Turkey is home to 82,693 mosques, that is the largest number of mosque in the world. Most of Turkey mosques are located in Istanbul, the largest Turkish city. Istanbul’s Blue Mosque is one of the major tourist attractions in Turkey.

Turkey is the world’s largest producer and exporter of hazelnuts. There is a high global demand for Turkey’s hazelnuts for the finest quality. Turkey produces 70% and exports 80% of hazelnuts in the world.

Turkey shares a special bond with Australia because around 70,000 residents of Australia have their ancestral root in Turkey. Some 33,000 Australians were born in Turkey, according to the report of Australia’s 2011 census.

Turkey’s Adana and Australia’s Sydney have some things in common. Both cities consider and celebrate the 1915 Gallipoli landing as an event of historic significance. Many Turks and Australians commemorate the event at Gallipoli every year.

It is a myth that the Netherlands is the origin of tulips. Tulip used to grow as a wild flower till it was discovered by the Turks in the 10^th century. Turkey was the first country to have started cultivating tulips. It was introduced to Europe in the 17^th century. Several such myths are true, interesting facts about Turkey.   

The ancient Greek city of Troy, famous for the historic Trojan War and the setting of Homer’s epic Iliad, is located on the northwest coast of Turkey. Troy is renamed as Hisarlik.

The Anatolian region of Turkey has been cultivating cherries since 72 BC. Cherries made their way to Rome later on.

Alacati, a Turkish town at the southern tip of the Cesme Peninsula in the middle of the Aegean, gifted the Mediterranean die to the world.

Rahat Lokum is the oldest Turkish delight dating back 500 years. Rahat Lokum with pistachio filing was a favorite of Napoleon Bonaparte and Winston Churchill. Pablo Picasso, a most influential artist of the 20^th century, was in the habit of eating this Turkish delight while working.

One of the most interesting things to know about Turkey is the story of Noah’s Pudding (locally known as the Asure). This Turkish dessert is said to have its origin in Noah’s family. Legends say that when Noah’s Ark reached a safe place near Mount Ararat in northeastern Turkey and escaped the Biblical Deluge, Noah’s family celebrated it with a special delicacy of grains, nuts and fruits, which came to be known as Noah’s Pudding.

The cuisine of Turkey is largely influenced by the Middle Eastern, Balkan and Central Asian cuisines. Ottoman chefs of the bygone eras enriched the Turkish food using ingredients such as nuts, garlic, cumin, lentils, mint, pepper, and paprika from those exotic cuisines.

Two of the 7 historic wonders of the ancient world are located in Turkey. One is the Temple of Artemis at Ephesus, and the other is the Mausoleum of Halicarnassus, a site of architectural ruins, in Bodrum. Both architectures belonged to the Greek era.

The UNESCO World Heritage Sites include 11 heritages from among the tourist attractions of Turkey, as of 2012. These Turkey heritages are the City of Troy, the City of Safranbolu, Istanbul’s Great Mosque, the Hittite Capital, Selimiye Mosque, Nemrut Dag, Hospital of Divrigi, Neolithic Site of Catalhoyuk, and Xanthos-Letoon. 

One of the interesting facts about Turkey is that traditional bathhouses or hammams in Turkey are not Turkish in origin. The hammams were modeled and built after the Roman and Byzantine baths in the Roman Empire, dating back to the 7^th century.

Turkey’s coastline consists of 383 beaches and 21 marinas with high environmental standards. The beaches of Turkey rank third in the world. 197 out of the 383 beaches dot the coastline of Antalya, a Mediterranean Resort City in Turkey. Antalya boasts the distinction of having most of the ‘Blue Flag’ certified beaches in the world.

Saint Nicholas of Myra (now Demre), who is globally known as Santa Claus, was a Christian Bishop in Lycia in the 4^th century. Lycia, which was part of the Byzantine Empire in historic times, is located in Turkey now. Though it makes a reason to celebrate Christmas but Turkey does not. Isn’t it one of the interesting, lesser-known facts about Turkey?

Turkey is one of the largest biodiversity hubs in the world. Turkey is home to some 10,000 plant species out of 13,000 plant species in Europe. Turkey is the only country in Eurasia to have the greatest variety of bird species. 9,000 species of flowers are found in Turkey alone, while the entire Europe has 11,500 flower species. Turkey is said to discover a new species of flora every 10 days.

