Falconry is a centuries-old tradition in our mystery city, and in the wider region. Trained falcons are used to hunt small animals for their keepers. Today it’s a popular sport but some Bedouins still use falcons to put food on the table. Pampered falcons visit the renowned falcon hospital in our mystery city for a check-up and a bit of grooming. Tourists are welcome to visit the falcon hospital.
Can you name that city?
See below for answers.
Merry Christmas!
This ceremonial palace of the ruler of our mystery country is located in the national capital, Muscat, located on the northern coast. When he came to power in 1970, the current ruler, Sultan Qaboos, introduced transformative economic and social programs. Today, the country is prosperous, politically stable and socially liberal, relative to its neighbors.
Can you name that country?
See below for answers.
Kingfisher, Allen W. Seaby, 1929
Alcyone, daughter of the keeper of the Wind, was married to Ceyx, son of the morning star. They were very much in love and totally devoted to each other, yet Alcyone’s love was powerless to relieve the suffering of her husband over the loss of his brother.
Even from the depths of despair, Ceyx knew it was time to get on with his life and he thought his best hope was a consultation with the oracle of Apollo at Claros. This required a sea journey, which, being daughter of the Wind, Alcyone knew to be perilous, especially in Winter, which it was. She pleaded with her husband not to go to no avail. Continue reading
In the 19th century, the first settlements of our mystery city were located along the banks of the saltwater creek pictured above. The only natural harbor around, the creek served as a port for small trading vessels and supported the traditional economies of fishing and pearling. In the mid-20th century, the creek was dredged to accommodate larger ships. Today, major shipping traffic uses the city’s two man-made ports, which are the largest man-made ports in the world.
Crossing the creek by water taxi between the city’s historic districts is a popular tourist activity. The creek reaches about 8 miles inland from the Arabian Gulf and ends in the Ras Al Khor Wildlife Sanctuary.
Can you name that city?
See below for answers.
If it is your first encounter with Turkish culture, the richness of the Turkish breakfast table may leave you in awe. Lost for words, even. Though there are variations from region to region, generally a Turkish breakfast table consists of bread, butter, cheese, tomatoes, cucumbers, olives, honey, jam, eggs, pastrami, and tea – but Turkish specialities such as kaymak, menemen, börek, and simit are the additions you will not find anywhere else. Here is a handy dictionary of the most important breakfast foods, so that you can navigate your way around the breakfast tables of Turkey with ease.
San Pedro de la Roca Castle guards the entrance to Santiago Bay on the eastern shore of our mystery country. It’s about 5 miles from the city of Santiago, the country’s 2nd largest. The castle is also known as Morro Castle, sharing that nickname with another castle in the country’s capital city (morro is an old Spanish term for a castle by the sea).
Built to defend against pirates, which plagued the surrounding sea, San Pedro de la Roca Castle was designated a World Heritage Site as an exceptional example of Spanish colonial military architecture. It took the better part of the 17th century to build, during which time it was seized by pirates and held for several weeks. Visit the castle to soak up some history and enjoy spectacular views of the coastline and the Sierra Maestra Mountains.
Can you name that country?
See below for answers.
The Ya'lla Blog 