Gallery: scenes from the Musée Albert Kahn
I suspect that, like me, you have never heard of Albert Khan. Yet in his time (1860-1940) he was very influential. A banker and philanthropist, he dedicated his fortune to the service of knowledge,...
View ArticleGallery: the skyscrapers of Chicago
The mass production of inexpensive steel in the mid 19th century made it possible for urban planners to bring to life the idea of skyscrapers. And it all started in Chicago. The method had been tested...
View ArticleA stroll in Chicago’s Old Town
Old Town is not, somewhat to my surprise, the old heart of Chicago, but rather one of its neighbourhoods. It takes its name from art fairs held in this area in the 1940s, ‘Old Town Holidays’. However,...
View ArticleA day out in Tana
Of course a trip to Madagascar is always going to be focused mainly on its unique wildlife. Endemic species such as lemurs and chameleons will be top of everyone’s must-see list, ours included. But...
View ArticleGallery: seeing buildings in black and white
I enjoy photographing architecture in black and white, especially more modern architecture. So here is a selection of architectural images, most relatively new (that is, twentieth or twenty first...
View ArticleGallery: look through any window
What is it that attracts photographers to capture so many doors and windows? Is it because they stand out from the rest of the building? Is it something less conscious, being drawn to exits and...
View ArticleGallery: going around in circles
A circle is a symbol of unity, eternity, and harmony. When used in a photograph, circular elements give a sense of unity and evoke feelings of serenity and timelessness. An image with circles is...
View ArticleSleepwalking through Mexico City
There is only one solution to the challenge of jet lag in my opinion. Not a cure, but a way to minimise its impact. And that is, to ignore it as much as possible, adopt the time of your destination as...
View ArticleGallery: cities from on high
Desmond Morris famously said that, ‘The city is not a concrete jungle, it is a human zoo’. Yes, the people make the city, but when it comes to appreciating a city as a whole, rather than its individual...
View ArticleA postcard from Sardinia: the Torre dell’Elefante
The Torre dell'Elefante was built in 1307 when Cagliari was under Pisan rule. It takes its name from the small carving of an elephant on a ledge part way up. The post A postcard from Sardinia: the...
View ArticleThe sights of Oaxaca
A few weeks ago I took you for a walk around the colourful Mexican city of Oaxaca. On that occasion I skipped over most of the major sights but promised to return to visit them later. Today is that...
View ArticleGallery: seeing windows in black and white
There’s something about both windows and doors that draws many photographers to capture them, isn’t there? Maybe it’s the intrigue of not knowing what lies within. Or perhaps it’s simply that their...
View ArticleGallery: the delights of Japanese design
A wonderful sense of design pervades the whole of Japan it seems, from architecture to clothing, household items to gardens … Somehow the Japanese know how to balance minimalism with intricate detail,...
View ArticleFurther explorations in Cagliari: Villanova and La Marina
As anyone who travels to cities, and/or lives in one, knows, the only way to get to know a city is to walk in it. And ideally to walk without purpose, or at least open to the serendipity of the...
View ArticleGallery: wings (not) in motion
Have you ever thought what fun it would be to be able to fly! Not boxed up in an aeroplane, but free, like a bird? Many would opt for that as their ‘super power’ if given the choice, I reckon. But...
View ArticleGallery: balconies around the world
Like many photographers, I find buildings with balconies particularly appealing. Maybe it’s because they add architectural interest to the building? Or maybe because they often provide clues to the...
View ArticleGallery: a zigzag journey
When I searched for interesting quotes about zigzag lines I was surprised to find relatively few. But of those I found, many talked about journeys, which as a keen traveller appealed to me. After all,...
View ArticleKotor in rain and in sun
The setting of the small old town of Kotor is very special. The beautiful Bay of Kotor on one side, the mountains surrounding it on the remaining sides, and still-intact walls encircling it, pierced by...
View ArticleGallery: seven Parisian doors (and other details)
One of the things I most enjoy when exploring a city is photographing the little details of the buildings. Carved stone, wrought iron, weathered wood; all these things add to the picture of the city...
View ArticleGallery: seeing bridges in black and white
Who doesn’t love a bridge? There’s something special about being able to cross from one side to another, knowing that without the bridge this would be impossible. Crossing one is like moving into...
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