From Kazakhstan to Albania: Discover Envy-Inducing Travels of The Blonde Gypsy

Self-described as a ‘travel addict, iPhone photographer, Balkan connoisseur and Master of Europe’, she has a talent for finding herself in the strangest of places… welcome to the envy-inducing life of Larissa aka The Blonde Gypsy. As she discovers the coolest places, she shares with us a thrilling collision of travel, photography and culture via her fascinating blog.

Originally from California, and armed with a recent Masters of Arts in European Studies under her belt, she has been travelling around the European continent (and beyond) her entire life.

“My favourite destinations have been the places you can find little to no information about on Google from Europe to Central Asia,” Larissa tells Culture Trip.

“Having travelled extensively throughout Europe for over 15 years, I decided to move to Kosovo, the continent’s newest nation (depending on who you ask), and lived there for over two years where I explored just about every corner of the Balkan region.”

Here are some snaps from her most exciting travels.

Marvelling at the Kokino Bronze Age archaeological site in Macedonia…

Kokino Bronze Age archaeological site in the Republic of Macedonia

Horse-trekking to the Jyrgalan village of Kyrgyzstan…

On the way to Jyrgalan in Kyrgyzstan

Taking a dip in the Karaburun Peninsula of Albania…

The breathtaking Karaburun Peninsula of Albania

Soaking up historic wonders in Turkistan, Kazakhstan…

Turkistan, Kazakhstan

Taking a stroll through Trebinje, Bosnia, Herzegovina…

Off-the-beaten-track exploring in Trebinje, Bosnia and Herzegovina

Wandering around the ancient ghost city of Ani in Eastern Turkey…

The Ancient Ghost City of Ani

Hiking for epic views over Brod, Kosovo…

Brilliant views over Brod, Kosovo

Gazing at the sunset in Cappadocia, Turkey…

Gazing at the sunset in Cappadocia, Turkey

Sizing up military relics in Tiraspol, Transnistria…

Military relics in Tiraspol, Transnistria

Savouring Georgian dumplings in Akhaltsikhe…

Savouring Georgian dumplings in Akhaltsikhe

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