Travel with A Land Of Marvels

11/02/2025

I quite like these little lists that pop up every now and then - they are all different, and they are a good reminder of how much there is to see in the world.
I'm not sure though how they decide what gets included and what doesn't.
Soooo, with that in mind, instead of asking you how many you have visited (but please share if you want to, that's always interesting!), I would like to ask - what would you add to this list?
I'll start and I'm going to add three - Gobekli Tepe, Newgrange and Djemila :)
Let's get our own list going!

While it's nice to accumulate the ticks, it's also good to remember that often the lesser known places are equally worth a visit. Immerse yourself in other cultures and gain a different perspective, it can be fascinating x

07/02/2025

I've been lucky enough to stay at Moditlo, and it's an amazing lodge for many reasons! 🦁

Checking in to room 18? 🦁

There’s good reason why Moditlo is on everyone’s bucket list! As the saying goes, "you know you are truly alive when you're living among lions".

Thank you Guide Janno for capturing this awesome sighting.

04/02/2025

I am hopelessly indecisive and need your help...
Would you choose A or B -
A: two weeks in Turkey
B: two weeks in Sicily and Malta

It still may not help me decide, but I would love to know your thoughts. And it's not a bad problem to have on this fine day :)

28/01/2025

It's Where in the World Wednesday!
Any guesses?

(hint: it's over 4000m above sea level)

📷 .x

22/01/2025

There are many reasons why Christmas Island is worth a visit, and Lily Beach is one of them 💙
(If you are into sea glass, I found quite a bit of it on this beach)

A tiny dot in the Indian Ocean that's filled with hidden nooks, like Lily Beach.

Set up on the white sand with gazebos and BBQs then take a dip in the shallow pool before heading out on a boardwalk rainforest track.

22/01/2025

Having a cuppa and flicking through the latest offerings from Prestige Safaris & Prestige Collection - how good is that cover!

It's definitely time to start planning another trip to the bushveld and beyond :)

16/01/2025

Cherchell and Tipaza are two stunning coastal towns in Algeria, brimming with history and natural beauty.

Cherchell, with its picturesque harbour and shady park, was a joy to visit. We promenaded with the locals (all male of course), enjoying the sunshine and the view; visited the small but amazing museum and enjoyed strong Algerian coffee - outside the cafe as it was simply too smoky inside!

Just a short distance away, Tipaza also boasts breathtaking Mediterranean views and archaeological wonders, including well-preserved ruins and tranquil beaches.

After lunch at Le Dauphin, fresh seafood for most, and a chip butty for me (I could live on chip butties!), a stroll was in order to walk some of it off, so to the ruins it was.
What a view! I can see why over the centuries it was settled not only by the Romans, but also by the Phoenicians, Christians and Byzantines. It was all about location then, just as it is today :)

Both towns combine history, charm, and scenic landscapes, making them perfect destinations for travelers seeking adventure and relaxation.



Crooked Compass

07/01/2025

Two days ago it was the 103rd anniversary of the death of Ernest Shackleton, one of the world's greatest explorers and heroes, although maybe not so much as far as his wife was concerned.

After he died on South Georgia, his body was on its way back to her, but she turned it around and requested he be buried back there. Some say this was because she understood the spirit of the man, and his fascination with the Antarctic region. But maybe, just maybe, it was because after all he had put her through, she finally wanted nothing more to do with him.

Whatever the case, South Georgia is where he now lays, and I have to say it is the most perfect resting place for the man many called,"The Boss".

You were complicated and complex, you were brave, you were reckless and restless, you were brilliant and loyal - the rescue of your Endurance crew was beyond extraordinary.

So cheers to the memory of you, Sir Ernest, an absolute legend of a man in every which way.

And if you, dear traveller, ever travel to Antarctica, ensure that a visit to South Georgia is included.

19/12/2024

I always try to stay on this little island, it's home to one of my favourite hotels in Paris.
As well as having its own attractions, you can walk to many of the more famous ones.
Jadore ❤️

𝗜̂𝗹𝗲 𝗦𝗮𝗶𝗻𝘁-𝗟𝗼𝘂𝗶𝘀 is a small, charming island in the middle of the Seine River in Paris, right next to the bigger Île de la Cité. Connected by bridges, it feels like a peaceful little village in the heart of the city.
The island is known for its beautiful 17th-century buildings, quiet streets, and small shops. A must-visit spot is Rue Saint-Louis en l'Île, the island’s main street, full of cafés, boutiques, and the famous ice cream shop Berthillon, where you can try some of the best ice cream in Paris. Walking around Île Saint-Louis is like stepping back in time. You’ll see elegant houses, small courtyards, and stunning views of the river and Paris.

08/12/2024

Mosaic Monday. Is that a thing? It should be :)

Anyhoo, here's my contribution. All found in Algeria, some still in situ, others in tiny little museums that are tucked and hidden away in the middle of nowhere.
All elaborate works of art.

