Learn what new content was added to Efrat Nakash's website http://efratnakash.com en-us http://www.efratnakash.com/Item0075 Travel Diaries http://www.efratnakash.com/diaries/on_the roof_of_the_world_in_tajikistan.pdf In Tajikistan we trekked in the Fann mountains between turquoise lakes, enormous peaks and ridges. We traveled in the Great Pamir plateau and along a stretch of the silk road, accompanied by the noise of gushing waters, crossed villages nested in green valleys, and enjoyed the locals' hospitality. I traveled in Tajikistan in August 2013. The diary is written in Hebrew. http://www.efratnakash.com/Item0074 Photo Galleries http://www.efratnakash.com/galleries_pages/asia/tajikistan_fann_trek/11-04519_e.asp I found great beauty in the high mountains of Tajikistan. We trekked in the Fann mountains between turquoise lakes, with huge peaks and ridges above us. We traveled in the Pamir mountains to the voice of water flowing furiously against the exposed cliffs, between villages nested in green and flowering valleys, and met hospitable locals. I traveled in Tajikistan in August 2013. http://www.efratnakash.com/Item0073 Photo Galleries http://www.efratnakash.com/galleries_pages/asia/tajikistan_pamir_mountains/11-04704_e.asp I found great beauty in the high mountains of Tajikistan. We trekked in the Fann mountains between turquoise lakes, with huge peaks and ridges above us. We traveled in the Pamir mountains to the voice of water flowing furiously against the exposed cliffs, between villages nested in green and flowering valleys, and met hospitable locals. I traveled in Tajikistan in August 2013. http://www.efratnakash.com/Item0072 Travel Diaries http://www.efratnakash.com/diaries/late_winter_in_the_black_forest.pdf Winter 2013 continued in Germany in late March and early April, when we walked in The Black Forest (Schwarzwald) and in Kaiserstuhl. We walked on icy paths, watched the snow pile-up on the bald trees, and the precursors of spring flowers beginning to split the thick white blanket. It was gray and cold, yet beautiful and mysterious. The diary is written in Hebrew. http://www.efratnakash.com/Item0071 Photo Galleries http://www.efratnakash.com/galleries_pages/europe/germany_south_baden/11-04226_e.asp March 2013 was still gloomy and cold in The Black Forest (Schwarzwald) and Kaiserstuhl. Snow and frost covered the ground, piled on the bald tree branches, while the precursors of spring flowers began to split the layer of snow. The freezing experience was warmed by optimism and companionship. http://www.efratnakash.com/Item0070 Travel Diaries http://www.efratnakash.com/diaries/modest_ethiopians_and_wild_landscapes.pdf I had exciting experiences in Ethiopia. I participated in the Meskel celebrations with the Gurage people, and admired their simple life. I traversed the Simiem Mountains along green slopes, and visited the rock-hewn churches of Lalibela. I traveled through Ethiopia in September and October 2012. The diary is written in Hebrew. http://www.efratnakash.com/Item0069 Photo Galleries http://www.efratnakash.com/galleries_pages/africa/ethiopia_gurage_people/11-03811_e.asp We participated in the Meskel celebrations with the Gurge people, traversed the Simiem Mountains after the rainy season, along green and flowering slopes, and visited the rock-hewn churches of Lalibela. I admired the simplicity of local life. I traveled to Ethiopia in September and October 2012. http://www.efratnakash.com/Item0068 Photo Galleries http://www.efratnakash.com/galleries_pages/africa/ethiopia_simien_trek/11-03838_e.asp We participated in the Meskel celebrations with the Gurge people, traversed the Simiem Mountains after the rainy season, along green and flowering slopes, and visited the rock-hewn churches of Lalibela. I admired the simplicity of local life. I traveled to Ethiopia in September and October 2012. http://www.efratnakash.com/Item0067 Travel Diaries http://www.efratnakash.com/diaries/unique_iceland.pdf My voyage in Iceland was exceptional. I was amazed by the sunlight around-the-clock, the burning earth, the black soil, the soft ground, the natural geothermal pools, the fully equipped kitchens and restrooms, sleeping bag accommodation, and the hidden people folklore. I was charmed for five weeks in July 2012. The diary is written in