Africa and the Middle East
Moroccan Baths: Visiting a Hammam Spa
The Moroccan spa, or hammam, is known worldwide as a luxurious experience, though the exact ritual of the hammam remains a mystery to many. Lost somewhere in billowing clouds of steam, hand-crafted argan soaps, healing clay masks, exfoliating scrubs and intense massages, is the humble purpose of these public baths: to get clean.
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Guide to Sahara Desert Tours from Car to Camel
A trip to Morocco feels somehow incomplete without spending at least one night in a desert oasis. Moroccans and foreigners alike come to take in the great expanse of the Sahara and experience the warm hospitality that this region is known for.
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Street Food in Morocco
Grabbing a bite at one of the seemingly infinite snack carts in Morocco’s medinas is a wonderful way to interact with locals and indulge in some fast food, Morocco-style. For a true taste of local flavor, it doesn’t get any better (or cheaper)!
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How Israel Celebrates Hanukkah
In Israel, the two most widely-practiced traditions celebrating Hanukkah are lighting menorah candles and enjoying two special fried foods: fancy donuts and potato latkes.
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Where to Shop for Gifts in Jerusalem
If you have one or two goals for gifts before you set out shopping in East Jerusalem you’ll succeed, but you also need to be open to exploring until you hit on something amazing.
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Traveling During Kurban Bayramı in Turkey
Traveling in Turkey during the religious festival Kurban Bayramı can be a challenge. Use this advice to both plan ahead and smooth your way while traveling.
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Wild and Cultivated Plants in Turkey
You may be surprised to learn that tulips originate in Turkey, not in Holland. Anatolia is one of the world’s pantries, with plants that have been cultivated for human and animal sustenance since prehistory, and Turkey is one of the few countries in the world to be self-sustaining in food production and still make exports.
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Turkey Demographics: Peoples, Cultures, and Languages
The peoples of Turkey include dozens of ethnicities—all who hold citizenship are considered Turkish under the constitution—so is very rich and varied culturally. The official language is also Turkish, but many other languages are spoken and represented in the media.
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Booking Accommodations in Turkey
Before booking accommodations in Turkey, make sure you fully understand the ratings system to avoid unhappy surprises when you arrive, as the star-class system used isn’t standardized. Turkish travel expert Leeane Murphy shares tips for finding the best rates, understanding what’s included in your booking, and other handy advice.
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Excursions Near Cappadocia
Take a few days to explore the museums and sights of historical cities in the Cappadocia region, and treat yourself to some truly innovative cuisine while you explore. You’ll need to do some driving to reach most of these destinations.
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Moon Guides Author Spotlight
Lucas Peters
Having spent the better part of ten years living in different parts of Europe and the U.S., Lucas M. Peters thought it was time for a change. In 2009, he took a job in Morocco teaching literature and composition at a college in a small town atop the Middle Atlas Mountains outside of Fez. When his plane landed he found that all of his luggage was lost. Two weeks later his luggage was returned, but Lucas had already had to shop at the local markets for food, clothing and other basic necessities without speaking a word of the local dialect.
Lucas has traveled Morocco from the date groves of the Sahara to the fishing villages along the Atlantic Coast. He’s dined at Rick’s Café in Casablanca, caught a ride on the “Marrakech Express,” gotten lost in the labyrinthine maze of the Fez medina, and followed “The Beats” in Tangier. Along the way, he picked up some of the language, made a few friends, and married his wife, a Tanjaioua from Tangier. Together, they continue to explore the small towns dotting the national roads, the difficult-to-access mountain villages, and tucked-away beaches.
Since publication, Lucas has moved to Paris. Want to know what life is like when you're a stay-at-home expat dad? Follow his blog: Papa Parisien.