1. Uluru, Australia
The massive rock — a.k.a. Ayers Rock — is climbed by 250 every day, despite pleas from local indigenous groups to refrain from doing so.
Photo: Chris Harrison

2. Diving with whale sharks
The whale shark is the world’s largest fish species and can grow to be longer than 40 feet. This shot was taken off Christmas Island, Australia, in January 2005.
Photo: Rob Hughes

3. Cotopaxi, Ecuador
This volcano just south of Quito reaches an elevation of 5,897m (19,347ft) — often higher than the clouds.
Photo: david_rombaut

4. Redwood country, California
Taken in Stout Grove, Jedediah Smith Redwoods State Park, this picture shows me (in red) straining my neck next to the Stout Tree.
Photo: Aya Padron

5. Sea Kayaking, solo
Big water, small boat. Shot taken walking the Southwest Coast Path from Land’s End to Plymouth, England.
Photo: nixwilliams

6. Great Ocean Road, Australia
The coast along one of the world’s most spectacular roads is also good for a walk.
Photo: Andrew Ferrier

7. Ponoras Cave, Romania
Things can get large underground too. Here, spelunkers from CSA explore “Mammoth Hall” in Romania’s Transylvania region. The light trail was produced by a fast-moving caver with a headlamp.
Photo: Bela Nagy

8. Snowfields, Rocky Mountains
This is no photoshop. It’s Matador senior editor David Miller getting in some late-season turns in Rocky Mountain National Park. Read about it in The Dharma Shack Chronicles.
Photo: David Miller

9. Desert, southern Peru
Sand accumulates into massive dunes in one of the driest deserts on Earth. Notice the city of Ica, Peru, in the distance — also dwarfed.
Photo: guilherme cecílio

10. Camping under the stars
So many stars. And camping the best way to let them overwhelm you. This shot was taken near Maupin, Oregon.
Photo: Ben Canales

11. Mount Bromo, Indonesia
This very active Javanese volcano attracts lots of tiny visitors up to its steaming rim.
Photo: Jiang

12. Yosemite National Park, California
That’s me again, this time feeling very small (and a little dizzy) at the top of Half Dome. Notice the gloves — not a fashion statement, but what you use to pull yourself up the cables on the final ascent.
Photo: Aya Padron

13. Antarctica
Travelers to Antarctica report losing all sense of distance — the geographic scale is so immense and the ice fields so flat and white. This is Lake Fryxell.
Photo: Nicolas Arthur Salava

14. Preikestolen, Norway
This rock has a great view of Lysefjorden and is a good place to get close to the edge.
Photo: Sonya Kanelstrand

15. Mont Blanc, France
Europe’s tallest mountain tops out at 4,810m (15,782ft) and sits in one of The 6 Best Starter Ranges for Mountaineering.
Photo: Sarah Brigden

16. Salar de Uyuni, Bolivia
This salt plain is the world’s largest and traps rainwater during wet winter months, creating a tripped-out sky mirror. Find out how to get there.
Photo: Carlos Díaz

17. On a cliff ascent
This one happens to be the curved limestone face of Malham Cove, North Yorkshire, England.
Photo: Dubris

18. Iguazu Falls, Brazil
The majority of the falls lies in Argentina, but according to the photographer, “the great thing about the Brazilian side of Iguazu is that there are no limits on taking pictures at any time of day….(unlike the Argentinian side).”
Photo: SF Brit

1. Red Tide

Photo: catalano82

When ocean, air, and temperature conditions are just right, ocean phytoplankton reproduce like bunnies, creating a thick, visible layer near the surface. These algae blooms — a.k.a “red tides” — might look disgusting during the day, but in parts of California and other places where the bioluminescent variety of Noctiluca scintillans bloom, red tide nights look out of this world.

This particular variety of phytoplankton glows blue when agitated, transforming the dark ocean into a giant lava lamp. Watch as the waves light up as they crash, run across the sand to see the ground glow under your feet, or dive in to be surrounded by the bizarre Timex-y glow.

The N. scintillans is also the culprit behind the Bioluminescent Bays in Puerto Rico.

2. Foxfire

Photo: Ylem

Bioluminescence doesn’t just occur in the water. During the late summer months, a faint and eerie glow can also be seen from forests around the world, where bioluminescent mushrooms grow on moist, rotting bark.

Foxfire has been witnessed worldwide, but the greatest diversity occurs in the tropics, where moist forests encourage fungi growth. The newest varieties of glow-in-the-dark mushrooms were introduced to the world just last year, after being collected from Ribeira Valley Tourist State Park near Sao Paulo, Brazil.

To up your chances of seeing this one, hunt in the forest during its wettest season and move as far as possible away from any light sources that may outshine the faint glow. And if you do happen to come across a patch of glowing shrooms, don’t even think about it — they’re not that kind of mushroom.

3. Fire Rainbow

Photo: Jeff Kubina

Another summertime occurrence, fire rainbows occur when sunlight hits frozen ice crystals in high-altitude cirrus clouds. Because the fire rainbow actually involves no rain at all, scientists would rather we refer to this occurrence by its much less fun, but much more accurate title: the circumhorizonal arc.

Since the arc requires both the presence of cirrus clouds and for the sun to be extremely high in the sky, it’s much more likely to be seen at latitudes closer to the equator. Conditions might be right for a fire rainbow in Los Angeles six months out of the year, but in a more northern city like London, that window drops to a mere two months. The photo above was taken in West Virginia.

4. Nacreous Clouds

Photo: Thomas Larsen Røed

For those of you a bit farther away from the equator, there’s still plenty to see in the sky. Nacreous clouds (also called mother-of-pearl clouds) are extremely rare, but unmistakeable in the dark hours before dawn or after sunset. Because of their extremely high altitudes, they reflect sunlight from below the horizon, shining it brightly down onto viewers below, in stark comparison to the regular ol’ dark clouds in the troposphere.

The lower stratosphere, where nacreous clouds live, is so dry that it often prevents cloud formation, but the extreme cold of polar winters make this beautiful phenomenon possible. Captured best during winter at high latitudes, nacreous clouds have been spotted in Iceland, Alaska, Northern Canada, and very rarely, farther south in England.

5. Snow Rollers

Photo: jah~

Snow rollers are formed when a thick layer of snow falls on top of a layer of ice. If the temperature and wind speed are right, chunks of snow can break loose and start rolling. As they’re blown along the ground like wintry tumbleweeds, they pick up additional snow along the way. The inner layers are often weaker and less compact, allowing them to be blown easily away by the wind, leaving a large, naturally formed snow donut.

Because of the precise temperature and wind speeds required to create this effect, snow rollers are a rare sight, but have made headlines with their appearances in parts of North American and the UK.

1. Route 66: West or Bust!

1. A baba admiring the magic of the Ganges.

2. Portrait of a baba who happily posed for a photo.

3. A man meditating whilst contemplating the sunset by the Ganges.

4. A fully costumed baba.

5. Known as the burning ghat, this is the place where most of the cremations take place.

6. A wise look from one of the many babas you find in Varanasi sitting at the ghats.

7. A baba taking a rest on the steps that lead to the river.

8. A baba walking down a ghat with his belongings.

9. Panoramic view of the main ghat at dawn.

10. The sacred waters of the Ganges are also used for laundry.

11. A baba hugging one of India’s famous holy cows.

12. A portrait full of color.

13. Hang up a mirror and you’ve got yourself a barbershop.

1. Thai massage On arrival, we were treated to a massage at the Rarinjinda Wellness Spa in the Grand Centre Point Hotel. Pictured above are the foot baths where our feet were washed before heading into the rooms.

2. Bangkok view During our three-night stay in Bangkok, we were put up in the swanky Lebua at State Tower hotel. This was the view from the balcony of my 54th-floor room.

3. Thai performers Entertainment during the welcome dinner at the Centara Grand Hotel included traditional Thai dancing.

4. Buddha line In Wat Pho — known to locals as Wat Phra Chetuphon. This temple is famous for the 46-meter-long, gold-plated Reclining Buddha statue.

5. Chanting monks We arrived at the temple early enough to watch and listen to a group of monks doing their Morning Chanting routine.

6. Tea time A street vendor mixes up a sweet iced tea. This particular one was so sweet, it found its way into the rubbish bin.

7. Gold leaf factory There’s a good reason these guys are ripped. Those hammers are very heavy; I lifted one myself. They are making gold-leaf by smashing little bits of gold placed within the pages of those books. They bounce rhythmically on the springy chairs, using the momentum and their weight. We visited this factory as part of our cycling tour of Thon Buri — the old capital of Thailand.

8. Wat Phra That Doi Suthep According to our guide, Thailand is 95% Buddhist. In Chiang Mai province, the number is 97% and there are 1,200 temples.

9. Fried winged ants At a street market in Chiang Mai. We stopped to sample some of the insect goodies.

10. Eating a bamboo worm This was my first time eating an insect. Just to report, not everything tastes like chicken.

11. Lunchtime Lunch time at the street market.

12. Chased by kids On our ox cart ride from the Lisu Lodge, we passed these boys. They ran after us, trying to score a free ride.

13. Lisu shaman The Lisu are one of the hill tribes in Northern Thailand. We had an opportunity to sit down with the village shaman and, through an interpreter, ask him questions.

14. Riding elephants We were taken on an hour-long elephant tour along the Mae Taeng river. Here our elephant was reaching his trunk back for a banana, which we happily obliged.

15. Thai cooking class At the Khum Lanna lodge we were given a lesson in preparing and cooking four Thai dishes. Then we ate them for dinner. Pictured here are Ted Beatie and Angela Dollar, trying not to cut their fingers off.

16. Cycling in the country This was our guide — Rachet — leading us through villages, markets, and rice fields in Northern Thailand.

17. Transplanting rice After our guide spoke with these locals who were transplanting rice, we rolled up our pants, took our shoes off, and stepped in. The ground was warm, soft, and muddy. I sank to my ankles. We helped them with the work; it was one of my favourite experiences on the trip.

18. One last massage Back at Khum Lanna lodge, before we left for the airport to begin our long journey back to the U.S., we were offered one last massage. We didn’t say no.

Community Connection

Planning a trip to Thailand? Don’t miss our Thailand Focus Page.

You may also want to check out Matador member Jodi Ettenberg’s blog, Legal Nomads, for some tips and insight on Thailand.

For more images from the trip, see my Flickr collection.

1. Vasco da Gama Bridge, Portugal
The longest bridge in Europe spans the Tagus River just outside of Lisbon.
Photo: F H Mira

2. Ponte Vecchio, Italy
This medieval bridge in Florence shows how it was once common to combine commerce with river crossings.
Photo: rayced

3. Gateshead Millennium Bridge, England
When boats need to pass under this pedestrian bridge in Newcastle upon Tyne, it tilts up to let them through.
Photo: ahisgett

4. Zakim Bunker Hill Bridge, USA
Boston’s Big Dig construction fest yielded this structure on Interstate 93 downtown. Pictured is one of the bridge’s two pylons, viewed from below.
Photo: David Salafia

5. Rio–Antirrio Bridge, Greece
This one crosses the Gulf of Corinth and is the “world’s longest multi-span cable-stayed bridge.”
Photo: stefg74

6. Chengyang Bridge, China
A 1916 covered bridge in the Dong Minority Region of Guangxi Province, it’s popularly known as the Wind-Rain Bridge.
Photo: Domminikki

7. Confederation Bridge, Canada
Linking the Maritime provinces of Prince Edward Island and New Brunswick, the Confederation Bridge is 8 miles long and cost C$1.3 billion to build in the ’90s.
Photo: tuergeist

8. Penang Bridge, Malaysia
At 8.4 miles, this is the longest bridge in Southeast Asia. Construction is underway on a twin crossing just next to it over Malaysia’s South Channel.
Photo: Photoholic2009

9. Stari Most, Bosnia and Herzegovina
The “old bridge” in the city of Mostar is actually a recent reconstruction of the 427-year-old original, which was destroyed in the Balkan conflict of the early ’90s.
Photo: faceymcface1

10. Tsing Ma Bridge, China
The Tsing Ma connects two of Hong Kong’s islands and is an important piece in the expressway that runs from Lantau to the international airport.
Photo: FHKE

11. San Diego-Coronado Bridge, USA
This 2.1-mile bridge arcs over San Diego Bay and connects the two cities that give it its name.
Photo: Lee Sie

12. Hangzhou Bay Bridge, China
Currently holds the record for longest cross-sea bridge in the world, with a total length of 22 miles.
Photo: Mr ▪ Y

13. Pont du Gard, France
An old Roman aqueduct bridge built in the first century A.D. and now a much-visited UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Photo: zak mc

14. Akashi Kaikyo Bridge, Japan
This one takes the title for having “the longest central span of any suspension bridge, at 1,991m (6,532ft).”
Photo: roybuloy

15. Kapellbrücke, Switzerland
Lucerne’s wooden covered bridge is the oldest in Europe, built for defense purposes in 1333.
Photo: bigbirdz

16. Brooklyn Bridge, USA
Stretching for 6,000ft over New York City’s East River, this was the longest suspension bridge in the world when it opened in 1883.
Photo: Cyril Abad

17. Öresund Bridge, Denmark/Sweden
Copenhagen and Malmö are connected by this 5-mile bridge over the Öresund Strait.
Photo: supermaskinen

18. Teak Bridge, Myanmar
Not far outside the Burmese city of Mandalay, in the town of Amarapura, this is the world’s longest bridge constructed from teak.
Photo: Nick Kuchmak

1. Panoramic view of the Jatiluwih rice paddies, a Unesco-protected site.

2. A young girl bathing in holy water at the Tirta Empul temple.

3. Balinese farmers planting rice in one of the many paddies of the island’s interior.

4. Portrait of a mask used in a traditional Balinese dance.

5. Sunset seen from Payangan.

6. Balinese farmer plowing the paddies in the traditional way.

7. Sun rays light up a dam in the middle of the jungle.

8. The temple of Ulun Danu at Bedugul.

9. Kids fishing in Lake Batur.

10. A traditional dancer performs during the Kuningan festival.

11. The ceremonial procession is a common sight in Bali.

12. A family bathes at Tirta Empul.

13. Three women present offerings during a religious ceremony.

14. A father enjoys a Balinese ceremony with his son.

1. Millau Bridge, France
From the photographer: “The new Millau Bridge is considered to be the world’s tallest. One of the pillars reaches more than eleven-hundred feet into the air, making it more than 50 feet taller than the Eiffel Tower.”
Photo: tibchris

2. Puente Nuevo, Spain
Three impressive bridges span the gorge that cuts through the southern Spanish town of Ronda. The “new bridge” is the most dramatic.
Photo: papalars

3. Runyang Bridge, China
Part of the Beijing-Shanghai Expressway, crossing the Yangtze River. Fourth-longest span in the world.
Photo: sjiong

4. Lake Pontchartrain Causeway, USA
At just under 24 miles, this one goes deep into water world.
Photo: Joe Shlabotnik

5. Tower Bridge, England
The Tower Bridge, just one of 214 connectors to be built across the River Thames, is the most photographed landmark in the most photographed city in the world.
Photo: Trodel

6. Kawazu Loop Bridge, Japan
A bridge in a Japanese mountain valley with spiraled entry and exit ramps.
Photo: TANAKA Juuyoh (田中十洋)

7. Incheon Bridge, South Korea
Providing new road access to Seoul’s Incheon International Airport, the bridge is both long (13 miles) and tall (756 feet). It’s shown here before its October 2009 completion.
Photo: Ryan Wick

8. Khaju Bridge, Iran
The Khaju Bridge, made up of 23 stout arches, was built in 1650 and connects two quarters of the old dynastic capital of Isfahan.
Photo: jeffmcneill

9. Donghai Bridge, China
For two years after its completion in late 2005, the Donghai Bridge was the longest cross-sea bridge in the world.
Photo: Wikipedia

10. Puente de la Mujer, Argentina
The condo-ified Buenos Aires port barrio of Puerto Madero is home to this artistic pedestrian bridge.
Photo: Jorge Lascar

11. Sydney Harbour Bridge, Australia
A good place to watch Sydney’s New Year’s fireworks display, with the harbour bridge as its focal point, is from Cockatoo Island.
Photo: coquetboy

12. Forth Railway Bridge, Scotland
Dating to 1890, the first British bridge to be constructed of steel, and still the second-longest cantilever bridge in the world.
Photo: Brian Forbes

13. Rialto Bridge, Italy
The oldest and most famous bridge across the Grand Canal in Venice.
Photo: llamnudds

14. Bosphorus Bridge, Turkey
This bridge spans the Bosphorus Strait, connecting Asia and Europe in Istanbul.
Photo: Tambako the Jaguar

15. Erasmus Bridge, Netherlands
Pictured above is the large main pylon of “The Swan” bridge in Rotterdam.
Photo: on1stsite .

