Year: 2023

If you are planning a holy trip to Italy the way Muslims generally plan their annual pilgrimage or hajj to Mecca in Saudi Arabia, no doubt a visit to Rome would serve as the pinnacle of your tour. But there are many other places in Italy that could offer you visual and spiritual nourishment, and one of those would be the Cathedral of Pisa or Duomo di Pisa.

The Beginnings of the Cathedral of Pisa

Located in Italy’s Tuscany region, the city of Pisa is best known for its Leaning Tower. That, however, is not the only attraction it has to offer. There is also the Cathedral of Pisa, which makes as impressive a sight as its world famous tower.

Construction of the Cathedral of Pisa began in 1093. Buscheto, who had since then been entombed in one of the cathedral’s arches, had been its primary architect. Upon his death, his work was continued by the equally renowned Rainaldo.

In 1595, a tragic fire had laid the majority of the medieval artwork that the Cathedral of Pisa was hailed for. Thankfully, many of the best Renaissance artists had been commissioned to assist in the cathedral’s redecoration. Their significant contribution had allowed the Cathedral of Pisa to continue being the symbol of Pisan Romanesque art that it is today.

Other Sites to See in the Cathedral

There are many reasons why your trip to Italy must include a visit to Pisa. For starters, the Cathedral of Pisa offers numerous impressive artworks that you’ll rarely see anywhere else. If you reach the vast nave of the cathedral, you will see a beautiful Cosmatesque marble pavement with a painted and equally lovely oval dome above it. In this area, you will also be able to view the majestic tomb designed by Tino di Camaino for Emperor Henry VII. The pair of cherubs in the southern side, however, is a masterpiece of Ghirlandaio.

Another one of the cathedral’s most famous art masterpieces would be the pulpit designed by Giovanno Pisano. After the 1595 fire, renovation workers had initially been unimpressed with the pulpit’s appearance. As a result, the pulpit had been dismantled and hidden away in a crate. It was only in 1926 that the pulpit was thankfully found and restored to its rightful place.

Last but not the least, be sure to visit the entrance pier of the cathedral. You’ll find there St. Agnes with her Lamb, a glorious painting done by High Renaissance artist Andrea del Sarto. Also in the area are the bronze angels and the crucifix made by Giambologna.

The Cathedral of Pisa is open every day although visiting hours vary depending on the date of your visit. If you have a strict budget for your trip to Italy, please be aware that the Cathedral charges visitors a small fee for entrance.

Even if you have allocated only a short period of time for your trip to Italy, you would still not regret making a side trip to the city of Pisa. As the cathedral and the Leaning Tower are in close proximity to each other, you would not have a hard time visiting both attractions in a single day.…

The question is whether you would like or not a visit to Jordan since it lies in an unstable area surrounding Israel. Jordan, also known as the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan is located on the north of the Arabian Peninsula. The nation shares its borders with Syria in the east, with Iraq & Saudi Arabia, in the west with Israel, & of course; south with Saudi Arabia. A small part of the southern boundary washes by the waters of the Red Sea.

Madaba “City of Mosaics”, Jordan

Jordan – part of the Christian Holy Land; therefore are located numerous places, as connected with the events described in the books of the Old and New Covenant Christian Bible. Among the enormous enumeration of the places, which are of interest for the pilgrims, should be noted the mosaic map of Madaba (discovered in 1896) in which is located in the floor of the Greek Orthodox Basilica of Saint George.

The archaeological park which unites into itself a number of the remainders of Byzantine villas & churches is rich in the decorated mosaic panels. The abundance of mosaics in Madaba has given the name “City of Mosaics” to the Jordanian city. After the inspection of numerous monuments you will be able to rest in the dead or Red Sea. An 8 day tour package priced at about $1,100 per person is available online at OnTheGoTours (onthegotours.com/Totally-Jordan) website which includes a 7th day visit to Madaba.

Petra – An Ancient City Touted in the Dead Sea Scrolls

Petra, an ancient Rose Red city near a discovered site known to be 9000 years old, suggests its prehistoric inhabitants were humans. Petra was lost to the western world until it was rediscovered in 1812 by a Swiss explorer named Johann Ludwig Burckhardt. The city is now a World Heritage Site since 1985 & one of the New Seven Wonders of the World. There are many fascinating buildings in Petra, cut from stone of the rock cliffs like the Monastery, The Urn Tomb, & the treasury. It’s certainly a unique experience to be visiting the ancient city that had possibly been mentioned in the Dead Sea Scrolls as the city of Rekem. Anyway, Petra is a fantastic achievement of ancient human civilization in the area.

