After a number of years of travelling around the world there is an area that still fascinates me and that I keep returning to; North Africa and the Middle East. Reading Polly's blog has got me lusting over a return to this region again in the near future and I seriously feel the need to meet Polly for an afternoon tea and spa adventure in Doha. I love reading Polly's blog, it's quite literally filled with pages and pages of sunshine (sometimes I need to wear my sunglasses and slap on the sunscreen as there are a lot of sunny photos).
I thought while I have hijacked Polly's blog for the day that I would share some of my favourite places that I've visited in the Middle East and North Africa over the past 10+ years
Syria
Obviously Syria is in the news a lot at the moment however what people don't realise is just how beautiful this country is; from the gorgeous roman ruins scattered all around the country to the impressive Krak des Chevaliers, I was left breathless by the beauty of this country.
I should point out that the people are amazing as well; my favourite story that I have from my travels through Syria is when we were visiting Resafa for the night and some locals came to say hello; I took a selfie (don't judge me!) and he was completely shocked to see himself on my digital camera - he asked if he could show a friend, the camera then promptly disappeared into a car - my tour leader almost had a melt down but I knew it would come back and it did along with a number of his friends and family as they couldn't see the photo any more on the screen and when I bought the photo up for them all again they were fascinated on how their image was showing on this tiny camera. Travelling is all about having unexpected moments like these.
Libya
I travelled through Libya just prior to the revolution and the contrast between it's neighbours was an eye opener for me; no bartering and very calm. The roman ruins are probably some of the best I've ever seen while travelling but I was disappointed by the jigsaw that is Leptis Magna.
Egypt
I have a great love affair with this country and am saddened by its recent decline in tourists as I saw first hand on our trip to Aswan and Cairo last year. Make sure you visit the Old Cataract Hotel at least once in your life; the location and sunsets are worth splashing the cash.
Oman
We ventured to Oman back in 2010 just as the country was emerging to be the luxury travel darling of the Middle East and stayed at the Shangri La Hotel where the service is impressive along with the conservation work to protect the turtles. Make sure you pop into the markets and buy some silver jewellery.
Morocco
I'm hoping to visit Morocco for a third time this year as this is the country that is a sensory overload - the smells, sights and colours are mind blowing. Visiting in 2003 and then 3 years later, the changes to Marrakech were startling so I'm guessing my socks are seriously going to pop off when I see the changes that 9 years have bought.
Jordan
One word; Petra! One of the most fascinating places to venture too in the Middle East and if you're planning a visit then I highly recommend reading Married to A Bedouin by Marguerite van Geldermalsen (Kiwi ladies like to travel!).
Turkey
I've done the huge loop around Turkey twice now (it's huge in case you didn't realise) and the country has so much to offer for every tourist. Spending a few days people watching in Istanbul and getting up super early to do a sunrise hot air balloon ride over Goreme are definitely two of my favourite moments from our trip.
I've still got a few places in the Middle East and North Africa that I would like to visit; Algeria, Kuwait, Abu Dhabi and of course Doha now thanks to Polly.
Thank you so much, Kelly for such a wonderfully informative post and for massively fuelling my wanderlust for the region! So pleased you now want to come to Doha now too. If you do, let me know when you're coming because I might be in Morocco, Oman, Turkey or Libya! Kelly writes an absolutely brilliantly witty, honest and informative blog about her expat life and travels, along with some gluton-free inspiration, called Around The World In 80 Pairs Of Shoes which has become one of my go-to daily reads. Head on over for a browse!
This is an amazing post Kelly.
ReplyDeleteGood job Polly on bringing the guest blogger...amazing info and round up..surely following her for more 😍
Doaa
Thanks Doaa! Such an incredible part of the world to discover and still a lot out there to discover; would love to visit Iran and Algeria one day....
DeleteAhhh. So pleased that this post has linked up two of my favourite bloggers! Doaa - Kelly is also a big foodie so I think you'll enjoy her numerous afternoon tea posts too!
DeletePolly xx
Wow, Kelly's been everywhere!! Of these places I've been to Turkey, Morocco and Egypt, I'd love o visit some more.
ReplyDeleteLots of love,
Angie
SilverSpoon London
Haha Angie, I've visited a few places and love this area of the world; so much history and the people are incredible x
DeleteI completely agree. Qatar next Kelly?!
DeletePolly xx
It's on the list for this year now Polly! xx
DeleteThis makes me very happy :-)
DeletePolly xx
Thanks Polly for letting me pinch your blog for the day! xx
ReplyDeleteMy pleasure, it was an honour to have you :-) Thanks again for the wonderful post!
DeletePolly xx
I lived in Libya and it stole a piece of my heart, seeing your pics has just taken me back to another time. Thank you xxx
ReplyDeleteOh I didn't know this! I'll have to ask you about it next time I see you - Kelly has definitely convinced me it's somewhere worth visiting.
DeletePolly xx
I know what you mean; it stole my heart as well! It's definitely one of my top 5 countries! Now i need to know what it was to live there? x
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