Ireland - The Emerald Isle

The connection between Ireland and Emerald is very obvious, If you have ever visited Ireland, you'll know why.
For those who weren't lucky enough to visit and see it for them selves, VISIT! We all need some Irish luck in our lives!
Ireland is exceptionally beautiful and green, as are the gemstones, that is why it's known as The Emerald Isle, however, It was thanks to a remarkable Irishman called William Drennan who referred to Ireland as The Emerald in one of his poems When Erin First Rose.

 Alas! for poor Erin that some are still seen,

Who would dye the grass red from their hatred to green;

Yet, oh! when you're up, and they're down, let them live,

Then yield them that mercy which they would not give.

Arm of Erin, be strong! but be gentle as brave;

And uplifted to strike, be still ready to save;

Let no feeling of vengeance presume to defile

The cause of, or men of, the Emerald Isle.

The Republic of Ireland occupies most of the island of Ireland, off the coast of England and Wales. Its eastern capital, Dublin is the birthplace of amazing writers like Oscar Wilde and Samuel Beckett and of course home of the Guinness Beer.

The culture and history will amaze you, the struggle Irish people had to go through is unreal!

For English speakers, you will find getting around much easier, however Ireland still has a native language called Irish Gaelic, you're unlikely to ever hear it in conversation unless you travel to a remote village on the western coast of the island. 

Before I came to Ireland to do my degree, I thought everyone was going to be talking in Irish, I was so excited about learning a new language. well, no.

The people of Ireland, are extremely and incredibly friendly, from the second I reached the airport for the first time I fell in love with the country. As a 18 year old, scared and confused I came,as soon as I met the Irish, It felt like I was home! 

I think the people of Ireland are the most stereotyped people of any country! Before coming here I expected drunken ginger leprechauns with pots of gold sliding down rainbows. I was disappointed.

Here is a link to the Top Ten Stereotypes about the Irish  

Here comes my favorite part of the post. FOOD and MUSIC!

The indigenous music of the island is referred to as  Irish traditional music. It has remained vibrant through the 20th, and into the 21st century, despite globalizing cultural forces. In spite of emigration and a well-developed connection to music influences from Britain and the United States, Irish music has kept many of its traditional aspects and has itself influenced many forms of music, such as country and roots music in the USA, which in turn have had some influence on modern rock music. It has occasionally been fused with rock and roll, punk and rock and other genres. Some of these fusion artists have attained mainstream success, at home and abroad.

Here is the amazing traditional dance called the Riverdance

       

And now "drumroll" .. FOOD *Sparkling eyes*

Irish cuisine evolved from centuries of social and political change and mixing between the different cultures on the island, predominantly English and Irish. The cuisine takes its influence from the crops grown and animals farmed in its temperate climate.

However, the development of Irish food was affected negativly by the English conquest in the early 17th century because this forced the impoverishment of the mass through land dispossession and the organisation of Ireland's food economy to provide supplies to England and its armed forces. Consequently, The "Potahto" became almost the only food of the poor (the vast majority of the population) and as a result is often now closely associated with Ireland. 

Unfortunately many elements of the Irish Cuisine were lost or abandoned during this time, but are now being revived. Represntive modern Irish dishes include Irish Stew, Bacon and Cabbage, Boxty and Colcannon.

Boxty

Irish beef stew

Yummy Yummy! 

Well, by now you should have already booked your ticket to the Emerald Isle. A beautiful country with beautiful people, music and food. What else do you want!

The Emirates - Bride Of The Gulf

I could sense the vibrations of excitement through my body as I type this! The United Arab Emirates, the only home I know, born and raised in Abu Dhabi, the capital of the Emirates. It has sheltered me, educated me and influenced who I am today.
Visiting the Emirates will be a wonderful idea if you're into modern architecture, clear watered beaches and miles of beautiful sand.

Al Khazna Desert 

 The United Arab Emirates, not long ago was a land of desert inhabited by Bedouin tribes, fishing villages and date farms.
Abu Dhabi was one of the poorest Emirates, while Sharjah was the most populated and powerful. The region remained a quite backwater of finishing villages, pearling, camel herding and farming in the oasis. However, all that changed with the discovery of Oil.
In July 1971, six of the Trucial States (Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Sharjah, Umm Al-Qaiwain, Ajman and Fujirah) agreed on a Federal Constitution for achieving independence as the United Arab Emirates. The UAE became independent on 2 December 1971, making that memrobale date a day to celebrate every year. The remaining state, Ras Al Khaimeh joined the United Arab Emirates in February 1972.
Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan Al Nahyan of Au Dhabi took office as the first president of the Gulf's bride.

