As these photos prove, people across the world are diverse. They can be rich or poor, old or young with different religions, skin, clothes and customs. Yet, while talking with them, you quickly realize how much we all have in common.
As these photos prove, people across the world are diverse. They can be rich or poor, old or young with different religions, skin, clothes and customs. Yet, while talking with them, you quickly realize how much we all have in common.
Although Antigua is one of the driest Caribbean islands, it is common to see locals carrying a parasol. Their tropical climate averages eight hours of sunshine a day with year-round temperatures in the 80s. When it does rain, the showers come fast and then just as quickly reveal the sun again.
St. Barnabas Anglican Church, Liberta, Antigua and Barbuda
Argentinian tango emerged in the 1870s among a melting pot of immigrants around the docks of Buenos Aires. Soon the music and style of dance filled taverns before reaching local theaters. In the early 20th century, tango spread across Europe and America. Like all crazes, the tango lost its popularity. Yet it still flourishes in Buenos Aires and especially along Caminito Street in La Boca. Each bar and restaurant features its own pair of dancers. Even the tourists get into the act.
Caminito Street, Buenos Aires, Argentina
Along the Brisbane River overlooking downtown Brisbane is the South Bank Parklands. This family-oriented attraction welcomes ten million visitors a year. It features the Wheel of Brisbane (giant Ferris wheel), the Queensland Conservatorium and the Nepal Peace Pagoda. You will also enjoy the plazas, bike paths, grassy areas, museums and restaurants. The centerpiece is a 2,000 acre, man-made beach called Streets Beach. This little girl was escaping the heat by scampering through the fountains in the lagoon.
Stanley St Plaza, South Brisbane QLD 4101, Australia
A chance encounter of mine while visiting the Australian War Memorial was a reception hosted by two key military leaders. On the left is Lieutenant General Angus Campbell. He was the former Deputy National Security Adviser to the Prime Minister and then Chief of Australian Army. In 2018, Campbell became the country’s most senior military officer as the Chief of the Defence Force. On the right is Mark Alexander Milley. This four-star general of the United States is the Chief of Staff of the Army and member of the Joint Chiefs of Staff serving the White House. The little boy between them is unknown.
Australian War Memorial, Treloar Cres, Campbell ACT 2612, Australia
Adjacent to Tumbalong Park is the Darling Quarter, an entertainment bonanza for kids. Among the fun features are a playground, Big Slide, Jumbo Swings, the climbing Octanet, giant mechanical tools plus several water activities. Most children run, laugh and play until they are repeatedly told it is time to go home. Then there is an occasional princess who enjoys her solitary stroll and secret dreams.
11 Harbour St, Sydney NSW 2000, Australia
Half Moon Cay in The Bahamas has almost every amenity you’d ever want for an active day on a tropical island. But sometimes the best activity is sitting on a bench next to your spouse so you can enjoy the spectacular view of a sandy beach along the Atlantic Ocean.
Half Moon Cay, Bahamas
What is your perfect agenda for a day at the beach? Maybe it is sleeping in the sun while covered with lotion. A popular variation is sipping an exotic drink with a tiny umbrella while under an umbrella. Active types prefer jet skis, parasailing or snorkeling. If you are a child, fun is building sand castles and defying big waves. Regardless of your preferences, you will be accommodated along Cabbage Beach on Paradise Island.
6307 Casino Drive, Paradise Island, The Bahamas
When you and your partner visit someplace as splendid as Bottom Bay, what is your natural inclination? To hold hands while savoring a romantic stroll. You will long remember the powerful Atlantic waves slapping against the dramatic cliff and huge boulders emerging from the sea. This is a quintessential Barbados moment. Equally picturesque and more secluded is the adjacent Harrismith Beach.
Bottom Bay, Bottom Bay Road, Apple Hall, Barbados
Charlie Chaplin would have been proud to see this Little Tramp figure – dressed in white with the pencil mustache twitching below his nose – use his iconic, black bowler hat for collecting tips while making balloon animals at the main portal of the Cathedral of Our Lady in Antwerp, Belgium.
Groenplaats 21, 2000 Antwerpen, Belgium
This young woman proudly displays an elaborate native costume. The bright blue feathers are from hyacinth macaws. The loin cloth and headdress are adorned by feathers from other macaw species plus parrots and toucans. The accouterments consist of animal teeth, claws and nails as well as chiseled stones. The jewelry was made from forest seeds and berries. The Tupi people were best known for creating such elaborate attire. This type of apparel was reserved for rituals and celebrations plus pre and post wars. On an everyday basis, most indigenous people were naked or only donned loin cloths during the pre-Columbian era.
