- Well it has been a while that I have been away from my sites, and also from twitter. I had a lot of work on my hand to take care of away from web8:55 PM Oct 16th from web

- Especially over the past month it was very busy. I just came back from Berlin. I had a conference there it was a very busy 6 days. I’m home again.

- But took as usual loads a photos and learnt a lot about the city which hopefully I will be sharing on my site and here soon #Berlin #Germany

- I have to say that the history of the city #Berlin is full of wounds and scars.

- But getting back to my travel story telling. I think I’m going to pick up where I had left off which is the last couple of days of my trip to AZ

- I am at my twitter update on Day 8 of my trip to #Arizona which was the day I got to see for the first time The Grand Canyon. Magnificent!

- Well it was an early start that day I had to be ready at 6:30 AM for pick up by the bus tour guide operated by www.OpenRoadTours.com

- I didn’t book directly through them though. I did it through @ViatorTravel which is a company I trust their tour choice whenever I’m booking tours.

- It was an early start for a long day ahead. It was a whole day tour. Lots of stops which was great that our tour guide had lots of information.

- Luckily the lovely lady working at @ChaparralSuites serving breakfast made me an egg burrito to go when she saw me with my backpack. I was all ready to go.

- That gave me a good head start especially with the coffee and the loads of water that was provided by the tour for the long hot day ahead.

- http://twitpic.com/lro4v – And we were on the road and on our way to #Sedona, The Cameron trading Post, & The Grand Canyon.

- http://twitpic.com/lrpcg – First look at the red rock country. Just amazing scenery. #Arizona #Desert

- http://twitpic.com/lrqku – 1st stop tranquil #Sedona the weather was cooler here. #Arizona

- http://twitpic.com/lrrrb – I wouldn’t be a woman if a mall won’t catch my eye. Up Town Mall in #Sedona #Arizona

- http://twitpic.com/lrsnj – I just really loved this statue in the middle of the mall. #Sedona #Arizona

- http://twitpic.com/lrtpk – I wouldn’t be in Cowboys and Indian land unless I checked out some cowboy boots. #Sedona #AZ

- http://twitpic.com/lrvjk – Back on the road again. Just more amazing sights. #Arizona

- http://twitpic.com/lrwnh – Small ranches along the road. Tried to get a photo of the horses but missed it. #AZ

- http://twitpic.com/lryio – The historic “Cameron Trading Post” Gift Shop at the Navajo Indian Reservation. #Arizona

- http://twitpic.com/ls0ps – This lady in the gift shop weaving the carpet says she has orders from all over the world. She asked a dollar for the photo.

- Well continuing with my trip day 8… Last stop was Cameron Trading Post Gift Shop with the lady weaving the Indian carpet very lovely.about 2 hours ago from web

- http://twitpic.com/n6jg9 – I loved the colors and graphs on these Indian carpets.

- http://twitpic.com/n6kri – First sight of the canyons of The Grand Canyon.

- http://twitpic.com/n6lqe – First stop and view “The Watchtower”.

- http://twitpic.com/n6mq5 – First panoramic view of The Grand Canyon #Arizona it was just breathtaking.

- http://twitpic.com/n6nua – The other side of the panoramic view of The Grand Canyon #Arizona #grandcanyon

- http://twitpic.com/n6otp – You can see the river running in the middle of the #GrandCanyon #Arizona

- http://twitpic.com/n6pyj – The Watchtower at the first stop in The #GrandCanyon tour #Arizona

- http://twitpic.com/n6rcn – 2nd stop at The Bright Angel Lodge and #GrandCanyon Village.

- http://twitpic.com/n6se6 – view from just the back of the lodge. See the smoke from the forest fire at that time. #GrandCanyon #AZ

- http://twitpic.com/n6um1 – Finally it was time to eat. Choose The Bright Angel Restaurant.

- http://twitpic.com/n6voe – To start with a nice prickly fruit cooling drink. #GrandCanyon #Arizona

- http://twitpic.com/n6xha – Nice big and hearty chili bowl. It was delicious. #GrandCanyon #Arizona

- w/ that my camera battery died that was after ive taken tons of photos & videos which will B posted soon on my flickr acct 4 all 2 C.

