Middle East Travel

» Mike Gerrard - Middle East Tourism and Terrorism

Well said. I remember a similar response the first time I went to Belfast and the rest of Northern Ireland. Cries of horror. Yet no tourist was ever harmed in all the years of the Troubles. It was just as likely to happen on the streets of London.

There are dangerous areas everywhere, but most visitors go nowhere near them. Even the first time I went to Los Angeles many years ago I was nervous, having seen all the movies and TV cop shows. The friend I was visiting said 'sure, people get murdered every day in LA, and almost all of them Downtown. So don't go Downtown.'

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» hughtaylor - Middle East Tourism and Terrorism

In response to Middle East Tourism and Terrorism posted by mgerrard:

Your experience in Ireland reminds me of my first trip there during the troubles. I got in a taxi and told him I wanted him to drive me along the Falls Road. Naturally he wanted to know why so I told him that I just wanted to see for myself how bad things were. He laughed and told me that nothing was ever as bad as the newspapers and TV made it out to be. And he was right.

-- posted by hughtaylor

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» Mari Nicholson - Middle East Tourism and Terrorism

Well said, Hugh. Jordan is one of the most peace-loving countries in the Middle East with so few terrorist incidences that it can be considered totally safe. When you look at what it is surrounded by you wonder how it can survive. Tell everyone you know to go visit: they'll be surprised.

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» hughtaylor - Middle East Tourism and Terrorism

In response to Middle East Tourism and Terrorism posted by maritravel:

I think they have survived through the pragmatism of King Hussein and King Abdullah and because they are very nice people.

-- posted by hughtaylor

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» ruby43 - Istanbul, Turkey

I recently traveled to Istanbul, Turkey for my 25th anniversary. My husband is unfortunately working in Iraq, and this was the closest place for him to get to at the time given what all he had to go through in order to get out for vacation. On the other hand, Istanbul turned out to be a very nice place. We did have to adhere to certain respects of some of the customs there, but it was in no way a detriment to our visit. I carried a scarf/shawl with me in case I had to cover my head in if I visited a mosque during prayer time or some other situation. They do not have any pork products in general there because of the religious beliefs and practices, so don't go expecting to get your continental breakfast with bacon or ham. I believe when we visit other countries that one of our goals should be to try the local food anyway. I rather enjoy the more mediterranean style there, but my husband being a true born and raised southerner had a little more difficulty with it! We booked our flight and hotel seperatel through different online sites to get a better price. We picked a hotel in the historic district of Sultanhamet. It was a smaller hotel, sort of off the beaten path not attached to any major chain such as Best Western or Hyatt Regancy, simply because we wanted clean accomodations with service, but nothing real expensive. We also waited until we got there to decide what tours or attractions we wanted to see or do, so we saved money this way too. The people were wonderful and gracious. They all came out in front of their shops along the narrow streets in the morning and offered turkish coffee to one another and to us. The other popular drink is apple tea. There is a European influence in Istanbul, as well as Asian; the reason being that it is a country with a European side, and an Asian side. It was quite interesting learning about the history of the country. We not only visited the typical Islam and Muslim culture which is predominant there, but we also took a tour of a couple of churches there and learned much about the history of the Christians, Ottoman and Sultans, as well as the Muslims. We visited the Grand Bazaar full of color, culture, smells and all that middle eastern culture embodies. I could go on and on. It was definitely a trip that I would recommend.

-- posted by ruby43

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» hughtaylor - Istanbul, Turkey

In response to Istanbul, Turkey posted by ruby43:

I'm glad you enjoyed Istanbul. It's one of my favourite cities too. I just love the mixture of East and West. Next tiime try touring down the Aegean Coast or head for the Bodrum Peninsula or along the Med iteranean Coast to the small village of Kalkan.

-- posted by hughtaylor

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