So much left to discover

House of the Blackheads (Riga, Latvia 2018)

Situated in the old town of Riga, The original House of the Blackheads was erected during the 14th century for the Brotherhood of Blackheads, a guild for unmarried merchants, shipowners, and foreigners in Riga. Most of the ornaments were added between 1580 and 1886. The building was bombed to a ruin by the Germans on June 28 1941, and what was left was demolished by the Soviets in 1948. The building we see today was reconstructed from 1995 to 1999.

Being one the most photographed buildings in Riga, I searched for a creative composition, looking for interesting angles, playing with the lens flares from the sun, entering into a photographer dance, twisting and turning, all the while listening to the sweet melody of an accordionist playing in the background.

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Remnants of the past Sovietization (Riga, Latvia 2018)

The Baltic states fell under Soviet rule from the end of World War II in 1945, from Sovietization onwards until independence was regained in the aftermath of the Soviet coup of 1991. During my trip to Riga, I was keen to find the remnants of Socialist influence, from the crumbling architecture to the old cars. I spotted this one on a side street, and loved the backdrop of the old building behind it, giving the photo the timeless effect I was looking for.

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Latvian National Opera and Ballet (Riga, Latvia 2018)

The very beginning of opera performances in Latvia can be traced back to the 18th century when first musical shows were staged in the Duchy of Courland and the first travelling opera troupes appeared in Riga. Also called Riga's White House, the Latvian National Opera and Ballet was built in 1863, and today hosts over 200 performances and symphonic music concerts every season.

After walking through a rainy Old Riga during the weekend, we didn't want to leave without a nice photograph of the National Opera building and were finally blessed with a beautiful sunny Monday morning.

Alex Stoen PhotographyBaltic StatesLatviaLeica MP Typ 240RigaSummiluxM 35mm

The Latvian Riflemen (Riga, Latvia 2018)

In the centre of Old Riga stands a controversial red granite statue that was originally dedicated to the Latvian Red Riflemen who formed the core of Russia's Red Army between 1915 and 1918, some of whom became Lenin's personal bodyguards.

Some view the monument as a symbol of the old communist system and would love to tear it down. Others believe it's a necessary tribute to Latvians who fought in the early years of WWI. It now honours all Latvian riflemen, both Whites and Reds. Politics aside, it's an impressive monument.

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Livu Square (Riga, Latvia 2018)

In the heart of Medieval Riga, the labyrinthine pedestrianized streets of Old Town are still outflanked by massive church spires and guild houses. They date to the Middle Ages when Old Riga was a place of peaceful religion and trade, independent of nearby militarized states.

I made this photograph in Livu square. Unlike other historic squares in the old town, this one was created by the Soviets who leveled historic neighborhoods that stood in its place... Looking at the nearby guild halls that survived Soviet occupation, I can only imagine what this place once looked like!

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Colorful Shadows (Alicante, Spain 2012)

As a Mediterranean and Iberian commercial center, Alicante had trading contacts with Greece, Phoenicia, the southern Iberian city of Tartessos, absorbing some of their influences. With the ascendance of Carthage, it imported a number of Carthaginian architectural features, traces of which are still present in the ruins. However, the majority of the city's remains bear a Roman stamp. The town was refounded as Lucentum in the course of the Second Punic War, and over the years it gained a thoroughly Roman character, complete with baths, forums, temples, sewers. I captured this shot very close to the archaeological site, in the old port. As I focused on the colorful shadows at sunset, I couldn’t help but think about the old ships that used to dock in this precise location, more than 2000 years ago…

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Peanut Winnowing (Bagan, Myanmar 2013)

On the road to Mount Popa, I came across these peanut winnowers. While Myanmar might not be the cultural home to the peanut butter sandwich, the peanut is still king here. The historical consensus is that the peanut originated in South America and went global, thanks to Spanish explorers, eventually making its way to Asia, where it still thrives. Here, it’s sprinkled on top of noodles, pounded into salads, made into soup, toasted and served as a snack, and, most of all, pressed into oil. I must have spent 20 minutes crawling around these farmers, standing on wooden platforms and letting the chaff blow away as they shook a basket full of dried stalks, roots and nuts to the wind. It was truly unique experience!

