Knysna, South Africa

Knysna living is paradise living, South Africa

By Francini Van Staden


Knysna in South Africa’s popular Garden Route district is equally loved and appreciated by locals and
international travelers.  But experiencing Knysna like a true local is the key, and here is how to do just that (and if it sounds idyllic, it’s because it truly is idyllic!).
Knysna is known for its heavenly natural setting below the Outeniqua Mountains and indigenous forests and the waves of the Indian Ocean.  With its Mediterranean weather, Knysna offers outdoor and adventure activities throughout the year.  Find yourself with locals hiking in the Featherbed Nature Reserve overlooking the Indian Ocean or paragliding for the more adventurist at heart.  For a closer experience with the indigenous forest where elephants once roamed freely, look out for the canopy gliding activities at the Tsitsikamma Forest about 45 minutes outside of Knysna.


Knysna also offers you the opportunity to sit back and relax, while you are enjoying nature’s best.  Guarding the entrance to Knysna from the Indian Ocean is the Knysna Heads - the two large impressive cliffs serving as gateway to the open ocean while protecting the inland lagoon.  Plenty of restaurants and bars in and around the Waterfront offer world class cuisine and drinks.  Most of the restaurants have made this beautiful natural setting their focus point, offering outdoor seating overlooking the lagoon and ocean.
Knysna’s waterfront is the hub of town with quaint little shops, accommodation, restaurants and other activities on offer.  The waterfront is also the departure point for boats and cruise trips out to the Heads or Featherbed Nature Reserve.  A trip aboard one of the local catamarans is a firm favorite especially during peak summer time.
On Saturday mornings, a visit to the Wild Oats Farmer’s Market outside of

Pretoria, South Africa

Pretoria, South Africa

By Rowan Roux

The capital of South Africa, Pretoria, is known as the Jacaranda City because of the distinctive purple
colour that blooms across the cityscape every spring. The Jacaranda trees line the streets of the city, creating an amazing floral spectacle which locals eagerly await each year. Even the nearby university students have a legend that if you haven’t started studying by the time the trees are flowering, you will certainly fail your exams. Conversely, if a Jacaranda blossom lands on your head, you’ll be blessed with good luck for the rest of the year. While this legend has been around for a number of years, it still doesn’t quite compare to Pretoria’s rich sense of cultural history, just waiting to be discovered. As a country with a turbulent political history, South Africa has many stories to tell, and Pretoria is the perfect city in which to start you explorations.

One of the most remarkable things about the city is the vast number of historical monuments on offer.  Parliament is held in the Union Buildings, a beautiful sandstone landmark which was built in 1910. The Buildings have played host to a number of important political protests, but they also offer one of the most sweepingly beautiful views of the city. Pack a picnic and head up to the gardens at sunset to really be able to see the city at its best – and once the sun has gone down, the bright lights of the city are somehow equally captivating.



Another must see is the Voortrekker Monument. Fleeing British Rule, the Voortrekkers were a group of Afrikaans South Africans who began migrated towards Pretoria in 1835. This monument was built to commemorate the suffering of these people. At an imposing 40 metres tall, the Voortrekker Monument has remarkable views of the quieter mountainside of Pretoria. This is also the number one stop for most architectural lovers as the Monument is known for its magnificent design.

If you’re looking for some cultural diversity, however, Pretoria is the ideal place to enjoy the fusion of an era past and a fast developing new fusion of styles. To really get a sense of how many people live, take one of the township tours to Mamelodi, the informal settlement on the border of the city. These trips are immensely popular with tourists and provide the

Johannesburg, South Africa

Johannesburg (Egoli – City of Gold), South Africa

By Vivian Pitschlitz

Johannesburg (Joburg), South Africa is one of the largest and highest inland cities in the world.  Due to being high Joburg has spectacular lightning storms.  Visitors to our city are often a bit alarmed by the lightning but very few people have ever been struck by lightning.  Joburg is the largest city in South Africa and is thought of as the business centre.  As Joburg has the biggest international airport in South Africa most tourist fly to OR Tambo Airport first.  They usually take a tourist bus or domestic flight to the location that they want to go to.  The majority of visitors to Joburg itself come here for business purposes.  Tourists should not dismiss Johannesburg as this vibrant city has a great deal to offer.  The value of the rand has dropped immensely, making a visit to Joburg, great value for money.

Fun Outdoors
If you enjoy the outdoors and tranquillity we have lovely parks in Johannesburg:
· Emmerentia Park has a little dam with a canoe club. If you enquire at the club they will hire you a canoe for a few hours.   There is a lovely botanical garden. The walks and cycling trails are spectacular.  For safety purposes, as many of the trails are secluded, only go on these trails with a large group or on weekends when there are many people around.  There is a large open area for picnicking as well. (Entrance is free)
· Delta Park has one average children’s play area with a swing, slide etc and then on the other side it has a very large play gym for children.  This is one of the favourite places for families to go as they can picnic while their children play in a safe environment.  There is a bird observatory in Delta Park with observation seats.   There are three large ponds at Delta Park and it is lovely to observe the ducks swimming in them.  Delta Park also has free disc golf courses.  The maps can be downloaded from SA Disc Golf. (Entrance is free) This park does not have many secluded areas so it is fine to go to any time of the week.