16. Kintai Bridge, Japan
A 5-arch wooden bridge, built in 1673 below the mountaintop Iwakuni Castle.
Photo: Kyle T. Ramirez

17. Golden Gate Bridge, USA
Tilt-shift of the iconic Golden Gate in San Francisco.
Photo: TenSafeFrogs

1. A woman carries a load of fish from the edge of the sand bar to town where she’ll sell them at the market.

2. A group of kids shows me that life isn’t so bad in a remote coastal fishing village about 80km south of Morondava.

3. The long but spectacular walk home down from the main road to Morondava via the Avenue du Baobab.

4. Fishermen and their wives divvy up the day’s catch at the tip of the sand bar in Morondava.

5. Women in Western and Northern Madagascar often wear a daily “mask” called “Masonjoany.” This paste is made from a plant by the same name and is worn to protect the skin from the hot sun and keep it smooth and clear. It’s applied first thing in the morning and removed at night.

6. A “pirogue” (Malagasy for outrigger canoe) captain leans against a wall at the mouth of a cave in Le parc national Tsingy. The park is famous for the spectacular formations of limestone which have been eroded by thousands of years of heavy rain.

7. A group of young girls in Belo Sur Mer perform a rendition of a Malagasy pop song for my camera.

8. A woman prepares the fish her three young boys caught in the Manambolo River earlier that morning.

9. Six men haul the sails of a massive boat heading from the sleepy beaches of Belo Sur Mer south to Toliara.

10. A fisherman on a remote, unnamed island 65km off the coast of Belo Sur Mer applies a black tar used to seal a crack in the hull of a pirogue that struck reef on a fishing expedition.

11. Three sisters wait for their brother to pick them up in a cattle-drawn cart on the way back to their village, somewhere east of Morondava.

12. A woman from a Vezo village getting ready to feed her children dinner as the sun sinks low in the sky and temps drop on an island 60km off Madagascar’s west coast.

13. A heavy (and stinky) load. A fisherman takes a full basket of the day’s catch 2km through the hot sand and into town, where he’ll sell it at the market.

14. A boat builder chopping wood for repairs on his ship at low tide in Belo Sur Mer.

15. A girl selling fruit on a remote road about 60km east of Morondava. The large, round fuzzy ones are fruits from the famous baobab tree. You crack them open like a coconut and eat these strange, fuzzy little seeds inside. I tried them but was not a fan. An acquired taste…

16. An octopus racked out to dry in the sun and relentless wind on an unmapped island 65km off the coast of Belo Sur Mer.

17. A boy just before sunrise, starting out a long day of shepherding his herd of “zebo” (cattle) through the massive groves of baobabs east of Morondava.

18. A fisherman of the Vezo tribe takes shelter behind a wall of dead coral on a remote island 75km south of Morondava.

19. Women sort out the fishing nets of their husband’s boats while another boat comes in to land just before low tide.

20. A vendor selling dried fish in the main market in Morondava.

21. Three brothers showing me “where the wild things are” on a backstreet of a village near Belo Sur Mer.

22. Just after sunrise on an island off the coast of Belo Sur Mer, a man sorts out the fishing line while his wife comes to collect the night’s catch. These guys let me go out with them to fish for 6 hours in the middle of the night, 80km off the coast, in the middle of the Mozambique Channel.

1. Traditional homes of the region are called “tongkonan.” They can be neither bought nor sold and are passed down through the generations. These tongkonan make up the village of Kete Kesu, near Rantepao, one of the most commonly visited villages by tourists.

2. Locals are always wiling to share a smile or a wad of chewing tobacco. This lady is the head of a village near Kete Kesu.

3. Rice is the chief source of food for most of the villages of Tana Toraja, with many harvesting just once a year.

4. The tourists who visit Tana Toraja generally concentrate on the cave graves and show villages south of Rantepao. Head north on foot or by guided motorbike and the villages become much more traditional, the pace of life more leisurely. This was taken in the village of Baruppu.

5. Meeting the Torajan people is certainly a highlight of a visit to this part of Indonesia. Any chance for a home stay or visit to a remote village should be accepted.

6. Numerous rivers and streams flow from the mountains into Sulawesi’s lowlands, providing plenty of irrigation for the rice paddies. Streams also offer a source of food — carp, tadpoles, and eel often make the menu.

7. Even though for most of the year the climate is very temperate, during the dry season of July and August the river is the community swimming pool, with children as well as buffalo using it to cool off.

8. Torajans had elaborate ceremonies for just about everything until the Dutch missionaries began to outlaw traditional practices in the 1900s. Many beliefs have changed, but the Torajan obsession with death and funerals remains, despite pressure from the church.

9. Family members from surrounding villages as well as those who’ve found work as far away as Papua or Australia all return home for the most important day of someone’s life — their funeral.

10. Funerals generally last a total of three days. The first involves the receiving of guests, which provides a chance to meet and greet the family over coffee and biscuits. On the second, the sacrifices are carried out, followed by a feast.

11. One of the buffalo seemed to know what was coming and made attempts to escape. All in vain, as the village men spent the better part of an hour dragging the beast back up the mountain, where it would be sacrificed.

12. Throughout July and August, just after the harvest, the biggest funerals are held. At this time, as many as 50 buffalo may be slaughtered, depending on the wealth of the family and size of the funeral. One quick swipe of a sharpened machete is all it takes.

13. It’s believed the buffalo will guide the deceased through purgatory and into the afterlife, and without this sacrifice the spirit may become lost. Many families go into debt just to pay for the slaughter animals. Within minutes, the buffalo is butchered. Certain cuts of meat will go to the village elders, while others will be divided up equally. Literally nothing is wasted.

14. It can be difficult to watch for visitors, but the sacrifice is the most important event of the funeral ceremony. To Torajan children, it is a way of life, and some enjoy it with loud cheers and screams of encouragement when the buffalo is laid to rest.

15. Due to the importance of the buffalo in Torajan Society, homes are decorated with the horns of animals previously sacrificed to indicate status.

16. Unlike the buffalo, pigs are sacrificed privately. Despite Indonesia being predominately Muslim, most Torajans are Christian and it’s usually pork for lunch at the funeral ceremony.

17. While not as significant as the buffalo, the remains of pigs previously slaughtered adorn the homes of locals.

18. A man enjoys a smoke after the hard work has finished. Cigarettes are the preferred gift when tourists attend ceremonies.

19. Human remains lie around burial sites high up on limestone cliffs, where graves are hammered into the rock by hand.

20. Not all graves rest on cliffs. Others lie inside caves and are reachable with the help of a guide.

1. Milford Road, New Zealand
Not to be confused with the famous Milford Track trekking route, the Milford Road State Highway 94 passes through the Southern Alps of New Zealand’s South Island.
Photo: macronix

2. Stelvio Pass, Italy
48 hairpin turns up to a 2757m (9045ft) pass in the Italian Alps, and Top Gear’s pick for “greatest driving road in the world.”
Photo: Damian Morys Foto

3. Great Ocean Road, Australia
This coastal road in Victoria runs for 241km, between Torquay and Warrnambool. The car-less might consider the Great Ocean Walk as an alternative.
Photo: Stas Kulesh

4. Chalus Road, Iran
Tehran is connected to the northern city of Chalus via this road through the Alborz Mountains. Check this site for more images.
Photo: ninara

5. Cabot Trail, Canada
Wrapping around northern Nova Scotia’s Cape Breton Island, the Cabot Trail is mountainous and windy with near-constant ocean views. I recommend biking it.
Photo: kennymatic

Northwest Territories The Northern Lights as seen in Yellowknife.
Photo: Hyougushi

Yukon Territories Hiking in Tombstone Territorial Park.
Photo: Rick McCharles

Nunavut Eureka – the second-northernmost permanent research community in the world.
Photo: ceedub13

British Columbia Lake O’Hara in Yoho National Park.
Photo: inottawa

Alberta Sunrise at Kananaskis.
Photo: markg6

Manitoba Red Rock Lake in the Whiteshell Provincial Park.
Photo: seantoyer

Saskatchewan Sunflowers in the Corman Park District, west of Langham.
Photo: Just a Prairie Boy

Ontario Webster’s Falls in Hamilton.
Photo: Paul (dex)

Quebec Winter sunset in Charlevoix.
Photo: Melle plante

Newfoundland and Labrador Each spring the icebergs migrate.
Photo: natalielucier

New Brunswick Hopewell Rocks in Rocks Provincial Park.
Photo: kennymatic

Nova Scotia Cabot Trail on Cape Breton.
Photo: EverySpoon

Prince Edward Island Keppoch Shore on PEI.
Photo: LipBomb

1. An aerial view of the Himalayas as the flight from New Delhi prepares to land in Leh.

2. A vendor of dried fruit and nuts sits at the Leh market wearing the traditional Brokpa costume and headgear, waiting for customers.

3. Vegetable vendors display their wares in the main market of Leh. During the harsh winter months, supply of fresh vegetables and poultry to Ladakh is completely cut off.

4. Changla Pass, at 5,360 meters, is proudly proclaimed the third-highest motorable pass in the world.

5. A young Ladakhi woman carries her small daughter in the customary manner.

6. This little Ladakhi girl smiles from a distance but is shy when it comes to posing for the camera.

7. Cloudscapes at Pangong Lake, situated at an elevation of 4,250 meters and stretching 134km — only a third of the lake is in India, with the rest in Tibet.

8. Reflections of the mountains on a dull grey morning near Pangong Lake.

9. Young monks in training during an early morning prayer session at the Thiksey monastery near Leh.

10. A solitary monk walks in for his morning prayers at the Thiksey monastery.

11. Traditional painter Norboo Sonam works at his home in Likir, a couple hours’ drive from Leh.

12. At the confluence of the Zanskar and Indus rivers, near the village of Nimmo, an hour’s drive from Leh. From here the blue green waters flow to Pakistan.

13. An old woman wearing protective sunglasses against the harsh mountain light at the main market in Leh.

14. The other high-altitude lake of Ladakh, Tso Moriri, whose waters change color with the whims of the sunlight.

15. A Ladakhi grandfather walks with his young grandson on the streets of Leh.

1. From this view, the Gardens have a subtle, charming entrance. Directly off of South Broad Street, with William Penn and City Hall still in view, South Street is a mix of hip storefronts and apartments.
Photo: jecobo

2. A quick turn to the side of the entrance shows a sprawling labyrinth waiting to be explored.
Photo: jecobo

3. One of Zagar’s many murals found throughout Philadelphia.
Photo: plutor

4. Zagar spent 14 years on the Magic Gardens. It might take that long to discover every one if its secrets.
Photo: krooooop

5. Although visitors can’t quite climb to the third story of the garden, it’s clear from below that the artist worked meticulously in every corner.
Photo: contortyourself

6. One of the garden’s many inhabitants.
Photo: contortyourself

7. Zagar said his goal was to transform Philadelphia into a living labyrinth where the environment mimics the art lying within each of its inhabitants.
Photo: tonythemisfit

8. Hundreds of years from now, Philadelphia and the world will look nothing as it does now, but the Magic Gardens will never change — how will we see it then?
Photo: chriszak

9. Inspired heavily be mural art native to Mexico City, much of the inside of the gardens offers tribute to Mexican and Aztec iconography.
Photo: Joe Brent

10. Art is, as these stairs read, “the automatic impulse.”
Photo: Kevin Burkett

10. More than simply a museum or exhibit to be viewed from a distance, the garden invites every guest to interact both mentally and physically with the space around them.
Photo: jecobo

11. If you’re ever in Philadelphia, don’t miss the opportunity to see this one-of-a-kind landmark. As Zagar has said, “Art is the center of the real world, and Philadelphia is the center of the art world.”
Photo: contortyourself

12. Myself, in a moment of zen in the Magic Garden. Not long after this picture was taken, I roamed back to find Isaiah himself, sitting, smiling at the world.

1. The Strait of Magellan marks the end of the South American mainland in Punta Arenas, Chile.

2. Wooden fences and thick vegetation are often the only protection from relentless westerly winds in southern Patagonia.

3. Pedaling away from the Andes and onto the Patagonian Steppe outside El Calafate, Argentina.

4. A small borrowing owl lingers during the sunrise in Parque Nacional Los Glaciares.

5. Perito Moreno is one of three Patagonian glaciers that continues to advance despite global climate change.

6. The arid Patagonian Steppe is often interrupted by lush valleys and trout-filled rivers.

7. Rugged and isolated conditions proved too taxing for the now abandoned Austral Felix Aguilar Observatory in Santa Cruz.

8. Unpredictable Patagonian weather results in sporadic snowstorms in both winter and summer.

9. A lone horse grazes freely along the Rio de las Vueltas in El Chalten, Santa Cruz.

10. Wind-protected camping is a huge find, but it isn’t always pretty.

11. Lush green forests replaced dry campo in Parque Nacional Los Alerces.

12. Luxury B&Bs and teahouses introduce visitors to the Welsh heritage near Trevelin, Chubut.

13. A hawk soars above Lago Futalaufquen in Parque Nacional Los Alerces.

14. The gigantic Magellanic woodpecker is a special sight in the Patagonian forest.

15. Autumn arrived early in northern Patagonia after an unusually short summer.

16. Another way to give a horse its much needed exercise.

17. Red volcanic rock and conical peaks mark the end of Patagonia and the beginning of Argentina’s Cuyo region.

18. After one last descent into the Cañon del Atuel, the journey ended in San Rafael, Mendoza.

1. Facing a storefront, I saw myself in the Chinese and American worlds at once.

2. Outside of the A-Ma Temple in Macau, these three friends smoke, laugh, and enjoy the Sunday that surrounds them.

3. Inside the largest indoor food market in Hong Kong, this man lights up before returning to stir-fry meat in the dreadfully hot kitchen behind him.

