<?xml version='1.0' encoding='UTF-8'?><?xml-stylesheet href="http://www.blogger.com/styles/atom.css" type="text/css"?><feed xmlns='http://www.w3.org/2005/Atom' xmlns:openSearch='http://a9.com/-/spec/opensearchrss/1.0/' xmlns:blogger='http://schemas.google.com/blogger/2008' xmlns:georss='http://www.georss.org/georss' xmlns:gd="http://schemas.google.com/g/2005" xmlns:thr='http://purl.org/syndication/thread/1.0'><id>tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6443898998372254857</id><updated>2024-10-24T17:46:26.307-07:00</updated><title type='text'>Travel the Middle East</title><subtitle type='html'></subtitle><link rel='http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#feed' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://travelthemiddleeast.blogspot.com/feeds/posts/default'/><link rel='self' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/6443898998372254857/posts/default?redirect=false'/><link rel='alternate' type='text/html' href='http://travelthemiddleeast.blogspot.com/'/><link rel='hub' href='http://pubsubhubbub.appspot.com/'/><author><name>blogmastergeneral</name><uri>http://www.blogger.com/profile/16308394286231659095</uri><email>noreply@blogger.com</email><gd:image rel='http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail' width='24' height='32' src='//blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYnJaPW8-ICkvE-70o8h1Tp5IbSFGd6bDAbF1R-7cvTiRMXmyzeWXCw88fieyVSOunJFPCZ7CrvVuczABWPE-0o5cPL0wXJNMwgEGR6hIwaQSVjmwaq6B5kn1OzQJHCog/s220/con_man1.gif'/></author><generator version='7.00' uri='http://www.blogger.com'>Blogger</generator><openSearch:totalResults>10</openSearch:totalResults><openSearch:startIndex>1</openSearch:startIndex><openSearch:itemsPerPage>25</openSearch:itemsPerPage><entry><id>tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6443898998372254857.post-336149591806374886</id><published>2010-11-28T15:41:00.000-08:00</published><updated>2010-11-28T16:03:41.494-08:00</updated><title type='text'>Jordan As A Travel Destination</title><content type='html'>&lt;div&gt;&lt;div style=&quot;background-color: transparent; border: medium none; color: black; overflow: hidden; text-align: left; text-decoration: none;&quot;&gt;&lt;b&gt;Ajloun:&lt;/b&gt;  The Islamic castle Ajloun stands on top of the 1123 meter high Jabel  Auf and is embedded in a nice environment. It was built in the 12th  century by a general of the famous sultan Salah ad-Din to protect the  country against the Crusader attacks and to secure the pilgrim routes. &lt;b&gt;&amp;nbsp;&lt;/b&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div style=&quot;background-color: transparent; border: medium none; color: black; overflow: hidden; text-align: left; text-decoration: none;&quot;&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div style=&quot;background-color: transparent; border: medium none; color: black; overflow: hidden; text-align: left; text-decoration: none;&quot;&gt;&lt;b&gt;Amman:&lt;/b&gt;Situated  on several hills the capital of Jordan houses almost half of the  country&#39;s population. Worth seeing in the so-called white city is the  Citadel hill, once an important military and religious site. Here you  see for example the remains of the Temple of Hercules. Interesting place  are the Roman Theater, the King Abdullah Mosque and the Abu Darweesh  Mosque.&amp;nbsp;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div style=&quot;background-color: transparent; border: medium none; color: black; overflow: hidden; text-align: left; text-decoration: none;&quot;&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div style=&quot;background-color: transparent; border: medium none; color: black; overflow: hidden; text-align: left; text-decoration: none;&quot;&gt;&lt;b&gt;Aqaba at the Red Sea:&lt;/b&gt; The small Red Sea port of  Aqaba is famous for its unique coral reefs and so a paradise for diving  and snorkeling in clear waters. Many other aquatic activities are  possible like sailing, wind surfing or water skiing. The tourist city is  also attractive due to its status as Special Economic Zone offering  duty free shopping. &lt;b&gt;&amp;nbsp;&lt;/b&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div style=&quot;background-color: transparent; border: medium none; color: black; overflow: hidden; text-align: left; text-decoration: none;&quot;&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div style=&quot;background-color: transparent; border: medium none; color: black; overflow: hidden; text-align: left; text-decoration: none;&quot;&gt;&lt;b&gt;Azraq Oasis:&lt;/b&gt; Azraq is located about  110 kilometers east of Amman. Once a large wetland area, nowadays only  12 square km of parklands and pools are left as a result of the growing  water demand of cities like Amman. But still Azraq is the oasis in the  eastern desert, home to some water buffalos and important for birds  migrating between Africa and Europe. &lt;b&gt;&amp;nbsp;&lt;/b&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div style=&quot;background-color: transparent; border: medium none; color: black; overflow: hidden; text-align: left; text-decoration: none;&quot;&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div style=&quot;background-color: transparent; border: medium none; color: black; overflow: hidden; text-align: left; text-decoration: none;&quot;&gt;&lt;b&gt;Bethany – Baptism Site:&lt;/b&gt;  On the east bank of the Jordan River not far away from Amman you find  Bethany beyond the Jordan, the place where John the Baptist lived and  baptized Jesus. Many Christians pilgrimage to this holy place, which is  located in a nice surrounding. Besides the Baptism Site of Jesus you see  a new golden-roofed church, the remains of Byzantine churches and  baptism pools. &lt;b&gt;&amp;nbsp;&lt;/b&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div style=&quot;background-color: transparent; border: medium none; color: black; overflow: hidden; text-align: left; text-decoration: none;&quot;&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div style=&quot;background-color: transparent; border: medium none; color: black; overflow: hidden; text-align: left; text-decoration: none;&quot;&gt;&lt;b&gt;Dana:&lt;/b&gt; The Dana Nature Reserve, composed  of mountains and wadis, reaches a total height of more than 1600 meter  ranging from the tops of the Rift Valley to desert lowlands. Here you  find diversified landscape like green areas with trees, desert and rocks  as well as various plants and animal species. &lt;b&gt;&amp;nbsp;&lt;/b&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div style=&quot;background-color: transparent; border: medium none; color: black; overflow: hidden; text-align: left; text-decoration: none;&quot;&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div style=&quot;background-color: transparent; border: medium none; color: black; overflow: hidden; text-align: left; text-decoration: none;&quot;&gt;&lt;b&gt;Dead Sea:&lt;/b&gt;  The salt lake between Israel and Jordan is the lowest point on earth  with about 400 m below sea level. The Dead Sea is mainly supplied by  water from the Jordan River. It is an experience to bath without being  able to sink. But the mineral-rich Dead Sea offers more; it was one of  the first spas in the world. Herod the Great, king of Judaea already  used it in the 1st century BC as health treatment. The water and the  special conditions of the area have positive effects on dermatological  and rheumatic diseases. &lt;b&gt;&amp;nbsp;&lt;/b&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div style=&quot;background-color: transparent; border: medium none; color: black; overflow: hidden; text-align: left; text-decoration: none;&quot;&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div style=&quot;background-color: transparent; border: medium none; color: black; overflow: hidden; text-align: left; text-decoration: none;&quot;&gt;&lt;b&gt;Desert Castles:&lt;/b&gt; The most  remarkable buildings in the eastern Jordanian desert are the palaces  built by the Umayyad caliphs in the 7th and 8th century. Most of the  castles can be visited within one day in a loop from Amman via Azraq:  the originally Roman Qasr al-Hallabat and Qasr al-Kharanah with its high  walls and four corner towers. Besides are the large black fortress Qasr  al-Azraq and Qasr Amra, the most charming of the desert castles due to  its fresco paintings. &lt;b&gt;&amp;nbsp;&lt;/b&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div style=&quot;background-color: transparent; border: medium none; color: black; overflow: hidden; text-align: left; text-decoration: none;&quot;&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div style=&quot;background-color: transparent; border: medium none; color: black; overflow: hidden; text-align: left; text-decoration: none;&quot;&gt;&lt;b&gt;Jerash:&lt;/b&gt; The best example of a  Roman provincial city in the Middle East is Jerash, 50 km north of  Amman. It was initially built by Alexander the Great in 332 BC and  started to prosper after the Roman conquest in 63 BC. The Artemis  Temple, the theatres, the Colonnaded Street and many other ancient  buildings give you the feeling of the great civilization and the history  of the region. &lt;b&gt;&amp;nbsp;&lt;/b&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div style=&quot;background-color: transparent; border: medium none; color: black; overflow: hidden; text-align: left; text-decoration: none;&quot;&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div style=&quot;background-color: transparent; border: medium none; color: black; overflow: hidden; text-align: left; text-decoration: none;&quot;&gt;&lt;b&gt;Kerak:&lt;/b&gt; Situated on the King&#39;s Highway  the city was the ancient capital of the Moabites, but the most visitors  come to see the Crusader castle on the hilltop. The castle was built in  the 12th century and ruled by Payen le Bouteiller, the Lord of  Transjordan (Oultrejordain). &lt;b&gt;&amp;nbsp;&lt;/b&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div style=&quot;background-color: transparent; border: medium none; color: black; overflow: hidden; text-align: left; text-decoration: none;&quot;&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div style=&quot;background-color: transparent; border: medium none; color: black; overflow: hidden; text-align: left; text-decoration: none;&quot;&gt;&lt;b&gt;Madaba:&lt;/b&gt; The town Madaba is  well known for its Byzantine and Umayyad mosaics. Popular is especially  the 6th century mosaic map of Palestine in the floor of the orthodox  St. George&#39;s Church. Other magnificent mosaic masterpieces from the  Madaba area, mostly found in old churches, can be seen in the  Archaeological Park. &lt;b&gt;&amp;nbsp;&lt;/b&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div style=&quot;background-color: transparent; border: medium none; color: black; overflow: hidden; text-align: left; text-decoration: none;&quot;&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div style=&quot;background-color: transparent; border: medium none; color: black; overflow: hidden; text-align: left; text-decoration: none;&quot;&gt;&lt;b&gt;Mount Nebo:&lt;/b&gt; Not far from Madaba  Mt. Nebo is located, from where Prophet Moses overlooked the Promised  Land and died. In 1933 remains of a church from the 4th century and a  monastery with magnificent mosaics had been discovered here. From the  mountain you have a panorama of the Holy Land; usually Jericho is  visible and on clear days also Jerusalem. &lt;b&gt;&amp;nbsp;&lt;/b&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div style=&quot;background-color: transparent; border: medium none; color: black; overflow: hidden; text-align: left; text-decoration: none;&quot;&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div style=&quot;background-color: transparent; border: medium none; color: black; overflow: hidden; text-align: left; text-decoration: none;&quot;&gt;&lt;b&gt;Pella:&lt;/b&gt; Pella  is located in the Jordan Valley and in nice surroundings visitors see  ancient ruins from Roman and Byzantine period. Pella was like the city  of Gadara a member of the Decapolis, a union of cities in Palestine,  Jordan and southern Syria which were centers of Greco-Roman culture. &lt;b&gt;&amp;nbsp;&lt;/b&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div style=&quot;background-color: transparent; border: medium none; color: black; overflow: hidden; text-align: left; text-decoration: none;&quot;&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div style=&quot;background-color: transparent; border: medium none; color: black; overflow: hidden; text-align: left; text-decoration: none;&quot;&gt;&lt;b&gt;Petra:&lt;/b&gt;  In the south of Jordan, in the mountains of Edom, the famous rock city  Petra is located. 2000 years ago the Nabataeans, Arab nomads, carved  magnificent temples, tombs and houses in the red-rose sandstone. Since  1985 Petra belongs to the World Heritage Sites and since 2007 it is one  of the New Seven Wonders of the World. &lt;b&gt;&amp;nbsp;&lt;/b&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div style=&quot;background-color: transparent; border: medium none; color: black; overflow: hidden; text-align: left; text-decoration: none;&quot;&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div style=&quot;background-color: transparent; border: medium none; color: black; overflow: hidden; text-align: left; text-decoration: none;&quot;&gt;&lt;b&gt;Salt:&lt;/b&gt; In the  ex-capital of Jordan you get a feeling for the architecture of the  Ottoman period, if you walk through picturesque narrow streets and watch  the houses with long-arched windows. In the town exists a Handicraft  School where you can see traditional skills of ceramics? Within Jordan  Salt is known for its quality of vegetable and fruit harvest. &lt;b&gt;&amp;nbsp;&lt;/b&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div style=&quot;background-color: transparent; border: medium none; color: black; overflow: hidden; text-align: left; text-decoration: none;&quot;&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div style=&quot;background-color: transparent; border: medium none; color: black; overflow: hidden; text-align: left; text-decoration: none;&quot;&gt;&lt;b&gt;Shaumari Wildlife Reserve:&lt;/b&gt;  Close to Azraq the Shaumari Wildlife Reserve, founded 1975, covers 22  square km and offers home for gazelles, wild donkeys and Arabian oryx.  The oryx is also Shaumari&#39;s great success story. This antelope species  was almost extinct and by means of breeding programs it recovered again.&amp;nbsp;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div style=&quot;background-color: transparent; border: medium none; color: black; overflow: hidden; text-align: left; text-decoration: none;&quot;&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div style=&quot;background-color: transparent; border: medium none; color: black; overflow: hidden; text-align: left; text-decoration: none;&quot;&gt;&lt;b&gt;Shobak (Montreal):&lt;/b&gt; The Crusader castle is perched on  top of a small hill northeast of the town of Shobak in southern Jordan.  