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Ras Al-Khaimah – United Arab Emirates alternatively
Ras Al Khaimah is one of the seven emirates that make up the UAE. While often overlooked by tourists, in my opinion, it’s one of the most fascinating regions in the UAE. Above all, it’s incredibly diverse. Within a relatively small area, you can find mountains, valleys (wadi), desert landscapes, and the turquoise waters of the Persian Gulf. One of the most spectacular spots is the road leading to the summit of Jebel Jais, located in the Al Hajar Mountains, which rises to 1,925 meters above sea level. Although the peak itself belongs to Oman, the road on the UAE side reaches an altitude of 1,910 meters, just 15 meters…
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Oman, Wadi Shab – a gorge between cliffs
Wadi Shab is one of the many incredible places worth visiting in Oman. In Arabic, “wadi” means “valley” or “riverbed,” referring to dry valleys found in desert regions. Wadi Shab translates to “gorge between cliffs,” a name that perfectly suits this location. Crystal-clear water, towering cliffs, palm trees, and lush greenery make this spot truly unique. The main attraction of Wadi Shab is its turquoise pools, where you can cool off during the hike. Wadi Shab is located about 140 km from Muscat, near the town of Tiwi. To get there, you need to exit the highway leading towards Sur and park under a bridge. There’s a small parking area…
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Abandoned psychiatric hospital
The former psychiatric hospital was opened at the beginning of the 20th century. It was established on the initiative of the Warsaw Society for Medical Assistance and Care for the Mentally and Nervously Ill, who purchased and renovated abandoned barracks for this purpose. At that time, it also included a farm that produced vegetables and fruits for the hospital’s needs. Initially, the hospital could accommodate only 24 patients, but over time it expanded to the point where further development was necessary. During World War II, when the siege of Warsaw took place, it was located just on the front line. As a result, it served as a hospital for wounded…
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Southern Albania – a ship in a field and a thousand windows
I start my exploration of southern Albania in quite an unusual way – with a ship docked far from the sea, right in the middle of fields. This extraordinary sight resembles the Titanic in the Atlantic and is an evidence of the boundless Albanian imagination. Berat – “The City of Thousand Windows” In Berat, I stop for a moment to explore the castle ruins. Although little remains of the castle itself, its walls and the surrounding landscape create an incredible atmosphere. However, this is not the end of the attractions in this town. Berat is called “The City of a Thousand Windows,” and the name seems to fit it perfectly.…
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Comino – small is beautiful
Comino is one of the unique places worth visiting when in Malta. It’s a small island located between Malta and Gozo, covering an area of just 3.5 km². This makes it an ideal spot for a day trip. The island is small enough to be explored on foot within a day. A path along the high cliffs guarantees incredible views. The island’s name comes from cumin, which once grew abundantly here. Comino has a rich history dating back to Roman times when it was mainly used for agricultural purposes. The Knights of Malta organized wild boar and rabbit hunts here. Comino was never really inhabited, mainly due to the lack…
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The palace with a hidden treasure
The palace was built in the early 20th century. During World War II, it served as a field hospital, and after the war, a school was located there. Unfortunately, only a blackboard and an abacus remained here. Overall, there are no “artifacts” left in the entire building. Despite the fact that the wind is now practically the only thing moving through the corridors, the palace makes an incredible impression. Decorated staircase is particularly spectacular. The columns, arched windows, and ornate stair railings allow you to imagine what this building was like during its heyday. However, in my opinion, it’s the peeling oil paint that creates the unique atmosphere of this…
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Amboseli National Park- balloon ride with a view of Kilimanjaro
Amboseli National Park is the second most visited park in Kenya, right after the famous Masai Mara, attracting tourists from all over the world. The park’s name, “Amboseli,” means “salty dust” in the Maasai language, reflecting its semi-arid nature. Initially established in 1906 as the Southern Reserve for the Maasai people, it was designated a national park in 1974. The park’s diverse landscape consists of four main zones: savannah, acacia woodlands, wetlands, and the dried-up Amboseli lake bed. The park is home to numerous underground springs fed by the ice cap of Kilimanjaro. These water sources create an ideal habitat for birds. Around 400 bird species inhabit the park, including…
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Lebanon – off the beaten path
Lebanon is a country that not only delights with its history and culture, but also with its rich nature. Picturesquely located religious buildings, spectacular waterfalls, huge caves, and the ruins of ancient metropolises are just a small sample of what you can discover while traveling around this amazing country. So far, I’ve written about Lebanon from a geopolitical perspective, I’ve tried to show the realities of life and the problems it encounters. Leaving aside the uncertain political situation, Lebanon is one of the most beautiful countries I’ve ever seen. Less than 30 kilometers from Beirut, in the town of Harissa, there’s one of the most important Christian sanctuaries in Lebanon…
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The Isle of Man and seven kingdoms
Contrary to popular belief, the Isle of Man has never been the part of the United Kingdom. It is one of the three Crown Dependencies alongside Jersey and Guernsey. While the UK is responsible for the foreign affairs and defense of these territories, each has its own parliament. The history of the island dates back to the 6th century BCE when it was colonized by the Celts. Due to its strategic location between Ireland and Great Britain, the island has often been a battleground. Over the centuries, it has been inhabited by Celts, Vikings, Normans, and Scots. The parliament of the Isle of Man, Tynwald, is over 1,000 years old…
