CTB Travel

The Karoo is big sky country; a land of vast open plains punctuated by flat-topped mountains, conical hills and secluded valleys, a land of scrubby bushes and hardy trees, where pioneers carved roads out of rock to set down roots in an unforgiving environment. Here dreams are born, legends are made, and outcasts find sanctuary. It is also an ancient place, whose story is revealed through geology, fossils and artefacts, and whose human lineage predates any written history. Today, the people who inhabit it must manifest the same fortitude that sustained those who left their footprints in the primieval mud. In Hidden Karoo you will find all this, and more. Through a series of superb photo-essays, this majestic place is revealed as a land where conservation and neglect are seldom far apart, where one town boasts splendidly restored buildings, while along a dusty back road lie forgotten villages waiting for ... something. Could it be a renewal, or a slow death? There's nothing novel about the movement of people from country to city, and the Karoo mimics other parts of the world where rural areas become derelict as they are depopulated. Hidden Karoo presents a snapshot of the region as it is now, offering a glimpse into towns and villages, farmsteads and churches, important buildings and humble homes, all against a backdrop of awe-inspiring landscapes. Through words and pictures, it prompts us to consider what was, what is and, perhaps, what might be. One constant about the Karoo is change. A book can do no more than capture a moment in time or depict fragments of a place, but in doing so, it bears witness to the past and offers the hope that there may yet be a future for this unparalleled part of our country.

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Veteran wildlife photographer Peter Pickford and his wife Beverly had a dream to photograph the last remaining wild land on earth. ‘We had become increasingly distressed by two ideas. The first was a sense of panic as to how rapidly wild places and the life that thrived there was diminishing. The second was that we felt compelled to act, to do something about it. I was haunted by the words of Gandhi: ‘Be the change you want to see in the world’.’

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Explore the art of mindful travel with Kinfolk, the pioneers in "slow living," their philosophy of simplicity, authenticity, intentionality and community. With nearly 450,000 copies in print, the Kinfolk series has applied this philosophy to entertaining (The Kinfolk Table), interior design (The Kinfolk Home), and living with nature (The Kinfolk Garden). Now they have turned their attention to "slow travel," offering readers a road map for planning trips that foster meaningful connections with local people and authentic experiences of local culture. Go museum hopping in Tasmania, or birdwatching in London. Explore the burgeoning fashion community in Dakar. Take a bicycle tour through Idaho, or a train trip from Oslo to Bergen. Drawing on the magazine's global community of writers and photographers, Kinfolk Travel takes readers to over 20 location across five continents, with travel tips from locals, stunning images, and thoughtful essays.

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From the team at Monocle, the first in a new series of practical travel guides. Following in the footsteps of the hugely successful Monocle Book of Italy and The Monocle Book of the Nordics, Monocle’s latest title turns its focus to Portugal in an exciting new series of country-specific books. A handbook in feel and tone, this practical guide will transport you to the sun-dappled hills of Lisbon and the winding streets of Porto as well as lesser-known locales from the Alentejo region, with its plentiful vineyards, to the dramatic landscapes of the Azores. Plus, discover Monocle’s favourite places to stay, eat and shop – stop off at an elegant palácio, indulge in a family-run tasca and scour the streets for the creamiest pastéis de nata – and the cross-country trips we’d make (whether by car, boat or horse). You’ll also be introduced to the country’s rich culture, including the history of Portugal’s vibrant visual identity and the folks at the heart of it all. So join in, hit the tiles and explore this fascinating country in Portugal: The Monocle Handbook.

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Discover Monocle’s favourite places to stay, eat, shop and visit across Spain. Hot on the heels of Portugal: The Monocle Handbook, Monocle’s latest title turns its focus to sunny Spain in the next of its country-specific books. This practical guide will steer you from the streets of Seville to the mountains of Mallorca, introducing Monocle’s favourite places to stay, eat, shop and visit across the country. Discover the sleekest beachside boltholes in the Costa Brava, the family-run restaurants plating up the tastiest tapas in Andalucía and the buzziest bars in Barcelona before getting your cultural fix in Valencia, Bilbao or Madrid. You’ll meet the Spaniards making waves in the fashion industry, visit the artisans turning out beautiful contemporary designs and hear from the chefs shaking up the country’s food scene. And of course you’ll find out the finest stretches of sand on which to lay down your towel. For those looking to put down roots in Spain, the book also profiles the cities, towns and neighbourhoods worth investing in, the architects and designers to commission and even some interior design inspiration for your apartment or holiday home. So, whether you are putting together an itinerary for a sun-soaked weekend or planning to stay a little longer, Spain: The Monocle Handbook makes the perfect companion.

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