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9th Blog Anniversary and 20 Best Pictures of 2024
12/31/2024As the year comes to a close, I'm looking back at my favourite photos of 2024. From breathtaking natural landscapes to vibrant cities and heartwarming moments with people, my top 20 photos of the year showcase the diversity and beauty of Planet Earth. This year's selection features visuals across four categories: people, nature, cities, and trains, each one telling a unique story that I hope will leave you inspired to explore and preserve our beautiful world. The image below captures the Canadian Pacific Kansas City holiday train, which goes on a seasonal journey to bring holiday spirit across the many communities in Canada and the United States. May the 2025 bring health, joy, prosperity, and peace to your home!
Category: People
1. Medina in Marrakesh, Morocco.
A medina, with its labyrinthine alleys, vibrant souks, and hidden riads is the heart and soul of Marrakesh. You will want to get lost in the narrow streets, discover hidden gems, and absorb the unique atmosphere. From colourful markets and ancient mosques to delicious street food and warm smiles, a medina can be a sensory overload that nevertheless leaves a memorable impression on all who wander through its ancient walls.
More in this article - Experience Morocco in Full Colour (Part 1).
2. Volubilis, Morocco.
2021
When we arrived in Volubilis, we were amazed at how different this part of Morocco is from Marrakesh or even Casablanca. The air was thick with humidity, and the landscape was lush green. No wonder since this area has a reputation as the most fertile land in Morocco.
More in this article - Experience Morocco in Full Colour (Part 3).
3. Canada Day, Ottawa, Ontario.
The vibrant colours of their attire added to the festive atmosphere as a beautiful Sikh family gathered in front of the Parliament of Canada building to celebrate Canada Day. With big smiles and warmth in their eyes, they posed for a photo, showcasing the diversity and inclusivity that Canada embodies.
4. Cosplay in Otaru, Japan.
Japan's vibrant cosplay culture is a true reflection of the country's passion for creativity and self-expression. In cities big and small, enthusiasts gather to showcase their elaborate costumes and characters, often inspired by anime, manga, and video games. But I also saw quite a few people on the street wearing costumes for no particular reason.
5. Wynwood Art District, Miami, Florida.
The Wynwood art district in Miami, Florida is famous for its iconic murals and graffiti. It has transformed from a neglected industrial neighbourhood to a vibrant outdoor art exhibit, attracting millions of visitors annually. Wynwood has become a cultural phenomenon that is being replicated across the United States and abroad. Wynwood's impact goes beyond just art, demonstrating the transformative power of creativity and collaboration.
More in this article - Beyond Graffiti: Wynwood's Rise as a Street Art Capital.
Category: Nature
6. Sequoia National Park, California.
Standing among the giant sequoias left a permanent mark on me. These 2,000- to 3,000-year-old natural wonders clearly overshadow humans and all man-made structures. When a massive fire ravaged Sequoia National Park in 2021, I was heartbroken. Upon returning to this place in 2024, witnessing the blackened landscape prompted me to write a story about monster forest fires and drive action.
More in this article - When Nature Turns Deadly in Sequoia National Park.
7. Bald Eagle in Sitka, Alaska.
There is a healthy population of majestic bald eagles in Alaska's Tongass National Forest. This lush temperate rainforest, with its towering trees and winding rivers, provides the perfect habitat for these iconic birds of prey. With an abundance of salmon and other fish, bald eagles are never short of food in one of the most pristine and untouched ecosystems in the United States.
More in this article - Exploring Uncharted Beauty of Alaska's Inside Passage
8. Bamboo Forest, Kyoto, Japan.
The serene bamboo forest in Kyoto's neighbourhood of Arashiyama is a breathtaking place, with towering stalks moving gently in the wind. As the day goes by, the forest can become very crowded, but visiting before sunset allows for a more peaceful experience. As the sun's rays filter through the bamboo trees, the atmosphere becomes even more enchanting.
9. Banff National Park, Alberta.
Banff National Park's golden years were marked by luxury and elegance, as visitors arrived by train and stayed in high-end hotels like Banff Springs or Chateau Lake Louise. Affluent travellers would often bring their own cars on the train from home or hire private charters to explore the park's stunning landscapes.
