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2013-05-19 11:34:05 (86 comments, 7 reshares, 125 +1s)

My first visit to Mecca (Makkah), the holiest city in Islam.
This is where the Masjid al-Haram (most sacred mosque in Islam) is located. The Mosque is built around the Kaaba (the black cube pictured here). 

* Ever wondered why Muslims face the same direction during prayer? Muslims are expected to face the Kaaba during prayers, no matter where they are. From any given point in the world, the direction facing the Kaaba is called the Qiblah.

* One of the Five Pillars of Islam requires every Muslim to perform the Hajj pilgrimage at least once in his or her lifetime if able to do so. Multiple parts of the Hajj require pilgrims to walk seven times around the Kaaba in a counter-clockwise direction (as viewed from above). Hajj is performed at a specific time of year, and attracts approx. 6-7 million Muslims to Mecca.

* Umrah (the one I performed) is the minor/lesserpi... more »

2013-05-17 13:31:22 (14 comments, 2 reshares, 57 +1s)

My Favourite City on Earth is Florence, the capital city of the Italian region of Tuscany with approx. 370,000 inhabitants, expanding to over 1.5 million in the metropolitan area. A centre of medieval European trade and finance and one of the wealthiest cities of the time, Florence is considered the birthplace of the Renaissance, and has been called the Athens of the Middle Ages. 

Florence attracts millions of tourists each year, ranked as the world's 72nd most visited in 2009, with 1,685,000 visitors. It was declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1982. 

The city also contains numerous museums and art galleries, such as the Uffizi Gallery and the Pitti Palace - I was lucky enough to visit Michelangelo's David - a magnificent work of art and NOT overrated by any means. I sat there for an hour just in awe. 

Florence is also an important city in Italianfas... more »

2013-05-17 11:43:45 (9 comments, 0 reshares, 12 +1s)

I like the new features on G+. What I DON'T like is the double stream view, which I can't seem to get rid of on my profile view (only home view). ARG.

2013-05-16 14:00:36 (10 comments, 2 reshares, 25 +1s)

2013-05-15 03:20:58 (4 comments, 0 reshares, 15 +1s)

I love street view. Helped me retrace my steps last night when looking for my car! Streets look different by day and I had no clue which way to go when coming back at night (yes... very bad sense of direction).

Maybe street view v155 can be night view? Add it as a layer? :D Just sayin...

#randomthought

2013-05-13 14:05:37 (0 comments, 1 reshares, 4 +1s)

Ring of Fire

Yesterday, parts of Australia were treated to a spectacular "ring of fire" annular eclipse. Unfortunately for the Northern Hemisphere, you didn't get to see anything at all - so hopefully these amazing photographs will console you.

Image credits: 
Column 1: Coca-Cola Space Science Center/Columbus State University, AP Photo/Bullit Marquez, Kalani Pokipala, Ohsumi/Bloomberg via Getty Images

Column2: Coca-Cola Space Science Center/Columbus State University, Jay Pasachoff/Williams College, Space Telescope Science Institute, Jay Pasachoff/Williams College

Column 3: Robert White, Getty Images, Slooh Space Camera
Coca-Cola Space Science Center/Columbus State University

Column 4: Coca-Cola Space Science Center/Columbus State University, Jay Pasachoff/Williams College, Geoff Sims, Sarah Smigal

( via +Neil... more »

2013-05-13 11:38:35 (6 comments, 0 reshares, 19 +1s)

Oliver Brown
Great new cafe in Sydney CBD, serving hot belgium chocolate drinks and desserts. So new I couldn't find it on local...

What's the name of a great cafe where you live and why? Will add to my bucket list.

2013-05-11 13:44:05 (0 comments, 0 reshares, 7 +1s)

#luxor #luxorTemple #egypt #ancientEgypt #temples #thePharaohs #pillars

2013-05-11 13:12:57 (15 comments, 5 reshares, 59 +1s)

Famous Fountains of Rome including Trevi pictured below, were a delight to visit. Album also includes the Spanish Steps which drew large crowds even on a rainy day.  I hope to return to Rome in the summer time. And since I threw a coin in the fountain, according to legend I will! All roads lead to Rome, right?

