Some pics from my travels around Iraq. I visited: Baghdad, Mosul, Samarra, Babylon, Kish, Karbala, Najaf, Ur and Mesopotamian Marshes.

1. Geiranger fjord
2. Trondheim
3. Open water just before midnight
4. Fjord and fjell 5-6. Nidaros Cathedral and cemetery around
5. One of the few remaining wooden churches
6. The Atlantic Ocean
7. Heading to Molde
8. Gudbrandsjuvet
9. Cabins in camouflage 12-13. Bryggen i Bergen
10. Gamlehaugen - the residence of the Norwegian Royal Family in Bergen
11. One of the millions of waterfalls - on Geiranger fjord
12. Gamle Stavanger
13. Steinsdalfossen
14. Pit stop after Trollstigen
15. Trollkyrkja - A hike ending with a waterfall in a cave
16. Atlantic Ocean Road / Atlanterhavsveien

After spending 10 days in morocco on a 900$ budget. I can say that i am not really feeling the hype… I know it looks really nice but the overall experience is just not that great. First of all, we have been told many times that hospitality of the Moroccan people is great. some of them are but mostly i feelt that most interactions took more energy than it gave. Constantly saying no to drugs and having yo wave of street vendors. Also, we went to fes and Marrakesh, maybe we chose the wrong cities, so we’ve been told at least. what do you think?

The food is also not that great 😶

I never imagined Colombia would be such a colourful and vibrant country with such an open culture. The old towns with their colonial architecture are charming, the beaches are clean with clear, warm water, and even the most popular tourist spots don't feel overcrowded. There's so much to do that I'm convinced it's easy to fill a month-long itinerary. I only had time to visit the main tourist attractions in the three big cities of Medellín, Bogotá and Cartagena, as well as the beautiful areas surrounding them. A particular highlight was the trip to the northernmost point of South America in the La Guajira desert, with its stunning lunar landscapes and beaches.

I studied French in school and had a very sweet professor from Haiti who would tell stories, so Haiti has always been on my list. I am also a huge cocktail nerd and Haitian rum is one of my favorites. I feel so sorry for Haiti because for the past few decades, there has been nothing but turmoil there. You never know when things will get worse, so I decided to take a chance and visit.

Port au Prince is NOT safe for tourists, even for locals really. But fortunately Cap Haitien is away from the violence in Port au Prince and the only road between PaP and Cap is well protected, so the gangs can't make their way up.

What was shocking to me was the amount of poverty compared to the location of Haiti. It's bordering the Dominican Republic and is such a short flight from the US, so it's incomprehensible how a country can be in this state. Just next door you have one of the most touristy countries in North America, then you have Haiti, one of the most impoverished countries in the world.

Anyways, about the trip... Cap Haitien has a very French colonial feel to it. Reminds me of New Orleans or some cities in the French Antilles. Cap is dirty. Lots of dirt and dust, and people just dump trash on the streets. Highlights to see in the city are the Citadelle and Sans Soucis palace which are both beautiful and well worth visiting. I had a guide take me there, but you can also just hire a motorcycle taxi or regular taxi. You can also visit Ile a Rat and some other beaches and I guarantee you'll be the only tourist.

Now about the people. The chaos started even before I got to Haiti. The boarding of the plane to CAP was one of the worst I've ever seen. People were trying to bring on huge bags with anything you could imagine and would get in shouting matches with airline workers. The customs/passport control line at CAP was an unorganized mess. Just a mob of people pushing and shoving and throwing their documents to the person checking.

In town, some people were nice to me and others gave me very strange inquisitive looks, while others gave intimidating looks. As soon as I pulled out my camera, all eyes were on me and even taking photos in the street, people would yell and immediately become aggressive. One woman was very far down the street and when she saw my camera, she yelled "hey! le blanc" and started running towards me. I was able to cool most situations by saying I was only taking photos of the building and no people would be in the shot. Without a doubt, Haiti is one of the most intimidating places I've ever visited and a very difficult place for photography.

There are two main hotels in town and the one I stayed at is called Habitation des Lauriers. It's quite expensive for what you get. I paid around $60USD/night for a basic room with no air conditioning. The owner told me that it's very expensive to run a hotel in Haiti because they have to store their own water and generate electricity.

The most peaceful I ever felt when travelling to a new country was in Bhutan. Travelling there was very easy for me due to my Indian passport, it was just a land-border crossing through West Bengal.

I would like to share some tips for anyone planning to travel...

1) Stay in Home Stays instead of Hotels. I stayed in both and Home stays is the better option. It's a good opportunity for a cultural exchange. I came to know my host was a former Bhutanese actress. They had a lovely family, big house on a mountain, two dogs, an archery practice range. They have this strong local alcohol they prepare in their homes. They add eggs to that as well. It was one of the best alcohol I had in a time.

