Grand Escapades
Travel Photography & Travel Experiences of Africa, South America, the Middle-East & Asia
The Monastery, Petra
Type Of Travel
Jordan was the first “real” trip / road-trip we undertook with our 3 kids (aged 4, 4 & 6 at the time of travel in April 2024). So clearly, we did not try in any way to cut costs. Continue Reading →
View of the Wadi Rum at “Lawrence’s House”
Over the last 20 years, somehow, Jordan had never made it to the top of my travel destinations… What a mistake! The country should receive all the attention it deserves: Continue Reading →
Treasury or Al-Khazneh at sunrise, Petra, Jordan
Jordan was the first “real” trip / road-trip we undertook with our 3 kids (aged 4, 4 & 6 at the time of travel in April 2024). So clearly, photography was no priority, for obvious reason. Nonetheless, there are so many photo opportunities in Jordan that I could shoot quite a few nice pictures.
With more time, especially early morning and late afternoon, opportunities can be countless. What helped us a lot, though, was the fact that with the war in Gaza, tourists simply avoid the region. Imagine being alone in front of “The Monastery” in Petra… Unique! Continue Reading →
Jal Mahal, the “Water Palace”, Jaipur
Rajasthan has immensely changed since my first trip back in April 2012! The first thing that immediately stroke me was the mere fact that now tourism is mainly local. The most surprising fact was maybe how well organized & clean the major spots of Rajasthan now are. Only once we were back to Delhi had we the impression we had escaped this “sanitized experience”. Then, what were hidden gems 10 years back are now surrounded with 5 stars resorts full of SUVs, catering for the new middle / upper class of India discovering their own country. All in all? Rajasthan is far easier to travel than it once was, and quicker! Better infrastructure and improved organization make your life so much easier. Of course, it will appear less confusing and more “On the main touristic tracks” than it was 10 years ago. Continue Reading →
Taj Mahal, Agra
Rajasthan has immensely changed since my first trip back in April 2012!
Elephant and Rickshaws at Sardar Market, Jodhpur
Type Of Travel
The 4 trips to Rajasthan were really different from one another, and this actually also shows in the budget spent:
Gangaur procession in the streets of Jodhpur
Highlights are where and when you do not expect them, aren’t they? I honestly had never heard of Gangaur, so when we stumbled upon a group of Indian ladies, young and old, in traditional dresses, in the streets of Jodhpur, we had no idea what it was all about… Well, the explanations given over the hours that followed created more confusion than anything else… We somehow understood that they took care of idols praying for a “good husband” (whatever that means…). Continue Reading →
Street-Art in the streets of the old city of Jodhpur
I wasn’t exactly expecting Street-Art when starting my third visit of Jodhpur, the laid-back, relaxed “Blue City” on the edge of the Thar Desert! I just recalled a maze of intertwined, narrow streets, where you would actually get lost however careful you were trying to keep somewhat of an orientation… Continue Reading →
Holi Festival of Colors in Shri Krishna Temple in Mathura
You thought you really experienced the “Holi Festival of Colors”, that heralds the arrival of spring, when Indians throw color onto each other and wish each other “Happy Holi”? Have you experienced the Holi in Mathura and Vrindavan and discovered the religious / spiritual part of this Hindu Festival? Continue Reading →
Common dolphins (Delphinus delphis), Fjords or Khor of Musandam
Oman is special. Where else on the Arabic Peninsula has some of the “Sinbad the Sailor” feeling survived? Besides this 1001 Nights flair, we were stunned by lush oases, ancient fortresses, sandy beaches, dramatic mountain scenery, rolling desert dunes, picturesque wadis, deep Fjords and overly friendly people. All in one country! – Here you find a selection of 62 pictures from Oman.