Posts tagged Middle East

Fashion Diary of Mrs. Mom: Aida Barni, Italian Elegance is priceless…

My dear fashionistas, welcome to my new fashion story on the pages of the Mr.M blog. I’m really glad you like my take on fashion and that I’ve inspired many women in their best ages to change their minds and bring some new colors into their lives. My story today will be dedicated to a famous Italian knitwear brand, which I’m sure you’re familiar with because you’ve seen it in my son’s fashion stories.

Since I had the opportunity to see for myself the quality and design of the sweater that the Aida Barni brand team provide to my son, their proposal for collaboration surprised me, but also made me happy because they recognized my vision. Aida Barni is synonymous with perfect softness and refined Italian processing of cashmere. Also, sometimes you need to make yourself happy with something new and I was made happy by the pieces from the new Aida Barni collection for Spring – Summer 2023. Today I present to you this unusual elegant ivory dress, which is ideal for all occasions.

Aida Barni is a brand belonging to the Annapurna Group. Founded in 1978, the Annapurna Group has become one of the leading Italian and global manufacturers of high-quality cashmere knitwear with its two fashion lines for women and men under the names Annapurna and Aida Barni. Annapurna uses only the latest production techniques available on the market, from cashmere looms to the latest and most advanced machines for making knitwear of all sizes. The current production capacity is about 120,000 pieces per year.

It is important to note that the entire production cycle is carried out in Italy, more precisely in the company’s factory located in the city of Prato, which is also the center of the district of the same name located in the very heart of Italy (the central part of Italy). “Made in Italy” is more than a manufacturing concept, but this brand has proven that it is much more than the perfect cashmere sweater on the store shelf. It is love at first touch, an impression that is remembered.

Aida Barni’s concept of women’s “sporty elegance” is simple and stylish, but rich in materials and subtle details that make this brand iconic because it represents the expression of uniqueness and special class. You can buy Aida Barni cashmere items in well-stocked stores throughout Europe and the world and through authorized online stores. When you give someone an Aida Barni piece, it’s more than respect and pure love, because you’re giving a piece that is woven with a love of tradition and a deep respect for art that isn’t given every day.

The dress you see in today’s post is from the latest Aida Barni SS23 collection, gentle ivory color and made of the finest material. An iconic neutral color for the new spring season, which you really need to have in your wardrobe!

If you want to stay updated and find out what new things Aida Barni has in store for us this fashion season, follow them on Facebook and Instagram.

Like every woman, I have a great love for jewelry and during this trip to Qatar I wore my new Ohrid Pearl Filevi 1928 pearl earrings with marquise silver, which perfectly complemented my outfit today.

The Filevi family is a family that has been producing Ohrid pearls since 1928, which is confirmed by historical facts and numerous institutions. The secret of making Ohrid pearls is still one of the most closely guarded secrets of this family, which combines pearls into creative pearl necklaces and bracelets, and has been passed down from generation to generation for the fourth generation. When we talk about pearl, we always think of the pearl that is in the shell, but the Ohrid pearl is much more than that and has a more specific way of production. It is extremely important to note that there are only two families in Ohrid who know the secret of making the famous Ohrid pearl.

The Ohrid pearl is not found in the shell, but is made by taking the brightest (inner) part of the shell, processing it well and obtaining the desired shape – a grain of mother-of-pearl. Another process of grain processing is coating the already obtained mother-of-pearl grain with an emulsion obtained from the scales of the Ohrid fish – Alburnus scoranza. Today, several new models of Ohrid pearl necklaces appeared, which accentuated certain events such as weddings, celebrations and visits, girlfriend proposals and many others.

The Filevi family – Ohrid Pearl Filevi 1928 offers a rich collection of unique handmade jewelry. A large selection of different colors of cultured natural pearls allows you to choose the ideal piece of jewelry for your sensibility. Each creation is characterized by an individual approach to conception and design. They are made in different lengths according to the customer’s wishes. Their jewelry is for people who want to be different, with a unique fashion style.

Pearl earrings that complete my outfit are Pearl earrings with Marcasite sterling silver. You can find the rich Filevi 1928 collection of Ohrid pearls and jewelry with classic, marquise and rhodium silver in the center of Belgrade (Serbia), at Knez Mihailova 29, in the passage next to the Progress Gallery.

Also if you are going to the heart of North Macedonia – Ohrid and visiting the capital Skopje, take the opportunity to visit their stores.

The making of Filevi 1928 jewelry is a real art and each handcrafted piece of Filevi jewelry has, above all, a special sentimental value. Passion for jewelry and love for fine craftsmanship is reflected in every single piece of Filevi 1928 jewelry. All you have to do is imagine and wish for an Ohrid pearl, and Filevi 1928 is here to create and realize your wishes and ideas together with you.

If you want to know more about Ohrid Pearl Filevi 1928 brand and discover the world of Ohrid pearls, visit their official online store and follow them on Facebook and Instagram.

OUTFIT

Dress: Aida Barni

Pearl earrings with Marcasite sterling silver: Ohrid Pearl Filevi 1928

Silk Scarf: Loro Piana

Sunglasses: Chloe

Bag: DIOR

Shoes: Giuseppe Zanotti

Every lady who wants to achieve an elegant look must always have nice shoes. This time I decided on flat ballerina shoes from the famous Italian brand Giuseppe Zanotti. Giuseppe Zanotti is an Italian luxury footwear designer known for his bejeweled sculptural heels, luxury sneakers, handbags, jewelry and leather ready-to-wear. I’m sure that every lady needs at least one gold ballet flats that can be worn on any occasion due to their easy-to-match color.

I hope you enjoyed my fashion story today. Soon I will show you other outfits from Qatar that can serve as inspiration for the new spring season. See you in a few days at the same place, with some new interesting story.

Best Regards,

Rose

This post is sponsored by the Aida Barni, Loro Piana and Ohrid Pearl Filevi 1928 brands. This post is my personal and honest review of their products.

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Letters from Qatar: The National Museum, a modern landmark that invites everyone to explore Qatar’s culture

My dear travelers and lovers of unique trips, welcome to a new adventure on the Mr.M blog! Today’s travelogue will be the last in a series of travelogues from the State of Qatar. I sincerely hope you enjoyed this Qatar adventure and put this extraordinary country in the Middle East on your bucket-list of countries to visit in the future. This country deserves more tourists and Doha is much more than a city that has an international airport and you should take the time to explore it, as I tried to show you in my previous travelogues.

If by any chance you missed reading the previous travelogues or want to remind yourself of some interesting things about Doha, take the opportunity to visit the following links:

  1. Doha: The city where the future has already arrived
  2. The Souq Waqif and Cruise: Relax and experience the oriental spirit of Doha

At the very beginning of this last post in the series of travelogues about Qatar, I would like to thank Visit Qatar for the kind invitation and an amazing hospitality experience. With their help, the travelogues and fashion stories that you had the opportunity to read this April were created, and I sincerely hope that you enjoyed them.

The National Museum of Qatar is a national museum in the capital of the State of Qatar – Doha. The new building opened to the public on March 28, 2019, replacing the previous building that was officially opened in 1975. This modern magnificent edifice was designed by architect Jean Nouvel who was inspired by the desert rose crystal found in Qatar. The site of the museum includes the palace of Sheikh Abdullah bin Yassim Al Thani, which is the heart of Qatar’s national identity. Since 2013, the director of the museum is Sheika Amna.

Sheikha Amna bint Abdulaziz bin Jassim Al Thani is the director of the Qatar National Museum who is a well-known businesswoman in Qatar and the Middle East. Prior to her work at the National Museum of Qatar, Sheikha Amna worked in the investment banking division of Goldman Sachs in the Qatar Financial Center. Before she was appointed director of the National Museum of Qatar under construction in 2013, she previously coordinated the Board of Directors of the future museum. The conceptual vision and operation of the museum was developed in cooperation with the people of Qatar during the previous decade before its opening.

During many years of consultation, the main conceptual concepts were developed that were used in the final appearance of the museum. However, Sheikha Amna once said that this space “is not a classic exhibition space, but a journey, which, like any real journey, does not just take people from one place to another. The museum in itself will be a story about the past of the people of Qatar”. The new museum also involved the people of Qatar to add contemporary contributions to the museum’s collection. Later in 2020, Sheikha Amna collaborated with collectors and historians to showcase Qatar’s automotive history in an exhibition at the museum.

