Central Morocco

Categories: Central Morocco · Morocco · TravelTags: · · · · · · ·

The other side of the Atlas Mountains lies the Morocco that was reason I journeyed here three years ago — the desert! However, I first have to traverse through the High Atlas mountain pass of Tizi n’Tichka, through Dra Valley, Dades Gorge, and Todra Palmeraie. Along the way, I was greeted by fortress-like mud-walled kasbahs, palm-fringed oases, changing landscapes, and friendly turbaned nomads astride on their one-humped camels (dromedaries). Welcome to Central Morocco – a region of spectacular gorges, valleys and desert!   Taourirt Kasbah in Ouarzazate is the former Glaoui Palace built in the 19th century and has 300 rooms and within…

Marrakech

Categories: Marrakech · Morocco · TravelTags: · · · · · 2 Comments

My first visit to the African continent was three years ago when I journeyed to Morocco. First stop: Marrakech. Marrakech is an imperial city full of sights, sounds, and tastes both ancient and modern. Located in northern Africa, Marrakech is a crossroads where sub-Saharan Africa meets Arabia and Europe. This Moroccan paradise is filled with beautiful architecture, artisan culture and mouth-watering cuisine. Known as “The Red City” for its rose-hued and ochre buildings, Marrakech attracts a high number of visitors looking for a unique experience.   The small botanical garden Jardin Majorelle was created in the 1920s by the French painter Jacques Majorelle.  Convalescing from tuberculosis, he went…

Recoleta

Categories: Accommodations · Argentina · Art · Buenos Aires · TravelTags: · · · · · · · ·

Adopted by upper-class porteños (or locals) after yellow fever broke out in San Telmo in 1871, the barrio of Recoleta has grown into a model of bourgeois refinement as one of the most affluent neighbourhoods in Buenos Aires. Recoleta has a distinctly European feel with its French and Italian architecture, tree-lined streets, big-name international brand stores, restaurants and galleries and of course, the barrio’s famous cemetery — the Cemeterio de la Recoleta.   Cemeterio de la Recoleta has earned its reputation as one of the world’s great necropolis. Occupying an area of 14 acres, the Recoleta Cemetery is a labyrinth of more than 6,400 tombs and mausoleums…

Buenos Aires

Categories: Argentina · Buenos Aires · TravelTags: · · · · · ·

I have another friend asking for a travel recommendation and this time I suggested heading to Argentina. A few years ago, I traveled to South America for the very first time and I opted for Buenos Aires — this vibrant city leaves little room for disappointment. Buenos Aires’ neoclassical architecture, cafe culture, and international vibe give the city a strikingly European feel — as it is often referred to as “the Paris of South America“. But Buenos Aires is undeniably Argentine, with its tango salons called milongas, hip clothing and leather goods boutiques, and culinary focus on local staples such as Pampas grass-fed steak in many excellent parrillas (Argentine steakhouses),…

Cappadocia

Categories: Accommodations · Cappadocia · Türkiye · TravelTags: · · · · 2 Comments

A short one hour flight from Istanbul to central Turkey will bring you to the breathtaking region of Cappadocia. There are many other interesting cities to visit in Turkey, but during my trip a few years back, I decided to visit here instead. Often described as a lunar landscape or an open air sculpture, the erosion caused by wind and water that started 60 million years ago, carved out the topography in this area. It was also in this region that early Christians following the footsteps of St. Paul took refuge and established colonies in the area.   The Caravansaries (or “Caravan Palace“) were used as military bases during the wartime and…

Ayasofya & Chora

Categories: Accommodations · Architecture · Istanbul · Türkiye · TravelTags: · · · · · ·

Known in Greek as Hagia Sophia and in English as St. Sophia, the Ayasofya in Istanbul was designed to surpass the grandeur of any other monument to God. Built in A.D. 537 as the greatest church in Christendom and symbol of the Byzantium, Ayasofya was converted into a mosque in 1453 during the Conquest, where adjustments were made that included covering of the frescoes and mosaics and the addition of minarets. In 1935, Ayasofya was turned into a museum. Definitely worth a short drive outside of the city centre of Istanbul is the St. Savior in Chora. The original church in this site…

Istanbul

Categories: Architecture · Istanbul · Türkiye · TravelTags: · · · · · · ·

When friends ask for suggestions on places to visit, one of the cities I highly recommend is Istanbul in Turkey. I was in this awe-inspiring land a few years back and would not mind returning to. The only city in the world that straddles between Europe and Asia, Istanbul (and Turkey for that matter) is so vibrant and rich in history and culture. Turkey is a magnificent marriage of the historic and modern, western and oriental, and the common and exotic. One of the striking features of the city’s skyline is the Blue Mosque or the Sultan Ahmet Camii. Constructed between 1609 and 1617, this mosque is one…

Arkoun!

Categories: Accommodations · Cambodia · Siem Reap · TravelTags: · · · · ·

“Thank you!” in Khmer. After visiting a dozen temples in and around Angkor under close to 40C degree heat — I say goodbye and thank you to Cambodia! The temples are simply impressive, breathtaking and should be in every traveller’s list of must-see. The people are very friendly and helpful. There are many tourists in Siem Reap and Angkor and it is apparent that every effort is being made to cater to them. Costs are relatively reasonable, probably with the exception of hotel accommodations – but there is a variety of standards to choose from. The U.S. dollar is the currency being quoted and accepted by…

More Angkor Temples

Categories: Cambodia · Siem Reap · TravelTags: · · · · · · · ·

Here are the last four temples I visited in Angkor. Surprisingly, I haven’t felt “templed-out“. Each one does have its own distinct architecture, style and personality. Prasat Kravan was built in 921 for Hindu worship. Uninspiring from the outside, the brick carvings concealed within its towers are the hidden treasures. Prasat Kravan was partially restored in 1968. From the latter part of the 12th century, Banteay Kdei is a massive Buddhist monastery. Pre Rup means “Turning the Body” and refers to a traditional method of cremation. It is believed that this temple served as a royal crematorium. It consists of…

Preah Khan + Temples of Rolous

Categories: Cambodia · Siem Reap · TravelTags: · · · · · · · · ·

Angkor boasts some of the largest religious monuments ever built as it is known as the “City of God-Kings“. Many of these temples and monuments are under conservation and restoration funded by international organizations that include UNESCO, France, Germany, Japan and the U.S.. Preah Khan or “Sacred Sword ” is one of the largest complexes and is a maze of vaulted corridors, fine carvings and stonework. It served as the temporary residence of the King while Angkor Thom was under construction. The Temples of Rolous (namely Lolei, Bakong , and Preah Ko) are among the earliest temple complexes built in the…