Travel

Oman: An Oasis in the Desert

2013-08-28T15:58:49Z

It may be unknown to a lot of people that Oman is one of the most beautiful places in the Arab land. This country is a mixture of desert and pristine coastlines. One can say that it is an oasis in the desert because of the huge palm trees that stand tall in almost all corners of the country. It is also accentuated by the beauty of the immense deserts and craggy hills. Those who have had the pleasure to travel in this part of the world can attest to the unspoiled natural beauty of the place.

]]> The natural beauty of Oman can be experienced the moment you step off the plane because Oman�s airport is enclosed by remarkable jagged hills. Depending on the sights that you want to see, you can go to Muscat, the country�s capital, or to Salalah, Sur, Sohar Nizwa, Jebel Akhdar and many more. These towns have different charm that will make you want to explore them further.

Muscat for one has both the traditional and modern amenities. The Sultan�s palace alone will amaze you by its beauty. Likewise there are stunning beaches inviting you to take a dip. And if you have a need to indulge shopping, you can do so in Ruwi�s business district. Ancient cities on the other hand can be seen in Salalah. Now, if you want to be near the sea, Sur is the perfect place to visit since it is a fishing village. Jebel Akhdar or �The Green Mountain� is another must-see in Oman due to its numerous date palm groves, valleys and terraced villages unlike any place you�ve ever seen before.

Do these few facts whet your appetite to travel to Oman?

Tunisia, Beautiful People, Beaches and Sahara Desert

2013-06-05T13:58:20Z

Tunisia, a country filled with beautiful people, beaches, Sahara desert. This country has anything anybody could possibly want; the north is green, with a Mediterranean climate, the center Miami climate and the south a desert. So whether you want a beach holiday or desert tour... then Tunisia is the country for you.

]]> I must suggest to dress modestly even on the beaches, stressing that bikinis are unsuitable, and a more appropriate option would be a tankini and shorts for swimming in, since this is a Muslim country.
Always remember to cover shoulders and legs when entering a Mosque.

Hammamet

World Heritage Site Dougga

Ksar Ouled Soltane

By Guest Writer Latifa
Be a guest writer

Jordan in Pictures

2013-02-09T02:20:36Z

The Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan is a beautiful country. It is small, and has very few resources, but never-the-less, it has so many treasures to offer the world and the people.
Every corner of Jordan tells a story, the story of Lot and the dead sea, the story of Jesus & Moses, and the story of the roman empire ...

]]> and many more stories that have become carved on ancient stone, and buried under the red soil of Jordan.
Jordan also has civilization, modernity and technology to offer. It has become one of the most fast evolving countries in the middle east, and has a bright future ahead of it.

Here is a photo gallery of some of the most beautiful places in Jordan, each with its unique story to tell the traveller.

Jordan in Pictures

Bahrain: The Pearl of The Gulf

2012-06-02T11:16:32Z

Are you wondering where to go on vacation and Europe is too expensive and everywhere else is too hot or two crowded? Well if so I have just the place: there is this little island in the middle of nowhere that nearly no one has heard of but is still gorgeous and has so much to do for such a small place, yes I am talking about Bahrain! This amazing Island in the Middle East has been developing and improving economically over the past but it has also become more and more tourist friendly. Bahrain hosts the annual Formula 1 which is a huge event for racing lovers and people who just like to hang alike!

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Malls are not something Bahrain lacks because everywhere you go you will either find a huge Mall which has some of the most renowned shops like Mango and Topshop or a Mall that is under construction!

If you aren�t into the whole Shopping Mall scene then Bahrain offers a Souq which sells everything you could possibly need from clothes to spices and all for quite cheap prices, the Souq has been described as an amazing cultural experience from everyone who visits.

Bahrain has a recent but interesting history which includes a tradition of pearl diving and all of this is celebrated by the Bahrain Museum and several forts which show old villages!

Generally prices in Bahrain are reasonable except sometimes, as is the case in any country, when they know you are a tourist they will automatically inflate prices! So don�t hesitate visit Bahrain: the pearl of the Gulf.

By Karim

The Gambia, Smiling Coast of Africa

2009-06-17T18:42:00Z

The Gambia is a country in western Africa, the south, north and east of the Gambia is bordered by Senegal and the west side of it is surrounded by the Atlantic Ocean. The Gambia is the smallest country in the whole of Africa; its population is 1,700,000 people with a total area of 10,380 km2.

