This tale is about running 6 marathons in 6 days in the desert of Arabia; a tale about achievement travel, about my own need to challenge myself and to find the limits of my own capabilities. In that sense, it is not just about running in the desert, but also about embarking on an experience that it is life enriching. To understand the Arabian desert, and to taste its elemental forces.
Some places of pilgrimage have drawn the human spirit for centuries. The churches of Lalibela in northern Ethiopia are holy for Ethiopian Christians. These mysterious, rock-hewn churches are marvellous and intriguing. They speak of a world where the sacred is palpable, redemption, perhaps, at hand.
Gili Lankanfushi is a resort north of Malé Atol in the Maldives. They have a strict no-shoes policy. It seems like a simple gesture, but it has a long reaching effect. As I walk barefoot to our villa, the weight of modern life seems to slip away. I sense it through my eyes, not just my feet: a light of sea and sky, conjured by Oceanic powers that, for now, remain a mystery.
Some of the most vivid childhood memories come from travelling. These nostalgic feelings can last a lifetime, often inspiring the desire in parents to promote similar experiences for a new generation. But family trips aren’t without their difficulties and constraints. Finding and maintaining a balance between adventure, education, and the opportunity to connect with your children is no mean feat.
I am travelling in Mustang, the ancient Himalayan Kingdom of Lo, on nothing but a mountain bike. I cycle through the Kali Gandaki and the feet of Annapurna. I am heading to Lo Matang, the capital, following the ancient road of caravans. As I go deeper into Mustang, I leave the main paths and enter a journey of self-discovery.
In my recent trip to Sudan, I enjoyed ancient archaeological sites without having to wait in line… I was the only one there! I experienced warmth and hospitality in a safe country. Among the ruins of one of the great Nile civilisations, I discovered a travel destination that has been unjustly ignored by tourism, offering a unique opportunity for those seeking authenticity.
I am standing in the battlefield surrounded by Hubla warriors armed with spears and bows. My body is painted for war. I am only wearing the traditional koteca, the penis sheath made of cultivated gourd that characterises the tribes of the Baliem Valley in the highlands of Indonesia’s Papua province.
Bhutan is a country with a thousand facets, which allows an adventurous trip in nature and a special voyage within yourself finding happiness. This is my experience.
There was a time when the dark forests of Central Africa were remote, untouched, perilous… In them dwelled mysterious creatures that inspired fear and fascination. We now have a better understanding of Mountain Gorillas and Chimpanzee. Travelling to their natural habitat is a clear possibility for those wishing to meet them.
Hiking the tranquil, temple-studded peninsula south of Osaka is even more a spiritual journey than it is a physical one.
