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After deciding to move to Siberia for a year to teach at the Chita State Technical University, I embarked on a travel odyssey unlike any other. In this entry, we pick up the trip leaving the train station in Khabarovsk.

A Train To Nowhere?

In deciding to travel to Chita, Siberia, I had originally estimated a travel time of three days. Okay, maybe three at the outside figuring time changes and such.

As day 4 of the trip headed into the afternoon, I was finally on the train that would take me to Chita and figured I would be there in a day or so. I would finally get to see the beautiful and extreme landscape of Russia. To make things even better, I would get to brag to my friends about riding on the famous Trans-Siberian railway. This was going to be great. As is often the case with anticipated events, reality threw an ugly wrench in the proceedings.

StopGoStopGo

In California, there are two types of trains you can take. The first is an express train that pretty much takes you from point A to point B with few stops in between. For those traveling shorter distances, there is a slow train that stops at every little town and station. In Russia, we were clearly on the slow train.

As we pulled out of the train station in Khabarovsk, anticipation was in the air. The train slowly gained speed. We stared out the window as the city started to pass at an increasing pace. After about 5 minutes, we stared out the window as the city started to pass at a DECREASING pace. After a few more minutes, we stopped at another train station.

Ah, there are probably two big stations in the city and it makes sense to pick up everyone for the trip across the country. Soon enough, the whistle blew and off we went again. Smiles spread across our face. These disappeared roughly 5 minutes later as we stopped again.

My god, how many train stations are there in this city? I can tell you there are at least 5 since we stopped at that many. With time spent sitting in each little train station, an hour had passed and we werent even out of the city!

As I stood at a window in the hall, a Russian man heard me muttering and decided to practice his English. We chatted. I remarked on the number of stops. He grimaced and told me the trip to Chita would take 3 plus days. I grimaced. And nearly cried like a small child. Three days in a train compartment no bigger than a closet. Oh, my.

Then he told me the food car on the train was closed for the trip. Since this is a clean web site, I cant print the words I uttered at that moment. Just picture the reaction of Homer Simpson on learning there is no more beer in Springfield.

My new Russian friend smiled and said, What does that word mean? We never learned that.

Read more of this Russian Travelogue at NomadJournalTrips.com.

The Iti National Park in Greece is one of the main natural parks tourists could meet in this country. This park is situated towards the southern side of the valley of River Sperchios and counts with a wide variety of trees, plants and animals which provide it with a very unique and interesting environment.

Those tourists who enjoy green areas, trees and plants could be able to have a great time while visiting the Iti National Park. Within the park, visitors can meet some unique trees and plants such as, per example, oaks, cedars, oleanders, arbutus, and the Alpine lily lilium cholcedonium.

Besides its plants and trees, this park counts with a very special fauna that consists on a great amount and variety of animals of different species. The Iti National Park has wild goats, wild boars, deer, rodents, tortoises, reptiles, as well as an amazing variety of birds among which there are vultures, eagles, partridges, hoopoes, hawks, and owls.

There are many interesting things to do and spots to meet while being in the Iti National Park and its surroundings. Among these interesting spots there is the Monastery of Agathanos, the Museum of Natural History, the Archeological Museum of Lamia, the Byzantine Museum, the River Sperchios, and the River Gorgopotamos with its antique bridge among several others.

The Iti National Park is situated within Mount Iti, a spot which is famous by its birds and abundant forestation. This way, those who enjoy meeting interesting and unique birds, as well as those who like being out doors and breath fresh air, would be able to have a great time while visiting this park and its surroundings.

Mount Iti is characterized by having four main and deep gorges mixed with an amazing forestation and its fauna, and part of it is considered a wild life refuge protected by some organizations who are involved with the care for natural environments. This mount also offers some spots ideal to agriculture due to the richness of its lands, and as it can be noticed, it is a paradisiacal spot to all those who love nature.

In 2006, Virgin Blue, Australia’s number two airline after Qantas, agreed to buy nine Boeing 737-800 jets valued at $US634.5 million. The Brisbane based company has a programme to expands its fleet of younger, more fuel-efficient aircraft.

Virgin Blue’s fuel costs account for over 23% of its gross revenue. It wants newer, more fuel efficient aircraft to lower costs.

By decreasing the variety of aircraft in its fleet, Virgin Blue will also reduce maintenance costs due to economies of scale in engineering technical skills requirements and spare parts procurement.

