UNESCO 75th Anniversary, Top Sites (social media), Rome, Rio, Venice

ROME

1st on UNESCO List

 

Rome Colosseum ©Solange Hando

                   

Among the city's highlights, the Colosseum is truly impressive, especially after dark, beautifully lit up when the crowds have gone. Damaged by earthquakes at various times, it still takes my breath away.

 

Completed in 80AD, this was the largest amphitheatre ever built, holding up to 80,000 spectators. Popular in Roman times for gladiators contests and other dramatic events, it was used more peacefully  for housing and workshops in the Middle Ages.

Vatican City ©Solange Hando

Head of the Roman Catholic Church and residence of the Pope, the Vatican became an independent city state in 1929, the smallest of its kind in Europe.

St Peter's Square (above ) is simply stunning, myriad statues, gleaming white, greeting you around the vast colonnaded area. Beyond the square and traditional Swiss Guards, see the Renaissance basilica -one of the world's largest churches- and the museums, including the Sistine Chapel by Michelangelo.

RIO DE JANEIRO

2nd on UNESCO List

Corcovado

Up above the marina, see Corcovado, the city's most iconic peak, topped by a statue of Christ the Redeemer, 38 metres high. Visitors come in their droves for the must-have pictures and fabulous views.

At 706 metres, it is reached via a rack railway climbing through jungle laced in streams and waterfalls. Then you can take a lift to the final section or struggle up 223 steps to enjoy the panorama unfolding along the way.

The Sugar Loaf ©Solange Hando

Great views of the Sugar Loaf from Corcovado, a mere 396 metres high but far fewer crowds, especially if you continue to the very top on the second cable car.

Amazing panorama across the bay, islands and mountains as far as you can see and hiking trails where you can get away from it all. I have visited over 100 countries but for me, the most scenic city I have ever seen is Rio de Janeiro.

VENICE

3rd on UNESCO List

Venice St Mark's Square ©Solange Hando

So impressive from the water then when you reach the square, the vast open space is an amazing contrast to the old lanes winding beyond. Stop for a while to take it all in and enjoy a latte on an café terrace.

Then visit the basilica and the Dodge's Palace with majestic staircases and art work. See the free-standing campanile? Head there as soon as it opens for the views from the top across city, canal and lagoon, are unrivalled.

Rialto Bridge ©Solange Hando

Originally a wooden bridge, it was rebuilt in the 16th century, in Renaissance style, and remains the oldest bridge on the Grand Canal. 

The single stone archway is topped by rows  of arcaded shops leading up to the central Portico. It's a great place to watch the gondolas and festivities and cultural events held on the water.

Now guess what?

Out of 1092 UNESCO sites (cultural and natural), the country with the most is Italy (51 sites)

As for me, my favourites include the Kathmandu Valley and Machu Picchu...

.

My Favourite Spots in the Himalayas

Brahmaputra in Tibet ©Solange Hando

With its source in the Himalayas Kailash range, this is the young Brahmaputra draped in Buddhist prayer flags for an auspicious journey from Tibet to India and Bangladesh, where it will join the Ganges in the Bay of Bengal. The name means 'son of Brahma', the Hindu god, unusual since most rivers refer to female deities. 

Bhutan Tiger's Lair ©Solange Hando

Close to Paro and a morning climb to over 3000 meters, this is the kingdom's most iconic landmark where, they say, Guru Rinpoche flew on the back of a tigress, to meditate in a cave before spreading Buddhism across the valley. Blue pines, rhododendrons, waterfalls and stunning views, it's a fabulous trek to the top or you can ride a pony to the cafeteria half-way up.

Punakha in Bhutan ©Solange Hando

At just 1250 meters, the former capital feels almost tropical and is the winter home of the monks from Thimphu. At the confluence of two rivers, the fortified monastery (dzong) is an important pilgrimage site, especially during festival time. But Punakha is also a great place to trek in gentle hills and discover Bhutan's pristine nature and traditional villages. Bears in the forest but they tend to keep away.

Ladakh in Northern India ©Solange Hando

In summer you can fly from Delhi to Leh, Ladakh's capital, but the 2-3 day road journey from Manali takes you through spectacular scenery and allows you to acclimatise to high altitude. Then heading west on the edge of disputed Kashmir, you reach this so-called 'moonscape', a rugged barren land close to Lamayuru, one of the oldest and most remote monasteries in Ladakh.

