Destination Dubai
by: Rhiannon Williamson
Dubai is one of the seven states making up the United Arab Emirates and it is located in the Middle East at the crossroads of Asia, Europe and Africa.
Dubai is a city of striking contrasts; it is an exciting destination both for travelers seeking thrills and adventure and for expatriates seeking a healthy employment climate and a tax free lifestyle.
Those expatriates planning on moving to the UAE or who are seeking the latest job opportunities in Dubai are certainly not alone. The population of Dubai is one of the fastest growing in the world and over the past twenty five years it has quadrupled.
Employment prospects in the city rise annually by an average of 8.3% and the increasing availability of quality jobs has attracted record numbers of expatriates to the region. The appeal of Dubai lies in the fact that it is a liberal and moderate emirate and it has attracted major players from every single significant business sector of note because of the tax free trade zones Dubai is famous for. These industry giants from the media, IT, engineering and financial sectors for example can recruit internationally and many offer their staff a tax free salary with attractive relocation benefits on top meaning they attract the best, most dynamic employees from around the world.
The expatriate population in the entire UAE makes up 91.5% of the working population so you can see how popular a destination Dubai is with international executives from around the world. To work in Dubai it is necessary to obtain an employment visa, if you secure a job offer before you fly out your employer will sponsor your visa for you. Alternatively you can travel to the country on a 30 day temporary visa, seek work and as soon as you secure a job offer you can apply for your employment visa.
In terms of those who holiday in Dubai they are divided into a number of categories – you have shopoholics who come for the tax free prices on luxury goods and jewellery, you have those who want an adventure in and around the ancient and fascinating heart of Dubai, you have families keen to hit the theme parks and adventure centres and those who come for the sporting highlights of Dubai such as the world class golf, polo, diving and desert safaris.
Visitors to the city of Dubai require a visa unless they herald from Bahrain, Kuwait, Qatar, Oman or Saudi Arabia. Those visitors who are staying in one of the amazing and luxurious hotels Dubai is famous for will be provided with a visa by the hotel for the duration of their stay. The process to obtain a visa is very simple, in fact most travel agents or hotels will fill in the necessary paper work for you and you can either apply for a 14 day ‘transit visa’ or a 30 day ‘visit visa’ and then enter the country and be free to enjoy your time exploring this dynamic and breathtaking city of contrasts.
About The Author
Rhiannon Williamson is a freelance writer whose articles about living and working abroad have appeared in many major lifestyle publications throughout the world.
You can find more of her articles at:- Shelter Offshore.
Sunday, July 8, 2007
Saturday, July 7, 2007
Tour Egypt for Ancient and Exotic Adventures
Tour Egypt for Ancient and Exotic Adventures
by: Chris Robertson
If you've ever dreamed of witnessing the magnificence of the Great Pyramids, standing in awe before the Great Sphinx, or reveling in the treasures found in King Tut's tomb, the magic of Egypt awaits you. You can tour Egypt for an unforgettable experience of a lifetime.
Whether you want to cruise the Nile in the style of Cleopatra or visit the Valley of the Kings, a Cairo program tour may be just the thing to fulfill your dreams. If your tastes lean toward adventure travel, a Cairo tour may mark the beginning of a journey that will include, for example, a diving excursion in the Ras Mohammed underwater nature reserve or a trek to a desert Bedouin Camp.
A Cairo museum tour will enchant you with the breathtaking antiquities of ancient Egypt, while retaining the services of a Cairo travel guide will allow you to experience the beauties and mysteries of a city from a local perspective.
If you have an interest in Egypt's ancient Holy Lands, you can travel Cairo and see the Red Sea and visit Old Cairo, where early Judaism and Christianity flourished.
While you're in Cairo, photo travel adventures await. You'll want to bring plenty of film - or extra storage cards for your digital camera - when you visit the Ben Ezra Synagogue, the Saint Serguis Church, the Great Citadel begun by Saladdin, and the Mohamed Ali Mosque, also known as the "Alabaster Mosque."
In Cairo, Egypt, travel can mean entering a time machine and visiting the sites of a wondrous and mysterious civilization, or enjoying very modern activities and amenities such as golf, cruises, and even bowling. You'd be doing yourself a disservice, though, if you didn't learn at least a bit about ancient Egypt before booking a Cairo, Egypt tour.
Some other things to know before you go:
* According to the U.S. State Department, a passport and visa are required to visit Egypt. Although renewable, 30-day tourist visas are available for US$15 upon arrival at Cairo International Airport, if you're arriving overland, you should obtain your visa prior to your arrival in Egypt.
