food and people

The Arch of Charents - most gorgeous view of Mount Ararat. Armenia, the first country to accept Christianity

Armenia the First Country to Accept Christianity

ARMENIA THE FIRST COUNTRY TO ACCEPT CHRISTIANITY

ARMENIA THE FIRST COUNTRY TO ACCEPT CHRISTIANITY 

The Republic of Armenia (formerly Hayk) is a former Soviet Union country bordering Turkey, Georgia, Iran, and Azerbaijan, and its capital is Yerevan. Armenia is a transcontinental country (partly in Europe and most of its land in west Asia), and is one of the six countries in the Caucasus region. What is special about Armenia, the first country to accept Christianity worldwide in 301 A.D., is its unique UNESCO World Heritage Sites, unspoiled nature, tasty cuisine, and renowned brandy, and wines. Additionally, almost every item in Armenia bears the symbol of Mount Ararat (the land of the final resting place of the Ark of Noah. Historically, Mount Ararat was in the territory of the Armenian Highland (currently, it borders Armenia). However, in 1921/1923, a peace treaty (Treaty of Kars) drafted between Turkey and the Soviet Union gifted the land to Turkey.

Armenia is a Christian nation and has a population of about 2,777,976.00. It is rich in copper, zinc, iron, silver, lead, gold, and other valuable reserves of rare metals. Apart from that, whenever someone mentions Armenia, many people immediately think of the Armenian genocide, similar to the mention of Sarajevo, Bosnia Herzegovina. However. there is so much more to discover in this unique and beautiful country. Please continue reading to learn more about Armenia, the first country to accept Christianity as a state religion.

The Armenian Apostolic (Orthodox) Cathedral aka the Holy Etchmiadzin Cathedral .The oldest Cathedral on Earth (front and side view). Armenia, the first country to accept Christianity
The Armenian Apostolic (Orthodox) Cathedral aka the Holy Etchmiadzin Cathedral .The oldest Cathedral on Earth (front and side view)

Minimum 15% savings available on new accommodation bookings at participating properties indicated by the ‘Getaway Deal’ badge on the search results and room selection pages. Bookings must be made before 9:59 am CET on 30/09/24 for stays with check-in from 29/03/24 and check-out on or before 30/09/24. Discount applies to the cost of room only (excluding any additional fees or taxes). If you make any changes to your booking you may lose your discount and be liable for the full amount. Discount cannot be used in conjunction with any other promotion except Genius discounts. Room rates labelled “Partner Offer” are excluded from this promotion. This offer is provided by the participating property and subject to availability.

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Batumi oceanfront. Georgia, the mystical transcontinental nation

Georgia, the Mystical Transcontinental Nation

GEORGIA THE MYSTICAL TRANSCONTINENTAL NATION

GEORGIA THE MYSTICAL TRANSCONTINENTAL NATION IN THE CAUCASUS 

The Republic of Georgia is a former Soviet Union country, and surprisingly close to Iran (just 1 hour 40 minutes flight away). It is a transcontinental country sandwiched between Russia and Turkey. Georgia is a small country tucked away at the eastern end of the Black Sea and the Greater Caucasus Mountains. Its capital and largest city is Tbilisi, and with a population of over 3.7 million. Many may not have heard of this country, or Georgia U.S.A. might come to mind when they mention its name. However, it is a mountainous, breathtaking, transcontinental country hidden in Europe and partially in West Asia. Georgia is famous for its cuisines, Black Sea beaches, wine region (Kakheti), and cave monastery (Vardzia), dating back to the 12th Century. Forest covers over a third of the country, and its main religion is Orthodox Christianity. Please continue reading to learn more about Georgia the mystical transcontinental nation in the Caucasus Region.an average 

Kazbegi and the Caucasus Mountains. Georgia, the mystical transcontinental nation
Kazbegi and the Caucasus Mountains
Gergeti Trinity Church in the Kazbegi Mountain. Georgia, the mystical transcontinental nation
Gergeti Trinity Church in the Kazbegi Mountain

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Morocco, the Western Kingdom of Africa