If you see a bright colored buoy floating in the water off the coast of Búzios, chances are good there are scuba divers below the surface or perhaps spearos, the Portuguese word for snorkelers who spearfish. The latter shore dive. This means they walk into the water with only their goggles, fins, snorkel and spear. They swim along the drop-offs where fish tend to conjugate. This guy was proud to display his full stringer. Perhaps this is no surprise. The word Búzios means diver in Portuguese. If this sport seems a bit challenging, consider chartering a fishing boat. Catches often include grouper, snapper and jacks.
Praia dos Virgens, Búzios - RJ, 28950-000, Brazil
Prior to the mid-17th century, millions of índios (Portuguese for Indians) lived across the Amazon Rainforest in 2,000 nations. Three tribes resided near here: Tamurãs, Barés and Manaós, the namesake for the city of Manaus. The majority of indigenous Brazilians died from European diseases or harsh treatment as slaves on rubber plantations. Only 200 tribes remain today. Some are together on their ancestral land or government-established reservations. Others, like this old man, prefer to live in relative isolation on small plots deep in the forest. Yet they have adapted western amenities such as clothes, electricity and communications. The Dessana tribe – who are on the Tupé reserve about 15 miles from Manaus – welcome tourists to witness their native lifestyle and customs.
Some residents live deep in the Amazon Rainforest where the channels can be narrow and shallow. This necessitates paddling home in a canoe (canoa in Portuguese). These primitive wooden crafts are often fitted with a small engine for traveling in open water and while making supply trips to Manaus.
There are four parades during the Rio Carnival. On Friday and Saturday night, the Access Groups (also called A Series) perform. These are talented samba schools but not considered elite. On Sunday evening, seven of the Special Group schools are featured. Another set of Grupo Especial marchers are on Monday night. These two events are the most popular. Attendance is heavy and the performances are nationally televised. Winners in each of the two categories are announced on Ash Wednesday. The first-place team in the Access Group will join the Special Group the following year. As an added bonus, the Champions Parade is held on Saturday after Ash Wednesday. The top six schools repeat their shows during this non-judged exhibition.
The song “Girl from Ipanema” put the Ipanema Beach near Rio de Janeiro, Brazil on the map. Written in 1962, it was inspired by a seventeen-year-old Brazilian girl named Helô Pinheiro as she walked by a bar called Veloso. You can see a plaque on the table where Vinicius de Moraes is claimed to have written the lyrics. Fifty years later, Ipanema Beach still has beautiful waves, sand and women.
Av. Vieira Souto, 599, Ipanema Rio de Janeiro, RJ, 22420-008, Brazil
The Cheung Prey District is a remote region of Cambodia made famous for selling fried spiders in Skuron, its capital city. The people are hardworking farmers yet very poor. Typically, their rickety houses are on stilts and pieced together by scrap metal, old wood and tree limbs. Most farmers cultivate their land by hand. The lucky ones use oxen. These young girls crawled out of the back of a crowded truck after school. They immediately picked up hoes and walked towards the muddy fields to help their parents.
Hun Sen Skun High School, National Road 6, Cheung Prey District, Cambodia
In 928 – 944 AD, the temples at Koh Ker were built by the kings Jayavarman IV and Harshavarman. Located about 75 miles from the famous Angkor Wat near Siem Reap, these temples are far less visited. The ruins include palaces, moats, towers, a pyramid and more … all partially covered by forest and giant tree roots. Only a portion of the 180 buildings have been excavated because the remote areas still have active land mines. This little guy was a future entrepreneur. He sold giant banyan tree leaves as umbrellas to the passing tourists for a dollar apiece.
The Khmer Rouge Regime massacred over one million people during their reign of terror between 1975-1979. Some estimates are as high as 2 ½ million killed. At Choeung Ek, which is about 11 miles from Phnom Penh, is the infamous Killing Fields. Nearly 9,000 skeletal remains have been uncovered in shallow mound graves. Reportedly, it is not uncommon for bones and clothes to emerge from the ground after a heavy rain. In the center of the memorial park is a tall Buddhist shrine called a stupa. It contains over 5,000 human skulls. They are clearly visible through the glass windows. It is an eerie and sickening experience but a historical education.
