tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14922293198351511872024-03-12T17:21:26.096-05:00Travelers of All AgesA Teenage World TravelerAnonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03623132757828654639noreply@blogger.comBlogger36125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1492229319835151187.post-56780729764648205972014-12-23T13:30:00.000-06:002014-12-23T13:30:01.231-06:00The Real Places of Christmas: Bethlehem, Nazareth, and the modern Holy Land<div class="MsoNormal">
<i>Hello all! Being that
it’s that time of year again, I’ve decided to make a short post concerning the
historical places associated with the original Christmas—the birth of Jesus Christ,
founder of the Christian religion. I’ll also briefly comment on the status of
Christians in the Holy Land today. <o:p></o:p></i></div>
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Staring
down at the glazed, broken tiles of the Madaba Map, it is difficult to imagine
that any of the places it portrays are real. The Map has an almost surreal
quality to it, with fish jumping from millennia-old streams and classical
columns holding up the disproportionate buildings. If the map had been drawn to
scale, cities would stretch for hundreds of miles, and odd-looking sea vessels
would be able to span the Mediterranean. To me it seemed almost laughable at
first. Then something caught my eye—the dusty and barely visible Greek word Βηθλεέμ.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Bethlehem.
<o:p></o:p></div>
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Like the
founders of other major religions, such as the Prophet Mohammed, it is almost certain
that Jesus Christ was a historical figure. However, the only real account of
his life exists in the New Testament of the Christian Bible. This narrative
begins with the story of Jesus’ birth in Bethlehem, a small town just south of
Jerusalem. </div>
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Christmas celebrates the birth of Christ. Therefore, it can be
argued that Christmas started in Bethlehem. This event makes it one of the most
important sites of Christian pilgrimage in the Holy Land. <o:p></o:p></div>
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I have
always wondered why Christians in the Holy Land (modern Israel and its
neighbors) are such a tiny minority. Historically, the Holy Land has been
occupied at one time or another by Jews, Christians, and Muslims, and often more
than one at a time. For centuries it was almost completely Christian. </div>
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Today,
though, it is almost completely occupied by Jews and Muslims, with Christians
numbering less than 2% of the population in many places. Even that number is in danger of shrinking--soon, Christians might disappear completely from the land where Christianity was born. <o:p></o:p></div>
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As it
stands today, these are the primary sites of Christian pilgrimage: Bethlehem,
where Jesus was born, Nazareth, where he grew up, and Jerusalem, where he died.
<o:p></o:p></div>
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Sadly, I
was not able to visit Bethlehem due to time constraints, but many Christian
pilgrims still visit every year, especially around Christmas. However, many
more are dissuaded from visiting because modern Bethlehem is located within the
West Bank, a hotbed of violence between Israelis and Palestinians. </div>
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The main
churches are listed by UNESCO as endangered world heritage sites, and there are
sporadic outbreaks of violence. Getting permission to visit is difficult. </div>
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It is
the sad but true situation that the Holy Land, sacred to Jews, Christians, and
Muslims, has historically been a center for violence, and it certainly hasn't
calmed down in the modern era. Regardless, I felt very safe during my time in
the Middle East, and I hope that with the proper precautions, people continue to visit these amazing places. <o:p></o:p></div>
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Anyway,
the focus of pilgrimage to Bethlehem is the Church of the Nativity, a small
church maintained by the even smaller Palestinian Christian community. The main
body of the church covers a cave which traditionally marks the birthplace of
Jesus. Of course, this is almost entirely speculation, as no one was around to
mark the exact location of Jesus’ birth. Still, I think it is moving to realize
that pilgrims have come here for almost two millennia, paying their respects to
the birthplace of Christ. <o:p></o:p></div>
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Now I
would like to briefly change gears. There has been a fair amount of Biblical
scholarship that suggests the true location of the birth of Christ was not actually
Bethlehem at all. Christmas may really have started in Nazareth. It is true that Jesus spends
much of the Bible in and around Nazareth. Was that where he was born as well?<o:p></o:p></div>
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There
are several things that make this interpretation seem reasonable to me. For
one, the birth of Jesus is really the only event that takes place in Bethlehem.
In the Bible, Jesus grows up in Nazareth and spends much of his adult life
there. </div>
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The writers of the Bible may have changed his birthplace to Bethlehem in
order to symbolically establish his connection to King David, an ancestor of
Jesus who was also born in Bethlehem. But ultimately, this mystery will probably
never be resolved—and that’s okay. It’s the story of Christmas that counts. <o:p></o:p></div>
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Truly,
walking up to the massive Basilica of the Annunciation in Nazareth, I could see
the power of story in action. As often at monuments such as this, my neck
was sore from looking almost permanently straight up. I shuffled along with the
others, a healthy mix of pilgrims and tourists that exists at most sights in the
Holy Land. Gradually we made our way inside. <o:p></o:p></div>
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“Whoa.”
I let out a long exhale as I stepped into the interior of the church. The
central hall was formed by two levels, one stacked upon the other, and both
ornately decorated in the Roman Catholic tradition. The second level was a
stream of color, containing row upon row of elaborate artworks donated by Christians
of various nations. The first level was plain, but it seemed to naturally
provide a sacred space that enveloped visitors in silence. <o:p></o:p></div>
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All of
this crowned the central altar of the church, its most holy spot. But there was
no altar. Instead there was a shallow pit, lit only by candlelight, from which
vague chanting could be heard. This was the Grotto of the Annunciation, to many
the holiest site in Nazareth. Soon I was at the edge of the pit, looking down.
In it was the altar, the center of the church, in front of a small cave. I
spent the next few minutes paying my respects in silence.<o:p></o:p></div>
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According
to tradition, this cave is where the Angel Gabriel announced (Annunciation) to
Mary that she would have a son, who would become Jesus. The Basilica over it
was built at the same time as the Church of the Nativity in Bethlehem and is
viewed by many as having equal importance. The Annunciation is really the first
event in the story of Jesus Christ. </div>
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Would it then, perhaps, be valid to say
that Christmas began here? That, I suppose, is a matter of individual
interpretation. Certainly Christmas can be traced back to real history and
connected to real places. But whether you are a Christian, a historian, or
merely curious, the true origin of Christmas is probably best left to
faith. <o:p></o:p></div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03623132757828654639noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1492229319835151187.post-61371885516007448712014-12-06T22:40:00.002-06:002014-12-06T22:40:58.674-06:00A Story of India: Travel Talks<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.youtube.com/embed/M0MoyFXmfWE?feature=player_embedded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>
<br />
<br />
Hello everyone! Here's a short video of a talk I gave recently about my trip to India. For a little back story, in addition to this blog, I also give talks about my travels at senior homes and libraries around my area. This is the unveiling of my newest talk, based on my experiences in India this summer.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03623132757828654639noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1492229319835151187.post-24061830631690519342014-11-28T02:56:00.000-06:002014-11-28T02:56:02.082-06:00An Assault on the Senses?<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
What exactly is an assault on the
senses? My senses certainly felt assaulted as I dashed through the backstreets
of the city near the Shrine of Nizamuddin, very much focused on what I was
doing, which was leaving where I was. The prospect of being killed has a
tendency to sharpen your observational powers. I took in everything, but I had time to
process none of it. <o:p></o:p></div>
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Afterwards I could mull over my
experience, remembering the shouts of shopkeepers in the alley, the fragrant
purple petals strewn over the green Tomb of Amir Khusro, and the funny blue pen
I used to hastily scribble down my name on the record of donors, more out of immediate
necessity than any charitable spirit. But not in the moment. Right then I was
overloaded with the cacophony of sounds, the brilliant spectrum of colors, and
the feel of people pressing in from all sides, all swirling around like a
vortex. I wanted none of it. <o:p></o:p></div>
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Michael
Wood, an eminent English historian and adventurer whom I idolize, is the first
person I ever heard use the phrase “India is an assault on the senses.” He was
not the last. Along with Slumdog Millionaire, the “sensory overload” concept
has become so associated with India that it is the first thing many people
think of when India is mentioned. I would have great difficulty recounting the
number of people that came up and warned me about the assault on my senses, in
one way or another, before I traveled there. A quick internet search will turn
up a dozen blog posts and a half dozen more movie quotes that relate to this.
Clearly it has been deeply ingrained in society by those who have traveled to
India and returned to tell their tales. Thus, my point is not to drum into you
that India will leave you feeling dizzy at times—it will. Instead, I want to pose
a question about the supposed assault on the senses: is it actually true? <o:p></o:p></div>
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This is
not by any means a new sentiment. The first Western traveler to reach the heart
of India was Megasthenes, an ambassador of the Greeks that followed Alexander
the Great. Upon arrival at India’s great imperial city, Patna, in the fourth
century B.C., Megasthenes and his fellow Greeks were awestruck by the splendor
of India. “I have seen the great cities of East,” he wrote. “I have seen the
Persian Palaces of Susa and Echbatana, but this is the greatest city in the
world<sup>1</sup>.” <o:p></o:p></div>
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Many
Western travelers today, though, are struck by disturbing images and chaos, rather
than beauty and splendor. However, that does not mean that the underlying cause
is not the same. India is perhaps not as much an assault on the senses as on
the sensibilities. Fresh travelers from America and Europe are shocked by how
different and distinct India really is. Thus I personally do not think India is
an assault on the senses—that implies an attack from the outside. India is
simply so foreign that it is easy to be swept away. Perhaps it would be more
accurate to say that India yanks the rug out from under you. It is an attack
from the inside. <o:p></o:p></div>
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There is
joy to be found in the chaos. If I was ever overwhelmed by India, I found it
helpful to remember that there are 1.2 billion people who live through it every
day. Certainly if they can do it, I can too. It takes a bit of getting used to
at first, but the good traveler eventually becomes accustomed to the extremes
of India as well as its quirks. There is joy to be found because I think the
only way to truly appreciate India is to step right into the middle of it. India
is not the only place where there is still old world craziness—for me,
Jerusalem and Cairo also come to mind. But there is a special charm to India—something
that suggests it can absorb everything it finds useful while still maintaining
an identity that is uniquely its own. That special kind of chaos is truly
Indian. <o:p></o:p></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03623132757828654639noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1492229319835151187.post-28583348385246876612012-12-30T09:43:00.001-06:002012-12-30T09:43:24.433-06:00Travel Presentation/TalkHey everyone. Sorry for not posting for so long. Lately, I have been focusing more on speaking engagements that I have ended up getting around town, and my blog has suffered as a result. I have also been working on a massive project for around five months that will soon be unveiled... but the point is, I will be trying to get back into the swing of things. <br />
The presentation I crafted for speaking at local events is called 'My Travels,' and it covers the highlights of almost every country I have ever visited. During the talk, I share my very best (and funniest) travel stories and experiences. It is very entertaining as well as informative (in my opinion), and I try to give a good picture of the world as I see it. It is a little long, lasting for a little over an hour, so you don't have to watch the whole thing. Just give it a quick look if you are interested. You can find the presentation on YouTube by clicking <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QmyTr1C8jlA" target="_blank">here</a>. Thanks!Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03623132757828654639noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1492229319835151187.post-5034233214106282092012-09-22T06:00:00.000-05:002014-12-23T20:16:55.829-06:00Longs Peak-A Photographic OdysseyHi guys! For those of you who want to see more fantastic Longs Peak photos, I've posted them on Google+. Sorry about not putting them on my site... Blogger is angering me right now. But you can still see them by clicking the link below.<br />
<br />
<a href="https://plus.google.com/u/0/photos/106509614990983021023/albums/5781105332631234241" target="_blank">Longs Peak--A Photographic Odyssey</a><br />
<br />
Click the little arrows on either side of the screen to advance the photos. If you really like a photo, you can +1 it in the lower right hand corner. Enjoy!Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03623132757828654639noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1492229319835151187.post-59343626422444107132012-09-19T06:00:00.000-05:002012-09-19T06:00:07.496-05:00Inside the Great Pyramid of Giza-literally!
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: large;">I scrape my head on the low roof
as I enter, dropping my tiny flashlight. “Ow,” I mumble, annoyed. I search the
ground for my flashlight As soon as I find it, I continue on.</span></div>
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</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>The
grey, rocky tunnel continues for what seem like miles. As I climb further, I
brace my hands against the rough hewn walls, carved thousands of years ago.
Tiny wooden boards are placed on the floor so that you don’t slip. With the
angle of the tunnel, a slip like that could mean death. I slowly make my way
further downward, every step bringing me deeper into history. The path is lit
by dim, flickering lights. I can only see a few feet in front of me. The walls
of the tunnel are moist and slippery, as if they are wet. Or that could just be
my palms. </span></span></div>
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</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Ahead
of me, the downward slope of the tunnel ends, and I can’t see what lies beyond.
