Retreats, Pilgrimages and Journeys
In the footsteps of Jonah
There’s so much that could be written on Iraq. Misconceptions could be many, so allow us to give you a personal perspective.
Des worked in Iraq for a humanitarian NGO during the period ISIS controlled large swathes of the country, including the second largest city of Iraq, Mosul. He drove around the city just after the fighting finished in July 2017, when there were virtually no other cars on the road - hard to believe now! Since then, he’s visited the country many times, and especially the city of Mosul which continues to hold a special place for him.
Moslawis (the people of Mosul) are an incredibly generous and hospitable people. People on previous trips have experienced restaurant bills being paid for by complete strangers. Taxis refusing to take money. Walking on the streets when people want to take a selfie with you! And talk of course!
The city parks are full of families, young and old. Shopping malls (on the east side) are sprouting. And don’t mention the ice-cream…
And that’s all before we talk photography!
If you’re into Street Photography, Mosul is the place to go. For sure there is the “dark” side of the city where the ruins of the fighting with ISIS and their legacy remain - particularly on the west side of the River Tigris. But what will grab your attention and focus when you walk through the markets and narrow streets in West Mosul, is the vibrancy, the openness and the hope for the future amongst the bustling crowds.
Whatever story you want to tell about the city and its people through your photographs, we hope you see both the reality and the resilience of the history of this ancient city. Come with us as we show you, along with some local guides, the city and its people, for you to story-tell through your viewfinder.
More details as to what exactly is included in the price is available by clicking on this link.
To see some of Des’s photos from previous trips, just follow this link.
September 21 - 28, 2024
February 15 - 22, 2025
€1995 (February trip €2195 as this includes Kurdistan as well)
For more details just Contact Us and/or BOOK A PLACE NOW
Vegan & Photography Retreat
A combination of gorgeous vegan cooking, nature photography and reconecting in the Italian mountains.
Based in a cabin in the mountains of north-west Italy, this week is designed to ensure that you re-connect and relax through being in the mountains; enjoying delicious and healthy vegan cooking; and having the time to photograph and create at a pace that suits you.
Whilst there will be some structured sessions, the primary focus is on allowing distractions, busyness and noise to fade away and for the stunning nature and mountain environment of our location to stimulate your photographic creativity.
This is a private group facilitated week - come along with a friend, partner or others you know, up to a maximum of 4 in total. The pricing depends on the group number - see below.
Regardless of whether you - or everyone in the group - is new to photography or not, this week will inspire you to enjoy nature to it’s fullest.
More details as to what exactly is included in the price is available by clicking on this link.
TIP! Click on the amazing food images and they will enlarge. Hover over the enlarged image to get the ingredients list!
September 14 - 21, 2024
€1895 per person based on group size of 2
€1450 per person based on group size of 3
€1125 per person based on group size of 4
For more details just Contact Us and/or BOOK A PLACE NOW
Mesopotamian Pilgrimage
Rediscover the ancient world between two rivers and reconnect with the soul of humanity.
A journey of discovery. Ancient tombs and treasures. Culture and conflict. Poverty and prosperity. ISIS and Iraq. Heartache and Hope.
Join us as we meet people who have endured, who have lost, yet have Hope. Generous beyond measure. Joyful at both (ISIS) destroyed church and mosques being re-built. Lovers of ice-cream - yes maybe even more than the Italians!
What is the glue that makes this one country? Or two? Is this a bond that will endure or has it reached its “sell-by” date? What has made it such a pivotal place in the Middle East since time began?
If you want to really engage with what Journeys Reimagined is, then this is the trip you cannot afford not to go on.
June 1 - 10, 2024
Private Trip - Already booked
Monks and Mountains
A retreat high up in the Alpine mountains from a hospice run by the St Bernard Congregation.
Staying in the Hospice du Grand St Bernard high up in the Alps on the Swiss / Italian border.
A hospice packed with history. Napoleon for example passed through in May 1800. It took until 1984 before French President Mitterand settled the bill between the French government and the order of monks who run the hospice. Napoleon and his troops had consumed vast quanties of wine (22,000 bottles), cheese, bread and meat to sustain them on their way to Italy. As you do.
This retreat is timed before the pass reopens to motorised traffic after the winter closure due to snow. The idea will be to to enjoy early Spring-like conditions in the relative quietness of the pass and allow the mountains - as well as the monks - to re-energise us and also us to re-connect through creative exercises as well as enjoying time alone.
To explain more what it will be all about, Des will post a Vlog late May 2024.
Watch this space… If you would like to be kept informed about this, why not drop in your details on the Contact Us page.