Posts

Saudi Arabia

Image
  Saudi Arabia is close to the heart of every Muslim. In addition to visiting Saudi Arabia for pilgrimage, I have lived in Saudi Arabia during my father’s deputation to the country by Pakistan Army. I have been part of the Hajj and multiple Umrahs. Saudi Arabia features the holiest sites of Islam including the two holy mosques: Masjid al-Haram, Al-Masjid an-Nabawi and many important Islamic landmarks and locations. On arrival in Medina, offering the prayers and reciting the Holy Quran at the Al-Masjid an-Nabawi have been my main activities. The mosque also features an entrance to Jannat al-Baqi, the Tomb of Prophet Muhammad (S. A. W) and Rawḍah ash-Sharifah (often known as Riyad al-Jannah). Jannat al-Baqi is the first cemetery of Medina located close to the Al-Masjid an-Nabawi. It is the resting place of many of the companions and relatives of Prophet Muhammad (S. A. W). Rawdah ash-Sharifah (The Noble Garden) is the area between the minbar and the burial chamber of the Prophet Mu...

Thailand

Image
Thailand is one of the world’s top tourist destinations. The country is home to amazing beaches, islands and ancient temples that attract millions of tourists from around the world. It is also known for its luxury shopping malls and markets. Bangkok is the capital of Thailand. The city is known for its street life, landmarks and nightlife. Unique architectural landmarks like the Grand Palace and the Buddhist Temples make it stand apart from other global tourist destinations. The Chao Phraya River flows through Bangkok and adds to the beauty of the city. Thailand is known for its vibrant cultural heritage and natural beauty. Theatrical performances such as the Siam Niramit show attract millions of tourists from around the world. Starting my journey of Thailand, I entered the country through Bangkok. My first destination of stay has been Pattaya. Therefore, I have traveled from Bangkok to Pattaya. After settling down in Pattaya, my first destination in Pattaya has been the Walking Street...

United Arab Emirates

Image
  United Arab Emirates is one of my favorite holiday destinations. It is also one of the world’s most expensive holiday destinations. Famous for its world-class beaches, hotels, mosques, monuments, museums, shopping malls, skyline, theme parks, and venues, it has everything for everyone. However, the traditional culture of UAE has Islamic roots with muslims being called to prayers five times as day even though it is one of the most multinational nations in the world. Starting my journey in the UAE, the first place of my visit in the UAE has been The Dubai Mall. The Dubai Mall is the world’s largest shopping mall where you can find almost anything that you can imagine. After shopping, I have visited the Dubai Aquarium and Underwater Zoo in The Dubai Mall. It showcases hundreds of species of marine animals ranging from sharks to rays. In addition to viewing the marine animals from a massive aquarium, the most exciting feature of the Dubai Aquarium and Underwater Zoo is a Glass Tunn...

Spain

Image
  Spain is consistently ranked as one of the world’s top tourist destinations. Famous for its mediterranean climate and beautiful beaches, it is an ideal summer getaway for millions of tourists from across the world. Its islands and the mediterranean sea attract millions of tourists from across the world throughout the year. Spain is also known for its Islamic history. The country features many World Heritage Sites. In addition, Spain is famous for its architecture, most notably by Antoni Gaudi. The most visited monuments in Spain are located in Barcelona. Barcelona is a  major cultural, economic, and financial centre in Europe . It is also known for hosting many international sports tournaments. As a leading world city, Barcelona's influence in global socio-economic affairs qualifies it for  global city  status. Following my arrival in Barcelona, the first place of my visit has been the Basilica de la Sagrada Familia by Antoni Gaudi. The Basilica is the most visi...

France

Image
  France is one of the world’s major centres of arts, commerce, diplomacy, fashion, finance and science. In addition, France is the world’s most visited country and Paris is the world’s most visited city. The French capital features the world’s most visited monuments like the Eiffel Tower, Louvre and the Notre Dame de Paris. The Avenue des Champs Elysees is regularly cited as the most beautiful avenue in the world. The Place de la Concorde and the Place Charles de Gaulle are some of the most famous squares in the world. Paris has some of the world’s most famous bridges across the Seine such as Pont Alexandre III, Pont Neuf and Pont d’lena. The theatres, cafes and luxury shops further add to the charm of the city. Many world-famous artists have been infatuated with the French capital and have drawn inspiration from it in their work. Following my arrival in the French capital, the first destination of my visit has been the Avenue des Champs Elysees. Located in the 8 th arrondissem...

Belgium

Image
  Belgium is a beautiful country in the Western Europe. Like all other countries, it has its own unique history. Belgium’s capital city Brussels is also the administrative centre of the  European Union , thus it is often called the  EU's capital city . However, the first city of my visit in Belgium is Antwerp. Antwerp is one of Europe’s most important cities because of its port which is one of the largest in the world and because of its Diamond district which is the largest in the world. Antwerp’s railway station is also often cited as the most beautiful railway station in the world. Therefore, the first site of my visit in Antwerp is the railway station of Antwerp and it certainly is beautiful. I have travelled through many railway stations across the world including the Amsterdam Centraal Station and Paris Gare du Nord but Antwerpen-Centraal railway station is uniquely beautiful. However, my personal favorite is the Paris Gare du Nord. Antwerp features the world’s la...

Netherlands

Image
Netherlands is a beautiful country in the Western Europe which I have been lucky enough to experience. From the bicycles and the canals to the tulips and the windmills, there is so much to see in this beautiful country. I love art and in Netherlands, some of my favorite artists like Van Gogh, Rembrandt and Vermeer have lived. As a result, there are a plenty of museums in the country. Amsterdam is the most important city in the Netherlands. From Amsterdam, the first place of my visit has been the Zaanse Schans. It is a beautiful neighborhood which features the historic windmills and houses across the river Zaan. I have been inside the windmills as well to understand their operation. These windmills have actually been used to produce mustard, paint, oil and for cutting logs. Zaans Museum is also present in this neighborhood. The museum features the art and history of this area. Up next is Volendam, a beautiful Dutch village that I have visited. Volendam is a striking contrast from Amst...