· Roodepoort Botanical Gardens is nestled between hills.  There is a spectacular waterfall and there are a few rather strenuous hiking trails that you can take.  The rules in this park are strict; you may not bring any balls or Frisbees.   The fauna and flora is protected so any damage to plants will result in a hefty fine. (There is an entrance fee but it is not very expensive).  This park’s security is good and you can go to

Cape Town, South Africa

A jewel at the southern end of Africa

By Anton Venter

Cape Town is the capital of the Western Cape province of South Africa. The city is the country's most popular tourist spot with pristine white beaches arranged around a peninsula. Restaurants offer international cuisine with local flavours added to the mix. Accommodation is available that suits every budget from backpacker to jet-setter.
Cape Town is the southern point of South Africa where the first settlers landed in 1652 to start the long journey of the country's development. The city is not the actual dividing point between Atlantic and Indian Oceans. That honour goes to Cape Agulhas, further south from Cape Town. There are a number of museums that depict Cape Town’s unique history. Many buildings have been preserved over time and those who appreciate historical architecture will not be disappointed.
The 2010 World Cup Soccer resulted in an upgrade of sport stadiums that included Cape Town. The event united the cultures of Cape Town. It showed that black, coloured, white or any colour in between can forget about their differences and make the city a place where tourists feel welcome and safe.
Wine lovers who visit Cape Town are in for a treat. The wine regions around the city are all within five to thirty minutes’ drive from the city. These regions include Durbanville (within Cape Town area) and regions outside the city, e.g. Stellenbosch, Paarl and Somerset West. All these wine farms offer tastings and many of them have also opened some of their vineyards to mountain biking with trails that vary from easy to strenuous.
The long list of restaurants represents cuisine from almost every country in the world. Some restaurants specialize in local cuisine (African, Cape Malay and Afrikaans) and their ambience is often enhanced by music and even dancing.
African menus typically include red meat, game, chicken and “pap” (porridge) with gravy. These restaurants can be found in well-heeled tourist spots as well as townships. Barbequing is a favourite pastime on weekends, combined with beer drinking and watching sport like rugby. You’d be hard pressed to find anything but red meat and sausage on those barbeque grids. An alternative to the grid is a “Potjie”, where a pot is hung over coals to slow-cook a stew of meat and vegetables. Other popular Afrikaans and Cape Malay foods include Bobotie (a kind of meatloaf) and Chakalaka (a garnish of Indian origin). Some of the desert favourites are Koesisters (twisted pastries) and Milktart.
Seafood features well on Cape Town’s menus. A variety of shellfish and line fish is available at most restaurants. Traditional local ways of processing fish are “Bokkoms” (dried and salted fish) and smoked “snoek” (a local fish snubbed by some due to its many bones but very tasty when smoked).
Open-top busses will take you to most tourist spots on the peninsula. Specialised tours are available to the "townships" where low-income housing can be seen with small businesses thriving on the streets. No visit to Cape Town will be complete without a trip up the cable car to the top of Table Mountain, the iconic feature of the city. From here you have views that compare with those of the world's most spectacular cities. The Victoria and Alfred waterfront has departure points for a selection of boat trips around the main harbour and out to beaches such as Clifton. Another favourite destination for a boat trip is Robben Island. There you will find a museum that commemorates the years when there was a fully functioning prison on the island with Nelson Mandela its most famous inmate.
In addition to the standard bus service, the city is phasing in a brand new rapid transport system with dedicated lanes for buses. It has not reached all suburbs yet, but already includes a route from the airport into the city centre. Metrorail trains run only on major routes around the city, but outlying stations include Stellenbosch, Paarl and Somerset West.
Minibus taxis provide a cheaper alternative to regular sedan taxis, but their courageous drivers may not be for the faint-hearted. Some locals are uncomfortable with minibus taxis, but they’re safe as long as they are used within regular hours. Minibus commuters have adopted a unique sign language for hailing a taxi. Using only one hand they communicate with the “gaatchie” (conductor) of an approaching taxi about its route and destination to ensure it’s the one for them.
Cape Town has some interesting outings for nature lovers. Two of these are within twenty minutes’ drive from the city centre. The World of Birds is situated in Houtbay, a vibrant fishing village on the western side of the peninsula. You can stroll through the largest bird enclosure in Africa, carefully watched by owls. Butterfly World is near Klapmuts, north-east of the city. Here you can mingle with free-flying butterflies within safe distance from scorpions and spiders.
Within thirty minutes from the city on the southern side of the peninsula, by car or a scenic train route right next to the ocean, there are the quant fishing villages of Kalk Bay and Fish Hoek. There is a good variety of restaurants in Kalk Bay, the most popular being the Brass Bell, which over the years has developed into a hot spot for younger people where you can choose from six dining areas that range from formal to informal. Those interested in antiques and books should reserve at least half a day to browse the shops in Kalk Bay.
General information
All banks are open Monday to Friday 8h30 to 15h30 and Saturday mornings. Some banks are open on Sunday mornings. ATMs are in abundance. Temperatures vary between 13° and 28°C through winter (May to August) and summer (September to April). Tap water is safe to drink. English is spoken everywhere while some locals speak Afrikaans, the language that has its roots in Dutch.
As far as security is concerned, the same international travel rules apply in Cape Town. Don’t have valuables on display and don’t venture into suspect areas late at night.

