Dakar Rally 2010

This year's 31st running of the Dakar Rally is being held in South America for the second year, instead of the traditional African route. The reason is - growing issecurity and possible terrorist attack concerns. This year's race began and will end in Buenos Aires, covering a looping 9,000 kilometers between Argentina and Chile over 14 stages. 362 Teams began the race with 176 motorcycles and quad bikes, 134 cars, and 52 trucks. The race is just over halfway completed now, the winners expected to cross the finish line on January 16th.
Below - several photographs from the first half of the rally.

Spain's Gerard Farres Guell kicks up sand with his Aprilia during the 4th stage of the Dakar 2010 between Fiambala, Argentina, and Copiapo, Chile on January 5, 2010. Spain's Marc Coma won the stage, France's David Casteu took the second place and France's Cyril Despres the third. (GABRIEL BOUYS/AFP/Getty Images) 

The Volkswagen Touareg of South African driver Giniel De Villers and co-driver Dirk Von Zitzewitz of Germany attends the symbolic start of the Dakar 2010 in Buenos Aires on January 1, 2010. (ALEJANDRO PAGNI/AFP/Getty Images)

Poland's Krzysztof Holowczyc in his Nissan passes race fans on a hillside during the Dakar 2010 between Colon and Cordoba, Argentina, on January 2, 2010. (GABRIEL BOUYS/AFP/Getty Images)

Chile's Francisco Lopez Contardo guides his Aprilia through water during Stage 1 of the Dakar 2010 between Colon and Cordoba, Argentina, on January 2, 2010. (GABRIEL BOUYS/AFP/Getty Images)

People watch Nissan's Jean-Pierre Strugo and co-driver Yves Ferri, of France, splash their car through a river crossing during stage one of the Argentina-Chile Dakar Rally 2010 in Rio Cuarto, Argentina, Saturday, Jan. 2, 2010. (AP Photo/Natacha Pisarenko)

France's Jean Claude Mazet falls from his KTM during the 2nd stage of the Dakar 2010 between Cordoba and La Rioja, Argentina, on January 3, 2010. (GABRIEL BOUYS/AFP/Getty Images)

 

Manuel Jamett of Chile climbs a rocky road on his Yamaha motorcycle during the sixth stage of the Dakar Rally 2010 from Antofagasta to Iquique January 7, 2010. (REUTERS/Jacky Naegelen)

 BMW's driver France's Stephane Peterhansel and co-driver Jean-Paul Cottret cross a valley during the seventh stage of the Argentina-Chile Dakar Rally 2010 between Iquique and Antofagasta, Chile, Friday, Jan. 8, 2010. (AP Photo/Natacha Pisarenko)

Russia's Leonid Novitskiy crosses dunes in his BMW during the 7th stage of the Dakar 2010, between Iquique and Antofagasta, Chile, on January 8, 2010. (GABRIEL BOUYS/AFP/Getty Images)

Volkswagen's Carlos Sainz and co-driver Lucas Cruz, of Spain, compete during stage six of the Argentina-Chile Dakar Rally 2010 between Antofagasta and Iquique, Chile, Thursday, Jan. 7, 2010. (AP Photo/Natacha Pisarenko)

Helder Rodriguez of Portugal rides his Yamaha motorcycle during the eighth stage of the Dakar Rally from Antofasgasta to Copiapo, January 10, 2010. (REUTERS/Stringer/Pool)

  An aerial view shows the site where a Robinson 44 helicopter crashed in Fiambala, Catamarca province, January 4, 2010. The pilot, co-pilot and two reporters who were following the Dakar Rally sustained injuries when their helicopter crashed, local media reported. (REUTERS/Gendarmeria/Handout)

China's Wenmin Su rides his Jincheng past cheering onlookers during the 4th stage of the Dakar 2010 between Fiambala, Argentina, and Copiapo, Chile on January 5, 2010. (GABRIEL BOUYS/AFP/Getty Images)

The Dakar encampment is seen during stage five of the Argentina-Chile Dakar Rally 2010 in Antofagasta, Chile, Wednesday, Jan. 6, 2010. (AP Photo/Frederic Le Floc'h)

Foggy clouds cover part of the area where the 5th stage of the Dakar 2010 between Copiapo and Antofagasta, Chile, is taking place on January 6, 2010. (GABRIEL BOUYS/AFP/Getty Images)

Yamaha's rider Argentina's Alejandro Patronelli climbs a dune on his quad bike during the seventh stage of the Argentina-Chile Dakar Rally 2010 between Iquique and Antofagasta, Chile, Friday, Jan. 8, 2010. (AP Photo/Natacha Pisarenko)

South African Giniel De Villiers drives his Volkswagen during the 8th stage of the Dakar 2010, between Antofagasta and Copiapo, Chile, on January 10, 2010. (NATACHA PISARENKO/AFP/Getty Images)

Italy's Silvia Giannetti falls from her KTM during the 5th stage of the Dakar 2010 between Copiapo and Antofagasta, Chile, on January 6, 2010. (GABRIEL BOUYS/AFP/Getty Images)

 

France's Cyril Despres crosses a wide plain his KTM during the 8th stage of the Dakar 2010, between Antofagasta and Copiapo, Chile, on January 10, 2010. (GABRIEL BOUYS/AFP/Getty Images)

SOURCE:
The Dakar Rally Official Website
Dakar 2010 at Wikipedia

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Merry Christmas & A Happy New Year All Over The World!

