Explore Iran – broaden your horizons
Interview by Leontien Aarnoudse
Nucleair power, limited freedom of speech, human rights abuses – is this all we know about Iran? Isn’t there a world behind these controversial news headlines? What do we really know about Iran and its people, its culture and the daily life? A couple from the Netherlands wanted to find out themselves and explored Iran: “There’s so much we didn’t know about this country, because all we see and hear is politics in Iran. During our visit, we learned about the history, culture and people and how the Iranians view the world. It changed our view of things.” Five Q&As about their trip. (more…)
The other side of the city: Five non-touristy things to do in Amsterdam
by Leontien Aarnoudse
One of my biggest fears as a traveler is to act or look like a tourist. Scared to be more entertained by the camera than by the place itself, I always try to pretend I am “one of them”. I eat their food, I walk and talk the way they do (at least I try!) and I drink coffee in cafes with only locals. All this makes me feel less like a tourist. Still, it’s hard to completely get rid of my tourist identity. I still like taking photos, I don’t want to miss out on a famous attraction (which is usually full of tourists) and – thanks to my coffee addiction – I still end up in lousy, touristy coffee bars. Tips from locals, however, often help me get back on the non-tourist track. As Amsterdam is my hometown, here are my own tips on how to enjoy its non-touristy attractions: (more…)
Kythera: Greek beauty
I am pretty sure the Greek God of beauty – Aphrodite – didn’t choose her hometown by coincidence. The Island Kythera is paradise: peaceful and beautiful… I´ve visited the island in autumn and even though I had to deal with the several clouds and showers, which is quite rare, it was a beautiful place to stay. With her pink colors of Oleander and Bougainville, her souvenirs from the ancient past and the lack of public transport and infrastructure, Kythera is a charming and quiet place where you can distance yourself from hard work in daily life. (more…)
Tierra del Fuego; light my fire?
by Leontien Aarnoudse
Did Tierra del Fuego light my fire? Yes it did! Breathtaking nature and beautiful landscapes. It’s a long trip, but it’s really worth it. Especially if you come and visit Tierra del Fuego in summertime, when it’s less cold and rainy than in winter, and it’s more attractive for hiking.
I still remember the first glimpse of Tierra del Fuego. It was the 2nd of January 2009, 9:30 pm local time. From the plane I looked down over the land, unspoilt and filled with loneliness: green land, blue lakes and hardly any human beings. Was I really travelling to the end of the world? (more…)
