World Encounter Magazine - November 2024: The World Travel Edition

NOVEMBER 2024 ISSUE 01

FASHION FORWARD

Traveling through the Himalayas

CAPTURING THE SOUL OF HAVANA FASHION,CREATIVE,BEAUTY,ART

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INSIDE COVER AUTHOR OF ARTICLE: PELLECCHIA GIOVANNI @GIOVA__DELUCKY__ WRITER/PUBLICATION EDITOR: GIOVANNI PELLECCHIA DE LUCA IG: GIOVA__DELUCKY__

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Editor-in-chief Lucy Morris Sally Marie Rosie Jones Tobias James Kararaina Bishara Darren Wynne Heather Wilkins Laura Woolley Isabelle Price Laszlo Balogh

Executive Editor Wildlife Editor Digital Editor Features Editor Photo/Sub Editor Photo Assistant Travel Editor Advertisement Director Logo Illustrator

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CONTENTS

November 2024

THE SOUL OF HAVANA 08 CAPTURING WITH MICK RAWPORT INTERVIEWED BY ELLIE WRIGHT WORDS AND PHOTOGRAPHY BY MICK RAWPORT IG: @RAWPORT77

26 CRAZY LONG STORY ABOUT INDIA AUTHOR OF ARTICLE: PELLECCHIA GIOVANNI @ GIOVA__DELUCKY__ WRITER/PUBLICATION EDITOR: GIOVANNI PELLECCHIA DE LUCA IG: GIOVA__DELUCKY__

34 LATE-SUMMER AT THE BALTIC SEA PHOTOGRAPHER/RETOUCHER/ACCESSORY DESIGNER: FOKUS BEAUTY IG: @FOTOGRAFIE_FOKUS.BEAUTY WB: WWW.FOKUS-BEAUTY.CH

44 TERIBERKA PHOTOGRAPHER: YULIYA KAPROVA IG: @PH_YULIYAKARPOVA WB: 500PX.COM/P/MARRY900

THROUGH THE 50 TRAVELING HIMALAYAS PHOTOGRAPHER: MARINA ZVADA IG: @ZVADA.PHOTO

56 VLADIMIR PHOTOGRAPHER: IRINA GRITSENKO IG: @LADY_IRINA80

62 KABARDINO-BALKARIAN REPUBLIC. PHOTOGRAPHER: LIUDMILA EVSTRATOVA IG: @LUDMILA_EVSTRATOVA07

66 CULTURAL ROOTS PHOTOGRAPHER: SPENCER RAGLAND IG: @SPREADLOVEMEDIA MODEL: SYPRIAH TANN IG: @SYPSLAY

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CONTENTS

November 2024

MUSEUM IN AUTUMN 68 SAKHALIN COLOURS PHOTOGRAPHER: ELENA MENSHIKOVA IG: @M.ALENA_PHOTO

72 MONT ST MICHEL CREATIVE DIRECTOR/PHOTOGRAPHER/RETOUCHER: CHARLIE PRICE IG: @CHARLIEPRCEHAIR

EIBSEE IN BAVARIA IN 80 LAKE OCTOBER PHOTOGRAPHER: VOLKOVA NATALIIA IG: @FOTOGRAF1VOLKOVANATALIIA FB: WWW.FACEBOOK.COM/NATALYA.VOLKOVA.5076 WB: NYVOLKOVA.COM

90 SONG FOR THE LOST SISTERS MODEL: KRISTIN BLANCHARD IG: @DANCER_GIRL1990 PHOTOGRAPHER: JJ MACCRIMMON IG: @JJMACCRIMMON FB: WWW.FACEBOOK.COM/ JJMACCRIMMONPHOTOGRAPHY WB: WWW.MODELMAYHEM.COM/ JJMACCRIMMONPHOTO

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Editor’s Letter

November 2024 PHOTOGRAPHER/RETOUCHER: FOKUS BEAUTY IG: @FOTOGRAFIE_FOKUS.BEAUTY WB: WWW.FOKUS-BEAUTY.CH

Lucy Morris Editor-in-chief Welcome to this month’s World Encounter Travel November Issue, and welcome to the magical transition between autumn and winter!

