5 Cities To Visit Before They’re Underwater

Rising sea levels are slowly swallowing some of the world’s most exciting cities. Even with defensive measures in place, and immediate cuts to carbon emissions, these levels will continue to rise. 

In the twentieth century, climate change has driven global sea levels up by 11-16 cm. Even with immediate cuts to greenhouse gas emissions, the average global sea level will likely rise at least one foot above those reported in the 2000s. Under high emission scenarios, the UN claims that ocean levels may approach or exceed 2 meters in the case of early-onset Antarctic ice sheet instability. 

Although it won’t happen instantly, these increases will be irreversible at a temperature rise of 3C. As a direct side effect, the rising oceans threaten to erase some of the world’s greatest cities. The longer actions go without being taken, the less time people have to experience these locations as they’re known and loved today.   

1: Rio De Janeiro

In the past few years, the coastal city of Rio de Janeiro has experienced extreme precipitation and deadly floods. The city’s poor drainage infrastructure stands small to the combined effects of heavy rainfall and sea-level rise caused by climate change. Despite efforts by the city government, projections show Rio’s famous beaches, including Copacabana, the waterfront domestic airport and the Barra de Tijuca neighborhood, where they hosted the Olympic Games in 2016, will be underwater by the year 2100. According to The Sao Paulo Research Foundation (FAPESP), 60% of the city’s population lives within 60 km of the coast. Flooding of the areas could mean the displacement of 1.8 million people and cost jobs and businesses that rely on tourism brought by Rio’s coast of beach destinations. 

2: Shanghai

Shanghai is the most flood-prone city on earth. It sits on the Yangtze River estuary, where the tide meets the stream. The land itself is soft and low-lying, which means the city is sinking while sea levels are rising. Shanghai is victim to two to three typhoons each year, and by 2050 it is estimated the megacity will experience flooding and rainfall that is 20% higher than the global average. 

If seawater infiltrates its groundwater reserves, Shanghai will need access to enough freshwater to support its  24 million people. So, in the face of these threats, the city constructed 520 km of protective seawalls that stretch across Hangzhou Bay and around islands like Chongming, Hengsha and Changxing. In an effort they call the “sponge strategy,” Shanghai city governments plan to modify and reconstruct public spaces, schools and residential areas so that 80% of urban land is capable of absorbing and reusing 70% of stormwater. But, as we’ve seen in cities like Venice, defensive measures can only go so far. 

3: Venice

Only two years ago, Luigi Brugnaro, the mayor of Venice, told NPR that the city was “on its knees” after the highest tide in 50 years put 70% of the city underwater. Strong winds and storms broke through seawalls put in place to protect the city and made their way through to leave landmarks like the Saint Mark’s Basilica and La Fenice Opera House underwater. The city consists of over 100 islands inside of a lagoon along the North-East coast of Italy. Venice experiences its most severe flooding in the Winter, a period of time Venetians refer to as the “Acqua Alta.” 

In the last century, these high tides have increased from less than 10 times a year to over 60. Areas hit hard include the scenic canals and historic district in the South and the beach resorts of Lido and Pellestrina. In addition to the threat of sea-level rise, it is estimated that by 2100, 76% of the population, or 35,000 residents, will be displaced. An ambitious project called MOSE was conducted in 2003 that placed movable undersea barriers around the city to protect it from high waters to combat this. However, the project remains to be completed due to corruption and lack of funding. 

4: Bangkok

More than 10% of people in Thailand currently live on land that will be underwater by 2050. The commercial capital, Bangkok, is significantly endangered. Its location at the Southern end of the Chao Phraya River Basin, low land elevation and six-month-long rainy season are only said to worsen due to the impacts of climate change. As global temperatures continue to go up sea levels will rise, and Bangkok will continue to sink into the compressible clay soil on which it was built.  Additionally, it is estimated parts of the city are sinking by 2 cm a year. Bangkok is expected to be 40% underwater due to rainfall and see a 15 cm sea-level rise by the year 2030. By 2080, those numbers increase to 70% underwater and an 88 cm sea-level rise. The Thai National Reform Council predicts that Bangkok could be underwater in less than 15 years due to the compounding effects of rainfall, rising oceans, climate change and land subsidence.  

5: Amsterdam

Amsterdam and the Netherlands as a whole have learned to co-exist with water. From dikes, dams and floodgates to flood-friendly public spaces, the Netherlands has the most sophisticated water control systems in the world. However, the infrastructure in place today won’t protect Amsterdam forever. It is projected that sea-level rise will overrun the systems put in place to protect the city. Many of these structures are more than 500 years old, and a significant number of the city’s 1600 bridges and 200 km of canals need updates. 

Sharon Dijksma, Mayor of Utrecht, told CNN that at least 5% of the city’s brick canal walls are in a poor state of repair. The work will require trees to be cut down, parking removed and roads closed to vehicles, which will ultimately alter the accessibility and livability of the city. The amount of land and population it will put at risk will require an estimated 450 million euros, or 530 million dollars, worth of delicate repairs. Unless city governments can figure out how to carry it through, the medieval infrastructures that Amsterdam is known and loved for could be lost.

Research published in Nature found that 150 million people are currently living on land that will be underwater by the middle of the century. Rising sea levels not only threaten to destroy cities as we know them but have the potential to displace enough people to constitute the greatest refugee crisis in history. Beyond an environmental issue, this is a humanitarian issue. The flooding won’t just destroy cities, but also cultural heritage. Climate change can fuel socioeconomic tension and will likely  limit access to land, food and water. The limits to these vital resources will cause a migration that can possibly set off or heighten regional conflicts across the globe. It’s critical countries prepare now and  begin to consider the costs should they fail to do so.  

Claire Redden

Claire is a freelance journalist from Chicago, where she received her Bachelor’s of Communications from the University of Illinois. While living and studying in Paris, Claire wrote for the magazine, Toute La Culture. As a freelancer she contributes to travel guides for the up and coming brand, Thalby. She plans to take her skills to London, where she’ll pursue her Master’s of Arts and Lifestyle Journalism at the University of Arts, London College of Communication. 

