Skip to content
shanesunburn
  • DESTINATIONS
    • ALL DESTINATIONS
    • ASIA
      • SOUTH ASIA
        • AFGHANISTAN
        • INDIA
        • PAKISTAN
        • SRI LANKA
      • CENTRAL ASIA
        • KAZAKHSTAN
        • KYRGYZSTAN
        • TAJIKISTAN
        • TURKMENISTAN
        • UZBEKISTAN
      • SOUTH EAST ASIA
        • BRUNEI
        • CAMBODIA
        • INDONESIA
        • LAOS
        • MALAYSIA
        • MYANMAR
        • PHILIPPINES
        • SINGAPORE
        • THAILAND
        • TIMOR-LESTE
        • VIETNAM
      • EAST ASIA
        • CHINA
        • JAPAN
    • EUROPE
      • NORTHERN EUROPE
        • DENMARK
        • ESTONIA
        • FINLAND
        • LATVIA
        • LITHUANIA
        • SWEDEN
        • UNITED KINGDOM
          • ENGLAND
          • SCOTLAND
      • SOUTHERN EUROPE
        • CYPRUS
        • GREECE
        • ITALY
        • MALTA
        • PORTUGAL
        • SAN MARINO
        • SPAIN
        • VATICAN CITY
      • WESTERN EUROPE
        • AUSTRIA
        • ANDORRA
        • BELGIUM
        • FRANCE
        • GERMANY
        • LUXEMBOURG
        • MONACO
        • NETHERLANDS
        • SWITZERLAND
      • CENTRAL AND EASTERN EUROPE
        • BELARUS
        • BULGARIA
        • CZECHIA
        • HUNGARY
        • MOLDOVA
        • POLAND
        • ROMANIA
        • RUSSIA
        • SLOVAKIA
        • UKRAINE
    • AFRICA
      • BENIN
      • DJIBOUTI
      • ETHIOPIA
      • ERITREA
      • GHANA
      • MAURITANIA
      • NIGERIA
      • SOMALIA
      • TOGO
      • TUNISIA
    • MIDDLE EAST
      • EGYPT
      • JORDAN
      • KUWAIT
      • LEBANON
      • IRAN
      • OMAN
      • QATAR
      • SAUDI ARABIA
      • SYRIA
      • TÜRKİYE
      • UNITED ARAB EMIRATES
    • AMERICAS
      • UNITED STATES
    • OCEANIA
      • AUSTRALIA
      • NEW ZEALAND
    • DISPUTED/OTHER TERRITORIES
      • GAGAUZIA
      • HONG KONG
      • KARAKALPAKSTAN
      • MACAU
      • NORTHERN CYPRUS
      • SOMALILAND
      • TAIWAN
      • TRANSNISTRIA
      • UŽUPIS
  • VIDEOS
  • BLOG
  • TRAVEL THEMES
  • JOIN ME ON A TRIP
  • CONTACT
  • Toggle website search
Menu Close
  • DESTINATIONS
    • ALL DESTINATIONS
    • ASIA
      • SOUTH ASIA
        • AFGHANISTAN
        • INDIA
        • PAKISTAN
        • SRI LANKA
      • CENTRAL ASIA
        • KAZAKHSTAN
        • KYRGYZSTAN
        • TAJIKISTAN
        • TURKMENISTAN
        • UZBEKISTAN
      • SOUTH EAST ASIA
        • BRUNEI
        • CAMBODIA
        • INDONESIA
        • LAOS
        • MALAYSIA
        • MYANMAR
        • PHILIPPINES
        • SINGAPORE
        • THAILAND
        • TIMOR-LESTE
        • VIETNAM
      • EAST ASIA
        • CHINA
        • JAPAN
    • EUROPE
      • NORTHERN EUROPE
        • DENMARK
        • ESTONIA
        • FINLAND
        • LATVIA
        • LITHUANIA
        • SWEDEN
        • UNITED KINGDOM
          • ENGLAND
          • SCOTLAND
      • SOUTHERN EUROPE
        • CYPRUS
        • GREECE
        • ITALY
        • MALTA
        • PORTUGAL
        • SAN MARINO
        • SPAIN
        • VATICAN CITY
      • WESTERN EUROPE
        • AUSTRIA
        • ANDORRA
        • BELGIUM
        • FRANCE
        • GERMANY
        • LUXEMBOURG
        • MONACO
        • NETHERLANDS
        • SWITZERLAND
      • CENTRAL AND EASTERN EUROPE
        • BELARUS
        • BULGARIA
        • CZECHIA
        • HUNGARY
        • MOLDOVA
        • POLAND
        • ROMANIA
        • RUSSIA
        • SLOVAKIA
        • UKRAINE
    • AFRICA
      • BENIN
      • DJIBOUTI
      • ETHIOPIA
      • ERITREA
      • GHANA
      • MAURITANIA
      • NIGERIA
      • SOMALIA
      • TOGO
      • TUNISIA
    • MIDDLE EAST
      • EGYPT
      • JORDAN
      • KUWAIT
      • LEBANON
      • IRAN
      • OMAN
      • QATAR
      • SAUDI ARABIA
      • SYRIA
      • TÜRKİYE
      • UNITED ARAB EMIRATES
    • AMERICAS
      • UNITED STATES
    • OCEANIA
      • AUSTRALIA
      • NEW ZEALAND
    • DISPUTED/OTHER TERRITORIES
      • GAGAUZIA
      • HONG KONG
      • KARAKALPAKSTAN
      • MACAU
      • NORTHERN CYPRUS
      • SOMALILAND
      • TAIWAN
      • TRANSNISTRIA
      • UŽUPIS
  • VIDEOS
  • BLOG
  • TRAVEL THEMES
  • JOIN ME ON A TRIP
  • CONTACT
  • Toggle website search

