Istanbul is the most populous city in Turkey and is the business and culture hub for the country. The city is divided into two parts – the European and the Asian side, divided by the Bosporous river. The population today is more than 10 million people and approximately 75% live on the European side of the city (the Asian side is considerably smaller in physical size also).

As Istanbul served as the capital for both the Byzantine and Ottoman empires, it has played a very important role in many modern and historical movements (including; religious, intellectual, political and cultural) and this can be seen and evidenced in the architecture of many of the city’s buildings and architecture. There are many sites that you was going to want to see here, and even though the city has more than 10million inhabitants, fortunately for the tourist, most sites in and around Istanbul are grouped around the “Golden Horn”, which is a body of water that separates Galata from Sultanahmet. There are many sites you are going to want to see here, and you could spend an easy week, but definitely start your tour around the Blude Mosque and the Haghia Sofya.

Dubai is a crazy place with some of the most extravagant man made structures (mainly made on the back of the workers that are imported), and can give Las Vegas a real run for the money in regards to over the top extravagance. You can visit the world islands (islands made to resemble the shape of the world from above), the palm islands (two different islands resembling the shape of palm trees, a huge water park, and the piece d’ resistance – indoor skiing. Even in 110+ degrees F, you can still enjoy skiing on man made snow kept in a giant steel cylinder at -1 degree C. I tried this so that I could check it off of the list (expecting it to be a gimmick), but it was actually quite good. You can show up in shorts, they give you the gear and you can ski or board on fresh packed powder – unreal!

I also tried the desert safari tour while in the UAE, where you get in some 4X4 Land Cruisers and head off towards the border of Oman. This was very cool, and something most people would enjoy. We spent hours racing through the sand dunes of the desert, and eventually stopped for a traditional dinner outdoors in tents sitting on huge rugs. After dinner we even had some free time to try navigating some of the dunes on camels, or even snow boarding down the sand dunes. This was an interesting day, as not only did we have fun exploring the back countryside with a nice little shot of adrenaline, but you get to see how some of the more nomadic people live outside of the cities.

When you are in France, it definitely helps to understand a bit of the language.  It will make your travel easier and more enjoyable, but do you ever wonder if the French really understand what you are saying?  Well, watch this and form your own opinion.

Here is an interesting article I found on airline food. The very mention of those two words is enough to provoke a strong — and usually negative — reaction from any passenger.

read more | digg story

Should Turkey be permitted to join the European Union?

I guess the answer to that question all depends on who you ask.  This is a divided issue currently facing European politics, with large implications in either direction.  Basically, it all boils down to this:  Most European governments favor Turkey membership into the EU, while public opinion in most EU countries is against the idea.  There are many perspectives on this issue (very unusual on geopolitical issues – just kidding), but the main reasons people are against the idea are as follows:

1.) Turkey has a very large population (approx. 70million and growing quickly)
2.) Relative poverty
3.) Cultural compatibility

Europe is facing an aging population (similar to the United States), and with the rapid population growth occurring in Turkey, it will change the dynamics of what many European countries will look like in 10-20 years, and in the issues they face.  The main countries that are apposed to their membership continue to be:  France (even more now with the election of Sarkozy), Germany and Austria.

Here are some interesting details on this issue by country, from a recent BBC study:

Germany:  75% of public opinion is against their entry into the EU

France:  Largest Muslim population in Europe (7%), and while the official stance favors entry, Sarkozy is against the idea and public opinion is 80% against.

Austria:  90% appose Turkey’s membership into the EU

Netherlands:  2nd largest Muslim population in Europe (6%), and divided on the issue.

UK:  53% apposed to the idea, but the government sees this as the opportunity to bridge the cultural gap between the east and west, and provide a shining example across its neighboring countries.

Italy:  Government strongly favors membership, but public opinion is 60% agains.

Spain:  33% appose membership, while 40% favor.

Hungary:  Rocky history with Turkey – 150 years of Ottoman occupation, but there is little resistance to their membership.

EU AVERAGE:  36% of public opinion favors membership into the EU.

With such strong public opinion against Turkey’s membership, it is evident that their entry will not happen any time soon.  Talks are open ended, and the negotiation process is anticipated to last between 10-15 years.  I have the feeling I will be writing the same blog entry in another 10 years.

Istanbul – NOT Constantinople. This is without a doubt, one of the greatest and most historical cities in the world. There have been many influences to the city of Istanbul, which lasted under the Byzantine Empire for around 1000 years (under Constantine the Great). After this (around the 15th century), for the next 500 or so years it was held by the Ottoman Sultans. The Ottomans called the city Istanbul, but it was not until 1930 that the name was officially changed to Istanbul. Surprisingly this is no longer the capital of Turkey (you have to head over to Ankara), but is best known as being the bridge between east and west (literally between Europe and Asia) and the cultural hub for the country. It is very European in atmosphere and culture, but you can quickly be reminded that this is unlike any Western European city today.

Some tips to save money and do the environment a favor at the same time. Tips include ways to increase MPG, tweak lifestyle, reduce carbon footprint when flying, and more.

read more | digg story

If you are contemplating a romantic trip to Paris, check out the video showing some of the best and most recognized sites in the world, including the Arc de Triumphe, Place de Concorde, Versailles, and the famous Eiffel Tower.  It is always one of our favorite places to visit, and we are drawn back by it’s beauty.

If you want to impress your travel date in Paris, your first stop for lunch should be Angelina on rue de Rivoli. DO NOT MISS THIS! It is a sandwich and tea room with great food, but that is not why you go there. They serve a special imported chocolate from North Africa (they won’t tell you exactly where it comes from due it being a closely guarded secret), but it is INCREDIBLE, and I don’t even like chocolate. All girls like chocolate, so go here if you are trying to impress. Make sure you try a real hot chocolate there, which is made with melted chocolate from this secret location and hot milk that you mix yourself at the table. Unreal experience, but the piece de resistance is the Mont Blanc. This is the best desert you will ever try in your life!!!!!!! It is made with their secret recipe chocolate, with meringue and Chantilly (whipped cream). It may not sound that great, but I have never tried anything even close to this tasty anywhere in the world. The only danger is that if this is your first stop, you may be reluctant to try other places as you will want to go back every day. Go there immediately in Paris, do not pass GO, and at least order the hot chocolate and MONT BLANC, then come back and post here how truly great this is. I should get something for plug, but I don’t. It is truly that good. Angelina, if you are reading this, please feel free to ship us some Mont Blanc.

Amazing video of a Norwegian man skiing down the longest escalator in Europe, in Central London.  Awesome!