We are all well too familiar with the Inca civilisation: think Machu Picchu, think huge terraces on the cliffs of mountains and think the handover of Incan territory to the Spanish conquerors. Essentially, Peru has marketed itself as the pride of the Incas. Peruvians are seen as the descendants of the once-powerful civilisation that ruled […]
Tag: ancient cities
Things to do around Machu Picchu
Machu Picchu is a world wonder, but it is not the only thing that Peruvians are proud of. Many tourists fly in and out just to see Machu Picchu, but miss out of the many other sights that make Peru special. In fact, there are so many things to do in and around Machu Picchu […]
The alternative route to Machu Picchu
Let’s face it. Machu Picchu is the most visited site in Peru and possibly in all of South America. Yes, Machu Picchu is worthy of all the marketing spent on it, but getting there is either a huge hassle or a deep hole in your pockets. For those who do not know, there is no […]
Machu Picchu: Managing Expectations
If you have never seen hundreds of tourists in front of you trying to take a picture, you probably would be in for a rude shock in Machu Picchu. Fortunately, or unfortunately, Machu Picchu is the most visited tourist attraction in Peru, and probably even in the whole of South America. The pristine beauty and […]
The two faces of Diyarbakir: life after civil war
While we were busy working, cooking meals and trying to live through the day, there are people fighting for their lives, running away from gunfire and living in fear. You have heard of the civil war in Syria and the bloodshed in Yemen, but have you heard of the civil war in Diyarbakir? There is […]
This is the mystical city of Mardin: 7 things to do
The southeast part of Turkey is a gem, and one of the shiny ones has got to be the ancient city of Mardin. Some of you might think that it is dangerous and unsafe due to its proximity to Syria, but it is actually an extremely safe city. Mardin is home to a million nice […]
Catching the last glimpse of Hasankeyf
Hasankeyf is a small town located about half an hour away from the city of Batman. Built on the banks of the Tigris river, this small community boasts an impressive history. Hasankeyf has been continually inhabited for almost a thousand years, and evidence of this can be found all over town. From a 14th century […]
Visiting the ruins of Ani
The ruins of Ani have always been on my bucket list and I wanted to see them for myself. While I was studying in Istanbul a few years ago, I booked a flight to Kars, the closest city to Ani. However, in a cruel twist of fate, I missed my flight and the opportunity to […]
This is Sheki: Food, art, history and life
Azerbaijan is full of hidden gems, and Sheki is one of them. You seldom find a small town with enough activities to pique your interest for more than a few days. Sheki was small, yet it had so much to offer that I stayed there for almost a week. The Sheki we know of today […]
9 things to do in the cultural capital of Kashgar
Kashgar is a city full of charms and like no other. Despite being in China, Kashgar does not feel like a typical Chinese city. Yet its Uyghur identity and culture does not quite make it Middle Eastern or Central Asian either. I would say that Kashgar, home of the Uyghurs, is a unique blend of […]
