Touring Alexandria |
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©1998 John H. Reiher Jr. |
[From the Royal Egyptian Travel Ministry Pamphlet: Great Tours of the Pharaoh's Kingdom]
...and no trip is not complete unless you end it in the Eternal City of Alexandria. Long the home of the Pharaohs, it became the center of the known world when Queen Cleopatra sealed her marriage to Julius Caesar. Their son, Caesarian, went on to become the Emperor of Rome, Pharaoh of the Upper Nile, Pharaoh of the Lower Nile. Thus wedded together, the two world powers swept aside the Persian menace, pacified the Germanic tribes, and stood at the edge of the world, nose to nose with empire of Chin.
Alexandria boasts many treasures, the restored Lighthouse of Alexandria, and its world famous libraries. Here the treasures of Homer, Plato, Moses, and other ancient writers are kept. Historians flock here to see what are the only copies of ancient works in existence. Many of these works are available in the Library of Alexandria Bookstore Annex at quite reasonable prices.
Beyond the historical portion of Alexandria, there is the present day city. Still the seat of government of Rome and Egypt, a mere shadow of the height of empire that once was, it is the center, the hub, of relations between Europan and Oriental nations. The Congregation of Nations stands proudly on the shores of the Mediterranean Sea. At the CN, the Pharaoh oversees the trials and tribulations of his fellow leaders, and offers advice on how to solve peacefully those conflicts that arise, lest Pharaoh marches in and let loose the awful Power of Ra upon the quarreling parties, destroying cities with a single blow.
In Alexandria proper, you'll find many markets, with the goods and products from all over the world here, as well as the products of Pharaoh's own creation. Food that receives Pharaoh's blessing lasts longer, and is less prone to spoil or rot. Miraculous devices that pull the Pharaoh's voice from the very firmament, and a new altar, that brings the living face of Pharaoh into your own living room. All these can be purchased for a mere pittance.
There are plenty of inns and hostels in Alexandria, so a place to sleep will be the least of your worries. The Hostel Alexandria is a grand place to stay if you have the dinera...
Abidjan, the Jewel of West Africa |
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©1998 John-Paul Ferguson |
The first thing that usually strikes the first-time visitor to Abidjan is the quiet. While residents of Communist countries throughout the multiverse, from China to Mexico, may be used to seeing thousands of people commuting on bicycles, residents of more industrialized nations are often disoriented by the sight. The clean, peaceful "swish" of bicycle traffice, in lieu of the noise of thousands of automobiles, is just one of the delights of this, the capital of the West African Federation.
When the Popular Communist Regime came to power in France in 1948 and repudiated all French colonial possessions (as "imperialist embarassments"), the capital of the West African Federation was designated to be built in Dakar, in the old colony of Senegambia. When Senegambia refused to join the Federation, however, the capital was relocated to Abidjan, capital of the old Cote d'Ivoire colony. With the unification of Guine, Cote d'Ivoire, Dahomey, Togo, Volta, and the fertile southern parts of Soudan and Mali, the original WAF was born. In the following decade, Abidjan would gain international reknown as the flourishing capital of Africa's most prosperous independent state.
It was during its second decade as a national capital that Abidjan began to shed its parochial French feel and take on the image of a true "Cosmopolitan" city. In 1957, the newly-independent Ghana was added as the WAF's first anglophone district, and the incorporation of Lusophone Guine-Bissau in 1964 meant that, in addition to its 32 official tribal languages, the WAF spoke three of the West's major languages. Abidjan's deep harbor and location on the Gulf of Guinea made it a perfect nexus for the Africa trade, and the "foreign quarters" of the city are to this day a source of wonderful culture and cuisine (Ogoni cuisine, today so popular in the United States and Europe, came to the West by way of seamen staying in Abidjan).
The sheer breadth and agricultural diversity of the WAF meant that, even before the country began to industrialize in the early 1970s, the economy would stay strong and stable based on its export crops. To this day, the WAF has prospered while the smaller nations around it--Sierra Liberia to the West, and Nigeria, Biafra and Hausaland to the East--have struggled. The WAF's "Afro-Socialist" regime, never particularly harsh, has steadily eased restrictions on liberty and private business since the late 1970s, and today the WAF Franc is held as a reserve currency by no less than 30 nations around the world.