The tunnel is narrow here, enough to repel anyone with even the slightest
claustrophobia. I make my way closer to the yawning opening. As I pass through,
I gasp in awe. “The Grand Gallery,” I whisper.</span></span></div>
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</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>I am
inside the Great Pyramid of Giza, built 4,500 years ago for the pharaoh. As
king of Egypt, the pharaoh was placed to rest in these very tunnels. He was then
supposed to be sealed off for the rest of eternity. He probably didn’t think
that tourists would find their way inside.</span></span></div>
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</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>I
turn on my flashlight and shine it at the farthest corners of the Gallery. Here,
the tunnel gets much wider and slopes upward. The walls, formerly rough, are
now as smooth as glass. They meet at the top of the hall to form a pyramid
shape, 20 feet above our heads. The whole room is grandiose, fit for the
Pharaoh. “Wow,” I say to myself.</span></span></div>
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</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>I
start to climb higher, toward the Pharaoh’s burial chamber. I get ever more
excited the closer I get. Everything looks just like I had imagined it. I search
the left side of the Gallery for the secret passage discovered by
archaeologists, but am unable to find it. I run my fingers along the stone
benches that line the walls. I can see the end of the Gallery. Pretty soon, I
am gripping the railing and heaving myself over the large stone slab that marks
the end of the Gallery. </span></span></div>
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</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>The Pharaoh’s
Chamber! It is a tall, boxy room with a low ceiling. A small fan putters away
in the corner. Electrical lights flicker and hum noisily. Not quite the vision
of grandeur that the name suggests! But I don’t care. I love the room anyway. This
was where the pharaoh was buried! That’s what makes this place worth seeing. </span></span></div>
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</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>I begin
to investigate the room with my tiny circle of light. Soon, I discover the small
openings in the walls that have been termed the “air shafts” by archaeologists.
They go all the way to the exterior of the pyramid, and may have served a
religious purpose. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I also see the huge,
broken sarcophagus that lies at the center of the room. I walk over to it. It
is completely empty, and one corner is snapped off. Was this where the pharaoh
was placed? Maybe. </span></span></div>
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</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>I enjoy
the room of the Pharaoh for a few more minutes, all too aware that my time here
is growing short. No, my time here is out. Taking one last look at the
sarcophagus, I reluctantly turn and leave the chamber. Down
through the Gallery I go. Down through the little opening in the wall. Back up through
the Tunnel. Finally, I step out into the warm light of the Egyptian sun, out of
the magic of the pyramid, and back into the real world.</span> <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03623132757828654639noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1492229319835151187.post-91013375725150397142012-09-16T08:36:00.001-05:002012-09-16T08:36:05.793-05:00SorrySorry for not posting this week guys. I've been pretty busy lately, and haven't had a chance to write any new material. Hope to be getting back to posting this Wednesday!Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03623132757828654639noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1492229319835151187.post-40452415613060605462012-09-09T06:00:00.001-05:002012-09-09T14:43:22.299-05:00Heart of Jerusalem-The Markets<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">The markets are really the beating,
pulsing heart of Jerusalem. They are places where you can really take a few
hours and lose yourself in the culture. If you’re willing to push through the
crowds, and be harassed by a few vendors, you just might end up with a lifelong
memory.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>I love
to wander the backstreets of Jerusalem. At first, I wasn’t too excited about
going down alleys when there were so many great historical sights nearby. But
eventually, I realized that this was a great way to experience Middle Eastern
Culture. This is where the real people of Jerusalem live, not just those people
that put on a smile every day for tourists. Whether they’re bartering for rugs
or buying a video game (yep, they have those too), the markets are the center
of daily life in Jerusalem. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>My
favorite part of the any market is the spice shop. The first time I walked into
a spice shop, I was amazed. They only sell spices! There were hundreds of
varieties. And I had spent my time thinking that spices came in a little red bottle
labeled Tabasco! I quite enjoyed wandering my way through the pyramids of
oregano, cinnamon, and red peppers, and taking in the rich aroma. And the
color! There is an explosion of color such as you have never seen in your life!
Reds, yellows, and greens abound everywhere you look. </span></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/--K0Q5QKSlpg/UEPe2PgROjI/AAAAAAAABlc/64C3nzsp7RQ/s1600/Middle+East+May+2012+642.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/--K0Q5QKSlpg/UEPe2PgROjI/AAAAAAAABlc/64C3nzsp7RQ/s320/Middle+East+May+2012+642.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Another
great experience I had in the markets was stopping at a local restaurant. But
not just any restaurant—a pizza place! Another thing that you wouldn’t expect
in the Middle East. Probably not a good idea (because we might have gotten
horribly sick), but it ended up okay. It actually wasn’t bad pizza. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;"></span> </div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Nm1zdHCE2k8/UEPflSNWfhI/AAAAAAAABlw/cDKGSkTF0rQ/s1600/Middle+East+May+2012+744.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Nm1zdHCE2k8/UEPflSNWfhI/AAAAAAAABlw/cDKGSkTF0rQ/s320/Middle+East+May+2012+744.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">That’s why I enjoy the markets of Jerusalem. Here are a few more market pictures.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;"></span> </div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;"></span> </div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-7o1D8auZ0vk/UEPgCj3OScI/AAAAAAAABl4/wK8gchwpGcc/s1600/Middle+East+May+2012+636.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-7o1D8auZ0vk/UEPgCj3OScI/AAAAAAAABl4/wK8gchwpGcc/s320/Middle+East+May+2012+636.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
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Strawberry fields, forever</div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-DbPryOB0eFs/UEPgG-SjZzI/AAAAAAAABmA/-S_Qv5_eTVo/s1600/Middle+East+May+2012+640.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-DbPryOB0eFs/UEPgG-SjZzI/AAAAAAAABmA/-S_Qv5_eTVo/s320/Middle+East+May+2012+640.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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Pork on a hook, anyone?</div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-i8qNSMn-GQM/UEPgwxHgYGI/AAAAAAAABmI/rl8ta7WXrVI/s1600/Middle+East+May+2012+642.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-i8qNSMn-GQM/UEPgwxHgYGI/AAAAAAAABmI/rl8ta7WXrVI/s320/Middle+East+May+2012+642.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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A spice Mount, crowned by its own miniature Dome of the Rock</div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Z8ARS6hR5v0/UEPgy367GCI/AAAAAAAABmQ/cb7iXvDn8pA/s1600/Middle+East+May+2012+672.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Z8ARS6hR5v0/UEPgy367GCI/AAAAAAAABmQ/cb7iXvDn8pA/s320/Middle+East+May+2012+672.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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Shops close up like lockers at night</div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-W-6cvnVVKDw/UEPg4lpzZ9I/AAAAAAAABmo/InrnC-a7qCY/s1600/Middle+East+May+2012+733.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-W-6cvnVVKDw/UEPg4lpzZ9I/AAAAAAAABmo/InrnC-a7qCY/s320/Middle+East+May+2012+733.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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Getting your greens</div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-STzqQfJAfXU/UEPg1HW9nGI/AAAAAAAABmY/FfqxZzoUCZU/s1600/Middle+East+May+2012+730.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-STzqQfJAfXU/UEPg1HW9nGI/AAAAAAAABmY/FfqxZzoUCZU/s320/Middle+East+May+2012+730.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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Who doesn't like corn on the cob?</div>
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03623132757828654639noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1492229319835151187.post-2697196160371567052012-09-05T06:00:00.000-05:002012-09-09T14:43:28.083-05:00The Treasury, Petra<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: large;">The canyon walls press in on me
like a vice. As I walk deeper into the dark and narrow corridor, I can see less
and less sky. It gets darker a I wind my way further along the twisting path. I
break into a run. The light gets brighter and brighter. At last, the dark
canyon opens up, and I see it. “The Treasury,” I say breathlessly.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was magnificent.</span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: large;">A few minutes later, we are
seated at a table with our guide. He is no stranger to tourists, and he has
positioned himself deliberately so that we can gaze at the Treasury over his
head. “We are in Petra, the ancient capital of the Nabateans,” he says, even
though we aren’t paying attention. “It is one of the most famous sites in
Jordan.” We could tell, because the Treasury was mobbed with tourists. Other
historical sites in Jordan could be practically empty, with just you and the
wind. But I’m not thinking about any of this. I’m just gawking at the Treasury.
</span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>The
Treasury is carved into the side of a cliff. Light dances along its face like
leaves rustling in the wind. The multicolored stone almost makes it blend in
with the rock around.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It looks like a
palace, even though it is merely a box on the inside. </span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Camels
are arrayed out in front of the Treasury, waiting to give eager tourists a
ride. The sight of them in front the Treasury makes this place all the more
Middle Eastern. </span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: large;">It is quite an amazing
experience to see the Treasury for the first time. The ancients deliberately
positioned it at the end of the Siq, a long canyon, to look even more
impressive. After you come out of the winding, narrow, chasm, and see the
Treasury in all of its glory, it looks almost magical.</span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>We
get up and walk over to the Treasury. I want to go inside, but it is blocked
off by fence. “Archaeological work by my former colleagues,” explains our
guide, as if anticipating my question. I walk up to the fence and take a look
beyond. </span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>On
the other side of the fence, there is a pit that is around 10 feet deep. At the
bottom is what looks like doors. “They could be part of the Treasury!” I say to myself,
excitedly. Perhaps it is even bigger than it looks.</span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>I
think through what I know about its history. No one knows why it was built,
with the main theories being either a temple or a tomb. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It is, however, agreed that the Treasury is <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">not </i>a treasury. That name comes from the
Bedouin mythology about the site, which states that it was where the pharaoh
hid his wealth. Tiny bullet holes pock-mark the Treasury’s façade where locals
tried to shoot it open and access its wealth.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> <span style="font-size: large;"> </span></span></span><span style="font-size: large;">It
also appeared in Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade. If you can all recall,
this was where Indiana Jones rode at the end of the movie in search of the Holy
Grail. There, he was met by challenges to protect it, and finally confronted an
old knight. In real life, though, it is just a box on the inside (I know, I’m disappointed
too). But the movie was filmed here, and that gives Petra at least some credit.</span><br />
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</div>
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</span><div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Finally,
it is time to go. I am sad to leave the Treasury, but I know that I still have
all of Petra ahead of me. As I turn a corner, I take one last look at the
Treasury. Then it is gone.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></span></div>
</div>
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<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span></span></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03623132757828654639noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1492229319835151187.post-47167798885308249062012-08-26T20:02:00.003-05:002012-09-01T17:51:53.602-05:00Rise to the Summit-Pt. 1<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>The
Rocky Mountains are beautiful at night. I hear the soft breath of wind in the
grass; see the full moon illuminating the landscape as if it were day. There is
almost no one on the roads. Town is abandoned, which makes it seem a little
eerie as we drive through in our noisy white car. Before I know it, we’re at
the trailhead. “We’ll get a good parking spot,” my Dad says. That’s clear,
because there is practically no one there. The only other person I can see is
our guide, who beckons eagerly as he lights up his headlamp. As soon as we can
strap on all of our gear, we start hiking.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: large;">Longs Peak. 14,249 feet. Takes
between 11 and 15 hours. 14 miles round trip. Number of potentially lethal
scenarios: a lot. All of these things are going through my head as I start
climbing one of the most difficult mountains in Rocky Mountain National Park,
and certainly the hardest one I had ever tried. Here I was, at 12:30 in the
morning, strapping on hiking shoes and a headlamp in order to climb a mountain
that averaged at least one death per year. How did I get into this? However,
these thoughts are quickly pushed from my mind as I start to lose myself in the
trail.</span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: large;">The first few hours pass with
relatively little interest. Besides the added challenge of only being able to
see a few feet in front of you, it is pretty much regular hiking. </span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: large;">I am amazed by how fast the minutes—and
miles—seem to pass when it’s nighttime. It’s like your brain is too sleepy to
realize that your body is already getting tired. Anyway, by the time we’ve gone
over a few rivers and through a lot of woods, it is actually pretty fun. Before
I know it, we’ve arrived at the treeline. </span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: large;">Despite the name, there is no
real “line” where the trees stop. It happens gradually, as the huge trees start
to be replaced by smaller shrubs and lichens. I start to notice this change of
surroundings as we slowly make our way further up the mountain. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Having no trees, of course, makes the view
much better. Still, I spend most of my time staring at the ground in order to
avoid harming myself on any roots or rocks. The first chance I get to take a
look around is during a water break. I am not disappointed.</span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: large;">The mountains around us are
silhouetted against the night sky. Their vast, lurking shapes are like sleeping
giants. The night sky is pure, with a full moon and stars shining like cold
steel. You can see beyond the mountains and into the plains of Colorado, where
the twinkling lights of cities dot the landscape. Below us, more hikers make
their way up the mountain, their headlamps looking like little candles in a
huge religious procession. The whole scene is surreal. </span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: large;">I am tugged from my amazement by
the sound of our guide’s voice. “Let’s get going,” he said. We quickly pack up
our stuff and get back on the trail. Slowly, the top of the ridge gets closer,
and closer, and closer. More hours pass as we hike closer to our goal.</span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>I
catch my first glimpse of the Boulderfield. True to its name, it is covered in
humongous boulders of odd shapes and angles. Little tents are pitched for those
who complete the climb in two stages. </span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: large;">We start crawling over the first
boulders. I can still only see a few feet in front of me, and the going is
tough. We pass boulder after boulder after boulder, seeming not to get
anywhere. Rocks the size of trucks lie in our path</span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Eventually
we make our way to the small camp, where a gurgling stream runs. Our guide
fills up our now depleted water bottles in the stream, and puts in drops of water
cleaner. Apparently, you need to do this to clean the fecal matter out of the
mountain water. We carefully replace our bottles inside our packs so that we
don’t drink any before it is clean. </span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: large;">I’m starting to quite enjoy
wearing a headlamp. The 90 lumens of brightness cut through the darkness like
scissors, and the light follows your gaze. Although the only thing I’m looking
at is the ground. </span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: large;">At that point, I was actually
beginning to feel tired, dusty, and altogether unhappy to be climbing that
mountain at such an ungodly hour. But the sunrise made it all worth it. As I
looked out over the mountains and saw the magnificent first rays of light
coming over the horizon, I forgot about everything. </span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: large;">All of the scenery was lit up
with a warm, golden light. The surrounding mountains, formerly cloaked in
shadow, are now illuminated in every detail. The enveloping sunlight frames the
land as if it were a painting. The new light reveals to me exactly how far we
have climbed, which is a lot. We are already nearly even with the tops of the
other mountains. I look out over Twin Sisters, Estes Cone, all of those
mountains that were once the hardest I had ever climbed. Briefly, I smile,
thinking how easy they seemed to me now. </span></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-EMH1J2EXkS8/UEKDUbhY-ZI/AAAAAAAABdw/V5hrMMZf7iI/s1600/Colorado+2012+486.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: large;"></span></a><br /></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: large;">My Dad is snapping sunrise
pictures like crazy. I pose for a few of them, making sure that I look like a
rugged adventurer. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span> </div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: large;">Longs Peak itself is horribly
exposed in the new light. The jagged peak stands out against the sky like a
crow. Nearby, I can see our objective, the Keyhole. It will be our door to the
other side of the mountain, from which we will make our final ascent. I can
tell that it will be a long and arduous climb.</span><br />
</div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: large;"> We make our way ever closer to
the Keyhole, weaving our way through (and over) progressively larger boulders. It
is a lot farther than it looks. We stop several times for water and rest.