The capital of the Gambia is Banjul but the largest city is Serrekunda. The Gambia�s economy is dominated by fishing, farming and tourism. Gambia has a tropical climate to which many tourists are attracted to, it is very peaceful and although lacks a lot modern facilities like cinema�s Gambia is slowly yet gradually modernizing.

]]> 90% of Gambia�s populations are Muslims and 8 % are Christians with the remaining 2% are from different religions. There are a large number of ethnic groups each group having their own special spoken language. However the dominant language is Wolof and the official language in the Gambia is English since it was British colonized.

Senegambia is the main tourist area in the Gambia where there are large numbers of hotels, restaurants and shops.

There is a large variety of activities to be done in the Gambia such as: river cruising, fishing, village tours, African wrestling, bird watching, trekking, horse and camel riding, adventure trips, musical events, cultural orientation and round-trips to Senegal.

Nature lovers will find the Gambia exquisite; visiting Abuko Nature Reserve and other varied bird and wildlife sanctuaries as well as cruising on the River Gambia. The Gambia boosts of over 570 species of exotic birds and is referred to as a Birdwatchers' Paradise. Visitors can also see a variety of tropical plants as well as monkeys, crocodiles and other wildlife. Dolphins and even hippos are spotted on the river.

By Mariam

Where the Brightest Light Shines: Cape Town

2009-01-22T11:02:47Z

Don�t you have this urge to just sit back and relax? Well, I do! Know where I�ll go if I were able to? It�s a magical place in South Africa�the place where the brightest light is said to shine - Cape Town. What�s not to love about this place?

]]> It has both modern and traditional setting that�s just perfect for people who want the best of both worlds. South Africa�s �Mother City� is full of natural wonders like the Table Mountain, Lion�s Head, Signal Hill, and Devil�s Peak if one wants to have a close communion with nature. There are also beaches, centuries old vineyards, and colonial mansions.

And should this desire or closeness with nature pass, there is the modern and lively social scene that you can easily join in. Cape Town is a city bustling with activities and things to do. There are great places to stay, eat, and buy souvenirs. Party goers will have great fun thanks to the city�s best clubs and bars.

Great festivals are yours to witness if you go at certain times of the year. Coming up in the last Saturday of January is the J&B Met, in March is Cape Town International Jazz Festival, and in April is Cape Town Festival.

Wow! How I wish I could just pack up and go to Cape Town, don�t you?

Paris: The Must-See City

2008-08-29T12:07:40Z

Among the places in Europe, Paris is the most visited capital because of the superb attractions it offers. Most people associate Paris as the fashion capital of the world; however, there�s more to it than that. Paris is home to renowned tourist spots as well. Approximately 30 million tourists travel to this place that�s located along the River Seine. I�m sure that for most visitors, their first stop in Paris is the Eiffel Tower. This is the tallest and most recognizable structure in Paris, France standing at 325 meters, and antenna at 24 meters. Its height is equal to a building with 81 levels. In order to reach the top, one can buy a lift ticket or a stair ticket. With the stairs as choice, it�s going to be a challenging climb, but still a fun one at that!

]]> Next stop could be the Louvre Museum which is home to world renowned paintings. This museum was also featured in the movie The Da Vinci Code making it even more popular. With over 30,000 paintings on display one day will not be enough to see them all. After the museum take a breather by seeing another iconic structure � the Notre Dame de Paris. Its Gothic structure is an epitome of French architecture. It�s even more breathtaking with night light.

Another spot that shouldn�t be missed in Paris is the Versailles Palace, Versailles Palace is very grand as what royal home should be. At present this is the only reminder of the lavish lifestyle during Louis XVI and Marie Antoinette�s reign.

Other places that shouldn�t be missed out in Paris are Champs et Lys�e and the Arc de Triomphe, Orsay Museum, Pompidou Center, and the Sacr� Coeur Basilica.

Simple Luxury at Jake�s in Treasure Beach, Jamaica

2008-07-09T05:26:47Z

Are you up to a vacation like no other? How about a luxurious vacation near the sea with some not-so-typical luxury at your convenience? Can you survive without the bright lights that are so evident in huge hotels? If you�re ready for ad different kind of luxury by the sea, check out Jake's located in St. Elizabeth, Treasure Beach, Jamaica. When you go to this place you�ll behold simple comfort amidst nature. Accommodation at Jakes takes the form of individually designed cottages right by and in the sea.