All that is noble and bright in the WAF can seem to be found in Abidjan. If one were to stand in the Plaza of the OAU HQ (located here since 1965) and turn around one time, you could see the sweep of post-colonial Africa writ large before you. Down by the docks are ships flying the many flags of free Africa--The EAC, Rhodesia, KwaZulu-Natal, the NANU, Mozambique, and others. Less than a mile away is the industrial district of Abidjan, where daily shipments of cocoa, groundnuts, titanium, and circuit boards leave the country for destinations around the world. At your feet you would see the old city center, today a thriving tourist district where Western (and some Eastern) vacationers gather by the thousands to sample the rich pageant of African culture, represented here in the WAF.
So, come see Abidjan, where East meets West--and North, and South!
Only for the Brave |
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©1998 Thomas R. Keith |
For the hardcore tourist of Africa, whose love of history exceeds his fear of roaming Dervishes and scarce medical care, you can't beat the Mahdiya! See the tomb of the Mahdi himself, shorn by British artillery during their defeat at Omdurman and restored in 1902.
Explore Khartoum, and witness the monument erected in 1911 by chivalrous Khalifa Bakhiri ibn Abdullah to Charles "Chinese" Gordon, an effervescence of brick matched only by the obelisk dedicated to Hector Macdonald and his ill-fated Sudanese, destroyed on the "Day of Glory", Sep. 2, 1898. Speaking of that date, the tourist who doesn't mind off-season travel should plan to arrive around September 2 to witness the greatest festival in Sudan and North Africa, with massed dancing and mock cavalry clashes, followed by a night of prayers at the Omdurman mosque. You'll build memories that will last a lifetime (although not with cameras; photographs are forbidden on pain of imprisonment).
When you make plans this summer, don't just drag out the old maps of Yellowstone or the Black Hills. Remember the Mahdiya, a wondrous land, but only for the brave!
Addis Abeba, Italian East Africa |
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©1999 Paulo Ramalheira |
Addis Abeba is a lively and cosmopolitan city in the highlands of Italian East Africa. It offers all of the convieniences of a European city with the charm of Africa. It has been capital of Italy's East African empire since the conquest of Ethiopia in 1935-36. In the 1940s the city began a period of rapid expansion as large numbers of settlers began arriving from Italy Albania and the Aegean Islands. During this time the colony benefitted greatly as did the mother country from Mussolini's neutrality in World War II. The building boom that began in this period continues unabated and the skyline is full of cranes. It is a major manufacturing centre with textiles and food processing being the largest industries. Today the city has a population of over 3 million over one-third of these are Europeans which makes it home to about one-quarter of the colony's whites. There are also large numbers of arabs and asians in the city, they are mainly vendors and have their own enclaves.
The city is comprised of several unique neighbourhoods, undeniably the most elegant is the Villa Aosta (named after the Duke of Aosta a viceroy in the 30s and 40s), located in the northwest section of the city. It is a series of streets that extend from the jacaranda-lined Via Umberto II. This is the premier shopping area and could be right out of Milan. Upscale boutiques full of Versace, Fendi, Valentino and other famous names abound, with upscale prices to match. Also here are the best hotels among them the Hotel Regina Margherita fashioned after a 16th century palazzo, but for those with more contemporary tastes there is the ultra-modern, but no less luxurious Majestico.
Nearby is an area of the city known as the Palazzo because it is here that the Palazzo Viceregale (Viceregal Palace), which is the official residence of the Viceroy stands. Before the conquest it was the home of the Imperial family of Ethiopia. This area of the city is the bureaucratic as well as buisiness centre of the city, it is also the most modern and sky-scrapers abound. The tallest being of the Banca di Africa Orientale. Most foreign consulates and missions are located here. Of note is the Piazza Mussolini, an eliptical shaped square where the massive new city hall building is located as well as an exact replica of the church of Santa Maria di Maggiore in Rome, offering a unique contrast.
