Final50.world

10/03/2024

I can’t believe the 2nd Anniversary of Final 50 is here! I visited Mongolia, Oman, Luxor, Australia, Austria, Mexico City, Papua New Guinea, New Zealand and so much more!

I learned so much and got to experience different cultures and countries, meet friends and family, and I’m onto my last 37 countries to visit!!

Check out this ‘Year in Review - 2023’ video to see where I went and what I learned during this incredible year!!

29/02/2024

The Comoro Islands are in the top ten least visited tourist destinations on earth (less then 40,000). That said, there is SO much incredible history and culture in these islands. For example, the people are a blend of African, Malagasy, Portuguese, French, Arab ethnicities and languages that make this place so unique. And each of the 4 islands has its own brand of history, culture, and significance as part of this island nation.

I was super lucky to have met Nawad who became my guide and friend on my trip to Grand Comoro. Stay tuned for the vlog where I will show you the heart and soul of Comoro.

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25/02/2024

Papua New Guinea is such an incredible and hidden gem to visit!

Here are 5 things you can do when you visit!

1. Explore the Kokoda Track
2. Visit the Tari Basin
3. Dive or Snorkel in Milne Bay
4. Attend the Goroka Show

Take a look at the travel vlog on youtube

What other things would you add to the list? Let me know in the comments!

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22/02/2024

After the elections in November 2008, a group of us went to Costa Rica to celebrate President Obama’s historic victory. We rented a car and drove throughout the country from the beaches to the mountains and the tropical forests of the country.  Here I am in the town of Jaco on that first trip, where some locals were playing football on the beach. While not my favorite spot in Costa Rica, it nevertheless was a nice place to rest before continuing the rest of our journey!

Later I went back to visit my brother in September 2012 who was working in a natural reserve on the border with Panama. My friend Nick and I used the trip to see other parts of the country including taking surfing lessons in Tamarindo.

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20/02/2024

Malawi is known as the Warm Heart of Africa! It was my 159th country and I was especially eager to explore the famous Lake Malawi, otherwise known as the calendar lake as it is 356 miles long and 52 miles wide with 12 rivers pouring into it.

What amazing is my guide and friend, Mervy of Malawi, got us access to Mumbo Island, in the middle of lake, and we had the whole island to ourselves!

Stay tuned for the travel vlog to see this epic journey come to life!

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16/02/2024

There are some places in the world that just by standing there you get inspired

That happened to me here in Malawi, the majestic sunset gave me a sense of calm that allowed me to think retrospectively of what I want to achieve with Final 50

What an incredible day!

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15/02/2024

[Save & Share] 5 things to do in Barbados to make your trip memorable

1. Take a Guided Tour of the Island from the Caribbean Sea to the Atlantic Ocean
2. Plan a Hike to witness all the different types of topography and nature
3. Snorkel and experience all the marine life
4. Swim with the turtles
5. Eat a Flying Fish Cutter

Follow [Final50.world](https://www.notion.so/36d44e5b8982410580342d17da36c9cd?pvs=21) for more travel tips

What other things would you like to add to the list?

12/02/2024

Bosnia has been through so much in its recent history, especially during the war with Serbia and Croatia in the 1990s. I first traveled there in 2006 by bus from Croatia, and never forgot the bullet-ridden buildings in Mostar and Sarajevo.

Years later in May 2015, I traveled back to Bosnia to lead a program on arbitration with lawyers and judges (in Sarajevo and Banja Luka — quite contrasting areas based on political and social history). Playing even a tiny role in the rebuilding of this incredible country and its resilient people meant the world to me!

03/02/2024

Likely the vlog I am MOST proud of in terms of my journey doing the IronMan and raising money for the children of 🍉!! Please let me know what you think! 🙏

The Ironman (70.3) was truly a moment of reckoning for me. I had wanted to do one for over a decade but never thought I was up for it. After all, a 1.2-mile...

01/02/2024

In November 2023, I completed my first Iron Man (70.3), and to say it was hard is an understatement. This event was not only physically challenging, but through my preparation, I learned that the hardest thing is being mentally prepared!

During my six months of training, I decided that I wanted to do this not only for myself but to help those truly in need; that is why I raised money for 🍉 children suffering due to the war!

Tomorrow you will be able to finally see all the hard work I put in and in the end, what we as a community accomplished! Set your reminder my IronMan journey will be live tomorrow!

24/01/2024

Embarking on an exciting journey to South Africa’s Cape Town and nearby wine region! 🌍🇿🇦

DID YOU KNOW?