National day celebrations 

 Today, the UAE is a major international tourist and business center as well as one of the most modern, stable and safe countries in the world. 

It has one of the highest per capita incomes in the world at nearly $25,000 USD.  The UAE has approximately 10% of the world's total known oil reserves, 90% in Abu Dhabi and about 10% in Dubai. 

 While the Abu Dhabi reserves are expected to last another 100 years, at present rates of production Dubai's reserves will last only another ten years. 

Fortunately, the UAE is no longer solely reliant on oil and gas revenues.  Today, the oil sector contributes 30% of the country's GDP.  Thanks to the foresight of the UAE leaders, trade, tourism, real estate and construction are large contributors, most notably in Dubai.

Dubai

In 2013 the UAE's total population was 9.2 million, 1.4 mllion are Emirati citizens and 7.8 million are expatriates.
I was lucky enough to grow up with people from all around the world and I got to know traditions, languages, accents and habits from many countries!

Population Demographic

Here comes my favorite part of the post! MUSIC AND FOOD!

Contemporary world culture and music are well represented in the modern, cosmopolitan Abu Dhabi, thanks to theatres, cinemas and TV, but the UAE still preserves its rich folk traditions in the form of story-telling, songs, poetry and dance.

The interpretation of these folk arts varies between the coast, the oases and the desert, but the structure is broadly similar and the common themes are pride, religion, praise, masculinity, strength and chivalry.

And now .. THE FOOD!

Due to harsh desert conditions, the traditional food of the United Arab Emirates uses a lot of meat, grain, and dairy. Vegetables are easy to grow in some areas, and are strongly featured in the diet. Traditional dishes include Ma'louba, Margooga, Harees, Machbous, Frsee'ah, Fireed, Jisheid, and Mishwy. Meats traditionally used were chicken or smallfowl, such as Houbara bustards, and goats. 

The dishes are usually like stews, as everything is often cooked in a single pot. Saffron, cardamom, turmeric, and thyme are the core flavors used in Emirati cookery. The introduction of rice to the diet came when the traders moved to the region. Leaves from indigenous trees, such as the Ghaff, were also used to stuff small birds, releasing their flavor during the cooking process.

Breakfast in the UAE usually features breads like raqaq, khameer, and chebab, served with cheese, date syrup, or eggs. These were made over a curved hot plate, resembling a stone, which would have been used by the Bedouins. Balaleat is another dish, but its advent again with the traders, who introduced pasta.

Sweet options include luqeymat, a deep fried ball of pancake batter that is rolled in sesame seeds and then drizzled with date honey. Other desserts include khabeesa, which is flour bread crumbs blended with sugar, cardamom, and saffron or bethitha, a semolina blended with crushed dates, cardamom, and clarified butter.

At the close of the meal, it is usual to be served with a red tea infused with mint, which aids the digestion. Other traditions to the meal include a welcome with dates and gahwah(Arabic coffee), which are offered on arrival and are kept available through the guests visit.

Harees

Luqeymat

Chebab

I can't wait to go back home and eat all this good food, yummy in my tummy!

Do consider the UAE for a visit, just make sure you check the climate as it is ridiculously warm most times of the year but that shouldn't be a problem as you can literally go ice skating in August, which is the warmest month of the year! The Emirates is so cool to the point where they have outdoors activities indoors!

India - Land Of Mystery And Diversity

India is one of those destinations that you must visit if you ever get the chance. An Ancient land with absorbing history. Over thousands of years, geographical, historical and religious influences have weaved the colorful fabric of Indian culture, one of the oldest known to humanity. Tall, fair skinned and green eyed Aryans, small framed Asians and dark skinned Dravidians, have all left a complex demographic profile in the society. The diversity is reflected in the 17 major languages and 900 dialects.

India is a fascinating county, it is home to thousand year ornately sculptured temples, the world famous Taj Mahal and many more.

Taj Mahal

Holi or the festival of colors is one of the major festivals of India and the most vibrant of all. The joys of Holi knows no bound. The festival is celebrated across the four corners of India or rather across the globe.
This Festival is filled with so much fun that even mentioning Holi draws smile and enthusiasm amongst the people, it celebrates the arrival of Spring. A season of Joy and Hope.

Here comes my favorite part of the post and yours too I hope, the MUSIC and FOOD!


The music of India is very diverse as well, varieties of folk music, pop and Indian classical music. India's classical music tradition, including Hindustani music and Carnatic, has a history spanning millennia and developed over several eras. Music in India began as an integral part of socio-religious life.

Indian musical instruments can be broadly classified into four categories Chordophones (string instruments), Membranophones (Drums), Aerophones (wind instruments) and Idiophones (non-drum percussion instruments).