Closer, closer, closer. The Keyhole, once tiny, now looks monstrous. Finally,
we are there. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: large;"></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><br />
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</div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: large;">I climb triumphantly toward the
Keyhole, not knowing what to expect on the other side. My hand grips the
boulders at its base, bringing me nearer to it. At last, I pull myself onto the
platform. I stand at the top, under that massive rock formation, and look
through. A huge abyss waits to swallow me. For a second I wonder whether to go
through, whether my long prepared resolve would carry me through to the other
side. I step through.</span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: x-large;"><strong>To be continued… in <a href="http://travelprep.blogspot.com/2012/08/longs-peak-climb-keyhole-route.html" target="_blank">The Conclusion</a></strong></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: x-large;"></span> </div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: x-large;"></span> </div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-EMH1J2EXkS8/UEKDUbhY-ZI/AAAAAAAABdw/V5hrMMZf7iI/s1600/Colorado+2012+486.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-EMH1J2EXkS8/UEKDUbhY-ZI/AAAAAAAABdw/V5hrMMZf7iI/s320/Colorado+2012+486.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">The Boulderfield, looking like a strange, alien ocean. This is the first time that it was light enough to take pictures.</span> </div>
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</div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-IghC7zeOKz8/UEKEVxjOQhI/AAAAAAAABd4/gC4eC6x3q5Q/s1600/Colorado+2012+480.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-IghC7zeOKz8/UEKEVxjOQhI/AAAAAAAABd4/gC4eC6x3q5Q/s320/Colorado+2012+480.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Climbing towards the Keyhole over huge rocks</span></div>
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</div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-gq0S21lisro/UEKIjS34wYI/AAAAAAAABe4/ZaofNogy6zg/s1600/Colorado+2012+492.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-gq0S21lisro/UEKIjS34wYI/AAAAAAAABe4/ZaofNogy6zg/s320/Colorado+2012+492.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Me, enjoying the beautiful sunrise.</span></div>
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</div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-bUtBwnUQvkk/UEKIh2PoD8I/AAAAAAAABew/o2j-RrxvjJA/s1600/Colorado+2012+488.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-bUtBwnUQvkk/UEKIh2PoD8I/AAAAAAAABew/o2j-RrxvjJA/s320/Colorado+2012+488.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: center; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: large;"> Getting closer to the Keyhole as dawn breaks</span></div>
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</div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-se-kkaPsLck/UEKEnmfODnI/AAAAAAAABeA/0GoG_s3JmJk/s1600/Colorado+2012+491.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-se-kkaPsLck/UEKEnmfODnI/AAAAAAAABeA/0GoG_s3JmJk/s320/Colorado+2012+491.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">The harsh front face of Longs Peak</span></div>
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</div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-wAL0FhG329w/UEKE8m_36QI/AAAAAAAABeI/uN3HGTU76r4/s1600/Colorado+2012+496.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-wAL0FhG329w/UEKE8m_36QI/AAAAAAAABeI/uN3HGTU76r4/s320/Colorado+2012+496.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: large;">Finally at the Keyhole, uncertain of what lies beyond</span></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03623132757828654639noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1492229319835151187.post-73949234149922401672012-08-26T20:00:00.004-05:002012-09-01T18:34:24.058-05:00Rise to the Summit-Conclusion<strong><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: x-large;"></span></strong><br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: large;">Continued from Part 1</span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>I am
on the other side of the Keyhole, the massive rock formation that leads hikers
to the final ascent onto Longs Peak. I have already been climbing for at least
four hours, and completed most of the mileage. However, I know looking out over
the path that the miles I have left will be far harder. </span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: large;">As I stand on the other side of
the Keyhole, I look down into a void. The mountain plunges sharply, meaning any
missteps will lead to a several hundred foot fall. I can see all the way back
to the valley floor. My stomach lurches. I may not be afraid of heights, but I
am afraid of dying. </span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: large;">I pull myself away from the
cliff only long enough to see the path that we still have ahead of us, which is
just as terrifying. Tiny red bull’s-eyes are painted to show you the route
across the otherwise vertical cliff face. In a good place, that route is two or
three feet wide. In a bad place, the same route is only inches. All the way,
slippery rock drops straight down to a sure death. </span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: large;">My guide, seemingly heedless to
all of this, bounds on happily. He seems as chipper as ever, probably because
he has navigated this deathly expanse before. My Dad and I cautiously follow,
always keeping an eye on the huge drop next to us.</span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: large;">Inch by inch we make our way
forward, lodging our feet on tiny pieces of rock. Sometimes, we have to shimmy
across along the smooth faces of boulders, all the while knowing that losing
our foothold could mean meeting our creator. Sometimes, we diverged from the
path in order to pursue a less dangerous path. </span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: large;">This section of the trail is
called The Ledges, and it is easy to see why. Really, it is impossible to get
away from a ledge. This whole face of the mountain is almost vertical, and the
trail itself is on an angle, so there really aren’t any “ledges.” The whole
thing is one giant ledge!</span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: large;">We journey closer to the Peak
ever more slowly. It is tiring, and we often have to stop for breaks. Not to
mention the psychological effect of the nearby plunge to death. </span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: large;">At length, we make it past The
Narrows. One short scramble over a boulder and I can see the Trough. Here the
route turns away from the cliff and on towards the summit. I am relieved to be
away from the cliff, but I am worried about the incline of this piece. It looks
to be steeper than any part that has come before. Unfortunately for us, it is.</span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: large;">We make just as slow of a pace
up the Trough. I have a little fun bounding up the rocks, but it is soon
overcome by the monotony of the climb. It is hard work. Grab, pull, step. Grab,
pull, step. Over and over again. My Dad is beginning to fall behind, and we
have to stop frequently to rest. The Trough seems endless. </span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: large;">We are nearing the top. The
bleak scene of rocks and grey dirt begins to melt away, and I can see the sky.
We are over! For a second, my heart leaps. However, my joy at being done with
one trial quickly disappears as I realize there is a greater one ahead. </span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: large;">On top of the Trough, I look
into an abyss just as great as that of the Keyhole. The path, known here as the
Narrows, once again winds its way along the steep mountainside.</span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: large;">One more quick stop and we are
off. Once more, we carefully toe the thin path of the Narrows. Once more, we
look down at a long drop. Once more, I wonder if this is ever going to end. </span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: large;">The view is depressing. I can
only see more cold stone and steep drops. The mountain seems ever more
unfriendly. I look down the cliff and see a pile of skeletons (okay, maybe I
made that part up).</span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: large;">Everything is the same.
Everything blurs together. I can no longer tell one stone from the next. It is
almost dull when we find ourselves on the other side of the Narrows. However, I
am quickly excited again when our guide tells us that this is the Homestretch.
This is almost the top! I can barely contain my excitement.</span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: large;">With renewed vigor, we start
climbing. I bound up rocks as if I hadn’t been climbing since midnight. We were
near the Peak!</span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: large;">The Homestretch is the <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">single</i> hardest part of the climb. It is
almost as if it was placed at the end intentionally, as one final hurdle for
intrepid hikers. It looks almost vertical from afar, but upon closer examination
is actually a little sloped. This made it easier. But not too much easier.</span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: large;">As we climb onward, my scarcely
operating mind begins to wonder if this is really the top. What if the guide
has misled us? What if we still have more climbing to do, or miles to go? I
keep climbing.</span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: large;">The first glimpse I catch of the
top is almost like a mirage. “It can’t be flat,” I thought, “It has to keep
going higher.” But it is flat! As I pull myself over the edge, onto that
paradise of flat ground, I felt the greatest pride I have ever felt. I had done
it! I had climbed Longs Peak! </span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: large;">The views were incredible. There
are hardly words to describe such beauty, such sheer scale and magnitude. The landscape
before us looked like a vast ocean, churning with the foam of clouds. The peaks
of mountains were like islands far below and far away. The air was pure and
chill, like the breath of angels. Beams of sunlight came down like flowing
water. Far away, in the flatlands of Colorado, I could see the swaying fields
spread out like honey. </span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: large;">I see the cliffs and sheer drops
that we made our way across. I see the vast expanse of boulders and those
little tents. I see, far below, the beginnings of the treeline. And I hear the
soft breath of wind in the grass…</span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: large;">And then I remember that I still
have to get back down.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: large;"></span> </div>
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</div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-VKsi4niI0RI/UEKRsBgHD9I/AAAAAAAABfc/VrTLJzIUGD4/s1600/Colorado+2012+607.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-VKsi4niI0RI/UEKRsBgHD9I/AAAAAAAABfc/VrTLJzIUGD4/s320/Colorado+2012+607.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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</div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: left; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: large;"> I love this one</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: large;"></span> </div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-6zrBSxWy1nE/UEKWE3IHnMI/AAAAAAAABgA/DCPCn0YHWcM/s1600/Colorado+2012+501.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-6zrBSxWy1nE/UEKWE3IHnMI/AAAAAAAABgA/DCPCn0YHWcM/s320/Colorado+2012+501.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">The view that greeted me as I stepped through the Keyhole</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-MfHgEEYNDHs/UEKWHDOcmkI/AAAAAAAABgI/w6ZFvc2lTtQ/s1600/Colorado+2012+502.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-MfHgEEYNDHs/UEKWHDOcmkI/AAAAAAAABgI/w6ZFvc2lTtQ/s320/Colorado+2012+502.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Climbing at a rather odd angle</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-kMuMFZb6nwU/UEKWJM2CZbI/AAAAAAAABgQ/eSczYsdYuv8/s1600/Colorado+2012+504.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-kMuMFZb6nwU/UEKWJM2CZbI/AAAAAAAABgQ/eSczYsdYuv8/s320/Colorado+2012+504.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
The Red bulls-eyes that mark the path</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1dDb3WQO22s/UEKWMvZ1wZI/AAAAAAAABgY/b5mLq25py_c/s1600/Colorado+2012+507.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1dDb3WQO22s/UEKWMvZ1wZI/AAAAAAAABgY/b5mLq25py_c/s320/Colorado+2012+507.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