- after exploring the village it was time to head back to #Phoenix which was a long ride with one coffee and whatever stop. Small naps on bus

- Finally I was in my room and out of my shoes wiggling my toes. After a small rest went to the hotel restaurant and had just fires and drinks

- I was more than ready for my hot shower and bed. It was the best feeling ever just snuggling in after a wonderful day.

- With that I have come to the end of my day then and now. Read you all tomorrow…. Write to you soon…

Time to recall the happenings of day 7 of my trip to #AZ. Which again was very eventful it was a day dedicated to explore the #Phoenix area.7:21 PM Aug 20th from web

So I started the day with a great hearty American breakfast eggs, pancakes, OJ, & coffee which were complimentary of the @ChaparralSuites Yamm!

I liked that it was different from the usual breakfast buffet that we usually get offered in hotels.

I sat there at my breakfast table and brought with me all the brochures and activity magazines of the area to try to find out what to do.

I tore out all the places I was interested in going to. The most important to me was that I needed to see #Tempe because it was where I was born.

Now I had to decide on transportation and for that I needed the internet to plan out the route and the means of transportation. I found it!

Going back to day seven of my trip which I got cut off a few days ago. I had stopped when I needed to find transportation for the day. about 13 hours ago from web

I found it searching the net when I got back to my room on this site http://www.valleymetro.org Public Transportation Greater Phoenix Area.

An all day pass if you get it from a station or a station vending machine it costs $3.50 and on-board bus costs $5.25 including “light rail”

Torn pages of places I want to see in hand, a plan for transportation in hand; I was out to start my sightseeing day.

http://twitpic.com/f67qh – My first stop #Scottsdale Road the main street in downtown Scottsdale #AZ

http://twitpic.com/f68fn – The view of #Scottsdale Rd. from beside the hotel entrance side walk.

http://twitpic.com/f6929 – The beginning of “The Fashion Square” #Scottsdale downtown area.

http://twitpic.com/f69ps – They had cupcakes one of the best #Sprinkles #BeverlyHills shop.

http://twitpic.com/f6adg – One of the best things that downtown #Scottsdale offers is their free trolley which operated from 11 am till 6 pm

http://twitpic.com/f6b3t – I took the #Scottsdale trolley to get to the main bus station “Loloma Transit Center”

http://twitpic.com/f6bpw – seeing #Tempe for the first time where I was born.

http://twitpic.com/f6c9v – Main station #Tempe waiting to catch the light rail to go to downtown #Phoenix

http://twitpic.com/f6cyf – Finally reached downtown #Phoenix

In #Phoenix there are museums to be seen. I will be talking about all the main attractions in Phoenix in a more detailed blog post later on.

http://twitpic.com/f6e8b – After seeing #Phoenix it was time to head back to #ASU #Tempe campus and sight see the area.

http://twitpic.com/f6ev3 – On these grounds was where my father studied at #ASU #Tempe its so weird to imagine him when he was that young.

http://twitpic.com/f6g5z – The main hub of #Tempe is #Mill Ave. It is where you will find all of #ASU hanging around enjoying the shops and restaurants.

http://twitpic.com/f6gwz – I go all the way to #Tempe #Mill Ave. just to end up eating #Turkish Food at “Med Fresh Grill”

http://twitpic.com/f6hls – The food at “Med Fresh Grill” Mill Ave. #Tempe was great, plentiful, and cheap. Great value for money.

After browsing #Tempe and the #ASU campus along with Mill Ave. especially after a long day under the burning heat of a very sunny day.

I actually had to place my bandana in cold water & wear it on my head just to try to cool off from time to time with a lot of water drinking.

At the end with a bet of heat exhaustion and a bet of a sun stroke it was time to head back to the hotel and call it a day. Got tanned too.

http://twitpic.com/f6jhr – Chilling @ChaparralSuites with a great cold beverage at hand and relaxing at the resort calling it a day.

With that I came to the end of day 7 of my trip to #Arizona and my day here today… time for some shut eye… write to you soon.. Happy #TT

Its time to write up day 6 of my trip to #Arizona. It wasn’t filled like the day before. Some highlights. It was kind of all about shopping.

I packed and loaded up the car and left after buying a big cup of coffee, powdered doughnuts and gas from a gas station. #Phoenix here I come.

I had to get there before they charge me more on my rental car. I was able to reach my booked hotel and then head straight to the airport.