Trekking Up Le Morne Brabant Mountain in Mauritius

This mountain, which serves as a symbol of hope, offers hikers a breathtaking view of Le Morne beach and remains a meaningful part of local Mauritian culture. 

Le Morne beach in Mauritius. Colours of Mauritius. Unsplash. 

Tucked away in Mauritius lies Le Morne Brabant mountain, a site known for its beautiful hiking path and bird’s-eye views of the surrounding beach.

With the mountain sitting at 1,824 feet above sea level, the hike to the top takes around three to four hours depending on the speed and size of the group. This hike is no easy feat, as special equipment is required to actually reach the summit due to the steepness of the climb. The trail measures over two miles and is shrouded in greenery and vegetation. Since Le Morne Brabant is situated on private land, it is notably one of the most well preserved and wildest mountains on the island.

The mountain was made a UNESCO World Heritage Site back in 2008, and was closed to the public shortly after. It was not until 2016 that the site reopened to visitors. This was a rather controversial decision, as many believed that reopening the site would contribute to its destruction.  Because of this, there are several restrictions in place for visitors to ensure that this doesn’t happen. For example, most hikers need to be accompanied by a professional guide with EFR/WFA certification, and hikers need a further specialized guide to access the second area of the trail. 

The site also has a rich historical significance. Back in the 1600s, the Dutch East India Company first took slaves to Mauritius to work on sugarcane and tobacco plantations, and by the late 1700s, many more slaves were brought over from other places in Africa and India. Before slavery was later abolished under British rule, Le Morne Brabant was used as a makeshift refuge shelter for runaway slaves. Due to Le Morne’s steep cliffs and isolated location, the escaped slaves were able to easily hide there . They eventually created small settlements on the summit and in the caves along the mountain, where they were able to remain safe. 

Today, the community continues to honor the meaningful history of the mountain,  which is viewed as a beacon of hope. Every year on February 1, the community celebrates the commemoration of the abolition of slavery at the International Slave Route monument, which is situated at the foot of the mountain. 

Zara Irshad

Zara Irshad is a third year Communication student at the University of California, San Diego. Her passion for journalism comes from her love of storytelling and desire to learn about others. In addition to writing at CATALYST, she is an Opinion Writer for the UCSD Guardian, which allows her to incorporate various perspectives into her work.

The Best Places to Rock Climb Around the World 

Rock climbing has been growing in popularity over recent years. These 5 spots are just a few of the world’s most impressive outdoor rock climbing sites. 

Rock climbing is a popular form of exercise; recently, indoor climbing gyms have become more and more common, and sport climbing was added to the Olympics for the Tokyo 2020 games. There are several types of climbing to explore around the world, with varying levels of difficulty and types of gear necessary for each. These five outdoor climbing sites—some of the most famous or unique climbing experiences across the globe—are just a small sampling of the numerous places for climbers of every level to explore. 

North America

El Capitan, California

Located in the Western part of Yosemite National Park’s Yosemite Valley, the granite walls of El Capitan reach more than 3,000 feet in the air. The rock face was formed millions of years ago after the collision of North America with another tectonic plate, forming magma which eventually crystallized into granite. El Capitan is one of several impressive granite rock faces in Yosemite Valley which allow for big wall climbing—a climb up a vertical expanse of rock that often takes multiple days. El Capitan is probably one of the most well-known rock formations among climbers, and it has become famous enough that even those who’ve never climbed may recognize the name. El Capitan has been the subject of a few films, including the Oscar-winning Free Solo, which follows Alex Honnold’s successful summit of the formation without any ropes or safety gear. El Capitan offers dozens of climbing routes for experienced climbers, such as The Nose and Muir Wall. Yosemite also has numerous routes for inexperienced climbers, and guides to help climbers learn the ropes. 

Other places to climb in North America are Kentucky’s Red River Gorge, Mount Asgard on Baffin Island in Canada and Acadia National Park in Maine.  

Europe

Kalymnos, Greece

One of Greece’s Dodecanese Islands near the coast of Turkey in the Aegean Sea, Kalymnos is lauded as one of the greatest sport climbing destinations in the world. Sport climbing is a form of high-intensity climbing on routes that are often relatively short. This type of climbing is distinguished by the fact that it relies on preplaced bolts and anchors drilled into the rock. Kalymnos is rather barren, dotted with low shrubs and very few trees; the terrain is mostly mountainous, consisting of major rock formations all along the west coast. In the past, Kalymnos’ barrenness meant that the local population had to turn to the sea to make a living, and the island became a hub for sponge-divers. Beginning in the late 1990s, the island’s rocky terrain began to serve a new purpose, as Italian climber Andrea di Bari and a group of other climbers created sport climbing routes on the cliffs. Today, there are over 3,000 routes on Kalymnos for climbers of varying levels, and the island hosts an annual climbing festival where climbers from around the world travel to compete and set up new routes. 

Europe is considered the birthplace of climbing, and there are a variety of other incredible climbing spots across the continent, including the Dolomites in Italy, Frankenjura in Germany, Fontainebleau in France and Lofoten in Norway. 

South America

La Esfinge, Peru 

Like California’s El Capitan, La Esfinge is an impressive site for big wall climbing. La Esfinge (The Sphinx) is in Peru’s Cordillera Blanca mountain range, which is located in the northern part of the country. Cordillera Blanca is home to abundant native plants and animals, as well as ruins from Inca civilization and pre-Inca cultures. La Esfinge is the most popular rock climbing site in the Cordillera Blanca and is regarded as South America’s premier big wall, a towering granite monolith standing at over 2,000 feet tall. There are many routes up La Esfinge, but the one most traversed by climbers is known as The Original Route, or the 1985 Route, because it is the route that climbers first took to summit in 1985. The 1985 route goes straight up the Eastern face of La Esfinge and is technically the easiest route on the wall, yet it is still a tremendous climb. 

