I am a lover of all things culturally authentic and when I travel always purposefully immerse myself as deeply as I can into the midst of where the local action is. However, I’ve also had the privilege of staying in four and five star hotels in my life and, let me tell you, while they [...]

I first started hearing the planes at about 1:00 p.m. Israel time yesterday, so loud that I figured they were fighter jets which so often pass through the skies here. A look out the window, though, showed me not large grey warcraft but a couple of yellow planes so small I thought they must be [...]

I have no doubt that Istanbul is one of the most fascinating cities in the Middle East. I haven’t yet touched this area spanning two continents, but the day is drawing nigh. Happily, I was sent this guest post, which gives me and you some important tips for enjoying this exotic city once we arrive. [...]

As many parts of the Middle East rock in the midst of seismic political shifts, most of this region remains at quietly at peace, unchanged and unchanging, lives marching forward as usual, dreams and plans intact, traditions untouched. One of the aspects that touches me most about the Middle East, particularly the Persian Gulf countries, [...]

In Nuweiba, Egypt people wake up when they want. This not-too-pleasant surprise my first morning in this Sinai village segued into an unforgettable journey into town for coffee with a light-haired man with very few teeth wearing jeans twice his size and claiming to be a Christian Iraqi. Anmar the Iraqi supplied me with coffee, [...]

England was the first foreign country I visited not on the continent of North America. I was deeply charmed by its rolling countryside, the aged buildings standing behind modern facades, and the welcoming nature of its people. I didn’t travel to Southampton, but this guest post tells me there’s a lot waiting there for those [...]

Tonight, finally, I am going to climb Mount Sinai, a long-held dream. I’m Christian, so this mountain means something to me, as the probable spot where Moses received the Ten Commandments from God. I also love to exercise, and this is going to be an unforgetable, one-of-a-kind workout. With a small group I will depart [...]

Re-entering the Arab world a few days ago after leaving it and spending three months in Israel happily reopened my eyes to sights to which I’d left behind. The time I’ve spent here in the small rural community of Nuweiba, Egypt, also allowed me to witness some incredible new sights. A camel eating out of [...]