Tuesday, September 27, 2011

Ali Baba and the Saharan dunes enlightenment


Until I climbed on-board my camel (A.K.A Fifi) about a month ago, I had always thought that setting out into the Sahara dessert sounded more like something you'd see in an Indiana Jones flick or a storyline straight out of a Tin Tin comic - all heros, hidden treasure and desserts oasis's. Basically, I thought Danger had to be your middle name if you have you sights set on the Sahara. 

Turns out that this is not the case…all the Average Joe needs to do is make his way to Morocco and follow the mirages (camel safari signs) to the dessert.

We spent one glorious night out under the Moroccan moonlight on a camel bivouac where we were lead out into the Sahara by our nomad guide and spent the night feasting on Moroccan cuisine with friends. 

Even despite the high-fourty-degree heat all night long and a two a.m sandstorm, the dessert was still an experience of a lifetime. 

I'm going to stop writing now and get onto my pictures, I'm hoping they help paint a better image of just how majestic and peaceful this experience really is. I don't think I've ever felt so relaxed and at-ease with the world in my whole life. 

These next few shots are taken the dues of the Sahara and on-board my trusty camel Fifi.

Enjoy.










Tuesday, September 13, 2011

Kasbah Capers

To say the least, Morocco was an eye-opener. 

It was also an eye-drier.

In temperatures of 55 degrees plus, I seriously thought my eyeballs were going to dry up into shrivelled prune-like organs on several different occasions. That's freakin' hot! 

Nevertheless, our Moroccan experience was as epic as it was warm. From the ancient Kasbah of Ait Benhaddou, through the Atlas Mountain range (the highest mountain range in Morocco), the scorching sands of the Sahara Dessert and in the hot and steamy centre of the Souks (street markets) in the heart of Marrakech, Morocco has a charm of it's own and beckons tourists to explore it's hidden treasures.

This is Ali Baba (as the locals called me) signing off.

Enjoy.













Tuesday, September 6, 2011

Sintra to Oporto


After leaving the loveable Lisboa behind we picked up a sweet little hire-car and blasted our way up the highway to Oporto making multiple stops along the way. 

Here are a few shots of our week-long journey up the north coast of Portugal to the magical wine country of Oporto.

Enjoy.