Short Trips Blog

Egypt has a fascinating and well documented history stretching back five thousand years. The phaoronic era endured for twenty-seven centuries. Despite numerous incursions from Libyans, Ethiopians, Persians and Assyrians towards the end of this period, it was only the arrival of Alexander the Great in 341 BC that brought indigenous control to an end. Following Alexander’s death Egypt was ruled for the next three hundred years by a dynasty founded by one of his generals until the country became a Roman province in 30 BC. Egypt remained in the hands of the Constantinople-based Eastern Roman Empire until the arrival of Islam in 638 AD.

Cairo, Egypt’s present day capital, was founded by the Fatimid dynasty in 969 AD. Today, together with its twin city Giza on the western bank of the Nile, it has swollen to become a teaming metropolis of an estimated 28 million inhabitants. Such an immense non English-speaking conurbation can be a bit overwhelming. So if you are either pressed for time or wish to bypass the hassles of organising everything yourself, contacting a local tour agency can make a lot of sense. Read the rest of this entry »

One of the less publicized cars or trucks offered by BMW stands out as the new 325xi. The “x” in the designation connotes all-wheel drive, that is permanent and full-time. Given the configuration and also the luxurious and sporting nature from the car, one would anticipate it to be quite an exclusively-priced model. The first surprise is the cost itself, other surprises can be found in comfort and effectiveness. The auto is clearly competition for Audi’s Quattro series, and all-road station wagons from Audi and Volvo, among others. There is a greater portion of a market for four-wheel traction than SUVs.

BMW, whose history includes marketing motorcycles, basic durable transportation, expensive cars, then basic durable transportation, then luxury cars again, has concentrated just on the later for the past 20 years. Small wonder. It has garnered a reputation for advanced engineering, great performance, and long lasting value. In recent years, it has also achieved status as a styling leader, making its sedans, coupes, and convertibles among the most desirable cars on the globe. Earning this lofty position has allowed it to charge premium prices because of its cars, and keeping it a marque for the well off and wannabe’s with lease money to spare. The company has maintained a ledger sheet that, with the exception of the Land Rover debacle, is the envy of companies several times its size. In the coming months, BMW will again turn to its roots of small, affordable cars when it introduces a smaller 3 series car and the much-anticipated Mini Cooper, a modern day edition of the old British Austin-based hatchback. Along with the recent BMW X5 4.4i SUV, BMW will have expanded its line to cover a significantly broader segment of the market, hopefully solidifying its position as an automotive powerhouse, and further securing itself among the sole remaining independent carmakers. Read the rest of this entry »

Seattle, WA is one of the most favored destinations at present, as it offers different festivals, such as Seattle International Movie Festival, Seafair and Northwest Folklife. Travel by car is among the most exciting ways of traveling to Seattle. Car travel is a convenient alternative, however certain car problems could take place, and auto repair in Seattle will be required.

One of the most typical services while travelling is windshield repair or in case of more significant damages – total replacement. Down the page you will find a few useful tips on safety measures for damaged windshield before you get to Seattle’s automobile service center. First of all take into consideration that typically damaged windshields may be repaired devoid of replacing of the entire windshield. In case your windshield has been damaged, visit car service centers in Seattle without delay, as changes of temperature and various weather conditions, such as dusty wind, rains, can increase the chances of additional damage of windscreen. Read the rest of this entry »

The Grisons in the south east corner of Switzerland is the largest canton (region), famous for its rich mountain grazing pastures and once a haven of health retreats. Medieval castles line the Rhine River, which has its source here, and frescoed stucco homes can still be seen in many ancient villages. All three Swiss languages of French, German and Italian are spoken in The Grisons, and it has been a tourist destination since the 19th century.

Skiing was first popularized as a sport in The Grisons by the English, after people read Sir Arthur Conan Doyle’s piece (author of the Sherlock Holmes series) about a Swiss skiing expedition. The industry exploded, and the Grisons boasts some of the world’s most exclusive resorts, frequented once by royalty and aristocracy, now by high society and stars, but as well by ordinary Swiss and European families and outdoor enthusiasts from across the world. Read the rest of this entry »