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This week we want to present one incredibly good cause for the people of Kenya or more specific the Maasai culture. Kenya is one of our favorite destination countries, so rich and colorful. So, we think it is important to know more about the culture itself and the Nairoshi foundation, which supports the young population of the country.
Maasai culture
The Maasai culture is practiced in the biggest part of Kenya. These indigenous inhabitants are spectacular to watch and explore their way of living. They are differentiated by their clothing and the popular traditional dances. Big groups of tourists are rarely accepted near these villages. That is how the Maasai kept their authenticity and live their lives as they want.
However, during my visit, I was well accepted and lived for a couple of weeks in one of those villages and get to know the culture. I spent the time at the Nairoshi Foundation, so I was within the locals. I learned so much about the lifestyle and the challenges of the Maasai people. Families usually have multiple children, and the conditions are not the highest. Most of the time families don’t have enough resources to send all of their children to get a proper education. The lack of support has great consequences. They go to school for some time and then stop.
There is a gap between high school and college when the education is paid, and most families cannot afford that. Usually, young girls are arranged for marriage and to have children. Here comes the Nairoshi Foundation which supports the younger population of Kenya to be more educated and have a choice of different opportunities.
Nairoshi foundation
The Nairoshi Foundation is an organization in Kenya that is supporting the younger generation of the county to get a proper education. They often stop going to school at a young age around 13 tears old. The Nairoshi Foundation is rewarding these kids with entering and graduating higher education levels like high school. They are supported by donations and sponsors who are willing to give enough to change their lives and give them more opportunities.
Their mission is to support families living in hard conditions and change their lives and futures for the better. The projects of the 
foundation are all community-based. They are focused to improve the quality of life of the Maasai people in southern Kenya. There are three main projects at the moment. The Maasai widow program supports women in hard times. It is hard for them to support their children on their own so they are usually forced to stop their children from school so they can help the family. Therefore, the Nairoshi Foundation accepts these children to gain higher education as well as provide employment opportunities for widowed women.
Another project is the ‘Hope’ Academy which is a school build by the foundation to ensure education for children who don’t have access to such a ‘privilege’. Last but not least, they support students or young children through their academic development. After they finish the Hope Academy these children get support and the resources to go to high school and university. The Nairoshi Foundation is supporting numerous boys and girls to pursue their dream careers and get more future opportunities for success.
Better life
Kenya is one of our greatest photography destinations. We all love the landscapes, the culture and locals, and it’s wonderful wildlife. So Travelmarks Photography is supporting organizations like the Nairoshi Foundation that can improve the way of living in the country. Their mission is a great cause that needs to be followed. We want to see this better future for the children and to make sure they have options in life like more career opportunities. Many girls are dragged to marriage and early pregnancy which can be changed. You can easily donate any resources so they can fulfill their dreams or become a sponsor which means that you will support a child in need through its education like high school and university. Together we can do it possible for many more young children of Kenya.
As you may know, we already are offering a photography trip to Kenya. The richness of nature and wildlife is one of the treasures Kenya is offering. We are going to explore the culture, way of lifestyle and return home with the most incredible photographs. The culture behind Masai people is once in a lifetime to witness. We are having a private session with the so-called ‘Masai warriors’, where you can capture the beauty of this incredible culture. They are not used to communicate much with the outside world, and they prefer to stay away from tourists. Despite this fact, we have established genuine connections within the local culture so we can have this opportunity. 
On the other hand, the national parks in Kenya have been a great attraction for people all over the world. They show so much of the nature and wildlife of the country than anywhere else. It is always great when we can watch wild animals in their habitat, like hunting lions or tall giraffes walking around. A challenge when it comes to photographing them. It would take some time and patience for the perfect photo shot, but it is worth it. 
As we know, the perfect shot may take some time, the light, the composition, or something else. We can take our time and take the best shots from different angles. The opportunity to go to more photography locations and shot different subjects, from stunning landscapes to wild animals. Besides, we can spend more time with the local people and getting to know this diverse part of the world.
Iceland has been on our minds for a while, now we are developing a new photography trip to select the most interesting photogenic places within the country. It is one of the countries which are present in almost every traveler’s bucket list, crystal blue water, beautiful hills, and waterfalls make it paradise. When you hear Iceland, you may think of the Instagram picture of the Blue Lagoon, the most famous place, and quite crowded. However, Travelmarks Photography is searching for the most authentic places, hidden spots which has the qualities for great shots.