Other prominent climbing destinations in South America include Mount Fitz Roy in Argentina, Cajon del Maipo in Chile, El Gunko in Panama and El Potrero Chico in Mexico. 

Africa

Todra Gorge, Morocco

In Southern Morocco, about six hours east of Marrakesh, lies the Todra Gorge, one of the world’s most beautiful canyons and a stunning climbing spot for climbers of all levels. Made by the River Todra carving its way through the limestone for thousands of years, the Todra Gorge is a canyon with cliffs rising over 400 meters high on either side. Todra Gorge boasts more than four hundred climbing routes, ranging from beginner to advanced. The first climbing routes in Todra Gorge were set by Spanish and French climbers in the 1970s, and new routes are constantly being developed by climbers who visit the gorge. One of the things which draws climbers to Todra Gorge is that it can be climbed year-round, as the weather and location ensures that there will always be a cliff in the sun during the winter or the shade during the summer. 

Other challenging climbs in Africa are the Milner Amphitheater and Table Mountain in South Africa, and Mount Kenya in Kenya. 

Asia

Railay Beach, Thailand 

Located in the Krabi Province of southern Thailand, Railay is a picturesque peninsula that juts off from the mainland. Although Railay is connected to the rest of Thailand, a series of steep cliffs separates the area from the rest of Thailand, meaning that no roads are able to come through to the peninsula and it is only accessible by boat. Railay has three beaches, all of which are lined by imposing limestone cliffs which make the area popular for rock climbing. Railay offers both sport climbing and bouldering, a form of free climbing. The most popular beach for climbing is Railay West, on the western side of the peninsula, but there are numerous routes on the other Railay beaches as well. Railay Beach boasts routes for climbers of varying levels, as well as some incredible views of the Gulf of Thailand. Two of the most-climbed areas of Railay Beach are the 123 wall and the Thaiwand Wall. Because of its location on the water, the beach provides another unique climbing experience: deep-water soloing. Deep-water soloing combines the free solo climbing style (no ropes or equipment) with water; without equipment, climbers make their way up craggy cliffs over deep bodies of water so if they fall, they land safely in the water. 

There are numerous other rock climbing destinations in Asia, including Long Dong in Taiwan, Cat Ba Island in Vietnam, Yangshuo in China and Mount Katsu in Japan. 

Rachel Lynch

Rachel is a student at Sarah Lawrence College in Bronxville, NY currently taking a semester off. She plans to study Writing and Child Development. Rachel loves to travel and is inspired by the places she’s been and everywhere she wants to go. She hopes to educate people on social justice issues and the history and culture of travel destinations through her writing.

Volcano Boarding in Nicaragua

Looking for an adrenaline rush? Slide down the side of an active volcano at up to 60 miles per hour during your stay in Nicaragua.

Volcano boarding on Cerro Negro, Nicaragua. Garrett Ziegler. CC BY-NC-ND 2.0.

Bigfoot Hostel in Leon, Nicaragua is one of the only places in the world where you can go volcano boarding. According to their website, volcano boarding is the “thrill of a lifetime.” The hostel’s original owner, Daryn Webb, created the extreme sport, where those brave enough to try it can speed up to 60 miles per hour down the side of an active volcano.

Webb and his crew tested various objects for sliding down the volcano, and after some trial and error, they created a sit-down toboggan made of metal and plywood. The hostel offers daily tours beginning at 9 a.m., with prices at $25 per person. Tours return at 3 p.m.

The Cerro Negro volcano is the youngest volcano in Central America, and is also one of the most active volcanoes in Nicaragua, erupting nearly every 20 years.

Bigfoot Hostel has sent over 20,000 people down Cerro Negro slope at up to  62 miles per hour, and it is known for attracting many sports enthusiats  and adrenaline junkies. One of the most famous people to attempt the extreme sport was Eric Barone, who rode down the volcano on a bike at 107 miles per hour in 2002.

Volcano boarding on Cerro Negro. Garrett Ziegler. CC BY-NC-ND 2.0.

It is possible to slide down the Cerro Negro because the volcano is made of small grain-like volcanic rocks, which came from the crater. In addition, there is almost always a very strong wind hitting the volcano, so it’s the perfect surface for boarding.

Those who have visited before say that they could feel the heat radiating from the volcano and could even cook their meals in a hole dug out in the volcano.

All visitors must wear closed toe shoes and comfortable clothing. Those who have boarded down the volcano before recommend wearing hiking boots (since it takes about 45 minutes to reach the summit) and a multipurpose head wrap to cover your nose and mouth while boarding. Also, take a large water bottle and a GoPro if you want to record the experience.

The hostel offers dorm-style rooms, with rooms with fans at $6 and rooms with air conditioning at $10. There are also private rooms with double, triple, or quadruple beds.

Isabelle Durso

Isabelle is an undergraduate student at Boston University currently on campus in Boston. She is double majoring in Journalism and Film & Television, and she is interested in being a travel writer and writing human-interest stories around the world. Isabelle loves to explore and experience new cultures, and she hopes to share other people's stories through her writing. In the future, she intends to keep writing journalistic articles as well as creative screenplays.

6 Interesting Facts about the Egyptian Pyramids

There is still so much we don’t know about the history and structure of the Egyptian pyramids. Here are six things that you may not have known about the pyramids and ancient Egypt.

Egyptian pyramids in the sunset. Club Med UK. CC BY-NC 2.0.

The Egyptian pyramids are famous for their buried mummies and treasures, but there are still many secrets waiting to be uncovered about their history. Take a deep look into the ancient pyramids’ past with these six interesting facts.

The seven wonders of the world, Egyptian pyramids. Boston Public Library. CC BY 2.0.

1. Once upon a time, they sparkled.

According to research on ancient texts and found evidence, it is thought that the Great Pyramid of Giza used to shine like glass and sparkle in the sunlight. Ancient Egyptians even called the pyramid “Ikhet,” which translates to “glorious light.” This is mainly because the pyramid was originally covered in polished limestone which reflected light like a mirror and made the pyramids visible from anywhere nearby. What is even more interesting is that the speed of light—299,792,458 m/s—are also the exact coordinates of the Great Pyramid of Giza, which is at 29.9792 degrees north, 31.1342 degrees east. Spooky? Definitely.

