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Greece: Corfu & Meteora

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From Shimmering Sea Caves to Sky-High Monasteries: My Two Favorite Places in Greece When I booked my recent trip to Greece, I thought I had everything planned perfectly—until I realized I had a major scheduling conflict: Meteora or Rhodes? Both are UNESCO World Heritage sites, both stunning in their own right, but my heart had been quietly leaning toward Meteora for a while. My research confirmed what I suspected: while both destinations are equally rich in history and beauty, Meteora has that wow factor—especially for someone like me who’s passionate about photography. But before reaching the stone spires of Meteora, I returned to a Greek island that has long held a special place in my heart: Corfu Corfu: From Sea to Sky in Paleokastritsa This wasn’t my first visit to Corfu. On my previous trip, I had explored Corfu Town, the Old Fortress, Mon Repos Estate, and taken a brief dip at Paleokastritsa Beach. But this time, I wanted to really get to know Paleokastritsa.  And it didn...

Island-Hopping the South Pacific

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Island-Hopping the South Pacific: New Caledonia, Mystery Island, and Dravuni Island The South Pacific has always held a certain magic for me — a mix of wild beauty, rich cultures, and that irresistible laid-back island vibe. On a recent trip, I had the chance to experience three incredible destinations: New Caledonia, Mystery Island in Vanuatu, and Dravuni Island in Fiji. Each place offered something unforgettable, from cultural discoveries to lazy days in crystal-clear waters. Mystery Island, Vanuatu Nouméa, New Caledonia: A Touch of France in the Pacific My journey began in Nouméa, the capital of New Caledonia, where French influence blends seamlessly with Melanesian heritage. Of course, the waters were every shade of blue I had dreamed about — perfect for snorkeling and swimming. But beyond the beaches, Nouméa surprised me with its culture and history. I visited Coconut Palm Square , home to the Celeste Fountain , built in 1892 — a lovely, shaded place that felt like a little E...

Qatar

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  Discovering Qatar: A Blend of Old and New When I stepped out of the airport in Doha, I thought I knew what to expect — a city similar to Abu Dhabi or Dubai. In some ways, that was true. The skyline, partially shrouded in fog, felt familiar. But as I traveled from the airport to my hotel, I realized Qatar had its own distinct character. The landscape was sparse, just as I had imagined — few trees, mostly artificial palm trees lining the boulevard. Yet, as we passed a palace, I was struck by the sight of guardsmen on horseback riding around the palace. (I found out later that the palace was not the royal residence but a meeting place) That moment felt like stepping into another place and time — a reminder that I was truly in a foreign land. My hotel was in the old town, conveniently close to several museums. From my room, I could see the National Museum of Qatar, a stunning building with its desert rose-inspired design. Visiting the museum, along with the Museum of Islamic Art...