# Alive. "Alive" is my life-long project that epitomizes the essence of adventure and the unyielding pursuit of personal growth. At its core, it is a journey without boundaries, a relentless quest to explore new challenges and embrace unparalleled experiences. This initiative transcends the ordinary, inviting a journey into the extraordinary. The project is anchored in the completion of formidable tasks such as the Seven Summits challenge, where participants scale the highest peaks of each continent, including awe-inspiring mountains like Everest and Kilimanjaro. Each summit represents not just a physical conquest, but a metaphorical ascent to new levels of personal achievement and self-discovery. Beyond the peaks, "Alive" extends to endurance feats like marathon running, and ultra-long bike trips, symbolizing the project's commitment to testing the limits of human stamina and resilience. This venture is not just about physical endeavors; it's a holistic journey that challenges the mind, body, and spirit in equal measure. "Alive" is more than a project; it's a life philosophy. It's about breaking free from the constraints of the ordinary and charting a course into the unknown. Every step, every climb, every mile is an opportunity to grow, to learn, and to expand the boundaries of what's possible. It's a call to those who dare to dream big, to feel alive, and are unafraid to turn those dreams into reality. This project is a tribute to the adventurers, the dreamers, the relentless pursuers of life's infinite potential. _________ # Summiting the highest peak in Europe - Mt. Elbrus On a spontaneous solo adventure, I embarked on a journey to scale Mount Elbrus, a significant peak within the Seven Summits – the highest mountains on each of the seven continents. This journey held a deeper personal resonance, as Mount Elbrus is nestled in the Caucasus Mountains, the region where I was born. Rising to 5,642 meters (18,510 feet), Elbrus is Europe's tallest peak and a dormant volcano with two distinct, snow-covered summits, with the west being slightly higher. I joined a group of American mountaineers, infusing the expedition with a rich social dimension. To prepare for Elbrus's extreme altitudes and icy conditions, we underwent a two-day acclimatization period with my Dad at his geological camp site near by at 3000m followed by 1.5 days at the 3500m at the mt. Elbrus camp base. This was essential for adapting to the expansive, snow-laden landscape of my birthplace. Reaching the summit on the 3rd night, coinciding with my birthday, was a profound personal achievement. This was not just a physical conquest but a pivotal moment in my Seven Summits quest, made even more meaningful by my connection to the Caucasus. The panoramic views from the top were breathtaking, providing a unique perspective of my native region. Throughout the expedition, the wonderful people I met contributed significantly to this unforgettable experience. Standing atop Mount Elbrus was a fusion of personal triumph, a celebration of new friendships, and a homage to the majestic beauty of one of the most iconic landscapes in the mountaineering world. It was a significant milestone in the my first high altitude mountaineering challenge, deeply intertwined with my origins in the Caucasus Mountains. <div class="image-grid"> <img src="_images/IMG_1855_Original.png"> <img src="_images/IMG_1867_Original.png"> <img src="_images/IMG_1874_Original.png"> <img src="_images/IMG_1888_Original.jpg"> </div> ___ # Cycling from Paris Blockchain Week to ETH Amsterdam: A Seven-Day Adventure The journey began as a last-minute decision - an audacious plan to cycle from Paris Blockchain Week to Eth Amsterdam. With just a week to make it to Amsterdam for the start of the event, the challenge was set. The excitement was palpable as we made a hurried visit to Decathlon to pick up bikes and gear, though I was still in denial that we were actually going to do it. **Day 1: The Parisian Start** Our adventure started in Paris, with the city’s enchanting streets and picturesque suburbs as our backdrop. That first day of cycling was a record for me - 70 kilometers, the longest and hardest I had ever ridden. The feeling of numbness in my legs and the persistent ache in my knees were new sensations, but the vibrant atmosphere of the city kept our spirits high. That night, unable to reach our intended destination, we found solace in a remote hotel, grateful for the simple comforts of a warm bed and a hot shower. **Day 2: Pushing Limits** The physical toll of the journey quickly became apparent. Climbing stairs was a Herculean task, and sleep was elusive due to the intense soreness. Yet, this challenge was a wake-up call, a reminder of the body's resilience and limits. Despite the pain, there was a sense of being vividly, even painfully, alive. **The Following Days: Discovering Beauty and Endurance** As we continued, our route took us through major cities like Roye, Ghent, Lille, Péronne, Antwerp, Rotterdam and finally Amsterdam. Each city brought its unique experiences - the lush parks of Belgium, the best steak in Rotterdam, and the youthful energy of Ghent. French riversides and Belgian waffles marked our path as we journeyed towards the Netherlands. And on top, we found refuge in the comfort and luxury of Marriott hotels, where we were greeted with exceptional hospitality. The exquisite meals at local restaurants were also a highlight, offering the best culinary experiences after long days of cycling. Riding alongside rivers and navigating busy streets, we adjusted to the rhythm of the road. The initial pain and soreness gave way to a newfound enjoyment in the ride. The landscape of the 3 countries we passed though, with its curly roads, flower fields, and waterscapes, was a sight to behold. An amusing incident involved tripping over and landing next to a dead fish on the road - a humorous memory amidst the arduous journey. **Final Day: Arrival in Amsterdam** On the last stretch, as we rode through the bike lanes of Rotterdam and approached Amsterdam, the anticipation grew. Finally, we reached our destination, tired but exhilarated. Arriving at the W hotel, we must have been a sight - weary, damp, and carrying our bikes up to our room. The journey was a testament to endurance, friendship, and the joys of exploration. The hot shower and comfortable bed at the hotel were the best I'd ever experienced, a perfect end to an unforgettable seven-day cycling adventure from Paris to Amsterdam. It was an experience of a lifetime, filled with challenges, laughter, and the realization of what we can achieve with determination and a spirit of adventure. <div class="image-grid"> <img src="_images/map.jpg"> <img src="_images/biketrip3.png"> <img src="_images/biketrip5.png"> <img src="_images/biketrip8.png"> <img src="_images/biketrip7.png"> <img src="_images/biketrip9.png"> <img src="_images/biketrip10.png"> <img src="_images/biketrip11.png"> </div> ______ # Antarctica expedition alongside notable figures such as Diplo, Flume, and Oliver Tree In December 2023, I traveled to the edge of the world - a frozen wilderness of silence, scale, and staggering beauty. Surrounded by towering icebergs and endless white, Antarctica stripped everything down to presence. Just breath, stillness, and the hum of untouched Earth. <div class="image-grid"> <img src="_images/ant.JPG"> <img src="_images/IMG_1094.JPG"> <img src="_images/IMG_1091.JPG"> <img src="_images/IMG_1522.JPG"> <img src="_images/IMG_1503.JPG"> <img src="_images/IMG_1699.JPG"> <img src="_images/IMG_1093.JPG"> <img src="_images/IMG_6093.JPG"> </div> ______ # Summiting Mt. Kilimanjaro - August 2024 In August 2024, I stood on the roof of Africa - Uhuru Peak, 5,895 meters above sea level. It wasn’t just a climb, but a journey through altitude, mindset, and deep presence. From lush rainforest to glacial ridges, Kilimanjaro challenged me with a high fever before summit night and shifting weather - but _halas_, it was unforgettable. Another summit. Another chapter in motion. <div class="image-grid"> <img src="_images/kili1.jpg"> <img src="_images/kili4.jpg"> <img src="_images/kili2.JPG"> <img src="_images/kili3.JPG"> <img src="_images/kili5.JPG"> <img src="_images/kili6.JPG"> <img src="_images/kili7.JPG"> <img src="_images/IMG_1090.JPG"> </div> ________