Morocco, the Western Kingdom of Africa

MOROCCO, THE WESTERN KINGDOM OF AFRICA

MOROCCO, THE WESTERN KINGDOM OF AFRICA 

The Kingdom of Morocco (once known as the Kingdom of Marrakech) is a country in the Maghreb region of North Africa, and its capital is Rabat. Morocco’s largest city and main Atlantic Ocean port is Casablanca. Morocco borders Algeria to the east, Western Sahara to the south, the Mediterranean Sea to the north, and the Atlantic Ocean to the west. It is the only African country with exposure to both the Atlantic Sea and the Mediterranean Sea. Morocco (in Arabic means The Western Kingdom) is a highly elevated country (about 2,600 above sea level). Morocco experiences typical Mediterranean weather (hot, dry summers) with mild, wet winters. It is famous for its towering mountains, beaches and coasts, desert oasis, food, ancient cities, souks, medinas, and culture. Morocco’s largest city and main Atlantic Ocean port is Casablanca. Its primary resources are agriculture, fishing, forestry, mining, and tourism. It is an affordable destination with a population of over 37 million. Please continue reading to learn more about what it is like to visit Morocco, the Western Kingdom of Africa.

Morocco, the Western Kingdom of Africa
Moroccan flag everywhere

Minimum 15% savings available on new accommodation bookings at participating properties indicated by the ‘Getaway Deal’ badge on the search results and room selection pages. Bookings must be made before 9:59 am CET on 30/09/24 for stays with check-in from 29/03/24 and check-out on or before 30/09/24. Discount applies to the cost of room only (excluding any additional fees or taxes). If you make any changes to your booking you may lose your discount and be liable for the full amount. Discount cannot be used in conjunction with any other promotion except Genius discounts. Room rates labelled “Partner Offer” are excluded from this promotion. This offer is provided by the participating property and subject to availability.

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Nordiska Museet (Museum). Sweden is a cold and cashless society.

Sweden is a Cold and Cashless Society

SWEDEN IS A COLD AND CASHLESS SOCIETY

SWEDEN IS A COLD AND CASHLESS SOCIETY 

The Kingdom of Sweden is a constitutional monarchy and a Baltic country in Northern Europe and is one of the seven Nordic countries on the Scandinavian archipelago. It shares its borders with Denmark, Norway, and Finland, and Stockholm, its capital since 1523, is the biggest capital of all three Scandinavian countries. Sweden is a highly developed country and exports timber, hydropower, etc., and it is one of the top 16th wealthiest countries in the world according to its GDP per capita. Sweden’s population of over 10 million has a life expectancy and standard of living that ranks among the highest worldwide, so it is for this reason that so many immigrants flock to Sweden for work and a better standard of living. It is also one of the most expensive, cleanest, highly digital, and cashless countries I have visited. Please continue reading to learn about why Sweden is a cold and cashless society.

Stockholm City Hall and train crossing over the lake. Sweden is a cold and cashless society.
Stockholm City Hall and train crossing over the lake

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the Walking Woman statue @ Ekerbergparken (Ekerberg Park). Norway is home to the Midnight Sun and Polar Nights

Norway is home to the Midnight Sun and Polar Nights

NORWAY IS HOME TO THE MIDNIGHT SUN AND POLAR NIGHTS 

NORWAY IS HOME TO THE MIDNIGHT SUN AND POLAR NIGHTS 

The Kingdom of Norway is a Nordic country in northern Europe, and its capital is Oslo. Norway has a stable and robust economy, with one of the highest GDPs in Europe. It is the largest and most expensive of all Scandinavian countries, with almost 6 million people. Norway is famous for its languages, oil production, glaciers, coastal fjords, eco-friendly, and its Vikings history, similar to Denmark,  the land of the Vikings. Norway has a Constitutional Monarch (King Harald V) for ceremonial and representative duties. However, the legislative and executive powers lie with the Prime Minister, the head of the Government. Please continue reading to see why Norway is home to the Midnight Sun and Polar Nights and what else it offers travellers.

Frogner and Vigeland Park. Norway is home to the Midnight Sun and Polar Nights
Frogner and Vigeland Park

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Tallinn International airport welcome sign. Estonia is the world leader in e-services

Estonia is the World leader in E-services

ESTONIA IS THE WORLD LEADER IN E-SERVICES

ESTONIA IS THE WORLD LEADER IN E-SERVICES

The Republic of Estonia is a small, developed Baltic country in Northern Europe, and its capital is Tallinn. Estonia is closest to Finland and was previously part of the Soviet Union. The country is famous for its many castles, museums, lush forests, strong family values, e-technology, and its medieval, historic capital, Tallinn. Estonia has over 1,500 islands, 1,000 lakes, and 7,000 rivers. It is a developed, high-income, clean, and safe country. It is closer to being a rich country than a poor one and cheaper than many other European countries. However, what is most prominent is Estonia is the world leader in e-services, plus other digital advancements. Keep reading to see what else Estonia offers.

