Blogs from Middle East - page 14

For a Christianity history buff like me today was nothing less than spectacular! First breakfast in our hotel, The Dan Panorama. Our included breakfast consisted of an endless choice of amazing and ecclectic nourishment options. There was 5 different kinds of bread from rolls to bagels to sliced bread you cut yourself. There were several European cereals, fresh cooked to order eggs, fresh cooked to order pancakes and fresh brewed coffee. Choices included espresso, latte, Americano, and a wide variety of teas. The cold foods tables consisted of a variety of cheeses, olives, dates, raisins, hummous, and more. Some of the odd choices included salads, tomato and cheese, tuna salad, peppers, pasta salad and on and on. If you left the table hungry, it was your own fault. Cathy and I had tickets for the Red ... read more

June 6 Our First Day in Jerusalem We arrived in Tel Aviv right on time at 9:45 AM. Getting off the plane and through customs and getting your baggage can be daunting for the unprepared. Every airport has their own rules and means to govern passport control. If you make a misstep, you can be delayed for hours. It takes preparation, planning, and paying attention to the signs and directions provided to guide you smoothly through passport control. Here is what you need to know. First, your flight has 250 to 300 plus people on the plane, all of which are heading to the same place. You do not want to be in the middle of that crowd. Getting off the plane is your first project. I make sure I have limited carry on baggage unless ... read more

For my next short weekend Trekkup trip, my friend and I decided on Cappadocia. I had long wanted to do this trip and, while I had initially planned to do the trip on my own for a more extended period, I figured why not. Trekkup trips are generally packed and so I should get to see what I wanted without having to spend too much time organizing it, including the balloon rides, which I was not initially planning on, but now was excited about. It was a small group of 6 going and we all got along pretty well, which is crucial for small groups! This was my first time in the other Istanbul airport, Sabiha Gokcen Airport (SAW), which is located on the east side of the city. We had a 4 hour layover and ... read more

Tel Aviv, the city that never sleeps, is renowned not only for its vibrant nightlife, sun-soaked beaches, and an array of cultural offerings but also for its vibrant food scene. A paradise for foodies, Tel Aviv's food culture is a rich melting pot of Middle Eastern and Mediterranean traditions, offering an array of flavors that truly reflect the city’s cosmopolitan character. This week, I embarked on a mouth-watering culinary journey, hopping from one iconic eatery to another, and here are my gastronomic tales. Hummus Hummus, a dish of Levantine origin, is much more than just a simple spread or dip. It's a cultural institution, a staple food that transcends the boundaries of Middle Eastern cultures. Made from mashed chickpeas, blended with tahini, olive oil, lemon juice, salt, and garlic, it's simple yet deeply complex in flavors. ... read more

Cyprus is a beautiful island in the Mediterranean Sea. It has a rich history and culture, and it is home to various stunning beaches and archaeological sites. I recently had the opportunity to visit Cyprus and had a great time exploring the island. These four sites were among my trip highlights. Aphrodite's Rock Known as Petra tou Romiou in local parlance, Aphrodite's Rock is not just another picturesque coastal feature. It's the mythical birthplace of Aphrodite, the Greek goddess of love and beauty. Standing on the pebble beach, gazing at the rock rising from the turquoise waters, it made sense to me that this spot has inspired legends and lore. Adding to its visual appeal, Aphrodite’s Rock is steeped in rich mythological significance. Tradition has it that swimming around the rock three times will bring eternal ... read more