Faces of Egypt
October 22, 2008 | Written by Steve Smith & Christine Johnson
Wise, wrinkled, weathered faces, and innocent, young faces. Faces of stone. Faces of flesh. Faces of deep compassion.
My perception of Egypt comes mostly from the Hollywood images of Pharaohs and fellaheen, images of kings and commoners that are much too simplistic. After all, it was Egypt that bequeathed the fundamental civilizing influence of knowledge, passed down by the Greeks and Romans that lifted Europe... [Read more]
Dune Bashing in Dubai
August 24, 2008 | Written by Srinidhi RV Lakhanigam
Dune Bashing in Dubai – adventure for the spirited
It looked, for a moment, like a mirage gone mad. There on the rolling sand dunes were scores of misshapen four-wheelers racing up and down, kicking up clouds of sand as they went. The first thought that leapt to my mind was that a pack of daredevil circus stuntmen had been let loose in the desert. Nope. This wasn’t a mirage. I was 30 minutes out of Dubai and... [Read more]
Habibi
June 22, 2008 | Written by Lisbeth Prifogle
“You married or single?” Ali asks me bluntly. I am in Iraq wearing a flak jacket and Kevlar helmet – I do not feel feminine at all. I am not surprised when I am greeted as “sir” in all my gear so his question takes me off guard.
“What?” I ask. I have just introduced myself to this man.
“Are you married? With husband? Or single.” He asks pointing at the gold Claddagh ring I wear on my... [Read more]
Covering My Head in Pakistan
May 28, 2008 | Written by Jeannie Boutelle
Sitting on the plane from Kuwait to Islamabad, I kept wondering how big an issue wearing a headscarf would be – I am a woman entering a Muslim country after all. Friends who had been to Pakistan several years ago said they had been given bad looks for having their ankles showing and that they wore head scarves everywhere. I had a diaphanous, purple and blue scarf that I had bought in India with me. It was stuffed in my... [Read more]
Iraq blog
May 14, 2008 | Written by Steve Smith & Christine Johnson
No matter how you feel politically about the war, right thing/wrong thing/indifferent, this commemoration speaks volumes. Put up by a peace delegation to mark the 5th anniversary of “Mission Accomplished,” it fills the entire quad at OSU. One red flag for every five Americans killed, a white flag signifies at least five Iraqis have died (the flags fill the lawn). Words cannot describe the magnitude of the... [Read more]
Ancient Egypt in a Modern World
April 27, 2008 | Written by Wayfarer Digital
Today Eileen meets with El Sayed Khalifa of the Egyptian Tourist Authority to get some insight to both new and old Egypt. Perhaps many might not think of Egypt as a golfing destination, but El Sayed gives us good reason to reconsider calling “Fore!” in northern Africa.
ITKT fans can also expect more on Egypt when we read about one of our writers, Steve Smith, on his recent trip to Egypt and photos inside... [Read more]
Another Spot Off My List
March 6, 2008 | Written by Steve Smith & Christine Johnson
This morning I brushed my teeth with tap water, one of the many things that tell me I’m home.I’ve just returned from yet another place on my “must see” list, the Pyramids and Egypt. Please don’t confuse this as braggadocio, as it’s not. For me, travel is more than a numerical, carving a new notchin the money belt, thing. Rather it’s all about... [Read more]
Travel, Photography, and Joel Carillet
February 16, 2008 | Written by StevePeer
Joel Carillet is a master of street photography. His captures are a glimpse at places and faces most will never see. In 2003, he embarked on a year-long overland journey starting in China, and finishing in Turkey. His images from this epic trip are nothing short of stellar. Packed with emotion and insight, his images capture... [Read more]
Trekking up Baltoro in Pakistan
November 4, 2007 | Written by Jeannie Boutelle
I had heard from trekking friends that the Baltoro Glacier, in the Karakorum Range in northeastern Pakistan, was one of the most beautiful places in the world. I just got back from there and they were right!