Turkey houses the Cave Church of St. Peter in Antioch (previously known as Antakya). The church was carved out of a cave on one side of Mount Starius. It is a pilgrimage destination for the global Christian community.

The Fez, a different type of hat, was once a symbol of nationality, a matter of pride and a badge of identity for the Turks. They used to flaunt the Fez as part of their fashion statement until it was banned on August 30, 1925. Not a single Muslim wears the Fez these days.

The abolition of the 623-year long Ottoman rule led to the formation of “Republic of Turkey” in 1923. Ankara is the birthplace of modern Turkey. Mustafa Kemal, Republic of Turkey’s First President, was honored with the prestigious title, “Father of the Turks”. A trip to Istanbul or Ankara will reveal many such historically interesting facts about Turkey.

Turkey is the world’s first country to have constructed an underground mosque at a depth of 7 meters from the surface. Inspired by Cave of Hira in the make, Sancaklar Mosque is located in Istanbul. In the World Architecture Fest Competition, the mosque won the first rank among religious places around the world.

Göbekli Tepe at the top of a mountain elevation in Anatolia Region of Turkey is the finest and oldest example of mountainous architecture in the world. Göbekli Tepe dates some 11,600 years back.

Turkey has no desert though camels are seen at some holiday resorts in coastal regions. Evidently, camels are not native animals in Turkey.

The name of Julius Caesar is historically associated with Turkey. He uttered the famous words, “Vini, Vidi, Vici” (meaning I came, I saw, I conquered in English) on his triumph of the Pontus, a kingdom in the Black Sea region of Turkey.

Some other lesser-known, interesting facts about Turkey are that many native Turks drink at least 10 cups of tea a day and Europeans owe their coffee culture to Turkey because Turkey had introduced coffee to Europe in the 15^th century.

The Black Sea coastline of Turkey runs along a stretch of 1650 kms, which is equal to the distance between Paris and Berlin. There are many such unknown facts about Turkey.

“A stranger at one’s doorstep is God’s guest at least for three days” is one of the age-old Turkish beliefs.

Travel to Turkey on the cheap flights to Istanbul and Ankara from the United States, and explore more such interesting, offbeat, lesser-known facts about Turkey at anytime of the year.  

The post 30 Lesser-known, Interesting Facts about Turkey that Every Traveler Should Know appeared first on iEagle.com Travel Magazine.

That’s how life is in Istanbul during Ramadan. Ali Buldu, a 55-year-old drummer, has been abiding by this tradition of beating drums to mark the beginning of Ramadan for half of his life. Decked in traditional Ottoman attire, Ali roams the streets and makes pre-dawn Ramadan rounds every year, which he inherited from his forefathers and which he is passing on to the next generation.

Istanbul’s neighborhoods wake up to drumbeats by about 2000 drummers and get ready for ‘Sahur’ – the first meal (breakfast) of the day eaten before sunrise. The drummers roam the streets and wake up people for ‘Sahur.’ The Ramadan breakfast consists of dates and pastries including baklava in Istanbul.

The traditional act of beating drums dates back to the Ottoman era of Turkey, according to Ali Buldu. He says with pride, “A special group of Ramadan drummers has been into existence since the beginning of the Ottoman Empire in 1299,” while patting his 23-year-old nephew who joins him in this ritual.

Playing drums at weddings and on other festive occasions is the main source of living for Ali and other drummers. This is the way they make their ends meet throughout the year. As weddings are not held in the month of Ramadan, they live on the generosity of people for survival. They thankfully accept tips from those who willingly give.

Veteran drummer Ali is afraid that the age-old tradition will gradually disappear in the coming years because today’s young men are not interested in carrying this task for their generation. He worries that ceremonious drumbeats will be replaced by unpleasant sound of alarm clocks.

However, the Ramadan drummers were given Ottoman costumes five years ago, which has changed people’s perception of them for the better. They have also been recognized with official membership cards, which have helped to put Istanbul’s centuries-old tradition in good books of the current generation.

The post Ottoman Tradition: Istanbul Wakes up to Drumbeats before Sunrise Every Ramadan appeared first on iEagle.com Travel Magazine.

