Making Memories

To reach the top of a mountain and gaze out at a fluffy, white cloud forest is one of the best experiences I want to savour forever. However, I also felt the urge to snap a photo to share it on my social networks. But how much would I remember of my actual experience if I was continuously looking at the scene through a camera lens?

Four Summer Travel Reads

Whether you are travelling locally or abroad this summer, you cannot go passed a good book to get through the long commutes. Long-haul flights, airport delays, bus trips etc, are made tolerable if you have a good book tucked away in your bag.  There were a stack of great new books released recently covering all tastes and interests.  But if you are stuck for choice, here are four books I have chosen to accompany me on my summer journey.

A Tale of Two Giants

A geological wonderland, the Giant’s Causeway in Northern Ireland still mystifies scientists as to its formation.  Their explanation is a volcanic eruption millions of years ago formed the unique rock formation that sits on the coast today.  But Irish folklore tells a different story about the rocks.  This is where the Irish story of Finn MacCool was born.

Photo of the Month: Eagle Rock

This month’s photo highlights that the world can be the most peaceful place on Earth.  This photo was taken a few years ago at the west rim of the Grand Canyon. It is called Eagle Rock because it really does look like an eagle.  This beautiful rock formation is literally metres from the then new sky-walk observation deck.  To enjoy an air of peace and calmness arrive early before the hordes of tourists.  Sit on one of the nearby rocks and just chill. The only sound that you will hear is the occasional bird.  You may even spot an eagle circling high above and marvel at how graceful they are.

Photo of the Month: Levitation

For 2016 I wondered what new series of posts I could introduce each month.  As I was looking through my photo archives I came across some interesting and a little unusual pictures.  So this idea became the basis for Photo of the Month.

This photo was taken as I was walking along the street in old Rome.  I call it Levitating Man and it was just fascinating to see someone “floating” on air without the magical special effects of TV.  As a traveller we see many strangely interesting things, places and even people.  It is these small things that makes our trips that much more interesting.

By Rail or By Sea? That is the Question

One of the most beautiful panoramas along the Italian coast, the Cinque Terre can be seen in many ways. By rail, car, boat, taxi or on foot.  However, the two best way I discovered in July were by rail and by sea. The Cinque Terre consists of five tiny fishing villages: Riomaggiore, Manarola, Corniglia, Vernazza and Monterossso. Each has their own uniqueness but the place to set up your base is in La Spezia because more travel options are available to you.

Old Become New Again

Before the age of digital cameras I did a lot of travelling with one of those archaic devices that needed to be loaded with film.  I loved it and it was reliable.  Yet the disadvantage was having to wait for the film to be developed.  Even worse, the trauma worrying if the photos actually turned out!