There are two mountain ranges, the Himalayas and the Karakorum, which contain all 14 of the highest 8000 meter (26,247 ft) peaks in the world. The Himalayas actually originate in Pakistan and can be seen from... [Read more]
Flipping Off the Intensity Switch
August 24, 2007 | Written by Steve Smith & Christine Johnson
Having recently taken my first trip into New York City, I fell in love. I’d always blown through New York with a quick connection, hurriedly moving on to another destinations. This time my itinerary gave me a full day and night layover. So I caught the train into the crowded canyons of Manhattan — it’s actually very simple to do — and experienced first-hand the things that make the material-life full.... [Read more]
Announcing the New Seven Wonders of the World
July 7, 2007 | Written by Steve Smith & Christine Johnson
A worldwide popular vote has been underway to select the New Seven Wonders of the World, sites to be listed alongside... [Read more]
Unforgettable Jordan (video podcast)
June 2, 2007 | Written by Wayfarer Digital
Steve Smith just returned from Jordan and I was dying to see the pictures. They didn’t disappoint. Now I want to to go to Jordan. I suppose some may want to avoid Jordan due its proximity to neighboring countries, but this is a ridiculous idea. Jordan has a much larger reputation for... [Read more]
“Blessed Are the Merciful…” Voluntourism in Jordan
May 25, 2007 | Written by Steve Smith & Christine Johnson
A relatively recent development in tourism, socially conscious “voluntourism” is quickly gaining... [Read more]
Israel Tourist Information Centers
April 11, 2007 | Written by ITKT Media Partner
Ben Gurion Airport
Entrance Hall
Telephone: 03-9754260
Fax: 03-9754264
E-mail: doritk@tourism.gov.il
Opening hours: Sun-Thu: 24 hours ; Fri: until 19:30
Sat. from 8:30am
Jerusalem
Address: Jaffa Gate inside the Old City
Telephone: 02-6280403 ; 02-6271422 ; 02-6276429
Fax: 02-6271362
E-mail: orenm@tourism.gov.il
Opening... [Read more]
The Basics on Israel
April 11, 2007 | Written by ITKT Media Partner
Climate
Israel enjoys long, warm, dry summers (April-October) and generally mild winters (November-March) with somewhat drier, cooler weather in hilly regions, such as Jerusalem and Safed. Rainfall is relatively heavy in the north and center of the country, with much less in the northern Negev and almost negligible
Regional conditions vary... [Read more]
March at ITKT
April 3, 2007 | Written by Devin Galaudet
Hey Travelers, if you haven’t noticed yet ITKT has begun posting my recent foray into the Mayan ruins of the Yucatan... [Read more]
The Streets of Amman
March 30, 2007 | Written by Steve Smith & Christine Johnson
The talk on the streets of Amman reflects the same timeless worries that affect all of humankind.... [Read more]
More than the Luxor (video podcast)
March 3, 2007 | Written by Devin Galaudet
A part of a growing series helping travelers get to know destinations and service providers better before visiting. Maryl meets with Mohamed of Lotus International Tours and they discuss some destinations in Egypt and what visitors can expect on their luxury tours. Another Wayfarer... [Read more]
The Facts on Jordan
February 26, 2007 | Written by Devin Galaudet
Location: Jordan is located in the heart of the Middle East, Northwest of Saudi Arabia, south of Syria, Southwest of Iraq, and east of Israel and the Occupied West Bank. Jordan has access to the Red Sea via the port city of Aqaba, located at the northern end of the Gulf of Aqaba.
Geographic co-ordinates: 29 - 34 00 N, 35 - 39 E
Population: 5,460,265 (July... [Read more]
Vote for the New 7 Wonders
December 26, 2006 | Written by Steve Smith & Christine Johnson
In what could be the largest vote ever, the world will soon choose the New Seven Wonders of the World to stand alongside the Ancient Seven Wonders of the World. In January, the New7Wonders committee, chaired by Dr. Federico Mayor, selected 21 finalists out of the 77 nominated sites. You can have a say in the selection of the final seven by casting your vote. From anywhere in the world, call +423 663 90 02 99 and use the... [Read more]
Respecting Tradition in Dubai
April 4, 2006 | Written by ITKT Media Partner
The skyline shimmers with luxury hotels, the car showrooms along Sheikh Zayed Road are doing a roaring trade in Range Rovers and Porsches, but all of this sits comfortably with Dubai’s Islamic traditions.
The Muezzin calling the faithful to prayer from some 180 mosques is a firm reminder that in heart and soul the emirate is Islamic. Most Emiratis are Sunni Muslims, and many belong to... [Read more]
Devin says, “Be the First Voice on ITKT for this country”
January 1, 2006 | Written by Devin Galaudet
In The Know Traveler seeks original stories for its growing readership of travelers from all over the world. Our site focuses on promoting international destinations and cultural exchange, because we are supposed to know each other.
If you have a story, an article, a tidbit, a tale, an anecdote, some feelings, a thought, an idea, or something to share about this destination, please write us now at editor@intheknowtraveler.com
This... [Read more]
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