* Egypt has close to 79 million residents, and Egypt's size is approximately three times the size of New Mexico.
* The official language of Egypt is Arabic, although French and English are widely spoken and understood.
* Egypt is bisected by the fertile Nile Valley, which spurs Egypt's economy.
* The currency is the Egyptian pound, and the exchange rate in 2005 was 5.78 Egyptian pounds per U.S. dollar.
Whether you're traveling for business or pleasure, with the right tour, Egypt will enchant and engage you, drawing you in to its ancient mysteries.
About The Author
Chris Robertson is a published author of Majon International. Majon International is one of the worlds MOST popular internet marketing and internet advertising companies on the web. Visit their main business resource web site at: http://www.majon.com
To learn more about subjects like tour Egypt please visit the web site at: http://www.magitour.com
For more information and informative related articles and links about this subject matter and content, please visit Majon's Travel directory: Travel
by: Chris Robertson
If you've ever dreamed of witnessing the magnificence of the Great Pyramids, standing in awe before the Great Sphinx, or reveling in the treasures found in King Tut's tomb, the magic of Egypt awaits you. You can tour Egypt for an unforgettable experience of a lifetime.
Whether you want to cruise the Nile in the style of Cleopatra or visit the Valley of the Kings, a Cairo program tour may be just the thing to fulfill your dreams. If your tastes lean toward adventure travel, a Cairo tour may mark the beginning of a journey that will include, for example, a diving excursion in the Ras Mohammed underwater nature reserve or a trek to a desert Bedouin Camp.
A Cairo museum tour will enchant you with the breathtaking antiquities of ancient Egypt, while retaining the services of a Cairo travel guide will allow you to experience the beauties and mysteries of a city from a local perspective.
If you have an interest in Egypt's ancient Holy Lands, you can travel Cairo and see the Red Sea and visit Old Cairo, where early Judaism and Christianity flourished.
While you're in Cairo, photo travel adventures await. You'll want to bring plenty of film - or extra storage cards for your digital camera - when you visit the Ben Ezra Synagogue, the Saint Serguis Church, the Great Citadel begun by Saladdin, and the Mohamed Ali Mosque, also known as the "Alabaster Mosque."
In Cairo, Egypt, travel can mean entering a time machine and visiting the sites of a wondrous and mysterious civilization, or enjoying very modern activities and amenities such as golf, cruises, and even bowling. You'd be doing yourself a disservice, though, if you didn't learn at least a bit about ancient Egypt before booking a Cairo, Egypt tour.
Some other things to know before you go:
* According to the U.S. State Department, a passport and visa are required to visit Egypt. Although renewable, 30-day tourist visas are available for US$15 upon arrival at Cairo International Airport, if you're arriving overland, you should obtain your visa prior to your arrival in Egypt.
* Egypt has close to 79 million residents, and Egypt's size is approximately three times the size of New Mexico.
* The official language of Egypt is Arabic, although French and English are widely spoken and understood.
* Egypt is bisected by the fertile Nile Valley, which spurs Egypt's economy.
* The currency is the Egyptian pound, and the exchange rate in 2005 was 5.78 Egyptian pounds per U.S. dollar.
Whether you're traveling for business or pleasure, with the right tour, Egypt will enchant and engage you, drawing you in to its ancient mysteries.
About The Author
Chris Robertson is a published author of Majon International. Majon International is one of the worlds MOST popular internet marketing and internet advertising companies on the web. Visit their main business resource web site at: http://www.majon.com
To learn more about subjects like tour Egypt please visit the web site at: http://www.magitour.com
For more information and informative related articles and links about this subject matter and content, please visit Majon's Travel directory: Travel
Friday, July 6, 2007
Are There Any Health Benefits In Using Dead Sea Products?
Are There Any Health Benefits In Using Dead Sea Products?
by: Paul Keene
Firstly, it is important to understand a little about the location of the source. The Dead Sea has a unique climate which has been shown to offer excellent natural treatment for many health problems.
The Dead Sea is the lowest place on earth, over 400 metres below sea level located between Israel and Jordan, the region has a dense air rich in bromine and other elements which filters and limits the ultraviolet B radiation from the sun, reducing the danger of sunburn and allowing longer exposure to the sun's rays. The thick atmospheric pressure is also associated with an increase in oxygen - 5 per cent richer than air at sea level and 10 per cent higher than the air in Jerusalem, only a two hour drive away.
