Category: Just to be Curious…

Far in the heart of the Sahara Desert, the Hoggar Massif rises like a forgotten kingdom of stone. Also called the Ahaggar Mountains, this immense volcanic plateau dominates southern Algeria and surrounds the desert town of Tamanrasset, a historic Tuareg settlement.

The Hoggar is not a single mountain but a vast region of ancient rock, cliffs, and valleys shaped by fire and wind. It stands as a symbol of the deep Sahara — harsh, majestic, and unexpectedly alive.

The massif’s dramatic peaks are the remains of volcanic eruptions that occurred millions of years ago. As the magma cooled and the surface eroded, it left behind strange basalt towers and domes that rise sharply from the plateau.

The highest summit, Mount Tahat (2,908 m), is the roof of Algeria. Around it extends the Atakor Plateau, an otherworldly landscape of spires and pillars that glow red and orange at dawn. From the air, the Hoggar looks like a vast stone ocean frozen in time, a memory of the Earth’s past.

This region is one of the geologically oldest in Africa. Beneath its black volcanic crust lie Precambrian rocks, among the most ancient formations on the planet, revealing a story written across billions of years.

People of the Desert

Despite its isolation, the Hoggar has long been home to the Tuareg, a nomadic people who have crossed these deserts for centuries. Their culture, shaped by the rhythm of sand and stars, gives the region its soul.

In the early 1900s, the French hermit Charles de Foucauld settled here, building a small chapel on the Assekrem Plateau. Today, his retreat remains a site of pilgrimage, offering one of the most breathtaking views in the Sahara, an amphitheatre of volcanic peaks burning with the light of the setting sun.

How and When to Visit

The Hoggar Massif can be reached from Tamanrasset, served by flights from Algiers. From there, desert excursions lead into the mountains by 4×4 or guided trekking routes. Most journeys include Assekrem, Mount Tahat, and the ancient rock art sites scattered across nearby valleys.

The best time to visit is between October and March, when daytime temperatures are comfortable and the nights cool and clear. Visitors should always travel with licensed local guides, as the terrain is remote and conditions can change quickly.

For travellers seeking something beyond the ordinary, the Hoggar offers silence, immensity, and the raw beauty of a world untouched by time.

São Tomé and Príncipe is a small island nation in the Gulf of Guinea, off the west coast of Africa. Known for its green forests, cocoa plantations, and quiet beaches, it remains one of the most peaceful and unspoiled places on the continent. The islands sit on the equator and are part of a long volcanic chain stretching across the ocean.

Among its many natural treasures, one landmark stands above all others, the incredible Pico Cão Grande, the Great Dog Peak.

A Tower in the Jungle

Pico Cão Grande rises 663 metres above sea level, shooting almost vertically out of the rainforest in the south of São Tomé Island. Its name, which means “Great Dog Peak” in Portuguese, comes from its sharp, curved shape that resembles a giant canine tooth. The peak’s sudden rise from the surrounding lowlands creates a breathtaking contrast, dense green jungle below, and a grey volcanic spire lost in the mist above.

The mountain sits within Obô National Park, a protected area rich in biodiversity, home to endemic birds, orchids, and tropical wildlife. The area around the peak is often wrapped in clouds, adding to its mysterious appearance.

Geological Origins

Pico Cão Grande is not a typical mountain but a volcanic plug, formed millions of years ago when magma hardened inside a volcano’s vent. Over time, the outer layers of the volcano eroded away, leaving behind this solid column of basalt. Its near-vertical cliffs make it one of the most remarkable examples of volcanic geology in the world.

The entire island of São Tomé was created by volcanic activity along the Cameroon Line, a chain of volcanoes stretching from the African mainland into the Atlantic Ocean. Pico Cão Grande is one of the youngest and most dramatic expressions of that geological system.

Visiting Pico Cão Grande

The peak lies near the village of Bom Sucesso and the southern town of São João dos Angolares. The road from the capital, São Tomé City, to the area takes around two hours by car, passing through lush countryside and small villages.

