World Famous Markets & Bazaar’s
by Rubel Zaman

Shopping is a past time favoured by nearly every woman in the world, and quite a few men. Some say that there is nothing quite as exhilarating as the purchase of something shiny and new; or a unique and unusual acquisition, found in the corner of a junky looking market stall. Markets everywhere harbour hidden treasures, just waiting to be found.

From wholesale markets selling large quantities of goods for retail, to the tunnel-like souks of North Africa and the Middle East, there is nothing quite so exciting as a find in a market. But wherein the world is the best place to sample the delights of markets, bazaars and souks?

London
There is nowhere in the world that has such an interesting array of markets, from wholesale meat market of Smithfield to fruit and vegetable’s in New Covent Garden, to the many clothing, thrift and vintage markets. London has it all.

Finding the best London has to offer is quite a task as there are many amazing markets selling clothing, accessories and trinkets. There are large markets such as Borough Market, medium sized markets such as Petticoat Lane and small markets such as Dover Street Market. But two particularly stand out, Portobello Road and Camden Markets. Both of these are synonymous with youth culture and fashion. Camden Markets is the 4th most visited attraction of London, its markets sells everything from bric-a-brac and craft to fast food. Portobello Road in trendy Notting Hill is the ideal place for vintage clothing and antiques.

Marrakech, Morocco

Morocco is famous for its traditional markets, and none are more revered than the one in Marrakech, which has the largest traditional souk in the country.

The Djemaa el Fna, one of the busiest markets in Africa is a way of life for the locals and a source of amazement for visitors.

The square in which it is held is a hive of activity with acrobats, story-tellers, dancers and musicians; alongside stalls selling trinkets, clothes, water, in fact anything at all.

At night food stalls open in the square and the souk becomes a busy open air restaurant.

Cairo, Egypt

North Africa is renowned for its souks and the busy Khan el-Khalili is an ancient shopping area in Cairo.

The souk (suq in Arabic) is one of the oldest in Africa dating back to 1382, and houses a number of stalls and shops in its winding alleyways, many with their own factory or workshop attached.

Paris, France

The famous Paris flea market, on the banks of the River Seine, is in the district of Saint-Ouen.

It is widely appreciated to be one of the most important antique and second hand furniture markets in the world; and is held every Saturday, Sunday, and Monday.

Bangkok

Bangkok plays host to a plethora of markets. From the tourist orientated Patpong market, where cheap fake designer items can be bought, to Chatuchak weekend market, which is the largest market in Thailand, to the famous floating fruit and vegetable market of Taling Chan, bartering is a way of life in Thailand.

If you are looking for a wholesale baby clothes or clothes for toddlers, then visit Bamboo Baby.

Source: http://www.PopularArticles.com/article239791.html

Vacation Inspiration: 4 weeks backpacking in the Middle East

Author:

Andrew Marsden

A backpacking adventure in the Middle East can be eye-opening, exciting, and at times challenging. As you explore sites of immense religious, cultural and historical significance, you will further your education and gain insights into other less familiar cultures and ways of life. Backpacking through the Middle East is never short of an adventure and you’re likely to experience some incredible hospitality, sample some delectable cuisine and meet some fascinating people along the way.

Fly into Istanbul in Turkey, a city at the crossroads of East and West. The perfect introduction to the Middle East, Istanbul is both westernised and familiar, while at the same time it’s exotic and enchanting.  After a good few days haggling in the grand bazaar and marvelling at the architecture, head by comfortable overnight bus to Cappadocia.

Cappadocia: The natural beauty of Central Turkey is breathtaking. Goreme is a good base for a few days sampling delicious Turkish cuisine, walking through the spectacular landscape of ‘fairy chimney’ rock formations and exploring churches cut in rock by the early Christians.

From Cappadocia, head to Antakya for your final night in Turkey before heading over the border by bus to Aleppo in Syria.

Aleppo: Syria probably contains almost everything that comes to mind when you think of the Middle East: Legendary Arabic hospitality, mouth-watering mezze, conservative Islam and rich history and culture. The people here are some of the friendliest in the world, and to really get a feel for the place, spend some time in the cafes and markets (souks). Around every corner, there seems to be a point of historical interest, but just observing the culture and chatting to the locals can be an experience in itself.

Damascus: A must on any Middle Eastern traveller’s itinerary. A few days can be spent in the coffee shops and souks of Damascus, sipping intense Arabic coffee to the sound of the Muslim call to prayer. The Umayyad Mosque is one of the oldest mosques in the world and the architectural beauty is awe-inspiring.

Palmyra: If you’re into ruins, you won’t want to skip Palmyra. These ruins of one of the ancient world’s most important centres of culture are located at an Oasis in the Syrian Desert, and you can get there by bus or taxi from Damascus.

From Damascus, head south and cross into Jordan. Sharing a taxi is relatively easy in Damascus and is a great opportunity to make friends with the locals. Catch a ride in Damascus heading for Amman in Jordan.