As November unfolds, we find ourselves in a unique moment where the last golden leaves dance with the first hints of winter frost. This month offers an extraordinary blend of experiences for the curious traveler, from late autumn festivals to early winter wonderlands.

November presents an exceptional opportunity to witness nature’s final autumn display in the Southern Hemisphere. While Japan’s momiji season reaches its peak, the maple leaves creating a stunning crimson canopy, the vineyards of Chile and Argentina paint their landscapes in warm autumn hues.

This month brings fascinating cultural celebrations worldwide.

From the lantern-lit streets during Germany’s St. Martin’s Day to the vibrant Diwali festivities across India, November is rich with opportunities to experience time-honored traditions and local celebrations.

For those seeking a peaceful retreat, November offers the perfect window to explore typically bustling destinations. Cities like Venice and Barcelona embrace a quieter charm, with mild temperatures perfect for exploring historic streets without the usual crowds.

As winter approaches, snow enthusiasts can find early-season adventures in high-altitude destinations. From the first ski runs opening in the Alps to the hot springs of Iceland, November’s end promises the first magical touches of winter.

Whether you’re savoring the final moments of autumn or eagerly anticipating winter’s arrival, November travel offers unique experiences for every adventurous spirit. Pack both your light jacket and winter coat, bring your camera, and set out to capture the beauty of this transitional season.

As we look ahead to December, we’re excited to fully embrace the winter season with our upcoming issues dedicated to festive celebrations and snow-covered destinations. We’ll explore the magic of Christmas markets, winter sports, and cozy mountain retreats. See you there!

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BEHIND THE COVER: Capturing the Soul of Havana with Mick Rawport

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INTERVIEWED BY ELLIE WRIGHT WORDS AND PHOTOGRAPHY BY MICK RAWPORT IG: @RAWPORT77

elcome Mick, and congratulations on making the front cover for this month’s World Encounter Magazine, the November issue.

Thank you for taking the time to answer our questions. It’s lovely to have you here.

Once billed as the richest city in the Americas, Havana has fallen on hard times and is now ranked among the poorest cities of the Caribbean—beset by economic woes and U.S. embargo. For photographers, however, Havana is pure delight. The place is steeped in history—over 500 years of history, actually. Frozen in time are colonial Spanish fortresses and cathedrals. And 1950s-vintage American cars—museum pieces still in action on the streets of Havana.

WE: What initially drew you to Havana as a subject for your photographic exploration, and how did you prepare to capture its unique essence in this series?

colonial times to American Mafia times. Once billed as the richest city in the Americas, Havana has fallen on hard times, and is now ranked among the poorest cities in the Caribbean—beset by economic woes and US embargo.

For photographers, however, Havana is pure delight, with colonial Spanish fortresses and cathedrals giving a majestic backdrop. And 1950s-vintage American cars— museum pieces still in action on the streets of Havana. The contrast between Havana’s majestic faded glory and its current economic woes provides lots of subject matter.

I scanned through several books and guidebooks heavy on visuals to work out suitable locations in advance. But some locations were closed due to repairs and so on. And then, once on the ground, I discovered more venues -- and the fixer suggested excellent spots like atmospheric cafes.

MR: I have been to Havana several times. The city never disappoints for atmosphere, steeped in over 500 years of history, from Spanish

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WE: Havana is often described as a city “frozen in time.” What specific challenges did you encounter while trying to authentically capture this timeless quality, and how did you overcome them?

MR: “Frozen in Time” is kind of code for a slew of things that do not work in Havana: random blackouts, antique elevators that are non-functional, shortages of basic food staples and fuel. Everything is in short supply. On top of which, we had to dodge afternoon downpours (timing during rainy season).

But I got a great crew together with a driver and fixer who solved logistical problems. However, disaster struck when my main portrait lens decided to malfunction, refusing to auto-focus. I only brought along one DSLR with one portrait lens, so I had to manually focus this lens, which was most tedious and prone to missing shots altogether. My cellphone camera got more play after that, along with my GoPro (doing short slow-motion video clips).

And one of the biggest logistical headaches: ATM machines in Havana do not work normally. And even if they did, you would only get Cuban pesos, which nobody wants—they want US dollars or euros. So I brought in enough cash in US dollars and euros to cover the bills.

