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Authentic Istanbul: Understanding the Syrian Crisis over earrings and potatoes
We all have heard of Syria, and yet know so little about the country and its challenges. Politics in the Mediterranean region is not usually the topic of choice during dinner conversations in my country, but ever since I have embarked on my travels in this part of the world, there is this increasing need to rid myself of this wilful ignorance in order to better understand this region better. Which begs the question: why am I writing about Syria when I am visiting Turkey? Amidst the culinary experiences and historical landmark tours focusing on Hagia Sophia and the Blue Mosque, we were interested in experiences that would offer insights into authentic…
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Discovering the Secrets of Balik Pulau with Matahari Cycle Tours
Balik Pulau has a secret. The Penangites might not want you to know this. And the truth is, few Malaysians probably do. Ask people where they can find Penang’s best Assam Laksa, and you will probably be directed to Air Itam, or Penang Road. But the best answer to this question lies in the town center of Balik Pulau. How did we stumble upon this secret? This story begins on one special Sunday morning when we dragged our butts out at the crack of dawn to go cycling with Matahari Cycle Tours. Cycling with Matahari Cycle Tours Our tour started out in a little carpark, where we were assigned bicycles that had been calibrated…
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Afro-Cuban Religion Tour in Havana | Review
Some will tell you these are practitioners of black magic. You would see them on the streets of Havana. African women, dressed fully in white, with a glass-eyed black doll dressed in yellow between them. Juxtaposed by the immensely colourful backdrop of their set-up, they call out and beckon to you, asking to read your fortune. But, swindlers they are not. As with most things in Cuba, religion is a complicated affair. These women are practicioners of Santeria, the syncretic religion that has its roots steeped in Afro-Cuban history. Brought by the African slaves who were imported to Cuba from the 16th to 19th century, it is a fascinating practice…
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A Walking Tour Helped us Fall in Love with Old Havana | Review
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OH! Open House Joo Chiat: It Will Surprise You.
The OH! Open House Joo Chiat Art Tour is truly one of a kind in Singapore, and perhaps even around the world (at least I haven’t encountered similar tours yet). The tour is interactive, extremely satisfying for voyeurs, and best of all, leaves you more fascinated, intrigued and curious about Joo Chiat after the tour than before it.