The trails in central Corner Brook are beautiful. Yet, they can attract plenty of camera-toting tourists, especially on days when a cruise ship is in port. If you prefer to experience nature’s best in relative isolation, then have a cab drop you off at Crocker’s Road. This is the trailhead for the Corner Brook Gorge Trail. The forest path is rated moderate. The hike is no problem for those in good shape. You will treasure every step for about 2.5 miles until the trail ends at Margaret Bowater Park.
Crockers Rd & Confederation Dr, Corner Brook, NL A2H 7S8, Canada
St. Patrick’s Basilica was built in 1847. The minor basilica is as much Roman Catholic as it is Irish. The church was constructed to accommodate a flood of immigrants from Ireland during the early 19th century. Inside you will find lots of columns, stained glass and Irish shamrocks. This bagpiper was patiently waiting for a wedding party to emerge through the Gothic archway. He was thankful to be wearing a kilt on the hot summer afternoon.
460 René-Lévesque Blvd W, Montreal, QC H2Z 1A7, Canada
The Promenade Samuel de Champlain is a large, inviting park on the banks of the Lawrence River in Quebec, Canada. As the centerpiece of charming Old Quebec, it is the perfect place to shop, dine, walk or just sit with a cup of coffee and people watch. Also enjoy the local musicians who play beneath the statue of Samuel de Champlain, the “Father of New France.” He founded the city in 1608.
A perfect way to spend a warm weekend afternoon with the one you love is to enjoy a leisurely stroll on the pedestrian path around False Creek in Vancouver, Canada. And when the moment is right, sit on a bench with a gorgeous view of downtown and then snuggle close.
1859 Spyglass Pl, Vancouver, BC V5Z 4K6, Canada
The music and dance in northern Chilean towns such as Arica are influenced by Peru, the Andean region of Bolivia and the Incas. One delightful result is the Andean dance called Baile Andino. Wearing colorful carnival costumes, two rows of young men and women play simple musical instruments while performing erratic moves in a strict cadence. The result is an upbeat, toe-tapping and engaging kaleidoscope of color and activity.
Av. Comandante San Martín 300-398, Arica, Región de Arica y Parinacota, Chile
These people standing on a long wooden pier (Muelle Frutillar) are enjoying a gorgeous scene. In the foreground is Lake Llanquihue. At 330 square miles, this glacier-formed lake is Chile’s second biggest. The snowcapped mountain in the background is Volcán Osorno. This still active volcano has an elevation over 8,700 feet. It is part of the Southern Andes range.
Avenida Philippi & Jorge Montt, Frutillar, X Región, Chile
The most important job among the 3,600 employees at Concha y Toro is arguably the master vineyard keeper who daily monitors the grapes. This gentleman is inspecting the vines in the historic Cajón del Maipo river valley where the company began. Viña Concha y Toro now owns over 23,000 acres of vineyards in five Chilean regions plus land in Argentina.
Av. Concha Y Toro 2055, Pirque, Región Metropolitana, Chile
It was fun watching this foursome interact. It is hard to say if the little girls or the giraffe enjoyed the encounter more at the Chilean National Zoo. The facility opened in 1925 at the base of San Cristóbal Hill within Santiago Metropolitan Park. The zoo is compact by most big city standards but is worth a visit. The 12 acre property houses over 150 species including camels, a jaguar and a baboon plus animals native to Chile.
Zoológico Nacional, Camino Carlos Reed, Providencia, Región Metropolitana, Chile
A favorite pastime of local seniors is to gather at the Long Corridor at the Temple of Heaven to play cards. The most popular versions are dou dizhu (fighting the landlords), sheng ji (similar to bridge) and tichu (elements of bridge and poker). The guide called this version simply “six people card game.” This man had a lousy poker face when he saw his good hand. Not a problem. The main objective of this competition seemed to be having fun with old friends.
South Gate, Yongdingmen East St. & Jintai Rd., Dongcheng Qu, Beijing Shi, China
At the Chaoyang Theater in Beijing, China is a stunning acrobatic show that rivals Cirque du Soleil. The performers wear colorful costumes during perfectly choreographed displays of human agility, physical strength and showmanship. Each act delights with an exciting feat of dizzying motion that leaves the audience spellbound.
These beautiful women are performing the White Ramie Cloth Costume Dance. The name is derived from the silky fabric they are wearing. The ramie cloth was created during the Qin dynasty (221 – 206 BC). The graceful dance movements were introduced during the Western Jin dynasty (265-316) and popularized during the Tang dynasty. Their long white sleeves flow and sway in elegant arches during the choreographed folk dance.