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The Elder from Basha (Guizhou, China 2016)

Deep into mountains of southwest China's Guizhou province, lives a unique and ancient subgroup of the Miao tribe, named "Basha." Some 2,000 men and women of this tribe still live in wooden houses, practice centuries-old customs, and hold unique beliefs. The Basha people are the only group in China allowed to carry guns.

I shot this portrait of one of their elders, who invited us into his humble home. I was really happy to see how much the young were looking up to him. Don’t be fooled by his serious look… he had quite a sense of humour!

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The Caravan (Thar Desert, India 2015)

As the sun sets over the sand dunes of the Thar desert of Rajasthan, the camel caravan prepares to camp before the cold of the desert night sets in.

I captured this shot close to the India-Pakistan border, after attending the annual Desert Festival and Camel show, held in Jaisalmer. If you visit Rajasthan, I highly recommend spending a night or two in a desert camp and exploring the Sam dunes on camelback, it's an experience out of this world!

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The Millwall Docks (London, United Kingdom 2017)

Graced with a gorgeous Sunday afternoon, it was a perfect day for a walk to Old Greenwich via the Millwall docks and enjoy a picnic at the Observatory. It's hard to imagine that only a decade ago, the Isle of Dogs was not this colorful and lively! Built in 1868, it was used mainly for timber and grain until the 1960's when it was those activities were relocated downriver. Today, you can hardly notice the docks' industrial past, as most of the area has been reconverted to offices and housing.

Summer in London is by far the best time of the year!

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The Tea Ceremony (Miyajima, Japan 2015)

Not too far away from the famous torii gate of Itsukushima, I witnessed a private, traditional tea serving ceremony, also called Chanoyu, Sado or simply Ocha in Japanese. It is a choreographic ritual of preparing and serving Japanese green tea, called Matcha, together with traditional Japanese sweets to balance with the bitter taste of the tea. Preparing tea in this ceremony means pouring all one's attention into the predefined movements. The whole process is not about drinking tea, but is about aesthetics, preparing a bowl of tea from one's heart. It was a very nice experience.

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Notting Hill Carnival (London, United Kingdom 2017)

This year’s Notting Hill Carnival was absolutely enthralling! Taking place on the Sunday and Monday of the British summer bank holiday each year, this Carnival is the largest street festival in Europe. Originating in 1964 as a way for Afro-Caribbean communities to celebrate their own cultures and traditions, the carnival’s roots go back to the Caribbean carnivals of the early 19th century which were all about celebrating the abolition of slavery and the slave trade. Today, the Notting Hill Carnival is huge, attracting a crowd of 2 million! It's an amazing array of sounds, colourful sights and social solidarity. This summer’s event was just crazy, with loads of great photos, but this shot stood out to me because of the way it conveys the story, an explosion of colors and emotions. I am really looking forward to next year's event!!!

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The rest stop (Holguin, Cuba 2018)

I am rarely in front of the camera, but @isis_stoen caught me this year as we travelled to Cuba to scout for photographic locations on the eastern side of the island. Hiring a local "maquina" is by far the cheapest way to get around. The business of taxi hires is still going strong with an estimated 60,000 of them, but the road ahead is full of uncertainties as the local economy adjusts after the collapse of Cuba' main fuel supplier, Venezuela.

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The Karo Girl from Kolcho (Omo Valley, Ethiopia 2014)

The Karo tribe living along the borders of the Lower Omo River incorporate rich, cultural symbolism into their rituals by using ornate body art, intricate headdresses, and body scarification to express beauty and significance within their community. This lively tribe of around 2000 people is the main sedentary agriculturalist group in the Lower Omo Valley area of southern Ethiopia.

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Kashi, the City of Light (Varanasi, India 2015)

Varanasi, also known as Kashi and Benaras, is the cultural capital of India. Varanasi is a melting pot, where both death and life come together. Dating to the 11th century B.C. (that’s over 3000 years!), this is one of the world's oldest continually inhabited cities. It draws Hindu pilgrims who bathe in the Ganges River’s sacred waters and perform funeral rites. Along the city's winding streets are some 2,000 temples, including Kashi Vishwanath, the “Golden Temple,” dedicated to the Hindu god Shiva.

