Deep in southern Spain's exotic Andalucia region, used by Ridley Scott for various scenes in his crusader movie The Kingdom of Heaven is what most would agree is a wonder of the world and one of Europe's top attractions, a dramatical hilltop fortress and palaces of the Alhambra of Granada, listed as World Heritage Sites by the United Nations organization UNESCO. Before we get into details about the Alhambra and her labyrinth of stucco, aromatic gardens, fountains and jasmin, however, it is worth remembering the lessons of the past.

Muslim Spain, Al-Andalus, for over 700 years was a land of enlightenment during the Dark Ages of Europe, and Granada was its last jewel. While the rest of Europe lived under a medieval pall of ignorance and tribal warfare, Islamic Granada, Cordoba, Toledo and Seville were home to vast libraries of sophisticated scholarship, to philosophers and astronomers, and to an advanced society that prided itself on religious tolerance.

Dubai is the location where ancient and modern civilizations meet. Dubai is the place where you can be gazing at the Architectural craftsmanship that lead to the tall modern buildings and 5 minutes later you can be wondering through the little old side streets at the Dubai gold souk. Dubai is the important MICE destination with modern meeting facilities and deluxe city business hotels where large multinationals and business travelers meet from around the world for fancy exhibitions and lengthy negotiations.

However Dubai is also a holiday destination for families with children who enjoy a week at the Jebel Ali or Sheraton Dubai Beach Resort.

Goa has a special place in my memories. It is the place where I met my husband and also because this was my first expedition alone. I had heard that the new year eve is celebrated with much fun and frolic in Goa. As I had been selected as a lecturer in a college and had been saving money for something special, I decided why not take a trip to Goa. I found that people in North India are much intruding and misbehaving towards a lone female traveler. Though I did not face such problem in Goa.