Self Published Photo Journals
Mark Cunich's travel photo journals are available to purchase from Blurb. View Mark's online bookstore HERE
Croatia and The Balkans
Round off your odyssey in the former Yugoslavia with this tour visiting some lesser-known parts of the Balkans.
Stay in Tirana, the capital of Albania, which is gradually emerging from its Communist funk into a vibrant, fascinating city. Beautiful Lake Ohrid in Macedonia is a tranquil interlude. Skopje, also in Macedonia, is steeped in Byzantine and Ottoman history. Learn about the history of Kosovo in Prizen. Finally, another day to take in some more of Belgrade.
A trip for the adventurous – with all the best of the region included for you to enjoy.
The Himalayas
Join Mark Cunich on his unconventional journey through The Himalayas.
The journey began in Nepal with its vibrant mix of cultures. See the influence of Tibetan Buddhist pilgrims, in centuries-old stupas and monasteries. In chilled-out Pokhara, admire the panorama of the snow-capped Himalayas reflected in a tranquil lake. Heading south, see the rich green jungle of Chitwan National Park – elephants, birds, and rhinoceros.
Onto Bhutan - the last remaining great Himalayan Kingdom. Admire the fabulous monasteries and incredible fortress-like dzongs; appreciate the beauty of traditional clothing; appreciate the deeply held Buddhist beliefs; and best of all, get to know the charming, fun-loving people of Bhutan who are the happiest people in the world.
Caucasus 2018
Watch arid landscapes give way to verdant hillsides and majestic snow-capped mountains on this eye opening adventure through Azerbaijan, Georgia and Armenia. Explore a land where the walls speak of centuries of rich history, where ancient traditions intersect with a modern way of life. Journey through forests and past tall mountain peaks to find medieval mosques and villages. Wander through cosmopolitan Baku and Tbilisi, and make friends with the friendly Georgian locals over a glass of Qvevri wine. Join us for this truly unconventional tour and conference.
Vietnam 2018
Immerse yourself in the wonderful central coast of Vietnam: enjoy a gorgeous resort, explore the imperial city of Hue, discover magical Hoi An, view awesome landscapes and ancient temples.
East Africa 2018
You smell the dust stirred up by all those hooves, you hear the cacophony of lowing, expectantly you watch as thousands of wildebeest mill on the riverbank – which one will be the bravest (or is it the most stupid?) and start the crossing. Suddenly, a couple of beasts break away, heading to the edge and then you are overwhelmed by the whole event – thousands of animals, one after the other, careening down the bank, plunging into the water, struggling against the rush of the river, pushing their way across and pouring up the bank closest to you. This IS the “greatest natural show on earth”.
Live a lifetime dream and join us for this, and so much more – the spectacular scenery, the enthralling game viewing, the fascinating culture – on Unconventional Conventions’ East Africa conference safari.
Japan 2018
Mark Cunich’s photo journal of his journey through Japan with Unconventional Conventions in 2018.
The trip began in Tokyo where flashing animated billboards light the swarms of black suits that flood the footpaths. Behind the a modern 24-hour hustle and bustle city, lie alleys filled with street food and hidden micro-bars. The city’s buzz is contrasted with the beauty that Spring brings to Japan, drawing crowds of families, couples, and artists to enjoy the beautiful pink Cherry Blossoms.
Next stop; The old capital of Kyoto, whose golden temples and elegant shrines hint at the Shogun life of yesteryear. Then headed up into the mountains, where, for generations, communities have celebrated Spring with the Takayama Festival. A parade of traditionally dressed locals wind through the streets pulling elaborate wooden floats with marionettes who perform for the waiting crowds.
Continued south by bullet train to Hiroshima and Nagasaki, where monuments and peace parks mark the the brutality of war. The journey concludes with a performance by two Geisha women, whose cultural heritage has stood the test of time in Japan.
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Australia's Red Centre
Join Mark Cunich’s journey on the Unconventional Conventions medical conference in the Red Centre and the Top End of Australia.
Travelling up from Adelaide on the Ghan to Alice Springs, Australia’s vast open country is revealed - an incredible landscape shaped into its current form over 500 million years.