4. These workers are making endless calls to assess the prices of various varieties of rice.

5. Inside a store selling dried fish, this worker’s eyes spoke to mine.

6. In the Stanley Street Market, this fishmonger delights in his trade.

7. Pomelos abound. The Chinese word for pomelo sounds very similar to the verb “to have,” so the abundance of pomelos is a true gift and welcomed self-fulfilling prophecy.

8. Anchovies and squid are two of the dried delights used to flavor and cook with. Their pungency exemplifies their power as an ingredient.

9. Meat is butchered, cubed, and left to rest.

10. These scallions are eventually diced, thrown into a sizzling wok with meat and other vegetables, and stir-fried until crispy, golden brown.

11. Dried fruit and suits line the outdoor markets. These are bought in bulk and eaten as such or reincarnated with water.

12. Got eggs? Eggs are eaten in many cultures, and in Hong Kong they show up in various forms.

1. Death Valley, California
A section of the Mojave Desert, Death Valley is the lowest, driest, hottest place in North America.
Photo: H Dragon

2. Kīlauea, Hawaiʻi
Kīlauea, on the Big Island of Hawaiʻi, sends streams of lava steaming into the Pacific Ocean.
Photo: Tumanc

3. Monument Valley, Utah
The sandstone buttes of Monument Valley stand like towers in the Four Corners region of the Western U.S.
Photo: Wolfgang Staudt

4. Niagara Falls, New York
The tourist vessel “Maid of the Mist IV” does a float-by of the American Falls.
Photo: Diego_3336

5. Redwood forests, California
The tallest trees on the planet hide out in the few remaining tracts of northern California’s old-growth coastal forests.
Photo: Rhett Sutphin

6. Grand Canyon, Arizona
A mile down from the canyon’s rim, the Colorado River is still cutting.
Photo: goingslo

7. Mammoth Cave, Kentucky
Mammoth Cave National Park protects a portion of the longest known cave system in the world.
Photo: Peter Rivera

8. Everglades, Florida
The Everglades are a 60-mile-wide, super-slow-moving subtropical river covering the tip of Florida.
Photo: vladeb

9. Hubbard Glacier, Alaska
Where Hubbard Glacier meets the sea, its 6-mile-wide face calves huge blocks of ice.
Photo: Alan Vernon.

10. Black Hills, South Dakota
Harney Peak, within the Black Hills National Forest, is the highest east of the Rockies.
Photo: blucolt

11. The Mississippi
This monster river system drains 31 U.S. states and is the fourth longest in the world.
Photo: Jon Haynes Photography

12. Bryce Canyon, Utah
Bryce can be more accurately described as an immense eroded amphitheater, populated with hoodoos.
Photo: Chris Isherwood back soon

13. Mt. Desert Island, Maine
The island is protected by Acadia National Park and is all rocky shoreline and crumbly mountain woodland.
Photo: indywriter

14. Crater Lake, Oregon
Collapsed volcano, now a deep blue lake in southern Oregon.
Photo: Michael Whyte

15. Arches National Park, Utah
The park preserves land that’s home to over 2,000 of these weathered sandstone arches.
Photo: tibchris

16. Yosemite, California
Looking down Yosemite Valley, you can see Bridalveil Falls and the granite cliff of Half Dome in the distance.
Photo: *~Dawn~*

17. Carlsbad Caverns, New Mexico
The caverns‘ “Big Room” is the third largest cave chamber in North America.
Photo: Justin Wright

18. Old Faithful, Yellowstone
This geyser in Yellowstone National Park erupts a 140-foot spout of water at regular 45- to 120-minute intervals.
Photo: WeiterWinkel

1. Our Bedouin jeep drivers sitting atop a 2,000 year old well out in the middle of the Eastern (Arabian) desert.

2. Transporting our mountain bikes through the Red Sea mountains.

3. Hassan, a local Bedouin checks out one of very few water sources in the desert. Thick green shrubs mark the spot.

4. A herd of goats seeks solace from the harsh sun under an acacia tree.

5. Docked in the Red Sea is the La Vela, a wooden gullet ship which took us sailing along the coast.

6. A 35km bike ride from the port town of Safaga to the 5,000 year old deeply religious seaside town of Al Qusayr (Al Quseir).

7. Teenage girls dressed in school uniforms and white hijabs return from school in Al Qusayr.

8. Al Qusayr shimmers and glows at night, belying its conservative culture.

9.Selim, Sheik of the Bedouin village in Fustat Port Ghalib, shares a tender moment with one of his camels.

10. An early morning trip to the mangrove forests of the Räs Qui’ran islands in search of ospreys, reef egrets, and other migratory birds.

11. Riding alongside wild camels at sunrise. Wild camels and other animals come out during cooler hours of the day (sunrise and sunset) as well as at night.

12. A local Bedouin from the village of Hamata awoke to the sounds of my footsteps on the sand.

13. In the village of Qu’laan during low tide, you can walk out hundreds of feet into the ocean with the water barely reaching your shins.

14. Our group of travelers was the first to bike through Wadi Gemal (Valley of Camels), usually reserved for only jeeps and camels.

15. A water taxi carrying Nubian villagers cruises along the Nile in Aswan.

16. An Ababda Bedouin woman from the village of Qu’laan.

17. Columns etched with Egyptian hieroglyphs at Kom Ombo temple.

18. Catching a water taxi at sunrise to take us from the eastern side of the Nile to the West Bank in Luxor.

19. Daily life — farming and fishing — along the Nile.

20. A felucca at sunset, one of the popular ways of cruising down the Nile.

21. A local man soaks in the early morning sun before starting his day at the water taxi stand.

1. Back alley blue door; The only mode of delivery, Mount Huangshan

2. Mount Huangshan

3. Soldiers in the Forbidden City, Beijing

4. The Great Wall of China

5. Local vendor, Simatai

6. All over China, you can find elderly men writing Chinese characters with water that only last a few minutes.

7. A young girl poses while her mother looks on.

8. Sunset over West Lake

9. The beautiful turquoise lakes of Jiuzhaigou

10. Market tower of Pingyao

11. An eerie entry to a Shanghai subway after the frenzy of rush hour has passed

12. A group of Chinese Tourists pose on the Bund, Shanghai.

13. The Pearl and endless construction, Shanghai

14. Souvenirs of a long forgotten China

15. The Forbidden City, Beijing

16. The Terracotta Army, Xi’an

17. In certain areas, life goes on as it has for hundreds of years.

18. The art of Chinese calligraphy

19. A young child watches as the flag-raising ceremony concludes in Tiananmen Square.

20. Shanghai

1. Heavy traffic
There’s not much traffic in the centre of St. Louis — just as many animals as taxis.

2. Nescafe
It’s easy to get coffee here — just ask for a cafe au lait at any of the mobile street-corner stands.

3. Shutters
Most of the windows in town have shutters for keeping out the sun and keeping the interior clean. These three fading lilac ones caught my eye.

4. Muslim Brotherhood of Senegal
Cheikh Amadou Bamba was a Sufi religious leader and founded the Mouride Brotherhood in Senegal. He is depicted throughout St. Louis in white with his famous follower Ibrahima Fall in black.

5. Proud to be Senegalese
This young man was insistent I take his photograph, with him in his Senegal football shirt. He was kitted out in knee-length football socks and shorts and was heading for a game on the beach.

6. Out to dry
Washing hung out to dry in the streets was not an uncommon site.

7. Old and new
Whereas the town centre is all bright colours, palm trees, and artisan shops, the old town on the Guet N’dar peninsula across the river is much a place of work — where animals are tended and fishermen moor their pirogues.

8. Paint
It wasn’t just the boats which were colourfully painted down by the river.

9. Caribbean feel
Palm trees and colourful buildings — it reminded me of Cuba.

10. Beach scene
The beach makes for a lovely stroll in the late afternoon when the local fishermen have finished work and are out for a game of football.

11. Music
St. Louis is famous for it’s annual jazz festival, and music is big part of life here. I saw El Hadj N’Diaye in concert while I was in town.

1. Cup noodles Four in a carriage. Unhealthy food. Messy table.

2. First class For those who don’t mind spending a little more, this berth for two awaits.

3. Scorpions on a stick If you’re in need of a crunchy lunch, these should satiate your appetite.

4. Night train At the China-Mongolia border.

5. Looking back On the single track to Ulaanbaatar, trundling through the Gobi Desert.

6. Looking ahead A rare chance to see the rest of the train as we skirt around Bogdkhan National Park, just prior to arriving in Mongolia’s capital.

7. Mongolian boy The future of Mongolia.

8. Ger camp Early morning on the plains of Mongolia.

9. Skull A reminder of the harsh, unforgiving environment.

10. Siberian winter A lone fisherman on frozen Lake Baikal, Russia.

11. At the station Provodnitsas during a station stop.

12. Church domes Taken at the Romanov Monastery, near Ekaterinburg.

13. Russian host Accommodation in Moscow. The lovely Vera, Russian through and through, spoke no English but was very good at French. Sadly, I’m not.

14. St. Petersburg The view from the grand Hermitage Museum looking out on to Palace Square.

1. Cape Coast, South Africa
Cape Coast has some of the most magnificent coastline in the world. There are a bunch of hostels scattered along it that you can hike to through rolling cow pastures, seaside bluff villages, and desolate beaches.

2. Bulungula, South Africa
Bulungula Hostel is situated amongst rolling hills, a lagoon, and a beautiful beach, and is run in full cooperation with the local community.

3. Bazaruto Archipelago
Only a few kilometers from mainland Mozambique, Bazaruto is comprised of five islands and is a protected national park. Here, two brothers pull ashore to the main island (Bazaruto Island) to take a break from a morning of fishing for their families. The islands offer world-class diving and game fishing.

4. Mana Pools, Zimbabwe
The only game park in the world with lions where you can roam freely on foot without a guide.

5. Zambia
Zambia is a country I unfortunately did not have much time to see, but I was able to get a glimpse of what farm life is like. Staying with a family in Lusaka, I woke early and snapped this shot of a farm worker making the morning stroll down to the crops. Most of Zambia’s population engages in subsistence farming with the principle crops being corn, sorghum, and cassava.

6. Senga Bay, Malawi
One of Lake Malawi’s most populated lakeside towns. Every afternoon, all of the local kids gather on the beach and have a jumping contest.

7. Kendwa Beach, Zanzibar
In my opinion, this is Zanzibar’s nicest beach. In this photograph, women and their daughters, wearing traditional Swahili dress, walk home after collecting sea urchins at low tide.

8. Stone Town, Zanzibar
The town has one main beach, which is ideal for kids to play on after school. A dhow, a traditional Arab sailing vessel historically used to transport good between East Africa and the Persian Gulf, can be seen in the background.

9. Bandit Highway, Kenya
Trucks travel in convoys for safety on Bandit Highway, and also to provide help to one another if a truck gets stuck in the mud. During the rainy season, the road can be so treacherous the convoy has to stop every 30 minutes (as we did) to help dig out a vehicle.

10. Lalibela, Ethiopia
I was asked to attend a coffee ceremony in Lalibela, at the house of a boy I befriended while taking photographs. He led me to his home, where I met his mother, his grandmother, two sisters, and had some of the most amazing fresh ground coffee (and I don’t even like coffee).

11. Djibouti
You can dive with whale sharks in the bay of Ghoubbet, Djibouti. It’s an experience.

12. Old Sana’a, Yemen
Walking through Old Sana’a’s labyrinths of markets and clay walls, some of which are over 400 years old, I felt as if I’d been transported back in time. Honey and frankincense are popular buys.

13. Old Sana’a
A view from the top of our hotel. Architecturally, this was the most amazing place I’d ever been.

14. Oman
When children in the West are learning to ride a bicycle, Bedouin children in the Wahabi Desert of Oman are sitting behind the wheel of a 4WD truck. This boy chased us down and invited us over to his house for some local sweets and teas. He insisted on driving our Land Rover so it wouldn’t get stuck in the sand.

1. Nighttime view of the Potala Palace, the former residence of the Dalai Lama.

2. Three monks chat amongst themselves as they walk back to Sera Monastery.

3. This young girl was at Gyatso La Pass. She was wearing a small dress and had an intriguing face with a symmetry and gaze that really caught your eye.

4. View of Mt. Everest from just outside of the first base camp.

5. Inside of a tent at a local horse festival with nomadic merchants who had set up some shops to sell various items.

6. Detailed shot of a woman strolling through a market wearing a brilliantly colored apron.

7. A typical street scene in western Tibet.

8. A monk takes a picture of a rainbow that formed over the Jokhang Temple. The end of the rainbow seems to radiate out of the temple’s center.

9. A pilgrim makes his way towards the Barkhor circuit at dawn, Lhasa.

10. Detailed image of a jewelery stand in Lhasa.

11. A monk uses his robe to shield the strong sun at the debating grounds, Sera Monastery.

12. Elderly man spinning a prayer wheel in the old Tibet district of Lhasa.

13. Detailed shot of a doorknob at Drepung Monastery, splattered with the white paint that is thrown on the walls after the rainy season to renew the color.

14. The atmosphere in the kitchen at Drepung Monastery. The smell of yak butter fills the air as monks pick up canisters of yak tea.

15. A young pilgrim prostrates towards the Jokhang Temple.

16. The Gyantse Kumbum is the largest chorten (dome-shaped tomb) in Tibet. Seventy-seven chapels line the path to the top of this structure, symbolizing the tantric path to enlightenment.