                                                               Ladakh Peaceful  Rivers ©Solange Hando

Equally stunning but in lovely pastel colours, this is the confluence between the Indus and Zanskar rivers, near Ulektopo, not too far from Leh. In winter the frozen Zanskar attracts adventurous trekkers but in the brief summer the scenery is just magic, two rivers for the price of one...

                                                                Bodhnath in Kathmandu ©Solange Hando

My favourite temple in Nepal's capital, it is said to be the world's largest Buddhist stupa which regained its former glory after the 2015 earthquake. Dawn and dusk are special times when Tibetan refugees and Nepali alike walk seven times around the shrine, meeting friends and spinning prayer wheels, sometimes prostrating, as monks chant to the sound of long horns, cymbals and drums.

                                                                     Pokhara in Nepal ©Solange Hando

A brief flight or a road journey west of Kathmandu, this is the lakeside resort of Pokhara, altitude from only 900 metres or so but an ideal base for trekking in the Annapurna or just enjoying the hill top views, snow-capped mountains stretching 140 km, including the iconic Fishtail right in front of you. Browse around the resort, sail to the sacred island and see the sunrise from Sarangkot.

                                                                     Sunset on Everest ©Solange Hando

View from Kalapatar, the 'black rock' at 5644 metres, above Gorak Shep, the original Base Camp.

All dark except Everest, catching the last rays of the sun

Amazing

 

City of Golden Gates, Nancy Capital of Lorraine

Nancy Golden Gates ©Solange Hando

Capital of Lorraine in north-east France, Nancy loves the golden gates rising on all four corners of the main square. Designed in the 18th century by royal craftsmen, the wrought iron gates are clad with gold leaf and enhanced by fountains and statues.

Stanislas on Nancy Main Square ©Solange Hando

Nancy owes much of its fame to Stanislas, the exiled Polish king who was given the Duchy of Lorraine by his son in law, the French king Louis XV. The city's benefactor nurtured the arts, creating a new district, including the square and its surroundings, spending its fortune to express his gratitude while introducing soup kitchens to feed the poor. 

Place Carrière in Nancy ©Solange Hando

Place Stanislas is listed world heritage site by UNESCO, alongside Place Carrière, the old jousting grounds with its own golden gates, accessed via a Triumphal Arch dedicated to the French king.              The quiet place de l'Alliance is also a UNESCO site, not so grand but with plenty of charm. All three sites are right in the town centre, easy walking distance from each other.

                                                          Porte de la Craffe, Old Town ©Solange Hando

Nancy is a vibrant modern city but just beyond the main square the old town, has medieval lanes, stylish Renaissance buildings and cosy restaurants, ethnic and French. The Porte de la Craffe is all that is left from the medieval fortifications, still sporting the double cross of Lorraine.

                                                           Pottery from Lorraine ©Solange Hando 

The old town is also a great place to find traditional crafts, such as pottery, genuine antiques and local produce in an authentic 'boutique lorraine' or displayed on the outdoor market alongside mirabelle plums in season, cold meat or AOC wine from nearby Toul.  The former 'Dukes Palace' is now a museum full of exhibits.

                                                              Art Nouveau ©Solange Hando

If Art Nouveau is your thing, Nancy is a must. It all started around 1901 when local artists, Gallé, Majorelle and Daum broke away from tradition, using local material to create the flowing lines and colours of the natural world. Stained glass, floral patterns, wrought iron gates, balconies and turrets, you find them all over town and you can learn more about it in the Nancy School Museum.

                                                         Canal Marne to the Rhine ©Solange Hando

Like to escape from the city? There's a lovely park next to the main square or head down to the canal (cruise in season) or a little further you will reach the river Meurthe where you can walk along the promenade and follow the cycling trails. Relax under the weeping willows and watch ducks and swans.

                                                      Early  Evening Place Stanislas©Solange Hando

 

Charleston in South Carolina

                                                          Charleston Ravenel Bridge ©Solange Hando

On a long inlet of the Atlantic Ocean, Charleston leads to the meeting point of four waterways, including the rivers Ashley and Cooper (above) either side of the main peninsula.

Opened in 2005, then the longest bridge of its kind in the western world, the Ravenel links downtown Charleston to the large suburb of Mount Pleasant, best known for the Patriot's Point naval and maritime museum.

Elegant Houses along the Waterfront ©Solange Hando

The harbour front where the rivers meet is a stylish area lined with grand historic houses, some open to visitors during the annual Festival of Houses and Gardens. 

