Yesterday, as I shared images of the Red Falls (Rauðufoss), I alluded to the extraordinary beauty of Vatnsdalur Valley, also known as Vatnsdalsdalur. This valley, nestled within Iceland's Vestur-Húnavatnssýsla region, is a jewel at the very heart of the untamed Icelandic Highlands, celebrated for its rugged and unspoiled landscapes. Vatnsdalur Valley captivates with its stunning panoramas—an endless expanse of lush green meadows, rolling hills, and the sinuous Vatnsdalsá River that gracefully weaves through this picturesque masterpiece.
Our seasoned guide, Willy, expertly navigated the challenging road conditions and rough terrain in a robust 4x4 terrain vehicle as we journeyed through the Highlands. He explained that during the unforgiving winter months, when harsh weather prevails, this region becomes nearly inaccessible - Vatnsdalur Valley, Highlands, Iceland.

When visiting Iceland, one of the must-do activities is exploring its waterfalls, and the highlands boast an abundance of these natural wonders. On the second day of our Icelandic photo tour, we ventured to Rauðufossar, popularly known as the Red Falls. What sets Rauðufossar apart from its fellow waterfalls in Iceland is its vibrant reddish hue that surpasses all expectations. This captivating coloration is a direct result of the rich iron sediment and mineral deposits that have embraced the surrounding rock formations for ages. Our journey to Rauðufossar unfolded along a relatively straightforward trail of just over a kilometer, starting from the parking area. To me, the allure of Rauðufossar extends far beyond the falls themselves. It grants  access to breathtaking panoramic vistas of the enchanting Vatnsdalur Valley, a landscape adorned in vibrant shades of green. Tomorrow, I'll be sharing some photographs of the surrounding scenery, so let's stay tuned as I attempt to unveil the natural wonder of this Icelandic paradise - Vatnsdalur Valley, Highlands, Iceland

When you think about the amazing natural wonders of Iceland, you probably picture things like waterfalls, canyons, or the stunning icebergs and glaciers. But there are some truly incredible sights that are a bit more challenging to reach because they're in a remote place called the Highlands. These places are at their best during the summer months, but getting there can be a real adventure. Trust me, though, the experience is absolutely worth it. One of these extraordinary natural wonders is Iceland's rhyolite mountains. These mountains are a sight to behold because of three important things happening both deep underground and on the surface. First, there's super-hot molten rock way down beneath the Earth's surface. Then, when this molten rock, or lava, comes out, it goes through some  complex changes. And finally, the way things look on the surface also plays a big role in making these mountains so stunning. These mountains have been around for a really long time, we're talking centuries and even millennia. That's part of what makes them so unique. Rhyolite, which is a super interesting subject in the world of geology, shows off a wide range of different looks, all depending on these various factors. Sometimes it's all shiny and black like obsidian, and other times it can be pink, blue, green, or yellow. All of this mixing together creates an incredible natural landscape. The picture you're looking at right now was taken in the Fjallabak Nature Reserve during our very first full-day excursion. This is just the beginning of the amazing sights we discovered and are going to discover in the days to come - The Fjallabak Nature Reserve, The Highlands, Iceland.

This photograph was taken in the Fjallabak Nature Reserve, a hidden gem in Iceland, showcasing the prominent Valafell's Peak. Valafell is a volcanic mountain formed through volcanic activity, known for its steep, rugged slopes and jagged rocky terrain. Like many other features in the Fjallabak area, it vividly illustrates the volcanic nature of Iceland's geology. Situated in the southern interior of Iceland, the Fjallabak Reserve is part of the larger Central Highlands. This region is relatively isolated, primarily accessible via unpaved roads, with many requiring four-wheel-drive vehicles - Fjallabak, Highlands Region, Iceland.

