Author: Author55

Timbuktu is located on the southern border of the Sahara Desert and is an important city in Mali, a West African country. The mysterious city has been considered a simile for a far away or outlandish place; however, in reality, it was a famed cultural, intellectual, and religious center of Africa in the 15th and 16th centuries. Timbuktu has been a United Nations World Heritage Site since 1988 and is a well-known tourist destination. Here is a list of its important sites in Timbuktu.

Most of the beautiful and impressive edifices in the country are mosques built in the fascinating Sahel style. While most of them are only for Muslims, the best known, Djingareyber Mosque, is accessible to non-Muslims as well. This wonderful, 700 year old, place of worship has slightly curved walls, conical minarets and decorated wooden doors and is visited by over 2,000 men every Friday. The roof of the mosque is said to have some notes written by René Caillié. The Sidi Yahya mosque was built in 1440 and is notable for its Moroccan architectural style. And the Sankoré mosque, the largest Islamic learning center of the 16th century is another important mosque in Timbuktu.

The largest collection of ancient Arabic manuscripts as well as a number of libraries holding these literary treasures make Timbuktu a unique destination. There are over 60 private libraries in the city with an amazing collection of around 1,000,000 manuscripts that have survived many centuries. Most of these manuscripts are religious, connected with the Koran, Sufi writings, and Islamic studies. Manuscripts dealing with history, literature, contracts and are also available. The Ahmed Baba Institute contains more than 30,000 manuscripts and is the national conservation center and depository for manuscripts. It was established by UNESCO in 1970.

The town has many famed libraries of which the Al Wangari library is perhaps the oldest and most popular one. The library dates back to the 16th century and has more than a thousand important manuscripts. The library is funded by Ford Foundation. The Bibliothèque Al Imam Essayoute is located near the Grand Mosque and is another well-known library.

The Grand Marché market is located in the heart of the old town and is a two-storey building. The lively market has many shops, booths and nearby street stalls which sell various kinds of things such as clothes, spices, meat, vegetables, utensils and handicrafts. It is a good place to experience dynamic street life and go to the buildings’ rooftops to enjoy an incredible view of the entire city. Most of the people here use donkey carts for transportation.

Visit the well-known Ethnological Museum in Timbuktu located at the site where the city was founded. The dusty museum holds some historic artifacts, photographs, old music instruments, ornaments and artwork. The well of Bouctou is placed in its inner court and is another remarkable thing to see. It is believed that the well of Bouctou was the meeting point for the traders traveling across the Sahara in olden days. The attractive wooden doors of Timbuktu are famous and you will see a number of wooden doors, adorned with panels, metal studs and knockers in the old town.

Enjoy a 30-60 minutes camel ride to a Tuareg camp on the outskirts, preferably with a guide. The fun experience will provide some great views of the desert. You can spend the night at the Tuareg camp and watch a fine dance by the Tuareg woman.…

It is often said that the world has become a lot smaller over the last few decades. Today, with the advent of the internet and low cost long distance travel, it is possible to learn about and experience remote cultures and lands with relative ease. If you are toying with the idea of traveling to West Africa, a good starting point would be to fly into Mali’s capital, Bamako. From here a number of fascinating sights can be reached by local transport or organized tour.

Mali is a jewel in West Africa’s crown, it is a destination that offers visitors a dizzying assortment of opportunities. The country occupies an area that once supported one of Africa’s greatest ever empires, and today the region is rich with a historical resonance.

Its past has bequeathed to Mali some unique attractions, for example the legendary settlement of Timbuktu, a name which still conjures up in the mind a destination that only the most intrepid travelers have experienced. Other cultural attractions that should be on the list of all visitors include the improbably glorious mosque of Djenne, and Mopti’s bustling river port.

The history of Mali is a story which has at its core rivers and deserts. The once busy trade routes that traversed the Sahara made the area among the continent’s richest, while the river Niger also added to the flow of trade and goods. It is still possible to get a feel for how life must have been in centuries past by taking a slow boat along the Niger to Timbuktu, an adventure that would be unforgettable.