The company said it ordered the next generation 737 because it is a reliable and cost-efficient aircraft, which is essential in their competitive low-cost market.

In introduction of QANTAS’s low cost carrier Jetstar, has further increased pressure on reducing costs.

Like the Boeing 737-600 and Boeing 737-700, the 800 features many improvements including more efficient CFM56-7B turbofan engines. Over 4,000 CFM56-7B engines are in service as part of the most popular engine/aircraft team in commercial aviation.

The CFM56-7B turbofan, with it’s swept fan and advanced compressor is among the most modern, efficient and reliable turbofans ever. More than 500 airlines fly CFM56-7B-powered 737s and, since entering service in the mid-90s, they have accumlated over 50 Million flight hours.

All CFM56-7B engines delivered from mid 2007 were compliant with future Committee on Aviation Environmental Protection (CAEP), environmental requirements.

The CFM56-7B also powers the Boeing/GE BBJ (Boeing Business Jet) and 737 military variants including transports special mission aircraft.

Another improvement in the 737-800 is the new wing with greater thickness, span and wing area, larger tail surfaces and a new flightdeck.

The flightdeck has six flat panel LCDs which can present information as on the 777. A heads-up-display (HUD) is optional.

Virgin Blue’s aircraft feature distinctive winglets. These winglets stand approximately 2.4 metres (8 feet), tall and are installed at the wing tips. They help with reduced fuel burn (by reducing vortex drag), reduced engine wear, and producing less noise on takeoff.

Virgin Blue’s Boeing 737 800s feature three toilets, six premium economy seats with extra legroom and red leather upholstery and eight exits.

Recently the company fitted some of its 737-800 jets with video-on-demand systems. Passengers now have the option to view staellite feeds of 24 different pay television channels for a small $4.90 charge that they pay by swiping a credit card through the card reader that is installed next to the LCD screen.

Until its launch on September 5, 1994 the 737-800 was known as the 737-400X Stretch. Compared with the 400 the 800 is 3.02m (9ft 9in) longer, taking typical two class seating from 146 to 162, while range is significantly increased. The Boeing 737-800 has sold strongly since its launch, and early 2002 was the highest selling Next Generation model. First flight was on July 31 1997, first delivery (to Hapag Lloyd) was in April 1998.

The largest single order for the 800 series has come from the Irish budget carrier, Ryanair. After 28 had already been ordered earlier, a firm order for 100 aircraft was made in January 2002, with an option of another 50, to be delivered over the next 8 years. Ryanair will use the aircraft in a single class configuration, to seat 189 passengers.

Among academies, libraries and museums, religious monuments, churches, civil architecture and buildings you will experience you really are in a treasure hunting. For this reason not only tourists, or backpackers but prevalently international students or even international volunteers are choosing this city for their academic courses, stages and studies.

Well, to start, we mention an international place where students, travellers, journalists and actors usually meet: at Acqua al 2 you can get cannelloni, beef, selection of salads, pasta, cheese and excellent wines at average prices of 30. Acqual al 2 is a modern bistro that we suggest in Via Vigna Vecchia ,40; ph: +39 055 284 170; open daily from 7.30 pm-1am).

If you are visiting Florence and you are on a budget and looking for cheap accommodation consider youth hostels, backpackers hostels or international students houses ( hostels as well) where a bed night average price start from 18 euros. The atmosphere is quite basic but somehow fascinating. Florence does not have a long tradition in modern hippie youth hostels as you might find in other top cities. Florence rather can offer old style hostels, kind of student residence, or pilgrim residence as it was in Medieval times. Monasteries are converted in new pilgrims hostels ( backpackers, students, international volunteers) sometimes still run by nuns or monks. You can find some more details in site for young travellers or backpackers as Flashboking.com.

For budget tips where to go shopping here we go!

It is possible to make excellent purchases in the narrow lanes and streets of Florence in particular around Santa Croce and Oltrarno you can easily find little authentic workshops of paper, leather, perfumes…

Some names: Il Papiro offers good quality hand-made paper in Piazza del Duomo, 24r (ph: +39 055 281 628). Officina Profumo Farmaceutica Shop an old fashioned chemist offers lotions, potions, and herbal remedies abound in elegant packaging in Via Scala, 16 (ph: +39 055 16276 )

Go to Piazza dei Ciompi if you are looking for second-hand and flea markets (last Sun. of the month), or to S. Lorenzo Market (northwest of the Duomo), or the colourful Central Market for food (Square of Mercato Centrale). Here you ll find olives, hams, cheeses and fresh vegetables. Try Via Maggio and Borgo Ognissanti for fine Florentine antique shops.