Rio de Janeiro Olympics 2016 will hold a special place in the history of sports as it is the first time that a South American country is hosting Summer Olympics. Outclassing Madrid, Chicago, Tokyo and other world-class cities, Rio de Janeiro clinched the Olympic bid in 2009. Despite its strong stand in competition for the nomination, Doha, the capital of Qatar, lost it out to Rio because Qatar wanted to host the games in October instead of August due to hot weather.

The ceremonial Olympic torch relay began with an impressive note on April 21 in Greece’s Olympia, the birthplace of Olympics. Ibrahim Al-Hussein, an amputee from the United Nations-run Syrian refugee camp in Athens, carried the torch of Rio de Janeiro Olympics on April 26 at the campsite. The Olympic torch arrived in Brazil on May 4 and will reach the venue for the opening ceremony on August 5 through Brazilian cities and towns.

The torch of Rio Olympics 2016 is as unique in design as Brazil is in geography. The design of the Rio de Janeiro Olympics torch embodies Brazil’s geographic diversity and exuberant nature while retaining the essence of Olympics games. Different parts of the torch represent the sun, the sky, water, earth and mountains in colors of the Brazilian flag.

Maracanã Stadium, the venue of the opening and closing ceremonies of Rio de Janeiro Olympics in Brazil, is one of the interesting facts about Rio Olympics 2016. It is the same stadium where the 2014 soccer World Cup final was held. With a seating capacity of around 78000, Maracanã Stadium holds the world record of having the biggest audience at a football game. The stadium was packed with around 173,000 fans at the 1950 Football World Cup final.

Rio de Janeiro Olympics will see participation of around 10,500 athletes from 206 countries across the world. The participants will contest in 306 medal events over 17 days of the event, out of which 161 medal events are for men, 136 for women and the remaining 9 are both men as well as women in 42 sports.

Do you know that addition of golf and rugby to Rio Olympics 2016 is one of the interesting facts? While golf will be played in Olympics after 112 years of its absence, rugby is making its comeback to the stage of Olympics after 92 years. To be precise, Rugby Sevens, a new variant of rugby, will make its debut at Olympics in Rio de Janeiro. Gold and rugby were last played in Olympics in 1904 and 1924 respectively.

The 306 medal events of Olympics 2016 will be held at 32 venues in four parts of Rio de Janeiro: Copacabana, Barra, Deodoro and Maracanã. Barra will host golf, tennis and other sporting events at 15 venues, while 9 venues in Deodoro will hold hockey, aquatics and shooting events. Copacabana and Maracanã with 4 venues each will host sporting events such as beach volleyball, archery, triathlon, basketball, etc.

Believe it or not, the organizing committee of Olympics 2016 in Rio de Janeiro has been conducting tests since August 2014 to make sure everything runs smoothly for 17 days of the final event. The trial sessions will go on till May end.

Here comes one of the most interesting Rio Olympics facts. The 2016 edition of Olympics in Rio de Janeiro is the first to stage Olympians born in the year 2000. According to the official rules of the International Olympic Committee, only athletes born before January 1, 2003, are eligible to take part in the events. However, some sports have different age-specific requirements based on safety and health criteria. The youngest participants are likely to be from diving and gymnastics.

A team of athletes including 5 to 10 refugees who had to leave their countries for adverse circumstances is allowed to take part in Rio de Janeiro Olympics under the Olympic flag, for the first time in the history of Olympics.

Inspired by Brazilian wildlife, the mascot of Rio Olympics 2016 is a vibrant yellow and blue creature named Vinicius. It can prance around like a monkey and stretch its body like a cat. The Rio Olympics mascot is named after the legendary Brazilian musician Vinicius de Moraes and it is expected to become as famous as ‘Cobi’, the mascot of Barcelona Olympics in 2016.

Do you want to be in Rio to watch the topnotch athletes in action? Then grab your seats from the available 7.5 million tickets for sale. While 3.8 million tickets are priced at US $40 each, some of the best seats cost US $3000 each for the opening ceremony of Rio de Janeiro Olympics. Football, volleyball, basketball and handball are the most popular sporting events.

Huge food preparation for the participating athletes is among the fun facts about Rio Olympics 2016. The International Olympics Committee says that over 60,000 meals will be cooked for athletes every day. The meals will include the Brazilian staples, rice, black beans and barbecued meat, along with some of the local delicacies like tapioca, acai (an Amazonian fruit) and pao de queijo (cheese bread).

