Driving along the west coast of Morocco, we turned inland at Agadir. We passed several roadside vendors offering Moroccan argan oil, but we didn’t stop. We were on a mission to find goats in trees. Were the rumours true, where does argan oil come from? Could goats actually be the first step in the making …
People and Culture
20 Photos of Shanghai China: Juxtaposition of Traditional and Modern
Shanghai is a city of contrasts, a juxtaposition of the traditional and modern. It was our entry city as we travelled in China. Despite its dense population, we fell in love with Shanghai. Let’s see if these photos will do the same for you: See Shangai with a Tour Additional Information On Visiting Shanghai: …
Wandering the Streets of Muscat Oman: A Photo Essay
A city of traditional architecture and friendly people, Muscat Oman was one of many highlights of our travels around the world. The capital of the Sultanate of Oman, the city is an eclectic mix of modern and old world charms. Wandering the city with a camera, I was able to capture the culture in this …
Observing Everyday Life in Suzhou China
With just one day to visit, we only got a glimpse of life in Suzhou China. Sitting about 100km west of the big city of Shanghai, we could sense the more relaxed lifestyle the instant we got off the train. Life in Suzhou had an almost tranquil atmosphere despite being one of China’s most affluent cities. …
Visiting a Bedouin Camp in the Moroccan Sahara
When we were invited to visit a Bedouin camp while in the Moroccan Sahara, we were not sure what to expect. We were greeted with warm smiles, hot tea, and a style of hospitality that made us feel less like tourists, and more like long lost friends. As we drove through the Sahara desert, we first …
Sarah’s Snapshots – La Redonda in Santa Fe Argentina
My host sister here in Argentina works at a local community centre that I’ve visited multiple times. An old converted train station, La Redonda is now an art and public centre that’s open on the weekends and during holidays. It’s great for kids, with plenty of arts and crafts activities located along the walls, and also …
Pasifika: A Celebration of Pacific Island Culture
Capturing the atmosphere at the Pasifika Festival with only a digital camera is virtually impossible. Yet I had to try. This annual Pacific Islands-themed festival took place this past weekend in Auckland New Zealand. Attracting close to 100,000 visitors, it is the largest festival of its type in the world. The Pasifika celebration represents eleven …
Late Night Halloween on K-Road and Queen Street in Auckland
Last night was a real eye-opener for me. Late night Halloween in Auckland brought out the creativity that New Zealand is known for. Since immigrating here 12 years ago, I have been incorrectly referring to Halloween as a “children’s” holiday in New Zealand. I thought the MOTAT Olde Hallow’s Eve event last week was pretty …
Colorful Photos of Auckland Diwali Festival in New Zealand
The excitement and energy level at the Auckland Diwali Festival was contagious. The music fostered movement both on-stage and in the crowd. It is a colourful, jubilant gathering of the sights and sounds of India. We walked up from lower Queen Street, coming upon craft and clothing booths just past the Air New Zealand cockpit …
Marae is the Center of Māori Life in New Zealand
As we drove past the Papakura Marae on the way to the Hunua Ranges I was captivated by the intricate red carvings. I had to go back for a closer look. A marae is a meeting grounds; it’s the centre of life for Māori communities in New Zealand, a place to stand and belong. Generally fenced-in, …
Photos: A Rainbow of Hair Color in Wellington New Zealand
People watching from a cafe on Cuba Street in Wellington, New Zealand, Sarah suddenly had an idea “Hey mum, I challenge you to do the 100-Strangers Project featuring a rainbow of hair color.” It’s a new twist on an old challenge to help improve my portrait photography skills. Last year I never completed the 100 …
Resort Life: A Big Contrast to Living in Samoa
While we had a great time at a resort in Samoa, staying there was completely different than experiencing the life people have when living in Samoa. Getting off the tourist path, we can better experience the culture when we travel. Leaving the resort a few times, we were able to meet locals, ask questions, and …
Fresh Coconut Milk from the Tree of Life, the Coconut Palm
Coconut Palm trees are a Tree of Life on the Island nation of Samoa. Here in this tropical paradise, the grow everywhere. Fresh coconut milk, while a delicacy to me, is a common treat on the island. In Samoa, stayed at a Saletoga Sands Resort and Spa. Here they served fresh coconut milk directly from …
Bastakiya and the Old Souqs in Dubai
Bastakiya, finally I found somewhere I like in Dubai. We had a wonderful guide named Wahleed who took us on a walking tour of traditional Dubai at Bastakiya. The narrow streets clearly show what Dubai was like prior to the oil money. Homes were built close together in this way to give shade and to …
Bedouins, Dhows, Sink Holes and Camel Riding in Oman
A two-day excursion south of Muscat Oman brought us a far south as Ras Al Hadd and included stops to meet Bedouins, swim in a skin hole, watch dhows being hand built, and ride a camel. First, we went south to Ras Al Hadd to see the turtles nest and to watch the newly hatched …
