First, I embarked on an epic three-country trip to Djibouti, Somaliland, and Ethiopia, and one of the highlights of my journey was visiting the breathtaking Grand Canyon of Djibouti. Located near the Afar Triple Junction, where three tectonic plates are pulling away from each other, this natural wonder is a must-see for any geology enthusiast… Continue reading Exploring Earth’s Tectonic Wonders: Djibouti & Qeshm Island
Tag: history
My Reflections on Cold War Landmarks in Berlin
Stepping into the vibrant city of Berlin, the first landmark I set out to visit was the iconic Brandenburg Gate. This majestic structure has become an enduring symbol of the city, and I was eager to experience its grandeur firsthand.The Brandenburg Gate is an 18th-century neoclassical monument in Berlin, Germany, that's steeped in weird and… Continue reading My Reflections on Cold War Landmarks in Berlin
A Serene Journey: Visiting the Khomeini Shrine in Tehran
I still remember my visit to the Khomeini Shrine in Tehran, Iran, in 2017. As I stepped inside, I was struck by the serene atmosphere. The air was filled with the soft murmur of prayers, and worshippers rested on Persian carpets, lost in contemplation. I felt a sense of peace wash over me as I… Continue reading A Serene Journey: Visiting the Khomeini Shrine in Tehran
The Historical Significance of the Palace in Addis Ababa
The Palace of Emperor Minilik and Empress Taitu, built in 1883, is a historical site located in the Entoto Mountains above Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. This palace served as a significant cultural and religious hub, showcasing the country's rich royal heritage and architectural grandeur. The palace played a crucial role in Ethiopia's history, particularly during the… Continue reading The Historical Significance of the Palace in Addis Ababa
San Pedro Prison – A world within a world
San Pedro Prison in La Paz, Bolivia - a place that defies understanding, a world within a world where the lines between freedom and confinement blur. As I recount the situation in 2019, I'm left wondering what it would be like to walk through those gates, to breathe the air thick with the scent of… Continue reading San Pedro Prison – A world within a world
Explore Rare Portuguese Literature at This Historic Library
The Royal Portuguese Cabinet of Reading, located in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, is a stunning library and cultural institution that houses the largest collection of Portuguese texts outside of Portugal. Founded in 1837 by a group of Portuguese immigrants, the library was established to promote Portuguese culture and literature in Brazil. The current building, designed… Continue reading Explore Rare Portuguese Literature at This Historic Library
Joseph Conrad’s Legacy at Canterbury City Cemetery
I recently visited Canterbury City Cemetery, a historic and serene resting place for many notable figures, including the renowned author Joseph Conrad. As I walked through the tranquil grounds, I paid my respects to Conrad and discovered the diverse stories of those buried there, reflecting the rich history and cultural heritage of the area. As… Continue reading Joseph Conrad’s Legacy at Canterbury City Cemetery
Discover St. Martin’s Church: England’s Oldest Church
St. Martin's Church, nestled in the historic city of Canterbury, Kent, is a place of profound historical and spiritual significance. Considered the oldest church in the English-speaking world still in use, St. Martin's has been a beacon of Christianity for over 1,400 years. Its story begins in the 4th century when a Roman structure, possibly… Continue reading Discover St. Martin’s Church: England’s Oldest Church
Douglas Mawson: Pioneer of Antarctic Science
Douglas Mawson was a remarkable explorer whose expeditions helped establish the Australian Antarctic Territory. He is also famous for one of the most extraordinary feats of endurance in the history of Antarctic exploration. But Mawson was first and foremost a scientist. Whereas other explorers were driven by a nationalistic urge to claim territory or beat… Continue reading Douglas Mawson: Pioneer of Antarctic Science
Ollantaytambo: A Key Incan Fortress in Peru’s Sacred Valley
The town of Ollantaytambo was established during the Reign of Pachacútec (1418–1471). While there were buildings here before that, the town grew dramatically under the rule of the Incas. At that time, Ollantaytambo was used as a checkpoint to control access to the Sacred Valley. This was also where maize was first domesticated before being… Continue reading Ollantaytambo: A Key Incan Fortress in Peru’s Sacred Valley
Machu Micchu – Sacred temple or military fortress?
When the explorer Hiram Bingham III encountered Machu Picchu in 1911, he was looking for a different city called Vilcabamba. This was a hidden capital to which the Inca had escaped after the Spanish conquistadors arrived in 1532. Over time, it became famous as the legendary Lost City of the Inca. Bingham spent most of his life… Continue reading Machu Micchu – Sacred temple or military fortress?
Kuwait Police Museum in Bneid Al-Gar
The Kuwait Police Museum is an intriguing destination that captures the essence of the nation’s law enforcement history and cultural evolution. It was established to honor the contributions of the police force to Kuwait. The museum displays various artifacts, documents, and exhibits that tell the story of policing in the region. The museum was built… Continue reading Kuwait Police Museum in Bneid Al-Gar
Frog on the border 