Blogs | Travel Stories and Photos on World Wanders

Some Photos from Montreux, Chamonix and Abisko

2011-12-14T02:44:00.001+11:00

Scandinavia Photos

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Hamilton Island

2011-09-15T17:21:00.002+10:00

Whitsundays, Great Barrier Reef

Queensland

Hamza, the early years of trekking

Panorama from One-Tree-Hill

Cateye Beach

negotiations…

Clouds at One Tree Hill

Golf course in the sea

More Hamilton Island Photos

Some Eid Photos

2011-09-04T18:50:00.001+10:00

2011

A Trip to Western Australia

2011-08-24T21:34:00.001+10:00

The brilliant white sand dunes of Lancelin are begging to be conquered by off-roading and sand-boarding…

Further north are the strange pointy rocks that seem to grow out of the sand. Known as the Pinnacles, they are limestone formed approximately 25,000-30,000 years ago!

Lazying on the outskirts of Perth CBD, these kangaroos watch the city life safe on their island.

Hamza is enjoying his new-found freedom with his speedy crawling. He chases anything that moves including the poor little ducks.

He is often pleased with his accomplishments…

Even at this young age, he’s already showing interest in photography…

He is enjoying some flying lessons

Kings park in Perth

Surfing down the steep dunes of Lancelin was no easy feat… especially when the rain came!

Hamza doesnt need anybody to push his pram – he can do it himself!

Feeding Kangaroos…

Hamza was ready to show Aqa how to drive…

A journey in desert…

Watching the sun set on the west coast of Australia was an exciting prospect … until the clouds ruined the whole scene….

More Photos

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A Trip to Bonel - 1998

2011-06-11T01:44:00.001+10:00

More Photos

Autumn Colours in Canberra

2011-06-07T21:51:00.001+10:00

Hamza on contemplating a possible future in politics decided that he MUST at least visit the nation’s capital to see if it was a liveable city.

To his pleasant surprise, Canberra was brightly decorated with beautiful autumn colours. The minus 3 foggy mornings were usually followed by clear blue skies and a warming sun.

Red-flamed pear trees lining Lake Burley Griffin beckoned to be explored.

But Hamza had equal preference for the yellow-leaved trees. He loved to laze underneath them and watch the leaves blow away with the wind.

After a day’s hard work, it’s time to go home and do some serious discussions around the table…

Hamza also met some Australian ambassadors – the Roos…

He was also pleased with the selection of the fruit available – ‘I WANT MORE’

Conclusion: a great city to sleep underneath the trees and to explore by the crawl…

Happy Ending.

Moral of the story: its not necessary that every story should have a moral.

More Canberra Photos

And the story continues…

2011-04-07T00:18:00.001+10:00

Enjoying watching “people” in a local market. Learning the art

Friendship with Billie can go a long way… starts from the tail

Billie is always hungry

The missing link

Hamza listening to the conversation with great concentration and interest

Watching TV

Local league cricket match on a nice sunny day

The early morning ambience

Dog is not real, otherwise the photo wont have been possible

same as above

Scene in Laurent

Gud 'old Pakistan

2011-01-17T19:00:00.002+11:00

Some interesting photos from the recent trip…

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Jhandial – The ancestral village

Bakhwal

More Photos

BBQ at Barakahu

2011-01-06T06:24:00.001+11:00

Even in the middle of the cold winter days where the sun barely warms the air, the idea of a BBQ is always exciting. The occasion, Fauzia Mami’s birthday, but it seems that Hamza was the guest of honour!

He was the centre of attention….

Soon it was time to devote our attention to more important matters… namely the BBQ…

Many cooks tried…

But ultimately the masterchef prevailed… Hassan!

But the real occasion for the BBQ was for Fauzia Mami’s birthday, much to her surprise!

Hamza had to inspect both cakes closely and give his approval…

I think chocolate fudge cake was given the thumbs up!

Through the Italian Lakes to Black Forest

2010-12-25T09:38:00.001+11:00

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The most famous lakes in Italy are in what is sometimes called the Italian Lake District, in the north of the country not far from the Alps. The northern Italian lakes are beautiful and atmospheric, where mountains descend to meet the lakeshore, and stately grand hotels dominate pretty lakeside towns.

