Petra, Jordan
Petra is a valley of colorful sandstone hills into which ancient Nabataeans carved immense ornate tombs in the 6th century B.C. Sandstone colors are red, yellow, blue, white, purple, and green patterned in straight lines, waves, and swirls. Up close, the rock has a natural beauty unequalled elsewhere in the world. Into this gorgeous setting [...]
Amman, Jordan
The most visibly striking contrast between Syria and Jordan is the level of wealth. Whereas in Syria people live simply, the Jordanians (in Amman) sported around in their new cars. Within a few days, we discovered a much greater difference. 99 in 100 Syrians are genuinely friendly and helpful. In Jordan, 99 in 100 lie [...]
Damascus, Syria
Damascus is the oldest continuously inhabited city in the world. Urban settlement started around 5000 BC. Today, it’s the bustling capital of Syria. The main sites of Damascus can be seen in a day. Most noteworthy are the National Museum, Umayyad Mosque, and Azem Palace. All are within walking distance of each other and the [...]
Palmyra, Syria
Called Tadmor by the locals, Palmyra is considered the best site in Syria. This extensively excavated Greek, then Roman, caravan city is on an oasis in the middle of the desert. The closest river is the Orontes 150km north, but the oasis is lush and continues to support a new town with a population of [...]
Hama, Syria
Hama has a collection of Norias (water wheels) that lift water from the Orontes River into overhead aqueducts. The Norias continue to turn but the aqueducts are no longer used. Hama is a good base from which to see Apamea and the Dead Cities to the north and Krak des Chevaliers to the southwest. Because [...]
Lebanon
Lebanon? Are you mad? Lebanon? Well, that’s approximately the reaction I got from most people when I told them I went to Lebanon. Somehow in the eyes of most people, Lebanon still is a synonym for civil war, chaos and life threatening situations and the troubles in many parts of the middle east don’t do [...]
Jordan
We visited Jordan in February, which is very early in season, the average daytime maximum temperatures in Amman range from 12.6 C in January to 32.5 C in August. The area south of the plateau has much warmer drier weather, with daytime maximum temperatures of around 20 C in January and 38 C in August. [...]
Souks in Dubai
If you have never been to the Middle East, for that reason alone Dubai can be interesting…that is, if you like observing people and other cultures. Dubai, and the U.A.E. overall, is developing at a rapid speed with lots of high rise buildings, fancy malls and hotels. However, I imagine that if you look beyond [...]
Dubai Vacation fit for you?
When it is time to plan a vacation it can be easy to fall for the same old destinations like a Caribbean cruise or European sightseeing tour. But, what if you are looking for something different, something breathtaking, something exotic, and truly outside your realm of experiences? A Dubai vacation could be the answer.
