Israel: The Royal Tour, with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and CBS Travel Editor Peter Greenberg, Premieres on Public Television Thursday, March 6, 2014 (check local listings) One-hour special offers unprecedented look at Israel through the eyes of its prime minister. (February 25, 2014) – A historic television event is coming to public television stations next month with the premiere of Israel: The Royal Tour. The … [Read more...]
St. John’s Tomb: Travel Tales from Turkey
Greetings from Cappadocia! We are rapidly adapting to the troglodyte lifestyle of the modern cave dweller! Cappadocia was a perfect hideaway for the early persecuted Christians because they fled here to hide away in caves and they built their churches in caves as well. It almost appears that every family had its own church, sort of like a second living room to their cave dwelling. These early churches comfortably fit only about 10 people in … [Read more...]
Great Pyramids of Egypt – August 2013
The great pyramids of Egypt are located on the outskirts of Cairo in the area of Giza. Cairo has Africa's only metro; while it doesn't run all the way to the pyramids you can take it to the Giza stop and then catch a bus to near the main entrance. Some great monuments may disappoint when you see them in person - absolutely not the great pyramids. They tower above everything; from the top of the Cairo Tower in Cairo (20+ miles away) they loom … [Read more...]
Luxor, Egypt – April 2013
A visit to Egypt is not complete without visiting the historical city of Luxor and the nearby temples and ruins. This is an overnight sleeper train ride or about a 1 hour flight from Cairo. The history here is mind boggling - choose from two main temples, the one within Luxor and Karnak (right next to the city and is the largest religious building of its kind in the world). In addition the Valley of the Kings is only about 25 minutes away from … [Read more...]
Beware of Camels and Mysterious Shisha
I thought to myself, “I knew this was a bad idea.” I was officially stuck on top of a camel. Even after two weeks in this scandalous country, I had managed to fall into yet another obvious scam. A young boy had approached me at the base of the Great Pyramid in Giza and sweet talked me into climbing onto his camel for a picture. It seemed harmless enough; camels are pretty docile, and I was not obligated to pay for a ride. Just a quick … [Read more...]
Jerusalem: the Lion of this Kingdom
In May of 2009, my mother and I traversed France over 10 days. On our final day, at a Paris hotel, I perused cheap flights on the Internet, chancing upon a low-cost Belgian airline, JetAirFly, with one-way flights from Liege, Belgium, to Tel Aviv, for 99 euros. In Jerusalem, my nephew, Guy, and his mother, Miri, agreed to shelter me from the incoming cultural storm. My nerves tingled as I considered the implications: Judea, Israel, Jerusalem, … [Read more...]
From the Outside In: My Reflections as a Non-Muslim Wearing the Burqa in Silicon Valley
My curiosity to try wearing the most conservative Muslim, black Burqa drapery in California overcame my dread that I would be found out by a Muslim who might eagerly approach me as any of us might do when we find "our kind" in a foreign land. I was fearful of offending, or appearing to make light of a serious cultural tradition. It took an immense amount of courage to overcome my trepidation. But at last I decided to just go for it. Logically … [Read more...]
’50 Greatest Photographs, National Geographic Exhibition to Open
Imagine Exhibitions Gallery at The Venetian to Host Comprehensive Exploration of Iconic Photo Collection LAS VEGAS (January 31, 2013) — On February 14, 2013, Imagine Exhibitions Gallery at The Venetian will welcome 50 Greatest Photographs of National Geographic to Las Vegas. The traveling exhibition showcases some of National Geographic’s most-remembered and celebrated photographs from its 125-year-old history, such as Steve McCurry’s … [Read more...]
Plan a family holiday to Makadi Bay
Makadi Bay is proving to be a very popular destination for a family holiday, with beautiful surroundings, luxury accommodation and excellent facilities providing much of the attraction. Makadi Bay is situated in a beautiful bay, surrounded by Egypt's Red Sea and the mountains, and this location provides everything you could need for an exceptional family holiday. Finding the right accommodation for your family can often prove difficult, but the … [Read more...]
Balbaa Village, Alexandria Egypt – January 2013
Balbaa Village is located in Alexandria Egypt and is an authentic Egyptian meat and Barbeque Restaurant. They are located in the Sidi Bishr neighborhood at Malik Hefni St - Phone: +2.03.5400888. This is the original Balbaa Village and they can easily seat 300+ people when its busy. Upstairs and downstairs dining. The highlight of a visit here is their huge selection. As soon as you sit down a plethora of plates are immediately brought to your … [Read more...]