The water in the Dead Sea contains 345 grams of mineral salts per liter and is approximately ten times higher in saline than ocean water and enriched by hydrogen sulfide gas. For this reason no plant or animal can survive in the water and bathers are able to float in the sea. The major salts are magnesium, sodium, potassium and calcium.
The benefits of being in the water are legendary. Calcium clarifies the skin surface and relieves pain
About The Author
Paul Keene has been living in Israel since 1999. His occupation is managing several hotel and travel websites located at Cyber Travel Network
View their website at: Hotels Isreal Jerusalem
paul@cybertravelnetwork.com
by: Paul Keene
Firstly, it is important to understand a little about the location of the source. The Dead Sea has a unique climate which has been shown to offer excellent natural treatment for many health problems.
The Dead Sea is the lowest place on earth, over 400 metres below sea level located between Israel and Jordan, the region has a dense air rich in bromine and other elements which filters and limits the ultraviolet B radiation from the sun, reducing the danger of sunburn and allowing longer exposure to the sun's rays. The thick atmospheric pressure is also associated with an increase in oxygen - 5 per cent richer than air at sea level and 10 per cent higher than the air in Jerusalem, only a two hour drive away.
The water in the Dead Sea contains 345 grams of mineral salts per liter and is approximately ten times higher in saline than ocean water and enriched by hydrogen sulfide gas. For this reason no plant or animal can survive in the water and bathers are able to float in the sea. The major salts are magnesium, sodium, potassium and calcium.
The benefits of being in the water are legendary. Calcium clarifies the skin surface and relieves pain
About The Author
Paul Keene has been living in Israel since 1999. His occupation is managing several hotel and travel websites located at Cyber Travel Network
View their website at: Hotels Isreal Jerusalem
paul@cybertravelnetwork.com
Thursday, July 5, 2007
The Red Sea in Egypt for Scuba Diving
The Red Sea in Egypt for Scuba Diving
by: Clint Leung
For many Europeans, traveling to the Red Sea for scuba diving is like many North Americans going to the Caribbean. For a scuba diver based in North America or anywhere else outside of Europe or Africa, a journey to the Red Sea is considered one of the more exotic scuba diving trips. Like other overseas travel, getting to the final destination is the hardest thing. The Red Sea can be dived from ports in both Egypt and Israel but most international scuba divers do so from the Egyptian side. There are two major scuba diving areas in Egypt, Sharm El Sheikh and Hurghada. Sharm El Sheikh at the northern part of the Red Sea is the more established center having been a popular vacation resort area as both Egyptians and Europeans have been vacationing here for many years. The local scuba dive industry grew along with the overall steady growth of classy resorts, shops and other tourist services in Sharm El Sheikh. Hurghada, once just a sleepy fishing village along the west side of the Red Sea, is starting to grow as scuba divers discover this alternative to Sharm El Sheikh.
More than likely, travelers going to either Sharm El Sheikh or Hurghada will have to fly to Cairo before connecting with Egypt Air or taking a bus to their final destination. Many scuba divers turn their Red Sea diving trip into a major extended holiday in order to both dive and see the many wonderful ancient Egyptian sites such as the pyramids. There are many things to see and do in Egypt in addition to the ancient ruins including museums, markets and Nile river cruises. So it is highly recommended to do some research and plan accordingly for any trip to Egypt as one would not want to run into the situation where not enough time was allocated to see everything one wants to see there in addition to scuba diving.
Many of the scuba operators in Sharm El Sheikh are affiliated or close by to a hotel resort. Most of the dive shops are actually owned and staffed by Europeans working in Egypt. This is similar to the situation in the Caribbean where many of the scuba operators there are American owned. The Red Sea has a higher salt content than Caribbean waters so it is recommended to add 4 to 5 more pounds to the amount of weight divers usually use. Like most European diving, the scuba community here in Egypt uses the metric system so weights will be in kilos while air pressure will be in bars. Most dive computers should be able to display both metric and imperial systems.
Many scuba operators in Sharm El Sheikh use a very interesting system for scuba tanks. Rather than using their own tanks, their dive boats go to a common central barge anchored in the harbor. This is where all the scuba tanks are supplied from and the dive boats collect the number of tanks they need for day’s dive trips. At the end of the trips, used tanks are dropped off at the same barge before heading back to port.
The majority of the dives in the Red Sea are semi drift dives where the dive boats drop off divers at the dive sites and then pick them up afterwards. One very different aspect of the Red Sea compared to other dive destinations in the world is that the coral reefs here can extend up to very shallow depths. As a result, the standard safety stops at 15 feet are done drifting among many of these sloping reefs along with the accompanying marine life. Therefore, these are some of the most scenic safety stops scuba divers will ever do. This is certainly different from the usual bland safety stop in the Caribbean. One thing to note is that the maximum allowable depth for recreational scuba divers in Egypt is 30 meters which is about 90 feet.