During the tour of the museum, visitors have the feeling of moving through an unusual labyrinth of galleries that deal with three main, interconnected themes. The galleries are arranged in chronological order, starting with exhibitions on the natural history of the desert and the Persian Gulf, artifacts from Bedouin culture, historical exhibitions on tribal wars, the establishment of the Qatari state and finally the discovery of oil to the present and planned future of Qatar. Exhibitions and installations that explore these themes present audiovisual displays with carefully selected treasures from the museum’s collections.

These collections currently consist of approximately 8,000 items and include archaeological artefacts, architectural elements, household and travel heirlooms from personal collections, such as textiles and costumes, jewellery, decorative arts, books and numerous historical documents.

The mission of the National Museum of Qatar is to celebrate the culture, heritage and future of Qatar and its people, depicting the pride and tradition of Qatar, while offering international visitors a dialogue about rapid change and modernization. Since its opening, the museum has housed materials signifying Qatar’s cultural heritage, such as Bedouin ethnographic materials, maritime artifacts, and environmental items. Ancient artefacts, most of which are of local origin, are also housed in the museum.

Before oil, the inhabitants of the Arabian Gulf coast depended economically on diving in search of natural pearls. Mainly European and North American demand dictated the success or failure of each pearling season. Before large-scale exploitation of the region’s oil reserves began in the 1950s, pearl diving was the primary economic activity along the Arabian Gulf coast. Pearls have been harvested from the waters of the Gulf since time immemorial, but it was not until the mid-nineteenth century that the industry grew rapidly to meet increasing global demand.

Pearls from the Gulf were traded with India, Persia and the Ottoman Empire, and then on to Europe and North America, where the aristocracy and the emerging middle class considered pearls to be luxury items to make into jewelry and clothing. By the second half of the nineteenth century, the pearl trade in the Gulf had grown to the point where it united people of all backgrounds.

There is a historical saying that Sheikh Mohammed bin Thani of Qatar said in 1877: “We are all slaves to one master – Pearls.” Pearl diving in the Gulf was a seasonal activity that took place during the summer period. Each season, dozens of pearling boats set sail from ports such as Manama, Doha, Dubai and Abu Dhabi to the shellfish-rich coastal shores.

British archaeologist Beatrice de Cardi and her team were tasked with undertaking expeditions to Qatar from November 1973 to January 1974 to collect artefacts for museum display. Their most significant discoveries were at the site of Al Daas, which contained numerous Neolithic Ubaid pottery sherds. Artifacts from earlier Danish expeditions launched during the 1950s and 1960s, previously housed in the Doha Public Library, were also displayed at the museum. The Museum’s Department of Antiquities played an active role in research and excavations after the end of De Cardi’s expedition. They excavated the archaeological sites of Al Wusail and Zubarah.

Materials documenting Bedouin ethnography cover a wide range of topics. Certain items on display were historically used by the Bedouins as tools and weapons, while other items included jewelry, pottery, and costumes. Traditional songs are presented in the museum; the most prominent are the works composed by Katari ibn al-Fuja’a and the former Emir Jassim bin Mohammed Al Thani. In 2015, Sheikh Mubarak bin Saif Al Thani presented the first written draft of the Qatari national anthem at the National Museum.

When Khalifa bin Hamad Al Thani ascended the throne in 1972, he made plans for a national museum to document the country’s heritage and traditions. In the same year, he contracted a company to design the structural and functional aspects of the museum. It was decided that the building would include the Old Amiri Palace, a dilapidated palace from the beginning of the 20th century that was previously occupied by the former emir of Qatar, Abdullah bin Jassim Al Thani. The lagoon was also created to provide a place to display traditional dhows and pearl equipment.

Originally named the National Museum of Qatar, it opened on June 23, 1975. Originally, its facilities included a 100-seat auditorium and a library. In 1980, the museum received the Aga Khan Award for Architecture. The royal palace around which the museum is built was renovated in 2015 in preparation for the opening of the new museum.

The new museum building was built on the site of the old building. It was designed by architect Jean Nouvel, who was inspired by the desert rose, which grows around the original twentieth-century palace of Sheikh Abdullah bin Yassim Al Thani. This important monument to Qatar’s past is now preserved as the heart of the new Qatar National Museum. The connected relationship between the new building and the old building is part of creating a bridge between the past and the present that Sheikh Al Mayas advocates as a way to “define ourselves instead of being forever defined by others” and to “celebrate our Qatari identity”.

Covering more than 40,000 square meters, the National Museum of Qatar consists of interconnected discs that create cavities to protect visitors from the desert heat. Located on a site occupying the southern end of Doha – the Corniche, the building of the NMoQ rises from the sea and is connected to the coast by two pedestrian bridges and a road bridge.

The museum was originally planned to open in 2016, but its opening was postponed to March 28, 2019. World magazine Time named it one of the world’s greatest places to visit in 2019, citing the integration of “impressive video screens and dioramas” alongside Jean Nouvel’s architectural design. It is an interesting fact that the National Museum was visited by slightly less than half a million visitors in less than a year after its opening. The museum attracts people because it shows the history of Qatar not through paintings and sculptures, but through lights, sounds and visuals that are characteristic of the 21st century.

During my visit to this incredible museum, I had the opportunity to visit a unique traveling exhibition of the famous French fashion house Hermès – “Harnessing the Roots”. Over time, everything at Hermès changes, every mechanism, shape, type of binding, suspension or buckle, originally conceived to equip a saddle or belt, is transferred and transformed, playing a role in the design of a completely new object, because lifestyles evolve, and with them and the wants and needs of its customers.

For “Harnessing the Roots”, Bruno Gaudichon, curator of the Museum of Art and Industry of La Piscine and Laurence Fontaine, scenographer, decided to compare the objects displayed through a thematic narrative, in order to reveal the connections and dialogue that has always existed between the objects. The five themes are: Brides de Gala, The Horse and His Staff, The Saddle, Buckled, and Ties and Belts. All the creations featured in the exhibition come from three different sources. The first is the Emile Hermès Collection – a collection of treasures and small curiosities, located in the Hermès flagship at 24 rue du Faubourg-Saint-Honore in Paris, which Emile Hermès built during his lifetime. The second source is the Conservatory of House Creations, and the third and final source is the collections of contemporary fashion, lifestyle and accessories.

These items are complemented by a documentary archive and a film from 1962 in which Robert Dumas, heir and director of Hermès from 1951 to 1978, explains the art of saddle making. It is this interweaving of materials, stories and techniques that reveals the fantasy and magic of Hermès.

My dear adventurers, we have come to the end of this special travelogue in the series of travelogues about Qatar where we had the opportunity to enjoy the beauty of this unusual country on the Arabian Peninsula. Today’s travelogue would not be possible without the selfless help of Visit Qatar and Marsa Malaz Kempinski Hotel in collaboration with local partners who allowed me to feel the spirit and beauty of Qatari culture and tradition. Of course, as always, I tried my best to convey to you my impressions of this unusual experience from Qatar.

I would like to especially thank the staff of the Marsa Malaz Kempinski Hotel for their warm welcome and hosting me in their property. The stay in their hotel was exceptional, where I felt the warmth of home!

A person is rich in soul if he has managed to explore the world and I am glad that I always manage to find partners of my projects who help me to discover new and unusual destinations in a completely different way.

I am honored to have the opportunity to collaborate with companies that are the very top of the tourism industry and I would like to thank the Visit Qatar for this incredible adventure and for allowing me to experience the beauty of this unusual Qatari culture in a completely different way.

How did you like my story about National Museum of Qatar and the presentation of the capital Doha, which adorns the heart of this unusual country on the Arabian Peninsula? Have you had the chance to visit Qatar so far?

If you have any question, comment, suggestion or message for me you can write me below in the comments. Of course, as always, you can contact me via email or social networks, all addresses can be found on the CONTACT page. See you at the same place in a few days, with some new story!

In the following travelogues, we will discover some other interesting landmarks that you should visit if your journey takes you to capital of China!