161 Wenyi N Rd, Yan Ta I T Shang Quan, Beilin Qu, Xian Shi, Shaanxi Sheng, China
The Yangtze River flows through China for nearly 4,000 miles. Before the Shennong Stream empties into the Yangtze near the Wu Gorge, it zigzags from atop the Shennong Jia peak through narrow passages, lush vegetation, spectacular canyons, waterfalls and rocky shores. The peasants that navigate these treacherous waters are called Tujia. They expertly steer their sampans (called peapod boats) using primitive, long paddles or, when stuck in the shallows, they drag the boat by rope. This Tujia man was taking a break for a smoke on his opium pipe.
Located in the northern Pacific coast of Costa Rica, Tamarindo is a small town that is a haven for surfers. It also attracts tourists who love to zipline, sun, fish, snorkel and body surf. Before dusk, you should order your favorite libation on the beach and then enjoy the gorgeous sunsets. Even the monkeys from the local forest converge on trees to watch the spectacular colors.
Calle Cruz, Provincia de Guanacaste, Tamarindo, Costa Rica
The Old Town of Split feels like a living history museum suspended in the 4th century. But the walls of the former Diocletian’s Palace are home to a few thousand people. I suspect most of the population serves the active tourism industry: over 2.5 million people a year visit the city. Meanwhile, Split’s younger generation entertains themselves by watching people of every nationality pass below their balconies.
Malecón is Havana’s cherished boulevard and promenade. This favorite seaside walkway of Habaneros attracts romantic couples, fishermen, roving musicians, socializing friends and curious tourists. The city’s living room stretches four miles from Castillo de la Real Fuerza near the cruise terminal, wraps around the northern coast through the Vedado neighborhood and ends at the white building on the far right. Since July of 2015, this is the United States Embassy. Other buildings on the horizon are the FOCSA Building (Cuba’s tallest at 397 feet) standing behind the Hotel Nacional de Cuba (a favorite among American celebrities and elite until the 1959 revolution). The red tower is the Someillan Building, a 30 story residential complex.
Malecón, La Habana, Cuba
Street musicians in Old Havana are plentiful, talented and licensed by the state to perform in public. They range from a single guitarist to ensembles including drums and a rickety keyboard. These two old men – who have played the same Cuban songs for decades- were entertaining on Calle Obispo, a pedestrian-only street. Stop, listen and enjoy this intricate part of Cuba’s culture. You will be smiling while your toes are tapping. Then show your appreciation with a few coins in the hat.
Calle Obipso and Habana Street, La Habana, Cuba
This street performer in Otrobanda earned more tips from people snapping his photo than from his guitar playing and singing. Curaçao’s music is influence by their African and European heritage plus many of the neighboring islands. One native genre is tumba. It began in the 19th century and is associated with saucy lyrics. You might also hear tambú. This is Curaçaoan spirit music accompanied by drums and gyrating dance steps.
507 Pater Euwensweg, Willemstad, Curaçao
Prague Castle is the official residence of the Czech Republic’s president. The Bohemian Crown Jewels are also stored inside. Protecting both are the jobs of 660 Castle Guards. They are an elite division of the Czech army established in 1918 when Charles III, the last King of Bohemia, abdicated the throne and Czechoslovakia became a sovereign state. This sentry is standing in front of a watch house outside the First Courtyard, also called the Square of Honor. He is wearing the blue summer dress uniform for lower officers. The 52/57 semi-automatic rifle is used for ceremonial purposes.
První nádvoří Pražského hradu, 118 00 Praha 1-Hradčany, Czechia
Since 1658, the Royal Life Guards have been entrusted to protect Denmark’s monarchy. Each day at noon, this infantry regiment has a ceremonious changing of the guard in the Amalienborg Palace courtyard. Their blue or scarlet uniform always includes the wearing of the traditional bearskin hat.
Amalienborg Slotsplads 7 1257 København K, Denmark
Are there too many kids at the family pool? Is another pool too sedate, still another reserved for resort VIPs and still another always featuring pool exercises for out-of-shape old people? Keep looking until you find the hotel pool designed for you. How about joining a foam pool party? This is perfect if you love rocking music, scantily-clad dancers, floating beach balls and soaking with 50 gyrating anatomies at different stages of intoxication. Hop in! The water is crazy.
