In brief: Doha was perfect to finish our touring of the three Gulf States. Its many charms as well as its balance of new and old, consumption and culture, delighted us. There was so much…
In brief: In the newly wealthy Gulf States, history can seem just 50 to 100 years old. In Bahrain, we traced 5000 years from the Bronze Age to the flourishing pearl trade. Wandering through the…
In brief: Alongside the skyscrapers and new developments in Manama, the older parts of the city sit comfortably. (For our take on the older and oldest parts we loved in Bahrain, click here to go…
In brief: In visiting the glorious Grand Mosque of Kuwait City, we felt like honored guests – celebrated, entertained, and educated. Even your fingertip will be restored to you after death, says the Quran. Our…
In brief: One can visit many Kuwaiti cultural institutions though much of the wealthy society looks forward rather than backward. Kuwait has built “Cultural Centers” all along its Persian Gulf coast, places to celebrate the…
In brief: Kuwait can seem not quite tourist-friendly at times, but our experiences and its warm welcomes made us feel like royalty. Kuwait is the first of the three oil-soaked emirates we visited along the…
In brief: As befits a city with a long history and a wealthy present, Baku is filled with museums celebrating its past culture and its future. Two of the most stunning museums – in large…
In brief: Beyond the Old City, Baku also makes a dazzling impression. The fresh-looking century-old buildings are complemented by eye-catching contemporary architecture. The rest of the central city of Baku also makes a dazzling impression.…
In brief: Baku, the capital of Azerbaijan, the odd thing about its still walled Old City – where the Muslim Shahs ruled from their central palace between the 9th and 16th century - is that…
In brief: Driving northward to the west of Azerbaijan’s Caucasus Mountains, we found high places and holy places, stony greys and vivid colors. This was our second trip north. For our post about the eastern…