2013-05-10 14:49:00 (8 comments, 0 reshares, 15 +1s)

I am calm tonight as I sit in meditative state, listening to verses from the Quran:

Those who believe and their hearts become calm and contented with the remembrance of Allah...know that it is the remembrance of Allah alone that brings rest to the hearts.
Qur'an, Surah Ar-R'ad; 28

What do you do to calm your mind and become more at peace?

2013-05-09 02:15:25 (7 comments, 1 reshares, 39 +1s)

I conquered Big Ben! Come to Martin Place in Sydney to get your photo taken and to enter a competition to win a trip to London, Paris or NYC!

More info here: www.travel.com.au/we-can-take-you-there

Thanks to the wonderful team at +travel.com.au !

2013-05-07 10:03:51 (10 comments, 0 reshares, 11 +1s)

Re-decorating my living room (large). Need an idea/ theme/concept and I am totally interior design challenged! I've checked 100 pics and sites and I am overwhelmed... where do I start? Help all you creative G plussers!

2013-05-07 05:33:49 (0 comments, 0 reshares, 2 +1s)

It is time!

We've teamed up with Disney's landmark musical event The Lion King to give you the ultimate travel package.
 
Book event tickets, hotel and flight deals for Sydney this December here>>> http://bit.ly/10BgpaL

Will you be going to see it?
#TheLionKing   #Musicals   #holidaypackages   

2013-05-06 10:18:50 (13 comments, 4 reshares, 41 +1s)

How much would you get done without your internet connection? :D

2013-05-06 07:03:48 (1 comments, 0 reshares, 8 +1s)

Lost city is lost no more

It was called Thonis by ancient Egyptians, and Heracleion by ancient Greeks. An important port city to both cultures, it was mentioned in history books, but for centuries its whereabouts have been unknown - until now. The team of French marine archaeologist Dr. Frank Goddio recently discovered numerous ruins four miles off the Egyptian coast: Here's a picture of a massive statue being raised from the ocean floor.

- Read about it on the +Weather Channel: http://goo.gl/eYPVr

- What's marine archaeology? +BBC America has more: http://goo.gl/jpQ1k

(Photo: Christoph Gerigk)

2013-05-05 02:42:15 (25 comments, 0 reshares, 53 +1s)

Smallest State in the World - Vatican City in Rome is a landlocked sovereign city-state whose territory consists of a walled enclave within the city of Rome. It has an area of approximately 44 hectares (110 acres), and a population of just over 800, making it the smallest internationally recognized independent state in the world by both area and population. The Pope is always also the Head of State and Government of the Vatican City State.

Although packed with tourists, I didn't see any other veiled women (apart from nuns of course). I highly recommend a visit by people of all cultures and religions, as there are also a multitude of great art works and historical structures to be seen inside the Vatican Museums. They display works from the immense collection built up by the Roman Catholic Church throughout the centuries including some of the most renowned classical sculptures and most... more »

2013-05-04 03:48:11 (10 comments, 0 reshares, 39 +1s)

My visit to the Central Hub of Rome
The Piazza Venezia is a major square in which many thoroughfares intersect. It is located at the foot of Capitoline Hill and is dominated by the imposing Monument to Vittorio Emanuele II, first king of Italy. The gate is manned by security, who don't allow food or drink. So I scoffed a sweet fried cannoli shell in 2 minutes flat (and was on a high!) 

In 2009, during excavations for the Rome C Metro Line, ancient remains of what has been identified as emperor Hadrian's Athenaeum were unearthed in the middle of the square. Palazzo Venezia was the former embassy of the city of the Republic of Venice to Rome.

My Venice album here: http://goo.gl/YWwDY
Roman Colosseum here: http://goo.gl/6M6za

2013-05-02 09:15:00 (7 comments, 0 reshares, 38 +1s)

My sister does all the complaint letters. Bad customer service? +Sherihan Mohamed takes care of it. Unfair trade practice or legal issues? She's the go to. So this meme is in her honour! Luv ya sis! xo

2013-05-01 13:59:55 (4 comments, 3 reshares, 37 +1s)

Privacy settings people!

