The Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque is an epitome of grandeur and harmony. It is located in the heart of Abu Dhabi, the capital city of the United Arab Emirates. Often referred as the 'White Pearl of the Gulf', the Grand Mosque is the third largest mosque in the world and largest in the country. The structure was planned and executed by the first President of the UAE, His Highness Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan. He was the ruler of Abu Dhabi for … [Read more...]
A List of Important Places To Visit In Leh-Ladakh: The Land of High Passes
The valley of Ladakh is one of the most visited tourist destinations in India. The valley is famous for its pristine landscape and snow-capped mountains, and at the same time, it is one of the highest inhabited regions of the world. The Ladakh valley is blessed with two mountain ranges running through its boundaries, namely the Himalayan Mountain Range and the Karakoram Mountain Range. In the last decade, the area has seen a high influx of … [Read more...]
10 Best Things to do in Jaisalmer: A Golden Oasis in the Thar Desert
The westernmost tourist hot-spot in India, is the Golden City of Jaisalmer. A majestic city with its citadel- the Golden Fort standing in the middle of the city, with each house crafted with yellow sandstone is nothing short of an oasis in the desert. The views of the mighty desert, the architecture of the marvelous Havelis, the vibrancy of the colorful markets and the culture of the historical city ensures an exalted experience for every … [Read more...]
Common Scams & Travel Hacks: 5 Things You Need to Know About Turkey
Disclaimer: this post is all written in good humor :) My most recent holiday, which is also the one that I get asked about the most - was to Turkey in early June of this year. I had recently graduated and there was no hope of a Swedish summer ever showing up (no surprise here!), so my husband and I packed up our gear, planned a spontaneous getaway with an open itinerary (like we usually do) and went on a quest for warm, sunny weather to make … [Read more...]
Confessions of the First Travel Blogger
One of these claims to be “The Most Interesting Blogger in the World” I was surprised when I picked up a copy USAToday and saw an item that cited me as “The first travel blogger.” I doubt it, though I was early to the game, not long after Al Gore invented the Internet. In 1993 the term “blogger” didn’t exist, so what I was posting was a real-time serialized account of my travels. If that qualifies, then perhaps the first travel blogger was … [Read more...]
A Speech on Travel in Almaty, Kazakhstan
An acquaintance I met on Couch Surfing a few nights ago is a member of a local Toastmaster's club here in Almaty. A day ago she informed me that she would like me to be the guest speaker at their upcoming bi monthly meeting which draws both students and expats. Toastmasters started in Santa Ana California as one small club in 1924 and now has local chapters in over 120 countries often with multiple meetups/groups in the same city. Their focus … [Read more...]
The Hills of Northern Pakistan
In summer the heat slams down onto Pakistan like a sledgehammer. The sun boils with a malevolent intensity as the temperatures rise, and rise, and rise. Houses become ovens and to go for a walk is to be physically assaulted by a heat which is like a cruel, merciless entity. Street dogs flop over, their sides heaving as they suck in the soup-like air. Birds migrate to the hills. Even flies, rendered idiotic and clumsy by the heat, blunder … [Read more...]
Spending Taca in Bata in Dhaka
Bata shoe stores are everywhere in Dhaka! Most people assume Bata is from "their home" country based on the companies' large International distribution. Desher's told us Bata is their own company, others said it is Canadian. In actuality Bata is based in Switzerland having been founded in 1894 in what is now the Czech Republic. The founder said, "Work collectively, and live individually" We made it safely back and are now in Thailand. What a … [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...]
Afghanistan: More bakeries here than anywhere else in the world
I have always been asked about the safety situation in Afghanistan and, by now, might have a word or two to offer. During our stay there, we were limited mainly to Kabul and its immediate surroundings, such as valleys or canyons that could be reached within a couple hours of driving. Keep in mind that right now is also the height of winter and many roads become impassable for extended periods of time. While I can't personally speak for the rest … [Read more...]