While the people of Papua New Guinea dress in brilliant bright colours during their festivals, there is something special when we see them in pure black and white, as if these photos were taken 100 years ago. Leaving a bit of red.... [MORE...]
As one of the smallest sovereign nations in Europe it sure has a big heart and is known by the motto: “Mir wëlle bleiwe wat mir sinn”” which translates as “We want to remain what we are”. Well, if that is what the city wants, then that is likely what it will achieve, at least if mass tourism could be blamed for the change. When visited in November 2013 the city of Luxembourg was pretty much void of any significant number of tourists. While in Paris I told a fellow traveller that I was heading to Luxembourg he reacted in a manner I came across several times: [MORE...]
I somehow didn’t really care about exploring the Middle East until I arrived there. Well, isn’t this normally true that you don’t know what you are missing until you have experienced it. A highlight across much of the Middle East is the ancient ruins of which some of the most impressive are in Iran (Persepolis, etc.), Jordan (Jerash, Petra, etc.), Syria (Bosra, Palmyra, Apamea, etc.), Lebanon (Baalbek, Tyre, etc.) and others. If I have to pull out one exceptionally interesting country with ancient ruins, then it unequivocally must be Syria. Incredibly sad how Syria [MORE...]
Paris, France…. Arc De Triomphe, Champs-Elysées, Eiffel Tower… Oh, so many well-known sites to visit in Paris. Just when you thought you have been to Paris enough times when another opportunity arises to visit Paris you just could not resist! Right? It is such a great city just to wander around and enjoy the fascinating world renown sites, the historical buildings, the peaceful parks, and of course the darn good French cuisine. I went once again back to Paris in the autumn (November) of 2013 just to rediscover this lovely city. Visiting Paris in late autumn is arguably not the [MORE...]
Dubbed the “City of Life” by Hong Kong’s marketers, it truly lives up to its name. Hong Kong is one of the most incredible cities on this planet, and taken everything into account, it has just a few rivals. While the construction of skyscrapers has moved to China where they are sprouting into the upper atmosphere like mushrooms on steroids, Hong Kong is taking new construction a little more cautious. It is the city in the world with the most beautiful skyline. Its only rival, New York, got demoted in 2001. Fireworks over Hong Kong Island during the China handover on [MORE...]
Glaciers are truly fascinating and what makes them increasingly special is the obvious evidence that they are disappearing. Actually, they are melting at an alarming rate. In some locations such as in Alaska it is indicated by sign boards how the glaciers have been retreating over the past 30 or 40 years. Among the most impressive glaciers, in terms of size and colour, are those in Alaska and in Argentina’s Patagonia area. Among the largest are the glaciers in Greenland and Iceland. Among the most remote are probably those in Greenland and Pakistan. In Svalbard you can [MORE...]
Bangladesh is blessed with lots of colourful people, architecture, and scenery. However, once the colour is taken away and viewed through a sepia filter, it is easier to see the real Bangladesh behind the colours. While people generally look happy with life, the poverty in which many people live is truly appalling. People work hard to make ends meet. In the Chittagong ship breaking yards, men and boys work long hours to break down massive ships by hand and basic tools – all for a meagre $1 or $3 per day. While poor, the people are friendly and very hospitable towards foreign [MORE...]
The world is big and wide and so much to see. However, one experience remains incredibly special – a day (or night) out with the South African wildlife. These photos were mostly captured in game reserves in northern South Africa, where much of the South African wildlife is concentrated. The largest national game reserve, the Kruger National Park, is huge and stretches along the Mozambican border all the way up to Zimbabwe. Several smaller national and provincial parks, as well as many private game reserves all cater to wildlife enthusiasts. South Africa is truly a [MORE...]