Dam on lake at Passo Fedaia where the scenes from "The Italian Job" were shot.

To many, the famous northern lakes are the 'Italian Lakes', but in fact these are not the only attractive enclosed expanses of water in the Italian peninsula. Lakes don't come much more dramatic than Lakes Garda and Como, but further south in rather tamer surroundings the independent traveller may find some placid gems.

Lake Garda, Italy's biggest lake, is long and slim with a southern shore of low, rolling hills, and a contrasting northern end which is surrounded by towering mountains.

Lake Como is more tranquil and wooded than Lake Garda, although here too, you can head easily for more rugged terrain. The lake is a reminder of bygone holiday elegance, with a steamer cruising between resort towns and stately gardens open to the public.

Black Forest

The Black Forest is a wooded mountain range in Baden (southwestern Germany), bordered by the Rhine valley. The name Schwarzwald, i.e. Black Forest, goes back to the Romans who referred to the thickly forested mountains there as Silva Nigra , i.e. "Black Forest," because the dense growth of conifers in the forest blocked out most of the light inside the forest.

The famous River Danube originates in the Black Forest as the confluence of the Brigach and Breg rivers. Black Forest ham also originated from this region, and so, by name and reputation at least, did the Black Forest Cake. It also is known as the "Black Forest Cherry Cake" or "Black Forest Gateau" and is made with chocolate cake, cream, sour cherries and Kirsch.

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Finding Mona (1902-Present)

2010-12-17T06:06:00.001+11:00

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About halfway between Islamabad and Lahore is Mona, home of Pakistani remounts… an oasis amongst dust and rubble. It is next to the town of Phularwan, located on the Lahore-Islamabad motorway (M2) at the Salam interchange in Sargodha District. Phularwan is known for its oranges.

Rashid's House

This Bungalow was built in 1907, more than hundred years old. It still has the original wood work, wood shed, and the fire place. The really thick walls are still standing strong and provide cool environment in the searing summers.

The Car Park

Farmyard

The Family

A Deadly Ludo Match

The Buggy Ride

One of the highlights of stay was a ride on beautiful buggy. The driver holds a local record of assembling and driving a 28 horse-drawn carriage which is up for the Guinness Book of World Records. The current international record is 23 horse-drawn carriage.

During the ride we wandered into donkey territory where the donkeys were not very happy to be called donkeys.

The Remounts!

Mona is the biggest remount depot of Pakistan where horses are bred and trained for war and transport purposes by Pakistan Army. These horses are particularly useful in mountainous regions and the battlefields in the Northern Areas. Their beautiful coats shone brightly in the sun.

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Riding Our Horses On The Paris Ocean

2010-12-03T22:17:00.001+11:00

How did we make it possible?

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Tuscany and Cinque Terre

2010-10-27T19:56:00.002+11:00

The Five Lands

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The Fairytale village of Manarola in Cinque Terre

Even if you have not visited any place in the world all your life, you still cannot justify not having been to Cinque Terre, at least once in life time. Such is its charm and romance, a frozen moment in history. You would never have seen such place, except in paintings.

Vernazza

Located on the western coast of Italian Riviera, "The Five Lands" consists of 5 towns, or villages rather, which are connected by walking trails along the mountains and accessible only by boats or a train track from outside world.

Riomaggiore, Corniglia, Manarola, Vernazza, Monterosso are the five villages that form the Cinque Terre, suspended between sea and land on sheer cliffs upon the beautiful sea, with narrow and crooked streets lined with colorful old houses stacked haphazardly on top of each other, and where farmers have eked out a living over the centuries. All the towns slope down to sea-level except for Corniglia, which is perched on top of a tall cliff.

Manarola Park

Tuscany

This region in central Italy is known for its beautiful landscapes, its rich artistic legacy and vast influence on high culture. Some popular cities include Florence, Pisa, and Siena... Yes, the same Siena where James Bond shot Quantum of Solace.

Piazza del Campo

Piazza del Campo is a unique place in the whole of the world, starting with the very particular conformation of the ground, which turns the square into a big concave shell. Here the Sienese organised their spectacular and terrible 'games', later replaced by the Palio.

