Even those normally ugly carrion eating vultures are just amazing up close. Here they are representing three different continents, from the Himalayas, Andes and maybe around Kilimanjaro...
Saturday, May 03, 2014
Beauval spectacle d'oiseaux
Friday, November 09, 2012
Ho Chi Minh
Aaah the warmth, and the green. That kind of drop a banana skin and it will grow kind of feeling one gets in SE Asia climates. Ho Chi Minh, not as surreal as Bankok, less 'working' than KL and not at all like Singapore... Apart from that banana skin thing.
Haven't had time to explore apart from the evening stroll around. Seems like a nice spot, with what you need to get by but still lots of grit keeping it real. I have one objective to get out of Ho Chi Mihn.... Alive ;) I'm not a road woes, I cross in the wrong place in NYC, Paris and even Lagos... But it's a different league here. Traffic lights are purely suggestions... mmm how not get hit by the scooters? Keep moving, you have to just keep moving. Kinda like space invaders.
Look left, right, and left again, and again, and again, and again.... Keep moving!
Haven't had time to explore apart from the evening stroll around. Seems like a nice spot, with what you need to get by but still lots of grit keeping it real. I have one objective to get out of Ho Chi Mihn.... Alive ;) I'm not a road woes, I cross in the wrong place in NYC, Paris and even Lagos... But it's a different league here. Traffic lights are purely suggestions... mmm how not get hit by the scooters? Keep moving, you have to just keep moving. Kinda like space invaders.
Tuesday, October 23, 2012
Fresh air
It's a beautiful time of the year to be in the Jura, especially when Africa decides to send some of its hot air our way in October. Think I even took some colour during the braai.
The Jura is space, fresh air and forests...
Makes for a change from the bitumen and sandstone of the Paree... Wishing you some fresh air and beautiful stars at night.
Sunday, September 09, 2012
the resting is done with...
A week in Mykonos, recharged, tanned and ready to go again. Doesn't mean it's forgotten though. What a great place to chill.
Wishing you sunny memories... Portugal, Spain, Côte d'Azur, Italy or even Mykonos... inevitably somewhere south.
The view from Caprice bar. Undoubtedly the most expensive Mythos beer in Mykonos, but not everywhere has a door on the sea.
Again, sorry to bore, but our favourite beach, Paraga. Late afternoon lazing.
Wishing you sunny memories... Portugal, Spain, Côte d'Azur, Italy or even Mykonos... inevitably somewhere south.
Friday, September 07, 2012
Wednesday, September 05, 2012
On the third day.... They rested
Ok, so we didn't rest too much... We did the super tour of Mykonos on the Poderosa II, braving the wind and bumpy roads. We even ended the day partying!!! A bit like old farts ;) Nonetheless, old farts, at Super Paradise.
A pretty sunset during the party, kind of thing only the old farts noticed.
The late morning wasn't to shabby either, lovely turquoise as to be expected with some fine sand.
Wishing you some refreshing turquoise that ends up with an evening party!
A pretty sunset during the party, kind of thing only the old farts noticed.
The late morning wasn't to shabby either, lovely turquoise as to be expected with some fine sand.
Wishing you some refreshing turquoise that ends up with an evening party!
Location:Mykonos
Monday, September 03, 2012
On the frist day... They rested
When one is confronted with the first day, the decisions have grave consequences... Geoid / cube, heaven / earth, 10 or 11 planets, it's complicated. One has to be able to visualise the whole thing before jumping in... No space for evolution!
The big decision this morning, which beach to go to... We visualised it, thought it through over breakfast, and voila, the result; Elia. So, off to the 'other side' on our mellow yellow Poderosa II (an upgrade on last time's Thyphoon). A day of lazing, watching the world go by, cooling off in the turquoise waters, more watching, a little snoozing and a killer milkshake.
As with most things, if you want the best spot, follow the gay guys. That side of the beach is more sheltered from the wind.