And here are some mosaic facts, because I know you are all as interested in them as I am 😘

⭐They were meant to be walked on.
Whilst frescoes were practical and cheap for decorating walls, the same cannot be said for using them on the floors. Enter mosaics, a durable yet lavish way to zhoosh up a room.
Rarely will you find a mosaic on a wall, unless it was on an ornate fountain or similar.

⭐ The Romans perfected mosaics as an art form.
Whilst mosaic art has been around for a while, originally formed by embedding local pebbles or shells in mortar, the Romans amped it up a bit. They took the art form to the next level by using tesserae (cubes of stone such as marble, ceramic, or glass) to form their intricate and colourful designs.
They transformed mosaics to an exquisite decorative medium.

⭐ Wanna keep up with the Joneses? Commission a mosaic.
Mosaics were symbols of wealth and status, and were commissioned to adorn private homes and villas, and impress guests. Wealthy Romans chose themes to reflect their status, and the bigger the mosaic, the better. Size did matter. Can't stress that enough.

⭐ They’re as brightly colored now as they were 2,000 years ago, despite laying under soil and vegetation. They are one of the best preserved forms of Roman art.

⭐ The Romans sometimes redecorated, adding new mosaics on top of old ones.
The Romans weren’t so different from people of today—they liked to keep up to date with current trends. Fads came and fads went.

⭐ Thousands of mosaics still dot the landscape in the Mediterranean region and North Africa, including Algeria.
Partners in the international MOSAIKON initiative are working to improve the conservation, presentation, and management of these mosaics, most of which are still in situ.

But why are Roman mosaics still relevant today? First, they are a testament to human creativity and resilience. The Romans weren’t just masters of building empires—they were also artists who could transform small, simple pieces into something magnificent.
And second, they connect us to the past in ways that written history sometimes cannot. These mosaics provide a direct, tangible link to ancient lives, offering us insight into the textures of their world and a sense of shared human experience.
In the end, Roman mosaics were not just a form of art—they were a language. A language that transcended time, speaking to us from the floor of a Roman villa, a public bath, or the hallways of imposing palazzi. They are an enduring reminder of the artistic ingenuity and cultural richness of the Roman Empire.

Thank you for coming to my Ted Talk 🥰




Crooked Compass

04/12/2024

When I was told a mausoleum was one of the stops on our last day, I was not expecting the imposing and monumental structure that greeted us. High on a hill, and with amazing views over the ocean, it was fit for a queen.

And not just any old queen. It was in fact built for Queen Cleopatra Selene, the daughter of that OTHER Queen Cleopatra, no less.

Despite there being fragments of an inscription dedicated to both the queen and her husband, King Juba, their remains have never been found. This could be due to tomb raiders, or maybe it was meant to be a memorial, rather than a place of burial.
Some theories suggest that their real mausoleum might be another large elaborate monument that is still waiting to be discovered...

Mystery also surrounds her date of death, with everything from 5BC to 14AD being thrown around in scholarly circles, with 5BC and 8AD being the strongest contenders.

Like most famous burial sites, it comes with a curse or two.
In 1555, orders were given to pull it down. However that effort was abandoned after large black wasps swarmed out and stung some of the workers to death.
At the end of the 1700s, the ruling Dey tried in vain to destroy it with artillery, but that was another major fail.

I love that this queen's history and legacy continue to captivate historians and archaeologists, and that her story is somewhat shrouded in mystery and legend - it's fitting for the only daughter of Cleopatra and Marc Antony, no?



Crooked Compass

29/11/2024

One of our days was spent like this -

- Discovering the hidden wonders of an ancient Berber village. This abandoned settlement offered a rare glimpse into the architectural ingenuity of the Berber people. We wandered through crumbling stone dwellings, explored narrow alleyways lined with centuries-old structures, and marvelled at the breathtaking views of the surroundings.
First inhabited 700 years ago, abandoned only in 1968.

- Wandering through an oasis or two, seeking the original water source for the area, and meeting a local farmer whose people have been farming this sometimes inhospitable landscape for hundreds of years. What a remarkable testament to human ingenuity and resilience, where vast, arid grounds are transformed into thriving agricultural hubs. At one water pool a group of ladies was picnicking, washing, cleaning, all hidden behind a blanket, carrying on ages-old traditions.

- A private and peaceful lunch in the heart of a desert oasis, where the air is cool and the leaves of the palms provide a respite from the sun. We were surrounded by lush greenery, and fed traditional food, much of it cooked over an open fire. It was like a scene out of a movie. We ate until we could eat no more, and then the blanket beckoned :) Not for long though!

- Tracing petroglyphs, which showcase the rich heritage of the Sahara and her people. Spanning thousands of years, these fascinating paintings and engravings are found on cliffs, caves, and rock faces across the vast desert landscape. The art reveals glimpses of early human life, depicting intricate scenes of hunting, wildlife, and daily activities. Visiting Algeria's rock art is not just a journey through history—it’s an opportunity to connect with the ancient civilizations that once flourished in the heart of the Sahara.