But come spring or summer, everyone can enjoy the lush oleander and Palmetto trees (the local emblem) along the waterfront promenade on the way to the old Battery and White Point, named after bleached oyster shells. 

                                                        Charleston  Old Town ©Solange Hando

Historic Charleston grew rich on the slave trade but only steps away from the glorious mansions, the old town has a charm all of its own with cobbled alleyways dozing under the trees.

 There are wrought iron gates and balconies, shutters and potted plants here and there.

Step back in time along Chalmers Street and around the old French Quarter.

                                                                   Marion Square ©Solange Hando

Once a parade ground, this is now a lovely open space, popular with students, and a lively spot for the Farmers Markets held every Saturday in summer. It's also a place for festivals, such as the Food and Wine showcasing the delicious fare of the surrounding Low Country.

Nearby are Regent Street, full of luxury goods, and the city historic market selling local craft, most sought after but not cheap, traditional sweetgrass baskets hand-woven by the Gullahs (descendants of the slaves).

                                                     Pretty Place and Cottage Garden ©Solange Hando

Stroll around downtown or if time is short, enjoy a scenic ride in a horse-drawn carriage and you will appreciate the different styles of architecture and gardens, large and small, with flowers and trees.

It's a lovely city with a few surprises and sometimes it almost feels like a village out in the country.

                                                             Colours Say it All ©Solange Hando

This is the popular Rainbow Row along the East Bay, loved for its pastel-coloured façades and trees offering a welcome shade in the heat of the day.

As you wander around, look out for poinsettia, kumquat, crepe myrtle, roses and palmetto. Listen to the bells chiming here and there for this is a 'holy city' bristling with lofty spires.

                                                   Pineapple Fountain in the Waterpark ©Solange Hando

This is another local icon as in days gone by, sailors would place a pineapple in their garden or hang it in the window to let everyone know they were back and friends were welcome to come and have a chat. It is still  a sign of hospitality.

See the pier just to the left where tall ships and others can take you down towards the ocean, past Fort Sumter where the Civil War started in 1861.  Beyond are the barrier islands (bridges) with sweeping sands, palms, dunes and the surfers' paradise on Folly Beach, the 'Edge of America.'

                                                   Sunset on the Ashley River ©Solange Hando

 

Marrakesh my Favourite Spots

 

                                                            Koutoubia Mosque ©Solange Hando

The heart of Marrakesh is the Koutoubia Mosque, first built in the 12th century and beautifully renovated in 1997. Rising to 77 metres, the minaret can be seen from 25km away on a clear day.

The mosque is only open to worshippers but the lofty silhouette captures your gaze in the bright sunshine or in the late afternoon light when the the sweet fragrance of orange blossom lingers all around.

                                                                       Djemaa el Fna ©Solange Hando

Close to the Koutoubia, this is the main square, the place to enjoy a freshly squeezed citrus juice, dried fruit and nuts, and so much more. Fabulous in the evening with acrobats, drummers and dancers, card readers, food stalls, story tellers, snake charmers, it's colours, sounds and smells, a scene from the Arabian Nights.

Next to the square the medina tempts you with all sorts of local crafts, carved wood, copper, jewellery, babouches, textiles, leather, carpets and rugs..., plenty of time to bargain as you enjoy a free glass (or two) of mint tea.

                                                                  Majorelle Garden ©Solange Hando

Designed by French artist Majorelle, this 'blue oasis' took 40 years to complete and was later restored by Yves St Laurent. Trees and plants come from all over the world, colour, fragrance and enticing water features with myriad reflections.

The artist's former villa is now a Berber museum, showcasing heritage and tradition in a stunning setting. Take time to relax and enjoy as wagtails and turtledoves call from their favourite spots. 

                                                                       Bahia Palace ©Solange Hando

Close to the Atlas and indeed the desert, Marrakech is a must-see for its fabulous architecture as seen in this Bahia Palace where blue remains the favourite colour. Partly open to visitors, this vast palace was only created in the late 19th century, illustrating the perfect harmony between Andalusian and Moorish styles.

Water and reflections aside, look out for mosaics, carved cedar wood, arabesques and stucco work. See the marble courtyard and landscaped garden.

                                                                         El Badi ©Solange Hando

Outside the medina, these are the remains of the 'Incomparable Palace', built for the local sultan in 1578. Little is left of the original 360 rooms but this is a quiet atmospheric place where in season you might spot the 'auspicious' storks rattling their beaks on the battlements.

