Burning Incense Outside The Kinkaku-ji Temple In Kyoto, Japan
Representing prayers and more ambiguously the Japanese interpretation of spirituality, worshipers leave incense outside the Kinkaku-ji Temple, a must see in Kyoto, Japan.
Boathouse Restaurant With A View In Traverse City, Michigan
Along the coast of the Western Arm of Traverse City Bay, in Michigan, where the views are almost as good on the plate you’re served. Here’s my full review of Boathouse Restaurant and if you stop in for a visit be sure to get a photo with the charismatic chef.
The Sight You Can Only See In Turkey Every November 10, 9:05am
To many visitors the sudden sound of air sirens all across Turkey might come as a surprise, especially given the sight of office workers emptying into the streets and citizens suddenly standing in somber silence. These are the scenes across Turkey at 9:05 am every November 10th, which becomes a nationwide memorial honoring the founder of the country, Mustafa Kemal Ataturk, who passed away on the date and time in 1938.
Dramatically traffic comes to a halt even on the two Istanbul bridges that cross the Bosporus, drivers get out of their cars, standing for two minutes of silence next to their vehicles. For those of you visiting Turkey on this day, it’s best to get up early to find a good vantage point to witness the commemoration.
Where To Attend November 10th Ceremonies
In Istanbul, Taksim Square or any of the cafe rooftops directly in front of it, are good locations. Additionally, the Military Museum (Askeri Muzesi) and Dolmabahce Palace although busy, are especially worth visiting on this day.
In Ankara, Ataturk’s Mausoleum Anitkabir is where to be, Turkey’s For Life has instructions on how to get there. Across other cities in Turkey to put on your itinerary it’s best to get in touch with the local tourism board to find out what events might be taking place. My recommendation for a more local look at November 10th in Turkey would be to get in touch with a nearby public school to arrange a visit for the morning. (They’re more than likely to welcome you.)
As The Moment Comes To An End
Wreaths laid, silence is eventually broken by the Turkish national anthem as life slowly rolls into regular pace. No matter when visiting in the year, you’ll notice enough statues and pictures to make you wonder why Ataturk’s image is everywhere in Turkey. Ataturk’s likeness isn’t a look into the past but a reminder; what he created is a path, for Turks today, to determine their own destiny.
Outside The First Class Lounge Of Shanghai’s Pudong Airport
China’s financial center Shanghai might be a glamorous city of lights but its Pudong International Airport is a utilitarian facility whose subtle hello contrasts with Shanghai’s intensity. Even the lounges are… well, practical without any of the spectacle that awaits you in China’s largest city.
A Photo Essay Of Mos Espa: The Vanishing Star Wars Sets In The Desert Of Southwestern Tunisia
In the nothingness of the Tunisian desert close to the Algerian border, far from any towns, cities, or civilization, is the site where a galaxy far, far, away was filmed. Many of the original Star Wars films were shot across southern Tunisia during the late 1970s and 22 years later, for the prequels, they returned. Once the filming was done, much like they had for the original movies, George Lucas decided to leave the sets and props standing.
Today one of the largest sites is of the fictional Mos Espa on the planet of Tatooine, where Anakin Skywalker was born. Ever since I read about photographer Ra Di Martino‘s visit to the site where Star Wars Episodes I and II were filmed, it’s been one of the experiences I dreamed of traveling to. Earlier this year I finally made it to largest site, about 20 kilometers from Tozeur.
There are no roads to the site itself, you’ll have to take a tour, or negotiate a ride – a service most hotels will provide.
Given that most tourists are no longer sure is Tunisia safe to travel to, there are times when there isn’t a single visitor.
Eventually two padawan show up to practice using the lightsaber.
Instruments of The Force a few touts offer for photo opportunities.
Most Tunisians I spoke with had never seen Star Wars including my driver, the owner of Residence Almadina in Tozeur.
Most of the items on sale at the site aren’t Star Wars related at all.
Mos Espa is the location for many popular scenes in Star Wars: Episode I The Phantom Menace, like Watto’s shop.
The entire site is free, you can wander around in and out of all the prop dwellings to notice hardly any of them have roofs.
Movie magic close up.
Transmitters fans will quickly recognize from the pod racing scenes in Episode I.
Right along the edge of the Mos Espa props is the imposing emptiness of the desert.
Fill in the blanks with your imagination’s own CG generator.
Wandering around you can walk up the nearby sand dunes that are slowly encompassing the Mos Espa movie sets.
The deserts are slowly eating away at the sets as sandstorms roll dunes in like waves of the ocean along a beach.
Some choose to make it their spot to watch the sunset.
A popular daily event for most visitors.
The transformation of the sky’s colors make you feel a bit sorry for those who decided to not to stick around.
Sunset takes it time here.
Several years ago there was a failed campaign to save the Mos Espa site.
Officially, Tunisian authorities say the movie sets aren’t in danger from the surrounding desert.
But most experts agree if nothing is done, it’s likely Mos Espa will vanish in the next 20-30 years.
Single star only.
In the coming weeks I’ll write how you can visit the Star Wars sets in Tunisia – a gratifying geek destination worth a trip – where the biggest danger is the environment consuming this potentially big tourist draw for the country.
Spices For Sale At The Didube Market In Tbilisi, Georgia
Right outside of the main intercity bus station in Tbilisi, Georgia, is the Didube Market. The scene of all for sale – fruits, spices, old books – all with the sounds of aging sedans with modified exhaust pipes in the background. It’s from here you can get to Gori, the strange site of Joseph Stalin’s childhood home enshrined.
About Anil Polat
Hi, I'm Anil. foXnoMad is where I combine travel and tech to help you travel smarter. I'm on a journey to every country in the world and you're invited to join the adventure! Read More 