This time the tripod came along, together with the ND400 filter... Shades for the Nikon ;)
The results of such a hard day's toil... 3 shades of melanine and that mmmmmmm feeling. A good first day's work methinks. Today we did earth, tomorrow - Paradise
The big decision this morning, which beach to go to... We visualised it, thought it through over breakfast, and voila, the result; Elia. So, off to the 'other side' on our mellow yellow Poderosa II (an upgrade on last time's Thyphoon). A day of lazing, watching the world go by, cooling off in the turquoise waters, more watching, a little snoozing and a killer milkshake.
As with most things, if you want the best spot, follow the gay guys. That side of the beach is more sheltered from the wind.
This time the tripod came along, together with the ND400 filter... Shades for the Nikon ;)
The results of such a hard day's toil... 3 shades of melanine and that mmmmmmm feeling. A good first day's work methinks. Today we did earth, tomorrow - Paradise
Location:Mykonos
Sunday, September 02, 2012
And on the 7th day... They rested...
Greece is lousy, especially the Cyclades... Lots of sun, blue and turquoise waters, friendly folk, great cocktails and not a whole lot to do but laze on the beaches. It's tough, but we feel better in knowing that at least our sacrifice is helping, in some small way, with more tax evasion the debt crisis.
When presented like that, even our little bit to help with the debt, makes one smile ;)
When presented like that, even our little bit to help with the debt, makes one smile ;)
Location:Mykonos
Friday, August 03, 2012
Sunday, July 01, 2012
Sunshine tour
Sure, Italy has some debt issues to deal with, but I can assure you the sun gods are still investing. Ten days of non stop heat and clear skies. Now that's summer, Paris, take some lessons!
First stop after Napoli was Capri. A small beautiful island that has the charm to draw the jet set. 'Charm' is estate agent talk for 'be prepared to pay more than it's worth'. That said, the beer in the evening sitting in the main square of Capri does taste quite good.
Arriving in Capri at Marina Grande.
View over Marina Piccola, on 'the otherside' of the island.
The oh so stylish, paying too much for their Spritzers.
Taxi, Capri style.
If you're after kilometers of sandy beaches, this is not for you, but the small pebbly coves surrounded by the cliffs falling into the ocean are quite something. We drove ourselves around the island in a small excuse for a boat, a bit choppy at times, but cool to mingle with the super yachts ;) about the only real 'attraction' on Capri is actually in it; the Blue Caves, which as the name suggests are caves that are blue. One gets ferried in to the cave through a narrow tunnel, timed just right so as not to get crunched against the ceiling but the ebbing waters. Once inside the only light is that that followed you in, giving a magical blue glow to the cave.
Chilling Capri style.
Sharing Marina Piccola with some super yachts (Ilona and Cakewalk)
Awaiting our ferryman to get into the cave.
The town of Capri has a lesser know less in-the-spotlight sister called Anacapri. As with most less pretentious sisters, she's more adorable. There are real residents, with pretty gardens and a calm and down to earth feeling that is a welcome feeling after Capri'ing. You must visit it. If you suffer vertigo, try stay in the left side of the bus, that way you can pretend you haven't noticed the few hundred metre void alongside the road, that is wide enough to almost be one-way... but isn't.
Marina Grande, port of Capri, from near Anacapri.
Next, back to rejoin the commoners and the mainland, with visits to the Amalfi, Positano and Ravello. Mmmm lemoncello country. If I hadn't already seen the Cinqueterre, I may have liked these towns more, but there's not much to them, sure they're pretty, but they pale in beauty to their surroundings, which are stunning. Use them as bus stops. It is a magnificent region, with amazing cliffs plunging into the sea, lots of coves and warm welcoming water.
Positano from the ferry.
Coming in to Amalfi
Typical Amalfi coast.
Towards Salerno from Ravello
Ravello town square.
