Visit the North side of the Western Alps, The Jura Mountains in Switzerland…

Jura Mountains.

Switzerland

Switzerland is very famous for its Alps mountains, but I was lucky to experience and explore the North side of the Western Alps, The Jura Mountains.

The Jura Mountains is located in Switzerland and extended into France and Germany.

For the full post.. click here 

Your favorite travel guide is here… 5 districts to visit while in Berlin…

Berlin.

A city full of surprises, once was divided and still feels like each area has its own color and personality. Diverse in its own self, history and development. A city with multiple identities… Red More

Berlin; Metropolitan; and to Me; Berlin is like Blind Love.

Below you will find 5 areas that are highly recommended for you to visit

Mitte

Stands for Central Berlin. Where most of the touristic attraction reside. Happening and commercial, touristic and historic. You will find: The Museum Island, Berlin Arch known as “Brandenburg Gate”… Read More

For more details on what to do and where to go in Mitte, click on the photograph below.

Prenzlauer Burg

Unfortunately, I only made it to the Mauerpark in Prenzlauer Burg, but I heard so much about the neighborhood. If you wish to experience the posh side of Berlin which used to be the Bohemian side earlier in the 1900, now you can go there to dine at expensive restaurants, walk between tree-lined streets, colorful boutiques… Read More

For more photos and details on the Maurpark, click on the photograph below

Friedrichshain

Which is just right below Mitte and is attached to Kreuzberg, is famous for its walls to be turned into canvases, even big buildings you will find art and graffiti on them. This artsy neighborhood, is also filled with cheap bars, boutiques and restaurants.

You will find the EastSide gallery, Jewish Museum… Read More

For more photos on the Berlin Wall “EastSide Gallery” and Friedrichshain click on the photograph below.

Kreuzberg

As mentioned above is actually combined with the Friedrachshain neighborhood, is also known as X-berg, and is known to be from the trendiest areas in Berlin. Filled with bars, restaurant, and vibrant nightlife. This is where you will find all the… Read More

For more photos and information click on the photo below.

Neukolln

This is where it is the most international, for most immigrants landed in Neukolln, and few years back, this is where all the artists moved to, because of the rise of prices in central Berlin except for Neukolln where inexpensive rents and nightlife was still available. Today Neukolln is becoming very popular and therefore… Read More

You will find the Berlins former airport Templehof Field that is now a public park and a hangout. Unfortunately, I didn’t make it to the park.

For more details on where to go and what to do in Neukolln click on the photo below.

As for Shopping try Kurfürstendamm which is considered the Champs-Elysees of Berlin.

I also used to check this active local website that you can use for recommended venues and activities Stil in Berlin 

Did I miss anything? Please feel free to share with me your comments.

All pictures are taken with a Canon 7D

Here is how you can spend a beautiful weekend in Neukolln Berlin…

Neukolin.

This district feels very cozy, very familiar and warm. You walk down the streets as you find many shops only scattered around. It is a very active district with many outdoor markets and shops.

Here are few things to enjoy while you visit Neukolln.

1- Rigid Architecture

2- Look up for festivals 

3- Sunday Flea Market (FlowMarkt)

Neukolln flea market in Berlin Maybachufer

4- Try the strangest Food 

5- Go to the Market halle on Friday’s & Saturday’s  

6- Count their bicycles and rent one Neukolln flea market in Berlin Maybachufer

7- And other vintage transportation  

8- Visit their local Shops 

Blue yellow and pink chair

Visit Neukolln Berlin

9- Go read & have Breakfast at Pavillon Um Afer

10- Walk around Maybachufer and do other things 

Read More… 

 

The Artistic side of Berlin resides in Friedrichshain Kreuzberg

Friedrichshain Kreuzberg.

Friedrichshain Kreuzberg are formed by former East Berlin as Friedrichshain and West Berlin as Kreuzberg. They are both linked through the historic Oberbaum Bridge that used to be the Berlin border crossing for pedestrians. Today the two districts are the most hip in Berlin. With all its walls sprayed with Graffiti and art, pubs, restaurants and shops. Worth the walk, or a bicycle ride.

What can be seen and done at Friedrichshain and Kreuzberg

 A walk along the River Spree and Oberbaum Bridge

A walk or bicycle ride along the East Side Gallery (Berlin Wall)

An international memorial for freedom. A section of the Berlin Wall, and is made out of 105 paintings by artists from all over the world. It is considered to be the largest and longest lasting opening air gallery in the world.

Street Art

Graffiti with man blowing butterflies from his mouthThe Streets and the People 

ShopRead More…

Why Berlin is incomplete without a visit to Mauerpark on a Sunday?

Mauerpark.

Mauerpark located within the Prenzlauer Berg district, is a public park and stands for Wall park referring to its status as a former part of the Berlin Wall and its death strip.

Bearpit Karaoke Show

The park is very popular for its Bearpit Karaoke Show which started in 2009 and took place around a stone circular stage, with surrounding amphitheater stage. Today, and only during Spring to Autumn, every sunday, thousands of people gather there to cheer and take part in the public Karaoke show.

Thousands of people attend the Bearpit Karaoke show at meauerpark

Flea Market 

Since 2004, every sunday, there is a huge flea market open known as the Flohmarkt Mauerpark in German that stands for Mauerpark Flea Market. There are several flea markets that take place in Berlin, but this one is most popular among the locals and foreigners. You will find antiques, food, fresh juices, hand-made products, local brands, t-shirts, and many more.

Mauerpark flea market in Prenzlauer Burg BerlinCream Mauerpark flea market in Prenzlauer Burg Berlin

Read More…

8 Things to see and do in Mitte, central Berlin.

Mitte.

