Welcome to Chicago

With attractions and activities galore, Chicago is everyone's kind of town. See all the famous sights, then catch a show in the theater district or a Cubs game at historic Wrigley Field, followed by a late night visit to a blues club or jazz bar. Culture hounds will delight in the multitude of museums, including the prestigious Art Institute and the Chicago Historical Society. Families will find plenty to do at Navy Pier and to explore at the Field Museum and the Lincoln Park Zoo. You could spend all day strolling through Hyde Park or shopping along the Magnificent Mile. Discover vibrant ethnic neighborhoods, architectural landmarks, delicious restaurants and world-class hotels.

Chicago Airport
The glamorous city of Chicago with the establishment of two important airports emerged as the transportation center during the 20 th century. It houses some of the famous airports of US. The airports of Chicago serve all national and international flights. Chicago aspires to start a new airport at Peotone and also looks forward to in collaboration with the Gary/Chicago International Airport in Gary, Indiana.

O'Hare International Airport
O'Hare International Airport is one of the famous international airports of Chicago. This airport serves all international and domestic flights and is one of the busiest airports of the world. The O'Hare International Airport serves the flights of United Airlines and American Airlines. This airport is under construction for the expansion of its services.

Chicago Midway International Airport
The other famous and important airport of Chicago is the Chicago Midway International Airport. This airport basically serves all domestic flights. The Chicago Midway International Airport is the important center of flights belonging to the Southwest Airlines and ATA Airlines.

Gary Chicago Airport
This airport is located at Gary, Indiana, at a fair distance of 25 miles from the Chicago loop. Gary/Chicago International Airport is the third airport serving the Chicago region. At present this airport serves only the proposed commercial flights but it is under development by the federal body and is linking up with other airlines. At present is the center for the business fleets of Boeing and White Lodging Services. New facilities are being introduced by the National Guard to start their metropolitan area air operation from here itself.

Rockford Chicago Airport
The other significant airport though small is the Chicago/Rockford International Airport located at Rockford. This airport serves all international and national flights to Rockford as well as Chicago. This airport serves all flights to Denver, Las Vegas, St. Petersburg/Clearwater, and Orlando Sanford. The management of this airport looks forward to attract passengers from the western suburbs of Chicago.
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Welcome to Lisbon

Lisbon Culture
Portuguese culture is an incredible amalgamation of foreign influences, from the extensive expeditions the Portuguese explorers made all over the world, to the Moorish and Roman invasions. In the streets of the city, travelers will be spellbound by the busy and energy of Lisbon, from the artists performing, businessmen bustling in their suits, vendors selling hot chestnuts, or children playing in the parks. The city itself is littered with historical landmarks, from the Baroque architecture to restored palaces, castles and regal churches. A mix of the old and new, Lisbon is overflowing with events, music, museums, and sights that display this diversity. Lisbon also seethes with gradeur, reminiscent of when this city was the heart of the most powerful, rich nation in the world. In Lisbon, many different festivals are celebrated reflecting the people’s past beliefs in local pagan and roman gods as well as Christian saints. For instance, June is the most filled month in terms of Lisbon's festivals; these festivals honor different saints with parades and parties. In addition, on the second Sunday of lent, there is a parade of violet-covered litters in the Graça district; this ritual has gone on since the 16 th century.

The famous music of Portugal is Fado, which means roughly ‘common human feeling.’ Much like its namesake, the music Fado is very emotional, if not melancholy in nature. The origins of the music are thought to be a combination of Arabic influence from progugese sailers and Africa slave music. Lisbon Fado (there are two types) is performed by women and communicates a mix of suffering, love, nostalgia and pain.
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Lisbon Weather
July and August tend to be the hottest months so if you are planning on visiting the Portuguese coasts or islands for their beatiful beaches, these may be a good choice though you will be caught up with the rest of the tourists as it is the peak season especially English and German tourists.