Nairobi City, Kenya

by  Jacob Muoki

Picture By: http://images.businessweek.com/ss/09/03/0304_difficult_cities/image/008_nairobi.jpg

Nairobi City, Kenya Brief History Established in 1889 during the building of the Kenya-Uganda railway, Nairobi stands as the Kenya’s capital and East Africa’s most populous city. It’s the most industrialized city in the country and is inhabited by people of all walks of life and members of the 42 different Kenyan tribes. Nairobi is a regional business hub and hosts the United States Embassy (the biggest in East Africa) and the United Nation’s UNEP and UN-Habitat headquarters. The city’s growth as a technology hub in the entire continent of Africa has attracted the attention of technology giants such as Google and Cisco Systems, who have established their continental headquarters there.
Major Attractions The main tourist attraction in Nairobi is the Nairobi National Park, the only one in the world located in a capital city. The park hosts a wide array of wildlife including cheetahs, buffaloes, and hyenas and over 400 species of birds. Other attractions in the park include an animal orphanage and the Safari Walk. Located 7 kilometres from the CBD, the National Park can be accessed via road or air (Jomo Kenyatta International Airport and Wilson Airport).
Food and Accommodation Nairobi hosts several world-class hotels, which tourists and other visitors may find suitable for short-term accommodation. The Sarova Stanley, Intercontinental, Hilton, Nairobi Serena and Norfolk are some of the luxury hotels located in the heart of the city. The Safari Park Hotel is 15 minutes drive from the CBD off Nairobi-Thika super highway. The hotels serve a wide range of international cuisines as well as the country’s popular version of barbecued meat that the locals refer to as “Nyama Choma”.

Nightlife and Partying Many tourists don’t leave Nairobi before they’ve visited the Carnivore restaurant, which is home to the Simba Saloon night club. The club is located about five kilometres from the CBD towards Langata. Other night clubs in the city include Betty’s in the CBD and Changes in Westlands area. There, revellers are treated to a combination of hip hop music, reggae and local tunes popularly referred to as “Genge” or “Kapuka”.
Transport International visitors arrive at the city via Jomo Kenyatta International Airport in Nairobi. Alternatively, visitors entering Kenya via Moi International Airport in Mombasa may commute by rail, road or air to Nairobi. Jomo Kenyatta International Airport is about 15 kilometres from the CBD and is accessed via cabs (taxis). Visitors from Mombasa may choose to commute by train, which is relatively slow and may take up to 16 hours to get to Nairobi. Movement around the city or to towns nearby is possible via taxis or car hire services. Many tourists don’t use public transportation except in cities served by rail or long-distance luxury bus companies. This is because only these guarantee passenger safety and professionalism.
Security Nairobi’s CBD and all other areas of tourist interests are for the most part secure. Ever since the 1998 bombings of the American embassy in Nairobi, security has been beefed up around the city and an elite tourist-protection police unit set up. However, the American government has issued and lifted travel advisories against Nairobi more than once since 1998. Thus, the city, especially US, European and Israeli interests, remain potential targets of terror attacks. However, visitors that avoid city estates and areas such as the Kibera slums and Eastlands remain safe from day to day threats to security.

Kampala, Uganda, Africa

Invitation to Kampala -my city.

Kampala is the capital of Uganda and the largest city in the country.  
Location:

Kampala is located in Uganda East Africa and the city’s coordinates are: 00 19N, 32 35E.
Brief History

Kabaka Mutesa 1 had chosen the area that was to become Kampala as one of his favorite hunting grounds. It was made up of hills and wetlands. It was a bleeding ground for many game animals particularly the Impala. When the British colonialists came they named one of the hills the hill of Impala. Due to the large number of impala. The Baganda used this reference in their local language (Luganda) - 'Akasozi K'empala. So K’empala became 'Kampala due to repeated usage, and when the colonialists wanted a name for the city they adopted Kampala.

