Chan Chan city is located near Trujillo on the north coast of Peru. It was the capital of the Chimú kingdom from AD 850 until 1470 when the Incas, lead by Tupac Inca Yupanqui, conquered them. According to legend, Tacaynamo (also called Chimu Capac) was the founder of Chan Chan who came from the sea by canoe. Chan Chan is the largest adobe city in the world, covering about 12 square miles, and is a UNESCO World Heritage site. Chan Chan city was...more
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 feet above sea level overlooking the Utcubamba Valley. This pre-Inca walled city is presumed to have taken over 200 years to build and millions of cubic feet of stone. Its size is enormously impressive at about 1,968 feet in length and 361 feet in width with walls reaching 60 feet high, making Kuelap one of the largest stone structures in South America and the world. An estimated 100,000 stone blocks compose the outer two defensive walls, which weigh an estimated 10,000 tons. Construction began in the 6th century AD and was occupied until the Early Colonial period (1532-1570).This ancient structure was made known to the outside world in 1843 when Chachapoyan Juan Crisostomo Nieto made a survey of the site. Afterwards, people like Adolf...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...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 keep you right on budget since not all services are necessary for an extra penny.Considering the fact that the average annual income for ordinary individuals in Egypt is only about $1500US a year (2006) and those who were not that blessed would only gain $40 a month, tipping or baksheesh would really make a difference in their day-to-day life. Definitely this issue might drain your pockets if you don't know how.As a tipping guideline in Egypt, it is best assumed to prepare at least $5-$10 per day for tipping. Here are the guidelines and suggestions for the right amount of tips or baksheesh to be given to those who have helping hands.AirportHere are some tipping guidelines upon arriving in Egypt via plane.Porter or skycap - The normal tip per bag is $2. But if you have more luggage, an extra 2$ would be fine. Curbside check-in tip is...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...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