From Brothers Grimm to Disney

Photographer Asif Jiffry takes the Romantic Road in Bavaria

The Romantic Road is one of the most popular attractions of Bavaria. From the Main River and Wurzburg down to Fussen you will find a series of gorgeous towns and villages with castles, churches and landscapes like in a fairy-tale of the Grimm Brothers. On more than 350 km the Romantic Road opens up the richness of the south German culture. Off the highway the traveller can enjoy both silence and a choice of impressions: Episcopal residences, princely courts, proud trading cities, Bavarian palaces, all surrounded by beautiful landscapes. Most famous are Rothenburg ob der Tauber, and Neuschwanstein. Castle on the hill: Neuschwanstein Bavarian mountains Serene landscape: Boats on the lake Neuschwanstein is a German word that means New Swan Stone Palace in English. Built during the 19th century on a hill, the castle was especially made by King Ludwig II of Bavaria. The castle is one of the most popular tourist attractions in Germany due to its scenic beauty and gorgeous surroundings. It is the most photographed building in Germany even though the interiors of the castle cannot be photographed. During the rule of Ludwig, no visitors were allowed in the castle. It was only after his death in 1886 that the castle was opened for all to view. It is amazing to know that till now, 50 million people have visited the castle. More than 1.3 million tourists visit the castle annually. If we calculate the visits per day, more than six thousand tourists come to visit the Neuschwanstein Castle daily. The castle has so much charm that even Hollywood succumbed. In fact, the castle has appeared in several movies and so impressed Walt Disney that he used it as his inspiration for Cinderella’s castle in Disneyland. The Neuschwanstein Castle is a property of Bavaria and Bavaria has spent more than 14.5 million dollars in safeguarding it and on renovation. A visit to the Neuschwanstein Castle is a must if you are taking a tour of Germany. Another must see location is Rothenburg ob der Tauber, considered one the best-preserved medieval towns in Germany which sits on a plateau, above the scenic valley of the Tauber River. The city’s modestly sized Old Town, complete with encircling wall and gated towers, is one of the most popular stops on the Romantic Road. Visitors flock to Rothenburg because of its reputation as an “authentic”, walled medieval town. Historic is, perhaps, the most appropriate description. Rothenburg, which dates from the 12th century, was a noted trade centre and one of the most important towns in Germany during the ascendancy of the Holy Roman Empire. The town is compact and you could see its most interesting attractions in a morning or afternoon, but the real beauty of the city comes out late in the day when the tourists and tour buses have moved on to their next destination and the town almost audibly breathes a sigh of relief. Moving around the town when it is not crowded, which is an impossibility on any summer day, allows you to experience the “real” Rothenburg and imagine what it was like to live here in medieval times. In addition, the numerous houses and lanes crisscrossing Rothenburg add to its ambience. Take some time to wander around the city and its residential neighborhoods, as doing so underscores the uniqueness of the city. My visit to Germany came as a great surprise as it was never on my to-do list for a very long time. If you do visit Germany another great location is Berlin. Art lovers visit the east side gallery( Berlin wall). Asif’s work can be viewed at the Pedlars Inn gallery, Galle Fort or visit www.pedlarsinngallery.com Mountains, lakes and a fairytale castle Disney setting Me and my poodle: A stroll on a sidewalk in Rothenburg Flower windows in Rothenburg

The colours of Istanbul

Photographer Asif Jiffry is bowled over by the grandeur of Turkey’s ancient city

There are so many great cities in the world: London, Paris, Rio, New York, Cairo, Tokyo, to name a few. Add Istanbul to that list. Regardless of whether you are visiting Europe, Asia, or Africa, extend your trip and visit Istanbul. You’ll be glad you did. Istanbul is a fascinating, frenetic city rich in history and culture. I was blown away by the beauty of the mosques, the excellent cuisine, and the friendly people. In deep thought The Blue Mosque Grand bazaar cafes A city where more than 15 million people with various backgrounds, languages, religions and cultures live together in peace, Istanbul connects the continents of Europe and Asia via its many bridges. It is a meeting place where new ideas and concepts from both continents intermingle on a stage provided by the beautiful historic hills of a city decorated with monuments of bygone superpowers. Most importantly, Istanbul represents civilization, peaceful coexistence and beauty. Before going to Istanbul, I had barely given it a thought. Now, a few weeks later, it is often on my mind. That is mainly because it provides what is rarest in travel: an aesthetic and even sensual surprise. Pay attention to the blue tiles and windows of the Blue Mosque that Turks call ''Sultan Ahmet Mosque!" Built between 1609-1616, this impressive six minaret complex has some stunning architecture. Why is it called "Blue Mosque?" There are two stories: the first, more common one is that the interior is covered in blue İznik tiles. The second explanation is that many, many years ago, ancient sailors sailed by the mosque on the Marmara Sea and the blue of the sea would reflect on this beautiful mosque. Oh, the Grand Bazaar! I've never experienced anything quite like it. 10,000 vendors under one enormous roof, endless labyrinthine corridors with barrel-vaulted ceilings, dizzying colours, and aggressive salesmen, each with a different line or gimmick vying for your lira. It's among the most invigorating, frustrating and overwhelming places I've ever experienced. Then there’s Hagia Sophia. Hagia Sophia was built in the 6th century by the Emperor Justinian, and was one of the largest basilicas in the world. After the Ottoman conquest, it was converted to a mosque and is today one of the most magnificent museums in the world. Take a moment to linger here to admire the fine Byzantine mosaics. Topkapi Palace is the largest and oldest palace in the world, the crown jewel of the Ottoman Empire. With its harem, treasury and exotic buildings overlooking the Golden Horn, Topkapi is a truly fascinating experience. Take time too to visit to the underground Cistern. Built in the fourth century, this is one of the underground cisterns that riddle the foundations of the city. Extensively excavated and renovated, it is worth visiting and exploring while listening to the tunes of classical music. Suleymaniye Mosque although less visited by tourists than the Blue Mosque is even grander and more peaceful. One of the finest creations of Ottoman architect Mimar Sinan, it was commissioned by Sultan Sulemaniye and has a huge dome and pencil-slim minarets from each corner of the courtyard, an exquisite essay in symmetry and elegance. Built in the 1550s, the site also contains the tombs of Sinan, Sultan Suleyman I and his wife Roxelana decorated with intricate tiles, the original apartments of the mosque astronomer, charitable foundations, caravanserai and fountain, all set around a tranquil courtyard. There are several outdoor tea-houses in a row behind the mosque in what was formerly known as ‘Addict's Alley'. I would rate Istanbul the second best photographic destination next to Italy. View Asif Jiffry’s work at www.pedlarsinngallery.com or visit the gallery at Pedlars' Street Galle fort.