The changing hues of the extraordinary Uluru throughout the day are majestic: the rising sun is reflected burgundy, gradually illuminating the rocks into a fiery blaze of orange and then subsiding into deep red and purple tones as the sun sets. At night billions of stars of the Milky Way are complimented by the Field of Light art installation.
Heading up to Arhnem land for a glimpse of the culture of the Aboriginal People who have been telling their stories there for 40,000 years. Finishing the journey off in the harsh, yet beautiful, world of Kakadu.
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Cuba and Guatemala
Join Mark Cunich on his amazing journey through Cuba and Guatemala.
From Santiago de Cuba, follow the trail of the revolution along the length of the tropical Caribbean island. Through laid-back towns; day-to-day country life; living history of colonial occupation, slavery, revolution and economic difficulties with the collapse of the Soviet Union and the US trade embargoes.
Havana’s full of beautifully restored colonial buildings beside
crumbling wrecks; rattling, back- firing 1950s Yank Tanks, bikes,
horse-drawn carriages and tuk-tuks; revolutionary history,
current political and financial struggles, new private enterprises
popping-up all over the place. And best of all, happy and
resilient people; rum and cigars; and MUSIC, MUSIC, MUSIC!!!
Then over to Guatemala where you’ll see a fantastic diversity –
majestic Mayan ruins in the jungle, a gorgeous colonial town
with a rich history, a fascinating insight into indigenous culture and
daily life, the colourful traditional clothing, and stunning scenery.
JAPAN
Mark Cunich’s photo journal of his journey through Japan with Unconventional Conventions in 2017.
The trip began in Tokyo where flashing animated billboards light the swarms of black suits that flood the footpaths. Behind the a modern 24-hour hustle and bustle city, lie alleys filled with street food and hidden micro-bars. The city’s buzz is contrasted with the beauty that Spring brings to Japan, drawing crowds of families, couples, and artists to enjoy the beautiful pink Cherry Blossoms.
Next stop; The old capital of Kyoto, whose golden temples and elegant shrines hint at the Shogun life of yesteryear. Then headed up into the mountains, where, for generations, communities have celebrated Spring with the Takayama Festival. A parade of traditionally dressed locals wind through the streets pulling elaborate wooden floats with marionettes who perform for the waiting crowds.
Northern Lights
Join Mark Cunich on his Unconventional Conventions expedition through Sweden and up into the Lapland - an intensely beautiful landscape of snow-bound forests, frozen rivers and vast expanses of tundra.
There is an almost magical stillness in winter, and though the sun barely skims the horizon, for a few hours a day the sky glows deep blue and the snow seems almost luminous in the oblique light. Meet the local Sami people who survived and thrived in the remote north for generations on a diet of reindeer.
After the sun disappears, the sky lights up again with the mesmerising swirl of the Northern Lights – a phenomenon more moving in person than could ever be portrayed on paper or in film. Late into the night, explore the dark forest by dog sled, and cross the frozen rivers by foot. Enjoy the unforgettable journey.
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Oman
Join Mark Cunich on his Unconventional adventure through the Sultanate of Oman. One of the oldest civilisations in the Middle East, Oman has had notable periods of greatness in the ancient world and in medieval times. More recently, the oil boom has allowed the desert country to prosper, with world-class roads and public facilities, once again launching it onto the world stage.
See the ancient forts throughout the rugged mountains, sand dunes continuing off into the desert horizon. Unexpected wadis sprout with tropical oases, where locals flock to evade the heat.
The friendly people of Oman welcome visitors with open arms and are happy to share their stories from their corner of the globe. Enjoy what they have to offer.
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South American Highlights
Join Mark Cunich on the Unconventional Conventions adventure through South America.
The journey begins in Buenos Aires – the “Paris of South America” – with wide tree-lined boulevards, monumental plazas, colourful cobblestone streets, buzzing cafes and restaurants, encapsulating the mood of this city, the provocative, sensual tango. Then, as a complete contrast, feel the spectacular Iguassu Falls where two great rivers plunge into a huge gorge forming a series of magnificent cascades.
Rio de Janeiro – lined with white sandy beaches, packed with people of every size, shape and colour. Feel the local passion for beach-life, dance and soccer in the buzzing city. As the mountain range falls into the sea, mansions and mountaintop favelas alike fill the coastline. The iconic statue of Christ the Redeemer, arms outstretched, can be seen watching over every angle of the city.
