TOGO- Tourism, Observation, Growth, Opportunities

14/04/2024

תודה רבה לכל המברכים.
אפילו חמינאי שלח לי 🚀🚀🚀 הבוקר...
שנזכה לימים שקטים ושמחים.

30/09/2023

In this set of Photographs I want to talk about some interesting aspects of Photography. Actually it is the same frame.
In the 1st picture, which was my intention during photography, I took this great picture of a young Massai woman emerging from her hut (made of twigs and mud) carrying her young child.
The term we use is the "decisive moment". this picture cought her just emerging from the opening, looking directly at me, with a "Mona Liza" style smile. This moment is unique and will never happen again. If I pressed the shutter a fraction of a second before or after this moment - the result would be very different.
Sitting at my editing table I made a zoom of the picture. I normally do this to assure sharpness, to view that the face has not too many contrasting lights. And Wow ... I "struck gold". It is a great portrait of this young woman. She is beatiful, showing a strong character with her sharp gaze, yet her smile exposes calm and self confidence. I also discovered those tattoos on her face which I was not aware before. So my 2nd point is: Sometimes you have gold in your hands, but you need to stop a moment, look at it and then realize... think of this in a metaphorical way .
When I zoomed even further, I discovered her amazing features, her weather beaten lips and skin, here beautiful eyes and... myself.
And that's my last point: What we photographers do is to look outside and capture what we see, what we admire. But the way we do it - Selecting the subject, the composition, the angle and many other parameters - is a reflection of our character, our personality, the way we look at things.
So again a metaphore - I find myself in this picture. this time also literally.
Join me on my mission to discover new places, new sights, and discover a lot about ourselves.
Zvi - Journeys and Photograpy !!!

06/10/2022

Aqaba the southern port of Jordan is a delight to stay.
Some very luxurious Hotels (I have stayed at Kempinsky - Much recommended !!!) with huge rooms overlooking the gulf of Aqaba, Magnificent Sunrises and sunsets, as well as a heartedly breakfast and really 1st class service. It has a whirlpool bath (open air), an infinity pool, and a private beach with white sand and crystal-clear waters.
The town of Aqaba is a short walking distance. Here you can find some great food and if you like the arab swwets, then you will enjoy Baklawa and Knafe - very sweet and very delicious !!!
Just don't try co count calories...
from Aqaba you can make tours to Wadi Rum - a magnificent dessert reserve ruled by local Bedouins. Some of the photos were taken there. It is about 1 hour drive from Aqaba and you can easily arrange a taxi drive there, and a Jeep or combined Camel-Jeep trip.
these can be 1/2 day and up to 3 day tours depending on you time, liking and budget.
a night in a tented camp in the dessert ( The peacefulness, and the tranquility are an experience to try).
I can advise on a very professional and reliable taxi driver to travel with. And trip organizers at Wadi Rum' or a combination of the 2.
the cost is 20 Dinar (2022) in each direction. You can take a public bus which cost a fraction of that cost, but if you are 2 - 4 people the difference becomes much smaller, and the comfort and freedom of time will make it much easier by taxi. Usually if you go for a few hours, the same driver will wait for you and take you back to your hotel. Entrance fee to the reserve is 10 Dinar p/p.
The must-see place in Jordan is Petra - about 2 hours drive from Aqaba. To really enjoy your visit, dedicate a whole day to a visit.
It is magnificent. Some stay for 2 days, even more ang make a thorough exploration of all the attractions in Petra.
Petra was built by the Nabatic people in the fisrt centuries AD (300-500 AD) as their capital. The city was carved as a whole out of the local red sandstone to make it a unique and magnificent place to visit. Really one of the wonders of the world !!!
I was not visiting Petra on this visit. Too short a visit. but have been there before. It deserves a column by itself. and I will do that sometime in the future.
Another remarkable and suggested activity in Aqabe is related to the red sea the coral reefs and some of the most spectacular underwater world.
You can just travel to the south beach, take a mask and snorkel and swim out from one of the recommended beaches there.
But the real experience is to go out with a yacht that can carry a bunch of people, and either scuba dive if you are licensed, or take a guided dive with a qualified diving instructor to taste the idea of diving. if you prefer you can go snorkeling on the surface of the water, and still enjoy magnificent sights and experience. Even if none of these appeal to you, you can simply enjoy the sailing over the blue waters, relax with the breeze and some good music and enjoy the sun and peacefulness. The sailing is not complete without a nice eastern meal and some drinks !!! much recommended.
The best time of the year to visit are autumn and spring (mid-October to mid-November, April and May). Petra can be quite cols early morning and at night (so is Wadi Rum). Aqaba is perfect for swimming in these months and not too hot during the day.
One more note. If you arrive by flight you would need to arrange for a Visa at the airport (Amman or Aqaba) upon landing. it is best to prearrange a taxi to take you where you need. This way you will pay a fair price and avoid the "oriental market" of bargaining with the folk of local drivers offering to take you from there, at the cost they offer on the spot.
If you cross from Eilat (Israel) at Wadi Araba / Yitzhak Rabin border post, you need a local agent to pass you through. It is best to arrange a combination geal with a taxi to make it cheap simple and efficient. Again, if you need, I can advise.
Enjoy you stay!!! It is well worth it.
Of course, you can continue and tour Jordan. It's an interesting country with many attractions and places to visit.

13/01/2021

13/01/2021

The world is an endless wonder of landscapes, people, animals, culture, religions and beliefs, seasons, blooming, sunsets, Sorrow, Celebrations... There is really no end to this list.
My aim is to advance and lead tourism activities that try to observe and appreciate the wonders. Tourism that will leave minimal impact on the place (leaving it intact to others) but leave maximal impact on the human being by learning, admiring and getting ispired by the meeting with these experiences.
I am a photographer, I like to observe, choose the right angle, the right lens and frame the subject.
I have a strong desire to be an explorer and find new places. It does not have to be America, it can be a flower on a hillside, a beatiful sunrise or a wedding ceremony.
That is, in my view, the soul of being a curious human being - a good tourist. Because we are all temporary travellers in this world. And that is the right attitude to living.
Tourism should be the same and beyond.
If you feel connected to these ideas, You are in the right place to seek you next journey. It can be a vacation, an exploration, pilgrimage or any other goal.
Stay full of curiosity, and your days will be full with joy !
I will post interesting destinations and try to fulfill your desires !!!