Ancient Streets of Siena

Pisa is known worldwide for it's leaning tower, the bell tower of the city's cathedral. It is an ancient historic city, so old that the ancient Roman authors referred to Pisa as an old city!

Leaning Tower of Pisa

Capitoline Wolf with Romulus and Remus

Stylish Italian Auto Rickshaw

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Billie and Chillie Welcome The New Family Member

2010-09-25T23:43:00.001+10:00

How the curiosity turns into panic into friendship…

Once upon a time…

When the moon was bright and sun was rising and flowers were blossoming and trees were blooming and the innocent animals were galloping in the virgin meadows and birds were chirping in the remembrance of the one and only Creator…

Hamza was born... The precious bundle of joy…

Soooooo tiny…

One can’t help but stare in adoration…

Soon it was time to return home and to introduce Hamza to the rest of the family.

On the other hand, Hamza immediately began assessing the situation: Who were these furballs?? Why are these part of family? Why do they miaow all the time and dont cry? How can they live without crying?

It was all very confusing for little Hamza. He decided to get some help from Grandma...

(Hamza getting some help from Grandma)

Meanwhile Billie and Chillie were very wary of this new stranger – what was this thing that did nothing but eat, sleep and lots of crying?! They could not help but investigate… Why does this little thing cry and not miaow? (How strange!)

Although he seems to be about the same size…

But… where is all the hair??

(Chillie wondering where is all his hair)

Billie wasn’t too impressed with Hamza… She is always more interested in getting her photos taken. She doesnt care if she has any screen beauty or not. She belongs to a remote village in Australia.

Billie pretending that she has better things to do – such as reading the daily news online from the laptop…

Chillie was far more curious…

But she wasn’t tall enough… Nevermind, she has her ways. She’s not going to let some silly chair get in her way:

Chillie having a better look

and a closer look

After a few hours they were all too tired…

Truce called and peace restored

As part of Hamza’s goodwill, he decided to share his new toys

But not his bed…

Hamza not willing to share a bed

Tillie, the turtle, also arrived all the way from the UK as Hamza’s new playmate…

Tillie trying to play with Hamza

And he plays with Hamza until he’s exhausted…

Tille and Hamza

Tillie and Chillie

Chillie

To be continued…

Billie and Chillie 3 months on

2010-03-17T23:39:00.001+11:00

Some people tried to steal the name of our cats (thanx Sally for spotting them!)

After many weeks, having endured many fights, hissing and screaming, Billie and Chillie are finally friends:

They like to do things together…

(Billie and Chillie fighting for a lap to sleep)

Chillie has been going through a growth spurt. Despite this, she has maintained her beautiful looks.

She still has big eyes…

And still manages to look cute whilst playing…

Her favourite toy is still THE STRING

However she is expanding to other toys…

When not playing, she maintains a princess-like nature…so much so, she is sometimes called Princess Chillie…

She crosses her feet when resting … very lady-like!

Billie on the other hand prefers to curl up like a Commoner

Chillie has recently been for a checkup at the Vet. She went in a special carry bag. Billie was happy to be on the other side of the bag. However, she made sure that Chillie was still there when we came home.

Chillie was just glad to get back to Home-Sweet-Home

She couldn’t get out fast enough!

Recently, the two silly cats have been taking lessons in flying…

Billie was far more graceful in this regard…

When it’s time to rest, Chillie is at her cutest:

Billie & Chillie – our adorable cats:

Following the Muslim Trails in Europe

2010-03-14T09:58:00.003+11:00

Budapest, Hungary

While travelling along the Danube, Budapest was a short but exciting stopover. We arrived early morning, on the overnight train from Prague. Since childhood I was hearing and reading the stories of Ottoman marches in the valleys of Danube… this was the time to see the area.

After capturing Belgrade in 1521, Suleiman the Magnificent conquered the southern and central parts of the Kingdom of Hungary.

In 1526 Suleiman pushed further up the Danube. Louis II brought an army south to meet him. The clash occurred at Mohacs. The Hungarians were annihilated and the king killed, probably by drowning when in flight. Suleiman briefly advanced as far as Budapest and then withdrew, taking with him 100,000 Hungarians.

The Turks entered Hungary after the Battle of Mohács in 1526, establishing Ottoman rule in the territory of present-day Hungary and other Central European territories.