Addis Abeba's Italo Balbo airport is a major hub in Africa being served by Alitalia, British Airways, Lufthansa and most othere major European carriers, connecting it to points in all over the world. It is about 15km from the city centre and easily on a new highway. It also serves internal flights to Mogadicio, Mussolinia, Villa Badoglio, Asmara, Massua and other cities. Linee Aerea Imperiale offers excellent and well priced services and is one of the best ways to travel the country, although road and rail services are also good.
Cape To Cairo:
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2000® Gareth Perkins |
The Trans-African Imperial line allows one to view the finer points of the British Empires' African colonies and protectorates with all the luxury and splendour of royalty. Ever since 1892, when the last length of track was laid down, the journey has attracted some of Europe's' most influential people. These have included Chancellor Bismarck, King Maxmillian II of Austria and Speaker Mussolini, the most memorable however is the tour taken by Queen Victoria during her Diamond Jubilee.
Arriving at Cape Town, whether by airship or passenger airplane, personal automobiles are ready to take you from the airfield to the station. Once one has had time to have some tea and settle for an amazing journey, the train begins. Gliding through the countryside of the Cape Colony it is hard to believe the track was laid over 100 years ago. A sign 'Boer Vrystaat' reveals you are now entering the Boer protectorate, the Boers became part of the empire when seeking protection from Zulu tribes in 1877. They have limited autonomy and continue to live much like their agrarian ancestors. In Pretoria statues of British heroes and monarchs, past and present, confirm the reputation that they are one of the most loyal people under the crown. As the train heads for Salisbury a choice avails itself, whether or not to take a side trip to see the fabulous Victoria falls.
Whether one does or not, one will not be wanting for food, the Trans-African Imperial line has the finest Franco-Spanish chefs in the world. Hours before reaching Salisbury one can see the statue of the great 'empire builder' himself, Cecil Rhodes and one ponders would all this be possible were it not for his foresight. Once in the city it is easy to see why it is known as the London of Africa, it is sophisticated, stylish and the architecture is grand and magnificent. Here one can find out if Oregon or the Malay States will face Britain in the cricket and sip the finest Ceylonese tea. The magnificence of Lake Nyasa is breathtaking and can be seen from large windows in each cabin. It is a first class view, but that is understandable as there is no second class on the Trans-African Imperial line.
Arriving at Dar-es-Saleem one can easily see why it is one of the most exotic of the empires' possessions. The culture here is strongly Islamic, along with German influences left behind by the failed North German Confederations colonial administration. Take a tour to the island of Zanzibar, see a mosque and venture through the markets looking for a bargain, but be wary of pickpockets and tricksters. Traveling to Nairobi one can see the snow capped peaks of Kilimanjaro that mark the halfway point of the journey and sometimes see glimpses of wildlife. Nairobi is the most important city in east Africa, the Jamaa mosque and the Holy Family Cathedral are grand sights to see. Additionally game parks operate around Nairobi and a fortunate hunter may find he need to find room for a tiger pelt or ivory within his luggage.
Onto Fashoda to see the place when Lord Kitchener fought Franco-Spanish Captain Marchand in 1898. Nearly dragging the British Empire into the Rhineland War (1895-1899) to fight France and Austria and aid the North German Confederation. However later that year the Franco-Spanish suffered the Syndicalist revolution, ending the fighting. Next stop Khartoum, where General Gordon ruled in the later part of last century. One can still see his memorial in front of the governors' mansion, a small plaque tells of his efforts in stopping the Taiping rebellion in British Chinese possessions. Into the land of the Pharaohs with the rich verdant river Nile on the one side and the bleak barren wastes of the Sahara on the other. As one travels up the Nile one can see the fine colossi of Abu Simel, the ruins at Luxor, the pyramids of Khufu and the Great Sphinx. They serve both as reminders to the once great Egyptian empire and British rule as they are guarded by Indian Sepoys.
Once one has arrived in Cairo flights to London and other major cities are easily arranged, or one may choose to sail to Constantinople in British Turkey, the possibilities are endless. The trip takes approximately 11 days and for only 300 pounds it is well in the reach of any modern English gentleman.
Carthage, Lord of Sky and Sea |
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2000® David K. Tormsen |
Welcome to the greatest civilisation in the world, the Carthaginian
Empire. We welome tourists from all over the multiverse to see
result of 2800 years of expansion and adancement.
