Naked Odyssey 2025
Inspired by participation in nude outdoor photo shoots for Spencer Tunick, Matt Granger and Natansky – some pre-organised, others guerilla-style – I resolved that, from 2016, impromptu naked photography would be a part of all my world travels…
Argentina, Uruguay and Brazil in January and February
I’d avoided South America for decades as I dreamed of one day quitting my long-term job and visiting all its countries in a 6-month tour. I’ve now quit the job but, aged 55, didn’t fancy a grand tour, so I’ve opened with Buenos Aires, Argentina, then Montevideo, Uruguay, then Salvador de Bahía, Brazil… a week in each.
At Reserva Ecológica Costanera Sur, Buenos Aires – location map.
By the waterfront at Rambla Francia, Montevideo – location map.
Behind Teatro de Verano, Montevideo – location map.
South of Faro de Punta Carretas, Montevideo – location map.
East of Praia do Farol da Barra, Salvador de Bahía – location map.
On Praia de Armação, Salvador de Bahía – location map.
On Ilha dos Frades, with distant Salvador de Bahía to my right – location map.
Bulgaria in March
After three weeks in South America, I snatched just three days (four nights) in Bulgaria a month later. They were days in the city of Plovdiv, however, which I’d long wanted to visit, so I was happy. One day to look at the ancient ruins, one for the old houses and galleries, and one for the river and hills. Time well spent.
In the rain on Youth Hill with Bunardzhika Hill behind – location map.
Lithuania in May
This was my fourth trip to Lithuania but my first time on the country’s Baltic Sea coast. I stayed in the town of Palanga, which heaves with tourists in summer, though was nicely quiet in still-chilly May. I strolled along beaches, took buses to Klaipėda, and from there to Juodkrantė and Nida on the Curonian Spit.
Baltic Sea at Juodkrantė – location map.
Between Palanga and Šventoji (north) – location map.
Between Palanga and Karklė (south) – location map.
On Neringa’s Armchair, Nida location map.
In ‘Death Valley’, no access south to Grobštas nature reserve… or Russia – location map.
Rwanda and Uganda in July
My weeks in Rwanda and Uganda were based entirely in Kigali and Entebbe respectively. No jungle treks to caper with gorillas; these were mainly city breaks. Kigali was all about history and art, plus a trip out west to Lake Kivu. Entebbe gave me Nnalubaale (‘Lake Victoria‘), the Source of the Nile, and the Equator.
Kigali skyline in the background – location map.
Lake Victoria horizon in the background – location map.
Germany in August
Mainz-Kostheim was my base in Germany for trips to Mainz, Wiesbaden and Worms. As a schoolboy, I’d been fascinated by the phrase “Diet of Worms“. Knowing nothing about it, I imagined in my literal English it must be a mediæval punishment or an act of religious penance. Now I have a Naked Odyssey of Worms…
At Worms with River Rhine, Nibelungenturm and Dom St.Peter behind – location map.
Morocco in September
My ten days in Essaouira, on the Atlantic coast of Morocco, were possibly my laziest travel days ever. And I’m glad; I’m learning to relax. No missions, no intensive sightseeing, in fact very little sightseeing at all. Just being, strolling, reading, drinking lots of mint tea. Oh, and one bus ride down to even-lazier Sidi Kaouki.
Royal summer pavilion ruins at Essaouira – location map.
On Sidi Kaouki’s north beach- location map.
Spain in November
I concluded this year’s travel with a blissful return to my beloved Fuerteventura. Based at Solana Matorral on the Jandía peninsula, I reprised all my favourite naked hikes: over the mountain saddle to Cofete; to the summit of Pico de la Zarza; coast to coast on La Pared isthmus; and along miles of golden beaches.
Between Playa Esmeralda and Playa Esmeralda Norte – location map.
Barranco Gran Valle – location map.
Degollada de Cofete – location map.
Playa de Cofete – location map.
Pico de la Zarza ascent, part 1 – location map.
Pico de la Zarza ascent, part 2 – location map.
Pico de la Zarza summit – location map.
Pico de la Zarza descent – location map.
Istmo de la Pared western dunes (Savareen) – location map.
Headland path down to Playa de Mal Nombre – location map.
Istmo de la Pared derelict buildings – location map.
Istmo de la Pared west coast, north – location map.
Istmo de la Pared west coast, middle – location map.
Playa de Sotavento de Jandía – location map.
steve ritter 