Hebrew. http://www.efratnakash.com/Item0066 Photo Galleries http://www.efratnakash.com/galleries_pages/europe/iceland_nature/11-03528_e.asp Iceland's scenery enchanted me. Colorful sunsets lasting until midnight; vast geothermal fields with seething terrain intermixed with patches of ice, beside vibrant colors of rhyolite mountains. The ground is black with solidified lava and volcanic ash, yet often shining with bright green mosses. I was totally captivated for five weeks during July 2012. http://www.efratnakash.com/Item0065 Photo Galleries http://www.efratnakash.com/galleries_pages/europe/iceland_landmannalaugar_trek/11-02707_e.asp Iceland's scenery enchanted me. Colorful sunsets lasting until midnight; vast geothermal fields with seething terrain intermixed with patches of ice, beside vibrant colors of rhyolite mountains. The ground is black with solidified lava and volcanic ash, yet often shining with bright green mosses. I was totally captivated for five weeks during July 2012. http://www.efratnakash.com/Item0064 Travel Diaries http://www.efratnakash.com/diaries/north_moab_wadis.pdf The Wadis flowing into the Dead Sea from the east (Jordan) are full of water. We freshened up in the streams, jumped into the natural ponds, slid down the waterfalls, and admired the palm trees decorating the cliffs. The diary is about my last trip in May 2012. The diary is written in Hebrew. http://www.efratnakash.com/Item0063 Enhancements http://www.efratnakash.com/galleries_pages/middle_east/jordan_moab_wadis/41-02511_e.asp I uploaded new photos to the Jordan, Moab Wadis Gallery, June 2012. http://www.efratnakash.com/Item0062 Photo Galleries http://www.efratnakash.com/galleries_pages/israel/palm_sunday/11-02169_e.asp "Palm Sunday" is a Christian moveable feast that falls on the Sunday before Easter, commemorating Jesus' triumphal entry into Jerusalem. I participated in the colorful Catholic-and-Protestant procession from Bethpage into Jerusalem, and joined the Ethiopian Orthodox ceremony in Deir al Sultan, on the roof of the Holy Sepulchre in Jerusalem, on April 2012. http://www.efratnakash.com/Item0061 Enhancements http://www.efratnakash.com/galleries_pages/israel/the_negev/51-01482_e.asp I uploaded new photos to the Israel, The Negev Gallery, March 2012. http://www.efratnakash.com/Item0060 Photo Galleries http://www.efratnakash.com/galleries_pages/europe/finland_norway_lapland/11-01699_e.asp We began our tour in Rovaniemi, the provincial capital of Finnish Lapland, on the Arctic Circle. We wandered through snowy forests and frozen waterfalls, went sleigh riding with reindeer and husky dogs, sailed on board of an icebreaker, admired the Aurora Borealis, and drove north on snowmobiles to a fjord in Norway. The voyage to the Finnish and Norwegian Lapland was in February 2012. http://www.efratnakash.com/Item0059 Photo Galleries http://www.efratnakash.com/galleries_pages/israel/epiphany/11-01371_e.asp The Christian Catholic Church commemorates the Baptism of Jesus in the Jordan River, in concurrence with the visit of the three magi and the first miracle Jesus performed in turning water to wine at the wedding in Cana, which together revealed the identity of Jesus as the Christ. Thousands of pilgrims flock to the Baptismal Site Qasir al-Yahud on the Jordan River, north of the Dead Sea, and conduct Baptism. I attended the Greek Orthodox ceremony on 18 January 2012. http://www.efratnakash.com/Item0058 Photo Galleries http://www.efratnakash.com/galleries_pages/asia/india_nanda_devi_treks/11-00105_e.asp I experienced a tumult of emotions among the broad Rung family. I was touched by the family reunion, the close relationship between the Rungs, and the way they accepted me into their family. I attended the tribal Kangdali Festival, celebrated once in twelve years in the Chaundas Valley in the Indian Himalaya. In addition I enjoyed the landscape and the nestled Himalayan villages while trekking in the Nanda Devi Sanctuary. I traveled in Uttarakhand state in India during September and October 2011. http://www.efratnakash.com/Item0057 Photo Galleries http://www.efratnakash.com/galleries_pages/asia/india_the_rungs/11-00541_e.asp I experienced a tumult of emotions among the broad Rung family. I was touched by the family reunion, the close relationship between the