Never go before you fill up the tank they charged me $6.99 a gallon. What’s nice is that the hotel has a complimentary shuttle bus you call.

Just go to the hotel information board with the phone and look for their number, and tell them which terminal you’re at for pick up.

http://twitpic.com/e5nst – I stayed at The Chaparral Suites Resort #Scottsdale #Arizona

http://twitpic.com/e5ojm – I was surprised that it actually was a full suite with a kitchenette, sitting room, and a spacious bedroom.

http://twitpic.com/e5pcs – The sitting area at Chaparral Suites Resort Scottsdale. It’s not fancy but comfortable.

http://twitpic.com/e5qan – The bedroom at Chaparral Suites Resort #Scottsdale which also has a safe box that fits your laptop computer inside.

http://twitpic.com/e5r7b – The view outside my suite at Chaparral Suites resort Scottsdale. They have a complimentary breakfast and complimentary drinks at happy hour.

They also offer if their shuttle van isn’t needed for an airport pick up they can drop you off anywhere in the downtown #Scottsdale area.

http://twitpic.com/e5sqj – I asked to be dropped off at women paradise land the famous high end shops “Fashion Square” Mall #Scottsdale.

Walked till I saw or passed by all the shops adding to a long wish list in my mind. I enjoyed browsing the book at “Borders” book store too

After hours it was time to rest what better than while watching a movie at the mall theater. I choose “GI JOE The Rise of The Cobra” fun!

After the movie my mind was already set for dinner on “Rusty Spur Saloon” in old town Scottsdale. It was loads of fun with country music singing.

With that I conclude my day 6 of my trip and tonight as well. Good night everyone… write to you soon…

- Well its time to catch up on day 5 of my trip. I woke a bet overwhelmed because I wanted to see #Tucson and had a day and a half to do so.

- There was a travel book on #Tucson in the hotel. So I flipped through it. I mainly was interested in seeing landscapes & desert plants of AZ

- I found what I was looking for and a few extra. In #Tucson there are 2 major parks “The Catalina State Park” and “The Tucson Mountain Park”

- More importantly there was “Saguaro National Park”. Which had the Desert Plants landscape and it is a national preservation area as well.

- I am always interested in unique old building architectures and historic sites that lead to choose to see “San Xavier Indian Reservation”

- My last choice for the day was going to be near sunset to be able to enjoy the panoramic view of #Tucson was the scenic ride up Mont. Lemmon

- I marked everything with the plan route on my trusted paper map. I was set to go. First breakfast, it had to be a real western breakfast.

- I went to Denny’s had a nice waitress who called me honey & got the lumber jack special. I was only able to eat 1/2 of it but it was hearty.

- My plan was to go west… then down south… then east… then come back down the mountain in time to see a movie… then calls it a day.

http://twitpic.com/e1vx5 – My first stop heading towards “Saguaro National Park West”

- The frustrating part was that along the road there were no good areas to stop the car to get the great shots I was interested in, I managed.

http://twitpic.com/e1yek – I took loads of photos as much as I can at “Saguaro National Park” west #Tucson #AZ

- I will be uploading all my trip photos soon to my account on flickr.

- After I reached the end of the park I turned back made more stops, took more photos, and started to head south to The Indian Reservation.

http://twitpic.com/e217j – I was interested in one building “Mission San Xavier” which building began in 1783 and finished in 1797

http://twitpic.com/e233w – Inside the building “Mission San Xaviar” #Tucson #Arizona

- After walking around checking out the local craft shops that had great silver jewelry. It was time to head back to the city & take a break.

- After a late quick lunch and the cold drink break it was time to head north east to Mont. Lemmon up to the top curvy road drive.

http://twitpic.com/e25qo – The scenic curvy road drive up to the top of “Lemmon Mountain” #Tucson #AZ

http://twitpic.com/e26pp – The skyline panoramic view of #Tucson #AZ city below from “Lemmon Mountain”

http://twitpic.com/e29ae – Finally at 8000 feet reached the top to #Summerhaven Village at Mont. Lemmon #AZ

- The weather was much cooler on top of the mountain than below in the city. It was nice to walk around take a nice break after the long drive

- The sun was about to set and I didn’t want to drive down the very curvy road to the city in the dark so started to head back. Enjoyed view.