Greetings from Doha,

Mr.M

This post is sponsored by Qatar Tourism and Marsa Malaz Kempinski Hotel as well as other local partners. This post is my personal and honest review of the destination experience.

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Letters from Qatar: Relax and Unwind in Oriental Doha

My dear travelers, welcome to a new adventure on the Mr.M blog! Today we continue our adventure in the capital of Qatar – Doha and I am sure you will enjoy today’s story. At the very beginning of this series of travelogues, I would like to thank Visit Qatar for the warm invitation and hospitality. With their help, the travelogues and fashion stories that you will have the opportunity to read this April were created and I sincerely hope that you will enjoy them.

In the previous travelogue from Qatar, we enjoyed an unusual desert safari and the oasis of peace of Heenat Salma Farm, if by any chance you missed reading the previous story or want to recall some details, take a few minutes of your time and visit the following link. Enjoy!

I have always been fascinated by the culture of the Middle East, as well as some of their customs that are unusual for us Europeans and I always feel a special joy when I visit Middle Eastern countries because I am always impressed by their culture, heritage and I always learn something new that I never had the chance to know before . That’s why I love traveling because it’s a really special form of informal education and a “window” to the world. Of course, every adventure comes to an end, but I always take some new and unusual memory with me.

If you really want to get to know the soul of some city in the Middle East, my most sincere advice is to start from the heart of the city – the Souqs. The most famous market in Doha is the Souq Waqif.

The Waqif Souq (literally translated from the Arabic language – “standing market”) is the main and most famous market (souq) in Doha. This market sells traditional clothes, spices, handicrafts and souvenirs. It is also home to a restaurant and shisha lounge. The original building of the market building dates from the turn of the late 19th and early 20th centuries in the traditional Qatari architectural style. The market was renovated in 2006 following a major fire.

The market is located in the Al Souq area which is located in the heart of Doha. Since it was a market that was used for trading activities during the development of the city, the area was once located right next to the coast to allow access by boats. Although it still faces the water, the direct connection to the boat dock is now separated by a main road and a recently completed park that has enriched the appearance of this quaint market.

Now we come to an interesting part that I must admit impressed me. Just as we have pets, so in the Qatari culture and the cultures of other Arab nations it is customary to have unusual pets – camels and falcons. The falcon has a special meaning in Qatari culture and collecting falcons is a celebrated Qatari pastime that dates back thousands of years. According to some historical writings before Qatar came into being, the Bedouins in the desert relied on their falcons for hunting purposes, and eventually fell in love with the giant winged predators.

These birds have a special care and you can find all this at the Waqif Souq where you can buy your feathered friend and of course give him all the care he needs because in this part of the city there is also the Falcon Hospital and the shops in the Souk Waqif that allow Qataris to continuously access this part of their heritage, the preservation of which is clearly a national priority.

Once a falcon is selected from one of the stores, it will bond with its master, and this bond is so intense that the presence of too many other people in one room can upset the birds, which explains the need for hoods during trips to the vet. To this day, falcons are used throughout Qatar to hunt for their masters, going into the desert and bringing back small prey, such as rabbits, for the humans to eat. Like any other beloved pet, Qatari men occasionally take their birds to the hospital for checkups, feather checks, claw trimming, eye exams, and general health checks. The price of this pet varies, if you want a classic falcon you have to spend up to 10,000 dollars, but if you want a purebred specimen for exhibitions and competitions, this pleasure can cost you up to 300,000 dollars.

On the other hand, you have another kind of pet – the Qatari Camel. These pets lead a far more glamorous lifestyle than European stable animals. A proud symbol of desert life, the camel — known locally as the “ship of the desert” — represents an enduring link between the people and lands of the Middle East. While most Qataris have changed their preferred form of transportation from camels to expensive luxury jeeps, camels are still kept as pets and used for special camel races. For the people of Qatar, history remains a resource as precious as any pearl or oil. Preserving their unique pet culture offers future generations the opportunity to preserve their connection to the past with four-legged pet friends or otherwise.

This pet is a little more expensive than the previous ones, so if you want to have a camel, you have to shell out from $20,000 to $50,000 if you want to have a regular camel, while if you want a champion racing colt in your stable you have to shell out from $300,000 to a shocking $500,000. Camels are a status symbol and a matter of prestige in this region.

Waqif Souq was established at least a century ago near a dry river bed known as Wadi Musheireb. It was a gathering place where Bedouins and locals traded a variety of goods, primarily livestock and luxury goods. However, with great prosperity during the 1990s, the market suffered and in 2003 most of the market was destroyed in a major fire. This unfortunate event initiated a restoration program by the Qatari government in 2006, with the aim of preserving its architectural and historical identity as the State of Qatar. The first phase of the restoration of the Waqif Souq was financed by Emir Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifah Al Thani and his wife Sheikha Moza bint Nasser.

Buildings built after the 1950s were demolished, while older structures were rebuilt. The restoration of the Vakif market was successfully completed in 2008. Traditional heating methods are still used today using wood and bamboo imported from various areas of Asia.

Built on the site of Doha’s old trading market, on the banks of Wadi Musheireb, Waqif Souq feels like an anachronism, especially against the backdrop of Doha’s dramatic modernist skyline. With buildings plastered with mud, the market is reminiscent of a bygone era, while remaining a hub of activity, where commerce and gossip collide. Take a peek into the quaint alleyways of Waqif Souq that showcase Doha’s traditional street life. What you should do when you have the chance to visit this unusual market:

Adorn yourself with new jewelry at the Gold Souq! Gold jewelry is still very popular throughout the region, and wandering through the gold section of the market one can get a sense of its continued importance in Qatar and neighboring countries. From intricate headpieces and tiered necklaces to everyday items, Gold Souq is the right address for all shopaholics, regardless of your budget…

Be sure to visit the camel and Arabian horse section, go to the special camel enclosure near the falconry clinic to see these beautiful-eyed creatures, or wander over to the Emiri Stables where the beautiful Arabian horses are kept between picking up the daily police shift during daily market rounds.

Try the unique opportunity to hold a falcon on your hand! As I wrote a while ago, falconry is a traditional sport in Qatar, and the Waqif Souq is home to falcons where you can see the majestic birds up close and, under the watchful eye of a shopkeeper, pose with a falcon perched on your arm. Falcons can also be bought here as pets and equipment, and a dedicated hospital treats whatever ails them and keeps them healthy.

Get lost in the alleys of Vaqif Souq and indulge in real shopaholic therapy! Shops located along the alleys of the market attract the eyes of curious tourists with all kinds of goods, both practical and unusual, exotic goods. From shoes to antiques to handicrafts, if you’re a true treasure hunter you can find unusual artifacts from around the region here. If you love perfumes and unusual fragrance notes, this is the right place for you where you can buy the most unusual perfumes in the world!

Fishing and diving equipment, as well as pearl extraction, compete for the attention of buyers with unusual luxury materials, carpets, wooden furniture and glass ornaments made in neighboring workshops. If you are a lover of art and good music, you can enjoy the local varieties of drums, flutes and stringed instruments.

Spice up your life with some new exotic spices, use your sense of smell and follow the wealth of scents to the spices spilling from the jute sacks. Whole or ground, this is your go-to place for exotic Arabian aromatics such as saffron, zater, sumac, dried flowers, dried black lemons and endless varieties of dates, honey, tea leaves and coffee beans.

Along the way, take the opportunity to learn something new about pearls. Throughout its history, Qatar has been at the center of the pearl industry. In the many pearl shops, located amidst the handicraft shops, you can strike up a conversation with the owners, learn about the lost art of pearling and see many varieties of white, pink and gray pearls. My mom, who is a big lover of pearl jewelry, bought a beautiful pearl necklace and earrings in Doha that she had never seen anywhere in the world. A truly unique and unusual experience.

Enjoy the richness of Qatari cuisine, here at Waqif Souq you can find a variety of food from luxury restaurants to street vendors, Waqif Souq has food to satisfy everyone. Local women gather in the central courtyard and sell everything from samosas and stuffed vine leaves to meat stews and sweet dumplings. If street food isn’t your thing, take the opportunity to try karak tea and pancakes (regag) at Shay al Shamoos, Makhboos (a traditional rice dish) at Al Jasra, fahsa (slow cooked meat in pots) eaten in a traditional sitting style on the floor in Bander Aden and delicious kuna and baklava at Al Aker Sweets.