Wild flowers, roses and orange trees grow in the sunken garden but best of all I love the sandstone walls, glowing ochre-coloured in the African sun.

                                                               Menara Gardens ©Solange Hando

                         Escape from it all in this historic public garden and orchard listed by UNESCO.

  

Marseille, Scenic and Vibrant by the Mediterranean

                                                  Marseille Old Port ©Solange Hando

    At the heart of the city, the iconic 'vieux port' is just one of 14 marinas in Marseille. Fishermen, flower market, restaurants and café-terrace, it's a colourful place, full of life until late at night. The entrance from the sea is guarded by two imposing forts.

                                               Ferry across the Harbour ©Solange Hando

It's a long walk around the harbour but a pedestrian ferry can take you across along the way. Head for the Pharo promontory for superb views of the harbour and the city mirrored in glistening water.

                                                       Notre-Dame de la Garde ©Solange Hando

But wherever you are by the harbour, the hilltop basilica will draw you gaze. Built in the 19th century, it is said to protect Marseille and mosaics and marble aside, it is definitely worth the climb for the all-round panorama along the esplanade.

                                                                  City Square ©Solange Hando

Relax and enjoy colourful squares, spacious or hidden away,  shopping streets, sparkling fountains, best know areas the old Canebière and Prado -  the 'Champs-Elysées' of Marseille...Then look out for museums, art galleries and pétanque tournaments.

 Traditional Marseille ©Solange Hando

Close to the  harbour, the old district claims 111 villages with shaded squares, pastel-coloured walls, balconies, church bells and more. Look out for Les Acoules, Le Panier on Windmill Hill and l'Estaque, as pretty as a postcard on the trails of Cézanne and Braque.

Marseille on Sea ©Solange Hando

Sunbathe on reclaimed beaches in town then cruise to the nearby Frioul islands and visit the famous Château d'If (as seen in the Count of Monte Cristo). You could also sail around the Calanques, the turquoise inlets of the sea laced in secret bays and dramatic cliffs.

                                                           Marseille, Sunset on the Med. ©Solange Hando

   

 

Kyrgyzstan Mountains and Lake, Central Asia

Kyrgyzstan, Land of Mountains ©Solange Hando

They call it 'little Switzerland at the heart of Asia', a land-locked country where only 10% is below 5000 feet. The land is pristine, small population, few tourists except those in the know staying in Bishkek, the pretty village-like capital, and a sprinkling of lakeside resorts.

Ala Archa Park near Bishkek ©Solange Hando

Just 20 miles from the capital, Ala Archa is a national park, just one of 83 protected areas in the country. Boasting 20 glaciers and 50 peaks, reaching up to 16,000 feet, it's an enticing place to ride or trek among forests, waterfalls and rushing streams, looking out for wild flowers and fragrant juniper.

Burana World Heritage  ©Solange Hando

Among the ancient remains that pop up here and there is the Burana minaret rising in the middle of nowhere, above the ruins of a medieval town. Stairs lead to the entrance but beware, the interior is steep, narrow and very dark. Well worth the effort as the view from the top is superb, framed by the Tien Shan mountains in the distance while horsemen far below round up their cattle.

Lake Issyk-Kul ©Solange Hando

At over 5000 feet, Issyk-Kul is one of the deepest and largest lakes in the world, 113 miles long and nearly 40 across in places, and fed by 118 rivers. Framed by snow-capped mountains, it is part of a biosphere reserve covering 20% of Kyrgyzstan. The lake never freezes and you can enjoy hot springs much of the year.

Stunning Issyk-Kul, no one around ©Solange Hando

The north shore is the easiest to access with a good road following a straight line much of the way. You'll find a few guest houses and a stylish Meridien resort alongside a scattering of quiet farms and yurts.

The east end of the lake is in Karakol, a pretty little place with traditional accommodation. It's a great base to explore the rugged southern shore and ski in winter. The mountains are always close by. 

Skazka Canyon ©Solange Hando

Among top attractions near the southern shore is this awesome canyon whose name means 'fairy tale'. It is made of red sand, all crumbly and scorching hot with just a few wild flowers, including gorse and alpine ferns. In some places the lake seems almost within arm's reach.

Yurt in Kyrgyzstan ©Solange Hando

These traditional huts are still used by farmers in their summer pastures and also for special celebrations, especially weddings. Some yurts serve meals to visitors and on occasions offer a comfortable night among colourful cushions, blankets and rugs.

Barksoon, my Favourite Valley in Kyrgyzstan ©Solange Hando