Chikara Instrument

Sitar Instrument

Chordophones like the Sitar or the Tambura are plucked strings instruments, bowed strings instruments are used too like the Chikara and the Dhodro.

Kuzhal Instrument

Aerophones like the Pepa or the Kuzhal.

Membranophones like the Dhad are hand drums but the Kanjira is a hand frame drums they also have stick and hand drums like the Dhak,

Dhak Instrument

Idiophones like the Ghatam and the Sankarjang.

Ghatam Instrument

My favorite instrument when played is the Sitar, it is used mainly in Hindustani music and Indian Classical music.
Indian classic dancing is one of the best and most amazing traditonal dances I've ever seen.
Here is a video of the talented Anoushka Shankar playing the Sitar accompanied by a beautiful dance style called Bharata Natyam.

And now..the moment of truth .. THE FOOD! *Sparkling eyes*

Indian cuisine reflects a 5,000 year history of various groups and cultures interacting with the subcontinent, leading to diversity of flavors and yummy dishes.

The traditional food of India has been widely appreciated for its fabulous use of herbs and spices. The cooking style varies from region to region and is largely divided into South Indian & North Indian cuisine. The staple food in India includes wheat, rice and pulses with chana (Bengal Gram) being the most important one.

Indian dishes

I tried to fit as much as I could in this post about this absolutely amazing, diverse and cultural country but if I go on, I will not finish! Please do think of India as your next trip destination, you will not regret it! 

Sudan - Land Of The Black People

I can't find the appropriate words to describe how excited I am because I am writing about Sudan, my hometown. Yes, I was born and raised elsewhere but that doesn't change my love for that beautiful country.
If you are thinking of visiting this stunning country, I assure you, you will be amazed of how nice and friendly the Afro/Arabian people of Sudan are. *cough cough*

In the middle ages, Arabs named the area that is present day Sudan, "Bilad Al-Sudan" which literally translates to "Land of The Blacks". The north is primarily Arab Muslims, whereas the south is largely black African and not Muslim. There is strong animosity between the two groups and each has its own culture and traditions. On July 9'th 2011 South Sudan became an independent state.

South Sudanese Woman

North Sudanese Woman

Sudan is the largest country in Africa and the ninth largest in the world, covering one million square kilometers. It is also where the Blue Nile and White Nile meet and become The Nile River which is known to be the longest river in the world. The Capital Khartoum, lies at the meeting point of the White and Blue Niles.
Sudanese kingdoms have depended on the river since ancient times.

The Niles meeting

Here comes my favorite part of the post and yours too I suspect, the FOOD and MUSIC!

Sudan has a rich unique musical culture. Traditional music has always been huge in Sudan and of course because of the diversity of the people the folk music is diverse too.

                                                    Nuba tribe traditional dance and music

Southern Sudanese Folk Music.
South Sudan has rich folk music that reflects the diverse cultures of the region. For example; the folk music of the Dinka people include Poetry, while the Azande are known beside many other traditions and beliefs for story telling that feature a good wizard figure prominently.

Dinka men preforming traditional dance

Haqibah.
Modern Northern Sudanese music has its roots in Haqibah (Hagee-ba). It originated in the early 1920s and was originially derived from the Muslim musical style known as Madeeh. Haqibah is essentially a harmonic a cappella with vocal style with percussion coming from the tambourine like called the Riq and other instruments. Occasionally tonal instruments like the Qanun and Piano are used.

Riq

Northern Sudanese Lyrical Music.
Northern Sudan has a tradition of lyrical music that utilizes oblique metaphors and has historically been used as part of the Sudanese independence movement and in other political movements. The Tambour was originally used as accompaniment but this was used less when the Oud was imported from Arabia.

Tambour

Popular Music.
Northen Sudanese popular music evolved into what is generally referred to as "Post-Haqibah", a style dominating in the 1940s, 1950s and 1960s. This period was marked by the introduction of tonal instruments from both East and West, such as the Violin, Accordion, Oud and Bongo. A big band style came into existence, mirroring trends in the West.

Oud

Sudanese cuisine *Sparkling eyes*

The main staple of the Sudanese is a special type of bread called Kissra, which is made of durra or corn, Kissra is taken together with a stew and this has become the main dish in central and Sudan in General.

The main components of which these stews are made are dried meat, dried onions, spices and peanut butter, other substances could be added like milk and yogurt, These are used in preparing two well known stews; Ni'aimiya and dried Ocra is used in preparing other stews like Waika, Bussaara and Sabaroag.

Porridge (Asseeda) is also very popular, which is made with wheat flour or corn it is also eaten with stews.