The path was <em>wide</em> here</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/--P-yJ0v88fE/UEKWPaX0U6I/AAAAAAAABgk/pPA4Fl1-ZQk/s1600/Colorado+2012+511.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/--P-yJ0v88fE/UEKWPaX0U6I/AAAAAAAABgk/pPA4Fl1-ZQk/s320/Colorado+2012+511.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Looking up the enormous Trough, a long and tough climb</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-a6EwQIrPh5E/UEKWRRNoC9I/AAAAAAAABgs/KTfu05B0MJo/s1600/Colorado+2012+514.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-a6EwQIrPh5E/UEKWRRNoC9I/AAAAAAAABgs/KTfu05B0MJo/s320/Colorado+2012+514.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Looking at the back at the Narrows. Another hiker is making his way across</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-R6a2Hy6G2rw/UEKWTuz-LBI/AAAAAAAABg0/XHoRZVnq60g/s1600/Colorado+2012+515.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-R6a2Hy6G2rw/UEKWTuz-LBI/AAAAAAAABg0/XHoRZVnq60g/s320/Colorado+2012+515.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Taking a rest on one of the more level areas, we enjoy the breathtaking view</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-1nAaFixmOxo/UEKWWAv8jrI/AAAAAAAABg8/riFnJzXllhU/s1600/Colorado+2012+516.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-1nAaFixmOxo/UEKWWAv8jrI/AAAAAAAABg8/riFnJzXllhU/s320/Colorado+2012+516.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Looking at a different section of the Narrows, the path is not even visible</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-eQ8ZNH-E8NE/UEKWX6CTauI/AAAAAAAABhE/zVMIyhv871c/s1600/Colorado+2012+518.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-eQ8ZNH-E8NE/UEKWX6CTauI/AAAAAAAABhE/zVMIyhv871c/s320/Colorado+2012+518.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Looking up at the almost-vertical Homestretch</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-7rfE-L7UekU/UEKWcoA8EII/AAAAAAAABhQ/nICdJmpmLJ4/s1600/Colorado+2012+522.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-7rfE-L7UekU/UEKWcoA8EII/AAAAAAAABhQ/nICdJmpmLJ4/s320/Colorado+2012+522.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Climbing up to the Peak</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-exstwQIztDs/UEKWemq3wCI/AAAAAAAABhY/kub6PynZ9EQ/s1600/Colorado+2012+523.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-exstwQIztDs/UEKWemq3wCI/AAAAAAAABhY/kub6PynZ9EQ/s320/Colorado+2012+523.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Celebrating on top with a high five</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-CLn-BOraB-g/UEKWgU30QoI/AAAAAAAABhg/Q8Ky40bfNIQ/s1600/Colorado+2012+525.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-CLn-BOraB-g/UEKWgU30QoI/AAAAAAAABhg/Q8Ky40bfNIQ/s320/Colorado+2012+525.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
The great view over the valley</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-5aKxhOn08lk/UEKWitoS0JI/AAAAAAAABho/k8iu1-UCpXA/s1600/Colorado+2012+528.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-5aKxhOn08lk/UEKWitoS0JI/AAAAAAAABho/k8iu1-UCpXA/s320/Colorado+2012+528.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Me perched on top of the altitude marker, which marks the true peak</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-0eff5rhOhG8/UEKWrwIKTOI/AAAAAAAABh8/Bju_zP8DnQA/s1600/Colorado+2012+533.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-0eff5rhOhG8/UEKWrwIKTOI/AAAAAAAABh8/Bju_zP8DnQA/s320/Colorado+2012+533.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
The sea of mountains</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-WwfNxXJQwyc/UEKWvD0XrTI/AAAAAAAABiI/jRHs5nnLiDo/s1600/Colorado+2012+535.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-WwfNxXJQwyc/UEKWvD0XrTI/AAAAAAAABiI/jRHs5nnLiDo/s320/Colorado+2012+535.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
The elevation marker, at the highest point</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
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One of the crystal-clear mountain lakes, reflecting the clouds</div>
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Mountains rolling off into the distance</div>
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The brutal front face of Longs Peak</div>
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Another amazing view, with the trees lapping the bottom of the mountains like water</div>
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Looking back down the Homestretch</div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"></span> Glory!</div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03623132757828654639noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1492229319835151187.post-76965693555877965852012-07-25T14:50:00.002-05:002012-08-26T20:06:41.200-05:00Helicopter Tour of Chicago<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: x-large;">Helicopter Tour of Chicago</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: large;">Today, I took a helicopter tour with of the city of
Chicago with Sun Aero Helicopters. I have to say, seeing the tallest buildings
in Chicago up close out the side of a helicopter is awe-inspiring. I wrote this
review about the Sun Aero tours and about helicopter rides in general.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: x-large;">Before Going: 10/10</span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Reason for Score: I thought it would be cool to take a helicopter
tour</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: large;">Note: This review does not put the Sun Aero Helicopter
Tour on scale with other 10/10s, like the Pyramids. The helicopter tour of
Chicago receives a 10/10 for Chicago, where there is not really an abundance of
world shattering historical sites. Still, riding a helicopter is pretty cool,
and is certainly worth a review on my site.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: x-large;">What is it?</span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">My review of the Sun Aero (don’t ask me about the name,
it seems weird to me too) Helicopter Tour is really broken up into three
distinct parts; the marshes, the lakefront, and the inner city. The tour begins
in a small airport/heliport outside of Chicago, from which you first visit the
marshes. The marshes, a name that I made up for this review, are a small area
outside of Chicago crisscrossed (yeah, that's a word) by canals and swamps. It is actually kind of fun
to see the tiny barges and shipping vessels meandering through the small locks
and waterways. However, this is far surpassed by the next part of the helicopter
tour, the lakefront. Imagine the view of Chicago that you always see on T.V.,
but outside the window of the helicopter! The lakefront tour takes you over
some of Chicago’s most famous landmarks, such as Soldier Field, the Museum of
Science and Industry, and the Shedd Aquarium. Still, my favorite part of the
whole helicopter tour is the inner city of Chicago. When I say Inner City, I
mean weaving in between buildings! The pilot of the helicopter took us right
around the skyscrapers that Chicago is famous for. We could even see the people
inside the Sears Tower! Lastly, we circled back around Chicago and returned to
the airport.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: x-large;">Why you should go:</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: large;">I would recommend a helicopter tour to three sets of
people; people who like thrills, people who like views, and people who like
Batman. People who like thrills would enjoy flying through the air in one of
the most unique machines on Earth, the helicopter. It isn’t exactly a roller
coaster ride, but I still found it exciting. Next, the helicopter is a great
vehicle to take in the views of Chicago. You can see every building and
monument in a way that you just couldn’t match from the ground. Not to mention that
you can take great pictures out the windows of the helicopter. Finally people
who like Batman are rewarded by the views of Gotham City, most of which was
constructed from Chicago. Christopher Nolan filmed most of the panoramic shots
of Gotham here, out the doors of helicopters, for his Dark Knight trilogy. I’ll
talk a little bit more about Batman in my next post. So, in summary, fans of adrenaline,
panoramas, and Gotham should go. Conveniently for me, I fall into all three of
those categories.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: x-large;">How:</span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">I don’t really have too much advice for this one. Make
sure to bring a coat, because it sometimes gets cold up there in flying
helicopters, and sunglasses, for the glare from buildings. The tour length
depends on how long you have scheduled for. Nevertheless, if you have the
option to, I recommend scheduling your tour in the morning. In my opinion, the
lighting is best at that time for helicopter riding. If you decide to take a
helicopter tour with Sun Aero, be aware that they are a little hard to make
plans with. Don’t forget to confirm your tour before making any definite
assumptions. Also, don’t forget to check the weather frequently before your
tour. The tour may be rescheduled if there is any sign of rain. Finally, don’t
get angry if the company tells you that their helicopter is broken. That
happened to me, but I figured that it was a lot better for it to break before
my tour than during it. You can find Sun Aero Helicopters at </span></span><a href="http://www.sunaerohelicopters.com/"><span style="color: blue; font-family: Calibri; font-size: large;">www.sunaerohelicopters.com</span></a><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: large;">. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: x-large;">After Going: 10/10</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: large;">Reason for Score: I could see the people in the Sears
Tower!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: large;">Email me at <a href="mailto:michaelworldtravel@gmail.com">michaelworldtravel@gmail.com</a> with anything; questions, comments, concerns, you name it.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><strong>Have you ever been in a helicopter? Or been to Chicago? Tell us about it in the comments section and you may be recognized in my next post.</strong></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">I apologize for the quality of the photos, my Dad only took ones where you can see me :)</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">I am not at all affiliated with Sun Aero Helicopters, I actually don't care about them whatsoever.</span></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-bnb3E3EblO4/UBLd6-XixvI/AAAAAAAAAfY/u9ZfpbGPEgI/s1600/1440.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-bnb3E3EblO4/UBLd6-XixvI/AAAAAAAAAfY/u9ZfpbGPEgI/s320/1440.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">On the tarmac</span></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-XD4PPjssU3E/UBLd8zlHWAI/AAAAAAAAAfg/PyhJ56GGkuI/s1600/1441.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-XD4PPjssU3E/UBLd8zlHWAI/AAAAAAAAAfg/PyhJ56GGkuI/s320/1441.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Flying out over houses</span></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-k0Rp_n6w58c/UBLd-WqUlfI/AAAAAAAAAfo/SvZYkHQxeuQ/s1600/1443.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-k0Rp_n6w58c/UBLd-WqUlfI/AAAAAAAAAfo/SvZYkHQxeuQ/s320/1443.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"> Flying up the lakeshore towards the city</span></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-d5zL66ZR0T8/UBLeAVBC5fI/AAAAAAAAAfw/Q3NkMEoNUVM/s1600/1444.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-d5zL66ZR0T8/UBLeAVBC5fI/AAAAAAAAAfw/Q3NkMEoNUVM/s320/1444.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">The buildings of Chic- ahem, Gotham</span></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-D5wNQHDSVcA/UBLeBs7izqI/AAAAAAAAAf4/g9kC87eieeE/s1600/1445.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-D5wNQHDSVcA/UBLeBs7izqI/AAAAAAAAAf4/g9kC87eieeE/s320/1445.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"> Preparing to buzz the Sears Tower</span></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Ylej8oL_q8k/UBLeE3MiSyI/AAAAAAAAAgA/4gCzfndHNQ0/s1600/1449.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Ylej8oL_q8k/UBLeE3MiSyI/AAAAAAAAAgA/4gCzfndHNQ0/s320/1449.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Back on the pad</span></div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03623132757828654639noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1492229319835151187.post-72274632894280294452012-07-24T15:41:00.000-05:002012-07-27T12:56:47.030-05:00Britain in Action-The Churchill War Rooms<br />
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: large;">This post is going to be about the Churchill War Rooms,
an underground bunker in the center of London. During World War II, Winston
Churchill ran England and coordinated the war effort from this bunker. It has
been kept in its original condition since then, and is now open to tourists. I
visited it last year, and very much enjoyed it.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: x-large;">The Churchill War Rooms</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">Before Going: <span style="color: #00b050;">9/10</span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: large;">Reason for Score: I wanted to see the real places of
World War II, history’s most famous war.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: x-large;">Why you should go:</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: large;">I was fascinated by the World War II history of the War
Rooms. It was really cool to see the nerve center of the English war effort,
and where Winston Churchill wrote himself into the history books. The Churchill
War Rooms are all in their original condition (as far as I could tell), with
even the furniture in the same position.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>My favorite War Room is the Map Room, completely covered in maps of the
world. These maps were used to keep track of all of the fronts and territorial
changes during the world’s most devastating war, World War II. It was pretty wonderful
to see the same pins and strings from the War in the same place as they were
when the War was won. Phew! Try saying that 10 times. Anyway, I would highly
recommend this place to anyone who is interested in World War II. If you
consider yourself a World War II buff, or even an amateur who has a little curiosity,
consider visiting the places like this where the war was fought.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: x-large;">How:</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: large;">I advise touring the Churchill War Rooms without a guide.
