Archive for January, 2012

Istanbul, Beirut, Istanbul, Beirut…Istanbul

Istanbul, Beirut, Istanbul, Beirut…Istanbul

The freedom of movement we enjoy having no tickets, no reservations and no plans further than the next few days, means that from time to time we are faced with … Continue reading

The Pyramids

The Pyramids

Why do people come from all over the world to see a really old, really big pile of stones?
The key word here is really old. It is so old that … Continue reading

 
Pharaoh’s curse is real

Pharaoh’s curse is real

Breaking News: scientific, double blind study, proves that the curse of the Pharaoh indeed exists.
And we got blasted by it.
This is the story I will tell my grandchildren, as they … Continue reading

A short walk from here

A short walk from here

Go down these stairs (watch out for the wonky steps and don’t touch the dusty railing).
Turn right and immediately left.
Walk, oh, fifty or so meters and you are at Tahrir … Continue reading

 
A walk in Alexandria as first steps in Egypt

A walk in Alexandria as first steps in Egypt

Egypt was another one of our destinations for which I had very little expectations. Alexandria filled a rather airy and lonely  spot in my knowledge bank. Beyond the pyramids and … Continue reading

May I have your full attention, please

May I have your full attention, please

Flight safety demonstrations are a requirement and usually look like a chore. If you are still listening to them after your first flight, there is something seriously wrong with you.
Then … Continue reading

 
The Taj Mahal of today – The Grand Mosque in Abu Dhabi

The Taj Mahal of today – The Grand Mosque in Abu Dhabi

Abu Dhabi may be the capital and the richest of the Emirates, but it has been slow in attracting the tourism interest or even the business savvy of its close … Continue reading

What is wrong with this picture? – a snippet in Abu Dhabi

What is wrong with this picture? – a snippet in Abu Dhabi

 
Snappy in the cool Dubai night

Snappy in the cool Dubai night

What happens when you have comfortable free accommodation and a flaky, indecisive travel partner?
You get stuck!
We have been leaving for Abu Dhabi for 4 days now. FOUR. Each morning I … Continue reading

Ibn Battuta mall in Dubai – how I learned of a great traveler and enjoyed myself to boot

Ibn Battuta mall in Dubai – how I learned of a great traveler and enjoyed myself to boot

Malls are evil nests of uninspired money hungry executives whose only desire is to suck the life out of our wallets.  If you have been with me for awhile, you … Continue reading