Entering the pyramid. Trey Ratcliff. CC BY-NC-SA 2.0.

2. Many of them were robbed.

A lot of the unknown history of the pyramids can be blamed on tomb robbers. Tomb robbing was a serious problem in ancient Egypt because robbers targeted the tombs for looting—even Kings’ tombs were broken into. It was the Egyptian belief that everything buried with you was taken into the afterlife, so Kings and Queens were buried with unimaginable amounts of riches. It was also very common for people to steal from their ancestors’ tombs —some even dumped the body and stole the sarcophagus. Egypt was a cashless society until the Persians came in 525 BCE, so those who stole from the tombs would have had to trade their stolen goods to higher, corrupt officials. Those caught would be executed for the offense.

The Great Pyramid of Cheops. Boston Public Library. CC BY 2.0.

3. We still don’t know how they were built.

Although the pyramids are over 4,000 years old, professionals still don’t understand how the ancient Egyptians managed to build the pyramids without advanced technology. The most accepted theory is that they used ramps to bring materials to the top, which has been proven by a recent discovery. Researchers in Egypt discovered a 4,500-year-old ramp used to haul alabaster stones out of a quarry. The ramp system dates back to Pharaoh Khufu, who built the Great Pyramid of Giza. However, the way in which the ancient Egyptians built the pyramids is still a mystery because the pyramids were not made of alabaster, which is what the discovered ramp helped to move.

Khufu’s Great Pyramid. Bernt Rostad. CC BY 2.0.

4. There is a secret chamber in the Great Pyramid of Giza (Khufu’s Pyramid).

Weighing in at 5,750,000 tons, the Great Pyramid is simply a feat of architecture. To add further to the mystery, a previously unidentified chamber in the Great Pyramid was discovered in 2017 when physicists used the by-products of cosmic rays to reveal an at least 100-foot long void. The mysterious space’s dimensions are similar to the pyramid’s Grand Gallery, which is the corridor that leads to the burial chamber of Pharaoh Khufu. What lies within the space is still unknown, as well as its purpose. Scientists hope to find out more about this newly discovered area and what it was used for.

Tomb of Perneb, carving of offering bearers. Peter Roan. CC BY-NC 2.0.

5. It was tradition for the living to share food with the dead.

Ancient Egyptians believed that tombs were eternal homes for the mummified bodies and the ka spirits that lived within them. Each tomb had a tomb-chapel where families and priests could visit the deceased and leave offerings for the ka, while a hidden burial chamber protected the mummified bodies from potential harm. Visitors offered food and drink to the dead daily, and once the offerings were consumed by the ka, the living were free to eat and drink their offerings. The Beautiful Feast of the Valley was an annual festival of death and renewal where families spent the night in the tomb with their ancestors and feasted with them in celebration of their lives.

A statue ofNefertiti in the Altes Museum in Berlin. George M. Groutas. CC BY 2.0.

6. Egyptian women and men had equal rights.

In ancient Egyptian times, men and women of the same social class were treated as equals in the eyes of the law. Women could sell, own, earn, buy and inherit property. If widowed or divorced, women could raise their own children. Women could also bring cases before a court. Overall, women could legally act on their own and were responsible for their own actions. Although everyone in ancient Egypt was expected to marry, wives still had an important, equal and independent role in their marriage. 

Isabelle Durso

Isabelle is an undergraduate student at Boston University currently on campus in Boston. She is double majoring in Journalism and Film & Television, and she is interested in being a travel writer and writing human-interest stories around the world. Isabelle loves to explore and experience new cultures, and she hopes to share other people's stories through her writing. In the future, she intends to keep writing journalistic articles as well as creative screenplays.

Siberia's Lake Baikal, One of the Deepest Lakes in the World

Recognized as one of the few remaining ancient lakes in the world, Lake Baikal has preserved natural history and housed thousands of animal species for centuries.  

Lake Baikal surrounded by greenery. Markus Winkler. Unsplash.

In Siberia, just north of the Mongolian border, sits Lake Baikal, one of the deepest lakes in the world. The lake houses 22 percent of our planet's fresh water and measures over 5,300 feet deep. Furthermore, its location between mountains allows for over 330 rivers and streams to connect to it, and the lake is made up of three basins. While Lake Baikal only equates to around half the surface area of Lake Michigan, measuring in at about 12,200 square miles, its magnificence lies in its history. 

Experts have estimated that the lake is between 25 and 30 million years old, making it one of the few remaining ancient lakes on the planet. This is because it lies in an active rift zone due to its plate tectonics, unlike most other lakes which have a history of being covered by ice sheets in previous glacial periods. Most ancient lakes are formed when the Earth's plates begin to move apart from each other, creating a rift valley that is deepened over time by erosion. Eventually, the rift widens so much that it begins to fill with fresh water. Around 75 percent of Earth's ancient lakes have been formed through this process, with the exceptions having been formed by meteor impacts and volcanic action.

 Therefore, not only does Lake Baikal preserve years of Earth's history, but it is exclusively home to around 2,000 unique animal species. Although the lake is protected as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, that hasn’t stopped climate change from affecting the lake, as the surface temperature has increased by 1.5 degrees Celsius over the past 50 years. In conjunction with increasing chemical pollution, the ecosystem is believed to be rapidly changing for the first time in decades.  

Throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, locals have been taking advantage of the lack of visitors populating the lake, many beginning to trek out to visit the body of water themselves. Especially during the fall and winter months, many visitors enjoy skating, hiking, or even skiing over the  ice and snow. 

Ice formed over Lake Baikal. Daniel Born. Unsplash. 

Located near one of Russia's largest cities, there has been a constant tug-of-war between developers, locals and environmentalists to seek a balance between encouraging tourism which benefits the local economy, and protecting the deteriorating ecosystem. While the momentary break in visitors has undoubtedly allowed the ecosystem to begin to recover, ultimately its fate lies in the hands of its visitors.