Everything is set up like a giant museum, and the individual rooms are very
well organized and explained. You can decide which rooms you are interested in,
but, if you’re short on time, I recommend sticking to the main route and
skipping the attached Winston Churchill Museum. It should take you no more than
two hours to visit the War Rooms in their entirety, but you can do it in less
if you have to. If you’re pressed for time, try setting a limit on how long you
spend at the site and don’t get too involved in reading individual signs.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">After Going: <span style="color: #00b050;">9/10</span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: large;">Reason for Score: It’s like a WWII museum where WWII actually
happened.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: large;">Sorry about only having two pictures, they don't let you take any inside.</span></div>
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<img alt="Michael McGerty in front of the Churchill War Rooms sign, London" border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6EQbUAD4O-s/UA8MN3jyxkI/AAAAAAAAAeo/VfjojnCbu58/s320/Europe+June+2011+174.JPG" title="Churchill War Rooms Sign" width="320" /></div>
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The spectacular Churchill War Rooms sign</div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-AkNRUsjsdOA/UA8MPVtolOI/AAAAAAAAAew/fd7kjkQIw6o/s1600/Europe+June+2011+175.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Michael McGerty's picture in front of the Churchill War Rooms, London" border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-AkNRUsjsdOA/UA8MPVtolOI/AAAAAAAAAew/fd7kjkQIw6o/s320/Europe+June+2011+175.JPG" title="Churchill War Rooms Back Entrance" width="320" /></a></div>
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A back entrance to the Churchill War Rooms</div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03623132757828654639noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1492229319835151187.post-77543452382997674132012-07-23T12:48:00.000-05:002012-07-23T15:59:41.032-05:00Poll Results<span style="font-size: large;">The poll on what I should write about next is closed. It ended up being a tie between Jerusalem and Paris, with a grand total of <em>one</em> vote each. Come on guys! If even one of you votes in the next poll, you might decide what I publish next! Try it.</span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03623132757828654639noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1492229319835151187.post-92217631345057041432012-07-20T14:21:00.000-05:002012-07-26T14:42:47.018-05:00Three Steps to Enjoy Travel<strong><span style="font-size: x-large;">How to enjoy travel according to a 14 year old (me):</span></strong><br />
<br />
<br />
<strong><span style="font-size: large;">Step 1. Meet People</span></strong><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">You can understand another culture a lot better if you talk to a few locals than if you read an encyclopedia (though I would recommend doing both). There are many people in the Middle East and Europe who I would consider my friends. Now, when I say meet people, I don't mean just walk up to a person on the street and expect to become lifelong companions. Instead, maybe ask the tour guides a few more questions than the average tourist. Or strike up a conversation with a shopkeeper about local events. It makes your trip much more enjoyable if you can get a local's perspective.</span><br />
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<strong><span style="font-size: large;">Step 2. Don't be lazy</span></strong><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">You can sleep in another time, folks. For many people, a trip like this is a once in a lifetime event. Use your time here to the fullest. Get up early, stay out late, always be rushing to the next sight. Enjoy yourself! To get the most out of your time, it helps to know what you want to see, so you may want to research a little beforehand. There is always one more thing you can visit!</span><br />
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<strong><span style="font-size: large;">Step 3. Go outside your comfort zone</span></strong><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Most of the time, people plan vacations to relax. I think that vacations should be a time to try new things; a time to be adventurous. Whenever you think you are too tired, or too nervous, or you don't have enough time, ask yourself "when will I have the chance to do this again?" Another part of getting out of your comfort zone is abandoning technology. Computers and Ipads should be left at home. Sure, bring your phone, but don't use it to check your email five times a day. When my Dad and I were in the Middle East, we joked that there could have been a new President elected in America and we wouldn't know it. I think that it's a good thing to be unplugged from the news for a little while.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Abide by these three simple ideas and your trip to wherever you're going will be a pleasant one.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Email me at </span><a href="mailto:michaelworldtravel@gmail.com"><span style="font-size: large;">michaelworldtravel@gmail.com</span></a><span style="font-size: large;">. I would love to answer your questions and respond to your suggestions.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Click </span><a href="http://travelprep.blogspot.com/" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: large;">here</span></a><span style="font-size: large;"> to go back to the site's homepage</span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03623132757828654639noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1492229319835151187.post-83388879906034599302012-07-12T10:13:00.002-05:002012-07-25T16:48:27.665-05:00Westminster Abbey<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: x-large;">Westminster Abbey</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: large;">Today, I’m going to tell you about Westminster Abbey, the
most recognizable church in England. If you’ve been following the English Royal
Family, you’ve probably seen this place on the news. Most recently, it was the
site of the<span style="color: #00b050;"> </span>Royal Wedding of Prince William
and now-Princess Kate<span style="color: #00b050;">. </span>Even if you don’t
care about the monarchs, though, Westminster Abbey is still a beautiful church
that is worth visiting. If you want, read my one of my other articles on London by clicking <a href="http://travelprep.blogspot.com/2012/07/tower-of-london-travel-blog.html" target="_blank">here</a>.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">Before Going: <span style="color: #00b050;">9/10</span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Reason for Score: I had seen the Abbey a lot on T.V. </span><span style="font-family: Wingdings; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-char-type: symbol; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-symbol-font-family: Wingdings;"><span style="mso-char-type: symbol; mso-symbol-font-family: Wingdings;">J</span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: x-large;">Why you should go:</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">The three biggest interests at Westminster were the
famous graves, the beautiful architecture, and the Royal Family. First, I saw a
whole lot of famous people buried in the Abbey.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>My favorites were Sir Isaac Newton, Charles Dickens, and Rudyard
Kipling, who were all buried here. Second, I was really struck by the beauty of
the building in general. The architects didn’t spare any expense in designing
the building to be as detailed as it is huge. Of course, it helps to have
access to the King’s checkbook </span><span style="font-family: Wingdings; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-char-type: symbol; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-symbol-font-family: Wingdings;"><span style="mso-char-type: symbol; mso-symbol-font-family: Wingdings;">J</span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri;">.
Finally, the Royal Family has had a long history here. Coronations and other
royal events have occurred here for almost a millennium.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I remember most watching the Royal Wedding of
Prince William and Princess Kate on the news. It was pretty cool to know the
Abbey from T.V. before ever even going. I loved Westminster Abbey, and I hope
you will too.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: x-large;">How:</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: large;">It doesn’t really matter whether you enjoy the Abbey with
or without a guide. The Abbey is a large place, but it is easy to navigate on
your own. I went with a guide only to make sure I saw all of London before I
had to leave. It takes roughly an hour to see the Abbey at a relaxed pace, but
you could do it more quickly. Because of my aforementioned hurry, I did it in
much less than an hour. The point is, make sure to see Westminster Abbey on
your tour of London.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: x-large;">After Going: 9/10</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: large;">Reason for Score: It is a great, historical church where
Isaac Newton is buried</span></div>
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</span><br />
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<span style="color: red;"><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: x-large;">Email me at </span><a href="mailto:michaelworldtravel@gmail.com"><span style="color: blue; font-family: Calibri; font-size: x-large;">michaelworldtravel@gmail.com</span></a><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></span></span></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-0r5lONsFgA8/T_8jxAWIZ1I/AAAAAAAAAdc/4Q9imuEGUn4/s1600/Europe+June+2011+086.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="A statue of Oliver Cromwell in front of Westminsters Abbey, London, England" border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-0r5lONsFgA8/T_8jxAWIZ1I/AAAAAAAAAdc/4Q9imuEGUn4/s320/Europe+June+2011+086.JPG" title="Statue of Oliver Cromwell" width="240" /></a></div>
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The giant statue of Oliver Cromwell, an English hero</div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4pSKltO5-2Y/T_8j30Gj8wI/AAAAAAAAAdk/sKiDwlssGzs/s1600/Europe+June+2011+087.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Me with my guide, John Gowing, by Westminster Abbey, London, England" border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4pSKltO5-2Y/T_8j30Gj8wI/AAAAAAAAAdk/sKiDwlssGzs/s320/Europe+June+2011+087.JPG" title="Michael McGerty with John Gowing" width="240" /></a></div>
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Me and my guide, John Gowing, outside the Abbey</div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-10WN0smtkxc/T_8j-1WFKCI/AAAAAAAAAds/3UVsCjEDlhY/s1600/Europe+June+2011+095.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="The beautiful architecture of Westminster Abbey, London, England" border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-10WN0smtkxc/T_8j-1WFKCI/AAAAAAAAAds/3UVsCjEDlhY/s320/Europe+June+2011+095.JPG" title="Beautiful architecture of Westminster Abbey" width="320" /></a></div>
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Can you see the change in the design of the buttresses? This was caused of kings in England. The new king wanted to outdo his predecessor and leave his mark on the church. </div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-VsyAWSOyARo/T_8kJ11necI/AAAAAAAAAd8/nBLHXBIwNG4/s1600/Europe+June+2011+103.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Decorative statues in front of Westminster Abbey, London, England" border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-VsyAWSOyARo/T_8kJ11necI/AAAAAAAAAd8/nBLHXBIwNG4/s320/Europe+June+2011+103.JPG" title="Giant Statues of Westminster Abbey" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: red;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Calibri;"><o:p></o:p></span></span>Decorative statues that are as big as I am!</div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-EzN3rXTHZ7c/T_8kFPeNf_I/AAAAAAAAAd0/8Dm9V_1qIVY/s1600/Europe+June+2011+096.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Looking at Westminster Abbey and its stained glass windows" border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-EzN3rXTHZ7c/T_8kFPeNf_I/AAAAAAAAAd0/8Dm9V_1qIVY/s320/Europe+June+2011+096.JPG" title="Facade of Westminster Abbey" width="320" /></a></div>
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Yeah, it's that big</div>
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</div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03623132757828654639noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1492229319835151187.post-33753072873068337482012-07-08T16:13:00.002-05:002012-07-25T16:45:25.759-05:00The Tower of London<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: x-large;">The Tower of London:</span></div>
<span style="font-size: x-large;">Before Going: <span style="color: lime;"><span style="color: #00b050;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">8/10</span></span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="color: lime;"><span style="color: #00b050;"></span></span><span style="color: black; font-size: small;">
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: large;">I’m going to write about the Tower of London, a massive
castle complex in (can you guess?) London. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It is important because it was the residence
of the kings of England. The Tower, and the neighboring Tower Hill, is a place where
many famous people were put to death, including Anne Boleyn. Besides this
rather grim purpose, though, it also holds the Crown Jewels of England. It is
definitely one of my favorite parts of Britain. If you're interested in Britain, click <a href="http://travelprep.blogspot.com/search/label/England" target="_blank">here</a> for my other articles</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">Why you should go</span>:</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: large;">The three best parts of the Tower of London are the White
Tower, the Crown Jewels, and the (nearby) Tower Hill. My favorite of these, the
White Tower, is the innermost and oldest part of the extensive Tower complex. I
like the small museum inside, containing period weapons and armor. Admittedly,
I didn’t see the Crown Jewels because I was short on time. Still many tourists
visit them every year and I would suggest going. Lastly, the Tower Hill is the
official execution place of London (not anymore, mind you) and is where most
notorious criminals were put to death.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>There is a small plaque on the ground that lists some of those killed.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: large;">The primary reason I wanted to go was to see the <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">enormous
medieval castle</i></b><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">, </i>which I
think is something most of us could relate to. However, there are also plenty
of entertaining stories from London’s history that took place here, and it is
quite memorable to see where these occurred. The final reason you should go is
that The Tower is important to British history, and you all know how much I
like history. The Tower was originally built by, if you can believe it, the <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">French</i></b>
kings of England.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Anyone who doesn’t see
the Tower of London on their trip to England can’t claim to have really seen
England.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: large;">How:</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: large;">I advise going with a guide, just because of the sheer
volume of history at the site. Guides can keep you interested with the amusing
tales that have taken place in the Tower, and some darker ones too. More
importantly, a guide can helped me tie these stories to the specific locations
in which they happened better than you ever could have with a guidebook. My
favorite guide for all of London is John Gowing, at </span><a href="http://www.gowingguiding.co.uk/"><span style="color: blue; font-family: Calibri; font-size: large;">www.gowingguiding.co.uk</span></a><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: large;">. He gave me a
great tour of the Tower and a great explanation of its history. I spent roughly
two hours at the Tower, but I wasn’t able to see everything fully. You should
probably leave 3-4 hours, depending on how long you are in London for. Make
sure to pick up a map at the gate, (if they still offer them, I haven’t been
there for a while). I loved my tour of the Tower of London, and I hope you do
too.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: large;">I’ll warn you about the pictures, though. For those of you
that have read my Middle East series of posts, I look pretty young in these Europe
ones! </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">After Going (not Gowing):</span> <span style="color: #00b050;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">9/10</span></span></span><br />
<span style="color: black; font-family: Calibri; font-size: large;">Reason for Score: It is a very impressive place and has quite an interesting history</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: large;">Email me at <a href="mailto:michaelworldtravel@gmail.com">michaelworldtravel@gmail.com</a> with any questions or comments. For more info on this topic, read my other posts on Britain <a href="http://travelprep.blogspot.com/search/label/England" target="_blank">here</a>.</span></div>
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The
labyrinthine Tower of London, with banners still flying for the benefit of the tourists.