As expected, the marine life in the Red Sea is spectacular. There are many species of fish, crustaceans and marine plant life here that are not found in the Caribbean. In fact, many of them are indigenous to the Red Sea only. While lionfish can be extremely rare sightings elsewhere, they are quite abundant in the Red Sea which is a real treat for scuba divers. It is also not unusual to jump in the water to be among a large school of tuna or other fish. Many night divers will see coral reefs here to be more spectacular than in the Caribbean.
For many scuba divers, the Red Sea is one of those ‘must dive at least once in a lifetime’ destinations. It is a very unique place to dive especially with the desert background visible from the dive boats. The excellent diving with the many awesome sights of Egypt make the Red Sea a dream dive trip for any scuba diver.
About The Author
Clint Leung is a NAUI certified Master and Rescue Scuba Diver. He is also owner of Free Spirit Activewear (Free Spirit Active Wear) , an online retailer/designer specializing in premium quality scuba diving activewear. Free Spirit Activewear has numerous information resource articles on scuba diving as well as free eCards.
by: Clint Leung
For many Europeans, traveling to the Red Sea for scuba diving is like many North Americans going to the Caribbean. For a scuba diver based in North America or anywhere else outside of Europe or Africa, a journey to the Red Sea is considered one of the more exotic scuba diving trips. Like other overseas travel, getting to the final destination is the hardest thing. The Red Sea can be dived from ports in both Egypt and Israel but most international scuba divers do so from the Egyptian side. There are two major scuba diving areas in Egypt, Sharm El Sheikh and Hurghada. Sharm El Sheikh at the northern part of the Red Sea is the more established center having been a popular vacation resort area as both Egyptians and Europeans have been vacationing here for many years. The local scuba dive industry grew along with the overall steady growth of classy resorts, shops and other tourist services in Sharm El Sheikh. Hurghada, once just a sleepy fishing village along the west side of the Red Sea, is starting to grow as scuba divers discover this alternative to Sharm El Sheikh.
More than likely, travelers going to either Sharm El Sheikh or Hurghada will have to fly to Cairo before connecting with Egypt Air or taking a bus to their final destination. Many scuba divers turn their Red Sea diving trip into a major extended holiday in order to both dive and see the many wonderful ancient Egyptian sites such as the pyramids. There are many things to see and do in Egypt in addition to the ancient ruins including museums, markets and Nile river cruises. So it is highly recommended to do some research and plan accordingly for any trip to Egypt as one would not want to run into the situation where not enough time was allocated to see everything one wants to see there in addition to scuba diving.
Many of the scuba operators in Sharm El Sheikh are affiliated or close by to a hotel resort. Most of the dive shops are actually owned and staffed by Europeans working in Egypt. This is similar to the situation in the Caribbean where many of the scuba operators there are American owned. The Red Sea has a higher salt content than Caribbean waters so it is recommended to add 4 to 5 more pounds to the amount of weight divers usually use. Like most European diving, the scuba community here in Egypt uses the metric system so weights will be in kilos while air pressure will be in bars. Most dive computers should be able to display both metric and imperial systems.
Many scuba operators in Sharm El Sheikh use a very interesting system for scuba tanks. Rather than using their own tanks, their dive boats go to a common central barge anchored in the harbor. This is where all the scuba tanks are supplied from and the dive boats collect the number of tanks they need for day’s dive trips. At the end of the trips, used tanks are dropped off at the same barge before heading back to port.
The majority of the dives in the Red Sea are semi drift dives where the dive boats drop off divers at the dive sites and then pick them up afterwards. One very different aspect of the Red Sea compared to other dive destinations in the world is that the coral reefs here can extend up to very shallow depths. As a result, the standard safety stops at 15 feet are done drifting among many of these sloping reefs along with the accompanying marine life. Therefore, these are some of the most scenic safety stops scuba divers will ever do. This is certainly different from the usual bland safety stop in the Caribbean. One thing to note is that the maximum allowable depth for recreational scuba divers in Egypt is 30 meters which is about 90 feet.
As expected, the marine life in the Red Sea is spectacular. There are many species of fish, crustaceans and marine plant life here that are not found in the Caribbean. In fact, many of them are indigenous to the Red Sea only. While lionfish can be extremely rare sightings elsewhere, they are quite abundant in the Red Sea which is a real treat for scuba divers. It is also not unusual to jump in the water to be among a large school of tuna or other fish. Many night divers will see coral reefs here to be more spectacular than in the Caribbean.