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If you judge the cottages by their appearance, you can�t help but exclaim to yourself, �It�s a shack!� Well, they are, but that�s the beauty of it and that is what makes them different from other resort hotels. And because they stand right in the sea, your privacy is assured. There are also some cottages that are made of concrete if you want them. You can swim in the sea or you can take a bath at the classic claw-footed bathtub right on your porch if you so desire. Jake�s will cater to your convenience and comfort because they offer soft pillows, hot water for your shower, massage, and packed picnics. Jake�s staff is friendly and they serve with a smiling face every time.

If you want a quiet or romantic get away, Jake�s in Treasure Beach, Jamaica is the place!

Annual Liars' Festival of Moncrabeau!

2008-07-06T19:42:29Z

Our mothers all told us when we were young that liars go to hell. But if you live in Moncrabeau - a small village in France with around 800 inhabitants - if you lie, well you go to the �Lying Academy�!
Indeed every year in August this village holds a festival called Liars' Festival, where self proclaimed liars have �lying duels� making up elaborate lies but sticking to some very intricate and important rules. The winner or the �King of the Liars� then joins the �Lying Academy� a prestigious body of 40 individuals who are very highly regarded and take their positions very seriously.

]]> It all seems funny but on a more serious note: how can we encourage lying? Is there not enough fibbing in the world we have to hold festivals to discover who the best liar is and then reward them?!
I don�t even want to know what kind of children are leaving areas such as Moncrabeau after they have been brought up thinking that the truth restricts you and doesn�t set you free!

By Karim

Go on a White Continent Adventure

2008-05-27T12:42:20Z

Need a breath of super cool air this summer? Why not go on a Cruise to Antarctica, the famed �White Continent�? The coolness of the air in this place will surely blow you away� but not in a bad way. The view is so breathtaking and so unlike any place you�ve been to. Some of you might think that it is a crazy idea. Well, Antarctica is just really for the spirited and the adventurous!

The period between November to March, which is summer time, is the most feasible time to take a visit to this place. This is the time you�ll experience the so called katabatic winds. Of course you�ll have to wear the appropriate clothing for this trek to the �White Continent�.

]]> The wildlife in Antarctica is a feast to the senses. Seals, leopards, fur, crabeater, elephants and Weddell are some of the creatures your eyes will encounter. You�ll also different species of whales namely: orca, minke, and humpback. Penguins and different kinds of birds also abound. Don�t forget to bring your binoculars if you want to see a close-up view of different kinds of albatross, snow, pintado, skuas, sheathbills, Antarctic terns and a lot more.

So, give an ice holiday a chance!

Cinco de Mayo Celebration

2008-05-08T10:21:39Z

I think everyone living in the United States know about Cinco de Mayo. If you are a US citizen who does not know about this even, well, I guess that�s a real shame. Simply put, Cinco de Mayo is �5th of May�. This is a holiday that is celebrated by the whole region of Mexico. The main events are usually held in the state of Puebla. Some people who are not well-versed about Cinco de Mayo think that it is Mexico�s Independence Day celebration, but actually it is not. Cinco de Mayo memorializes the preliminary victory of the Mexican forces under the leadership of General Ignacio Zaragoza Seguin over the French forces in the battle of Puebla on May 5, 1862.

]]> Cinco de Mayo is celebrated by dishing out different kinds of food, lively music and dancing. Various events and celebrations draw attention to Mexican culture. When you hear the music being played and see the kinds of dances being performed, there�s no doubt that it is of Mexican origin.

And aside from the US and Mexico, there are also some other countries that hold events connected to Cinco de Mayo. If you go to Vancouver you can witness the Cinco de Mayo Skydiving event, or in the Caribbean you�ll see the air guitar competition.

Take Your Time, Visit Cologne

2008-04-09T13:56:47Z

Cologne � yup, when I read about this country I didn�t really know how to pronounce it. It is spelled like Eau de Cologne, so probably it�s pronounced in the same way as well. And I was right. So, Cologne is the fourth largest city in Germany. If you live in this place or have traveled in this city, you�re very lucky because you�ve seen some of the most amazing sights in the world. If you�ve been to Cologne then you shouldn�t have missed the magnificent Cathedral and the Twelve Romanesque Churches. Mind you, you�ll get dizzy traipsing through 30 Museums and hundreds of galleries. But these are part of everything that Cologne has to offer.

