One of the most fascinating aspects for me about traveling Internationally is tasting food from different cultures and regions. What we think of Middle-Eastern food in the United States is a generalization of a wide range of countries based upon a few dishes which have become westernized. In actuality, within even one country - there can be dramatic culinary differences based on spices used and preparation styles. The culinary traditions of … [Read more...]
From Camping with Nomads to Exploring Tehran
The past few days I've been enjoying life with a group of nomads who move around the deserts of central Iran. They regularly herd large numbers of sheep and goats; I was able to join them as they moved one such herd from the flat lands up into the mountains. It is a life in motion for the herders and their animals; both are moved around continuously in search of food and water. Donkeys accompany the herds carrying shelter and additional food and … [Read more...]
The Hardest Place in the World to Visit
The covering has the disconcerting effect of obnubilating as well as illuminating the woman behind it. Shrouded in black niqab and ankle-length abaya, she floats towards me. Behind, her friends are firing salvos of cell-phone photos, as though we foreigners are exotic beasts in a zoo. She stops, and through her veil, in perfect English, asks, “Where are you from?” “California.” “What city?” “Los Angeles.” “What part?” … [Read more...]
My Climb of Mount Ararat
Climbing Mount Ararat was a dream of mine since childhood! I would stare at the picture posted above the chalkboard exactly in the center of the room at Armenian School and think, “Why are we just looking at? Why can’t we climb to the top?” I have been blessed that my life has taken me to nearly 60 countries where I connected with Armenian communities in South America, Europe, the Middle East, Asia, and Australia. Our language, food, and music … [Read more...]
Best Travel Guide for First Time Travellers to Dubai
DUBAI proudly stands among the seven emirates of the United Arab Emirates (UAE). It’s no less than a splendid tourist destination for travellers around the globe. The city is a pleasure for eyes because of its crazy, humongous and architectural skyscrapers. Unlike in other countries, the whole city is man-made, beautifully crafted to catch the eyes of many tourist lovers. As the world is aware, Dubai has won the bid to host World EXPO 2020 and … [Read more...]
Sandboarding in Israel
When in the Swiss Alps, go skiing, when in the Himalayas climb a mountain, when in the Maldives go Scuba Diving. ... when in the Negev Desert, go Sandboarding! I have always preferred the sun over the snow and as a result Israel has always been one of favorite destinations. When I was presented with an opportunity to Sandboard for the first time in my life I jumped at the opportunity. Wouldn't you?! Think of snowboarding on … [Read more...]
Dolphin Reef Spa in Eilat, Israel
Those who have visited Israel, or watched the satirical movie "Don't Mess with Zohan", will recognize another side of Israelis - one that is not so apparent unless you have befriended them or come in contact with them. Deep inside, they are a bunch of fun-loving hippies and love life like there's no tomorrow. It's all about the Work Hard, Play Hard mentality. That is one of the many reasons I love Israel so much. My third visit to the country was … [Read more...]
Bedtime Prayers – The Pilgrim’s Guide to Hotels in Jerusalem
Jerusalem is a vibrant modern city full of cultural events, restaurants, and a rich nightlife. But it is first and foremost a spiritual center of the Jewish people. Jews from all over the world come to Jerusalem. They take part in pilgrimages to holy sites, such as the Western Wall and Temple Mount. Often, they also celebrate bar and bat mitzvahs (coming of age ceremonies), weddings, and Jewish holidays in their ancestral homeland. Because … [Read more...]
A Crazy Day of Dune Bashing in Southern Qatar
I knew our drive out from Doha was going to be interesting as soon as we started our journey to the sand dunes from my hotel. Our driver, a large Omani soon crossed to the other lane of traffic and stunned an opposing driver by doing so. He had one hand on the wheel, one hand on his mobile and his eyes were looking somewhere else. Once he got off the phone he became quite liberal with the use of the horn and headlights - using both many times … [Read more...]
Culture and Work Exchange in Jordan’s Wadi Rum Desert
As I exited the taxi a tall, dark, man wearing flashy sunglasses and brown tunic that nearly reached his ankles, approached me. This was Fawaz, my work exchange host for the next two weeks. While he appeared intimidating at first, maybe because of his height alone, his warm smile and outstretched hand made any first impressions quickly fade away. The head scarf he wore was similar to the "desert scarf" that had recently made its way in style in … [Read more...]