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. …
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- Africa (Morocco)
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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 …
One Day Xian Itinerary: China’s Terracotta Army, City Wall, Pagoda
Our Xian itinerary is a plan that looks better on paper than in practice. Flying in and out on the same day left no room for error in this former capital city of China. A city with over 3,000 years of history, it is the eastern end of the ancient Silk Road. Our Xian itinerary …
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: Where Will You Walk the Wall? ~ Great Wall of China
“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 …
Batu Caves, Monkeys Are One Reason to Visit This Malaysian Temple
As we stepped out of the car at Batu Caves, monkeys were the first thing to catch my eye. Just beyond a troop of long-tailed macaques (wild monkeys) stood the largest Batu Cave statue, the 43-metre tall golden figure of Lord Murugan. Behind Lord Murugan are the Batu Caves steps leading to this Malaysian temple. In total, …
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: We …
Exploring Nizwa Fort and Other Nizwa Oman Sites
Oman surprised me, and the ancient city of Nizwa was a part of the mystery. Situated on the plains of the Hajar Mountains, it is only a two-hour drive from Muscat. We enjoyed a long day trip, but in retrospect, we could have spent a Thursday night, thus allowing us to observe the Nizwa Oman Friday …
