Encased in temperature-controlled glass cabinets, mummies are often a star attraction at some of the world’s greatest museums. For centuries, mummies were viewed as nothing more than money-making commodities. Thankfully, attitudes have drastically shifted.
But what exactly is a mummy?
The word ‘mummy’ refers to the dead body of a human being or that of an animal whose soft tissues and organs have been preserved by either intentional means or by accidental exposure to extreme conditions. Practiced throughout most of early Egyptian history, mummification refers to the specific methods used by the Egyptians to remove all moisture from the body, leaving only a dried form that would not easily rot or decay. You may have viewed a mummy on display …
Getting out wasn’t easy. And yet, finally, somehow, here I am in this strange new world of deserted terminals, abandoned shops and next-level social distancing. Delta had been canceling various legs of my extended trip to Europe and the United Kingdom for months, only for me to rebook the flights just in time for them to be canceled again.
So, naturally, I’m more than a little nervous as I hand my passport to the agent. For the first time in a long time, I’m required to check in at the counter for my flight to London via Paris. Only a few hours before, France announced a new requirement for any traveler, French national or otherwise, traveling to or through the
Tucked beneath the raw peaks of the Rif Mountains in Northern Morocco, you’ll find the pretty sapphire city of Chefchaouen.
Founded in 1471 by a Moorish warlord who was exiled from Spain, Chefchaouen was built as a stronghold in the fight against the Portuguese. Famous for its achingly beautiful blue-washed buildings, Chefchaouen is an essential stop on any visit to the Rif region. Seemingly every keyhole, stone wall and doorway is painted in striking shades of azure, cerulean, cobalt, turquoise, periwinkle or powder blue. Largely shut off from the world for over 400 years, Chefchaouen is a photographer’s dream! Painting the walls blue likely happened during the 15th century, shortly after the city was founded.
But why so blue? Well, …