Rungs, and the way they accepted me into their family. I attended the tribal Kangdali Festival, celebrated once in twelve years in the Chaundas Valley in the Indian Himalaya. In addition I enjoyed the landscape and the nestled Himalayan villages while trekking in the Nanda Devi Sanctuary. I traveled in Uttarakhand state in India during September and October 2011. http://www.efratnakash.com/Item0056 Photo Galleries http://www.efratnakash.com/galleries_pages/asia/india_kangdali/11-00628_e.asp I experienced a tumult of emotions among the broad Rung family. I was touched by the family reunion, the close relationship between the Rungs, and the way they accepted me into their family. I attended the tribal Kangdali Festival, celebrated once in twelve years in the Chaundas Valley in the Indian Himalaya. In addition I enjoyed the landscape and the nestled Himalayan villages while trekking in the Nanda Devi Sanctuary. I traveled in Uttarakhand state in India during September and October 2011. http://www.efratnakash.com/Item0055 Photo Galleries http://www.efratnakash.com/galleries_pages/special_projects/save_a_childs_heart/11-09445_e.asp Save a Child's Heart is an Israeli-based, international humanitarian project, which brings children from developing countries suffering heart disease to Wolfson Hospital in Holon, near Tel Aviv, where they undergo heart surgery. Children arrive from around the world regardless of the child's nationality, religion, skin color, gender or economic status. I volunteer in the project as a photographer since early 2011. http://www.efratnakash.com/Item0054 Photo Galleries http://www.efratnakash.com/galleries_pages/europe/france_italy_maritime_alps/11-01402_e.asp The Maritime Alps ridge extends along the border between France (Provence) and Italy. In the canyons and cliffs we discovered a stimulating ‘extreme adventure park’. Protected by diving suits we slid natural rock water-slides, rappelled (abseiled) down the rushing waterfalls, and jumped into the crystal-clear water pools. Over the cliffs we climbed the rungs up; crossed chasms on swaying monkey-bridges; and slid along steep zip lines. I was thrilled by the Canyoning and climbing Via Ferrata in July 2011. http://www.efratnakash.com/Item0053 Enhancements http://www.efratnakash.com/galleries_pages/israel/the_galilee/11-4411_e.asp I uploaded new photos to the Israel, The Galilee Gallery, July 2011. http://www.efratnakash.com/Item0052 Photo Galleries http://www.efratnakash.com/galleries_pages/israel/the_samaritans/11-09834_e.asp The Samaritans are an ethno-religious group who observe a unique version of the Torah. On Passover each Samaritan household acquires a one year old lamb, to be ritually sacrificed on Mount Gerizim (in the West Bank). I attended The Samaritan Passover Sacrifice Ceremony in April 2011. http://www.efratnakash.com/Item0051 Travel Diaries http://www.efratnakash.com/diaries/deep_red_edom_mountains.pdf Together with the Bedouins who live in Humeima and their camels, we descended through Wadi Aheimir, an ancient route which crosses Edom Mountains from Humeima (ancient Hawara) to Gharandal in the Arabah Valley. We sneaked through enormous granite cliffs, crossed the vast dunes of Wadi er Raqiya, and marveled at the sandstone with its amazing shapes and colors in the Rainbow Canyon of Wadi Qseib. I hiked this route twice, in November 2006 and in January 2011. http://www.efratnakash.com/Item0050 Travel Diaries http://www.efratnakash.com/diaries/the_open_doors_in_mongolia.pdf The Mongolians' open home left in me a strong impression. In my diary I describe exciting encounters with the nomads who live a simple life, reaching out to share their food and shelter; adventures during a trek and a challenging horse-back ascent to the secluded Tsaatan people, between sapphire blue skies and green steppe; and the excitement during the Naadam festival among Mongolians in their festive attire. My voyage took place during July and August, 2010. http://www.efratnakash.com/Item0049 Travel Diaries http://www.efratnakash.com/diaries/rajef_relict_mountains.pdf South-west of Petra, in the Edom Mountains, there rise the relict mountains of Rajef. On our trek across this region we learnt about the Bedouins' life, were amazed by the unique structures and unimaginable sandstone