Round the world - Best Places of Interest

May 24, 2024 Travel, Round the world

How to Spend 2 Days in Riyadh?

There’s a huge shift in how the world views Saudi Arabia. The oil-rich nation is now opening its doors to the world and is becoming one of the most tourist-friendly nations in the world. So, tourists should make use of this opportunity to explore one of the most stunning cities in Saudi Arabia – Riyadh. There are many places to see and things to do in Riyadh that you won’t find anywhere else and will leave you richer with amazing experiences. Plan an elaborate tour of Saudi Arabia, allocating at least 2 days for Riyadh.

How to Visit Riyadh?

The easiest way to reach Riyadh in Saudi Arabia is by applying for an eVisa. This electronic visa is approved within a day and allows you to explore the country for tourism and leisure purposes. However, you must check suitability beforehand as over 60 countries are listed as eligible. For example, getting a Saudi visa for UAE residents is simpler than for Indians. So, you will be asked to submit the documents based on nationality and duration. Also, the airline system of Saudi Arabia is well-connected with major cities.

2 Days in Riyadh Itinerary

Here’s how you can spend 2 days in Riyadh:

Day 1

A Sunrise Like No Other

There’s a spectacular place outside Riyadh called Edge of the World. It is open only during the weekends, so make sure to plan accordingly. Book a car or join a tour and hike up to this fantastic place that is 1.5 hours away from Riyadh. Though you have to get up early and take a treacherous path, the views of the sunset are worth the effort. There are many activities in Riyadh like this that will help you enjoy your trip.

Start Your Historical Journey

The Al Masmak Fortress is one of the most significant sites in Saudi Arabia’s victory. It was from here that the unification of the provinces happened after King Abdulaziz won the fort in 1905. This was the beginning of the modern Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. The fortress is completely made from mud and is now home to a museum where many wonderful and important historical artifacts and relics are kept on display.

You should also plan a visit to Tauraif and Diriyah districts. Both have a lot of historical significance, and you can also check out the old architecture that some buildings have still preserved. The Diriyah district was once home to the royal family, so many buildings here still retain traditional architecture.

Time for a Grand Lunch

All this exploration will make you hungry, so be sure to try a local restaurant to feast on the most authentic Arabian delights like Mandi, which is a rice dish served with meat that has been slow-cooked to succulent tenderness. Kabsa is another rice and meat dish that is quite different from Mandi. This is a lot more robust and spicier. These dishes are served on large platters, so you can share them with family and friends.

History Lessons Continue Post Lunch

Learn more about the great King Abdulaziz by heading to the King Abdulaziz Historical Center. Many tourists who wonder what to do and see in Riyadh, first head to this culturally significant place. In the King Abdulaziz Historical Center, there is also Murabba Palace, which was the first structure made outside the border of the old city. There’s much to see here. Also in the center are the National Museum of Saudi Arabia and King Abdul Abdulaziz Museum, where you will learn more about the history and culture of this great country. The King Abdulaziz Historical Center closes at 5 pm, so head here straight after lunch.

Balmy Evening at Al-Burari Quarter

This region is home to some beautiful, old mud-brick homes that will make you feel like you have traveled back in time. This is quite a charming place, and one can sit around and enjoy the wonderful sights of the buildings and the people. If you are hungry, some restaurants and cafes serve authentic and tasty Arabian cuisine. You can have a nice meal in any of these places.

Day 2

Start Your Day at the Rock Park

Rock art park — Ancient cave paintings/rock art in Ha’il Province in Saudi Arabia (world heritage site)

For your second day in Riyadh, start your journey after breakfast at your hotel or any of the amazing local joints. Plan a visit to the Rock Park. This is quite a unique place where you can relax, take a walk through lush greenery, enjoy a picnic, play football on the pitches, get some exercise at the obstacles, frames, and playground equipment, or simply sit and people-watch as the park attracts people from the nearby embassies. You can also catch awesome views of Wadi Hanifa Valley, which is nearby.