Lonely Planet describes the city as “one of the most blindingly colorful, unrelentingly chaotic and unapologetically indiscreet places on earth”. Not everyone is prepared to visit this incredible city, where the circle of life overpowers all of your senses. My local guide’s words sum if it perfectly: you don’t visit Varanasi, you live Varanasi. It was truly a life-changing experience for me.

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Sunset over the City (London, United Kingdom 2018)

The gorgeous sunset tonight over the heart of the City of London was enough justification to dust-off the large telephoto lens and capture this bracketed exposure (-1/0/+1), merged into a natural looking HDR. During this brief moment, I was able to set aside all my worries and simply enjoy the moment until the light faded away into the distance.

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The Unfinished Mingun Pagoda (Mandalay, Myanmar 2013)

Three monks climb down from the Mingun pagoda, cracked during an earthquake in 1839 in Mandalay, Burma. It was built to house a relic of the Buddha, the brick structure was originally intended to be over 150 meters tall, but a series of factors impeded its completion such as technological challenges associated with such a large project, insufficient labor, because many of the slaves brought over for the construction project escaped, and probably most importantly, a prophecy went around in the Kingdom saying that once the pagoda was finished, the Kingdom would come to an end. I'm sure this may have led to a deliberate slowdown of the project!

When the King died in 1819 the project was indefinitely stopped and none of his successors resumed work on it. In front of the pagoda facing the river are the remains of two giant Chinthe lions about 29 meters high, guarding the temple… I can't help but wonder how impressive the finished project may have looked…

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The keeper of Bet Abba Libanos (Lalibela, Ethiopia 2014)

The ancient churches of Lalibela are a wonder in themselves, spectacular and truly amazing. Every church has its own priest, and these are not only the ones taking care of the services in the church, but also have a role as a kind of museum keepers to visitors. They are usually dressed in white, with either a white cloth wrapped around their head or a ceremonial hat. They are also the guards of the treasures of their church, and above all, they are human. Humor is a wonderful ice-breaker when I try to connect with my subjects, but above all, you must be respectful of the people and their customs.

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The Colors of Notting Hill (London, United Kingdom 2018)

A few weeks ago, we headed to Portobello Road Market, in the heart of colorful Notting Hill. While making my photos, I am always on the lookout for creative compositions. Here, I used colors to create an interesting image. Take these colors away, and the composition simply doesn't work.

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The Guardians (Alicante, Spain 2011)

I made this creative composition during one of my daily walks while I lived in southern Spain. This was shot in San Juan de Alicante, a small town close to Alicante, on the Spanish Costa Blanca. In this frame, I composed while juxtapositioning the silhouetted streetlights, giving the scene some depth.

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Cañada de la Leña (Murcia, Spain 2012)

While I lived in Spain, I loved to explore the small rural villages. I captured this scene in Cañada de la Leña, a tiny village with a population of 138. The name most certainly refers to the grapevines that have been surrounding the village for centuries. During the summer, the temperature in this region of Spain has been known to reach 45ºC - the shade from this tree must have provided some relief!

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The Emirati Bird of Prey (Dubai Desert Conservation Reserve, United Arab Emirates 2017)

The falcon is UAE's national bird and is a symbol of force and courage. Falconry has a special place in Emirati culture. In the old days, falcons in Europe have always been a sport of the kings, of the aristocracy, but in the Middle East, falconry has always been a necessity for the Bedouins to survive in the desert. Abu Dhabi and Dubai are located on one of the main migration routes for falcons. During the fall season, the Bedouins captured the birds and use them to hunt for meat during the winter. They'd be released back into the wild in spring. Falcons meant survival. Even Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, the founder of the UAE and its first president, was a very passionate and avid falconer. Did you know that the United Arab Emirates even issues passports for its falcons (to combat smuggling)! I captured this at the Dubai Desert Conservation Reserve while on a photo expedition with National Geographic Expeditions.