colors, climbed up white sandstone domes, descended into hidden canyons and crevices, and freshened-up in spring-water. My diary describes our four day tour in Rajef Mountains in April 2010. http://www.efratnakash.com/Item0048 Enhancements http://www.efratnakash.com/galleries_pages/middle_east/jordan_edom_mountains/41-09164_e.asp I uploaded new photos to the Jordan, Edom Mountains Gallery, January 2011. http://www.efratnakash.com/Item0047 Photo Galleries http://www.efratnakash.com/galleries_pages/asia/mongolia_nomads/11-07610_e.asp The blue Mongolian sky and the infinite steppe redefine bliss. I attended the Naadam festival in the countryside, enjoyed the hospitality in the nomads' home tents in the green steppe, while trekking, horseback riding and driving across this country. The journey took place during July and August 2010. http://www.efratnakash.com/Item0046 Photo Galleries http://www.efratnakash.com/galleries_pages/asia/mongolia_naadam/11-07454_e.asp The blue Mongolian sky and the infinite steppe redefine bliss. I attended the Naadam festival in the countryside, enjoyed the hospitality in the nomads' home tents in the green steppe, while trekking, horseback riding and driving across this country. The journey took place during July and August 2010. http://www.efratnakash.com/Item0045 Photo Galleries http://www.efratnakash.com/galleries_pages/asia/mongolia_landscape/11-07845_e.asp The blue Mongolian sky and the infinite steppe redefine bliss. I attended the Naadam festival in the countryside, enjoyed the hospitality in the nomads' home tents in the green steppe, while trekking, horseback riding and driving across this country. The journey took place during July and August 2010. http://www.efratnakash.com/Item0044 Video Clips I uploaded a video clip of a Hebrew TV interview about the lecture "The Himalayan Fortress" to the Travelogues (Lectures) page (June 2010) http://www.efratnakash.com/travelogues_e.asp http://www.efratnakash.com/Item0043 Enhancements http://www.efratnakash.com/galleries_pages/israel/jerusalem/61-06841_e.asp I uploaded new photos to the Israel, Jerusalem Gallery, May 2010. http://www.efratnakash.com/Item0042 Video Clips I uploaded a video clip of a Hebrew TV interview: "From management in the computer industry to adventurous trips" to the about page (April 2010) http://www.efratnakash.com/about_e.asp http://www.efratnakash.com/Item0041 Video Clips I added a video clip from my lecture to the Travelogues (Lectures) page (April 2010). http://www.efratnakash.com/travelogues_e.asp http://www.efratnakash.com/Item0040 Photo Galleries http://www.efratnakash.com/galleries_pages/middle_east/jordan_rajef_mountains/11-06758_e.asp South-west of Petra, in the Edom Mountains, there rise the relict mountains of Rajef. Named after the village lying on the slopes to its east, this rough terrain abounds with unique structures and unimaginable sandstone colors. We wandered through a maze of white sandstone domes, climbed up some of them, descended into hidden crevices and freshened-up in clear springs. I trekked in the Rajef Mountains in April 2010. http://www.efratnakash.com/Item0039 Event Schedule I uploaded details the Tibetan Buddhism exhibition where my photos are on display (March 2010). http://www.efratnakash.com/tibetan_buddhism_exhibition_e.asp http://www.efratnakash.com/Item0038 Event Schedule I uploaded details the Market Day exhibition where my photos are on display (March 2010). http://www.efratnakash.com/ossim_shook_exhibition_e.asp http://www.efratnakash.com/Item0037 Photo Galleries http://www.efratnakash.com/galleries_pages/special_projects/jacks_home/11-01834_e.asp My friend Jack loves special articles. He collects old things, cleans and renovates, some of them he displays, and others he dismantles and builds from them useful or decorative objects. Jack's home is full of interesting articles, and his unique handiworks. My gift to Jacob, when he moved to his new apartment, was photographing his spectacular home. Back then I sent him a presentation with these pictures, and at this time I decided to upload the photos to my website, to make sharing easier. The wide-open windows provided all the necessary lighting; I switched on a few light bulbs to enhance the colors. The pictures were photographed in January 