For many scuba divers, the Red Sea is one of those ‘must dive at least once in a lifetime’ destinations. It is a very unique place to dive especially with the desert background visible from the dive boats. The excellent diving with the many awesome sights of Egypt make the Red Sea a dream dive trip for any scuba diver.
About The Author
Clint Leung is a NAUI certified Master and Rescue Scuba Diver. He is also owner of Free Spirit Activewear (Free Spirit Active Wear) , an online retailer/designer specializing in premium quality scuba diving activewear. Free Spirit Activewear has numerous information resource articles on scuba diving as well as free eCards.
Wednesday, July 4, 2007
Oman Here We Come
Oman Here We Come
by: Herman Nuncrush
Having practically circumnavigated the world and since retired and become an assisant CEO of Florida vacation villa rental website of www.fabvillas.com I thought I would start to write about the trials and tribulations of same, the travel not the website that is.
Do you use a travel agent or go it alone? Having done both I think the latter is my preference. Nothing difficult in booking a flight to your chosen destination and if your truly adventurous wait till you arrive and get a taxi to take you to a hotel.
My first experience of this was on a trip my wife and I were taking to final destination Oman in the Gulf.
We started to book the flights as stated above and having questioned the price, it was so cheap, it was like the old adage, if it sounds too good to be true, then it probably is! The reason for the low price was a) Its not direct b) Its with Egyptian Air and b) the pilot might ask you the way.
That now prompted the wife to say well if it’s going to Cairo we can go and see the pyramids. Like we were visiting long lost friends on the way. Maybe she was, friends from a former life, maybe?
We opted for British Airways in the end (at least the pilot would know the way) and to make it special we opted for Business class as well.
Off we set-to London Airport and from there to Cairo
Arriving in Cairo in the evening. I had taken the time to ask the party that we were eventually meeting in Oman, if he could recommend a suitable hotel in the area. Bad move. The man in question was a minister in the government and as such was accustomed to 1st class everything. Me?
A London cabbie and wife on an adventure.
The hotel verbally recommended was The Oberoi Mena House. So armed with this information my wife and I leave the terminal building into the heady and balmy night air of Cairo. Walk across to the taxi rank and ask the first taxi driver to take us to The Mena House please. You would have thought I had just asked him to sell his daughter into slavery
Remember I have been in this position at Heathrow, where I used to conduct business. I said to my wife, “Oh it must only be local”. This was purely on the cab drivers actions and the look on his face. That pleading look in his eyes, that I must have shown many times. The look that says or (you hope it does) “Oh please guv not me I’ve waited here for over an hour and you only want to go round the corner” Ever had it happen to you?
I was ready to capitulate when all of a sudden a scruffily dressed policeman approached two bewildered tourists and this cab driver who was acting like he had just been diagnosed with some terminal illness and won the lottery at the same time.
“You have a problem” said the policeman. “No, I don’t think so” I said. “Where do you want to go?” he enquired. “Well we wanted to go to the Mena House, but if its only local we’ll take a bus or maybe they have a courtesy service?” says I defending the cabbie in his efforts to “broom the job”
In a most authoritative voice the officer turned to the driver and said “Mena House” accompanied by a cursory wave of the hand.
Still naively trying to defend this hard done by cab driver, I interject “Hey! Look if it’s local I’ll take a bus. How much will it cost to get there?” The policeman repeated the enquiry to the driver. The reply “Eleven Pounds” That in someway told me that it was in fact a short ride. Wrong!!!!!
So the cases were placed into the boot of this beat up vehicle. Nothing like the regulation vehicle I was used to pushing around the streets of the capital back in the UK.
Of paramount importance is the horn must be in full working order. The other attribute is a heavy right foot. So at breakneck speed we departed the airport area and entered what the driver must have. thought The Indianapolis 500.
After 30 minutes or so of swerving, hooting an gasping the white knuckle ride was coming to and end and we were treated to the sight of the pyramids. My wife and I in unison exclaimed Wow!
We had arrived at this opulent and historic hotel “Oberoi Mena House Hotel was originally a royal lodge built for Egypt's Vice King Khedive Ismail and used when he and friends were hunting in the desert or visiting the pyramids.”
