Crazy Amy

Ok so Vegas sure is a long way from my last destination the Middle East, in every way. So it’s kind of a culture shock and what a fun one it has been! The jam packed week began in LA where my friend AL and I hit Beverley Hills, Rodeo Drive, Hollywood and Santa Monica. Hiring a hot grey coloured Spyder Eclipse convertible and driving along the beaches (Thelma & Louise style) to San Diego was a highlight. Much to our surprise, driving on the other side of the road was a breeze though we were amazed at LA's traffic gridlock. Even at 1am when we were heading back along a 6 lane highway to LA, we were at a standstill with traffic! Madness! After a frantic 3 days in California things were about to get ... read more

Cairo has just so much to offer. You would never be bored living here as there is always something to see and do. I can see how the constant bartering and terrible traffic would test your patience but overall, it's a pretty exciting and happening place. I have also been lucky to have Stew's mansion of an appartment to crash in and local knowledge coming from him and his embassy mates. As an expat living here it would be challenging at times but very very interesting especially over the next few months with elections scheduled for September. There's no doubt that this city would always keep you on your toes. Not to mention the perks for the diplomats!!!!! While in Cairo there's been a few funny and interesting experiences especially because of my blonde hair which ... read more

Strange. That's the best word I can think of to use when describing Tel Aviv and Israel. Our experience didn't start off well with our ordeal at the border crossing so our perception really needed to improve fast. Jerusalem was fine and perhaps that's because it was touristy but Tel Aviv has been a completely different world. The strangeness began in Jerusalem when we arrived at the Jerusalem train station to catch a train to Tel Aviv. When we arrived we thought we must have been at the wrong place because there was no one there. It was completely deserted. We were questioned and checked by security and we were the only ones there. It was a lovely new looking station with workers selling tickets and cleaners but no customers. Had we missed something??? It was ... read more

Mmmmmm I wasn't too sure about Syria before I went. I mean, I had always wanted to explore the region but with all the current unrest all I could hear in my head was my father's stern voice saying ' you're not going to Syria Amy'. Opps - and wan't it named as part of the axil of evil??!?! Well now that I am out of the country safely I can now blog about it. Better knowing after the event hey dad??? :) Due to the current violence in Syria we did cut our stay short and only managed to visit Damascus which was definitely worth it. Just a short 2 hours from Beirut, Damascus is old school Persia. Carpets, spices, souqs and mosques ringing out over the city is a delight. Our stay was also ... read more

Wow what can I say?!?!? Beirut is incredible! It's strange to believe it is part of the Middle East bcause it is so civilised. The fear and misconceptions many Australian's have of this city is totally incorrect. Ok yes it's got a terribly chequered past with civil war and currently with Hezbollah (both of which are still visible here) but it really has rebunded from it's war past and got itself together. No wonder they call it the Paris of the East - with all their cafes and amazing cars on the road, most Lebanese seem to live well out of their means. The money they show off is absurd. It's all about being seen at the right places, wearing the right thing and driving the right car. The streets are full of porches and ferarris ... read more