blog.akef.org

For those who know me, you’ll know that I’m pretty interested in travelling. For years I didn’t find what I want on the site of the Egyptian Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Last weekend I came across the following site:
http://www.mfa.gov.eg/Missions/travel/guide/consulate/ar-EG/
It has travel advice for Egyptian travellers, if they require visas or not and some information about the country and the Egyptian representation there. Currently its only available in Arabic, and I found some information to be interested. Of course there’s still considerable work to be done on it, but finally this site is here.

Regards,
Akef

Another thing that many people do when they go to India is…have an elephant ride. There’re certain wildlife sanctuaries where you could go tiger spotting on the back of an elephant…I think the term ‘elephant safari’ is sometimes used. Due to my very tight schedule I wasn’t able to visit any of these…however I did take an elephant ride…following are the pictures.

I’ve to admit its a pretty ‘different’ feeling being on an elephant. For those who know me in person you know I’m a relatively big guy, the elephant is one of the few mammals I could ride and not feel too bad about it. I sort of doubt the creature even feels I’m on top of it. Its skin is extremely rough, but I guess I could understand that from the environment its used to living in.

Anyways…here’re the pictures…

Cheers!

Akef

Ladies and Gentlemen,

I’d like to introduce the Taj Mahal. Fantasticically beautiful (is this proper English) isn’t it!

And of course…Akef at the Taj

Cheers!

Akef

As you’ve probably noticed, I’ve only updated the blog a few times on the India trip. But this was basically my itinerary.

Flew into Cochin. Stayed for 2 nights in Cochin.
Took a bus from Cochin to Munnar. Stayed for 2 nights in Munnar.
Then from Munnar took a car to Thekkady/Kumily where the Periyar wildlife sanctuary’s located. Spent 2 nights over there.

Took the bus in the morning to Madurai where I spent the day and later took a night train Chennai aka Madras.

I spent a total of 3 nights in Madras, and from there had a day trip to Mababilapurram (also called Mamalapurram I think).

Took an internal flight on Air Sahara (it was a new Boeing 737-800 plane) to New Delhi where I spent a night.

Took an organized tour for the golden triangle (Delhi, Agra, Jaipur). Went by car to Agra (where the Taj Mahal is ). Spent a night there.

Went by car to Jaipur, however we had stopped for a couple of hours in Fathipursikri(I’m not sure of the spelling). Spent the night in Jaipur.

Went to Delhi the next day where I spent 2 nights.

Flew out in the morning.

Pretty tight itinerary…

So that was around 10 cities/towns in around 15 days. I’ve to admit it was pretty rushed…but India just has so much to offer…and when I was there, I wanted to see as much as I can.

Pictures are to follow

Cheers,

Akef