17. An elderly man spins prayer wheels as he makes his way around the circuit at the base of the Potala Palace.

18. A monk’s robes take the place of a piece of glass.

19. Nomad at Gyatso La Pass, which sits at 5,250 meters (17,225 feet) above sea level.

20. People stand in line behind a makeshift fence at a horse festival waiting for the activities to begin.

1. Ningaloo Reef The reef, in Western Australia 1200 km north of Perth, is 260 kms long and is the only large reef located close to a landmass. Photo: Gudge (All Rights Reserved)

2. Kakadu National Park The park is nearly 200 km north-south and 100 km east-west and is just southeast of Darwin in the Northern Territory. It’s home to four major river systems, six major landforms, and a gazillion species of wildlife.
Photo: Flemming Bo Jensen (All Rights Reserved)

3. Katherine Gorge Located in the Nitmiluk National Park in Northern Territory, the gorge follows the Katherine River, which starts in Kakadu. The relatively safe freshwater crocs may be found in most parts of the river.
Photo: Brigitte Segers (All Rights Reserved)

4. Pinnacles Desert The Pinnacles in Western Australia are part of the Nambung National Park. Scientists know what the limestone formations are made of, but can’t agree on the mechanism of how they were produced. Photo: jhenn6550 (All Rights Reserved)

5. Coorong National Park In South Australia, southeast of Adelaide, where the Murray River meets the sea. This spot in Goolwa is known locally as “Beacon 19″ — popular for fishing.
Photo: Michael SA (All Rights Reserved)

6. Arnhem Land Not an easy place to get to, but an amazingly large — about the size of Florida & New Jersey combined — untouched piece of Australia in the Northern Territory.
Photo: Taipan2007 (All Rights Reserved)

7. Kangaroo Island Cape Willoughby was the first lighthouse to be erected in South Australia, and lights the Backstairs Passage between Kangaroo Island and the mainland.
Photo: Charlie 2.0 (All Rights Reserved)

8. Cradle Mountain Located in the Cradle Mountain-Lake St Clair National Park in Tasmania, the surrounding area has many options for walking, including the terminus for the Overland Track.
Photo: Stephen Barnett (Creative Commons)

9. Flinders Ranges After millions of years, the patterns of wear on the tops of this very hard rock shows in grooves. Must have been from eons of hail storms and freezing nights…water being limited in this area. South Australia. Photo: Raja Daja (All Rights Reserved)

10. Bungle Bungles Found in Western Australia, these unique landforms were given the name Purnululu by the Kija Aboriginal people. This shot taken in Piccaninny Creek. Photo: Flemming Bo Jensen (All Rights Reserved)

11. Cape York Peninsula A lonely mangrove tree at the bay right at the tip of Cape York in Far North Queensland. Photo: Flemming Bo Jensen (All Rights Reserved)

12. Simpson Desert This desert is within the boundaries of three states: Northern Territory, South Australia, and Queensland. It contains the world’s longest parallel sand dunes. Photo: jwbenwell (Creative Commons)

1. Life in the Cordillera begins and ends with the harvest of rice.

2. Tourists walk through the endless terraces in Batad village, a short day hike from Banaue.

3. Now is planting season in the Cordillera and, while trekking amongst the terraces, many women can be seen completing the backbreaking task. Traditionally, it is only the women who plant.

4. Batad’s “Ampitheatre” must rank as one of the top viewpoints in the world. 360-degree views of endless rice terraces down a steep mountainside and, at the center, a sleepy little village.

5. The water is freezing, but who would pass up a chance to swim under the beautiful Tappia waterfall, a short hike from Batad.

6. Locals in Banaue are used to tourists passing through, but some remain shier than others.

7. Everyday life in the rice terraces requires balance and dexterity to avoid falling off the tiny pathways, and the locals accomplish this with ease.

8. A warm welcome from the village kids of Dananao in Kalinga province. A sharp contrast from Banaue and Batad, the kids in these isolated villages have not learned to ask for candy and money from tourists and simply offer smiles instead.

9. This lady in Kalinga proudly displayed her tattoos, which were common on women as a sign of beauty up until the 1950s. On men, on the other hand, chest tattoos signified rank as a headhunter.

10. High in the mountains surrounding Tinglayen lies the isolated village Dananao, where only a few decades ago headhunting and tribal war were a part of daily life.

11. Tobacco is a very important crop to the local tribes, secondary only to rice. Many tribal elders can be seen smoking out of the traditional pipe or, like this women, rolled leaves.

12. A tribal elder enjoys his tobacco out of a hand-carved pipe while reflecting on the days of headhunting and the Japanese occupation.

13. Before arriving in Kalinga, I was warned of “evil” people and “backwards” customs but found the opposite in the wonderful villages surrounding Tinglayen.

14. Throughout the Cordillera, harvest months differ. While one place only a few hours south might be muddy and brown, the terraces farther north could be at their greenest.

15. In these high hills, coffee can be grown and is a welcomed treat after a hard day trekking in the rugged mountains.

16. This elderly couple requested I take this photo so I could send them a copy and their grandkids would remember them forever. It’s important to keep these promises, as not following through may lead to mistrust of foreign visitors.

17. If they can afford the cost of the animals sacrificed, Appalai elders around Sagada continue to be hung in coffins placed on the limestone cliffs. Upwards of 20 pigs and twice as many chickens is the normal price for this unique custom.

18. Due to a lack of infrastructure, homestays are the only option of accommodation in some of the more remote villages. Be prepared for basic sleeping quarters and “exotic” food, as well as an unforgettable experience.

1. This was the day I had been waiting for. Girdwood had been getting hammered with big low pressure systems for over a week, but on my last day in AK there wasn’t a cloud in the sky.

2. Chugach Powder Guides, out of Girdwood, AK, is one of the most respected heli skiing outfits in the world.

3. The snow was perfect. The landings we were skiing from had gotten over 100 inches of snow in the last 72 hours; we couldn’t have asked for better conditions, for both the flying and the skiing.

4. Most heli pilots in AK will chew you out for getting this close to one of their rotors but this guy was cool.

5. This girl in the green was a ripper.

6. Later in the day was saw a massive ice-fall avalanche tear down this mountain, Bryon’s Peak, and cover those pillowy lumps at the bottom with a violent cloud of debris.

7. Most of the ridges are covered in a thick wind crust, making for some pretty spectacular patterns in the snow.

8. We would ski all the way down to the middle of the glacier where the pilot could land safely, out of range of any major avalanches on either side of the valley.

9. To put things in perspective, that cornice on the summit is about 200 feet thick.

10. As the afternoon sun starts to sink, the mountains cast shadows that go for miles across the valley floor.

11. And when the sun is gone, the temperature plummets. More than a couple times it was almost too cold to take my gloves off to get a shot.

12. The scenery in the Chugach can just about knock the wind out of you.

13. The group we shared the heli with for the day coming into a landing above us.

14. On this run we were told not to stray far from our guide’s tracks due to hidden crevasse danger.

15. Going up to AK made me want to quit my job and head to flight school so I can become a helicopter pilot. The birds they fly at CPG cost $1.8M new (!)

16. Our guide, Rob Durnell, checking out the snow conditions before waving us on.

17. I plan on watching the sun disappear behind these mountains again. Soon.

18. I’ve said it once and I’ll say it again: Alaska will make you feel very small. This tiny dot is a group of 7 skiers.

1. Children Play at Swayambhunath, Nepal / Photo: Laika slips the lead

2. Sunset on Top of Tokyo / Photo: The Image Street / Visit his Matador profile

3. Cadillac Mountain in the Sun / Photo: Tango0830

4. Don’t Overlook the Alleys / Photo: van Ort

5. Climbing Cayambe in Ecuador / Photo: kenoe

6. Misty Morning on the Camino de Santiago / Photo: CanvasOfLight

7. Do You Dream in Black and White? / Photo: mike138

8. The Road to Denali / Photo: Unhindered by Talent

9. In the City / Photo: mugley

10. Mount Fortuna Summit / Photo: Lee Sie

The Road to San Luis Potosi / Photo: monterd

1. Children splash into the surf during a perfect sunset on the Costalegre.

2. A fisherman shows off his spear at a secret fishing hole.

3. A man watches as birds feed on the scraps of the morning’s haul of fish outside the local fish market.

4. Locals of this small town sit and watch the sunset.

5. My favorite meal.

6. Locals outside of a carniceria.

7. Intestines and organs for sale outside of a carniceria.

8. A not uncommon sight of a mother and child on a scooter.

9. A welder creates a birdhouse.

10. A bicycle repairman in his shop.

11. A fisherman repairs his net in the early morning light.

12. An ex-patriot and his father stand with his sailboat.

13. A woman sells handcrafts to tourists on the beach.

14. Ray poses with his day’s catch.

15. Sunset on the Costalegre.

1. Red sand, Kaihalulu, Maui, Hawaii
When a a breach in the Earth’s crust lets loose a geyser of magma, the volcanic ash and material has to go somewhere, and, quite often, forms a massive conical structure called a cinder cone. At Kaihalulu Beach, an ancient cinder cone crumbles into a bay as the tide erodes it further, ensuring its inevitable total destruction. In the meantime, the sediment from the cinder cone forms this beach of red sand.
Photo: xoque

1. You feel very small and insignificant when you’re surrounded only by the sand and the huge, blue desert sky.

2. The trans-Sahara road isn’t the busiest, but we were passed regularly by trucks, overlanders, and traders. This load was one of the slightly more unusual. Camels are well adapted to crossing the desert and it seems this pair have truly mastered the art of Sahara travel.

3. The road across the Western Sahara follows the Atlantic coast. The feeling of abandonment extends even to the sea. This ship, like so many others, has run aground and now lies rusting and fading.

4. The desert comes in a variety of colours — from dull grey, stony hammada, to sands in infinite tones of gold.

5. Me and my bike in front of one of only a few road signs in the Western Sahara. At least we knew we were making progress south!

6. Although a ceasefire agreement now exists between Morocco and the Algerian-backed Polisario, evidence of conflict still exists.

7. The Moroccan government has built towns in the Western Sahara and offers tax incentives to move there. It didn’t appear to be working, though, as all these places were deserted.

8. Typical architecture of mosques in this region. Not many worshipers here yet since this one is in one of the derelict “towns.”

9. The wind could be fierce. Fortunately, it usually blew in the same direction we were cycling. Occasionally though, it would whip across the road in snaking patterns and deposit into small dunes.

10. One day we were fortunate to come across an abandoned building in the heat of the midday sun. We weren’t the first to make use of it; there was a makeshift table and “chairs” already arranged in the corner of this graffitied room.

11. View of my parked bike from the window of the derelict building in the photo above.

12. There was the occasional gas station with adjoining restaurant or a small roadside cafe where we could get a coke, omelet, and refill our water bottles — a good thing.

13. The cycling could be very tedious, but I always looked forward to the end of the day, when the sun, a massive golden orb, would sink into the haze and below the horizon.

1. The iconic Parliament Building located along the Danube River is one of Budapest’s most recognizable landmarks.

2. A lady waits on a chilly night for the tram on the Pest side.

3. Passengers on the tram enjoy a scenic view of the Buda district on their daily commute.

4. The Széchenyi Chain Bridge — one of a couple bridges that connect the Pest side to the Buda district.

5. Pedestrians taking a leisurely stroll along Roosevelt ter late at night.

6. The lions of the chain suspension bridge are known as the guardians watching over the Buda castle.

7. Kiosk vendors chatting as they close up shop for the night. They sell everything from patches of lace and handmade jewelry to snacks and other food items in the Buda district.

8. Locals walking their dog. Behind the roundabout is the tunnel and also a funicular that takes travelers to the castle and museums up on the hill.

9. Police officers cordoning off a crime scene of what looked like a suicide where someone jumped off the walls of the Buda castle district.

10. Waiting at the Eötvös ter tram stop on the Pest side.

11. Tourists checking out their map to reorient themselves as locals bike home along the Chain Bridge.

12. A lone woman walks down towards the tunnel to cross over to the other side of the bridge.

13. View of the Buda Castle district from my hotel window.

1. A waiter serves some Turkish coffee in a traditional Tophane hangout.

2. Taksim’s huge “high street,” Istiklal, is packed from end to end come nighttime, creating an irresistibly vibrant buzz.

3. Local life and architecture around the charismatic Beyoglu area.

4. A worker relaxes in a photogenic doorway during his lunchbreak.

5. Sunshine finally splashes onto the streets of Beyoglu.

6. Fishermen pose at the end of a long day’s work on the Galata Bridge.

7. Both sides of the Galata bridge are lined with these hopeful fishermen every single day.

8. A random sign in the tourist district.

9. The gorgeous sunlit arches of the Blue Mosque.

10. A man reads quietly inside the stunning interior of the Blue Mosque.

11. A bread seller earns his keep strolling up and down the Galata bridge.

12. Men playing mysterious games (possibly dominoes) in a hidden alleyway.

13. The famous Eminönü district, as seen from the Galata bridge at dusk.

1. Tea is picked by hand, and the majority of tea pickers are women, thanks to their speed and dexterity.

2. A black admiral butterfly pauses for an instant on the veranda of a colonial bungalow.

3. A tea picker carrying her wicker basket trails between bushes on Margaret’s Hope Tea Estate.

4. Ladies hand-sort tea. Large leaf teas command a premium and the smallest grade (known as fannings or dust) goes into teabags.

5. Darjeeling tea is known as the “champagne of teas” because of its quality and because it can only be produced in a specific geographical area.

6. Darjeeling is home to a large number of Buddhists who have been exiled here from nearby Tibet.

7. Mount Kangchenjunga is the third highest mountain in the world, after Everest and K2. Its name translates as “Mountain That We Offer Greetings To.”

8. Young monks join the Buddhist monasteries at the age of 6. They receive a rigorous education and then, once they’re 18, can decide to remain monks or return to secular society.

9. Tiger Hill is a favorite spot to watch the sun come up over the Himalayas’ peaks.

10. Tea with salt and butter may be an acquired taste, but it offers a nutritious and welcome break during a day of chanting and prayer.

1. The road disappears on our ride to Viñales in the Pinar del Rio province. Most roads in Cuba are in disrepair; many coastal roads sustain damage from past hurricanes. This is not a country you want to bring your $3000 road bike to.

2. Mogotes (limestone protrusions, similar to those in Vietnam’s Halong Bay) in the Viñales valley dominate the landscape.

3. Giving the bikes a rest (OK, us too) during the most beautiful stretch of cycling in Cuba — between Manzanillo and Santiago de Cuba on the south coast.

4. Hurricane Dennis in 2005 left this coastal road the worse for wear. Apparently, no attempts to repair it have been made. At some parts the road simply disappears and turns to dirt; a few collapsed bridges make some crossings a bit sketchy. Here, an Austrian couple on a tandem bike we met and cycled with negotiates the crumbling path.

5. In San Diego de los Baños we were ushered into Pedro’s “workshop” where he showed us how to roll a cigar. He then hustled us to buy a pack of these “homemade” cigars. Even though it was most likely an elaborate scam, the overall experience was almost worth our foregone euros. Almost.

6. Graffitied propaganda lines a wall in Cienfuegos. There is no shortage of this in Cuba.

7. A ruined church facade sits atop a hill in Trinidad. A beautiful spot to watch the sun set over the cobble-stone streets, but is chock full of beggars. These Cubans sitting here asked for coins from our home countries, soap, the clothes off our backs, my wife’s bracelets, and anything else they could think of.

8. In Trinidad, a man sits on his door stoop while his son waves to the camera. Door stoop sitting is a common sight everywhere.

9. There are bars on all the windows and doors in Trinidad. This pooch was using them to his advantage to catch a cat nap. Or is that dog nap?

10. We could hear them about 30 seconds before we saw them. As they rounded the corner I took my opportunity to snap a few action photos.

11. Baseball is Cuba’s national sport. In Bayamo, these young gentlemen watch the older boys play some fast pitch.

12. In Manzanillo, a stumbling, drunk, guitar-wielding man steadies himself on a wall while others look on.

13. We caught these carefree kids swinging away near the coast. They weren’t camera shy.

14. The happiest cat in the world? On Cayo Granma in Santiago de Cuba, a local cleans his catch while kitty looks on.

15. If you come to Cuba, you WILL have a mojito (or three). This bartender looks particularly pleased with his offering to us.

1. The Music and Dance
Rhythm permeates Brazil. Sometimes I catch myself listening to traffic, and even it carries a tune. Teenagers listen to the same classic bossa nova songs their parents do. MBP, modern Brazilian pop, incorporates many different genres. Samba is Brazil’s most famous dance, but there are dozens of others, like forro (picture a couple doing the vertical funky chicken) funk, and axé (pronounced ash-ay), which turns nightclubs into well-choreographed musicals. Travelers don’t need to know each dance, nor the music that accompanies it. Your enthusiasm and willingness to enjoy the rhythm goes a long way.

