https://www.victoryalunde.com/projects daily 1.0 2024-07-02 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5db07025d796e252b57b3551/1601299806026-O0A7P5AF09EEUSBC30RM/DSC_0251.jpg victoryalunde.com The village of Nzulezo is located near the village of Beyin, 90 kilometers west of Takoradi, in the Jomoro District of the Western Region of Ghana. The island has around 600 inhabitants. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5db07025d796e252b57b3551/1598977018094-MOKJ1J0EE008KO25M3V4/_MG_8102.jpg victoryalunde.com - Welcome to Omdurman! The name Omdurman literally translates as "Mother of Durmān” and is the most populated city in Sudan with almost 2 million inhabitans. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5db07025d796e252b57b3551/1598963165820-4BHKLEQ7SSDQ1IPR26NT/IMG_7303.jpg victoryalunde.com Hitchhiking the 182. km from Wadi Halfa to Abbri is a long and uncomfortable ride, but Abdi and Mohamed Kareem are used to it, and enjoy the time they spend together. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5db07025d796e252b57b3551/1612130886417-SYUIFUIGCBCGO315GTXI/Erling+Kagge_SoMe_plakat.png victoryalunde.com https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5db07025d796e252b57b3551/1599225513495-CTYYKYKZ1UWLR7SL7S65/_MG_0103.jpg victoryalunde.com Welcome to Koidu - the diamond capital of Sierra Leone! Diamond shops are spread all over town and impossible to miss. Like gold-rush America, Sierra Leone’s diamond-mining capital can feel just as madly exciting, and just as desolate. Known as the Wild East, it has lured in many with the promise of riches, and yet the techniques employed are not much changed in 70 years. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5db07025d796e252b57b3551/1598947695771-JVQH9SLTIVVC8I8HWJE7/IMG_7954.jpg victoryalunde.com https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5db07025d796e252b57b3551/1599552827045-YK3O2KP3V2F9YJ8YEEH5/DSC_0734.jpg victoryalunde.com Chinese soldiers marching in front of The Potala Palace, the former summer residence of His Holiness The Dalai Lama. In 1959 he fled to exile in India after a failed uprising against the Chinese regime in the capital Lhasa. https://www.victoryalunde.com/about daily 0.75 2025-06-17 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5db07025d796e252b57b3551/8e86b136-02f1-4dfa-b4d4-66540b6ce68f/v.JPG About VICTORYA LUNDE is a Norwegian documentary photographer who travels worldwide to capture stories. Her work focuses on culture and the principle of unity in diversity, using her images to connect people all over the world. She aims to bring everyday moments from remote places and make them available to everyone. “We have to be curious and learn to see ourselves in each other and recognize that human beings are more alike than we are unalike”. Victorya is available for assignments and projects worldwide. https://www.victoryalunde.com/above-the-clouds-2 daily 0.75 2020-11-01 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5db07025d796e252b57b3551/1599552827045-YK3O2KP3V2F9YJ8YEEH5/DSC_0734.jpg Above the clouds Chinese soldiers marching in front of The Potala Palace, the former summer residence of His Holiness The Dalai Lama. In 1959 he fled to exile in India after a failed uprising against the Chinese regime in the capital Lhasa. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5db07025d796e252b57b3551/1599749256062-V37MM6KPJDF9DZG0B708/DSC_0700j-2.jpg Above the clouds Where there exists hate there exists love. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5db07025d796e252b57b3551/1599492793072-05LDR31SCORIFX8G1H4J/DSC_0931.jpg Above the clouds Welcome to Tibet! With an average elevation exceeding 4,500 metres (14,800 ft) and surrounded by the world's two highest summits, Mount Everest and K2. The Tibetan Plateau is often referred to as "the Roof of the World" , and spans 2.5 million km2. Tibet is today officially called Tibet Autonomous Region and is a province-level autonomous region in Southwest China since 1965. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5db07025d796e252b57b3551/1600161729070-UWEPK2PECJZWUEP9XAQ8/CSC_1017.jpg Above the clouds Tibet has an estimated population of 3,2 million, and about 90 % identify themselves as Tibetan. The population of the Tibetan people across the world is estimated to be 6 million. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5db07025d796e252b57b3551/1600125622462-42B5AIB0H4I030L6FLTU/cfc-2.jpg Above the clouds A little Chinese boy is feeding the birds together with his mom in a park in Lhasa. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5db07025d796e252b57b3551/1599553250499-IEQK1OW4RF1VSNUNYPXX/DSC_0723.JPG Above the clouds Chinese soldiers are watching everything that moves about in the city and you will see them on every street. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5db07025d796e252b57b3551/1599555426745-H1MIDEGYVGG7NZM0BXS4/DSC_0740.jpg Above the clouds There is influence from both Chinese and Tibetan culture, and therefore some areas of Lhasa looks more Chinese than Tibetan. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5db07025d796e252b57b3551/1599495628017-1PLXQJ0241OA3BWOE4RT/DSC_0725.jpg Above the clouds There are many parks to enjoy the fresh air. Lhasa with altitude of 3650 meters is known to be one of the most stunning and highest capital cities in the world. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5db07025d796e252b57b3551/1601906280203-EVS6184UJRTA0GFOAOX9/pray.jpg Above the clouds When you walk around Lhasa or any city or village you will see Tibetans carrying this artefact everywhere. Its a prayer wheel ( ma ni lag ´khor in Tibetan) and each spin of a prayer wheel sends blessings and prayers throughout the universe to benefit all being. The cylinder contains a sacred text, the mantra “Om mani padme hum” and is usually translated to mean “The Jewel Is In The Lotus”. It is said to be one of the most powerful mantras, such that even saying it a single time can be enough for an experienced disciple to release negative karma, and achieve enlightenment! The practitioner, most often spins the wheel clockwise, because that is the direction of which the mantras are written and the movement of the sun. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5db07025d796e252b57b3551/1599833554512-O162MGJUC3CFVTOW01Y7/DSC_0684.jpg Above the clouds Religion is extremely important to the Tibetans and has a strong influence over all aspects of their lives. Tibetan Buddhism is the main religion and it’s also dominant in the regions surrounding the Himalayas (such as Nepal, Bhutan, Ladakh, Sikkim and Mongolia). The best known face of Tibetan Buddhism is the Holiness Dalai Lama. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5db07025d796e252b57b3551/1600162022151-BX1IQ0T9X6CGB967IW7M/DSC_0650.jpg Above the clouds The Jokhang Temple (also known in Tibetan as the Tsuglhakhang) in Barkhor Square in Lhasa, is considered by most Tibetans to be the most sacred and important temple in Tibet. The word “There stands Jokhang Temple before Lhasa is established” is widely spread among Tibetans, manifesting the particular statue of Jokhang Temple. There are many legends related to the origin of Jokhang Temple and Lhasa city. The Jokhang is a UNESCO heritage site. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5db07025d796e252b57b3551/1599492760138-C3YXRM099G9VX48K5FY1/DSC_0652.jpg Above the clouds Yak butter candles burning inside the Jokhang. The temple is the ultimate pilgrimage destination in Tibet and recives thousands of pilgrims every year. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5db07025d796e252b57b3551/1600163105691-QRTW0EUW6M6SDWG0LFYG/right-2.jpg Above the clouds A Buddhist practising prostrations in front of the Jokhang temple. In Tibet, prostration is a common religious practice. Tibetan people perform prostration in their home shrine in the early morning or when they enter monasteries, nunneries, holy mountains and stupas. Prostration is performed by dropping the body forward and stretching it full length on the floor, with arms outstretched. Then bring the hands together and place them on the crown of the head, then to the mouth and finishing with the heart. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5db07025d796e252b57b3551/1599832481933-606UA8R1T6XHJ7M5B95U/DSC_0788.jpg Above the clouds Paying attention, you will see small “shrines” everywhere. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5db07025d796e252b57b3551/1600162462357-C2TZULSOR6DLX588Z35S/DSC_0727.jpg Above the clouds An old man preforming sun salutation in the large city park in Lhasa. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5db07025d796e252b57b3551/1599834656037-1LOGOMJX9HTXCKT2A3K5/CSC_0751.jpg Above the clouds The Tibetan Buddhist are known to be very devoted. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5db07025d796e252b57b3551/1598975221182-YUNZ2PD9FX91L6KAJR6Q/70.jpg Above the clouds Prayer wheels are found all over the country and is a very important integrated part of the Tibetan culture. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5db07025d796e252b57b3551/1599492769943-EPUTMIBMOI5INA60MCVV/DSC_0768.jpg Above the clouds Dominant mountains are surrounding Lhasa. When the sky is clear they majestically revile themselves. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5db07025d796e252b57b3551/1599492762875-LCT2MAHAF66BOP2RLP0C/DSC_0677.jpg Above the clouds Drinking alcohol is contrary to the beliefs of Tibetan Buddhism. But just as we see all over the world when living conditions are difficult, especially due to unemployment, there is an increase in addiction. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5db07025d796e252b57b3551/1599492764708-9AX35F3HGE5NY57E13TC/DSC_0681.jpg Above the clouds One of many Chinese solider patrols throughout the city. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5db07025d796e252b57b3551/1598975186462-C043JV47UWGHY6YNKMFS/9.jpg Above the clouds “Above the clouds”. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5db07025d796e252b57b3551/1598975258467-A3W6U0TJW4S0YX7XU0T3/75.jpg Above the clouds Tibet is one of the most unique regions in the world. With the huge mountain masses, temperatures in Tibet change drastically from season to season, area to area, and even day to night. In summer, the air is warm, and there is little need for heavy clothing even in some of the highest and most remote locations. The air at this height is thin, which allows more of the sun’s UV rays to penetrate to the ground level. This makes the sun feel warmer and stronger than at sea level areas with the same temperatures. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5db07025d796e252b57b3551/1598975485983-65D7MIAYVJZCWZPSDR9U/Portfolio+exam27.jpg Above the clouds Village children are happy to see some new faces arriving, since tourism to the most remote areas of the country is not very common. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5db07025d796e252b57b3551/1599493212908-S9V4DIAURVF73JHBM3HZ/DSC_1115.jpg Above the clouds A young Tibetan girl in a mountain village. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5db07025d796e252b57b3551/1599832565333-NF7TZBLLRNZSMCHEVSPS/DSC_1109.jpg Above the clouds The harsh weather conditions and high UV exposure puts it’s marks on their faces. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5db07025d796e252b57b3551/1599492789961-WLGM2TCXEGI0XTAH7NUR/DSC_0896.jpg Above the clouds Vehicles in Tibet have to control their speed, even on highways. The highest speed limit on the roads is only 60 kph. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5db07025d796e252b57b3551/1599493217749-AIZINLRHKTY9TUOBZOTM/DSC_1233.jpg Above the clouds Prayer Flags blowing in the wind at Everest Base Camp Tibet, known as the North Base Camp at 5,150 metres. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5db07025d796e252b57b3551/1598975334297-M6LQQYQQ6NHQ7QS3YTQD/Portfolio+exam19.jpg Above the clouds Mount Everest at 8848 meter is Earth's highest mountain above sea level. The Tibetan name for Everest in Qomolangma which means “Holy Mother”. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5db07025d796e252b57b3551/1600163903960-IF0YITC6N9MSHD3DOMUY/DSC_08021-2.jpg Above the clouds In earlier days, before the Cultural Revolution, there were over 6000 monasteries in Tibet. Today there are around 85 fully functioning monasteries in the region. This picture is of the Sera Monastery, built in 1419, this complex of structure has gone through several restorations, but it still stands as one of the landmarks of Lhasa nowadays. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5db07025d796e252b57b3551/1599553370714-SPP1CLR0T38C621IGVUW/DSC_0798.JPG Above the clouds Inside the Sera monastery you can light candles and make an offering. The Monastery houses many precious relics, arts and scriptures. Such as “Ganggyur”, the most precious statue enshrined in the Coqen Hall, as well as the silk “Thangka painting” made with colorful silk thread in complicated embroidery techniques. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5db07025d796e252b57b3551/1599492776470-QGSSN3JTKGK4CENI58N3/DSC_0803.jpg Above the clouds A munk sits in silence holding his Mala (prayer beads necklace). Malas are used to help people focus one’s awareness and concentration during spiritual practice. Long malas have 108 beads. The summit or head bead is called the guru bead or a sumeru. In Tibetan Buddhism, one mala constitutes 100 recitations of a mantra. There are 8 additional recitations done to ensure proper concentration. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5db07025d796e252b57b3551/1599492780294-5D0QK8Q62NLTOUWU88BX/DSC_0814.jpg Above the clouds At Sera Monastery you can witness the philosophical debates of Tibetan Buddhist monks. The debate occur every afternoon in the debating courtyard. Debating is a part of the monks’ training and education. The debate is held in the presence of their teachers. The roles of the debater and the questioner are well defined. The questioner has to thouroghly present his case related to Buddhist topics, and the defender has to answer within a fixed time frame. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5db07025d796e252b57b3551/1599148412496-MDCCW973LN649FUVEUB5/2+2.jpg Above the clouds During the debate, you’ll see monks debating vigorously by employing some gestures which presents the ambience of the occasion. Each gesture has the different meaning, and some of the gestures are said to have symbolic value. Generally, you can see some typical dramatic gestures during the debate. Clapping hands means that the questioners are going to ask a question, or urge the defenders to answer the question quickly. Clapping hands loudly means to stress the power and decisiveness of the defender’s arguments denoting his self-assurance. Touching the Buddha beads means wishing for an inspiration from the Buddha. In case of wrong answer presented by the defender, the opponent gestures three circles with his hand around the defenders head followed by loud screaming to unnerve the defender. If opponents make a mistake, it is demonstrated by wrapping his upper robe around his waist. When the defender wins the debate, he will make an allegorical dig at the questioner by questioning his basic wisdom as a Buddhist. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5db07025d796e252b57b3551/1599492772508-DX7PGE2QLEQO8W6ILL9X/DSC_0796.jpg Above the clouds An old Tibetan woman dressed in traditional clothing. The main clothing item is a robe, which they call Cuba. Every Tibetan will usually have two sets of traditional dresses, one as the special dress for the festival and some social events like marriage, and another for daily use. Most of the time all the special dresses would be made from silk and cotton with an inner layer made out of a woolen blanket. Day to day clothes is made as per the climate, woolen for winter and cotton for summer use. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5db07025d796e252b57b3551/1599492785963-AB7NA1F3GU4GCFPSWJCC/DSC_0852.jpg Above the clouds Ladders painted on rocks is not uncommon, they are symbolizing a spiritual stairway which can enable the seeker to ascend to higher realms of consciousness in the Quest of spiritual “perfection”. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5db07025d796e252b57b3551/1601035424902-GI8BVWZ1HCK059H2CKK5/DSC_0569.jpg Above the clouds Yaks belong to the family of the bison and water buffalo, known as Bovinae. Yaks are important for the Tibetans mainly because it is the only animal which almost every body part can be used. The wool is significant for producing extremely warm clothes, meat is said to be very nutritious, the yak milk is used for making butter and cheese, or other dairy products. Sometimes the skulls and the tails are also used for medicinal purposes and they use living Yaks for trekking. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5db07025d796e252b57b3551/1599492783105-6DB0LYDJ1QLKKQAN9FDJ/DSC_0866.jpg Above the clouds Tibetans refer to their land as Gangs-ljongs or Kha-ba-can meaning “Land of Snows”, although the climate is generally dry. Most of Tibet receives only 18 inches (460 mm) of rain/snow annually, with much of it falling during the summer months. The Himalayas act as a barrier to the monsoon winds from the south. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5db07025d796e252b57b3551/1599495494799-L8VG5JGYAM19AR8NBFZL/DSC_0888.jpg Above the clouds Horse racing has always been one of the favorite sports of Tibetan people. Horse racing festivals are held in the summer, when meadows are all covered with green soft grass. The Tibetan pony is an ancient breed of small-statured mountain ponies, that are known for their strength and endurance. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5db07025d796e252b57b3551/1599492788780-FL0CPJOUR4QSF8EURBPG/DSC_0889.jpg Above the clouds Yak poo, also known as yak “dung” is a major source of fuel in the Tibetan countryside, and it’s widely used for cooking and heating. In the autumn and winter you will find stacks of dried yak dung near houses in most Tibetan villages. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5db07025d796e252b57b3551/1599493201380-XNZXWQPQQKFW0UG4H01X/DSC_0975.jpg Above the clouds Many Tibetans are wearing face masks due to air pollution. Once known ta have the cleanest air on earth, but that’s sadly not the case anymore. Air pollution is worse in the winter because there is no rain to wash pollutants from the air. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5db07025d796e252b57b3551/1599153077998-L6042WNLRNUIGQ18GG7I/555.JPG Above the clouds Even remote Tibet is influenced by modern western culture, and it is therefore common to see a mixture of traditional and western clothing. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5db07025d796e252b57b3551/1599153266785-RBN1QJZ33O7X0EM0DD5K/88.JPG Above the clouds The villagers come to the surrounding cities to trade their goods. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5db07025d796e252b57b3551/1599744388618-016KH0SJZQO5WHDXGPWE/dfsgvsdzx-2.jpg Above the clouds Traditional red headband and braid. Red commonly symbolises life force and preservation. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5db07025d796e252b57b3551/1599832505497-Y08UNK4SSS0FJ8S0P6IK/DSC_0973.jpg Above the clouds Two Buddhist Monks are strolling the streets of Shigatse, showing the integration of the Tibetan Buddhist culture and traditions in the modern street life. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5db07025d796e252b57b3551/1599492795110-TQ2SL73GCEEWZUR679Y5/DSC_0966.jpg Above the clouds Earlier street signs where written in Tibetan, and then in both Chinese and Tibetan. Today it is more common to find signs in only the Chinese language. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5db07025d796e252b57b3551/1599493205612-2W71QDPZNZMFARCUPRSU/DSC_0988.jpg Above the clouds Tibetan Snooker is also called “Gyiren,” or billiards without ball arms. The game become popular in Lhasa in the 1940s. It is played all over the country and has become a folk sport. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5db07025d796e252b57b3551/1599832589672-1M2SIKG2XT43TABTZ1JG/DSC_1048.jpg Above the clouds Some of the landscape is described as a high-altitude desert, where weather conditions makes it difficult for vegetation to grow. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5db07025d796e252b57b3551/1600159994908-J1X4YS1HHOGHCU7JN3GG/DSC_0793.jpg Above the clouds It is common to find tiny temples in the mountainsides across the country. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5db07025d796e252b57b3551/1599665867858-W8QZGIS32S0EXM05JUMF/DSC_1038-2.jpg Above the clouds Villagers sorting their crops. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5db07025d796e252b57b3551/1599493208192-8M4X5UAPPPGO3SYP0Z3I/DSC_1086.jpg Above the clouds The 1st floor of a Tibetan home. Tibetans are known to love colours and all the colours have a special meaning. Blue means space, white means air, yellow means earth, green means water and red means fire. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5db07025d796e252b57b3551/1599493212219-E623PFT6AL5SOYLXF6IJ/DSC_1087.jpg Above the clouds The 2nd floor inside a Tibetan home, where you can find more colours and paintings. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5db07025d796e252b57b3551/1599492546397-Q6LNJG27BS0BSTFX7E1G/DSC_0561.jpg Above the clouds The landscape of Tibet is know across the world for it’s serene beauty, and artists have captured it since the first travellers crossed into these remote areas. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5db07025d796e252b57b3551/1600172622208-YZFVRDIEL1LOP1IMQ3WS/DSC_0257-2-2.jpg Above the clouds I visited Tibet in early 2012, but even today, 8 years later Tibet is a political hot spot. You need a Tibet Entry Permit and extra Permits are required to visit other regions beyond Lhasa. No individual traveler’s are allowed to travel to Tibet at the moment. All tours must be booked in advance by a Chinese travel agency and your whole tour in Tibet must be accompanied by a licensed tour guide, including transportation. The most you can do independently is to wander around the city of Lhasa or go to a restaurant. We were lucky to have a Tibetan guide who dared to be outspoken. Guides and guests are watched closely by the Chinese authorities both at the monasteries, in the cities and inside tour vehicles. When you arrive and leave the country you need to be prepared for your luggage to be inspected. The Tibetan flag, also known as the "snow lion" (gangs seng dar cha) has been banned by the Chinese government since 1959. The flag has not been in official use by any region in the world since 1951. However it is used by the Tibetan Government in Exile. This picture was taken in McLeod Ganj is a suburb of Dharamshala in India, also called “Little Lhasa” or “Dhasa”. It’s the home to the Dalai Lama and thousands of Tibetans. The Tibetan government-in-exile is headquartered in McLeod Ganj today. To learn more about Tibet check: https://www.freetibet.org/about Free Tibet! https://www.victoryalunde.com/the-lost-kingdom daily 0.75 2024-06-14 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5db07025d796e252b57b3551/1598947695771-JVQH9SLTIVVC8I8HWJE7/IMG_7954.jpg The lost kingdom Kingdom of Kush, Sudan https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5db07025d796e252b57b3551/1598974404324-CMHM8CYDUJW0N4VMTU09/IMG_7927.jpg The lost kingdom Kingdom of Kush, Sudan https://www.victoryalunde.com/whirling-dervishes2 daily 0.75 2020-11-01 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5db07025d796e252b57b3551/1598977018094-MOKJ1J0EE008KO25M3V4/_MG_8102.jpg Whirling dervishes - Welcome to Omdurman! The name Omdurman literally translates as "Mother of Durmān” and is the most populated city in Sudan with almost 2 million inhabitans. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5db07025d796e252b57b3551/1599154689064-RLGEBCOTF9KA9GCSQN6R/_MG_8103.jpg Whirling dervishes Each Friday afternoon at the Hamid El-Nil Mosque around 16.00, local Sufis gather to dance and pray, attracting large crowds of observers. The al-Qadiriya Sufi order in Omdurman was founded by Sheikh Hamid al-Nil, and he is buried in the tomb nearby. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5db07025d796e252b57b3551/1598977132881-41RMBLU31K8URCL1HNKE/IMG_8121.jpg Whirling dervishes Sufism, known as tasawwuf in the Arabic-speaking world, is a form of Islamic mysticis. Sufi practice focuses on the renunciation of worldly things, purification of the soul and the mystical contemplation of God’s nature. Followers try to get closer to God by seeking spiritual learning known as tariqa. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5db07025d796e252b57b3551/1601137967541-J4AI97EX800JKXPNU8LW/IMG_8116.jpg Whirling dervishes The vast majority of Sufis are Sunni, though some are Shiit. Many modern day Sufis cherish tolerance and pluralism. While some Muslims view Sufis as eccentric, some fundamentalists and extremists see Sufism as a threat, and its followers as heretics or apostates. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5db07025d796e252b57b3551/1598976968798-VKLTL2RJWST9V5R8YA2C/IMG_8150.jpg Whirling dervishes Sufi whirling is a form of physically active meditation which originated among certain Sufi groups, and which is still practiced by the Sufi Dervishes of the Mevlevi order. The order was created in 1273 after the death of the great poet and Sufi; Rumi. They whirl by crossing their legs and spinning, over and over, and they claim they don't get dizzy. Careful footwork and deep concentration is said to be the key. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5db07025d796e252b57b3551/1598977370070-QSYYLMF46P0NG4EP4UYQ/IMG_8175.jpg Whirling dervishes Rumi was known as a “drunken Sufi” because he found ecstacy in dancing, poetry and music. It’s believed that Rumi would turn round and round while reciting his poetry, and it is this dance which formed the basis for the Mevlevi Order, or Whirling Dervishes, after his death. Dervish means doorway, and the dance is believed to be a mystical portal between the earthly and cosmic worlds. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5db07025d796e252b57b3551/1598977392909-A79LL53IGZYPOIXGYKN8/IMG_8126.jpg Whirling dervishes A whirling dervish ritual begins with prayers and meditation in which each dervish, one after the other, receives a blessing from a superior. Then flutes play an introductory melody which symbolizes man's desire for mystic union, and the dance begins. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5db07025d796e252b57b3551/1598978404983-7ZSQ1S133TMFFFLDTZHK/IMG_8167.jpg Whirling dervishes Each dance consists of three stages: the first is the knowledge of God; the second is the seeing of God; and the third is the union with God. Their whirling symbolizes the rotation of the universe in the presence of God. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5db07025d796e252b57b3551/1598977772393-HP6TI4FRIX694XE73J74/_MG_8097.jpg Whirling dervishes Sudan’s Sufis make up the largest national Sufi community in the world. But the various orders operate independently. The attendance seems to agree that onlooking tourists is okay. “They come to visit other sights in Sudan. For them seeing the way we are dressed and the drumming, they see it as an African folklore. And all are welcome, so it’s not just a show for us.” https://www.victoryalunde.com/1dayinabbri daily 0.75 2020-11-01 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5db07025d796e252b57b3551/1598963165820-4BHKLEQ7SSDQ1IPR26NT/IMG_7303.jpg 1 day in Abbri Hitchhiking the 182. km from Wadi Halfa to Abbri is a long and uncomfortable ride, but Abdi and Mohamed Kareem are used to it, and enjoy the time they spend together. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5db07025d796e252b57b3551/1598965765155-VGXZ7PUJSCOS3VH2VS8Z/IMG_7312.jpg 1 day in Abbri Sudan. A country with history, stories, fairytales, nightmares and dreams. Known for its size (before the split, the largest country in Africa), oil, wars, famine, culture, pyramids (more than Egypt) and hospitable people. Officially known as the Republic of the Sudan, its a country in North-East Africa. It is bordered by Egypt to the north, Libya to the northwest, Chad to the west, the Central African Republic to the southwest, South Sudan to the south, Ethiopia to the southeast, Eritrea to the east, and the Red Sea to the northeast. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5db07025d796e252b57b3551/1599150918712-AFUO5D9B9ANHZEIYDC6H/IMG_7311.jpg 1 day in Abbri Welcome to Abri a village in Northern Sudan, and a part of old Nubia*. Abri is a small village composed of a couple of unpaved streets and shacks but, at the same time, it’s one of the main localities in the region, as it is the only village with shops and where the market occurs every week. It’s a village inhabited by Nubian people, established on the shore of the Nile River. What is now northern Sudan was in ancient times the kingdom of Nubia, which came under Egyptian rule after 2600 B.C. An Egyptian and Nubian civilization called Kush flourished until A.D. 350. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5db07025d796e252b57b3551/1598963511071-D5I2OF28J9XZTKWH739O/IMG_7425.jpg 1 day in Abbri Ahmed and his brother in law Ibrahim is checking the inventory list for their small shop. The inhabitants of Abbri and the rest of the Nubian villages live a highly traditional and conservative life, where marriages between members of the same extended family are common and almost everybody is somehow related. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5db07025d796e252b57b3551/1598963539300-698AWJ1CMHPYQENECCKT/IMG_7409.jpg 1 day in Abbri Time moves slow in Abbri. It is a place to get lost, through getting to know their culture and being embraced by their hospitality. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5db07025d796e252b57b3551/1598963750646-CJB4LGOO12NUS5MIKCJ4/IMG_7468.jpg 1 day in Abbri Mohammed Sadi, 65, is a former teacher from Asmara, Eritrea. He says it was impossible to survive on a teacher salary in Sudan. Mohammed now owns one of two cafés in the village. He laugh when I ask why I should visit his place instead of his competition, “We are all family”. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5db07025d796e252b57b3551/1599150974998-3W9H37O7NVOA5EX3D4X5/IMG_7461.jpg 1 day in Abbri Sudan was formerly a British Crown Colony and the British brought their tradition of tea to the country. Today the Sudanese have made their own version, the amazing Cinnamon Tea (Shai) with lots of sugar and mint. Ginger is also very popular. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5db07025d796e252b57b3551/1598963777010-JMKJ9Y0INMLB9XSSX9ZI/IMG_7463.jpg 1 day in Abbri Hussein is wearing what is called a Jalabiya. Wrapped around his head is a ‘Ema, or a turban. The Sudanese turban is exceptionally long, compard to other groups that wear it. That is because when killed in battle, the turban was used as a burial shroud, so it was often said that a man would either return home with it wrapped around his head or around his lifeless body. Every tribe is Sudan has its special way wrapping a turban. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5db07025d796e252b57b3551/1598963906246-0OSW8LAO7SEZQ2YK2OYS/_MG_7495.jpg 1 day in Abbri In the afternoon it’s very common to see men in all ages sitting in the shadows smoking Shisha, while they talk about todays latest news and happenings. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5db07025d796e252b57b3551/1599151838967-KTL4D8IFR1U7TKE136W6/IMG_7438.jpg 1 day in Abbri Ismak Elfata (45) is the village “tire expert”, that can fix anything, no matter how damaged, he claims. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5db07025d796e252b57b3551/1598974116838-EAH9YT6SQTMRSV3PQHHC/IMG_7634.jpg 1 day in Abbri The hospital waiting room is located outside, where they have a tv and even a fan to use during the hottest days. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5db07025d796e252b57b3551/1598964191010-H3KUWT8FWX9Y0GMP5GJ6/IMG_7509.jpg 1 day in Abbri Dr. Almofaz is conducting an ultrasound on Keisah 32, pregnant with her second child and in her third trimester. This time she is awaiting a little girl. Pregnant women are offered a medical check once every month and twice the last month of their pregnancy. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5db07025d796e252b57b3551/1598964322256-NZSOC798SIO8DHMO2IG3/IMG_7539.jpg 1 day in Abbri This baby boy, Abdulkareem is 3 hours old and 3000 grams. He was born naturally after 4 hours leighbour. His mother Fatima is 24 years old, and Abdulkareem is her fourth child. His oldest sibling is 7 and his father had to work while his mother gave birth. In Sudan fathers are allowed to be present during birth, and C-section is an alternative when necessary. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5db07025d796e252b57b3551/1598964997965-6UZ28SHM57TET58R1LD2/IMG_7308.jpg 1 day in Abbri This is Aisha, single mother of 3 and one of many resourceful Sudanese women, often called “Sitashai” (tea seller) that are running their own tea business to support the family. Days and evenings you will see these women on the street corners and open spaces serving all sorts of tasteful tea. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5db07025d796e252b57b3551/1598964786684-8E70Y0A43MWPZV713CGS/IMG_7297.jpg 1 day in Abbri Kids playing in the streets, strolling donkeys, locals gathering to eat foul (a typical Sudanese dish) and dozens of smiling faces waiting for your attention, is part of dailylife in Abbri. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5db07025d796e252b57b3551/1599150892016-LCC7P5QPM3CRCAP1RJYG/IMG_7287.jpg 1 day in Abbri The small local fruit and vegetable market offers a large variety. Fresh bananas, oranges, mangos, okra, eggplant and of course onion, which is grown all over the country. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5db07025d796e252b57b3551/1601560199487-EX38BLM3Z1BD28TCZEG9/IMG_7670.jpg 1 day in Abbri Abbri is on the river bank of the Nile and is therfore blessed with fertile soil. Sudan is one of the world’s largest producers of millet, sorghum, sesame seeds and groundnuts. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5db07025d796e252b57b3551/1601560220106-7TSMIW6WXM80TL88305X/IMG_7724.jpg 1 day in Abbri The Nile is often used for afternoon swims and washing of clothes. Its considered clean and safe, when you remember to watch out for the famous Nile Crocodiles. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5db07025d796e252b57b3551/1599837158267-STLL9K6P34W629YXUOEQ/IMG_7659.jpg 1 day in Abbri Nubians are known to be generous and hospitable. They often welcome you into their home and offer tea and dates. If you need a place to sleep don’t be surprised if they offer that too. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5db07025d796e252b57b3551/1599152169289-LV2553RH122SLYMXFSNY/IMG_7762.jpg 1 day in Abbri Free drinking water is available to the villagers, and kept cold in these raw ceramic vases. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5db07025d796e252b57b3551/1601560212453-PB7FNU16MGYUQT3886BO/IMG_7751.jpg 1 day in Abbri When the only baker in the village has fresh bread ready the villagers line up. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5db07025d796e252b57b3551/1598969591732-F07BEY02FZG1WAUWLKW0/IMG_7805.jpg 1 day in Abbri In the evening you will find Sitashai’s in Abbris open spaces. Customers sit for hours on plain metal stools bound with colorful string, to drink their tea and socialize. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5db07025d796e252b57b3551/1599152834752-YGRLF8NVRRPGB61FBLRG/IMG_7373.jpg 1 day in Abbri If you are lucky you get invited to a wedding. Sudanese weddings are often large, where relatives, friends, neighbors, co-workers, and sometimes even strangers gather to celebrate. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5db07025d796e252b57b3551/1598966451660-PX49Q6L6QFF0I65J90UZ/IMG_7398.jpg 1 day in Abbri About 90% of the Sudanese are muslims, where the tradition is to have two simultaneous parties, one for the bride and one for the groom. The women dress up in their most beautiful scarf and dresses and enjoy dancing, food and conversations all night long. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5db07025d796e252b57b3551/1599151012408-0ZESOG8YI7R0YD3J2YI1/IMG_7387.jpg 1 day in Abbri Food is in the center of weddings in Sudan as it is in most parts of the world. The Syrian and Arab traders brought Mediterranean influence into the Sudanese kitchen during the rule of Turkish emperors. You will find Falafel, Ful Medames (the national dish with beans) ,stews, Baba ganoush, Olives, fresh flat bred, egg and meat, all eaten by hand. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5db07025d796e252b57b3551/1599151063098-QN5CTX9R6JCFGSJO5GLA/IMG_7350.jpg 1 day in Abbri In Sudan, brides traditionally wear red wedding gowns with gold (a thobe and a shawl). But at this wedding, as many others these days, brides choose western-style white dresses. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5db07025d796e252b57b3551/1598966651591-UCGCM5IWUTWM4QY24ONH/_MG_7729.jpg 1 day in Abbri This 1950’s Beetle that is not really a Beetle, but a unrecognizable brand similar to a Beetle belongs to Megzub. He is the owner of a charming guesthouse where you can end your evening. https://www.victoryalunde.com/diamondsofsalone daily 0.75 2020-11-01 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5db07025d796e252b57b3551/1599225513495-CTYYKYKZ1UWLR7SL7S65/_MG_0103.jpg Diamonds of Salone Welcome to Koidu - the diamond capital of Sierra Leone! Diamond shops are spread all over town and impossible to miss. Like gold-rush America, Sierra Leone’s diamond-mining capital can feel just as madly exciting, and just as desolate. Known as the Wild East, it has lured in many with the promise of riches, and yet the techniques employed are not much changed in 70 years. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5db07025d796e252b57b3551/1599225661485-UOEEIGRFXAP9BXOX0SXP/IMG_0138.jpg Diamonds of Salone The largest mine, “The Tiffany Mine”, is owned by Koidu Limited and visible from the Main Street. The largest diamond was discovered in 1972 at 968,9-ct. It was called “Star of Sierra Leone”. The famous jeweller Harry Winston bought it for 2,5 million $. The second largest was found in 2017, at 709-ct, and was called “The Peace Diamond”. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5db07025d796e252b57b3551/1599225783911-QINER7B8HV66I6E8QUUX/IMG_9762.jpg Diamonds of Salone The diamond mines are all located on the country side of Koidu, you need to know where they are to find them. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5db07025d796e252b57b3551/1599228256823-8B01ZEKN24HGSNJAO66C/IMG_9792.jpg Diamonds of Salone John the owner of this plot, is from Sierra Leone but lives in Manchester half of the year. He inherited the plot from his parents, which is common. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5db07025d796e252b57b3551/1599221010429-I7T4F3Q18RIZYJOX4PLW/IMG_9800.jpg Diamonds of Salone Diamond soil. The digging normally starts in the end of November or beginning of December. The season ends in June/July because of heavy rain, also known as rainy season, which often leads to flooding. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5db07025d796e252b57b3551/1599222079193-A7M9G60GQIAIUU2TO3A5/IMG_9812.jpg Diamonds of Salone Not everyone are suited for a life in a diamond mine. A normal day starts between 7-8AM and ends around 5PM, with overtime until 7. It is not the long days but the hard labour in the sun, that will make or break you. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5db07025d796e252b57b3551/1611747811503-RC3VIGPLAF4VRD60X5JN/IMG_9848.jpg Diamonds of Salone Even the hardest workers need a break. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5db07025d796e252b57b3551/1599223890021-NNESYMJM0TPQ3JQ0JXQT/IMG_9936.jpg Diamonds of Salone A new directive from the President made things a bit more difficult in the small local mines. Before they had diggers, now everything is done by hand. (In the fall of 2020 they regained access to digging machines) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5db07025d796e252b57b3551/1599229240306-JKPFENH4MRLOE82QYOME/IMG_9799.jpg Diamonds of Salone The men normally earn a few dollars a day, but when bigger stones arrive they get a notable increase. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5db07025d796e252b57b3551/1599228002350-7BO6RY3U1F6NG50PRG9J/IMG_9841.jpg Diamonds of Salone One shovel at a time. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5db07025d796e252b57b3551/1599223553283-DZ2MQSNJAR6YNXVI6U4T/IMG_9839.jpg Diamonds of Salone They are rinsing the soil with water from the river. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5db07025d796e252b57b3551/1599222333893-F2IPLEA715SMQEE7Y3UF/IMG_9811.jpg Diamonds of Salone After rinsing it’s time for the next step in the process. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5db07025d796e252b57b3551/1599233419925-58QM6UDLE9PPHT4AX7OF/IMG_9823.jpg Diamonds of Salone The process is dependant on good teamwork for efficiency. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5db07025d796e252b57b3551/1611940318591-00MYD734714OAVNHORG4/IMG_0033-3.jpg Diamonds of Salone John is present for the last stage and looks carefully at the men while they search through today’s digg. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5db07025d796e252b57b3551/1611940329731-GJ2JLQR56HOK89PNPXA1/IMG_9963.jpg Diamonds of Salone The neighbouring plot found a 144-ct diamond in 2017. It was sold for about 3 mill $. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5db07025d796e252b57b3551/1611939648672-05QJWPDZLSQTCA16KLJN/IMG_9988.jpg Diamonds of Salone Maybe today is their lucky day. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5db07025d796e252b57b3551/1599223956767-0FBKP2E241KI56G876AX/IMG_9954.jpg Diamonds of Salone In this final step the men need to stay alert, because they can’t afford to lose any diamonds. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5db07025d796e252b57b3551/1598976027178-ONPFB72SHLHA6N5JU2MP/IMG_9987.jpg Diamonds of Salone The largest diamond discovered in this plot was 46.35-ct and it was sold for 300,000$ in 2014. This allowed John and team to continue the search for even bigger stones that can provide the whole village for decades to come. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5db07025d796e252b57b3551/1599225974693-3UQ8NP9AS6JJB1K6311W/IMG_9957.jpg Diamonds of Salone You have to look closely… https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5db07025d796e252b57b3551/1599223431923-3JJLIKO119R3O9IOCJ4B/IMG_0059.jpg Diamonds of Salone The catch of the day! Not a big one, but every piece counts. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5db07025d796e252b57b3551/1599225013263-Z3XX2E3L7UFCH945TBTE/IMG_9806.jpg Diamonds of Salone Not the catch they were hoping for, but you soon learn to shake off the disappointment in this buisness. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5db07025d796e252b57b3551/1599223449753-ZOIXCMXHI81CBZFOGOG5/IMG_0061.jpg Diamonds of Salone Time to pack up and go home. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5db07025d796e252b57b3551/1599223485972-V9GAD72892WJESWPQ0W6/IMG_0070.jpg Diamonds of Salone The Crew. They are all good friends and neighbours, working together make the hard work more bearable. There is a lot of smoking, joking and laughing. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5db07025d796e252b57b3551/1611330790341-7LIDNAPRM1WDHW32QAMD/IMG_9917.jpg Diamonds of Salone The mining village. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5db07025d796e252b57b3551/1599223679318-WW7WIM3PMEH8B4PU6YE8/IMG_9870.jpg Diamonds of Salone During the day, the women are alone in the village. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5db07025d796e252b57b3551/1611864388590-TQDP58V9J0TTZLW9NDW4/IMG_9906.jpg Diamonds of Salone It is a small village where everyone knows each other. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5db07025d796e252b57b3551/1599224920713-8DOA360A4UWYJ4PS07HJ/IMG_9915.jpg Diamonds of Salone Fresh braids in the making. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5db07025d796e252b57b3551/1611864080028-NJJNM30HPU94XYJEKLDR/IMG_9897.jpg Diamonds of Salone The entire village feels like one extended family. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5db07025d796e252b57b3551/1599223830779-HNYKVKKRTX1CQHJYY89E/IMG_9859.jpg Diamonds of Salone Cooking dinner with local vegetables and meat. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5db07025d796e252b57b3551/1599224921515-FTSYUJUO9HS5FNCH6PTH/IMG_9911.jpg Diamonds of Salone Playing cards is a popular way to pass time. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5db07025d796e252b57b3551/1599223852446-ZTLV1MCBV2QSTG5WWS9K/IMG_9894.jpg Diamonds of Salone The village Chief and former miner Mr Dawda. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5db07025d796e252b57b3551/1599233391429-M5O49TFJLK8BPJ1O6671/IMG_9864.jpg Diamonds of Salone This is only one of many mining villages in this area, living their life in the hope of that one lucky day, maybe tomorrow, they will discover a 500-ct stone. If you are interested in investing in the diamond industry you can contact John at ojsorie@gmail.com A blood diamond, also called conflict diamond, as defined by the UN, is a diamond that is mined in areas controlled by forces opposed to the legitimate, internationally recognized government of a country and that is sold to fund military action against that government. This is not the situation in Sierra Leone today. The civil war ended in 2002 and the different groups are now living together in peace. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5db07025d796e252b57b3551/1600252979877-26PMMKA7TPA4GG29DKWF/IMG_0262.jpg Diamonds of Salone Guinea https://www.victoryalunde.com/contact daily 0.75 2025-04-02