WE: Your work beautifully showcases Cuba’s ethnic diversity. Can you walk us through your approach to representing this melting pot of cultures, and how you ensured a balanced and respectful portrayal in your photographs?

MR: Early on in my visit to Havana, I came across a bartender with green eyes. Green is a rare eye color, even for Europeans, so that got me thinking. One model featured is probably of Irish origin: she is a brunette with freckles. Maybe connected with pirates in old Cuba?

And then there are Afro-Cuban women, with frizzy hair. Women of African descent blend in seamlessly with Latin and Hispanic women when it comes to interaction.

This is perhaps the greatest side of life in Cuba: no discrimination whatsoever.

WE: The vintage American cars are an iconic symbol of Havana’s streetscape. How did you go about incorporating these classic vehicles into your compositions while avoiding cliché? Were there any particular techniques or perspectives you employed?

MR: I scouted both classic cars and the location to shoot this in, which ended up being a small plaza with an imposing Spanish church to one side and loads of atmosphere.

In Havana, you can rent a classic car by the hour for photo-shoot purposes. I knew I wanted a bright-red classic convertible with the entire car open.

I asked the model for several unusual poses, including applying lipstick using the wide rearview mirror of this particular classic car, a Bel Air from the 1950s. Also, standing up in the car and leaning over the front windscreen and playing with her sunglasses.

I wanted to get an aerial-type shot of the model in the car but failed to find an upper-floor balcony overlooking the scene in time to shoot that. Getting the vintage car, the model, and the right overhead balcony in place proved a bit too much.

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WE: We’d love to hear about a particularly memorable experience or interaction you had during this project. Could you share a story that stands out and perhaps influenced your photographic approach?

MR: I worked with an Afro-Cuban model and asked the driver to head to Casablanca, across the bay from Old Havana. The model was highly reluctant to go there, claiming there was nothing to photograph, but my guidebooks indicated otherwise, and I got some great shots at ancient fortresses.

The nearby Regla area is intimately linked with people of African descent (slaves under Spanish colonial occupation). I was warned not to photograph at several sensitive sites linked with Santería— which draws from West African religious customs, including trance, divination, animal sacrifice, and sacred drumming and dance. The wrong photo can get you into a heap of trouble!

I did, however, get a shot of Santa Bárbara, a Santería female deity whose statue showed up in StarCafe, a copy of Starbucks (due to U.S. embargo, there are no Starbucks, McDonald’s, or KFC outlets in Cuba).

WE: Havana presents a striking contrast between its rich historical legacy and current economic challenges. How did you approach capturing this juxtaposition in your photographs, and what visual storytelling techniques did you employ?

MR: Let’s not sugar-coat this: Havana and Cuba are in deep economic crisis right now—the worst for decades. Garbage is overflowing from containers dumped on the streets of Old Havana.

I did rove around myself to get such shots, but to stay under the radar, I sat virtually hidden in the hooded back seat of an electric bicycle-taxi, which allowed me to cruise into place for photos without being noticed. It was easy to jump out of the bicycle-taxi to take closer shots. This was excellent for getting GoPro video footage, which I often shoot in slow-motion.

WE: Your work adds to the ongoing visual narrative of Havana.

In what ways do you believe your photographic perspective contributes something unique or previously unexplored to this broader story?

MR: I reckon I would have to spend much longer in Havana and Cuba to develop such a perspective. With my limited time frame there, it’s a tall order. But I could certainly play with adding twists to the Havana clichés. For instance, I posed a tall, leggy Havana model next to an old woman in the street—that’s 24-year-old beauty next to 82-year-old wrinkled features: a striking juxtaposition. Pictured left WE: The diversity of your models is a key feature of this series. Could you elaborate on your process for selecting and collaborating with these individuals? How did their personal stories inform your photographic choices?

MR: I set up models using a fixer. Several were university students making extra money on the side to support their studies with modeling. Although I speak enough Spanish to get by, it’s a matter of being crystal-clear with communication and gaining the trust of models—that’s where the fixer comes in. The fixer would forward me model profiles, and I would choose from there to set up. I worked with a handful of recommended models.

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WE: Looking at your completed photo series, what do you hope viewers will come away with regarding Havana and its inhabitants?

Are there any particular emotions or insights you aimed to evoke through your images?

