Despite the public image of a politician in perpetual motion, Mr Sarkozy can be found in this book in quiet contemplation, staring blankly out of a window, or into the night.

ECONOMIST: Nicolas Sarkozy

Times for quiet contemplation can easily be found.

ECONOMIST: London's National Gallery

From inspiring Newton's theory of gravity to the wassail ceremonies that drive evil spirits from the trees each January, the orchard has long been a place of quiet contemplation and a very British kind of magic.

BBC: England's West Country: Still the apple of our eye

Whereas in the last few days the streets of the city were crowded with worshippers making their way to prayers, or sitting in quiet contemplation on the marble outside the Grand Mosque -- today the city is bustling with activities relating to departures.

CNN: Hajj diary: The great migration

The rich diversity is also apparent in locales such as a river that springs from a limestone cliff, where one can engage in quiet contemplation amid the sound of gushing whitewater worthy of a kayaking epic, or an ocean beach where surfers share the sand with camels and casbahs.

CNN: Moroccan multisport