Visiting Africa is not just about taking in panoramic scenes and architectural delights, it is the people who give the land its vitality and sense of wonder. Not far from the banks of the Niger lies the Falaise de Bandiagara, sheltering the Dogon tribe. The Dogon cultural rituals have fascinated anthropologists for many years, while their villages are a real sight to behold.

The entire country is alive with a cultural mix, the likes of which is not available elsewhere on the planet. When you book a flight, in a single trip it is possible to spend time traveling across desert wastelands with the nomadic Tuareg people, as well as experiencing a different way of life with the fishing societies of the Bozo. Moreover, the musical traditions of Mali are also not to be missed, traditional folk musicians are an integral component of the country’s culture.…

As the capital city of Russia, Moscow has plenty to offer to a traveler. And whether you are traveling in summer or in winter, there are many museums to provide shelter and food – for thought, as well as body. You have heard about the Pushkin Museum of Fine Arts, the State Historical Museum, the Tretyakov Gallery, and the Kremlin. But if you want to further explore Moscow, you must visit the following 5 places, located within easy reach from the city center.

1. The State Museum of Armed Forces.

Located towards the north of Moscow, the museum offers a fascinating and disturbing insight into the history of the Russian Army. Think of it as the U.K.’s Imperial War Museum, with a few gruesome artifacts. One part of the regular exhibition studies and celebrates the development of weapons and technical equipment. Another part of the exhibition traces the wartime effort of the Russian people, the hardships and atrocities of the Great Patriotic War against fascism. Several halls are currently in reconstruction. However, the museum also has an outdoor exhibition where you can see the tanks and airplanes. There is also a chance to visit the museum’s special exhibitions featuring the study of Marshal Georgy Zhukov and Joseph Stalin’s bunker. Both exhibitions are based in separate buildings elsewhere in Moscow.

2. The G Spot Museum of Erotica

Finally, after years marked by the stigma of “no sex in the USSR”, it turns out that some like it hot – at least in Moscow. The erotic museum, G Spot, that has only recently opened in the capital, is the one to check out. It is located near Novy Arbat St, in the city center, and has dutifully acquired a wide-spread publicity. Over 3000 exhibits include Indian erotic sculptures, installations, paintings, dolls, and adult toys. The world’s most expensive “Real Doll” is also there. Art meets sex at museum’s every corner of the museum, including a museum cafe, and if this is not enough, there is a non-stop screening of the film, “Sex in the USSR”. Needless to say, kids are not allowed, and teens must be accompanied by parents.

3. Alexander Bakhrushin Theatre Museum

Located a stone-throw away from the Paveletskaya underground station and the eponymous railroad terminal, this is a destination for all who appreciate the Russian drama and the work of Stanislavsky, Nemirovich-Danchenko, and Schepkin. The bulk of the collection on display traces the development of the Russian theater, from the imperial court drama, through the foundation of the Maly Theatre, to the Parisian Russian Seasons and the beginnings of the Soviet theater. Exhibits include stage and costume sketches and posters by the likes of Alexander Benoit and Leo Bakst, costumes, props and accessories donated to the museum by theaters and collectors.

4. Yuri Detochkin Carlift Museum

Yes, you can have a second glance at the name of the museum: it will not change. The museum opened its doors to the visitors in 2002; the name commemorates one of the best-known Soviet films, Beware of a Car (starring Innokenty Smoktunovsky) about a young car thief. A collection, lovingly amassed by the owner of a car salon, consists of an impressive array of tools and criminal evidence left by, or confiscated from, car thieves. As one could expect in Russia, nothing is done half-heartedly: a car owner usually fights for his car, while the thief fights with the owner, sometimes using axes, hammers, and harpoons. Other exhibits include examples of the car theft left-overs, like destroyed sirens, fake documents, forged car plates, and even maps of Moscow districts most prone for car theft. In short, if you have always wanted to get a glimpse of the brutal world of Russian criminals, the Carlift Museum’s exposition awaits.

