The water here is bluer than the holiday brochures of Mediterranean all-inclusives and Caribbean cruises. Even better, there are more sheep, too. So, I couldn’t help but gasp aloud as we rounded the next bend and another bay appeared glittering with bright turquoise water, the sand underneath a pristine white. The land that the waterContinue reading “Uist”
Tag Archives: beauty
Why Walking is Important
Visiting a new place is scary, but here are some top tips to make the most of your travel experience.
That is what every trained media professional or influencer will tell you when trying to show you the beauty of a place through rose-coloured glasses, in which they show themselves on top of a mountain or walking through a bright, bustling market. The “but” obscures the actual process of arriving in a place and being faced with the fears and insecurities that come with being a foreigner, and the fact that you are usually being perceived by all those around you. Or that’s what my mind tricks me into thinking.
The truth is, people will look but won’t remember. The glance you think is judging you is extremely temporary before the person continues on with their day, since they are thinking of their own issues and tasks that need doing instead of considering your clothes, origin or when you last showered. It really is that simple.
The Art of Access: “Into the Wild’s” Critiques of Power and Visualising Geographical Knowledge
Sean Penn’s “Into the Wild”, based on Jon Krakauer’s book about the life of Christopher McCandless, begins with this poem. The words echo throughout the two hour long visually stunning journey of Chris from College graduate to lonely nomad, huddled inside an old Fairbanks City bus. It describes the pleasure found in nature, away from human intrusions and structures, away from capitalist habits and responsibility and taxes.
The film’s cinematography communicates these pleasures and evokes empathy from audiences seeking escape from societal power structures, namely capitalism and neocolonialism.
The Art of Noticing
There is a sticker on a lamppost that reads “get lost”. The lamppost hasn’t been cleaned in a number of years so the sticker calls out to those who view it, as a blinding yellow circle. I listen.
There is a bench dedicated to a woman from her husband after her death five years ago and I sit there and wonder what she looked like when she was alive and if she would have liked to have a bench dedicated to her. Maybe she would have hated it. Maybe she wanted a plaque on a birch tree instead.
Junquillal
Visiting a new continent entirely on my own is not how I thought I’d start my summer. I also didn’t think that I’d be shovelling sand on a beach and seeing an Olive Ridley turtle with my own eyes, but here we are.
Junquillal, Costa Rica.
When I took my first step off the bus after a fresh bout of rain that left the dark asphalt steaming, I did not expect such a small village to emerge from the greenery on the roadside.
Edinburgh
Dimly narrow passages lead to cobbled yards; large green squares encased by great glass restaurant frontages; quaint shops adjoined by speciality coffee shops bustling with students and beach goers watching swimsuit clad individuals run into the freezing North Sea, make Edinburgh what it is.
A city.
But is it really?
Agra
“Certain things catch your eye, but pursue only those that capture the heart.” – Ancient Indian proverb There are few Indian cities that boast the delights that Agra seems to have been bestowed with over the centuries. With its forts, endlessly interesting ancient ruins and one of the seven great wonders of the world, withinContinue reading “Agra”
Santa Cruz
I could never, in a hundred summers, get tired of this. – susan branch This seaside city is one I will forever endeavour to return to. It’s essence is something that cannot be found anywhere else, which makes it one of the most memorable places I’ve had the privilege of passing through. From the famousContinue reading “Santa Cruz”
Prague
“Prague changes like a precious stone to reflect the weather, the time of day and the season of the year. “ – Christian norberg-shulz The summer I visited Prague was one I’ll commit to memory for the rest of my life. Despite being there for only a few days it was enough to make meContinue reading “Prague”
Venice
“Venice never quite seems real, but rather an ornate film set suspended on the water.” -Frida Giannini Often, the first perception people grasp of this city is that its cliché. It’s too predictable to visit here or its so tourist-y that there won’t be much left that’s original. So they, ironically, decide to visit placesContinue reading “Venice”
For Wanderers and Wonderers 