Every time I embark on my Ghent city strolls, I pass through the Citadelpark, and almost without fail, I find myself captivated by its beauty—especially during the early morning or late evening when the interplay of light and shadows enhances the scenery. A bit of background on the Citadelpark: the park was established in 1875 on the site where the Dutch citadel of Ghent stood earlier. The citadel, one of the largest and most modern of its time in Europe and later used as an infantry and artillery barracks, remained in operation until 1870. The grounds were acquired in 1871 by the then-mayor, Charles de Kerchove de Denterghem. The park was redesigned in 1913, with buildings added to accommodate the 1913 World Expo. In 1930, the park's appearance changed again, this time in celebration of the centenary of Belgium's independence. During the park's construction, existing natural slopes and remnants of the former citadel were utilized. The park boasts 780 trees, including some rare specimens. Since 1984, the park has been a protected landscape – Citadelpark, Ghent, Belgium

The cultural season in Ghent kicked off in its customary style with the lively OdeGand event yesterday, on September 16. Opting for the afternoon program, we embarked on a musical journey along the Turquoise music route. Our first stop was the Bijloke, where we were treated to a performance by the ensemble SONICO. Formed in Brussels in 2015, SONICO is a unique group with a global mission: to revive and perform the music of Eduardo Rovira. Rovira, often overlooked and wrongly seen as "the other Astor Piazzolla," was a groundbreaking tango composer. Next, we headed to the NTGent Theatre to witness the outstanding Keybyart Ensemble. Born in Barcelona, these four immensely talented saxophonists showcased their skills in chamber music.Our musical adventure reached its peak at the Capitole, where we were treated to an energetic performance by Fanfare Ciocarlia. Originating from the northeastern Romanian village of Zece Prăjini, Fanfare Ciocărlia is a twelve-piece Romani Balkan brass band celebrated for their high-energy music. We were enthralled by their performance, featuring intricate rhythms and exhilarating solos on clarinet, saxophone, and trumpet. The entire audience was actively engaged in the performance, making it a memorable way to conclude another fantastic OdeGand festival – OdeGand, Ghent, Belgium.

Public transportation has a unique way of presenting photographic opportunities. As I stood on the bustling tram platform, waiting at the Trinité tram stop in Saint-Gilles, I observed amidst the crowd a fascinating tableau: a mosaic of people, each engrossed in their individual activities and thoughts. The contrast between their physical proximity and emotional detachment struck me. Public transportation has the power to bring people together in shared spaces while keeping their worlds apart - Trinité tram stop, Saint-Gilles, Brussels, Belgium

Every time I embark on my Ghent city strolls, I pass through the Citadelpark, and almost without fail, I find myself captivated by its beauty—especially during the early morning or late evening when the interplay of light and shadows enhances the scenery. A bit of background on the Citadelpark: the park was established in 1875 on the site where the Dutch citadel of Ghent stood earlier. The citadel, one of the largest and most modern of its time in Europe and later used as an infantry and artillery barracks, remained in operation until 1870. The grounds were acquired in 1871 by the then-mayor, Charles de Kerchove de Denterghem. The park was redesigned in 1913, with buildings added to accommodate the 1913 World Expo. In 1930, the park's appearance changed again, this time in celebration of the centenary of Belgium's independence. During the park's construction, existing natural slopes and remnants of the former citadel were utilized. The park boasts 780 trees, including some rare specimens. Since 1984, the park has been a protected landscape – Citadelpark, Ghent, Belgium

The weathered facade of a derelict house in Ghent's city center presents a captivating/ intriguing composition for a black and white photograph – Notarisstraat, Ghent, Belgium

This black and white photograph captures a timeless moment, with pedestrians and their shadows converging as they stroll towards each other, casting long silhouettes on a cobblestone pavement. The photograph was taken on Ghent's Graslei from the top floor of the Port House (Havenhuis) on a Sunday afternoon in mid-September.
For those interested, here's a bit of background on the Port House: The Graslei and Korenlei, nestled on the banks of the River Lys in the heart of the city, once thrived as Ghent's bustling inland port. In 1530, the Guild of the Free Ship's Captains acquired this Brabantine Gothic masterpiece on the Graslei. The Free Ship's Captains, known as 'de Vrije Schippers,' were independent contractors who enjoyed unrestricted access to Ghent's inland waterways, setting them apart from their counterparts, the 'Onvrije Schippers,' who were employed by others and had to load their goods onto the ships of the Free Captains at the city's outskirts., making this a very lucrative activity for the Free Ship’s Captains.
The Guild of the Free Ship's Captains retained ownership of the building until the latter half of the 17th century when financial difficulties compelled them to sell it. By that time, the guild's influence was on the decline. Subsequently, the building changed hands several times and underwent various transformations while preserving its fundamental structure. Today, it stands as one of the oldest and most meticulously preserved structures in Ghent's historic port – Graslei, Ghent, Belgium.