The Empire extends over the entire Mediterranian, West Europe,
Africa down to the Congo, Eastern North America and New Zealand.
Other areas belong to the Qinese, Parthians, Mayans, Tiahuanacons,
Hunnish, and the Guptans. We have been at peace with all of the
above since the end of World War IV, over 75 years ago.
When the Romans were conquered by Hannibal's army in 217 BC nothing stood between the Carthaginians and complete domination of the Mediterranian. Within 200 years, Greece, Gaul, Egypt and Phoenicia were in Carthaginian control. Several wars with the Goths, Britons and Parthians resulted in the next few years, but the Carthaginians began to become a trading and exploring culture, not conquering.
Trade boats reached India, China, and the New World. The Carthaginian advances in boats and mapping spread all over the world, and empires begans began to expand into unclaimed or ill-guarded areas for fear of them being taken by others. The World became smaller.
The first real proof that international relations was reaching new heights was during the great Depression of the 250's. In order to repel barbarian invasion, the Great Wall of China was extended westward, to include Parthia and Carthage in it's protective shell.
These defences paid off for most civilisations when the Hunnish invasions of the 4th century were repelled. These invaders settled down and remained as feudal states until unified in the 12th century.
Thus, most major empires survived relatively intact to this day.
This world has developed into an advanced one, with trans-atmospheric planes, solar power and moon/mars/europa colonies. However, the automobile hasn't been widely used on this world.The city streets are mainly walkways with mag-lev train tracks connecting them with other cities. This, and solar power has left this planet with a reputation for cleanliness.
Buddhism, Zorastrianism, Baalism and Kukulcan are the major religons on this world. For Muslim and Christian visitors, there have been some mosques and churches set up, but be prepared for a few jokes.
The ITA pound is useful throughout this world, though not as valuable as local currency. The Carthage Lydia and the Mayan Cassava are worth the most on this world, with the Inca, Shang, and Darius somewhere in the middle. The Hunnish Khan is useless in this world, even within the Hunnish League.
Unofficial Note: The Remu Denarii is illegal on this world, but worth it's weight in platinum. Get it in, and you'll be set for life.
Phoenician - Useful almost anywhere, excepting the most rustic
areas
Qinese - The main asia and australasian language, widely spoken
Persian - Essential if travelling in the more backward nations
of Central Asia
Mayan - The main language of the America's is known only in the
biggest cities of Europe, Africa and Asia.
The legal system on this world is mostly similiar to the standard
(don't kill, don't steal, etc) of most worlds. 2000 years of inter-cultural
relations has fased out most of the more peculiar laws present
on some other worlds (Don't mow the lawn on a Saturday, don't
go to a barber after 2pm, etc.)
The only real different law is that you must smile at least once
a day (I'm not joking, it's on the books). Failure to meet this
requirement will result in execution.
Empire : The most used form of government, it has been a rather benevolant form to totalirian government ever since the destruction of the Imperial Palace of Carthage in 1705 AD by rioting mobs. The power is held by the people, as any imperial decision must have the support of at least 50% of the population.
Republic : The power is held by the Senate, which goes through a public election every 20 years. This form of power is pretty benevolant, as the Senate is also answerable to the Leader, who is elected every 10 years. This system works pretty well on this world.
Kingdom: Used in some of the smaller poorer nations to help boost national morale with one leader. The people have little say in the running of the country, and that suits them fine. They have other, more pressing problems to deal with (like staying alive)
Social Democracy: A new form of government on this world, introduced by the Communaute globale. Only one country, the Parthian Republics, is currently using this form of government, but it is starting the spread.
There are a number of good tourist locations on this world. Here is what you'll find in Carthage
Carthage :- As the great statue of Hannibal astride his war elephant towers over the city, you can't help but wonder how this city grew to such a marvel. Clean streets, great food, and the best hotels on this world, the Aenas Hotel. Other sights include the Allegiance of Nations (AN) building, the Carthage University that cloned the first dinosaur, and the Titannium stadium where the gladiator battles are held.
The people of this world welcome you and hope to see you soon.
