Impressions of Galicia/Spain

When visiting Turkey’s Black Sea coast recently, I was often reminded of my stay in Galicia, Spain’s most northern province. What these two locations have in common, is a lot of rain which, in turn, accounts for an incredibly lush and gree countryside. And when the sun is shining, both are picture perfect.

There are no mountains to speak of in Galicia, but broad rivers which flow into the Atlantic, wild coastlines and the distinctive stone huts for storage, called horreos. Saints, witches, bridges, cheese, mystical figures, poets  and, and, Galicia’s attractions go on and on.

Let yourself be inspired to go and see for yourselves by a collection of my best pictures, deliberately without captions. Let your imagination guess.

Tags: galicia, north of spain, photo blog, turkey balck sea coast

Robin’s doors are my bridges

Much as we travel, keen to see new views, countires and cultures, there seem to be certain subjects we are  always drawn to and can#t resist taking picrures of. Which brings oone of my favorite travel bloggers, Robin Graham of a lot of wind to mind, who just loves, loves, loves his doors and windows. Others may like flowers, animals, lakes, graffiti and my pet subject are bridges. Bridges have great symbolic value too. You can cross bridges, build bridges, mend bridges or burn bridges. They provide endless inspiration.

They conjure up in my mind stories of all the people who might have crossed over them, often during centuries, visions of one end leading to another and often just astonishing architectural achievements, In short, I find a bridge, I take a pictures.

Here is a selection of the bridges I have visited and often crossed.

Tower Bridge London

Bridge in Pontedeume/Galicia/Spain

7 miles bridge/Florida Keys

Rialto Bridge/Venice/Italy

Galata Bridge/Istanbul/Turkey

Hasankeyf/Turkey

And two I haven’t seen yet but which are high up on my agenda:

Golden Gate Bridge/San Francisco

Brooklyn Bridge/New York

What is your preferred subject?

Tags: bridges, favorite photo subjects, photo blog

Wayside impressions of Southeast Turkey

Sometimes, when you are in a place so choc a bloc with historical monuments and impressive sights as I was in South East Turkey, you forget to look out for the just plain beautiful things you find along the way. As I had the privilege of my trusted driver Yussuf, I didn’t need to concentrate on the road and could keep my eyes peeled for what lay along the road. And Yussuf was more than happy to hit the brakes when I saw something that took my fancy and he even joined in the fun.

So, enjoy my photo blog of simply lovely wayside impressions of south east Turkey.

Poppy is cultivated in this part of the country and field upon field of red and white poppies are swaying in the wind. A lovely sight and I got down and took a picture of a poppy which shows all three stages: bud, flower and capsule.

When I saw mummy horse and baby horse frolicking in a field, I couldn’t resist.

This little guy in a village along the way absolutely wanted his picture taken with his big sister and I was happy to oblige.

Fooling around with the sheep on the banks of the river Tigris.

I discovers this work of art, the like of which I had never seen before. It’s a window made of enamel, silver and wood which serves no other purpose than being a beautiful piece of decoration.

Finally, we arrived in Mihyat were I found this incongruous ‘taxi’ parked on a dusty street. The horse was around the corner having a rest.

Tags: photo blog, poppy culture turkey, silver art tukey, southeast turkey travel

Santa Cruz de Tenerife in pictures

My feet are on fire, I don’t know how many miles I have covered today but I couldn’t stop because at every corner did I discover something new I needed to see.

First I took the streetcar from one end to the other, which, fortunately didn’t involve much walking but gave a good overview of this lovely and cosmopolitan city.

Auditorium of Santa Cruz

Then I walked through several parks and went shopping. I love Spanish fashion and there is no shortage of boutiques. After that I crossed a bridge and strolled through a very colorful fruit and flower market.

Entrance to the market

I loved that statue

My brand new silk knitted top

After that I made my way to the Plaza de Espana and went underground, the remnants of a 16^th century fort are underneath.

As I was already close to port I continued and, to my delight, a boat show was on, so I had some fun there.

Ferry to Cadiz

Hot, hot speedboat

This little cutie is included in the price for the boat!

A very colorful trailer

In between I fortified myself with a few sweets, countless coffees and more parks where I discovered the majestic sculptures on the roof of an adjacent building.

Could be in Miami

I’m leaving for Malaga tomorrow and will probably stay in bed until lunchtime because I’m still suffering from tendonitis and my feet need a little rest.

That's exactly how I feel!

Tags: photo blog, santa cruz de tenerife, spanish fashion, speedboats

Impressions of Lebanon – a photoblog

My host country for several weeks, Lebanon, has many faces and aspects. From wonders of nature to world famous historical sites to every day life here is a selection which hopefully reflects the essence of this beautiful and much underappreciated country.

Sunset behind Pidgeon Rock/Beirut

Our Lady of Lebanon - Harissa

Jeita Grotto - a wonder of nature

This photograph was taken by Pierre Zariffa and used with his permission.

The Time Machine - a statue outside Jeita Grotto

A view of the Bekaa Valley

Zeus temple in Baalbeck

Head of a satyr, museum Baalbeck

Yachts in the port of Beirut

Lobby Four Seasons Hotel Beirut

Cedars of Lebanon

Al Falamanki restaurant

Mouawad museum Beirut

Angel in the museum's garden

Runners in the Beirut marathon

Street art in Beirut

Tempted? Pack your bags and go. Most visitors’ visas  are obtainable at the airport, free of charge, but check your nationality to be on the safe side.

Tags: lebanon overview, photo blog