Masai – the Lost Tribe of Israel

Masai warrior dance

Masai Warriors – “God’s Chosen People”

This is a Jewish story of Africa that I found in the most unlikely of places: the vast plains of Masai Mara and Serengeti reserves. As we drove there, we saw the light-skinned, tall, slender people dressed in red, who were as ubiquitous to the landscape as sky above and earth below. Surrounded by their herd of cattle, they leaned on their long spears or stood on one leg in a stork-like pose. Bearing remarkable similarities to ancient Romans from North Africa, most had classical profiles, wore red togas and sandals, and were equipped with Roman-style short stabbing swords. Women had shaved heads, while the young men’s hair was plated and stuck together with red clay. To us, they looked like young mythical gods. These are the proud Masai (sometimes referred to as Maasai) people of East Africa, whose mysterious past is enveloped in legends of being one of the lost tribes of Israel.

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A quick look around Milan Piazza del Duomo

Take a quick look around Milan famous main square, Piazza del Duomo, with its Duomo Cathedral, Victor Emmanuel II statue, and Galleria Vittorio Emanuele. Milan is a perfect stop on a European vacation trip.

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Read useful tips for traveling to Milan, Italy: Milan Tips

Interested in Jewish history around the world? Meet Irene Shaland and her books, lectures, and magazine articles.

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Do you want to fly for free around the world year after year?

Passengers exiting airplane

Where to? Kenya? Nepal? Easter Island? No problem: Use your mileage!    Fly to almost anywhere for free? Do you think this is impossible? Absolutely not. Alex and I have been flying for free for over twenty years. Well, almost for free: we do have to pay airline and airport taxes. And this is how we did it…..

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The Best-Kept Secret in Rome: Maestro Enzo Samaritani and his Arciliuto Theater

Restaurant L' Arciliuto in Rome Italy

Rome has so much to offer! We were advised by our new Roman friend Marco, the owner of Arco dei Tolomei B&B in Trastevere, to celebrate Alex’s approaching milestone birthday at L’Arciliuto Teatro near Piazza Navona. “A very non-traditional place, “said Marco. “You will be enchanted.”  And we truly were.

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Travel Tips: Where to stay in Milan, Italy: it is all about choices

The Grand Duka Di York hotel, Milan, Italy, travel, global travel authors, tips

Milan is a big city and most travelers to Italy do not visit it, which is a pity. From the beautiful Duomo to SforzaCastle to – of course – The Last Supper and La Scalla, Milan has a lot to offer. We strongly advise you not to miss it in your Italian itinerary! However, museums, castles, and arguably the best opera house in the world are not the only attractions. The place where you stay can be a destination in its own right.

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Travel Tips: Where to find the best B&B in Rome, Italy

Arco dei Tolomei B&B, Rome, Italy

Alex and I are experienced travelers, travel consultants, writers, and photographers. Over the course of 30 years, our travels took us to more than 50 countries. BUT – we do not think we ever experienced the level of professionalism and sensitivity to clients’ needs and wants as we did at Arco dei Tolomei in Rome. The owners, Marco and Gianna, made us feel like we were old friends and the housekeeper Joseline was truly exceptional going above and beyond her regular duties of serving breakfast. She was humorous, attentive, and her smile lighted up the house.

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Finding Home away from Home – in Africa

Nairobi Hebrew Congregation Synagogue, Kenya

We were travelling all day: through the exotic strangeness of the Zanzibar Stone Town to the Nairobi airport’s thick mess of people and suitcases, sickening smells and deafening noises. Then again, through the traffic and dust and darkness of Nairobi streets, until all of sudden, like a mirage in the wilderness, we saw a brilliantly lit Jewish star. “Are you meeting with Barbara?” a voice asked. We were.

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