A Quick Guide to the African
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©2000 Russell Nel |
Officially instituted on April 13 1914, the African Territorial Commonwealth began as a simple nonaggression pact between the Union of South Africa, German South-West Africa, and Mozambique in reaction to the so-called "War to end all wars". By 1918, the ATC had expanded to include both Botswana and Rhodesia, unifying into a solid political body.
Over the next sixty years the Commonwealth grew physically, politically and economically, until by 1980 it constituted of over two thirds of the African continent. Even now, the Commonwealth has a waiting list of nine applicants for membership and five protectorates. Estimates indicate that by 2015 the ATC with encompass the entire continent, with a significant number of holdings in the Middle East as well. Amazingly this mishmash of peoples, cultures and beliefs coalesced with practically no conflict or strife, despite a bewildering forty three separate languages and dialects. Visitors to any region of the ATC need not worry, the state free education program ensures that all citizens are fluent in either English or French as well as their home language.
The first place anyone should visit in the ATC is the capital city in the Transvaal province. Johannesburg, The City of Gold, Gold Reef City. Only a few cities in the world boast as many names that describe them so well. Immediately visible is Central Park, a massive parkland seven kilometres across, around which the city itself is centered. Using its experience in mining techniques, Johannesburg has developed a subway maglev system that is unmatched in efficiency and sheer size. Every day over eighty percent of the city's population shuttle back and forth on this mass transit system, which can easily hold double its current load. With its distinctive brown & red concrete and gold mirrored architecture, Johannesburg is truly Egoli, City of Gold.
The next stop should be Cape Town, the Mother City, located at the very tip of the continent. One can hike up the famous Table Mountain or visit the Africa Space Corp Facilities. Here you can view the record breaking Gateway space station (1965-1982) which was dismantled and shuttled back to Earth during the construction of the international space station: Stepping Stone. Doubtless, if you're staying for more than a few days, you will be able to witness one of the weekly Star Shuttle launches from the Cape Point, one in three of which is a spectacular night lift off.
Moving up the east coast you will come to another of the ATC's great cities. Durban - the Crystal City, named so because of its unrivaled production of synthetic organized lattice crystals, a great deal of which is used in the beachfront hotels, causing the entire shoreline to seemingly gleam a cold fire when viewed from space.
Any eager nature lovers should seriously consider a trip to the island of Madagascar, the thirteenth state which joined the Commonwealth in 1942. Over ninety five percent of the island has been maintained in its natural state, one of the largest such nature preserves on the planet. Guide tours are available at several dozen outlets and for the true enthusiasts, over a hundred major hiking trails await.
Other cities of note include Salisbury, Dar es Salaam and of course, Cairo. No other city has a history as long and wide reaching as the city where the Pharoahs held court in ancient times. While still relatively unindustrialized in basic appearances, the city can rival any other in the world for modern technology and requirements, though this is not readily visible to outside eyes. Monuments such as the pyramids and the Sphinx have been coated in the finest Durban crystal laminates, ensuring their pristine condition for future generations.
Equal to the European League, the Atlantian Union and the Chang Dynasty, the African Territorial Commonwealth cannot be mistaken as anything less than a "Must-See" when visiting this Earth.
Enchanting Alexandria |
| ©2000 Mike Fisher |
Welcome, traveler, to the mystic and enchanting city of Alexandria. Alexandria offers something for everyone. Egypt's Hellenistic star city for almost two and a half millennia, Alexandria is rich in history.
Visit the reconstructed great library.
Tour the recently rebuilt Pharos in the harbor area.
See the Duke's palace, dating back to 1633 when Manuel III, Emperor of all the Greeks, installed Andronius Kylikes as the first duke of the province.
See the grand arch of Basil III, liberator of Alexandria from the Turks and archetect of the Greek Empire, the phoenix which arose from Byzantine ashes after the complete defeat of the Turkish hordes.
Why stop there though? Greek, Roman, Byzantine, and Egyptian ruins await you. Shop in charming shops on Maria Sophia Square or in the cosmopolitan malls that lie at the outer edges of our pristine city. Dine on the finest food the empire has to offer. Travel into the delta country to one of our many health spas for a relaxing day of massages and mud baths. Sail the day away on a junket in the harbor. Whatever you are looking for in a vacation, Alexandria can give it to you.
Pack your bags now!