Like Kerak it was built by Baldwin I. of Jerusalem. Inside the fortress  are two churches, ruins of baths, cisterns, archways, old Islamic  inscriptions and brave people can follow over 300 steps down in a well. &lt;b&gt;&amp;nbsp;&lt;/b&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div style=&quot;background-color: transparent; border: medium none; color: black; overflow: hidden; text-align: left; text-decoration: none;&quot;&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div style=&quot;background-color: transparent; border: medium none; color: black; overflow: hidden; text-align: left; text-decoration: none;&quot;&gt;&lt;b&gt;Umm Quais (Gadara):&lt;/b&gt;  From the ruined Graeco-Roman city Gadara, today named Umm Quais,  visitors have an amazing view over the Sea of Galilee and the Golan  Heights. Still to see are the remains of theatres, temples, a colonnaded  street, a basilica and a museum. &lt;b&gt;&amp;nbsp;&lt;/b&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div style=&quot;background-color: transparent; border: medium none; color: black; overflow: hidden; text-align: left; text-decoration: none;&quot;&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div style=&quot;background-color: transparent; border: medium none; color: black; overflow: hidden; text-align: left; text-decoration: none;&quot;&gt;&lt;b&gt;Wadi al-Mujib:&lt;/b&gt; The  lowest nature reserve in the world is Wadi al-Mujib near the Dead Sea.  The area about 220 square km reaches the highest level in 900 meter, the  lowest in 400 meter below sea level and offers a variety in nature and  wildlife. The so-called Grand Canyon of Jordan is a good place for  adventures. Visitors can hike, swim in pools and rivers and abseil from  rocks. &lt;b&gt;&amp;nbsp;&lt;/b&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div style=&quot;background-color: transparent; border: medium none; color: black; overflow: hidden; text-align: left; text-decoration: none;&quot;&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div style=&quot;background-color: transparent; border: medium none; color: black; overflow: hidden; text-align: left; text-decoration: none;&quot;&gt;&lt;b&gt;Wadi Rum:&lt;/b&gt; In Jordan&#39;s south you find this  dramatic desert landscape with its beautiful rock formations. Visitors  can enjoy a Jeep tour to visit astonishing rock bridges or enjoy silence  and pure nature during a hike or on back of a camel. A wonderful  experience is to spend a night under the starry sky in the wadi.&lt;br /&gt;
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&lt;a href=&quot;http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0&quot; style=&quot;color: #003399;&quot;&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/div&gt;</content><link rel='replies' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://travelthemiddleeast.blogspot.com/feeds/336149591806374886/comments/default' title='Post Comments'/><link rel='replies' type='text/html' href='http://travelthemiddleeast.blogspot.com/2010/11/jordan-as-destination.html#comment-form' title='0 Comments'/><link rel='edit' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/6443898998372254857/posts/default/336149591806374886'/><link rel='self' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/6443898998372254857/posts/default/336149591806374886'/><link rel='alternate' type='text/html' href='http://travelthemiddleeast.blogspot.com/2010/11/jordan-as-destination.html' title='Jordan As A Travel Destination'/><author><name>blogmastergeneral</name><uri>http://www.blogger.com/profile/16308394286231659095</uri><email>noreply@blogger.com</email><gd:image rel='http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail' width='24' height='32' src='//blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYnJaPW8-ICkvE-70o8h1Tp5IbSFGd6bDAbF1R-7cvTiRMXmyzeWXCw88fieyVSOunJFPCZ7CrvVuczABWPE-0o5cPL0wXJNMwgEGR6hIwaQSVjmwaq6B5kn1OzQJHCog/s220/con_man1.gif'/></author><thr:total>0</thr:total></entry><entry><id>tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6443898998372254857.post-5445823755716467323</id><published>2010-11-28T15:36:00.001-08:00</published><updated>2010-11-28T15:36:59.102-08:00</updated><title type='text'>Sights in Lebanon</title><content type='html'>&lt;div&gt;&lt;div style=&quot;background-color: transparent; border: medium none; color: black; overflow: hidden; text-align: left; text-decoration: none;&quot;&gt;Lebanon  is located in the area of Mediterranean. This region is an incredibly  diverse a single. The good thing about the area is incredibly  unforgettable particularly for those who would stop by it for the first  time. The people in Lebanon are very friendly and hospitable. It&#39;s  guaranteed that they will make the tourists think that they are house.  The languages spoken in this region are Arabic, French, and English so  the tourists will not have a difficult time communicating with local  people and vice versa. &lt;br /&gt;
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The traveler attractions in Lebanon are  the urban centers of Beirut, Anjar, and Beiteddine. Beirut is oftentimes  termed the &quot;Paris of the East&quot;. Anjar is recognized for its &quot;Umayyad&quot;  collection although Beiteddine attracts holidaymakers for its Arabic  architectural style and historical monuments. &lt;br /&gt;
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Some of the  favourite locations of tourists would be the Byblos or Jbeil, which is  an old city in Lebanon, the Qadisha Valley or the Holy Valley. The Holy  Valley is considered by UNESCO to be a Planet Heritage Web site along  with the ruins of Aanjar, Byblos, Baalbek, and Tyre. This valley is  looked upon being a peaceful sanctuary by persons of diverse religions. &lt;br /&gt;
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An  additional traveller location in Lebanon is Tripoli. Viewing this place  will remind the holidaymakers in the famous Arabian Nights. The spot  provides a few mosques and the most popular 1 would be the &quot;Saint Gilles  Citadel&quot;. The spot of Zahle is famous for its monasteries and religious  spots constructed during the 18th century. Zahle can impart to its  guest the rich background with the state, which dates back for the  Bronze Age. &lt;br /&gt;
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You&#39;ll find a lot of restaurants that is able to  give the tourists a taste of Lebanese cooking. The cuisine of Lebanon is  largely influenced by the Arabic style of cooking. Their dishes, which  include salads, stews and vegetarian recipes, are flavoured with various  spices and herbs. &lt;br /&gt;
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When it comes to transportation, there is not  a single problem. You&#39;ll find taxis and private cars that might be  hired to tour the land. Getting a tourist location, you might know some  hotels the tourists can choose from. You will find luxury and budgeted  hotels that cater to the various needs and preferences of the  holidaymakers.&lt;span&gt;&lt;br /&gt;
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&lt;a href=&quot;http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0&quot; style=&quot;color: #003399;&quot;&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/div&gt;</content><link rel='replies' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://travelthemiddleeast.blogspot.com/feeds/5445823755716467323/comments/default' title='Post Comments'/><link rel='replies' type='text/html' href='http://travelthemiddleeast.blogspot.com/2010/11/sights-in-lebanon.html#comment-form' title='0 Comments'/><link rel='edit' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/6443898998372254857/posts/default/5445823755716467323'/><link rel='self' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/6443898998372254857/posts/default/5445823755716467323'/><link rel='alternate' type='text/html' href='http://travelthemiddleeast.blogspot.com/2010/11/sights-in-lebanon.html' title='Sights in Lebanon'/><author><name>blogmastergeneral</name><uri>http://www.blogger.com/profile/16308394286231659095</uri><email>noreply@blogger.com</email><gd:image