MR: Well, every place, every city, every nation has multi-faceted angles: the Good, the Bad, and the Ugly.

What you see here from me is the Good, the Striking, and the Beautiful. I don’t think the classy models would want to pose next to overflowing garbage bins. I’m not showing you the Bad (behind the scenes) nor the Ugly (economic crisis fallout). That is more of a journalist’s take.

WE: Thank you for sharing your remarkable insights and experiences photographing Havana, Mick. Your thoughtful approach to capturing both the city’s timeless charm and its vibrant cultural diversity shines through in every frame. We are confident our readers will be thoroughly captivated by your unique perspective on this fascinating city, from its architectural grandeur to its resilient spirit, and the compelling personal stories that emerge behind these striking photographs. Your work adds a valuable dimension to the visual narrative of contemporary Havana.

Thank you for joining us, Mick!

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FOLLOW THE HAVANA TEAM This captivating photo series from Havana showcases the city’s rich cultural tapestry through a carefully curated collection of portraits and street photography.

From vintage American cars to colonial architecture, and from the diversity of its people to the timeless charm of its streets, Mick Rawport’s lens has captured the essence of this remarkable Caribbean capital.

Follow the team: Photographer: mick rawport IG: rawport77 WB: youpic.com/mickrawport Model: @manda_manda__ Model: @ines.jq Model: @beatriz_macias_c Model: @selene_dominguezz Model: @beatriz_macias_c Model: @li.o.lia Model: @selene_dominguezz Model: @wilma__ofarrill

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Crazy Long Story About India AUTHOR OF ARTICLE: PELLECCHIA GIOVANNI @GIOVA__DELUCKY__ WRITER/PUBLICATION EDITOR: GIOVANNI PELLECCHIA DE LUCA IG: GIOVA__DELUCKY__

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A Crazy Long Story About India

By Pellecchia Giovanni The World is a paradise. It’s our home, but we don’t perfectly know how it is truly structured. Our planet is full of surprises, wonders, and incredible natural treasures.

“The world is not only France, Italy, USA, Japan, China, and Australia. There are incredible places to visit around the world. Global tourism is not a common routine for people, but it must be important. When you discover a new country, you also discover a side of yourself through experiences and adventures. Travel is a wonderful feature, and it must be available for everyone. The world is our house, and we all must have the opportunity to live it better.”

According to recent tourism statistics, Europe remains the most visited continent in the world.

France leads with approximately 79 million tourists annually, followed by Spain, the USA, China, and Italy. These countries are considered leaders in global tourism. They can create new strategies for enhancing their fame around the world. Feeling proud of national identity is one of the secrets to success.

We all love the world, but we must also live it.

My aim is to show the new wonders of the world, between traditionalism and contemporary culture. Beauty is not only European. This is a lie that everyone wants to share, but it’s not the truth!

If you search for Asia on social media platforms, you will understand that this region offers wonderful places. Are you curious to know more about this?

At this moment, I’d like to share my information about India.

India is a country of fascinating contrasts. The reason?

It is the birthplace of Hinduism, home to diverse natural landscapes and renowned for prestigious materials like silk and fabrics of all kinds. However, the country faces significant challenges, including severe air pollution in some cities, poverty in certain regions, and notable economic disparities, with areas of extreme wealth existing alongside areas of poverty.

India represents a complex blend of traditional values and modern progress, showcasing both technological advancement and cultural preservation.

India has been home to several significant historical civilizations and empires throughout history.

Historically, India was a wealthy nation and one of Europe’s strongest commercial partners, but after British colonization, the situation changed.

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Now, India is an independent country, but it still preserves some aspects of British influence. An example?

The widespread use of English.

India has more than 100 different local languages, with Hindi and English being the most common.

Talking about aesthetics, India has incredible places, built with great investments.

The majority of famous Indian buildings were made with investments of millions and millions of dollars!

An example?

Have you ever heard of the Statue of Unity?

It was completed in 2018, with the incredible cost of ₹2,989 crore (approximately $430 million).

It is considered the highest statue in the world, with 182 meters—equivalent to a building of 62 floors!

Another example?

In Mumbai, there is an incredible palace, better known as Antilia.