Zara Irshad

Zara is a third year Communication student at the University of California, San Diego. Her passion for journalism comes from her love of storytelling and desire to learn about others. In addition to writing at CATALYST, she is an Opinion Writer for the UCSD Guardian, which allows her to incorporate various perspectives into her work.

Islamic Architecture in Spain 

While many can forget that Arab and North African Muslims controlled parts of Spain for almost 800 years, longstanding Spanish architecture is a testament to the Muslim reign. Arabesque patterns, Islamic motifs and sandy colors have been preserved in some of Andalusia’s most famous palaces and fortresses. 

Arab and North African Muslims conquered the Iberian Peninsula in the eighth  century. Ruling for almost 800 years in Al-Andalus (currently Andalusia), Muslims inevitably left traces of their presence in the region. Everything from language and religion to architecture and art was adopted by Spain during the Muslim reign. Around 4,000 Spanish words which are still in use today originated from Arabic. The majority of these words are nouns related to food, animals, nature and science. For example, the Spanish word for “olive” is “aceituna” and is derived from the Arabic word “zaytünah.”

While aspects of the Arabic language can be found in Spanish, Islamic architecture is the true evidence of the Arab and North African Muslim reign in Spain. Certain sites in modern-day Andalusia make you feel like you’re in Morocco or Syria. Today, Islamic architecture is most prevalent in Cordoba, Seville and Granada—Spanish cities in Andalusia—with their palaces and holy sites. 

 Cordoba 

Desert colored walls in the Great Mosque of Cordoba. Waqqas Akhtar. CC BY-NC-SA 2.0. 

Cordoba was the capital of Al-Andalus when it was first conquered in 711 A.D. The Great Mosque of Cordoba is a testament to the Arabic and Islamic influence in the city. Elaborate building programs and agricultural projects were sponsored by Prince Abd al-Rahman I from Damascus, Syria. The prince imported plants from Damascus, some of which still stand in the yard of the Mosque of Cordoba today. 

Previously operating as a mosque and church at different points in history, the captivating structure includes a hypostyle prayer hall, a beautiful courtyard with an extravagant fountain, a colorful orange grove, a walkway circling the courtyard and a minaret which is now a bell tower. Islamic calligraphy and verses from religious scriptures fill the sandy, red and white colored columns. Geometric shapes dominate the structure—in everything from design to entryways. One major Islamic motif that is evident in this structure is the horseshoe shaped “mihrab.” The mihrab identifies the wall that faces Mecca—Islam’s holiest city that features the home of God, the Kaa’ba—and indicates which direction to face while praying. The mihrab is decorated in gold and brown detailing. Above the mihrab sits a mesmerizing dome filled with pointed gold arches and radial patterns fill the ceiling. 

The mihrab, Great Mosque of Cordoba. Kevin Poh. CC BY 2.0.

The dome above the mihrab in the Great Mosque of Cordoba. mitopencourseware. CC BY-NC-SA 2.0.

Seville 

The Royal Alcazar in Seville is one of the world’s oldest palaces that is still in use today. This palace has been awarded status as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The Alcazar was first built in the 11th century when the Arabs moved in and sought to create a secure, residential fortress. Since then, Alcazar has been home to the many monarchs who have taken control of Seville. The initially Islamic structure was renovated by its following rulers; however, the palace’s Islamic roots shine through as many of its Islamic components have been preserved. 

One of the palace’s courtyards, the Patio del Yeso, was created in the 12th century when the region was still under Muslim control. The courtyard features a large pool in the middle—a common theme in Islamic architecture. Water is at the heart of Islamic architecture for both practical and spiritual reasons. Considering that the Arabs and North Africans came from dry climates and desert landscapes, it was important for them to have easy access to reliable sources of water. Furthermore, in Islam, water symbolizes life and purity. Water in gardens, specifically, symbolizes the sacred lake in paradise that is reserved for only the righteous. 

Other recurring Islamic motifs that are found in the Alcazar include keyhole or horseshoe shaped arches, doors and windows; traditional Islamic plasterwork and latticework; Islamic writings; and a heavy presence of plants. The horseshoe arch is known as an “alfiz” and the Islamic-style window screens are known as “mashrabiya.” These, in addition to the icicle-like droppings from ceilings and domes, are common components of modern-day mosques and other traditional Islamic structures. 

The gardens of the Alcazar were used not only for aesthetic purposes, but also for functional purposes. While the plants and trees were grown in the palace’s gardens for beauty, the plants were also used to feed members of the court. The gardens themselves were strategically structured to resemble what Muslims imagined paradise to look like based on the descriptions in the Quran. 

Garden in the Royal Alcazar, Seville. Jocelyn Erskine-Kellie. CC BY-SA 2.0.

Granada

The Alhambra Palace in Granada is further evidence of the Islamic rule in Spain. The name Alhambra itself derives from the Arabic word “Al-Hamra” which means “red.” The palace was given this name for its reddish bricks and walls which can be seen from afar. Alhambra’s layout mimics that of many other palaces for Muslim princes. Three main floor plans dominate the site: the “mexuar” was open to all and the room where sultans received their subjects, the “diwan” is the throne room where receptions were held, and the “harem” is the prince's private quarters. Islamic inscriptions and verses from the Quran flood the walls, while the gold detailing accents the writings. 

 Mosaics and colored tiles in geometric and plant-like shapes, referred to as “alicatado,” are also in certain quarters. The mosaics are not only decorative but also contain strategically chosen tiles to cool the structure in the summertime. Plant motifs align with Islamic principles, as the depiction of human images is often frowned upon. The Fountain of the Lions in Alhambra is one of the most photographed features of  the palace, with 12 lions spewing water in the middle of the courtyard. Other famous aspects of Alhambra which are covered in arabesque patterns and constructed to resemble the gardens in heaven, include the Generalife and El Partal, two of the quieter locations in the palace. 

Keyhole shaped windows with arabesque patterns in Alhambra. Güldem Üstün. CC BY 2.0.