2013-04-30 16:24:51 (8 comments, 0 reshares, 13 +1s)

Failure is simply the opportunity to begin again, this time more intelligently.
Henry Ford

What opportunities have you had lately?

2013-04-28 04:40:23 (16 comments, 7 reshares, 74 +1s)

Rome wasn't build in a day, that's for sure!
This is the first post of many for Rome. I was dizzy with awe, so much to see and photograph. Rome is in my top 3 favourite cities and for good reason. So I will try to break it down into mini albums in the hope that you get a chance to also appreciate the history and wonder of this ancient city.

The Colosseum, also known as the Flavian Amphitheatre, is located in the centre of Rome and is build of concrete and stone. It was largest amphitheatre of the Roman Empire, and remains the largest amphitheatre in the world.

The Colosseum seated 50,000 spectators and was used for gladiatorial contests and public spectacles such as mock sea battles, animal hunts, executions, re-enactments of famous battles, and dramas based on Classical mythology. The building ceased to be used for entertainment in the early medieval era.... more »

2013-04-26 15:25:15 (7 comments, 1 reshares, 30 +1s)

Darling Harbour, Sydney just 6 mins walk from my office. I come here to be alone sometimes, to think of the days when I used to chase seagulls as a child, with icecream dripping down my arm in the hot sun. And my father watching from a distance, never once annoyed or overprotective. Just letting me and my siblings do our thing :) Sweet days...

What's your cherished childhood memory?

2013-04-26 07:38:59 (4 comments, 0 reshares, 11 +1s)

Do tourists ruin the places they visit? Are travel writers to blame? What do you think?  http://www.nomadicmatt.com/travel-blogs/why-tourists-ruin-the-places-they-love/

2013-05-17 12:06:58 (7 comments, 0 reshares, 26 +1s)

Anzac Day Off = bowling fun.

2013-04-24 08:00:41 (5 comments, 2 reshares, 28 +1s)

#1 Least Favourite City in the World from the 70 or so that I have visited, is unfortunately Marseille, France. I don't want to focus on the negative, so I have posted some nice photos. But they were few among a lot of nasty ones.

I have loved almost every city I have been to, or at least appreciated aspects of what each country has to offer. Marseille was very slummy, very sketchy and I am shocked at how the French government has allowed such a place to fester! Get in there and clean it up! Help the poor who are obviously struggling, get rid of the drugs and make the place liveable for those who DO have to be there. Or give it to Monaco :)

Enjoy the photos folks...

2013-04-23 23:18:01 (6 comments, 1 reshares, 14 +1s)

#starwarstuesday  ?

2013-04-23 10:50:45 (1 comments, 1 reshares, 9 +1s)

Fine arts and history!!!fit together awesomely <333
#theSphinx #egypt #ballet #balletDances #balletDancers #egypt #arts #fineArts #history

2013-04-22 09:46:17 (2 comments, 2 reshares, 25 +1s)

Sem Sem & Sookie - two cats who kept me company in Egypt. What can I say... having a sentimental moment and I know deep down you care.... (cough). While I was in Egypt 2 weeks ago, Sookie repeatedly attempted to poop in my room. And the more I shouted, closed the door and reprimanded, the harder he tried to get in. Now I know what they mean when they say curiosity killed the cat...

Trying to convince sister +Sherihan Mohamed to get one here in Sydney, she's refusing (citing hair and fluff issues), which I guess is a fair call. Help me make a case! 

#caturday  

2013-04-21 12:34:53 (19 comments, 5 reshares, 39 +1s)

Know anyone who needs a swear jar?

2013-04-21 10:33:28 (0 comments, 0 reshares, 6 +1s)

My attempt at butterfly cupcakes...

2013-04-20 13:17:04 (12 comments, 1 reshares, 55 +1s)

Glass-Making centre of the World Murano (Northern Italy) is a series of islands linked by bridges in the Venetian Lagoon, 1.5km north of Venice and measures about 1.5 km (0.93 mi) across with a population of just over 5,000.