Apart from 11 million meals for athletes and volunteers, the organizers will provide 315 horses, 8,400 shuttlecocks, 25,000 tennis balls, 34,000 beds, 60,000 cloth hangers, 72,000 tables and 100,000 chairs for the 2016 Olympics events.

A mammoth workforce of 70,000 volunteers is required for the smooth run of the sporting events in Rio de Janeiro. Some 50,000 volunteers from across Brazil have already joined the organizing committee. The rest of the volunteers are from the United States, the United Kingdom, China and Russia.

Deployment of a security force comprising 85,000 soldiers and policemen is one of the interesting facts about Rio Olympics 2016. It is the largest security force for such an international event in the history of Brazil. Interestingly, this is twice the size of the security force for London Olympics in 2012.

The organizing committee of the 2016 Olympics Games is offering free online English lessons to Rio’s taxi drivers in a bid to facilitate smooth English communication with foreign tourists during the event.  It is a fourth-month English communication course that most of the taxi drivers have signed up for to hone their English-speaking skills.

The London Olympics 2012 saw participation of 556 athletes from the United States, which is the highest number of participants from a single country except the host nations. It is anticipated that Rio de Janeiro Olympics will fetch in more athletes from USA than other countries. 352 athletes from the US have qualified to take part in the Rio Olympics events till date. Entries are still going on.

The organizing committee of Olympics Games estimated a whopping budget of $7.4 billion to conduct Rio Olympics.

The post Summer Olympics 2016 in Rio de Janeiro: Interesting Facts & Figures appeared first on iEagle.com Travel Magazine.

The new flight of 36 stairs takes visitors from the ‘At the Top’, the most popular observation deck on the Level 124, to the Level 125 where they can experience the must-not-be-missed attraction ‘Dubai – A Falcon’s Eye View,’ a soulful panorama of the cityscape. Those having tickets for the ‘At the Top’on the Level 124 can take the spiral staircase to the Level 125 free of cost. The Burj Khalifa SKY Journey from the Level 125 to the world’s highest observation deck on the Level 148 is part of the ultimate Burj Khalifa experience.

The mind-blowing grandeur of the staircase between the levels 124 and 125 is a new testimony to the majesty that Dubai boasts about Burj Khalifa. Made of white oak for a length of 100 meters, the glass-walled staircase is bedecked with a crystal chandelier adding to the sheer magnificence. Visitors can soak in the 360-degree panorama of Dubai City while climbing up and down the staircase.

The construction of the glass-walled staircase between the 124 and 125 levels of Burj Khalifa is an engineering marvel. Conceptualized in 3D modeling techniques, the construction was executed through 24-hour shifts over 1200 man-hours without disturbing the existing services for daily visitors. The stairway is built with 60 metric tonnes of steel, 350 square meters of stainless steel shielding and 700 square meters of glass to be used by 150 people at any time.

The top three levels 124, 125 and 148 of Burj Khalifa are open to visitors with premium tickets. Each of these levels has its own attractions and interesting facts. While the Level 124 is where Hollywood actor Tom Cruise dangled from in the fourth film of Mission Impossible series, the Level 125 features the Masharabiya motif, unique to the interior décor theme. The rumor that one can see the earth’s curvature from the world’s highest observation deck on the Level 148 is among the most interesting things about Burj Khalifa.

Watching sunrise from the top of Burj Khalifa is one of the best things to do in Dubai. The upcoming Super Tower in Dubai and the Jeddah Tower in Saudi Arabia may be ambitious projects, but Burj Khalifa is too unique to be outclassed.

The post Burj Khalifa’s New Spiral Staircase Offers 360-degree Panorama of Dubai City through Glass Walls appeared first on iEagle.com Travel Magazine.

Among the new and upcoming Dubai tourist attractions, the opera house will be the center of attraction in the Opera District which is being developed as a cultural hub close to the world’s tallest building Burj Khalifa in Downtown Dubai. The Dubai Opera House is the first of its kind sprawling over an area of 35,000 square meters. On completion of the ongoing construction, the complex will offer dining space with seating capacity for 1000 guests, a proscenium arch theatre, an acoustic concert hall and a 2000 square meter floor for events.