After further advances by the Ottomans in 1543, the Habsburg ruler Ferdinand officially recognised Ottoman ascendancy in Hungary in 1547.

Examples of Ottoman architecture of the classical period can also be seen in Hungary where mosques, bridges, fountains and schools were built.

(Gul Baba’s Tomb in Buda)

In 16th century, during the time of the Ottoman Rule of Hungary, numerous Muslim personalities were born in Hungary. Among them,the most important were the Ottoman Grand Vizier came from Hungary, Kanijeli Siyavus Pasha who held the function three times between 1582 and 1593, and the famous Mevlevian dervish Pecsevi Árifi Ahmed Dede.

(in front of the tomb of Arnavut Abdurrahman Abdi Paşa)

The Vezir's tomb in Buda, states:
"On the afternoon of 2nd of September 1686, in his 70th year of life, The Buda Turkish Governor Abdurrahman Abdi Pasha in the war after 145 years of Turkish domination, fell and was burried here. The Vezir was a hero, rest in peace!"

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Mikyle's 1st Birthday

2010-02-27T01:28:00.001+11:00

Characters:

1. Mikyle:

2. Fatema:

3. The Villains:

4. Others:

Set/Location: A room with lots of expensive photos on the wall

Event: Birthday

Once upon a time…

Mikyle decided to celebrate his birthday.

He didn't care if the date was due or not… So he came up with a plan.

Fatema agreed with the plan. “Sounds good”, she said.

What about the zalim samaj?

lock the idiots in.

“OK, first we need some cash to buy the cake”

“Errr… I think its easier to order online”

To be continued…

What happens next?

Were Fatema and Mikyle successful in their plans?

How did the people in the room figure out an escape?

Who gets all the toys?

To find all these answers,

come back soon…

(The team)

Europe vs Italy

2010-02-21T14:40:00.001+11:00

A Nice movie by Bruno Bozzetto

Disclaimer by World Wanders

All characters appearing in this work are NOT fictitious.
Any resemblance to real persons, living or dead, is
purely intentional so watch at your own risk.

Praha

2010-02-15T11:10:00.003+11:00

The city of 100 spires, a city on the river Vltava and nine hills!

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Prague turned out to be a big contrast to Turkey.

Arriving from ever busy Istanbul to Prague late at night to find ourselves surrounded by dark Bohemian and Gothic buildings while dragging big rucksacks on our back in freezing cold and wet drizzle was sort of scary.

There were not many people around at that time of night. Bus dropped us off somewhere close to the old town square. Now all we had was one “many times folded” map of central Prague and the address of hostel we had booked online long time ago. We were just hoping it existed in real world.

It did. “Hotel Hastal”. And it wasn’t too bad. They offered free breakfast but most of the items were finished even before we got to our table next morning, so what time you want to wake up for the breakfast will depend on the number of guests staying in the hostel!

Prague, nicknamed the Golden City, is the capital of the Czech republic and ancient Bohemia. Czechoslovakia, or Czech Republic since 1993, used to be a cheap eastern European destination but not anymore. Since becoming a part of EU recently it has become almost as expensive for food, accommodation and particularly the famous Czech crystal and glassworks.

Prague is known for it's cheap beer. Czech food uses lots of pork, and both these items are not really on our priority list! It was not easy to find some edible food until we came across the 'four chillies' cafe in the back alleys of the old town. We loved it.

Prague is petty, but 2-3 days usually would be enough unless you are here for party time.

Old town square is the starting point to explore the hundreds of old gothic, bohemian and baroque buildings and a complicated network of narrow streets. The astronomical clock in the old town square is one of the icons of Prague. One day a prisoner, looking at this famous astronomical clock, noticed that a sparrow was caught in the mouth of Death. The unlucky man believed that sight to be a bad omen and thought that he would spend the rest of his life in prison. But, as the next hour stroke, the clock started moving again, the jaw of Death opened and, to the prisoner's great relief, the sparrow set itself free and flew away. A few days later the convict was released from prison and was free again.