In the pictures above you have the opportunity to see Bismillah Hotel, why is it important? This hotel is considered to be the first hotel in Qatar. It was built in the 50s and foreign merchants used to stay there. This small building was an oasis of pure luxury and design with a stunning view. It is interesting that it had only two rooms, while today it has been modernized and is now considered a landmark of the Waqif Souq.

Hotel Bismillah includes two luxury suites, which are characterized by a special atmosphere of peace and comfort in the midst of the hustle and bustle of the Waqif Souq. The apartment covers an area of 100 square meters and includes a private balcony overlooking the market, allowing you to enjoy the traditional atmosphere of the Waqif Souq and admire the architectural character of the place. This hotel is booked months in advance and it is very difficult to get a room.

Enjoy like a local because Vaqif Souq is the most popular place to meet with friends, especially in the evening time. Open until late, roadside cafes offer an endless supply of Arabic coffee, fresh fruit juices and shisha flavored with your choice of tobacco. Many restaurants have TV screens showing football matches, while some places, such as Majlis Al Dana, offer backgammon, a popular local board game that you must try to play.

After the exciting Waqif Souq, I suggest you definitely go on a relaxing cruise where you can enjoy the beauty of Doha from a completely different angle. Let’s recall some facts from the previous travelogue. Qatar is a peninsula enclosed within the magnificent shores of the Arabian Sea or the Persian Gulf. You should know that the real beauty of Qatar lies not only in the desert but these shores have added a magical touch to this magnificent state. The beauty of the clear water under the clear blue sky not only delights tourists on a regular basis, but also contributes to exploring the charisma of the beaches and islands that make Qatar a mystical paradise.

Imagine this magnificent scene – sailing along calm waves while witnessing the picturesque skyline and vibrant beauty of the city! In Doha, you can realize the possibility of riding a luxurious and exciting boat in Qatar. This Arabian country, with its sparkling coastline and some beautifully crafted islands is a true paradise for all visitors.

A traditional boat in Qatar, the Dhow boat is the best boating experience you can enjoy in Qatar. Dhow has long been a part of Qatar’s history and culture. In the past, these wooden sailboats were used by merchants to import and export materials around the bay, and today they have become an attraction for tourists. Dhow wooden boat can be spotted in some important places like Doha Corniche and Pearl Qatar, Al Khor and Al Wakra.

Promising a luxurious experience to tourists, there are several types of boat tours that are organized in Doha. From full-day tours to half-day sailing and special sunset cruises, Doha Corniche boat rides are popular with people coming from different countries. To make it more luxurious and royal, the boats are beautifully decorated with lights, and proper food and beverage arrangements are made to make the cruise ride unforgettable.

My dear adventurers, we have come to the end of this second special travelogue in the series of travelogues about Qatar where we had the opportunity to enjoy the beauty of this unusual country on the Arabian Peninsula. Today’s travelogue would not be possible without the selfless help of Visit Qatar and Marsa Malaz Kempinski Hotel in collaboration with local partners who allowed me to feel the spirit and beauty of Qatari culture and tradition. Of course, as always, I tried my best to convey to you my impressions of this unusual experience from Qatar.

I would like to especially thank the staff of the Marsa Malaz Kempinski Hotel for their warm welcome and hosting me in their property. The stay in their hotel was exceptional, where I felt the warmth of home!

A person is rich in soul if he has managed to explore the world and I am glad that I always manage to find partners of my projects who help me to discover new and unusual destinations in a completely different way.

I am honored to have the opportunity to collaborate with companies that are the very top of the tourism industry and I would like to thank the Visit Qatar for this incredible adventure and for allowing me to experience the beauty of this unusual Qatari culture in a completely different way.

How did you like my story about Qatar and the presentation of the capital Doha, which adorns the heart of this unusual country on the Arabian Peninsula? Have you had the chance to visit Qatar so far?

If you have any question, comment, suggestion or message for me you can write me below in the comments. Of course, as always, you can contact me via email or social networks, all addresses can be found on the CONTACT page. See you at the same place in a few days, with some new story!

In the following stories from Doha, we will discover some other interesting sights that you should visit if your journey takes you to this faraway land!

Greetings from Doha,

Mr.M

This post is sponsored by Qatar Tourism and Marsa Malaz Kempinski Hotel as well as other local partners. This post is my personal and honest review of the destination experience.

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Letters from Qatar: Doha, the City where the Future has already arrived…

My dear travelers, welcome to the new series of travelogues in 2023. The month of April will be dedicated to the country where the future has already arrived – Qatar. At the very beginning of this series of travelogues, I would like to thank Visit Qatar for the kind invitation and hospitality. With their help, the travelogues and fashion stories that you will have the opportunity to read this April were created and I sincerely hope that you will enjoy them as I truly enjoyed making them for you.

Qatar, the formal name of the State of Qatar is a country in Western Asia. It occupies the Qatar Peninsula on the northeastern coast of the Arabian Peninsula in the Middle East. The state of Qatar shares its only land border with Saudi Arabia in the south, while the rest of the territory is surrounded by the Persian Gulf. The Gulf of Bahrain, the entrance to the Persian Gulf, separates Qatar from nearby Bahrain. The capital is Doha, home to more than 80% of the country’s population, and the land area is mostly flat, low-lying desert.

Doha is the capital city and the main cultural, social and financial center of Qatar. Located on the coast of the Persian Gulf in the east of the country, north of Al Wakrah and south of Al Khur, it is home to the majority of the country’s population. It is also the fastest growing city in Qatar, with over 80% of the nation’s population living in Doha or the surrounding suburbs.

How was the capital of Qatar created? Doha was founded in the 1820s as an offshoot of Al Bidda. It was officially declared the country’s capital in 1971, when Qatar gained independence from the British protectorate. As the commercial capital of Qatar and one of the emerging financial centers of the Middle East, Doha is considered a Beta Level Global City by the Globalization and World Cities Research Network. Doha is home to Education City, an area dedicated to research and education, and Hamad Medical City, an administrative area for medical care.

Doha has always hosted major world events, and the latest to mark the country’s history is the famous FIFA Qatar 2022 – World Cup. This was truly a historic event for this richest country in the world and believe me it could be felt even in March of this year because everywhere there were symbols of this amazing world event of which the people of Qatar are extremely proud.

The team of the Ministry of Tourism tried their best to give me an extraordinary opportunity to experience Qatar in a completely different way where I had the possibility to travel through time and get to know the culture, heritage and sights of Qatar.

The first stop during my visit to Qatar was Heenat Salma Farm. Heenat Salma is an eco-farm and camp, located in Shahaniya, northwest of Doha. It is a revolutionary multidisciplinary project dedicated to holistic methods in agriculture, architecture and community development.

They have successfully transformed a local conventional farm into an organic permaculture center that grows desert-friendly plants and vegetables, diversifying local food production and contributing to the renewable, homegrown food supply in Qatar and beyond. The Heenat Salma Farm team is aware of the fact that as individual small companies their impact is significantly limited, but as a small community they can initiate change that encourages meaningful action across borders. In addition to agriculture, the farm is a place for hospitality, vocational training, education, craftsmanship, master classes and wellness spas – each field supports and enhances the other.

Heenat Salma Farm opened its doors in 2019, when the Caravane Earth Foundation brought together a group of dedicated experts in agronomy, architecture and water infrastructure to develop a holistic farm model and ten-year strategy aimed at transforming a conventional farm into a center for regenerative agriculture.

As the program progressed, they realized that there was an opportunity not only to support innovative positive farming techniques, but also to form a special community based on hospitality and education. When you are hosted by Heenat Salma, you will experience a holistic environment specially designed to bring you closer to a new special environment, to expose you to natural beauty and interest in a new wellness experience as well as educational activities.

Heenat Salma Farm‘s work is founded on a commitment to agriculture, climate and well-being, Heenat Salma is genuinely and deeply concerned about the ongoing deterioration of all of them. All of the farm’s activities are their best way to try to solve the problem according to their capabilities, to direct the initiatives towards a positive impact on people locally and globally. Through tangible approaches, the farm functions as a prototype as they examine and test new ways of implementing change. Heenat Salma addresses urgent issues, such as the impact of the climate crisis on immigration, through the search for sustainable solutions that lead to higher and fairer wages, increased interconnectedness, and new forms of knowledge exchange.