Aleksander Nevski Katedraali. Estonia is the world leader in e-services
Aleksander Nevski Katedraali

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Skopje (Kale) Fortress (in Old Town on the Eponymous hill. North Macedonia - the birthplace of Mother Teresa

North Macedonia the Birthplace of Mother Teresa

NORTH MACEDONIA - THE BIRTHPLACE OF MOTHER TERESA

NORTH MACEDONIA - THE BIRTHPLACE OF MOTHER TERESA 

I will begin by declaring my Love for Macedonia!!! I love you Makedonya!! The Republic of North Macedonia is in South-eastern Europe. It borders Greece, Bulgaria, Serbia, and Kosovo, and its capital is Skopje. North Macedonia (pronounced MAKEDONYA by the locals) is a small but beautiful Balkan country. It is the perfect destination for anyone on a tight budget. The country is religiously tolerant because all religious bodies (Macedonian Christian Orthodox, Muslim, and Christian) coexist peacefully and harmoniously. North Macedonia was once part of the Ottoman Empire from 1493 to 1913. Moreover, it is the only country to have gained independence from Yugoslavia in 1991 without shedding blood. Additionally, North Macedonia has many historical sites, beautiful lakes and is home to some of the oldest ruins in the world. Oh… And most importantly, the locals see themselves only as Macedonians and not as North Macedonians. Please continue reading to learn more about North Macedonia – the birthplace of Mother Teresa.

Mother Teresa Memorial House. North Macedonia - the birthplace of Mother Teresa
Mother Teresa Memorial House. North Macedonia - the birthplace of Mother Teresa
Mother Teresa Memorial House
Sant Konstantin Elena Orthodox Church. North Macedonia - the birthplace of Mother Teresa
Sant Konstantin Elena Orthodox Church

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Schengen, Luxembourg. Luxembourg the second richest country in the world

Luxembourg the Second Richest country in the world

LUXEMBOURG THE SECOND RICHEST COUNTRY IN THE WORLD

LUXEMBOURG THE SECOND RICHEST COUNTRY IN THE WORLD 

Luxembourg, also known as Grand Duchy, is a European country encompassed by France, Belgium, and Germany. Many years ago, I thought Luxembourg was a state in another country. However, as my travel knowledge grew, I realised it is a quiet, independent country and one of the world’s major financial and business centers and tax havens. Luxembourg is one of the smallest and the second-richest countries in the world. According to its GDP per capita, it is the second richest, if not the richest country in the world. It is also another one of the more expensive countries I have visited during my travels. However, compared to Switzerland, it is an average of 15% cheaper. Luxembourg is also the name of the country’s capital and is one of the safest, most peaceful, and cleanest countries/cities worldwide. Additionally, Luxembourg has some of the smoothest roads I have ever seen. Even in rural areas, they maintain the roads with proper signage and reflectors. Please continue reading to find out what’s it like to travel to Luxembourg the second richest country in the world.

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Amsterdam home to the Red Light District

Amsterdam home to the Red Light District

AMSTERDAM HOME TO THE RED LIGHT DISTRICT 

AMSTERDAM HOME TO THE RED LIGHT DISTRICT 

Welcome to the Kingdom of the Netherlands, specifically to its capital Amsterdam. Amsterdam is favoured for its open-minded policies and Red Light District (De Wallen). It is also the second most popular and visited city in the world. This article will share some tips and information from my visit to Amsterdam home to the Red Light District (as I like to refer to it) and, might I add, cannabis-filled air. None can compete or compare with Amsterdam. Please continue reading and share the article if you find it helpful.

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FLYING ECONOMY WITH QATAR AIRWAYS – THE WORLD’S NO.1 AIRLINE


FLYING ECONOMY WITH QATAR AIRWAYS

FLYING ECONOMY CLASS WITH QATAR AIRWAYS 

FLYING ECONOMY WITH QATAR AIRWAYS - THE WORLD’S NO.1 AIRLINE

My holiday “explorations” have finally ended (sadly so) and as promised, I am here to give a detailed review of flying economy class with Qatar Airways – the world’s no.1 airline and voted best airlines for another year in 2019.

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