CONTACT

The best way to contact me is through Instagram or Email.

EMAIL

shanesunburn@gmail.com

INSTAGRAM & YOUTUBE

(click on link below)

Instagram Youtube

shanesunburn

Thank you, Eritrea — easily my favorite African co Thank you, Eritrea — easily my favorite African country… so far.

From the beautiful buildings and raw, timeless architecture to the quiet charm of its streets, there’s something about this place that just stays with you. But more than anything, it’s the warmth and kindness of the people that made the experience unforgettable.

Asmara, Keren, Massawa — here are some of the faces that made this journey so special. Praveen (@travel_and_art ), Nadya, and Josh (Pro Guide). Contact me if looking for contact.
Tank Graveyard, Metal Market, Abandoned Train Stat Tank Graveyard, Metal Market, Abandoned Train Station - Eritrea (Jan 26)

Just outside Asmara lies one of the country’s most striking reminders of its past — the Tank Graveyard. Rows of rusting tanks, armored vehicles, and military remnants left behind from the war, slowly being reclaimed by time.

Back in the city, the Metal Market shows a different side of it. Scrap from those same vehicles is reused and turned into tools, machinery, and everyday items.

Made a quick stop at an abandoned train station in Alta. Not much left besides empty tracks and old buildings, but an interesting pause on the drive down to the coast.

A day moving between past and present.
Massawa, Eritrea (Jan 25) Probably the most beaut Massawa, Eritrea (Jan 25)

Probably the most beautiful city in Eritrea.

Massawa feels untouched by time — a mix of Ottoman and Italian architecture, much of it still standing despite heavy damage from the war for independence. Buildings remain broken, weathered, and unrepaired, but that’s exactly what gives the city its character.

The former imperial palace was a highlight — managed to climb up just in time for sunset, and it made the whole place even better.

Also took a short trip out to Green Island. Not really a beach person, but it was a nice, quiet break from the city.
Keren - Eritrea [Jan 26] 2 hours away from Asmara Keren - Eritrea [Jan 26]

2 hours away from Asmara, the historic city of Keren — usually out of bounds.

Packed 24 hours. Started at the camel and donkey market — crowded, noisy, animals and traders packed into tight lanes, dust everywhere. Then down to the dried-up bed of the Anseba River where another market takes over — vegetables, baskets, everything laid straight on the sand. Locals playing stone throwing game.

Walked through town past old Italian-era buildings — arcades, cinemas, faded facades. Don’t think there’s anywhere else in the world with this kinda buildings.

Made a quick stop at a  monastery, then the baobab church, St. Maryam Dearit, built right into the trunk. And the lady welcomed us with open arms.

Slowed things down at Hotel Keren — people-watching, the old Fanta sign still hanging there, golden hour over the town.