Geometric mosaics in Alhambra. Víctor. CC BY-NC-ND 2.0.

Mia Khatib 

Mia is a rising senior at Boston University majoring in journalism and minoring in international relations. As a Palestinian-American, Mia is passionate about amplifying the voices of marginalized communities and is interested in investigative and data-driven journalism. She hopes to start out as a breaking news reporter and one day earn a position as editor of a major publication..

5 of the World’s Most Dangerous Hiking Trails

Everyone loves a good hike, but some trails around the globe stand out due to the intense challenges that they provide. The following five hikes should not be attempted by novice hikers.

Aonach Eagach, Scotland. Andrew Marshall. CC BY-NC-SA 2.0.

Hiking can test our physical and mental limits, and is a powerful cardio workout that is proven to boost your mood. While it  can be fun to test yourself and get your adrenaline flowing and blood pumping, there are some hikes around the world that can cause serious injuries if you are not careful.

These five hiking trails are not for the faint-hearted and should not be attempted by novice hikers.

El Caminito del Rey, Spain. Arthur Harrow. CC BY-NC-ND 2.0.

1. El Caminito del Rey, Spain — 4.8 miles

The name of this hike translates to “The King’s Little Pathway,” and it once was one of the world’s most hazardous footpaths. This aerial path is suspended 100 meters high against the walls of a gorge,. It was originally built from 1901 to 1905 between the waterfalls of Gaitanejo and El Chorro to move materials and workers to the local hydroelectric dam. The trail is named “The King’s Little Pathway” because, in 1921, King Alfonso XIII opened it to visitors and traveled along the walkway to the Conde de Guadalhorce dam.

The Caminito del Rey route runs through cliffs, canyons and large valleys. The area is inhabited by a wide variety of plant and animal species, such as Egyptian vultures, griffon vultures, golden eagles and wild boar. The path takes about three to four hours to walk, starting in the town of Ardales and ending in Álora.

The path closed to hikers in 2001 when five people fell to their demise into the river below. Fences were since built into the renovated path and it reopened in 2015.

Cascade Saddle. Tom@Where. CC BY-NC 2.0.

2. Cascade Saddle Route, New Zealand — 29.9 miles

This trek takes almost two days, or four to five days if you choose the expert route. Built in 1939 and located in the Matukituki Valley area and Mount Aspiring National Park in the Otago region, the route travels through scenery featured in the Lord of the Rings films, so many visitors flock to this route for photo opportunities.

The Cascade Saddle route is an alpine crossing recommended for experienced trampers. It is also recommended to hike it only in good weather during the summer. The Department of Conservation advises hikers to begin from the Matukituki side of the route, since ascending is much safer than descending. There are various different routes to take from there.

However, this route can be very dangerous in some parts, where the ground is slippery and unstable—especially when it is raining. Furthermore, there is danger of  avalanches from June to November. Check the New Zealand Avalanche Advisory website before you go.

Several hikers have been injured on this trek, and some have even died. If you go, be sure to have the right skills and experience to make the decisions best for you along the trek—you must also bring the proper equipment.

Aonach Eagach ridge. mr__fox. CC BY-NC-ND 2.0.

3. Aonach Eagach, Scotland — 6 miles

Located near Kinlochleven in the Scottish Highlands, the Aonach Eagach trail features beautiful wildflowers and mountainous scenery. However, it is also a hard, exposed scrambling ridge between Am Bodach and Stob Coire Lèith. Getting to the summit requires endurance, hard work and lots of climbing. The ridge is 3,126 feet  high, making this trail one of the U.K.’s toughest ridge walks.

The trail is only recommended for very experienced hikers in good weather conditions. The rocks can get very slippery in rainy conditions, and side paths are often extremely hazardous and difficult to return from. Over the last 10 years, there have  unfortunately been many deaths on the trail, the most recent being in 2017.

The trail is best done east to west, and those who push through the experience are rewarded with the view of a lifetime.

Backpacking in Utah. Zach Dischner. CC BY 2.0.

4. The Maze, Utah, USA — 2.9 miles

Although short, trails in the Maze are ancient and lead into various different canyons. Located near Gunlock, Utah, the Maze Overlook Trail requires basic climbing skills in order to navigate steep portions of rock. A 25-foot length of rope also comes in handy to raise or lower packs in difficult spots.

The Maze sees only 2,000 hikers per year since it is so remote and is the least accessible hike in the Canyonlands. The best time to go is in the spring, when temperatures are lower.

The Maze is quite literally a maze of intertwined canyons and dead-ends. The routes do not have beaten trails and they often weave up and over canyons, which are extremely difficult to traverse. Water sources in the Maze are also very limited. Part of the danger comes from how it can take rescuers up to three days to reach hikers because the path is so remote.

The highlight of this difficult and remote path is the view. Hikers will be able to see the Colorado River and Green River converge from atop a massive desert rock in a breathtaking view. Visitors can also see petroglyphs (prehistoric rock carvings) from ancient human history.

Mount Huashan. Jinjian Liang. CC BY-NC-ND 2.0.

5.Mount Huashan, China — 12.2 miles

Located near Huayin in the Shaanxi province of China, Mount Huashan trails are not very trafficked due to their narrow peaks and dangerous, steep paths. However, the trails feature beautiful wildflowers and scenery, as well as built-in steps and light poles.

Mount Huashan is known to be one of China’s five sacred mountains and one of the most popular pilgrimage sites for Chinese people. It is also considered by many to be the original place of Chinese civilization and is praised as the “Root of Huaxia (China).” The famous plank walk is 7,070 feet high and located on the mountain’s highest peak. There are many different trails to follow in the mountain, but the Changkong Plank Trail is the most dangerous and thrilling.  The  700-year-old trail is only  12 inches wide.

The first few miles of the trail are a gradual ascent until Thousand Foot Narrow, and then the trail becomes narrow and steep toward the North Peak. There are many places to stop to experience breathtaking sunrises or sunsets and mountainous scenery. This trail is meant for only very experienced hikers.