Of course for anything you need, ticket booking, accommodations booking, hotel reservations, budget trattorie, or simply to locate all this on a map you need a pc and an internet point ( as not all youth hostel will have pc free fro every guest!!). There are a few in Florence. Internet point (Borgo degli Albizi 66; ph:+39 055 24 0780; 3/hour); Internet Train: (4/hour or 3/hour for students) with 12 point sin the city: Via dellOriuolo, 40, ph: +39 055 2345 322; Via del Parione 11b, ph:+39 055 264 5563; Borgo S. Jacopo, ph: +39 055 265 7935).

If youre planning a trip to California wine country, there are many resources available that can make your trip fun and enjoyable. Many self-planning guides are available for visitors to complement the wine tasting experience and make for a pleasurable adventure. Family wineries in Sonoma Valley, Napa Valley, Santa Barbara, and Medocino area vineyards, just to name a few, offer a variety of options, such as walking vineyard tours, wine tasting seminars, and retail stores that offer endless selections of wine and wine related products!

A tour of California wine country can be enjoyed by many means, since drinking and driving is not encouraged, visitors can make their way by limo, bus, jeep, carriage, train, plane, and even by hot air balloon! Many tour packages are available and can accommodate any travelers desires and pocketbooks. Tours of select counties, such as, the wildly popular Sonoma and Napa valley tours, can be combined with lunch or dinner, a mystery theater, mountain biking, or overnight resort and spa accommodations. Vacations can be booked online and be made as unique or as carefree as youd like. Some tour operators even offer surprise packages that combine a little bit of everything for those visitors that desire an element of the unknown! Many packages can also be revised on a whim so you dont miss a thing, and of course, you can always visit again!

To find the tours that interest you most, you may begin by searching by destination, most popular tours, or by what activities various vineyards offer. There are many excellent on-line guides available, with stunning photographs of California vineyards, travel recommendations, and historic information. California wine country is vast and statewide, with different offerings throughout the year. The weather can also be a factor, and you may want to check ahead of time with tour operators or the specific vineyards you would like to visit, as to what they recommend to ensure that your trip is memorable for all the right reasons!

The possibilities are endless and can be as unique as you want. If a romantic getaway is what youre looking for, then possibly a quaint bed and breakfast surrounded by panoramic vineyard views would be just the ticket! It is also possible to fit in other attractions as well, depending on the area you plan on visiting. Many of the most popular tours fill up quickly, so do your research and book well in advance. With whatever amount of time and money you have available, there is a unique experience awaiting you in California wine country!

Siberia, Russia Part 6 When Stairs Attack in the Khabarovsk Train Station

In this continuing series, we cover my move from San Diego to Chita, Siberia to be a professor at Chita State Technical University. We pick up the story going to the train station in Khabarovsk to catch the Trans-Siberian Railroad.

Day 4!

If youve been reading this series on NomadJournalTrips.com, you know my original travel estimate was 2 days from San Diego to Chita, Russia. Well, day 4 has arrived and I am just getting on the train. This horrible time estimate is evidence of a poor math education. I blame the American education system!

I never could figure out those math hypotheticals, If a train is going south at x speed and a cyclist is going north at x speed, when will they meet? When are they going to meet? More like, What the heck is cyclist going to look like WHEN they meet? What about his family, not to mention the nightmares suffered by the conductor. I mean, really, who can do math under such circumstances?

StairsEvil, Evil Stairs

At the Intourist hotel, we arranged for train tickets to Chita. By we, I mean my friend Grae did everything. For $27, we had arranged a private berth and all was good. With a good nights sleep, we headed down from the room and out into thepouring rain. A local was kind enough to give us a ride to the train station and all seemed good. After a bit of pointing, extreme facial expressions and so on, we discovered our train was running about an hour slow. We hunkered down and did a bit of people watching.

As we sat, I pondered my luggage. I had a large hiking backpack and something I called the lump. The lump was an extremely large duffle bag with tiny wheels on one-end and plastic bars running down the flat side/bottom. In theory, you could roll it or drag it anywhere. Mine was black, wet and weighed about 70 pounds. Before you snicker, keep in mind I was going to Siberia for a year. What would you take? Still, I had an uneasy feeling, but couldnt really figure out why.

