It’s almost impossible to tell the story of Mongolia without inevitably mentioning Chinggis (Genghis) Khan. Seven centuries ago, he exploded onto Mongol and world history with a sonorous impact that still reverberates throughout the nation today. But there is far more to Mongolia than our fanciful musings of green, pastoral steppes trampled by marauding hordes of nomadic warriors on horseback. Indeed, Mongolia is a study in contrast, a traveler’s … [Read more...]
Surprised in a good way by Taipei
I have flown into Taipei many times over the years but never really explored the city or the surrounding countryside. For some reason I never had any interest in doing so. However, after spending 4 days in Taipei recently, I must admit that my perception of the city has changed dramatically. For those who have never been to this part of the world, Taiwan makes an excellent first choice/introduction to Asia. It is easy to get around and … [Read more...]
4 Adventures for Thrill-Seekers in the Dominican Republic
Located in the heart of the Caribbean, the Dominican Republic was the first place to be reached by Christopher Columbus in 1492 - making it the oldest country of the Americas. Surrounded by the Atlantic Ocean to the north and the Caribbean Sea to the south, the Dominican Republic’s 18,704 sq. miles consist of rain forest, savannah and highlands. While the island is mostly known for its beaches, resorts and golf courses it also boasts the … [Read more...]
Saarland, Germany’s best kept secret
My fondest memories as a kid growing up in Germany typically involved hiking in green forests, visiting medieval cities, exploring roman ruins, cycling along river banks, driving through vineyards dotting the many low rolling hills, or taking daytrips to the French side of the border to gawk at life on the other side. This is Saarland, Germany’s hidden gem. If you’ve followed any of my other articles, you’ll know by now that what I enjoy most is … [Read more...]
A Family Discovery of the Natural Beauty of Jasper and Its Environs
Packing up the van as we loaded up the children and luggage from our hotel in Edmonton, we embarked on the Jasper area of the Canadian Rockies adventure hoping to find snow-capped mountains, turquoise lakes, raging waterfalls and animals of the area. My daughter Muna and I were travelling with my eldest grandson Laith, Maria his wife and their two inquisitive sons, Bilal and Tamer. As we left the city anxious to visit Alberta’s natural wonders … [Read more...]
St. Lucia Jazz: The Caribbean’s Heartbeat
This must be an out of body experience...or at the very least what this experience would possibly feel like. Those were the words going through my mind as I witnessed the performance of the internationally acclaimed zouk band "Kassav' perform on my old stomping ground in my hometown of Soufriere (St. Lucia). The iconic Pitons (dramatic volcanic spires that rise sharply) in the background must have added to this feeling of the experience being … [Read more...]
Touring Europe: Why you Should Visit the Magical City of Porto
Porto: a city with a charming spirit that’s visible in its food, wine, and breathtaking views. It’s where the mesmerizing Douro River flows towards the cold waters of the Atlantic. The city is positioned on the steep riverbank, showcasing an opulent city hall and tall towers. Remains of the city’s past are apparent in the astounding architecture of the buildings. After sunset, the city flaunts a romantic setting, glowing like a honeycomb. … [Read more...]
How to Spend a Few Days in Dominica
Dominica is ideal for the independent traveler looking to getaway from crowds, to bond with nature, and to explore the country on his or her own. Aptly called "the nature isle" when one visits the country, one soon understands this description. First of all, there are not a lot of people who live in the country, some 72,000 by the last count, so it never feels crowded, the island is full of rivers, waterfalls, some freshwater lakes and dense at … [Read more...]
Remembering My Time on Paros, Greece
Of all the islands I have visited over the years, the first island I ever visited in Europe many years ago left a lasting impression on me. This was Paros, Greece. I was backpacking with my brother throughout Europe in summer. We had just arrived in Athens where the city was suffering through it's worst heat wave of the season with temperatures in the day hovering in the low 40's (105+ F). Incidentally Athens holds the record temperature for any … [Read more...]
Six Things You Didn’t Know About Beijing
“I speak and speak. But the listener retains only the words he is expecting." So cautioned Marco Polo as he left the court of the great Kublai Khan in Dadu (modern day Beijing) in the year 1295 C.E. Certainly this was a timely reminder for me as I stepped off the plane in Beijing for the first time. Over the years, I had heard lots about Beijing, most of which with a negative slant. Much to my delight, I encountered a wonderful and fascinating … [Read more...]
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