The town of Ollantaytambo was established during the Reign of Pachacútec (1418–1471). While there were buildings here before that, the town grew dramatically under the rule of the Incas. At that time, Ollantaytambo was used as a checkpoint to control access to the Sacred Valley. This was also where maize was first domesticated before being… Continue reading Ollantaytambo: A Key Incan Fortress in Peru’s Sacred Valley
Machu Micchu – Sacred temple or military fortress?
When the explorer Hiram Bingham III encountered Machu Picchu in 1911, he was looking for a different city called Vilcabamba. This was a hidden capital to which the Inca had escaped after the Spanish conquistadors arrived in 1532. Over time, it became famous as the legendary Lost City of the Inca. Bingham spent most of his life… Continue reading Machu Micchu – Sacred temple or military fortress?
Kuwait Police Museum in Bneid Al-Gar
The Kuwait Police Museum is an intriguing destination that captures the essence of the nation’s law enforcement history and cultural evolution. It was established to honor the contributions of the police force to Kuwait. The museum displays various artifacts, documents, and exhibits that tell the story of policing in the region. The museum was built… Continue reading Kuwait Police Museum in Bneid Al-Gar
Baab Makkah Jeddah Gate, Saudi Arabia
This beautiful site stands tall at the start of the road leading to the holiest city for Muslims, Makkah. Baab Makkah has witnessed hundreds of millions of pilgrims journey to Muhammed's hometown. This is a three-arched gateway with a large turret on each side, providing support and entrance from Jeddah to Makkah. It serves as… Continue reading Baab Makkah Jeddah Gate, Saudi Arabia
Ways to explore Djibouti
Getting prepared for a long adventurous ride to the Lake Abba camping site. While my pals making some additional supplies from the local health center, I was making new acquaintances with locals. The area looked like it needed some improvements, especially roads and sidewalks. Okey, we are almost ready to set off. Djibouti has several… Continue reading Ways to explore Djibouti
Tale of two families, Lesotho and Iran
Once I reached the amazing Mafika Lisu Point I decided to head to the village near Thaba-Tseka to have a better insight into the way local people live. Together with a lovely guide friend, I had the opportunity to meet her. Their hospitality and genuineness were impressive. Typical dwellings, simple and very basic. Yet, the… Continue reading Tale of two families, Lesotho and Iran
Discovering the Ngwenya Mine: Africa’s Ancient Mining Site
The Ngwenya Mine in Eswatini is one of the oldest mines in the world. It's located in the Barberton Mountain lands, northwest of Mbabane, and near the border with Mozambique. Ngwenya, which means crocodile, describes the shape of Eswatini’s (Swaziland’s) second-highest mountain, looming above the Ngwenya border post. The open-cast mine catalyzed industrial and economic… Continue reading Discovering the Ngwenya Mine: Africa’s Ancient Mining Site
Two restaurants one people, Djibouti
Yemeni Restaurant in Djibouti is a culinary attraction like no other. Situated in the city's backyards, the bar attracts both locals and travelers from neighbouring countries. Simplistic and raw climate made this place much more different from other diners I have had the opportunity to visit. I enjoyed having fresh, hand-picked fish with bread and… Continue reading Two restaurants one people, Djibouti
Adventurous ride to Hargeisa, Somalia
It was time to say goodbye to lovely Djibouti. After a week of visiting fascinating places and making wonderful friendships, I made my way to Somalia, or, to be more specific, Somaliland. I secured and paid for a front seat in the solid jeep. A fifteen-hour journey through rough terrain was awaiting me. It took… Continue reading Adventurous ride to Hargeisa, Somalia
Exploring a Mysterious Abandoned House in Jeddah
Wandering through the outskirts of the city of Jedddah, Saudi Arabia I came across this mysterious house. More like the ruins of it. I found it very difficult to learn anything about this place and its owner. The maps gives us the name Abdullah Omar Batwil. Who is this person? No restriction to access the… Continue reading Exploring a Mysterious Abandoned House in Jeddah
Tareq Rajab Museum of Islamic Calligraphy, Kuwait
The Tareq Rajab Museum of Islamic Calligraphy is a captivating destination for tourists and art lovers alike, situated in the heart of Jabriya, Kuwait. This museum is dedicated to Islamic calligraphy, featuring an extensive collection of beautifully crafted pieces spanning centuries. Visitors can explore the intricate designs and styles of various calligraphers, each reflecting the… Continue reading Tareq Rajab Museum of Islamic Calligraphy, Kuwait
Al-Baqi – The holiest pilgrimage destination for Muslims
Jannatul Baqi (Arabic: جنة البقيع; “Garden of Baqi”), also known as Baqi al-Gharqad (Arabic: بقیع الغرقد; “Baqi of the Boxthorn”) is the main cemetery in Madinah, Saudi Arabia. It contains the graves of many prominent members of Mohammed’s family, as well as graves belonging to the Sahaba, Tabi’in, and many prominent scholars. Some structures were built over the graves… Continue reading Al-Baqi – The holiest pilgrimage destination for Muslims
Frog on the border 