Gabon
An oil rich African country with one of the highest GDP per capita in Africa.
It is a tourist destination for French looking for beach resorts that also have wildlife parks. The government wants to promote tourism and they have a handy evisa which is great. However it is super expensive to visit.
[srizonfbalbum id=20]
Chad (Tchad)
Until recently a permit was required for any photos – so the people aren’t too used to cameras and requests to photograph was often declined. I love the hand painted shop fronts, the lizard in my popcorn (bad ad for Kempinsky who were charging $18 a drink). Visit to nearby village was a lot of fun.
[srizonfbalbum id=18]
Central African Republic
Short visit to country with a tragic past and present. Located in the center of Africa this landlocked nation is resource rich and has one of the best butterfly sanctuaries in the world.
However.. it is in the midst of a bloody civil war largely on religious lines. The capital is secure by virute of 1000s of UN peacekeepers and French troops. When you work out the cost of that you realize its about 10x what would be needed to give every kid 12 years of schooling and help the place out generally.
Not many photos as I was arrested after taking my 2nd photo of the trip so had to keep a low profile afterwards.
[srizonfbalbum id=17]
Mexico - Chichinitza
The 6th of the 7 modern wonders of the world – and impressive as hoped for.
The Mayans were ahead of Europe in mathematics and astronomy when these were built around 1000 years ago. Perhaps marginally ahead of the Central Asians/Persians though it would have been close by 1400.
They had independantly invented the number zero which helped – remember that it was illegal to say the number zero in Europe until 1580s.
The most famous pyramid has 91 stairs on each side – 4×91 the plus the alter is 365. At the equinox (mid march and sept) the light hits exactly on the edge making a shiming snake effect.
There is also the largest Meso American Ball Game court – far bigger than the ones I saw elsewhere. Seems like a cool game and I love the hoop in the middle. Yes its true that the captain of the losing team got sacrified – maybe the English rugby team would have tried harder if applied here.
Another aspet is the ‘Cenote’ which is a sink hole with water – another place to sacrifice. Can swim in them now.
The loss of literature is tragic- only 4 books were saved out of countless thousands destroyed by the Spanish.
I still like the idea that a Phonecian sailor made it across 2000 years ago and shared some ideas but the proof isn’t there.
[srizonfbalbum id=12]
St Lucia
Some under water shots in the tiny country of Saint Lucia.
It is in the eastern Caribbean with St Vincent to the South and Martinique to the north.
It is the only country in the world named after a woman and is famous for the Pitons – the volcanic twin peaks that Superman flies between in Superman 2 to get Lois Lane a flower.
In terms of underwater there are a few marine reserves and many thanks to Anse Chastenet Resort for letting me shoot there.
I have a great driver there – Frank on +17584883540 he is on WhatsApp and can arrange anything.
[srizonfbalbum id=11]
Cuba
Interesting place in transition. Can’t beat it for old cars, live music with dinner, and the Tropicana caberet.
Trindidad (city) had the real colonial feel to it and is highy recommended.
All very safe and locals friendly.
My take on the changes – Its already changed – There is a middle class who make money from Tourists. The wealthy Cuban Americans already snapping up everything and will continue to do so – I see a Russian style Oligarchy emerging in the next 5-10 years – as such for 99% of Cubans life will stay the same except they will be comparatively poorer to the elite.
Main issues – internet not great – food awful – and drinks were watered down and expensive unless you paid extra to actually put rum in them. As such not ready for mainstream Tourists.
[srizonfbalbum id=10]