5. The Space Memorial Museum.

This museum is situated in the north of Moscow, a short walk away from the VDNKh (All-Russia Exhibition Centre) and the underground station under the same name. It is located in the basement of the magnificent Monument to the Conquerors of Space, erected after the design by Sergei Korolev in 1964. The museum has been open to the public since 1981; 2011 was its 30th anniversary. The collection painstakingly documents the development of Russian space science and space exploration, thus including not only research papers, photographic evidence, machines and equipment, but also space-inspired memorabilia. This is a spell-binding experience for all fans of sci-fi and comic stories, as well as a fascinating story of one of the seminal Russian breakthroughs of the 20th century.…

Wildlife tours in Africa’s fabled land of Mali, where the city of Timbuktu has stood since the 12th century, are truly unforgettable. Mali’s landscapes are of contrast: forest and scrub, savannah and desert, and the inland delta of the Niger. The birds of Mali are its natural highlight, while the rich cultural history provides fascinating interludes: mosques, mud houses, Dogon country, and Timbuktu.

Mud Mosques and Piapiac

Tours in Mali begin in the well-wooded landscape north of the capital Bamako, where small villages and mud mosques share the woods with Fox Kestrel, Brown Snake Eagle, Grasshopper Buzzard and Grey and Red-billed Hornbills. Bird watching enthusiasts will especially enjoy the unusual sight of the Piapiac riding on the backs of cattle. At the town of Djenné, tours take in the Grand Mosque, a mud-built mosque built in Sudano-Sahelian style in 1907 on the site of older mosques. Each year, the people of Djenné gather in a festival to repair damage caused by erosion.

Dogon Country

Mosques thin out on the journey into Dogon Country, where an animist and fetishist religion has survived centuries of Muslim and European cultural influence. Visiting villages in the talus slopes at the bottom of the cliffs is an opportunity to meet Dogon people and learn from them about their religion. This cultural variety is one of the reasons Mali is an excellent destination for wildlife tours in Africa. Another is the bird life in this region, which includes the Kulicoro Firefinch (virtually an endemic species to the country) and the Stone Partridge, Cliff Chat, Bearded Barbet, Fine-spotted Woodpecker, Green Wood-hoopoe and Neumann’s Starling.

Timbuktu

The road to Timbuktu takes tours through open, acacia-studded grasslands, home to Northern Anteater-chat, Chestnut-bellied Sandgrouse and numerous larks and wheatears. (In a brief break from bird watching, a small population of Elephants migrates through this part of Mali every year.) Then there is the city Timbuktu itself, an unforgettable stop on all holidays and wildlife tours in Africa. It is famous for sitting at the heart of an old trade network across the north of the continent and for its great center of learning. A visit to the Djinguereber Mosque is essential, as is admiring the slabs of salt brought to the market by camel trains from the north.

Niger River

The Niger is a wide-open weave of water, marshland, desert and sky, with mud-brick villages and mosques along its shores – cruising along it is an excellent way to end wildlife tours in Africa’s fabled land of Mali. Bird watchers will be able to admire Senegal Coucals in the reeds, African Fish Eagles overheard, Senegal Thick-knees and Egyptian Plovers along the riverbank, and Red-billed Queleas flocks wheeling in the sky. Hippopotamus and crocodiles live in the river, rounding out the excellent views.…

There’s nothing better than planning a vacation, especially one that you’re really excited about. You purchase your tickets, pack your packs, and afterward the best part: you start to wander off in a daydream about your Trip as you plan your itinerary, making a rundown of the spots you must see while you’re far from home. As the lists get longer, your Excitement grows, and before you know it’s a great time to go to Seoul!!

With such a significant number of spots to visit, arranging a trip to Korea can be overwhelming. We have created a list of the top most Amazing attractions in Seoul, South Korea as of 2018. These attractions are perfect for adding to your tour schedule!

