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Beneath Cairo Skies: Pyramids, Sphinx, and Souks

My excursion in Cairo, the pulsating heart of Egypt and one of the largest cities in Africa and the Middle East, was an extraordinary journey through time. Cairo, established in the 10th century near the ancient city of Memphis, has long stood as a center of political and cultural life in Egypt. Today, I experienced…
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Mediterranean Mystique: Unraveling the Secrets of Alexandria

Embarking on a day trip from Cairo, I set out to explore Alexandria, a city that once housed the legendary Lighthouse, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. Founded by Alexander the Great in 331 BC, Alexandria has long been a beacon of culture and learning in the Mediterranean. As we arrived, the…
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Carthage to Sidi Bou Said: A Tunisian Time Travel

Today, I ventured to the ancient city of Carthage, a place deeply embedded in the annals of history, just a short distance from Tunis, Tunisia. Carthage, founded by the Phoenician queen Elissa (also known as Dido) in the 9th century BC, was once a powerful city-state and a formidable rival to the Roman Republic. The…
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Savoring Tunis: A Tale of Mosques, Markets, and Mysteries

In the heart of North Africa, I embarked on a captivating journey through Tunis, Tunisia’s culturally rich capital. As I discovered, Tunis, established by the Berbers in the 2nd millennium BC, has been a pivotal center of trade and culture throughout its long history. Guided by Riadh, a local with an infectious love for his…
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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…