Most visitors explore the base of the mountain as part of a day trip or guided hike within Obô National Park. The hike to the viewpoint is relatively short but can be slippery and muddy, especially during the rainy season. Climbing the spire itself is extremely difficult and suitable only for expert climbers with technical gear.

The best time to visit is during the dry season, from June to September, when the trails are easier and visibility is clearer. Early morning is ideal for photography, as clouds often cover the peak by midday.

For a peaceful stay near the area, several guesthouses and eco-lodges operate around São João dos Angolares and Porto Alegre, offering access to beaches, forests, and the surrounding cocoa plantations.

A Symbol of São Tomé

Seen from afar, Pico Cão Grande looks almost unreal, a solitary stone tower rising above the forest, surrounded by mist and the sound of tropical birds. It has become the symbol of São Tomé and Príncipe, representing both the islands’ volcanic origins and their wild, untouched beauty.

For travellers who love nature, geology, or simply the feeling of discovering something extraordinary, standing at the foot of Pico Cão Grande is an unforgettable experience.

When we travel through East Asia – from ancient temples in China to serene courtyards in Hanoi – we often step into the lingering presence of a man who lived more than 2,500 years ago: Confucius. His teachings helped shape the cultural and moral foundations of an entire region, and even today, travelers unknowingly walk paths laid down by his philosophy.

Confucius, born in 551 BCE in the state of Lu (present-day Qufu, China), was a scholar, philosopher, and teacher. Known in Chinese as Kong Fuzi (Master Kong), he came from a modest background and devoted his life to education, ethics, and the improvement of society. He served briefly as a political advisor but found his true calling in teaching and traveling, sharing his ideas with a group of loyal disciples.

It’s important to clarify: Confucius was not a god, nor did he claim divine status. He was fully human — a thinker whose ideas, rooted in respect, loyalty, and virtue, deeply resonated with generations to come.

Confucianism is best understood as a philosophical and ethical system, not a religion in the traditional sense. It has no god, no clergy, and no rituals of worship. However, it includes spiritual elements such as ancestor veneration, ceremonial respect, and moral discipline, which have often placed it in the realm of religious traditions, especially in Chinese culture.

The core teachings of Confucius were recorded by his students in The Analects, a collection of dialogues and reflections that form the foundation of Confucian thought. In this book, Confucius emphasizes:

• Ren (仁) – Compassion and humaneness toward others.
• Li (礼) – Proper conduct, rituals, and respect in social interactions.
• Xiao (孝) – Filial piety, or deep respect for one’s parents and ancestors.
• Yi (义) – Righteousness and doing what is morally right.
• Zhi (智) – Wisdom and discernment.
• Zhong (忠) – Loyalty.
• Shu (恕) – Reciprocity – treating others as you wish to be treated.

These values aren’t abstract ideals – they are intended as practical guides for daily life, offering a roadmap for building personal character and social harmony.

Confucianism remains a powerful cultural force across East Asia, particularly in China, Korea, Japan, and Vietnam. While fewer people today would call themselves Confucian in a religious sense, the philosophy still influences social norms, education systems, and family structures. It is estimated that over six million people worldwide identify with Confucianism in some formal way, though its cultural influence extends far beyond these numbers.

In China, Confucian classics are being reintroduced into school curricula. In South Korea, Confucian values continue to shape hierarchies in family and corporate life. In Japan, it has long influenced education and respect for elders.

Vietnam, with its rich blend of indigenous culture and Chinese influence, has long embraced Confucian ideals. Nowhere is this more evident than in Hanoi’s Temple of Literature (Văn Miếu), a serene, beautifully preserved complex built in 1070 and dedicated to Confucius. It later became Vietnam’s first national university, the Imperial Academy (Quốc Tử Giám), where scholars studied Confucian texts in preparation for civil service exams.

Although modern university curricula in Vietnam no longer center around Confucian classics, the legacy of Confucian education is honored at the Temple of Literature. Many students still visit before important exams to pray for wisdom and success. The site remains a popular cultural symbol, reminding visitors of Vietnam’s scholarly traditions and the enduring influence of Confucian values like respect for teachers, learning, and social responsibility.

