Holiday Destinations #11: Egypt

One of the cradles of civilisation, Egypt is a popular holiday destination unlike most others, in the massive diversity of its options for the holiday maker. If you want to catch the sun and enjoy a beach holiday, you can do that. If you want to soak up history rather than rays, then that is certainly an option too. In between the two, Egypt is an excellent introduction to Africa for people whose tastes are European by nature.

Anyone who wants to be overwhelmed by the history of a location need only seek out the Pyramids of Giza. The last remaining example of one of the Seven Wonders of the World, the pyramids are an architectural wonder, built millennia ago (admittedly using no shortage of slave labor) and something that really needs to be seen to be believed.

The pyramids are standing tombs to some of the great Pharaohs of Egypt, and the Great Pyramid of Giza was actually the largest man-made structure on Earth for a period of nearly four millennia. Neighboring the Pyramids, the Sphinx is another example of ancient Egyptian architecture which is noted for its epic scale and aesthetic brilliance.

If, on the other hand, you have no head for history and fancy a beach holiday with some diving thrown in, then Sharm El Sheikh is one of the world’s most popular beach holiday destinations, and with good reason. This is an option for anyone who likes aquatic sports – and if you have had your fill of beaches and of pyramids, then it is also well worth visiting Cairo, the capital city – a modern city with a historical twist.

Holiday Destinations #10: Amsterdam

There are few things in this world more tiresome than innuendo, which makes it a tremendous shame that Amsterdam has been the source of many a sniggering remark over the years from – usually – teenage boys who prize it as a holiday destination for the ideas it gives them, of free love and soft drugs. While it is true that Amsterdam has a more liberated approach to these concepts than some places, they do not define it.

Amsterdam is, for most people, the real jewel in the crown of Holland. One of two capitals – the other is the Hague – it is certainly the Dutch city that most people visit on a yearly basis. Its wide variation of architecture spans centuries and many different schools of architecture, including its own style influenced by the art deco era – the Amsterdamse School.

The “liberal” attitude to matters such as drugs and sex should not be taken on the word of giggling frat boys. Amsterdam as a city is an easy-going place, although the political liberalism which many associate with the city is greatly exaggerated. People expecting to take drugs or fornicate openly in the streets will find their hopes dashed – Amsterdam is not exhibitionist even if it is tolerant.

It is worth exploring a little deeper into Amsterdam – yes, beyond the red light district – because the museums of modern and classical art are well worth seeing, including the work of Rembrandt and Vermeer. Sports fans can go to see the local soccer team, Ajax, whose influence upon the modern game is perhaps unparalleled by any single team, and whose three consecutive European Cup triumphs mark them out as a club unlike others.

Tourist Destinations #9: Barcelona

Beautiful architecture is what separates the cities which are merely pleasant from those which are notably beautiful – and anyone who has taken a trip to Barcelona in Spain’s Catalunya region will be able to tell you that the city falls very firmly into the latter camp. As a holiday destination it has the lot – beautiful historic sites and buildings along with a present-day vibe that everyone will appreciate.

In many ways, Spain is a “young” country – it has only been fully democratic for just over thirty-five years having lived under the fascist dictatorship of General Franco. Much of its history, too, is recent, and none more arresting than the Spanish Civil War. In Barcelona, no area is more infused with the history of the Civil War than Las Ramblas, one of the most famous streets in the world and the scene of many fights in that war, and mentioned by George Orwell in Homage To Catalonia.

The sad history of Barcelona is just one side of its story though, and its gorgeous Gothic architecture reflects the work of one of the most noted architects of all time, Antoni Gaudi. Sights that you must see if you go include the Sagrada Familia and the stunning Park Guell. These set Barcelona apart as the most beautiful city in all of Spain.

Sporting enthusiasts will enjoy a trip to the Camp Nou stadium, home of one of the world’s most noted soccer teams – FC Barcelona. Although outstripped for success by Spain’s “establishment” club, Real Madrid, Barcelona are loved by fans throughout the world for the dynamic style of play and sentimentally because of the efforts that have been expended in trying to beat the favored Madrilenos.

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