Eva Furtado

Gertsch grew up in a mountain-guiding family in Switzerland; his father had considered coming out to Golden after World War One, when CPR was looking for younger guides to join the first generation. “My dad was quite interested – it’s always interesting for any guide where he can still do some first ascents and new climbs somewhere that’s not overdeveloped – but he decided not to,” recalled Gertsch in a Swiss accent that’s been tempered by more than 50 years in Canada. “We talked about Canada and Golden since I was a kid. I was brought up with the idea of it. Then 30 years later, I ended up here.”

Malta has been making some of the largest strides in environmental sustainability in recent years, ranking 10th in Earth.org's Global Sustainability Index. In 2021, the country launched its action plan toward a circular economy – one which ensures that producers remain responsible for where their products end up, encouraging reuse, recycling and overall reduction of resources.

I deeply recommend a visit if you can—and if not, be sure to explore Stonehenge

In Nasr El-Nuba, stories of ancestral lands like Haseeba's are cherished by an aging generation, who hold a tighter grasp on the language, despite being completely disconnected from the Nile. Conversely, those closer to the city of Aswan, 50km to the south, who still live by the river and work in tourism have kept some Nubian customs alive by marketing them as touristic experiences. (The Nile crocodile, a culturally significant symbol of strength, can be seen in shallow pits in many Nubian guesthouses.)

The ancient India city of Dwarka, is said to have sunk beneath the Arabian Sea. Now, underwater archaeologists are looking for the foundations of its city walls to prove its existence.

“Pueblos blancos” (white villages), such as Camares, shown here, cap many hilltops in Andalusia in southern Spain. When a series of epidemics swept through the region between the 16th and 19th centuries, houses were painted with whitewash, made of slaked lime, as a way to protect against disease.

St. Paul’s Cathedral in London, England, bears a stunning dome that architect Christopher Wren incorporated from Islamic architecture.

The Dome of the Rock, in Jerusalem, is capped by a golden dome, a common design element in mosques across the Middle East.

Architectural historian Diana Darke and other experts have noted that the twin towers and rose windows of the Cathedral of Notre Dame in Paris, France, were copied from a Syrian church built in the fifth century.

Tower Bridge in London, England, is one of the most famous structures in the Gothic Revival style. Its spires echo Islamic architecture's minarets, pointing to the ancient exchange of cultural ideas between the West and the Middle East.

The Acheron supports many rare and endangered wildlife, including griffon vultures (pictured here nesting) and Bonelli’s eagles (shown here in flight).

The village of Glykí has become a popular destination for rafting and river trekking on the Acheron.

With its crystal-clear waters and mythological origin story, the Acheron River has become increasingly popular with tourists in recent years.

The Acheron River flows through many picturesque villages in Greece, including Glykí, where it cuts through a stunning gorge.