As you fly into to Cairo, Egypt one will be left speechless as they look out the window and see the contrast of the setting. Out one side of the plane, you can see the vast arid desert which seems to be never ending; out the other side of the plane you see a busy city which looks like a modern day Oasis.
Travelers from all over the world have been marveling at Egypt 's wondrous antiquities for thousands of years. Although these antiquities still exist today, a visit to Cairo , Egypt is more than an immersion into the past but also encompasses many modern day amenities which anyone will be sure to enjoy.
Just walking around downtown and in the older residential parts inside the wall of the city where craftsmen work on the sidewalks outside their homes is also a real pleasure. It is easy to meet real Cairenes that are eager to discuss anything with you. Some of them try to lure you into their carpetshop; others are really interested and interesting to talk with.
If you are hungry make sure to try the most popular Egyptian dish, Koshray. Koshray is a traditional Egyptian meal that consists of a delectable combination of macaroni, spaghetti, rice, black lentils, chick peas, garlic sauce and a spicy tomato chili sauce, all topped with fried onions.
A visit to the pyramids and the Sphinx is a must, since these Egyptian icons are living and existing marks for the fascinating history that Egypt carries and is proud of. Just be aware for the aggressive Egyptian friendliness overthere from camel drivers or policemen who try to earn a few Egyptian pounds from you (they call it bahshis, a tip).
Just ask a friendly tourist to assist you in making a picture from you and you will not leave the pyramids with an irritated feeling about this Egyptian earning strategy. While in the city make sure you visit the museum first before going to see pyramites. You will appreciate more to the culture of ancient Egypt. It is advice not to make the pyramite visits on Fridays due to mass at noon time 12-13. The pyramites are closed during the time period.
New Zealand is situated in the South Pacific ocean, between latitude 34'S and 47'S. The country runs roughly north-south with mountain ranges down much of its length. Its two main islands cover 266,200 sq km (103,735 sq miles), about the size of Japan or California and slightly larger than Great Britain.
Comparable in size and/or shape to Great Britain, Colorado and Japan, New Zealand has a population of only 4 million - making it one of the world's least crowded countries. There is an uneven split between both islands with 3.2 million in the North but only 800,000 in the South.
It is a haven for those seeking peace, rejuvenation and relaxation as well as a playground for thrillseekers and adventurers. A temperate climate with relatively small seasonal variation makes it a year-round holiday destination.
New Zealand's spectacularly beautiful landscape includes vast mountain chains, steaming volcanoes, sweeping coastlines, deeply indented fiords, and lush rainforests.
Fiji is one of these paradise islands in the Pacific. But the island has more to offer than just beaches where you can bum, and water where you can snorkel.
There are many scenic and historic attractions in Fiji. The capital, Suva, has many old shops and markets with various foods, artefacts, handicrafts and especially seafood. Places of historic interest include the National Museum, situated in the lush surrounds of Thurston Gardens next to Government House and the old Parliament Buildings.
Other sites of interest on Fiji include the Cultural Centre at Orchid Island, just outside of Suva, the mysterious earthworks at Taveuni and the old colonial houses (situated around Fiji).
Very typical for Fiji are three things : The first is the word “Bula”! This will probably be your first word when arriving in Fiji. Meaning “welcome” but also “be at ease”, it will most definitely make you feel both.
Secondly it is common refrain repeated by all who travelled to Fiji, is that the islands of Fiji are not only among the most pristine in the world, but also inhabited by the friendliest people. And last but not least the world renowned Island Resorts, resorts on private islands, many of them within easy reach from the international airports of Nadi and Suva.
Qatar is a small peninsula in the Persian Gulf. It looks like a big thumb 'way up'.
The country is small but offers quite a few interesting things to the visitors. Doha, the capital city of qatar, is a nice town with good beaches nearby and lively markets.
The city itself has a beautiful developing skyline: whether you want to go shopping in one of Doha's many huge malls, or whether you want to tan in one of the many different hotels with beautiful beaches, there is always something to do.
There are many activites you can pursue in and around Doha such as game fishing, although you'll have to look hard to find a decent boat to take you, dune bashing, scuba diving, sailing and sand boarding.
Access to alcohol is restricted, but can be obtained in hotel bars, clubs and restaurants and at one of the two alcohol shops in the country (if you have an alcohol permit). There are rumours that restrictions will be loosened further with the coming Asian Games.
Khor Al Udeid, or the Inland Sea, in the extreme south-east of the country, is of great natural beauty. This is a large area of natural sand dunes, surrounding a calm inlet of the Gulf. The dunes are quite stunning - tall, shapely sand masses formed by the prevailing winds and subject to radical overnight changes of shape. Half the fun of going to the Inland Sea is getting there - there are no roads leading there, and the entire trip is made with 4x4s through the desert and through the sand dunes. This is something which is not to be missed if visiting Qatar, and there are many places where tours can be set up.
Al Wakra is only ten minutes from Doha. It did contain a photogenic harbour, but this is currently being dug up. It did contain a superb beach, but this is currently being dug up. It also contained Mangrove swamps, but these are also being dug up.
There are several forts in Qatar, giving a glimpse into the past history of the country.
Singapore is an island city located at the southernmost tip of the Malaysian Peninsula in South East Asia. It is well-known for being one of the richest, most well organised, efficient countries in the world, with a very high standard of living and an excellent skyline by the water. Singapore is an island with "1,000 shopping malls" or so they say.
Despite the hot climate, it is a tropical paradise for most tourists. This great diversity of lifestyles, cultures, and religions thrives within the framework of a regulated society. Singapore's "FINE" city reputation is well-earned, and in fact, many will admire at once the clean, modern metropolis.
Surrounded by artificially 'ordered' parks, its tall housing projects are populated by more than 80% of the population -- whose smiling native charms often belie underlying tensions about the way the island is progressing after 30 years of development.
Highlights of Singapore include some of the ethnic parts of town: Arab Street, Chinatown, Colonial District, Orchard Road and Little India.