A trekking tour to Petra package can be found online from OnTheGoTours.com for about $1747 per person. It’s a 9 day tour arriving in Amman on the first day & visiting the lost city of Petra on the 5th day. An alternative tour package could be taken from within Israel. Now that the two countries, Israel & Jordan, have been at peace since 1994, frequent tours are possible. The one day tour (Israeltr.Powweb.com/jordan.htm) is priced at about $145 per person & begins from the Israel southernmost city of Eilat. Also note that a visa to Jordan must be acquired before arriving in Israel. Which of the two ways you choose to visit Petra, be known that you will be stepping into an awe inspiring environment, perhaps even an alien & mysterious city. So the answer to the initial question about visiting Jordan is that you would like it.…

In English, Riyadh means The Gardens, and it is the capital and largest city in Saudi Arabia. Riyadh is a wonderfully developing city that sits on a large plateau. There is much to do and see in this majestic city. When you travel to Riyadh, you will experience the true culture and beauty that is known as Saudi Arabia.

One of the places to visit in Riyadh is the National Museum, which houses a wonderful representation of Saudi Arabia’s history from ancient to contemporary times. It is a beautifully structured building with wide open spaces. The National Museum of Riyadh has exhibits like that of the Arab Jahilya poems. Other exhibits allow you to use all your senses to explore the museum. You can even follow the footprints on the floor so you never get lost. The museum is so large that you should come back several times to really experience all that it has to offer.

Another must see in Riyadh is the Al Faisaliyah Center. One of the first things you will see is a glass globe that sits atop this stunning building. There are plenty of clothing shops throughout this mall with beautifully crafted traditional apparel. The Center is organized and well designed so that you can find everything you are looking for quickly. It also has an incredible tower lobby that tends to have activities going on. Nearby, you will find luxurious hotels with a plethora of restaurants that will suit everyone’s taste. Best of all is the spectacular sunset view of Riyadh.

The Masmak Citadel is one of the oldest parts of Riyadh. This majestic fort has been beautifully restored with authentic construction materials. The citadel is a lovely example of Nejd architecture and the surrounding area offers incredible ruins of the old city. This is also a place where the locals come to buy traditional goods. It tells the story of her life used to be in Riyadh and how life was changed into what it is now.

For a unique Saudi experience and incredible traditional food, stop by Al-Najdiyah Village. It has a wonderful ambiance. You can sit outside with carpets and cushions sampling lots of different dishes. Both the quality and quantity of the food is very impressive. The décor is very traditional. The service is very fast and courteous. If you love to try local foods, this Saudi restaurant in Riyadh, is a great place to experience a traditional atmosphere and savory food.

Riyadh is a phenomenal Saudi Arabian city offering so much history and culture. You will enjoy every last moment she spent here as you explore historical museums and traditional malls. You can also see the people of this culture in their own world, and you really feel like you were part of something new, something different, and something ancient all at once.…

The country of Costa Rica is one that is beautiful and thriving with life. The country is one that can help relax anyone. A vacation in Costa Rica can provide the breath of fresh air you need to take your mind off work and everyday stress. The general atmosphere and setting alone is a major attraction of this island country. 

Additionally, Costa Rica is home to some of the most exquisite spa treatments in the world. The 5-star treatment their hotels and spas offer, could almost make the whole trip worth it. There is nothing quite like their traditional massage techniques and therapies that will have you feeling euphoric and carefree. 

While the country is mostly natural parks and sights, it also has a fancy side to it. The city of San Jose is one that can cater to even the most stringent of requests. The various restaurants and food spots around the city, are mostly handled by chefs who operate on an world class standard. They have something for everyone. Seafood so tasty you’ll wish it never ran out. Vegetarian and other dishes with a taste so exquisite you’ll have a hard time describing the tastes.…

The most attractive feature of Costa Rica will have to be it’s magnificent aquatic wildlife variety. Spending a day in certain beaches and strategic cliffs will open your world to a whole new experience in Costa Rica. You get to view several exotic fish species doing their thing in their magical turquoise colored home. 

For those who love snorkeling and diving, the Costa Rican shore is one in a million. The underwater experience will make the whole trip worth it. There are also other water sports hosted in various beaches for those who just want to have a good time. 

Then the island food and drink culture is another really cool feature of Costa Rica. The island’s Cacique Guaro is one of the sweetest drinks you’ll ever taste. This popular island liquor is gotten from sugarcane and is absolutely mind blowing. The island’s rum is also one of the purest you’ll taste. The various island dishes will leave you drooling for more.

Another really lovable attribute of this island is the friendly people. Costa Ricans are generally problem-free and hospitable. You’ll have a good time watching the fishermen rejoice over their hauls.

You will absolutely love Costa Rica.…

This intriguing nation is one that is deeply in love with it’s natural heritage. Made up mostly of national parks, Costa Rica has an air of relaxation that skyscrapers tend to affect. To understand just how relaxing a day in Costa Rica is, consider a common phrase. “Pura vida” meaning “pure life” is a common response when someone is asked how they are doing. It basically means, the person is all about life and trying to enjoy the little joys of life. That’s a concept anyone can get behind.