For the mindful traveler, understanding Confucianism can lead to deeper cultural insight. When you notice multi-generational families dining together, or when your Vietnamese host insists you sit before they eat – you’re witnessing Confucian values in action. These subtle expressions of respect and harmony are woven into the social fabric, guiding interpersonal relations even in the most modern settings.

Travel, in many ways, is an act of learning. And as Confucius once said: “Is it not a pleasure to learn and, when it is timely, to practice what you have learned?”

We all know that forests are vital to our lives, providing the air we breathe and housing over half of the world’s land-based wildlife. It is never enough to emphasize the issue of deforestation which threatens both human health and our planet by increasing carbon emissions, contributing to pollution, and driving climate change. In this article, we will focus on two major contributors: palm oil production and illegal logging.

According to a deforestation report from the World Wildlife Fund, we lost over 160,000 square miles between 2004 and 2017.

Agriculture is the leading driver of global deforestation, fueled by increased food consumption. Palm oil plantations, in particular, have a significant impact. Palm oil is primarily used for cooking in developing countries and is also found in food products, detergents, cosmetics, and, biofuel.

While plantations expand across Asia, Africa, and Latin America, providing job opportunities for local communities who, drawn by the prospect of decent wages, do not realize the long-term consequences, this growth is causing widespread destruction of critical habitat for many endangered species including orangutans, rhinos, elephants and tigers. Moreover, burning forests to make room for the crop is also a major source of greenhouse gas emissions and intensive cultivation methods result in soil pollution, erosion, and water contamination.

With better management practices, the palm oil industry can thrive without harming forests. By enforcing strict production criteria, oil palm plantations can operate sustainably without encroaching on rainforests.

WWF is actively involved in this effort by:

• Promoting sustainable palm oil production through the Roundtable on Sustainable Palm Oil (RSPO), which includes palm oil producers, buyers, and environmental groups
• Encouraging companies to use certified sustainable palm oil in their products
• Working to remove incentives that drive forest destruction for palm oil production

You can contribute by donating at https://www.worldwildlife.org/.

In Borneo, forests are disappearing rapidly, with palm oil plantations and illegal logging causing the loss of half the island’s forest cover in the past 50 years.

Due to poverty and limited access to healthcare, many residents have turned to illegal logging.

Founded in 2006, Health in Harmony (HIH) is a rainforest conservation organization that supports the health of people, ecosystems, and the planet by collaborating with rainforest communities on solutions in healthcare, livelihoods, and education.

Although Indigenous Peoples and Local Communities represent only 6% of the global population, they protect over 80% of Earth’s biodiversity. HIH believes these communities are the experts the world must listen to and work with to address the climate crisis.

In 2017, the company launched a chainsaw buyback program, offering farmers money and support to establish alternative livelihoods in exchange for turning in their chainsaws. HIH’s healthcare clinic allows residents to pay in whatever way they can, whether with cash, seedlings, manure, rice husks, or other available resources and the medical centre provides also discounts to villages that demonstrate a reduction in illegal logging.

A 2020 Stanford University study, published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, detailed the ten-year impact at a proof-of-concept site in West Kalimantan, Indonesia. Encouraged by the positive outcomes, HIH developed a plan to scale up their efforts, expanding to additional sites in West Kalimantan (Bukit Baka Bukit Raya), the Manombo Forest in southern Madagascar, and the Xingu River Basin in the Amazon Rainforest, Brazil.

Here are some interesting numbers:

8.7 million hectares of rainforest protected
88,441,929 pounds of carbon dioxide protected in Indonesia
10,322 patient visits conducted across all sites
697 under-5 infants received healthcare in Borneo
3,000+ orangutans protected in Borneo
Increased access to family planning and birth control at all program sites
42,000+ old-growth trees protected in Borneo through Chainsaw Buyback
1,690 community members received benefits from our Conservation Stimulus package in Indonesia
10,196 people in 28 villages supported through community outreach programs in Borneo
87,295+ signatures on our petition to U.S. Congress on future pandemic prevention

In 2024, HIH aims to protect 11 million hectares of rainforest across Indonesia, Madagascar, and Brazil, with Indigenous Peoples and local communities leading the efforts. This includes an additional 1.65 million hectares to be safeguarded this year. The organization will also support 335,000 people in these regions as they work to protect rainforests globally.