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Lijnbaansbrug bridge (Amsterdam, Netherlands 2015)

This bridge crosses Amsterdam’s Singel canal, which encircled the city in the Middle Ages. It served as a moat around the city until 1585, when Amsterdam expanded beyond the Singel. The canal is now lined by many beautiful, richly decorated traditional gable houses built during the Dutch Golden Age.

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Cala de la Mallaeta (Villajoyosa, Spain 2011)

I made this nocturnal long exposure in a small cove on the Spanish coast, close to Alicante. Taking photos at night totally different than during the day. You are a lot less impulsive, and take the time to carefully compose your shot, using light (natural and added) to create something interesting. It may take you a few tries to get everything right, but once all the elements come together, a piece of art emerges...

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The man from Barna (Jodhpur, India 2015)

The key to capturing emotions is connection. The photographer must connect with the person in front of the lens in order to move the viewer. India is one of those places where breaking the ice is so easy and people just love the attention of being photographed… This portrait was taken in the small village of Barna, in the countryside south of Jodhpur.

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Pontocho (Kyoto, Japan 2015)

Pontocho is one of Kyoto's most atmospheric dining areas. It is a narrow alley running from Shijo-dori to Sanjo-dori, next to the Kamogawa River. The alley is packed with restaurants on both sides offering a wide range of dining options from inexpensive yakitori to traditional and modern Kyoto cuisine, foreign cuisine and highly exclusive establishments that require the right connections and a fat wallet. I captured this scene close to the entrance of Pontocho while on a #NGExpedition to #Japan with @natgeotravel and @travelbabbo. Did I mention my favorite dinner of my entire stay in Japan was in a small Pontocho yakitori? If you’re ever in Kyoto, don't miss it!

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The Little Sevillanas (London, United Kingdom 2017)

This past May, London's Spanish community celebrated the "Feria de Londres". Taking place under the iconic Tower Bridge, it brought the vibrant and lively celebrations of Andalucía to the banks of the River Thames. Inspired by the traditional festivities of the region’s colorful spring fairs, it was a great place to enjoy some delicious Spanish tapas, beer, paella and wine, and of course to dance Sevillanas!

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Halong Bay (Haiphong, Vietnam 2009)

Vietnam is such a unique and amazing country. A land rich in colors, incredible food, and friendly people. I can't wait to get back and discover more of its hidden treasures!

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Through the shadows of Al Qabasah (Bahla, Sultanate of Oman, 2017)

Bahla Fort is one of the oldest and biggest forts in Oman, and the only fort in the country to be inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List. The fort is massive and includes many towers, mosques, and wells. The oldest part of the fort is called Al Qabasah which is a five-story collection of rooms and was built as early as the year 500 BC. Many Omanis believe that at one point in time, the fort was also a school of black magic or alchemy, which the area is also famous for.

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The Mursi Boy (Omo Valley, Ethiopia 2014)

The Mursi tribe are a semi-nomadic ethnic group in South-western Ethiopia, in the Omo Valley and Mago National Park, not far from the Kenyan border. Surrounded by three rivers and a mountain range, the home of the Mursi is one of the most isolated regions of the country.

The Mursi people use elaborate and decorative body art for many different reasons, not only as a social status but sometimes to associate tribal families. Each pattern has a different meaning and it is believed that once their bodies are painted they come ‘alive’ in spirit.

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The Churchill Arms (London, United Kingdom 2018)

There was no better place in London to watch today's World Cup Final than in the famous Churchill Arms! Dating back to at least the late nineteenth century, the pub received its current name after the Second World War. Located in the colorful Notting Hill, this pub has received numerous awards not only for its incredible floral decorations but also as the very first London pub with a Thai restaurant, which opened over 25 years ago. We ate some amazing spring rolls, as we toasted France's victory with an ice-cold lagger!

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Vive la France!

Today France celebrates its National Day commemorating the anniversary of Storming of the Bastille on 14 July 1789, a turning point of the French Revolution, as well as the Fête de la Fédération which celebrated the unity of the French people on 14 July 1790. It's a day full of celebrations, parades and fireworks. French communities throughout the World get together to celebrate with food.... and wine!