Major Attractions:
The are several major attractions in Kampala but the main ones are; Kasubi tombs which are located on Kasubi hill 5 kilometers from the city centre. It is a burial ground for 4 kings of Buganda and it is therefore significant for the loyal family and the entire Buganda kingdom. Then we have the Rubaga cathedral located on Rubaga hill. Many religious people come to the cathedral to warship and are one of the landmark buildings in Kampala. 
The Uganda museum is the oldest museum in Uganda formerly it was locate at Fort Lugard on old Kampala hill and now it is on kitante hill.
The bahai Temple located on kikaya hill 4 miles from Kampala city centre. It is the mother temple of Africa.


The Namugongo Martyrs’ shrine is situated 12 kilometers from Kampala city centre in Namugongo.

 It is where the Uganda martyrs were executed by Kabaka mwanga due to their failure to withdraw from their new adopted faith –Christianity. Namugongo shrine has been visited by many people Notably Archbishop Robert Runcie of Canterbury in 1984 and in 1993 pope John Paul II. In the whole country including the city Kampala June 3rd is a public holiday in honor of the massacre of the Uganda martyrs.

Food and accommodation
The hospitality industry in Kampala is well developed as evidenced by the CHOGUM 2007 conference and several international conferences that take place here every year. We have international hotels like the Sheraton hotel, Serena hotel, and Hilton hotel which is now under completion. We have several hotels which have achieved international standards, hotels like Speke Hotel, Emin Pasha Hotel, Fairway Hotel, Protea Hotel Kampala, Munyonyo Commonwealth Resort, and Golf Course Hotel, Grand Imperial, Mosa Court Apartments, Kabira Country Club and several others.
 When it comes to food there are many choices depending on the occasion you can enjoy dinner from a 5 star restaurant you can spend from 50cents USD to your highest limit. In fast food we have international brand like Nandos and Steers both on Jinja road, we have Domino's Pizza and several others.  There are a variety of restaurants to pick from Ugandan and the other available are Belgian, Chinese, Japanese, French, Turkish Mediterranean and Indian.

Night life and partying
Kampala has a very active night life from a slow and quite Ugandan bar to the fire of capital pub past 2: AM Kampala night life does not end well past the next day. I think there are very few cities across this continent that can rival our night life. We have several bars that include Al’s bar in Kansanga, Capital pub in Kabalagala, Rock Garden at speak Hotel, Bubbles O’Leary which is an Irish pub, steak out in Wandegeya; we have several night clubs which include Club Silk and Ange Noir.
Transport

In Kampala there are several means of transport which include bus, Taxi. Here we have to types of taxis one is a 14 sitter and the other we refer to it as special hire taxi. You can also use Bodaboda (Motor bike). You can also get a car from car hire services around the city for a self drive.
Security
Kampala is generally safe both day and night. We Ugandans are some of the most resilient people in the World:  We have seen wars, overthrows, dictators; bombing attacks come and go but for the last 27 years there has been stability in Kampala save for the 2010 terrorist attack.
Welcome to the city that never sleeps.

Durban, Kwazulu Natal, South Africa

Durban, South Africa

By Sharon Van Biljon

Durban is situated along the East Coast of South Africa, in the province of Kwazulu Natal. This beautiful city is a melting pot of cultures and nations  who have journeyed from across the world. The tropical climate ensures that Durban has great weather all year round. The summers are hot and humid with intermittent drizzle. With temperatures in the 30 degree range, the night time drizzle that cools off the steamy city, is most welcome.
Winter day temperatures can range from 19 to 30 degrees, with a cold spell every now and then. These temperatures are experienced during the months of April, May and June (mid winter). One could easily say that Durban residents experience summer all year long with a dash of winter in between.
Beautiful endless beaches that can be compared to any in the world, stretch along this tropical coastline. This is not a place for those who are seeking a deserted beach. The beaches are always occupied by locals and visitors from across the world who flock to laze in the beating son, or enjoy the ocean.
You may locate a quiet beach outside the city, after all you have miles and miles to choose from. This fabulous coastline is well suited to holiday makers. Littered with hotels and vacation spots, there is no lack of choice for places to stay. The beach front also boasts an array of restaurants and fast food joints.