Breathless Punta Cana Resort, Carr Uvero Alto, Punta Cana 23000, Dominican Republic
Cruise ships anchor in Samaná Bay and then tender passengers to Embat Dock. If there are multiple ships in port, you may arrive at Dock Moto Marina Club. Do not expect a fancy terminal. Do expect to be greeted by local musicians. Their up-beat tunes will have you tapping your feet as you begin your short walk into town. Occasionally, your itinerary will only include Cayo Levantado. Then expect a pleasant day on a beach of this island near the mouth of Samaná Bay. An additional boat ride is needed to reach Samaná on the mainland.
Moto Marina Dock, Avenida La Marina, Samaná 32000, Dominican Republic
Every visitor to the Galápagos Islands must be accompanied by a guide certified by Galápagos National Park. To qualify, a candidate must be Ecuadorian, pass a rigid study program and then attend continuing education. Only about 400 people meet these qualifications. Level three guides have years of experience, a master’s degree, an area of specialty and speak at least two languages. All of this is designed to optimize the tourist experience while helping to protect the fragile habitat. This naturalist at Darwin Bay Beach is describing the species of birds flying overhead.
Great Darwin Bay, Genovesa Island, Galápagos, Ecuador
Santiago Island has been volcanically active for 750,000 years (and still has the potential to erupt). In contrast, the lava field at Sullivan Bay was formed by a major eruption in 1897 and secondary events from 1904 through 1906. The lack of erosion results in a unique chance for you to explore pahoehoe lava – found only here and in Hawaii. The glazed rock forms an endless array of smooth, ropy and swirling designs highlighted with blotches of red and orange. You sense how the lava slowly oozed, bubbled and circulated in a molten soup before cooling into stunning artistic patterns. Notice the relative size of the trekking tourists in this photo. This displays the enormity and depth of the lava field you will traverse. Good hiking shoes are a must. The rocks also radiate heat, so bring a water bottle.
Sullivan Bay, Santiago Island, Ecuador
The origin of the white, straw and brimmed Panama hat is actually Ecuadorian. The streets of Montecristi and El Chorrillo are lined with closet-sized factories where they bleach the toquilla palm leaves, strip them into threads and then weave the hats with a loom or by hand. This woman was the matriarch of one family business. While caring for the grandchildren, she greeted the shoppers and placed a hat on any man who came within arm’s reach.
Calle 2, Montecristi, Ecuador
The next time you eat a can of tuna, think of Manta, Ecuador because that’s probably where it came from. This delightful town also offers the visitor expansive beaches, delicious cuisine and shopping in outdoor markets. This Ecuadorian woman took great pride in her colorful, hand-woven shawls, blankets and table cloths. When I wasn’t getting her product in my camera, she decided to wear samples on her head.
Murciélago Beach in Manta, Ecuador is where the locals escape from the summer heat. Blocks of cabanas and umbrellas line the sand that faces the Southern Pacific Ocean. There are also rows of casual, low-cost restaurants and bars that specialize in local dishes and fresh fish. This little girl found the perfect retreat from the hot sun: under the food cart run by her parents.
The Step Pyramid of King Djoser at Saqqara was built around 2,650 BC. It is considered to be Egypt’s first pyramid. The ancient structure is over 200 feet tall and consists of six external levels. Underground it is more impressive. There is a network of chambers, tunnels and galleries traversing over three miles. This camel seems to be smiling with pride. Or was he puckering up for a kiss from his Egyptian owner?
Pyramid of Djoser Saqarah, Al Badrashin, Giza Governorate, Egypt
Many older women in Luxor, Egypt, still wear the traditional Abaya robe with black veil and open-toed sandals. This must be incredibly uncomfortable in the hot, dusty climate of Egypt.
El-Madina, El-Monawwara Gazirat Al Awameyah, Luxor, Luxor Governorate, Egypt
Most people traveling to Luxor visit the ancient Egyptian temples and the Valley of the Kings and Queens. But to get a true flavor of the city, avoid the sougs and street markets catering to tourists. Instead, ask your tour guide to visit a traditional, outdoor market. You will discover everyday scenes like this one where men sit on cages holding pigeons and chickens while drinking their tea called Shai. In Luxor, a popular tea is Koshary. The beverage is very black, brewed in boiling water and sweetened with either cane sugar or mint leaves. Perhaps this gives Egyptians the energy to bargain with shoppers. Every simple transaction becomes a lengthy ritual of sipping tea while debating the price. As we walked through, you could tell they were surprised to see an American in their midst.
El-Souk, Luxor City, Luxor, Luxor Governorate, Egypt