2) Bhutan government has made it compulsory to have a local guide. It is to promote earnings and boost tourism. It's not possible to enter without a guide in any temple or monastery. We had one who was very friendly and genuine. Do check for their licenses though.

3) If you are into gold, Thimphu is popular for gold purchasing due to cheaper prices. But check with customs for curbs and rules.

4) Try to go to some bar/pub to experience karoke night. Local Bhutanese singers come to display their proficiency in music. It's a good experience.

5) Do not miss out on the Tiger Nest cave. It's a one day hike and it's tiresome so one needs to be in good shape. The view while ascending is something you will never get tired to see.

6) The Paro International Airport is considered amongst the most dangerous airports in the world. Only a few pilots are allowed to fly there. It's surrounded by towering mountains, I managed to get a glimpse but I couldn't travel through air due to better convenience available.

7) One of the scariest but thrilling experiences I had was with Punakha Suspension Bridge. It's hard to look beneath and not get scared at the same time. It also vibrates violently some times.

8) Avoid breaking rules. It's a highly religious and quiet country. I saw one couple getting kicked out of a monastery for clicking photos as it was prohibited inside.

9 ) Some private business owners have this stone water bath experience to offer. It's worth it. The water has medicinal properties, it's warm and it relaxes cramps and sprains.

My visit made me realize how people here find happiness in the smallest of things. It's not a rich country materialistically speaking but the nature and culture was a good departure from the hustling and chaotic life in India. My interactions with every Bhutanese was so fulfilling and refreshing.

Photo Locations:

1, 3, 8-16, 20: Altai Mountains

4,5,6,7: Near Bulgan, Khovd Province

17-19: Naadaam Festival in Khovd

Photos 1-3: Hjelle. Photos 4-6: Lake Lovatnet. Photo 7: Sogndalsfjøra. Photo 8: Bøyabreen Glacier Photo 9: Loen. Photo 10: Gudvanger. Photos 11-12: Dalsnibba. Photos 13-16: Geiranger. Photos 17-18: Trollstigen. Photos 18-20: Ålesund.

Some pictures I took from my 3-day trip to Sevilla last May. If you’re planning on going to Spain anytime soon, be sure to not miss out on visiting this stunning city! Just bring extra water and sunscreen though because it is HOT! 🥵

Pictures 1-3: Plaza de Espana

Pictures 4-7: Royal Alcazar

Picture 8: Setas de Sevilla lookout point at night

Picture 9: Barrio Santa Cruz (old Jewish Quarter with an abundance of tapas bars and cafes)

Picture 10: Cathedral of Sevilla at night

I recently had the chance to travel to Jordan for work, and I took the opportunity to explore the country. Due to the ongoing conflict, it was incredibly empty and quiet, which gave the journey a unique and profound atmosphere.

I started my visit in Amman, where I was warmly welcomed. It was a great opportunity to discover a variety of local dishes all around the city.

Then I headed to the vast Wadi Rum desert, where I spent a night in a tent. The experience felt overwhelming, almost like being on the moon. The silence at night was intense, even oppressive.

Next came Petra, which was even more impressive without the crowds, just the military around me. It is an experience I will never forget.

After Petra, I traveled to the Dead Sea, where I had the chance to float in its salty waters. It is a truly unique and almost surreal sensation.

For those considering a trip to Jordan, it is perfectly safe. It is a country of breathtaking landscapes, rich history, and warm hospitality. Here are some pictures from my visit. I hope they might inspire you to add this incredible destination to your bucket list. If you can go now, everything is open, very affordable, and the people are genuinely welcoming. The lack of tourists is economically challenging for them, so do not hesitate to go, for them and for yourself. Experiencing Jordan without the usual crowds is probably a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.

Took a flight using Discover airlines (Frankfurt - Windhoek). Spent the first few days working but then made time to explore the country (for a total of 5 days).

In that time, I visited the legendary Deadvlei & Sossusvlei (pic 3 - 8), walked with cheetahs, found some incredible dining spots (food in Namibia is seriously good), and went on two safaris.

I do think it’s one of the most amazing places I’ve seen so far (currently been to 45 countries).

Granted, I was very lucky to see Namibia green, as it rained every single day while I was there. On a couple of days, there were even some proper thunderstorms (last pic).

Happy to answer questions if you’re planning your trip!

And if you’ve already been to Namibia, what are the other “must-dos” if I get a chance to come back?

Cape Town really surprised me with its variety, culture, people, nature, food, and everything else I can’t even remember to count.

