Category: Asia
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Shanghai’s Landmarks From Yuyuan Old Street to Shanghai Tower

Navigating through the bustling streets of Shanghai was an enthralling experience that captured the essence of modern China fused with historical elements. The city’s dynamic atmosphere was palpable as I meandered down the Nanjing Road Pedestrian Street, a major shopping hub buzzing with energy from locals and tourists alike. This street, once the first commercial…
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Echoes of the Past in the Bustling City of Manila

Walking through Manila offers a deep dive into the heart of the Philippines, a city where every corner boasts a story, and every street echoes the nation’s tumultuous yet rich history. My exploration of this vivacious city started in the bustling streets of Chinatown, known as the oldest Chinatown in the world, established in 1594.…
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Baku Boulevard and Beyond: A Story of Azerbaijani Splendor

My first day in Baku, the enigmatic capital of Azerbaijan, was an immersion into a city where East meets West in a unique fusion. Nestled on the Caspian Sea’s shore, Baku’s history is as deep and turbulent as the waters it overlooks, with its first recorded mention dating back to the 1st century AD. This…
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Azerbaijan’s Mystical Outskirts: Petroglyphs, Temples, and Burning Hills

Today’s excursion took me beyond the vibrant streets of Baku, Azerbaijan’s capital, a city with a history that dates back to the 1st century AD. This journey outside Baku’s bustling urban landscape was a venture into the country’s natural and historical wonders. Our first stop was the surreal landscape of the Mud Volcanoes in Gobustan.…
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Crossroads of Cultures: Celebrating a Travel Milestone in Samarkand

Touching down in Samarkand, Uzbekistan, marked a personal milestone – my 70th country visited. This ancient city, a jewel of the Silk Road, is over 2,750 years old, rivaling the age of Rome in its historical depth. My exploration today was enriched by the company of an Indian couple and their enthusiastic 5-year-old son, along…
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Tashkent Tales: Ancient Stones and Modern Skylines

My day in Tashkent, the captivating capital of Uzbekistan, was a fascinating blend of past and present. As I learned more about this city, known as “Stone City”, which has seen over 2,200 years of history, I was enthralled by its resilience and transformation, especially after the 1966 earthquake that reshaped its landscape. The day’s…
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From Bishkek’s Heart to Ala Archa’s Heights: A Kyrgyz Adventure

Arriving in Bishkek, the heart of Kyrgyzstan, my exploration began at Ala Too Square, the city’s central hub, where the imposing Bishkek Baatyr Monument and the statue of Kaba Uulu Kozhomkul, a national hero, stand tall. These monuments, symbols of the nation’s pride and history, provided a profound insight into Kyrgyzstan’s journey. Wandering through the…
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Soviet Shadows and Snowy Slopes: Almaty’s Dual Wonders

Today’s journey led me to the heart of Central Asia – Almaty, Kazakhstan’s largest city and historical capital. Nestled at the base of the majestic Tien Shan mountains, Almaty is a city where modernity and history coalesce, surrounded by breathtaking natural beauty. As I walked through its leafy avenues, I was struck by the harmonious…
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Between Two Continents: A Journey Through Istanbul’s Rich Tapestry

The sun had just begun to cast its golden glow over the city as I found myself standing in awe of the magnificent Hagia Sophia. This architectural masterpiece, a testament to Istanbul’s rich history, was originally built as a cathedral in the 6th century by the Emperor Justinian. Its grand dome, intricate mosaics, and historical…
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The Arabian Phoenix: How Oil Changed the Face of Doha

Stepping into the bustling streets of Doha is like entering a living museum where the past and present coexist in perfect harmony. The city’s skyline, dominated by futuristic skyscrapers, is a testament to Qatar’s rapid development and prosperity. Below, traditional marketplaces, or souqs, thrum with activity, offering a glimpse into the rich cultural heritage that…