Our hour was up and it was time to head to the track platform. Like many European train stations, one had to actually walk down stairs, through a tunnel and then back up stairs to get to your platform. This is not the way it works in San Diego. It also doesnt rain in San Diego. Rain, 70 pound bag on wheels, plastic bars, stairsI think you get the picture.

The stairs were packed as I shuffled forward pulling the lump behind me. You would be proud. I made the first flight without maiming anyone or being slapped. Just as I stepped down the second flight, thou was nudgeth from behind.

Time slowed.

The lump hit me in the back of the knees. I fell back onto the lump. In a transformation beyond my primitive understanding of quantum physics, the lump became a high performance bobsled. Down I went.

Still in slow motion, I couldnt help but notice the agility of the Russians in the stairwell. Some jumped up an ornamental shelf running down the stairs. Overweight individuals sucked it up and suddenly became thin. Miraculously, not one soul was hit on my way to the bottom. My landing was uneventful, which is to say there wasnt a loud smack on the wall at the bottom of the stairs.

I jumped up and turned to see if anyone was injured. There was total silence. Faces just stared back at me. Apparently, the only thing injured was my ego and skin, which was turning a dark shade of red. Well, I like to make an impression! I vehemently prayed that none of them were going to Chita.

Everyone started moving again and not a word was said. Alas, the lump was not so accommodating when it came to climbing up the stairs on the other end of the tunnel.

Next The Trans-Siberian RailwayHow Many Days To Chita?!

Valentia, dating back to 137 B.C., is what we now know as Valencia, Spain. If there was any confusion as to where Valencia is or what it is known for, the city’s renovation with breathtaking architecture turned into museums, aquariums and Imax cinemas plus the hosting of the world famous America’s Cup 2007 has definitely put it on the map. Valencia has gone through all kinds of cultures, taking advantage of each one’s contributions, from the Romans through the Arabs, the Catholic Kings with Ferninand and Isabel, the dictatorship of Franco up to the democratic Spain which now exists. All of this and all that is happening nowadays is what has made Valencia, Spain what it is today and what it will be tomorrow.

Starting in the 70’s, this Mediterranean city began hosting important congresses, now even better equipped with the new vanguard Music Auditorium and Congress hall built in 1988 in the old river-bed of the Turia River. A little further down the river-bed, you will find an impressive group of four white modern buildings, each one offering beauty to the eyes from the outside and an eye-opening experience on the inside. This is the biggest cultural free time resort within a city in all Europe.

The City of the Arts and Science consists of:

1.The Oceanographic Park
A spectacular revelation of the different phases of marine life, bringing what was once far away and unknown, close to the human eye.

2.Hemispheric Planetarium
Brought about so that once again, the spectator can experiment for themselves the attractive sensations of what space is all about. Through the most modern technology with Imax cinemas and laser shows, you are brought so close to outer space through impacting images and sounds.

3.The Prince Philip Science Museum
This was designed to house permanent science theme related expositions and modern technology.

4.The Arts Palace
This building will soon be completed and will be destined to the creation and diffusion of the scenic arts.

Heaps of fun for everyone in Valencia

There are so many other attractions for everyone’s likings, all located inside the city centre and very easy to get to by bus, metro or car hire, such as the IVAM ( Valencian Institute of Modern Art ), Guillen de Castro Street no. 118, open Tuesdays to Sundays from 10 a.m. until 8 p.m. It usually costs 2 euros but Sundays and holidays are free. The Palace of the Marquee of Dos Aguas, found in a beautifully decorated alabaster building on the outside and typical Valencian ceramic and horse carriages on the inside. It is found on Poeta Querol Street no. 2, open Tuesdays to Saturdays from 10 to 2, from 4 to 8 but Sundays and holidays only from 10 to 2. Saturday afternoons and Sunday mornings it is free and on the other days it costs 2.50 euros. But do not stop here, visit one of the many tourist offices within the city centre and get free information and timetable for all.

Las Fallas, the most popular street celebration in Valencia dating back to the 16th century is quite an event. It is celebrated from March 15th to 19th, where during five long days and nights you can enjoy seeing over 350 huge carton monuments on almost every corner, religious parades made up of the local lads and lassies dressed in beautiful brocade vestiments, offering bouquets of flowers to the Virgen Mary. All this can be seen in and around the Basilica Square where the flowers are artistically made into the Virgen’s cape, with the baby Jesus held in her arms. But if you could not plan your visit or flight for these days, there is a fantastic Fallas Museum in the Monteolivete Square no. 4 which is the home of the most voted figures which have been saved from being burnt, which is the highlight of this celebration.

