Morocco

Morocco is the most westerly of the North African countries. It is one of three countries (Spain, France) to have both Atlantic and Mediterranean coastlines, and it also has a rugged mountain interior. The Arabic name al-Mamlakat al-Maghribiyyah, which translates to "The Western Kingdom", and Al-Maghrib, or Maghreb, meaning "The West", are commonly used as alternate names.

Did you know that:
1. Kisses on the cheek are exchanged as a form of greeting. If you know the person you meet a little better, more kisses are exchanged.
2. In Moroccan culture, traditionally the liver and not the heart, is considered to be the symbol of love.
3. It is common practice for Moroccan’s to extend invitations to their home. However, remember that the invitation is a genuine one only if it is extended three times.
4. If you decline to eat meat in Morocco, you are considered to be impolite and handling food with your left hand, makes you doubly so.
5. There was a time when selling a date tree in Morocco was illegal as it was considered to be a source of food for families.
6. A large number of movies are shot in this exotic Country. In the year 2000, “Gladiator” was filmed here.

Aruba

Aruba is a 33-kilometer-long island of the Lesser Antilles in the southern Caribbean Sea, located 27 km north of the coast of Venezuela. Together with Bonaire and Curaçao, it forms a group referred to as the ABC islands of the Leeward Antilles, the southern island chain of the Lesser Antilles. Collectively, Aruba and the other Dutch islands in the Antilles are commonly referred to as the Netherlands Antilles or the Dutch Antilles.

Did you know that:
1. The temperature all year around is 82⁰F and low humidity is experienced on the outside fringes of the hurricane belt.
2. Aruba is home to diverse birdlife, including the burrowing owl “choco” and various species of lizards. Marine life includes several species of coral, sea turtles and tropical fish.
3. The Arikok Natural Wildlife Park takes up over 20% of the island and is one of the biggest tourist attractions in Aruba.
4. Major industries are tourism, transhipment facilities and oil refining. They export live animals, animal products, art and machinery. Imports include food, machinery, crude oil and chemicals.