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-9Z9Hemh3TTE/T_nw41Mwg5I/AAAAAAAAAb4/MpuxWzRmmvI/s1600/Europe+June+2011+007.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-9Z9Hemh3TTE/T_nw41Mwg5I/AAAAAAAAAb4/MpuxWzRmmvI/s320/Europe+June+2011+007.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
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Me talking to John Gowing, our guide for London</div>
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The harmless-looking Tower Hill, where hundreds were executed.</div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-R91q3e6e3t0/T_nw76wvMKI/AAAAAAAAAcI/0p2YaChE0Vs/s1600/Europe+June+2011+013.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img alt="a test" border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-R91q3e6e3t0/T_nw76wvMKI/AAAAAAAAAcI/0p2YaChE0Vs/s320/Europe+June+2011+013.JPG" title="Tower Bridge" width="320" /></a></div>
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Tower Bridge, sometimes misidentified as the famous London Bridge</div>
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The infamous Traitor's Gate, where prisoners were brought in by boat</div>
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The White Tower and I</div>
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A detailed model of the Tower and its environs</div>
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The building that houses the Crown Jewels,,, and the huge line</div>
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Me at the other side of the White Tower </div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: large;"><span style="color: #00b050;"><span style="color: black; font-size: small;"><o:p>A monument to Ann Boleyn, executed so that Henry VIII could marry again and produce an heir</o:p></span></span></span></div>
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</div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03623132757828654639noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1492229319835151187.post-64543224673244380232012-07-06T12:05:00.003-05:002012-07-11T14:10:25.642-05:00The Golan Heights<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: large;">I’m writing about the time I went to the Golan Heights, in Israel. This territory is hotly contested between Israel and Syria, and it used to be a warzone. The Heights are still on the news all the time, as a centerpiece of the Israeli-Arab conflict that has been going on for generations. The reason this place is so valuable is because it can look down into both Israel and Syria, and could be the deciding factor in any future war. I visited the Golan Heights, and I will try to convince you to visit them as well. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: x-large;">The Golan Heights, Israel</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">Before Going: <span style="color: #ffc000;">5/10</span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: large;">Reason for score: I didn’t think it was worth sacrificing good time that could have been used in Jerusalem or somewhere else.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: large;">There are three reasons why one would consider going to the Golan Heights; to see the place that has been on the news so often, take in the amazing views over Israel and the Sea of Galilee, and to understand the Arab-Israeli wars. First, the Golan Heights, and Syrian pressure to return them, have been on the news for a long time. I liked standing in the place that had been at the center of so much controversy. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Second, the Golan really does provide amazing views over Israel. I particularly enjoyed the view of the Sea of Galilee, from a former Syrian bunker on the grounds of Kibbutz Kfar Haruv. Third, I like the Golan Heights because they gave me a better understanding of the Israeli-Arab conflict. Unless you look down into Syria, or sit in one of the bunkers, or see the minefields, you really can’t say you understand the conflict. <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><u>Don’t pass judgment on one side or the other until you have stood in the Golan Heights.<o:p></o:p></u></i></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: large;">There is really no way you can come here on your own (unless you’re related to an Israeli), so I suggest going with a tour. The only way do this is to schedule a trip with a tour provider that will take you into the Heights. I know that Isram World will take you, but you should check to make sure your tour does to.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">After Going: <span style="color: #00b050;">8/10</span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="color: #00b050;"><span style="color: black; font-size: large;">Reason for Score: It gave me a better understanding of the place that had been on the news so often</span></span></span></div>
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A terrain model of the Golan Heights, with the Sea of Galilee</div>
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The U.N.D.O.F., or U.N. Disengagemant Observer Force zone, to keep peace between Israel and Syria</div>
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A former Israeli bunker</div>
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Someone forgot their tank</div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-TYLR83GTXs4/T_CwGOz26hI/AAAAAAAAAas/UGV8HI44hnM/s1600/Middle+East+May+2012+317.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-TYLR83GTXs4/T_CwGOz26hI/AAAAAAAAAas/UGV8HI44hnM/s320/Middle+East+May+2012+317.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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I think this picture speaks for itself</div>
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Looking out over the crystal clear Sea of Galilee</div>
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Just hanging out in a Syrian bunker</div>
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Looking down into Israel</div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03623132757828654639noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1492229319835151187.post-62202678569691766962012-07-06T12:00:00.000-05:002012-07-11T14:10:39.256-05:00The Mount of Olives<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: large;"><strong>If I use Mount to abbreviate Mount of Olives, please don’t confuse it with the Temple Mount, which I also use Mount for.</strong></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: large;">This post is going to be about the Mount of Olives, an experience that I think many people miss out on. The Mount of Olives is really just a hill just outside the Old City of Jerusalem. However, it is very important in the Christian Bible, and the hill is covered in churches that commemorate events in Jesus’ final days. I would still encourage you to go even if you aren’t Christian, though, because there are other things that make the hill unique.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">Before Going: <span style="color: yellow;">6/10</span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: large;">Reason for Score: I thought my time would be better spent in Jerusalem proper, rather than walking through a biblical graveyard</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: large;">My three favorite parts about the Mount of Olives are the incredible views, the famous graves, and the Christian sites.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The Mount really does have amazing views over the City of Jerusalem. All of the postcard pictures of Jerusalem and the Golden Dome are taken from here. I don’t think there is any better place to see the legendary Temple Mount, on which the Golden Dome sits, than this hill. The second reason to go is to see the well-known Jewish graves on the hill. Famous Jews have been buried here since ancient times. They choose to be buried here, because, according to the Bible, this is where God will come to judge the Earth. The people buried here will therefore be the first to be resurrected. The final reason to go is the plethora of Christian sites from the New Testament. My favorites are the Pater Noster, where Jesus taught his disciples the Our Father, the Dominus Flevit Church, where Jesus wept upon having a vision of Jerusalem burning, and the Basilica of the Agony, where Jesus was betrayed by Judas and taken to be crucified. The Mount of Olives is a great part of any trip to Jerusalem.<span style="color: red;"> </span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: large;">It is up to your personal preference whether or not to go with a guide. I did, but only because I didn’t want to waste any time navigating from place to place. If you do want to have a guided tour, I recommend the Mount of Olives Tour from New Jerusalem Tours, at </span><a href="http://www.newjerusalemtours.com/"><span style="color: blue; font-family: Calibri; font-size: large;">www.newjerusalemtours.com</span></a><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: large;">. They will take you to see the graves, the views, and the churches. If you are going alone, I suggest bringing the guidebook <span style="color: red;">Jerusalem, Israel, Petra, and the Sinai</span>, from Eyewitness Books. They have a great section on the Mount, that lists a lot more of the churches than I have here.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: large;">When you are seeing the Mount, you should first walk to the top and then visit sights as you walk down. This will allow you to enjoy the magnificent views as you wander among the various churches and graves. The walk isn’t hard, but you should bring a water bottle just in case. You can really spend as long as you want on the hill, but I saw everything I wanted to within two or three hours. If you want to learn a little about the Mount of Olives before you go (like I did), I particularly liked the documentary <span style="color: red;">Jerusalem: Center of the World</span>. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They talk extensively about the Mount and its history, as well as Jerusalem in general. I watched it at least eight times in preparation for my trip.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">After Going: <span style="color: #00b050;">9/10</span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: large;">Reason for Score: It was a great part of my Jerusalem experience</span><br />
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The Mosque (?) of the Ascension, where Jesus ascended to heaven</div>
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The inside of the Mosque of the Ascension, with a niche in the wall indicating the direction of Mecca for Muslim prayer</div>
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The rock that supposedly bears the footprint of Jesus, where he last touched the Earth</div>
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The Our Father, in every language you could think of</div>
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The Our Father in Icelandic and Latvian</div>
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The Church of the Pater Noster, or Our Father</div>
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The grotto in the Pater Noster where the prayer was taught in Christian Tradition</div>
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A great view of the Temple Mount over the scores of dead people</div>
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The Gates of Mercy, where the Messiah is supposed to enter through to save the world, ...curiously bricked up</div>
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The Dominus Flevit (the Lord wept), where Jesus wept after he foresaw the destruction of the Temple</div>
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Inside the Dominus Flevit, me silhouetted against the Dome of the Rock</div>
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The many domed Church of St. Mary Magdalene, owned by Russian nuns</div>
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The breathtaking view of the Dome of the Rock</div>
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The real Garden of Gethsemane, with those famous Olive trees</div>
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The rocky outcrop where Jesus knelt to pray before being betrayed by Judas</div>
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The view of St. Mary Magdalene from the Temple Mount</div>
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The Mount of Olives. You can see the Pater Noster in the upper right hand corner, and Dominus Flevit on the left. The grey part is the thousands upon thousands of Jewish graves</div>
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A close up of the famous graves</div>
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The stones on the graves are a symbol of respect</div>
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A postcard worthy Jerusalem</div>
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Waiting to meet God</div>
</div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03623132757828654639noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1492229319835151187.post-29205413492859601322012-07-06T11:54:00.000-05:002012-07-27T12:47:23.213-05:00The Church of the Holy Sepulcher<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: x-large;"><strong><u>The Holy Sepulcher-Jerusalem</u></strong></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: large;">Most people I’ve talked to don’t know that the Church of the Holy Sepulcher exists. It doesn’t look nearly as impressive as St. Peter’s or Westminster’s Abbey. However, this small church inside the Old City of Jerusalem is the holiest location in the world for all Christians, and it is truly an amazing place. The church isn’t owned by any one Christian group, but is shared between six of them. The sharing is not always peaceful, though, and the different sects fight each other for control. In fact, the competition is so fierce that a Muslim has to open the gate every morning to prevent any one faction from possessing the key to the most sacred place in Christendom. <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><u>The church is fought over in this way for a reason. It is built over the site of Jesus’ crucifixion and burial</u></i>. I’ve been there, and it was one of the most powerful experiences of my entire life.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: x-large;"><u>Why you should go:</u></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: large;">You don’t have to be very religious to be moved by seeing this place. It was only when I was there that I realized that the Bible isn’t just a story. It happened at real places that you can visit. There are three major holy places in the church that I thought were especially meaningful. One of these places was the Stone of Unction, where Jesus was laid to be prepared for burial. It was pretty unbelievable to touch a place where Jesus had been. The second was the Rock of Golgotha, or Calvary, where Jesus was crucified alongside thieves. By far though, the most touching part was when I touched the altar in the Tomb of Jesus Christ. The Tomb is the single most sacred site in all of Christendom. The Church of the Holy Sepulcher is over the place where these events really happened. <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><u>No matter how religious you are, or whether or not you go to church, it will deeply affect you to see where Jesus Christ died and rose again.</u></i></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: x-large;"><u>How:</u></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: large;">You might want to go with a guide, just for a brief explanation of what’s what. If you do, I recommend the Holy City Tour from New Jerusalem, at </span><a href="http://www.newjerusalem.com/"><span style="color: blue; font-family: Calibri; font-size: large;">www.newjerusalem.com</span></a><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: large;">. Their tour of the Church is very good, and they’ll show you a lot of things you might otherwise have missed. The best guide New Jerusalem has is Alon, and you would be wise to try to get your tour from him. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: large;">I still like to go back after the tour and spend a few quiet hours in this sacred place. There is nothing better than spending an afternoon wandering the maze of holy places in Christianity’s most sacred site. It will be <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">at least</i> an afternoon, though, as it does take a while to see the church in its entirety. The church has an enormous amount of things to see; even more than I’ve described, and it is hard to navigate through. Still, the main reason it takes so long to see is the lines. Devout pilgrims crowd the holy sites at all times of year, and you’ll need to leave extra time to make sure you see everything you want to see. Make sure you have enough time to pay homage to this hallowed place.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: large;">My favorite guidebook for all Jerusalem is <span style="color: #7030a0;">Jerusalem, Israel, Petra, and the Sinai</span> from Eyewitness Books. The book does a good job explaining the Church and everything within. It also has a great map of the Church that covers two pages. The church is set up on multiple levels (because it is built into the hill of Golgotha/Calvary), and you need something to help you navigate through it. The book helped a lot with my visit to the Holy Sepulcher.</span></div>