South Africa is the 8th LARGEST wine producer in the world!?!

Have you ever checked in the wine region? Let me know! I don’t want to miss anything!

22/01/2024

On a solo trip to Namibia, I decided to fire up Audible and listen to ‘The Forty Rules of Love’ that my mother recommended. At one point in the book, Shams Tibrizi, the philosophical counterpart of Rumi, states this very profound message, and it truly resonated with me on that journey. It has become part of the philosophy of Final50.world. Indeed, every journey I take is a fluid reciprocal learning experience within and with the whole outside world!

What do you think about this rule? If you have read this book, was there a rule that really resonated for you? If so, please share!!

20/01/2024

Papua New Guinea, a captivating land that boasts over 800 languages, making it one of the most linguistically diverse countries on our planet. 🌏

Each language carries with it a unique story, reflecting the cultural vibrancy and diversity of the nation.

Papua New Guinea’s incredible linguistic mosaic is a testament to the multitude of traditions woven into the fabric of its society, be sure to watch the complete travel vlog and see all the amazing things I discovered during my short trip.

Make sure to check out the VLOG to see and learn more about the PNG’S linguistic diversity!!

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18/01/2024

For several years my father and I would drive from Switzerland — where I was born and my dad lived for over two decades — to Spain.

In May 2010, on one of these trips back to Geneva, I told my dad we were going to take a detour off the main highway into the mountains. Before he could question why, we were already driving up into Andorra!

I took this picture as we were driving through the mountainous country, which is better known as a tax-free haven nestled between its larger neighbors, France and Spain. Apparently, they also have some great skiing!

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10/01/2024

I first visited Austria in summer 1996 on a long layover in Vienna, where I went all over the incredible capital, especially spending time at the summer palace of the Hapsburgs.

Almost 25 years later I returned with several close friends, when we went to St. Anton to ski in the Austrian Alps.

I took this picture on one of the incredible mountains in full skiing gear! We skied for miles without going over the same terrain twice. Incredible slopes, restaurants, and ambience. Sadly it was the last trip I would take for a while because of the COVID pandemic but what a trip to end it on!

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08/01/2024

DID YOU KNOW!?

The koteka is a sheath traditionally worn by native men in Papua New Guinea to protect their pen*ses.

How about that!!

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05/01/2024

I visited the South Island in New Zealand for my Birthday and it was an incredible experience!

I got to experience all that it has to offer, from its renowned mountains to its amazing glaciers. And as a HUGE Lord of the Rings fan it was extra special! It a MUST for anyone visiting New Zealand!!

And make sure to check out the vlog on our journey to the South Island coming out soon!

04/01/2024

I visited the South Island in New Zealand for my Birthday and it was an incredible experience!

I got to experience all that it has to offer, from its renowned mountains to its amazing glaciers. And as a HUGE Lord of the Rings fan it was extra special! It a MUST for anyone visiting New Zealand!!

And make sure to check out the vlog on our journey to the South Island coming out soon!

04/01/2024

I visited the South Island in New Zealand for my Birthday and it was an incredible experience!

I got to experience all that it has to offer, from its renowned mountains to its amazing glaciers. And as a HUGE Lord of the Rings fan it was extra special! It a MUST for anyone visiting New Zealand!!

And make sure to check out the vlog on our journey to the South Island coming out soon!

02/01/2024

Belarus was the last country in Europe I hadn’t visited because of the strict visa requirements. But in July 2017, a few friends and I were able to get visas and finally visit the capital Minsk. We walked all around the city, and oddly enough even had ho**ah in a table next to a bunch of Iraqi medical students (what are the chances).

Here we are standing at the Great Patriotic monument in Minsk, which also has an incredible museum that commemorates the heroic actions of the Belarussian people in the fight against the N***s during WWII. As a history buff, I loved this museum!

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27/12/2023

DID YOU KNOW!??

That the Vasconcelos Library spans 38,000 square meters, making it the largest library in Mexico!

That blew 🤯 my mind!!

24/12/2023

Traveling with family has been such a blessing.

I have traveled to over 10 countries with my father from Turkey to China, Uruguay to Bali as well as my mother especially to see our extended family around the world.

What I love most is not only being able to explore new locales but sharing the experience together. Its an absolute blessing and one that I am so profoundly grateful for (make sure to check out the Budapest Vlog for a taste of road tripping with family!)

Happy Holidays to all of you and thank you for following this journey that I am grateful to share with loved ones around the world.

09/12/2023

Did you know that Forbes added one of my latest destinations country 158, Papaj New Guinea, as the 9th most beautiful countries?