The cultural life of Dubai City will turn over a new leaf with the upcoming Dubai Opera House to host and produce a lineup of events and programs from across the world. The 2000 seat art theatre will be throbbing with a wide range of cultural and lifestyle events such as operas, ballets, concerts, cinema, standup comedy, classical performances, etc. It will evolve into a cosmopolitan venue for rock, pop, jazz and Arabic music lovers. Influenced by the rich heritage of Dubai, the opera house architecture will boast a transparent all-glass hallway with resemblance to vintage dhows.

Once opened to public, the new opera house in Dubai is supposed to be counted among the world’s top opera houses including Sydney Opera House in Australia and New York’s Lincoln Center. Sydney Opera House, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is famous for its unique architecture. The Metropolitan Theatre at New York’s Lincoln Center hosts Broadway performances. The upcoming Dubai Opera House will draw comparisons with Sydney Opera House and the Metropolitan Opera House in New York in cultural opulence and architectural grandeur, according to the developers.

“Dubai Opera House is our tribute to our city and the vision of His Highness Shaikh Mohammad Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, to establish Dubai as a seat of arts, culture, performing arts and world-class events,”said Mohammad Alabbar, CEO of Emaar Properties. He added that the upcoming opera house would contribute towards the making of Dubai as a ‘City of Happy, Creative and Empowered People’.

So get ready to spend musical evenings over great opera shows at the upcoming Dubai Opera House.

Travel on Cheap Flights from USA to Dubai, Manila, Bangkok, Dubai, Singapore, Abu Dhabi, Hanoi, Doha, Beijing, Chiang Mai and other major cities on iEagle.com. The lowest airfare is guaranteed!

The post Upcoming Dubai Opera House to Be First World-class Hub of Concerts for Music Lovers in Dubai appeared first on iEagle.com Travel Magazine.

It was the marshlands of Louisiana where Filipinos settled first permanently in 1763. In order to flee from the clutches of the merciless Spanish colonists, they sheltered themselves along the gulf posts of New Orleans. Referred to as ‘Manilamen’ or ‘Spanish-speaking Filipinos’ in those days, they were the first to share with the United States the sun-drying recipe of shrimp.

The year of 1781 is an important episode in the Filipino history of the United States. In 1781, the Spanish Government sent a Filipino named Antonio Miranda Rodriguez Poblador along with a team of 44 individuals from Mexico to the land which came to be known as Los Angeles. Evidently, the city of Los Angeles owes its foundation to the Filipino in the US.

There were Filipinos from New Orleans among the ‘Batarians’ who had bravely fought against the British colonizers in the 1812 Battle of New Orleans. It initiated the first wave of immigration from the Philippines to the United States. The second wave of Filipino migration to the US commenced in 1906 and continued till 1934.

The Treaty of Paris between Spain and the United States in 1899 as a result of the Spanish-American War put an end to the 300-year long Spanish colonization of the Philippines and brought Filipinos under control of America in exchange for $20 million to Spain. Consequently, the second wave of the Filipino immigration to the US was initiated in the beginning of the 20^th century.

The Filipino Americans have formed some close-knit neighborhoods, which are nicknamed ‘Little Manilas’ in California and Hawaii, with immigrants from the Philippines. Little Manilas are tailed habitats of Filipinos living as residents or citizens or employees on contact or students in the United States.

Many Filipino American chefs work in fine dining restaurants across the United States. Even the executive chef in the White House is a Filipino American named Cristeta Comeford. However, the Philippine cuisine is not as popular as other Asian cuisines in the USA.

The Filipinos in America celebrate the month of October as the Filipino American History Month among all Philippine festivals and celebrations, commemorating the first arrival of Filipinos in Morro Bay, California, in October 1587. They also celebrate the Philippine Independence Day on June 12 across the United States.

According to some surveys, it is estimated that over 60,000 Filipinos migrate to the United States every year. The most interesting fact is that the Filipinos in America form the third largest community of immigrants from Asia, which is equivalent to 15.7% of foreign-born residents in USA after the Chinese and Indians.

Although the US census states that 3.4 million is the strength of the Filipino community in USA, it is believed that the actual population of Filipino Americans is close to 4 million.