Valencia, Spain and its sea adventure

All that has been mentioned before has been and will continue to be part of this city’s life for a long time, but the Americas Cup 2007, the most important yachting and sailing event in the world will only happen once. So if you are still planning some fantastic vacations and want a lot of new thrills, catch a flight to Valencia and book your hotel early to make sure that your holidays will be smooth sailing!

Newport Beach, home to Newport Harbor and Balboa Island, is fifty miles from Los Angeles, fourteen miles from Disneyland in Anaheim and thirty miles from Catalina Island. It’s a great place to get away from it all but still have it all. It is a small, population approximately 72,000, affluent city surrounded by major attractions.

Rent a condo or villa, stay at an inexpensive motel, park your RV at the Newport Dunes Resort & Marina, check into a medium priced hotel or pamper yourself at a luxury hotel like the Balboa Bay Club & Resort which shares the same address as the Balboa Bay Club (“The Balboa Bay Club which boasts a star-studded history with a guest register bearing the signatures of luminaries, including John Wayne, Ronald and Nancy Regan, Humphrey Bogart, Lauren Bacall, Robert Wagner, Natalie Wood and many more.”), Four Seasons, Hyatt Regency, Mariott or the Balboa Inn.

Dine at one of the many excellent restaurants like the Newport Landing Restaurant (“Newport Landing is Newport Beach. Located on the Bay overlooking the historic Balboa Ferry with a panoramic view of Newport Harbor, Balboa Island, Newport Center, and the distant peaks of Saddleback.”), The Ritz Restaurant & Garden (“Synonymous with elegance, gracious service and award-winning cuisine.”), The Sol Restaurant in the Hyatt Regency Newport Beach (Featuring World Island cuisine from the Caribbean, South Pacific, and Gulf of Mexico.), Woody’s Wharf (“Live entertainment Friday and Saturday night. Valet parking and quest slips available fo the boaters.”) or The Harborside Restaurant and Grand Ballroom (“Famous for its world-renowned cupola and illuminated by more than 1,400 white lights, the Balboa Pavilion has served as the beacon of Newport Beach for almost a century.”). These are but a few of the fine restaurants in Newport Beach.

Spend some time at the clean sandy beaches, cruise the large smooth water harbor while viewing the large yachts and multi million dollar homes, charter a sport fishing boat, rent a sail boat, have a party or get married on a chartered yacht, take a ride in a gondola, visit the Orange County Museum of Art, visit the many gift shops, art galleries and sidewalk cafes on Balboa Island, visit the boardwalk shops and restaurants at Newport Pier, visit or take a swim at Pirates Cove, which is best known for the filming of Gilligans Island, go hikeing, horseback riding, scuba diving or surfing at Crystal Cove State Park or catch a ride to Catalina Island.

If for some reason you need more to do, close by you will find Disneyland in Anaheim, Knott’s Berry Farm and Movieland Wax Museum in Buena Park and golf courses galore.

For more information about the city of Newport Beach, California see http://newportbeach.usacitydirectories.com, a directory of links to city of Newport Beach, California guides and directories listing information, resources, services, attorneys, realtors, things to do and places to go.

Falls Of Foz De Iguazu The Cataratas De Iguazu

In Brazil, near Rio de Janeiro and making a boundary between Argentina and Brazil, there are waterfalls known as Iguazu Falls, which are like no other waterfalls in the world. These spectacular waterfalls are reportedly five times the size of Niagara Falls, and the earth-shattering roar of the waterfalls rushing waters can be heard many miles away. The very first Spanish explorer to witness the sheer power of Iguazu Falls was Alvar Nunez Cabeza de Vaca, way back in 1541. Iguazu Falls was believed to have been formed as the result of a volcanic eruption.

In the local Indian language, the name of Iguazu means great waters. A local legend contends that the waterfall came into being when the god of the Iguazu River became enraged and had an outburst. The god is rumored to live in the area of the waters downpour called The Devils Throat.

The top of the waterfall rests along the rim of a cliff that is approximately 2 miles in length. Along this rim there is a collection of some 275 different cascades and waterfalls whose waters fall out over the edge and flow into a gorge 269 feet below. The clouds and mists of water that are sent spiraling into the air when the water hits various ledges and cliffs during its descent create beautiful rainbows that seem to appear everywhere.

