365 Project – Blue Moment

Day 21: Bo-Kaap

February 23, 2026Posted in Outdoors, Travelling, Africa, 365 Project, Architecture, KiaraTagged 365 Project, Architecture, Outdoors, South Africa, TravelLeave a comment

I love bright colors. It’s one of the reasons traditional Afrikan fabrics appeal to me. Why would you ever wear beige if you could wear orange, turquoise and purple? Simultaneously. But I am also pretty self-concious, so I (too) often settle for safer choices.

This contradiction is what started my love affair with large earrings. You can be bold, but in a sort-of-safe way – like jumping off a cliff only halfway.

In photography, there is no need for safe choices. That’s why there are few better places to wonder around that the vibrant, bold Malay neighborhood of Bo-Kaap.

Day 20: The best of the ocean

February 22, 2026Posted in Nature, Travelling, Wildlife, Africa, 365 Project, Water, Alanna, KiaraTagged 365 Project, Alanna, Kiara, Nature, South AfricaLeave a comment

We are not beach people. I like swimming in a salty water only slightly more than Stuart likes getting sand on his Kindle. The girls like the idea of the beach, but are not keen on the waves or the heat – so always choose the pool when given a choice. None of this means we don’t want to GO to the beach. Alanna plays with sand, Kiara hunts for shells and I take photos. We just don’t want to stay there.

So, we enjoyed the Atlantic ocean in the Cape Town Aquarium. And why not? Even I find it magnificent!

Day 19: Petting Zoo with a View

February 21, 2026Posted in 365 Project, Africa, Alanna, Kiara, Nature, Outdoors, TravellingTagged 365 Project, Activities, Alanna, Kiara, Nature, Outdoors, Scenery, South Africa, TravelLeave a comment

Alanna loves everything that is alive. Dogs, cats, cows and raindeers are obviously cuddly, but she also thinks that snakes are cute and spends evenings thinking how she could catch and release a mosquito without killing it.

Fantasy animals are even better. She started with unicorns and magical cats, but currently we are in a lenghty werewolf phase. Her howl is becoming pretty realistic.

Imhoff Farm with its petting zoo is Alanna’s happy place. Kiara agrees, as she thrives with the active interaction with the animals – and on all the playgrouds and climbing trees.

For parents, agood view, good food and a glass of wine are all that’s needed.

On the way back we also stopped in Hout Bay for ice cream.

Day 18: Meet the Penguins

February 19, 2026Posted in 365 Project, Africa, Nature, Outdoors, TravellingTagged 365 Project, Nature, Outdoors, South Africa, TravelLeave a comment

Boulders beach, and its colony of African penguins, is one of my favourite spots in the world. On my first visit in 2006, I stayed in the hotel there and spent the night listening to a couple… fighting(?) under my window. Despite the poorly slept night, in the morning I had the beach all to myself and I spent a glorious few hours taking pictures.

With increasing tourism and reducing penguin numbers, the city is trying to protect the colony by enforcing stricter separation between penguins and people. So you rarely see them wondering along the streets anymore. But the charm is still there.

A walking penguin always looks like it is going somewhere with great purpose. Or at least it thinks it is on a Very Important Business.

Day 17: Heat and Wine

February 18, 2026February 18, 2026Posted in 365 Project, Africa, Family, Nature, Outdoors, TravellingTagged 365 Project, Children, family, Outdoors, Scenery, South Africa, Travel2 Comments

It was hot today… 35C at highest. I am not sure if I have just forgotten what it normally feels like, or if I have lost my heat survival mode after living four years in Finland.

We battled the heat with excessive time in the pool and relaxed walk in the (shady) forest. In the evening, when it started to cool down slightly, we headed out to a nearby winery with a quirky restaurant. Cold white wine and a frozed daiquiri improve any night.

Day 16: Moment of calm

February 16, 2026February 16, 2026Posted in Outdoors, Travelling, Africa, Family, 365 Project, AlannaTagged 365 Project, Alanna, family, Outdoors, South Africa, TravelLeave a comment

Braai is a fantastic South African word for bbq. It includes the act of cooking (braai master is a sacred – and respected – duty) but it also carries a strong nyance of coming together with friends and family around a fire.

Every time we have ever visited Cape Town Hayley and Craig (Stuart’s sister and brother-in-law) have hosted a family braai. Today was no exception. Great meat, family, hot sun, cold wine… it feels like we’re back home!

But with all that going on, it’s good to take a moment to yourself.

Day 15: Wild Ocean

February 15, 2026February 15, 2026Posted in 365 Project, Africa, Alanna, Kiara, Nature, Outdoors, Travelling, WaterTagged 365 Project, Alanna, Children, Kiara, Nature, Outdoors, Scenery, South Africa, TravelLeave a comment

Hermanus was windy today and the waves were majestic – and loud! It is almost hypnotic to watch them crash againsg the shore and seabirds fighting the wind (or hiding from it).

The waves carry shells, pieces of coral and other interesting bits and pieces onto the shore. We had to limit both girls to four treasures per beach to ensure our clothes will still fit into the suitcases for the journey home.

A good day to get out of the hospital.

Day 14: Sparks of colour

February 15, 2026February 15, 2026Posted in 365 Project, Africa, OutdoorsTagged 365 Project, OutdoorsLeave a comment

There is not much to photograph in the hospital. But the one thing guaranteed to always exist in South Africa is a sizeable parking lot. And in most places there is greenery located between car lots. And there is always something blooming.

Day 13: Not in the itinerary

February 13, 2026February 13, 2026Posted in 365 Project, Everyday objects, TravellingTagged 365 Project, Everyday objects, Travel2 Comments

Things don’t always go as planned. I, for one, wasn’t planning to spend the first three days of my vacation in hospital. Luckily, it’s all treatable, and I hope to get out of here soon. I’m fairly convinced I would have more beautiful things to photograph almost anywhere else.

Day 12: South African sunset

February 13, 2026Posted in 365 Project, Africa, Outdoors, TravellingTagged 365 Project, Scenery, South Africa, TravelLeave a comment

I love Cape Dutch houses. Together with the yellow and red African sunset, they are almost too picture perfect.

And if it feels too cliché, it helps to remember that the view follows another well-known South African phenomenon: the parking lot is just out of the shot