Iceland – the land of fire and ice. Situated on the boundary between the Eurasian and North American Plates, it’s defined by its dramatic landscape with volcanoes, geysers, hot springs and lava fields. On this short trip I only managed to see the South-Western corner and definitely want to explore more. However I did see the Northern lights!
After visiting Chile and Bolivia on a trip to South America, I ended by visiting Peru. Of course no visit to Peru would be complete without seeing Machu Picchu, the famous Inca city hidden in the mountains that the Spanish Conquistadors never found. Because of the main Incan sites Peru is a popular destination for travellers and some parts are now a little commercial but it was still a great place to wind up my South America trip.
A country of statistical extremes, landlocked Bolivia is the highest and most isolated country in South America. It has the largest proportion of indigenous people, who make up around two-thirds of the population and though rich in mineral and energy resources, is one of South America’s poorest countries. That said its stunningly beautiful and probably one of the less touristy places to visit in the region.
Chile has a long and varied history and having a Chilean friend several years ago, it was somewhere I always fancied going. I suspect most people visit the capital, Santiago, and then go South to the spectacular Patagonia region. However on this trip I headed North to the Atacama Desert before crossing into Bolivia.
The earliest evidence of civilization in Lebanon dates back more than 7,000 years – predating recorded history. Lebanon was the home of the Phoenicians, a maritime culture that flourished for nearly 2,500 years (3000 – 539 BC). Its location at the crossroads of the Mediterranean Basin and the Arabian hinterland has also dictated its rich history, and shaped a cultural identity of religious and ethnic diversity. More recently its known for its civil war and conflicts with neighbouring Israel. Although there has been been a relative calm since 2006 and the country…
Namibia is one of few countries in the world to specifically address conservation and protection of natural resources in its constitution and it shows. The lodges are superb and the fact we were able to see so many animals (as you’ll see in the album) is testament to the good management of the various national parks.