2009. http://www.efratnakash.com/Item0036 Enhancements http://www.efratnakash.com/galleries_pages/israel/the_dead_sea/41-06035_e.asp I uploaded new photos to the Israel, The Dead Sea Gallery, February 2010. http://www.efratnakash.com/Item0035 Enhancements http://www.efratnakash.com/galleries_pages/israel/judean_desert/41-06173_e.asp I uploaded new photos to the Israel, Judean Desert Gallery, February 2010. http://www.efratnakash.com/Item0034 Photo Galleries http://www.efratnakash.com/galleries_pages/israel/eilat_mountains/11-06021_e.asp The geology of Eilat Mountains combines igneous and metamorphic rocks. Rocks that rose due to the Syrian-African Rift, and sandstone and limestone created in the interminable process of erosion, transfer, sedimentation and hardening. The different layer directions and twisted corrugations make you dizzy. The strong colors, from light brown, through the yellows, reds to black, offer a feast to the eyes. The photographs were taken during several treks in Eilat Mountains, the most recent one in January 2010. http://www.efratnakash.com/Item0033 Travel Diaries http://www.efratnakash.com/diaries/the_wantoks_of_papua_new_guinea.pdf I was fascinated by the PNG Wantok system. The Wantok clan is the centre of the universe of a Papua New Guinean, his social insurance and refuge. In my diary I describe the different tribes' life-styles; the ceremonial Singsing spectacles; my exciting experiences in remote villages, where I slept on wooden floor, in palm huts, and bathed in the river; the difficult treks and the glorious diving sites along The Great Barrier Reef. I appended to this diary an expenses' table for those considering traveling to PNG. I toured PNG between July and September 2009. The diary is written in Hebrew. http://www.efratnakash.com/Item0032 Video Clips I added a video clip from my lecture to the Travelogues (Lectures) page. http://www.efratnakash.com/travelogues_e.asp http://www.efratnakash.com/Item0031 Video Clips I added a video clip from my lecture to the Travelogues (Lectures) page. http://www.efratnakash.com/travelogues_e.asp http://www.efratnakash.com/Item0030 Links I traveled in Papua New Guinea from July till September 2009. http://www.efratnakash.com/links_e.asp#Papua http://www.efratnakash.com/Item0029 Enhancements http://www.efratnakash.com/galleries_pages/assortment/fruit_market/51-05281_e.asp I uploaded new photos to the Fruit Market Gallery, October 2009. http://www.efratnakash.com/Item0028 Photo Galleries http://www.efratnakash.com/galleries_pages/oceania/papua_new_guinea_tufi/11-05578_e.asp It is the people - with their outstanding friendliness, diverse lifestyles, and spectacular cultural shows (Singsings) - who make Papua New Guinea such a remarkable place. My trip took me to incredible anthropological encounters in remote villages, demanding treks, and magnificent diving sites. I spent two fascinating months in Papua New Guinea, from July till September 2009. http://www.efratnakash.com/Item0027 Photo Galleries http://www.efratnakash.com/galleries_pages/oceania/papua_new_guinea_treks/11-03093_e.asp It is the people - with their outstanding friendliness, diverse lifestyles, and spectacular cultural shows (Singsings) - who make Papua New Guinea such a remarkable place. My trip took me to incredible anthropological encounters in remote villages, demanding treks, and magnificent diving sites. I spent two fascinating months in Papua New Guinea, from July till September 2009. http://www.efratnakash.com/Item0026 Photo Galleries http://www.efratnakash.com/galleries_pages/oceania/papua_new_guinea_sepik/11-04864_e.asp It is the people - with their outstanding friendliness, diverse lifestyles, and spectacular cultural shows (Singsings) - who make Papua New Guinea such a remarkable place. My trip took me to incredible anthropological encounters in remote villages, demanding treks, and magnificent diving sites. I spent two fascinating months in Papua New Guinea, from July till September 2009. http://www.efratnakash.com/Item0025 Photo Galleries http://www.efratnakash.com/galleries_pages/oceania/papua_new_guinea_people/11-03265_e.asp It is the people - with their outstanding friendliness, diverse lifestyles, and spectacular cultural shows (Singsings) - who make Papua New Guinea such a remarkable place. My trip