With Amira @ Cairo, Egypt, February 17, 2019
With Amira I was introduced to Amira in Cairo by someone who I had never met earlier. Compared to my overseas travels about a decade ago, modern technology is helping me have more unique and rich experience. In an environment where I knew little about how things work, she was my gateway to understanding the values and custom of the Egyptians. She was like a mom to whom a baby, me, could ask anything about the world he sees – such as “what does this name...
Wadi Rum @ Wadi Rum, Jordan, February 9, 2019
Wadi Rum Wadi Rum, or the Valley of Sand, is one of the major tourist destinations in Jordan, along with Petra, and the Dead Sea. It is a sand desert but its mountainous landscapes gives it a unique sense of space. And its un-earthly looks have attracted filming of many movies from the Lawrence of Arabia to The Martian. Even if you have an off-road vehicle, an organized tour is mandatory because you are almost unable to navigate once you are inside the Desert....
Curious looks @ Citadel of Qaitbay, Alexandria, Egypt, February 19, 2019
Curious looks In Egypt, I get more curious looks than in the previous countries, including Jordan and Lebanon. Usually it’s teennage boys and girls who don’t hide their curiosity on faces, and exchange it with others in their groups. From time to time, some just come to me and take selfies with me, often without saying anything. I feel a bit awkward smiling at the camera when I know nothing about my selfie friend. At the waterfront in Alexandria, I noticed several looks at me in...
Giza Necropolis @ Giza Necropolis, Egypt, February 16, 2019
Giza Necropolis The famous Egyptian pyramids are in Giza, a city about 40 minutes west of Cairo by car. In Giza Necropolis (cemetery), there are 9 pyramids and the biggest and the most famous one is the one for King Khufu, with a height of 146 meters. The pyramids are big and tall enough so that as you approach the city of Giza, you can already see them. (The well-known secret is that you can have a great view of the Pyramids at the Pizza Hut right...
Kushari @ Abou Tarek, Cairo, Egypt, February 14, 2019
Kushari Kushari or Koshari is one of the traditional Egyptian dishes, made of lentils, macaroni, and rice, accompanied by tomato sauce, vinegar, chickpeas, and fried onions. The two metal jars in the background contain spicy sauce and vinegar, which are optional, yet still critical in my opinion. The rumor has it that the food was first invented during the British occupation, and later evolved through Egyptian soldiers. For me, the dish offers a hard-to-fail combination: garlic, vinegar, spicy sauce, and the crispiness and sweet taste of...
Arrival @ Cairo, Egypt, February 13, 2019
In Cairo, Egypt. This will be my last Arab country before heading back to Europe. @ Cairo, Egypt, February 13, 2019
Last moment in Jordan @ Aqaba ferry terminal, jordan, February 11, 2019
Last moment in Jordan Finally the moment to leave Jordan has arrived. I’m taking an overnight ferry from Aqaba, Jordan to Nuweiba, Egypt. As usual, I overstayed in this country, by a couple of days. It was because I met some good people whom I wanted to know better, there was unexpected rain, and I liked the city Aqaba more than I had expected. Many regard Jordan as an attractive travel destination, because the infrastructure for tourism is well established, it is safe and the country...
Dead Sea @ Dead Sea, Jordan, February 4, 2019
Dead Sea In the distance, the Dead Sea seemed barren. There is almost no vegetation around it, nor is a sandy beach. But the moment you go into the water, you become a child with a cool new toy. The floating experience is cool and literally effortless. And you keep drifting with the wind. It is known that the Dead Sea is the lowest point on Earth and its water has 342 grams of salt per 1000 grams of water, which is about 10 times as...
This website chronicles Leebong’s journey around the world for 2+ years, for the time being. To find out more, see The Travel & The Why.
To catch me, see Itinerary.
Impressions Series