2. The Wildlife
The biodiversity in Brazil is staggering. More than one-third of all the world’s species live in the Amazon, including 3,000 species of fish. In the state of Matto Grosso do Sul, birdwatchers head to the Pantanal, the world’s largest wetland. Jungle safaris have brought us up close to piranhas, anacondas, and this wary caiman.

3. The History
While archaeologists recently discovered new mysteries in the Amazon, Brazil’s history is mainly focused on its colonial past. The country was tossed and torn in battles between the Spanish, Dutch, British, and of course the Portuguese, who give the country its language. In the northeast cities of Recife and Salvador (pictured), blackened churches and buildings recall a turbulent time of plantations, wars, religion, wealth, and slavery.

4. The Beaches
Swing a cat in Brazil and it will land suntanned on a white sandy beach. With nearly 7,500km of coastline and glorious tropical weather, this is a beach country. The most famous are the long sandy strips in Rio’s Copacabana and Ipanema. Cabo Frio has the squeaky white sand of the Caribbean. My favourite is Lopez Mendes, on the island of Ilha Grande. Northeast beaches in Natal, Jericoacoara, and Morro Do Sao Paulo are well worth traveling for.

5. Carnaval
Nothing will prepare you for the spectacle of Carnaval. The entire country explodes into celebration, ranging from massive parades inside Rio’s Sambadrome to chaotic street parties and festivals. Carnaval brings Brazilians together across the socioeconomic divide. What was once a Catholic ritual of giving up meat for Lent is now the biggest, most intense annual party you’ll find anywhere. Believe the hype.

6. The Stuff You Can’t Do Anywhere Else
I travel for a living, and after 90 countries on 6 continents, I’m always on the lookout for activities that are unique. There are plenty of places you can climb, or raft, or even fish for piranhas. Capoeira at sunset? Favela funk parties? Joining a parade in the Sambadrome — that’s Brazil. I recently discovered Rio do Plata outside of the eco-tourism hotspot of Bonito. Float with the current for three hours down a crystal clear stream, snorkelling amongst thousands of freshwater fish. That’s Brazil.

7. The Football
The official religion of Brazil is Roman Catholicism. The actual religion is football. The country has won the World Cup a record five times. The game is played and followed on beaches and streets, in clubs and parks. The Brazilian style of play is beautiful to watch — full of flamboyant tricks and skill compared to Europe’s clinical game. A visit to Maracana Stadium in Rio, which holds the record for single game attendance (199,854 people at the 1950 World Cup Final) will convert you way before the final whistle blows.

8. The Wonders
I’m not a fan of the commercially inspired marketing campaign that is “The New Seven Wonders.” Some might argue that the statue of Christ the Redeemer, a remarkable landmark much like the Eiffel Tower or Statue of Liberty, doesn’t quite belong on a list with the Great Wall of China or Petra. But Brazilians got behind the vote and today it is officially a wonder of our world. Personally I believe the view of Rio de Janeiro, amongst the world’s most beautiful cities, is the true wonder here. Down south, Iguazu Falls is an easy finalist for the Natural Seven Wonders.

9. The Food
Caju? Cupuaçu? Pitanga? Jaboticaba? Brazil is blessed with tropical fruit rich in vitamins and taste. People here have long enjoyed the nutritional benefits of acai, even as it becomes a wonder berry in North America. Meanwhile it’s a meat fest in the churrascaria, a uniquely Brazilian concept. Each diner receives a card. The green side means more, the red side means stop. Waiters attack with different cuts of meat until you burst. Staples like beans, rice, and farofa (manioc flour) accompany most dishes. Cheap eats like bolinhos de bacalhau (fish and potato balls) and coxinha de galinha (chicken and potato balls) are deep fried and delicious.

10. The People
We in the cold Northern Hemisphere know that special first day of summer. For the first time, we can put on shorts or that summer dress, feel a warm breeze on our legs, and appreciate that finally, the best time of year has arrived. On that day, we walk around smiling, easily relaxed, infused with positive energy. In Brazil I have observed locals of all classes, watching crowds on beaches and buses, in malls, restaurants, the slums, and on the streets. Many of them have that same twinkle in their eye, an uplifting smile on their face. Every single day.

1. Trees only grow below 4,000m, so much of the ranges is barren.

2. Horsemen lead a calf back to their herd.

3. The Tien Shan and Pamir ranges have exceptionally low population density — trekkers should be well-prepared and self-sufficient.

4. Millions of years of weathering has left killer rock formations for climbers.

5. Natural copper deposits in the rock turn some alpine waters bright turquoise.

6. Nomadic children playing with their dog on the “jailoo” (summer pasture).

7. Bright wildflowers growing on the “jailoo.”

8. Lake Karakul in Xinjiang, on the Chinese side of the Tien Shan range.

9. Glacier-fed river in Besh Tash (Five Rocks) National Park.

10. Roads are rarely paved but, with views like this, who cares.

11. Wild camping on the banks of Lake Song Kol.

12. Kyrgyz horsemen gather on the border with Tajikistan.

13. River-cut valleys reveal striation in the rock.

14. Opium poppies grow wild on the mountains’ slopes.

15. Aerial view of the Pamir Mountains.

16. Statue of a Kyrgyz horse — the ’spirit’ of the Kyrgyz people.

17. In the remotest areas, inaccessible to vehicles, a donkey is still a good means of transport.

1. The colors kick off well before you reach the market. This is Day of the Dead in San Miguel de Allende.

2. Taking a break from weaving a basket, this woman once-overs potential customers.

3. Oaxacan green pottery forms piles in the city’s outdoor markets.

4. At the loom, the art is in the concentrated weaving.

5. Colorful wool is one aspect of Oaxacan style.

6. The smell of these quesadillas draws a crowd.

7. Making tejate — a Oaxacan drink of corn and cinnamon — takes some muscle.

8. These churros were babied in a basket on the back of a bicycle before being delivered to the food market.

9. Outside a larger market, this woman stakes her territory.

10. Mexican papaya wrapped and displayed for sale at a local farmer’s market.

11. Chayote, guaje, and avocado — you can do so much with these ingredients.

12. Who cares how the tamales taste? She’s smiling at all the foot traffic crowding the market.

13. Spices, grains, and beans. Sweetness.

14. A scene from Oaxaca’s meat market.

15. Mexico’s markets can only be romanticized so far. For those who make their living in them, it’s hard work.

Surfing brings many tourists to Sri Lanka but seems just as popular with the young local population on the south coast around Hikkaduwa and Mirissa. Arugam Bay, on the east coast, is Sri Lanka’s best-known break.

While the beaches may be a tourist playground, for many Sri Lankans they provide a livelihood. This man makes fishing nets using empty coconut shells and rope.

Don’t expect to find a seat on the local buses, but friendly conversation helps pass the hours.

Buddhism is the most prevalent faith in Sri Lanka, at 70% of the population. The Hindu Tamils make up 15%, and Islam and Christianity account for the rest.

With the civil war over as of May 2009, the future of many ethnic Tamils and their role in society is left uncertain.

It is now up to the government to create a stable future for the next generation, and hopefully one without war.

A Tamil lady picking tea flashes a smile despite the tedious manual labour, and often wages far below the country’s minimum.

Sri Lanka has passed Kenya as the world’s second-largest tea exporting nation behind the global leader, India.

Outside of the beach resorts Sri Lanka sees only a trickle of tourists, and a foreigner will always attract attention from local kids excited to converse in English.

Taking the slow train through the lush tea plantations and misty mountains in the hill country is one of the quintessential experiences in Sri Lanka. Without advance reservations, don’t expect a seat.

A Kandyan dancer prepares for an organized show involving drums, costumes, and a fire show. Historically only men participated in this art, but today woman are allowed in most schools across the country.

Fire eating and fire walking are an exciting and intense element of Kandyan cultural performances.

Young monks are found wondering amongst the ruins in Anuradhapura — a popular temple complex located within the country’s “cultural triangle.”

While Sri Lanka’s sites are grand, it’s the warm and genuine people that make this country such a warm place to visit.

1. Ama Dablam, Nepal
At 6,812 meters (22,349 ft), Ama Dablam is a popular Himalayan expedition peak that’s said to be a more difficult climb than Everest.
Photo: stevehicks

2. Mt. Fuji, Japan
Mt. Fuji, classically flanked by sakura (cherry blossoms), is one of Japan’s most recognizable landmarks.
Photo: skyseeker

3. Wayna Potosí, Bolivia
Rising to the northwest of La Paz/El Alto, Wayna Potosí and its jagged glacial ridges draws the title of “easiest 6,000er in the world.”
Photo: a song under the sugar sugar

4. Mount Kilimanjaro, Tanzania
Kili, an inactive volcano, towers over the Tanzanian plains and, at 5,895 meters (19,341 ft), is Africa’s tallest peak.
Photo: meaduva

5. Half Dome, California, USA
The Merced River carved out Yosemite Valley, sculpting what today is one of the main attractions of Yosemite National Park — Half Dome.
Photo: Mel B.

6. Mt. Merapi, Indonesia
Located near the ruins of Borobudur in central Java, this volcano is very active. Would You Live Here?
Photo: TRENDscout_

7. The Matterhorn, Switzerland
The iconic dagger of the Matterhorn’s peak, including its 1,200m north face, makes it one of the Alps’ most perilous mountains.
Photo: g.naharro

8. Denali, Alaska, USA
In terms of vertical rise, Denali is taller than Everest, and its bulk is certainly greater. It’s the highest mountain in North America.
Photo: Unhindered by Talent

9. Cerro Fitz Roy, Chile
Fitz Roy’s spires appear on pretty much every Patagonian ad poster.
Photo: alextorrenegra

10. Mt. Hood, Oregon, USA
Another dormant (for now) volcano, Mt. Hood is one of the tallest peaks in the Cascade Range.
Photo: Misserion

11. Mont Blanc, France
Western Europe’s highest attracts plenty of hikers, skiers, and mountaineers every year.
Photo: merlune

12. Huangshan, China
Huangshan’s lumpy granite peaks and gnarled pine trees are the stuff of Zen art scrolls.
Photo: www.seefarseeeast.com

13. Wayna Picchu, Peru
Even if it weren’t fronted by the ruins of Machu Picchu, the razor-like ridge of Wayna Picchu would be easy to pick out from the surrounding tropical peaks of Andean Peru.
Photo: Alex E. Proimos

14. Mt. Everest, Roof of the World
As seen in countless nature and mountaineering documentaries, this is the view of Everest from a base camp trek.
Photo: Ryan Kilpatrick

15. Sajama, Bolivia
Sajama’s fat triangle is the tallest peak in Bolivia, and its summit was the site of the highest soccer match ever played.
Photo: ch images

16. Machapuchare, Nepal
Known also as “Fish’s Tail” and the “Matterhorn of Nepal,” Machapuchare is considered sacred and is off-limits to climbers, but you can get a great view while Trekking the Annapurna Sanctuary.
Photo: baswallet

17. The Eiger, Switzerland
The Eiger forms another great Alpine north face, and just like the Matterhorn, it has claimed its share of climbers’ lives.
Photo: Rashley

St. George’s Church blends into the surrounding mountainsides of Lalibela. To get to the town, you can either take a two-day bus from Addis, (stopping over in Dessie for the night — under $20), or you can fly direct from Addis and most other big towns for about $150. To tour the churches, either on your own or with a guide, you must pay a one-time entrance fee of $20.

Here, women can be seen cleaning St. George’s Church. The government has spent millions of dollars to maintain and protect the churches from the elements.

A priest holds a Lalibela cross. The cross is said to have been given by angels to King Lalibela.

Worshipers attend Mass inside St. Mary’s Church. Visitors are allowed to attend certain Masses, although in some of the churches you need to be invited by a member of that specific church.

A worshiper takes a moment to pray. The vast majority of the population of Lalibela is Ethiopian Orthodox Christian.

A priest gives the Sunday liturgy to about five hundred worshipers. The theme of the day in part: that despite the intrusion some feel from tourists, to respect all of the different nationalities of people that come to visit Lalibela, to treat them with kindness, and welcome them.

Worshipers leave St. Mary’s Church after Sunday Mass and collect their shoes on the way out.

A priest stands outside of St. Mary’s Church after Sunday Mass.

When not in the churches, you can easily get lost within the maze of carved rock paths and corridors that link all of the sites. The people in Lalibela are so kind and always willing to show you the way or answer questions.

If you want to hike or ride a mule up the nearby mountains, or venture some distance outside of Lalibela, there are many other rock churches and monasteries to explore. Here, a monk poses for a picture in his mountaintop Ethiopian Orthodox monastery.

A monk makes her way from her monk hole to the market. Most of the monks spend almost the whole day praying inside, only leaving to get food.

A monk reads the Ethiopian Orthodox Bible, using a birr (Ethiopian monetary note) as a bookmark. Most of the priests and monks are kind enough to let you take their photograph, usually for a small donation.

While wandering the churches I was asked by a small boy, Chalalhew Megus, to come to his house for a coffee. I followed him to his small home, where I met his mother (pictured), grandmothers, and two sisters. Although we could not communicate more than a few words, for the next hour I enjoyed some of the best freshly ground coffee I have ever tasted.

After having coffee and popcorn, Chalalhew Megus wanted me to take a photograph of him holding a portrait of his father, who was killed in the Ethiopian-Eritrean war. To the right is his father’s mother. It was a very powerful moment and one I’ll never forget.

Worshipers return from morning Mass.

A shepherd boy poses for a photograph in the center of town.

1. The ten-day trek begins in the cloud forest before heading into the high mountains.

2. With no road access, all goods for the lodgings on route must be carried up by porters.

3. Lodging, teahouses, and toilets are plentiful along the route, but don’t expect luxury.

4. Locals, who mostly survive on farming or tourism, share the trail with trekkers.

5. With three days of the walk mostly following a valley route, it’s not as hard going as you might expect.

6. There are no shortage of photo opportunities, but electricity is scarce — bring extra batteries.
Editor’s note: This shot was a finalist in one of the many photo contests over at Matador Goods.

7. Hiking between mountains reaching up to almost 8,000m gives incredible views.

8. Approaching the Annapurna Sanctuary, with a 360-degree panorama of some of the world’s highest mountains.

9. The climbers memorial in the Annapurna Sanctuary remembers those who never made it back to base camp.

10. Hikers silhouetted against the Annapurna Mountains.

11. Moonrise against Machaapuchhara (Fish Tail) Mountain.

12. Sunrise shining off the glaciers of Annapurna III, before the light has reached the sanctuary.

1. Iguazu Falls, Argentina
Tucked in a corner at the borders of Argentina, Brazil, and Paraguay, the 275 falls of Iguazu dwarf Niagara and have to be one of the most amazing sights anywhere.
Photo: Carlos Adampol

2. Salar de Uyuni, Bolivia
During the rainy season (~Jan-Mar), the world’s largest salt flat is covered in an inches-deep pool that perfectly reflects the sky, creating a truly alien landscape.
Photo: zaturno

3. Galapagos Islands, Ecuador
This archipelago, 600 miles off the coast of Ecuador, is famous for its high number of endemic species (which don’t include the green sea turtle, but it’s still damn cute) and its influence on Darwin’s theory of evolution by natural selection.
Photo: blichb

4. Atacama Desert, Chile
The world’s driest desert covers 40,000 square miles of northern Chile and includes coastal plains, high volcanoes, and geysers and hot springs.
Photo: magical-world

5. Amazon River
By volume, the Amazon is far and away the largest river on Earth. With hundreds of huge tributaries (such as the Rio Negro above), its drainage basin accounts for 40% of South America’s land area.
Photo: Zemlinki!