took me to incredible anthropological encounters in remote villages, demanding treks, and magnificent diving sites. I spent two fascinating months in Papua New Guinea, from July till September 2009. http://www.efratnakash.com/Item0024 Photo Galleries http://www.efratnakash.com/galleries_pages/oceania/papua_new_guinea_shows/11-05483_e.asp It is the people - with their outstanding friendliness, diverse lifestyles, and spectacular cultural shows (Singsings) - who make Papua New Guinea such a remarkable place. My trip took me to incredible anthropological encounters in remote villages, demanding treks, and magnificent diving sites. I spent two fascinating months in Papua New Guinea, from July till September 2009. http://www.efratnakash.com/Item0023 Photo Galleries http://www.efratnakash.com/galleries_pages/oceania/papua_new_guinea_hulis/11-03860_e.asp It is the people - with their outstanding friendliness, diverse lifestyles, and spectacular cultural shows (Singsings) - who make Papua New Guinea such a remarkable place. My trip took me to incredible anthropological encounters in remote villages, demanding treks, and magnificent diving sites. I spent two fascinating months in Papua New Guinea, from July till September 2009. http://www.efratnakash.com/Item0022 Travel Diaries On my recent trip to Petra I was impressed by the world-famous monuments, and by the variety of trails - packed with magnificent nooks - which led us there. I joined a guided tour with Yoel Oren. We camped in a Bedouin tent north of the ruins of Petra, and chose a different approach on each day. My diary describes the four day tour in and around Petra in May of 2009. The diary is written in Hebrew. http://www.efratnakash.com/diaries/petra_the_rose_city.pdf http://www.efratnakash.com/Item0021 Photo Galleries http://www.efratnakash.com/galleries_pages/middle_east/jordan_petra/11-02884_e.asp The eastern entrance to the Jordanian site of Petra through The Siq (the shaft), stimulated me also in my third visit. A narrow gorge of about 100 meters deep opens in a dramatic view of Al Khazneh (The Treasury), hewn gloriously into the cliff. We climbed to the top of the mountains, descended in the narrow ravines, and admired the rock-cut architecture, the colorful sandstone formations, and the Bedouins who utilize the ancient Nabataean constructions. The photographs in the gallery were taken during my recent visit in April 2009. http://www.efratnakash.com/Item0020 Enhancements I uploaded new photographs to the Jordan, Wadi Rum Gallery, March 2009. http://www.efratnakash.com/galleries_pages/middle_east/jordan_wadi_rum/31-02336_e.asp http://www.efratnakash.com/Item0019 Enhancements I uploaded new photographs to the Israel, Negev Gallery (January 2009). http://www.efratnakash.com/galleries_pages/israel/the_negev/41-01492_e.asp http://www.efratnakash.com/Item0018 Enhancements I added a slideshow viewing option to each gallery page, January 2009. http://www.efratnakash.com/galleries_pages/americas/peru_the_andes/11-00372_e.asp http://www.efratnakash.com/Item0017 Enhancements I uploaded new photographs to the Jerusalem Gallery, November 2008. http://www.efratnakash.com/galleries_pages/israel/jerusalem/51-01372_e.asp http://www.efratnakash.com/Item0016 Enhancements I added a new Visitor Locations map at the bottom of the About page, October 2008. http://www.efratnakash.com/about_e.asp http://www.efratnakash.com/Item0015 Enhancements I uploaded new photographs to the Fruit Market Gallery (October 2008). http://www.efratnakash.com/galleries_pages/assortment/fruit_market/31-00307_e.asp http://www.efratnakash.com/Item0014 Enhancements The Best Treks Tips page includes ideas for trekking around the world, October 2008. http://www.efratnakash.com/best_treks_tips_e.asp http://www.efratnakash.com/Item0013 Links I traveled in Peru in the months of August and September 2008. http://www.efratnakash.com/links_e.asp#Peru http://www.efratnakash.com/Item0012 Travel Diaries It was great to trek in the mighty Andes! In my diary I describe how the idea sprouted and the necessary preparations; I tell about the people whom I met and about my travelling partners; I describe the sights and the experiences along the trek. I appended a table and a map of the Huayhuash trek, and an expenses table for those who plan