rel='http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail' width='24' height='32' src='//blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYnJaPW8-ICkvE-70o8h1Tp5IbSFGd6bDAbF1R-7cvTiRMXmyzeWXCw88fieyVSOunJFPCZ7CrvVuczABWPE-0o5cPL0wXJNMwgEGR6hIwaQSVjmwaq6B5kn1OzQJHCog/s220/con_man1.gif'/></author><thr:total>0</thr:total></entry><entry><id>tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6443898998372254857.post-5564548397159353522</id><published>2010-11-28T15:34:00.001-08:00</published><updated>2010-11-28T15:34:44.244-08:00</updated><title type='text'>Middle Eastern Cuisine</title><content type='html'>&lt;div&gt;&lt;div style=&quot;background-color: transparent; border: medium none; color: black; overflow: hidden; text-align: left; text-decoration: none;&quot;&gt;The  Middle East produces some of the world&#39;s most delicate snacks and  delicious flavours. These are countries ripe with traditional cooking  methods where eating a meal is as much about the friends you share it  with as the food you eat. In Syria you can explore the local Souqs  (undercover markets) where every nook and cranny is filled with fragrant  herbs and rich spices. Turkish meals often include a helping of warm  fresh bread alongside soups cooked in pots that need to be cracked open  after cooking. In Jordan share meze with friends. Popular meze dishes  include Baba Ghanoush – mashed eggplant (aubergine) and minced lamb  mixed with mint and spices. In Israel the budget-conscious backpacker  can indulge in chicken kebabs, bagels, and falafels with hummus in warm  pitas. If this has wet your appetite then read on for a pick of the  tastiest Middle Eastern dishes and beverages.&lt;br /&gt;
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If you like it strong and dark then Turkish coffee is for you. It is  bitter, taken without milk and served in an espresso sized cup.&lt;br /&gt;
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Chick pea lovers unite! The Middle East is full of creamy hummus, chick pea stews and deep fried falafels.&lt;br /&gt;
Order a kebab like no other kebab you&#39;ve ordered before. Choose from  tender cuts of lamb, chicken or beef with salad, hummus and olives,  topped with chilli and garlic sauce.&lt;br /&gt;
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Munch on olives of every colour, size and flavour.&lt;br /&gt;
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Buy Turkish Delight in bulk in, you guessed it, Turkey. These come in  flavours ranging from yellow rose to pistachio. Once sampled never  forgotten.&lt;br /&gt;
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&lt;a href=&quot;http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0&quot; style=&quot;color: #003399;&quot;&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/div&gt;</content><link rel='replies' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://travelthemiddleeast.blogspot.com/feeds/5564548397159353522/comments/default' title='Post Comments'/><link rel='replies' type='text/html' href='http://travelthemiddleeast.blogspot.com/2010/11/middle-eastern-cuisine.html#comment-form' title='0 Comments'/><link rel='edit' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/6443898998372254857/posts/default/5564548397159353522'/><link rel='self' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/6443898998372254857/posts/default/5564548397159353522'/><link rel='alternate' type='text/html' href='http://travelthemiddleeast.blogspot.com/2010/11/middle-eastern-cuisine.html' title='Middle Eastern Cuisine'/><author><name>blogmastergeneral</name><uri>http://www.blogger.com/profile/16308394286231659095</uri><email>noreply@blogger.com</email><gd:image rel='http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail' width='24' height='32' src='//blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYnJaPW8-ICkvE-70o8h1Tp5IbSFGd6bDAbF1R-7cvTiRMXmyzeWXCw88fieyVSOunJFPCZ7CrvVuczABWPE-0o5cPL0wXJNMwgEGR6hIwaQSVjmwaq6B5kn1OzQJHCog/s220/con_man1.gif'/></author><thr:total>0</thr:total></entry><entry><id>tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6443898998372254857.post-792130938661751624</id><published>2010-11-28T15:31:00.000-08:00</published><updated>2010-11-28T15:31:26.925-08:00</updated><title type='text'>Packing For The Middle East</title><content type='html'>&lt;div&gt;&lt;div style=&quot;background-color: transparent; border: medium none; color: black; overflow: hidden; text-align: left; text-decoration: none;&quot;&gt;Traveling  to the Middle East can be a great adventure.  One way to help ensure  that you have a pleasant trip is to take care when packing for Middle  Eastern travel, including Dubai travel, so that you will have the  essentials that you need without extraneous items you will not use.&lt;br /&gt;
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One overall rule to try to follow is to pack light.  It is easiest to  rely on carry-on luggage rather than checking your bags, so you don&#39;t  have to wait around to retrieve it.  You&#39;ll need to be selective in  determining what you will need for your trip, because your room is  limited.  It pays to start making a list of what you&#39;ll need to take  several weeks before your trip, so you have time to shop for needed  items if necessary.&lt;br /&gt;
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In terms of clothing, depending on what time of year you are planning  your Dubai travel, you can lighten your luggage load by packing  lightweight clothing, rather than heavier weight clothing.  You might be  able to pack lighter by bringing only a few essentials from home, and  then plan on purchasing some clothing when you arrive at your  destination.  Another Dubai travel tip to consider is to bring older  clothing with you, and then dispose of it when it gets dirty or before  you leave your travel spot, and in this way you can free up luggage  space for mementos from your journey that you wish to take home with  you.  You can pack lighter by doing laundry on your trip as well.   Packing a comfortable pair of shoes is always good advice for when you  are waiting in long lines or spending the day on foot walking.    &lt;br /&gt;
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Some personal items that people traveling to Dubai hotels  east often find handy that will not take up much space are useful.  A  waterless hand sanitizer will be used and appreciated many times in your  travels.  Minimal makeup is probably all that you will need, and you  can save room by transporting makeup in re-closeable plastic bags.  You  can sort items into these clear bags, and then you can find your  supplies at a glance quickly.  A small first aid kit with bandages and  first-aid ointment comes in handy for small cuts and blisters.  Toilet  paper can be non-existent in some places, and you&#39;ll be glad that you  included a roll in your luggage.  Keep some in the pocket of your  clothing as well, so you&#39;ll be prepared whatever the circumstance.  A  miniature flashlight can come in very handy and does not take up much  room.  A small compass and maps from home in a language you can read can  make or break an enjoyable outing in an unfamiliar city, while you are  away from your Dubai Hotels.&lt;span&gt;&lt;br /&gt;