Here are things to see in Mitte the center of Berlin by distance.

1- Victory Column 

I do not have a photo of the Column which is also known as the Siegessaule, but sometimes Mitte would have festivals along from the Brandenburg Gate to the Victory Column.

2- Brandenburg Gate

The 18th century arch of Berlin. One of the most popular landmarks. Located at the junction of Unter den Linden and Ebertstrabe. It was built between 1788 to 1791 as a sign of peace commissioned by King Frederick. The gate suffered much damage in World War II and so was last restored in 2000.

3- The field of Stelae

Which also stands for the Memorial to the murdered Jews in Europe. Building began in 2003 and was finalized in 2005. The names of the victims was obtained from the Israeli Museum Yad Vashem, and it cost around 25million to build. The museum has attracted some controversy, and was described by the German Jewish community as unnecessary.The Field of Stelae

4- Topography of Terror

This is an outdoor indoor history museum.

Read More.. 

13 things to do in the Amalfi Coast – Italy

Amalfi Coast.

What is there not to say about the Amalfi Coast? It is not to be missed. I can not wait for the day I visit again, and…. stay. When I plan on buying property, Positano which is located among the coast will be one of the options. Every single moment spent at the Amalfi Coast, between Napoli, Capri, Positano, and Sorrento was literally breath-taking.

My visit was unfortunately very short, therefore I couldn’t really discover much but I can sum up what is highly recommended if it was a short or a long visit:

Amalfi Coast is a drive that can start from Naples down to Pompei, C.mare di Stabia, Vico Equense, Meta, Piano di Sorrento, Sant’Angello, Sorrento, Massa Lubrense, Positano, Amalfi, Ravello, and Salerno.

Here are 13 things to do in the Amalfi Coast:

1- Drive around the Amalfi coast it is hypnotic.

2- If you have the time, spend at least one day roaming around each city.

3- While driving, just take spontaneous side stops and live the moment.

4- Your camera is an essential.

5- Visit Capri, which is an island located about one hour by ferry from Sorrento. 

Read More… 

9 things to do when in Solothurn

Click here to read full post on Solothurn.

One of the most beautiful cities, I have ever visited.

Solothurn is a small city located along the Aare river and is known as the finest baroque town in Switzerland. Now all I wanted after visiting Solothurn, is to go back in time and history… Or, move to Solothurn and start my life all over again…

1. Wander around, and enjoy the art and details of the architecture.

2. Explore the Baroque and the Medieval and count windows.

3. Visit the St. Ursus Cathedral, which was first built-in the middle ages, renovated several times and looks like this today.

4. Search for the 11 fountains and learn about meaning behind the number 11. 

5. Explore the Clock Tower, built-in 1467 with an added astronomic clock-works in 1545. 

6. Visit Seit 1830 or what is also known as Kerzen Kolonialwaen Jeger shop for an unforgettable experience of shopping. 

Jeger kerzenjeger

7. Then have a quick bite at the most delicious Middle Eastern restaurant Pittaria that serves food from falafel, hummus, shwerma and more. Palestinian owner, cozy atmosphere and surely worth the visit.

8. Then it is time for dessert, and when in Switzerland, what is better than good chocolates for dessert. Visit Confiserie Hofer and Oetterli Kafee.

9. If you have the time, then I think this city was made for bicycles. It is spacious, no traffic, safe, and just utterly beautiful. 

… read more 

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Frankfurt in less than Twenty Four Hours…

Frankfurt.

Less than Twenty Four Hours in Frankfurt

Everyone was telling me not to go to Frankfurt, saying things like, “there is nothing much to see or do”. I must confirm my disagreement. I didn’t spend much time in Frankfurt, but I was able to tell that there is so much to see and explore. It is not at all as empty and lifeless as everyone claims. Maybe in comparison with Berlin, but you can never compare 2 cities, they are just 2 different cities. Berlin’s city life is bigger and wilder, but I found Frankfurt to have more character and stillness. 

I recommend you walk in this beautiful city. It is so spacious it gives a different taste to breathing. The streets are super clean and super wide, the people are friendly and the city is busy. Things are very basic and easy to get a hold of. I suggest you buy a map, mark some streets, rent a bicycle and just enjoy the city. If you have time, then I would defiantly recommend you explore smaller streets and exquisite shops, I am certain that you will stumble upon some gems. 

Visit the Romerberg plaza and look for the Romer medieval buildings located in the left bank of the Rhine river. Romer is the nameRomer is the name of the family that owned the buildings and sold them to the city council in 1405. This is when it was converted… read more

A valley worth knowing about; this is Wadi Yabis and to some of you Wadi Rayan… Nature is Magical…

Wadi Rayan, Wadi Yabis.

وادي الريان – وادي يابس

Green, Olive Trees, Roman, Ancient, Flowers, Plants, Nature, Fresh Air, Trekking, Hike, Meditate, Oxygen, Farmers, Castles, River, Jordan Valley

Wadi stands for Valley, and Jordan is very famous for its beautiful valleys.

Wadi Yabis used to be known as Wadi Rayan for it used to be rich in water until the river got divided between farms and different areas and so Wadi Rayan became Wadi Yabis which stands for Rough surface valley.

Wadi Rayan or Wadi Yabis is between Ajloun and Jordan Valley. It over looks beautiful scenes and its nature is breath-taking.

I joined a high-spirited group of people organized by Treks who were phenomenal at being guides and creating a fun safe atmosphere.

We started our walk down Yabis starting from Oudeh watermill in Al Ayoun and following the wadi down past orchards and stunning ancient Roman olive trees that are around 1500 to 2000 years old.….Read More