Guest accommodations at Heenat Salma Farm are designed to positively impact and shape the way guests feel. A fine blend of precious, natural materials creates a very special atmosphere that is both subtle and classic. The particular setting of the farm favors the tactile over the visual, creating depth through texture. Here you can experience an unusual and special experience of being in the desert.

The Heenat Salma team is fully focused on all human senses to create evocative experiences and memories for their guests who appreciate immersion in real life and human connection, as well as some good stories behind every cup of tea.

Guest accommodation at Heenat Salma Farm consists of 48 luxuriously furnished 40 square meter tents that are elegant and spacious, furnished with local handmade furniture and have an open bathroom with shower, as well as a private garden.

The Heenat Salma Farma team cultivates an aesthetic of neutral colors that are pleasing to the human eye and simply timeless. Unlike the vivid palettes and bold wallpapers of posh hotels, their fine blend of natural and precious materials creates a very special atmosphere that is subtle and classic, making guests feel as if they are in the warmth of their own home.

Working with the Department of Biological and Environmental Sciences at Qatar University and the Ministry of Municipalities and Environment, Heenat Salma Farma strives to share the principles of organic farming with farmers, local people, landowners and policy makers. Heenat Salma practices regenerative agriculture, the practice of cultivating and maintaining vital soil. For the soil to yield vital products, it must first be alive. This is in stark contrast to the extensive use of chemical fertilizers and the industrialization of agriculture, which has led to soil erosion and water scarcity, along with a global loss of the vitality, resilience and nutritional value of the crops we eat.

Heenat Salma’s holistic methods will offer an alternative model, allowing the farm to be fully sustained without the use of any chemicals. The farm also practices simple techniques that bring animal waste, plant waste and soil into a healthy relationship, turning each element into fertility in the farm’s organism. The production of natural fertilizers, collected using what is available on the farm, can potentially eliminate dependence on chemical fertilizers, allowing the soil to move towards a natural balance and resilience.

After an interesting and pleasant stay at the farm in the morning, it was time for the next activity – Desert Safari in the Inland Sea. Yes, you read that right, you have the opportunity to discover an extraordinary desert landscape where sand dunes flow into the azure waters of the Inland Sea. This is an unusual adventure where you can travel through exciting sand dunes to Khor Al Adaid, a large tidal inlet known for its outstanding natural heritage value.

The Inland Sea or Khor Al Adaid as the locals like to call it is an extraordinary landscape with sand dunes and a seabed that will leave you wanting more. Located on the southeastern side of Qatar, this site is recognized by UNESCO as Qatar’s largest nature reserve. The reserve is home to wildlife, marine life and vegetation. Enjoy spotting turtles, flamingos, dugongs, Arabian oryx, camels and more.

According to historical records, Bedouin tribes roamed the desert, setting up camps while grazing their animals and engaging in trade. Today, this tradition remains ingrained in Qatari culture, with the annual winter camping season, or Al Enna, where locals venture into the desert in elaborate camps, returning to the land. The desert is an integral part of the local culture and boasts a surprising array of activities. From relaxing tent side to dune boating or parasailing, the desert is anything but an ordinary space painted in beige.

The impressive Inland Sea or Khor Al Adaid is one of the few places in the world where the sea encroaches on the desert. For a truly authentic desert experience, nothing beats driving over the soft dunes, before embarking on an exciting desert safari across the dunes to Khor Al Adaid, which can only be accessed by special jeeps. A favorite Qatari pastime, visitors can enjoy day, evening or night camping in the desert. Doha is waiting for you, so you can always #FeelMoreInQatar.

After an exciting experience and an unusual safari in the Inland Sea, it was time for a lunch break where I had the opportunity to visit Al Majles Resort where you can spend the night in addition to your lunch break, but due to my busy schedule I was not able to spend more time. Staying in this exceptional resort is fascinating and you have the opportunity to enjoy the beauty of the blue sea and soft sand.

My dear adventurers, we have come to the end of this first special travelogue in the series of travelogues about Qatar where we had the opportunity to enjoy the beauty of this unusual country on the Arabian Peninsula. Today’s travelogue would not be possible without the selfless help of Visit Qatar and Marsa Malaz Kempinski Hotel in collaboration with local partners who allowed me to feel the spirit and beauty of Qatari culture and tradition. Of course, as always, I tried my best to convey to you my impressions of this unusual experience from Qatar.

I would like to especially thank the staff of the Marsa Malaz Kempinski Hotel for their warm welcome and hosting me in their property. The stay in their hotel was exceptional, where I felt the warmth of home!

People say that yellow is color of optimism and happiness and attracts positive energy, so I decided to take my FPM Milano Bank Zip Spinner 55 glacier grey cabin suitcase with grey leather details on my trip to Doha which brought me good luck this year. Not only is it practical, lightweight, but it’s also a photogenic suitcase that many people asked me about at the airport where I bought it.

FPM Milano luggage offers travelers practicality and style, all in one trolley and backpack. Designed by Mark Sadler, these lightweight aluminum-clad and reinforced suitcases are inspired by vintage trunks, purpose-built to give you the durability you need on your travels. The combination of Avante-Garde materials and Italian design motifs give these FPM suitcases a robust and secure look.

This incredible FPM Milano Bank Zip Spinner 55 is made of 100% Makrolon© polycarbonate. The 4 wheels guarantee great stability and smoothness. The suitcase has a TSA lock incorporated (ideal for travelers to the USA) combined with a zipper closure with water resistant treatment. The elastic belt comes with the suitcase and closes with the iconic butterfly lock. The two handles are in Italian fine leather and are embellished with the FPM logo. The internal organization comes with a soft elastic belt with a buckle with FPM logo engraved on one side, and a zip pocket in the other side.ideal for 1-2 day trip.

This cheerful yellow butterfly elastic belt has changed the look of this trolley and it is an interesting accessories. You can choose your favorite color red of yellow and I believe you will be satisfied like me.

If you want to stay up to date and find out which models of suitcases and travel accessories the FPM Milano brand has in its offer, visit their official online store and follow them on the social networks Facebook and Instagram.

A person is rich in soul if he has managed to explore the world and I am glad that I always manage to find partners of my projects who help me to discover new and unusual destinations in a completely different way.

I am honored to have the opportunity to collaborate with companies that are the very top of the tourism industry and I would like to thank the Visit Qatar for this incredible adventure and for allowing me to experience the beauty of this unusual Qatari culture in a completely different way.

How did you like my story about Qatar and the presentation of the capital Doha, which adorns the heart of this unusual country on the Arabian Peninsula? Have you had the chance to visit Qatar so far?

If you have any question, comment, suggestion or message for me you can write me below in the comments. Of course, as always, you can contact me via email or social networks, all addresses can be found on the CONTACT page. See you at the same place in a few days, with some new story!

In the following stories from Doha, we will discover some other interesting sights that you should visit if your journey takes you to this faraway land!

Greetings from Doha,

Mr.M

This post is sponsored by the Qatar Tourism and Marsa Malaz Kempinski Hotel as well as other local partners. This post is my personal and honest review of the destination experience.

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Letters from Jordan: Amman and Jerash, Jewels of the Middle East you will love!

My dear travellers and lovers of unique trips, welcome to another new adventure on the Mr.M blog. Today we officially start a new series of travelogues about an exotic oriental country that is not known much about and therefore represents an unexplored gem of Western Asia – Jordan.

In today’s post, we will enjoy the beauty of two cities together: Amman, the capital of Jordan, and Jerash, an ancient city. Before starting today’s post, I would like to thank the National Tourism Board of the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan – Visit Jordan for the warm invitation and the amazing experience to get to know the Jordanian culture and customs.

The view from my hotel room

As you are used to, I will first introduce you to some basic information about the country we are visiting. Jordan, the official name of the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan is a country in Western Asia. It is located at the crossroads of Asia, Africa and Europe in the Levant region, on the east bank of the Jordan River. Jordan is bordered by Saudi Arabia to the south and east, Iraq to the northeast, Syria to the north and the Palestinian West Bank, Israel and the Dead Sea to the west. It has a coastline of less than 30 kilometers on the Gulf of Aqaba in the Red Sea in the southwest. The Gulf of Aqaba separates Jordan from Egypt. Amman is the capital and largest city of Jordan, as well as its economic, political and cultural center.