It doesn't matter where you are now, whether you're at work, resting at home or maybe travelling...

It doesn't matter what your skin color is, what's your religion and what are your beliefs. All the same - I wish you all the best during this special time of the year, whether you call it Christmas, Hanuka, Kwanzaa, Solistice, or else.


Lots of happiness and new travel ideas for the upcomming New Year 2010 for all of you! :)

Arabian Holidays - An Introduction

Arabian Holidays - An Introduction

by David Price

The Middle East has become one of the most exciting tropical holiday destinations during the recent decades. Holidays to the Middle East are exciting because the geographical area called the Middle East combines the age-old civilization with the most modern of cities. It boasts some of the greatest modern structures like the Burj al Arab. This part of the earth has a rich historical as well as mythological background. This article aims to review the major holiday destinations in the Middle East.

Photo by twocentsworth

Major Middle East Holiday Destinations

The major Middle East holiday destinations include Oman, Qatar, Dubai, Abu Dhabi etc. All of these places have excellent infrastructure for visitors to make the most of their holidays there. If you are planning a holiday to the Middle East, you can go through the following review to learn what each of these astonishing places offers.The major Middle East holiday destinations include Oman, Qatar, Dubai, Abu Dhabi etc. All of these places have excellent infrastructure for visitors to make the most of their holidays there. If you are planning a holiday to the Middle East, you can go through the following review to learn what each of these astonishing places offers.


Oman

Oman, the most traditional country of the United Arab Emirates, offers everything from rugged coasts, to the peak of Jebel Akhdar at 2980m, to the salt flats and deserts. If you go to Oman, the beautiful and varied terrain of the country will amaze you. Here you will meet an Orient that has a vibrant fusion of cultures taken from India, Africa and the ancient Orient. If you are in Oman, do not miss a tour to the capital Muscat, which is rich in gold and silverware, Bedouin rugs and antiques.

 Photo by By: Andries3

If you want water fun, you can have it in the north of the country where lies the dazzling beaches of the Batinah coast.Oman, the most traditional country of the United Arab Emirates, offers everything from rugged coasts, to the peak of Jebel Akhdar at 2980m, to the salt flats and deserts. If you go to Oman, the beautiful and varied terrain of the country will amaze you. Here you will meet an Orient that has a vibrant fusion of cultures taken from India, Africa and the ancient Orient. If you are in Oman, do not miss a tour to the capital Muscat, which is rich in gold and silverware, Bedouin rugs and antiques. If you want water fun, you can have it in the north of the country where lies the dazzling beaches of the Batinah coast.


Qatar

Qatar is another destination for a typical Arabian holiday. The country combines the charms of old Arabia with exciting modernity. If you visit the country, you will get a fantastic travel experience. Here you will be able to visit the historic forts, expansive desert landscapes, and beach resorts. In Qatar you will also meet a rich, cultural heritage. There are some finest hotels and the world-class shopping centers for the visitors.

Photo by Shenghung Lin


The capital of Qatar is Doha, which has some interesting places like the city museums
and the Doha Fort.Qatar is another destination for a typical Arabian holiday. The country combines the charms of old Arabia with exciting modernity. If you visit the country, you will get a fantastic travel experience. Here you will be able to visit the historic forts, expansive desert landscapes, and beach resorts. In Qatar you will also meet a rich, cultural heritage. There are some finest hotels and the world-class shopping centers for the visitors. The capital of Qatar is Doha, which has some interesting places like the city museums and the Doha Fort.

Dubai

During the recent years Dubai has become the most popular holiday destination in the Middle East. Almost everybody knows about the country’s finest hotels. Apart from this there are also amazing shopping opportunities in Dubai. There are plenty of water funs in Dubai. So, experience Dubai with its beautiful beaches, friendly people and markets. During the recent years Dubai has become the most popular holiday destination in the Middle East.


Photo by Wintersun24/7

Almost everybody knows about the country’s finest hotels. Apart from this there are also amazing shopping opportunities in Dubai. There are plenty of water funs in Dubai. So, experience Dubai with its beautiful beaches, friendly people and markets.

Abu Dhabi

Abu Dhabi is another wonderful place for your holidays and vacations in the Middle East. Abu Dhabi is one of the most visited tourist destinations in the Middle East. Thousands of visitors flock Abu Dhabi each year round from all parts of globe. Abu Dhabi offers large gardens and parks, green boulevards lining all the streets and roads, and sophisticated high-rise buildings.



Photo by: Jon Rawlinson


You can also enjoy tranquil beaches, oasis, and sunny weather in Abu Dhabi. So, come to Abu Dhabi anytime of the year and experience the charm of this magical city. Thus, plan your holidays to the Middle East anytime of the year and experience the magical charm of this part of the world. The holiday packages to the Middle East are available throughout the year. There are many travel agencies who organize the holiday packages. You can select your own Middle East holiday packages according to your time and budget.

About Author: David Price writes about Arabian holiday. For more information on Middle east holidays visit http://www.bestatarabianholidays.co.uk/

Photo source: flickr.com