Karbala, for Shias this is one of the holiest places on Earth.
We arrived in Karbala after it had become dark. The city is car-free, so the bus had to leave us at the gate, and we had to walk to the hotel. This was day...
Silver Queer Travel light My blog post
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Babylon historical site, and forbidden photographys of Saddam`s palace.
Most people have heard about Babylon from religious lessons at school. Today’s one is just a cheap replica built by Saddam Hussain. Babylon has a long history and has been built up at least...
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Baghdad, once the largest city in the world.
Baghdad was founded as a capital in 762 AD and, within a short time, evolved into a cultural and intellectual centre of the Muslim world. It housed the House of Wisdom and several key...
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Iraq, with a people trying to rise again
Iraq has had more war and struggle than most countries. After years of dictatorship, neighbouring wars and inventions led to a civil war. This is about what most people know about Iraq. Most countries’...
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Rio de Janeiro, a tourist trap, yes, but still amazing
I think many Europeans who have visited Brazil have been to Rio de Janeiro and only there. Who can blame them? When you are down in the city’s streets, you can feel like you...
Ouro Preto, are all the churches an excuse for greed?
In this little mountainous town, Ouro Preta, which is a little jewel box, I have found more churches than grocery stores. Of course, UNESCO’s heritage has also impacted this town. On my trip around...
Fortaleza, Natal and João Pessoa which one to go for?
When I arrived on the coast of Brazil, Fortaleza, Natal João Pessoa was my three first cities to visit. First impressions are important. When I travel to several similar cities, it is challenging to...
Salvador of Bahia, the most “African” city in Brazil
Salvador was once the capital of Brazil. After the prohibition of slavery, many descendants of African slaves settled here, making Salvador a colourful and multicultural city. As in so many other cities in Brazil,...
Manaus Amazonas- from opera house to hammock in the jungle.
In the heart of the Amazonas, you find a city called Manaus. Its port along Rio Negro shows its past grandness with Teatro Amazonas. Manaus was a busy city with heydays between 1888 and...
Brasilia, is it wise to build an entirely new capital?
I will say no, but when the country needs more space in the capital and the old one is too crowded, I can see why they had to build Brasilia. However, when large egos...
São Paulo became rich in coffee.
Today, São Paulo is South America’s biggest and most prosperous city and Brazil’s financial capital. It is also a cosmopolitan blend of people. This was my first stop in Brazil on my four-week travels....
Brazil is a country full of contrasts.
You need a lot of time to visit Brazil, South America’s most significant country and the fifth largest in the world. I had decided that I would spend thirty days in Brazil. I suppose...
Bamiyan, I am lucky to be alive after terrorist attack.
The group I travelled with, and I experienced the worst possible scenario when we visited Bamiyan: a terrorist attack. The day before, we had a lovely day in Kabul, and this day, crossing the...
Kabul, a smooth start before the nightmare of my life
Why would anyone go to Afghanistan and Kabul in the first place? It is a legitimate question. My bold answer is that it is possible, and I can. Some also ask why someone wants...
Islamabad, a green new capital ready for attack.
After spending a few days in Lahore, I was ready for a four-hour bus ride to Islamabad, the capital of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan. Built as a planned city in the 1960s and established...