What To See and Where To Go
The Ushaka Marine World Shopping Mall is geared towards tourists and holidaymakers from up country.  Ushaka, named after the once great Zulu King Shaka, houses one of the largest marine aquariums in the world. Situated in the Point Waterfront area, Ushaka attracts crowds of visitors all year round. View the wonders of the ocean at this fabulous Seaworld. Be prepared to take your time as there is a lot to see.
Make sure you watch the dolphin show and the Sea Lion show. Both are highly entertaining. Enjoy the majesty of Gambit and his family. Gambit is one of the largest and longest surviving dolphins living in captivity in the world. They will enchant you with their amazing shows. Ushaka Seaworld also offers, penguin feeding, shark cage diving, shark feeding and underwater walking.
Take the whole family and spend the day at the fabulous Waterworld which has several pools and water slides, that range in size and height! Taking any type of refreshment into the Seaworld or Waterworld areas, is strictly forbidden and will be confiscated. The inside areas have a variety of shops and restaurants where you can buy whatever you would like to eat or drink.
Ushaka Shopping Mall includes several restaurants, coffee bars, ice cream and sweet shops, take-outs, clothing shops, handmade goods, Local and Traditional artworks and several Speciality stores.
For any food or grocery shopping there are several local supermarkets and malls in and around the city. All the large shopping malls, namely, Gateway, Pavillion, Galleria, are located outside of the city, some distance away. It is best to visit them with your own transport or someone who knows where they are going.
Wherever you go you will see street vendors that sell just about everything from fresh vegetables to flash drives. For those who are into deep sea diving, the diving club is also located in this area and there is an underwater shipwreck to explore.
The center beach front also offers a whole host of take outs, gaming areas, entertaining rides for the whole family and swimming pools. There are many areas where you can relax and enjoy a barbecue or picnic lunch at the beach. Situated at North beach is a very

Lusaka, Zambia, Africa

Lusaka – A Warm Welcome , Africa

Picture By: http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/e/e9/Lusaka_-_Manda_Hill_Shopping_Centre.JPG/220px-Lusaka_-_Manda_Hill_Shopping_Centre.JPG

By Nick-Venter S. Edwards

A small nondescript village in the early 1920s, Lusaka is the bedrock of what is today the Republic of Zambia, a warm country by climate and hospitality.
Its central location, slightly to the south of the country’s centre, merited this village’s promotion to a capital city of the colonial administration of Northern Rhodesia.
Lusaka has rapidly grown into the bustling metropolis that it is today.
It is both the commercial and industrial hub of the country as well as the seat of government and parliament.

Lately it has been choking with an increase in population. Its poor planning has led to the congestion that is an identifying spectre of the sprawling city, with a lot of infrastructure springing up by the day.
The main entry point for most tourists is the Kenneth Kaunda International Airport, the largest facility, just about 25 minutes’ drive from the central business district. Driving from this airport, on Great East Road, gives the visitor a warm welcome to a bustling metropolis. All the way from the airport, the visitor is greeted by fast-paced urban scenery, with the convenience to check into the many amenities at the visitors’ disposal before they even set foot into the centre of the town.

Two big malls, very modern in their nature, and hotels by the side, the entry from the east is more than convenient for the tourist who, in the meantime, would have had a glimpse of the National Assembly.
The central business district is surrounded by a cluster of residential areas that are steadily exploding out of their size pushing the city inwards.

There is Matero, to the north-west of the city, a great historic township. This vast settlement was the hub of the many skirmishes in the struggle for independence. Matero is also the hub of the heavy industries, many of which are mere shadows of the cogs in the industrial machine of the city that they were in 1980s.

Lusaka is home to the country biggest university and

Casablanca, Morocco

Casablanca, Morocco  - North Africa

By Houda AZZOUZI

Even though officially Rabat is Morocco’s capital, Casablanca is its beating heart. This city is considered the industrial and economical capital, it’s one the largest cities in Africa and the largest one in Morocco.
All important companies, national and international choose to settle in Casablanca and that’s mainly due to the various advantages this city has to offer. Besides Casablanca is the most modern city in Morocco, a city where you have that western feeling and the ability to live a very modern life.
As an individual I love living here, there are plenty of work opportunities that offer a wide choice of career, this is what enabled me to build my life and live it the way I want. Also, there is everything that I need to spend my time, from gyms to shopping malls to night clubs.
Whenever I have free time I go out with friends to a restaurant to get some diner and then we go off to some night club to dance a bit and have fun, but when I feel like being alone I just take a stroll down the Ain Diab cost line where I can hear the waves crashing around me and feel the water splashing on my skin.
The restaurants are the best in Morocco, personally I prefer spicy food so Mexican food is my number one choice but not all my friends like it so every time we dine out we choose someone’s favorite, Chinese, Japanese, Tahitian etc.
There is also the Megarama Cinema which offers the greatest newly released movies all over the world, you can choose one of 8 movies premiered every night, and the best part is you can watch those movies using 3D glasses, and that’s not all, you can freely go from one show room to the other if the movie is not to your taste.
For shopping lovers there is the twin center, these two towers have everything one desires when shopping, from shoe wear to clothes to makeup, endless flours that no one can visit in one day!
And then there is the Morocco mall, the brand new commercial center on the outskirts of Casablanca, this center has it all, restaurants, bowling ground, skating arena, and