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&lt;a href=&quot;http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0&quot; style=&quot;color: #003399;&quot;&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/div&gt;</content><link rel='replies' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://travelthemiddleeast.blogspot.com/feeds/792130938661751624/comments/default' title='Post Comments'/><link rel='replies' type='text/html' href='http://travelthemiddleeast.blogspot.com/2010/11/packing-for-middle-east.html#comment-form' title='0 Comments'/><link rel='edit' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/6443898998372254857/posts/default/792130938661751624'/><link rel='self' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/6443898998372254857/posts/default/792130938661751624'/><link rel='alternate' type='text/html' href='http://travelthemiddleeast.blogspot.com/2010/11/packing-for-middle-east.html' title='Packing For The Middle East'/><author><name>blogmastergeneral</name><uri>http://www.blogger.com/profile/16308394286231659095</uri><email>noreply@blogger.com</email><gd:image rel='http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail' width='24' height='32' src='//blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYnJaPW8-ICkvE-70o8h1Tp5IbSFGd6bDAbF1R-7cvTiRMXmyzeWXCw88fieyVSOunJFPCZ7CrvVuczABWPE-0o5cPL0wXJNMwgEGR6hIwaQSVjmwaq6B5kn1OzQJHCog/s220/con_man1.gif'/></author><thr:total>0</thr:total></entry><entry><id>tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6443898998372254857.post-8530030417202511905</id><published>2010-11-28T15:29:00.000-08:00</published><updated>2010-11-28T15:29:00.520-08:00</updated><title type='text'>Interesting Sights In The Middle East</title><content type='html'>&lt;div&gt;&lt;div style=&quot;background-color: transparent; border: medium none; color: black; overflow: hidden; text-align: left; text-decoration: none;&quot;&gt;Middle  East travel offers a wonderful travel experience for the history,  archeology and culture buff.  Come with us as we share some of the  interesting things to see as you experience UAE travel, UAE hotels,  Dubai travel, Dubai hotels, and other Middle East travel destinations.&lt;br /&gt;
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The federation of the United Arab Emirates was founded in 1971.  The  population is quite young, with a little over 51 percent of the  nationals under the age of 20.  There are special cultural tours  available where you can engage in UAE travel and live in the desert as  early nomadic tribes did.  You could also spend time on the coast at the  harbors where fish are plentiful, and are often sold at the souqs, or  markets.  You will find a plethora of items native to the region for  purchase at the souqs, including various foods such as dates for which  the United Arab Emirates are famous, as well as many spices, seafood,  and colorful fabrics.  For these reasons UAE travel is unique&lt;br /&gt;
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Egypt travel is excellent during the fair times of year.  The best  weather occurs in spring and fall for a visit.  There are many excellent  sites of antiquity to visit during Egypt travel, including Aswan.  Here  is located the mighty Aswan High Dam, as well as the Tombs of the  Nobles.  The city of Cairo offers the majestic Pyramids and the Egyptian  Museum.  To get a sense of the local culture, consider a visit to  Islamic Cairo, which offers a taste of what Cairo was like in the Middle  Ages, and is a wonderful place to explore mosques.  A sailboat, known  as a felucca, ride at sunset on the Nile River is the experience of a  lifetime, and is a “must-do” during Middle East travel.&lt;br /&gt;
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Saudi Arabia resides on the Arabian Peninsula.  You will fall in love  with the zesty Saudi cuisine, featuring spices such as cardamom,  saffron, and musk.  Algebra mathematics is an Arabic invention, and  Saudi Arabia is where Islam originated in the sixth century.  The late  King Abdul Aziz renovated and expanded the Holy Mosque in Makkah  beginning in 1988.  Every year the Jenadriyah Heritage and Cultural  Festival is held, which features traditional camel races, music and  dance.&lt;br /&gt;
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Qatar travel offers many natural features that make for an interesting  visit.  The Oryx Farm and the Al Shaqab Stud Farm are two that merit  attention.  The Oryx is the national animal of Qatar.  It is a large  member of the antelope species that has beautiful upright horns.  The  Arabian Oryx has also been reintroduced in Saudi Arabia, Israel and  Bahrain.  The Stud Farm is home to purebred Arabian show and race  horses.  You can also take a Desert Safari tour, where you will spend  time traversing sand dunes, as well as sea swimming.  During your Middle  East travel, Shopping at souqs, and visiting the Corniche coastline are  a great way to see Qatar.&lt;span&gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;a href=&quot;http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0&quot; style=&quot;color: #003399;&quot;&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/div&gt;</content><link rel='replies' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://travelthemiddleeast.blogspot.com/feeds/8530030417202511905/comments/default' title='Post Comments'/><link rel='replies' type='text/html' href='http://travelthemiddleeast.blogspot.com/2010/11/interesting-sights-in-middle-east.html#comment-form' title='0 Comments'/><link rel='edit' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/6443898998372254857/posts/default/8530030417202511905'/><link rel='self' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/6443898998372254857/posts/default/8530030417202511905'/><link rel='alternate' type='text/html' href='http://travelthemiddleeast.blogspot.com/2010/11/interesting-sights-in-middle-east.html' title='Interesting Sights In The Middle East'/><author><name>blogmastergeneral</name><uri>http://www.blogger.com/profile/16308394286231659095</uri><email>noreply@blogger.com</email><gd:image rel='http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail' width='24' height='32' src='//blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYnJaPW8-ICkvE-70o8h1Tp5IbSFGd6bDAbF1R-7cvTiRMXmyzeWXCw88fieyVSOunJFPCZ7CrvVuczABWPE-0o5cPL0wXJNMwgEGR6hIwaQSVjmwaq6B5kn1OzQJHCog/s220/con_man1.gif'/></author><thr:total>0</thr:total></entry><entry><id>tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6443898998372254857.post-859561573773409730</id><published>2010-11-28T15:25:00.001-08:00</published><updated>2010-11-28T15:25:48.344-08:00</updated><title type='text'>Hotels In Dubai</title><content type='html'>Property firms are increasingly looking at constructing more three and  four star hotels in Dubai these days. Dubai has made a surge in the  recent years in trying to become the recreational center of the Middle  East. A large number of tourists, apart from its expatriate community,  are crowding Dubai&#39;s lanes each year. This has given a great push to  Dubai hotels, especially to those in the luxury segment. One may see  many five star hotels popping up across Dubai&#39;s horizon as a result, and  many being announced regularly. The realty market hasn&#39;t taken care of  catering to the needs of the low-end clientele, on the other hand.  Realtors are increasingly looking at developing more affordable hotels  therefore, and trying to gain a foothold in this emerging scenario.&lt;br /&gt;
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There  are several reasons why we are witnessing a sudden spurt in three and  four star hotels in Dubai. First of all, tourism is getting diversified  and looking out at wining the favor of low-end clientele in the whole  world. Airlines are offering discounted flights to keep up being alive  in an overcrowded zone. Tour operators are selling last minute holidays  and cheaper hotel rooms to win more buyers. Travel industry is fast  acquiring a global and competitive outlook. Dubai hotels couldn&#39;t ignore  these emerging trends. There are several other major cities in the  Middle East that could soon start giving Dubai a run for its money.  Dubai has got no other alternative but to begin re-looking at its  policies; hence the rising demand for less expensive hotels now.  &lt;br /&gt;