The cabbie sprung out of this deathtrap he had the gall to describe as a taxi, I asked “How much” he smiled a toothy grin and replied,” Eleven Pounds effendi” Feeling entrepreneurial I handed him Fifteen pounds. Well you’d have thought I had just given him the key to unlocking King Tuts personal fortune. He bowed and scraped as he took the suitcases into the reception area brushing aside the liveried staff.
That was the start of the adventure
About The Author
Herman Nuncrush - 58 years of age ex London cabbie. Retired through ill health but have never felt better since I began travelling the world. Now a CEO of Fabvillas a website designed for homeowners of rental villas in the Disney area to advertise their homes. Married with 3 children and 7 grandchildren.Enjoy relating my experiences and people have often said you should write them down. So here goes.
herman@mailstamp.co.uk
by: Herman Nuncrush
Having practically circumnavigated the world and since retired and become an assisant CEO of Florida vacation villa rental website of www.fabvillas.com I thought I would start to write about the trials and tribulations of same, the travel not the website that is.
Do you use a travel agent or go it alone? Having done both I think the latter is my preference. Nothing difficult in booking a flight to your chosen destination and if your truly adventurous wait till you arrive and get a taxi to take you to a hotel.
My first experience of this was on a trip my wife and I were taking to final destination Oman in the Gulf.
We started to book the flights as stated above and having questioned the price, it was so cheap, it was like the old adage, if it sounds too good to be true, then it probably is! The reason for the low price was a) Its not direct b) Its with Egyptian Air and b) the pilot might ask you the way.
That now prompted the wife to say well if it’s going to Cairo we can go and see the pyramids. Like we were visiting long lost friends on the way. Maybe she was, friends from a former life, maybe?
We opted for British Airways in the end (at least the pilot would know the way) and to make it special we opted for Business class as well.
Off we set-to London Airport and from there to Cairo
Arriving in Cairo in the evening. I had taken the time to ask the party that we were eventually meeting in Oman, if he could recommend a suitable hotel in the area. Bad move. The man in question was a minister in the government and as such was accustomed to 1st class everything. Me?
A London cabbie and wife on an adventure.
The hotel verbally recommended was The Oberoi Mena House. So armed with this information my wife and I leave the terminal building into the heady and balmy night air of Cairo. Walk across to the taxi rank and ask the first taxi driver to take us to The Mena House please. You would have thought I had just asked him to sell his daughter into slavery
Remember I have been in this position at Heathrow, where I used to conduct business. I said to my wife, “Oh it must only be local”. This was purely on the cab drivers actions and the look on his face. That pleading look in his eyes, that I must have shown many times. The look that says or (you hope it does) “Oh please guv not me I’ve waited here for over an hour and you only want to go round the corner” Ever had it happen to you?
I was ready to capitulate when all of a sudden a scruffily dressed policeman approached two bewildered tourists and this cab driver who was acting like he had just been diagnosed with some terminal illness and won the lottery at the same time.
“You have a problem” said the policeman. “No, I don’t think so” I said. “Where do you want to go?” he enquired. “Well we wanted to go to the Mena House, but if its only local we’ll take a bus or maybe they have a courtesy service?” says I defending the cabbie in his efforts to “broom the job”
In a most authoritative voice the officer turned to the driver and said “Mena House” accompanied by a cursory wave of the hand.
Still naively trying to defend this hard done by cab driver, I interject “Hey! Look if it’s local I’ll take a bus. How much will it cost to get there?” The policeman repeated the enquiry to the driver. The reply “Eleven Pounds” That in someway told me that it was in fact a short ride. Wrong!!!!!
So the cases were placed into the boot of this beat up vehicle. Nothing like the regulation vehicle I was used to pushing around the streets of the capital back in the UK.
Of paramount importance is the horn must be in full working order. The other attribute is a heavy right foot. So at breakneck speed we departed the airport area and entered what the driver must have. thought The Indianapolis 500.
After 30 minutes or so of swerving, hooting an gasping the white knuckle ride was coming to and end and we were treated to the sight of the pyramids. My wife and I in unison exclaimed Wow!
We had arrived at this opulent and historic hotel “Oberoi Mena House Hotel was originally a royal lodge built for Egypt's Vice King Khedive Ismail and used when he and friends were hunting in the desert or visiting the pyramids.”
The cabbie sprung out of this deathtrap he had the gall to describe as a taxi, I asked “How much” he smiled a toothy grin and replied,” Eleven Pounds effendi” Feeling entrepreneurial I handed him Fifteen pounds. Well you’d have thought I had just given him the key to unlocking King Tuts personal fortune. He bowed and scraped as he took the suitcases into the reception area brushing aside the liveried staff.