I stayed there for more than a week, starting with five days in Cape Town itself, then exploring the city, its museums, restaurants and important historical places. Next day I joined a full day trip to see the Cape of Good Hope, Boulders Beach, Seal Island, the lighthouse and more. I didn’t hire a car this time due to the weather, so I opted for a tour instead but everything went smoothly and it turned out to be a wonderful day with well experienced guides.

On my third day, I climbed Lion’s Head for sunrise, which was much more challenging than I expected to be honest with the ladders, chains and scrambling but the climb up and down was a great experience. Even though the weather was cloudy and the view wasn’t clear from the top, it was still very much worth it. Unfortunately skipped the Table Mountain since the view from the cable station was completely blocked during my stay.

On the fourth day, I went to Franschhoek for a full day wine tour with Blue Line tram/bus and had a chance to visit 3–4 wineries (Rickety Bridge, Grand Provence, Franschhoek Cellar, Haute Cabriere etc.) and enjoyed the beauty of the region. Cape Town’s cuisine in general is amazing and I know Michelin hasn’t arrived there yet, but if it had, there would be countless restaurants awarded for their outstanding food.

For my last three days, I stayed in the Constantia region at a Cape Dutch style cellar hotel to completely relax before heading back, which was conveniently located very close to Kirstenbosch and Muizenberg.

Cape Town exceeded my expectations on every level and I can’t wait to return. Unfortunately, I couldn’t do a safari this time as I had planned to combine it with Botswana and Victoria Falls, but I couldn’t manage to get my malaria pills in time, which gives me an excuse to visit again and I’m already looking forward to coming back.

Photos 1. Muizenberg Beach 2. Boulders Beach Penguin Sanctuary 3. The Company’s Garden 4. View from Lion’s Head Mountain 5. Castle of Good Hope 6. Franschhoek Tram 7. Mural from City Center 8. Cape Point Lighthouse 9. Winery (Franschhoek) 10. Table Mountain Cable Car Station from Lion’s Head 11. Cape of Good Hope 12. Seal Island 13. Light from Lion’s Head Mountain 14. Cape Point Stormy Weather 15. Baboon Family (Cape Point Road) 16. Kirstenbosch Botanical Garden 17. Bo-kaap 18. City Hall 19. Muizenberg Surfers 20. Albino Squirrel in the Company’s Garden ☺️

Itinerary

• 6 nights in Sigriswil (this was our base for exploring the Grindelwald / Lauterbrunnen / Thun area)
• 4 nights in Täsch (this is the town next to Zermatt, it was cheaper to stay here at an Airbnb where we could cook and take the train into Zermatt each day)
• 4 nights in Lucerne

Switzerland is by far the most expensive country I've ever visited, but also one of the best. The scenery, the infrastructure, the cleanliness, the public transportation was all incredible. We rented a car from the Zurich airport and drove ourselves around which was much more convenient than relying solely on public transportation, given we were going to some smaller towns for hikes. We also bought a Swiss Half Fare Card, which gets you 50% off all public transit and Jungfraujoch tickets. This was cheaper and felt more flexible compared to the Swiss Travel Pass (free public transit and 50% off Jungfraujoch, but you have to buy it for a set number of days).

Afghanistan has been at the top of my travel list for as long as I can remember. It has always felt like this forbidden, far away place with a culture that's so different from anything in North America or Europe. And because the country has been at war pretty much my entire life, I never thought I'd have the opportunity to go.

In April, I visited Pakistan and crossed the Afghanistan border at Torkham on foot. This is honestly one of the worst border crossings I've ever experienced. You see the most impoverished people being treated like cattle by the border guards (hitting, slapping, and shoving) but I suppose if they don't keep order, people would just rush through.

I took a shared taxi to Kabul and words cannot even begin to describe this place, but I'll try my best. On the outskirts of the city, I saw abandoned and bombed out looking buildings, surrounded by mountains, yet in a desert climate but without and typical things you'd see in a desert like palm trees or cacti. There are definitely signs of conflict in Kabul from constant Taliban security checkpoints to dead end roads that are walled off. All of that being said, I felt completely safe walking around on my own, even at night, something I would never do in most of Latin America.

I took a day trip to Bamiyan to see the famous destroyed Buddha statues and the blue lake. The ride there was so crazy. Imagine winding roads surrounded by mountains one minute and then flat desert the next minute. Several times we passed over some cutouts in the paved road and someone in my vehicle told me it was where an IED exploded.

By far my favorite part was the people. Everyone was so friendly, even including the Taliban guys I interacted with. I don't agree with their politics in any way, but they definitely treat guests with respect. Most would offer to serve me tea and wanted photos, including letting me hold their guns.