6. Angel Falls, Venezuela
Angel Falls is the world’s highest and certainly one of the most spectacular.
Photo: Da_Vinzy

7. Torres del Paine, Chile
Daggers of mountain peaks, glacial lakes, and guanaco define southern Chile’s Torres del Paine National Park.
Photo: doug88888

8. Colca Canyon, Peru
This canyon, located 100km out from Arequipa, is about twice as deep as the Grand Canyon and full of Andean condors.
Photo: gudi&cris

9. Lake Titicaca, Peru/Bolivia
The superlatives keep coming. This gigantic lake spilling over the Altiplano between Bolivia and Peru is the world’s highest navigable body of water.
Photo: soylentgreen23

10. Perito Moreno Glacier, Argentina
Fed by the Southern Patagonian Ice Field (the third-largest reserve of fresh water in the world), the Perito Moreno Glacier is the thing to see in Argentine Patagonia. You can also trek it.
Photo: tiswango

11. Laguna Colorada, Bolivia
This shallow, algae-rich lagoon attracts plenty of flamingos and is a main stop on tours of Bolivia’s Southwest Circuit.
Photo: Carlos Adampol

12. Aconcagua, Argentina
The “Roof of the Americas,” rising up from the Andes between Argentina and Chile, is 6,962 meters (22,841 feet) tall.
Photo: machimon

13. Kaieteur Falls, Guyana
While not as high-profile as the other falls on this list, Kaieteur is still the world’s largest one-drop by volume.
Photo: sorenriise

14. Tierra del Fuego, Argentina
Things get extreme at the “End of the World,” the continent’s southernmost tip. The island’s scrubby trees grow horizontally in the face of strong Antarctic winds.
Photo: reurinkjan

1. Manhattan
Photo: stephenhanafin

2. Beijing
Photo: West Zest

3. Paris
Photo: ollografik

4. Chicago
Photo: johnnyalive

5. Moscow
Photo: AlphaTangoBravo / Adam Baker

6. Prague
Photo: liber

7. Stockholm
Photo: ragnar1984

8. Boston
Photo: dsearls

9. Tokyo
Photo: iMorpheus

10. Amsterdam
Photo: isabel bloedwater

11. Berlin
Photo: zak mc

12. Toronto
Photo: Jeff Karpala

13. Seoul
Photo: a song under the sugar sugar

14. Tehran
Photo: Shahram Sharif

15. London
Photo: jaybergesen

1. This small wooden ferry took us to Kadidiri (16 hours overnight). Here we made a short stop at a small island to unload supplies for the locals. It takes about three days to go to the mainland, buy the goods, and return.

2. This is the village at the harbour, photographed from the deck of the ship. Today was “market day” on main street.

3. The two girls next to our “bed” on the ferry had fun looking at us and laughing at our “long” noses.

4. Finally, after 18 hours we arrived at Kadidiri. This was the view out of our bungalow. The coral reef started two meters out.

5. We had great sunsets with awesome colours and tones in the sky and on the water.

6. A daily ritual: hunting for lunch and dinner. The “head” of the family we stayed with made his own spear gun with pushbike-tubes, bamboo, coconut wood, and “metalstick”. His goggles were homemade too.

7. Three boys from a small village on the next island passed by in their small boat to catch some nemos for fun (“because they look so nice”, they said). After some time in a plastic bowl they set them free.

8. A fisherman village on a neighbouring island, where the school is also. We made a trip there to visit the family’s youngest son and to watch a soccer game.

9. GOOAALL!! The kids celebrated like superstars when they scored a goal while the girls watching from the sidelines screamed and cheered. They take the game very seriously…they totally ignored us.

10. A shy little boy peeking out with a skeptical eye at the “long nosed” white strangers.

11. When the game was over we were surrounded by the kids. Not many tourists come to the “school island.” They wanted to be photographed and to practice their few English words on us. It was a great time with a lot of laughing and smiling.

12. Postcard moment — enjoying the shade of a palm tree and reflecting on our visit to this beautiful part of the world.

1. Somewhere in the Austrian Alps. As we rounded the corner we were confronted by these menacing sheep. They eventually let us pass. Photo: VagabonderZ

2. I took this in Badlands National Park, South Dakota. This was back in 2002. As soon as my classes were done, I hit the road and got the hell out of Iowa – skipping my own college graduation. During my week in Badlands NP, I crawled out of my tent most mornings to see bison scattered around the landscape. It was worth missing my graduation. Photo: Theodore Scott

3. I shot this cow on the back streets of Jaisalmer, Rajasthan, India. Being sacred to Hindus, cows roam freely everywhere in this country. I like how the shadow plays in the photo, and how this particular cow seems to be “smiling” at the little girl to the left. Photo: Molly McCahan

4. In Kouré Park outside Niamey, Niger, we saw these two male giraffes fighting. Giraffes fight by swinging their necks and hitting the opponent’s body with their heads. It’s slow and hilarious and if we fought wars like this, everyone would have gone home for tea by now. Photo: ljgolden

5. It’s all about the goats I met during Poon Hill trek last September. Photo: theyellowtail

6. I’m not sure if insects count as “wildlife” but this was taken in an amazing butterfly sanctuary on the island of Bohol in the Philippines. Photo: Andrew and Elysia

7. While making our way to Isla de la Plata, aka the “Poor Man’s Galapagos,” we were lucky enough to come across this breaching humpback. Only 50 km off the Ecuador coast, Isla de la Plata is a great day trip if you can’t afford the time or money for the Galapagos. With the exception of tortoises, you’ll see all the wildlife of the Galapagos there. Photo: Len Langevin

8. Llamas in Machu Picchu eating and taking a nap, both of which I desperately wanted to do after 4 hours of hiking the ruins. Photo: crfranke

9. Marching through the marsh. Black-winged Stilts in a flooded field at Kin Okinawa, Japan. Photo: Ryuku Mike

10. Guanacos are pretty much the only living thing that occasionally dots the mostly barren landscape in Tierra del Fuego. They’re quite shy, but we seem to have caught this small group by surprise. Outside of Ushuaia, Argentina. Photo: bearshapedsphere

11. Pink flamingos of Le Camargue, a marshy area in southern France, where the Rhone and Mediterranean meet. It is Europe’s largest river delta. Photo: VagabonderZ

12. An large extended family of coatí live on the mountain above the pueblo of Tepoztlán, Mexico. Hikers come up here to check out a small Aztec pyramid temple — perhaps the coatí are its guardians. Or maybe they just like tourist food. Photo: halamen

13. These king penguins at Volunteer Point in the Falkland Islands had changed their mind about being in the water, and couldn’t wait to get back out. Photo: bearshapedsphere

14. Marine Iguanas are only found on the Galapagos Islands and their colours vary distinctly from island to island. Iguanas feed on seaweed and algae and have the incredible ability to change their size if sufficient food is not available. Photo: m.scott

1. Outside Topkapi Palace.

2. Grape leaves stuffed with rice, resting in a bed of salt.

3. Turkish yentas converse outside a local restaurant.

4. The Spice Bazaar.

5. In awe at the Blue Mosque.

6. Feet must be washed before entering the mosque to pray.

7. Praying solo in the Blue Mosque.

8. Husband and wife shop together.

9. Colors of light in a random lamp store.

10. These columns were erected by the Ottoman Empire.

11. A Turkish woman rushes to her daughter, hiding behind a column.

12. A fisherman en route between “Asia” and “Europe.”

1. Coast redwoods don’t get as wide as their cousins the giant sequoia, but 26-foot diameters can hardly be considered second rate.
Photo: M. D. Vaden of Oregon

2. Where redwoods leave the sequoias behind is height. These are the tallest trees on the planet, with the highest so far measured reaching 379.1 feet. That’s over 70 feet taller than the Statue of Liberty, taking into account pedestal and foundation.
Photo: lunaport

3. And, stats aside, they’re just awesome to look at.
Photo: mason bryant

4. “Cathedral trees” sprout from a shared base, like these in Prairie Creek Redwoods State Park.
Photo: rachel_thecat

5. The canopy of a redwood grove, out of sight of both earth and sky, has been described as an “unexplored ecosystem.”
Photo: *~Dawn~*

6. The locations of the most serious trees and groves are kept secret, to protect both the redwoods and inexperienced hikers who might otherwise seek them out. This is one such tree, Screaming Titans, in the Grove of Titans, Jedediah Smith Redwood State Park.
Photo: H Dragon

7. A stitch job from the Grove of Titans.
Photo: H Dragon

8. Dwarfed by nature.
Photo: Shayan (USA)

9. A stout trunk from Jedediah Smith.
Photo: joannapoe

10. We treat our redwoods better today than they did in the 1930s. Still, if you ever wanted to drive through a tree, here ya go.
Photos: lostintheredwoods (left), nagobe (right)

11. A shot aptly titled, “give up, we have you surrounded.”
Photo: adrian207

12. There’s no doubt that trees bigger than today’s record holders were logged over the last century+. It’s not clear whether this was a coast redwood or giant sequoia, only that it was ginormous (note the team of horses on top).
Photo: David C. Foster

1. Watching the vivid fiery colors of fall doesn’t always mean journeying all the way up to New England. For me, grabbing a camera and just walking out the front door meant walking right into a vibrant wave of color.

2. As autumn comes, gearing us up for winter, the bright red berries begin to shrivel and fall.

3. It always blows my mind how regal-looking trees adorned with vibrant orange leaves….

4. ….can lose their beauty within a matter of days.

5. Trees with turning leaves always look magical in large numbers, so with camera in tow I headed out to the modest-sized park next to the neighborhood high school.

6. At the park, I could observe how others were enjoying the season…from casual strolls….

7. ….to taking their dogs for brisk evening walks.

8. As the sun begins to set (one of the best times for snapping photos), this Braeburn apple-colored tree with its perfect mix of greens and reds casts long, elegant shadows.

9. Just steps from the Braeburn apple-colored tree, I stumbled across this classic snapshot of autumn — a set of three trees, each representing the various stages and shades of color as the leaves change.

10. Though spring remains my favorite season because it signifies rebirth and new life, I pay due homage to autumn for the spectacular displays that signify a different journey — one of transition, getting us all ready for the dark troughs of winter.

11. In the lowlight of sunset, my husband took this covert silhouette shot while I was temporarily engrossed in a nearby soccer game.

12. I wonder how trees begin to shed their bright leaves. Like a man slowly going bald, does the process start from the top as seen on this orange-tinted tree?

13. While many travel photographers may not readily admit it, we’re all suckers for sunset shots, and that evening, the clouds swirling above brought on their own swatches of vivid hues.

14. The prismatic sky and colorful trees all working in concert produced a dreamlike effect around the entire neighborhood.

15. By the time the sun was gone and trees stood eerily against a darkening sky, my respect for autumn was rejuvenated.

1. I moved to Berlin almost exactly a year ago. After spending the summer of 2008 working here (on the HG2 Berlin guidebook), I fell head over heels and knew I had to make the move. Given my partner and I had a 9-month-old baby the obvious area to live was Prenzlauerberg — a former Eastern part of the city whose burgeoning population of young families has prompted the nickname Pram-zlauerberg. One year on and I’m still inspired daily by Pberg’s wide, leafy boulevards, multi-layered history, and laid-back vibe. (Image: Zionkirchplatz, Prenzlauerberg)

2. The relaxed feel of Berlin in general has a lot to do with the fact that there’s ‘only’ 3.7 million people here (urban population). Sounds a lot, but compared with London’s 8 million or Paris’s 10 million, it pales, Combined with the large vacant spaces created by WW2 the relative lack of people creates a rare and luxurious feeling of space usually missing from other major cities. Add cheap (but rising) prices, a limited local economy, and a significant creative community and you have one of the last truly ‘bohemian’ capitals in Western Europe.

3. Despite the chilled nature of our ‘hood, it’s only a stroll (or bike ride, usually since Berlin is very ‘geared up’ for cycling) into the hustle and bustle of Mitte, the most central area of Berlin. The spiritual heart of Mitte is Alexanderplatz, a former cattle market that now hosts the towering Fernsehturm, the heavily daubed Fountain of Friendship between Peoples, and a wealth of socialist architecture. Modern constructions notwithstanding, it’s like a brief trip into the heart of the GDR. Radiating from this central timewarp are some of Berlin’s trendiest venues, a dense network of bars, shops, boutiques, cafes, and nightclubs.

4. Despite the ongoing commercialization of Mitte and subsequent bustle, there are still many tranquil areas where you can get a taste of an older, gentler Berlin. The streets around Auguststrasse are full of art galleries and close by is the Scheunenviertel, once home to a thriving Jewish community, now a thriving warren of interesting buildings, shops, and cafes.

5. Oranienburgerstrasse offers the stunning golden dome of the New Synagogue (Neue Synagoge), originally built to accompany the growing Jewish population in Berlin. During the famous Nazi pogrom known as ‘Kristallnacht’, the synagogue was burned, and then heavily bombed in WW2. Rebuilding began when the wall came down in 1989 and it is open once more to the public today mainly as a museum.

6. Hackescher Markt hosts a small market on Saturday mornings and is usually pretty busy thanks to the nearby train station, which was known in GDR times as Marx-Engels-Platz. It’s worth taking a peek inside the station at the gorgeous interior decoration.

7. Around the corner from Hackescher Markt you’ll find the winding river Spree and its impressive Museumsinsel — Museum Island — a UNESCO World Heritage site that hosts several world-class museums including the Bode (pictured here), New Museum, Old National Gallery, and the Pergamon (see next picture).

8. The Pergamon houses some stunning reconstructed buildings such as the Pergamon Altar, the Market Gate of Miletus, and the Ishtar Gate, all consisting of parts transported from the original excavation sites. The Pergamon is visited by almost 1 million people per year, making it the most-seen art museum in Germany.

9. Two good things about walking or cycling around Berlin is: a) the lack of steep hills, and b) the abundance of street food. Depending on the season you’ll find anything from roasted chestnuts to salty pretzels – and of course wurst, in abundance. Inhaling currywurst as you walk is a popular past-time here in Berlin.

10. A walk beneath the lime trees that line the grand boulevard Unter Den Linden is mandatory for most tourists, and with good reason. At one end is the demolished Palast der Republik (from the GDR days); at the other, the world famous Brandenburger Tor, which is especially picturesque at night.

11. Equally impressive by night is the Reichstag, the seat of the German government again since Reunification. A tour up to Sir Norman Foster’s glass dome — built to emphasize the ‘transparency’ of democratic government — gives not only insightful views into the German parliament but sweeping views across the city.

