Standing tall and overlooking Da Nang, Marble Mountain is one of five marble and limestone peaks in central Vietnam. Each is named for one of the five elements of the ancient Chinese philosophy: metal (Kim), water (Thuy), wood (Moc), fire (Hoa), and earth (Tho). We went to the top of Thuy Son, the one most …
Neither a geopolitical nor geographical combination, we have chosen to include both Africa and Asia in one category for writing convenience.
In this section, you will find our travel articles on Asia (including East Asia, Southeast Asia, and the Middle East), plus articles on Morocco, the only country in Africa we have visited.
These include:
- Asia (China, Indonesia, Malaysia, and Singapore)
- Middle East (Oman and UAE)
- Africa (Morocco)
Choose your region or look below for the latest articles from the two continents:
Enjoy our articles featuring travel in Asia or in Morocco:
Inside a Jewish Cemetery and Synagogue in Marrakech
Jewish life still exists in Morocco with an estimated 2,500 Jews currently living in the country. Marrakech has at least two synagogues open to visitors. While its most active temple is in the modern part of town, it was the older Lazama Synagogue Marrakech that attracted us. Today, Morocco has the largest Jewish population in …
Bali Itinerary: Cruise Port Adventure in Ubud Indonesia
One day in exotic Bali is not enough, but as a cruise port, that was all we had. There are two basic choices for a Bali itinerary. We could head inland to Ubud and see the rice terraces, monkey forest, and markets. Or we could simplify our Bali itinerary to a day at the beach. …
Morocco Road Trip: Marrakech to Sahara Desert
Travelling around Morocco was far easier than we had anticipated. In the north, we took the train. Marrakech was the end of the train line, and by this point, we were in love with the country. We had seen enough to leave us wanting more. That’s when our concept of a Morocco road trip came …
Traditional Moroccan Markets and a Donkey Parking Lot in Rissani
As we travelled through Morocco, we visited a variety of very different Moroccan markets. While most cater to tourists as well as locals, we found the more traditional Moroccan markets to be a window into everyday life. Our favourite was the traditional market in Rissani, an eastern Moroccan city situated at the base of the …
Our Traditional Hammam Experience in Fes Morocco
Our days in Fes were good, and we enjoy a continuous flow of new Moroccan adventures. The day that girls and I opted for a hammam experience is one of the more interesting. Similar to a Turkish bath, a hammam bath takes place in a large steam-filled room. Traditionally Moroccans go each week to bathe, …
One Day Xian Itinerary: Terracotta Army, City Wall, Pagoda
Our one day Xian itinerary looks better on paper than in practice. Flying in and out of the former capital city of China on the same day left no room for error. A city with over 3,000 years of history, it is the eastern end of the ancient Silk Road. Our Xian itinerary allowed for …
Goats in Trees and the Making of Moroccan Argan Oil
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 …
Moroccan Doors and Arched Doorways in Fes and Meknes Morocco
Moroccan doors, often set into arched doorways and surrounded by intricate tile work, offer an insight into another world. They are a fascinating reflection of craftsmanship. The recurring archways in Moroccan architecture give it a distinctive look, one that is easily recognizable, despite the variety of arch shapes used. Take a look at this image, …
Essaouira Beach: Sunset, Surf & Camels in Morocco
Camels stand on the sun-soaked sands of Essaouira beach. Their handlers compete for my attention with crashing waves as a horse gracefully gallops through the Essaouira surf. We came for windsurfing lessons on this stretch of Morocco’s Atlantic coast, most famous for being windy. A coastal community in North Africa, Essaouira is a mix of …
Mutianyu or Badaling: How to walk China’s Great Wall
“Shall we head to Mutianyu or Badaling?” Initially, the question meant little. I just wanted to walk the wall, to stand on the Great Wall of China and entangle my thoughts on its history, mystery, and beauty. Being there was surreal, a moment I fantasised about for years. Some say the wall reminds them of a massive …
Grand Mosque Oman: A Must See in Muscat Oman
Of all the places to visit in Muscat, the Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque Oman is the top of my recommendation list. Presented to the people of Oman as a gift from Sultan Qaboos in 2001, it is an opulent example of modern Islamic architecture. Whether you visit out of curiosity, for tranquillity, to see the …
Things to Do in Fes Morocco: Mysteries of the Fes Medina
The old walled Fes medina is a labyrinth of narrow streets and dead ends like nowhere else. The former capital of modern Morocco, Fes is the country’s second-largest city. As one of the world’s largest pedestrian zones, the Fes medina is one of those places that people either love or hate. Its a place to wander, to get lost, …
Exploring the Old Jewish Quarter in Fes Morocco
Large windows and open balconies signified our arrival to the Mellah, the old Jewish quarter in Fes Morocco. These dwellings stand in contrast to the typical homes of Muslim families with their often small and hidden windows. Jewish history in Morocco dates back to the 8th-century, and as recently as 100 years ago over 250,000 Jews …
Misfat Al Abriyeen: Discover a Village in Oman’s Hajar Mountains
Stepping back in time, we entered Misfat Al Abriyeen, a town literally built into the mountainside. It is one of Oman’s oldest villages. The Omani people here follow a more traditional lifestyle, and we found them to be warm and welcoming. The mountain village of Misfat Al Abriyeen is a maze of alleys surrounded by traditional …