- I started the drive and annoyed some of the drivers because I wouldn’t go fast. I was scared to tip over to be honest when going into curves

- I was down before it got really dark and was able to get to the movie theater in time to see “Harry Potter and The Half Blood Prince”

- I sat and my head was still spinning from the long drives all day. It was nice to sit back and relax with pop corn and a big cold drink.

- By the time I was in my room I was more than ready to sleep with my day cloths on. With that I conclude my day 5 of my trip and tonight too.

- I hope you enjoyed the photos on my twitpic page. More soon. Goodnight and good luck … write to you soon.

- Well back from the road. I had a hard time for a few days with finding a good Internet connection to last my attention span before I gave up about 24 hours ago from web

- I am glad to see the Su.pr kept my twitter busy and still got some visits to my site when I was totally away from Internet.

- I am going to recap a bet on my activities when I was missing in action for the past 8 days. the last post on my site was Aug 6 09

- I was preparing to go to #Tucson that day. And I did, I rented a car. Man! it was great to be back on the wheel again, its been a year.

- Always ask for a small economy car you save on gas in the US and in Arizona you really need a car to get around to all the scattered places.

- http://twitpic.com/dsze9 – It felt great to touch the wheel again and to go out on the open road from #Phoenix to #Tucson great drive.

- http://twitpic.com/dt0ce – This is me trying to catch the image of my rental car on the back of this very shiny truck while driving. Dangerous!

- http://twitpic.com/dt1hy – I opened the radio and found a station playing country music. I thought to my self “Perfect!” goes with #AZ

- You really can get lost in your thoughts in a road like that and clear your mind. Take the Route #AZ 143 South 1 and 1/2 hour desert drive.

- But it was hard to concentrate on the drive once the unique #Arizona Saguaro Cactus started to appear. People probably thought I was drunk.

- #Arizona really has unique desert plants different than what’s in KSA desert but they did have Barshomy there too drank cactus juice conc.

- All in all it was a good drive a bet sunny but with the car AC felt tolerable. Till I got to #Tucson and Map Quest directions got me lost.

- I was determined to only use the maps given by the car rental co. & use the directions of Map Quest, but at the end bought a map for $4.50

- That’s after driving around in circles for more than an hour. I got feed up and gave in to get a real map. Which as turned out needed later.

- Ok, to cont with the events of Aug 6 (Day 4 of the trip). I finally got the paper map and asked directions from a nice lady in @Walgreens.

- I had before I left #Phoenix made reservations online at an @applestore with a genius bar @ La Encantada Mall at #Tucson to fix my MacBook.

- My MacBook had been down for a few months and I didn’t want to take it to any one in #Jeddah they didn’t have the same kind of support.

- But having bought the apple care when I bought my MacBook which turned out its a must. In one hour my MacBook was fixed and I took with me.

- I love that @applestore is located at a mall like LaEncantada http://bit.ly/hzAfs I had time to get Gelato at Frost http://bit.ly/qYL1K

- http://twitpic.com/dx95g – While waiting for my MacBook to get fixed I walked around & explored La Encantada Mall #Tucson

- http://twitpic.com/dxatf – The view from where I was sitting eating my delicious gelato at Frost “The Best of The City”

- By the time I was ready to go it was sunset and the drive on Skyline Drive looking at #Tucson below was stunning. I had wished I could stop.

- But I was getting tired and more than ready to get to #Courtyard #Tucson Hotel which was easier to get to with the paper map in hand.

- http://twitpic.com/dxdli – Finally I saw the bed which I was so glad to see and really happy to be able to call it a day.

- http://twitpic.com/dxfgb – The room at Courtyard #Tucson Williams Centre http://bit.ly/ErqSW love their comfy beds.

- With that I conclude day 4 of my trip and also my day here. Good night everyone or good morning depends on where you are. Write to you soon.