12. On the other side of the Brandenburger Tor lies the Holocaust Memorial, a tribute to the “the murdered Jews of Europe.” 2,711 concrete blocks of differing height create an “uneasy” sensation as you explore within them. In the distance you can see the glass dome of the Reichstag.

13. Further along the Spree, in Kreuzberg, you can’t miss the 100-foot-high Molecule Men by artist Jonathan Borofsky.

14. Signatures from David Bowie and Iggy Pop at the famed Hansa Studios in Kreuzberg, where seminal albums like “Heroes” and “The Idiot” were recorded (amogst other albums by U2 and Depeche Mode). Kreuzberg has a rich musical heritage. It was the center of Berlin’s squat / punk scene, and today its mix of Turkish immigrants, hipsters, and punks continue to create a vibrant culture. The local nightlife remains among the city’s best, with veteran alternative / punk venues like SO36 rubbing shoulders with techno spots such as Watergate, Klub der Visionaere, Arena, and many, many more.

15. Though much of Berlin’s turbulent history lives on only as ghosts (there’s not much left from the WW2 / Nazi era save for the odd building and bullet-riddled courtyard) there’s plenty of evidence of the former Communist era. Perhaps the best place to get a sense of life in the GDR is a walk along the grandiloquent Karl-Marx-Allee, lined either side with classic examples of Soviet structures such as the famous Kino International (as seen in the movie “Goodbye Lenin”), where Communist Party leaders once watched films and puffed cigars in the Honecker Lounge out back.

16. Though the wall has been down for 20 years, there are still many psychological divisions between East and West. Many Ossies (East-dwellers) rarely cross the city to ‘Wessie’ areas like Charlottenburg, even though they offer a wealth of history (this was where the swinging ’20s were happening, after all), lots of key attractions (like the Kaiser William Memorial Church, pictured), and some very charming areas, such as Savignyplatz.

17. Charlottenburg is also good for shopping. Kurfürstendamm, known locally as the Ku’damm, is Berlin’s Oxford Street, a wide, long road full of brand stores, car showrooms, hotels, and restaurants. The feeling of upscale wealth around here can be a far cry from other city districts, especially less gentrified areas such as Kreuzberg and Friedrichshain.

18. On Sundays, the famed Mauerpark Flea Market takes place near the former wall. This haven of old vinyl, clothes, funky furnishings, and general tat draws a hip and generally hungover crowd every week. In summer, the adjacent park sees sunbathers, jugglers, and a highly popular public karaoke session.

19.After the market you can buy a ‘wurst’ from one of the many vendors. These mobile sausage sellers (pictured) are especially popular and completely unique to Berlin. Remnants of the wall line Bernauer Strasse, and the excellent Berlin Wall Museum (as well as outdoor exhibitions) can be found around here as well.

20. Nearby Kastanienallee has plenty of funky, independent stores, cheap eateries, and stylish cafes. But I prefer to head back to the ranch, maybe stopping off at my local hangout Wohnzimmer — “The Living Room” — to relax on the GDR-style furnishings and read, chat, or raise a nice cold Pilsner to Berlin. Poor, sexy – and effortlessly inspiring.

1. Bedfordshire, England
Photo: L-plate big cheese

2. Anonymous lonely gravestone
Photo: new chap

3. Mountain View Cemetery, Shrewsbury, MA
Photo: WhitA

4. Jewish Cemetery in Pszczyna, Poland
Photo: Jacek Becela

5. Upper Riccarton, Christchurch, New Zealand
Photo: the evil monkey

6. Monmouth County, NJ
Photo: Sister72

7. Sheffield, England
Photo: polandeze

8. Anonymous frosty cemetery
Photo: thomas.barker

9. Baltimore, MD
Photo: llimllib

10. Bedfordshire, England
Photo: L-plate big cheese

1. Traditional Arab vessels called “dhow” sail across the reef off the eastern coast of Zanzibar.

2. Herds of cattle come to drink from the salty ocean, as fresh water is a scarce commodity on the island.

3. Traditional dhow fishing boats are anchored along the shoreline.

4. The Azanzi Beach Resort is designed to blend into the natural environment, although the structure does remind me a little of the Sydney Opera House.

5. A shop in Stone Town (the old district of the island’s capital) selling old signs and decorated with pictures of former and current presidents and dictators. Obama is a popular icon in Zanzibar; his picture can be found everywhere in the city.

6. The meat market is a crowded place with a powerful smell. Taking pictures in this environment was difficult, and my camera was not always welcomed.

7. A variety of marine animals (including a moray eel) are auctioned off inside the fish market. Notice the variety of hats and caps worn.

8. The High Court of Zanzibar, a beautiful yet dilapidated building (as most here are), is still used for official proceedings.

9. Kids sitting in the doorway of the former residence of the infamous Arab trader known as Tipu Tip.

10. A group of kids help push a wagon stacked with sugarcane through the narrow alleyways of Stone Town.

11. Fishermen unpack their daily catch at Stone Town’s harbour.

12. Fresh fish are for sale at the harbour. Sting ray seems to be a popular alternative.

13. A woman, dressed according to local Muslim custom, sits in front of her home watching people pass by.

14. Slave trade memorial — from 1811 to 1873, a slave market existed in Stone Town. It was the hub of the slave trade for all of East Africa, and more than one million souls were bought and sold during that time.

15. You can see why the dhow is such an iconic feature of Zanzibar.

1. Marrakech is one of Morocco’s oldest and most alluring cities. Despite the constant influx of tourists, the city has maintained an exotic Old World atmosphere — particularly within the ancient medina, where map-toting tourists attempt to navigate the labyrinthine streets and locals go about their daily business as they’ve been doing for centuries.

2. Bikes and cars are common in Marrakech (prepare for a fair bit of pollution) but the donkey is still a ubiquitous form of transport, especially in the dusty medina where it’s used to pull heavy loads through the notoriously narrow streets.

3. Another common sight in the medina are…kids! The family unit is cherished by Moroccans and the streets also serve as a children’s playground, often for boisterous games of soccer such as this.

4. A large part of Marrakech’s exoticism are the abundance of old traditions and customs that are kept alive. Here a vendor sells groceries direct from a handcart.

5. Traditional artisan skills such as weaving, metalwork, pottery, bread baking, and carpentry are all very much alive in Marrakech. In fact the medina has its own “artisan quarter” where you can watch these craftsmen at work.

6. Morocco is a Muslim country. Several times a day the familiar sound of the muezzin (call to prayer) sails through the air and devotees swarm to the many mosques (sitting outside if they’re full), or simply kneel and bow their heads towards Mecca wherever they happen to be.

7. A trip to Marrakech is not complete without a visit to the souks. This intimate warren of pathways is comprised of shops often no taller and wider than the people inside them, who hawk everything from silverware to oriental carpets, pointy ‘baboush’ (slippers), replica designer handbags, and love potions. Be prepared for lots of haggling — Monty Python style.

8. The souks are intensely atmospheric. Packed tight with locals and tourists, they’re a whirlwind of motion, smells (good and bad), and patchwork roofs that create compelling chiaroscuros when the sunlight filters through.

9. Though Marrakech doesn’t hold an abundance of cultural highlights compared to other cities, there are several places well worth visiting. One is the beautiful Ben Youssef Medersa — the city’s oldest Koranic school — which was closed down in the ’60s but refurbished and reopened to the public in the ’80s.

10. During the day, Marrakech’s main square, the Djemaa El Fna, is a busy and fairly modern hub for shoppers, traders, and tourist touts (snake charmers, water bearers, acrobatic dancers). Come nighttime the place transforms into the largest open-air barbecue in the world, as the air fills with smoke and locals and visitors sit next to each other to chow down on everything from harira soup to seafood.

11. Sometimes the heat and hassle of the Pink City can get too much. Fortunately, there are a number of easy and accessible escape routes. One of the most popular trips is up to the Atlas Mountains, just an hour or two’s drive from Marrakech. The cool peaks provide beautiful respite from the chaos of the medina, and are full of Berber villages and superb walking routes.

12. And if you thought life in the city was authentic and traditional — life in the mountains is often more so.

13. Non meat-eaters needn’t worry, though — even mountainside cafes have access to vegetables.

14. Another possible day trip from the city is to Essaouira, a small, charming fishing town on the coast. It has good tourist infrastructure, and its distinctive white and blue medina is today a UNESCO heritage site. The seafood here, as you’d expect, is especially tasty.

15. Those looking for a more dramatic adventure can book a safari out to the Sahara. It’s possible to spend the night (or more) in traditional bivouac tents, climb sand dunes, and drive around marveling at the vast expanse of sand and nothingness. Now and again the barren landscape is punctuated by nomadic shepherds like this hardy Berber lady.

16. We also came across these Berber children, who were happy to receive our gifts of jewellery and biscuits in exchange for a photograph. They didn’t pause too long given the encroaching rainstorm.

1. Outside the local news store, this man immerses himself in text.

2. In the Mumbai train station, she finds temporary shelter in the “Ladies Only” section.

3. Done daily outdoors, Mumbai’s laundry is out for public viewing. By day’s end, all has been washed, dried, and cleared, leaving space to start again tomorrow.

4. Our search for tigers in the Ranthambore Tiger Reserve was to no avail until we spotted this jeep. We followed it off-road and encountered two tigers and their cubs.

5. At sunrise, the Mumbai flower market overflows with color and scent. When I turned the corner and saw the market for the first time, I found my India.

6. Udaipur — India’s City of Lakes — is magical by boat.

7. Before praying, these gentlemen conversed about local politics. They eagerly invited me to join the conversation.

8. Their eyes invited me to take this photograph. They were more real and profound than any formal invitation.

9. Waiting for the bus, these Hindu women hope to find space aboard. If not, it’ll be a two-hour wait for the next one.

10. Rajasthani women, dressed in the colorful style of the region, support their wares in the scorching sun and find refuge only in each other’s shadow.

11. Three snakes and three charmers in Jaipur.

12. Welcome to the Taj Mahal. Viewed this way, its magnitude and beauty are highlighted by the astounding number of visitors.

13. After driving in the monsoon from Jaipur to Agra, this sunset perspective on the Taj Mahal awaited me from my terrace.

1. Joe Strummer memorial graffiti in Floresta.

2. A tree against a building. Even the most ordinary things can be so beautiful here. Barrio Floresta.

3. When you’re walking down the street, you will constantly be tempted (if you have a sweet tooth) to duck into a confiteria or pasteleria for something sweet. Most of the time, the cakes look better than they are. This is a very good pasteleria in Chacaritas.

4. Paper posters over paper posters ad infinitum. Barrio Flores.

5. A typical view of the subway, this of Linea B, the red line.

6. These dogs were pretty upset with the sound of my friend’s motorcycle, but I couldn’t stop laughing. Photo taken outside the city.

7. A taxi passes by in Velez Sarsfield.

8. This hotel is really close to Cementerio de la Chacaritas and it always catches my eye when I get off the subway in this part of town. Part of the reason for this is probably the fact that the other buildings in the vicinity are much shorter two- and three-story structures.

9. This little parilla on the river is the first taste of bondiola I ever had. Taken on Rio de la Plata at this time last year.

10. Trips co-editor Hal Amen with his wife arm in arm on Rivadavia in Flores.

11. Graffiti makes this train car on Linea B a comet.

12. At Christmastime, people set off fireworks. These were some of my neighbors when I lived in Barrio Once.

1. The peak of Cerro Fitz Roy looms in the distance — the goal of my hike through the Southern Patagonian Ice Field near the border of Argentina and Chile.

2. The Perito Moreno Glacier as viewed from the observation decks in Parque Nacional Los Glaciares near the town of El Calafate, Argentina.

3. A ferry docks prior to making the journey from Argentina to Chile in Southern Patagonia.

4. Traversing the Perito Moreno Glacier feels non-terrestrial in Parque Nacional Los Glaciares, Argentina.

5. A photographer captures the fading sunset behind Cerro Fitz Roy near El Chalten, Argentina.

6. Sweeping clouds paint violet strokes across the morning sky — one of the many faces of Patagonia.

7. On the fringes of the hiking season in early and late winter, the ridges of Cerro Fitz Roy are covered with snow, making many trails inaccessible. Though challenging, the harsh conditions yield tourist-less hikes and magnificent views like this one taken during a lunch break.

8. Flat Patagonian plains collide with the towering Andes at Parque Nacional Torres del Paine, Chile.

9. Pondering “el fin del mundo.” A solo climb over the Martial Glacier near Ushuaia leaves a view beyond the southernmost tip of South America.

10. Arriving at the summit of another long hike leads to some “time killing” experiments in camera angles while awaiting the sunset. Matrix anyone?

11. Set at the southernmost point of South America, Parque Nacional Tierra del Fuego is as eerie as it is magnificent.

12. Shipwreck in the Beagle Channel, Ushuaia, Argentina.

1. Palmyra, Syria
This ancient desert oasis of a metropolis, 200km from Damascus, is at least 4,000 years old and can still be visited by camel caravan.
Photo: captain.orange

2. Borobudur, Indonesia
Borobudur was an active Buddhist temple from the 9th to 14th centuries and is located rather precariously between two Javanese volcanoes.
Photo: ctsnow

3. Teotihuacan, Mexico
Sitting less than an hour outside Mexico City, this pre-Aztec pyramid city may have been the most populous in the world during its heyday between A.D. 150 and 450.
Photo: Juls Barrett

4. Göreme, Cappadocia, Turkey
The unique stone formations of this region in central Turkey were made even more picturesque when homes and monasteries (and today hotels) were carved into them beginning around A.D. 300.
Photo: Nir Nussbaum

5. Khara-Khoto, Inner Mongolia
Marco Polo is said to have passed through this Mongol trading outpost before it was sacked by a Ming Dynasty army. Since then, the Gobi has slowly been taking up residence.
Photo: Ed_Stannard

6. Wat Phu, Laos
The lazy riverside town of Champasak is the gateway to these Khmer temple ruins, granted Unesco World Heritage status in 2001.
Photo: Adam Jones, Ph.D.

7. Tikal, Guatemala
Though only questionably qualifying as “lesser-known,” this stop on the Maya Trail did lose out on becoming a “New 7 Wonder of the World” to its cousin farther north, Chichen Itza.
Photo: mtsrs

8. Volubilis, Morocco
The Romans sure got around, leaving behind their characteristic triumphal arches and columned temples in unlikely places — such as a few dozen kilometers outside of Meknes, Morocco.
Photo: ollografik

9. Bagan, Myanmar
This ancient Burmese capital and its 2,217 peaked-dome temples should be better known, but its location within a “rogue state” is holding it back.
Photo: jmhullot

10. Tiwanaku, Bolivia
Tiwanaku (or Tiahuanaco) is still being excavated, as funds become available, but has already revealed countless secrets about a pre-Inca empire that ruled the Altiplano until A.D. 1000.
Photo: victorsounds

11. Mesa Verde National Park, USA
The Anasazi’s cliff-carved city, built in the 11th century, is considered the largest in North America and is the centerpiece of this national park in the Four Corners region.
Photo: ..lauren..