Shopping Excursion

Riyadh is home to some of the most amazing shopping malls in the country. Apart from the best brands in the world, you will also find many wonderful local brands selling amazing Arabian clothes and designs. The Riyadh Gallery Mall is a favorite amongst all tourists because, apart from retail stores, the mall is also home to an amusement park. Hayat Mall is another popular mall that you can check out. Both malls have awesome food courts full of fast-food joints, restaurants, and cafes; you should grab lunch right here.

Meet Your Favourite Animals at the Riyadh Zoo

If you have kids with you on your Saudi Arabia tour, make sure you go to the Riyadh Zoo. Try to visit this place later in the day as there are many open-air places here, so it is much cooler for you. In the zoo, you have to ride the train for a 20-minute ride as it takes you around this massive place. There are more than 1500 animals here that your kids will love to see. There are also many shows where you can interact with the animals and have a great time.

Grab Dinner & Experience Culture at Ithra

If you have not eaten snacks at the Riyadh Zoo, you can check out some good local restaurants and enjoy a good dinner. Then, ready yourself for a great cultural experience. One of the best things to do in Riyadh at night is catching an event at Ithra, also known as King Abdulaziz Center for World Culture. Many events are happening here throughout the year, and you can get a superb experience enjoying a show on your last night in Riyadh.

Conclusion

Use the above information to make your itinerary for 2 days in Riyadh and have a great time in this great city. Riyadh is fast becoming one of the most visited cities in the Middle East, so now is a great time to check it out before it becomes a crowded place.

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December 8, 2023 Travel, Food, Round the world

Napa Valley: Explore The Californian Wineries

Napa Valley is known to all. Tourists visiting San Francisco for vacation, make sure to visit this land of undulating lush green fields of grape vines, wineries, and lavish resorts. This world famous wine growing region boasts a large number of wineries to sample from and tour. This award-winning valley exudes scenic natural beauty and laid-back atmosphere. Visitors to the valley are spoiled for choices here, as the number of wineries and resorts here are innumerable.

However, you won’t be overwhelmed as we have rounded up some of the best attractions to explore and experience in Napa Valley. Check them out!

Best Time To Be in Napa Valley

The climate of Napa Valley is mostly influenced by the mountain ranges in the backdrop and its close proximity to the Pacific Ocean. It experiences a dry Mediterranean climate, which is ideal for producing fine wine grapes. Although it is a year-round destination, the months between May and July are the warmest.

The best time to book a flight to San Francisco is in the harvest season (August through October), when a large crowd flock to Napa Valley wineries. However, during the peak season, the resorts get quite expensive and you may not find budget-friendly accommodation nearby.

But the tail-end of the harvest season sees a low crowd, and is considered the best month to get the best deals in resorts and a flight to California.

Things to Do in Napa Valley

There are plenty of wineries in Napa Valley to explore, where you can sample some of the world’s finest wines and take in the views of the scenic vineyards and the mountains in the backdrop.
Top food and drinks-based experiences

Napa Valley Wine Train

A train ride by the legendary Napa Valley Wine Train is a must. The train journey itself is an experience. Whether you are on a romantic vacation or just a day full of sips, sights, and dramatic landscapes of the vineyards, hop on the train for a vista dome experience. The train offers a six hour adventure through the valley. A welcome glass of sparkling wine will be served to you. A four-course meal inspired by the region’s delicious cuisine is provided to the passengers.

Furthermore, as you pass through the verdant vineyards, the picturesque views of the wineries and the grape vines only elevate the experience. You can spend at least three hours in the vineyard sampling three wines and two hours at V. Sattuti wineries and Charles Kurg.

