The Kalash Valleys
We arrived in the Kalash Valleys, after a gruelling 14 hours of travelling, in the pitch dark unable to see the beautiful lush green valley, the steep sides covered in trees or the sheer drop off the side of the narrow rocky track on which we wound and bumped beneath huge overhanging rocks. We finally reached Bumburet, the largest of the three Kalash valleys, very tired, very dusty and very much in need of the 1.5 litres of homemade wine that accompanied our dinner.
Crossing the Hunza Suspension Bridges
The suspension bridges over the Hunza river are a big attraction in the area, and the only means of crossing to the tiny villages on the east of the river. Although the bridges walk did sound appealing, I must admit it was with some amount of trepidation that I set off.
Scenic in Skardu
The mountains rose above us on either side of the plane. We were flying between the snow capped mountains. Not above them. The plane banked sharply left so we were looking straight down to the ground as it circled in the very tight space between the mountains. The flight from Islamabad to Skardu was less than an hour and probably the most spectacular we’ve ever taken. Absolutely stunning.
Shades of Blue in Jodhpur
The blue washed buildings of the old town spread out from the foot of the steep cliff
on which the massive Mehrangarh Fort sits, dominating the skyline above the town. But its within the maze of narrow alleyways where the blue is really striking, set against the dull, dusty streets.
On the road to Old Ahmedabad
Our impromptu journey to Ahmedabad started early in an attempt to visit the fabulous step-well at Patan before the heat got unbearable. Thankfully the air con in Mr Munir’s mini-van was working and we arrived still relatively cool.
Exploring the Chola Temples
The Cholas were once the mightiest rulers of South India with their influence stretching as far as Sri Lanka and Indonesia. During the middle ages, around the 11th and 12th centuries, they were also prolific builders of some mighty impressive temples. We visited just a few of them on our journey through the central plains of Tamil Nadu.
Devaraja Flower Market, Mysore
Devaraja market was an assault on the senses – all of them. Housed in a heritage building built in 1886 during the reign of Tipu Sultan, the Tiger of Mysore, and named after a ruler from the Wadiyer dynasty it sprawls over a huge 3 acres with over 1100 stalls and is one of the largest markets in Karnataka.
Exploring the Algerian Sahara
Who thought deserts were just sand dunes?
Five days and five different landscapes, our trip in the very south of Algeria, was a lot more than just sand dunes.
Gelede Masked Dancing in Benin
We followed the village chief down a maze of dusty tracks between red, mud walled houses, the silver jewels on his hat and sandals glinting in the morning sunlight. At a crossroads, under the shade of a large tree, the villagers were gathering, all dressed in black and red patterned trousers or dresses ready to perform the Gelede Masked Dance.