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

 

 

 

Wild Life Encounters in Africa

 

Cheetah in Namibia ©Solange Hando

Did you know? Namibia was the first country to include conservation in its Constitution and in this big but sparsely populated country, wild life always has the right of way.

There are 200 mammal species on land and you will see them all over the country but top attraction is the Ethiopia National Park in the north where I came across this beautiful cheetah in the nearby AfriCat Foundation reserve.

                                                                     Elephants in Botswana ©Solange Hando

This is in the Chobe National Park by the namesake river, a wonderful place to see the wild life, especially in the dry season. 

Lions, giraffes, buffaloes, gazelles and more, it's amazing but my favourites were the elephants, such as this mother and babe who just swam across the river to spend the night on Sedudu island, the safest place for the young.

                                                             Gelada Baboons in Ethiopia ©Solange Hando

What's special about them? They're only found in the Ethiopian Highlands with the largest population in the Simien Mountains.

Notice the young one on the left clinging to his mum and to the right the father, displaying the red patch on his chest. The larger the patch, the more attractive he will be to the other sex.

                                                               Penguins in South Africa ©Solange Hando

This is Boulder Beach, not far from Cape Town and part of the Table Mountain National Park Marine Area. Stay on the trail, keep quiet and enjoy the display as they wobble across the white sand and you might even spot a baby's head popping out of a nest. 

Others venture up on the granite rocks, sharing the space with cormorants drying their wings in the hot African sun.

                                                                         Rhino in Zambia ©Solange Hando

How close is that on a walking safari? Pretty close as we trekked in single file, two of us with six armed guards to keep away poachers, not rhinos... Not far from the Victoria Falls, so if you go there, check it out.

Black rhinos are a true success story in Zambia though you do find white ones too. Both similar colour but the difference between black and white simply refers to the length of the horns and shape of the lips.

                                                                     Lemur in Madagascar ©Solange Hando

What an island this is, so rich in flora and fauna, best known of course, the incredible lemurs living undisturbed in their natural habitats.

There are over 100 species of lemurs -and probably more yet to be discovered-, though my favourites were the playful ring-tailed, the black and white indri, the largest we know, and this lovely silky sifaka and babe, often called the dancing lemur, hopping along with the grace of a ballerina.

                                                                Sunset with the Wild Life, Namibia ©Solange Hando

 

Travel Photos? So much to Remember

India ©Solange Hando

This is Khardung La in Ladakh, which claims to be the highest road pass in the world. Set on an old trade route, it is the gateway to the Nubra Valley but closed in winter.

You need a special permit to drive up the steep meandering road with precipitous drops, especially dramatic on single lane sections. Not much traffic up there but the odd overloaded bus or local authorities who always have the right of way. 

Namibia ©Solange Hando

South of Namibia's capital, Windhoek, that was an easy stop but truly exciting as you step out on the southernmost latitude where you can see the sun directly overhead. It wasn't quite the summer solstice just yet but knowing that the Capricorn stretches 36788 kms around the earth was impressive.

Eswatini ©Solange Hando

This is in Eswatini, the former Swaziland, one of Africa's smallest countries, bordered by Mozambique and South Africa. This was the final day of the annual Reeds Festival where after renewing the royal enclosure, women from across the country perform for the king.

'They all dance for the king,' said my friend, 'then by the end of the day he will choose his next wife.'

'Would you like to join?'

                                                               Canada ©Solange Hando

This is the amazing Athabasca glacier spreading out from the Columbia, the largest icefield in the Rockies. You can drive up there from Jasper or Lake Louise then enjoy a dizzying skywalk above the gorge, followed by a ride on the giant Ice Explorer. Then you can walk a few steps on the glacier, listening to rumbling avalanches and creaking crevasses as snowy peaks tower above you, at over 3000 metres.

                                                                     Reunion Island ©Solange Hando

Set in the Indian Ocean, this is a French Island between Madagascar and Mauritius, just 63 by 45 kms but one of the most active hotspots on earth.

This was my first trip in a microlight, circling and dipping around craters, ravines and the mighty Furnace Peak which erupts several times a year.  I was terrified but I loved it. Awesome...

                                                                       Madagascar ©Solange Hando

Four hours from Antananarivo, the capital, this is Lemur Island, on the edge of the Andasibe National Park. It's a refuge for wounded or endangered lemurs, including the ring-tailed above who decided to perch on my head. Approach the grasslands in a canoe and they venture right to the edge, exploring any stranger with their soft padded feet. 

                                                                     Himalayas ©Solange Hando

I love the Himalayas and this is taken on the fabulous flight from Kathmandu to Paro in Bhutan, the closest international airport to the kingdom's capital, Thimphu.

See the pyramid summit of Everest, 8849 metres, at the back, rising above the Nuptse wall to the left and the Lothse Peak to the right.

If you ever fly this route, make sure you get a seat on the left-hand site on the way to Paro.

 

2008? Most Amazing and still Dreaming...

Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck, King of Bhutan ©Solange Hando

If anyone had ever told me  I'd shake hands with a King on his Coronation day, I would never have believed it. But on 6th November 2008, there I was, in Bhutan, joining in the celebrations for five incredible days of local colour and traditions.

The son received the 'raven's crown' from his retiring father (52) before meeting the special guests who offered good wishes and auspicious white scarves.

Bhutanese Pageantry on Coronation Day ©Solange Hando

Following a religious ceremony in Punakha, the fomer capital, a few days earlier, the main event was held in Thimphu, the modern capital, in Tashichho Dzong, a fortified Buddhist monastery rebuilt in modern times but loyal to ancient traditions.

Dancers, drummers, horn blowers, flag bearers, the courtyard was a blaze of colours as groups from far and wide attended, wearing bright costumes and traditional boots.

Gifts for the King ©Solange Hando

Gifts were brought to the King from across the country, a bag of rice, a sack of grain, fruit, flowers, as thousands of locals sat in the stadium to watch it all. Most exciting were the elephants from down south which very few people in the capital had ever seen.

No diamonds, no jewels, but His Majesty stood through it all, blessing every single gift before it was returned to its owner by royal request.

His Majesty Meeting the People ©Solange Hando

In the afternoon, people gathered to meet their King, offering more traditional scarves and receiving a special coronation medal. So many people wanted to pay their respects, an extra day had to be added at the end of the week.

Everyone wore their best national dress while the King's yellow cape is the royalty symbol. See how the King bends down to get close to the people he promised to serve. The gathering lasted a full afternoon and His Majesty had to request his family's help to get around all present.

Mingling with the Locals ©Solange Hando

I could have stayed with the press but I loved to meet the locals, their English was amazing, even my little friends the boy monks.

I met families who had walked across the mountains for over a week to see their King and Buddhist nuns who had hitched a lift on an already overloaded truck, after their names were picked out from a bowl. They promised to report everything to the nunnery on their return.

Traditional Dancing ©Solange Hando

Religious dancers in robes and masks performed to ensure auspicious times but this was also a celebration for the people and by the people, as schoolchildren and others awaited their turn to dance for His Majesty.

They had been training for months right across the country and designed their own costumes with local materials.

It had been agreed that the week's celebrations should come at minimum cost for the country and even for special guests (only a handful of them). 

 

Archery National Sport ©Solange Hando

But there was plenty of fun, including a strong man contest, a tug of war, a pillow fight when the loser would end up in a bowl of water. The King even left his seat to have a closer look and roar with laughter...

Then before the farewell dance, there was an archery contest when royal members took part . See the King above, raising his bow in the middle, ready for the traditional victory dance when his team scored top points.

Still Dreaming ©Solange Hando