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Chris Bradley, Adventure Tour Leader, Photographer, TV filmmaker Chris Bradley has travelled extensively in the Middle East, Asia and Africa, initially as a civil engineer then as an adventure tour leader author and consultant. Chris founded Zanzibar Films with Matt Dickinson in 1987. He is an expert on the Middle East and North Africa. Chris has written several guidebooks - Discovery Guide To Yemen; Berlitz Guides to Libya, Cairo, Abu Dhabi, Red Sea, Insight Guide to Egypt, The Silk Road, and The Nile. He supplies four photographic libraries with contemporary travel pictures, including the Royal Geographical Society. Talks Chris is a NADFAS lecturer in the UK and overseas. All his talks are beautifully illustrated with his own stunning images. Arabia Felix A unique journey through the 3,000 years history, culture and dramatic landscape of unified North and South Yemen. Covering the Queen of Sheba, the Imams of Yemen, the Empty Quarter Desert and the British in Aden. The Traditions of the Magi (a popular pre-Christmas talk) The term 'Magi' refers to the Zoroastrian priest-sages, anonymous wise men who were specialists in medicine, religion and astronomy, who travelled from 'The East' - variously identified as any country from Arabia to Persia. Tradition has placed the number of Magi at three, relating to gold, frankincense, and myrrh, but earlier versions has the number between two and thirty. It is one of the most famous legends used by storytellers and artists alike, with Melchior, Caspar and Balthasar becoming universal symbols and representations, such as the three ages and races of man. The Adoration of the Magi is one of the most popular religious subjects for the great artists and, with beautiful illustrations, Chris follows their work over five centuries starting in 12th century Pisa. He also describes the story of Empress Helena and her search for sacred relics, as told in the wonderful Arezzo frescoes of Piero della Francesca. Helena's attempts to find traces of the Magi led her envoys around the Middle East, taking them on a journey to Constantinople, Milan and Cologne. A truly engaging story about the historical fact and fiction surrounding the Three Wise Men. Libya – The Mediterranean’s Greatest Secret Closed for many years, this fascinating North African country is slowly showing its ancient Saharan desert and Berber mountain culture, overlaying some of the best Roman sites and mosaics in the world. Abyssinia – 3,000 Years of Ethiopian History from Solomon and Sheba to Haile Selassie (New for 2006) Ancient traditions in this stunningly beautiful country have an amazing and colourful history, rich in unique art, architecture and religion. Walking the Longest Wadi in Arabia Chris became the first westerner in modern times to walk the entire length of Wadi Hadramaut in South Arabia, the longest wadi in Arabia. Solo and unsupported, it took 21 days to cover a total distance of almost 500kms through historical sites and well-armed tribal communities. His route took him past the mud skyscapers of Shibam, an ancient incense trading town little changed in 3,000 years. Then through the capital of Wadi Hadramaut at Seiyun with its mud built sultan's palace and then to the religious centre of Tarim. After a detour to a Bedouin wedding, the most difficult section was crossing 70 kms of desert with no access to water. Eco-Tourism A look at the how the explosion of international tourism impacts on local communities. By examining specifically Bhutan, Zanzibar and Yemen we see the positive and negative effects on these very different cultures and how they are adapting to the demands. (Study Lecture Title). The Queen of Sheba – Empress or Enigma? She is one of the most intriguing and exotic figures in history. Wealthy from trading incense and lover of King Solomon, her story encapsulates the history of ancient Yemen, Ethiopia and the Ark of the Covenant itself. Coffee – From Arabia to the Coffee House The Coffee House was a 17th century institution of Levantine origins that encouraged literary and artistic debate. The history, traditions and culture of coffee are explored in this lecture. Arabia Felix – Secret Treasure Chest of Yemen and Oman South Arabia is one of the world's oldest inhabited regions, with a unique tribal, trading and religious history, all amid some of the world's most dramatic scenery. The Splendours of North Africa – Roman and Islamic Art of Libya, Tunisia and Morocco Ancient Roman wealth is widely evident in forgotten magnificent cities and villas with fabulous mosaics. Resting alongside these are the unique structures of Islamic North Africa. Atlas Biker Making a televison documentary for National Geographic TV - mountain biking across the Moroccan High Atlas in winter. This was writer and presenter Nicholas Crane's first tv documentary, filmed by Chris Bradley on a high speed, high altitude adventure. Chris gives us a behind-the-scenes look at the initial idea, the commissioning, the adventure itself and the filming (35 mins). Followed by the screening of the completed film on DVD (25 mins). It was the first programme on tv to feature an adventure using mountain bikes ... What others have said ... ''Chris Bradley produced an excellent, smooth and knowledgeable lecture. His presenting style was confident … he conveyed a clear picture and incite into the subject matter. A high quality presentation that would be ideal for all types of audiences.' Michael Keen, The Winding Wheel, Chesterfield Click here to see more testimonials for Chris ...