]]> Going to Cologne is surely a trip to remember especially if you get to witness some of the city�s top events. Some of the latest events that you will witness if you decide to visit at this time is Art Cologne where you can see amazing works of art. In the succeeding months there�s also the Christopher Street Day, Summerjam, Cologne Lights, Cologne Night of Music, Theater Night and a lot more. Anytime you visit would be a great to gain more insight about this amazing and historic city.

Take a Plunge in the World�s Largest Pool

2008-02-28T12:31:58Z

Swimming is a great hobby and an excellent form of exercise. A 50-yard pool would already be great, especially if your aim is only to exercise and get rid of the kinks in your body. A hundred yard pool is already huge for my taste, especially if I�d be swimming alone. So what more with a pool that is over 1,000 yards long?! Yes, there is such pool now. This can be found in Chile. And because of its really huge size of over 1,000 yards long, 115ft deep end and a capacity of 66 million gallons of water, there is no doubt this seaside pool is the new record holder for Guinness Book as the biggest pool in the globe. The second biggest pool found in Morocco, named Orthlieb, looks like a dwarf compared to this since it only measures 150 yards in length and 100 yards in width.

]]> The effort and funds used in coming up with a pool with this size is not a joke. The mind boggles at the �1billion used and �2million needed for its annual maintenance. As for the construction, it took 5 years to complete this world�s biggest pool! The company that designed and constructed the gigantic pool is Crystal Lagoons Corporation owned by biochemist Fernando Fischmann. This size of a pool is hard to maintain manually that is why everything is controlled via computer.

It is definitely going to be something to be able to swim in this largest pool. So if ever you find yourself in Chile don�t forget to take a plunge!

Take a Cool Vacation in Alaska

2008-02-07T11:32:12Z

Some people prefer to search for more sun during summer. But then others also wish to get away from it, especially those who do not wish to have their fair skin darkened and burned by the sun. If you�re one of them keep in mind that you don�t have to stay at home the whole summer just to get away from the heat of the sun. Why not go on a trek up in the icy land of Alaska? Explore the coolness of Kenai Peninsula. This place is in the southern portion of the anchorage. And do you know that this is one of the favorite tourist haunts in this part of the world? It�s true because aside from the ice and majestic glaziers, it has an amazing array of natural attractions.

]]> Among the places that are great to visit are the Kenai Mountains Harding Icefield, Kenai Rivers and Lakes, Kenai Fjords National Park. There are also four active volcanoes that can be seen in this region, just pray not one goes off while you�re there. Take time to visit the Kachemak Bay-Homer Spit where you will behold an excellent view of the mountains and glaciers, and the best way to do it is by kayak, charter cruise or water taxi.

Between sun and snow, which one do you like best? For us those who live in the tropics, snow sounds really tempting right? So, for your first stop, make it Kenai Peninsula, Alaska!

Let�s Go to Ibiza!

2008-02-06T15:47:48Z

Summertime is drawing near once again, and that means it�s party time again and some more fun in the sun! Do you have an itinerary at this time? No? Well it�s time you draw up one. Here, let me make a suggestion, why not target Spain? Spain�s climate is excellent during summer and it has gorgeous islands to boast about, one of them is Ibiza. Maybe this is the first time you�ve heard of this place. Well, this is located in the Mediterranean Sea as one of the Balearic Islands in Spain.

]]> First time I heard this name mentioned was in an upbeat song�saying they were going to Ibiza, the place where the party never ends! Ibiza is the place if you are looking for undisputed fun on a sultry island. It is the place where you can party to your heart�s content since there are numerous clubs that never run out of hot bands, jazzy DJ's and wide range of music choices. And you�ll never go hungry in Ibiza because there are lots of restaurants that offer variety of food stuff.

Other than partying, Ibiza also offers other form of entertainment and adventures. The beautiful weather is juts perfect for bounding along the beaches where warm golden sand and sparkling sea water beckons. If you don�t like going out alone, you can be a part of the guided tours and excursions or have a boat charter for visiting and sightseeing in other islands. If you�re the sporty type, there are also lots of sports activities that you can join in.

Ibiza is also a seat of a unique culture, with numerous natural and cultural treasures that will be great to visit. And the friendly people are also a big plus for a great and unforgettable holiday.