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There  are a total of 90 three and four star hotels in Dubai in the present  day scenario. However, it stands highly insufficient in the backdrop of a  rising demand for budget accommodation. The trend might transform very  quickly though, since more and more the UAE based construction houses  were proposing budget hotel plans. Dubai&#39;s investment firm Istithmar  plans to partner with London based Easy Group, and build 50 more budget  hotels in the near future. These Dubai hotels would be launched and  promoted under the brand name of Istithmar Hotels. Dutch hotel chain,  Golden Tulip Hospitality, is also planning to partner in 10 new budget  hotels soon. The firm is already managing twelve hotels across this  region and six more are scheduled to open up by the end of 2009. &lt;br /&gt;
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Hotels  in Dubai have always reported strong occupancy, especially during the  peak summer seasons. However, the new emerging trend is that of an  increased number of travelers from within the Gulf region. Until  recently, Gulf travelers constituted up to 25 % of the clientele in  Dubai hotels, most of these having their annual summer breaks. However,  this has gone up to 50% in the recent months. Most hotels and hotel  apartments report of occupancies that may lie in excess of 80 to 90  percent. One might say therefore how exhausted Dubai hotels could be  finding it to continue as a business today, and how urgently they need  to be given more three and four star hotels by the real estate firms.</content><link rel='replies' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://travelthemiddleeast.blogspot.com/feeds/859561573773409730/comments/default' title='Post Comments'/><link rel='replies' type='text/html' href='http://travelthemiddleeast.blogspot.com/2010/11/hotels-in-dubai.html#comment-form' title='0 Comments'/><link rel='edit' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/6443898998372254857/posts/default/859561573773409730'/><link rel='self' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/6443898998372254857/posts/default/859561573773409730'/><link rel='alternate' type='text/html' href='http://travelthemiddleeast.blogspot.com/2010/11/hotels-in-dubai.html' title='Hotels In Dubai'/><author><name>blogmastergeneral</name><uri>http://www.blogger.com/profile/16308394286231659095</uri><email>noreply@blogger.com</email><gd:image rel='http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail' width='24' height='32' src='//blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYnJaPW8-ICkvE-70o8h1Tp5IbSFGd6bDAbF1R-7cvTiRMXmyzeWXCw88fieyVSOunJFPCZ7CrvVuczABWPE-0o5cPL0wXJNMwgEGR6hIwaQSVjmwaq6B5kn1OzQJHCog/s220/con_man1.gif'/></author><thr:total>0</thr:total></entry><entry><id>tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6443898998372254857.post-7608292550738536628</id><published>2010-11-28T15:20:00.001-08:00</published><updated>2010-11-28T15:20:36.429-08:00</updated><title type='text'>Opportunities In Dubai</title><content type='html'>Dubai, the wealthiest state in the United Arab Emirates, is one of the  top destinations for tourists world wide and now has potential for  residential occupation as a variety of jobs have opened up for many  classes of professionals and workers. With a booming US$ 37 billion  economy, the country can easily provide countless opportunities for  those in countries with less promising job prospects. &lt;br /&gt;
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One of the booming occupations presently available are for skilled  pilots, in high demand by the local hub of national airline Emirates  Airline, based at Dubai International Airport. A large number of pilots  from around the world have taken up the numerous, lucrative positions  provided those are largely unavailable in their home countries. &lt;br /&gt;
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Also made available are jobs for financial workers, such as  accountants, particularly since the recent trend of financial  institutions moving their operations into the Middle East. The high  demand created by this and other factors, leads to exorbitant  compensation packages for those who take up one of the many openings.  One particular case is that of a Chicago accountant who earns more than  twice his previous salary now doing, more or less, the same work. He  pulls in $250 K yearly, and also drives a Mercedes Benz his company  provides. &lt;br /&gt;
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Yet another opportunity, more general in prospects, is that for well  qualified persons to fill high paying management positions in some of  the new companies growing in the state, as well as in well known  companies who have set up hubs to take advantage of the bright financial  position   such as Kraft Foods. These businesses have a huge need for  many trained professionals and, These businesses have a huge need for  many trained professionals and, as these are in great shortage in the  region at this time, they turn to the more qualified foreigners who are  all too eager to get a share of the seemingly impossible benefits  associated with working in one of the few countries in the world that  can honestly boast of a consistently  growing  economy. &lt;br /&gt;
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There are also jobs for those less skilled workers, such as those in  the country s numerous oil companies, who have an ever increasing need  for manpower in order to turn a profit to one of the highest  contributing individual industries to its mega economy. Also available  for the working class are jobs in tourism, ranging from hotel  receptionists, to bagboys, room service attendants etc. Even these jobs  can easily turn a six figure salary in the right places. &lt;br /&gt;
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To top it all off, Dubai holds a special attraction for fun loving  people with its numerous nightclubs and parties, yet another job  opportunity for bartenders and other club staff, that provide good, more  or less wholesome, relaxation after a hard day s work. It also offers  some of the world s best restaurants that rival those at the top end in  places like New York, but are easily affordable in such a wealthy  country. All in all, a wonderful quality of life is standard in this  little known economic paradise. When a country this perfect opens its  doors to foreigners, who would not want take advantage?</content><link rel='replies' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://travelthemiddleeast.blogspot.com/feeds/7608292550738536628/comments/default' title='Post Comments'/><link rel='replies' type='text/html' href='http://travelthemiddleeast.blogspot.com/2010/11/opportunities-in-dubai.html#comment-form' title='0 Comments'/><link rel='edit' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/6443898998372254857/posts/default/7608292550738536628'/><link rel='self' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/6443898998372254857/posts/default/7608292550738536628'/><link rel='alternate' type='text/html' href='http://travelthemiddleeast.blogspot.com/2010/11/opportunities-in-dubai.html' title='Opportunities In Dubai'/><author><name>blogmastergeneral</name><uri>http://www.blogger.com/profile/16308394286231659095</uri><email>noreply@blogger.com</email><gd:image rel='http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail' width='24' height='32' src='//blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYnJaPW8-ICkvE-70o8h1Tp5IbSFGd6bDAbF1R-7cvTiRMXmyzeWXCw88fieyVSOunJFPCZ7CrvVuczABWPE-0o5cPL0wXJNMwgEGR6hIwaQSVjmwaq6B5kn1OzQJHCog/s220/con_man1.gif'/></author><thr:total>0</thr:total></entry><entry><id>tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6443898998372254857.post-1565745857627125771</id><published>2010-11-28T15:18:00.000-08:00</published><updated>2010-11-28T15:18:03.413-08:00</updated><title type='text'>Benefits of Learning Arabic</title><content type='html'>Before you get started with finding and taking a good Arabic language  course you should know just why learning this language will be  beneficial to you. Are you aware that Arabic is the fifth most spoken  language in the world and it is also the officially recognized language  in twenty plus countries in the world and that there are more than three  hundred million people that speak the language? &lt;br /&gt;