In 1291, glassmakers in Venice were forced to move to Murano due to the risk of fires. In the following century, exports began, and the island became famous, initially for glass beads and mirrors. Aventurine glass was invented on the island, and for a while Murano was the main producer of glass in Europe. The island later became known for chandeliers. Although decline set in during the eighteenth century, glassmaking is still the island's main industry.

Quick history:
- initially settled by the Romans
- from the 6th century, the island prospered as a fishing port salt producer
- from the 11th century, it began to decline as... more »

2013-04-18 15:24:13 (0 comments, 0 reshares, 8 +1s)

#egypt #women #characters #ancientEgypt #womenInAncientEgypt
Statue of Nofret wearing a wig and bead necklace (detail). Painted limestone statue from Meidum, Egypt; 2620 BCE, Old Kingdom (4th dynasty); height: 1,18m She was part of the royal entourage of Pharaoh Snofru, King of the 4th dynasty, and held the title “one known to the king”. Her husband was Prince Rahotep, who was High Priest of Re at Heliopolis, Director of Expeditions and Chief of Construction. The quality and beauty of this marvellously preserved seated statue of Nofret, along with a statue of Rahotep in the same style, found in 1871 in their brick mastaba at Meidum, confirms her high rank. It is not unlikely that it was created by highly skilled sculptors working for the royal ateliers. The face of the statue expresses the same solemness and self-assuredness as the royal statues of the same dynasty. The realism in this statue isinc... more »

2013-04-18 14:30:44 (21 comments, 1 reshares, 52 +1s)

Love is in the air in the Floating City
Venice is a city in northeastern Italy sited on a group of 118 small islands separated by canals and linked by bridges and inhabited by 272,000 (or 1,600,000 if you include the surrounding metropolitan areas).

The city in its entirety is listed as a World Heritage Site, along with its lagoon. It is quite romantic, but since I was there alone all I could smell was sewerage and fish! You get used to it! I visited twice all in all, but loved it the first time (I guess the novelty of boats within a city made me smile, and the weather as you can see from the photos was amazingly beautiful). I even rode in the Gondola (the skinny boat you see with the oarsman), who asked me where my (imaginary) husband was! To which I replied: "shopping." Hahaha...

Venice is also known as "City of Water", "City of Masks",&... more »

2013-04-16 21:47:05 (9 comments, 3 reshares, 36 +1s)

What's the strangest sms/online abbreviation?

2013-04-16 14:17:55 (2 comments, 0 reshares, 8 +1s)

It is best to live with honor for just a day than with dishonor for many decades; better a short lived celestial swan than a century-lived crow.
Sri Sathya Sai Baba (Indian Spiritual leader, b.1926)

2013-04-13 22:29:29 (6 comments, 1 reshares, 43 +1s)

Singapore Airport @ 5.30am. Enjoying the quiet calm and mega sized goldfish.

2013-04-18 18:33:20 (12 comments, 3 reshares, 46 +1s)

Got lost and found Villafranca di Verona in Northern Italy on a road trip through Europe last year. In 1185 it received the privilege of a tax free town from which derived the name of villa franca.

Scaliger Castle (where the photos were taken) was built between 1199 and 1202. It was abandoned in 1450 and later bought by A. Alessandri or G. B. Simeoni, the Count of Villafranca. Inside the walls are seven towers which were built from recycled stones from the Arch of the Emperor Tiberius. The main tower was erected in 1890, when a clock was also inserted.

The castle hosts a number of events such as the Saint Peter and Paul Festival, Student Art Day, an outdoor summer cinema, concerts, and a cabaret and theatrical event. On the day we passed through, there was a circus, kids show and stalls selling all sorts of interesting trinkets and jewellery.

No one there spokeE... more »

2013-04-12 09:33:26 (5 comments, 0 reshares, 26 +1s)

Happy Birthday Sis! who doesn't appear in these shots but her wonderfully tasty cake does! SH for Sheri hahah don't ask... Egyptian cake shop :))

2013-04-10 21:30:21 (5 comments, 0 reshares, 20 +1s)

2013-04-10 07:41:44 (10 comments, 1 reshares, 20 +1s)

Random Observation
Every cat we've had at home over the years has had a unique personality. But one trait is the same amongst them all. When you call them over for a pat, they will approach and stop short (just an arm's length away) and stretch first.

