Surfing 'til the Sunset

This was a beautiful evening watching the kite and wind surfers against such a stunning backdrop. I really don't know how these guys survive in the icy Atlantic water.

Topsy-Turvy Taj

I took so many pictures of the Taj Mahal when I was in Agra that I actually got bored looking at all of them when I put them on my computer. Hence the reason I shook things up a bit and turned this one upside down.

I was very lucky, and prepared, to get this shot. If you notice carefully... there's no one else in the photo. If you've ever been to the Taj Mahal you'll know that to get a photo of it with no one in it is almost impossible. Everyday there are thousands of people that visit the monument, but not all of those thousands arrive at 5:00 AM in order to get there first. Of course there were others who tried to be there first... but I beat them! But even from the entrance to where I took the shot it was about a 500 metre distance, so it was a bit of a sprint to get there before the others. A little out of breath, and sweating profusely from the crazy Indian heat (yes... even that early in the morning) I was able to get there before the swarms covered the symmetrical walkways.

Floating Cappadocia

Almost three years after our honeymoon in Turkey I've finally put together some of the video footage of one of the highlights of our trip. Hopefully this short clip will give you a glimpse of how spectacular a hot air ballon ride in Cappadocia really is; ascending high into the clouds with a bird's-eye view, and then dropping right down into the beautiful volcanic rock formations below. This is undoubtably one of the best experiences of my life, and something I hope to do once again.

I hope you enjoy watching it!

At The End Of The Road

If you look carefully at the horizon you will see a flat rock with a hole in it. That there is the Wolfberg Arch (don't be deceived, that small hole is at least 25 metres high), and this scene was a very pleasing sight for me, knowing I was almost at my destination. It had been a long day hauling up heavy backpacks and camera equipment, and to have the end end in sight was a great feeling. It almost seemed fitting that the clouds were gathering at the 'end of the road'.

Cederberg Mountains

Floating in Cappadocia

Cappadocia is a wonderland for adventure! It has so much exciting stuff going on. But watching hundreds of these hot air balloons gently floating over its lunar landscape is most certainly one of the best parts of this beautiful part of the world. 

Early in the morning, even before the sun has started to rise these balloons prepare themselves for the masses of tourists that flock to this area throughout the year. From a distance they look like light bulbs flickering on and off as the boosters slowly fill them with hot air. Then, just as the sun starts to peak above the horizon they start rising, one by one, until the sky is filled with these floating vehicles. Going up and down, they drift along peculiar landscapes eroded over millions of years by the elements. 

For about two hours the wind guides them as the pilot communicates with its ground team who, track its whereabouts. Then, as gently as they ascended into the sky, these giants slowly return to earth, kilometres away from where the started. 

The whole process is so glamorous and seemingly effortless, like watching a ballet in the sky!

Hot Air Ballooning in Cappadocia

Innocence of Youth

Watching baby animals in the wild is a small pleasure in life. I love how even with all the dangers and unpredictability of the world they live in they seem so innocent and oblivious.

This young cub was pestering his mother to play with him. He would claw at her as she was dosing off. He continued at this until she eventually conceded and started playing back.

Lion cub playing with mother

Weekly Photo: Silhouettes of Istanbul