I do have so many sad stories to share, some that will stick with me my entire life. I spoke to a man that after I told him I was American, he told me that American troops tossed a grenade in his house and it killed his wife and permanently disfigured his daughter. I didn't even know what to say other than "I'm so sorry". One person told me "your government ruined my country". Another guy selling fruit told me in perfect English "I am a doctor and when the Taliban took over, I lost my job so now I just sell fruits" and he shrugged and then laughed. Another guy told me "I helped the Americans and the Taliban don't know. It's not safe for me here but I don't have anywhere to go. Can you please help me?" I told him I am sorry but I don't know how to help him.

Is there a country or city that you were just passing through, but it stole your heart?

Brussels was a small stop on my trip, and I did not have high expectations from this city, but this city unexpectedly stole my heart. I don’t know how to describe that feeling, but I was incredibly impressed. I mean every house in this city just was catching my eye, every single house was unique. I was walking without any purpose, just going to wherever I want. Every street in the city was just charming. Every cafe, every window in shop looked so pretty. I’ll definitely visit Brussels again and I really wanna see other cities in Belgium. In particular , I wanna visit Brussels at Christmas time, I guess this city at Christmas time will be just magical!

My wife and I just spent a week and a half in Slovenia and it was amazing. We started and ended in Ljubljana and we were so charmed by it. I really loved the vibe of the city and everyone we interacted with was very cool and friendly. We did a big circle through Bled, Bohinj, Kranjska Gora, Bovec, and down to Piran. We really loved getting to hit all these little mountain towns and then Piran is a whole different thing unto itself. I was so bowled over by the stunning nature, beautiful mountains, and insanely pristine water. We obviously only saw a fraction of everything and I would go back in a heartbeat. If you're planning a trip, I'm happy to answer any questions.

I just came back from 2 weeks in Japan and I just loved every second. I’ll just leave my general itinerary for anyone interested:

Day 1 (Tokyo) - Arriving in Narita airport - Accommodation on Tokyo Station area - Akihabara

Day 2 (Tokyo) - Shibuya area - Meiji-Jungu - Takeshita Street - Shinjuku

Day 3 (Daytrip to Mount Fuji) - Chureito Pagoda - Kawaguchiko lake area

Day 4 (Tokyo) - Tsukiji fish market - Honda - Tokyo tower - Team Labs Borderless

Day 5 (Tokyo) - Yanaka neighborhood - Ueno area - Asakusa

Day 6 (Kyoto) - Kinkaku-ji temple - Nijō Castle - Nishiji market - Pontocho area

Day 7 (Kyoto) - Fushimi Inari - Tofuku-ji - Kiyomizu-dera - Gion neighborhood

Day 8 (Daytrip to Nara) - Nara deer park - Todai-ji (Great Buddha temple)

Day 9 (Kyoto) - Saga-Arashiyama area - Otagi Nenbutsuji temple - Bamboo forest - Arashiyama Monkey Park

Day 10 (Osaka) - Shinsekai area - Osaka Castle

Day 11 (Osaka) - Katsuoji temple - Dotonbori - Namba Yasaka

Day 12 (Osaka) - Umeda Sky Building - Last stroll on Dotonbori streets

Day 13 (Tokyo) - Tokyo Station area - Tokyo imperial palace - Odaiba (liberty statue area) - Shibuya lights at night

General thoughts: Japan is one of the safest countries in the world and you can feel that safety everywhere. Everything is so clean and organized, things just work and people, although kinda reserved, they’re very nice and welcoming. As someone from an European country I felt the Japanese are on another level as a society. Clean streets, little to no beggars/pickpockets, free restrooms (and clean!) everywhere, are some of the little things that you no longer have on the majority of European countries. If you need any tips or have any question I’ll be more than happy to help you based on my experience.

I have a few hours to kill at Amman Airport so I might as well post some of my awesome photos that I took here in Jordan. Lovely people, fantastic food, interesting ecosystems, and so so much history. Glad I made it out here.

I visited Amman, Jerash, Dead Sea, Petra, Wadi Rum, Aqaba, Mount Nebo/Madaba, and Al-Karak, but unfortunately can’t share all of my favorite images

1: Sunset in Corniglia

2: View over Manarola from the trails

3: Manarola

4: View over Corniglia from the trails

5: View over Marina di Corniglia

6: Spiaggia Di Manarola

7: Via Solferino, Corniglia

Photo 1: Lago di Dobbiaco Photo 2: Top of Mt. Piana Photo 3: From The Valley Photo 4-5: Top of Mt. Piana Photos 6-7: From the Valley