Jul 3
We spotted this guy on a walk through Sydney Harbour National Park on the north shore of the harbour. Arūnas walked right past him and it was only when he turned back to speak to me that he spotted him. He blends in very well with the path but stands out in contrast to the green ferns. I also love how the bush surroundings of the park contrast with downtown Sydney just across the harbour. Read more
The picturesque village of Roquefort in southern France, home to one of my favourite cheeses, is surrounded by the most stunning rocky mountains. I was very happy to see that the villagers had left decent gaps between buildings on the main street so that the view was not totally obscured. Read more
While on our honeymoon in South Africa we went to visit the Cape of Good Hope, the most south-westerly point on the continent. In many ways it reminded me of the wilds of South West Ireland – parts of west Cork & Kerry look quite similar. With the glaring exception of the baboons, that is. We came back from our walk to find this guy resting on a car, taking in the view. Baboons can be quite vicious – I’m glad it wasn’t our car! Read more
If looks could kill. I spotted this cat peering into some long grass, about to pounce on an unsuspecting mouse or frog. I tried to sneak a photo but she heard the shutter and spun round to give me her best cat glare. There was such evil in those eyes I actually felt happy for the mouse! Read more
We encountered a number of twisty roads on our trip last summer. One of the twistiest, yet most beautiful, was the road through Los Portillinos, a mountain pass 1957 metres above sea level set in the Aquilanos Mountains in north-western Spain. Despite the blue skies it was freezing cold at the top, with patches of snow in sheltered areas. Read more
I love spontaneous art. I love that people go to such trouble to make beautiful things, even when that beauty will be short-lived. This frequently occurs with fine dining, where chefs spend considerable time making food look beautiful on a plate, only to have it swiftly devoured. I took this photo in Weston-Super-Mare in England on our tour last summer. I love the fact that someone, possibly another tourist inspired by the large, blank canvas, has gone to such great lengths to create a beautiful picture in the sand, knowing that the tide will come in within a few hours and wash it all away. A work of art, indeed. Read more
One of my favourite “on the move” shots from our trip around Europe last summer. You can just make out the “Europe on a shoestring” and “Wines of the world” books on the dashboard. We didn’t pass many other cars so I thought this one, plus the surrounding view, were noteworthy. Read more
Ah, Spring. A beautiful time of the year when life springs into action once more. Birds return to our trees and build their nests, flowers blossom, weeds shoot up in our grass and busy bees begin again to make their sweet honey. I know that dandelions are generally considered to be weeds (or perhaps wild flowers, if we’re being kind), but I love their deep yellow colour and lush green leaves. This bee seems to like them, too. Read more
This is one of my favourite photos from our trip around Europe. Taken in Peneda-Gerês National Park in northern Portugal, it captures Arūnas taking a coffee break on top of a small stone shack. Close to the top of the mountain, the vistas surrounding us were superb. The photo completely captures the joy of camper van life – you can take your coffee break wherever you like! Read more
The Monument aux Mort (War Memorial) in Marseille, France. The inscription reads “Aux Heros de l’Armée d’Orient et des Terres Lointaines” – “For the Heros from the (French) Army of the East and from Distant Lands”. About 36,000 of these memorials were erected around France shortly after World War 1. This one opened on April 24th 1927. Read more
This is the Nemunas river on the Lithuanian-Russian (Kaliningrad) border. Kaliningrad is Russia’s most westerly outpost. Given the USA’s reaction to Russia’s involvement in Crimea, military activity has been ramping up on the Russian side of this border. It seemed utterly peaceful and idyllic on our side. We fished, enjoyed a picnic, played games and had a glorious Sunday afternoon. Read more
A street performer in Sydney, Australia. He had incredible strength and agility as well as being an engaging character. Read more
Our little beauty reflecting on life. What do you think is going through her mind? Chasing rabbits? Tasty meals? Who knows! Read more
My Food Odyssey 