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Arabic is Islam&#39;s liturgical language and this is in fact another  solid reason why it pays to enroll in an Arabic language course.  Learning this language therefore means that you will be able to  understand the Holy Quran and at the same time get to converse with  millions of Muslims in different parts of the world. &lt;br /&gt;
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Thirdly, the demand for people that speak and who understand Arabic  is very high while the supply is very low, especially in the West. In  fact, too few Westerners understand or speak this language and because  the influence exerted by rich Middle Eastern countries cannot be ignored  it makes sense to learn their language so that you can work and also do  business with those countries. &lt;br /&gt;
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In fact, the government of the United States has even designated  this language as being one that has strategic significance and in this  regard and in the year 2006 the National Strategic Language Initiative  came into being with a view to promoting the language among the American  population and so they have begun offering scholarships and other  support opportunities. &lt;br /&gt;
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There no doubts the fact that countries where Arab is spoken are of  great importance in terms of trading opportunities and the desire of the  western countries is to integrate these countries into the globalized  economy. This means that there is now a greater potential to do business  with these countries (that by and large are loaded with petro dollars)  and with a GDP of more than six hundred billion dollars there is  certainly reason to learn their language and further trade and business  opportunities. &lt;br /&gt;
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The Arab people of the world have also a long cultural tradition and  history and they have in fact made significant contributions to our  civilization. Compared to Europe where in the Middle Ages life was  pretty stagnant the world of the Arab-Islamic peoples was reaching its  zenith. This led to significant contributions in the fields of science  and medicine as well as philosophy. &lt;br /&gt;
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As mentioned, Arab-speaking civilizations have had a very rich and  enriching culture that has thrown up great works of art and music as  well as literature. In addition, their cuisine and their way of living  are all very intriguing and a good example of it is the art of bell  dancing and of course the many delightful dishes from the Middle East  are also world famous. &lt;br /&gt;
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By enrolling in an Arabic language course you can do your bit in  promoting inter-cultural harmony and understanding and it will also mean  getting rid of the stereotype image of Arabs which is promoted through  Hollywood and other related sources. &lt;br /&gt;
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Other good reasons to learn this language include the influence that  this language has had on other languages and also because there is a  big American Arab community that need to be understood better.</content><link rel='replies' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://travelthemiddleeast.blogspot.com/feeds/1565745857627125771/comments/default' title='Post Comments'/><link rel='replies' type='text/html' href='http://travelthemiddleeast.blogspot.com/2010/11/benefits-of-learning-arabic.html#comment-form' title='0 Comments'/><link rel='edit' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/6443898998372254857/posts/default/1565745857627125771'/><link rel='self' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/6443898998372254857/posts/default/1565745857627125771'/><link rel='alternate' type='text/html' href='http://travelthemiddleeast.blogspot.com/2010/11/benefits-of-learning-arabic.html' title='Benefits of Learning Arabic'/><author><name>blogmastergeneral</name><uri>http://www.blogger.com/profile/16308394286231659095</uri><email>noreply@blogger.com</email><gd:image rel='http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail' width='24' height='32' src='//blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYnJaPW8-ICkvE-70o8h1Tp5IbSFGd6bDAbF1R-7cvTiRMXmyzeWXCw88fieyVSOunJFPCZ7CrvVuczABWPE-0o5cPL0wXJNMwgEGR6hIwaQSVjmwaq6B5kn1OzQJHCog/s220/con_man1.gif'/></author><thr:total>0</thr:total></entry><entry><id>tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6443898998372254857.post-1123494334120669846</id><published>2010-11-28T15:15:00.000-08:00</published><updated>2010-11-28T15:15:06.624-08:00</updated><title type='text'>Consider Turkey As A Holiday Option</title><content type='html'>With a culture that is fiercely proud of its origins, holidays in Turkey  are perfect for those with a love of history. With buildings dating  back as far as the Neolithic period, sandy beaches and incredible  scenery there is something to suit all interests, whether you&#39;re looking  for a trip lounging by the beach or soaking up the culture. Modern  Turkey offers all kinds of luxurious accommodation for the discerning  traveller, whilst restaurants and cafes provide a rich choice of  traditional Turkish dishes. &lt;br /&gt;
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Cuisine in Turkey has influences fro many corners, employing  ingredients such as aubergines, garlic, lentils and beans to form the  basis of the main dishes. With a wide array of locally available  produce, Turkish food tends to be incredibly varied and full of  flavours, leading it to be compared with Chinese and even French  cuisine. Nuts such as pistachios, chestnuts, hazelnuts and almonds are  also popular. As a general rule, people in Turkey prefer to eat at home,  enjoying the taste of freshly prepared food. There are, however a  number of restaurants serving the kinds of dishes reserved for special  occasions. Nowadays, there are numerous food venders selling products we  think of as &#39;fast food&#39;. These doner meat and kofte dishes are,  however, traditional Turkish fare, making them an intrinsic part of all  Turkey holidays. &lt;br /&gt;
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Alcohol is readily available in Turkey, despite the fact that many  residents are practicing Muslims. There are local wines and beers on  offer for anyone who really wants to experience local produce, though  some of the most common beverages available in Turkey are black tea and  coffee. Black tea is brewed in two-piece pots, joined one on top of the  other. The upper pot contains a strong and bitter tea, whilst the one  below holds boiling water with which to dilute the mixture above. Coffee  is also served black and can be enjoyed bitter or sweet. &lt;br /&gt;
