Traveling in 2021. As our world has turned upside down over the past two years, just thought of traveling was simultaneously exciting and concerning. I realized that I didn’t hug my mom for over a year. Finally, after a long break from travel, I made trip to Europe to see my mom.
Posts Taggedtravel
Floating University Berlin
Floating University Berlin immediately piqued my interest when I saw Joanna’s photos. I visited Berlin’s vibrant art scene a few years ago and from then on it never ceases to amaze me and fill me with inspiration. Once before we did an amazing collaboration about Chiharu Shiota, so upon seeing…
I Remember Myanmar
For a long time now, Myanmar has been known as the Land of the Golden Pagodas and is home to world-famous breathtaking Valley of Bagan, a World Heritage Site. Dear Reader, enjoy this rare photo essay by our contributor Colin Johnson.
Manila – Explore the Philippines in 4 Days
Manila was a surprise destination because I was in Asia and a friend of mine who happens to live in the region had a birthday. So, I made a small detour from Vietnam on my way to Bali. Once I arrived at the airport in Hanoi, I knew that Manila…
Rwanda Travel – The Joy of the Unexpected
Rwanda has been emerging over the past few years as an intriguing and exciting travel destination. Since 2005, sustainability has been at the heart of Rwanda tourism in order to conserve and protect its wildlife. It’s one of the few rare places where you can see gorillas in the natural habitat.
Your 2021 Zest & Curiosity Preview
As we start a new year, it feels cleansing and refreshing to start looking at future possibilities. And there are many! From seductive destinations, world-class art, and gourmet food to new books to read – the new year is looking good. Also, with vaccines coming soon, we will be able…
The Beauty of the Underwater World by Pepe Arcos
Pepe Arcos is an award-winning multitalented photographer that explores the magical underwater domain. He is holding the breath for minutes at a time to capture unique images of ethereal calm. As a fellow diver I understand his passion….
Tybee Island – COVID Escape
Tybee Island, along with Cumberland Island, is my favorite place in Georgia. It’s my happy space. Since March, as the COVID-19 collectively shattered our world, I’ve spent six months at home. My mom traveled from Europe to the States before the virus came and couldn’t leave the USA since her…
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Cambodia – Kingdom of Wonder
Cambodia is truly the Kingdom of Wonder. I have a feeling that some places are destined for you, and Cambodia is one of those places for me. It stole my heart. From the wondrous temples and floating trees to its world-renowned Kampot pepper, there is something for everyone in this beautiful tropical country.
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Halong Bay Wonder of Nature – Dreaming Awake
In 1994, Halong Bay was listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This area is selected because of its stunning limestone mountains that formed thousands of years ago by rising up from emerald waters. The emerald bay has ravishing beauty that exceeded all of my expectations.
Blue Ice – Exploring Glacial Caves in Iceland
I dream with my eyes open – Jules Verne, “Journey to the Center of the Earth” The ice caves of Iceland have been on my bucket list for years. Few things in my travels have left me with a childish wonderment more than the unique nature of our planet. There…
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Crossing the Andes in the footsteps of Charles Darwin
At the age of twenty-two, Charles Darwin (1809-1881) started on his trip around the world. The trip would last 5 years, of which most was spent on land investigating geology and making natural history collections. After the trip, he wrote “The Voyage of the Beagle” and the influential “On the…
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Colombia – Beautiful Colors of Cartagena
Cartagena, Colombia is a historic city of superb beauty lying within centuries-old colonial stone walls. Cartagena’s Old Town is a Unesco World Heritage Site and so colorful, charming and bursting at the seams with fabulous Latin music.
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Cornelia Parker – I got lucky in Sydney
One of the most important artists working today, Cornelia Parker is known for her transformation of everyday objects into unexpected, haunting scenarios – things are exploded, shot, turned back to front and rearranged in often surprising ways. Her subjects hang at the very moment of their transformation, suspended in time and completely still.
Iconic Bondi Beach – Sydney, Australia
Bondi Beach is the iconic beach in Sydney, Australia. Even there are many ocean pools in Australia, the most famous is probably the Bondi Icebergs. Bondi has its own rhythm which is absolutely enchanting.
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Desert Rose by Jean Nouvel
Jean Nouvel is one of the marvelous architects whose work I admire. Finally, I got the opportunity to see his latest museum project in Doha. I remember I was riding in a taxi when I laid my eyes on the National Museum of Qatar. The locals affectionately call Jean Nouvel’s magnificent architecture the Desert Rose.
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Wildest Dreams – ‘East-West/West-East’ by Richard Serra
These captivating sculptures in the middle of Qatari desert by Richard Serra is what a wildest dreams are made of – bravado, creativity, making the impossible possible. There are no roads to get there, no maps and, no signs.
Nyaman Gallery – the Contemporary Gem of Bali
I was in heaven at Nyaman Gallery. Every stylish room had a great artist to discover or something to inspire. Bali is a very creative space, with so much talent. Nyaman Gallery was the artistic highlight of the trip featuring marvelous artists like Jean-Michel Aucler and Lukman Fauzi.
Tadao Ando – Church of the Light
Probably one of my absolute favorite architects is Tadao Ando. The focus is on the light, materials, and flow of space and simplicity. It’s worth traveling across the world to Japan, just to see it.
Egypt – Journey from Cairo to Abu Simbel
Egypt, a fascinating country linking northeast Africa with the Middle East, dates to the time of the pharaohs. Ancient monuments sit along the fertile Nile River Valley, including Giza’s colossal Pyramids and Great Sphinx as well as Luxor’s hieroglyph-lined Karnak Temple and Valley of the Kings tombs.
The Art of Detours
On my iTunes, California Dreamin’ is blasting. There is something about road trips, that sense of freedom, living in the moment. Making decisions on instinct, and having sweet detours when something inviting takes your full attention. And, you stop.
The Amazing World of Joshua Trees
Joshua Tree National Park, home to the breathtaking Joshua Trees. On the edges of the park lies the town Joshua Tree, named after the beloved icon. This tiny outpost is the best place to stay and experience the physical beauty of this stunning desert landscape.
The Magnificent Colors of Taos
Taos Pueblo is a very unique place. Walking through the village feels as if you have stepped into another time. The most surprising quality is the colors. Asides of the colorful doors, Taos Pueblo adobe houses are all in the intense desert tones. The houses literally become part of the landscape.
Gently, Snow Blanketed the Beach
Seeing snow at the beach is such an unexpected and unique sight. It was so astonishing to discover all these photos that I had completely forgotten until this day. Somehow, the photos have since turned into digital dust. Isn’t it bemusing that we can forget something like this?