A good month to travel will be June and September. Weather is still wonderful with quite a bit fewer travelers The worst weather begins from November to March. This the only time frame of the year you won't find Lisbon overcrowded. Holidays to watch out for are the religious days and each town/city has their own saints so it is celebrated on different days. Check the town or city you are traveling to for the specifics but here are some major ones for the year: January 1st - New Year's Day February 28th - Mardi Gras (last day of Carnival) / Shrove Tuesday April 13th - Easter Thursday (Banks only, afternoon) April 14th - Easter Friday April 15th - Liberation Day (marks the Revolução dos Clavos or Carnation Revolution) May 1 - Labour Day June 10 - National Day June 13 - San Antonio/St. Anthony (Lisbon only) June 15 - Corpus Christi August 15 - Assumption October 5 - Proclamation of the Republic November 1 - All Saints' Day December 1 - Independence Day December 8 - Immaculate Conception December 25 - Christmas. So pack your bags and get ready for a good trip!
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Welcome to Algiers

Algiers Culture :
Algiers is a city of culture, an amalgam of Arab, Berber, and French heritage with a history of spirituality and warfare, an economy of tourism and poverty. Although generally lacking in worthwhile museums, monuments, and attractions to represent it, Algerian identity shadows the city streets and reverberates throughout the capital’s shops and mosques.
99% of the country is Sunni Muslim, which has made for an interesting political mix of policy that drifts towards the two contradictory poles of social and economic modernization and appeals towards Islamic fundamentalism. Languages spoken here include Arabic, French, and Berber, while English is used hardly ever—so brush up on at least one of the three.
The main attraction in Algiers is the old city, or Kasbah , a unique center of ancient street layout and architectural design, designated both as national landmark and UNESCO World Heritage site. Check the ancient monuments this city quarter sports, as well as its fortifications, outlying colonial houses, narrow and congested roads, palaces, mosques, and whatever other artifacts of the past that may greet you here.

Algiers Health & Safety :
Nearly the first tourist recommendation to those headed towards Algiers consists of some sort of safety warning, or reminder rather, along the lines that visitors enter at their own risk as Algiers is definitely not safe.
Having recently emerged from a civil war, intra-Algerian violence is far from finished, and this social and political instability is a threat only magnified for tourists as a result of Algerian Islamic hardliner attacks on Western visitors. Further, women must dress and behave with oppressive religious constrictions in mind when touring most of the country.
Still, a visit is manageable, so long as one stays in safe neighborhoods, well-known hotels , and indoors come nighttime. Also, keep drinking activity confined to the hotel bar and do not inadvertently offend anyone by discussing politics. Try to avoid public transportation and narrow streets. The old city and French city boroughs are not all that safe, but the beachfront is generally alright. Countryside locales make for riskier travel than does trekking around the capital, and while daytrips to and from Algiers are do-able, false roadblocks abound. It would be foolish to leave Algiers at night. source: tripadvisor.com

Cairo maps

Cairo is the capital of Egypt. The city is officially known as al-Qahirah, which means "The Subduer". The Arab invaders seized it in 642 and gradually it grew into a small city and the North African Shi'i Fatimid Dynasty conquered it in 972. Later in 1100s the Seljuks captured Cairo and the city was further expanded. Baghdad was sacked in 1258 and this enhanced the importance of the city making it into an intellectual and artistic center in the Middle East. Cairo was the largest city in the world from 1315 to 1348. The Ottoman Empire took over the city in 1517 and later in the 17th and 18th centuries the Mameluks captured it. By 1798, Egypt was annexed by Napoleon, and Cairo was surrendered to him. The city was rebuilt during the era of colonization in 1882. It was the central city of Egypt during the course of British rule and presently it is the Arab world's cultural center.

Get in :

By plane
Cairo is served by Cairo International Airport [CAI] [1], which is the hub of the Egyptian national airline, Egyptair. Many of the world's popular airlines also fly into Cairo on a regular basis, including British Airways, Air France, Singapore Airlines and Lufthansa.
The airport is located on the north-eastern outskirts of the city at Heliopolis. To get into downtown Cairo you can get a fixed-price limousine (60 EP) or negotiate a lower price with one of the small black taxis. You could negotiate down to as little as 40 EP. Back from the city a normal price would be 20-30 EP, depending on the traffic.

By train
Cairo's main railway station - Ramses Station (Mahattat Ramses) is located on Midan Ramses. Unsurprisingly, trains run to Cairo from most other regions and cities within Egypt.

By car
For those unfamiliar with Cairo traffic, one shouldn't expect to drive. The traffic is, at the least, overwhelming for the common traveler. Road signs, lanes, right-of-ways, etc. are not adhered to. The driving has a consistency, but not in any official way.

By metro
Cairo has the only metro system on the African continent. While its two lines are all too limited in scope, they're a major boon in the areas they do go to and the flat fare of 1.00 pound per trip is a steal. The key interchanges are Mubarak, at Midan Ramses, and Sadat, below Midan Tahrir. Note that in each train, the first car is reserved for women.