It was a perfect day for those seeking adventure, history, and a sense of awe in a tranquil and remote world.




Crooked Compass

28/11/2024

Travelling to the UK?

From the 8th January 2025, Australian passport holders will need an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) to visit or transit through the UK.

🔹 Mandatory for visits up to 6 months for tourism, business, visiting family, short-term study, or transit.
🔹 Cost: GBP10
🔹 Processing time: Up to 3 business days, possibly longer
🔹 Valid for 2 years or until passport expiry.
🔹 Multiple entries allowed during validity.

*** Without a valid ETA (or visa), Australian passport holders will not be able to enter the UK ***

Applications are now open, learn more and apply here
https://www.gov.uk/guidance/apply-for-an-electronic-travel-authorisation-eta.

Information on who can get an ETA and how to apply before coming to the UK.

26/11/2024

Dear Djemila, I'm sorry to say you have a worthy rival for my affections, and it's another ancient Roman town, that by the name of Timgad.

The fact that, courtesy of travelling with Crooked Compass, I got to meet, chat to and spend time with the head archaeologist, does give it a slight advantage. Also in its favour is the fact that I got to be hands-on and help excavate!!

OMG what a time to be alive! There is such an undeniable thrill of working on a mosaic and uncovering tesserae that have not seen the light of day, or the foot-fall of a Roman soldier, for at least 1400 years.

As each still-vibrant tile is revealed, it's like unlocking a forgotten story, and it offers a glimpse into the culture and craftsmanship, not to mention creativity, of a civilization long gone.

The excitement of discovery is amplified by the sense of awe and wonder, knowing that these masterpieces, once lost to time, are finally stepping into the light after centuries of darkness.
Such an incredible opportunity, and I literally could have spent days doing just that, but the site is huge and there is much to see, so they had to eventually drag me away.

Timgad is another UNESCO World Heritage Site, and boasts well-preserved ruins including a grand theatre, temples and a basilica. It covers approximately 50 hectares, however only 40% has been excavated. The ground is absolutely littered with artifacts, so it does make you wonder what treasures are still waiting to be discovered.

It is probably one of the main draw cards for international tourists, yet when we arrive we are the only ones here. Once again let's compare it to Pompeii, where visitor numbers have been capped at 20000 per day.
Algeria only had 230 visitors in total from Australia last year.

And this, my friends, is why you visit Algeria - no crowds, no pushing, no rushing, free to wander and wonder at your leisure. And we all know what a fan I am of wandering and wondering :)

23/11/2024

Even though sunset on the shape-shifting sands of the Sahara was a special finish to another day full of discovery and exploration, it was so magical it deserves its own post.

It is a mesmerising sight, as the hues of the setting sun paint the endless dunes in oranges, yellows and reds. The sand changes colour to reflect the fading light, and you simply have to sit there in silence to take it all in.

The vast emptiness of the Sahara stretches before you, with a miracle tree here and there. As the temperature falls with the sun, there is an open fire and hot tea to warm us up, and the cars provide a windbreak as we listen to some traditional music.

Magical indeed.



Crooked Compass

21/11/2024

Constantine, known as the "City of Bridges," is a stunning blend of history, culture, and dramatic landscapes.
Perched precariously on cliffs above the Rhumel River, its breathtaking views are complemented by striking architecture, including ancient Roman ruins, mosques, and the bridges that span the deep gorges.

With its vibrant markets, warm hospitality, and unique setting, Constantine offers visitors an unforgettable experience of Algeria’s timeless beauty and heritage.

Loved our time exploring here, including the casbah, the mosque, an Ottoman palace and the one of the quirkiest restaurants I have ever eaten in - fortunately the decor was no reflection on the food :)



Crooked Compass

20/11/2024

Camilla loves Djemila!

Yes, it's true, I do, and I'm happy to shout it from the rooftops!

Djemila is located in the north of Algeria, and is an UNESCO World Heritage Site, chock-a-block full of Roman ruins and artifacts. It's perfect for history and archaeology nuts (moi), and for those interested in art, architecture and culture.

After a wholesome and delicious lunch provided by a local family and served in their humble home, it was time to explore the small museum and then the site itself. What a treat!

There are NO crowds; I can pretty much guarantee that you will have the place to yourself. And to put that into some sort of perspective, compare it to Pompeii, where visitor numbers have recently been capped at 20000 PER DAY, and you have to book an allocated time to visit.

At Djemila, you are free to wander around at your leisure, in and out of the ruins, even stand on mosaics that Roman feet in sandals once walked over 2000 years ago. It's a powerful glimpse into the past.
While some of the mosaics are still in situ, others have been relocated to the museum, and are extremely detailed, not to mention enormous - one can only imagine the grandeur of the villa they once graced the floor of.

Djemila is a must-see on any Algerian itinerary, and if you can sample some lunch with the villagers, even better :)



Crooked Compass