What a remote, interesting, economically poor (despite sitting on huge undeveloped oil reserves), culturally rich country. We left the Indian influence far behind in Oman in as India's great influence all over this part of the world hasn't quite made it to this part of Northern Yemen. The food here is much better than the food we dis-joyed in Oman. Typical scene - we walk into any one of numerous restaurants - US: "what type of food do you have" … [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...]
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...]
The Alternative to Inca Trail
It isn't lined with Inca stones, it is a rough mountain path, but in many ways it takes you to a much deeper, more real Peru. You may not see ruins three times a day but you go through two magnificent lost cities and some genuine untouched Quechua villages, not to mention the most incredible mountain views. What's more - this trail is not for everyone, it is for those who can take it. The trail takes you from Cachora village (three quarters of … [Read more...]
Mendoza, Argentina – Restaurants
As with other Latin countries, Argentinians take siesta which often runs between 1 and 4 to 5pm. Nearly all shops are close including restaurants. Most restaurants (aside from some of the main tourist ones) will reopen in the evening around 8 or 9pm. Restaurants typically will not be crowded until at least 10pm; it is not uncommon to see families with children dining at this "late" hour. We found restaurants to be quite crowded on the weekdays … [Read more...]
Las Fallas of Valencia
Arguably the craziest urban festival in Europe, this is one of the most bizarre and fascinating European attractions, yet it is not a recent invention of new age imagination but a deeply traditional local festivity. Valencia, the City of Contrast, has stepped firmly into the cosmopolitan 21st century, yet it has kept much of its tradition intact. The social fabric of the city is still organised around the clan-like fallas - neighbourhood … [Read more...]
The City of Arts and Sciences
So the new list of today's Wonders of the World is about to come out. I found it bizarre that the City of Arts and Sciences in Valencia wasn't one of the contenders. Machu Picchu, Petra, Taj Mahal, the Great Wall, all undoubtedly wonders of the world, but how about thinking a little outside of the box? Does a Wonder have to be ancient? This contest is an exciting project amongst the now enormous travelling community on the planet, but it does … [Read more...]
America’s Cup 2007 in Valencia
An article is due on the practicalities of attending the 32nd America's Cup in Valencia, which will draw huge international crowds this summer of 2007. Here is the vital info and insider tips. All of the action will take place in the America's Cup Port, a magnificently designed complex built specifically for this occasion by the local government of Valencia. The central ultre-modern Veles I Vents building, a sort of command tower for the press … [Read more...]
Chicago Tourism: National Tourism Foundation
Chicago is located along the southwestern shore of Lake Michigan. The city has the honor of being the major center of transportation, industry, politics, culture, finance, medicine and higher education. The "Second City," the "Windy City," "Chi-town," and the "City of the Big Shoulders" are the informal names of Chicago. Chicago, like much of the Midwest, has a climate with a wide range of weather conditions. The city experiences four … [Read more...]
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