We have seen the beauty of Norway and we want to include new areas for photography, which have the same character but different. Travelmarks Photography is traveling already to the central part of the country or the Rondane National Park. Nevertheless, we want to explore the beauty of the north, which we believe the best location would be Senja Island. This is the second biggest island in Norway, sided by the Atlantic Ocean. With the wild diversity of mountains and hills, the landscape is incredible to watch and photograph.
Going on North the chance of taking the best photo of the Northern Lights is very high. This is one of the most famous phenomena in Norway and it is spectacular to be seen. As travelers, we keen on going on adventures, see and memories as much as possible.
Travelmarks Photography is offering a photography trip to Ireland and Northern Ireland, a combination of city photography and nature and landscape. Dublin, the capital of the Republic of Ireland is the starting point which is great for architecture and portrait shots. On the other hand, we head to the north where the breathtaking nature is dominant- hills, mountains, and waterfalls are just amazing for photography. However, there may be some changes in the future due to the recent leaving of the United Kingdom from the European Union.
After the adaptation period, Brexit is official and applies from 1st February 2021. What will this mean to Northern Ireland and the Common Travel Area agreement? Following these events, the Northern Ireland Protocol will turn into effect from this date. The Agreement commits UK and EU to maintain an open border on the Island. There will not be an official hard border and citizens from the UK and European Union will be able to cross freely. The Northern Ireland Protocol states that all the benefits and respects in this area will be continued with an extension of the Common Travel Area rules application. There will be a difference in the imported and exported goods between these countries because of EU food standards and checkups, which was not necessary when the UK was a European country.
As we mentioned already there won’t be major changes in traveling between the two countries. Moreover, The Northern Ireland Protocol is aiming to avoid a physical border between Ireland and Northern Ireland. Regarding visas and passports, there will not be any immigration control points. However, since you might not get checked as a traveler you should carry your passport with you entering Northern Ireland.
Besides, before traveling you are recommended to have health insurance. Your European Health insurance card (EHIC) will ensure your health insurance only in the Republic of Ireland. As the UK not being part of the EU, these rules do not apply. Visitors should arrange for themselves health and travel insurance while visiting the Northern part of the island. Always check with your insurance provider before the trip.
We started out with some morning nature shoots outside the bustling city, in the ‘Reserve naturelle de Eijsden’, which is located right next to the border with Belgium. The park is occupied by diverse animals, walking around you. We were lucky to see and photograph the wild horses in their natural habitat. 
Later we head to the heart of Maastricht, the Basilica of Saint Servatius located at the famous Vrijthof square. This building is one of the most beautiful and majestic in the town. Entering the Basilica, you will be amazed by all the colors and religious items. Photographing the basilica inside is a perfect way of playing with colors since the building is closed and very little light is coming through the glass painted windows. This is the time to play with the settings of the camera!
Further we visited the Gouvernement, it is an iconic building representing Maastricht. Surrounded by water and blossoming trees makes it perfect for photos. The interesting architecture is as challenging as exciting to photograph. 
Photographing the oldest bridge in the Netherlands sounds good right? It is still in use for pedestrians, and it is an icon for the city and Limburg province. You can approach the bridge by many angles and find the best for a shoot. Photographing the surroundings can be amazing addition to your photo combining the bridge with the reflection in the water. 
We are combining all kinds of photography in our workshops and last but not least we are finishing with nature shots. The Brunssummerheide is a national park near the city. After exploring the city, it is time for quiet time and outdoor photography. 
Natuurlijk houden wij de ontwikkelingen en de corona-situatie in onze bestemmingslanden continu in de gaten. Wij werken erg nauw samen met lokale ondernemers in onze bestemmingslanden. Op deze manier ondersteunt Travelmarks-Photography de lokale en wat kleinere bedrijven. Een perfect voorbeeld hiervan is Win, onze gids in Myanmar. Win werkt zelf voor Asia Photo Travels and Tours en kent hierdoor alle kneepjes van het vak wanneer het op fotografie aankomt.
Men denkt al gauw dat in een land met ruim 56 miljoen inwoners ook wel veel besmettingen plaats zullen vinden maar niets is minder waar. In Myanmar, ook wel Birma genoemd, zijn tot nu toe ruim 113.000 coronabesmettingen geteld. Even ter vergelijking: In Nederland is dit getal momenteel ongeveer 5,5 keer zo groot. Daarnaast zijn er gedurende de gehele pandemie minder dan 3000 mensen aan het virus overleden. Ook dit is in verhouding een erg laag aantal.