Windhoek, Namibia, Africa

By Jothea Hite

Namibia is a huge country with a small population due to its desert nature. With a population of 2,1 million according to the 2011 census, you will understand why the size of the capital city of the Republic of Namibia is what it is. With only 322 000 inhabitants counted in the same census, it seems like a village compared to capital cities such as London or Paris. Yet, we are a very cosmopolitan city with cultures from all across the globe. I have read reports by travellers that recommend tourists to skip Windhoek and that it is a boring city, but having lived here for nearly 25 years, I beg to differ.
As a melting pot of African, European and also Eastern cultures, I would say that Namibia’s true identity does not lie in its cities and towns, but rather in its natural beauty that spans millions of years.
Windhoek is not hundreds of years old like many European cities. It is only a 174 years old – and that’s taking it back to the settlement by Jonker Afrikaner, an Orlam captain, as a result of a spring that could provide water for his livestock. The German army founded the city again in 1890 after years of hostilities and strife. This brings the age of the city to only 124 years in European terms.
The German influence in architecture is still very evident in the older parts of town. A couple of well-preserved German shop-fronts still grace the main street, Independence Avenue, which in German times was know as Kaiser Strasse.
History is not only German, however. In front of the Tintinpalast – seat of Government situated East of Independence Avenue, you will find Parliament Gardens and a statue of Hosea Kutako, one of the many heroes of the Namibian independence struggle.
Being located at such a high altitude affords Windhoek the most moderate climate in the entire Namibia. Our winter days are basked in sun, with night-time temperatures often dipping to under zero, while our summers can be very hot and dry. Despite our location in a summer rainfall area, Windhoek is termed as semi-arid. In extreme years, we’ve had
virtually no rain, while we can usually expect an average of 300mm per year.
So, what we cherish most is our blue skies! We get depressed when it is dusty and dry and grey, because we are so used to crisp, clear blue skies. Then the mountains surrounding Windhoek stand guard around the Windhoek valley and you cannot but feel at home.
Home is meat in Namibia and you should not leave Windhoek without having a taste of the best beef or game sirloin or fillet you could find. Local delicacies called biltong and and droëwors (dried beef or game meat and dried sausage) are eaten by all; true to our Namibian meat-eating tradition, which is augmented by a good dose of German sausages,  cold meats and of course, beer made in the German tradition.
Windhoek does not have much of a night-life, but you will find many clubs and bars if that is what you want to do in Africa. If you prefer to rather watch the African sunset, make sure that you are on top of the roof of a well-known hotel or at one of the old castles in town. During the day, visit one of the many coffee-shops or restaurants in the town centre to feel the true buzz of life in Windhoek.
Serious party-time is very linked to the German Wika-festival and the Oktoberfest, but also the ǀAiǁGams Festival that is held by the City of Windhoek.
What I love most about Windhoek is the fact that you can drive for five or ten minutes and be out in the country. Windhoek is relaxed and laid-back and that is probably why I would not want to live anywhere else in the world.  

Sousse, Tunisia, North Africa

Picture By: http://www.nachoua.com/Sahel/sousse-plage.jpg

Sousse, Tunisia,  North Africa

By Fatma Chebil

You think about Relaxation, fun, enjoyment  of the holiday, don't  waste  your  time  of thinking, SOUSSE TUNISIA  is  your  best  destination . Sousse, is situated 140Km south of Tunis on the Gulf of Hammamet.
Sousse is the best place to go in Tunisia. If you are in love with versatility then Sousse will definitely prove to be the best choice. It’s becoming a famous tourist destination due the many things it offers for fun. It has an amazing beach, mild climate, good restaurants and many tourist resorts. The beach is awesome for sunbathing and swimming. Medina is a fine place to visit in Sousse, though not very large it is a nice and charming place to visit. Don’t miss the chance to visit the great mosque, it has wonderful architecture. Furthermore Sousse’s archeological museum deserves a visit as well. It is the best place to visit in Tunisia because of multiple attractions it has to offer to the visitors. If you love visiting ancient buildings then Sousse is the place to land at. You will be stunned by the great architecture of the great mosque and the museum of Kalaout el-Koubba. Zaouia Zakkak is the epitome of Ottoman architecture. Furthermore you can enjoy the taste of modernism in Sousse as well; it has some top-notch hotels and restaurants in the main city . Whatever the season, your first glimpse of Sousse will be one of golden beaches and a deep blue sea. this sunny Mediterranean land is a paradise for the vacationer.
The nearest airport to Sousse is at Monastir. You can reach Sousse by taxi, hire car or shuttle bus. Buses will wait until they are full up before leaving, which may lead to a lengthy wait.If you've booked a package holiday , most operators will arrange your transfers for you. «  Enfidah Airport » , It is also near the state of the art new Enfidah airport which is between Hammamet and Sousse.Alternatively cars can be hired for the journey from the airport and buses and taxis frequently run to Sousse, which is just 19 km away.
Sousse is totally family orientated, with shallow clean beaches and most resorts catering for kids. Children love the pedestrian alleys of the souk and the small Museum of Kalaat el-Koubba (rue Laroussi Zarrouk) in an old funduq (inn) with scenes explaining traditional life in the medina. The ribat (fortress) near the medina entrance has watchtowers with great views over the medina. Nearby Port el-Kantaoui has the Aqua Palace (rue des Palmiers) and Hannibal Park (route des Touristes), an amusement park with several rides and a roller coaster.
It  is very easy to fall in love with