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Kashi, the City of Light (Varanasi, India 2015)

Varanasi, also known as Kashi and Benaras, is the cultural capital of India. Varanasi is a melting pot, where both death and life come together. Dating to the 11th century B.C. (that’s over 3000 years!), this is one of the world's oldest continually inhabited cities. It draws Hindu pilgrims who bathe in the Ganges River’s sacred waters and perform funeral rites. Along the city's winding streets are some 2,000 temples, including Kashi Vishwanath, the “Golden Temple,” dedicated to the Hindu god Shiva.

Lonely Planet describes the city as “one of the most blindingly colorful, unrelentingly chaotic and unapologetically indiscreet places on earth”. Not everyone is prepared to visit this incredible city, where the circle of life overpowers all of your senses. My local guide’s words sum it up perfectly: you don’t visit Varanasi, you live Varanasi. It was truly a life-changing experience for me.

ASTOENIndia2015Smugmug1DXAlex Stoen PhotographyBenaresCanonCanon EOS 1DXEF 50mm f1.4 USMGeotaggedTravelVacationVaranasi

Three novice monks at the Nat Taung Kyaung Monastery (Bagan, Myanmar 2013)

Dating back to the 18th century, Nat Taung Kyaung is a small oasis of peace, far from the crowds overrunning the most famous temples.
The monastery is secluded north of the town walls of Old Bagan and also houses one of the oldest teak buildings still standing in all Burma.

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Emerging Shadows at Shoreditch (London, United Kingdom 2018)

Located in trendy east London, where walls are splashed with colourful street art, Shoreditch is a creative hub full of hip pubs and cafes, edgy art galleries and legendary nightclubs. I captured this street scene as the late afternoon emerging shadows battled the retreating sunlight, a perfect environment for a Leica and a 35mm prime lens!

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Discovering The Great Wall (Mutianyu, China 2016)

Perhaps the most recognizable symbol of China and its long and vivid history, the Great Wall of China actually consists of numerous walls and fortifications, many running parallel to each other. The best-known and best-preserved section of the Great Wall was built in the 14th through 17th centuries A.D., during the Ming dynasty (1368-1644). I had seen so many different photos of the wall, so I decided to add a creative element to my compositions. It was a long day of hiking, but well worth the effort as we had the wall almost to ourselves.

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Pride (London, United Kingdom 2018)

Today more than one million people took to the streets in central London to mark the annual Pride parade. First held in 1972, it has expanded over the years to include everyone in the LGBTQ+ alphabet. The theme of this year's Pride is 'Pride Matters', with organisers asking why the month is still important. Pride is a month-long celebration of the LGBT+ community, culminating in today's glitter-filled parade festivities.

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The Path to Freedom (Cancale, France 2015)

Summer in Brittany is just amazing. Leaving the unbearable heat of southern Spain, we fell in love with the small town of Cancale, on the northern coast of Brittany, not too far from the Saint-Malo. I captured this in the Port de la Houle, incredibly famous for its oysters. We would grab a fresh dozen every morning to enjoy in the evening with a glass of Rosé.

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The sadhus of Benares (Varanasi, India 2015)

In Hinduism, a sadhu is a religious ascetic or holy person. He is solely dedicated to achieving liberation, the fourth and final stage of life, through meditation and contemplation of Brahman. Sadhus often wear saffron-coloured clothing, symbolising their renunciation, leaving behind all material attachments.

Living as a sadhu is a difficult lifestyle. Sadhus are considered to be dead unto themselves, and legally dead to the country of India. As a ritual, they may be required to attend their own funeral before following a guru for many years, serving him by doing menial tasks until acquiring the necessary experience to leave his leadership.

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Escapade to Regent's Park (London, United Kingdom 2017)

Under longest heatwave in 20 years, London parks offer the perfect places to escape the blazing temperatures. As I explored Regent's Park, I came across this semi-hidden corner, surrounded by trees, which seemed to be an ideal spot to disconnect from the city's busy streets and overpacked tube carriages. Right behind the trees is the park's open-air theatre, which is the oldest, professional, permanent outdoor theatre in all of Britain, a great place to listen to concerts or watch comedy plays in the summer evenings.