The truth is that Papua New Guinea is super spread out and hard to get around. But that’s what makes it so unique and beautiful. There are 830+ languages spoken each with their own cultural traditions and this is due in large part to the remoteness and isolation of each village and town.

I had a chance to get a sneak peak into the country even though I was limited to the capital and surrounding areas.

The highlight was doing the first leg of Famed Kokoda Trail with my guide in the pic! This is where Australians, Papua New Guinears and Americans fought the Japanese and where many died on the trail.

Fascinating experience and I definitely need to go back to explore the other locales and islands!

07/12/2023

Before starting law school in July 2004, I decided to really start traveling to less frequented traveled destinations. I went to Russia, Lebanon, Syria and Cyprus on that trip.

The trip to Cyprus was one of the first international trips on my own. While I stayed in the rowdy beach town of Ayia Napa, I rented a Vespa and went all the way (almost 200kms) across the island to the town of Paphos stopping in little villages and cities along the way!

Here I am on a cliff overlooking Paphos. According to Greek mythology, Aphrodite is thought to have been born over those rocks in the distance.

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29/11/2023

The Ironman (70.3) was truly a moment of reckoning for me. I had wanted to do one for over a decade but never thought I was up for it. After all, 1.2 mile swim, 56 mile bike ride, 13.1 mile run, was going to be no joke and to do it in a certain time (under 6 hours) would add even more pressure on me. But I knew I am not getting younger so I just pulled the trigger at the end of April and hoped for the best!

Over the course of 6 months, I trained as regularly as I could, pushing myself to the max and getting VERY upset and stressed when I fell short of the times I wanted or expected of myself. In the process, I got injured and had to rest for a while before I could keep going.

Ultimately when race day came, everything aligned. And in the end, I got the time I wanted. I know God was by my side the entire journey because a million things could have gone wrong but they didn’t and for that I am BEYOND grateful!

While I have so many learning lessons which I will share in the vlog of this experience, one stood out among the others…be kind to yourself. Dont hurt your body or hurt your mind. Yes be tough mentally and physically but dont be abusive. You know what I mean, and truly that I think is why I performed well on race day.

But what I am most proud of, is that over 1 month, we raised $12,651 from 75 donors across the world for the Children of Gaza! Honestly I couldn’t be more grateful, Alhamidallah!

27/11/2023

In May 2011, I went on a trip to Romania with some close friends and decided to take the train to Varna in Bulgaria. The summer tourist season had not yet started so the resort town was relatively quiet. Nevertheless, seeing the Black Sea (named as such by the Greeks, because it was initially thought to be rough and inhospitable) was a great experience.
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Here I took a selfie walking down the desolate beach in Varna.

22/11/2023

Mexico City is the 7th largest city in the world with over 20 million people or 1/5 of Mexico’s entire population living in the city.

But what makes this place so unique is how each area, barrio, neighborhood is so different.

I visited Mexico City once before but really wanted to do a deep dive into the cosmopolitan city, so we do a last minute weekend trip and were blown away by what we discovered!

There is so much to see and do: Culture, History, Modernity, and NATURE! Be sure to turn on the notifications to know when the Mexico vlog is live!

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18/11/2023

On our first family cruise to the Caribbean in March 2005 we stopped in Barbados. Together with my father, sister and aunt, we took a guided tour of the island from the Caribbean Sea (calmer waters) to the Atlantic Ocean (rougher waters) seeing all the different types of topography and nature along the route. Here I am pictured on a hillside with the rougher Atlantic side behind me.  

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On those Caribbean cruises (maybe 6 altogether) I saw many non-sovereign islands including Cayman Islands, Tortola, Great Stirrups Cay, St. Croix, Martinique, Bermuda, St.Thomas, Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands and the British Virgin Islands as well as St.Maarten (with its crazy airplane landing path right over the beach).

17/11/2023

When you travel you challenge your body and mind to go beyond the known to the unknown.

It takes courage, creativity, imagination.

Where do you want to go to next? What's holding you back?

14/11/2023

🌟 Exploring the Hidden Gem of the Arabian Peninsula: Oman! 🇴🇲

Earlier this year I was traveling in the UAE and decided to do an impromptu weekend trip to Oman. I’ve visited a couple of times before and I was always eager to return and explore more of the country.

Me and my close friend, Rasheed, drove from Dubai to the heart of Oman, and decided to be as active as possible, doing the via ferrata, which I had never done before, swimming with sharks, and exploring the capital, Muscat.

Join me on this whirlwind trip to discover the incredible beauty of Oman in just one weekend!

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