Rome, Italy, Europe

Rome, Italy

Roma caput mundi (Rome, the head of the world)

by Vincenzo Mele

History

Rome was found in 753 B.C. , where the river Tiber flows into the Tyrrhenian Sea. This made it  a very important communication node. It is also shielded from the Apennines mountains, making the climate very good.
These facts convinced the first shepherds and traders to establish himself in Rome. Then, thanks to an impressive military force, Rome expands its territory, from Italy to Europe, Africa and Asia (America had not been discovered yet !).

Since 1870  Rome is the capital of Italy, having a population of about 3 millions.


Be aware.
 When you arrive in Rome, landing at Fiumicino airport (or Ciampino airport) ,  a lot of people will ask you to drive you to the city center. TAKE ONLY A REGULAR TAXI  (white car) . The cost of transportation from airport IS FIXED and is written on the door of the car.

What to see
Rome has too many thinks to see. It's impossible to see all, also if you stay long time. So it's better to plan where to go, discarding other thinks to be saw next time.

Following list show  neighboring sites. It  will help you to save time:

1 Colosseo  (Colosseum) ,  Foro Romano , Chiesa di San Pietro in Vincoli (this Church is not the more known San Peter Basilica (= big Church) in Vatican city)

2 San Peter Basilica , Cappella Sistina and Musei Vaticani

3 Piazza Navona

4 Trastevere, where you can eat well and cheaply .

Rome has a lot of churches. Inside each you can find almost  always pictures, statues , etc of very important artists.

Parks
Most important Rome parks are:

1 Villa Borghese, near to famous via Veneto. Inside there is the Museo Borghese, with the statue of Paolina Borghere (sister of Napoleon)

2 Villa Ada

3 Villa Doria- Panphili


Transportation
One of the bad aspects of Rome are public transportation

Mombasa Kenya

Mombasa My City

By Mwanaisha Gelleh    

The city of Mombasa is listed the second largest in Kenya after Nairobi the country’s capital city. Mombasa is located at the Kenyan coast on the Indian Ocean. It is an Island which is separated from the mainland by two major creeks namely Tudor and Kilindini. People connect to the city by means of ferry transport from south coast while a bridge is used by motorist and commuters at the northern side of the city. The city is well developed with good infrastructure. An international airport known as Moi international airport serves both local and international travels. The roads within the city are welcoming and ensure good and safe drive to motorists. The road traffic is high in morning and evening hours as people are always at rush going or leaving to work as well as school going children. It is therefore essential for one to choose appropriate time to use the roads to avoid being held up by traffic jams. Commuter buses are the major means of transport. Being an industrial city, Mombasa is densely populated by different tribes while the habitants are the Swahili people. The language most spoken by the city people is Swahili and Islam is the major religion practiced in Mombasa. The Swahili people are so welcoming and generous. The most likely fast foods to get at the city are potato fries served with chicken, coconut rice served with fish, samosas, kebabs and spiced tea. People like partying on weekends along the beaches. Mombasa boasts of having diversity of tourist attraction sites which is one of the major sources of revenue in the city. Several sandy beaches are found along the coastline. There is Fort Jesus situated along the Indian Ocean within the city centre. Fort Jesus serves as a historical site whereby different artifacts that were found in the 16th century are preserved. They range from household goods, ammunition and different equipment that were used in slave trade in the 16th century. Fort Jesus also serves as an educational centre for those who are pursuing historical education. A trip to Mombasa is not complete without visiting this historic site. Another tourist attraction site in Mombasa is Mamba village.

Mamba is a crocodile in swahili, so Mamba village is a crocodile rearing farm and it is rated as the largest in East Africa. It is here where all your questions about crocodiles will be answered. There is variety of crocodiles and the good news to most visitors is the existence of over 100years old crocodile within the farm. Several parks are found in this city, there is Haller park which is a home of different animals and reptiles. Animals found include antelopes, giraffes, hippos, monkeys, tortoises and variety of snakes. There are also 100+ plants species. At the southern coast, there located Shimba Hills National reserve and Mwaluganje Elephant Sanctuary which are homes for forest elephants. When choosing a place to tour, come to Mombasa city and definitely you will have a story to tell.

Alexandria, Egypt

An invitation to Alexandria, the pearl of the Mediterranean

By: Amna El-Tawil

When you hear the word Egypt, you think of the pyramids, the sphinx and pharaonic temples. What Alexandria has to offer is a slightly different Egyptian experience, however. This Mediterranean city has its own distinct culture and even its own unique weather. This is where Mideastern meets Mediterranean, and where the small city feel intertwines with metropolis features, leaving you with that very distinctive Alexandrian sensation.

