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How picturesque and photogenic is the Greek isles? I grabbed this on a walk from Fira to Oia in Santorini in the Cyclades.
There’s not much more to say about the photo except couldn’t you just picture yourself glass in hand sitting at that table?
The walk itself hugs the cliffs and is an easy 3-4 hours and well worth the effort!
I recently posted a reflection of one of the buildings from the Alhambra in Granada. Not only does this beautiful collection of buildings have historical significance but also architectural.
The decorations, like this ornamental relief, within the palaces were typical of Moorish dominion within Spain. Experts (not me) will tell you that this was from the last great period of Andalusian art in Granada.
From 19th-century until the present day, many buildings and portions of buildings worldwide have been inspired by the Alhambra. There’s even some ‘copycats’ in the USA and Portugal.
All I know is that if you visit, don’t just look at the buildings but have a close look at the small intricacies such as this.
The Algarve region in Southern Portugal is a popular tourist spot for tourists looking for sun sand and good times.
But it has a quieter side as well particularly near it’s main town of Faro which is as Portuguese as it gets in this area.
Even though the area is well know for its sandy beaches and breathtaking cliffs, I couldn’t resist getting a different view of its coastline.
About one and half hour’s drive from the cosmopolitan metropolis that is Melbourne is the beautiful Yarra Valley.
A region of wine and food it’s also very beautiful and as does most of southern Victoria it has four distinct seasons.
I mention that because most of Australia has really just two. Usually cool and hot or wet and dry or a combination of both.
Here in Healesville the centre of the Yarra valley I spotted a colourful alley of deciduous trees just in the process of loosing their leaves during autumn (or ‘fall’)
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Everyone’s heard of Santorini and how it is one if not, the most beautiful of the Greek islands. Pictures, no matter how good, don’t do it justice.
The photo here of Fira the main town gives you an idea of its beauty.
Perched on top of a cliff overlooking the Caldera or volcanic ‘hole’ filled with sea water, it commands all before it.
Arriving by ferry is even more spectacular as you dock below Fira and then have to walk up the steep path to town. There are donkeys or mules that will transport you and your bags but I found that distracting from the whole experience of being there for the first time.
Can’t wait to go back!
‘Sexy’ Seville in southern Spain is in, my humble opinion, one of the jewels of the Mediterranean countries.
It has culture oozing out of every building, colourful tapas bars with colourful patrons who live to the full, bull rings, festivals and a hot climate.
What is sometimes, understandably, overlooked, is it’s history. Like most of Southern Spain and in particular Andalusia it was occupied for some time by the Moors or Muslims from across the water. They built palaces or converted existing ones into forts. The Alcazar is one such palace originally built by the moors as a fort it, like the Alhambra in Granada has some beautiful buildings and carvings.
Peniche is a busy fishing town with a large harbour and some excellent seafood restaurants. It is also one of the best surfing spots in Europe thanks to the fact that it has beaches and breaks facing in three distinctly different directions giving surfers lots of options. But before surfers, there were fisherman and watching these guys and others organise their nets it looks very much like they will always be there even if the popularity of the surfing beaches wanes.
Of the idyllic Greek Islands everyone knows Santorini and yeah, its bloody beautiful! In fact watch this space for some images of this famous island. Across the Caldera is the little island of Thirasia which is usually a 1/2 day excursion from Santorini. It’s how Santorini probably was before the rich, the famous and the tourists discovered it. No more than a couple of hundred people live here. It has a small harbour, a couple of small villages and pretty church, lots of steep steps, pebble beaches and this cat!
By the way a caldera is a volcanic feature created by a volcanic eruption. In this case Thirasia, Santorini and a couple of smaller islands are all that’s left of a much larger Island after a volcanic eruption.
Salamanca in Central Spain is a little bit off the tourist route but well worth a visit.
It’s pretty much a university town with architectural splendour and a lively party scene. (like everywhere else in Spain). Of course it has its fair share of restaurants. This is one is in Salamanca’s main square, the Plaza mayor, a very grand baroque space built in the 18th century.
The 13th Century Alhambra in Granada in Spain is a absolute delight. The Islamic architecture is very intricate and stunning and a visit can wile away hours as you explore the different palaces. These same palaces were built for last Muslim emirs in Spain and the buildings are quadrangular in plan, with all the rooms opening on to a central court. Some, as shown below, have a small decorative reflective pool. The name Alhambra comes from the Arabic al-qala’a al-hamra (the Red Castle). Interestingly the first palace on the site was built by Samuel Ha-Nagid, the Jewish grand vizier of one of Granada’s Zirid sultans.
Mykonas is one of more well known Aegean Greek Islands. It’s know for its glittery celebrity life style and camp inclinations. Despite this and I say despite because not everyone covets the world of the ostentatious, it really is a great place. It’s multicultural extremely picturesque and retains a true Greek identity. I spent a few days longer in Mykonas than planned due to heavy seas ‘grounding’ the network of ferries. I could think of a lot worse places than this to be stranded! This street is one of many that makes up the maze that is Mykonas.
I love Seattle. It’s arguably the food capital of the USA and has one of the greatest markets outside Europe in Pike place, home of the great theatre of fish throwing. Aside from that it has great produce and is a joy to wander and taste the morsels on offer. Seattle is also famous for coffee, of course, Boeing and Microsoft. A little know fact is that is the best place on the planet to have a heart attack due to the number of Defibrillators it has strategically placed in and around the city. The fact it has a couple of international manufacturers who make them in Seattle would certainly have something to do with it, wouldn’t you think?
Rooftops of Dubrovnik
Bells at a church
Cloisters
Old harbour
In past posts I’ve mentioned the Day of the Dead festival in Mexico. Its also held in other Latin countries as well. However in Mexico it’s a really big thing. Even though it’s more well known roots are Catholic, it has been traced back to indigenous origins as well which is probably why these guys are so enthusiastic This is one of my fine art photos that are a bit alternative. I’ve hardly touched the photo since taking it so what you see is what I took in camera.
China would have to be one of the most fascinating countries I have visited. It has some of the top attractions and sights in the world and some of the oldest. It has culture, philosophy a burgeoning middle class and abject poverty. From natural sights like Tiger leaping gorge to the history of the great wall and then the monolithic skyscrapers of Shanghai – it has it all! Or does it?
Hall of Prayer for good Harvests
Roof tops
Noodle maker
Man in a suit
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