Category: Culture & tradition

Exterior of brick mosque with dome and minaret
The Square of Religious Tolerance in Sofia

The Square of Religious Tolerance in Sofia

Sofia is the only city in Europe where you will find places of worship for four major religions almost within sight of each other. Clustered in the vicinity of its Square of Tolerance are: an Eastern Orthodox church; a Roman Catholic cathedral; a mosque and a synagogue. This embodies the pride that Bulgarians have in their history of religious tolerance. Unlike some other countries in the region, its different faith communities have tended to coexist peacefully.

Man frying insects at a food stall
Exploring the street food of Phnom Penh

Exploring the street food of Phnom Penh

Did you know that the consumption of insects for food has a name, entomophagy? I didn’t, until I visited Cambodia. There, perhaps more than anywhere else, the people actively serve and eat insects. There is a dark reason behind this. Under the Khmer Rouge, much of the population was forced into poverty; and people resorted to feeding on anything they could find.

Little girl in red skirt playing piano
Spending time with the children of Chongjin

Spending time with the children of Chongjin

Visit most countries and you will be shown their grand monuments, historic sites, beautiful landscapes. Visit North Korea and you will see those sights too. But they are also keen that you meet some of their people and see how they live. Carefully selected people, that is. In the city of Chongjin, where major sights are relatively few, we had the chance to visit two very different schools.

Lady in Indian dress with a goat
Meeting the locals in Narlai, Rajasthan

Meeting the locals in Narlai, Rajasthan

The village of Narlai in Rajasthan would be completely off the tourist track were it not for the hotel that has been created in the former hunting lodge of Jodhpur’s royal family. It is a small village which faces some of the same challenges as rural communities everywhere. Its population is declining as younger people drift away, tempted by big city life and its wider opportunities.

Blacksmith crouching
A village blacksmith in the Lao highlands

A village blacksmith in the Lao highlands

The scent of wood smoke hangs in the air. Children play in the dusty soil. Small pigs, chickens and dogs wander at will between the wooden houses. And inside one a blacksmith is at work, shaping a machete over glowing coals. This is Phou Taen Khamu, home to some of the Khamu people, one of Laos’ minority ethnic tribes.

Dark table with lots of small dishes
Gallery: Dining in (Japanese) style ~ kaiseki

Gallery: Dining in (Japanese) style ~ kaiseki

A traditional Japanese feast, a kaiseki, is a thing of beauty. It isn’t just a meal; it’s an art form balancing taste, texture, appearance, and colour. The dishes are beautifully arranged and presented, on plates chosen to enhance the visual impact, and equally beautifully decorated, often with edible garnishes.

Large statues of North Korean Leaders with visiting locals
Gallery: statues of the Great Leaders

Gallery: statues of the Great Leaders

When Kim Il Sung, President of North Korea, died in 1994, the role of Leader passed to his son, Kim Jong Il, but the title of President did not. Instead, Kim Il Sung was declared ‘Eternal President’ of the nation, and the presidential office was written out of the constitution.

Lake with domed structure and birds
Tales of death in Jaisalmer and beyond

Tales of death in Jaisalmer and beyond

Deep in the Thar Desert in the far west of Rajasthan is a golden city. A fairy tale fort sits on a ridge overlooking the town, still home to many families whose houses cluster within its sheltering walls. I loved Jaisalmer’s remoteness, its border-town mentality, and the beauty of its golden architecture. And I enjoyed the personal stories of life (and death) as told by our Brahmin guide Gaurav.

Line of seated stone statues wearing red caps and bibs
The Bake-Jizō of Kanmangafuchi Abyss

The Bake-Jizō of Kanmangafuchi Abyss

Red, in Japan, is the colour of the sun (not yellow as in other cultures). It stands for life, power and protection, but also for death. It is thought capable of expelling demons and illness. You see red everywhere; on temple roofs, torii gates at shrines, lanterns and pagodas. And in the bibs and caps worn by the haunting Jizō statues of Kanmangafuchi Abyss in Nikko.

Lady in pink head covering in front of grass roof
A warm welcome in the Thar Desert

A warm welcome in the Thar Desert

Nothing makes you feel more welcome in a country than to be invited into someone’s home, however humble. And language is no barrier to connecting with a friendly hostess and her curious children.