and nearby seacoast, the school is an oasis of immersive learning, where students are encouraged to explore and strive. The curriculum is bilingual, with classes conducted in both Spanish and English – to give students tools for success while maintaining their cultural background.
Just a few years ago, the school was in danger of closing.
Read More“It’s more than a vacation – it’s a way of life,” reads the motto of Blue Osa yoga retreat and spa near Costa Rica’s Corcovado National Park. After my week at Blue Osa in February, I wholeheartedly agree.
With very little communication with the outside world and several fabulous yoga classes each day in an indescribably beautiful setting, the week was a uniquely meditative and restorative experience, rejuvenating for both body and mind.
Read MoreI just returned from an amazing trip where I had the privilege of both traveling with Chicago Symphony Orchestra, on their first visit to Russia since 1990, and promoting Chicago to Russian businesses.
I was part of a delegation of seven people from World Business Chicago and Chicago Sister Cities International who accompanied conductor Riccardo Muti and 180 orchestra members on this historic cultural exchange.
Read MoreOn April 22 and 23, I traveled to the European city of Luxembourg to attend the Global Russia Business Meeting.
At this forum, more than 400 business leaders from around the world gathered to learn more about the economic benefits of partnering with Russian companies. Both Russians and non-Russians in a variety of fields including information technology, bio tech, manufacturing, and more met to discuss ways that they could work together.
Read MoreSome may assume I feel most at home in a big city surrounded by cultural events, fantastic architecture, and sleek, up-scale restaurants. But once in a while, I like to experience a more simple life and get re-connected with nature to soothe my soul.
Read MoreOne of my greatest passions is to increase the awareness of Russia’s grand cultural heritage to the world. So it was a tremendous honor to receive an invitation recently to tour the Russian Cultural Center in Washington, DC, which shares a similar vision.
Read MoreI recently returned from an amazing trip overseas ― my first trip to India! I spent two weeks in this marvelous country, first at my Harvard Business School reunion in New Dehli in the north and then at a wedding in Hyderabad in the southeast.
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