JOURNEYS4LIFE TRAVEL

Dear Traveler, Mainly traveled by Europeans, the small Maltese archipelago is somehow off the radar for the rest of the world, however savvy travelers o ften described it as one big open-air museum. What makes these islands unique is that so much of their past is visible today.  The balmy Mediterranean climate makes Malta an around-the-year cultural, beach, and nightlife destination with all of the attractions packed in a small territory. That's the real advantage of staying here.  This blog is inspired by Malta's rich cultural heritage.    Historical Background Malta's History is closely related to the history of Knights of Saint John: What we see today in Malta, is the legacy the Knights of St. John left for us. The Knights Hospitaller (the Knights of Saint John), was a religious and military order formally founded in the 12th Century to protect Jerusalem against the Ottoman Turk's invasion. After the Order of Saint John was expelled from its base in the Island of ...

Dear Traveler, Did you know that Malta's history is older than the Pyramids? The small archipelago is home to some of the world's oldest human structures and many of them are listed as UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Moving on to later millennia, the strategic geographical position of the island has naturally attracted the ruling military powers of that period. Romans, Moors, the Knights of the Order of Saint John, the French, the British -- all have left their impact in shaping Malta's history, culture, and architecture. Quick facts & geography Malta is one of the smallest nations in the world (just under half a million inhabitants) situated right in the center of the Mediterranean Sea, between Sicily and the North African Coast. A part of the EU,  the local currency is Euro and there are no visa requirements for  US citizens. The official languages are Maltese and English (as a former British colony).  The Maltese Archipelago is comprised of Malta (the largest i...

Dear Traveler, Morocco travel is at its peak. It appeals to adventure-minded people who like to get a taste of an exotic destination, but also like to feel the familiar Westernized culture. The fact that the country was over 40 years a French territory and the French language is widely spoken help. This Spring, my husband and I took advantage of an opportunity and traveled to Morocco in a small group tour, organized by Canadian tour supplier G Adventures.  Here are a few insights:                                                                               G Adventures itinerary map (1.) We chose the G Adventures "Morocco Kasbahs and Desert" 8-day tour that was their best seller. It was a fast-paced itinerary that covered a vast territory and you do see quite a lot. Expect daily early mor...

 Dear Traveler,  Are you fascinated by old history and eager to experience Morocco's rich cultural heritage? Are you in a process of planning a trip to this North African country but don't know what to expect (cultural norms, shopping, tipping) when you get there? Then, this quick read is for you. Tipping is a major part of the Moroccan culture Every local who provides you with service, no matter how insignificant, is hoping, if not expecting to be tipped (bell-boys, restaurant staff, tour guides &, drivers, even when taking pictures on the street). Always keep small bills handy. On a 7-Night Tour, budget between $80-$100 per traveler for tips. Drink and brush your teeth only with bottled water ​​ The tap water is generally harmless and consumed by locals, however, it has a chlorine taste. If you will be in the country for a short period of time, it's better to be on the safer side and purchase bottled water easily accessible at street stalls and supermarkets. Delux...

Dear Traveler, Situated on the west bank of the Ganges River in Uttar Pradesh state of North India, Varanasi, also known as "Benares" or "Kashi" is mystical and captivating. As one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world, Varanasi is a place where history and religion are fused into one. A Hindu legend passed through millennia states that Lord Shiva (the destroyer, transformer, and protector of the city) founded Varanasi five thousand years ago, though contemporary scholars believe it to be around three thousand years old. For Hindu devotees, a journey to Varanasi has the same significance as the Muslim's pilgrimage to Mecca or the Christians to Jerusalem. It is believed, that taking a bath in the holy Ganga River has the power to wash away one's sins. Due to the large distances and poverty in India, for Hindu followers, this sacred pilgrimage is often ones in a lifetime trip. What makes Varanasi even more fascinating, is that just 13 km ou...

Dear Traveler, A recent trip to India inspired this blog- hope you find it useful. Fascinated by old civilizations,  Journeys4Life Travel's mission is to bring world heritage sites to life through travel. Brief History  India's history dates back to the third millennium BC when flourishing Indus civilization together with Mesopotamia,  Pharaonic Egypt and Yellow River Valley formed the Four Cradles of the Ancient Civilization. The fertile plains of Indus Valley were home to thriving major urban centers like Harappa and Mohenjo Daro  that left their mark in history. It is believed, that sometimes during the Bronze Age Hinduism came into existence and dominated the religious life of the populous until the 6th Century BC when the teachings of Siddhartha Gautama branched off from the mainstream and gave birth to Buddhism. The Great Empires of Ancient India (such as Maurya, Gupta) bloomed until the 8th Century AD when series of Muslim invasions weakened and led to the...

Dear Traveler, On a beautiful fall morning, my family left the Spanish Riviera, known as " Costa del Sol " and set on a new adventure to Ronda, one of the oldest strongholds of Moorish Spain. Our dramatic, windy- road ascent in Sierra de las Nieves Mountains (over 2400 meters!) suddenly ended on a plateau, and the outskirts of the town started to appear on the horizon.                                                              Bullfighting and horse-breeding farm, Ronda Our first stop in the Andalusian countryside was a tour of a bullfighting and horse-breeding farm. After paying a visit to the happily roaming animals -- we were told that one bull enjoys the attention of 10 cows(!), we met with Rafael Tejado, the farm's owner. Presently a real matador in his early 40s, after starting out with an engineering degree, he realized that...