On a recent trip to Crete, we just HAD to take the hike to see the cave where it is said Zeus was born. Yes, I know Zeus isn’t real (sorry for the spoiler), but it is interesting that for a couple of thousand years the locals have consistently said that this particular cave isContinue reading “Zeus’s Birthplace Cave”
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Gorgeous Rouvas Gorge, Crete
In addition to its beaches (which we didn’t visit much because it was off-season), Crete has some amazing hiking venues. Rouvas Gorge, pretty much in the middle of the island, is a magnificent hike. A bit over 7 miles round trip (up and back down), it is a bit strenuous going, including some rock scrambles,Continue reading “Gorgeous Rouvas Gorge, Crete”
Manila — Bustling, Happy City
A few months ago, I had the privilege of traveling to the Philippines with a friend of mine. It is especially wonderful to visit a new location with someone who is from that place. That way, they know all the best things to see and do, but, more importantly, they can help interpret the cultureContinue reading “Manila — Bustling, Happy City”
Coptic Cairo: Island in the Stream
When one thinks of Cairo, or even Egypt, ancient artifacts and Islamic culture come to mind. But what most people overlook is that Egypt is home to a fairly substantial number of Christians, most of whom are Coptic. Although they are a minority, they are a big part of the culture of Cairo. Remember, theyContinue reading “Coptic Cairo: Island in the Stream”
The Lesser-Known Step Pyramid of Egypt is just as impressive as the Great Pyramids
If you drive just a few minutes down the road away from Cairo, beyond the Great Pyramids, you will encounter the Step Pyramids. Although less known than the Great Pyramids, the Step Pyramids are equally impressive, and a completely different experience. First of all, as you leave Giza behind you, the scene very quickly becomesContinue reading “The Lesser-Known Step Pyramid of Egypt is just as impressive as the Great Pyramids”
Cairo, Egypt — City of Dichotomies
Cairo is one of my favorite cities in the world. It is bustling, colorful, exotic, and just a wonderful mix of old and modern. If you like to people-watch, it is one of the best places ever to be! Greater Cairo, in 2022, is estimated to be home to over 21 million people, about doubleContinue reading “Cairo, Egypt — City of Dichotomies”
Not-so “Jolie” Golf Experience, Sharm el Sheikh, Egypt
Sometimes you have an experience that is so bad, you just have to laugh. We were staying at the Four Seasons Resort in Sharm el Sheikh, Egypt and wanted to play some golf. The Four Seasons is supposedly building a golf course, but it was not yet open. We asked the concierge for a recommendationContinue reading “Not-so “Jolie” Golf Experience, Sharm el Sheikh, Egypt”
World Expo 2020 (in 2021), Dubai. Visit #1
Like a lot of things, the World Expo 2020 got put on hold due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Finally, in October, 2021, it was able to launch! The Expo is held in Dubai, UAE and runs for 6 months. We live relatively close by, in Saudi Arabia, so we bought the “season pass” for theContinue reading “World Expo 2020 (in 2021), Dubai. Visit #1”
The Dead Sea, Jordan
On our unexpected detour to Jordan caused by pandemic travel restrictions, after spending the night in Amman, we headed to the Dead Sea. Although less than an hour drive from Amman, the Dead Sea shore practically has a different climate. Amman sits atop a plateau. The Dead Sea is at or below sea level. ItContinue reading “The Dead Sea, Jordan”
Amman, Jordan — a brief revisit
I lived in Amman, Jordan from 2011 to 2014. I recently ,unexpectedly and serendipitously, got the opportunity to return to Jordan. The detour was due to sudden changes to travel restrictions related to the pandemic. Because of the pandemic, we chose not to stay long in the city, but to merely pass through on ourContinue reading “Amman, Jordan — a brief revisit”
Paula W Rank Fiction 