It’s an open secret that I am taking a great fancy to Istanbul, the world’s only city being situated on two different continents. Since my first visit in 2007 many things have changed. For example now Hagia Sophia and Süleymaniye Mosque are shining in new splendour after having been restored for several years. The city’s biggest highlight is yet still the Bosporus and its mass of water appearing in a new colour every day anew. This time my stay also was long enough to have a look at the Little Hagia Sophia as well as at other mosques like the one in Eminönü or Kabatas »»

Beside spring also late summer is one of the most attractive travel seasons to have a closer look at the Bosporus pearl, as the climatic mix of sun, clouds and fresh breezes coming from the Mediterranian sea is a perfect background to soak up Istanbul’s attitude towards life at daytime as well as at night like a sponge »»

The quiet place where the storks are spending their winter vacation is so much more busy and hectic for us humans. Framed by the snow covered peaks of High Atlas while being riddled with exotic palm trees; that is the way how Morocco’s most known city is presenting itself. Marrakech, a place where you can bring your senses into closest contact with the Orient and its clichés »»

If you can see your hand in front of your face and it isn’t vanishing into yellow air; if the inside of your lungs doesn’t become dust crumbed and the sun doesn’t burn the last drop of water out of your body; if a camel’s back is not the reason of bruises and that you’re close to being emasculated, yes, then the desert can mean lots of fun… ;-) »»

The old hub of the Kingdom of Fès accommodates the biggest historical medina of Northern Africa, while also being home of at least a million people and spiritual centre of the country »»

Is there a connection between Renaissance in Central Europe and the oriental world? To get on the bottom of that question one should have a closer look at Spain, especially at Andalucia and Cordoba »»

A sandstorm at Wadi Rum shoot down my plans to make a side-trip to South Jordan desert »»

One of the few things you’re not about to expect in the Jordan desert between Dead Sea and Wadi Rum is definitely snow. Climate change is unstoppable, but fortunately the sun melted the white stuff and Jordan’s jewel, the unique mountain city of Petra could unfold it’s colourful visage »»

In time at about 5:00a.m. muezzin called to prayer »»

Dimashq, 3:00a.m., when arriving at the international airport of Damas, how Syrians lovingly call Damascus, I didn’t know that Syria’s capital will evolve to be the highlight of my Orient journey. »»