1. N Seoul Tower

No outing to Seoul is finished without a trip to the famous N Seoul Tower. N Seoul Tower was the first of its kind – no other pinnacle-like vacation destination had been built in Korea prior to its construction. The tower sits at 236 meters tall, which implies that while you’re at the best, you’re at the second most elevated point in the whole city.

While you’re visiting the Tower, there are an assortment of activities that will keep you occupied, so make sure you clear several hours for the trip. You’ll at first need to look at the perception decks, which give you a magnificent panoramic view of Seoul that makes for totally culminating photographs. While you’re on the deck, you’ll obviously need photographs of the city, however keep in mind to have a companion (or stranger/new friend) snap a photo of you with the city as a scenery to demonstrate to your friends back home!

2. Gyeongbokgung

If you ask the people you meet in Seoul what you absolutely must do with your time in the city, most will tell Gyeongbokgung Palace some place on their list ). This eminent royal residence was Built in 1395, so in addition to the fact that it is a standout amongst the most excellent man-made structures on the planet, it’s also over 600 years old!

This royal Palace is the biggest of the Five Grand Palaces, and accordingly, it’s a quintessential piece of Korean history. The Kings of the Joseon tradition lived in this royal Palace, and its design and architecture – it is unmistakably fit for Royalty.

A little more than one hundred years back, Imperial Japan decimated the majority of the Places, which was wrecking Korea. While it is still being restored up ’till today, it is a completely astonishing complex that will take you hours to see in its entirety. The complex is additionally home to two unique museums, The National Folk Museum and The National Palace Museum of Korea.

3. Submerged Tomb of King Munmu

Once you’ve gotten your fill of the city, Visit to the sea to look at the Underwater Tomb of King Munmu, a must-see tourist attraction in Korea. King Munmu was a ruler that lived right around 1,500 years back, and he is essential to Korean history because he unified three unique kingdoms, merging their power into one.

Why is he buried underwater, you ask? Trust it or not, he wanted it that way! King Munmu believed that if he were buried covered in the ocean after his demise, he would return as a dragon to protect the land he helped lead towards greatness.…

Probably not top of everybody’s must see travel destinations, but perhaps it should be. South Korea is a fascinating country with plenty to offer. Here are five reasons to go.

Amusement Parks

It may not be the first thing you think of when you think of South Korea but the country is big on amusement parks and there are some great ones to choose from – making South Korea a great place for a holiday with the kids. One of the best is Everland, just outside Seoul where you can find some of the most exciting rides around.

Shopping

Of course a holiday isn’t a holiday without a shopping spree and in South Korea you can shop all day and night if you like. South Korea, and especially Seoul, has an amazing array of shops from department stores and shopping centres to markets and unique one-of-a-kind shops. You can shop 24 hours a day in some cities so don’t foget to bring your credit card!

Green Tea

It may be all the rage in London and New York with fashionista types but South Korea is the real home of green tea and you can get some delicious varieties here. It’s great for your health and pretty cheap too!

Karaoke

Karaoke is huge in South Korea. The country has plenty of private karaoke bars where you and your friends can exercise the vocal cords and sing to your heart’s content without the risk of annoying the other customers! Known as Nore Bangs, meaning singing room, the bars are hugely popular with locals and tourists alike.

Food

Finally if you’re anything like me food will play a big part in your holiday and in South Korea you will not be disappointed. South Korean cuisine is inimitable and delicious. There is plenty to choose from so if you want to give your taste buds a treat you can’t go far wrong in South Korea.…

If you are reading this, chances are you have moved or are planning to move to Qatar.

Me? I haven’t been here long. In fact, today marks 3 months to the day my wife and I touched down in Doha.

But in those 3 months, I have had several experiences (both good and bad) that taught me the ins and outs when it comes to getting settled in Qatar.

And I want to share these lessons with you in this article.

So I present to you the 10 things you need to know before you relocate to Qatar.

1) You will need an international driver’s license. No, you can’t get one here. If you show up to Qatar without one, you will only be able to rent a car for 2 weeks. This means you won’t be mobile until your residency comes in and you can apply for a Qatari license. An international license can be attained in your home country in just minutes and shouldn’t cost you more than $15.