Asseeda with two different stews

As for beverages, the Sudanese have several distinct beverages that are made of some fruits that grow in Sudan like Tabaldi, Aradib, Karkadi and Guddaim.
In Ramadan (The muslim fasting month) one the favorite drinks is the Hilumur, which is made from corn flour and spices. Also these are Aabrai Abyad and Nashaa which are made of corn flour also.

Ramadan Beverages 

Have I mentioned that Sudanese people are very hospitable, meals are eaten around a large, communal tray on which various meat, vegetable, salad and sauces dishes are placed.
Sudanese people don't care who you are, where you came from, how you got there, if they're having food, you're having food with them too!

Over all, Sudan is a great country to visit with even greater people to meet, with all the diversity, It's like going to different countries! do consider it, I promise you wont regret!

Ethiopia - The Cradle of Mankind and Civilization

Oh Ethiopia, the land of Habasha. No doubt, one of the most breathtaking countries I've been lucky enough to visit. The people, the weather, the food and of course the music will make your trip to Abyssinia unforgettable!

Ethiopia, situated in the Horn of Africa, is the oldest independent country in Africa and one of the oldest in the world. Cool right?
Rich in archaeological finding and historical buildings making it full of beautiful heritage.

It is also considered as an icon of liberty, as it was never colonized and maintained it's independence during the scramble of Africa.

Did I mention my favorite fact? IT HAS ITS OWN CALENDAR! Of course that makes it as unique as ever! The rest of the world celebrated the beginning of the third millennium in the year 2000. Ethiopia on the other hand has celebrate both the 2000 Ethiopian new year and the first year of the third millennium in 2008! WHAT!

Here comes my favorite part of the post, the food and the music. -sparkling eyes-

The music of Ethiopia is extremely diverse with each of the countries ethic groups being associated with unique sounds. Some forms of traditional music are strongly influenced by folk music from elsewhere in the horn of Africa.

They have different traditional musical instruments.

Kirar

Washint

-Chordophones
Traditional string instruments include a one string bowed lute, the Kirar, a six sting lyre and more.







-Aerophones
The Washint is a bamboo flute. Trumpet-like instruments include the ceremonial Malakat and the Eskita Traditional Dance the Holdudwa (Animal horn) and the Embilita, flutes that have no finger holes and produce only two tones. Yup, two tones.

Nagarit

-Membranophones
The Kebero is a large hand drum. The Nagarit is played with a curved stick and the Gurage and certain other populations play the Atamo, a small hand drum made of Clay.








Ethiopia is a musically traditional country. Of course, Popular music is played, recorded and listened to, but most musicians also sing traditional music and most audiences choose to listen to both popular and traditional styles.

Oh my god, their traditional dance! I got goosebumps just remembering watching them do their multiple traditional dances from different regions in Ethiopia, a show that is a  mixture of history, beauty and resilience.

And now, the moment we've all been waiting for..Are you ready? THE FOOD!

Dish of mix stews and Injera base

Ethiopia with it's rich, spicy stews and diversity of flavors, Ethiopian food surely qualifies as one of the world's best cuisines.

Injera

 Yes, It can be heavy on meat but the land of Habasha is also full of yummy, delicious and satisfying dishes that are, vegan, gluten and lactose free!
Ethiopian food is best known for its sour dough, spongy flatbread called Injera, made of teff flour, that's naturally vegan and gluten-free. Stews and sauses are commonly poured on top of the Injera which then serves as  the "spoon" to my ready to chew mouth and my very demanding tummy!






OK. I just realized how hungry I am!



To put the cherry on top, Ethiopia is also the country coffee originated from.

Bunna (Coffee Ceremony)

The coffee ceremony is an integral part of social and cultural life in Ethiopia.
 An invitation to attend a coffee ceremony is considered a mark of friendship or respect and is an excellent example of Ethiopian hospitality. Performing the ceremony is almost obligatory in the presence of a visitor, whatever time of the day it is!

Jebena,Cini and Mubkhar

The brewing process may be different than any other you've seen before. first green unroasted coffee beans are roasted on a flat pan over a tiny charcoal stove, then the beautiful smell of the beans is mixed with the aroma of frankincense  and myrrh that is always burned during the ceremony in a pottery pot called Mubkhar. When the coffee beans turn black and the aromatic oil is coaxed out of them, they are passed around the room for people to smell and waft the smoke towards them to get the full aroma of the beautifully brewed coffee beans.
The coffee beans is then grinned usually in a wooden mortar and pestle. Then the coffee grounds are put into a pot made of pottery called Jebena till it comes to boil and then it's served in tiny cups called Cini. Life in a cini!