Before arriving in Morocco, I did not expect that I would find such a diverse culture truly warm in hospitality, ever so historically rich in the ancient (both artistically and spiritually), and with an aggressive livelihood struggle surrounded by larger than life minarets, mosques, kasbahs and the timeless splendour of architectural mastery. Once you are with the company of any Moroccan, either of Berber origin, Arab, Jewish, or simply one who is proud to discuss with you their Marrekshi or Fez background and exchange their views on life, you truly begin to understand that there is a very [View Full Entry]

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Of all my business trips to California, I never had the time to hang out in the city of San Francisco. Luckily, thanks to my colleagues who were willing to bear with me outside of work hours (lol), here's what San Fran has to offer. Obviously, the Golden Gate Bridge is a must see. Historically, it was the longest suspension bridge in the world built in 1937, and truly is an architectural marvel from that time period. Yet, beyond the most photographed bridge in the world lies a city densely characterized by elevated streets and steep inclines. Fisherman's Warf is a [View Full Entry]

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As I disembark from the aircraft, I feel like an ice cream cone quickly melting in the intense heat - and this is at twelve o'clock midnight without the sun shining! Arriving from Amsterdam, where the temperature was minus 3 degrees celcius, and finally landing in Dubai where the sweltering heat is 30 degrees celcius on the midnight hour really shocked my body. Apparently it's not as hot right now as it can get from June through August. Nevertheless, I hop onto a taxi, which only cost 35Dhms ($10 Cdn) to my hotel. The first thoughts that came to my mind: [View Full Entry]

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Aaah, Amsterdam! Dreaming of the place for so long and I'm finally here. I love the way KLM promotes the city of Amsterdam from their in-flight video screens. I did more walking ever before in one city. Stayed at Hotel New Amsterdam, a two minute walk from central station and located in a quiet residential neighborhood. Visited the Anne Frank House to truly understand the environment her diaries were written in. Of course, and thereafter, I stuffed myself with a huge cheese covered pancake ($11 Euro?! What was I thinking?!) at the Pancake House next door to make me feel better [View Full Entry]

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Wow...I don't know how else to describe this town. Old, centuries old architecture, Islamic Arab influence ingrained with a mix of Indian and East African (Swahili) heritage, preserved on an island untouched by modernization yet preserved in its time. One could only imagine what bustling business occurred in this town centuries ago, for this sea faring island reeks of history from many cultures past and is infused in its present form. The Persians, Arabs, Portuguese, and Omanis have all touched this area. However, thanks to the Aga Khan trust for culture, the buildings and streets are bein [View Full Entry]

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Excuse the pics, they don't do justice from actually being there! My wife and I travelled to one of the most remote regions of Tanzania, off the beaten path on the east coast of the Indian Ocean from Dar es Salaam (translated means Abode of Peace), to an island called Pemba, one of the two main Zanzibar Islands. Zanzibar translated from the persian Zendji-Bar means 'land of blacks.' No surprise, this region was part of the Arab slave trade, but is better known for its rich history in spice trade, exploration, and once very very long ago, was the main trading [View Full Entry]

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It's my second trip to Kenya, and this time it's for my wedding. How excited could I be? Nervous, anxious, nauseous...all symptoms of a groom to be, and in another country with lots and lots of family!! All in all, it worked out, and I made it there and back in one piece (to my wedding, and to Kenya - he he). Here are some pics. Ended up hanging out at Crater Lake lodge, and my wife and I stayed in the honeymoon suite for one night. This resort is situated within a crater formed by a meteor some time ago, [View Full Entry]

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Kenya has a diverse climate, ranging from the rich and fertile great rift valley, the Masai Mara plains, and the desert like ranges of the north. Overall, the MUST do's in Kenya are a safari. You cannot come to this part of the world and NOT experience the Big five in their true wild habitat. Also, once you have experienced true Kenyan hospitality in resorts and hotels, you will never be able to compare their services to any other part of the world. [View Full Entry]

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