What to wear
Alexandria is a pleasure to visit in every season. In winter, it’s at its quietest. The streets are washed with the pouring rain, and lay glistening under the city lights. It is one of the very few cities with rainy winters in Egypt. While hot blooded locals cover up in parkas and coats; those coming from cold countries will not feel the need for warmth. In fact, December in Alexandria is only slightly colder than summer in London during the day.  The winter temperature falls between 10 degrees Celsius at night and 20 degrees in the morning.

Alexandrian summers are all about the sea, the beach and the long sea-side Courniche.  You can go jogging in the morning while enjoying the scenery, and then have a light breakfast at one of the many sea view cafes. You will want to pack the lightest possible cloths. The temperature is usually in the mid-thirties and rises to forty degrees Celsius during the day. Summers in Alexandria get crowded as it is
considered a vacation spot for many locals from other cities. I would say the perfect ‘summer’ experience you can have in Alexandria would be in May and June. The heat is not as brutal, the beaches not as crowded, and the sunshine beautiful as ever.

Where to go

Bibliotheca Alexandrina
The modern day Library of Alexandria was built as a tribute to the Ancient Library of Alexandria that was accidentally burnt on the hands on Julius Caesar in 48 BC. Marc Anthony later gifted Cleopatra a collection of books to replace the burnt books.



Library and Museums
The modern day library is considered the main French library in Africa, and houses a rich manuscript museum, in addition to a museum of late Egyptian president Sadat; Nobel Prize winner and the initiator of the first peace treaty with Israel in the Middle East.

Concerts and Events
If you are looking for a night of free or very cheap, yet high quality entertainment, check the Bibliotheca Alexandrina’s event calendar. The library is home to many cultural events, and is considered the perfect place to attend a film viewing, a short lecture, a play or even a topnotch underground music concert (you would be surprised how good some of the local bands are).

· Down Town Alexandria
This is one of my favorite places in Alexandria, specially in winter. Down town Alexandria is the ultimate place for a long walk while window shopping and people-watching. You will find many merchants; some may be pushy, but a simple firm ‘no’ will put them off. If you are looking for souvenirs, this is where you will find them, just make sure you haggle to at least half the starting merchant offer.


Souvenir merchants in front of Qaitbay Citadel, down town
If you are lucky enough to have the chance to visit in winter, stroll the down town Alexandria streets for a feel of aged class and splendor in the ancient cafes and restaurants. Two restaurants you must try during your visits are located in down town: Santa Lucia; an upscale Italian offering live entertainment, delicious food, and the best service in town, and China House; a restaurant located on the roof of Cecil hotel offering one of the best views of the Courniche and the sea.

Luxor, Egypt

Come To Visit Our Awesome City Luxor , Egypt, Africa

By Jojo Sam

Come to visit my lovely city, if you are one of those people who admire of visiting famous antiquities, if you passionate to smell of the ancient days, Sure you will think to come to visit Egypt. In Egypt you will find awesome historical places, that historical places starts from Giza pyramids and extend to Valley of the Kings at Luxor. Here at Luxor, you will enjoy with the wonderful worm weather, and a wonderful hospitality of the kind Egyptian people.
Luxor is the most ancient city in Egypt. It lies in Upper Egypt at the north of Aswan. In the past, Luxor was the capital of ancient Egypt. It was called Teba. It was built at the age of the pharaoh Mina. Now it’s called Luxor.
Do you know why Egyptian called it Luxor instead of Teba! I’ll tell you, when the Arabs came to Egypt to conquer it in 640 AC Arabs found a huge number of pharaonic structures and palaces, which make them to name it Luxor ( City of palaces) Because It has a lot of ancient palaces which called Luxor in the Arabic language.

Luxor has the third of the world’s monuments nearly. It has a lot of ancient tombs and temples, such as The Karnak Temple, The Luxor Temple, The Valley of the Kings, The Queen Hatshepsut Temple and The colossi of Memnon.
When you come here, be sure you will enjoy with every moment of your tour. You can enjoy Kebash Road or may you love to sail in a Nail tour in the River Nail. All amazing thoughts you can find it in my city (Luxor) especially if you come at winter, here the weather is worm at winter in a magical way that make all foreigners prefer to vist Luxor in winter.

When you are here, I advise you to take care of taxi drivers, they are so greedy about money. So that you are advised to move with your tour guide in a stated plan and avoid moving separately. In common all Egyptians ( My country people) are so kind welcoming to all coming people as tourism is one of the most important source of national income for all Egypt.
When you decide to come here don’t forget to plan to visit all Christian historical ‎places in Egypt especially the Old ministry at Asuit Mountains where Jesus Christ ‎had visited it during the journey of The Holy Family.‎