English

Hi there!

We are a family of four: Oleg (dad), Lera (mom), Fedor (8 y.o.) and Anton (3 y.o.). This blog is dedicated to our cycling and, more recently, sailing adventures.

After finishing PhDs (Applied Physics/Computer Science) and work at Stanford University we took a gap year and cycled across South America. Fedor was 2 years old, so there were only three of us at the time. Over 8 months we cycled 7000 km from the Southern tip of the continent through Argentina, Chile, Bolivia, Peru, Ecuador and Colombia. At times, when the wind was too strong or the traffic was too chaotic, we hopped on buses.

On the way we experienced the desolation of windy Patagonia and high Bolivian Altiplano where we camped under enormous night skies full of unfamiliar constellations. We crossed the Andes over a 4800 m pass, where our lungs and brains were depleted of oxygen. We passed through picturesque fishing villages on the Ecuadorian coast and rugged terrain of Colombia. Importantly, we met an infinite number of cheerful and generous people. Tire punctures, wild berries, field repairs, hospitality, lost tent poles, TV interview, dog bite, camping by the church… There was everything.

In early 2019 we are returning back to California and started new jobs – saving money and preparing for the new adventures.

As of summer 2024, we are starting a new chapter of our life, embarking on a family sailing adventure. Our home is now a 48 ft aluminum expedition sailboat ‘Half-Light’. We are taking her from the UK to … wherever the wind brings us, starting on the way to the Mediterranean sea.

We write this blog in Russian language. Yet, you are welcome to try Google Translate (honestly, it’s not that bad) or even newer AI-based translators, or just browse through the pictures to get some inspiration. You can also follow us on Instagram @holoholotales. Please feel free to write us an email if you have any questions!