Is Dubai the new Jerusalem, this millennia’s Babylon, or a middle-eastern Las Vegas? The Emirate city is certainly a new kind of something, that’s for sure. But with the light glinting off the gold cylinders of the Al-Attar tower like it does, it’s hard to think of what exactly. Let’s just say that most of what’s happening here is currently unprecedented, both in terms of scale and – if you consider the devastating combination of sunshine and … [Read more...]
The Golden Triangle of Andalucia
The rattle of castanets and the sob of guitars drift into the narrow streets from hole-in-the-wall flamenco night spots. Not since tears would come to my eyes when Hansel and Gretel got lost in the woods, had I ever imagined that I could be lost in a forest. But here I was, fully-grown and wandering in the late afternoon gloom, softly calling for my husband. Softly because this was no ordinary woods but a hallowed forest with 850 towering … [Read more...]
Jordan, Oasis of Peace & Beauty
From the cloak of Wadi Rum serenity to the nutrient-rich mud from the Dead Sea, Jordan delivers to the heart and soul of travelers. When I traveled there this past spring, I was struck by the misconceptions the West has of the Middle East. Americans, especially, tend to think of it as a menacing place, but nothing is further from the truth, considering that Jordan enjoys a crime rate well below that of Sweden. As soon as I said I was … [Read more...]
ALO’s guide to Morocco, Outpost of the Middle East
"Sure," I said, waving goodbye. I hadn't the heart to remind her that the film was shot on a Hollywood sound stage in the 1940s and that Rick's Cafe opened in Casablanca only three years ago. Nine short miles across the Straits of Gibraltar from the Southern Coast of Spain, Morocco, the world's westernmost Arab country, looks both ways'to its ancient roots in the Middle East and north to its European neighbors. Long an outpost of the Roman … [Read more...]
Dubai – A Piece of The Pie
The following is taken from Dave's Journal regarding a long weekend spent in Dubai I took a quick trip up to Dubai in the United Arab Emirates 3 weeks ago in the midst of the annual Shopping Festival. Thirty years ago this was a local regional city. Today its an international nightmare, depending on your perspective. Perhaps it is a city that will cause you to have a strong visceral reaction. Lots of craziness with the terrible traffic, … [Read more...]
Penang Malaysia, Exit 161
As you cruise down the main north south freeway in Malaysia take exit 161. This will lead you across the 12km bridge connecting the island of Penang to the mainland. Penang, Malaysia is a fast growing city; the new very tall apartment complexes that seem to sprout everywhere from its shores are testament to this. Part of the island is a "free trade zone" and many International businesses are located here including Aigilent, Dell, Bosch and more. … [Read more...]
Relishing the Mountains and Forests of the Dominican Republic
Not that I was not enjoying the pleasures of Playa Dorado -Puerto Plata's chief resort area. In spite of all the tourist facilities a traveller could ask for, from casinos, fine restaurants to enticing sands, I developed the urge to explore the nearby region in the Dominican Republic. After studying what the numerous organized tours offered, I decided on the Santiago- Jarabacoa excursion - a trip which included the city of Santiago, … [Read more...]
Philippines Tourism – December 2007
Philippines Tourism - The Philippines are one of the most under-rated Island nations in the world. They take a little more work to get to because of their location and as a result compared to mainland SE Asia there are far fewer tourists who visit the Philippines. How can you go wrong with over 7100+ islands and world class white sand beaches complimented by the clearest bluest water you've seen. In addition English is one of the languages … [Read more...]
Shh…Quiet. I’m in Norway
July 7 - Subject: Greetings from quiet Norway! Shh... the first words we heard on the train from the airport to the city center were "please respect the quiet zone." And its been incredibly quiet ever since! A well known Norwegian painter once wrote that the beauty of the mountains moves him into silence. If that's the case then perhaps people will stop talking altogether once we drive into the mountains. I always like to be keenly aware … [Read more...]
Golden Temple, Amritsar India – October 2007
Golden Temple Amritsar India - The incredible Golden Temple is located in North West India minutes from the Pakistan border. This beautifully constructed temple, courtyard, buildings and huge pool is well worth a visit if you happen to be in Northern India. It is a spiritual haven and is the most holiest shrine and pilgrimage site for the Sikh religion. Hundreds and hundreds of people visit this every day - most colorfully dressed and … [Read more...]
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