O’Brien Estate Winery

This small plot of land, covering only 40 acres, has a vineyard, a winery, and the owner’s home. However, from planting to producing, and bottling, the entire wine making process is done at this small plot. Visitors raved about this winery for the friendly staff, who guided them around the winery and let them sample the freshly produced wine. This family-owned winery is located in Oak Knoll Appellation in Napa Valley. A trip to the O’Brien Estate Winery is also important because you may not find the handcrafted wines anywhere else in the world.

It remains open for visitors from 10 am to 4 pm and the entire trip takes no more than 190 minutes. However, it is not a kid-friendly place and does not allow underage visitors. The winery is reserved only for the adults.

Robert Mondavi Winery

The rich art collection and the regular musical performances at Robert Mondavi Winery are the biggest draw of Napa Valley. It is among the first wineries in the valley to offer visitors with all-inclusive vineyard tourism. Today, being one of the popular wineries in California, Robert Mondavi Winery offers a variety of tasting and culinary experiences. Visitors here enjoy sampling the finest wine, multicourse dinner, and live music performances.

The owner Robert Mondavi was however considered an icon in America’s wine industry. He introduced the world with California wines. It remains open for visitors from 10 am to 4 pm and prior reservation is required.

Castello de Amorosa

Castello de Amorosa is more than just a winery. Visitors here appreciate the architecture, which is a recreated 13th century Tuscan castle. The entire area takes you back to the past and itself is an experience to cherish. The view from the top of the castle offers some scenic vistas of the nearby hills and the vineyards. The Italian-inspired wine here is popular among the visitors.

It is an architectural masterpiece with an element of a medieval castle, a moat, defensive ramparts, drawbridge, courtyards, loggias, five towers, a chapel, stables, an armory, and a torture chamber. So even if you are here to sample the fine wine, it is the structure, which is going to attract you the most.

Auberge du Soleil

There are plenty of resorts in Napa that offer a great vacation. Auberge du Soleil is one of the top-rated resorts that is nestled atop a hill in Rutherford. The resort offers an unobstructed view of the 33 acres of oak trees, olive grove, and the surrounding hills. Whether you are in Napa for a wine tasting vacation or looking for a relaxing holiday in the wine-producing region of California, make a prior reservation to stay in Auberge du Soleil.

This adult-only plush resort is inspired by the south of France and Califorinian soul. The restaurant has won the coveted Michelin star 13 times and its spa is a must experience. The Hammam steam rooms and three springs let guests rejuvenate from all stress. Do not search for Napa Valley hotels, and instead make reservations at Auberge du Soleil for more than just accommodation.

Bottom Line

The Napa Valley weather is ideal for producing fresh wine. A large number of both domestic and international tourists flock to the valley to sample its wine and to feel the vibe. A two to three days of vacation here is enough to explore the valley. If a Californian holiday is on your card, include Napa Valley in your itinerary.

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August 12, 2023 Travel, Round the world

Why planes don’t fly over the Pacific Ocean?

Most commercial airlines that operate between East Asia and the Americas steer clear of traversing the Pacific Ocean, primarily due to exorbitant expenses, apprehensions regarding safety, and unpredictable atmospheric conditions.

Let me elucidate the reasons behind this avoidance:

Elevated Expenditures The vastness of the Pacific Ocean necessitates a larger fuel supply, thereby escalating the overall costs incurred by the airlines. While it is plausible for the airlines to compensate for this by charging passengers higher fares for such long-haul journeys, this approach may lead to a multitude of disgruntled customers, causing airlines to suffer a decline in sales.

Safety Apprehensions The remote nature of the Pacific Ocean renders it a less secure option for airline travel when compared to the Indian and Atlantic Oceans. This factor significantly heightens the likelihood of accidents or crashes. Moreover, in the event of an emergency, the Pacific Ocean lacks suitable landing sites such as airstrips or airports on many of its small islands, thereby posing considerable challenges in finding a viable place for an emergency landing. Furthermore, the Pacific Ocean’s notorious weather patterns, frequently characterized by thunderstorms, further contribute to its unsuitability for air travel.