Reisbeperkingen
Maastricht mag tijdens een fotografiereis door de Benelux natuurlijk niet missen. Door de gunstige ligging is Maastricht goed bereikbaar vanuit de buurlanden. Daarnaast staat de stad bekend om zijn gezelligheid en de historische binnenstad. Zeker een bezoekje waard dus!
Naast deze bekende bezienswaardigheden zijn er natuurlijk nog veel meer fotogenieke plekjes te vinden. Deze worden minder druk bezocht en zijn daardoor absoluut de moeite waard voor fotografie! Tenslotte zijn de ‘geheime’ plekjes vaak het mooist. 
Het natuurgebied is een mekka voor natuurfotografie. Zo heeft elk jaargetijde bijzondere eigenschappen. Of dit nu de bloeiende heide is, een besneeuwd landschap of de prachtige herfstkleuren in het najaar, de natuur zal je er nooit teleurstellen. Het park is dus niet alleen in het hoogseizoen een populaire bestemming. Daarom zal ook deze bestemming zeker in de fotografiereis terug komen.
Dat Dublin de hoofdstad van Ierland is, weet men meestal wel. Dat de stad over indrukwekkende architectuur beschikt, is vaak ook bekend. Maar wist jij ook dat Dublin meer dan 1000 jaar geleden gesticht is door Vikingen? Zij plunderden omliggende kustplaatsen en hadden hun ‘thuisbasis’ in het huidige Dublin. Tot op heden koestert men de geschiedenis van de stad.
Ierland is het op één na grootste Britse eiland en behoort daarmee tot de grootste eilanden van Europa. Natuurlijk staat Ierland bekend om de ruige kustlijnen maar daarnaast is het land ook rijk aan UNESCO Werelderfgoederen. Veel bijzondere bestemmingen hebben een plekje op de werelderfgoedlijst weten te bemachtigen en dat vergeet men vaak te vermelden. De meeste plekken vindt men dan ook voornamelijk langs de kust.
Liefhebbers van de serie Game of Thrones weten ongetwijfeld dat de serie zich afspeelt op adembenemende locaties. De eerste gedachtes gaan vaak uit naar Dubrovnik in Kroatië en Malta maar daarnaast bevinden zich ook een aantal prachtige filmlocaties in Noord-Ierland. Noord-Ierland wordt dan ook wel eens het grondgebied van Game of Thrones genoemd. Deze locaties kunnen tijdens de fotografiereis door Ierland en Noord-Ierland natuurlijk niet overgeslagen worden.
Men zegt ook wel dat men het koninkrijk der natuur binnen treedt wanneer er een bezoek aan dit park gebracht wordt. Het Nationaal Park Rondane is het oudste nationaal park van Noorwegen en heeft een oppervlakte van ruim 900 vierkante kilometer. Het ligt daarnaast vrij centraal in het land. Bijna 85% van de nationale parken in Noorwegen is bedekt met bergen. Zo ook de Rondane. Het is een hoogvlakte waarvan een tiental bergen zelfs boven 2000 meter uitkomt. Een ontzettend kleurrijk plantenrijk zul je hier niet vinden. Het park is vooral bedekt met bossen en graslanden. Echter kunnen ook deze landschappen prachtig zijn. Met name in het najaar wordt het park gesierd door de meest mooie herfstkleuren. Deze creëren zelfs op koude dagen een magische sfeer in het park.
Een steenworp van Rondane vandaan ligt Nationaal Park Dovrefjell. Dit park staat bekend als ver uit de beste plek in Noorwegen om de bekende Muskusossen te spotten. Zij leven in het wild en kunnen dus in hun natuurlijke habitat gespot worden. Deze imposante dieren kunnen ruim 400kg wegen en zijn niet schuw. Het fotograferen van de Muskusossen zal dan ook zeker geen probleem zijn. Daarnaast behoort september tot de beste maanden van het jaar om hen tegen te komen. Verder zijn er natuurlijk ook nog vele andere dieren te zien zoals poolvossen en een hoop verschillende vogelsoorten.
Al met al dus genoeg redenen om een reis naar het noorden te plannen. Het is dan ook niet gek dat Noorwegen tot de populairste bestemmingen onder natuurliefhebbers valt. Mocht jij de schoonheid van dit land nu nog met eigen ogen willen zien, nemen wij jou graag mee tijdens de volgende fotografiereis in Noorwegen!
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