10. Fort Lauderdale, Florida.
A leisurely stroll along Fort Lauderdale's Riverwalk typically means sights of expensive yachts, high-end condos, and quite a few Trump supporters, especially before the 2024 presidential elections. Yet, what caught me off guard was a huge yellow iguana calmly posing beside the lively boardwalk. Nature is never too far in Florida.
Category: Cities
11. Aït Benhaddou, Morocco.
Located in the arid landscape south of the High Atlas mountains, Aït Benhaddou is a goldmine of ancient architecture and natural beauty. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is situated in a region that is often described as a gateway to the desert, with its rugged terrain and scarce vegetation. Yet, despite its harsh environment, Aït Benhaddou with its stunning kasbah (an ancient fortress) has been a thriving community for centuries.
More in this article - Experience Morocco in Full Colour (Part 2).
12. Fes, Morocco.
Fes, one of Morocco's imperial cities, is widely regarded as the most beautiful and authentic. Its sprawling medina, comprising two separate areas divided by city walls and a Jewish quarter, mellah, is home to approximately 250,000 people. Fes’ original buildings, mosques, and monuments remain remarkably intact, offering a glimpse into the past. The city's architecture, culture, and traditions have been preserved and passed down through generations.
More in this article - Experience Morocco in Full Colour (Part 3).
13. Buffalo, New York.
I've driven through Buffalo, NY many times before, in all four seasons and various weather conditions, yet it never appealed to me as a tourist destination. To me, Buffalo was synonymous with a dull, grey skyline visible from Interstate 195, numerous billboards advertising injury lawyers, and state troopers diligently ensuring that drivers crossing from Canada had adjusted their speed from kilometres per hour to miles per hour. When I finally visited Buffalo downtown in 2024, I experienced what was similar to a scene from a dystopian movie set shortly after a deadly virus had wiped out humanity. I stood in the vast, completely empty Niagara Square, surrounded by beautifully preserved buildings and the 96-foot / 29 m white McKinley Monument guarded by marble lions.
More in this article - Buffalo: The City Lost in Time, Where History and Struggle Collide.
14. Tokyo, Japan.
Tokyo Skytree offers breathtaking 360-degree views of the sprawling metropolis of over 30 million people. In my opinion, the best time to visit is before sunset, allowing you to enjoy the city's transformation from daylight to twilight and finally to a dazzling display of nighttime neon lights.
15. Kyoto, Japan.
Kyoto, with its timeless temples and tranquil gardens, is a city of breathtaking beauty and rich history. To truly experience its serene atmosphere, you should arrive before sunrise to be able to capture its iconic landmarks without the crowds.
Category: Trains
16. Glória Funicular, Lisbon, Portugal.
The Glória Funicular in Lisbon is a historic funicular railway that connects the lower streets of the city to the higher neighbourhood of Bairro Alto. Built in 1885, it is one of the city's three remaining funiculars and has been declared a National Monument. The funicular offers stunning views of the city and is a popular tourist attraction, as well as a convenient mode of transportation for locals.
17. Al Atlas Train, Morocco.
My wife and I fell in love with the Al Atlas service, refurbished SNCF French trains that provide inter-city service in Morocco. These trains were the perfect way to get between the major cities in Morocco and observe Moroccan people, one of my favourite pastimes.
More in this article - Experience Morocco in Full Colour (Part 3).
18. Shonan Monorail, Enoshima, Japan.
The Shonan Monorail, a "flying" Japanese train and a young brother of the German Wuppertal Schwebebahn, has been on my bucket list for years. This suspended monorail, which is both a unique mode of transportation and a popular tourist attraction, runs between Ofuna and Enoshima.
19. Shinkansen (Bullet Train), Japan.
The Shinkansen is Japan's iconic bullet train, famous for its punctuality, comfort, and high speeds. Since its introduction in 1964, the Shinkansen has revolutionized land travel in Japan, connecting major cities like Tokyo, Osaka, and Nagoya. With its smooth, aerodynamic design and advanced technology, the Shinkansen has become a symbol of Japanese innovation and efficiency.
20. Calgary CTrain, Alberta.
Calgary was one of the first cities in North America to adopt Light Rail Transit (LRT) technology. It even earned a prestigious spot among the "10 Triumphs of Canadian Transportation", as designated by the Transportation Association of Canada, recognizing its success and impact on the city.
More in this article - Calgary's CTrain: A Symbol of Canadian Transportation Excellence
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