Today’s Jordan has been inhabited by humans since the Paleolithic era. Three stable kingdoms appeared there at the end of the Bronze Age: Ammon, Moab and Edom. The later empires that arose were: the Assyrian Empire, the Babylonian Empire, the Nabatean Kingdom, the Persian Empire, the Roman Empire, the Rashidun, Umayyad and Abbasid Caliphates and the Ottoman Empire.

After the Great Arab Revolt against the Ottomans in 1916 during World War I, the Ottoman Empire was divided by Britain and France. The Emirate of Transjordan was founded in 1921 by Hashemite, then Emir Abdullah I, and the Emirate became a British protectorate. In the mid-20th century, Jordan became an independent state officially known as the Hashemite Kingdom of Transjordan, but was renamed the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan in 1949. Jordan is one of the founders of the Arab League and the Organization of Islamic Cooperation. The sovereign state is a constitutional monarchy, but the king has broad executive and legislative powers.

Jordan is a semi-arid country, covering an area of 89,342 km2, with a population of 10 million, making it the eleventh most populous Arab country. The dominant majority, or about 95% of the country’s population, are Sunni Muslims, with a predominantly Arab Christian minority. Jordan has been repeatedly referred to as an “oasis of stability” in the turbulent Middle East region. The country remained largely unscathed by the violence that gripped the region after the 2010 Arab Spring. Interesting information that Jordan has accepted refugees from several neighboring countries in conflict since the middle of the 20th century. An estimated 2.1 million Palestinian and 1.4 million Syrian refugees are present in Jordan. The kingdom is also a haven for thousands of Iraqi Christians fleeing persecution by the Islamic State.

The graffiti you can see on the left represents the equality of men and women, this is considered a modern piece of Street Art.

Jordan has a high human development index, ranking 102nd, and is considered an upper-middle-income economy. Jordan’s economy, one of the smallest in the region, is attractive to foreign investors based on its skilled workforce. The country is a major tourist destination, which also attracts medical tourism due to its well-developed health sector.

Amman is the capital and at the same time the largest economic, political and cultural city of Jordan with slightly more than 4 million inhabitants. , Amman is the largest city in the Levant region, the fifth largest city in the Arab world and the ninth largest metropolitan area in the Middle East.

Some of the first official evidence of settlement in the area of present-day Amman dates back to the 8th millennium BC, at the Neolithic site known as Ain Ghazal, where the world’s oldest human-shaped statues were discovered. During the Iron Age, the city was known as Rabath Ammon and served as the capital of the Ammon Kingdom. In the 3rd century BC, Ptolemy II Philadelphus, pharaoh of Ptolemaic Egypt, rebuilt the city and renamed it “Philadelphia”, making it a regional center of Hellenistic culture. Under Roman rule, Philadelphia was one of the ten Greco-Roman cities of the Decapolis before being ruled directly as part of the province of Arabia Petraea.

The Rashidun Caliphate conquered the city from the Byzantines in the 7th century AD, restored its ancient Semitic name and called it Amman. During the Middle Ages, the city alternated between periods of destruction and abandonment and periods of relative prosperity as the center of the Balka region. Amman was largely abandoned from the 15th century until the end of the 19th century, when the Ottoman authorities began to settle the Circassians.

The first municipal council of Amman was established at the beginning of the 20th century. Amman witnessed rapid growth after being declared the capital of Transjordan in 1921, receiving migrants from various Jordanian and Levantine cities, and after several successive waves of refugees: Palestinians in 1948 and 1967; Iraqis in 1990 and 2003 and Syrians in 2011. It was originally built on seven hills, but now extends over 19 hills combining 22 areas, administered by the Greater Amman Municipality. The areas of Amman are named after the hills (Jabal) or the valleys (Wadi) they occupy, such as Jabal Lwaybde and Wadi Abdun. Eastern Amman is predominantly filled with historical sites that often host cultural activities, while western Amman is more modern and serves as the economic center of the city.

Over a million tourists visited Amman in 2018, officially making it the 89th most visited city in the world and the 12th most visited Arab city. Amman has a relatively fast growing economy and is ranked as a Beta-Global City by the Globalization and World Cities Research Network. Moreover, it has been declared one of the best cities in the Middle East and North Africa according to economic, labor, environmental and socio-cultural factors. The city is among the most popular locations in the Arab world for multinational corporations to open their regional offices, alongside Doha and Dubai.

Roman Forum and Theater

Amman is considered one of the most liberal cities in the Arab world. The city has become one of the most popular destinations for expats and students who want to live, study or work in the Middle East or the Arab world in general. The city’s culinary scene has changed from shawarma and falafel stands to include many popular international restaurants and fast food joints such as Asian restaurants, French bistros and Italian trattorias. The city has become famous for its fine dining scene among Western expats and tourists from the Persian Gulf.

The famous market located very close to the center of Amman

Souk Jara is one of the most famous outdoor markets managed by the Jabal Amman Residents Association (JARA). Large shopping malls were built during the 2000s in Amman, including Mecca Mall, Abdoun Mall, City Mall, Al-Baraka Mall, Taj Mall, Zara Mall, Avenue Mall and Abdali Mall in Al Abdali. Wakalat Street is the first pedestrian zone in Amman and famous fashion brands can be found here. The Sweifieh area is considered the main shopping district of Amman.

Nightclubs, music bars and shisha lounges are present all over Amman, changing the old image of the city as the conservative capital of the kingdom. This burgeoning new nightlife scene has been shaped by Jordan’s younger generations. In addition to a wide range of places to party, drink and dance in the company of the city’s rich entertainment, Amman hosts numerous cultural entertainment events, including the annual Amman Summer Festival. Souk Yara is Jordan’s weekly flea market event that takes place every Friday during the summer.

Local cuisine is considered a fusion of several cuisines in the region. It is known as the food of the Levant – an ancient word for the area bordered by the Mediterranean Sea and the Arabian Peninsula. But the food here is not just the sum of its calories. However, the real street food scene in the city makes Amman cuisine recognizable in the world.

Central streets of Amman

Many events take place in Amman, including events sponsored by Red Bull Soundclash and the Soapbox Race, the second part of the Jerash Festival, the Al-Balad Music Festival, the Amman Marathon, the Made in Jordan Festival, the Amman Book Festival and the New Think Festival. Venues for such cultural events often include the Roman Theater and Odeon Theater in the city center, Ras al Ain Hangar, King Hussein Business Park, Rainbow Theater and Shams Theatre, Royal Film Commission, Shoman Libraries and Darat al Funun, and the Royal Cultural Center in City Sports . In addition to major events and institutional planning, scholars highlight tactical urbanism as a key element of the city’s cultural fabric.

Downtown Amman

What is important to visit in Amman? When you came to the capital of Jordan, I think you should visit the Roman amphitheater that was built in the second century BC. Also, the Roman Theater is located in a place that is still the heart of the old part of Amman. A large part of the theater has been renovated, so many events are held there. In the immediate vicinity on the hill is the Citadel, from which you can enjoy the view of the city and the old part of the city.

Citadel

The Citadel was once the acropolis of the ancient city, of course even today visitors have the opportunity to enjoy the beauty of the preserved ruins. One of the ruins is the Temple of Hercules, built in honor of Marcus Aurelius. The temple had four Corinthian columns, of which unfortunately only two survive today. Also on the Citadel you will find the remains of a Byzantine church from the 6th century, as well as numerous monuments that marked the beginning of Arab rule.

The Citadel has a long history of occupation by many great civilizations. Evidence of habitation has been found since the Neolithic, and the hill was fortified during the Bronze Age. The hill became the capital of the Kingdom of Amon sometime after 1200 BC. Later it came under the rule of empires such as the Neo-Assyrian Empire (8th century BC), the Neo-Babylonian Empire (6th century BC), the Ptolemies, the Seleucids (3rd century BC), the Romans (1st century BC), Byzantines (3rd century AD) and Umayyads (7th century AD). After the Umayyads, there was a period of decline and for most of the time until 1878, the former city became an abandoned pile of ruins used only sporadically by Bedouins and seasonal farmers. Despite this gap, the Amman Citadel is considered one of the oldest continuously inhabited sites in the world.

