There is something that is common with the Lebanese people all over the world. They love to eat and they love to brag about how amazing Lebanon is. Usually when someone is bragging about their home country I take it with a grain of salt. After all, most people think their country is the best in the world. Most people are naturally patriotic and this is not necessarily a bad thing. Lucky for me, I had friends that wanted to show me around. I … [Read more...]
Israel, The Holy Land
There is a magical land located in the Middle East; it is but a relatively small dot on the map, but has played an enormous role politically and religiously throughout recorded history. This is a place described in the Old Testament as the Holy Land, home to the Israelites. This is Israel - a landscape of deserts, beaches and at times, snow-capped mountains. Israel is a travel destination sought out by a diversity of travelers: the foodie, the … [Read more...]
The Rift Valley Mountain Trek to Petra, Jordan
Day 1 We began our hike under the 2pm sun from Dana Guesthouse, at about 4,300 feet (1300 meters) above sea level. The beating sun shone down on us intensified by the absence of shade and starkness of our rocky surroundings. Fortunately the hike descended down the side of the rugged mountains until we reached the canyon wash. The three of us were the only ones here - perhaps we were slightly nutty considering really very few people make this … [Read more...]
Cooking Class at Petra Kitchen
One of the most fascinating aspects for me about traveling Internationally is tasting food from different cultures and regions. What we think of Middle-Eastern food in the United States is a generalization of a wide range of countries based upon a few dishes which have become westernized. In actuality, within even one country - there can be dramatic culinary differences based on spices used and preparation styles. The culinary traditions of … [Read more...]
From Camping with Nomads to Exploring Tehran
The past few days I've been enjoying life with a group of nomads who move around the deserts of central Iran. They regularly herd large numbers of sheep and goats; I was able to join them as they moved one such herd from the flat lands up into the mountains. It is a life in motion for the herders and their animals; both are moved around continuously in search of food and water. Donkeys accompany the herds carrying shelter and additional food and … [Read more...]
The Hardest Place in the World to Visit
The covering has the disconcerting effect of obnubilating as well as illuminating the woman behind it. Shrouded in black niqab and ankle-length abaya, she floats towards me. Behind, her friends are firing salvos of cell-phone photos, as though we foreigners are exotic beasts in a zoo. She stops, and through her veil, in perfect English, asks, “Where are you from?” “California.” “What city?” “Los Angeles.” “What part?” … [Read more...]
My Climb of Mount Ararat
Climbing Mount Ararat was a dream of mine since childhood! I would stare at the picture posted above the chalkboard exactly in the center of the room at Armenian School and think, “Why are we just looking at? Why can’t we climb to the top?” I have been blessed that my life has taken me to nearly 60 countries where I connected with Armenian communities in South America, Europe, the Middle East, Asia, and Australia. Our language, food, and music … [Read more...]
Best Travel Guide for First Time Travellers to Dubai
DUBAI proudly stands among the seven emirates of the United Arab Emirates (UAE). It’s no less than a splendid tourist destination for travellers around the globe. The city is a pleasure for eyes because of its crazy, humongous and architectural skyscrapers. Unlike in other countries, the whole city is man-made, beautifully crafted to catch the eyes of many tourist lovers. As the world is aware, Dubai has won the bid to host World EXPO 2020 and … [Read more...]
Sandboarding in Israel
When in the Swiss Alps, go skiing, when in the Himalayas climb a mountain, when in the Maldives go Scuba Diving. ... when in the Negev Desert, go Sandboarding! I have always preferred the sun over the snow and as a result Israel has always been one of favorite destinations. When I was presented with an opportunity to Sandboard for the first time in my life I jumped at the opportunity. Wouldn't you?! Think of snowboarding on … [Read more...]
Dolphin Reef Spa in Eilat, Israel
Those who have visited Israel, or watched the satirical movie "Don't Mess with Zohan", will recognize another side of Israelis - one that is not so apparent unless you have befriended them or come in contact with them. Deep inside, they are a bunch of fun-loving hippies and love life like there's no tomorrow. It's all about the Work Hard, Play Hard mentality. That is one of the many reasons I love Israel so much. My third visit to the country was … [Read more...]
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