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<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><u><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">Don’t be afraid to go if you’re not Christian.<o:p></o:p></span></span></u></i></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: large;">In all honesty, there were probably more Jewish people on my tour than Christians. As long as you are respectful of the sanctity of the site, the worshippers really don’t care if you visit. This is a very important place, and it can help you understand the Christian religion and its 2 billion followers.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">If you liked this post about Jerusalem, consider reading about the Mount of Olives.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">Email me at </span><a href="mailto:michaelworldtravel@gmail.com"><span style="font-size: x-large;">michaelworldtravel@gmail.com</span></a><span style="font-size: x-large;"> with any questions or comments.</span></span></div>
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The rather blank exterior of the Church of the Holy Sepulcher</div>
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The entrance to the Church, opened onto by an alleyway</div>
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The Stone of Unction, where Jesus was laid after death</div>
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Paying my respects to the Stone</div>
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The Chapel of St. Helena, where the cross that Jesus was crucified on was supposedly found.</div>
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The altar over the Rock of Golgotha, or Calvary, where Jesus was put to death</div>
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Me touching the Rock of Golgotha through the small hole under the altar. Strangely enough, this ended up being picture #666. </div>
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The small Chapel of Adam, beneath the traditional site of the crucifixion. The crack in the stone is said to have been caused by the earthquake that followed Jesus' death</div>
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The dome of the church, centered over the Tomb of Jesus. The Tomb is the structure seen at the bottom of the picture</div>
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The front of the small shrine built to house the Tomb of Jesus Christ, the holiest place in the world</div>
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Me entering the Tomb</div>
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The most sacred site in the world, the Tomb itself</div>
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The outer section of the Tomb. The table contains a piece of the Tomb that broke off.</div>
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Christians traditionally believed that Jerusalem was at the center of the world. This stone basin marked the exact center of maps.</div>
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The mysterious wooden doors in the floor of the church... are they hiding something?</div>
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<br /></div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03623132757828654639noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1492229319835151187.post-25214549676771225982012-07-06T11:52:00.000-05:002012-07-11T14:11:30.445-05:00Karnak Temple<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: large;">This post is going to be about the ancient Egyptian temples of Karnak. They’re located in the city of Luxor, 400 miles south of Cairo. I know I usually write about experiences that I expected to be worse than they turned out to be, but this one will be a little different. I’m going to share my experiences in the Temple Complex, which I was expecting to be great already. Still, it turned out to be every bit as good as I thought it would be. That’s pretty rare. Read on!</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;"><strong>Karnak Temple at Luxor:</strong></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Did it live up to expectations: <span style="color: #00b050;">Yes</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;"><strong>Before Going:<span style="color: #00b050;"> 10/10</span></strong></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Reason for Score: It was a very important place historically, and I love Egyptian History.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;"><strong>Why you should:</strong></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">The Temples of Karnak were one of the highlights of my day in Luxor. The huge complex actually consists of three‘Karnak’ temples and one ‘Luxor’ temple further south. Among them, you can wander for days. I have to admit, it’s pretty cool to stand in the center of religion for the world’s first empire. Another neat thing is the myriad of obelisks scattered around the area, from the golden days of Egypt. These great spires have risen above the landscape for thousands of years. The coolest thing about Luxor is a lone obelisk pedestal in front of the Temple of Luxor. The obelisk that used to stand here was moved to the <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Place de la Concorde </i>in Paris. Seeing this was one of the best experiences for me, because I had seen the obelisk standing in Paris the year before. It was really amazing for me to see the connection between two of the places I’d been. Also, in the back of the Temple of Amun-Ra, there is another obelisk base that used to hold an obelisk now standing in the square behind the St. John the Lateran (San Giovanni in Laterano) church in Rome, which I had also visited. I looked hard for this one, but was unable to find it. If you manage to, please send me a picture. However, the most visually appealing part of the monument was still, by far, the Great Hypostyle Hall. This is a <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">massive</i> room filled with <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">massive</i> columns. It takes four men linked arm in arm to surround even one. These are made even more impressive by the fact that they’re entirely covered in writing and painting. Someone else famous has been enjoying the columns too- James Bond. The Spy who Loved Me has a scene right in the Hall. No one should miss out on these great sights. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: x-large;"><strong>How:</strong></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">This is one of the only sites I have written about to which I recommend going on your own. It is easy to tour the maze of rooms and courtyards for hours. Any skilled traveler should bring a guidebook to help them navigate this humongous place. I particularly like the <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u>Egypt Pocket Guides</u></b> by Alberto Siliotti. Anyway, the guards/soldiers at the temples are very friendly. They try to help you, and will lead you to some experiences you might otherwise have missed. Be aware that it is customary in this region to give <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">baksheesh, </i>or tips, whenever someone helps you. A dollar or so will usually suffice. Do not be afraid of this, it is worth a few dollars to improve your vacation experience and it is generally worth it.</span> </div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;"><strong>After Going: <span style="color: #00b050;">10/10</span></strong></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Reason for Score: There was a daunting amount of wonderful things to see</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Email me at </span><span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><a href="mailto:michaelworldtravel@gmail.com"><span style="color: blue;">michaelworldtravel@gmail.com</span></a></span><span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">with any questions or comments</span></span></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Spii6K09hpQ/T-Y-Pz4U47I/AAAAAAAAAN0/hWDH4DyG8Uo/s1600/Middle+East+May+2012+1317.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Spii6K09hpQ/T-Y-Pz4U47I/AAAAAAAAAN0/hWDH4DyG8Uo/s320/Middle+East+May+2012+1317.JPG" width="320" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"> The great model of the Temple of Amun Ra, in the visitors center</span></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-w0DvUbPU0nY/T-Y-TMu1k_I/AAAAAAAAAN8/G8UJbxHCcMw/s1600/Middle+East+May+2012+1318.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-w0DvUbPU0nY/T-Y-TMu1k_I/AAAAAAAAAN8/G8UJbxHCcMw/s320/Middle+East+May+2012+1318.JPG" width="320" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"> The oddly lopsided pylons, or gates</span></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-NUcSN1N0lGE/T-Y-auyjkYI/AAAAAAAAAOE/FvVsNWGtOUs/s1600/Middle+East+May+2012+1323.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-NUcSN1N0lGE/T-Y-auyjkYI/AAAAAAAAAOE/FvVsNWGtOUs/s320/Middle+East+May+2012+1323.JPG" width="320" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"> Did you forget a column there? The unfinished column that is teaching archaeologists how these monoliths were constructed.</span></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-YPF78qMa4os/T-Y-e9VEfAI/AAAAAAAAAOM/0714Xp03KJc/s1600/Middle+East+May+2012+1331.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-YPF78qMa4os/T-Y-e9VEfAI/AAAAAAAAAOM/0714Xp03KJc/s320/Middle+East+May+2012+1331.JPG" width="320" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"> The colossal stone pillars in the Great Hypostyle Hall</span></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-jBZ6I3Qw7YQ/T-Y-i_JQxFI/AAAAAAAAAOU/WBVKLqGNH7M/s1600/Middle+East+May+2012+1332.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-jBZ6I3Qw7YQ/T-Y-i_JQxFI/AAAAAAAAAOU/WBVKLqGNH7M/s320/Middle+East+May+2012+1332.JPG" width="320" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"> Don't lose the forest for the columns</span></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-SXHQbRO2Eto/T-Y-pULNTjI/AAAAAAAAAOg/ZOZCteNJKQo/s1600/Middle+East+May+2012+1334.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-SXHQbRO2Eto/T-Y-pULNTjI/AAAAAAAAAOg/ZOZCteNJKQo/s320/Middle+East+May+2012+1334.JPG" width="240" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"> Another big obelisk just lieing around</span></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-K9GF6AydcXA/T-Y-sbL7SPI/AAAAAAAAAOo/HgcEf6920F8/s1600/Middle+East+May+2012+1336.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-K9GF6AydcXA/T-Y-sbL7SPI/AAAAAAAAAOo/HgcEf6920F8/s320/Middle+East+May+2012+1336.JPG" width="240" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"> Obelisks, one of the great marvels of Karnak. These extraordinary objects were carved in one solid piece and moved by boat up the Nile.</span></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-oYd56qzeEU8/T-Y-vh6WyiI/AAAAAAAAAOw/ZSQB9lIfqdM/s1600/Middle+East+May+2012+1338.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-oYd56qzeEU8/T-Y-vh6WyiI/AAAAAAAAAOw/ZSQB9lIfqdM/s320/Middle+East+May+2012+1338.JPG" width="320" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"> Me, trespassing on another ancient holy spot. I'm really in trouble if their gods turn out to be real</span></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-sPDoG8gOgs4/T-Y-309oOQI/AAAAAAAAAO4/NDD2IG1zbLQ/s1600/Middle+East+May+2012+1344.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-sPDoG8gOgs4/T-Y-309oOQI/AAAAAAAAAO4/NDD2IG1zbLQ/s320/Middle+East+May+2012+1344.JPG" width="320" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Somewhere in that general area is the obelisk that I couldn't find!</span></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-AQJtPnBsOQs/T-Y-78_CD3I/AAAAAAAAAPA/V141saHtEmA/s1600/Middle+East+May+2012+1352.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-AQJtPnBsOQs/T-Y-78_CD3I/AAAAAAAAAPA/V141saHtEmA/s320/Middle+East+May+2012+1352.JPG" width="320" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">One of the unique experiences that the guard/soldiers led me to in Karnak, sitting in between the remains of two life size statues</span></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-j7MkIN3oEms/T-Y-_vCNYVI/AAAAAAAAAPM/M6ai3XY-dcw/s1600/Middle+East+May+2012+1362.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-j7MkIN3oEms/T-Y-_vCNYVI/AAAAAAAAAPM/M6ai3XY-dcw/s320/Middle+East+May+2012+1362.JPG" width="240" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">The entrance pylon to the Temple of Luxor, still imposing after thousands of years</span></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Amm--m2yH9I/T-Y_DcS80QI/AAAAAAAAAPU/MQLfHBy2lSM/s1600/Middle+East+May+2012+1364.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Amm--m2yH9I/T-Y_DcS80QI/AAAAAAAAAPU/MQLfHBy2lSM/s320/Middle+East+May+2012+1364.JPG" width="320" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Giant statues, anyone?</span></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-zKViHy3q0_0/T-Y_JNqUJHI/AAAAAAAAAPc/QiUSyPHoUpA/s1600/Middle+East+May+2012+1365.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-zKViHy3q0_0/T-Y_JNqUJHI/AAAAAAAAAPc/QiUSyPHoUpA/s320/Middle+East+May+2012+1365.JPG" width="320" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">The pedestal for the obelisk in the <em>Place de la Concorde</em>, in front of the Temple of Luxor</span></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-XmgAouIu2Kg/T-Y_Lqj6RdI/AAAAAAAAAPk/5SGdqxufeyE/s1600/Middle+East+May+2012+1369.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-XmgAouIu2Kg/T-Y_Lqj6RdI/AAAAAAAAAPk/5SGdqxufeyE/s320/Middle+East+May+2012+1369.JPG" width="320" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">The still operating mosque inside the Temple of Luxor</span></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Cy1YgqKbfG8/T-Y_P8owNLI/AAAAAAAAAPs/cBdRKqxu_kY/s1600/Middle+East+May+2012+1379.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Cy1YgqKbfG8/T-Y_P8owNLI/AAAAAAAAAPs/cBdRKqxu_kY/s320/Middle+East+May+2012+1379.JPG" width="240" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Another way to offend the Egyptian Gods, me in the shrine of Luxor Temple</span></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-lns1oFjDy5A/T-Y_S8L7L9I/AAAAAAAAAP0/HVpTz8ln6SY/s1600/Middle+East+May+2012+1387.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-lns1oFjDy5A/T-Y_S8L7L9I/AAAAAAAAAP0/HVpTz8ln6SY/s320/Middle+East+May+2012+1387.JPG" width="320" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">The Avenue of Sphinxes, once stretching from Karnak to Luxor Temple over a distance of 1.5 miles</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: large;"></span></div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03623132757828654639noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1492229319835151187.post-41964612935485072312012-07-06T11:42:00.000-05:002012-08-10T12:10:50.174-05:00The Dead Sea-Don't miss it!<span style="font-size: large;">I've written this post about the Dead Sea, the saltiest body of water on Earth. The ridiculously high salt levels cause you to float like a cork in its waters. That also means that it hurts alot to get it in your eyes, mouth, or any open cuts. The Sea is located in the West Bank portion of Israel. It is a totally alien experience to go there, and I'd suggest it to anyone.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><strong><u>The Dead Sea</u></strong></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><strong>Before Going: <span style="color: #ffc000;">6/10</span></strong></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 22pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="color: #ffc000;"></span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: large;">Reason for Score: I’d seen pictures, but I didn’t think it would be that different from the ocean</span></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: x-large;">WHY YOU SHOULD:</span></u></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: large;">I originally didn’t think it would be that fun, but by the end I was sad to leave. It is one thing to see it in pictures or in a book, but it’s quite another to really be there. <u>The most unbelievable experience I have ever had is to lie on water like a mattress</u>. It’s pretty cool. The water feels exactly like normal water, right up until you lay back in it. The scene is always very quiet there-as any splashing leads to a very painful and salty end to your swim- and it is very surreal. Swimming is stranger here than anywhere (if you can even call it swimming), and it never gets old to cruise around on your stomach with half your body out of the water. I loved the Dead Sea, and it should not be missed.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: x-large;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u>How:</u></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: large;">You should try to go with a group or hire a guide, if only because roads through the West Bank are confusing and sometimes dangerous. Make sure you bring water shoes or cheap sandals, as the beaches are covered with sharp stones and chunks of salt. You’ll need these in the water too-the jagged rocks underwater are no friendlier. Most beaches have showers and changing rooms, but it never hurts to ask your guide before going. Above all, make sure not to get water in your eyes or cuts, because the salt burns and is tough to get out.