Lisbon, Portugal

Lisbon was a pleasant surprise – clean, not crowded and friendly. Located along the Tagus River it is a major port for ocean-going vessels. The city suffered through a massive earthquake in 1755 that killed 30,000 people. Many of the explorers of the Americas started from Portugal. Like other countries in the region there is a mix of cultures because of past occupations from the Arabs, Romans and Spain.  The democratic form of government was restored in 1974 in a bloodless revolution. As we pulled in to port, we were greeted by the famous Lisbon tug boats. They perform what is called a Boat Ballet with quick turns and sprays of water. It was fun to watch.

Barcelona, Spain

Barcelona has a balance of old, well-preserved buildings and new structures that blend well together. Some of the buildings date back to 1100 to 1200. The church that Antoni Gaudi started to build in 1883 is still under construction despite the fact there are no building plans or notes left behind. Outside of the town in Montserrat is the home to the Black Madonna carved from wood in the 12th century. Spain has a population of 46 million, but attracts 55 million tourists a year with over 20 million coming by way of ship.

Athens, Greece

Athens is the capital of Greece, a country about the size of Alabama with a population of approximately 11 million people. It is considered the founder of democracy, where public debates and votes in the Pnyx date back to 6th century BC. The term Marathon comes from the 26 mile run by a Greek soldier to bring news of a battle victory to Athens. Athen’s history dates back to 3000 BC. Many statues on display in museums were created between the first and sixth centuries BC and were recovered from the sea.

A Tour of Egyptian Temples & Pyramids

Luxor, the companion temple of Karnak, was started around 1400 BC by Amenhotep III and expanded by Rameses II. Large statues were made for the temple along with two obelisks. One of the obelisks was removed in 1831, taken to Paris and stands in the Place de la Concorde. The site, two miles from Karnak, was built in the 18th dynasty of the Pharaohs. The temples were built to worship the gods and goddesses of the time and the location was chosen because the Nile would be a constant supply of water. 

The Karnak Temple in Luxor is famous for its columns 122 - 10 m tall and 12 - 21 m tall. In addition, there are many sculptures and sphinx in the temple. The site is huge (247 acres) and was constructed over a 1300 year period with each ruler adding to it, including Rameses, Tut, Amenhotep and others ending with Alexander the Great. A road (now buried) connected this temple to the Temple of Luxor and was lined with sphinxes. Can you name the James Bond movie that had a scene shot in this temple?

The great pyramids are part of the seven wonders of the ancient world. Designed by Imhotep the step pyramid is the oldest pyramid, designed around 2600 BC. The pyramids at Giza were started around 2500 BC. Each pyramid site has 4 parts. First, a Valley Temple for the mummification of the body, second an ascending path to the second temple, third a Mortuary Temple at the pyramid to pass the funeral contents and 4th a place of rest – the pyramid. The Sphinx is the protector of the Chephren pyramid. 

Salalah,Oman

Salalah, Oman experiences a wide range in weather, ranging from snow in the mountains to 130 + highs in the desert. This took quite a toll on my fur. This is the "perfume capital of the country" and is a very clean city. Large quantities of frankincense are exported. The ruling Sultan has implemented programs that have endeared the national population to him - namely education, medical care, land distribution and housing. The monsoon season (June to Sept) draws visitors from the region to enjoy the rain and cooler temperatures. 

Mumbai, Taj Mahal

The Taj Mahal is a truly beautiful structure. However, Mumbai and Agra bring the reality of life in this country back to the forefront. All industry within 60 km of the Taj has been closed to decrease pollution around the area. Busses parked 1 km away and electric busses completed the trip. The Taj Mahal was built by an Emperor in memory of his wife, who died giving birth to her 14th child. They were married for 18 years. The building is made entirely of marble with inlays of semi precious stones.