Isabelle Durso

Isabelle is an undergraduate student at Boston University currently on campus in Boston. She is double majoring in Journalism and Film & Television, and she is interested in being a travel writer and writing human-interest stories around the world. Isabelle loves to explore and experience new cultures, and she hopes to share other people's stories through her writing. In the future, she intends to keep writing journalistic articles as well as creative screenplays.

Congo Couture: “Sapeurs” Bring Europe’s Designer Fashion to Central Africa

The Republic of the Congo’s world-famous fashionistas strut through the streets of Brazzaville wearing outfits from Europe’s most revered designers. But to sapeurs, their fashion savvy is not just style but a lifestyle. 

A sapeur in his Sunday best. ilja smets. CC BY-ND 2.0.

Maxime Pivot makes all the ladies scream. Men call him the pride of the town. Children follow him wherever he goes. The Republic of the Congo has never seen a more dashing, debonair, sharp-dressing gentleman. As a modern-day dandy in the streets of Brazzaville, he is a painterly splash of Congo couture amid near-universal penury. He boasts a double-breasted red suit, a pearl-white shirt, pitch-black sunglasses and a pink bowtie, an outfit to amaze the prim and plebeian alike. Rather than envy, his panache inspires pride. Some may call his focus on fashion amid staggering poverty vain, but really, he is preserving a decades-long tradition. He is a sapeur. 

That means that he is a member of the Société des Ambianceurs et des Personnes Élégantes—La Sape for short. In English, it translates to the Society of Ambiance-Makers and Elegant People. Every weekend, he and his fellow dandies meet to compare outfits from the hottest European designers, trade notes on color combinations and revel in the pomp of haute couture. They smoke, they dance and they conversate. They escape the squalor in which so many Congolese live—when sapeurs dress up, they feel like the richest men in the world.

No, they are not rich. Quite the opposite. By day, sapeurs are chefs, mechanics, electricians, craftsmen, businessmen, handymen, journeymen, or any other kind of blue-collar worker. 70 percent of people in the Republic of the Congo live in poverty, and most sapeurs are included in that number. What distinguishes them is not wealth but aesthetic distinction, good taste, and a deep knowledge of the latest fashion trends. They aspire to look like a million bucks, not spend it. 

The street is a catwalk. Jean-Luc Dalembert. CC BY-SA 4.0.

The tradition began during the Congo’s colonial period. Congolese servants, tired of wearing their Belgian and French colonizers’ secondhand clothes, began saving their wages and purchasing the latest clothes for European dandies.  After serving in the French army during World War II, Congolese soldiers returned home bringing closets-worth of European suits, shirts, ties, shoes and accessories. By the time the central African nation gained independence in 1960, many Congolese elites were making pilgrimages to Paris to rack up designer clothes for their wardrobes back home. Although they were accused of relying on white, “Western” traditions, most sapeurs insist on their artistic independence. As Papa Wemba, one of La Sape’s earliest celebrities, said, “White people invented the clothes, but we make an art of it.”

 
 

However, investing in clothes instead of, say, property or livestock can be difficult to justify in one of the poorest parts of the world. Many sapeurs hide their expensive lifestyles from relatives to avoid endangering family ties. If a cousin learns that their family member would rather buy an Armani suit or Weston shoes than help put food on the table, they may feel betrayed and break off relations. Furthermore, the wives of sapeurs tend to bear the brunt of the sapeur lifestyle far more heavily than their husbands, as they suffer the financial cost without being able to revel in high fashion. 

European style, African art. Opencooper. CC BY-SA 4.0.

La Sape is overwhelmingly male. Overwhelmingly, but not entirely. As the tradition evolves, more women are staking their claim as sapeuses. They, too, don designer suits from Versace, Dior and Yves Saint Laurent and develop mannerisms and gaits to build a persona around their clothes. Even children are beginning to partake in the sapeur culture. Many worry that Congolese tailors lack apprentices to carry on the tradition, so the sight of a child strutting down the streets of Brazzaville in an Armani suit assures them that the legacy of La Sape will continue. 

In fact, Maxime Pivot established an organization, Sapeurs in Danger, to preserve the tradition of La Sape, which he asserts is not just about fashion but also is a way of life. When committing to the lifestyle, sapeurs adopt a code of conduct which Ben Mouchaka, another famous sapeur, summed up in 2000. He calls it the Ten Commandments of Sapeology. 

1- Thou shalt practise La Sape on Earth with humans and in heaven with God thy creator.

2- Thou shalt bring to heel ngayas (non-connoisseurs), nbéndés (the ignorant), and tindongos (badmouthers) on land, under the earth, at sea and in the skies.

3- Thou shalt honour Sapeology wherever thou goest.

4- The ways of Sapeology are impenetrable for any Sapeologist who does not know the rule of 3: a trilogy of finished and unfinished colours.

5- Thou shalt not give in.

6- Thou shalt demonstrate stringent standards of hygiene in thy body and clothes.

7- Thou shalt not be tribalistic, nationalist, racist or discriminatory.

8- Thou shalt not be violent or insolent.

9- Thou shalt abide by the Sapelogists’ rules of civility and respect thy elders.

10- Through prayer and these 10 commandments, thou, as a Sapeologist, shall conquer the Sapeophobes.

Maxime Pivot aims to pass down the tradition of La Sape to any man, woman, or child willing to devote themselves to the lifestyle. He operates a school of La Sape where he teaches aspiring sapeurs how to combine colors tastefully and craft a swaggering gait. His classes teach that La Sape needn’t sap their wallets. As the sapeur life and style spread, he hopes that dandies will don local brands, not just expensive European ones.

Innovating a classic style. Makangarajustin. CC BY-SA 4.0.

Then, La Sape could be truly independent from European designers. Fashion trends have been increasingly moving in that direction, thanks to Maxime Pivot’s efforts, especially now that La Sape has moved into the mainstream. Every August 15, the Republic of the Congo’s independence day, sapeurs march alongside the military, indigenous tribes and even the President in the largest parade of the year. Their flashy clothes and sauntering stride draw cheers from the crowd. Their tradition provides an example of how the country can emerge from an oppressive European past and spring into a liberated African future.

