I come from a small village in the French Alps, which is probably why I enjoy hiking so much, as there is not much else to do there in the summer! And because it is so remote and isolated, I have always been attracted by what was on the other side of the mountains and beyond, and took every opportunity to see the world. As a student, I spent a year in Wales as I wrote a thesis on the Celts. A couple of years later, I moved to Guinea, West Africa to teach expat and local kids, and then went to Fort Good Hope, North West Territories for a summer. I now live in Toronto.
My favourite places are the jagged coasts of Cornwall and Ireland, the gloomy lochs and castles of Scotland, the beaches of the Caribbean, the Mayan ruins in Yucatan, the bustling souks of Marrakech, Provence, in the South of France and last but not least, the Alps.
Contributions
Hone Your Bartering Skills in the Souk Bazaars of Marrakech
Created on June 29, 2009 by Emmanuelle Fontaine, WriterNo trip to Morocco is complete without a visit to the souks; especially the Marrakech souks. On your first visit to the Marrakesh souks, you may feel somewhat intimidated due to the invasive and pushy behaviour of vendors, although if you are familiar with markets in developing countries, the Marrakech souks will make you feel right at home. In either case, a visit to the Marrakech souks is an authentic Moroccan pleasure not to be missed. The Marrakech souks are located between Africa and Europe, housing treasures uniquely influenced by both continents such as herbal medicines, brass and silver handicrafts, hand-woven rugs and richly embellished clothes. Walking through a labyrinth of crowded, narrow passageways with small shops and stalls squeezed on both sides, the vendors ...
Wander Between Myth and Reality at Tintagel Castle
Created on June 12, 2009 by Emmanuelle Fontaine, WriterWhen I was 12-years old, I became fascinated by the Legend of King Arthur after watching Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade. While touring Cornwall years later, I heard that Tintagel Castle, on the northwestern coast of the county, was believed to be the birthplace of the legendary King. It was my chance to finally discover the mythical site and live the Legend. Tintagel Castle can be reached by a Land Rover taxi service from the village of Tintagel; but I opted for the coastal footpath. Starting from the impressive thousand-year-old St Materiana’s Church, then passing the slanting Celtic and Christian crosses scattered in the graveyards, I then followed the trail snaking along the cliff. Tintagel Castle was built on Tintagel Head, a rocky headland ...
Funambulate over majestic alpine glaciers at the Aiguille du Midi
Created on June 12, 2009 by Emmanuelle Fontaine, WriterI hop on board the cable car with 70 or so other passengers, not knowing what to expect. A vast sea of clouds clings to the mountain, obstructing the view. I can’t see, but I can feel the speed of the machine sweeping through the whiteness, and suddenly breaking out of the mass of clouds. Startled, I jump back as the cable car rushes towards the rock face, just before it stars its almost vertical ascent along the peak. At the top, the scenery is spectacular. Facing the Mont Blanc (the highest summit in Europe, at 4807m) and overlooking the Vallée Blanche (white valley) below, the Aiguille du Midi offers a stunning view on several summits soaring at more than 4000 m into the clear ...
Forgetting Civilization in the Fouta Djalon
Created on June 09, 2009 by Emmanuelle Fontaine, WriterLeaving Dalaba and Labé in our tracks, we drove the dusty road to Doucki, our final destination of a three-day retreat into the heart of Fouta Djalon. While East Africa draws tourists looking for wild animals, it is said that West Africa is celebrated for its people, and the Fouta are no exception with a vibrant and natural culture. We were on our way to leaving the world behind us and immersing ourselves in some of life's simple pleasures. The Fouta Djalon is a mountain range covering about one third of Guinea, an ancient French colony in West Africa. These highlands are sometimes called the “watershed” of West Africa, as several major rivers spring up there, like the Niger, the Senegal and the Gambia. We ...
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