Escape to the heart of Cevennes, southern France for a mini-retreat to restore, refresh the spirit at the newly opened Le Pereyrol Estate. As though a magical veil is lifted – the proprietors Angelique and Dominique of Le Pereyrol Estate invite quests to experience the tranquility, gourmet meals, luxury spa services and nature trails, castles and enchanting legends. Continue reading
Once you get it – you get it. Frantic warnings introduce me to driving in Cairo, “It is crazy like nothing you have ever seen before!” Upon arriving in Cairo and driving to the hotel, I got it and it wasn’t this frantic bizarre scene I was expecting. Modern day driving in Cairo isn’t about how … Continue reading
Why is it ‘news’ when someone applies the rules of nature to architecture, climate change, or even national energy policies? Common sense is returning. Recently The Economist profiled the new U.S. Energy Secretary Steven Chu in the July 2, 2009 issue (see earlier post). Secretary Chu being a Nobel Prize winner in physics is a … Continue reading
Before traveling to Cairo, the travel tips I received included: Bring bug spray; Bring anti-itch cream; Wear long sleeve shirts appropriate for over 100 degrees dry heat; No revealing t-shirts – no form or cleavage allowed to be seen; No skirts (only pants); and Don’t show your knees. Well, this was a disaster even before … Continue reading
Cairo is filled with unexpected surprises, especially the Cairo Egyptian Museum, which features centuries old stone carvings; plenty of coffins; dead bodies; and, organs in special vessels. Entering the museum reminds me vaguely of walking into the Louvre in Paris. Crowds of people and tour guides buzzing. More objects than one can possibly take in and history beyond human comprehension. Immediately in … Continue reading
At night, all of Cairo is by the water enjoying the cooler temperatures and fresh air. Thousands walk by the river. Families join together for evening picnics. Many enjoy the parks along the river side and watch the party boats. Young couples share a quiet moment on the bridge possibly their only time together during … Continue reading
Ismalia is a small fishing village with open cafes looking out to the water serving fresh fish, shrimp and shellfish. An extra delight is the fresh fruit they serve from the local orchards. Local lore is that a Swiss botanist brought Indian seeds to start mango, strawberry and papaya farms. We went to Hussein Abu … Continue reading
Ismalia offers a respite from the chaos of city living in Cairo. Consider the two or three hour drive through the desert on a two lane highway a tour of kitch foreign policy. At first compounds with fences appear like a mirage in the desert. The fences appear to be for prisons but looking … Continue reading
Often when I travel, I look for a good local bookstore. I am curious to know what people are reading and what is the role of the bookstore in the community. Plus, I have found that books can be treasures that transport you back in history or possibly forward in time to events yet to … Continue reading
From Cairo: Are you Obama? “Are you Obama?” Imagine my surprise when young and old yelled this question to me as I walked through the Giza Pyramids; Cairo University; and through crowded city markets. Being blonde and blue eyed, I realized when I questioned them they were asking me if I was American. I had … Continue reading
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