One of the most interesting facts to know about the Filipinos in America is that half of their population resides in the state of California, while 6.7% of the rest lives in Hawaii. 4.8% of the Filipino migrants in Texas is the same in New Jersey. Illinois is home to 4.7% of the total Filipino Americans.

Do you know that the Philippines to the United States is the seventh largest migration corridor in the world? The Filipino community in the USA rapidly grew in the 1980’s.Their population increased from 12,271 in 1950 to 255,592 in 2010. Another interesting thing to share from the Filipino history is that more than 25% of the foreign-born Filipinos immigrated to the US after 2000.

Among the most interesting things about Filipinos in America is the fact that they represent the largest fraction of the naturalized US citizens in all communities of foreign-born immigrants in the USA. The average age of Filipino Americans is 34. Interestingly, 72.6% of the Filipinos in America are just above 18 years in age.

One of the few interesting facts about the Filipino community in the US is that their average household size is greater than that of the Americans. 3.3 and 3.72 are the average household size and the average family size of Filipinos in the US. 76.7% of the Filipino Americans own houses in USA and 57.2% of them are married.

Believe it or not, the literacy rate in the Filipino American community is almost twice that of Americans in the US. The most interesting of all facts about Filipinos in America is that they earn more than the Native Americans. The average annual household income of the Native American population is $53,657, while the median household income of the FilipinoAmericans is $75,146 per annum. They are the second highest earning community after Indians in America.

Tagalog, the national language of the Philippines, is the fourth largest foreign language spoken in the Filipino American households. It is next to Spanish, Chinese and French languages spoken in the United States. More interestingly, 69% of the Filipino Americans speak fluent English.

You can save big on your flights to Philippines from USA by booking the cheapest air tickets at iEagle.com, a reputed and reliable international travel organization.

The post Filipinos in America: Most Interesting Things to Know about Filipino Americans appeared first on iEagle.com Travel Magazine.

The Titanic 2 Ship replica is the world’s most-awaited cruise vessel which has already captured the imagination of millions across the globe. The new Titanic will be an interface between the past and the present, heritage and modern technology, Edwardian splendor and urbane sophistication. Many features of the original Titanic will be retained and recreated in the upcoming Titanic 2. FlyHigh shares the most interesting things to know about Titanic 2 Ship replica.                   

Titanic in 1912 vs Titanic 2 Replica

Like the original Titanic, Titanic 2 will have three travel classes in different packages. The travel cabins of Titanic 2 will not be divided based on the socio-economic status of passengers as there was societal and economic discrimination on the first Titanic. Passengers can exercise their right to the freedom of choosing from different packages of accommodation irrespective of travel classes. They can choose either one class accommodation for 6 nights or a package of 2 nights in each class during the voyage.

Interestingly, the third class cabins of Titanic 2 ship have already become popular, perhaps because of the lively portrayal of life during voyage in the third class in James Cameron’s Oscars-winning Titanic movie. Third class cabins will have shared bathrooms. The menu with complete Irish stew for the passengers in third class cabins is among the things to know about Titanic 2 Ship replica.

Those waiting to sail on the new Titanic are curious to know differences between the 1912 Titanic and the Titanic 2 replica. Titanic 2 Ship will get more or less the same interior as that of the original ship. Among the interesting things of Titanic 2 Ship replica are the grand staircase in the first class, the Jacobean-styled dining room for first class travelers, the communal dining space with long tables in the third class, and Café Parisien with the ambiance of a sidewalk café in Paris from the first Titanic, which will be recreated with attention to exact details of the original designs.

Titanic 2 will get lounges and public spaces with the same details pertaining the Edwardian décor and grandeur as in the 1912 Titanic. Everything from swanky wooden furniture to crystal chandeliers to timber cladded walls will be imported from the best manufacturers in the world. All the cabins and public spaces from the uppermost deck to the deck D will reflect the look and feel of the first Titanic except a new lower deck.

Some New Things to Know about Titanic 2 Ship   

There are some new things to know about Titanic 2 Ship replica among the interesting facts. The second Titanic ship may get a helipad on the aft deck, which was not there in the first Titanic. Passengers on Titanic the second may be provided with period costumes to let them have a feel of the Edwardian fashion of the time of the first Titanic. However, it is still under consideration.

