Nestled high amongst the lush central mountains of Papua, the breathtaking Baliem Valley offers a portal into the unique indigenous tribal culture and unspoiled wilderness of this region. Trekking through picturesque hillside villages dotted with traditional 'honai' huts and sweet potato farms, one encounters the warm and welcoming Dani people in their spectacular highland setting. From witnessing tribal rituals to exploring ancient battle sites, the enchanting Baliem Valley provides adventurous visitors with an unforgettable journey into Papua's mesmerizing heartland. This pristine river valley not only delights but also educates on a way of life stretching back centuries.

As the sun slowly descended towards the horizon, the sky transformed into a dazzling canvas of orange, pink and purple hues that were reflected on the shimmering sea. The soft crashing of waves accompanied the peaceful setting as I watched the sunset at Tuamese Beach on the border of Indonesia and Timor-Leste. It was a majestic ending to a picturesque day spent at this heavenly location where the beach seemingly stretches on for miles to meet the sea and sky.

As enduring symbols of cities go, Geneva has chosen well with the Jet d'Eau. This iconic fountain shoots water nearly 500 feet in the air, making it one of the tallest fountains in the world. More than just a showy spectacle, the Jet d'Eau beautifully encapsulates Geneva's character and history.Approaching the fountain along the shoreline, you first glimpse the vertical stream of water extending far into the sky above Lake Geneva. The power and height is initially jarring as it dwarfs all surrounding buildings and natural features. Get closer and you appreciate the engineering prowess required to pump water with such force and precision. The streams catch the breeze and sway gently, evoking the fountain's early start as a safety valve for a hydraulic plant in 1886.Overall, the Jet d'Eau fuses function and aesthetics to deliver a fountain that is uniquely Geneva. Majestic yet playful, mighty yet graceful, the Jet d'Eau embodies the blend of natural wonder, scientific innovation, and beauty that the Swiss city is known for. No first time visit to Geneva is complete without seeing this geiser in action!

Even viewed only from the outside, the Duomo di Milano inspires awe with its grand scale and intricately ornate Gothic design. As the third largest church in Europe, this 14th century cathedral dominates the Milan skyline with its forest of soaring spires and towers that seem to touch the heavens.The elaborately sculpted marble facade stopped me in my tracks – an overwhelming cascade of arches, statues, and bas-relief scenes. I craned my neck trying to take it all in – from the majestic main entrance flanked by lions, to the Madonnina statue sparkling in gold some 356 feet above. No matter where you stand, there are biblical figures gazing out across the piazza with stone drapery billowing behind them.I imagined the legions of artisans across six centuries chiseling away to create this flamboyant Gothic spectacle. The experience left me with a profound appreciation what humans can achieve through immense dedication to artistic and engineering vision on a grand scale. Even unstepped inside, the Duomo di Milano is sure to impress with its ambitious vertical reach reflecting the glory of God and the endless creativity of mankind.