You can contribute by donating at https://healthinharmony.org/

The Pink Granite Coast – Côte de Granit Rose, stretching between Perros-Guirec and Trégastel in northern Brittany, is one of France’s most unique coastal landscapes. Its name comes from the extraordinary pink-hued granite formations that dominate the shore. Sculpted by wind, waves, and time, these rocks have taken on bizarre and playful shapes, making the coastline a natural open-air sculpture park.

Walking along the coastal path, you’ll encounter formations like the Chapeau Napoléon (Napoleon’s Hat), the Witch’s Head, and rocks that strikingly resemble faces (we saw some Star Wars Troopers). Depending on the light, the granite shifts in shades from deep rose to orange, making the scenery almost surreal.

The pink granite here is over 300 million years old, formed during the late Carboniferous period. It owes its colour to feldspar crystals rich in potassium, mixed with quartz and mica. Over millennia, erosion by wind, tides, and saltwater has sculpted the rounded shapes. The area is one of only few places in the world with this distinctive rose-colored granite.

The coastline can be visited year-round, but the most spectacular views come at sunrise and sunset, when the low light intensifies the pink, orange, and golden tones of the rocks. Summer offers pleasant weather for long walks, while spring and autumn bring fewer crowds and dramatic skies.

One of the highlights of the walk is the Ploumanac’h lighthouse, also called Mean Ruz, built entirely from the same local pink granite. The original structure, dating back to 1860, was destroyed during World War II and rebuilt in 1946 in its current form. Today, the lighthouse has become the emblem of the Pink Granite Coast. Standing proudly against the backdrop of bizarre rocks and the Atlantic waves, it is one of the most photographed lighthouses in France, especially at sunset when it glows in the evening light.

The most convenient parking is Rue Saint Guirec in Ploumanac’h, where you can start and end a scenic walk through Plage Saint-Guirec. Alternatively, you can park at the Parking payant Pointe de Granit and access the coastal path from there. Both routes lead to breathtaking stretches of the Sentier des Douaniers, which hugs the coastline.

After your walk, reward yourself with some of the best galettes and crêpes in the region at Le Mao restaurant, a local favourite that combines Breton tradition with generous flavours.

Whirlpools (or maelstroms) are some of the most dramatic and photogenic behaviours of the sea: spinning columns, boiling “boils” and eddies that twist surface foam into rings.

They are not monsters from myth, but the result of predictable fluid dynamics: tides, currents, and the shape of the coastline and seafloor.

At a basic level, a strong whirlpool needs three things: a lot of water moving past a bottleneck, a sudden change in depth or underwater obstacle, and rapidly changing flow (usually tidal). Exactly the same thing that happens when you empty your bathtub after a nice bath with sea salt and essential oils.
When huge volumes of water are forced through a narrow strait or over an uneven seabed, the flow becomes turbulent. That turbulence and shear produce rotating currents that can line up into vortices visible at the surface. Where an opposing flow, underwater pinnacles or abrupt depth changes exist, standing eddies, “boils” and persistent vortices form; when tides reverse, they can re-energise and reshape the whirlpool every few hours.

Where to see them

• Saltstraumen, Norway — one of the strongest tidal currents on Earth; enormous volumes of water squeeze through a narrow strait, producing vortices and intense turbulence.
  
• Moskstraumen / Maelstrom, Norway (Lofoten area) — the classic “maelstrom” of legend; a system of tidal eddies between the Norwegian Sea and Vestfjorden formed by strong currents and complex bathymetry.
  
• Naruto whirlpools, Japan (Naruto Strait) — spectacular, regularly visible whirlpools caused by tidal exchanges between the Inland Sea and the Pacific; eddies can reach many metres across and are a major sightseeing attraction with boat and bridge viewpoints.
  
• Gulf of Corryvreckan, Scotland — a turbulent whirlpool in the strait between Jura and Scarba driven by tides, a deep sea hole and an underwater pinnacle; famous for violent surface boils and as a challenging spot for boats.
  