Most of the ruins still visible at the site date from the Roman, Byzantine and Umayyad periods. The main remains on the site are the Temple of Hercules, the Byzantine church and the Umayyad palace. The Archaeological Museum of Jordan was built on the hill in 1951. Although the fortification walls enclose the heart of the site, the ancient periods of occupation covered large areas.

The historic buildings, tombs, arches, walls and steps have no modern boundaries, and therefore there is significant archaeological potential at this site, as well as in the surrounding lands, as well as throughout Amman. Archaeologists have worked on the site since the 1920s, including Italian, British, French, Spanish and Jordanian projects, but much of the Citadel remains unexcavated.

The Jordan Archaeological Museum is located in the Amman Citadel. It was built in the middle of the 20th century and presents artifacts from archaeological sites in Jordan, dating from prehistoric times to the 15th century. The collections are arranged in chronological order and include objects from everyday life such as flint, glass, metal and pottery, as well as more artistic objects such as jewelry and statues. The museum also contains a collection of coins.

The museum previously housed some of the Dead Sea Scrolls, including the only copper scroll, which is now on display in the newly established Jordan Museum, along with the Ain Ghazal statues, which are among the oldest statues ever made by human civilization.

Jerash is a city in northern Jordan. The city is the administrative center of Jerash province and has a little more than 50,000 inhabitants. The first evidence of settlement in Jerash is found at the Neolithic site known as Tal Abu Sowan, where rare human remains dating back to 7500 BC have been discovered. Jerash flourished during the Greek and Roman periods until the middle of the eighth century. However, in 1120, Zahir ad-Din Toghtekin, the atabeg of Damascus, ordered a garrison of forty men to build a fort at an unknown site in the ruins of the ancient city, probably the highest point of the city walls in the north-eastern hills. It was captured in 1121 by Baldwin II, King of Jerusalem, and then completely destroyed. Then the crusaders immediately left Jerash and retreated to Saqib.

Jerash was then abandoned until the Ottomans reappeared until the beginning of Ottoman rule in the early 16th century. However, archaeologists have found some evidence – a small Mamluk hamlet in the northwest quarter that indicates that Jerash was resettled before the Ottoman era. The ancient city was gradually discovered through a series of excavations that began in 1925 and continue to this day.

Today, Jerash is home to one of the best-preserved Greco-Roman cities, earning it the nickname “Pompeii of the East.” Approximately 330,000 visitors The Jerash Festival is held here, one of the leading cultural events in the Middle East that attracts tens of thousands of visitors every year.

The Jerash archaeological site has two museums where archaeological materials and relevant information about the site and its rich history are displayed. The Jerash Archaeological Museum, which is the older of the two museums, is located on top of a hill known as “Camp Hill” east of Cardo and overlooks the Oval Plaza (circular square). The small museum contains a chronological display of artifacts found in and around Jerash from prehistory to Islamic times.

The museum displays a unique group of small statues of a group identified as Muses of the Olympic Pantheon that were discovered in Jerash in 2016. The statues, which are of Roman date, were found in a fragmentary state and have been partially restored. The museum also contains a well-preserved late 4th to 5th century lead sarcophagus featuring Christian and pagan symbolism. The museum also has numerous sculptures, altars and mosaics on display outside.

The Jerash Visitor Center serves as a recent archaeological museum and presents the site of Jerash in a thematic approach focusing on the evolution and development of the city of Jerash over time, as well as the economy, technology, religion and daily life. The center also displays further sculptures discovered in Jerash in 2016, including restored statues of Zeus and Aphrodite, as well as a marble head thought to represent the Roman empress Julia Domna.

I would like to share with you another interesting fact about this amazing place. The legendary Italian tenor Andrea Bocelli performed for the first time in Jordan at the Oval Forum, the archaeological site of Jerash. The concert was held on September 18, 2017 organized by Friends of Jordan Festivals.

Mr. Bocelli is an international classical crossover tenor and has attracted many music lovers with the beauty of classical music. His performances were attended by many eminent figures from the world of politics, art and religious leaders of the Roman Catholic Church. This was a magnificent event that the people of Jordan still remember today.

Jerash has developed dramatically with the growing importance of the tourism industry in the city. Jerash is now the second most popular tourist attraction in Jordan, after the ruins of Petra. On the western side of the city, which contained most of the representative buildings, the ruins have been carefully preserved and spared from encroachment, and the modern city stretches east of the river that once divided ancient Jerash in two.

My dear travellers, we have come to the end of this first special post about the capital of the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan, which would not have been possible without the selfless help of the Jordan Tourism Board – Visit Jordan in collaboration with local partners who allowed me to feel the spirit and beauty of Jordanian culture. and traditions. Of course, as always, I tried my best to convey to you my impressions of this unusual experience from Jordan.

Time always flies when a person is having a good time! A person is rich in soul if he has managed to explore the world and I am glad that I always manage to find partners of my projects who help me to discover new and unusual destinations in a completely different way during this global health crisis of COVID-19.

I am honoured to have the opportunity to cooperate with companies that are the very top of the tourism industry and I would like to thank them for this incredible adventure and for allowing me to experience the beauty of this unusual country in Western Asia in a completely different way.

How did you like my story about the Amman and Jerash? Have you had the chance to visit Jordan so far?

If you have any question, comment, suggestion or message for me you can write me below in the comments. Of course, as always, you can contact me via email or social networks, all addresses can be found on the CONTACT ME page. See you at the same place in a few days, with some new story!

With love from Amman,

Mr.M

This post is sponsored by the Visit Jordan, as well as other local partners. This post is my personal and honest review of the destination experience.

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Letter from the Middle East: Dubai, the Center of Modern Oriental Luxury…

My dear travellers, how are you today? Today is the perfect day to start a new adventure, so this rainy Tuesday is perfect time for a new post! Journeys are truly gift to a gloomy everyday life and one has the opportunity to have fun and at least for a few days forget about daily problems. When it comes to travel it doesn’t matter the destination, the most important thing is that the person doesn’t go alone and to make a good plan of the program of the trip where everyone will have fun and have a nice relax.

I would like to take this opportunity to thank the flydubai airline and the Dubai Tourist Board (Visit Dubai), which made it possible for my photographer and I to experience the beauty and charm of a center of modern oriental luxury such as Dubai.

When the flydubai airline began operating in 2009, the goal was to connect with their passengers and transport them to as many destinations as possible daily. Today, flydubai flies to more than 90 destinations and is constantly adding new destinations to their “sky” network.

Over 70 million travelers have given their trust and with flydubai they have visited the largest and most famous city in the United Arab Emirates – Dubai, making them the second largest carrier in UAE. The vision and support of the Dubai government created new opportunities for travel, tourism and commerce and improved connectivity by increasing access to Dubai and connecting with the rest of the world.

With increasing demand and an daily-expanding sky network, flidubai has added a number of new destinations in its offer. Having already opened routes to Africa, Europe, Central Asia, the Middle East, the Indian Subcontinent and Southeast Asia, the goal is not only to expand the network of destinations, but to make the route as efficient as possible, with more regular flights, direct flights and new aircraft with which will make every trip unforgettable.

Flydubai Business Class offers a more comfortable, relaxed and completely new flying experience. At the airport, you will have benefit from faster check-in and priority airport services, including a special check-in desk, boarding and bus service. You can also relax before your trip in the business lounge at Terminal 2 Dubai International Airport, and if your flight departs from Terminal 3, you can use one of the many Emirates business class lounges, of course, and the ability to enjoy lounges at airports around of the world using the affiliate networks of the airlines to which flydubai belongs.

On the board, you will be able to enjoy the personalized, professional and superior service of crew members who are in the service of business-class passengers. Choose a delicious meal from the menu where you can find specialties from a variety of international cuisines. My recommendation is to try Arabic cuisine specialties and I am sure you will enjoy the undiscovered flavours so far!