River Vltava and Charles bridge are the other main attractions which constitute most of the photos of Prague and postcards you will see in the city. However you will be extremely lucky if you can find a time when he bridge is not heavily crowded with tourists taking each others' photos in all types of simple, funny, style attempting and semi erotic poses. Next to old town is the Jews quarter, but not surprisingly you will be charge for pretty much every building you want to visit, so how much of the Jewish quarter you want to see depends on your pocket.

Jews have always been an important part of Prague.

In the 11th and 12th century, the Jews of Prague suffered from persecution first at the hands of the Crusaders, and second during the siege of the Prague Castle. Many survivors of the crusades were forced to convert to Christianity. In 1179, the church announced that Christians should avoid touching Jews.

In 13th century the Council mandated that Jews must wear distinctive clothes, were prohibited from holding public office and were limited in the amount they could charge for interest on loans.

In 14th century the Prague clergy encouraged mobs to pillage, ransack and burn the Jewish quarter. Nearly the entire Jewish population of Prague perished. Many of the remaining women and children were baptized.

The 17th century is considered the Golden Age of Jewish Prague. In 1745 Maria Theresa of Austria ordered expulsion of Jews from Prague based on their alleged collaboration with the Prussian army!

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The Story of Mola Jatt

2010-02-08T23:37:00.001+11:00

Once upon a time...

The MOLA JATT… !

Behind the Scenes

(Making of Mola Jatta)

Zenab herself

Zenab and Hashim (Brother and sister)

Another Brother and sister

Err… maybe not as cute ;)

Husband and wife

Mahwash

NOT looking angry

Qasim

Mola Jatt Part 2

urf…

The Glasses Competition

The Franz Josef Expedition

2010-01-29T23:02:00.001+11:00

Franz Josef (Ka Roimata o Hinehukatere in Māori) is a 12 km long glacier located in Westland National Park on the West Coast of New Zealand's South Island.

It is unique in the fact that it descends from the Southern Alps to less than 300 metres above sea level amidst the greenery and lushness of a temperate rainforest.

The area surrounding the two glaciers is designated a World Heritage Site.

The guide trying to find a suitable path in the ever changing crevasses

While rest of the team waits…

On the move

Another extremely narrow crevasse we had to cross

Ice Tunnel

For more photos click here

Konya and Cappadoccia

2010-01-11T22:58:00.001+11:00

Heart of Anatolia – and the capital of Salajeek

Konya is a city in the Central Anatolia Region of Turkey. It takes an overnight train from Istanbul to reach Konya.

Trains are good and comfortable… and almost on time. You can buy the tickets from the main station in european Istanbul even if you dont know any turkish. The trains departs from the asian side of istanbul though, called Hyderpasha Station.

Konya was the capital of Seljuks between 1071 and 1308.

Alaeddin Mosque

Saljuk Architecture is distinct from Ottomon Style of buildings.

The building served as the “Mosque of the Throne” for the Seljuq Sultans of Rum and contains the dynastic mausoleum. It was constructed in stages between the mid-12th and mid-13th centuries. Both the citadel and the mosque bear the name of sultan 'Ala al-Din Kayqubad I.

It also contains the graves of many Saljuk Salateen (emperors).

Food in Konya – More kebabs.

some home made bread

and lots of peach flavour Ice Tea - Special treat for Maaz

Cappadoccia

A city with fairy chimneys

A popular tourist destination in Central Turkey – around 3 hours bus ride away from Konya.

A popular place for hot air balloons

For More Photos click here

Istanbul - The Turkish Delight

2009-12-30T16:21:00.001+11:00

From Constantinople to Istanbul – Click here for more Photos

Istanbul at Sunset

Maiden's Tower, featured in one of the James Bond movies in 1999 "The world is not enough", sits on a small islet located in the Bosphorus strait off the coast of Üsküdar in Istanbul, Turkey.

Grand Bazaar

A tea house in the grand bazaar – Photo of Sultan Muhammad Fatih in background.

Muhammad II or Mehmet II (Muhammad the Conqueror) is considered the true founder of the Ottoman Empire. He completed the conquest of the Byzantine Empire by successfully storming (1453) Constantinople after a 50-day siege, for which he constructed the largest cannons the world had yet known and by transporting his navy overland, an unbeatable and unmatched achievement of naval history. Byzantine Emperor Constantine XI fell in its defense. Muhammad moved his capital from Adrianople to Constantinople and restored the greatness of that city by settling there the populations of other conquered towns. To Greek and Armenian citizens of Constantinople he granted the privileges that they were to enjoy throughout Ottoman rule, including the freedom to practice Orthodox Eastern Christianity. The Church of Hagia Sophia became a mosque.

