Middle East
-
Camel Racing – United Arab Emirates
Camel racing was an event I absolutely wanted to see during my trip to the United Arab Emirates. I must admit that until recently, this wasn’t an attraction I associated with the country. After all, I think most people view the UAE primarily through the lens of modern cities like Dubai or Abu Dhabi. However, camels are an integral part of the region’s culture. What’s more, I must confess that when heading to this event near Ras Al Khaimah airport, I didn’t do my homework properly. I assumed the race would take place on a traditional track surrounded by grandstands. It turned out that camel racing operates by its own…
-
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…
-
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…
-
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…
-
Tripoli – Lebanese Kandahar
Tripoli, often confused with the capital of Libya, is the second largest city in Lebanon. It was founded by the Phoenicians in the 4th century BC, as a port city and for a long time it was a centre of trade. Tripoli has a rich history. It was under the rule of Persians, Romans and Mamluks. In 1109 it was taken over by the Crusaders. A reminder of those times is the Citadel, also known as Saint-Gilles Castle – one of the city’s main attractions. There’s an interesting view of the city and the Abou Ali River. Due to its strategic location, the citadel is currently used by the Lebanese…
-
Kuwait – space towers and Operation Desert Tire
I visited Kuwait quite accidentally and spontaneously. Accidentally, I found cheap tickets there, and I spontaneously visited it regardless that from a logistical point of view, this trip was completely pointless. However, let me start from the beginning. One day in August, I started browsing flight offers and noticed that a well-known budget airline had opened new connections from Rome and Vienna to Kuwait. Return tickets were for €40, including weekend flights. I didn’t have to think long, I quickly looked at the map and estimated that 2-3 days would be enough to see the entire country. I didn’t consider a longer trip, as visiting Kuwait’s neighbours was out of…
-
Hezbollah’s Disneyland – where “the land speaks to the heaven”…
Hezbollah’s Disneyland – the Tourist Landmark of the Resistance, created by Hezbollah, is located right next to the village of Mleeta in southern Lebanon, about 50 km from the border with Palestine. The museum was opened on May 25th 2010, on the 10th anniversary of Israel’s withdrawal from southern Lebanon. The road to Hezbollah’s Disneyland, as this place is commonly called, leads through picturesque mountainous areas. Along the way, you pass numerous checkpoints that clearly indicate who manages the territory of southern Lebanon. By no means is it a government with the Lebanese Army… Hezbollah, or the Party of God, was founded during the Lebanese civil war. The beginnings of…
-
Lebanese cuisine
Lebanese cuisine was one of the main reasons why I went to Lebanon. Lebanon has always been a culturally diverse country, and influences from Arab, French and Mediterranean cuisines are evident in everyday dishes.The secret of Lebanese cuisine is its simplicity, flavor and variety. I had the opportunity to try many Lebanese dishes in Poland, but nowhere did they taste as good as in Lebanon. The basis of the meal are mezze, various appetizers like: pita bread, hummus, grilled eggplant dips or olive oil with herbs. They can also be served for breakfast. Speaking of breakfast, it’s the meal that I remember best from Lebanon. And when I think about…
-
Urbex – Lebanon, Girl off the trail…
Urbex (urban exploration) is a way of exploring places that are abandoned and often inaccessible. I must admit that for some time this way of sightseeing has dominated my travels. Why urbex? I could find many reasons, but what excites me the most is discovering the history of inaccessible places piece by piece and the adrenaline rush associated with it. Abandoned places are unique and there’s an exceptional beauty in their slow decay. What’s more, the time causes their constant change, which makes each visit a different experience. These are the reasons why I decided to share my discoveries with you. I start the series with Lebanon – my last…