A peculiarity of the region must be the steep terraced slopes with their citrus orchards and olive trees, that's real charm (real charm doesn't mean you won't still pay too much for you pizza and ice cream in Amalfi and Positano).
Yes, those are lemon trees on he hill.
Getting around is not too bad, some hairy bus trips await you on some of the most spectacular coastal road. Hiring a scooter is probably a good option, but the peaceful way is by boat.
Not all sun and sea. We too in some 'culture' too, we happened upon the evening in Amalfi when the townsfolk take St. Andrea out for his annual stroll.
Followed by fireworks. I like fireworks!
Green, white and red... How appropriate.
Italy never disappoints, friendly, chilled, helpful locals, good simple food (I didn't mention the world's best pizza? And I'm not a pizza nut to start with - Sorbillo in Napoli!!!), beautiful scenery and sun.... Aaah to feel the warmth again.
First stop after Napoli was Capri. A small beautiful island that has the charm to draw the jet set. 'Charm' is estate agent talk for 'be prepared to pay more than it's worth'. That said, the beer in the evening sitting in the main square of Capri does taste quite good.
Arriving in Capri at Marina Grande.
View over Marina Piccola, on 'the otherside' of the island.
The oh so stylish, paying too much for their Spritzers.
Taxi, Capri style.
If you're after kilometers of sandy beaches, this is not for you, but the small pebbly coves surrounded by the cliffs falling into the ocean are quite something. We drove ourselves around the island in a small excuse for a boat, a bit choppy at times, but cool to mingle with the super yachts ;) about the only real 'attraction' on Capri is actually in it; the Blue Caves, which as the name suggests are caves that are blue. One gets ferried in to the cave through a narrow tunnel, timed just right so as not to get crunched against the ceiling but the ebbing waters. Once inside the only light is that that followed you in, giving a magical blue glow to the cave.
Chilling Capri style.
Sharing Marina Piccola with some super yachts (Ilona and Cakewalk)
Awaiting our ferryman to get into the cave.
The town of Capri has a lesser know less in-the-spotlight sister called Anacapri. As with most less pretentious sisters, she's more adorable. There are real residents, with pretty gardens and a calm and down to earth feeling that is a welcome feeling after Capri'ing. You must visit it. If you suffer vertigo, try stay in the left side of the bus, that way you can pretend you haven't noticed the few hundred metre void alongside the road, that is wide enough to almost be one-way... but isn't.
Marina Grande, port of Capri, from near Anacapri.
Next, back to rejoin the commoners and the mainland, with visits to the Amalfi, Positano and Ravello. Mmmm lemoncello country. If I hadn't already seen the Cinqueterre, I may have liked these towns more, but there's not much to them, sure they're pretty, but they pale in beauty to their surroundings, which are stunning. Use them as bus stops. It is a magnificent region, with amazing cliffs plunging into the sea, lots of coves and warm welcoming water.
Positano from the ferry.
Coming in to Amalfi
Typical Amalfi coast.
Towards Salerno from Ravello
Ravello town square.
A peculiarity of the region must be the steep terraced slopes with their citrus orchards and olive trees, that's real charm (real charm doesn't mean you won't still pay too much for you pizza and ice cream in Amalfi and Positano).
Yes, those are lemon trees on he hill.
Getting around is not too bad, some hairy bus trips await you on some of the most spectacular coastal road. Hiring a scooter is probably a good option, but the peaceful way is by boat.
Not all sun and sea. We too in some 'culture' too, we happened upon the evening in Amalfi when the townsfolk take St. Andrea out for his annual stroll.
Followed by fireworks. I like fireworks!
Green, white and red... How appropriate.
Italy never disappoints, friendly, chilled, helpful locals, good simple food (I didn't mention the world's best pizza? And I'm not a pizza nut to start with - Sorbillo in Napoli!!!), beautiful scenery and sun.... Aaah to feel the warmth again.