Muhammad then conquered the Balkan Peninsula, taking Greece, Bosnia, and several Venetian possessions in the Aegean islands. The khan of Crimea became his ally and vassal. However, his further advance was checked at Belgrade by John Hunyadi, in Albania by Scanderbeg until 1478, and in Rhodes by the Knights Hospitalers under Aubusson. In Asia, Muhammad annexed the empire of Trebizond, ended most independent Turkish dynasties, and subdued the emirate of Karamania, putting to death its ruling family, who were Seljuk Turks. In 1480 he captured Otranto, in Italy, but the expedition had no results.

Topkapi Palace

Topkapi Palace was the official and primary residence in the city of the Ottoman Sultans for 400 years of their 600-year reign, from 1465 to 1856. Initial construction began in 1459, ordered by Sultan Mehmed II, the conqueror of Byzantine Constantinople.

Tpokapi Palace, with Golden Horn in background

Enjoying turkish tea

and kababs…

more kababs…

The Underground Basilica Cistern

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Chillie - Part 1 - Intro

2009-12-12T19:51:00.001+11:00

Introducing Chillie – Billie’s new little sister…

Chillie is a Chincilla – a type of persian cat.

Chillie has pretty green eyes.

Chillie is famous. She has worked in many ads and movies, including James Bond!

Chillie is related to Shaikh Chillie.

She has a fiesty personality despite her pretty looks…

Being a typical kitten, favourite pastimes include climbing…

and playing…

and more playing…

Chillie in her first photo shoot…

But she much rather do other things…

Especially exploring under the watchful gaze of Billie…

Billie still doesnt know what to think of Chillie yet… maybe she is jealous of her looks?

Brave Chillie often ventures into Billie’s food tray

At the end of the play session, time for a nap…

Watch out for more adorable photos…

A BBQ at Moz Place

2009-11-29T14:25:00.001+11:00

In the memories of "Shah and the fire brigade lady"

Construction of the BBQ… under progress

Still under progress…..

OK… maybe we SHOULD look at the manual…

Shah to the rescue … as usual…

And the ladies looking very busy … as usual…

Shah’s orthopaedic carpentry skills sometimes do work…

Uncle Umer

Jaffar – cute

Shah trying to concentrate

Me at Moz’s new place

Piccadilly Circus, London

Modernised London buses

Part 2 – Umar and his new Phone

So after a long discussion, Umar decides to buy a new phone – it was a difficult decision

Umar excited

After walking through all 15 mobile phone shops and lots of bargaining we have success… a nokia for 15 pounds!

Its an achievement!

And an Honour!

The lethal alliance

Back with Abdar Shah Jee… with all his galore

and with all his ranked beauty…

Thank you!

Billie - Part 2 - Preschool years

2009-09-10T22:56:00.000+10:00

A typical day for Billie:

Play...

Play.....

Play...

Investigate the outside gossip...

With the aid of a table...

More play - Hide and Seek is her favourite...

Hiding:

Seeking...

And after so much work, time for food: ICECREAM!

Billie is not known for her cleanliness!

At the end of the day, she's exhausted...

Me and Billie - A family portrait

Adelaide to Alice Springs

2009-07-29T12:07:00.000+10:00

An Amazing Drive through Australia's Red Centre

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The Outback is the remote arid areas of Australia, a term used for the red heartland, which surprises with grandeur and timeless beauty, huge areas of glistening salt lakes, stony deserts, rugged mountain ranges, and the vast treeless plains...

The Stuart Highway runs from north to south through the centre of the continent, roughly paralleled by the Adelaide-Darwin railway. There was no absolute speed limit in the Northern Territory before 1 January 2007 but maximum speed limits are now posted on some road sections. The distance from Adelaid to Alice Springs is around 1600 km, and can be done in 3-10 days depending how much time do you have.

