Abu Dhabi – place of silence and splendour
Sand, Sea and Salukis Elegant, understated Abu Dhabi city – capital of the UAE – stands between the sand sea of the Arabian Desert and the tranquil tepid waters of the Arabian Gulf. These are the natural attractions for roadtrippers wanting to experience absolute beauty. By Keri Harvey The Empty Quarter is the largest uninterrupted sand sea on earth, and the light of late afternoon has turned the sandscape into still life fire. More precisely, we’re at Qasr Al Sarab – a magnificent desert resort that rises from the sand to resemble a majestic Kasbah city – and for desert lovers...
Read MoreMorocco – journey of the senses
Where Magic Lives If ever there’s a country that’s a magic carpet ride of evocative culture, romantic cities and incredible landscapes, it’s Morocco. Land of mosaics and snake charmers, heady souks and ancient medinas, sweeping Sahara and wild Atlantic, Morocco has it all. By Keri Harvey “There are just three things that are not negotiable in Morocco,” says the smiling carpet seller in the medina of Marrakech, “they are stamps, taxes and medicine. Everything else is flexible.” Omar Hassan, rolls out an assortment of soft red carpets one on top of the next. “You have a look while I will make...
Read MoreSouthern lights – stoic beacons for navigators
The Lights Fantastic Their long lazy light beams stroke the night skies over the world’s oceans and warn small craft of trepidous areas. Lighthouses stand as beacons for navigation and lend an air of nostalgia to the South African coastline too. Each one is fingerprint unique; each one has stories to tell. Shipwrecks, ghosts, and compass needles gone crazy are just a few. Story and photos: Keri Harvey Cape Recife, Port Elizabeth Lat 34°01 43,97S; Long 25°42 03,90E Flash: 1/30 seconds. Range: 29 nautical miles. On the southern point of Algoa Bay, Cape Recife lighthouse has been warning ships...
Read MoreSinai – holy space
Stepping it up the mountain Being in Sinai is a little like stepping onto the moon, but for the Bedouins who sprinkle the rugged landscape. It’s a harsh place, dry, desolate and achingly beautiful. Story and photos: Keri Harvey A holy pilgrimage for some; a muscle-burning blister-making trek for others. Climbing Mount Sinai is for the strong-legged and deeply determined – and for those travellers who want to see the sun rise from the very top of Egypt. We are sunrise specialists, so Mount Sinai was in our sight. Up at 1am, we start our climb an hour later, dressed warmly against the night...
Read MoreVietnam – land of the yellow star
Saigon in the Stream Southern Vietnam is steamy and a place of rice noodles and rushing motorbikes. It’s also where life is lived entirely on the water, if home is the mighty Mekong River. Story and photos: Keri Harvey Captain Nguyen Van Duyen has a dream. “One day,” he says, looking at the horizon with a smile, “I want to travel all the great rivers of the world, from the Nile to the Amazon.” Before taking over at the helm of the RV Amalotus, Captain Duyen spent over 30 years sailing the Mekong River – first on cargo ships, then captaining passenger boats. “I am completely in love with...
Read MoreMali – ancient astronomers
Dogon Genius The Dogon people of Mali have long known cosmic truths that are only now being confirmed by modern science. This without ever having seen a telescope. Story and photos: Keri Harvey A lone figure descents the sheer rock face in the dwindling light of dusk. The figure appears suspended against the high rock wall, yet he slowly edges closer to the level ground below. When he gets there, he draws a grid in the sand with his finger, and softly whispers the questions: Will the granaries be full this year? Is there a death in the near future? The shaman then scatters peanuts over the...
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