Sunday, June 24, 2012
Vesuvius
I like volcanos. Always dreamt of seeing some real lava flow, a bit weird perhaps, but such destruction can be beautiful. Not sure the folk of Pompeii and Ercolano agree.
The is something about staring at the earth's insides, I can still remember watching the rock go bloep from the rim of Villarica. That was one of the most incredible days.
Vesuvius doesn't evoke the same awe. It's a cone, with a crater, but apart from the telltale sulphur stains and a little smoke, it doesn't seem to be up to much. That said it's worth the visit. Heading up a mountain is always worth it.
What is amazing, is to see the snapshot of the towns, Pompeii and Ercolano, taken a handful of decades after Christ. The baths, taverns, houses, courts, palaces, theaters and even a brothel all frozen in time as trapped by the lava or ash.
Ercolano (with Vesuvius in the background)was buried under the lava flow. Today one can see a wonderfully preserved site with multistory buildings, with charred wood plinths and rafters, some beautiful frescos, and pretty nifty architecture.
Pompeii is a huge site, that was covered in ash. Less 'whole' than Ercolano, but very impressive. There is no doubt that the folk back then lived in pretty organized and decadent times. The decoration of the walls and ceilings is amazing, and the mosaic (much of which can be found in Napoli's archaeological museum) is really wow.
Here's to decadence, lavish living.... And perhaps the lava flow from afar ;)
The is something about staring at the earth's insides, I can still remember watching the rock go bloep from the rim of Villarica. That was one of the most incredible days.
Vesuvius doesn't evoke the same awe. It's a cone, with a crater, but apart from the telltale sulphur stains and a little smoke, it doesn't seem to be up to much. That said it's worth the visit. Heading up a mountain is always worth it.
What is amazing, is to see the snapshot of the towns, Pompeii and Ercolano, taken a handful of decades after Christ. The baths, taverns, houses, courts, palaces, theaters and even a brothel all frozen in time as trapped by the lava or ash.
Ercolano (with Vesuvius in the background)was buried under the lava flow. Today one can see a wonderfully preserved site with multistory buildings, with charred wood plinths and rafters, some beautiful frescos, and pretty nifty architecture.
Pompeii is a huge site, that was covered in ash. Less 'whole' than Ercolano, but very impressive. There is no doubt that the folk back then lived in pretty organized and decadent times. The decoration of the walls and ceilings is amazing, and the mosaic (much of which can be found in Napoli's archaeological museum) is really wow.
Here's to decadence, lavish living.... And perhaps the lava flow from afar ;)
Location:Pompeii, Italy
Friday, June 22, 2012
1st day of summer
Aaaah the first day of summer :) So obviously it's not in Paris. Had to move a bit south to find some real heat. Napoli it is, what a great city. Quite 'freestyle' as a colleague very correctly described it, but in a charming way, not freestyle in a Lagos way.
The Napolitans won't like me for saying so, but there are odd touches of Venice in the little streets...
... And the odd passage that say 'Milan'...
... Or bits n pieces of Rome...
... A touch of Palermo...
And with the 'festa della musica', even a bit of Paris ;)
That said, it seems to take the best of each of these to make a really charming city, that is just Napoli.
It doesn't feel very seaside, until on a lazy evening on can stroll in shorts and t-shirt along the ocean. Aaaaaah the first summer's evening! That's what it's supposed to be like.
Wishing you some heat.
The Napolitans won't like me for saying so, but there are odd touches of Venice in the little streets...
... And the odd passage that say 'Milan'...
... Or bits n pieces of Rome...
... A touch of Palermo...
And with the 'festa della musica', even a bit of Paris ;)
That said, it seems to take the best of each of these to make a really charming city, that is just Napoli.
It doesn't feel very seaside, until on a lazy evening on can stroll in shorts and t-shirt along the ocean. Aaaaaah the first summer's evening! That's what it's supposed to be like.
Wishing you some heat.
Location:Naples,Italy
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