Flagstaff, Arizona, is a mountain town that perfectly blends the charm of a small community with the excitement of outdoor adventure and rich cultural experiences. Nestled at the base of the San Francisco Peaks, Flagstaff serves as a gateway to some of the Southwest's most iconic landscapes, including the Grand Canyon, which is just a short drive away.
Sudan, located in northeastern Africa, is a country of diverse landscapes, from the vast Sahara Desert in the north to the fertile Nile Valley in the center. The Nile River, one of the world’s longest, runs through the country, shaping both its agriculture and history.
Durban is a big subtropical city in the north-eastern province of KwaZulu/Natal. It has been a major port since the 1850s and is home to the largest concentration of Indian-descended people in the country - Mohandas Gandhi arrived here as an indentured labourer in 1893. Today the city is better known as a holiday-makers' fun parlour with a happening nightlife.
Lagos sits on the southern edge of Portugal’s Algarve where a lively old port town meets wide Atlantic skies. Just a short stroll from the heart of town, the coast drops away into a spectacle at Ponta da Piedade, where golden sandstone cliffs rise out of the Atlantic and have been shaped into stacks, natural arches and grottoes over millennia. At the top, the Ponta da Piedade Lighthouse watches over this dramatic shoreline and offers a great backdrop for photos as the sun sets into the ocean.
Thailand is a country where centuries-old traditions coexist with vibrant modern life. From ancient kingdoms that left behind grand temples and ruins to lively festivals filled with music, dance, and color, Thai culture is deeply rooted in spirituality and community.
The Temple of Horus at Edfu has a massive entrance pylon covered with sunk relief carvings. This Ptolemaic temple was constructed between 237 and 57 B.C.E.
Once a year for the "Feast of the Beautiful Meeting," Hathor traveled from Dendera to Edfu to visit her husband/consort, Horus. Her arrival was scheduled for the afternoon of the new moon. The statues of the deities remained in the mammisi or birth house until the end of the festival at the full moon. The result of their union was their son Ihy or Horus-Sematawy.