Adverse Weather Conditions The Pacific Ocean is renowned for its turbulent weather conditions and frequent thunderstorms, which pose inherent dangers to planes navigating through its airspace. Given this perilous scenario, airlines would prefer to circumvent such storms altogether, opting to avoid turbulence and ensure passenger comfort.

Curved Flight Paths Commercial flights typically adopt curved routes over expansive landmasses rather than traversing the Pacific Ocean directly. This strategy is employed due to the fact that these curved routes, contrary to what one might expect, actually offer shorter distances. It is important to acknowledge that flat maps can be misleading as they fail to account for the Earth’s spherical shape. Consequently, straight routes do not provide the most efficient distance between two destinations.

In essence, the majority of airlines refrain from flying over the Pacific Ocean due to the significant costs involved, safety concerns, and unpredictable weather conditions. Instead, they opt for curved flight paths over landmasses, which not only saves time and fuel but also bolsters profitability.

Additional Information

There is something called ETOPS which restricts planes to fly for long durations over the sea. Earlier we were operating mostly four-engine aircraft which used to fly over the Pacific. In case of one engine failure the other three will take care. Slowly, to save fuel they introduced three engines and now they fly twin-engine airplanes. Now the problem is if an engine fail in twin-engine aircraft, how to complete the flight? So Extended Twin Engine Ops rules came into force. Whenever an aircraft is designed, the manufacturers announce the duration of ETOPS, which is given in minutes. Whenever a twin-engine airplane flies over oceans and deserts and if it experiences an engine failure, how much time the plane can fly safely to land in an aerodrome? So the flight plan is prepared accordingly. Be it 120 mts, 180 mts, Or more according to the design value. The aircraft is also subjected to strict inspections before undertaking the flight.

I hope you love this answer 👍

`Vishnu Ravi

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May 11, 2023 Travel, Round the world

6 Best Things to Do in Jacksonville, FL

Jacksonville or Jax as the natives call it, on the Atlantic Coast of Florida, is the largest city by landmass in America. Its southern charm, friendly neighborhoods, and local cuisines make this Florida city worth a visit. There are plenty of things to do in Jacksonville, FL. The city is so rich in culture and heritage that it is dotted with numerous sights and experiences to enjoy. The city sits alongside St. John’s River, the Atlantic Ocean, and spectacular beaches. Since there’s so much to explore, here we have rounded up a few experiences for you.

Best Time to Visit Jacksonville

Jacksonville has a humid subtropical climate. Summers here are hot and humid and warm to mild and dry winters. It is best to book a flight to Jacksonville during winter when the weather is ideal for sightseeing. However, spring and fall in Jax also see a huge number of tourists. If you are looking for a beach vacation in the city, summer should be avoided.

Best Things to Do in Jacksonville

Jax has a lot to offer for history buffs. Not only the museums but several historic buildings and plantations are known for their historical significance. Additionally, nature lovers can visit the nearby islands, beaches, and wildlife sanctuaries to reconnect with nature and art aficionados can spend their evenings catching a performance at the Florida Theater.

Here are a few places you should visit when you book a flight to Florida.

Kingsley Plantation

A trip to the plantation takes you back to the 19th century, where you will find a grand southern mansion from the pre-Civil War days. Kingsley Plantation is located in Timucuan Ecological and Historic Preserve on Fort George Island. It was named after its owner Zephaniah Kingsley, who moved to the island in the 1800s with his family. His wife Anna, whom he bought as a slave and freed and married, purchased 60 enslaved people, whom they employed to produce cotton, citrus fruit, sugarcane, and corn.

Today, the plantation houses and the nearby structures are preserved by the National Park Service. Here you can learn about how slaves were exploited during that period. Apart from the history, it also features a few trails, where you can go for long walks.