Amman: After a day or two exploring this fascinating, hospitable city of contrasts between old and new, continue south by bus to the UNESCO world heritage site of Petra.

Petra: Jordan’s greatest tourist attraction is the vast rock-carved Nabataean city of Petra. Marvel at the awe-inspiring carvings, dazzling red colours and beautiful rock formations as you explore the Petra valley on foot, or on horseback or by camel.

Aqaba: From Wadi Musa (the town to use as base for visiting Petra), head by bus to the Jordanian Red Sea resort of Aqaba. From here, you’ll have access to some of the best snorkelling and diving in the world and the timeless crimson beauty of the Wadi Rum natural landscape. Wadi Rum is virtually untouched by humanity and can be explored by 4×4 vehicle or camel. You can arrange to stay with the local Bedoiun people, spending a night in a tent after a traditional campfire meal.

Into Israel: Allow plenty of time for the border crossing into Israel. It can be helpful to have a clear idea of where you’re heading in Israel and what you hope to do there. Be patient and polite and once the border formalities are done, you’ll want to jump in a taxi and head to the Israeli resort of Eilat.

Eilat: After a couple of weeks in the Arabic countries of Jordan and Syria, Eilat will be a major culture shock. You can see the Jordanian flag and the town of Aqaba from the beach in downtown Eilat but it feels like a different world. Eilat is an Israeli beach resort, with westernised restaurants, bars and nightlife. If sun, sea, sand and partying is your thing, you’ll want to linger for a few days in Eilat.

Jerusalem: The centre of three major world religions, Jerusalem is like nowhere else on Earth. The old city contains sites of huge historic and cultural significance to Jews, Christians and Muslims. A visit to Jerusalem provides an opportunity to explore sites of historic and religious interest, while also gaining an understanding of the background and the issues surrounding the present-day conflict.

Dead Sea: Easily accessible from Jerusalem, Ein Gedi is an Oasis on the shores of the Dead Sea, the lowest point on Earth. Due to the salt content, the human body will float on the Dead Sea, an experience not to be missed.

Galilee: Travelling around Israel is comfortable and straightforward and a trip north to Galilee provides opportunity to explore the area where Jesus lived and taught, including the Mount of Beatitudes (where Jesus delivered the Sermon on the Mount) and the Sea of Galilee.

Tel Aviv: Known as ‘the city that doesn’t stop’ because of its reputation for partying, Tel Aviv is the heart of secular Israel and the economic and commercial centre. The highlight is the sandy Mediterranean coastline and the fantastic beach scene where you can relax for a day or two before boarding your flight home.

Assuming you travel independently as a backpacker, this 4 week itinerary through the Middle East is likely to cost in the region of $1500-$2000 if you travel and share rooms with a partner and in the region of $2400-$2700 if you travel on your own.

Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/exotic-locations-articles/vacation-inspiration-4-weeks-backpacking-in-the-middle-east-2252267.html

About the Author

Travel writer and researcher for Roam The World. Andrew caught the travel bug somewhere between riding a motorbike in the mountains of Northern Thailand and venturing through the souks of the Middle East. He now travels to far-flung destinations as often as possible.

Top 10 Beaches in the Caribbean

Author: Travel Guru

A holiday to the Caribbean offers you the chance to visit some of the most spectacular beaches in the world. Virtually every island of the Caribbean will have beaches that amaze; with crystal clear blue seas, sugar white sand & palm trees.

To help you choose where to go and more importantly what beach to choose, we have compiled a list of the top 10 beaches in the Caribbean.

1/ Palm Beach (Aruba) – Idyllic beach setting with superb white sand.

2/ Grand Anse Beach (Grenada) – 3km beach with sugar-white sand, lots of space & shallow waters.

3/ Johnson’s Point (Antigua) – Made up of secluded coves; these white soft sand beaches are a must for snorkeling & swimming.

4/ Pink Sand Beach ( Bahamas) – One of the world’s most photographed beaches, often voted world’s best by travel publications. 5km’s of salmon pink coloured sand, due to red plankton that has mixed with the fine white sand.

5/ Crane Beach (Barbados) – Often voted as Barbados’ most beautiful beach. Imposing cliffs, a natural coral reef and soft white sands make for a perfect beach.

6/ Negril Beach (Jamaica) – Laid back atmosphere and Jamaica’s prettiest beach. A lot quieter than Seven Mile beach.

7/ Englishman’s Bay (Tobago) – A sheltered beach with fine white sand, crystal waters & surrounded by a palm jungle.

8/ Grace Bay (Turks & Caicos) – Part of a national marine park, this beach has fine white sand, calm turquoise waters and is protected by a barrier reef.

9/ Trunk Bay (US Virgin Islands) – A beautiful beach with crystal clear waters, considered one of the best places for snorkeling in the Caribbean.

10/ Shoal Bay (Anguilla) – Put Angullia on the tourism map; sugar-white sand, crystal clear blue waters & coral reefs.

Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/exotic-locations-articles/top-10-beaches-in-the-caribbean-129050.html

About the Author

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