That was the start of the adventure
About The Author
Herman Nuncrush - 58 years of age ex London cabbie. Retired through ill health but have never felt better since I began travelling the world. Now a CEO of Fabvillas a website designed for homeowners of rental villas in the Disney area to advertise their homes. Married with 3 children and 7 grandchildren.Enjoy relating my experiences and people have often said you should write them down. So here goes.
herman@mailstamp.co.uk
Sunday, July 1, 2007
Why the Red Sea Riviera Is The Perfect Winter Paradise
Why the Red Sea Riviera Is The Perfect Winter Paradise
by: Darren Panto
If you’re looking to beat the winter blues, you may be considering a holiday to somewhere warm. There are all the usual destinations: Australia, the tropics, the Mediterranean. But if you’re looking for a holiday adventure somewhere you’ve never been—a place with a rich, ancient history, a fascinating culture, luxurious hotels and food—look no further than the Red Sea Riviera.
The Red Sea Riviera refers to a string of luxury towns along the northern coast of the Red Sea, in both Egypt and Israel. This area has worked hard in the past few decades to increase its appeal to tourists—and now there’s so much to do and see there, you won’t want to come home. Following are just a few activities and features you can find during a Red Sea Riviera holiday.
Diving on coral reefs. There are beautiful coral reefs in the Red Sea that rival anything you can find in Australia. The Red Sea Riviera has always been a popular destination for serious divers. Now that the area is welcoming more tourists, there are many opportunities for even beginner divers to get in on the action, with diving schools, tours, snorkeling, and boating trips available at tourist resorts all along the Red Sea.
Beaches. No winter holiday is complete without a warm, sunny beach full of sparkling sand. There’s nothing like digging your toes into sun-warmed sand, feeling a cool sea breeze on your face, settling down with a good book and a drink beneath a palm tree and letting your worries float away. The Red Sea area boasts some of the world’s most beautiful beaches.
Water sports. If you’re looking for adventure on the water, there’s no better place to go than the Red Sea Riviera. Local tourist destinations offer parasailing, waterskiing, motorboat rides, sailing, windsurfing, and more. Whether you’re experienced at water sports or just getting your feet wet, you’re sure to have a wonderful time on the water.
Ancient ruins. This area is rich in ancient history—and you can see it all along the Red Sea. The most famous ruins of Egypt are only a day’s travel away from Soma Bay, well within reach of a Red Sea Riviera excursion. There are also Roman ruins and mines from the time of the Roman occupation of Egypt; ancient temples, monasteries, churches, and mosques; and ruined cities from the dawn of civilization. Each town along the Red Sea Riviera boasts a rich and varied past—and more fascinating destinations for history buffs than can be counted.
Hiking. The Red Sea Riviera is truly the place where sea and mountains meet. The area borders several noted national parks, including the Wadi el Gemal National Park near Marsa Alam; the Giftun Island National Park in Hurghada; the Ras Mohammad National Park at the Gulf of Aqaba; and more. Bird-watch for herons, ospreys, and exotic desert birds; experience hiking on Mt. Sinai and trekking through Bedouin land; walk along pristine and uninhabited coastline in a marine preserve; rappel down sheer red cliffs that soar up from the dunes. If you’re looking for outdoor adventure, the Red Sea Riviera has something for everyone.
Desert safaris. Ever ridden a camel through the desert? Many resort towns along the Red Sea Riviera offer excursions through the stunning desert landscape. There’s nothing more beautiful than a vast desert sky full of stars. A desert safari is sure to be an experience you’ll never forget.
Fascinating culture. Bedouin culture places great emphasis on hospitality—you’ll see when you get to the Red Sea Riviera, and discover how welcoming the people are. It’s a relaxed, down-to-earth culture that’s sure to have you forgetting your day-to-day worries in no time. The Bedouin culture also has a rich tradition of art, poetry and music that’s sure to fascinate and inspire.
Unforgettable cuisine. Don’t be afraid to try the local cuisine. Middle-eastern cooking is bold and flavorful. No visitor should miss the “Iftar,” the traditional meal that breaks a Muslim fast—with its rich and varied choice of traditional dishes, it’s a feast like no other. Vegetarians are well provided for in the Middle East, with lots of traditional vegetable dishes; however, vegetarians should be aware that chicken stock is often used in these recipes.
The Red Sea Riviera offers an astonishing variety of things to do, places to see, and new and exciting people to meet. With its ancient history, fascinating culture, stunning landscape, luxurious hotels and unforgettable cuisine, you’re sure to want to come back next year. If you’re looking for a holiday that’s out of the ordinary, there’s no better place to go.