- Checking out China Town “Cultural Center” in #Phoenix #AZ , their website http://www.phxchinatown.com I can see it from the window now7:26 PM Aug 5th

- Good morning twitter world from #Phoenix #Arizona, Weather partly cloudy 38oC feels like 37oC, UV index 3 moderate, Humidity 22%, WSW 10km/h7:31 PM Aug 5th

- I am jet lagged woke up 8 hrs ago at local time 2 am. That is bad! I am going to try to hold strong and not sleep early tonight to fix it.7:33 PM Aug 5th

- Its 10 hrs difference between here #Phoenix and #Jeddah , time here now is 9:35 am where its 7:35 pm in Jeddah 7:36 PM Aug 5th

- The first thing I saw on TV when I opened it today I found two news, one is a good ending, The return of the two female American journalists7:42 PM Aug 5th

- Brought back by former president Bill Clinton after they were held in North Korea and sentenced to 12 years of hard labor the other news 7:47 PM Aug 5th

- Is a woman hater who went into a woman dance class yesterday and started shooting at a Pittsburgh health club which he was a member killed 37:53 PM Aug 5th

- That’s why I usually try to avoid opening the news in the US. That man had a blog where he hinted to his plans in someway. That is scary.7:57 PM Aug 5th

- RT @EverywhereTrip: Backing up your photos on the road http://su.pr/1iZYIe8:40 PM Aug 5th

- Great post if you are a travel photographer, RT @EverywhereTrip: Backing up your photos on the road http://su.pr/1iZYIe8:41 PM Aug 5th

- Watching “The Kite Runner” on TV, I ve been wanting to see this movie since it came out but never got around to see it, same with the book .about 20 hours ago

- @DonatiFamily its on Show Time right now. Its really good very emotional. Great directing.about 20 hours ago

- Can’t twitter much… its as hot and sunny here as in Jeddah Saudi Arabia just not humid as in Jeddah…

- I am really excited about this trip.. It’s the first time I see the city I was born in since I was a small child. I don’t remember anything.

- I have loads of work tomorrow need a really good night sleep… so signing off… write to you soon.

- Well Good Morning from #Istanbul !! I just arrived took a hotel supposedly near the airport but took 20 min to get there.

- First the free shuttle bus to the hotel has specific hours it starts from 7-9 then 11-1 of course didn’t know, I arrive no bus bec it was 9:10

- then had to take a taxi who didn’t know where the hotel was or so he says went up and down streets tell I saw the hotel and pointed it out

- he could have just taken the highway and we could have gotten there faster. I ended up paying 24 TYL instead of what should have been 15 TYL

- The Holiday Inn airport north hotel is a very comfortable hotel but in the middle of nowhere. Construction on one side & a highway on other

- Friendly staff. free cable Internet service. spacious rooms. I think they said they have shuttle bus to take to city center at specific hrs

- Very clean not much view from the room. No walking distance to cheaper lunch around. U will need a car to get to anywhere. Quick service

- I haven’t slept on the plane from #Jeddah to #Istanbul. Will place the dark shutters and sleep. Have early flight tomorrow morning.

- The airport was busy lots of tourist coming & leaving #Istanbul. I always come at quieter times. Summer very crowded airport with busy buses

- #TurkishAirlines were very helpful bec I am still in crutches. Very fast wheelchair service and helpful staff till the pickup area outside.

- Here in Istanbul its 11:23 am, weather partly cloudy, temp 29oC, UV index 6 high, humidity 48%, with wind NE 16km/h

- AC is on… the room is cool… dark shutters are closed… the bed with soft pillows is calling… write to you soon…

- I am trying to learn #Turkish and this is “A brief history of The Turkish Language” post http://su.pr/5TAkGc

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- http://twitpic.com/cmxwq – The view from window at the Holiday Inn Airport North #Istanbul, Good that I have a lot work today and have t …

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- http://twitpic.com/cmy4f – The view from my window this is the middle view.

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- http://twitpic.com/cmydw – But very comfortable bed and yes soft pillows @holidayinn

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- http://twitpic.com/cmynp – I am twittering @holidayinn #Istanbul and feeling hungry after my long nap.

- OK should I go down and have dinner or just order in room service. I have loads of work to finish before I leave tomorrow. hmmm

- Thinking room service and later for a drink or lobby watching. My favorite in room service order is usually a club sandwich for some reason

- What is your favorite room service order twitter world?

- Great free cable Internet connection here @holidayinn #Istanbul loving it.

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- http://twitpic.com/cnaxy – Changed my regular room service order from a club sandwich to Spaghetti Bolognaise @holidayinn #IST yummy…

- Getting tired, called for a wake up call, placed my own phone to ring. Good night everyone from here #Istanbul 22:20.. time to sign off..

Stay connected with me here and/or on twitter while I am on the road. I am @funlilliy and this is my twitpic.

That’s it for now…

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Write to you soon…