Every morning, I passed Aisha on the sleepy sand streets of Bodufolhudhoo Island. Her black head scarf and ankle-length cloak revealed only her face and hands. I longed to speak to her, but after greeting me with a radiant smile and a heartfelt “Good morning,” she always lowered her eyes demurely and continued on her … Read more
At the end of the day, local youngsters on Bodufolhudhoo Island gather beach mats used by tourists. This tiny speck of an island is located in the Alif Alif Atoll group in the Maldive Islands. It is so small that I was able to walk entirely around it in 15 minutes. As all citizens of … Read more
During my recent trip to Australia, I was fortunate to enjoy a few days of camping at pristine Rainbow Beach on the Sunshine Coast. Each morning I was woken by flocks of Blue-faced Honeyeaters, who regularly descended on our campground. These birds were so bold that they ate broken crackers out of my hand. Males … Read more
In the U.S., we would call it a giant sand dune. In Australia it’s a sand blow. The Carlo Sand Blow, located at Rainbow Beach on the Sunshine Coast of Australia, is one of the country’s biggest. A short climb via steps up the rear of the dune leads to a viewing platform at the … Read more
Circular Quay in Sydney, Australia, sits at the heart of the city. At the head of the Quay is the main ferry terminus, while the famous Harbour Bay Bridge lies at its foot. The location is more than practical; it was on this precise spot that the settlement of Australia was founded. Thus it seems … Read more