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Hotel holidays are not all that Turkey has to offer these days.  Hiring Villas in Turkey is a wonderful way to enjoy the sights, sounds  and flavours of the country from luxurious, private accommodation.  Self-catering villas in Turkey also provide a unique opportunity for  anyone looking to experiment with local flavours. Whether you want to  recreate a traditional Turkish breakfast or are looking to try out some  familiar recipes using exciting new ingredients, the well-equipped  kitchens of Turkey&#39;s villas will enable you to do so. Why not wander  through the spice markets, buy some fresh local produce, and head home  to relax in the tranquil surroundings of one of the many villas in  Turkey available for rent? &lt;br /&gt;
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Getting to Turkey is increasingly easy now. With international  airports located at Istanbul in many holiday areas now, Turkey is easily  accessible from all over the world. Whether you&#39;re looking to enjoy the  sandy beaches, ancient architecture, fantastic food, or a combination  of all three, then Turkey has something to offer. This ancient culture  offers a unique look at the history of both Europe and the Middle East,  and provides visitors with a culinary feast they won&#39;t soon forget.  Holidays in Turkey make an unusual change from a trip to the South of  France and will provide an unrivalled cultural experience.</content><link rel='replies' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://travelthemiddleeast.blogspot.com/feeds/1123494334120669846/comments/default' title='Post Comments'/><link rel='replies' type='text/html' href='http://travelthemiddleeast.blogspot.com/2010/11/consider-turkey-as-holiday-option.html#comment-form' title='0 Comments'/><link rel='edit' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/6443898998372254857/posts/default/1123494334120669846'/><link rel='self' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/6443898998372254857/posts/default/1123494334120669846'/><link rel='alternate' type='text/html' href='http://travelthemiddleeast.blogspot.com/2010/11/consider-turkey-as-holiday-option.html' title='Consider Turkey As A Holiday Option'/><author><name>blogmastergeneral</name><uri>http://www.blogger.com/profile/16308394286231659095</uri><email>noreply@blogger.com</email><gd:image rel='http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail' width='24' height='32' src='//blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYnJaPW8-ICkvE-70o8h1Tp5IbSFGd6bDAbF1R-7cvTiRMXmyzeWXCw88fieyVSOunJFPCZ7CrvVuczABWPE-0o5cPL0wXJNMwgEGR6hIwaQSVjmwaq6B5kn1OzQJHCog/s220/con_man1.gif'/></author><thr:total>0</thr:total></entry><entry><id>tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6443898998372254857.post-1311827310536270012</id><published>2010-11-28T14:30:00.000-08:00</published><updated>2010-11-28T14:30:36.458-08:00</updated><title type='text'>How Safe Is It To Visit Egypt?</title><content type='html'>&lt;div id=&quot;body&quot;&gt; Egypt is a country mainly in North Africa Covering an area of about  1,010,000&amp;nbsp;square kilometers, Egypt borders the Mediterranean sea to the  north, the Gaza strip and Israel to the northeast, the red sea to the  east, Sudan to the south and Libya to the west.&lt;br /&gt;
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Egypt is one of  the most populous countries in Africa and the Middle East. The great  majority of its estimated 82 million live near the banks of the Nile  River where the only agricultural land is found. About half of Egypt&#39;s  residents live in urban areas, with the majority spread across the  densely-populated centers of greater Cairo, Alexandria and other major  cities in the Nile delta.&lt;br /&gt;
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Egypt’s major attraction is its ancient  civilization and some of the world&#39;s most famous monuments. The southern  city of Luxor contains numerous ancient artifacts. Egypt is widely  regarded as an important political and cultural nation of the Middle  East. Commonly referred to as the land of the pharaohs.&lt;br /&gt;
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Your safety is guaranteed in Egypt.&lt;br /&gt;
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Despite  of Egypt being in Africa, many people fear touring it because of the  ongoing war in the Middle East. The military officers, Muslims,  Christians even politicians say that indeed it is safe to make your trip  in that country. They say they intend to remain bound to the peace  treaty that was signed between Egypt and Israel so there are no way the  current wars will affect them.&lt;br /&gt;
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Egypt is reliant on terrorism after  suffering several attacks in the past. They have increased security and  security measures especially after the war that is going on in Israel  and Lebanon.&lt;br /&gt;
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Tourist police are all over tourist sites ready to  protect them. Egypt has even gone a milestone in increasing secret  police that act like tourists and are surrounded all over especially  around embassies.&lt;br /&gt;
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Most Egyptians make a living from tourists;  therefore many of them remain friendly and will always give all they  have to ensure that they are safe from any attack in the Middle East.&lt;br /&gt;
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Not  many Americans visit Egypt, because they are always the targets of  terrorists, there is no way the terrorists will target Egypt. Many  terrorists also target Israel and this is a good distraction to Egypt.&lt;br /&gt;
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Safety measures while in Egypt:&lt;br /&gt;
Egypt is a very safe place to travel, but as with traveling in any foreign country, caution must be observed.&lt;br /&gt;
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-  Be alert, stay in groups if possible, and don’t flash huge wads of money around.&lt;br /&gt;
-  In crowded areas, protect your belongings from possible pickpockets, especially in the tourists’ spots.&amp;nbsp; &lt;br /&gt;
- Do not dress in a way that shows much of your skin.&lt;br /&gt;
-   If approached in an unwanted way, just ask to be left alone in a firm  way.&amp;nbsp; If this does not work, raise your voice and you will find that  this usually will&amp;nbsp;get any unwanted followers let you be.&lt;br /&gt;
-   Learning a few words of the local language may help you in most cases  these sorts of circumstances like buying something from the shop.&lt;br /&gt;
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Should  you follow these safety measures then you can be sure of enjoying your  trip in Egypt. It is not in list of any attack from tourists like  countries in the Middle East.&lt;/div&gt;</content><link rel='replies' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://travelthemiddleeast.blogspot.com/feeds/1311827310536270012/comments/default' title='Post Comments'/><link rel='replies' type='text/html' href='http://travelthemiddleeast.blogspot.com/2010/11/how-safe-is-it-to-visit-egypt.html#comment-form' title='0 Comments'/><link rel='edit' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/6443898998372254857/posts/default/1311827310536270012'/><link rel='self' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/6443898998372254857/posts/default/1311827310536270012'/><link rel='alternate' type='text/html' href='http://travelthemiddleeast.blogspot.com/2010/11/how-safe-is-it-to-visit-egypt.html' title='How Safe Is It To Visit Egypt?'/><author><name>blogmastergeneral</name><uri>http://www.blogger.com/profile/16308394286231659095</uri><email>noreply@blogger.com</email><gd:image rel='http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail' width='24' height='32' src='//blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYnJaPW8-ICkvE-70o8h1Tp5IbSFGd6bDAbF1R-7cvTiRMXmyzeWXCw88fieyVSOunJFPCZ7CrvVuczABWPE-0o5cPL0wXJNMwgEGR6hIwaQSVjmwaq6B5kn1OzQJHCog/s220/con_man1.gif'/></author><thr:total>0</thr:total></entry></feed>