Towering against the backdrop of the eastern skies in Northwest Botswana are the Tsodilo Hills, a cluster of rock formations radiating a dusty copper hue under the morning sun.

The dramatic hills have been home and guard for over 100,000 years to the people living in the area. Revered as a religious and sacred place where ancestral spirits reside, the area emits a mystical feel. In ancient times, religious rituals were performed to seek divine intervention and well, rain. Dwellers in these times left paintings on the hills’ rock faces, around 4,500 of them. Some depict a scene, others are lonesome drawings of animals. A good many tell stories of their time, but some remain a mystery to this day.

A three decade long ongoing archaeological research uncovered items like carved bone and stone tools, shell and glass beads, pottery and iron, all dating  back 90,000 over years. These give rise to estimation that the site has been inhabited for over 100,000 years, making it one of the world’s oldest historical sites.

There are four main hills, commonly referred to as Male (the highest), Female, Child and the last one is unnamed.

Tip: If you visit, go for the Female hill if you don’t want to climb too much, most of the rock paintings are on this hill. Some of the more famous paintings are the “Whale” painting, “Two Rhinos” and the “Lion”.

Away from other habitats, the nearest one being 250 kilometers away, the isolation of the Tsodilo Hills adds to its spiritual aura. Apart from admiring the rock paintings, a visit here is an ideal opportunity for some reflection. Just pick a hill and climb to its plateau and let loose in the vast beauty of Mother Nature and soak in the spiritual atmosphere.

There are a few walking trails, like the Lion Trail, the Cliff Trail and Rhino Trail, among others, that will lead you to many of the rock paintings. It’s recommended to engage the services of a guide for a better understanding of the artworks.

Its cultural and historical value resulted in the Tsodilo Hills being declared a UNESCO World Heritage site in 2002.

A journey to the Tsodilo Hills is one of wonderment, at how life was harsh and simple at the same time. A study of the rock paintings gives us a glimpse into our ancestors’ way of life in a land before time, and how we’ve come a long way.

Have you been to the Tsodilo Hills, or somewhere similar?

From far, they look like an abstract work of art, stark charcoal columns rising and falling against the greyish strokes of the Irish skies. Lying at the foot of basalt cliffs in County Antrim northeast of Northern Ireland, this seaside sight is labelled the fourth greatest natural wonder in the United Kingdom.

A result of volcanic eruption some 60 million years ago, the Giants Causeway is formed during the Paleogene Period. Intense volcanic activity gave rise to molten basalt that threaded through chalk beds that cooled and contracted to leave the pillar-like structures we see today.

Today, visitors today can take a half-mile stroll on the columns along the edge of the sea, admiring the dramatic landscape that the Giant’s Causeway is set against.

The Grand Causeway is the biggest of the three rock outcrops that form the Giant’s Causeway. Here you can take pictures of a vast spread of the columns. Don’t miss out on visiting the Giant’s boot, the most famous feature in Giant’s Causeway, at the end of a small path leading to the sea in Port Noffer. The Wishing Chair is another sight, a natural throne of sorts formed from a set of columns. This is one of the most popular sights here, visited so often that the basalt stones have become and smooth.

For those with a more whimsical mind, legend has it that giants traverse across the sea to the edge of Scotland and left their marks here. I know that’s what I’ll choose to believe. You can learn more about these tales with an audio guide from the Visitor Center.

A trip to the Giant’s Causeway is at least a half day trip. You’d want to soak in the striking landscapes and imagine that this wondrous work of nature is in fact, created by the giants who roamed this part of Northern Ireland.

 Tip: You can easily stroll from the Visitor’s Center to the Giant’s Causeway, but consider taking the bus service (at 1 pound) back. The trip back is uphill all the way.

Admission Fee:

Adult: £7.50
Child: £3.50

Pictures are from Pinterest and Wikipedia.

They shoot from the ground, these stalagmites-like spikes, as though they’re reaching for the sky. The Stone Forest, also known as Shilin, is a range of limestone formations found in the Yunnan Province in China, a three hour drive from Kunming. These unusual rocks look like fossilised trees in a dead, dark forest, painting a poignantly beautiful sight.

Dated back to over 270 million years ago, these rocks formed shapes and figures that intrigue. Wandering around the labyrinthine area, you can spot pagodas, human figures, animals and more, depending on how imaginative you can get. If you dare to climb up one of these limestone peaks, you’ll be treated to a sweeping view of the peaks and pits of this ashen forest.

A UNESCO World Heritage site, the Stone Forest is divided into seven scenic areas, Greater & Lesser Stone Forests, Naigu Stone Forest, Zhiyun Cave, Lake Chang , Lake Yue, Dadie Waterfall and Qifeng Cave. A crystalline lake greets you upon entering the forest, with its east lakeside dotted with soaring pillars of stone formation resembling a potted garden.

