Europeans call it Shisha, Lebanese refer to it as Nargile, and in English, it is Hookah. However, I prefer the name Hubbly Bubbly, a term I picked up while in Egypt. No matter what you like to call it, smoking a hookah pipe is essentially a form of relaxation that is deeply embedded in Middle […]
One of my favorite things about Arabic culture is the souk culture. I was first introduced to souks on my first trip abroad to Turkey. I still remember walking through the Grand Bazaar thinking that it was the most bizarre place I had ever been. Then I traveled to Morocco and was introduced to Fes […]
Lebanon is such a confusing country. It is full of contrasts everywhere you look and with each person you talk to. Just when you think you understand it, you realize you don’t. I think only people who are native to here can begin to understand it. Living in Lebanon means living in uncertainty. It’s an […]
Please Note: The actual timeframe of this blog post occurred at the end of January. All is currently fine in Lebanon now. My blog runs about a month behind my reality while traveling. So no need to worry about my safety – this is old news! I looked out the window and wondered if I […]
While in Jordan I saw all of the main tourist sites, but I also had an opportunity to get off the beaten path with my local host family. I had the opportunity to see a place few foreigners have seen; In fact, I am willing to bet that no foreigner besides expats have been there […]
Expect to be questioned when you go to Jordan. Of course, you will be questioned by your friends and family as to why you would go to the Middle East, but you will most definitely be questioned by the locals when you arrive in Jordan. You will stand out as you walk down the streets, […]
(to purchase any of these photography, just click on the image to learn more) As I walked through Hamam street, I could feel everyone’s eyes on me. Maybe it was the blond hair, maybe it was the big camera strapped around my neck, or maybe it was the fact that I was solo; I’m not […]
Bread seems to be the main staple in the Arabic diet. It comes in all shapes and sizes; puffy, thin, really thin, really really thing, crunchy, soft, round, with sesame, and with wheat. But there is one thing that is always the same about the bread; it’s baked by men. And – those men love […]
“Yella! You are in charge!” yelled Mo as he headed towards the door. “If anyone stops in, tell them that we have 2 rooms available and have them wait here until I get back.” I looked up from my laptop, my eyes met his, and realized he was talking to ME. Cheryl the bubbly employee […]
Walking down the Siq to see the first view of the Treasury will give you goosebumps. I spent 2 days in Petra with my camera exploring this hiking wonderland. With a sight this popular, it’s hard to find a different photographic perspective on it at times. However, sometimes all you need is a little push. Another […]