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U Bein Bridge (Amarapura, Myanmar 2013)

Easily one of Burma’s most photographed sights, U Bein is the oldest and longest teakwood bridge in the world, stretching close to 1200 meters across Taungthaman Lake. I captured this shot right before sunset, as my small boat manoeuvred around the lake. The soft light was just magnificent. This was truly one of those magical moments that filled my soul, and that I will cherish forever.

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The Sheikh's Ladder (Al Ain, United Arab Emirates 2017)

Creative composition of an old wooden ladder at Sheikh Zayed's old palace in Al Ain. It was the former home of the late UAE founder, Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan Al Nahyan. The Palace was once a political and social hub. Built in 1937 and then renovated in 1998, the building finally became a museum in 2001 and now houses a large collection of material about the ruling family. It was quite interesting to see how they lived back then!

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The farmer from Daxu (Guangxi, China 2016)

Daxu is an ancient town dating back to more than 2000 years, founded during the Qin Dynasty. It thrived as a leading trade and commercial hub due to its close proximity to the Li River. The thirteen docks that can still be seen in Daxu today are the remnants of this former golden age.

During my visit, I met this farmer, who kindly invited me to his home and should me how he made tofu from soybeans. A passionate yueqin player, he also loved traditional Chinese calligraphy. Traditions were evident everywhere I looked, from the grinding stones that pressed the soybeans to the brick walls and portraits of Mao adorning this century-old house.

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Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque (Muscat, Sultanate of Oman 2017)

The Grand Mosque in Muscat is one of the most beautiful and extravagant modern mosques in the world. It first opened in 2001 and took six years to build. It features an amazing blend of Islamic, Middle Eastern, and Omani architectural styles, and also hosts one of the world’s largest handmade Persian rugs and one of the world’s biggest chandeliers, with 600,000 shining bright Swarovski crystals and weighing some 8,5 tons!

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Lost in Montmartre (Paris, France 2014)

Home to many artists, including Salvador Dalí, Amedeo Modigliani, Claude Monet, Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec, Piet Mondrian, Pablo Picasso, Camille Pissarro and Vincent van Gogh to name a few, not many can afford to live there anymore these days. I highly recommend just getting lost (with a map to find your way out) in the steep and cobbled streets of one of the most historic and interesting neighborhoods in Paris.

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Arashiyama’s Sagano bamboo grove (Kyoto, Japan 2015)

Only 30 minutes or so from the bustling Kyoto city center, the towering bamboo forest is an almost shocking contrast to the urbanity surrounding it. Wooden paths weave through the dense thicket of tall bamboo stalks that reach dozens of feet into the sky, creating a canopy. The absolutely gorgeous forest of skinny bamboo trunks is the heroin chic of wooded glades. As the wind passes through the tightly packed plants, the wood bends and creaks, the leaves rustle, and the trunks knock together, creating a peaceful sound like almost nothing else.

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Brick Lane (London, United Kingdom 2016)

London’s Brick Lane has a fascinating history and is one of the most popular places to visit in the East End today. Brick Lane used to be a poor slum area in the past and was in the very heart of Jack the Ripper territory.

The street might have gotten its name when brick and tile manufacturers set up shop in the 15th century. The street later became a popular location for breweries. The famous brewing family, the Trumans, started their business there. Its proximity to Spitalfields saw an influx of French Huguenots when they were driven out of France, also in the 17th century. The street and the surrounding area became well known for its weaving and tailoring. Like much of the East End, this area was a haven for immigrants moving into London to escape persecution abroad or looking for a better life. During the 19th and 20th centuries, it was best known for its Irish and Jewish population.

Today, the community living in and around Brick Lane is predominantly Bangladeshi. The street is a great place to go for a curry, especially if you want to try traditional and authentic cooking!

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Hogueras de San Juan - Bonfires of San Juan (Alicante, Spain 2011)

Alicante celebrates the arrival of summer with the Bonfires of San Juan. In an atmosphere of music, color, fireworks and extravagance, thousands of people experience this annual fiesta which pays tribute to fire. The celebrations conclude the night of the 24th, effigies (ninots) are burnt to the ground all around the city. It's truly an amazing experience!

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