The additional lower deck on Titanic 2 Ship is the new “Safety Deck” with a casino, a hospital, a theatre and a few shops. The theatre will have 400 seats. Moreover, the second Titanic Ship will house a gymnasium, a swimming pool and a smoking room for all passengers on board. Turkish bath with Edwardian décor will add to their entertainment ashore.

Other Interesting Facts about Titanic 2 Ship

Though Titanic 2 Replica resembles the 1912 Titanic in interior décor and external appearance, it is more efficient and stable than its predecessor. Equipped with high-tech navigational equipment and a diesel-electric propulsion system instead of steam engines in the original Titanic, the new Titanic Ship meets all modern safety requirements.

Titanic 2 Ship is said to accommodate more passengers and crew than the ill-fated Titanic. The replica of Titanic will embark on its maiden voyage from China to Dubai with 2435 passengers and 900 crew. Besides integrating modern-day evacuation systems, Titanic 2 Ship will have 2700 lifeboats on board for emergency, while only 1178 was the lifeboat strength of Titanic the first. The new Titanic will have 840 cabins across its three travel classes.

The 21^st century Titanic Ship will boast fireproof infrastructure and can withstand extreme atmospheric conditions. Estimated construction costs will range from $434 million to $578 million for the state-of-the-art technology.

Edwardian Dining Experience on Titanic 2 Ship 

What menu would be served to the passengers on board is one of the most interesting things to know about Titanic 2 Ship replica. It is said that dining on Titanic 2 would be a priceless experience of the Edwardian era. The guests on board will be treated to an 11-course menu, which will be designed by a team of 68 chefs.

• Course One: Oysters
• Course Two: Consommé Olga
• Course Three: Scottish Balik Salmon w Mousseline Sauce, Cucumber
• Course Four: Sauté of Chicken Lyonnaise, Vegetable Marrow Farcie, Parmentier Potatoes
• Course Five: Aberdeen Angus Filet Mignons Lili
• Course Six: Eye of Lamb Loin, Mint Sauce & Green Peas, Boiled New Potatoes
• Course Seven: Roast Duckling, Apple Sauce, Boiled Rice
• Course Eight: Punch Romaine
• Course Nine: Cold Asparagus Vinaigrette – Pate De Foie Gras
• Course Ten: Waldorf Pudding, French Ice Cream, Peaches en Chartreuse Jelly, Chocolate & Vanilla Éclair
• Course Eleven: English Stilton & Port Wine, Hors D’ Oeuvre Varies

The most-awaited Titanic II Ship will be launched in 2018 for its maiden voyage from China to Dubai. Currently it is under construction in China. This ambitious project – Titanic 2 – is titled “The Past is Present.” (Watch this video of a new Titanic model)

iEagle is the only travel agency to make flying to China and Dubai cheaper than ever with special airfare deals from airlines. Book your cheap flights to China and Dubai on iEagle.com.   

The post Titanic in 1912 vs Titanic 2 in 2018: Interesting Facts about Technology, Cabins, Dining, Costs appeared first on iEagle.com Travel Magazine.

No Alcohol without Liquor License

You need a liquor license to buy alcohol in Oman. The most interesting fact is that liquor license is issued to one based on one’s earnings. The value of the permit for alcohol purchase should be equal to 10% of your basic salary.

Oman Serves Coffee with Dry Dates

Oman produces the finest dates in the world. Evidently, the people of Oman are fond of dates. Serving coffee with dry dates is a cultural tradition, which is unique to the Omani hospitality. Interestingly, the Omani drink coffee in a hundred little sips. It is because they wish to continue chatting with friends and guests over coffee.

Oman has Over 8 Million Date Palms  

More than 8 million date palms dot the landscape of Oman. Dates are among the essential ingredients for traditional Omani dishes. Palms are used in weaving different useful things such as mat and baskets.

Oman has Women-only Bazaars  

Oman is the only Middle East country where women-only bazaars, called ‘souq’, are found. The Omani City of Ibra has a women-only bazaar, where the Omani women trade in everything from spices to handicraft to jewellery. It is a complete shopping hub for female travelers, where men are forbidden to hang around.

Omani Houses have Ornamented Doors

Oman is a land of ornamented doors. The flamboyantly painted and decorated doors of houses are among the most interesting things for photography in Oman. The main door of even a simple house boasts stunning beauty.

