Travelling – Page 2 – Blue Moment

Day 121 – A Man and a Cigarette

July 19, 2017July 22, 2017Posted in 365 Project, Europe, People, TravellingLeave a comment

In one aspect my trip to Rome has been a bit of a disappointment: I wanted to practise my people photography skills and maybe do some street photography. However, my patience ran out quickly. It is practically impossible to take a picture involving people, without everyone being glued into their phones, either taking photos or messaging – and this includes the nuns(!) Only today, as I strolled quite far from the tourist area into a local park, was my fate in humanity restored.

Day 119 – The Unexplained Pleasure of Shopping

July 18, 2017July 20, 2017Posted in 365 Project, Europe, Fashion, TravellingLeave a comment

I like to think of myself as someone who does not like shopping. And I don’t. At least not the kind that requires me to systematically go through store after store. But who can resist the allure of an unexpected find – The I-don’t-want-to-resist item in a little store in a back-alley you are unlikely to ever return.

I’m an accidental shopper.

Day 118 – Your Share of Spaghetti

July 17, 2017July 19, 2017Posted in 365 Project, Cooking, Europe, Stuart, TravellingLeave a comment

It’s easy to find good food in Rome – as long as you avoid the biggest tourist centers. It’s much harder to find good food that is not Pasta Carbonara, Pizza Margarita or Veal Saltimbocca.

Local tasting menu celebrated ingredients from close by – an experience worth every kilo gained.

Fried artichoke is a specialty of the Jewish Ghetto.

Day 117 – Prayer

July 16, 2017July 18, 2017Posted in 365 Project, Europe, Stuart, TravellingLeave a comment

In the past few days, I have visited more churches than in the last 3 years combined. Most churches in Rome were built to bring a sense of awe – a job well done! But as with most awe-inspiring things, if you look closer, you find touching, interesting and funny details to bring them close.

Day 116 – Eternal City

July 15, 2017July 18, 2017Posted in 365 Project, Europe, Outdoors, Stuart, TravellingLeave a comment

Rome is city with over 900 churhes, 200 flavors of gelato and 3000 years of art. It’s a city where a city gate designed by Bernini isn’t necessarily even mentioned in the guidebook. It is hot, crowded, expensive and chaotic. It is breathtaking.

Day 115 – Above the clouds

July 14, 2017July 15, 2017Posted in 365 Project, Europe, Nature, TravellingLeave a comment

Holiday. Rome.

Due to my connection in Zurich, the flight took me over the Alps. A majestic sight from any angle.

I’m cheating here a little again. I only saw the Alps on Saturday morning… However, as I started to travel on Friday, I think it still counts as the same day.

Day 120 – La Dolce Vita

July 12, 2017July 22, 2017Posted in 365 Project, Europe, Everyday objects, Outdoors, People, TravellingLeave a comment

Unlike Venice or even Paris, Rome has the feel of everyday life everywhere. Even in the most touristy center, tucked in the narrow lane between two monuments is someone’s laundry drying from the window, and someone’s grandmother keeping a careful eye of the comings and goings on her street. The pulse of real Rome.

Note the grandmother of the street on the right…

God’s Window and other such places

June 19, 2017June 19, 2017Posted in 365 Project, Africa, Merlin, Nature, Outdoors, Stuart, Travelling1 Comment

People of Mpumalanga don’t suffer from undue modesty – or how else do you explain a place called ‘God’s Window’. But I have to admit, the views are phenomenal. Along the winding mountain roads are little villages with crafts, great restaurant, whisky and – naturally – curios to all tastes.

One of the places we visited was Pilgrim’s Rest – a little village with number of houses restored to their ‘previous glory’. My favourite spot is the old BP Garage and it’s famous car that has been left to ‘Rust in Peace’.

Day 89 – Blankets and Waterfalls

June 18, 2017June 19, 2017Posted in 365 Project, Africa, Nature, Outdoors, Stuart, Travelling, WaterLeave a comment

Sunday was cold. Because we were travelling with Merlin, restaurants did not let us inside, so brunch was a chilly – if tasty – affair. However, a walk to a Bridal Veil waterfall warmed us right up – and made both Merlin and myself comfortably snoozy for the drive back home. Luckily, Stuart is made of stronger stuff.

Day 88 – As far as the eye can see

June 17, 2017June 19, 2017Posted in 365 Project, Africa, Nature, Outdoors, Stuart, TravellingLeave a comment

I’ve been to Mpumalanga three times before, and twice I was unable to see much further than my own hand due to heavy mist, and thus unable to enjoy the famous views from the Panorama Route. The third time I was white water rafting in Blyde River and never got high enough to enjoy the views. Fourth time lucky.