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.

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.

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.

Lisboa and loving it

The history of Lisbon is like a roller coaster. It's filled with many twists, turns, ups, downs and of course a couple of loop-the-the-loops, thrown in for good measure. It's narrow and cobbled streets really have seen it all; wars between neighbouring counties, invasions by vikings, natural and religious disasters…seriously, you name it, Lisbon's been through it. 

But despite this, the city shows no signs of weakness and its sketched history only serves to add to its charm. When you wander through the city streets and chat with locals it is easy to see how proud of its history and culture this city really is. They love their city, and after our stay…so do I. 

Here is some shots from the very beautiful Lisboa, hope you love her as much as I do. 

Enjoy. 

Kombi Crusaders - Part 2

Before travelling to Portugal, I had always imagined that the water temperatures would be pretty inviting as the country has a very similar climate to ours back home in Oz. However, after taking my inaugural splash down on Portugal's West coast, the atlantic ocean quickly proved my theory to be a complete and utter fail.

Note to self: next time you are planning to hit the Portuguese surf, pack a full length steamer. 

Cos' it's COLD. I'm talking ice-cream headache and instant foot cramp kind of bitterness. Of course I was the only idiot in boardshorts (and covered in goosed bumps), while my wetsuit-wearing local friends just smiled and shook their heads at me. Of course I also did my best to pretend that I wasn't convulsing from the coldness. 

Luckily, the water surrounding the southern stretch of Portugal's coastline was much better in the water temp department. It also had has some of the most amazing bits of coastline I've ever seen.

Here are a few more shots from our Kombi crusaded around the coastline of the Algarve, Portugal.

Enjoy.

Kombi Crusaders - Chapter 1

In Portugal, Nat and I were delighted to be introduced to Fern, a 70 years young Kombi who had agreed to give us the grand tour of the Algarve, the bottom portion of the beautiful Portugal.

We spent one week galavanting around this raw and beautiful terrain, usually twisting our way around the rugged coastline. 

The best part about this trip was that we actually felt free. We were able to do anything we pleased and we were not bound to the excruciating timetables of the public transport system. If we wanted to stop for a serving of Portuguese chicken… we'd stop. If we wanted to stay on top a cliff face over looking the Atlantic Ocean...we'd just pop the roof and call it a night. Ahhhh the sweet taste of freedom!

Because I was filling memory cards faster than you can say "Holy Portuguese tart Batman", I've yet again had to spilt this blog up into two. 

I hope you enjoy these shots.

Stay tuned for the next chapter of the Kombi Crusaders!

**A special thanks to my lovely parents for our week long adventure with Fern the green machine, which was an amazing gift. This trip will never be forgotten**