12. El Djem, Tunisia
More evidence of the Roman presence in North Africa comes in the form of this ruined amphitheater — the ancient empire’s third largest.
Photo: skuds

1. Grasping the unthinkable horrors of the S21 prison, where over 17,000 prisoners were interrogated, tortured, and executed during the Khmer Rouge rein — only a handful survived.

2. The impact of our visit to S21 and the “Killing Fields” hangs heavy during a moto-taxi ride through downtown Phnom Penh.

3. Forced off the road by a local bus, we regroup before continuing our journey south to the coast.

4. View from our bungalow porch on the island of Koh Rong Samloem. Pure paradise.

5. Game of frisbee on a remote beach on the island of Koh Rong Samloem.

6. On the road north to Siem Reap and the temples of Angkor, a crowd forms to watch our bikes receive a necessary tuneup.

7. Sun rises over the spectacular temple of Angkor Wat.

8. The forest is quick to reclaim the land, swallowing the Angkor Thom temples.

9. Carvings in the stone at Ta Prohm temple give a glimpse into the past of a once mighty civilization.

10. Watching the sunset from Bakheng Hill caps a surreal day exploring the vast complex of ancient Angkor temples.

11. On the road into eastern Cambodia, unreliable and sporadic gas stations force us to carry fuel reserves in used water bottles.

12. A local guide arrives with the morning’s transportation as we prepare for our trek through the eastern Cambodian jungles.

13. Yes, washing an elephant is a serious ordeal.

14. A local Buddhist monk catches a ride into town.

15. In rural Cambodia, every road leads to a new adventure.

1. Iceland’s main road (the “1″) is around 800 miles long and circles the entire country. Since there is very little traffic on this island of 300,000 souls, not to mention a distinct lack of vegetation and wildlife, much of the time there’s just the country’s majestic nature — lava fields, glaciers, streams, lakes, and huge lichen-covered mountains — for company.

2. If you’re lucky you might even see the famous Northern Lights (aurora borealis). This photo was taken on a trip around the Snaefellsnes glacier, one of the most stunning areas of Iceland and just a 2-3 hour drive out of Reykjavik.

3. Another scene from Snaefellsnes, this time taken during sunset. Due to its low population, much of Iceland is quintessentially rural, though with a crazy volcanic twist that makes the landscapes highly distinctive and memorable. Ever seen sheep or horses grazing peacefully in a lunar-style lava field? You will here…

4. Speaking of horses, the Icelandic breed is world famous. They’re generally small — pony-sized in fact — and have special gaits. Fun fact: laws prevent animals from being imported to Iceland or returning to the country after they’ve been exported.

5. Another very special (and largely under-acknowledged) area in Iceland are the Westfjords. The oldest part of the island geologically, they’ve developed a unique community. Travel up here can be tough due to the deep, winding fjords. On the upside you’ll often feel like you’re driving through a fairy tale.

6. A great time to visit the Westfjords is in April or May when there’s still a good chance of snow on the mountains, but when the roads are generally clear (they can be closed off during winter). Snow-based activities in the area include ice fishing, snowmobiling, and spontaneous snowman making.

7. The Westfjords region has generally been in decline since WWII and the fall-off of the fishing industries. Yet the tourist infrastructure is excellent and though many residents literally abandoned their houses and moved to Reykjavik for work, many others have kept second homes here.

8. In harsher weather you can see and feel how bleak the Westfjords (and other remote parts of Iceland) can be. Yet even foreboding skies, whiplash winds, and driving rain can’t strip the country of its inherent and often unexpected beauty. The dominant forces of nature are felt everywhere.

9. On the other hand, Iceland is an absolute delight in summer. Contrary to popular belief, it’s not cold during spring, summer, or even (sometimes) autumn. In fact, temperatures are generally at European levels, give or take a few degrees. But don’t forget that the farther north you go, the less nighttime you’re going to get. Akureyri (pictured here from across the fjord), is the second largest city after Reykjavik with 10,000 inhabitants. It’s a popular place due to its exquisite setting, nearby whale-watching tours (in Husavik), and proximity to major natural attractions such as Lake Myvatn.

10. The coastline in Iceland’s north is fascinating with its strange mix of luminous green lichen, steep cliffs, and sky-wide vistas. This shot was taken near Husavik, one of the great whale-watching centers of the world. In the background is Lundey Island, home to a multitude of bird life including puffins, black guillemots, fulmars, and arctic terns.

11. Lake Myvatn, an hour or so from Akureyri, is one of Iceland’s most beautiful and mysterious areas. A mesmerizing array of lava lakes, bubbling geothermal areas, and volcanic craters, it’s unlikely you’ll forget a trip here in a hurry. It really is like paying a visit to the moon (well, presumably. And with a bit more water).

12. To the east of the Myvatn area lies the formidable Hverfjall. A kilometer in circumference, this looming black volcanic crater was formed around 2,500 years ago.

13. A wider view of Hverfjall takes in grazing horses, parts of Lake Myvatn, a snow-capped glacier, and the region’s famed geothermal resources, which power the Myvatn Nature Baths — or the northern Blue Lagoon as it’s known. This thoroughly modern spa area (see the building with the blue roof) has mineral-rich geothermal water, a cafeteria, three natural steam baths, and a 5000-sq.-meter geothermal bathing pool maintained at a constant temperature of 38-40ºC. Sploosh.

14. You can also see the bizarre formations created by that geothermal activity up close at Hverarönd, a collection of bubbling sulfuric mud, clay springs, and steaming rocks. Remember what I was saying about the lack of darkness in summer? This photo was taken at 11pm.

1. A couple of Nepali girls laugh at the antics of arriving trekkers.

2. Mighty trees cling to the mountainside.

3. A Tamang child sits atop a roof and watches with little interest the flow of life below.

4. Our first glimpse of the awesome Langtang Mountain (7,200 meters or 23,622 feet)

5. These girls epitomize the general response we got: mistrust of outsiders and friendly curiosity.

6. The view from our bed when staying at Kyangin Gompa

7. Sunset over the Langtang Range

8. Grandma takes care of her grandchild while Mom runs the family business, a guesthouse.

9. A view of both the Langtang and Ganesh mountain ranges. And some pretty purple rhododendrons.

10. The Tamangs migrated to Nepal from Tibet and are still practicing the religion of their country of origin.

11. The sun sets over Gosain Kunda, a lake at 4,380 meters (14,370 feet).

12. Three trekkers are dwarfed by the mountains around them as they make their way to Laurebina Pass, the highest point of the trek. It’s all downhill from here.

1. The Door to Hell, Darvaza, Turkmenistan
The collapse of a natural gas cavern in 1971 created this crater in a small Turkmenistan village. Officials made the call to ignite the noxious fumes…which have yet to stop burning.
Photographer: minifastcar33

2. Windfarm, San Gorgonio Pass, California, USA
Modern wind turbines and an eerie moonrise conspire to create this otherworldly scene.
Photographer: Caveman 92223

3. Sedan Crater, Nevada, USA
In the early ’60s, the U.S. government experimented with using nuclear bombs in massive construction works. Among other results was this, one of the world’s largest human-made craters.
Photographer: itjournalist

4. Libyan crop circles
Not all crop circles are made by aliens. These plots in Saharan Libya are created by nothing more mysterious than pivot irrigation.
Photographer: futureatlas.com

5. Burgan Field, Kuwait, 1991
During the Gulf War, parts of Kuwait’s vast Burgan Oil Field were set ablaze.
Photographer: National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration

6. Coal mines
The process of mining for coal alters the face of the landscape. Garzweiler, Germany (above) and Estercuel, Spain (below) are two of many examples.
Photographer: BK59

Photographer: Jen SFO-BCN

7. Rio Tinto, Spain
Leached iron and other heavy metals (another result of mining) give Spain’s Rio Tinto its name.
Photographer: Serafin-Sanchez

8. Centralia Mine Fire, Pennsylvania, USA
Another ignited mine that just won’t quit, the fire smoldering under Centralia has forced the evacuation of pretty much the entire town.
Photographer: jesiehart

9. Ground Zero, New York City
Photographer: slagheap

10. Oil slicks
It doesn’t take a headline-grabbing oil spill for petroleum to hit the water. Day-to-day extraction and processing operations leak plenty, as shown in these NASA images of Venezuela’s Lake Maracaibo (above) and the Arabian Sea (below).
Photographer: Visible Earth, NASA

Photographer: Visible Earth, NASA

2. Seljalandsfoss, Iceland
This picturesque 60m plunge has appeared on the likes of The Amazing Race. Hikers get a kick out of the trail that leads behind the falls.
Photographer: Daníel Örn

3. Victoria Falls, Zambia/Zimbabwe
Victoria forms the “largest sheet of falling water in the world.” Its extent is so great that it helps to have a view from the air (below).
Photographer: Sotti

Photographer: Jean-Louis Vandevivère

4. Bridalveil Fall, USA
One of the most photogenic falls in California’s Yosemite National Park, and that’s saying a lot.
Photographer: CLightPictures

5. Kaieteur Falls, Guyana
Though neither the tallest nor the widest, Kaieteur’s combination of height and volume makes it one of the world’s most powerful falls.
Photographer: madmack66

6. Takakkaw Falls, Canada
Takakkaw is one of the star attractions of British Columbia’s Yoho National Park.
Photographer: Michael Rogers

7. Tad Fane, Laos
Twin chutes of water plummet into a jungle gorge just beyond the balconies of the Tad Fane resort.
Photographer: krisprachant

8. Niagara Falls, USA/Canada
Niagara needs no introduction, but just like Victoria, its true scope can only be appreciated from the air (below).
Photographer: outofthebox27

Photographer: gilesclement

9. Barron Falls, Australia
Only a trickle for much of the year, the Barron Falls roar after a hearty rainy-season downpour.
Photographer: Shek Graham

10. Queulat Glacier waterfall, Chile
Sensitive environmentalists, avert your eyes. This one might as well be taken straight from a climate change poster.
Photographer: betoscopio

11. Iguazu Falls, Argentina/Brazil
There are 275 separate falls along this 2.7km stretch of the Iguazu River. Yeah, they’re awesome. Check out the panorama (below).
Photographer: Luca Galuzzi

Photographer: Martin St-Amant

12. Yinlianzhuitan waterfall, China
Though not as large as the nearby Huangguoshu waterfall, Yinlianzhuitan makes the list for one reason: this sweet pic.
Photographer: WaitinZ

1. The author sets out on the journey. I wish I could tap this guy on the shoulder and say, “75 km, buddy. Seriously.”

2. Buoys hanging from the trees notify the hikers where to get on and off the beach trail.

3. Sean Aiken snaps a photo of one of the many waterfalls along the coast.

4. At Pachena Lighthouse, a cluster of signs point the distances to various countries around the world.

5. The wreckage of the Varsity, a 1940s fishing vessel, sits rusting in the ocean air.

6. Depending on how close you look, you can find a universe in unexpected places.

7. Sean awaits the ferry at Nitnat Narrows. The crossing is operated by a local First Nations tribe.

8. Sea lions dot the rocks off the coast, barking incessantly. / Photo: Bryan Jackson

9. Along the trail, the constant rain nourishes an innumerable amount of fungi and plantlife.

10. Water doesn’t come easy. All rivers and creeks must be filtered before drinking.

11. If you’re lucky, each night you’ll be greeted with a stunning sunset rarely matched elsewhere. / Photo: Bryan Jackson

12. The author enjoys a campfire and a shot of Fireball whiskey (a crucial addition to any successful wilderness trek).

13. Ben and Sean walk along the rocky shelf at low tide.

14. The stunning beauty of Owen Point resembles a Dr. Seuss storybook.

15. The intrepid hikers pause for a moment of reflection, and a nicely framed photo.

16. Leave nothing but footsteps…take nothing but memories. / Photo: Ben Felch

17. At the end of the trail, our water taxi awaits to whisk us back to the beginning.

1. The small Amazonian town of Parintins is reached from Manaus via a 20-30 hour boat trip…or a one hour plane ride.

2. The population of Parintins is 100,000. During the 3-day Boi Bumbá festival the population doubles as visitors arrive from all over Brazil, creating a colourful mix of local culture and burgeoning tourism.

3. Everybody in the town gets involved in the event in some way – even if they have to be at work.

4. A pre-party in the main square soon draws out the town’s most enthusiastic dancers.

5. A tropical lunchtime downpour does nothing to dampen spirits.

6. By the afternoon downtown Parintins is ablaze with colour, music, food, and dancing.

7. Street dancers leap to the sounds of a live band in Parintins as the town gets ready for a weekend of huge celebrations.

8. The festival’s roots go back around a hundred years. The blue team (the upper-class Caprichosos) fight against the red team (the working-class Garantidos). Parintins is the only place in the world where the Coca Cola sign is blue, a direct result of the sensitive division of the town’s color-driven rivalry.

9. Each team has 2-3 hours per night to outdo their opponent in terms of exuberant costumes, retelling of folkloric legends centered around a bull (boi), and, of course, beautiful singers and dancers. The “bombodrome” is open to tour groups before the event begins. Here you can get an insight into the madness to come as you walk amidst giant colourful trees and flamboyant, outsized creatures.

10. The stadium (“bombodrome”) is packed out by 8pm. Finally, a year’s buildup of tension, secrecy, and passionate rivalry is unleashed.

11. Many of the costumes and designs are so wildly imaginative they take many months to make and are different each year. This giant female face emerged from a traditional Amazonian house whose walls were made up of costumed people that dispersed fluidly in a show of virtuoso choreography.

12. Just when you think things can’t get more outrageous, a giant green man appears, almost as tall as the stadium, sprouting a slightly smaller baby-creature from above his head. You don’t need shamanic hallucinogenics to have a trippy time in the Amazon.

13. And what should leap from the green baby-creature when it reaches the ground? Why, a beautiful woman dressed in vivid animal feathers of course.

14. After a stunning performance from Caprichoso, the red team (Garantido) rolls out giant puppets to intimidate their opponents, impress the judges, and drive their supporters wild.

15. One of the final Garantido beauties shows her stunning snow-white plumage to the crowd. While Boi Bumbá isn’t widely known internationally, it’s the second largest festival after Rio Carnival, and is every bit as wild.

1. Salar de Uyuni, Bolivia
The largest salt flat in the world reflects the sky during the wet season (above). In the dry winter months, it becomes a mosaic of salt tiles (below).
Photographer: Luca Galuzzi

Photographer: Sergio Pessolano

2. Antarctica
Icebergs drift in dark Antarctic waters.
Photographer: winkyintheuk

3. The Richat Structure, near Ouadane, Mauritania
A circular feature, 50 km across, in the middle of the otherwise featureless Mauritanian Sahara. Picture courtesy of NASA.
Photographer: trodel_wiki

4. Alvord Playa, southeastern Oregon, USA
You might not expect to find a desert in the Pacific Northwest, but this dry lake bed averages only 180 mm of rain a year.
Photographer: rasone

5. Cappadocia, Turkey
Fairy chimneys dominate the landscape between Cavusin and Zelve.
Photographer: Timothy Neesam

6. Socotra Island, Yemen
Socotra’s isolation in the Indian Ocean has given rise to plant life you won’t see anywhere else. Behold the dragon’s blood tree.
Photographer: Sotti