Keren is beautiful!
Fiat Tagliero Building - Eritrea [Jan 26] Built i Fiat Tagliero Building - Eritrea [Jan 26]

Built in 1938, this futuristic service station is one of the most iconic buildings in Asmara. Designed by Italian architect Giuseppe Pettazzi, the structure was inspired by an airplane — with two dramatic concrete “wings” stretching out 15 meters on each side.

When it was first built, engineers didn’t believe the wings could hold without support columns. Pettazzi reportedly pulled a gun on the workers and ordered them to remove the scaffolding to prove his design would stand. And it did.

Originally built as a Fiat service station during the Italian colonial period, it’s now one of the best surviving examples of Futurist architecture anywhere in the world.

Asmara really is an open-air museum.
Asmara - Eritrea [Jan 26] Day 2 in Asmara. The pe Asmara - Eritrea [Jan 26]

Day 2 in Asmara. The people here are incredibly welcoming. Immediately, a local family invited me to their home for lunch. We sat down to a spread of injera (the spongy sourdough flatbread made from teff) with dishes like zigni and kitfo, plus popcorn on the side. Then came the coffee, brewed strong and served the traditional way. In Eritrea, you don’t just drink one cup — you drink three. Hospitality here is on another level.

And the hairstyles… the intricate braided styles the women wear are seriously impressive.

Later I walked along Harnet Avenue, the heart of Asmara. You pass beautiful Italian-era buildings everywhere. Cinema Impero, built in 1937, still stands with its bold Art Deco façade — one of the most famous buildings here. Just down the road is Teatro Asmara, another reminder of when the Italians transformed the city in the 1930s with modernist architecture, wide boulevards, and cafés. Today, many of those buildings are still in everyday use, which is part of what makes the city feel so unique.

The streets are full of little discoveries: souvenir shops, a flea market where I somehow found a Soviet book (what???), and tiny stores selling pirated movies and video games with people sitting inside playing them.

And the gelato. Everyone in town recommended Da Fortuna Gelato Italiano — and they were right.

Asmara is an easy place to explore on foot. No guide needed, and it feels incredibly safe. Don’t believe  everything you hear about Eritrea being the “Dictatorship of Africa”. People are incredibly warm and welcoming.

The only challenge? Almost no internet. Download an offline map or use Maps.me before you arrive.
Asmara - Eritrea [Jan 26] Bowling, Asmara style. Asmara - Eritrea [Jan 26] Bowling, Asmara style.

In Asmara — an old-school bowling alley that feels untouched by time. Built in the early 1950s to entertain American troops stationed in the city, it still runs every day today.

The place is full of character: pins are manually reset, scores are written on paper, and a collection of broken and battered bowling balls that have seen decades of games. Fcking love it! 

Around the lanes there are billiards and pool tables, PlayStations, and even old racing arcade games. It’s rustic, nostalgic, and effortlessly photogenic — the kind of authentic place that’s becoming harder and harder to find.

Had a game with Tekeste and Jessica… and somehow I won.
WTF. I never win at bowling. @jabra_cadabra
Beirut – Lebanon (Jan 26) Continuing the travel d Beirut – Lebanon (Jan 26)

Continuing the travel documentation. I spent 3 days in Beirut after Syria — wandering around Hamra, Martyrs’ Square, and the Mohammad Al Amin Mosque. Walked the Corniche to Raouché Rock, stopped by Shatila Palestinian Refugee Camp (despite many warnings), and fed a few stray cats along Gouraud Road.

Nothing too remarkable this time — Baalbek would probably have been the highlight.

Prayers for the Lebanese people right now.
Thank you Syria. The people I met and the places Thank you Syria. 

The people I met and the places I visited will stay with me for a long time. Amazing country, and even more amazing people. Some highlights.

1) Boy from Homs. Didn’t speak any English, but was incredibly friendly and helpful. We somehow became instant friends.
2) The Syrian flag - Aleppo
3) Saydnaya Prison. Notoriously dark.
4–7) The badass cats of Syria.
8) Krak des Chevaliers.
9–12) Homs and Damascus.
13 on) The visible destruction and remnants of the war and disaster. 

A country that has been through a lot, but the warmth of the people is something I won’t forget.

