Colombia, a country where the Andes meet the Amazon, and vibrant cities lie amidst lush rainforests, is a destination that captivates travelers with its rich culture, history, and natural beauty. From the bustling streets of Bogotá to the colorful, colonial architecture of Cartagena and the coffee-scented mountains of the Coffee Triangle, Colombia offers diverse experiences for every type of visitor.
Lake Retba, also known as Lac Rose, is a shallow salt lake near the Atlantic coast, north of Dakar. Its water is separated from the ocean by a narrow belt of dunes, creating a landscape of pale sand, salt flats, and low scrub. The lake is best known for its high salt concentration, which can produce pink, reddish, or mauve tones under particular conditions of sunlight and water chemistry. Its appearance changes with weather and light rather than remaining one fixed color.
Franconia is a small town in northern New Hampshire set within the White Mountains, with a landscape shaped by steep forested slopes, mountain valleys, and the Pemigewasset River. The town is closely associated with Franconia Notch, a dramatic mountain pass that separates the Kinsman and Franconia ranges. Its location places it near several of the region’s best-known natural landmarks while retaining a distinct village identity.
Macedonia, officially known as North Macedonia, is a country where ancient history and vibrant culture meet in a striking landscape. The capital city, Skopje, showcases a blend of old and new with its Ottoman-era bazaars sitting alongside modern sculptures and bridges. Visitors can explore the stone bridge, a symbol of the city, and wander through the Old Bazaar, where traditional crafts and local flavors invite discovery.
Urfa proudly exhibits the legacy of all civilizations that have prospered in this region. In the second millenium B.C., it was a city of a Hurrite state. Tradition relates that Abraham was born in a cave near the area where the Mevlid Mosque now stands.
Other Popular Destinations in Turkey
Istanbul
Istanbul is a city built on layers of empire. Spanning two continents, it was once the capital of three major empires: Roman, Byzantine, and Ottoman. Visitors walking through the Sultanahmet district can witness this timeline firsthand, from the Roman-era Hippodrome to the Byzantine mosaics of Hagia Sophia, and the towering minarets of the Blue Mosque. At nearby Topkapi Palace, rooms still display the jeweled swords, ceremonial robes, and handwritten Qurans once used by Ottoman sultans.
Cappadocia
The ancient region of Cappadocia lies in Central Anatolia, between the cities of Nevsehir, Kayseri and Nigde. Here, the traveler finds one of the most fantastic landscapes in the world. Wind and weather have eroded the soft volcanic rock with hundreds of strangely shaped pillars, cones and "fairy chimneys", often very tall, and in every shade from pink through yellow to russet browns.