The palace contains different floors including: • six floors of parking • 50-seat cinema • outdoor garden • family residence • air traffic control • three helipads It is truly a multitasking palace!

173 meters of wonders, but there is a unique aspect. What is it?

The palace was built in a residential zone of Mumbai, towering over the surrounding buildings. Antilia stands as an architectural marvel in Mumbai’s skyline!

The price?

An estimated $1 billion!

These remarkable structures are built by important and wealthy Indian families who influence the metropolitan development. They have created these landmarks with contemporary architectural vision and luxurious aesthetics.

In India, such luxury remains accessible to only a select few, yet it captures the imagination of people worldwide!

These are some examples, but I don’t want to share more. Now it’s your turn.

Do you want to visit India?

Let’s start and live an incredible adventure in this wonderful country!

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Late-Summer at the Baltic Sea PHOTOGRAPHER/RETOUCHER/ACCESSORY DESIGNER: FOKUS BEAUTY IG: @FOTOGRAFIE_FOKUS.BEAUTY WB: WWW.FOKUS-BEAUTY.CH

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Teriberka PHOTOGRAPHER: YULIYA KAPROVA IG: @PH_YULIYAKARPOVA WB: 500PX.COM/P/MARRY900

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Traveling through the Himalayas PHOTOGRAPHER: MARINA ZVADA IG: @ZVADA.PHOTO

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VLADIMIR PHOTOGRAPHER: IRINA GRITSENKO IG: @LADY_IRINA80

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Kabardino-Balkarian Republic.

PHOTOGRAPHER: LIUDMILA EVSTRATOVA IG: @LUDMILA_EVSTRATOVA07

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CULTURAL ROOTS PHOTOGRAPHER: SPENCER RAGLAND IG: @SPREADLOVEMEDIA MODEL: SYPRIAH TANN IG: @SYPSLAY

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Sakhalin museum in autumn colours PHOTOGRAPHER: ELENA MENSHIKOVA IG: @M.ALENA_PHOTO

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Mont St Michel

CREATIVE DIRECTOR/PHOTOGRAPHER/RETOUCHER: CHARLIE PRICE IG: @CHARLIEPRCEHAIR

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Lake Eibsee in Bavaria in October PHOTOGRAPHER: VOLKOVA NATALIIA IG: @FOTOGRAF1VOLKOVANATALIIA FB: WWW.FACEBOOK.COM/NATALYA.VOLKOVA.5076 WB: NYVOLKOVA.COM

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Song for the Lost Sisters The southern Appalachian Mountains and surrounding foothills were once the home of the Cherokee Nation for centuries. The names of many rivers, mountains, forests and towns across the Carolinas, north Georgia, eastern Tennessee and northern Alabama still ring with native names. This is Kristin’s heritage.

Beyond the Trail of Tears, over the past 180 years, members of the Cherokee and other Native American groups have suffered.

These photos of Kristin relate to an on-going trauma. In her words: “While I did not grow up on a reservation, I am a member of the Cherokee Nation. I am imploring you to take a stand and help me be a voice. I wear this red handprint in symbolic solidarity and support for my missing and murdered Indigenous sisters. It is to raise awareness about the epidemic across the nation. Each year, hundreds of indigenous women go missing, are trafficked or murdered.

As of October of 2023, it’s estimated that out of roughly 5700 cases of Missing Indigenous Women, only 116 were logged into the DOJ’s National Missing and Unidentified Persons System. These women are not just on the reservations but live outside tribal lands. Tribal governments are hard pressed to investigate and the US government, responsible by treaty, doesn’t keep reliable statistics for the numbers Missing Women for the Indigenous. In my research, the numbers I could find were heartbreaking. This is my stand as a Cherokee woman. Hopefully it’s time for all of us to take a stand. #NoMoreStolenSisters” Model: Kristin Blanchard IG: @dancer_girl1990 Photographer: JJ MacCrimmon IG: @jjmaccrimmon FB: www.facebook.com/JJMacCrimmonPhotography WB: www.modelmayhem.com/JJMacCrimmonPhoto

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Photographer: Liudmila Evstratova IG: @ludmila_evstratova07

W WW WW W .. S SW WA AN NK KY YM ME ED D II A AG GR RO OU UP P .. C CO OM M