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
Tag: Travel
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?
Exploring a Mysterious Abandoned House in Jeddah
Wandering through the outskirts of the city of Jedddah, Saudi Arabia I came across this mysterious house. More like the ruins of it. I found it very difficult to learn anything about this place and its owner. The maps gives us the name Abdullah Omar Batwil. Who is this person? No restriction to access the… Continue reading Exploring a Mysterious Abandoned House in Jeddah
Tareq Rajab Museum of Islamic Calligraphy, Kuwait
The Tareq Rajab Museum of Islamic Calligraphy is a captivating destination for tourists and art lovers alike, situated in the heart of Jabriya, Kuwait. This museum is dedicated to Islamic calligraphy, featuring an extensive collection of beautifully crafted pieces spanning centuries. Visitors can explore the intricate designs and styles of various calligraphers, each reflecting the… Continue reading Tareq Rajab Museum of Islamic Calligraphy, Kuwait
The Artistic Journey Behind Kuwait’s Mirror House
The House of Mirrors or Mirror House, also known as the Khalifa & Lidia Qattan Art Museum is the residence of Artists Khalifa Qattan and his wife Lidia Qattan, both intellectual and pioneer artists in their field. The creator of the Mirror House, Lidia, is an Italian-born artist and writer who moved to Kuwait when she married her husband… Continue reading The Artistic Journey Behind Kuwait’s Mirror House
Kalashnikov Experience in Ethiopia
It was about time to have a long and adventurous ride to Semera from where I and newly met friends would go to explore Danakil Depression, Dallol, and Earta Volcano. The journey started in the capital of Ethiopia, Addis Ababa. The reliable and comfy jeep only added to the enjoyment of the ride. After a… Continue reading Kalashnikov Experience in Ethiopia
Quirks of Hargeisa, Somaliland
Money MarketThe money market in Hargeisa is known for its unique way of trading money, where shoppers sit in rows and trade money in kilograms. The local currency, the Somaliland shilling, is not just used for transactions but is also traded as an item. These shoppers sit in orderly rows, not to barter for produce… Continue reading Quirks of Hargeisa, Somaliland
Beautiful nomad people of Djibouti
Two-thirds of Djibouti's population of one million live in the capital Djibouti, the rest are mainly nomads making a living through herding. These are predominately Afar who live in the arid north of the country and the Afar region of Ethiopia, and Issa nomads from Somalia. The two largest ethnic groups native to Djibouti are the Somalis (60%)… Continue reading Beautiful nomad people of Djibouti
Border crossing at Lesotho/South Africa
Having visited Johannesburg, Pretoria, and Bloemfontein, I decided to enter the Kingdom of the Sky - Lesotho. I took the long-distance bus to the city of Ladybrand. Still far away from the point of entry. Luckily enough, a local trade woman gave me a lift to the border, or actually, we crossed the border together,… Continue reading Border crossing at Lesotho/South Africa
From Highlands in Hobart to Wetlands in Brisbane
Mount Wellington in Tasmania, Australia is a result of millions of years of geological activity. The mountain was created by volcanic activity around 135 million years ago. The landscape includes woodlands, forests, waterfalls, rainforest, dry eucalypt woodland, open sandy flats, and alpine moor. It lies directly behind Hobart at a height of 1270 meters and was formed… Continue reading From Highlands in Hobart to Wetlands in Brisbane
Street artists of Alice Springs. Meet talented Esther
In Alice Springs, there are several art centers and galleries where you can browse through some of the most valuable art in the world and find a piece you will admire and proudly display at home. How about opting for street artists, making their living by selling their talent and skills? Strolling down the streets… Continue reading Street artists of Alice Springs. Meet talented Esther
Frog on the border 