to go on a journey to Peru and to the Huayhuash trek. I traveled in Peru in the months of August and September 2008. The diary is written in Hebrew. http://www.efratnakash.com/diaries/adventures_in_the_peruvian_andes.pdf http://www.efratnakash.com/Item0011 Photo Galleries http://www.efratnakash.com/galleries_pages/americas/peru_the_andes/11-00372_e.asp The best way to appreciate the Andes is via intimate trekking...and so I did! I trekked in the Cordillera Blanca, Cordillera Negra, the unsurpassed Machu Picchu, Lake Titicaca, and the oasis of Colca Canyon. I Traveled in Peru in the months of August and September 2008. http://www.efratnakash.com/Item0010 Photo Galleries http://www.efratnakash.com/galleries_pages/americas/peru_huayhuash_trek/11-00410_e.asp The best way to appreciate the Andes is via intimate trekking...and so I did! I was circling the Cordillera Huayhuash for twelve days, and it was among the best treks that I've experienced so far. I Traveled in Peru in the months of August and September 2008. http://www.efratnakash.com/Item0009 Photo Galleries http://www.efratnakash.com/galleries_pages/americas/peru_andean_faces/11-00161_e.asp What struck me most in Peru is its people! The Peruvians are very friendly; they dress distinctively in different areas, and always in vivid color. I Traveled in Peru in the months of August and September 2008. http://www.efratnakash.com/Item0008 Enhancements I uploaded new photographs to the Flora of Israel Gallery (May 2008). http://www.efratnakash.com/galleries_pages/israel/flora_of_israel/61-5428_e.asp http://www.efratnakash.com/Item0007 Photo Galleries http://www.efratnakash.com/galleries_pages/israel/ein_kerem/11-0611_e.asp The picturesque neighborhood of Ein Kerem nestles between the hills southwest of Jerusalem. According to Christian tradition, Ein Kerem is the birthplace of John the Baptist, hence Ein Kerem's attractivity to Christian pilgrims. I was strolling along the narrow alleys, impressed by the proliferation of churches and monasteries, I was happy to see the great number of tourists who visit, and touched by the apparent excitement of the pilgrims. I enjoyed the tranquility and drifted into the neighborhood's special atmosphere. I visited Ein Kerem in the months March and April 2008. http://www.efratnakash.com/Item0001 Photo Galleries http://www.efratnakash.com/galleries_pages/africa/morocco_high_atlas/11-0004_e.asp In this trek we mounted Jebel Toubkal, the highest peak in the Atlas, surrounded by breathtaking views. We passed by the Berber mountain villages, with their houses stacked on top of each other in seemingly organic growth from the rocks. We were touched by the warm and cheerful Berbers. We were dazzled by the unending carnival of street entertainers in the great Jamaa el Fna square, in the Medina (old city) of Marrakech. We trekked in Morocco's High Atlas during September and October 2007. http://www.efratnakash.com/Item0002 Photo Galleries http://www.efratnakash.com/galleries_pages/africa/morocco_marrakech/11-9885_e.asp We were dazzled by the unending carnival of street entertainers in the great Jamaa el Fna square , in the Medina (old city) of Marrakech. We visited Marrakech during September and October 2007. http://www.efratnakash.com/Item0005 Travel Diaries I found a refuge in the Himalayas between June and December 2004. I volunteered for the Tibetan exiles in Dharamsala, followed their escape route across Nepal, trekked the Khumbu Trail to the Everest, and wound up in Tibet. My diary describes some of the pre-arrangements, and everything I went through during this fascinating experience. http://www.efratnakash.com/diaries/sheltered_in_the_himalayas.pdf http://www.efratnakash.com/Item0006 Links I visited Morocco during September and October 2007. http://www.efratnakash.com/links_e.asp#Morocco http://www.efratnakash.com/Item0003 Travel Lectures I added a new Travel Lectures page, which lists the lectures about my excursions you may acquire (February 2008). http://www.efratnakash.com/travelogues_e.asp http://www.efratnakash.com/Item0004 Enhancements I added a new World Map page. This is an interactive map, and you are invited to zoom in, until you discover the exact location of the galleries around the globe (December 2007). http://www.efratnakash.com/world_map_e.asp