2) It is considered very impolite to offer to shake a Muslim woman’s hand. Some Muslim businesswomen shake hands, some do not. How do you tell? You respectfully wait for her to extend her hand first.

3) There is only one outlet for alcohol. Unless you visit one of the international hotel bars, the only way to have a drink is to visit the government controlled distribution outlet (there is only one in the country). Be mindful that anyone without residency is not allowed to enter.

4) Living in Qatar often means you need to make your own fun. If you are the kind of person that needs to have a pumping nightlife, Qatar is probably not the place for you. Yes, there are clubs. Yes, there are restaurants. But the entire scene is developing. For fun, people often go to each other’s houses. Thus, doing some networking can really help you establish some friends when you arrive.

5) The city employs roundabouts instead of traffic lights. For you Brits, this is a no-brainer. For those of us from the New World, you best brush up on how to use roundabouts before you come. If you aren’t entirely clear how to use them, you risk endangering yourself and those driving around you.

6) Living next to a mosque can mean an early wakeup call every morning. Personally, I find the call to prayer soothing (hey, at least it doesn’t sound like a Justin Bieber track). It does start early, though. Living next to a mosque may mean having this call broadcast into your home 5 times a day (the first call coming as early as 4am).

7) Taxis rarely can be flagged. Doha is small, and taxi culture isn’t happening. Unless you are staying in a hotel or live in the very densely populated areas of the city, you aren’t going to be able to nab a taxi. Knowing this, your best bet is to rent a car the moment you arrive in the city.

8) Get your degrees/certificates attested by the Qatar Embassy in your home country before you come. Save yourself the headache. Go to the Qatar Embassy and get them to stamp the back of your professional qualifications. Your employer will likely get you to FedEx your documents home if you show up here without attestation from the embassy.

9) Overstayed visas are paid for at the Doha airport. I learned this the hard way. If you absolutely need to overstay your visa (which happens more often than most people think), you pay your fine at Passport and Visa Control in the Doha airport. You do not pay this fine at the immigration departments that speckle the city. Going to the immigration department will result in you waiting 6 hours and then being told to go to the airport. And before you ask: yes, the Passport and Visa Control office at the airport is open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

10) Qatar is expensive. Let me repeat that: Qatar is very expensive. If you are coming here to look for work, be prepared to shell out serious money to allow yourself time to shop around for the right job.…

Depending on your lifestyle, and what part of the world you are coming from, Qatar can be a very comfortable place to set down roots or a memorable vacation experience.

Expenses

Doha is Qatar’s capital city and is the country’s cultural and international hub. Unlike many other capital cities in the world, the Qatar government does not charge for water and electricity, which makes the cost of living in Doha very reasonable. Permanent citizens also have free phone lines. Taxes are not charged on everyday goods, though there is a small tax for imported goods. The biggest expense depends on where in Doha Qatar you decide to live or stay.

Work

The average salary in Doha, Qatar’s capital city, is approximately 7,800 Qatari Riyal (QR) or $2143 USD, similar to the middle-class American salary in a capital city. Unlike western nations, there are no personal tax deductions on salary. This makes working in Qatar very attractive for foreigners. Many employers also include the cost of housing, car allowance, medical coverage, child education, and airline tickets for home visits in the salary contract. For those from western nations, it should be noted that men in Qatar tend to make 38.9% higher salary than women.

En of Service Gratuity

As per Qatar Labour Law, after five years of employment a worker is entitled to an end of service gratuity. This is similar to the big bonuses given to corporate CEOs. It is basically an amount of money proportional to the number of years you have worked for the company. For employment over five years, the gratuity is calculated to be higher.

Discover Qatar

Qatar is a large peninsula that points north into the Persian Gulf. Though most of the territory is desert, travellers to Qatar tend to be surprised by its white sandy beaches and blue ocean view. The Doha city skyline at night is quite awe-inspiring. Seeing the historical places such as the Marroub Fort, with its amazing Abbasside architecture or a visit to the Qatar National Museum is a must.

