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Once an active volcano in Indonesia, Semeru is an integral part of the volcanic belt of Asia called, the "Pacific Ring of Fire". It is located in East Java and is 3,676 metres high. This "stratovolcano" is also known as Gunung Mahameru (the Great Mountain) due to its supreme attributes. In fact, Mahameru actually refers to the Hindu god Siwa in local dialects. Siwa the Destroyer (Dewa Pemusnah) is the most powerful one, hence, it comes to no surprise that Mount Semeru is named after this forceful deity.
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Having traveled to one of the locations most associated with the Holocaust, Auschwitz-Birkenau (Oświęcim), I realize that there is simply no picture, nor words, that can fully describe the experience. I spent an afternoon exploring Auschwitz I and II and was just deeply moved by the things that I saw and the stories that I heard - a truly eye opening experience to one of history's most harrowing chapters.
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I recently went camping with my boyfriend and his grandparents to a place just outside of the desolate town of Lakeview, Oregon. I'd heard about the town from some acquaintances that's grown up in Lakeview, and they'd told me all about what you could find there: nothing.
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Between Westende and Nieuwpoort on the Belgian Coast lies the former Camping Crystal Palace. The camping has its location in dunes near the beach. Due to very strict environmental laws the camping had to close a few years ago. Owners who couldn't afford to move or demolish their caravans, let all their holiday belongings and moved away. The wind and climate of the North sea did the rest.
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Goblin valley is known for its creature like rock formations that formed in a valley. One is invited to stroll around climb on these formations. Inside the park however there are a number of campgrounds and slot canyons and neat alcoves. You can drive to the campgrounds and many are furnished with water and public restrooms for the ultimate camping convenience. Be careful with the lighting, the desert sun will have all your colours washed out early in the morning, and just until before sunrise. Pack up a roll of nice slide film and set your phone alarm and go get some pictures of the rising sun. Then get a water bottle and go find some caves and canyons and pick up some real nice reflected red light in the shade. This location is about 4 hours drive from any major airport, but there are also dozens of other national parks really close by. Worth the trouble to get there.