• Old Sow, Bay of Fundy (between New Brunswick, Canada and Maine, USA) — the largest tidal whirlpool in the Western Hemisphere; formed where powerful Bay of Fundy tides meet local bathymetry. Locally notorious and often called the “Sow.”
  
• Seymour Narrows / Discovery Passage, British Columbia (Canada) — a narrow passage with very strong tidal currents and frequent turbulence; historically dangerous to shipping (Ripple Rock) and still a site of strong eddies and boils.
  
• Strait of Messina, Italy (Scylla & Charybdis legend) — the geology and colliding currents create local whirlpools referenced in Greek myth; a historically famous example of a Mediterranean whirlpool area.
  
• Skookumchuck Narrows, British Columbia (Canada) — dramatic tidal rapids and standing waves that occur when huge tidal volumes rush through a constricted channel; smaller whirlpools and strong boils form at peak flow and draw kayakers and spectators.

Tucked away in the high-altitude desert of Catamarca, Argentina, the Campo de Piedra Pómez is one of the most surreal and remote landscapes in South America. Stretching across more than 75,000 hectares in the Puna de Atacama, this protected area is home to a massive field of white and pale pink pumice stone formations, sculpted by volcanic eruptions and shaped by millennia of wind erosion. What visitors find here is a silent stone labyrinth that looks more like a forgotten planet than part of our own world.

The entire area was formed over 100,000 years ago by the violent activity of nearby volcanoes, especially Volcán Blanco (also known as Robledo), whose caldera can still be visited today. The explosive eruptions created vast flows of ignimbrite — a mixture of ash, pumice and gases — which later hardened into stone and were slowly eroded by puna winds. The result is a frozen sea of rock waves, towers and natural sculptures that stretch as far as the eye can see, at altitudes ranging from 3,050 to 4,850 meters above sea level.

Although it was declared a protected natural area in 2012, the Campo de Piedra Pómez still lacks proper conservation infrastructure. Only three park rangers cover the entire region, with some stationed over 80 km from the site. In recent years, increasing tourist traffic and the threat of mining activity in surrounding dunes have placed pressure on this fragile ecosystem. Despite its protected status, the landscape remains vulnerable.

Reaching this hidden treasure is not easy. The closest village is El Peñón, located about 60 kilometers south of Antofagasta de la Sierra, the departmental capital. Both are accessible only by unpaved roads, and a high-clearance 4×4 vehicle is essential. The journey is long and remote, but offers unforgettable views of volcanic plains, salt flats and wide-open skies. From El Peñón, travelers can arrange guided excursions with local drivers who know the terrain. Some tours also include other natural highlights in the region, such as Laguna Grande or the Balcones de Laguna Purulla.

There are no hotels or tourist infrastructure in the pumice field itself, and even in El Peñón lodging is basic. A few guesthouses offer simple rooms and homemade meals, often run by families who also act as guides. For more comfort, travelers can choose to stay in Antofagasta de la Sierra, which has more services, fuel and accommodation options. Wild camping inside the protected area is discouraged, both because of conservation concerns and because of the isolation and unpredictable weather conditions.

The best time to visit is during the dry season, from April to November. During these months, the sky is usually clear and the roads are more accessible. Daytime temperatures can be warm under the sun, but nights are cold year-round, often dropping below freezing. The summer months, from December to March, bring occasional thunderstorms that can wash out roads and make travel dangerous. Regardless of the season, visitors should bring plenty of water, sun protection, warm clothing and offline maps or GPS.

Several scenic areas within the stone field have become informal circuits over time. Among the most impressive are the Gigantes de Piedra Pómez, towering formations that resemble waves of solidified air, and the La Lagunita Escondida, a small hidden lagoon nestled between rock walls. The area’s remoteness and altitude also make it a dream destination for stargazers — with no light pollution and dry, crisp air, the Milky Way is often clearly visible to the naked eye.

Visiting Campo de Piedra Pómez is not about ticking a box or taking a quick photo. It is an experience of solitude, scale and silence. It’s a destination that demands effort and respect, but rewards those who make the journey with an unforgettable encounter with nature’s raw and ancient forces. This is not a place to pass through — it’s a place to feel.