Asia
Ko Phi Phi island from the air
Ko Phi Phi is a group of islands in the Andaman Sea off the coast of southern Thailand that’s a popular beach destination. Ko Phi Phi Don comprises two hilly sections connected by an isthmus and flanked on both sides by white, sandy beaches. The isthmus, packed with hotels, shops, restaurants and cafés, was completely wiped out by the tsunami in 2004 but has since been redeveloped. The neighbouring island, Ko Phi Phi Le (Little Ko Phi Phi) is famous as the setting for the movie, “The Beach” and features breathtaking emerald green bays, towering forest-clad limestone mountains, the white sands of Maya Beach and coral reefs. The photos below were taken from 35,000 feet on a flight from Amsterdam to Kuala Lumpur.
Read the accompanying post: “A Tropical Paradise, Five Wishes and a Setback“.
Ko Phi Phi seen from the air under scattered clouds
Ko Phi Phi Le - Maya Bay
The monastery in Petra
The Treasury is the first major monument every visitor to Petra sees as they exit the Siq (the narrow canyon that leads visitors into Petra). The monastery, located high up in the mountains, is another monument that cannot be missed. Visitors can choose to hike to the monastery (a 20-30 minute hike) or ride a mule. Either way, you’ll be rewarded with a spectacular sight at the top!
Read the accompanying post: “Ten Things To Do in Petra“.
An awestruck visitor at the door of the monastery
Swarovski Christmas tree in Hong Kong
When I was in Hong Kong last year, this 100-foot Swarovski crystal Christmas tree stood proudly outside the hotel I stayed at. To be honest, it looked rather plain during the day but it was pretty stunning at night.
Sunset at the Dead Sea
Floating in the Dead Sea at sunset is simply a magical experience.
Read the accompanying post: “What It Feels Like to Float in the Dead Sea“.
The view from Amman’s Citadel
The Citadel in Amman, the capital of Jordan, is one of the city’s main tourist attractions. The site, located atop one of Amman’s seven hills, can trace its history back more than 7,000 years, making Amman one of the world’s oldest continuously inhabited places. Aside from the old Palace and the Temple of Hercules, a large part of the Citadel remains unexcavated. The Jordan Archeological Museum, the home of the famous Dead Sea Scrolls, is located here within the complex. The Citadel is a great place to learn about the history of Amman (the city was called Philadelphia during the Roman times) and to admire the views of downtown Amman, including the stunning amphitheatre.
The history of Amman, once called Philadelphia. The Temple of Hercules is in the background.
The Palace within the Citadel
The view of the Roman amphitheatre
A panoramic view of Amman from the Citadel