The flight from Belgrade to Dubai takes about 6 hours on average and I believe that your flight will be comfortable and fun, whether you choose to travel economy or business class with flydubai. Friendly staff, landscapes you’ll encounter along the way and who knows, you might meet someone on the flight.

I was able to meet an interesting lady in her late years who is visiting her daughter in Dubai. I have learned so many interesting things about this quaint modern city and received first-hand recommendations what I should not miss in Dubai!

Dubai is the most populated city in the United Arab Emirates and the capital of Dubai. Located in the eastern Arabian Peninsula on the Persian Gulf coast, Dubai has occupied the central business center of Western Asia. It is also the world’s premier transportation hub for travelers and goods. Oil revenues helped accelerate the development of the city, which was already a major trading hub.

Today, less than 5% of the Emirates’ revenue comes from oil. Research from the Center for Regional and International Trade shows that, since the early 20th century, Dubai’s economy has largely relied on revenues from trade, tourism, aviation, real estate and financial services.

The history of human settlement in the area where the United Arab Emirates is now located is unusual and very complex. A large number of historical records point to the closely related trade links between the Indus Valley and Mesopotamia civilizations.

Archeological sites in the emirate of Dubai, especially in Al-Ashoosh, Al Sufouh, and extremely rich sites from Saruk Al Hadid, show settlement through the periods of Ubaid and Hafit, the Umm Al Nar and Wadi Suk periods, and the three Iron Age in the UAE.

This part was known to the Sumerians as Magan and was a source of metal ores, especially copper and bronze. The area was covered with sand about 5,000 years ago as the coast receded inland, becoming part of what is now the city’s coastline. The great find is pre-Islamic pottery found in the present-day city of Dubai, dating from the third and fourth centuries.

Before the introduction of Islam in the area, people in this region worshiped Bajir (or Bajar). Following the spread of Islam in the region, the Umayyad Caliph of the Eastern Islamic world invaded Southeast Arabia and expelled the Sassans. Excavations at the Dubai Museum in the Al-Jumairah region (Jumeirah) have found several artifacts from the Umaiyad period. The Venetian pearl dealer Gasparo Balbi visited this city in 1580 and mentioned Dubai (Dibei) which was significant at that time because of the pearl trade.

Dubai is thought to have been established as a fishing village in the early 18th century and by 1822 it had acquired the status of a city of between 700 and 800 members of the Bani Ias tribe and was subject to the rule of Sheikh Tahnun bin Shakhbut of Abua Dhabi . However, in 1833, after a tribal altercation, members of the Al Bu Falasah tribe separated from Abu Dhabi and settled in Dubai.

The Abu Dhabi exodus was led by Obeid bin Saeed and Maktoum bin Butti, who also became supreme authorities in Dubai until Obeid died in 1836, leaving Maktum in a bid to establish a new Maktoum dynasty.

Dubai signed the General Maritime Treaty of 1820 and together with other countries, following the British criminal expedition against Ras Al Khaimah of 1819, which also led to the bombing of the Gulf coastal communities. This led to a permanent maritime truce of 1853. Dubai, like its neighbors, also signed an exclusivity agreement in which the United Kingdom assumed responsibility for the security of the emirates in 1892.

Throughout the 1970s, Dubai continued to develop thanks to oil and trade revenue, even as an influx of immigrants fleeing the Lebanese civil war. Border disputes between the emirates continued after the formation of the UAE. In 1979, a formal compromise was reached that ended all disagreements. Jebel Ali Harbor was established in 1979 and JAFZA (Jebel Ali Free Zone) was built around the port in 1985 to allow foreign companies unrestricted imports of labor and capital.

Dubai Airport and the aerospace industry also continued to grow at a high rate of speed. Unfortunately for the 1990 Gulf War, Dubai experienced a major negative financial effect as major investors withdrew their money and chain stores closed their stores, but afterwards the city recovered in a changing political climate and managed to overcome all political and financial problems.

Later in the 1990s, many foreign trade communities – first from Kuwait, during the Gulf War, and later from Bahrain, in times of Shia unrest – moved their business to Dubai. The city had bases for filling up Allied forces in the Jebel Ali Free Zone during the Gulf War. The massive rise in oil prices after the Gulf War encouraged Dubai to continue to focus on free trade and tourism.

The number of tourist attractions and activities has increased significantly in recent years. There are many more options now than before, because all the activities were part of many hotel chains because the city did not have tourist attractions. Just the opening of the large Dubai Mall and the construction of the heart of the city (Dubai Downtown) have helped to expand the number of tourist attractions that make Dubai one of the most recognized in the world today.

The most striking attractions that have certainly changed the look of the city are the Burj Khalifa and the Dubai Fountain.

Burj Khalifa is known as the tallest building in the world. Visitors can take a special elevator to the 124th floor, which is known as the most beautiful vantage point from which Dubai can be seen in the palm of your hand. The Dubai Fountain, on the other hand, is the largest music fountain in the world that you can always visit for free, and it is part of the Dubai Mall.

Of course, besides the fountain at Dubai Mall, you can enjoy the winter magic at the spacious ice rink, aquarium and KidZania which is designed as a modern children’s playroom, believe me you have never had such a chance to see in your life. Honest to not be 27 years old, I would go play there all day long without break!

Bastakiya is known as a neighborhood marked in all travel guides and magazines as the old part of Dubai with a soul in which to keep the old city spirit and heritage. It was built at the end of the 19th century thanks to the Persian merchants who were attached to Dubai because of the easy and easy way to trade, and this is why this part of the city is named after the city of Bastak located in the south of Iran.

Many renovated buildings in this part of the city today still have special air conditioning systems called “Wind Towers” which was an interesting concept for the air conditioning of homes and commercial buildings. Today, most of the buildings in this part of the city are privately owned – homes and there are buildings of great cultural and social importance such as:

  1. Sheikh Mohammed Cultural Center
  2. The Museum of Dubai
  3. Arabian Tea House (formerly Basta Artistic Cafe)
  4. Majlis Gallery where works by local and international artists can be found.
  5. Ostra Gallery where you can find works of contemporary modern art and sculpture

Exactly 7 years ago, in February 2013, the Dubai Miracle Garden, a 72,000-meter flower garden, opened as part of the Dubailand complex. It is the largest flower garden in the world. The garden has a total of 45 million species of flowers maintained through a special irrigation system that uses wastewater that has been treated and plants are irrigated using a drip irrigation system.

During the summer from late May to September, when temperatures can be extremely high, with an average temperature of around 40 degrees, the garden is closed to the public.

Seeing the garden in full bloom with its 150 million flowers arranged in colorful bows, patterns and the myriad of shapes it forms is truly a magnificent experience for all your senses. Dubai Miracle Garden won two Guinness World Records for the largest vertical garden in 2013 and the largest flower sculpture in the world, shaping the shape of the 2016 Airbus A380.

The distinctive sculpture in this park is a masterpiece 18 meters high and is also the first Disney flower display in the Middle East and is made of almost 100,000 plants and flowers and weighs almost 35 tons. Every year, Dubai Miracle Garden changes its look and shows visitors a whole new concept and design experience. This unusual garden is visited by more than 1.5 million visitors a year.

My dear travellers, once again we have come to the end of the special blog post from Dubai. Time just flies so fast when you are having a good time! At the end of this post, I would like to thank my friends from Dubai Tourist Board – Visit Dubai and flydubai for this incredible adventure and Four Seasons Hotel Dubai International Financial Centre for their huge efforts to make our stay unforgettable and I felt like at home. Also I would like to say huge thank you for this great adventure.

This time, flydubai recognized the quality of my work and they wanted to be part of this amazing project. I am honored to have the opportunity to work with companies that are at the top of the tourism industry and I would like to thank them for this incredible adventure and for allowing me to experience the beauty of Middle East in a completely different way.

How do you like this story about this oriental luxury centre of the Middle East called Dubai? Have you maybe had a chance to visit United Arab Emirates? I would like to share with me your experience! See you next week with another interesting story!

If you have a question, comment, suggestion or message for me, you can write me down in the comments. Of course, as always you can contact me via mail or social media, which you can find on the CONTACT page.

Best,
Mr.M

This post was sponsored by Visit Dubai and flydubai airline company. I would like to say thank you to Four Seasons Hotel DIFC for having me. This trip was an extraordinary experience for me!

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