The Catty Shack Ranch Wildlife Sanctuary

This wildlife sanctuary is a non-profit organization that educates people on the dangers of owning big cats as pets and the threat to the cats due to environmental change. The sanctuary shelters home to endangered big cats and rescues them from danger. It is home to lions, tigers, leopards, lynx, and pumas. The sanctuary offers visitors the opportunity to get a close look at these majestic creatures.

It also offers day and night guided tours of 40 minutes, within which, visitors can learn about the sanctuary’s permanent residents, their natural habitats, and anecdotes about interacting with the cats. Visiting the sanctuary with your kids is one of the fun things to do in Jacksonville, FL.

The Cummer Museums of Art & Gardens

This museum was a dream of a local philanthropist Ninah May Holden Cummer. She wanted to create a center of beauty and culture. Unfortunately, she didn’t live long to see her dream project. Today, this museum houses more than 5,000 pieces of artwork, some of which dates back to more than 3,000 years ago. Apart from the huge exhibits on display, it also organizes seminars and lectures. The most recent artworks are from famous artists like Norman Rockwell, Winslow Homer, Thomas Moran, and Mildred Thompson.

The garden is spread across an area of 2.5 acres and features four different zones. The English and Italian Gardens are more than a hundred years old. Take a stroll around the garden and find the fountains, reflecting pools, and canopy. Whenever you visit the garden, it always decks up with different flora.

Amelia Island

Once it was the most desired island in America. It was even captured, lost, and recaptured by Spanish, English, French, and Scottish rulers at various points in time. In fact, a total of eight flags were flown over the island- more flags than anywhere in the US. It was once home to pirates, gun runners, union soldiers, sailors, Confederates, and escaped prisoners. Sp expects to dig a lot of history here. In 1930, the island was a popular vacation destination among the black residents of Jacksonville.

Today, this historic island, located 30 miles northeast of downtown draws locals, families, and tourists, who come here on the weekend to visit the 13 miles of beaches, and historic sights, and to enjoy its laid-back vibe. Visiting Amelia Island Museum of History to learn about its pirate stories is one of the must things to do in Jacksonville, FL. Adventure enthusiasts can hike through the park, and look for the alligators, and wild horses.

Jacksonville Zoo & Gardens

This family-friendly tourist attraction in Jacksonville is home to a large number of wildlife creatures. The zoo is located at the edge of River Trout about seven miles from Downtown Jacksonville, and is spread over an area of 115 acres of land. Visiting the zoo is a great opportunity to get close to animals like giraffes, elephants, big cats, and great apes. A total of 2000 animals, and 1000 plants are living in the zoo and the garden. Visitors to the zoo are impressed by the large number of these wide species of animals and plants.

It remains open throughout the week and hence you can plan a trip here any time of the week. It gets crowded on the weekends. There’s a play park and splash ground for the kids. Visit Stingray Bay, where you can pat a few friendly inhabitants. Visitors can hop on the Old-Time Zoo train to get around the facility. Other highlights include a River Quest Scenic River cruise and a 4D theater.

Florida Theater

Whether you are an art aficionado or not, an evening spent in Florida Theater is never a dull moment. It was first established in 1927 as a cultural venue and to promote local artists. Today, it hosts more than 200 cultural and entertainment programs annually. Interestingly several world-famous artists and performers have made their appearances here and played music from rock to Rachmaninoff. Did you know that Elvis Presley had his first solo show here?

IC – Craig ONeal

Talking about the architecture, it was built in the Mediterranean Revival style with terrazzo and tile floors, decorative columns, terracotta exterior, chandeliers, and amber glass light fixtures. A trip to the theater to catch a live performance is a must thing to do in Jacksonville.

Bottom Line

Jax or Jacksonville has a few beaches nearby too. Among them, Atlantic Beach, 16 miles east along Route 10 is another must-visit attraction. Tourists find various accommodations, vacation rentals, laid-back eateries, golf courses, and miles-long sandy shores. If you have enough time, ensure to visit the nearby islands as well.