SUNDAY'S SPECIAL SPOT - MARRAKESH

Noisy, bustling, colourful, spicy, cultural - a beauty within a hectic design draws people into the magic of Marrakesh. Not the largest of Morocco's cities (Casablanca, Fes and Rabat precede it in size) yet possibly the most recognized. The souks (covered markets) alone come to mind when I think of this captivating city.  The maze of stalls filled with tasty foods, exquisite fabrics, colourful glassware, and enticing spices all the while honing haggling skills can make one's head spin, I imagine. Add ancient city walls, stately mosques, numerous palaces and beautiful gardens, one can see why travelers flock there.  Even French fashion designer Yves St Laurent owned a home here. In 2008, his ashes were scattered in Majorelle Gardens after his death.





I expect I will be wowed and overwhelmed by this incredible city when I finally visit.

Photo credit: Flickr - Ivan Serra

SUNDAY'S SPECIAL SPOT - MADAGASCAR

No, this is not about the Dreamworks film of the same name. It is about the island country of the Republic of Madagascar.  With indigenous wildlife making upwards of 90% of that found on the island it is a bio-diverse locale indeed. However, years of human consumption has caused an increase in de-forestation and many animals are endangered or extinct. We really are a destructive lot (my personal opinion).

The majestic Baobabs (Adansonia) trees towering over the land. A island filled with beaches, tropical forests, highlands, escarpments, lakes and incredible flora and fauna, I imagine Madagascar a place like no other.


Photo credit: Wikimedia Commons, owned by: Attis 1979

SUNDAY'S SPECIAL SPOT - MOUNT KILIMANJARO

The world's tallest free standing mountain is found in the east African country of Tanzania. There  Mount Kilimanjaro rises to astonishing 5895m (19,341ft) at it highest peak. A dormant volcano made up of three peaks (Kibo, Mawenzi and Shira), this mountain beckons for visitors to make passage to her apex. Despite her sheer size Mt Kilimanjaro is one of the world's more accessible mountains with its numerous trails in Mt Kilimanjaro National Park



Mount Kilimanjaro is the tallest peak in Africa. It is found in Tanzania but is clearly viewed from Kenya as well.

Photo credit: Flickr - Nicola Matthews (citrineblue)

SUNDAY'S SPECIAL SPOT - TIMBUKTU

The use of  exaggeration in our vernacular carries some interest. In trying to make a point we often use words incorrectly: "I'm so far behind I'll have reports coming out my yin yang". Since when is "yin yang" a part of, well I don't know what? Or we combine words that express the magnitude of something: "It cost like, a bazillion dollars". That is not a number. Then there is the reference to some imaginary far off place: "That's across town. It's like going from here to Timbuktu".  So where would this hypothetical place be anyways? But there IS a place called Timbuktu! And that is locale for today's photos.

Timbuktu is a city in the West African country of Mali, situated on the edge of the Sahara Desert, north of the Niger River. Maintaining a permanent settlement in the 12th century, Timbuktu has seen its share of prosperity, empires, wars, educational affluence, colonialism, and independence. Despite its storied past, sadly Timbuktu is one of the poorest areas in the world. 

Today I am posting two photos since I could not choose between them. The photographer is very skilled and I recommend that you follow the credits link below or click the photos themselves to see some of his fabulous work. This is not a referral or anything like that, I just really like his photos and hope you do as well.

This is a view of Timbuktu near its market.

This is Sankore Mosque/Madrasah, one of three such ancient centres of learning and their designated mosques found in Timbuktu.

Recently, the city has seen more turmoil and pain with rebellions and a military coup. These events have damaged parts this UNESCO World Heritage Site and even worse, has had human casualties. 

Both photos are from Flickr and are owned and copyrighted by rajarajaraja

The Appeal of...Part III

Africa, where life began for us homo sapien sapiens. We evolved and grew from this place and then wandered out to, well in essence, where we are now. Both the world's second largest and second most populous continent, Africa appears to me as distant as the moon, literally and figuratively. So many countries, so many cultures, so many rumours one hears of its state of being (true or not) and so many amazing animals. It is not a wonder that Africa attracts my attention.







I can thank my two BFFs for some of the incentive over the years. One BFF's mother spent time in Africa many years ago. My other BFF actually lived in Africa for several years. From them I listened to tales about this great land mass. And finally, the biggest draw for me comes down to cats,BIG CATS. And elephants. And giraffes. And Timon and Pumbaa (come on, I loved The Lion King). So where do I plan to go?

The Appeal of:

Tunisia:

Some of you will laugh, others will shake their heads and finally some will be agree wholeheartedly. I want to go to Tunisia to see the planet Tatooine. Yes, I want to visit Tunisia to see the Star Wars set. As I said here, my reasons for wanting to go somewhere are varied. It is a straightforward reason of why I mainly want to visit. The cities of Tunis and Sfax are a draw as well and it is accessible via ferry from Malta.

South Africa:

Remember how I said my BFF lived in Africa? Well, South Africa was one of those countries. Capetown to be exact. So, naturally, I want to visit the country where she spent so many years (and it would be great if she joined me - hint hint). I also want to know about the country that gave the world that great man, Nelson Mandela. 

Namibia:

Easy enough - I want to volunteer at N'a/an Kuse Foundation in Namibia (outside of Windhoek). They do wonderful work with wildlife (Carnivore Conservation, Wildlife Sanctuary) and the local San Bushmen (Lifelines Clinic, Clever Cubs School). Check out their Thank You Video for 2012 supporters:



Does that not look fantastic?? I will post my video up here when I go there.

Three continents down and 3 more to go. Next up is Asia!

SUNDAY'S SPECIAL SPOT - NAMIBIA

NAMIBIA'S SKELETON COAST

An eerie name for an long expanse of Atlantic coastline in Namibia, Africa. Called The Skeleton Coast because of remains of both creatures and vessels. In the past it was spotted with whale and seal skeletons, remnants of the old whaling industry. Now you can find old shipwrecks protruding out of the deep sand, a treacherous graveyard of seafaring.

Namibia's Skeleton Skeleton Coast

A region that has little rain, harsh winds and an arid dessert, much of it is part of Skeleton Coast National Park

Photo take from the Travel section of The Telegraph. They own and copyright this photo.