Yesterday, we embarked on a road trip to Scotland. Adhering to the motto 'better safe than sorry,' we left Ghent around 10 am, heading to IJmuiden to catch the ferry to Newcastle departing at 5:30 pm. Arriving well in advance, we seized the opportunity to explore the surroundings. Granted, IJmuiden is primarily associated with Tata Steel and an adjacent harbor, so there weren't many tourist attractions to discover. Nonetheless, strolling along the piers and boardwalks provided a pleasant break to stretch our legs before boarding the ferry, and I managed to capture some decent photos along the way – Ijmuiden, North-Holland, the Netherlands.
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During last week’s business trip to Malta, I didn’t have time to visit Marsaxlokk, a fishing village located on the southeastern coast of Malta, known for its picturesque harbor, colorful fishing boats, and lively market. However, I found a picture from April 2015 in my archives that I quite like. The image captures the scenic harbor, dotted with traditional Maltese fishing boats known as luzzus. These boats are adorned with vibrant colors and intricate patterns, making the harbor a vibrant and photogenic sight. - Marsaxlokk, Malta
Mdina, also known as the Old City, is a fortified city located in the Northern Region of Malta, just a 25-minute taxi ride away from St. Julian’s. It served as the island's capital from antiquity to the medieval period. The city is still enclosed within its walls and has a population of 250. However, it is contiguous with the town of Rabat, which derives its name from the Arabic word for suburb and has a population of over 11,000. Mdina boasts a labyrinth of narrow streets, limestone buildings, and well-preserved medieval architecture. Its crowning jewel is undoubtedly its cathedral, dedicated to St. Paul and adorned with Baroque embellishments. When visiting Malta, it’s definitely worth a little detour. However, don’t expect too much, as Mdina is not very large, and if you do not visit museums, you can see it all in less than an hour – Mdina, Malta
Taken during my recent trip to Malta, this photo captures the shoreline with the backdrop of two prominent towers in St. Julian's. Before my afternoon flight, I enjoyed a morning walk along this lively waterfront, capturing the stunning views of the Mediterranean Sea. The promenade is renowned for its vibrant atmosphere and scenic beauty, making it the perfect spot for a leisurely stroll - St. Julian's, Malta
Here's another photo from last week's trip to the Brakel Forest (Brakel Bos) to photograph the bluebells in their natural setting. This image might be simpler than the one I shared last week, but I appreciate it for capturing the serene setting where the flowers thrive. Bluebells indeed prefer shaded woodland areas with moist and well-drained soil. In these conditions they spread easily if left undisturbed - Brakel Forest, La Houppe, Belgium
Captured in the serene early hours from my hotel terrace in St. Julian’s, Malta, this photograph once again demonstrates the transformative power of light in photography. On a somber, overcast day, the view of Balluta Bay appears dull and uninspiring—a collision of disparate architectural styles, with buildings displaying a weathered patina scattered randomly around the bay. However, with the emergence of a radiant sunrise, the same scene undergoes a remarkable metamorphosis. Suddenly, the view of Balluta Bay reveals a panorama of unparalleled beauty. Turquoise waters contrast beautifully with their surroundings, and the weathered buildings exude a rustic charm. The illuminated swimming pool provides a delightful finishing touch. At this moment, Balluta Bay feels like the perfect place to spend some time, where you'd love to linger and soak in the beauty of the Mediterranean Sea while experiencing Malta – St Julian’s, Malta
My followers may have noticed that I haven't posted any images for the past couple of days. This was due to a combination of technical issues—our home fiber network was out of order—and a busy schedule filled with meetings and business-related travel. When waking up this morning I in a room with a view in St. Julian’s, Malta I knew I had to resume my daily activity and I hope that in the next couple of days I’ve got some spare time to continue sharing as a minimum one photograph a day. St. Julian’s is a coastal town in Malta that was originally a fishing village but has since transformed into a bustling hub of activity. More to come… St. Julian’s, Malta
As announced yesterday, this morning I left home bright and early to capture the beauty of the bluebells in the Brakel Forest (Brakelbos). The weather was absolutely gorgeous, and what a contrast it was compared to the Haller Forest (Hallerbos)... There were no bustling crowds; in fact, there was only one other photographer besides me. The conditions were optimal - weather, environment, light... The only challenge that remained was finding a composition that captured this beauty without succumbing to clichés. Bluebells have been photographed countless times before. Over the coming days, I'll be sharing some shots from this morning's excursion. I hope that some of the images resonate with you - Brakel Forest, La Houppe, Belgium
Spring is here again, and it's time to seek out bluebells. Instead of the bustling crowds of Hallerbos, We've opted to explore the smaller but definitely more tranquil Brakel Forest. Located on 'Mont de Rhode' near La Houppe, this forest boasts a thick tree cover of birch and beech, providing the perfect backdrop the bluebells. Today, I share a simple black and white snapshot of the area we've been scouting. Tomorrow morning promises delightful weather, so I'll be setting off bright and early in search of stunning spring scenes adorned with beautiful bluebells. Fingers crossed for a fruitful expedition! – Brakel Forest, La Houppe, Belgium
One last check please:In this picture, taken by me at Buckingham Palace in May 2013, is a guard wearing the classic uniform of the Queen's Guard. While modern warfare favors camouflage to blend into the environment and make soldiers less visible to the enemy, historical warfare had different tactics. The red tunics were chosen in the 17th century during the English Civil War because they were easy to spot on the battlefield. Battles often occurred in open fields where visibility wasn't hindered by dense foliage or urban environments. In such conditions, bright colors like red were chosen to make soldiers more visible to their comrades, reducing the risk of friendly fire incidents. The bearskin hats were introduced by the Grenadier Guards in the 19th century. Originally worn in battle to make soldiers look taller and more impressive, they are now purely ceremonial. Each hat is made from the fur of Canadian black bears and weighs about 1.5 pounds.
The striking red tunics and tall bearskin hats remain famous symbols of British tradition, recognized worldwide. They represent Britain's rich past of power and influence, a legacy that many Britons miss. This sentiment may have influenced some to vote for Brexit, hoping to revive Britain's former glory. However, the outcome may not have met the expectations of many. Britain's once-strong position in the Commonwealth, a group of nations with historical ties to the British Empire, continues to fade - London, UK |
WELCOME TO MY PHOTOGRAPHY BLOG AND PORTFOLIO. MY GOAL IS TO DOCUMENT THE WORLD AROUND ME, FROM THE SMALL DETAILS OF EVERYDAY LIFE TO THE GRAND LANDSCAPES THAT TAKE OUR BREATH AWAY. WHETHER I'M AT HOME OR TRAVELING TO NEW PLACES, I AM ALWAYS ON THE LOOKOUT FOR NEW AND INTERESTING SUBJECTS TO PHOTOGRAPH. MY PHOTOGRAPHS ARE A VISUAL DIARY OF MY EXPERIENCES AND A WAY TO SHARE THE WORLD AS I SEE IT WITH OTHERS. I HOPE YOU ENJOY EXPLORING MY COLLECTION AND DISCOVER THE BEAUTY OF THE WORLD THROUGH MY LENS.
About me:
Before: Healthcare Exec. Based in Brussels; Heidelberg; Los Altos Hills, CA; The Hague, Geneva, Nijmegen, Groningen
Now: Non-Executive Director in the Healthcare Industry based in Ghent. A travel buff with a passion for photography, photography books, Leica, wine and Asian food. Last but not least: proud grandfather of William, Nicholas and Mateo. |