Posted by: Ray | August 5, 2015

9 TED Talks guaranteed to give you wanderlust

Amazing talks that inspire world travel! Which one is your favorite? Let me know in the comments below 🙂

You can only get visas at the airport if you “are part of a tour company” but no longer for individuals. Very weird move imho especially since tourism was starting to pick up lately. Go figure, the surprise is the rule apparently nowadays.

Don’t be discouraged by that, it should be easy and without complications to get a visa from the nearest Egyptian consulate. Don’t change your plans if you were coming 🙂

“Egyptian authorities have now made it a little harder for tourists to enter Egypt. Starting 15 May, individual tourists arriving in Egypt will be required to apply for a visa at an Egyptian consulate prior to arrival at the airport, according to a press statement sent out on Tuesday by the Egyptian Tourism Ministry.”
Check the full post here at Egypt Independent.

Egyptian Streets

pyramids-with-giza.jpg

The secret behind the moving of heavy and large stones to construct the Pyramids, the last remaining Ancient World Wonders, has been discovered and revealed by a team of scientists.

The scientists, consisting of physicists from the FOM Foundation and the University of Amsterdam , believe the ancient Egyptians used a ‘clever trick to make it easier to transport heavy pyramids stones by sledge’: wet sand.

 “The Egyptians moistened the sand over which the sledge moved. By using the right quantity of water, they could halve the number of workers needed,” says a statement released by the physicists.

The dampness of the sand from pouring the right amount of water significantly reduced friction and how much force was required to move the huge stones, which, on average, are approximately 2.5 tons in weight.

The physicists explain that wet sand is twice as stiff and firm as dry sand. This, and the fact…

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Kites Egypt

When it comes to nature, No words could describe how beautiful it is, how much does it touch you from deep inside 🙂

Not only this but also in old ages wise men said “Traveling  young is important because it shapes your worldview. When you travel young, you realize who you are and what you believe in before it’s time to make the big-kid decisions (career, marriage, and all that scary stuff) that will impact the rest of your life.”

If you were to visit each of these places before turning 30, you would be pretty darn well in touch with yourself and pretty equipped to take on real, adult existence.

1- Dahab – ” Blue hole” 

in Egypt, Egypt, Tuesday, May 8, 2012. sb/Photo by Shawn Baldwin CLICK IMAGE FOR MORE INFO

2- Baharia Oasis – “Djara Cave” 

djara cave CLICK IMAGE FOR MORE INFO

3- Hurghada 

Stitched Panorama CLICK IMAGE FOR MORE INFO

 4- Siwa Oasis 

siwa CLICK IMAGE FOR MORE INFO

5- Sharm El Sheikh –…

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Posted by: Ray | April 12, 2014

23 Vintage Photos of Egypt’s Golden Years

Egyptian Streets

A woman reading a magazine in the 1950s A woman reading a magazine in the 1950s

By Mohamed Khairat, Founder, EgyptianStreets.com

Egypt in the 1900s was a different place. Egyptian cinema was the third largest in the world, Cairo was a city that foreigners dreamt of spending their holidays exploring, Egyptian music flourished and shook the world, Jews, Muslims and Christians lived together as neighbours, and women had freedoms that were unheard of in many other countries.

Egypt was a place of liberal spirits, unhampered by sectarian and ethnic prejudices. The rights of men, women and children were championed.

Yet, all that has changed, and often may Egyptians forget the Egypt that used to be. Here are 23 photographs of vintage advertisements and other images that will teleport you to Egypt’s ‘golden years’ and show you an Egypt you may have forgotten ever existed.

(These photographs are available thanks to ‘Vintage Egypt. Click here for more)

1. “The Japanese do…

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Posted by: Ray | April 9, 2014

World’s top economies in 2050 will be…

Egypt is projected to rise 15 spots in World’s Top Economies list!

Posted by: Ray | July 31, 2013

Top 10 Hiking Trails in the World

Whether you are a professional climber or a passionate hiker, here are ten spots to consider. Some of them are not as challenging as others, but all of them share the breathtaking view.

10. Fjords, Norway

This is a real hikers heaven in Europe! Hikers also get to admire the wonderful landscapes. The steep Preikestolen cliff or Trolltunga are favorite among tourists.

Top 10 Hiking Trails in the World
Top 10 Hiking Trails in the World

9. Fjordland, New Zealand

The area is considered to be one of the finest walks on the planet. The mystic landscapes served perfectly for „The Lord of the Rings“ saga.

Top 10 Hiking Trails in the World

8. Blyde River Canyon, South Africa

Hiking around 33 kilometer canyon reveals wonderful sites. The exotic biodiversity also adds up to the explorations.

Top 10 Hiking Trails in the World
Top 10 Hiking Trails in the World

7. Hua Shan (Mount Hua), China

Although many non professional climbers come here, the hiking tracks are very dangerous. The unreliable trails and railings open an unforgettable scenery, though.

Top 10 Hiking Trails in the World
Top 10 Hiking Trails in the World

6. Andes, South America

Besides wonderful nature and many treks of various complexity, the ancient city of Machu Picchu can be reached by hiking.

Top 10 Hiking Trails in the World
Top 10 Hiking Trails in the World

5. El Caminito del Rey, El Chorro, Spain

A very narrow hiking trail is pinned to the steep rocks and is considered to be the most dangerous in the world.

Top 10 Hiking Trails in the World
Top 10 Hiking Trails in the World

4. Kalalau Trail, Kauai, Hawaii

The beautiful landscape can be rather deceiving: the dramatic coastline could be a real challenge for the hikers.

Top 10 Hiking Trails in the World

3. Alps, Europe

Besides Mont Blanc – the highest peak on the continent – the mountain range has many tracks. The 100 miles Tour du Mont Blanc spreads through Switzerland, Italy and France.