Omanis Breed Arab Horses for Livelihood    

Oman is the only country to breed Arab horses in the Middle East. Many Omani folks depend on breeding and trading of Arab horses for their livelihood.  It is believed that a horse reflects its master’s courage and physical strength.

Only Pepsi, no Coca Cola in Oman  

Do you know which non-alcoholic beverage brand is popular in Oman? It is Pepsi, which has left no space for Coca Cola. The locals are so fond of Pepsi’s Mountain Dew that it is called “Omani Alcohol”.

Oman is a Member of United Nations 

Oman joined the League of Arab States and the United Nations in 1971. Oman Tourism is an emerging niche and has a long way to go because the government removed roadblock for international tourists in the 1980s.

Know Why Oman is So White

Do you know why Oman is so white? It is because no official permission is required to paint homes white. People need to seek special permission to use other colors. Besides, the administration checks everything from foundation to painting several times when a house is under construction. In Oman, the most prominent colors are Green and Red which stand for Islam and Monarchy respectively.

Pay Fines for Dirty Vehicles in Oman 

Omani vehicles have left-hand drive, and vehicular honking is strictly prohibited. If the transport or traffic control authority finds any vehicle dirty, the vehicle owner has to pay a fine. Abundance of oil and no taxes have made transport cheaper in Oman. That’s why every other Omani owns a vehicle and public conveyance is sparse.

Green Turtles Lay Eggs on Omani Beaches

Among the most interesting things to see in Oman is a herd of green turtles in hundreds coming out of the ocean to breathe in the open air and lay eggs on Sharkiya Beach. Green turtles are hardly seen in any other part of the world.

Oman was a Portuguese Colony    

Oman was a Portuguese colony until it gained independence in 1651. It used to be the richest country in the Middle East. Incense trade was the biggest source of revenue for the country in the past.

Tipping is not a Usual Practice in Oman 

Tipping is not encouraged in Oman. It is one of the things to know about Oman before you visit Muscat. You may have to pay a small service charge at some luxurious restaurants in Muscat and other Omani cities, but tipping is hardly expected. Even taxi drivers do not take tips unless they help customers with their bags.

Oman Got Many Luxury Hotels in Short Time

Oman was infamous for poor hospitality till 1970 as there were no hotels. Since the government of Oman started welcoming tourists in the 1980s, hundreds of luxury hotels have come up in Oman over a short period of time.

Oman has Little Space for Terrorism and Crime   

Terrorism and crime in Oman are extremely rare according to the Global Terrorism Index (GTI) reports. As per the State Department Bureau of Diplomatic Security in the US, there is little space for violent crimes in Oman. Trivial theft is the only crime that frequently happens in Oman.

Oman Provides Unemployment Benefits 

Omanis are officially entitled to unemployment benefits from the government. The Omani government helps the unemployed financially and to get jobs in six months.

Oman has Over 500 Forts and Castles 

The architectural heritage of Oman consists of more than 500 forts, castles and watch towers. Oman’s urban infrastructure from residential buildings to seafront whitewashed resorts is immensely influenced by the Indian architectural style seen in the high society.

Oman is an Old & Good Friend of the United States 

Oman is among the best friends of the United States. Of the Gulf nations, Oman was the first to have recognized the US as an independent country. Among the American presidents, George H.W. Bush and Bill Clinton had visited Muscat. Oman has been on good terms with the United States for more than 200 years.

No Income Tax in Oman  

Omani residents pay no income tax on their salaries or earnings from self-employment. There is little taxation in this Gulf country. The government of Oman deducts a small amount from salaries only for social security services and for the unemployed.

Muscat Clock Tower is Oman’s Oldest Monument

The Muscat Clock Tower is the oldest tourist attraction among the things to see in Oman. The centuries-old Clock Tower in Muscat has witnessed the evolution of Oman into a modern country.

Travel Cheaper to Oman  

You can save big on your flights to Muscat International Airport by booking cheap airline tickets to Oman from USA online. iEagle.com is the only reputed and reliable travel agency to make you travel on the best flights to Oman for the lowest fares.

The post 20 Most Interesting Facts about Oman That Every Traveler Should Know appeared first on iEagle.com Travel Magazine.