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”
Tag Archives: Ex-pat
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”
Giza, Egypt: Great Pyramids and the Sphynx
The Great Pyramids of Egypt, the Step Pyramids, and the Sphynx are amazing wonders of the world that are easily accessible from Cairo, Egypt. While many of the spectacular ancient artifacts of Egypt are far from the capital, and require an additional flight, these beauties are right there in the Suburbs. So, on a recentContinue reading “Giza, Egypt: Great Pyramids and the Sphynx”
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”
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”
Sports-filled Getaway to King Abdullah Economic City (KAEC)
After our 10 1/2 hour drive from Riyadh that included two sand storms and a flash flood, we finally arrived at our destination: King Abdullah Economic City (KAEC). KAEC is a planned community less than an hour north of Jeddah, on the West Coast of Saudi Arabia. We got there just before sundown. After checkingContinue reading “Sports-filled Getaway to King Abdullah Economic City (KAEC)”
Riyadh to Jeddah: Road Trip
My husband and I are accustomed (maybe even addicted) to frequent travel. Wanderlust is in our veins. Due to the pandemic, however, we hadn’t left Riyadh for more than two months. Our holiday plans to travel were canceled. Our “Plan B”, to fly to Dubai, also was negated. Bursting with cabin fever, we decided toContinue reading “Riyadh to Jeddah: Road Trip”
Paula W Rank Fiction 