Up into the Peruvian Andes, where the valleys of terraced gardens line the sides of impossibly steep mountains. Quaint market towns where local Indians in colourful outfits, topped with incongruous “white-man” black bowler hats sell all manner of produce and fabulous crafts. Finally, Machu Picchu - “The Lost City of the Incas” – the most extraordinary construction hidden away in the dense cloud forest.
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The Spice Islands - 2016
Join Mark Cunich on an Unconventional Conventions voyage of discovery to one of the few remaining unspoiled corners of the globe - West Papua.
Explore the jungle-clad islands, which rise from pristine blue seas, with occasional glimpses of rare orchids and native birds. Visit remote villages to see tribal cultures which are virtually unaffected by the modern world.
Take a peak at the vast underwater marine world with endless walls of colourful coral, home to the elusive nudibranchs. Plus, come face to face with the world’s largest fish - The Whale Shark.
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Australia's Red Centre - 2016
Join Mark Cunich’s journey on the Unconventional Conventions medical conference in the Red Centre and the Top End of Australia.
Travelling up from Adelaide on the Ghan to Alice Springs, Australia’s vast open country is revealed - an incredible landscape shaped into its current form over 500 million years.
The changing hues of the extraordinary Uluru throughout the day are majestic: the rising sun is reflected burgundy, gradually illuminating the rocks into a fiery blaze of orange and then subsiding into deep red and purple tones as the sun sets. At night billions of stars of the Milky Way are complimented by the Field of Light art installation.
Heading up to Arhnem land for a glimpse of the culture of the Aboriginal People who have been telling their stories there for 40,000 years. Finishing the journey off in the harsh, yet beautiful, world of Kakadu.
CLICK HERE TO ORDER A COPY NOW
Japan - 2016
Mark Cunich’s photo journal of his journey through Japan with Unconventional Conventions in 2016.
The trip began in Tokyo where flashing animated billboards light the swarms of black suits that flood the footpaths. Behind the a modern 24-hour hustle and bustle city, lie alleys filled with street food and hidden micro-bars. The city’s buzz is contrasted with the beauty that Spring brings to Japan, drawing crowds of families, couples, and artists to enjoy the beautiful pink Cherry Blossoms.
Next stop; The old capital of Kyoto, whose golden temples and elegant shrines hint at the Shogun life of yesteryear. Then headed up into the mountains, where, for generations, communities have celebrated Spring with the Takayama Festival. A parade of traditionally dressed locals wind through the streets pulling elaborate wooden floats with marionettes who perform for the waiting crowds.
Continued south by bullet train to Hiroshima and Nagasaki, where monuments and peace parks mark the the brutality of war. The journey concludes with a performance by two Geisha women, whose cultural heritage has stood the test of time in Japan.
South America Adventure - 2016
Enjoy Mark Cunich’s photo journal of Unconventional Conventions’ South America Adventure in 2016.
The journey started with the otherworldliness of Chile’s Atacama Desert - endless rust-coloured ravines, vast white salt pans and jagged volcano-topped horizons.
Then, on to the fabled beauty of remote Patagonia - rugged peaks veiled in cloud, electric-blue lakes and the boundless steppes dotted with the occasional herd of guanaco grazing nonchalantly. The expedition continued across to the Argentine side where dazzling glaciers calved into emerald-green lakes.
From wilderness to the towns and people of Peru - narrow cobble-stone streets in colonial Arequipa, up to the dizzying heights of the Andes to admire massive condors riding the thermals above Colca Canyon, and finally, to meet Uros villagers in their reed homes floating on Lake Titicaca.
Bhutan - 2015
Photos from the 60th Unconventional Conventions medical conference and group tour in Bhutan 2015, including photos of delegates and guides.
Sri Lanka 2015
Enjoy Mark Cunich’s photo journal of Unconventional Conventions Sri Lanka tour in 2015. The first part of the journey in the “Cultural Triangle” reveals a 2000 year old civilisation in the ruins of ancient cities, sacred temples and superb art. Present and past collide in the cosmopolitan capital, Colombo, and the exotic seaside fortress city of Galle. The final part of the trip pays homage to a less urban world of lush mountains, tea plantations and wildlife.