Saudi-Arabia: camels, dates and a thin layer of modernity over an arch conservative islamic desert kingdom. But change is slowly coming, especially for women. Since a number of years they are allowed to drive, work, divorce and go outdoors unaccompanied by a male chaparone. Even their face need not be completely covered, although one can still rarely see more than the eyes.

The country is on the move, the economy, especially along the coast, is booming, but the dark past is still present and many people miss out on the progres being made.

Mysterious lost civilizations, transit route for hundreds of thousands of migrants fleeing poverty and terror, an indigenous population fighting against centuries of discrimination and for the preservation of their own culture, powerful political differences, music, festivals - Mexico is a land of contrasts.

The 21st century may have also caught up with the Kyrgyz, for many, even urbanites, horses still take center stage. This is certainly the case for the semi-nomadic shepherds who herd cattle on horseback. The traditonal horse polo, with the carcass of a goat as ball, is played country-wide and even has an international competition. Other equestrian sports like horse wrestling also were, in earlier times, used as a training for war.