The museum is in what was once a royal palace and visitors can witness the history of Qatar and view the large collection of Islamic artifacts and relics. Many interesting excavation discoveries from the area are showcased here. Qatar continues to draw more tourists each year and is a truly interesting adventure.

There are many luxurious hotels to choose from. With immaculate décor and supreme service, you will truly feel like royalty. A fabulous vacation experience that will make you want to come back year after year.…

Vienna is the largest and primary city of the Republic of Austria, with a population of about 1.7 million as of 2009. It is the 10th largest city in the European Union and is known as a major cultural, political, and economic center. The city straddles the River Danube, and the old city center is named a UNESCO World Heritage Site, for its rich historical importance.

Vienna goes back to the medieval Holy Roman Empire, which it was in the heart of. You’ll still find areas of Roman artifacts throughout the city. Vienna features Europe’s oldest zoo, as well as several famous sites such as the Spanish Riding School, the imposing Ring Boulevard buildings, and St. Stephen’s Cathedral. There are many architectural styles to be found in Vienna, such as the Romanesque Ruprechtskirche, Baroque, Classical, modern architecture and some great examples of Art Nouveau.

Part of Vienna’s unique history is the 19th-century ball. Vienna keeps this tradition alive in grand style by holding over 200 balls every year, with some featuring as many as nine orchestras. The balls are in any of the beautiful palaces in Vienna, with the most prominent being the Hofburg Palace at Heldenplatz. A ball is an all-night affair, with the cultural festivities lasting generally from 9 PM until 5 AM, although many of the guests will continue their celebrations throughout the following day.

There are many other various sites and attractions to visit while in Vienna such as the Museum of Modern Art, the museum quarter in the beautiful converted Imperial stables where you can take in several museums, and the Art Nouveau Anchor Clock in Honer Markt, which is Vienna’s oldest square. Venture up the Danube Tower to the revolving café restaurant, where you will get a panoramic view of the city. Also, a must visit is Danube Island with its many restaurants, bars, nightclubs, sports and sandy beaches.…

Sydney is a city that has everything and is a fantastic holiday destination. From its spectacular harbour, to its great shopping and fine waterside restaurants and cafes, there is certainly plenty to do. It is also only a short drive to the surrounding Blue Mountains, National Parks and wildlife and gorgeous beaches. Catering for every budget, the choice of accommodation ranges from Sydney Hostels to luxurious hotels.

Catch the Ferry to Manly

If there is one thing you must do in Sydney, getting out on Sydney Harbor is certainly one of them. With the city built around the harbor a trip on the ferry is a perfect way to see Sydney, giving you an amazing view of the Harbor Bridge, the Opera house and the entire city. Leaving from Circular Quay, the best position to view the city as you depart Sydney Cove is from the back of the ferry, so arrive early to ensure a good position in the queue. Manly, on the other side of the harbor, is approximately a 30-minute trip and will treat you to the scenery of the length of the harbor. Manly itself is a great spot to visit. Eat at the new Manly Wharf Pub and Restaurant, enjoy a bit of window shopping or a walk on the beach.

Sydney Harbor Bridge Climb

The Bridge Climb is the ultimate experience of Sydney. There are three different guided climbs to choose from that take you to the top of the bridge, 134 meters above Sydney Harbor. The Express Climb is relatively new and is the quickest way to get to the top, taking just 2 hours and 15 minutes. A smaller group of just 12 is taken through the inner arch of the bridge, crossing catwalks and climbing stairs, to the summit. The Discovery Climb takes you right into the center of the bridge. In a group of 14,, it is a 3 and a 1/2 hour climb and makes its way to the top via the inner arch. You can experience the bridge up close and your guides will talk you through its history. The Bridge Climb also takes 3 and a 1/2 hours and takes you along the outer arch of the bridge. With a steady incline, you will experience 360-degree views of Sydney, the Blue Mountains and the surrounding suburbs.…