Another awesome feature of the country is the rich coffee culture. An average resident is thought to drink about 6 cups is coffee daily. There is something relaxing about the smell of coffee as you start your day. You could try different kind of beans to see if there’s any that just charges your senses. 

Then we have their exotic sea life population. Costa Rican shores are frequently visited by several exotic species such as whales and dolphins. Seeing these creatures move freely in their own environment is a pleasure enough to put a smile on just about any face.

This magnificent and relatively shy country is becoming even more of a tourist hotspot in recent years. Singapore has so much to offer tourists seeking adventure. 

One of its most appreciated adventures is the vibrant nightlife scene. Tourists who visit Singapore do their best to enjoy the nightlife adventures to the full. Enjoying tasty signature drinks in any of the various bars is a nice way to get your night started. The various nighttime thrills and activities have a tendency to make anyone lose track of time. Friendly advice, try to avoid a night out if your flight is the next morning.

The Marina Bay Sands is the building with the tallest infinity pool in the world. This means that you get to enjoy a spectacular view of the entire city below while chilling in your pool. The view offers a magnificent perspective of a giant city of metal and glass. 

If you’re really into nature and relaxation though, Singapore can be really green. Some areas are really popular for their retained natural elements. The Flower Dome, for instance, will absolutely blow your mind. 

Singapore is a city that everyone should check out at least once.…

Friendly Locals 

The Costa Ricans are relatively chill people. They are most eager to show off their heritage and unique culture. 

Magnificent Beaches 

Costa Rica is home to some of the best beaches in the world. The country makes a conscious effort to protect their almost 1000 mile long shoreline. This leads to clean beaches, convenient for family fun. 

Wonderful Food 

Their diet majorly comprises juicy and exquisite fruits, with well prepared seafood. Don’t forget to try the arreglados and pejibayes while in town. 

Spectacular Sights 

A country with this much diversity in species and landscape is bound to be lovely. Costa Rica is made up of largely untouched stretches of land. This means that behind every corner is an adventure and a chance to have your mind blown.

Teeming Wildlife Population 

Did you know that the Costa Rican ecosystem sustains about five percent of the world’s species? From Howler monkeys, to Humpback whales, and magnificent butterflies, the country has more than 500,000 species. 

Costa Rica is just full of life and vigor. It welcomes everyone to visit, take a deep breath, hold that a bit, and then feel your body relax as you exhale. Costa Rica should be the next stop for those of you planning to travel soon. It’s totally worth it.…

There are a lot of reasons to visit Costa Rica. The most essential ones though are:

1. World-Class Luxurious Services: In Costa Rica, hospitality has always been a huge part of their culture. They have made their inherent hospitality into various art forms. From luxurious and relaxing tours, to spa days that’ll make you feel like you’re floating. We haven’t even mentioned their world class restaurant and hotel ethics. 
2. Budget Friendly: A Costa Rican vacation can be really budget friendly. A properly planned vacation to Costa Rica does not require much. To have a good time in Costa Rica, there is no need to turn over your whole bank account. Accommodation, feeding and adventure are all readily available at friendly rates. 
3. Natural Heritage: Costa Rica has more than 20 national parks. All of which are teeming with life from all kind of species. Said to possess about 5 percent of the world’s biodiversity, it is a haven for nature enthusiasts. Make sure to take lots of pictures. You might just catch a rare picture of an endangered species.

These are some of the most common reasons the country is so popular among tourists. If you need a breath of fresh air from the rigidity of technology, Costa Rica is the place for you.…

This is a country known for its rich culture and gorgeous landscape. The Costa Rican geography is one that allows for all sorts of engaging activities. From canoeing and other water sports to mountain climbing, hiking, and even zip lining. 

Popular as a result of its many national parks and untouched natural heritage, Costa Rica is the ideal getaway spot. It allows you to enjoy your vacation to the fullest. The numerous mountains, rainforests, and river valleys allow tourists numerous options for adventure and thrill-seeking. 

But Costa Rica is not all just “nature hangouts and wildlife” there is also a really touché upside. The city of San José for instance has a magnetic effect on tourists. Its many stores, restaurants, and luxurious hotels offer everything one might need to fully enjoy their vacation. Most of the stores offer affordable stuff so shopping becomes something everyone gets to enjoy. Even those on a budget.

Additionally, the Costa Rican cuisine spread is not that can pacify even the most stringent of palettes. These guys have mastered the art of blending proteins with exquisite island fruits and vegetables. 

If you haven’t been yet, you still get to enjoy the thrill of visiting Costa Rica for the first time. It is an epic feeling!…