The Nazca Lines Mystery involves the most outstanding group of geoglyphs in the world that show huge outlines of over 70 animals, insects and human creatures, with hundreds of lines and geometric patterns etched into the surface of the desert. Located between the towns of Nazca and Palpa, the Nazca Lines cover a plateau across 53 miles. Some of the figures measure 900 feet across. This extraordinary legacy was created by the Nazca culture from...more
An ancient structure called Kuelap may have inspired the beginning of the movie "Raiders of the Lost Ark." The novel tells us that Indiana Jones was looking for the Temple of the Chachapoyan Warriors in the Andes of Northern Peru. The Chachapoyans, which means "People of the Clouds," did exist and have left behind scores of ruins; most notably Kuelap "The Fortress of the Clouds."A couple of hours from Chachapoyas city lies the fortress at 9,843...more
In 1911 Hiram Bingham of Yale University rediscovered ancient Machu Picchu buried under four centuries of lush vegetation. Machu Picchu is located at almost 8,000 feet high in the Andes mountains outside of Cuzco, Peru and just above the town Aguas Calientes. Machu Picchu is full of mystery as no one knows exactly how it was built or why. Scholars claim that Machu Picchu was built around the year 1450 AD. The style of building found at Machu Picchu in Peru hints at it being constructed in the "late Imperial Inca" period, during the reign of Pachacuti Inca Yupanqui (or Pachacutec). According to some theories, Machu Picchu existed as an administrative center of control for conquered regions and as a military stronghold. Some believe that ancient Machu Picchu was a ceremonial center, in the heart of high spiritual and earthly energy. The exact purpose of ancient Machu Picchu is open to debate. Machu Picchu is an architectural marvel. There is no better example of successful ancient civil engineering than Machu Picchu. The huge stones that make up the site are perfectly cut and fit together remarkably well. This superb engineering is defiantly resistant to earthquakes. The builders of...more
Exploring Choquequirao takes about a two day's hike from the town of Cachora outside of Cuzco city. Choquequirao, or "cradle of gold" in the Inca language Quechua, is located almost 1750 meters above the raging Apurimac River. Much bigger than Machu Picchu, covering 1810 hectares, the site is thought to have been built by the son of Machu Picchu's...more
Baksheesh is the local term in Egypt for "Tipping" or "service"Tipping in Egypt may drain your pockets if you don't know how. As a foreigner to this enchanting land with seemingly endless instances wherein you are in need and was properly addressed, it is just fair to give ample amount to those helping hands. However, knowing the situation will...more
It has been a well known fact that when you visit any place else in the world, may it be at your own locality, shopping is never out of the to-do list. You shop and it is out of the question why you do so. So, think about it, if you shop in your own locality, how much more when you are out of the country? A souvenir is a must and I am perfectly aware of that! Now, to save you from wondering where to shop when you are in an enchanting, history rich country like Egypt, I have here a guide for you.When shopping, Egypt has it "under one roof", the Khan el-Khalili in Cairo. It is a place where you can experience full onslaught of Egyptian shopping. You can find almost anything here - from cloths, to water pipes, to papyrus. Name it, The Khan has it. So, do expect to spend the rest of your day here, especially if you are the impulsive buyer type. A hundred percent guarantee that you will really enjoy shopping here, and yes, you might even drain your wallet in this area. That is why, for a friendly reminder, use your bargaining skills. Why bargain? Because, The Khan is just like most of the bazaars you will find in any other place in the world. Yet, Egyptians usually call the bazaar as...more
Life in the modern and urban areas is becoming busier day after day. We find it hard to give ourselves a break together with our love ones. So for once in a blue moon, during holidays, an all inclusive family treat is big bang to escape the busy...more
Way back in the 70's, holiday package normally cover meals and drinks. These holidays are all inclusive. On the early 80's, I spent my life working in Spain for a couple of years. When I returned to United Kingdom, I arrange my own travel, hotel...more
Egypt is a land rich in history and culture, with a vast area of geographical attractions that makes the country more intriguing to tourists all over the world. These attraction where known since the ancient times, since the time when slavery was...more
Egypt, a country famous for its ancient history and fascinating culture, is indeed a very wonderful place to visit. Known for its intriguing archaeological riches, friendly hospitable customs and artistic traditions, who would not want to visit the...more
Egypt is a country that can mainly be found in North Africa. The country borders the Red Sea (east), Sudan (south), Libya (west), Mediterranean Sea (north) and the Gaza Strip and Israel (north east). It covers an area of about 1,010,000 square...more
Egypt, known for its vast desert, has another thing to offer aside from its majestic pyramids and museums - it is no other than the Camel Market which is found in Giza. The market is situated near the valley of Nile particularly in Burkash. This is...more