By taxi
The fleet of black-and-white taxis that ply Cairo's streets are convenient but a hassle: communication can be an issue and the meters, which are heirs from antique eras of gas prices, are not normally used. Prices are, however, not erratic, and any Cairene knows how much the driver expects depending on time and distance spent in the car. Because of a recent 20% raise in gasoline prices, prices could be slightly higher, but still very cheap for most tourists.
Ordinary Egyptians will never state prices beforehand. Instead the correct sum is payed through the window after leaving the car. Some drivers might protest as they expect tourists to pay more than the standard rates. Avoid negotiations - it takes lots of time and you end up at a price you won't like. Instead, use the "walk-away"-technique if they don't agree to your (reasonable) price. As long the driver does not leave the car, you're all right. If this happens, consult someone nearby.

By bus
The large red, white and blue public buses cover the entire city and are much cheaper, but are usually crowded. However, there are the similar air-conditioned buses that charge 2 L.E. for the trip and prohibit standing on the bus. They can be found in the main squares in Cairo. Also found in main squares are the smaller mini-buses that are usually orange and white or red, white and blue. Because of problems with sexual harrasment women travellers are advised only to take the small micro-buses and buses which prohibit standing.

Cairo Art and Culture :

Pyramids of Giza. The only remaining monuments of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, it is the country's most famous touristic attraction and the icon that is most associated with Egypt.
Egyptian Museum. The world's premier collection of ancient Egyptian artefacts.
Saqqara.
Memphis.
Citadel. A grand castle built by Mohamed Ali.
Al-Azhar Mosque. One of the pillars of Islamic thought and home to the world's oldest university.
The Coptic Museum.
the "Hanging Church" (Church of the Virgin Mary).
the Al Rifai & Sultan Hassan mosques (19th C & highly decorated: 14th C & beautifully austere).

Essaouira Culture

For hundreds of years Essaouira has been Morocco's craft and cultural center. Its artisans and artists are world-famous for their unique pottery, intricate wood carvings, gold jewelry, hand-woven rugs, and ceramic tiles. The area is also well known for its music, including the Gnaoua music from the descendents of the region's sub-Saharan slaves, in celebration of which an entire festival is held for almost a week each June. Essaouira's traditional Moroccan Chaabi song style can also be heard at parties and celebrations throughout the city. Essaouira is also famous for its dance, its unique style a combination of Greek, Roman, Spanish, Jewish, and Arabic traditions developed over several centuries.

Also well known throughout the world is Morocco's cuisine, a style of cooking that uses lots of spices, fish, and dried fruits. Along with this cuisine is the country's argan oil, a nutritious oil extracted from the nut of a tree that grows only in southern Morocco. It is used in cooking in much the same way that olive oil is, as well as for medical and cosmetic purposes. The area is also famous for its mint tea. This drink is served throughout the country and is seen as a symbol of friendship.

Essaouira Health & Safety

Unlike many places in the Middle East, Morocco has a thriving tourist economy and is considered to be safe for travelers for the most part. However, if you are going to Essaouira, a large tourist destination, it is smart to keep a few key points in mind in order to avoid becoming the victim of tourist-aimed crime, something which is prevalent in the region. Always use your hotel's safe. Do not carry valuables on your person or carry more cash that needed. Men should avoid carrying wallets in their back pockets and women should pay close attention to their bags while dining or riding in buses or taxis. Avoid going out at night alone, especially on foot. It is better to hire a taxi, even if you are only going a short distance. Also be sure that you have all of your immigration papers in order, and to carry a copy of your passport with you at all times, not the real thing. That should be kept in a safe place. Be sure also to have emergency numbers for the police and fire department on hand.

Marrakech Culture

The overwhelming Berber population of Marrakech makes for a city whose culture is strongly influence by that of Arab and Islamic cultures.

The Museum of Dar si Said on Raid Zitoun Jdid Street is a palace from the 19th century that serves as a good example of traditional Moroccan architecture. Inside, the museum displays artifacts from the private collections of former sultans and viziers. The Tiskiwine Museum, located between the Dar Si Said and El Bahia, exhibits clothing, jewelry and artisan crafts from the different regions of Morocco. The Museum of Marrakech features oriental and contemporary art along with displays of old jewels, coins and books.

There is not much in the way of organized theatre, dance or opera in the city, as performances are usually spontaneous or informal, but this does not mean that music is not a very large part of the city’s culture. The Jemaa el Fna Square is, in fact, dedicated to festivals (such as the National Festival of Popular Arts in June or early July, dedicated to North African music) and artistic performances. In the evenings, the square really comes alive with musicians playing mandolins, drums, guitars, and many other instruments. It is evident from these performances that Morocco sits at the crossroads of many historically influential civilizations; the music is usually a blend of Spanish, Arab, Berber and African styles.