Iguazu Falls is almost always a very active waterfall, but is at its peak during the rainy season, which occurs from November through March each year. Much to the dismay of the Falls fans, the waterfall completely dried up in 1978 and remained dry for a total of twenty -eight days. This was a phenomenon that had not occurred since 1934, and it is anyones guess when it may happen again.

Seeing Iguazu Falls is no hard task, as there are helicopter rides available that will fly the curious right over the top of the Falls, and boat trips that can be taken to the base of the Falls. Incredibly, there is also an elevator that will take visitors to the top of Iguazu Falls, and catwalks available that allow one to walk out over the various cascades that make up the wondrous waterfalls. If you prefer to stay dry, rain suits are available.

If you wish to be lulled to sleep by the calming sounds of Iguazu Falls, there are numerous lodges located nearby that offer wonderful accommodations, as well as being close enough to the waterfalls to hear them as you nod off.

Iguazu Falls are part of a protected jungle ecosystem that is comprised of two different national parks; one in Brazil and the other in Argentina.

A visit to Iguazu Falls has something for all of the senses; sights, sounds and smells included! Dont forget to bring the camera, as these unique waterfalls are something to behold, and you will surely want to capture their rarity on film.

Morocco is the essence of North African charm and the land of commingling horizons. Glittering Saharan deserts of the south and east quickly become snow-capped mountains of the Atlas range, followed by the rolling green heartland, which drops down to the sparkling Atlantic and Mediterranean coastlines. Travel to Morocco and wrap yourself in the warmth of the enduring Berber, Arab and African people and 10,000 years of their most fascinating history; a history that could only occur where the spheres of Africa and Europe meet intimately and unavoidably upon the Strait of Gibraltar.

Charmed as a Snake
One distinctive layer of Morocco is its great imperial Islamic cities. The central medina (old town) of each city is typically still walled in and houses the most ancient part of these treasured towns, including a minaret-tipped mosque. Open-air markets, snake-charmers, music performers and cafs are all spilling over with life every day of the week except Friday. Fez (or Fs), Moroccos former capital, is one of the largest and oldest medieval cities in the world and a perfect place to begin your journey through Moroccan history. The medina, Fez el-Bali, is an intricate piecework of 9400 twisting alleys where you may come across some of the finest leather and hand-craftwork among the many bazaars. The modern and traditional city of Marrakesh is home to the ancient square of Djemaa el-Fna, which outshines the rest of the medina at dusk with rhythmic drumbeats, women offering henna tattoos, aerial acrobatics and snakes aplenty. Make sure to catch a glimpse of the soaring Koutoubia Mosque minaret, visible from the square.

Sea Breeze, Sand Dunes and Snow
Beyond Moroccos imperial cities, this Arab nation tends to be more relaxed about Islam than its eastern neighbors, particularly among the mountain and coastal regions. Casablanca is a giant metropolitan port city with unmistakable Moroccan flavor and international appeal. Casablanca is also a mixture of old and new, with the recently completed Hassan II Mosque, the second largest in the world, and a notably historic medina of its own. For a more Mediterranean flare, venture to the north where Tangier stands as the gateway for arrivals from Spain. French colonization of Morocco in the first half of the 20th century has left a large imprint on the culture here, which is intriguing against such backdrops as the fortified Kasbah at the top of the citys medina. Tangier is a fashionable and convenient resort destination for North Africans and Europeans alike, creating a unique cultural blend any time of year.

Get close with the people and the land on a unique adventure that begins in the Saharan settlement of Merzouge. From here you can ride a camel out into the sand dunes and spend a night or more under the luminous stars of the Saharan sky. The serenity of Moroccos desert is not lost among the Atlas and Anti Atlas Mountain Ranges either. Visitors are attracted to these largely impenetrable mountains for the isolation and tranquility of their many Berber towns and the authenticity of Moroccan life they provide, not to mention some great skiing and trekking. At Benhaddou is most famous for its cinematic appearances, such as Lawrence of Arabia. The red walls of the Kasbahs, fortresses and village squares illuminate in an orange glow just as the sun finds its way to settle upon the ocean in the remote distance.

You Simply Dont Know Til You Go
Writers and film makers have attempted to capture the romance and charm of Morocco for centuries. The true essence of the nation and people is so distinctly defined by so many elements. Only once you have experienced Morocco can you really walk away with that indescribable understanding, at which point you may sit down at a caf and sip your sweet mint tea in peace.