Thanks to @syriascopetravel @ayoub_syria_guide @sarahbahboh . Probably the best in Syria.
Saydnaya Prison - Syria [Jan 26] This prison beca Saydnaya Prison - Syria [Jan 26]

This prison became infamous during the rule of Bashar al-Assad, where thousands of political prisoners, activists, and opponents were reportedly detained. Human rights groups have documented widespread torture, executions, and disappearances inside the facility. For years it was one of the most feared places in Syria, often described as a place people entered but never came out of.

Heavy visit. This was one of the main reasons I wanted to come to Syria.

Later visited the October War Panorama in Damascus. The museum commemorates the Yom Kippur War, known in Syria as the October War.

Outside the building are tanks, artillery, and military helicopters on display. Inside is a large circular battle panorama and exhibits celebrating the Syrian army. The style feels very Soviet — or even DPRK-like — with dramatic murals, heroic imagery, and patriotic displays.
Aleppo - Syria [Jan 25] Made it to local news aga Aleppo - Syria [Jan 25]

Made it to local news again. This time, because a war literally started where I was.

In Aleppo, just about 3 km north of our hotel (Riga Palace Hotel) fighting broke out between the Syrian army and Kurdish forces.

The clashes are part of the tensions between the Syrian government and Kurdish groups operating in northern Syria. Negotiations and control over certain neighbourhoods in Aleppo had broken down, and they started shooting ay each other. Pointless fight imo. 

That night, we could clearly hear bombs, artillery, and missiles. It went on the entire night.

We were advised to stay inside the hotel until early morning before leaving the area, to avoid the conflict zones.

To calm things down, I had a game of backgammon with @sarahbahboh — and somehow I won (with a lot of luck).

Not something anyone can plan for.
Aleppo - Syria [Jan 26] Visited the Citadel of Al Aleppo - Syria [Jan 26]

Visited the Citadel of Aleppo — one of the oldest and largest castles in the world. The hilltop fortress has been used for thousands of years, with major construction during the medieval Islamic period. It normally isn’t open to visitors, but our guide from @syriascopetravel and @sarahbahboh managed to arrange access.

Walking through the streets of Aleppo, the destruction is very visible. Much of the city was heavily damaged during the Battle of Aleppo. While rebuilding was already difficult, the 2023 Turkey–Syria earthquake caused further damage across the city. First the war, then the earthquake. The people here have been through a lot, and their resilience is clear.

Visited the Aleppo National Museum and walked around Jamal Abdel Nasser Park, where locals were selling antiques — and some random junk. I offered an old currency seller a Singapore dollar note and got one of the warmest hugs I’ve received in the Middle East so far.

Despite the damage, life goes on. People are out, shops are open, and the city’s old buildings and architecture are still impressive.

In the evening, fighting broke out again between Kurdish forces and the Syrian army (Jan 2026). I’ll share more about that in the next post.

So far, Aleppo is my favourite city in Syria.
Hama, Homs - Syria [Jan 26] Hama is known for its Hama, Homs - Syria [Jan 26]

Hama is known for its giant wooden waterwheels, the Norias of Hama, some of which date back to medieval times. They were used to lift water from the Orontes River into aqueducts to supply the city.

Walked along the river and visited the Azem Palace of Hama area nearby. Very quiet, slow paced, and local. 

In Homs, visited the Khalid ibn al-Walid Mosque, one of the most important mosques in Syria, known for its Ottoman-style architecture and as the burial place of the famous Muslim commander. This is where I met a super cute young boy that acted like a professional tour guide, and introduced me to the places in the city. Had to snap a photo with him. 

Also went to the Church of Saint Mary of the Holy Belt. It’s believed to house a relic known as the Holy Belt — traditionally said to have belonged to the Virgin Mary, preserved and rediscovered in the church centuries ago.

Like much of Homs, parts of the city still show heavy war damage, but life is slowly returning.
Krak des Chevaliers - Syria [Jan 26] One of the m Krak des Chevaliers - Syria [Jan 26]

One of the most famous Crusader castles, built by theights Hospitaller in the 1100s to control the route between the coast and inland Syria. Later taken by the Mamluks.

The fortress is huge — thick walls, towers, long stone halls, and wide views over the valley. It’s very well preserved, though some areas still show damage from the recent war.

Quiet, windy, and very atmospheric. Definitely impressive
Maaloula - Syria [Jan 25] Maaloula is one of the Maaloula - Syria [Jan 25]

Maaloula is one of the holiest places for Christianity in Syria, and one of the very few places in the world where Western Aramaic is still spoken — the same ancient language associated with Jesus.