Top 10 Hiking Trails in the World

2. Mount Rainier, WA, USA

The 4,392 m (14,411 ft) height peak adds up to a beautiful landscape of Seattle. It requires professional equipment to climb it, but there are plenty of paths for the beginners, as well.

Top 10 Hiking Trails in the World
Top 10 Hiking Trails in the World

1. Himalayas, Nepal

The highest peaks in the world are found in this mountain range. It is, of course, the most difficult mountains to climb, challenging adventurers for decades. The rough landscape holds some very picturesque sites, though, like Pangong Tso Lake.

Top 10 Hiking Trails in the World
Top 10 Hiking Trails in the World
Posted by: Ray | June 23, 2013

Nuweiba, Egypt by Unlogged

from VoiceOfUnlogged

‘Nuweiba, set in rugged mountains and with more camels than humans, host a nice patch of dive sites in a rural simple environment.’

Posted by: Ray | May 20, 2013

How to Identify a Tourist Huckster

 

The primary rule of travel, as immutable as the laws of physics, can be thus rendered: wherever there are tourists, there will be hucksters.

They misdirect you to bad attractions. They over-charge your for services or souvenirs. They convince you that the fake artifact you just bought was in fact a great bargain.

Hucksters are trust hackers. Lacking any kind of credibility, they gain your trust by making you think they’re doing you a favor, or that they’re your newest best friend, effectively hot-wiring your skepticism.

Often their tricks are age-old sales gimmicks. Other times they are more sophisticated psychological sleights of hand. Everywhere I go, I always let myself get taken by one of them – in a controlled manner, where I lose little or no money – to learn their methods.

Protect yourself by knowing how they get you:

The Time Crunch

Example : “But my exhibit is only on Wednesdays and Thursdays. Tomorrow is Friday. It’s your last chance.”

You see this all the time on TV: hurry while supplies last. This is a limited-time offer. It creates a sense of urgency by making something seem scarce. But if there’s money to be made everyday, who would be stupid enough to limit the flow of customers?

The Inside Information

Example : “You’re going to the art market? It’s very nice. But there’s this little art shop just down the street that no one knows about with really nice original works.”

Right. He’s telling this to you and only you because you’re so darn special. But it’s a trick that works: gaining trust by making you think you’re getting exclusive local advice. But this is often someone paid by a shop-keeper to direct tourists to his store, which may or may not be authentic. That’s your call to make.

To make matters simpler, only trust info from people who don’t profit directly from tourism, like pedestrians and shopkeepers that serve locals.

The Fake Savior

Example : “Have you heard of the tapestry mafia? They make fake tapestries with bad dyes that fade with time. Make sure you go to a legit dealer. There’s one right over there…”

Hey, this guy just saved you from buying a fake. He must be trustworthy. Go ahead, take his advice and stroll right into the tapestry mafia’s headquarters. A classic bait.

The Ego Stroke

Example : “Most tourists just go to the palace. But I can tell you’re a real traveler. I think you’ll like to see this historical old house instead.”

What amazing powers of insight this guy has. He has known you for 20 seconds and knows you’re not like those mindless tourist lemmings. Right. You and everyone else he meets.

The Misunderstood Pariah

Example : “So many people who come here try to negotiate a lower price like I’m selling souvenirs. They don’t realize this is master craftsmanship.”

It may be master craftsmanship, but that doesn’t stop him from trying to sell it way above market value. He’s appealing to your compassion by faking intimacy. Help this poor, struggling artist pay his bills by getting royally ripped off.

The Guilt Freebie

Example : “I just spent 15 minutes showing you how my people create this unique art form. For your enjoyment, please step into my gift shop.”

Ever feel the urge to buy the full product after tasting a sample at the supermarket? It’s called the reciprocity urge. It taps into the instinct to return a favor, a reaction baked by evolution to keep societies inter-dependent and at peace with each other.

You didn’t force this guy to show you anything. You don’t have to give anything back.

 

Full read @ World Nomads

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1. Get up Early

The best light to capture most kinds of subjects is in the golden hours- one hour after sunrise and one hour before sunset (depend off course on where you are on the globe). So get up early to get that amazing photo opportunities, while all the other tourists are still asleep.

2. Do your research

Don’t leave it to chance and learn as much as you can about the place you are about to travel. The more you know, the more “intelligent” your images will be.

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3. Learn your Craft

Don’t waste your expensive traveling time on learning how to operate that new camera, lens or flash. Do your homework at home.

4. Choice the Right Lodging

Staying on the center of town, or having a room with wonderful views can create a lot of great photo opportunities.

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5. Say Hello

Learn how to say “Hello” in the local Language, and greet the locals when taking their photo.

6. Get Inspired

Watch the portfolio of other photographers in order to get new ideas and get inspiration. You can read the interview I did with Steve McCurry, the photographer of the “Afghan girl”, to get few great tips for a true master.Also, If you perceive yourself as an artist, you must acknowledge the work of other artists. Do not underestimate inspiration: visit art galleries, attend some photography lectures, listen to classical music, read good books.

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7. Feel the Place

Photography is not only about visual inspiration. Try the local food, smell local markets and hear local music, this will help you to better understand the story of the place.

8. Find a Fixer

Talk to locals and seek their advice on great photo opportunities in their own country.

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9. Travel Light

Don’t take your entire house with you. When I travel I take with me only two lenses: One zoom and one prime lens. This is extremely important tip if you plan to do some hiking or trekking.

10. Get off the Beaten Path

Yes I know that in Cuba they smoke cigars and that in Thailand they have monks. Tell your viewers something fresh and new. Share your own point of view of the place. You will be able to do so, only after following tip number 2 and 6.

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Check the full list @ Digital Photography School

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