</span></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">After Going: <span style="color: #00b050;">10/10</span></span></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: large;">Reason for score: It is a crazy feeling to lie on water like you do on a bed.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 18pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Email me at </span><a href="mailto:michaelworldtravel@gmail.com"><span style="color: blue; font-family: Calibri;">michaelworldtravel@gmail.com</span></a><span style="font-family: Calibri;">with any questions or comments.</span></span></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-cXSSO8eL_V4/T9zdIQmGX7I/AAAAAAAAAI8/RiDSrSweXWE/s1600/Middle+East+May+2012+097.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-cXSSO8eL_V4/T9zdIQmGX7I/AAAAAAAAAI8/RiDSrSweXWE/s320/Middle+East+May+2012+097.JPG" width="320" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">The Dead Sea-lowest point on the face of the Earth</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">That's not a magic trick</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"> The Superman pose, one of dozens of Dead Sea swimming options</span></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Io1mxaoobg0/T9zdP4zOyKI/AAAAAAAAAJU/8-L8FLia6JI/s1600/Middle+East+May+2012+100.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Io1mxaoobg0/T9zdP4zOyKI/AAAAAAAAAJU/8-L8FLia6JI/s320/Middle+East+May+2012+100.JPG" width="320" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"> Got a book anyone?</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">The very lively Dead Sea</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Watch your feet!</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"> The rather obvious Dead Sea bathing rules (click picture to read)</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">The safety guidelines in every language you could think of</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03623132757828654639noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1492229319835151187.post-68329791651914956932012-07-06T11:29:00.000-05:002012-07-11T14:13:19.348-05:00The Great Pyramid-Going Inside<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: large;"> This is going to be a long post everybody, so just hold on. I’ve decided to talk one of the most well known but least understood monuments in the world, The Pyramids at Giza. Now I’m pretty knowledgeable about the Pyramids-I was able to hold my own with a certified Egyptologist- but there are a lot of things you just can’t read in a book. These things I will share with you now. It would’ve helped me greatly, and I hope it helps you. The best three experiences people miss at the Pyramids are:</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><em><span style="font-family: Calibri;">1.</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></em></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="line-height: 115%;"><u><em>Going inside the Great Pyramid-</em></u>Before Going: <span style="color: yellow;">7/10</span></span></b></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: large;">Reason for Score: I wasn’t sure just what was so special about going inside.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">Why you should:</span></b> Now, looking back, I really can’t imagine why so many people don’t do this. It truly is an amazing experience. I really got a thrill from being where the famous Pharaohs were laid to rest 4,500 years ago. Also, you’re following in the footsteps of famous people, joining the ranks of such humans as Herodotus and Napoleon, who just may have found their way in through the same passageways you’re in*. Another reason is that it is a great sound byte. You’re friends and family may not know about the other two, less prestigious pyramids. Finally, you don’t want to have regrets. Don’t you want to look back on your Egypt trip and say that you did everything you could have? This is why you should go in the Great Pyramid.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">How:</span></b>Now, getting inside the Pyramid is a little difficult. You’ll have to buy a Great Pyramid ticket at the gate, and only a certain number are issued every day. I recommend that you try to get there before 10 A.M. If you’re on a group tour, you’ll have to talk to your guide in advance about purchasing the ticket. It is most likely not included in your tour fee. I also recommend that you bring a small, handheld flashlight. It is not too dark inside, but it is still better to be able to light up what you’re looking at.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: large;">I would post pictures, but you have to leave your camera outside the Great Pyramid’s entrance.</span></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">After Going: <span style="color: #00b050;">10/10</span></span></span></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: large;">Reason for Score: It is a highly rewarding experience that you should not miss.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Email me at </span><a href="mailto:michaelworldtravel@gmail.com"><span style="font-size: large;">michaelworldtravel@gmail.com</span></a><span style="font-size: large;"> with any questions or comments. Please.</span><br />
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: large;">*-Assuming that the Thieves Entrance existed in that time, as some evidence suggests otherwise</span></b><br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-PC3yFJSMaGs/T9TMaTXaaiI/AAAAAAAAAFA/KW-ND3Xt5bA/s1600/Middle+East+May+2012+1163.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-PC3yFJSMaGs/T9TMaTXaaiI/AAAAAAAAAFA/KW-ND3Xt5bA/s320/Middle+East+May+2012+1163.JPG" width="320" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"> Above: In front of the Great Pyramid</span></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-8hsUEw9CP-0/T9TMfbaQQaI/AAAAAAAAAFI/d5a21DCswLE/s1600/Middle+East+May+2012+1167.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-8hsUEw9CP-0/T9TMfbaQQaI/AAAAAAAAAFI/d5a21DCswLE/s400/Middle+East+May+2012+1167.JPG" width="400" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"> Going inside the Great Pyramid</span></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-HBTu08ZxIzU/T9TMijKpC1I/AAAAAAAAAFQ/p5js9dbuWm8/s1600/Middle+East+May+2012+1189.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-HBTu08ZxIzU/T9TMijKpC1I/AAAAAAAAAFQ/p5js9dbuWm8/s320/Middle+East+May+2012+1189.JPG" width="240" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"> Picture from the Camel 'dealership,' Great Pyramid on far left</span></div>
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</div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03623132757828654639noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1492229319835151187.post-28979714730651718972012-07-03T15:42:00.000-05:002012-07-27T12:07:25.347-05:00The Solar Boat, Cairo<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<span style="font-size: x-large;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">2.</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span></span></i></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><u><span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">The Solar Boat</span></span></u></i></b></span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-large;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Before Going: <span style="color: red;">4/10</span></span></span></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: large;">Reason for Score: I thought before going that to see a boat next to the Pyramids was a waste of time that I could’ve spent on better things</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Why you should:</b> I really didn’t want to see the Solar Bark before I got there. The only real reason I went was because it was included on the ticket. However, it was quite an awesome thing. Inside the building is a small table and chairs that have remained in position and undisturbed since President Obama sat in them during his visit to Egypt. This was kind of cool to me, as an American, and a nice addition to the boat. However, the main attraction was the gigantic, wooden, four-millennium old boat, and that wasn’t disappointing. It is very big, but also sleek and slender, and pleasing to look at. It was also mind-blowing to think that this was the structure built to carry the Pharaoh into his afterlife. I came out of this with a very different opinion, and would now recommend it to anybody.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">How:</b>You’ll have to buy a separate ticket, so make sure to decide whether or not to go before you enter Giza. If you’re in a tour, consult your guide the day before to see whether or not it is open and if it is included in your tour. Bring a camera, and try photographing it from many different angles.</span></span></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">After Going: <span style="color: #00b050;">8/10</span></span></span></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: large;">Reason for Score: I was surprised about how enjoyable it was, and it is a great add on to any Giza tour.</span><br />
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<span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: large;">Email me at </span><a href="mailto:michaelworldtravel@gmail.com"><span style="color: blue; font-family: Calibri; font-size: large;">michaelworldtravel@gmail.com</span></a><span style="font-size: large;"> <span style="font-family: Calibri;">with any questions or comments.</span></span></span></span></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-VCh20jbr0Mc/T9TN7dVze-I/AAAAAAAAAFk/0r7ekuzrEsE/s1600/Middle+East+May+2012+1194.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-VCh20jbr0Mc/T9TN7dVze-I/AAAAAAAAAFk/0r7ekuzrEsE/s320/Middle+East+May+2012+1194.JPG" width="320" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"> That's not the Solar Boat! It's in the small white building</span><br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-qgqEsUUrsNk/T9TN98KZ4jI/AAAAAAAAAFs/L3Ek1MED4Dc/s1600/Middle+East+May+2012+1197.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-qgqEsUUrsNk/T9TN98KZ4jI/AAAAAAAAAFs/L3Ek1MED4Dc/s320/Middle+East+May+2012+1197.JPG" width="320" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Yeah, that's just a 4,500 year old wooden boat</span><br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Q2lK5PvYUmg/T9TOAwqSLrI/AAAAAAAAAF0/d6dCbKL2YG4/s1600/Middle+East+May+2012+1199.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Q2lK5PvYUmg/T9TOAwqSLrI/AAAAAAAAAF0/d6dCbKL2YG4/s320/Middle+East+May+2012+1199.JPG" width="320" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">The boat, from the upper observation deck</span><br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-yMsuP4dIUiM/T9TODztQPNI/AAAAAAAAAF8/KbXdIzpEwyM/s1600/Middle+East+May+2012+1202.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-yMsuP4dIUiM/T9TODztQPNI/AAAAAAAAAF8/KbXdIzpEwyM/s320/Middle+East+May+2012+1202.JPG" width="320" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Me, in front of the King's cabin</span><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-so7hcuP9la4/T-XJN2X72uI/AAAAAAAAALI/552Qpba58YE/s1600/Middle+East+May+2012+1196.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-so7hcuP9la4/T-XJN2X72uI/AAAAAAAAALI/552Qpba58YE/s320/Middle+East+May+2012+1196.JPG" width="320" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Me and "Obama's Chairs," in the exact same condition as when he visited.</span></div>
</div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03623132757828654639noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1492229319835151187.post-5252166035924741422012-07-03T15:37:00.001-05:002012-08-09T13:15:05.338-05:00Riding a camel<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<span style="font-size: x-large;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">3.</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span></span></i></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><u><span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Riding a Camel</span></span></u></i></b></span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-large;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Before Going: <span style="color: red;">2/10</span></span></span></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: large;">Reason for Score: I didn’t believe there was any point in it, and it was only a waste of good touring time</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Why you should: </b>It was unbelievably fun, and just as cool to be acting like Lawrence of Arabia or any other inspiring desert travelers. We also got a whole lot of great pictures, too. You couldn’t believe how people react when they see a picture of you, on a camel, in front of the Pyramids</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">How:</b>Be <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">very</i> careful about <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">who</i> you get your camel ride from- many of the people who are out there trying to get tourists will rip you off. If you show any interest at all in what they’re selling, your trip to the Pyramids of Giza will not be a pleasant one. I’ve even heard of people that give you a “free”camel ride-but charge you to get off. Now there are more considerate camel salesmen, and I know of at least one group located behind the Pyramids. <u>It is best advised to ask your tour guide who he trusts, and have him there to broker the deal</u>. The man I went with had also given a ride to President Obama, during his aforementioned trip. If you’re on your own, I recommend that you try to find a trader <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">that is not trying to sell to you, </i>and therefore less likely to rip you off. Also, make sure you sit with your legs crossed over on one side, as you will see me doing in the below pictures. This will keep you from falling off. </span></span></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">After Going: <span style="color: #00b050;">8/10</span></span></span></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: large;">Reason for score: Very fun and you get great pictures.</span><br />
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<span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: large;">Email me at </span><a href="mailto:michaelworldtravel@gmail.com"><span style="color: blue; font-family: Calibri; font-size: large;">michaelworldtravel@gmail.com</span></a><span style="font-size: large;"> <span style="font-family: Calibri;">with any questions or comments</span></span></span></span></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-g00Ok8YSB9A/T9TOm1tfuqI/AAAAAAAAAGI/cUx8GUI9bxk/s1600/Middle+East+May+2012+1172.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-g00Ok8YSB9A/T9TOm1tfuqI/AAAAAAAAAGI/cUx8GUI9bxk/s320/Middle+East+May+2012+1172.JPG" width="320" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">On a camel in front of the Pyramids-A very unique experience</span></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-5ASh4Z57Nx4/T9TOpWev1TI/AAAAAAAAAGQ/QK9e6fItjRA/s1600/Middle+East+May+2012+1174.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-5ASh4Z57Nx4/T9TOpWev1TI/AAAAAAAAAGQ/QK9e6fItjRA/s320/Middle+East+May+2012+1174.JPG" width="320" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">The proper way to ride a camel, legs crossed off to the side</span></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Fpy_SCGzhKI/T9TOr7e5SKI/AAAAAAAAAGY/zi9SqC41nZU/s1600/Middle+East+May+2012+1177.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Fpy_SCGzhKI/T9TOr7e5SKI/AAAAAAAAAGY/zi9SqC41nZU/s320/Middle+East+May+2012+1177.JPG" width="320" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Riding out into the desert</span></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-szesQnN8yD8/T9TOvP2c-3I/AAAAAAAAAGg/87YJtoamI5Q/s1600/Middle+East+May+2012+1179.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-szesQnN8yD8/T9TOvP2c-3I/AAAAAAAAAGg/87YJtoamI5Q/s320/Middle+East+May+2012+1179.JPG" width="320" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">All three pyramids, me, and a camel</span></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-mYfacJrvDKs/T9TO2uxRZ3I/AAAAAAAAAGs/ZcV1mntwy9w/s1600/Middle+East+May+2012+1180.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-mYfacJrvDKs/T9TO2uxRZ3I/AAAAAAAAAGs/ZcV1mntwy9w/s320/Middle+East+May+2012+1180.JPG" width="320" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Say hello to the folks back home</span></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-mV4mvUo0MCU/T9TO6wI7LBI/AAAAAAAAAG0/-0_1gt0d4jI/s1600/Middle+East+May+2012+1184.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-mV4mvUo0MCU/T9TO6wI7LBI/AAAAAAAAAG0/-0_1gt0d4jI/s320/Middle+East+May+2012+1184.JPG" width="320" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Getting on and off the camel, the most dangerous part</span></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-e3cMfxkfdjk/T9TO8_H4KeI/AAAAAAAAAG8/OSLCn0bBkLc/s1600/Middle+East+May+2012+1186.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-e3cMfxkfdjk/T9TO8_H4KeI/AAAAAAAAAG8/OSLCn0bBkLc/s320/Middle+East+May+2012+1186.JPG" width="320" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Our guide, Marwa, and I discuss the pyramids, and whether or not they were built by aliens.</span></div>
</div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03623132757828654639noreply@blogger.com0