Strange but true. End of observation.
#caturday

2013-04-09 22:54:10 (4 comments, 2 reshares, 29 +1s)

2013-04-08 20:47:50 (0 comments, 2 reshares, 7 +1s)

 
Hong Yi
Malaysian artist/architect

هنرمند مالزیایی هانگ یی که عموما RED نامیده می شود٬ ظرف یک ماه گذشته تصاویر بامزه ای از غذاهای معمول خود را عکسبرداری می کند. او می گوید که طرح هایش باید فقط با مواد غذایی و بر روی بشقاب سفید شکل بگیرند. هانگ با علاقه قصد دارد این پروژه را که مورد استقبال مخطبانش قرار گرفته ادامه دهد. 

[www.redhongyi.com]
[/www.ohiseered.com]
[https://plus.google.com/102811546740518776670]


Hong Yi, who goes by the nickname 'Red', is a Malaysian artist-architect. She was given the nickname because her surname, Hong, sounds like the word 'red' in Mandarin. She also loves how acolour can stir up conflicting emotions - one of love and passion, and of danger and sacrifice.

Red's grandparents and father left Shanghai in the '60s during the start of the Cultural Revolution and mov... more »

2013-04-08 20:23:35 (1 comments, 0 reshares, 7 +1s)

The tree people cometh. 

2013-04-08 13:05:38 (1 comments, 1 reshares, 35 +1s)

It is a narrow mind which cannot look at a subject from various points of view.
George Eliot (aka Mary Ann Evans)

2013-04-07 19:56:21 (7 comments, 2 reshares, 38 +1s)

Did you know there are over 138 Pyramids in Egypt? The oldest one is located in an area called Saqqara (aka Sakkara). 
Sakkara is a vast, ancient burial ground in Egypt, serving as the necropolis for the Ancient Egyptian capital, Memphis. Sakkara features numerous pyramids, including the world famous Step pyramid of Djoser, sometimes referred to as the Step Tomb due to its rectangular base, as well as a number of mastabas ("house for eternity" or "eternal house"), an ancient tomb in the form of a flat-roofed, rectangular structure with outward sloping sides that marked the burial site of many eminent Egyptians.

Sakkara is located 30km (19 mi) south of modern-day Cairo, and covers an area of around 7 by 1.5km (4.3 by 0.93 mi). 

To the North is the area of Abusir, which is next to the Giza area (where Kings and Pharoah’s were buried in the Gizapyr... more »

2013-04-06 18:28:20 (5 comments, 2 reshares, 39 +1s)

The only reason for time is so that everything doesn't happen at once.
Albert Einstein

PS this was a bracelet bought in Venice, Italy last year. Love the way the sun hits the glass... 

2013-04-06 16:02:45 (0 comments, 1 reshares, 8 +1s)

Sizzling Prawn Skewers at a Chinese restaurant in London. Spicy and full of flavour!

2013-04-06 07:35:42 (0 comments, 1 reshares, 8 +1s)

Typical daily Egyptian breakfast <333
If you pass by an Egyptian while they are eating, they gladly insist on you to share them their food . Generosity is Egyptian :)
#egypt

2013-04-06 07:35:41 (3 comments, 12 reshares, 29 +1s)

Two things are infinite: the universe and human stupidity; and I'm not sure about the universe.
Albert Einstein

2013-04-04 13:13:07 (10 comments, 3 reshares, 24 +1s)

A funny thing happened the other day. A relative showed me where the baseball bat and electric prong were hidden in the car, just in case I had to use them against car-jackers on our journey from Cairo to Suez. If I was in a predicament where the safety of my family and I were at stake, would I have courage enough to use them? I despise the use of force or violence in any situation... would my moral stance be tested if it was I who was under attack? We made it safely, so luckily I did not have to answer that question. Not that day.

I realised that despite the change in Government and political discussions, things haven't improved. In fact, the worst possible outcome that could have occurred is now a reality - stagnant governance. Basically, nothing.

Nothing has happened - schools are still delivering poor levels of education, with many public schools now shutting down(an... more »