The Greater Stone Forest is often compared to a fairyland. The stone formations here, with some creativity, look like old fortresses, beasts and otherworldly creatures. The adjacent Lesser Stone Forest is a contrasting sight of lush bamboo-like stones and blooming flowers.  Don’t forget to visit the Zhiyun Cave of subterranean web of tunnels or the Qifeng Cave that even has a spring and running underground river.

If you plan to visit, try going near the 24^th day of the 6^th Lunar month. This is when the Yi people (ethnic group in Yunnan) celebrate their Torch Festival. There would be traditional activities like wrestling and bull fighting, and singing and dancing sessions that last throughout the night.

Tip: the entire Stone Forest covers a vast area (over 400 square meters). If you’re not up for walking, there are electric cars that can take you around the different sections of the park. A separate ticket is needed.

The area is usually packed with tourists, both domestic and overseas. Day tours can be arranged at Kunming city to bring you to the Stone Forest. If you want to cover the forest more extensively, hire a private guide with your tour package. They’ll be able to lead you through the forest on lesser known paths to avoid the crowd.

It’s one of those striking places you see on postcards- a tranquil coastal town with charming houses clinging to the side of cliffs overlooking the Adriatic Sea.  This is the picturesque town of Vernazza, tucked away in the Liguria province of north-western Italy. A year ago, it was almost destroyed by a freak rainstorm that hit Cinque Terre, the cluster of five coastal villages that Vernazza is a part of.

Today, traces of the devastating flood are hardly visible. From a distance, it has regained that mystical glow.

Why go?

There’s no shopping at famous Italian brands or jostling with train crowds like big cities such as Rome or Milan. On this side of Italy, it’s all about soaking in the sights and taking time to smell the roses.

A population of only around 1,000, Vernazza is listed as one of the UNESCO World Heritage sites. It ranks among the top most beautiful villages in Italy. Stepping foot in here is like traveling back to medieval time. The once busy harbour town remains a fishing village; its elaborately decorated houses with intricate doorways and elegant style channel more 19^th century than contemporary.

Hike it

There‘s a labyrinth of hidden alleys to explore, revealing interesting architecture amongst charming shops and inviting cafes. But for views that take your breath away, take a hike, or two.  The 90-minute hike from here to Monterosso creates a trail of unforgettable sea and landscapes. The hike’s starting point begins on the northern end of the main street but is not well-marked; you’ll need to ask around for it.

Tip: if you’re not confident of your hiking skills, don’t be daunted by the 3-hour there and back hike to Monterosso. You can always hike there, and return by train.

Another hiking trail to tackle is to Corniglia in the south. This trail offers different views from the northern Moneterosso ones. What spreads out beneath you is the aerial view of the town and its habor, with the Doria castle anchoring the picture-perfect scene.  This also 90-minute hike will take you around Vernazza’s castle and through the meandering Olive groves. Word has it that the town produces the finest olive oil in the country.

Tip: Before you embark on your hike, remember to purchase a hiking pass from your hotel. Only hikers with valid passes are allowed on the trails.

Soaking in the Sights

Among the sights to visit in Vernazza is the Church of Santa Margherita d’Antiochia, a gothic structure at the waterfront that rises to 40 meters tall. The highlight of this 1318 structure is its pointed dome. Then move onto the Doria Castle, which rests on a small cliff.  It acted as a watchtower in its time. From a distance, the castle is seen to be keeping a watchful eye on the village.

Another highlight of Vernazza is its beach, a tiny stretch of sand and glittering waters enveloped by the habor, with imposing cliffs on one side and vast horizon on the other. In summer, people flock here to while their time away. There’re beachside restaurants where you could grab a bite or a drink and relax.

How to Get There

The best way to visit Vernazza is by sea, where you get a glorious view of the town from a distance. A close alternative is by train; this route will take you through the arresting cliffs that lean over the glittering turquoise waters and winding curves of olive trees. The closest airport to Vernazza is the Pisa International Airport, 80km away.

Absent in Vernazza are large full service hotels. But all these add to the enchantment of this beguiling town. There are a collection of guest houses, boutique hotels and vacation rentals to pick from. Staying at any of these smaller establishments is a good way to experience the town. You’ll feel closer to its people as well.

Just prepare to play a bit of charade with the locals if you don’t speak Italian. The townsfolk barely speak any English. It’s a tad inconvenient I’d admit, but doesn’t it mean that this quaint little piece of heaven has yet to be invaded by tourists?