A gigantic ?desert oak

The red mud road connecting Northern Territory and South Australia, with Mt Conner in background. Requires 4WD

All flat

Very flat and straight

Beihnd the uluru...

Uluru is one of Australia's most recognisable natural icons. The world-renowned sandstone formation is the largest single piece of rock in the world.

Uluru is notable for appearing to change colour as the different light strikes it at different times of the day and year, with sunset a particularly remarkable sight when it briefly glows red.

Uluru has a great cultural significance for the local aboriginal "Anangu" people. One of the legend tells of two tribes of ancestral spirits who were invited to a feast, but were distracted by the beautiful Sleepy Lizard Women and did not show up. In response, the angry hosts sang evil into a mud sculpture that came to life as the dingo. There followed a great battle, which ended in the deaths of the leaders of both tribes. The earth itself rose up in grief at the bloodshed, becoming Uluru.

It is sometimes reported that those who take rocks from the formation will be cursed and suffer misfortune. There have been many instances where people who removed such rocks attempted to mail them back to various agencies in an attempt to remove the perceived curse!

Climbing Uluru

Kata Tjuta (The Olgas)

There are 36 domes in total. The name Kata Tjuta means 'many heads'. The site is as sacred to the Indigenous people as Uluru.

There are many Pitjantjatjara Dreamtime legends associated with this place and indeed everything in the vicinity including, of course, Uluru. A number of legends surround the great snake Wanambi who is said to live on the summit of Mount Olga and only comes down during the dry season. The majority of mythology surrounding the site is not disclosed to outsiders.

Suntset at Glen Helen, one of the prettiest towns of Australia

Kata Tjuta

No Parking

And no swimming too...

Australians dont let people do much!

The border between Northern Territory and South Australia

Photograohing Kata Tjuta and Uluru at sunrise in freezing cold

Another huge tree, probably millions of years old

West McDonell range from Glen Helen

In the west McDonell ranges, at the banks of Finke river, Glen Helen Gorge is a great place to spend few days in peace. Finke river is one of the oldest rivers of the world.

Golden fields at Sunrise

West MacDonnell Ranges from Glen Helen

The moving twilight clouds with slow shutter speed

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Billie - Part 1

2009-07-07T18:49:00.001+10:00

Wineglass Bay

2009-06-14T01:17:00.000+10:00

One of the top ten beaches in the world

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Honeymoon Beach

Resident Wallaby

Just resting for the moment

I'm lifting this .....

Colesbay

Possum

Wineglass Bay

Encountering the Tasmanian Vintage Car Gang at Coles Bay

Driving through Tasmania countryside....

Hey! I'm here!....

Freycinet Peninsula

Ready to climb Mt Amos (background)

Not so calm at Sleepy Bay

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Lahore Lahore is...

2009-05-11T20:07:00.000+10:00

Allama Iqbal mazar

The Shahi Mosque (Badshahi Masjid)

Minar e Pakistan

Babajee

Streets...

Zainab and Hashim

Phudkoo

Colourful Oia

2009-03-17T11:52:00.000+11:00

Santorini, The Greek Island

Selected for one of the "Holiday Photographer of the Year 2008" photos, out of 37,802 photos from all over the world :

http://www.photoanswers.co.uk/Community-Landing/Media/Media-Gallery-Detail/?mediaItemId=29938

Other photos: http://www.photoanswers.co.uk/Travellers-Competition

Hey Toro...!

2008-12-14T16:56:00.000+11:00

The Famous Goat Fighter of Islamabad

Happy Eid

Land of the Kiwi

2008-12-07T18:16:00.000+11:00

For more photos click here...

Flying further down under....

Sheep Walk

"Bhair chaal"

Colourful Lupins

A night in Rakaia - A small country town

Oh Deer!

Caught red-handed....

The glaciated Tasman lake near Mount Cook

Tasman glacier

Tasman glacier becoming the Tasman river

Formula 1...

For more photos click here...

Life of a married man...

2008-11-09T16:37:00.000+11:00

Trip to Pakistan

2008-11-09T16:21:00.002+11:00

With special thanks to Sally...

A happy waiter at Hot Spot

F-9 Park

Margalla Hills

Murree

Abbasi Saab and his shop

Nathia Gali

Failsal Mosque