General Travel News
Saudi Arabia Umrah Pilgrimage Numbers Drop 30%
The number of people making the umrah pilgrimage to Saudi Arabia has fallen 30% due to swine flu related travel restrictions. Visa applications for travel to Saudi Arabia during umrah have been suspended by Egypt, Iran, and Iraq. Fursan Travel Company, based in Saudi Arabia, is concerned about the affect this will have on the economy. CEO Roger Pfund said “The decision to ban people travelling due to the H1N1 pandemic is respected, however the longer term impact on the economy can not be understated.”
Mr. Pfund said there is a significant decline in travel compared to the same period last year and he expects based on current levels, numbers will be down by one third. Official figures show there has been over 177,000 cases of swine flu and 1,176 deaths around the world.
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Jamarat
Makkah, Saudi Arabia
These are the devils that were cast into stones. As part of Hajj, pilgrims have to throw seven stones on the 10th, 11th and the 12th of Zil Hajj. They are located around 1.2 km outside Mina. A new super structure consisting of three floors have been placed around the small, medium and large devils, or Jamarats. ...
Alte Oper
Frankfurt, Germany
Alte Opre is a magnificent recreation of the old opera house that was built in 1880. For years the reconstruction of the Opera house was hazy after it was destroyed in WWII, but the new house was rebuilt and opened in 1981. Serving as more than just an opera house, it holds collections of German war history and of the rich Frankfurt culture. The building, square and fountain are spectacular when l...
la Espana Industrial
Barcelona, Spain
Situated in the Sants neighborhood, it was a heavily industrial area at the end of the 19th century and was home to some of the most important textile factories of Spain. ...
Oslo’s City Hall (Radhuset)
Oslo, Norway
Oslo’s City Hall (Radhuset) was inaugurated in 1950. Its quality as a building has been hotly debated, but all have come together to watch the annual Nobel Peace Prize award ceremony, which takes place within its walls. Inside, one will find stunning murals and frescoes. The building has two red-brick towers, one of which hosts a carillon that plays every hour. Guided tours of the building take pl...