Visited Saint Thecla Monastery and Monastery of Saints Sergius and Bacchus, both set into dramatic mountain cliffs. The area has been an important Christian center for centuries, with roots going back to the early days of the faith.

The town feels very quiet and calm — slow, simple, frozen in time. At the same time, signs of destruction are still visible. Maaloula was heavily damaged during the Syrian Civil War between 2013 and 2014.
Damascus - Syria [Jan 25] Spent a few days in Dam Damascus - Syria [Jan 25]

Spent a few days in Damascus exploring the capital. It felt extremely pleasant — completely different from Jeddah just a day earlier. (Not saying Jeddah is bad) Here, different religious communities and ways of life exist side by side. Really nice atmosphere. 

Walked through Al-Hamidiyeh Souq, spent hours wandering the Old City, visited Church of Saint Ananias and Azm Palace, and tried the classic ice cream at Bakdash.

The crown jewel is the Umayyad Mosque — one of the oldest and most important mosques in the world, built on layers of earlier Roman and Byzantine sites, reflecting how deep the city’s history runs.

Damascus is beautiful. The people are among the friendliest I’ve encountered (together with Iranians). The vibe feels old-school, timeless, traditional, and deeply human. Even got a very over-enthusiastic local welcome (he gave me a kiss on my neck after a hug). 😳 The people here, soooo warm lah.

Thanks @sarahbahboh and @ayoub_syria_guide for the great hospitality.

Thanks Damascus. I’ve never fallen in love with a city like this before. Onto more of Syria next!
Jeddah - Saudi Arabia [Jan 2026] Started the year Jeddah - Saudi Arabia [Jan 2026]

Started the year in Jeddah, reunited with my sister in what’s often called the spiritual gateway to Islam.

We wandered around the old streets near Bab Makkah, spent time by Al Hamra Corniche, and admired the old Hijazi houses with their distinctive wooden rawasheen balconies.

The highlight was catching a Saudi Pro League match at King Abdullah Sports City — my first time seeing CR7 play live, along with stars like Kingsley Coman, João Félix, and Ivan Toney on the opposing side. (They lost.)

Also randomly met a Singaporean couple in the Indonesian area on their way to Mecca — always nice running into fellow Singaporeans while traveling.

Other than that, the city felt pretty quiet — unless you’re there as a pilgrim.
Thank You Somaliland Somaliland may not be widely Thank You Somaliland

Somaliland may not be widely recognised internationally, but it left an impression on me.

From the resilience of Hargeisa, to ancient wonders like Laas Geel, to the warmth and curiosity of everyone I met — this is a place that feels real and deeply proud of its identity.

Travel here isn’t always easy, but that’s what makes it unforgettable.

Thank you, Somaliland — for the stories, the history, and the incredible hospitality.

@themossef (best guide in Somaliland! Hit him up if you wanna visit)
Somaliland (Dec 2025) — Featured in the News Post Somaliland (Dec 2025) — Featured in the News

Posting this as part of my travel memories 

As some of you already know, I happened to be in Somaliland when Israel became the first country to recognise the state.

Celebrations erupted right outside my hotel in Hargeisa — crowds cheering, cars honking, flags waving. It was one of those surreal “right place, right time” travel moments.

I ended up being interviewed multiple times by local media, and somehow the story even made it back home. Definitely not something I expected when planning this trip.
Laas Geel, Somaliland (Dec 2025) - Prehistoric Som Laas Geel, Somaliland (Dec 2025) - Prehistoric Somaliland 

Visited the famous Hargeisa Camel Market — one of the largest in the Horn of Africa. It’s chaotic, dusty, loud, and absolutely fascinating. Traders inspect camels like luxury cars, negotiating prices with animated gestures, while herders sit in the shade sipping tea. Easily one of the best places for people-watching.

Then came the highlight: Laas Geel. With my guide Mohammed, I climbed up rocky hills to reach these caves, home to some of the oldest and best-preserved rock art in Africa — estimated to be 5,000–10,000 years old. 😱

The paintings are stunningly vivid: cattle with decorated horns, human figures in ceremonial poses, and scenes of ancient pastoral life.
Follow on Instagram

Just documenting my travels.

Facebook Instagram Youtube Icon-mail