Motril, Spain, is located near the Guadalfeo River on the Mediterranean coast in the province of Granada. Sugar cane refineries form the backbone of Motril's economy, though tourism is also an essential industry.
Oaxaca, nestled in the heart of southern Mexico, is a city where ancient traditions and vibrant culture thrive. Renowned for its rich history and indigenous heritage, Oaxaca offers a unique blend of pre-Columbian, colonial, and modern influences. The city's historic center, a UNESCO World Heritage site, is a testament to its past, featuring stunning colonial architecture such as the Santo Domingo de Guzmán Church, a masterpiece of Baroque art.
Alter do Chão is a riverside village in the Brazilian state of Pará, on the banks of the clear Tapajós River. Though part of the larger municipality of Santarém, Alter do Chão has its own rhythm and identity, known far beyond Brazil for the white-sand beaches that appear when river levels drop between July and December. One of the most famous spots is Ilha do Amor (Love Island), a sandbar just off the village shore that feels almost like a hidden world of warm water and bright sky.
Konya has served as a spiritual center for centuries. Every December, the Şeb‑i Arûs festival marks the passing of Rumi, the Persian mystic, and draws Sufis and visitors from around the world to witness the Sema. Whirling dervish dance is performed to the sound of ney flutes and drums. In one of the country's most hushed and vivid traditions, performers spin in unison in flowing white skirts, a scene that blends meditation with graceful motion in a way found nowhere else.