Michael McCarthy

Michael is an undergraduate student at Haverford College, dodging the pandemic by taking a gap year. He writes in a variety of genres, and his time in high school debate renders political writing an inevitable fascination. Writing at Catalyst and the Bi-Co News, a student-run newspaper, provides an outlet for this passion. In the future, he intends to keep writing in mediums both informative and creative.

Despite Economic Crisis, Lebanon's Landscape Stands Strong 

Lebanon is in one of the world’s worst economic depressions since 1850; however, the nation continues to stand strong with its beautiful landscapes and soulful culture. 

Lebanon—former French colony and home to the “Paris of the Middle East,” Beirut—has stood strong between nations riddled with tragedy. With Syria on its Northern and Eastern borders, Israel and Palestine on its Southern border and the Mediterranean Sea to the West, Lebanon was frequently extending a helping hand to its war-torn neighbors. However, in recent years, Lebanon has plunged into a deep economic depression and is riddled with tragedy itself. 

With 18 state-recognized religions in Lebanon, it is the most religiously diverse country in the Middle East. However, because religious leaders and political leaders are not mutually exclusive in the sectarian society, this diversity has led to public animosity toward the corrupt government. Although tensions have been brewing for years, the former government’s WhatsApp tax in late 2019 was the tipping point for Lebanese nationals and residents. Protests provoked by the tax broke out across the country and world, calling for a reformed Lebanese government.  

Ambushed by the coronavirus a few months later, the Lebanese people experienced immense  tragedy in 2020 when one of the world's largest non-nuclear explosions shook the Port of Beirut, leaving more than 200 dead and thousands injured. Lebanon is still haunted by the blast and is struggling to rebuild its destroyed neighborhoods amid COVID-19 and, according to the World Bank, one of the world’s worst financial crises in more than 150 years. To top it off, Lebanon has yet to create a new government since the government of Prime Minister Hassan Diab resigned due to  public pressure following the explosion.

Currently, the U.S. State Department advises against traveling to Lebanon due to the large presence of COVID-19 in the nation, the threats of violence and the U.S. Embassy in Beirut’s limited ability to support U.S. citizens. Despite these warnings and Lebanon’s current crises, the people still hold their flag up high and are proud of the beautiful scenes and experiences their country has to offer.  

Mountains, beaches, city lights—not only are all these scenic views found in Lebanon, but they are all less than an hour-long drive from one another. Lebanon’s landscape is especially unique because of the country’s small size. Residents and tourists alike can enjoy in a single day these three entirely different scenes and the activities associated with each of them. 

There are two main mountain regions in Lebanon—Mount Lebanon and the Anti-Lebanon Mountains. Mount Lebanon extends across the entire country, while the Anti-Lebanon Mountains form the border between Lebanon and Syria, seeping more into Syrian territory. Snow-peaked year-round, Faraya, a village in the Keserwan District of the Mount Lebanon Governate, is one of the best ski spots in the country. Faraya, positioned at an elevation of 3,900 feet to 7,000 feet, is around 25 miles northeast from Beirut and around 23 miles southeast from Byblos, one of the oldest cities in Lebanon which sits on the Mediterranean coast. 

“Miracle Monk of Lebanon,” Saint Charbel. DerekL. CC BY-NC-SA 2.0. 

Populated primarily by Maronite Christians, Faraya holds the largest statue and church of Saint Charbel in the world, standing 75 feet   tall and around 30 feet  wide. It is said that St. Charbel resided in this former monastery for over 20 years and those who visit and ask for assistance hear back. Since 1950, the “miraculous healings” of St. Charbel have been tallied and, as of mid-2019, the number lies above 29,000. Miracles were verified by priest witnesses before 1950; however, since 1950 and the advancement of medical technology, all “miracles” require medical proof for verification.

With Mount Lebanon paralleling the Mediterranean sea, the mountains are never too far away from the beaches. Along Lebanon’s coast lies hundreds of public and private beaches. One of the most famous public beaches in Lebanon is Joining Beach in the coastal city Batroun. With water so clear and blue it looks like it was dyed, Joining Beach is the perfect place to explore marine life. Underwater activities like snorkeling and scuba diving are common  at this Lebanese shore. 

Beyond swimming and sunbathing at the beach, Lebanon’s coastal towns show off wonders of nature. In Jeita Grotto, located 11 miles from the capital city in Jeita, exists a system of two interconnected caves that are around five and a half miles long. The upper galleries of Jeita Grotto is home to the world’s largest known stalactite—a mineral formation that hangs from the ceilings of caves—and was one of the top 14 finalists for the New 7 Wonders of Nature competition in 2011. 

Beirut, Lebanon. marviikad. CC BY-SA 2.0. 

Beirut, the heart of Lebanon, has its own natural wonders to show for as a big city in all its glory and flashing lights. Populated with restaurants, clubs and bars, Beirut’s nightlife is like none other in the Middle East. Alive all night, Lebanon’s pride and joy offers an experiential party scene. With clubs like Sunrise Beirut, partygoers start their outing as early as 10:30 p.m. and dance to techno until the sun lights up the sky. Mar Mikhael, named after the Maronite Catholic Church of Saint Michael, is a neighborhood in Beirut that is known for its aesthetic dining options—restaurants, cafes and bars are all fashionable outings in Mar Mikhael, the art hub of Beirut. Stationed on the marina, Zaitunay Bay is another classy area to shop, eat and be mesmerized by Beirut’s soulful city lights. 

It’s true, Lebanon is still in crisis; however, the soul of the country lies within its people and landscape—both of which are beautiful, strong and resilient.

Mia Khatib

Mia is a rising senior at Boston University majoring in journalism and minoring in international relations. As a Palestinian-American, Mia is passionate about amplifying the voices of marginalized communities and is interested in investigative and data-driven journalism. She hopes to start out as a breaking news reporter and one day earn a position as editor of a major publication.