About The Author
Darren Panto works for PEL Tours Established in 1920 Peltours is the UK’s longest established tour operator to Egypt. For more information on Egypt and a wide range of Red Sea holidays visit Resorts.
by: Darren Panto
If you’re looking to beat the winter blues, you may be considering a holiday to somewhere warm. There are all the usual destinations: Australia, the tropics, the Mediterranean. But if you’re looking for a holiday adventure somewhere you’ve never been—a place with a rich, ancient history, a fascinating culture, luxurious hotels and food—look no further than the Red Sea Riviera.
The Red Sea Riviera refers to a string of luxury towns along the northern coast of the Red Sea, in both Egypt and Israel. This area has worked hard in the past few decades to increase its appeal to tourists—and now there’s so much to do and see there, you won’t want to come home. Following are just a few activities and features you can find during a Red Sea Riviera holiday.
Diving on coral reefs. There are beautiful coral reefs in the Red Sea that rival anything you can find in Australia. The Red Sea Riviera has always been a popular destination for serious divers. Now that the area is welcoming more tourists, there are many opportunities for even beginner divers to get in on the action, with diving schools, tours, snorkeling, and boating trips available at tourist resorts all along the Red Sea.
Beaches. No winter holiday is complete without a warm, sunny beach full of sparkling sand. There’s nothing like digging your toes into sun-warmed sand, feeling a cool sea breeze on your face, settling down with a good book and a drink beneath a palm tree and letting your worries float away. The Red Sea area boasts some of the world’s most beautiful beaches.
Water sports. If you’re looking for adventure on the water, there’s no better place to go than the Red Sea Riviera. Local tourist destinations offer parasailing, waterskiing, motorboat rides, sailing, windsurfing, and more. Whether you’re experienced at water sports or just getting your feet wet, you’re sure to have a wonderful time on the water.
Ancient ruins. This area is rich in ancient history—and you can see it all along the Red Sea. The most famous ruins of Egypt are only a day’s travel away from Soma Bay, well within reach of a Red Sea Riviera excursion. There are also Roman ruins and mines from the time of the Roman occupation of Egypt; ancient temples, monasteries, churches, and mosques; and ruined cities from the dawn of civilization. Each town along the Red Sea Riviera boasts a rich and varied past—and more fascinating destinations for history buffs than can be counted.
Hiking. The Red Sea Riviera is truly the place where sea and mountains meet. The area borders several noted national parks, including the Wadi el Gemal National Park near Marsa Alam; the Giftun Island National Park in Hurghada; the Ras Mohammad National Park at the Gulf of Aqaba; and more. Bird-watch for herons, ospreys, and exotic desert birds; experience hiking on Mt. Sinai and trekking through Bedouin land; walk along pristine and uninhabited coastline in a marine preserve; rappel down sheer red cliffs that soar up from the dunes. If you’re looking for outdoor adventure, the Red Sea Riviera has something for everyone.
Desert safaris. Ever ridden a camel through the desert? Many resort towns along the Red Sea Riviera offer excursions through the stunning desert landscape. There’s nothing more beautiful than a vast desert sky full of stars. A desert safari is sure to be an experience you’ll never forget.
Fascinating culture. Bedouin culture places great emphasis on hospitality—you’ll see when you get to the Red Sea Riviera, and discover how welcoming the people are. It’s a relaxed, down-to-earth culture that’s sure to have you forgetting your day-to-day worries in no time. The Bedouin culture also has a rich tradition of art, poetry and music that’s sure to fascinate and inspire.
Unforgettable cuisine. Don’t be afraid to try the local cuisine. Middle-eastern cooking is bold and flavorful. No visitor should miss the “Iftar,” the traditional meal that breaks a Muslim fast—with its rich and varied choice of traditional dishes, it’s a feast like no other. Vegetarians are well provided for in the Middle East, with lots of traditional vegetable dishes; however, vegetarians should be aware that chicken stock is often used in these recipes.
The Red Sea Riviera offers an astonishing variety of things to do, places to see, and new and exciting people to meet. With its ancient history, fascinating culture, stunning landscape, luxurious hotels and unforgettable cuisine, you’re sure to want to come back next year. If you’re looking for a holiday that’s out of the ordinary, there’s no better place to go.
About The Author
Darren Panto works for PEL Tours Established in 1920 Peltours is the UK’s longest established tour operator to Egypt. For more information on Egypt and a wide range of Red Sea holidays visit Resorts.
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