Marrakech History :
Around 1000BC, the area around Marrakech served as a temporary campsite to nomads who made their living crossing the Sahara and trading with African tribes to the south. A permanent city was not founded until 1062, when Ben Youssef of the Almoravid dynasty claimed the site for his soldiers and erected the Koutobia mosque. Marrakech became an important cultural, economic and military base. It was the destination of many traders from Timbuktu who carried sub-Saharan gold, salt and slaves for European merchants. The sultan Ben Youssef used it as a starting point from which he sent out armies against Spain. During his reign, Andalusian influences drifted south across the Strait of Gibraltar, and Muslim artisans began incorporating Spanish styles into the city’s buildings.

Marrakech served as the capital of the Almoravidian Empire until its fall in 1258, when the city was abandoned and the nearby town of Fez became the capital of the new Marinid Empire. However, in 1554, the city was re-granted its capital status with the establishment of the Saadian dynasty, which lasted until 1917. At this point in history Morooco officially became a protectorate of France, though it was in effect a colony, and they ruled it until 1956, when the country regained its sovereignty. Today, Marrakech is no longer the Moroccan capital, but still serves as a major tourist attraction and cultural center. source: www.tripadvisor.com

Marrakech Weather & When to Go :
Although the weather is no doubt changeable, Marrakech is a wonderful place to visit for some winter sun (although not a sunbathing location of course). The weather over this New Year (2006 / 2007) was extremely good - ranging from about 18C to apparently 25C. Perfect weather for wandering and chilling out. However, it is worth noting that it gets quite cool in the shade and cold at night. So ensure you take a warm jacket or jumper for the evening. In February this year (2007), Marrakech had some of its hottest temperatures for over 10 years and the mercury hit 28-29 degrees for several days - even the locals were saying, "très chaude". This of course was suitable for sunbathing but this is the exception rather than the rule. The local guide Marrakech Evasions describes the daily weather in winter as requiring winter, spring and summer clothing.

As already mentioned, weather can fluctuate quite significantly and there is not often the consistent temperature and sun you might expect. For example, daytime temperatures can build rapidly to 40 degrees or more and then plummet to 20 degrees or less within a few short days as happened in May 2007 for example. Often this rapid rise in temperature is accompanied by a hot sand-laden wind from the desert called the Chergui which can be unbearable and may occur anytime during the summer months. For many, particularly North Europeans used to mild temperatures, the summer months are arguably too hot for comfort. The temperature can be 38 degrees Centigrade and higher for 8 or 9 days in a row. It might cool down for a week then will repeat this pattern (see weather websites below). For those who use Fahrenheit, this is 100 degrees or more for 8 or 9 days in a row! Whilst a swimming pool may take the edge off the temperature, it can be relentless.

Rabat Culture

Rabat, though in possession of a strong tourist economy, is not as popular a destination relative to its other Moroccan siblings— Marrakech, Fez , and Casablanca . The resulting comparative lack of traveler congestion, however, makes this city of 1.5 million inhabitants all the more alluring.
The capital of the country, Rabat’s heritage , art, and identity are all evident in its numerous and spectacular shops, museums, and beaches, its international flair and importance signified by the presence of foreign embassies and dignitaries.
The Palace in the Kasbah , founded in the 1600’s, hosts a repository of Berber jewelry and carpets, and its Andalucian Gardens represent some of the most beautiful flowers and shrubbery to be found the world over.
Another popular area of the capital city, Rabat’s Medina is a small, “old city” section of town, full of cafes and shops intermingling with bazaars specializing in curious apparel and souvenirs.
The Kasbah des Oudaias makes for beautiful river views and historical tours of ancient fortifications, mosques, and gates. Other tourist points of interest include the citadel of Chellah and Volubilis. source : www.tripadvisor.com

Agadir - Know Before You Go

Agadir Culture :

To give you a leg up to understanding the Moroccan culture, there are a few things that help to know. The first is that people in Morocco are polite, even to people they dislike, and so it helps to know that politeness can go a long way. Speaking of politeness, if you are going to be on the beach, you can wear shorts, but other than that, long pants are a must. Male or female travelers should not wear shorts around town, even when the temperature is 118 degrees. When it comes to places of worship, Agadir is not Rome; unlike the Roman churches, tourists should not enter the mosques, especially non-Muslims tourists.