https://www.travellingfatman.com/blog daily 0.75 2025-07-07 https://www.travellingfatman.com/blog/aviemoreospreys monthly 0.5 2025-07-07 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e51f5a00260e664b9feef09/a2a98233-db2f-4b26-b005-2e1648373e17/IMG_2816.jpeg Blog - An unforgettable dawn… - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e51f5a00260e664b9feef09/4f7d3127-0f64-4b0a-a561-344fae71ae81/IMG_2815.jpeg Blog - An unforgettable dawn… - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e51f5a00260e664b9feef09/05f93225-c551-4d34-adb4-8bdf86c92546/IMG_2813.jpeg Blog - An unforgettable dawn… - Make it stand out A successful dive from this majestic bird https://www.travellingfatman.com/blog/morebirdsofsingapore monthly 0.5 2021-06-13 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e51f5a00260e664b9feef09/1623558774510-V5XR3TCOCP5HC4C5ASW4/6T7C7779-1.jpg Blog - More “Birds of Singapore”… - Make it stand out Another image from Sungei Buloh, this time we have a Common Sandpiper. They are not resident, but winter migrants. Winter…in Singapore…hah! Whoever came up with that has clearly never visited. I saw this one in November and I was sweating buckets. Anyway, August to March is when you can see these wee chaps. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e51f5a00260e664b9feef09/1623560348750-Q9F2SPUS7DKWAVRJMHEM/DSC02602-1.jpg Blog - More “Birds of Singapore”… - Make it stand out This Oriental Honey Buzzard was spotted in the mangrove area of Pasir Ris Park by another photographer who kindly pointed me in the right direction. Without their help I would never have seen this beautiful bird. Also known as the Crested Boney Buzzard, this raptor is classed as a “common migrant” in Singapore. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e51f5a00260e664b9feef09/1623565416271-9I68RBJSW01AFF1806V7/3E9A4918-1.jpg Blog - More “Birds of Singapore”… - Make it stand out We now head back to Pasir Ris Park for this image of a yellow-billed stork. I have previously seen these birds in Sungei Buloh wetlands, but here it is fishing near the mangroves in Pasir Ris. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e51f5a00260e664b9feef09/1623557388430-RFVFL915OMM70HVN3R9A/DSC03659-1.jpg Blog - More “Birds of Singapore”… - Make it stand out This handsome chap is a “Black Baza”, a medium-sized raptor found in the forests of Northeast India, the eastern Himalayas, China and Southeast Asia. Many populations are migratory and thankfully for me, Singapore was on this migration route for this beauty. I was extremely fortunate - after a rather uneventful morning in Pasir Ris Park, I spotted a bird fly into a tree some way ahead of me. I quickly aimed my camera in his general direction and managed a couple of snaps before he flew off again. At the time I had no idea what I’d seen and it made my day to realise it was a Black Baza. I saw him in February of this year for the first and only time to date. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e51f5a00260e664b9feef09/1623558477408-T0I50C9SU5A2LXICP3UW/DSC04256-1.jpg Blog - More “Birds of Singapore”… - Make it stand out Another bee-eater, this time a blue-throated one. So called because…oh, you work it out :-) These beauties tend to inhabit marshes, grasslands and forests and I saw this one in Sungei Buloh Wetlands when I was looking for crocodiles. You don’t see many crocodiles in the treetops, but if you’re lucky you may see some nice birds. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e51f5a00260e664b9feef09/1623559245201-A9XL2U5IK3CDYZNRG94A/DSC09506-2.jpg Blog - More “Birds of Singapore”… - Make it stand out A Lineated Barbet is next in this avian role of honour. They can be found across Southeast Asia and they nest in holes in tree trunks. I saw this one near the Singapore Quarry in Bukit Timah nature reserve. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e51f5a00260e664b9feef09/1623564026348-UDE8Z1HPX4OYN0XBLKYB/DSC04638-1.jpg Blog - More “Birds of Singapore”… - Make it stand out Another chance encounter was this Scarlet-backed Flowerpecker, photographed in Singapore Botanic Gardens. This is one of many flowerpeckers where the male is brightly coloured and the female is predominantly brown. They are often found in gardens with flowering and fruiting plants. Although fairly common in Singapore, it is rather difficult to spot due to its extremely small size and a fondness for hiding deep within foliage. I got lucky. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e51f5a00260e664b9feef09/1623558166031-5UXYG679835DLHS7BLVR/DSC01861-1.jpg Blog - More “Birds of Singapore”… - Make it stand out Here we have a Blue-Tailed Bee Eater, so-called because he has a blue tail and he eats bees. Although here he seems to be varying his diet a little. Good thing too, a balanced diet with a little of what you fancy seems a reasonable approach. Plus, we need more bees. This bird is classed as a “common migrant” in Singapore and I photographed him in a field at Seletar Aerospace Crescent after seeing sightings reported on a local nature page. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e51f5a00260e664b9feef09/1623565113892-9WH7MGACFVWB2X73UHQN/DSC04620-1.jpg Blog - More “Birds of Singapore”… - Make it stand out Staying in the Botanics, here is a Spotted Dove, a small and long-tailed pigeon which is a common resident breeding bird across its native range on the Indian Subcontinent and Southeast Asia. They can be found in light forests and gardens as well as in urban areas. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e51f5a00260e664b9feef09/1623556966880-3UZ5N81XU8WJH0JECFZ9/3E9A4425-1.jpg Blog - More “Birds of Singapore”… - Make it stand out These birds are “Asian Glossy Starlings” and I snapped them in Kranji Marshes when I was on a hunt for some weaver birds. If you would like to see images and the story behind my search for the weavers, please do check out my “Weaver Project” blog - quite remarkable nests they build! As for the Asian Glossy Starlings, their natural habitats are subtropical or tropical moist lowland forests and subtropical or tropical mangrove forests. They can be found across South East Asia. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e51f5a00260e664b9feef09/1623559913258-PJ476HV2URKKN49EZXV8/DSC07276-1.jpg Blog - More “Birds of Singapore”… - Make it stand out Proudly sticking his tail feathers up in the air is an Oriental Magpie Robin. According to the National Parks website in Singapore, “A bird of gardens, scrub, cultivation, forest edges and mangroves. The Magpie Robin was a common and familiar bird of the suburbs and countryside until the 1970s when the population from the main island vanished from many sites or became very scarce. The spectacular decline of the Magpie Robin was probably caused by a combination of poaching, habitat destruction (as large areas of agricultural land were developed) and perhaps most serious of all, competition from the increasingly numerous and more aggressive Javan and Common Mynas.” I photographed this bird on Coney Island, Singapore. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e51f5a00260e664b9feef09/1623565616234-NAY62JJRQ93WCPZXWO83/16july20110035-1.jpg Blog - More “Birds of Singapore”… - Make it stand out And here’s one of them after a successful fishing expedition. Well, not a success for the fish, I guess. https://www.travellingfatman.com/blog/birdsof2020 monthly 0.5 2021-01-17 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e51f5a00260e664b9feef09/1606625078075-4NFNHIWX4LN6WP0QVZPV/DSC07743-1-2.jpg Blog - Birds of 2020 A White-breasted Waterhen, snapped in the Singapore Botanic Gardens https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e51f5a00260e664b9feef09/1606624641748-DJK0DEWQ1FO94R6994HX/DSC07533-1.jpg Blog - Birds of 2020 A male weaver bird, building his nest https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e51f5a00260e664b9feef09/1606623006388-T8JZAGDBM1XKEQI5FJMZ/DSC01001-1.jpg Blog - Birds of 2020 An Oriental Pied Hornbill, a bird that has increased in numbers in Singapore in recent years. Hornbills can be found across he Indian subcontinent and Southeast Asia. Please ignore the metal fence, he was just taking a wee breather after catching a gecko. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e51f5a00260e664b9feef09/1606621709625-59KSV4NXH06IH8EFC2PS/DSC00923-1.jpg Blog - Birds of 2020 This wee fella is a Black-Crowned Night Heron, more commonly referred to just as a night heron. These birds can be found across the world, they are not specific to Singapore or Asia. But they avoid colder regions, a trait with which I can sympathise :-) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e51f5a00260e664b9feef09/1606621089256-BPI7DESH1ZVLJYQSPG6I/3E9A6093-1-2.jpg Blog - Birds of 2020 A personal fave from 2020, this is a not-so-common Common Kingfisher and I was so happy to snap an image of him in flight, having just made a dive. Yes, it could be better, yes he could have a fish in his mouth - but for my level, I was very happy with this shot. I had been stalking him for a few weeks before getting this image - the story of my Kingfisher Adventures, along with more images of this beautiful wee bird, can be found on another blog entry, The Kingfisher Project. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e51f5a00260e664b9feef09/1606626345420-Q6RJLXJRACQXCKK4448W/DSC09602-1.jpg Blog - Birds of 2020 An Olive-winged Bulbul https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e51f5a00260e664b9feef09/1606623383929-HJNBYVB7ZT7V9B42OOEY/DSC01799-1-2.jpg Blog - Birds of 2020 My most recent observation, a Blue-tailed Bee-eater. As it happens, I saw him just yesterday morning, in the Seletar area of Singapore. A good tip for bird/nature photographers is to follow appropriate local Facebook groups to get ideas on locations and species near you. When shooting a bird that is not much bigger than a tennis ball and in flight, please avoid one-shot spot focus - that’s an exercise in futility! Zone focus, pre-focus or try continuous autofocus/AF continuous to improve your chances of getting a decent shot. You would need to look more into the functionality of your specific camera to determine the best mode for this type of photography. It’s a challenge and no mistake..! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e51f5a00260e664b9feef09/1606624331758-4OBT1RHTTPWR7ZQUIY2L/DSC06569-1.jpg Blog - Birds of 2020 A female weaver bird, feeding some unfortunate insect to her chick. The female supervises her male as he builds their nest - and she is not shy in rebuking him if standards slip! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e51f5a00260e664b9feef09/1606627404981-2PGZAJY8YT0BRNIJNVYY/DSC09977-1.jpg Blog - Birds of 2020 A Buffy Fish Owl, also known as a Malay Fish Owl. This one-eyed beauty is well known in Pasir Ris Park here in Singapore. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e51f5a00260e664b9feef09/1606621441207-2IAPOT6IHMJRD96SEQKH/3E9A5457-1.jpg Blog - Birds of 2020 Here we have a Grey Heron, a fairly common bird around parks and wetlands here in Singapore. This image was taken in Pasir Ris Park and I was lucky enough to snap with with a wee fish in his beak. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e51f5a00260e664b9feef09/1606626497240-IYTAK77L9XKDOE72JWV3/DSC09647-1.jpg Blog - Birds of 2020 A Yellow-vented Bulbul https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e51f5a00260e664b9feef09/1606622319912-L241N4DZA3LIWFOJUSHS/3E9A5633-1.jpg Blog - Birds of 2020 An olive-backed sunbird, perched over her nest. Another image of this beautiful bird, along with other wildlife images from Singapore, can be seen on my Wildlife In Singapore blog post. Please do have a read! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e51f5a00260e664b9feef09/1606625424698-HMMCKNIU932D4ZG1NKDN/DSC09434-2.jpg Blog - Birds of 2020 I think my fave bird of 2020, a Stork-Billed Kingfisher. He looks like something a child may draw of you said “draw a colourful, pretty bird”. He’s just wonderful. This shot was taken in Singapore Quarry, near Bukit Timah nature reserve, but this species can be seen in other parts of Singapore. Large as kingfishers go, he can reach 14 inches in length. For the story behind this image, and for more pictures of him, please do visit my Stork-Billed Kingfisher blog. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e51f5a00260e664b9feef09/1606622585045-RQA6CF4F2UOT0FZBSSKE/DSC01679-1.jpg Blog - Birds of 2020 Look, I know this isn’t a great photo, but hopefully the beauty of this Grey Crowned Crane provides some compensation for my abysmal efforts. Not native to Singapore, some online digging suggests that Cranes either escaped or were released from a pet farm a few years ago. This is the National Bird of Uganda, a useful piece of info I picked up today. Remember who told you, if that question ever comes up in a trivia quiz. Me, Fatman, that’s who! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e51f5a00260e664b9feef09/1606627201190-4KP7004VM3CMEBRENT9X/DSC09946-1.jpg Blog - Birds of 2020 I didn’t realise pigeons could be this pretty - a Pink-necked Green pigeon, found in tropical/subtropical mangroves or lowland forests. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e51f5a00260e664b9feef09/1606624838162-AYO5X2TJ2YGUI6ODESMU/DSC07699-1.jpg Blog - Birds of 2020 An Oriental Magpie-Robin, common across the Indian Subcontinent and parts of Southeast Asia. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e51f5a00260e664b9feef09/1606625939411-0R448GDV1PD3GQ56PD21/DSC09449-1.jpg Blog - Birds of 2020 A Common Flameback, also known as a Common Goldenback, a member of the woodpecker family. This shot was also taken near Singapore Quarry. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e51f5a00260e664b9feef09/1606626107167-QRSIPOM5H7S7KCPHJMW6/DSC09591-1.jpg Blog - Birds of 2020 Don’t blame me for this, I didn’t name him. But here we have a Pin-striped Tit-babbler, a bird found in South and Southeast Asia. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e51f5a00260e664b9feef09/1606626975181-8LTY7T3U4IYA333TAIYU/DSC09720-1.jpg Blog - Birds of 2020 A Crimson Sunbird. Gosh, this guy was a challenge! Possible the toughest bird for me to snap this year - small, fast and seemed to enjoy being tucked away in the bushes and trees. This was about the best I could manage and, to be honest, I’m pretty happy with it! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e51f5a00260e664b9feef09/1606622056762-L2NA2VGRIO3YHQ3437WB/DSC00026-1-2.jpg Blog - Birds of 2020 This handsome chap is a Crested Goshawk and is native to Singapore. A bird of prey, he can be found across Tropical Asia. https://www.travellingfatman.com/blog/elderly-in-singapore monthly 0.5 2020-09-22 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e51f5a00260e664b9feef09/1600664024006-DLGA86YYA9XMJ46CNQQL/L1008133-Edit-Edit+2-2.jpg Blog - Elderly In Singapore https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e51f5a00260e664b9feef09/1600659705132-TRUBKO0G6GACIULMYM9Q/L1007780.jpg Blog - Elderly In Singapore In hawker centres and food courts, especially away from tourist areas, it is not uncommon to see the older generation passing their time alone, https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e51f5a00260e664b9feef09/1600660803829-K2ZL86PGKTQ3SH4QEO52/L1007344.jpg Blog - Elderly In Singapore https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e51f5a00260e664b9feef09/1600659244213-8QVE8NIXYF8783XC93F2/L1007702-1.jpg Blog - Elderly In Singapore https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e51f5a00260e664b9feef09/1600661568616-AQSWFAFMRKV2IAC909OI/L1008636-1.jpg Blog - Elderly In Singapore https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e51f5a00260e664b9feef09/1600662050876-LH9R7HNCMJ0NM5EE7TTY/L1000571-Edit-1.jpg Blog - Elderly In Singapore “Cardboard Collecting” is hard, backbreaking work with low reward - a few cents per kilo collected. In every society there are those who slip through social safety nets but, thankfully, there are organisations staffed by volunteers whose aim is to help those in less fortunate positions. You can read about one such organisation on this link and an official news story was run by Channel News Asia late last year. This story is from a couple of years ago, but gives further insight into the issue - The real struggle of Singapore’s old, ailing cardboard collectors Awareness of the plight of the elderly in Singapore is increasing and more and more official and voluntary efforts are being put into addressing the issue. That gives me hope. Singapore is a nation that protects her citizens and Singaporeans at heart are a caring people. There is most certainly a culture of community over the individual and that has been evident during the current pandemic. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e51f5a00260e664b9feef09/1600663858925-PSJN7XG4G5RV5FDM3040/L1000737-2-1.jpg Blog - Elderly In Singapore https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e51f5a00260e664b9feef09/1600658296896-BPQOQEFY23GFSO2T5WQJ/L1002914.jpg Blog - Elderly In Singapore https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e51f5a00260e664b9feef09/1600658719965-QDWAA9FCQ4T7TKVM53ZR/L1008267-2+copy.jpg Blog - Elderly In Singapore Some older people gather in places such as Chinatown, spending their days playing board games or chatting with friends. I visited them a few times and learned that their shared accommodation could be small and cramped, so meeting in communal areas gave them an escape and companionship. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e51f5a00260e664b9feef09/1600664349631-T9CV0WPZHAQZU4Y5GGSA/L1007692-2-1.jpg Blog - Elderly In Singapore The lives of the older generation can be lonely with less than ideal living conditions - leading them to while away their days in public areas, often just yards from where wealthy tourists are shopping or exploring the city. https://www.travellingfatman.com/blog/stork-billed-kingfisher monthly 0.5 2020-08-30 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e51f5a00260e664b9feef09/1598777074048-DRS9KCJ4VVQ04MZG0E88/DSC08583-1.jpg Blog - Stork-Billed Kingfisher This was one of the few behavioural shots I managed to catch, but I was pretty happy with it - we get a decent view of him stretching and cleaning his wing. One last technical comment - all on the shots from the Sony were taken on “burst mode” rather than single shot. This improves your chances of capturing little nuances of movement that may transform a good shot into a great one. Well, this image is the last of the images in this blog, but I shall be returning to the same location and trying again - putting into practice the learning points from this experience. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e51f5a00260e664b9feef09/1598774550082-8TZ1CSMGVUYILPU9PCVN/DSC08069-1-2.jpg Blog - Stork-Billed Kingfisher My first sighting of the SBK was when he flew overhead and perched way up high in the trees above me. Even at 600mm, this was the best I could get. Obviously not a “good” shot and you can barely tell what the bird is - but, for illustrative purposes and to keep the story going, I’m including it in this blog. At least I knew he was in the area, that was a good thing! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e51f5a00260e664b9feef09/1598759038882-Y9RK47RM7ZXA9MUPBAXI/IMG_3315.jpg Blog - Stork-Billed Kingfisher The body is a Sony A7riii with a battery pack added to the bottom. My other camera system is the Canon 5d mk4, but that can be a heavy piece of kit - the Sony mirrorless offers weight savings and produces good results. The lens isn’t the fastest 600mm offered by Sony, but cost consideration came into play and, in my view, this offers better value for money for most people. The extender fits between the body and lens and takes the effective focal length up to a whopping 840mm. For weight and stability, the tripod support is on the lens collar rather than on the camera body. For this shoot, I used a Gitzo carbon fibre tripod with a gimbal head. Now, onto the location and the SBK photos! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e51f5a00260e664b9feef09/1598775675407-0WTMSIOWPK4C5JR50L0Z/DSC08096-1.jpg Blog - Stork-Billed Kingfisher Well, here he is - and he’s a beauty! I was absolutely thrilled when he came into camera range and sat for a while on this perch. This image was shot at 600mm with a shutter speed of 1/1250 at f6.3 and ISO 2,000. I have been very pleased with the Sony body and lens, this set-up is now my gear of choice for this type of shot, ahead of the Canon. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e51f5a00260e664b9feef09/1598774904899-E22KDS35NKAER4117LL8/DSC08074-1.jpg Blog - Stork-Billed Kingfisher I next saw the little guy perched on a tree on the other side of the quarry. This is a “straight out of camera” shot with zero editing. Yep, it’s rubbish - even at 600mm again, he’s too far away. Although at least you can kinda tell the species. I wanted to see if there was anything salvageable from this shot, so I took some more at this range and did some editing… https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e51f5a00260e664b9feef09/1598775125488-E6N205T2RY5TSCSV9M25/DSC08080-2-1.jpg Blog - Stork-Billed Kingfisher A different source image, but taken from the same range and edited. Still not great and barely shareable, but it is more clear that we are looking at an SBK. However, still a long way from the type of shot I was after. But, thankfully, after some more waiting and plenty of useless shots, he landed on a perch far nearer to my shooting position. At this point, I added a 1.4x extender to my camera, taking the available focal range from 600mm to 840mm. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e51f5a00260e664b9feef09/1598775402912-2FLX1SWNTUGPOT843JGF/IMG_3288-1.jpg Blog - Stork-Billed Kingfisher To perhaps give some idea of the differences between iPhone images and “proper” camera equipment, this was a shot of the bird taken on my phone, zoomed in to the maximum. It’s rubbish, but at least you can tell what kind of bird it is. Camera phones have come on a long way in recent years and they can take some great images. I have shared iPhone shots of landscapes and food many times and been happy with the quality. But there are times, such as here, when you need “proper” gear. Let’s move on to the main images now, taken on the Sony. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e51f5a00260e664b9feef09/1598759769907-SHN8LVDRR35YRESPIDV1/IMG_3284.jpg Blog - Stork-Billed Kingfisher An iPhone panorama of the location - Singapore Quarry in Bukit Timah Nature Reserve. It really is a beautiful spot - I saw several other birds as well as a family of Long-tailed Macaque monkeys. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e51f5a00260e664b9feef09/1598776315922-D0A4YDXE3ZMBNFW9QGPH/DSC08548-1.jpg Blog - Stork-Billed Kingfisher The wee fella stayed on the same perch and I extended the focal length to the maximum available - 840mm. Extenders have the downside of making the underlying lens slower, so this was shot at f9 on aperture priority with an ISO of 1,250 and a shutter speed of 1/320. As the bird was stationary, I was ok with a shutter speed that was relatively slow in relation to that focal length. Using a sturdy tripod helped in that regard. As a rough rule of thumb, to avoid ‘camera shake’, you ideally want a shutter speed that is no slower than 1/focal length. So at 200mm you would want 1/200, at 600mm you would want 1/600 etc. However, elements such as image stabilisation and tripods come into play so I was happy with 1/320. Apologies, a little bit technical, but perhaps of interest to some. Now, I am really happy with this image and it is not often I say that about my snaps. That said, the holy grail would be a “behavioural” image - i.e. the bird in flight, eating a fish etc. I didn’t get any of those, but I did get the next one… https://www.travellingfatman.com/blog/ixgj7t1p3njm4uajsg5ghmb27oe928 monthly 0.5 2020-07-22 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e51f5a00260e664b9feef09/1595314105088-AS0DJTX82CG24HT83KYP/IMG_2130.JPG Blog - The Weaver Project… A brief pause in proceedings here, just to give some additional background into what goes into getting some of these shots. The life of a would-be photographer isn’t all first-class travel, champagne and living it up on the red carpet with fellow “A” listers. That’s a part of it, obviously, but sometimes you need to put in some effort. To get these images, I was up before sunrise and driving to the furthest reaches of Singapore after a relatively late evening of deciding on cameras and lenses and generally cleaning and prepping my equipment. When I reached the marshes, I had a reasonable trek to the hides, carrying a massive camera/lens combo, a heavy tripod and a bag with a spare camera, water and other bits and bobs. Then there were warning signs for wild crocs, and I had to clear away some spider webs from the hide. That was nasty. Plus there were various flying things, and Singapore is currently on target to achieve the highest dengue levels ever recorded on the island. Finally, to cap it off, on the way back a family of wild boar crossed my path - admittedly, they were a decent distance away, but those things attack people, and there were warning signs around. So, no, it’s not all glitz and glamour. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e51f5a00260e664b9feef09/1595387279229-KJ4M3LQDK8LG9OELW8LY/3E9A6402-1.jpg Blog - The Weaver Project… 1/1250, f4, ISO 1250 - 560mm on the Canon. I had started to think more about the background, and I think this is more appealing with nice soft greens and no blown out sky. The challenge was finding a route through all the foliage and getting a clean shot of the bird. For my standard, this is a decent shot. There’s a behavioural aspect, sharpness is ok, bird stands out nicely against the background and sharpness on the weaver is acceptable. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e51f5a00260e664b9feef09/1595407132137-7T48H8L2GG2J709BMDNM/DSC06617-1.jpg Blog - The Weaver Project… The golden-backed weavers are also known as Jackson's weaver and are native to Africa. They were first seen in Singapore in 2011 and seem to be flourishing. The male builds the nest under the supervision of the female. At once stage, as I was watching a male doing his thing, a female appeared and stared squawking loudly at him - he flew off and returned shortly afterwards with fresh building material. It looked very much as though he was being given an earful for doing some shoddy work. We’ve all been there, mate… https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e51f5a00260e664b9feef09/1595407809220-06415O3KMQEWUYS1ASF6/DSC06779-1.jpg Blog - The Weaver Project… A mother feeding her chick. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e51f5a00260e664b9feef09/1595389211299-4UH2QJPKZTNOGHKWJZGI/DSC06858-1.jpg Blog - The Weaver Project… 1/3200, f5.6, ISO1250. I was lucky enough to have a bright blue sky on this visit. Shot on aperture priority after setting the ISO. There were some sensor spot issues, but I removed them in pp. I think I should also have removed the stray leaf in the top left. I’m pretty happy otherwise with this shot - and impressed with the Sony overall. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e51f5a00260e664b9feef09/1595390365050-WGQ0KGTCHO4AYQ7GAIE0/DSC06877-1.jpg Blog - The Weaver Project… One more from the third visit, again on the Sony. 1/8000, f6.3, ISO 1250 and a focal length of 600mm. Shot on aperture priority, with the camera meter determining a shutter speed of 1/8000. With that speed, I could have lowered ISO and/or increased depth of field - and I did, for subsequent shots. That said, the settings produced the shot I wanted. Sharp, exposure is fine, good details, and I like the composition on the whole. One point to add is that these were all shot on autofocus, including the Canon. Now, in some cases, the camera may pick the wrong focus point - especially in an environment like this with a small target and reeds getting blown about in the wind. But the alternative is manual focus, and I question my ability to quickly compose, focus and shoot before the bird flew away. The auto technology is there; it’s fast, it usually nails it - use it. OK, on to the fourth and final visit. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e51f5a00260e664b9feef09/1595309579576-PD40EEF96GSFDEYGAZ94/3E9A6184-1.jpg Blog - The Weaver Project… OK, there’s no two ways about this, it’s bloody awful. However, it was a “test shot” from which I based camera settings for follow up shots. I had made my way to one of the bird hides in the marshes, from where I knew I would have sight of the reed beds and the weavers. It was further away than expected, and I realised that there must be better locations around, based on images I had seen on Facebook. However, I thought I’d give it a go. And if nothing else, this image provides a base against which to compare later photos. I set up the tripod and took this shot with a Canon 5d Mk4 and a 400mm 2.8L lens with a 1.4x extender, giving a focal length of 560mm. The set up weighed a lot. A LOT*. The settings here were 1/500 at f7.1 and an ISO of 1250. This image is straight from camera, zero editing aside from a RAW/jpeg conversion. I shot on aperture priority, and centre weighted exposure. This shot helped me understand the problematic lighting conditions - I was shooting towards the sun; the scene was backlit. Not ideal, but you can only play with the cards you are dealt. * Footnote - the camera gear weighs just over 10kg https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e51f5a00260e664b9feef09/1595393512801-AKWSB6EXHNAI0TWX1R1S/DSC07553-1.jpg Blog - The Weaver Project… 1/640, f9, ISO 2000 and focal length of 840mm. By now, I was getting happier with my results and had hopefully learned a few things - scout the location, watch out for your background, think about the appropriate equipment and watch out for dust spots on the sensor! Patience was also key here - the birds would often fly away for one reason or another. Chasing them was largely an exercise in futility - the key was to choose a nest, set up and wait. That resulted in this shot, one of a male weaver building his nest. Hopefully, you will agree this is a world away from the first images posted in this blog. One more element required is “luck”. Getting a blue sky, not having reeds blowing into the shot, having a bird turn at the right time - so many elements come into play. Of course, you can improve your chances with practice, using the right equipment and having patience; there are ways to move the odds in your favour. One more aspect that helps is shooting in burst mode rather than trying to time a single shot. The Sony can capture ten frames per second, a feature that can really help when shooting fast-moving wee birds. Anyway, these images represent my personal progress over the course of 4 visits to a weaver nesting site here in Singapore. I shall now just share a few more snaps and throw in some weaver facts without the nerdy stuff! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e51f5a00260e664b9feef09/1595408172731-73CQKY5X5HTNPSL4PPBG/DSC07533-1.jpg Blog - The Weaver Project… As we are at the tail-end of this blog it seemed fitting for the final image to be the tail-end of a golden-backed weaver. See what I did there? I have to say, that’s an ending right up there with “And they all lived happily ever after”. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e51f5a00260e664b9feef09/1595311472739-1DFS273H4PSWBIPR3DAT/3E9A6184-2-1.jpg Blog - The Weaver Project… This is the previous image after some basic editing. If it weren’t for this blog, this shot would go straight in the bin. But it did help me at the time - I now knew the problems I had with the light and the distance, I was certainly not going to get any close-ups of the weavers. However, after a couple more test shots, my mindset changed a little, and I thought about trying something a little more “arty” and using the conditions to my advantage. The result of that process is as follows… https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e51f5a00260e664b9feef09/1595388213751-089TONJG3NXB4LAOKICI/DSC06158-1.jpg Blog - The Weaver Project… For my third visit, I used a different camera and lens. This was shot on a Sony A7iiir with an FE 200-600mm F5.6-6.3 G OSS lens. The 600mm lens gave a little extra zoom, and the increased megapixels would help with any cropping when it came time to edit. Hopefully, some of the benefits can be seen in this shot; the bird dominates more of the frame. We have some behaviour action, we can see some of the little one poking out the nest to get fed, and there is good detail on the nest itself. There is also some decent bokeh, which I wasn’t expecting - so that was a pleasant surprise. However, and this annoyed me no end, there is also an issue with sensor spots. You can see these most noticeably in the light area just above and to the left of the nest. These can easily be removed in pp work, but I have left them here to illustrate the issue. With the Sony being mirrorless, sensor spots are a more significant issue than with the Canon. So, an ok image, but still some learning points for me. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e51f5a00260e664b9feef09/1595407912944-LO9IP3KO8757FYCS5HT9/DSC07585-1.jpg Blog - The Weaver Project… I know not the sharpest of images, but it shows a male weaver flying to his nest while carrying a fresh leaf with which to continue building his nest. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e51f5a00260e664b9feef09/1595317591506-ST69BF0NRQX5TI3FZZ2P/3E9A6346-1.jpg Blog - The Weaver Project… To wrap up my first effort at snapping the weavers, I visited another nesting area near where I had parked. Had I gone here initially, I would have taken better images, avoided crocodiles, spiders and wild boar and would not have had to lug my gear across a steaming marsh. That annoyed me a little, I must admit. But then I saw this female weaver obligingly sitting on top of this reed and waiting for me to take some shots. Same Canon camera/lens set up, shot at 1/8000, f4, ISO 1000. Why the fast shutter speed? Well, I was shooting on burst mode and was hoping to catch the weaver in-flight. Sadly didn’t happen, but you can’t have everything. Now, I kinda like the way the weaver was caught here, but the background is not ideal - featureless skies that gave me food for thought. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e51f5a00260e664b9feef09/1595391397832-PNUASRW8SX3TM2O8TC44/DSC06967-1.jpg Blog - The Weaver Project… For this visit, my fourth, I took along the same Sony and lens but added a 1.4 extender. At full range, this would now give a focal length of 840mm, but the flip side is that adding an extender reduces the available apertures, requiring adjustments in ISO and/or shutter speed to compensate. It is also worth noting the rule of thumb that your shutter speed should be at least 1/focal length to maintain sharpness, i.e. at 600mm, you need a shutter speed of at least 1/600 etc. This is to minimise camera shake affecting your image, but clearly, other factors such as image stabilisation, tripods and cable releases can help on that front. This image was shot at 670mm with a shutter speed of 1/640 at f9 with an ISO of 3200. It was taken around 7.30 am, not long after sunrise. So the light was not optimal. All in, I’m pleased with the result. Even at f9, the Sony produced a soft background. I think that the background aspect is important - this vibrant green is far more attractive than a blown-out sky. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e51f5a00260e664b9feef09/1595320947034-BU6UK8RUPMJLWJGNJCE0/DSC06072-1.jpg Blog - The Weaver Project… A few days later, I returned to Kranji, but skipped the hike and based myself at the nesting area near my parking spot. The settings for this shot were 1/250 at f4 with an ISO of 1250. This was still early morning, not long after sunrise, so daylight had not fully broken. I set the ISO manually and shot on aperture priority - meaning the camera light meter set the shutter speed. I could have upped the ISO to allow for a faster shutter, but for a stationary subject when I was using a tripod and a cable release, that wasn’t necessary. For anyone not familiar with the “exposure triangle”, this is a mechanism for understanding the relationship between the three elements affecting exposure; aperture, shutter speed and ISO. Each component can be adjusted to change the amount of light reaching your camera sensor, but there are other consequences as well. Learning the exposure triangle helps you make appropriate decisions based on lighting conditions, subject matter and what you are trying to achieve in your shot. For anyone really interested in learning about exposure, I would recommend Understanding Exposure, Fourth Edition: How to Shoot Great Photographs with Any Camera This book uses the terminology “photographic triangle”, but it’s the same thing. For this image, I think there is an improvement in the background compared to the previous shot - but the bird wasn’t big enough in the frame and maybe some sharpness issues. However, I do like the composition with the various diagonals. So…better…but can do more. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e51f5a00260e664b9feef09/1595313408325-WX6I5X16YI2EH1AM6VAX/3E9A6217-1.jpg Blog - The Weaver Project… OK, now I know this isn’t a classic weaver shot or the image I was aiming for when I went out that morning. But when I came up with this, after a little editing, I was reasonably pleased - it looks kinda pretty, almost has a Japanese feel to it. Same Canon camera, the settings were 1/6400, f5.6, ISO 1250. https://www.travellingfatman.com/blog/impressions-of-italy-part-3 monthly 0.5 2021-03-07 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e51f5a00260e664b9feef09/1593416818881-HVAT8ZX7EHPWHNC7NHBQ/_T7C7595-1.jpg Blog - Impressions of Italy - Part 3 A typical landscape view in Tuscany. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e51f5a00260e664b9feef09/1593414644246-RCQ79GV4RVQTA9CR4B4K/_T7C8042-2.jpg Blog - Impressions of Italy - Part 3 Rooftops of San Gimignano https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e51f5a00260e664b9feef09/1593414935508-0352FW15L2691B0ND1J0/_T7C8227-1.jpg Blog - Impressions of Italy - Part 3 The town of Certaldo is effectively split in two, with a funicular railway connecting the lower level to the older part on the town, sitting on a hilltop. You can walk up, but where’s the fun in that? https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e51f5a00260e664b9feef09/1593415414278-CSWJ62LUZLS7RIWS7O06/_T7C8252a-1.jpg Blog - Impressions of Italy - Part 3 A typical street in “old town” Certaldo https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e51f5a00260e664b9feef09/1593565601879-X4ST4OXTIXTL0HGH181R/_T7C8515-1.jpg Blog - Impressions of Italy - Part 3 The villa was clad in this gorgeous wisteria. The colours in the Tuscan sunlight were stunning. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e51f5a00260e664b9feef09/1593413661354-4VH8TU6WPWG3KOSC7WTF/_T7C7877-1.jpg Blog - Impressions of Italy - Part 3 The ceiling of the dome in Siena Cathedral - you can see the exterior of the dome in the previous image. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e51f5a00260e664b9feef09/1593565094687-B4RBI2SK4JRW73NN2VAC/_T7C8168-1.jpg Blog - Impressions of Italy - Part 3 Let’s throw in something healthy - a bowl of strawberries. There you go, lovely stuff! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e51f5a00260e664b9feef09/1593417281718-GFY5EWEUFJ8357EAPXXC/_T7C7710-1.jpg Blog - Impressions of Italy - Part 3 I’m not a fan of flying stinging things, but when danger rears it’s ugly head I’ll step up to the plate. Or bush. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e51f5a00260e664b9feef09/1593414164321-K3PYUXAZJXTU5ZFBZBT0/_T7C8373-1.jpg Blog - Impressions of Italy - Part 3 The skyline of San Gimignano, a hilltop town known as the “Town of Fine Towers”. There were originally over 70 towers, with 14 now remaining. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e51f5a00260e664b9feef09/1593566277073-Y4Z9KKASE6X3MNYDOI5D/_T7C7895-2.jpg Blog - Impressions of Italy - Part 3 When I have posted images from Siena on Facebook, there have been a few comments about the Piccolomini Library within the Cathedral. So here it is, the ceiling of that very library and it is breathtakingly beautiful. From visittuscany.com, “The Piccolomini Library was painted by the Perugian painter Pintoricchio (Bernardino di Betto) in 1502 for his patron, the cardinal of Siena, who wished to honour his uncle Pope Pius II who died in 1464. (The unfortunate cardinal Francesco eventually got promoted to the Papacy and died 10 days later!)” https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e51f5a00260e664b9feef09/1593415868143-J3IBQD1FJCDX6GESS9TP/_T7C8326-1.jpg Blog - Impressions of Italy - Part 3 Another view from the top of the tower. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e51f5a00260e664b9feef09/1593417973815-UCG44NB1NFCFM303GXKF/_T7C8145-1.jpg Blog - Impressions of Italy - Part 3 Sadly, i had to share… https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e51f5a00260e664b9feef09/1593413854964-0XJPW2QEMQF3C2W1EMK8/_T7C7880-1.jpg Blog - Impressions of Italy - Part 3 A stained glass window, from the Cathedral https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e51f5a00260e664b9feef09/1593413308508-QZBVUS2F963X23LDQLIV/_T7C7936-1.jpg Blog - Impressions of Italy - Part 3 Siena. Which is largely the colour of Sienna. The colour takes its name from the city, but has a different spelling. Don’t ask me why, I don’t know, I don’t make these things happen. Some things in life, we just need to accept and move on. Be the bigger person. Let’s throw in some useful info. OK then, A local pasta speciality is ‘pici’, a pasta similar to spaghetti but thicker and often served with pepper and cheese or with a tomato sauce. Siena is also famous for its desserts, such as ricciarelli, cookies made with almonds. Sadly, I have a picture of neither, which is most unprofessional. But then again, I’m not a professional, so that’s ok. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e51f5a00260e664b9feef09/1593415604141-JGFER0KMFRFGGLW4816K/_T7C8320-1.jpg Blog - Impressions of Italy - Part 3 You can climb the church tower for glorious views over the town and surrounding countryside https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e51f5a00260e664b9feef09/1593417636132-YAO4D21J5K3QCUY81M3R/_T7C8143-1.jpg Blog - Impressions of Italy - Part 3 Tuscany is well known for the quality of the local food, a reputation I am happy to endorse! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e51f5a00260e664b9feef09/1593414335852-KL0SB7C40C32JURLTS0L/_T7C8415-1.jpg Blog - Impressions of Italy - Part 3 Wine for sale in San Gimignano. From Wikipedia, “A Chianti wine is any wine produced in the Chianti region of central Tuscany. It was historically associated with a squat bottle enclosed in a straw basket, called a fiasco. However, the fiasco is only used by a few makers of the wine as most Chianti is now bottled in more standard shaped wine bottles”. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e51f5a00260e664b9feef09/1593417479754-6PVNLE078EMLUNKW14VR/_T7C8135-1.jpg Blog - Impressions of Italy - Part 3 Don’t mind if I do - especially after the previous close encounter… https://www.travellingfatman.com/blog/impressions-of-italy-part-2 monthly 0.5 2020-06-28 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e51f5a00260e664b9feef09/1593318866237-Q8L4RIXOJ5AIIOZW1VTN/_T7C7598-1.jpg Blog - Impressions of Italy - Part 2 Another typical Tuscan view, taken from just by the villa. Pretty sure they are olive trees in the foreground. The landscapes in this area can be breathtakingly beautiful. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e51f5a00260e664b9feef09/1593329025896-8P2ZV9WHD24P7N8J6T1P/_T7C8139-1.jpg Blog - Impressions of Italy - Part 2 A crostini selection - chicken liver pate, basil pesto and pecorino cheese and something with mushrooms. To be honest, I can’t stand mushrooms. If you want those, fill your boots and no complaints from me. But hands off the chicken pate. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e51f5a00260e664b9feef09/1593316093490-6BL2K6ZZFJLCFFKNIXTW/L1007837-1.jpg Blog - Impressions of Italy - Part 2 Well, here it is, the villa that was to be my home for a week. There is an annex out of shot to the left, but this was the main building. A swimming pool at the bottom of the garden added to the beauty of this place. I would very happily go back. (Leica) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e51f5a00260e664b9feef09/1593317602892-YRDUXEWN7A77BI757BU1/L1007810-1.jpg Blog - Impressions of Italy - Part 2 Again on the Leica, this was a saffron risotto with crispy ham. Both this dish and the steak were from a local resto in B V D’E. I’m not typing out Barberino Val D’Elsa each time, can’t be bothered with that. For a small local restaurant in a small town, it sure did serve up some delicious food. That was certainly my experience across Tuscany, excellent food at every stop. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e51f5a00260e664b9feef09/1593326584029-U4PMTX978QS0B3I0U96Q/L1007933-1.jpg Blog - Impressions of Italy - Part 2 In the centre of San Gimignano you can find the Gelateria Dondoli and here we see the maestro himself, Sergio. His gelato has won countless awards and global recognition. The range available in the shop includes flavours such as cream with saffron and pine nuts and pink grapefruit with sparkling wine. His gelato is exception and Sergio is often on hand to entertain the queues that form outside his shop. It’s exceptional. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e51f5a00260e664b9feef09/1593325972970-C2V0NEJNBO67KS7HJAC5/_T7C7874-1-1.jpg Blog - Impressions of Italy - Part 2 The Duomo in Siena lies in a piazza above the Piazza del Campo, a Gothic building filled with artwork by Pisano, Donatello and Michelangelo. Here we see the vaulted ceiling. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e51f5a00260e664b9feef09/1593317278016-1HMY695PT0DI3QMET7FQ/L1007814-1.jpg Blog - Impressions of Italy - Part 2 Now, I simply could not write a blog from Tuscany and not include some food images. Now, I simply could not post food images from Tuscany and not include Bistecca Alla Fiorentina — a thick-cut, char-grilled T-bone steak that is one of the most famous dishes from the region. Well, unless I was a vegetarian. Which I am not. So here it is. Drool at will. This was taken on the Leica, but to be honest, the camera model/lens not ideal for food shots for a variety of technical reasons that I won’t go into here. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e51f5a00260e664b9feef09/1593317026211-ZYF8BI5OIXES9PGTQLZZ/L1007826-1.jpg Blog - Impressions of Italy - Part 2 A fairly typical view in Tuscany. This was taken on the Leica, looking from Barberino Val D’Elsa towards a neighbouring town. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e51f5a00260e664b9feef09/1593326196042-LM1GRJ485DMR75CGKUNX/_T7C8037-1.jpg Blog - Impressions of Italy - Part 2 From Siena, we headed to San Gimignano, known as the “Town of Fine Towers”. The centre of the town is again a UNESCO world heritage site. Truly beautiful, I visited this place twice and would have happily stayed here for several days. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e51f5a00260e664b9feef09/1593324955215-7X33F78ZO8K7MHHJLMOG/_T7C7952-1.jpg Blog - Impressions of Italy - Part 2 When we did finally sort out the bus fiasco, we were taken to Siena, a central Tuscan city noted for its medieval brick buildings and the fan-shaped central square, Piazza del Campo. The historic centre of Siena has been declared by UNESCO a World Heritage Site. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e51f5a00260e664b9feef09/1593326455652-L8G9CRGWGEWDZVBPF0OF/_T7C8029-1.jpg Blog - Impressions of Italy - Part 2 A typical view in San Gimignano https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e51f5a00260e664b9feef09/1593325601795-19ASPMOBYJRZLBB0JNCG/_T7C7845-1.jpg Blog - Impressions of Italy - Part 2 And from that very alley mentioned previously, I snapped this one. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e51f5a00260e664b9feef09/1593326866703-LU9NM8ELR17SQRQKJY3T/L1007942-1.jpg Blog - Impressions of Italy - Part 2 Shot in San Gimignano on the Leica, here we see a group of local lads, with The Don in the centre. I love this shot, one of my favourites from the whole trip. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e51f5a00260e664b9feef09/1593327510652-TAO6O9FWEGFHUOQV5Z54/_T7C7972-1.jpg Blog - Impressions of Italy - Part 2 Tuscan pottery is a popular souvenir item in San Gimignano. Sadly, I had spent all my pocket money on gelato, so was unable to buy any. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e51f5a00260e664b9feef09/1593325231874-HMKZ73DQ8SJYNE88TGCP/_T7C7826-1.jpg Blog - Impressions of Italy - Part 2 And here is the fan-shaped central square, Piazza del Campo. Apologies for the massive shadow cast by the Cappella di Piazza. It has been there, annoying photographers, since the 14th century. After this snap, I headed up to the alley in the top left of this shot. https://www.travellingfatman.com/blog/impressions-of-italy-part-1 monthly 0.5 2020-06-27 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e51f5a00260e664b9feef09/1593236019513-KJHGMQTLXMI5YXR5C4ZD/L1007376-1.jpg Blog - Impressions of Italy - Part 1 I’ll start with a Leica image, taken in Verona. Nothing overly special about this, but it is a typical scene in Verona and elsewhere in Italy; a couple meeting up in a pavement cafe as the world passes by. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e51f5a00260e664b9feef09/1593237972187-XUF6DCSNJWR42ON4GBRP/_T7C7005-1.jpg Blog - Impressions of Italy - Part 1 One thing I like to do when photographing a location is to avoid the main tourist sites and try to snap images that give a more realistic sense of the local culture and how local people live. This shot was taken not far from the Jewish Quarter in Venice. The Jewish Quarter is very well worth a visit. Incidentally, the word “ghetto” originates from when this area of Venice was set aside for Jews in 1516. Here, you can find a museum, synagogues and several kosher restaurants as well as an area steeped in history. (Taken on the Canon). https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e51f5a00260e664b9feef09/1593241160627-KQGHU00H0X3LLIB6AETM/_T7C7357-1.jpg Blog - Impressions of Italy - Part 1 The Uffizi is a museum-lovers delight. Although that isn't a box I sit neatly in, I did like the glorious ceilings throughout the building. Here is one example. I was very happy walking through the museum, admiring the ceiling artwork. Another famous museum in Florence is the Galleria dell'Accademia which houses the statue of David, by Michelangelo. (Canon) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e51f5a00260e664b9feef09/1593239883146-80Q4XIUMAIOAVZ340NUO/L1007616-1.jpg Blog - Impressions of Italy - Part 1 Looking towards Florence from the hotel, taken on the Leica. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e51f5a00260e664b9feef09/1593236793903-XEZBJHUYIPR9OTXBOOYF/_T7C7139-1.jpg Blog - Impressions of Italy - Part 1 One of my favourite images from Verona, taken in the Central Piazza. I had to crouch low for this shot; not an easy feat at my age, I can tell you! This was taken on the Canon with a wide-angle and a slow shutter speed, to catch some movement in the cyclist. Behind me was the Verona Arena, now a venue for classical music concerts. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e51f5a00260e664b9feef09/1593242290216-1IPGXUJUUS1W15WKRDX7/_T7C7351-1.jpg Blog - Impressions of Italy - Part 1 I kinda like this Leica image from Florence. The light seemed to bring out the best in the buildings, the cobbled alley adds to the atmosphere and the man is nicely placed in the light. The flowers and the green shutters are nice wee touches that appeal to me. Could be from a number of cities in Italy, I think. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e51f5a00260e664b9feef09/1593237180515-093QNHICXN9JYPH6INWG/_T7C7105-1.jpg Blog - Impressions of Italy - Part 1 And here is that Arena. This amphitheatre dates from the first century, and I was incredibly lucky to be able to take a shot without it being full of people. As you can see, it is being set up to hold a concert. I think it would be quite something to attend one here, but sadly the timing wasn’t right. This image also shot on the Canon with a wide-angle. A small point to note; the sky was grey and featureless, added nothing to the picture, so I composed and cropped to remove it and only show the Arena itself. After Verona, Venice was the next destination. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e51f5a00260e664b9feef09/1593238811220-M6S965UI990ENG3HM3QN/_T7C6941-1.jpg Blog - Impressions of Italy - Part 1 One other thing I like to do is snap images of some of the details you find around a location. They could be anything; a street sign, for example. Here, I’ve gone for a shop window display of Venetian masks. (Canon). https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e51f5a00260e664b9feef09/1593239436856-69K3F8TYC2S3J97TGPW4/L1007595-1.jpg Blog - Impressions of Italy - Part 1 After Venice, the next stop was a hotel in Fiesole, overlooking Florence. This shot, taken on the Leica, is from the hotel gardens and is one of my favourite shots from the trip. I’m not sure why it appeals to me so much, but I like several elements. I like that it is not perfectly symmetrical, the path leading to the wee lemon tree, the arches and the colours of the building. The greens and yellows complement each other, I think. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e51f5a00260e664b9feef09/1593240433713-MWIGHLS1F3VVUGSJ7EVR/_T7C7368-1.jpg Blog - Impressions of Italy - Part 1 OK, hands up here, full confession time. This shot has some reflections in it - you can see them in the sky. This was taken through a window in the Uffizi Museum. This is, of course, the famous Ponte Vecchio and I thought the shot worth sharing, despite the flaws. From Wikipedia, “The Ponte Vecchio is a medieval stone closed-spandrel segmental arch bridge over the Arno River, in Florence, Italy. It is noted for the shops built along it, as was once common. Butchers, tanners, and farmers initially occupied the shops; the present tenants are jewellers, art dealers, and souvenir sellers.” (Canon) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e51f5a00260e664b9feef09/1593244006307-S978E681C9UBFYPB76I1/L1007747-1.jpg Blog - Impressions of Italy - Part 1 A view of Il Duomo and Giotto’s bell tower, taken from a rooftop bar. A lovely spot where I could rest my feet after a lot of walking and picture taking. After a little rest here, I headed back to Fiesole. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e51f5a00260e664b9feef09/1593237706930-G743WPH00FPRX7WEBX86/L1007523-1.jpg Blog - Impressions of Italy - Part 1 Venice, Leica and an image of a canal. Nothing special about the shot but is a very typical Venetian scene. The weather was again grey and dull, so I chose to keep the sky out of the frame. Clear blue skies would have been lovely, but they came later. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e51f5a00260e664b9feef09/1593243084032-L4XW1ZF9AU190EMW8HVQ/L1007788-1.jpg Blog - Impressions of Italy - Part 1 Another significant attraction in Florence is The Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore, also known as il Duomo. Construction began in 1296 and was finally finished in 1436. It is the third-largest cathedral in the world, behind St. Peter’s in Rome and St. Paul’s in London and dominates the Florence skyline. It can be seen from the window in my hotel, and earlier image in this blog. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e51f5a00260e664b9feef09/1593243596122-ZBEFF95MPEM24X5BCPGX/_T7C7344-1.jpg Blog - Impressions of Italy - Part 1 Another exterior view of Il Duomo (Canon). I might make this into a jigsaw and send as Christmas presents to any relatives I don’t like. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e51f5a00260e664b9feef09/1593241599558-WSRUWTC516GT3UTWLPHM/L1007646-1.jpg Blog - Impressions of Italy - Part 1 And here we have David in his full(frontal) glory. I tried to be careful around my use of language here, but it’s an absolute minefield, I can tell you. He has big hands. The detail is incredible, with the veins on his hands and arms. And he’s bigger than I realised, at over 5 metres tall. From Wikipedia again, “David is a masterpiece of Renaissance sculpture created in marble between 1501 and 1504 by the Italian artist Michelangelo. David is a 5.17-metre marble statue of the Biblical figure David, a favoured subject in the art of Florence.” This is a very impressive work of art and draws a large number of visitors. I just hope no-one finds some obscure reason to try and topple him. Best to move on, I think. (Leica) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e51f5a00260e664b9feef09/1593238622305-OQIL6B7RDOMZ3NHDU28R/_T7C6997-1.jpg Blog - Impressions of Italy - Part 1 Another image from the backstreets on the outskirts of Venice, an area inhabited by real Venetians. This really is just an incredible city to wander around, full of narrow lanes and alleyway, bridges, piazzas and dead ends! (Canon). https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e51f5a00260e664b9feef09/1593239128403-H0DYXJCKC09LKWWKB4N9/_T7C6935-1.jpg Blog - Impressions of Italy - Part 1 I don’t think the hazy skies helped this shot, but here we see an image of the Basilica di Santa Maria Della Salute, taken from the top of St Mark’s Campanile in the Piazza San Marco. If you ever go to Venice and want to go up this tower, get there early. To be honest, that probably applies to most of the popular spots in Venice. (Canon). https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e51f5a00260e664b9feef09/1593242011381-BPUIILHCFJ5BP895UW5P/_T7C7449-1.jpg Blog - Impressions of Italy - Part 1 This was shot on a random wander up a side alley in Florence - I like this type of image. Real people, away from the tourist traps, a slice of local life. (Canon) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e51f5a00260e664b9feef09/1593244576824-SQP3OEXG5WWCF7H2GXTO/_T7C7144-1.jpg Blog - Impressions of Italy - Part 1 Fiesole is a small town on the hills overlooking Florence and home to this delightful old Roman theatre which affords lovely views over the surrounding countryside. https://www.travellingfatman.com/blog/bhutan-land-of-the-thunder-dragon monthly 0.5 2020-06-14 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e51f5a00260e664b9feef09/1592112201927-2SJN6J86MWWVCUXMR8RL/6T7C6654-1.jpg Blog - Bhutan - Land of the Thunder Dragon From our hotel, we could see the Monastery on the other side of the valley. It is the white building 2/3rds up the image, just right of centre. We didn’t walk from here, that would have been madness and would likely have seen me off. We were driven to the base of yonder mountain. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e51f5a00260e664b9feef09/1592119032532-T3U0TFL5DVS21SVR4XEJ/6T7C6561-1.jpg Blog - Bhutan - Land of the Thunder Dragon One last look back at the Monastery. Truly a tick off the old bucket list. A long trek, I think 5 hours or so there all in, and steep at times, but well worth the effort. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e51f5a00260e664b9feef09/1592033634617-89ZPBG9WALZZHQBASI69/6T7C5317-1.jpg Blog - Bhutan - Land of the Thunder Dragon Staying within Thimphu, this is the Tashichho Dzong. This building is a Buddhist Monastery and fortress on the northern edge of Thimphu. Lonely Planet has a substantial write up on this building. During our visit, we were lucky to catch a flag-raising ceremony and also catch a distant view of the King walking from here to his official residence. Local regulations prohibited us from photographing the King, but it was a thrill nonetheless. To see some images from inside the Dzong, please do check my Facebook page. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e51f5a00260e664b9feef09/1592032557941-JH5VIF4O0SYX151HM9Y0/6T7C5026-1.jpg Blog - Bhutan - Land of the Thunder Dragon This image shows the Clock Tower Square in the centre of Thimphu. The large red building is the Hotel Druk, where we stayed for two nights. Lovely hotel with a bar, restaurant and comfortable rooms as well as a convenient central location. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e51f5a00260e664b9feef09/1592118205486-CV1BSBLAYXVU5U9YGYB1/6T7C6597-1.jpg Blog - Bhutan - Land of the Thunder Dragon Following on from my Facebook posts, I had a few questions about how were these constructions built and how are they supplied. Well, here is part of the answer; pack horses. Food and other supplies are carried up either by people or animals. The Monastery hugs the side of a rocky cliff 3,000 feet above the valley floor and sits approximately 10,000 feet above sea level. In a country where inclement weather is not uncommon - remember, “Land Of The Thunder Dragon”. From National Geographic; “The Monastery was built in the 1600s, although the buildings we see today have been replaced several times, including major reconstruction completed in 2005 after a fire devastated the structure and its contents in 1998. But as the Bhutanese point out, buildings are temporal and meant to be renewed; the ideas and philosophies they represent cannot be destroyed.” I have looked online and can find no alternative to “manpower and horses” as the answer to “how did they do it?. What an incredible achievement. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e51f5a00260e664b9feef09/1592113241509-FIZARTG166UBLCTZNGE1/6T7C6528-1.jpg Blog - Bhutan - Land of the Thunder Dragon Just before the Temple, you reach this spot - what an incredible feat, to build in this location! Sadly, photography within the Monastery itself is forbidden; cameras and phones need to be left outside. A slight disappointment, I have to say. But to be honest, I was so damned exhausted and thrilled to be there, and I didn’t throw a tantrum. Not even a single foot stomp. I was too bloody tired! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e51f5a00260e664b9feef09/1592037688809-FKVNWARFHMOWNE1VQEMY/6T7C5678-1.jpg Blog - Bhutan - Land of the Thunder Dragon Behind the Dzong, this suspension bridge crosses the Puna Tsang River. I had to look this up, but the bridge is 160 metres long. It has been there for a long time, so the chances of it collapsing at the time you happen to be crossing it are pretty remote. So go for it, it’s fun! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e51f5a00260e664b9feef09/1592117719900-MRWSANZQ006LKCCH0MUZ/6T7C6537-1.jpg Blog - Bhutan - Land of the Thunder Dragon Looking back from the Temple, you can see the route you had just taken. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e51f5a00260e664b9feef09/1592032043961-77AYP27M70RMVTJPYYIW/6T7C4900-1.jpg Blog - Bhutan - Land of the Thunder Dragon So here we have Tachog Lhakhang Old Bridge. As you can see, there are two bridges. I’m plumping for this one as the old one given the nature of the structure and the fact it connects to the building on the other side. I could be wrong, though. It would be unusual, to be fair, and it would put me in a mood for days - but it’s technically possible. It was fun to both cross the bridge and to watch others doing so! The prayer flags adorning the bridge also made this an excellent spot for photography. After this brief stop, we drove on to Thimphu. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e51f5a00260e664b9feef09/1592036500613-VNT7UAL6QF43U1Y4C2EH/6T7C5446-1+copy.jpg Blog - Bhutan - Land of the Thunder Dragon Proudly displayed in a shop window. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e51f5a00260e664b9feef09/1592113023902-N73PJDS39RRP4UTCDB2T/6T7C6500-1.jpg Blog - Bhutan - Land of the Thunder Dragon Hopefully this image gives an idea of the last stretch of the long trek. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e51f5a00260e664b9feef09/1592118016075-246NZL5US7RPSOI5DEZT/6T7C6557-Edit-Edit-1.jpg Blog - Bhutan - Land of the Thunder Dragon After retracing your steps, you get another look back at the Monastery. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e51f5a00260e664b9feef09/1592034878209-U9XLIR3AWQ51CFGJUQQC/6T7C5407-1.jpg Blog - Bhutan - Land of the Thunder Dragon After Thimphu, we headed to Punakha, a reasonably long drive which took us over the Dochula Pass. This Pass is 3,100 metres, or 10,200 feet, above sea level. At the top of this Pass, there are 108 Memorial Chortens, or Stupas. These were built in honour of 108 Bhutanese soldiers killed in the December 2003 battle against Assamese insurgents from India. Also at this location, you can find a small monastery and a cafe/coffee shop. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e51f5a00260e664b9feef09/1592037363090-FXSOU5JE4PZXA4EUS7IF/6T7C5530-Edit-1.jpg Blog - Bhutan - Land of the Thunder Dragon Moving on to more serious matters. The Punakha Dzong sits where two rivers meet, and I cannot think of any administrative building anywhere with such a glorious setting. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e51f5a00260e664b9feef09/1592037110236-QDR6H98DOJ2XS1VZLTGO/6T7C5763-1.jpg Blog - Bhutan - Land of the Thunder Dragon And a doorstop. What if the in-laws pop round for a cuppa? Do you leave it out? Do they admire it? So many questions… https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e51f5a00260e664b9feef09/1592112817269-7GWB5UK76QST37CX4XLL/6T7C6410-1.jpg Blog - Bhutan - Land of the Thunder Dragon You climb up to one side of a gully. From here you go down, round and up again to reach the monastery. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e51f5a00260e664b9feef09/1592110479430-7K8UCMPIABLNR6SZQON4/6T7C5814-1.jpg Blog - Bhutan - Land of the Thunder Dragon I did help, I didn’t just stand and take photos. Honest guv! Incidents like this, in my mind, lift a holiday beyond the ordinary. It was extraordinary, watching everyone come together like this as if it was a regular occurrence. And in reality, it probably is for many drivers who frequent this road. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e51f5a00260e664b9feef09/1592111926134-TOZ5RCJX6W9P3ADNIDGU/6T7C5866-1.jpg Blog - Bhutan - Land of the Thunder Dragon Back over the Dochula Pass then on to Paro, our base for visiting the Tiger’s Nest Monastery! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e51f5a00260e664b9feef09/1592112494552-7OJ6BVY1SXB0QPFHNRX1/6T7C6395-1.jpg Blog - Bhutan - Land of the Thunder Dragon From the base of yonder mountain, our trek started, and soon we could see the Monastery high above us, peeking through the clouds and trees. From here, I need to be selective about the images I post, in the interests of time and space. From this point, the trek leads you up a long slope until you reach a cafe. From here, you can rest a little, have some food and drink and get a closer view of your goal. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e51f5a00260e664b9feef09/1592109884111-BOZ3CJD1WC28XUHZX8JU/6T7C5767-1.jpg Blog - Bhutan - Land of the Thunder Dragon On the way back from Punakha to Paro, we encountered a landslide and cars starting to queue up on both sides of the blockage. Nothing else for it than people from both sides of the obstruction to get out and help! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e51f5a00260e664b9feef09/1592035301129-Q2BWJ2PNYWH3GTK8QQOS/6T7C5416-1.jpg Blog - Bhutan - Land of the Thunder Dragon In Punakha, we stayed at the Hotel Lobesa from where we had this glorious view over lush, green rice fields. On top of the small hillock, before you get the mountains, sits the Temple of The Divine Madman. This is now going to be my favourite section of this blog! Get ready for this. I am now going to copy some text from a previous blog, with some small tweaks. I cannot tell you how much I have been looking forward to this one, I’m going to have a field day here - and every word will be true. Buddhism first arrived in Bhutan at some point in the 8th century. In the 15th century, a Tibetan monk named Drukpa Kunley arrived in the country and spread the faith more deeply. This guy became known as the “Divine Madman” because his method of teaching was somewhat unorthodox. I don’t know where to start with this; it’s all so good. I’ll just make a list. Essentially he used phallic imagery to subdue demons and bless the people of Bhutan. His other nickname was the “Saint of 5,000 women”. He was known for stripping naked, offering his testicles to a famous Lama(don’t know why) and for peeing on sacred paintings. His phallus became so famous and powerful that it was known as “The Thunderbolt of Flaming Wisdom”. Can you imagine? I couldn’t make this stuff up. When I went to Bhutan, I travelled with a Texan friend, the Fabulous Baker Boy. He summed it up nicely when he asked our guide…”I can see why all that makes him a madman, but why does it make him divine?”. We ever got a clear answer to that. In the village around the temple, there are phalluses everywhere - painted on walls, shops selling carved ones (of all sizes) and even wooden ones used as doorstops. Now, I suspect some of you may wonder if all this is genuine. It is. But, to try and sway the doubters, the naysayers, the unbelievers - here are a couple of bonus snaps from the village. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e51f5a00260e664b9feef09/1592032928956-3O3OCRWLN8U9QG4IGH7W/6T7C5246-1.jpg Blog - Bhutan - Land of the Thunder Dragon In Thimphu, we visited the Memorial Chorten, and this was one of my favourite stops from a photographic and cultural perspective. Effectively this was a local park, with a Memorial, and a location for elderly locals to meet, socialise and pray together. The gentleman in this image was walking clockwise around the main Memorial while spinning his individual prayer wheel. Nothing touristy, just ordinary locals going about their everyday lives - I loved it here. Taken from the Bhutan Travel website, “The National Memorial Chorten was built in memory of Third Druk Gyalpo and is dedicated to World Peace. The Chorten is a large white structure crowned with a golden spire. It is located close to the centre of Thimphu city and is one of its most iconic monuments. Visitors will find elderly Bhutanese people circumambulating the Chorten throughout the day. Chorten literally means ‘Seat of Faith’ and Buddhists often call such monuments, the ‘Mind of Buddha’. The Chorten is an extraordinary example of Buddhist architecture and artwork with its gorgeous paintings and intricate sculptures.” https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e51f5a00260e664b9feef09/1592110253200-FFZKZT3GFHLXE1KH01RS/6T7C5781-1.jpg Blog - Bhutan - Land of the Thunder Dragon Just about every local seemed to carry a machete, especially those driving buses or goods vehicles. Our guide also had one tucked away. https://www.travellingfatman.com/blog/wildlife-images-iii monthly 0.5 2020-06-06 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e51f5a00260e664b9feef09/1591423792618-SB2YYK9JH88SRXS6I5FT/IMG_8090-1.jpg Blog - Wildlife Images III This incredible bird always seems to get a good response when I post his images. This was taken several years back in a bird park. He is a Shoebill Stork, sometimes known as a whalehead. Whalehead sounds pretty unflattering, so I stick with Shoebill. They are native to the swamps of eastern tropical Africa, and I have found a decent write up on them on this website. Worth a read, if you have time. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e51f5a00260e664b9feef09/1591417078062-449G6QHPBTFK771DSJWZ/6T7C0471-1.jpg Blog - Wildlife Images III Let’s throw in a pic of a young ‘un just because they are so damned cute! Orangutans have suffered terribly from deforestation and the illegal pet trade. We desperately need to improve as a species, but thankfully people and organisations are increasingly putting their time and money on the line to try and help. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e51f5a00260e664b9feef09/1591419798708-I5AGQKYYR5FXMGUDWIQ4/6T7C1314-2-1.jpg Blog - Wildlife Images III Not the best of images, but anything to escape the bugs in the previous two shots. Man, I don’t like bugs. You know, some people make careers out of studying those things?!? Barmy. Anyway, this is a spinner dolphin. They are called “spinners” because they leap out of the water and, well…”spin”. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e51f5a00260e664b9feef09/1591418145660-9PB8V2W5EYDS7RQUONVW/3E9A3961-2+copy.jpg Blog - Wildlife Images III This was also in Singapore, but nothing captive about these crocs! It often surprises people that there are wild saltwater crocs in Singapore, but several can be found in the Sungei Buloh wetlands area near the causeway to Malaysia. I’m not making this stuff up. In 2018 I was lucky enough to be there when this fella was feeding. Apparently, they feed when the tides go in and out - as that’s when the fish are on the move. I never realised that they could leap out of the water like this; it seems they do this to help them position their prey better. Or show off to their mates about the size of their catch. Anyway, yes - there are wild crocs in Singapore. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e51f5a00260e664b9feef09/1591418486323-8DTD8PP0CEPP7KXNWJ94/3E9A3981-2+copy.jpg Blog - Wildlife Images III And here he is again, with the fish all ready to slide down the crocodile throat. Incidentally, this was snapped with a long zoom lens; I was well away from him! For anyone technically minded, I was using a 400mm lens with a 1.4x converter, giving an effective focal length of 560mm. And the image was subsequently cropped. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e51f5a00260e664b9feef09/1591425051120-O3MTITKO2L415VYOM8I4/6T7C0494-1.jpg Blog - Wildlife Images III To finish off this blog here is one more image of the wee orangutan chilling out and getting a piggyback. Happy days! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e51f5a00260e664b9feef09/1591418914698-LC7DK4RLDBVUDREM1UB7/6T7C7680-1.jpg Blog - Wildlife Images III Here we have a praying mantis, also taken at Sungei Buloh. I’m including it because I think it’s funny. To try and add some value here, they have a life span of around 1 year in the wild. Nat Geo told me that, and I shall now remember that fact forever. So will you. Thank me later. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e51f5a00260e664b9feef09/1591424234631-UD2K10ITXBC1IMO5RPOK/6T7C8113-1.jpg Blog - Wildlife Images III Saw this in Sungei Buloh in Singapore, scared the hell out of me. No idea what it is, but there’s no way you’re telling me that this isn’t a man-killer. Look at it! I took the photo then bolted. Legend has it that one of these things took on a swarm of killer hornets and saw them all off with barely a scratch. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e51f5a00260e664b9feef09/1591419200540-PEZ1HPWNCNHVDTZMSBLY/6T7C8131-1.jpg Blog - Wildlife Images III What the hell this is I have no idea. I don’t know what way round it goes or what those spikes/horns are for. Spitting venom at photographers for all I know. (closest I could find was a black swallowtail caterpillar, but they don’t have the spike thingies, so I’m at a loss). https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e51f5a00260e664b9feef09/1591421108673-6QWPA7CBY43PTC33KB9F/6T7C2270-1.jpg Blog - Wildlife Images III OK, this is a contentious one. When I first arrived in Singapore over 14 years ago, the white tigers quickly became my favourite animals to see and photograph in the Zoo. They have a good-sized enclosure, jungle areas, a big pool of water, different levels etc. Next to the tiger enclosure, there are lots of information boards telling visitors about how endangered these animals are, so I started to read more on the issue. There is some conflicting information out there, but the best I can gather is that white tigers are not naturally occurring and came about from crossbreeding Siberian and Bengal tigers - and subsequent inbreeding. I have found conflicting reports on the origins of these animals and whether they are naturally occurring, but there are now 300 in zoos around the world. The Australasia Zoo Aquarium Association says “ ‘Due to their uniqueness they are often selectively bred, which can lead to health problems. Health problems may be more frequently encountered due to the inbreeding, which is typically required to maintain the white characteristic. They include cleft palates, immune deficiencies, mental impairments, spinal problems and issues with lung development.’” Zoos claim that “white tigers can act as ambassadors for their wild cousins.”. I find this a depressing topic and certainly food for thought. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e51f5a00260e664b9feef09/1591424891249-AV81RYUJW0KUXTXFWVG8/6T7C8771-1.jpg Blog - Wildlife Images III Let’s fire in another Komodo pic - I got lucky, he was sticking his tongue out at me. Bit rude, but lovely to catch on a photo. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e51f5a00260e664b9feef09/1591424425365-FT4A39ONHRNSLWYRAGRC/6T7C8173-1.jpg Blog - Wildlife Images III This is more like it, this won’t kill you. This is a mudskipper. Basically an amphibious fish. Bit weird.-, but I’m not one to judge on looks and behaviour. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e51f5a00260e664b9feef09/1591416525169-NE6FGNE7O5I2GALXOSE6/6T7C0496-1.jpg Blog - Wildlife Images III Orangutan images always get good feedback when I post them on my Facebook page. These beautiful animals always seem to be intelligent and gentle. Hopefully, some of that comes across here. We see a child shielding their eyes from the sun and clinging on to a parent, who is looking upwards keeping an eye on the wee one. This shot was taken in Singapore Zoo where the orangutans have a large and uncaged/open-air enclosure with trees, vines and an extensive play area. Many of the animals here are rescued from the illegal pet trade. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e51f5a00260e664b9feef09/1591417396479-PF037XJ03N6YYSKNKQA3/6T7C8257-1.jpg Blog - Wildlife Images III I posted a shot of this wee chap on Facebook yesterday, but I think this image is a better one! This is a “Javan Langur”. They are born with this colouration but get darker as they grow older. I’m jealous; I just went bald. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e51f5a00260e664b9feef09/1591422556578-6WALC723WDIADABPALV4/6T7C8102-1.jpg Blog - Wildlife Images III Here we are looking at a male copper throated sunbird. Impressed I know that? Don’t be; I had no clue. Someone on a Singapore nature page told me. One of the secrets to life that is - if you don’t know something, find someone who does. Write that down; I’m giving you gold here. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e51f5a00260e664b9feef09/1591420057273-NZPTPPYRMF3V809MW2FL/6T7C8362-1.jpg Blog - Wildlife Images III OK, back to Singapore Zoo and here's some background into why I support some of these institutions. This is a Komodo Dragon, a species seen as a national treasure to the extent that they can only be given away by the Indonesian President. From the Singapore Zoo website, "As with many reptiles, one of the challenges in breeding Komodo dragons is the difficulty of telling males from females without DNA tests or ultrasound scans. After 34 years of caring for Komodo dragons, we celebrated our first-ever hatching in 2009. and we've been successfully breeding them since. Wild Komodos are on the decline due to a shortage of egg-laying females, poaching and human encroachment. We hope to help ensure their future survival through our breeding efforts." https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e51f5a00260e664b9feef09/1591417815800-T4CHVHISRQ3XJM46SPWM/6T7C8250-1.jpg Blog - Wildlife Images III Here we have an older Javan Langur, showing the change in colouring. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e51f5a00260e664b9feef09/1591420529490-0CIRZ2NHBHJ7Z06UZOZ9/6T7C8848-2-1.jpg Blog - Wildlife Images III Back into the wild again, but still in Singapore. This is a monitor lizard, and these boys get BIG!. Not komodos though, so they won’t kill you. I don’t think. https://www.travellingfatman.com/blog/personal-highlights monthly 0.5 2020-05-30 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e51f5a00260e664b9feef09/1590824722848-P2FU12DNRM1UHJP9B34Q/L1030086-1.jpg Blog - Personal highlights This image was from early February this year, taken in the Trough of Bowland behind the Inn at Whitewell. This Inn featured in a TV series, The Trip. Yes, I walked over those stepping stones and yes I was terrified I was going to fall into the freezing river. But I didn’t, much to the disappointment of some kids watching from the bank. Little sods. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e51f5a00260e664b9feef09/1590825234415-K6Q7T5HX3E8HNLH6WL5H/L1030036-1.jpg Blog - Personal highlights Nothing overly special about this image, but sometimes photography is not about technical quality or artistic brilliance - it is about the memories the image may hold. This shot was taken near the town of Moffat in Scotland and shows a valley known as the Devil’s Beef Tub, apparently due to historical connections with cattle smuggling. From Wikipedia, “The Devil’s Beef Tub, is a deep, dramatic hollow in the hills north of the Scottish town of Moffat. The 500-foot deep hollow is formed by four hills, Great Hill, Peat Knowe, Annanhead Hill and Ericstane Hill. It is one of the two main sources of the River Annan”. This image was taken about 30 minutes after I left Peebles, my last visit to see my mother and the Big Yin in their home. My July trip was sadly cancelled due to the virus, so it is unclear when I will next be able to visit them. My journey back was a good one. I’m older now, so I don’t get beaten as much and having a camper van means I no longer need to sleep in the shed - a blessing in a Scottish winter. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e51f5a00260e664b9feef09/1590826731758-RKMK5GUCWW2AQU25KYCV/L1010325-1.jpg Blog - Personal highlights To finish off with, here is an image from Edinburgh - Victoria Street, to be specific. This steep, winding road links the Royal Mile to the Grassmarket and is home to a number of quirky shops and restaurants. This image, and others, can be found on the Travelling Fatman Jigsaw Store - please do have a look if jigsaws are your thing, or if they would make a good present for loved ones. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e51f5a00260e664b9feef09/1590813970935-SP86ZZIFGWVRQHRVKTN1/3E9A5898-1.jpg Blog - Personal highlights This little chap is a “common kingfisher”, and the image was taken at the start of 2020 in a public park here in Singapore. I think my “kingfisher” series is an absolute personal favourite from the last year or so in many ways. I am not a natural nature photographer and had to think hard about locations, technique and equipment - and put in a few weeks of practice - before getting a semi-decent image. For someone who is naturally lazy, this was a lot of work, but hopefully, the effort was worthwhile. If you are interested in this brief photographic journey or more kingfisher images, please do have a look at my “Kingfisher Blog”. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e51f5a00260e664b9feef09/1590823597082-H0APPX1IQLHENX76VMM9/Snapseed+%282%29-2-1.jpg Blog - Personal highlights I call myself “Fatman” for a good reason. Basically, I’m fat. I like my food. I’m happy eating tins of heated up curry in my camper van - check the blogs, it’s all there. But I also enjoy the odd splurge at the other end of the spectrum. This snap was taken and edited on an iPhone, by the way - I think the result is pretty decent? Anyway, this food is a selection of delicious canapés from one of my favourite spots in the UK, Yorebridge House in Yorkshire. In the middle, we have beetroot macaroon with horseradish cream, and on the right, we have a deep-fried cheese, Comte cheese if memory serves. On the left is hummus on some sort of crip. It was all delicious and just the start of a wonderful meal. Yorebridge, like so many hotels, pubs and restaurants throughout the UK, is closed during these troubled times. We can only hope they and those who work in them can get through this period and continue with their business sometime soon. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e51f5a00260e664b9feef09/1590818271978-V3XF89D2PSGO5C89DNWW/IMG_2026+%281%29-1.jpg Blog - Personal highlights Ah, I need to include this image, I guess. Here we have myself and the big lump next to the J O’G sign. Yes, it’s a selfie. Yes, it’s been done a million times before. And yes, it’s not the most attractive image on the blog - but in terms of personal highlights, this one was hard to beat. Also, my wee bro will be delighted to his face and blouse on the page. Not that he’ll be able to read any of this, but the picture will mean a lot to him and his carer. Note: For the blouse reference, please read “John O’Groats to Durness.” https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e51f5a00260e664b9feef09/1590817558666-NKXGEQ08PXD8PU2IS2NX/L1010023-2-1.jpg Blog - Personal highlights Duncansby Head, on the North East Coast of Scotland, lies just outside the town of John O’Groats and affords spectacular coastline views as well as an extensive collection of noisy and smelly seabirds! This was a stop on the “North Coast 500” tour of Scotland I made in July 2019 with my brother. It was a wonderful trip and resulted in a series of videos, blogs and even a book. Please do check these links for examples. Camster Cairns and the Whaligoe Steps NC 500, Day 3 NC 500, top tips and final thoughts Scotland and the North Coast 500 (this is my iBook - £5.99- covering images and stories from my Scottish Travels). Also available in hardcover https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e51f5a00260e664b9feef09/1590820710731-OR44K3FLVONX8TXJ76AK/DSC04825-1.jpg Blog - Personal highlights By pure good fortune, I happened to be in Shaftesbury on the weekend of their annual fair. It was a glorious event with food, drink and heaps of good-natured fun - England at it’s best. For more images and stories from Shaftesbury, please read Morris Dancing in Shaftesbury. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e51f5a00260e664b9feef09/1590825978808-Z0SLJ505NOXIVR8S9R83/L1020857-2-1.jpg Blog - Personal highlights There is a wonderful campsite in the old walled garden of Chatsworth House, the stately home in this image. It is a great base for a number of lovely walks and drives around the area. When the weather is clear like this, it is an added bonus. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e51f5a00260e664b9feef09/1590816297142-WBLBNNKD6APOQ70MBX0Q/L1020702-1.jpg Blog - Personal highlights Hanoi, December 2019. Pretty pleased with this shot. I think the cyclist alone would have made it decent, but I got lucky with the other guy sitting on the window ledge in the alley. He adds balance and interest. That element of luck plays a significant part in photography; don’t let anyone tell you otherwise. I’m more than happy to put myself forward as someone who has benefitted from luck in their photography. This is a prime example, but I shall happily take it! I did make a short video from Hanoi, please do have a look and subscribe if you are feeling kind :-) Photography from Hanoi https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e51f5a00260e664b9feef09/1590814591943-85K14WFHTADE1QU8EH01/L1000704-1.jpg Blog - Personal highlights I shall stay in Singapore for my second image, but change species and genre. And move to black and white just for that extra shock to the senses. I love street photography, and Chinatown is one of my favourite haunts. Just behind the Buddha Tooth Temple, elderly locals gather - when allowed - to chat and play board games together. I have a vast collection of images from here. This shot is just one example, but I think one that I would include in an exhibition when I am finally recognised. You can but dream…! I like that these two gents are engrossed in their game, away from the usual crowds in this area. They are seemingly oblivious to my presence, and there are little details that appeal, such as the chap on the left sitting on three chairs. For anyone interested in Street Photography, there are a couple of books I would recommend. Please do check them out. Vivian Maier: Street Photographer The Street Photographer's Manual https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e51f5a00260e664b9feef09/1590823140486-KP0T21BCGRKRFN4F9B0O/DSC05877-1.jpg Blog - Personal highlights A view from Winnats Pass to Mam Tor in the Peak District, Derbyshire. I love this part of England for scenery, photography and walking; it truly is a glorious part of the country. I was there in February this year, and oh my goodness it was windy. If you want to get an idea of how windy it was and/or see The Fatman looking ridiculous in many ways, please do watch a video I made from the area. Or tried to make. I don’t recall ever walking and photographing in winds quite like that before. Blew the cobwebs away, that’s for sure. Anyway, the link is below. Mam Tor and Winnats Pass https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e51f5a00260e664b9feef09/1590817088421-URSW47KD4AQ959KQ6Y9U/L1020400-2-1.jpg Blog - Personal highlights The Tokyo International Forum is a delight for anyone interested in architectural photography. The design of the building offers so much in terms of light and reflection. I don’t believe my images can fully capture that at all, but hopefully, this shot gives some idea of what to expect should you ever visit. There is another image from here in my “Tokyo in black and white” blog; please do have a look. https://www.travellingfatman.com/blog/one-more-time-in-tokyo monthly 0.5 2020-05-21 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e51f5a00260e664b9feef09/1590029770160-CFNWC0ILWKIFJ3XJ8NC4/3E9A0022-1.jpg Blog - One more time in Tokyo Here we have a collection of saki barrels. Each one can hold up to 72 litres of saki. They are generally decorated with the names and symbols of the original distillers. This image was taken near the Meiji Shrine, close to Yoyogi Park. I got heavily drunk on saki once. Lost total control of my legs. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e51f5a00260e664b9feef09/1590030323904-FGE8UT9HFAK4OOLFVXOU/L1008362-1.jpg Blog - One more time in Tokyo The Shibuya crossing - not taken at peak time, so you don’t get the full impact of the place - please do check google for better pics or even search out some videos on YouTube. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e51f5a00260e664b9feef09/1590034111703-I82ZS7GDG3HCB1M2PLUQ/L1008252-1.jpg Blog - One more time in Tokyo I have mentioned in my other blogs that I like reflections and that Tokyo was a good location for this type of image. You don’t always need glass or water for such reflections, as seen here. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e51f5a00260e664b9feef09/1590038526134-4W8DPY9BYD069VMFL4MN/L1006045-1.jpg Blog - One more time in Tokyo Let’s go back to b/w reflection style. Not really much else to say here, so I won’t. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e51f5a00260e664b9feef09/1590035323507-C4PC7EZ956PF3UJBCDWN/L1001191-2-1.jpg Blog - One more time in Tokyo Reflection in a glass building in Ginza. Ginza is one of the more upmarket and trendy parts of Tokyo. How I got in, I shall never know. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e51f5a00260e664b9feef09/1590033831077-7EHWJ6BA0A7IWSRR8YRM/L1020129-1-2.jpg Blog - One more time in Tokyo Taken in Ueno market, more properly known as Ameya-Yokocho market. I’ll stick with Ueno, it’s easier. No idea what kind of fish these are, I just liked the photo. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e51f5a00260e664b9feef09/1590036761190-WQUDYFM60ZWQEX1G6UOK/3E9A0268-1.jpg Blog - One more time in Tokyo I would dearly love to take my brother to this place. Being an unworldly type, his reactions would be priceless. Think “Idiot Abroad”, but dumbed down. I expect it would be very difficult to get him to leave. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e51f5a00260e664b9feef09/1590036565456-TR5ZYC34FHCOIZK3Z7BP/3E9A0265-1.jpg Blog - One more time in Tokyo The Monster Cafe in Harajuku. I mentioned this in a previous blog - a total assault on the senses in terms of sights, sounds and tastes. When you think of Japanese youth culture and how it can be really “out there”, this is it - but in a harmless fun kind of way. The sort of place you go to and try not to overthink - just take it all in. 30-45 minutes would be my lot in here; my brain would explode otherwise. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e51f5a00260e664b9feef09/1590040924076-538S2I5VF41BN121TQA2/3E9A0208-1.jpg Blog - One more time in Tokyo I started this series of blogs with an image of cherry blossoms, so it seems fitting to finish up with one as well. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e51f5a00260e664b9feef09/1590039439908-9NFJ8E4FEI4M68JZWBD6/L1009879-2-1.jpg Blog - One more time in Tokyo The Japanese metro or subway system - the busiest mass transit system in the world, serving nearly 9 million people each day.. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e51f5a00260e664b9feef09/1590034375441-119KV4BAY32F0NWA55J9/3E9A0226-1.jpg Blog - One more time in Tokyo Painters are a common sight in the parks and gardens, especially during cherry blossom season. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e51f5a00260e664b9feef09/1590040127487-RR03FNIL2VRM5UMTWJCO/3E9A0230-1.jpg Blog - One more time in Tokyo Nothing special about this shot, just an image that was taken during Cherry Blossom season showing some of the crowds that can gather. Visitors here are queuing up to get close to a tree in blossom. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e51f5a00260e664b9feef09/1590034524639-SR0144IUHCL8X275ZUNA/3E9A0011-1.jpg Blog - One more time in Tokyo Steak at a teppanyaki restaurant…apologies to any vegetarians! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e51f5a00260e664b9feef09/1590039781691-6Q42ZFCE0HPI5VK5XGJM/L1006098+2-2-1.jpg Blog - One more time in Tokyo Taken near Shinjuku station https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e51f5a00260e664b9feef09/1590034726379-EG1NY7E94004GXOZKYM0/IMG_5071-1.jpg Blog - One more time in Tokyo Apologies again to any vegetarians, but this was the best steak I’ve ever eaten. And I’ve eaten a lot, in steakhouses around the world. This was easily the best; I would travel to Tokyo just to eat this again. This is A5 Wagyu cooked over cherry wood, and I am in tears of joy just thinking about it. I do have images of the steak sliced to show the cooking(medium-rare), but in the interests of sensitivity, I won’t post them. OK, food fact here. Sometimes people get confused between Kobe beef and Wagyu beef. Kobe is effectively a subset of Wagyu. So all Kobe beef is Wagyu beef. But not all Wagyu beef is Kobe. Wagyu essentially means “Japanese Cattle” and refers to purebred stock. In the U.S., though, he USDA defines Wagyu as being at least 46.875% pure Japanese blood. So most U.S. Wagyu is half-blood. The steak world can be complicated, that’s for sure. So let’s move on. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e51f5a00260e664b9feef09/1590037861427-H4W2DH5IFWCOZEGTX9M0/L1005890-1.jpg Blog - One more time in Tokyo Tokyo rightly has a reputation as an ultra-modern metropolis, but there are still fragments of “Old Tokyo” dotted around. This image was taken in one of several alleys where you can find tiny izakaya restaurants, generally serving yakitori style food (fried things on sticks) or other small snacks. Think along the lines of a Japanese equivalent of a tapas bar, and you’re not far off. https://www.travellingfatman.com/blog/tokyo-in-black-and-white monthly 0.5 2020-05-19 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e51f5a00260e664b9feef09/1589871105513-VCGPYZZNLOSW228M6R2L/L1005730-1.jpg Blog - Tokyo in Black and White This shot was taken in a bar in Shibuya, near the famous crossing. This shot I do like, I think it’s well balanced overall, not too much I’d change. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e51f5a00260e664b9feef09/1589867874606-ELPSAP3G2PGL8B4B69D6/L1001146-1.jpg Blog - Tokyo in Black and White This is a fairly well-known location in Tokyo for this type of photography. Again, the area is grey and silver so b/w seems a natural fit. A possible exception would be if you managed to catch a single person wearing, say, a bright red jacket. That splash against the urban monochrome could work. I didn't nail the angle exactly, but it’s reasonable, I guess - and gives me an excuse to go back and try harder next time. :-) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e51f5a00260e664b9feef09/1589870636991-R2JL0V4IC49GP1HZ917O/L1006073-1.jpg Blog - Tokyo in Black and White I hesitated about including this shot, it’s a little too “busy” for my liking. However, it’s an example of a spontaneous shot rather than one where I was waiting for something to happen, as was the case in earlier images. The guy on the left was interesting enough, more so when he started making expressions - so I lifted the camera and snapped. I also kinda like that the woman seems to be walking away from him and shielding herself. But, overall, too busy. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e51f5a00260e664b9feef09/1589868701256-N1TQI50HT6V7JVAUFYD0/L1001101-1.jpg Blog - Tokyo in Black and White These are the same escalators as in the Shiodome image four above. I need to work on my continuity, this is shambolic. That aside, one thing niggles me in this pic - the figure top right, it would be better without them there. Bloody photobomber. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e51f5a00260e664b9feef09/1589862881842-TSK29OP2KSS4Z70S8JYO/L1000991-1.jpg Blog - Tokyo in Black and White Normally I shoot landscape-format images (“sideways” photos, not “up and down” ones). But here I have shot in portrait format because I think the vertical lines in the buildings add to the shot, especially when the reflected light on the ground is included in the composition. I tend to shoot in landscape as that is how we see - our eyes are next to each other, landscape format. Not one above the other. Having said that, there are some villages up north… https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e51f5a00260e664b9feef09/1589864524269-MVT2QBOPAS7Y46QG5B14/L1020460-1.jpg Blog - Tokyo in Black and White As I was waiting here, I heard the distant echo of faraway voices boarding faraway trains to take them home to the ones that they love and who love them forever. The platform was partially naked except for toffee wrappers and this morning's papers, “Mr Watanabe got run down”. There were headlines of death and sorrow, they told of tomorrow, madmen on the rampage. And I was down in the tube station at midnight. (Full and unreserved apologies to Mr P Weller) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e51f5a00260e664b9feef09/1589869721690-V89SYCU4X9RWO24CUR6R/L1005596-1.jpg Blog - Tokyo in Black and White This shot was taken in Ueno, Tokyo and is probably more along the lines of what most people think of as “street photography”. A getting up close and an in-your-face type of shot. To be honest I find this a real challenge, but an enjoyable one. There’s always that element of “will I get a smack in the face here?” when snapping at close quarters. However, there are techniques that can be employed to reduce the chances of that happening. For anyone interested in street photography, I would recommend the following books (click to see them on Amazon) The Street Photographer's Manual Mastering Street Photography Vivian Maier: Street Photographer https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e51f5a00260e664b9feef09/1589859852670-0NGIGLETVA3B56NJD8QS/L1000935-1.jpg Blog - Tokyo in Black and White This is really to illustrate the point made in the previous image - the “shadow separation”. I think little details like that make a better shot, but just my opinion and you may disagree. I did loiter at this location for a while - as you can see, a van arrived while I was waiting. Nearly ran me over, scared the hell out of me when he peeped his horn as I was setting up a shot. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e51f5a00260e664b9feef09/1589867205522-JXTEAPSGXF8NCCSBQED6/L1001159-1.jpg Blog - Tokyo in Black and White On a trip to Tokyo in 2017, I joined an organised photography tour looking at, I think, “urban geometry” or something along those lines. It was an excellent tour so on a subsequent visit I spent more time at specific locations, trying to use the hints and tips from the guide. I kinda like this location and I got lucky with the reflected figure in the top right. Little details… https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e51f5a00260e664b9feef09/1589859573087-5JFOS93KIAG6DBJX1UE4/L1000934-1.jpg Blog - Tokyo in Black and White Taken early morning in the Shinjuku area, near to an underpass leading to the train station. This is the sort of image I really enjoy taking, with deep long shadows accentuated by a strong morning light. Ideally the shadow of the figure would be separated from that of the pole. Little details like that matter to me, but I’m still reasonably happy with the shot. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e51f5a00260e664b9feef09/1589866011458-FSVV6UBATZ3XBHASB8SS/L1009891-1.jpg Blog - Tokyo in Black and White Much of the architecture in Tokyo lends itself to black and white photography. There’s some old adage which says something like “if the colour adds something, keep it - otherwise go black and white”. It’s just a guideline, don’t get hung up on these things. This area in Shiodome was largely grey and steel anyway, so b/w seemed a natural fit. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e51f5a00260e664b9feef09/1589866554205-7AWJNFB3EQWQ88SRGB2N/L1001213-1.jpg Blog - Tokyo in Black and White Back to one of my favourite buildings, the Tokyo International Forum. This building did feature in yesterday’s blog, but here it is again in glorious black and white. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e51f5a00260e664b9feef09/1589863536657-TT3K54SYIY3DBGIZ9BD4/L1020462-Edit-2.jpg Blog - Tokyo in Black and White Taken in a subway/metro station. The man is on an escalator - I hung around for a wee while waiting for a single passenger to be in the right spot for the shot I wanted. Sometimes street photography is like that - find a location and wait for the shot. It’s a bit like bird watching, but with people. Plus there is the added danger element. Your subject may get the hump and decide to clock you one. You won’t get that from a kingfisher. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e51f5a00260e664b9feef09/1589865315176-FLCK68R6NIIRAT7HZMCT/L1020428-2-1.jpg Blog - Tokyo in Black and White I’ve gone back to portrait mode, having a bit of a ‘mare here. Doing this very soon after explaining why I like landscape mode, made myself look a bit stupid, I have to confess. I think it suits the composition, though. Let’s move on. https://www.travellingfatman.com/blog/tokyo monthly 0.5 2020-05-18 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e51f5a00260e664b9feef09/1589710707655-WY0VZE1YGOFM28GJEC54/DSC00649-2-2.jpg Blog - Tokyo My images could never do full justice to the beauty of gardens and parks in Japan, but I hope that this snap from the Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden gives some idea of how lovely and well kept they can be. This particular park is within a gentle 30-minute walk from where I was staying in Tokyo. My overnight flight landed in the early morning and I arrived at the hotel around 7 am - checked in, dumped my bags, grabbed my camera gear and off I went - I arrived at the gardens for opening time and managed to have a good stroll around before they got too busy. I’m always a fan of getting up early and beating the crowds at locations like this, I think you reap the rewards photographically most of the time. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e51f5a00260e664b9feef09/1589768678705-86A7AMUUHZCYRX5B2LB4/L1001128-1.jpg Blog - Tokyo I love taking images like this - black and white, high contrast and a little bit of a human element to give some extra interest. This shot was taken at Shiodome in Tokyo - a modern complex of offices, hotels and malls, very close to Hamarikyu Gardens. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e51f5a00260e664b9feef09/1589764934638-DN65M8VN5VIJTPKM6JOF/L1005442-1.jpg Blog - Tokyo All sorts of shops selling sweet treats can be found in Takeshita Street, but one of the most popular is the Totti Candy Factory, known for its Rainbow Candy Floss. This stuff is wonderful. Sweet, sticky, multi-flavoured and a million miles removed from the bright pink clouds we are more familiar with in the UK. Remember wet wipes though. Handling your camera after working your way through one of these beauties can be a sticky experience. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e51f5a00260e664b9feef09/1589769037680-8T6YXT4AS6505QMVQG78/DSC04011-1-2.jpg Blog - Tokyo Taken in Harajuku https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e51f5a00260e664b9feef09/1589770801151-PDAEGWT2JU60LTKDJISX/DSC03775-1.jpg Blog - Tokyo The following info is taken from the “Japan Guide” website. “There are over one hundred cherry tree varieties in Japan. A few of them are wild varieties native to Japan's forests, such as the Yamazakura, but the large majority of them have been cultivated by humans over the centuries for decorative use in gardens and parks. By far the most popular cherry tree variety today is the particularly pretty, cultivated Somei Yoshino. There are several characteristics differentiating the many cherry tree varieties. Most varieties produce light pink to white blossoms, but there are also cherry trees with dark pink, yellow or green blossoms. Furthermore, the colour of some varieties' cherry blossoms may change while they are in bloom. For example, a blossom may open as a white flower and change colour to pink over the course of a few days.” https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e51f5a00260e664b9feef09/1589769817886-1WBV9TFKDKXIS5FZ0ZV7/L1008372-1.jpg Blog - Tokyo Rush hour… https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e51f5a00260e664b9feef09/1589769316679-NSOV5BAWW0Y4DMHTF73C/L1020386-1-2.jpg Blog - Tokyo Shinjuku https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e51f5a00260e664b9feef09/1589781309136-JF8HX6PCVZWMD55C7PAH/3E9A0285-1.jpg Blog - Tokyo Let’s head back to the Monster Cafe and go out with a bang. It is hard for me to find the words to accurately describe this place - it is off-the-charts madness and makes no sense at all. An explosion of noise and colour that would be hard to find anywhere else(with the exception of my brother at weekends, I have never witnessed anyone dressed quite like this). But here in Tokyo, this can pass as normality. And it is utterly great fun. And I think we all need that at times - especially now. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e51f5a00260e664b9feef09/1589762582425-KEQ3VDW4OOPM0H1UAKYF/L1007829-1.jpg Blog - Tokyo One of the first things people think about when Tokyo is mentioned is “crowds”. Swarming, heaving masses of people going about their daily lives. Yes, it’s true, crowds are a part of Tokyo life and here is one example - Sunday afternoon in Takeshita Street, Harajuku. This is a pedestrian shopping street lined with fashion boutiques, cafes and restaurants - most of them independent and quirky. For a street photographer, this area offers boundless opportunities. You just need to battle the crowds - walking against the flow down this narrow street can be challenging! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e51f5a00260e664b9feef09/1589761656887-TB998SUTPW86SF20GYJO/DSC03647-1-2.jpg Blog - Tokyo Painters are a common site in Tokyo’s gardens and I am always impressed by their ability to capture the scenes before them. To me, this is true talent. Anyone can take a decent photo these days, even with a smartphone - technology is a great leveller and I make no secret of the fact that I have been a beneficiary. However, painting like this - talent. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e51f5a00260e664b9feef09/1589769598204-OBBNP0MHDAAEYT6PATTL/L1000005-1.jpg Blog - Tokyo Tokyo Metro https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e51f5a00260e664b9feef09/1589765917526-7Z7JES0O0DUFBDO7M7LS/DSC04019-1-2.jpg Blog - Tokyo Staying in Harajuku but moving more towards architecture and reflections. This is taken from the top of some escalators leading into Tokyu Plaza Mall and is a natural magnet for photographers - there are so many angles that can be found here. Great fun, but can be busy. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e51f5a00260e664b9feef09/1589766328786-6VMRZYOS0PHLKER9WJV8/IMG_0314-1.jpg Blog - Tokyo Bright colours seem to be a theme so often in Japanese cosplay culture and the Kawaii Monster Cafe takes that to a whole new level. Your senses get assaulted from every direction - the sights, sounds and tastes make this an experience not to be missed. To be fair, the cake wasn’t bad at all but I couldn’t finish it. I need to take my brother there sometime, huge, sweet cakes like this may remind him of his childhood. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e51f5a00260e664b9feef09/1589764654615-OW2PGI6UV9J02HQVQWRO/L1020360-Edit-Edit-1.jpg Blog - Tokyo A fairly typical scene in and around Takeshita Street. No idea what was going on, but kinda liked it! One of the great things for me when travelling is to experience something new, something vastly different from the life I am used to. I don’t mean eating weird food - you’d never see me munching on a sheep’s eyeball or slavering over raw fish - but witnessing new cultures, new behaviours, new landscapes, whatever it may be. Tokyo provides that in abundance. I love it. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e51f5a00260e664b9feef09/1589709937655-BU6F4SKGY8X3VK8VQ0AN/DSC03735-1.jpg Blog - Tokyo Cherry Blossom, or Sakura, season in Japan is a thing of beauty and captures the imagination of both locals and tourists. I am lucky enough to have caught it a couple of times. You need that bit of luck given the blossom timing is weather dependant and can vary from forecasts - if you are out by even a couple of days you can miss the whole thing. There are festivals, holidays, parks become full of picnickers and it is not an exaggeration to say that blossom season dominates life for a few days each spring across Japan. This was a bucket list item for me and for once reality met expectation. I hope to experience it again someday. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e51f5a00260e664b9feef09/1589766912211-WBNKHJSAQY57ADJIBNI9/L1020400-2-1.jpg Blog - Tokyo Let’s move back to reflective architecture. Not sure of that is a recognised genre but if not, I think it should be. This is taken in the Tokyo International Forum and I find this building to be an absolute joy. The architecture, reflections and plays of light in this space make this location a “must visit” for me. Here, my camera if rested flush against the glass surface in an attempt to maximise the available reflection. There are many buildings in Tokyo where this effect can be achieved - might even do a blog specific to images of this type. Let’s see. https://www.travellingfatman.com/blog/friday-reveal monthly 0.5 2020-05-15 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e51f5a00260e664b9feef09/1589513094564-GIXHYQ04IMFVQ363ANP4/6T7C5446-1.jpg Blog - Friday "Reveal"! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e51f5a00260e664b9feef09/1589510591812-CRR7EWPRXY0HP2LAWELU/6T7C5748-1.jpg Blog - Friday "Reveal"! I cannot tell you how much I have been looking forward to this one, I’m going to have a field day here - and every word will be true. This was taken in Bhutan - Punakha, to be exact. What we are looking at, on top of that little hillock just right of centre, is the Temple of the Divine Madman. Now, Buddhism first arrived in Bhutan at some point in the 8th century. In the 15th century, a Tibetan monk named Drukpa Kunley arrived in the country and spread the faith more deeply. This guy became known as the “Divine Madman” because his method of teach was somewhat unorthodox. I don’t know where to start with this, it’s all so good. I’ll just make a list. Essentially he used phallic imagery to subdue demons and bless the people of Bhutan. His other nickname was the “Saint of 5,000 women”. He was known for stripping naked, offering his testicles to a famous Lama(dunno why) and for peeing on sacred paintings. “His phallus became so famous and powerful that it was known as The Thunderbolt of Flaming Wisdom”. Can you imagine? I couldn’t make this stuff up. When I went to Bhutan, I travelled with a Texan friend, the Fabulous Baker Boy. He summed it up nicely when he asked our guide…”I can see why all that makes him a madman, but why does it make him divine?”. Don’t think we ever got an answer to that. In the village around the temple, there are phalluses everywhere - painted on walls, shops selling carved ones (of all sizes) and even wooden ones used as doorstops. Now, I suspect some of you may wonder if all this is genuine. It is. But, to try and sway the doubters, the naysayers, the unbelievers - here are a couple of bonus snaps from the village. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e51f5a00260e664b9feef09/1589512909358-EZXLJNG999L2XZPTW7R4/6T7C5421-1.jpg Blog - Friday "Reveal"! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e51f5a00260e664b9feef09/1589506811387-F5QOBQP27NPX8KQ5MVKP/220120100006-1.jpg Blog - Friday "Reveal"! This one dates from 2010. How do I know that, you ask? Well - virtually every digital image stores “EXIF data”., a bit like an electronic signature/watermark containing all sorts of information. Exif stands for “Exchangeable image file format”. If that ever comes up as the deciding question in a pub quiz, and you nail it, you’ve now got The Fatman to thank. Oh, for anyone confused - “pubs” are places people used to go to to meet friends, socialise and have a drink. Hopefully, one day, they will make a comeback. So - exif data. I can tell that this image was shot on a Canon 5D mkII with a 17-40mm IS L lens at 11.23am on Friday 22nd Jan, 2010. ISO was 200, shutter speed 1/250 and f6.3. I don’t understand the technology but I find it wonderful. Oops, nearly forgot - the location. Yes, sorry - this was shot inside the KLCC Shopping Mall - “The Premier Shopping mall in Kuala Lumpur”. Bang next to/part of the Petronas twin tower complex. So there we are, facts and location…next… https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e51f5a00260e664b9feef09/1589513601608-YVCWSO8LM2H7LT42XPES/_T7C7943-Edit-1.jpg Blog - Friday "Reveal"! There was a correct guess here as well - Siena, Italy. I was in Tuscany a couple of years back for a family event and it was wonderful. Loved it, loved it, Loved It! The weather, the food, the towns and villages - all glorious, I was very happy indeed. Didn’t have too long in Siena, but had a nice walk around and some lunch, none of it too rushed. A beautiful city - and genuinely very upsetting to see what Italy has gone trough so far this year. I’m not sure I want to dwell on that topic too much, except to say the human cost and the extent of the impact on everyone’s lives has been horrific. Just…be kind. Every individual will have been affected in some way, and often in ways you may not know about, either directly or through family. So…please…be kind. :-) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e51f5a00260e664b9feef09/1589507774125-Y29OA1TV8Y89PAWF62EW/170120100036-1.jpg Blog - Friday "Reveal"! This one is a bit of a mouthful. Gyeongbokgung Palace in Seoul, South Korea. Wasn’t a hope in hell of me spelling that correctly, fully confess to copy/pasting from some webpage. Shoot - hope they got the spelling right… January 2010 I was here, sadly a very short visit with just a few free hours to wander and take snaps. Most of them were rubbish, you don’t get to see those. That way I get to create an illusion of knowing what I’m doing. OK, some trivia from Wikipedia. “Gyeongbokgung Palace or Gyeongbok Palace, was the main royal palace of the Joseon dynasty. Built in 1395, it is located in northern Seoul, South Korea. The largest of the Five Grand Palaces built by the Joseon dynasty, Gyeongbokgung served as the home of Kings of the Joseon dynasty, the Kings' households, as well as the government of Joseon.” https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e51f5a00260e664b9feef09/1589505507196-OLI3ETC393MSM0Y1II6Q/IMG_2308.jpg Blog - Friday "Reveal"! This image dates from 2007. 2007!! That’s 13 years ago - what the hell?!? Where's the time gone, eh? Flies by. Except this lockdown period, heaven knows this is a drag. At least I’ve got my photos to work through, facebook to post on, blogs to update. Stories to make up. Oh, so where are we? Hong Kong Airport, that’s where. And what an airport - What An Airport! Wins lots of awards, facts and figures abound. For example, In 2010 HKIA became worlds busiest cargo airport, overtaking Memphis. The airport was opened officially in 1998, taking over from Kai Tak airport. Kai Tak was the one with famous photos of planes flying very close to buildings in HK. There was also a famous saying, “Kai Tak rules”, essentially the same as “What goes in Vegas stays in Vegas”. Having never been to Vegas and never having flown into Kai Tak, those rules don’t apply to me. That’s the way I am, I make my own rules. Can’t help it, life on the edge. Right, next image… https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e51f5a00260e664b9feef09/1589515960464-3K7SV0UHQDM68OJQ11L7/DSC01297-Edit-2-1.jpg Blog - Friday "Reveal"! Some very, very close guesses on Facebook, good enough to give full marks. This is Stanage Edge in Derbyshire’s Peak District. Nice wee walk up to this point and lovely views to reward the effort. Here we have a nice sunny day. I have also walked this when it was freezing and blowing a gale. That was less pleasant, I feely admit. However, I’d still rather be there than stuck in lockdown. This sucks, but better safe than sorry! Also, lockdown kinda gives me a captive audience of people so bored they will look at my snaps and read my ramblings. Every cloud… https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e51f5a00260e664b9feef09/1589514831001-7K77YS7N7QGZBYU1LN8K/6T7C6857-2.jpg Blog - Friday "Reveal"! Another one correctly guessed - Cape Leeuwin lighthouse in Australia, near Margaret River. I love lighthouses. You can go up this one and walk around the gantry - and I did. It was great fun, with cracking views over the ocean and surrounding countryside. The weather around here can be quite dramatic as well, happy days for photographers. Some great Aussie wines from around here - highly recommend the Leeuwin Estates Art Series. As with Sour Patch kids, I’m open to sponsorship deals. Call me. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e51f5a00260e664b9feef09/1589517199207-UM79FDABZ72DJ9Y84XZJ/_T7C0543.jpg Blog - Friday "Reveal"! A few bullseyes here - The Italian Chapel on Orkney. When I visited here, I did not have huge expectations, I’ll be honest. But it was a real “wow” moment - when you take into account the location, the history and the beauty of this small chapel the whole package just blew me away. I am in no way religious but can fully appreciate buildings such as this. You can see an image of the exterior on my Orkney Blog I do also have some scenes from Orkney on my Orkney Video. Now, I know my videos are basic and, on the whole, pretty rubbish - but if you could see your way to clicking the “subscribe” button, it would be hugely appreciated - cost nothing, you won’t get spammed with emails or anything. Thanks. :-) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e51f5a00260e664b9feef09/1589519127693-Q4F8ZE2F4IZHLIAP69RF/IMG_0695.JPG Blog - Friday "Reveal"! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e51f5a00260e664b9feef09/1589515467392-9IYY1T11R02WFWSQVCAB/22dec20100054-Edit-1.jpg Blog - Friday "Reveal"! This one was correctly called on Facebook as well - not a huge surprise, New York fire escapes are pretty iconic. They have attracted some controversy in recent years on ground of safety and effectiveness. Regardless, they make nice photos and I think black and white works well on them. And they look good on cop shows. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e51f5a00260e664b9feef09/1589513302111-Q6LP9YABJS41PXP2A3HV/6T7C1073-1.jpg Blog - Friday "Reveal"! There was a correct guess on this one - The Maldives. Lucky enough to have been a couple of times, heaven on earth. No rude paintings over the walls here, that’s for sure. I need time to recover from the last ‘reveal’, head needs to clear a bit. So I’ll move on… https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e51f5a00260e664b9feef09/1589516933646-XLERWR88ZW8QLV5JF5X5/_T7C6259-2-1.jpg Blog - Friday "Reveal"! Holocaust Memorial, Miami Beach. Emotive statues and a seemingly never-ending list of names carved on the walls make this a deeply moving and thought provoking memorial. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e51f5a00260e664b9feef09/1589516390064-ODV932S4JCQNJ2JKFCB2/_T7C6270-1.jpg Blog - Friday "Reveal"! I find this sculpture and monument to be deeply moving - and I shall add a second image below. This is the Holocaust Memorial in Miami Beach, Florida. I have visited Holocaust and genocide memorials in several locations and would recommend you do so if you have the opportunity. We need to improve as a species and sadly we need to be reminded of our numerous and immense failings. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e51f5a00260e664b9feef09/1589514143806-VNTJ6DVH66BZMLJWW6BD/_T7C0364-1.jpg Blog - Friday "Reveal"! I was actually quite pleased that there was a correct guess on this shot. This is Robin Hood’s Bay, just south of Whitby on the North East coast of England. I went here as a child, family friends used to run a fish and chip shop very close to the harbour. Roll the clock forward 40 years and I’m back again. These days you need to park at the top of the hill and walk down. And back up. That tested the old thighs, I can tell you. Anyway, I was delighted to see that the fish and chip shop was still there, that made me happy! I had just filled my face in Whitby though, so I resisted the temptation. So I walked by, strolled along the beach for a while, looked in rock pools and wandered back up the hill. With an ice-cream to give me energy for the climb. Mint choc chip - lovely. Lovely wee place to visit - pubs, restaurants - fish and chip shop - nice walks and lovely old alleyways and cottages. Reputedly used to be a smuggling village as well, so there’s an air of intrigue there. Worth a trip if you happen to be in the Whitby area. https://www.travellingfatman.com/blog/where-in-the-world monthly 0.5 2020-05-13 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e51f5a00260e664b9feef09/1589330630250-NP9C8KQ516AJ62ZDELX4/6T7C7077-1.jpg Blog - Where in the world..? This one was taken in Margaret River, south of Perth in Australia. I was walking about looking for kangaroos (genuinely) when the light broke through like this. No location clues in this shot - if only I’d found a kangaroo! Now, a little trade secret - this shot was edited to accentuate the sunbeams. I’d wager all the shots you see like this have had the same done to them. Personally I’ve no issue with that - all the photographer is doing is presenting their vision of the scene in front of them. Technical term is “dodging and burning”, was used back in the film days, so don’t use the old chestnut of editing being a digital phenomenon. Quite simple, that’s hogwash. Oh, for anyone interested in Landscape Photography, please check out The Art of Landscape Photography As well as giving photographic examples of the techniques explained in the book, advice starts from the very beginning of your landscape photography, i.e. equipment basics - worth a look. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e51f5a00260e664b9feef09/1589357192501-6XB9C6EFJ6KFW8YGNHK3/IMG_0202-1.jpg Blog - Where in the world..? Back up to the Northern Hemisphere and back to a country already visited in this blog I should have planned this better, in retrospect. But that’s me, crashing ahead, no plan, no structure and just hoping for the best. See, I could have said that I planned it this way to throw you all off the scent. But no, I’m too honest for my own good sometimes. So where are we? Vietnam, that’s where. Some clues from the signs and the bike culture. This was from a good few years ago - I was struck by the lack of bike helmets and by the number of kids riding like this one, standing in front of her parents. Health and Safety would have had a field day. Rules have changed over the years, but back then helmets were a rarity. The mother has a face mask on though - now there’s foresight, good on her. Put herself before her wee girl though. Pfffft. Nice of the dad to give me a greeting - very welcoming, but should have kept his eyes on the road, not on the fat, sweaty white guy. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e51f5a00260e664b9feef09/1589331087794-W0DWEFKKGCE6N8IDGM38/3E9A2643-1.jpg Blog - Where in the world..? Next stop is Vietnam - Hoi An to be precise. Hoi An lies on Vietnam’s central coast and is famed for its well-preserved Ancient Town and canals. The former port city’s melting-pot history is reflected in its architecture, a mix of eras and styles. There are Chinese shophouses and temples as well as colourful French colonial buildings, ornate Vietnamese houses as well as the iconic Japanese Covered Bridge. In this shot a street vendor is selling Banh Beo, a savoury steamed rice cake. The clothing and language give Vietnam away as the location, the yellow building and lanterns in the background are a giveaway for Hoi An, certainly to anyone who has been there. There was a correct guess on the Facebook post! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e51f5a00260e664b9feef09/1589332493514-ZROMIFXVF67U2LA0UFCG/DJI_0021-1.jpg Blog - Where in the world..? From NZ, back to Europe - and the chic little town of Montreux on the shores of Lake Geneva. This pic was taken using a drone. Lot of fun, drones - but rules everywhere have tightened up on their usage, largely due to misuse by the idiots. Same in many walks of life, I guess. Ah well. Anyway, Montreux. Charlie Chaplin saw out much of his life near here - his home is now a wonderful museum, a “must see” if in the area, I’d say. Freddie Mercury has a statue on the waterfront, Queen recorded their last album here - and, I believe, six albums in total. Very cool place, lovely waterside walks and you can get a train ride to the top of a mountain with some cracking views. Montreux also has a Chinese restaurant. I went. Big mistake, bloody awful. Food was about as Chinese as I am. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e51f5a00260e664b9feef09/1589332728014-F1WKUVIXKY5G07GA72WD/Haut+Bay+2-1.jpg Blog - Where in the world..? Let’s go back to the Southern Hemisphere - here we are overlooking Hout Bay, about 20km south of Cape Town. I was in Cape Town to talk at a conference, would you believe? Quite right to, I have things to say and the world deserves to hear them. Wasn’t on photography, though - no one wants to hear me talk about that. One day, though….one day… As you can see, the coastline here was stunning. Like Scotland, but warmer. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e51f5a00260e664b9feef09/1589357797331-9FYPZ14P69EJLUIL7CFP/L1007786.jpg Blog - Where in the world..? Maybe a little bit of a curve ball here - this image was taken in Singapore. The normal images of this City State are of gleaming hotels and skyscrapers, Formula 1 races and beautiful people. But Singapore does have another side, the older generation who, at times, have been left behind by the rapid progress this amazing Little Red Dot has made over the years. In non-lockdown times I do a lot of street photography, often with a focus on the older generation. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e51f5a00260e664b9feef09/1589331277582-HYYS1JF3AQTCP0KL63VY/Happy+Feet-1.jpg Blog - Where in the world..? This is an older shot from the archives and one that was featured in a calendar produced as marketing material for my workplace. Yay Me, I had become a published photographer! I had to give the image a name, I went for “Happy Feet”. Stupid title in retrospect - not sure any foot would be happy treading naked across tarmac and gravel all day long. Oh, it was taken in Luang Prabang, Laos. I kinda like the shot although I wish the sharpness was a bit better. I feel it stands up pretty well as a “Travel Shot” and gives a feel for Luang Prabang - there are barefooted monks wandering around all the time. I have done a blog previously on what I look for in Travel Photography. For anyone interested in a more professional rundown, I would recommend the following book - Lonely Planet's Guide to Travel Photography https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e51f5a00260e664b9feef09/1589360197651-1MMF6EJ3DIX1I52MY86I/IMG_0505.jpg Blog - Where in the world..? This is them. The little sweet and sour wonders that are Sour Patch Kids. Highly recommended. No artificial colours or flavours, that’s a health food in my book. For the record I am in no way, shape or form sponsored by the makers of these things. But I’m open to offers, if anyone has any contacts..? OK, done now Fatman xxx https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e51f5a00260e664b9feef09/1589330421464-8VX7S25N13ZWBEENF5LS/6T7C0061-Edit-1.jpg Blog - Where in the world..? This image is Victoria Street in Edinburgh, a short, steep road that connects the Royal Mile to the Grassmarket in Edinburgh’s Old Town. - you can see the “Old Town Bookshop” sign in the image. Anyone vaguely familiar with Edinburgh should know this street and, indeed, there were a few correct guesses on the Facebook post. Reportedly, Victoria Street was the inspiration for Diagon Alley in the Harry Potter novels. It was also a location used in a 1985 Scottish comedy, Restless Natives. You can see a trailer for it here. I loved this movie - “The most notorious public enemies since Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid”. Soundtrack by Big Country as well, doesn’t get much better than that! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e51f5a00260e664b9feef09/1589331487334-ZOF4V5AJ3I574899KKPT/L1001007-1.jpg Blog - Where in the world..? Decided to stay in Laos for this shot - we are looking at the Mekong River. I remember hearing about places like this as a kid in school - never, ever did I that one day I’d actually get to sit somewhere like this with my camera and just watch life go by. I’ve been far more fortunate than I dared to dream. I’ve never really thought about whether I have a “happy place”, but somewhere like this would have to be close to the top of the list. Sitting in a cafe on the banks of the Mekong, watching local life, taking photos, no pressure of time, no commitments - glorious. The history of Laos is also mind blowing - on a per capita basis, Laos is the most bombed country on the planet. During the Vietnam War(or American War, as it is often called in Vietnam), the Americans bombed the hell out of Laos. This bombing was “part of a covert attempt by the CIA to wrest power from the communist Pathet Lao, a group allied with North Vietnam” (www.history.com). To quote, “From 1964 to 1973, the U.S. dropped more than two million tons of ordnance on Laos during 580,000 bombing missions—equal to a planeload of bombs every 8 minutes, 24-hours a day, for 9 years – making Laos the most heavily bombed country per capita in history”. The total number of bombs dropped exceeded the total number dropped, by all sides, in WW2. I find that astonishing. Even now, unexploded ordinances are a significant problem in Laos. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e51f5a00260e664b9feef09/1589332345155-TG9C1UN44GTEXA94EP0Z/_T7C2058-Edit-1.jpg Blog - Where in the world..? OK, let’s go somewhere more peaceful. Scotland and Wales were guesses on Facebook - not bad guesses at all. There is a general belief that much of the world was modelled on the beauty of Scotland and this location, New Zealand, is a good example of that. Rolling hills, sheep, low lying mist - the blue skies giving the clue that this is perhaps not Scotland. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e51f5a00260e664b9feef09/1589358281793-8MNMZ26N6W8QWIJDIIWY/L1005676-1.jpg Blog - Where in the world..? Sticking with street photography, this time in Tokyo. Tokyo is a very fashionable city, but I think coordinating your clothes to match the road markings is a step too far. Spotted this lady hanging around the lines, had to wait a wee while until she moved to a decent spot for a shot. Not entirely sure who she was calling here, but a few minutes later some police turned up and started chasing me, yelling “stalker”. But I’m Scottish and therefore have good experience of running from the rozzers, so I made a decent escape. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e51f5a00260e664b9feef09/1589330870102-9BO59ESCB6DZVQ75WUOJ/IMG_5684-Edit-1.jpg Blog - Where in the world..? From Australia, this next shot takes us to Cambodia. The sculptor in the image works in the Artisans Angkor workshop. It is well worth looking at their website for more information about who they are and what they do - I’d certainly recommend a visit if you are ever in Siem Reap. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e51f5a00260e664b9feef09/1589358574936-XXQ1NLRAVVSR00SIQ6L3/DSC03687-2-2.jpg Blog - Where in the world..? Staying in Tokyo, this incredible structure is the Tokyo International Forum, a convention and exhibition centre within walking distance of Tokyo Station. You can freely wander around the building and photographically it is a joy - lines, reflection, plays of light - it’s a great place to spend time and take some snaps. I love Tokyo as a city, might do a dedicated blog in the near future. https://www.travellingfatman.com/blog/gardens-by-the-bay-singapore monthly 0.5 2020-05-09 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e51f5a00260e664b9feef09/1589012715812-QGVCIX8JU7G9S12YDUXI/3E9A2768+copy+2-1.jpg Blog - Gardens By The Bay, Singapore So here we go - the central trees and the skywalk, with the hotel in the background. All in, it’s been a perfect day, I’m glad I spent it with you. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e51f5a00260e664b9feef09/1589011366741-1H5DX1F3213O1JLDAN10/6T7C6715-1-2.jpg Blog - Gardens By The Bay, Singapore This view of the interior gives an idea of scale and the different levels as you walk back down from the top of the central structure. Maybe not for those of us who have extreme fears of heights. Oh, some fauna in this pick - yay me! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e51f5a00260e664b9feef09/1589011940547-U0UCG1FPU8PUXZIAERMJ/6T7C2373-1.jpg Blog - Gardens By The Bay, Singapore Oh ok, i’ll admit it - I did take some flower snaps. Don’t ask me to name them though, no idea. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e51f5a00260e664b9feef09/1589010981315-GTUM86VHGZSULXKG1L2G/6T7C6716-1.jpg Blog - Gardens By The Bay, Singapore So let’s have a little look inside the domes themselves. For me, from a photographic perspective, I was more interested in the lines and shapes from the architecture than in the flowers and fauna. Sorry about that. The best way to do this is get a lift to the top of the structure then walk down, as you see here. There is a massive indoor waterfall on the other side of this structure, but I can’t find the photos of it. Sigh, I feel like I’ve let you down - but, at the same time, it’s nice to leave a little bit of mystery. So let’s just say that was my intention and move on to the next image. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e51f5a00260e664b9feef09/1589009790920-BWRU6UGR611YJKUY93H3/6T7C5693-1.jpg Blog - Gardens By The Bay, Singapore OK, let’s move to a more sensible time of day. Not sure what time of day, exactly, but the sun was up, the sky was blue and Dear Prudence was being asked out to play. She’d have needed suncream and a sensible hat, though - get hot in these parts. Here we have the central Supertrees(same ones from the lightning shot) and the Skywalk, with the MBS hotel off to the right. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e51f5a00260e664b9feef09/1589012374562-VI3PD3B10U9D5J38Y4UL/6T7C2365-1-2.jpg Blog - Gardens By The Bay, Singapore One last interior shot, I’m happier with this one - the exposure, the composition, both better. Again, you can see different levels and get an idea of the scale. I love the lines here as well as the trees in the background. Not perfect, but a better shot. OK, times getting on - we’ve had pre-sunrise, sunrise, daytime - let’s look at a night shot to wrap up the day. And the blog. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e51f5a00260e664b9feef09/1589010210316-PWTOVEH4T8UZ6OE1HHWR/z3-1.jpg Blog - Gardens By The Bay, Singapore Here’s a view from on the Skywalk itself. Now, from a pure photographic perspective, I’m not happy with this - but it fits in with the story and gives an idea of what the Skywalk is like, so that’s fine. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e51f5a00260e664b9feef09/1589010528221-BA5GGSQ5WDSPE7MRHGXP/6T7C5708-1.jpg Blog - Gardens By The Bay, Singapore Here’s a view from the other side of the Skywalk - happier all round with this shot. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e51f5a00260e664b9feef09/1589009041665-QIIME6R1FZDH9LUJGAYU/3E9A2777-1.jpg Blog - Gardens By The Bay, Singapore OK, let’s stick with the early morning shots - here we are by “Dragonfly Lake” looking towards one of the domes, with three more Supertrees in the picture. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e51f5a00260e664b9feef09/1589011668994-1Z8P8P5AY8FLCPFPZHPG/6T7C6713-Edit-1.jpg Blog - Gardens By The Bay, Singapore Another shot I’m not photographically happy with, but I think it serves a purpose here as a final interior shot. Again, giving an idea of scale plus showing some of the garden expanse outside the dome, this view looking away from the city and out to the sea. In front of us somewhere lies Satay by the Bay, an outdoor hawker centre. Apologies, no photos of that to share. Once this virus thing is over, I’ll go back and fill in some blanks. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e51f5a00260e664b9feef09/1589007085387-16GAUM2WHHQ3RAVUG9U3/3E9A2867-1.JPG Blog - Gardens By The Bay, Singapore POW! Weren’t expecting that, were you? OK, here’s the bang I’m opening with. It’s clearly a metaphorical bang and I’ve no wish to upset any meteorologists or weather girls who may be reading. I’m aware it’s not lightning itself that makes the bang, no need to write in angry emails of complaint. So - what are we looking at here? Well, aside from the lightning, we are looking at the central Supertrees and the raised Skywalk at the centre of GBTB. From a photographic standpoint, I’m pretty pleased with this - it was the first time I’d ever managed to catch some decent lightning shots - I’ve a series from this particular shoot. There was a fair bit of preparation - watching the weather, working out where I wanted to be, all that kinda thing. Singapore was going through a stormy period(literally, not metaphorically) and for a few weeks I’d been setting early alarms on weekends, checking weather apps and preparing to go to “my spot” if a lightning storm happened to be in the right place. Eventually I got lucky and I raced down to GBTB, got to where I wanted to be and prepped my gear. For this, the camera was on a tripod and I had a cable release. You’re not going to get lucky and “time” a lightning shot so you aim for a long exposure and hope that the lightning strikes when the shutter is open. Then you end up with something like this. For those interested, the camera settings were f11, ISO 200, 10 second exposure - and this was shot at 6.30 in the morning (I’d been there since about 5.30am, watching the storm roll towards me. Incidentally, by the time the storm got to this prime position, there were another dozen photographers here. As an aside, this image was featured in the main local paper, the Straits Times. Was kinda pleased about that. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e51f5a00260e664b9feef09/1589009308105-X0X6TLLX5YYGJG9FBR6J/DSC04032-2.jpg Blog - Gardens By The Bay, Singapore Same lake with the same three Supertrees - different morning snd a different angle. I little bit later in the morning, the sun is starting to rise. The lights on the trees change colour, that’s not me using any photoshop wizardry. Wouldn’t know how. I can, however, remove small objects from images, quite pleased I managed to work that one out! And it happens to be easy - if any of you have Photoshop and want to see how simple “object removal” can be done in less than a minute, please have a look at this blog for step by step instructions, or this video for a quick tutorial. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e51f5a00260e664b9feef09/1589012101803-EQL0XZHI50UZDP1F0A22/29july20120031-1.jpg Blog - Gardens By The Bay, Singapore Another flower, again, no idea. IF you do know, I’d be happy to hear! https://www.travellingfatman.com/blog/images-from-singapore monthly 0.5 2020-05-08 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e51f5a00260e664b9feef09/1588928024423-4T07E8WVSZB88D7X9FZZ/L1004659-1-1.jpg Blog - Images from Singapore Behind the Buddha Tooth Temple, a main attraction in Chinatown, there is a small outdoor area where elderly locals gather to meet their friends and play board games, chat and sometimes drink. It’s a great glimpse into the lives of a different generation, a generation largely untouched by the rapid development seen elsewhere in the city. Scratch the surface of Singapore’s glossy exterior and underneath there is another world that most expats and visitors do not see. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e51f5a00260e664b9feef09/1588931763428-SA8S1N4PZ0AYRRD4N7XK/_T7C5420.jpg Blog - Images from Singapore I’ll finish this blog with a shot of the Shaw Foundation Symphony Stage at the Botanic Gardens. The Gardens are a great spot for a stroll or a picnic - concerts are often held on this stage. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e51f5a00260e664b9feef09/1588930366944-5S4QYO3IQXUOX28NQAIC/L1010794-1.jpg Blog - Images from Singapore Murals are popping up all around Chinatown - can also be fond in Little India as well. They add a bit of fun, I think - quite cheerful! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e51f5a00260e664b9feef09/1588928867789-AEALCPTCLF309H6UCNA6/L1010804-1.jpg Blog - Images from Singapore The interior of the Temple. Looks like it may be old, but in reality was only finished in 2007. Built to house the left canine tooth of Buddha, recovered from his funeral pyre in Kushinagar, India and is displayed within the Temple. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e51f5a00260e664b9feef09/1588929876592-I6BEMOIFBNOTA5BAL730/IMG_0555-1.jpg Blog - Images from Singapore Crab dishes are hugely popular in Singapore, with Chilli Crab possibly being the best known variety. However, you can also get the following; black pepper, white pepper, salted egg yolk, crab bee hoon (noodles) and this one - garlic crab. That’s just some of them, there are others. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e51f5a00260e664b9feef09/1588919465642-ZT26MKMSCW5BR4I3HBUZ/DSC04250-1.jpg Blog - Images from Singapore One of the modern images of Singapore that gets seen around the world is the Marina Bay Sands Hotel. It’s huge. It had 55 floors, 2,561 rooms, opened in July 2009 and is one of the 40 largest hotels in the world. I’ve no idea who complies these lists or how deep they go. I mean, who’s the 249th largest hotel in the world, and would anyone care? Not me, bucko. Front left of the hotel, shaped like a hand(but supposed to be a lotus leaf) is the Art Science Museum. It’s really very good, has lots of exhibitions coming through, well worth checking out if you’re ever in town. Just behind the museum, stretching along most of the waterfront, is a massive shopping mall - “The Shoppes at Marina Bay Sands”. Annoys the living wotsits out of me that they used “Shoppes” instead of “Shops”, god knows what they were thinking. It’s a weird archaic world that high end shops - yes, SHOPS - sometimes use to sound quaint or something. Well, Dickens, you can do one. Oh, it also has a casino and lots of restos, including a high end steak house (Wolfgang Puck) and a Gordon Ramsay bistro place. At the top of the hotel is an infinity pool, you may have seen pics of people posing from up there. Not me though, never been in the pool there. Seems to be for beautiful people and I don’t qualify. Behind the hotel and over an expressway is Gardens By the Bay - that’s a lovely spot to spend a few hours. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e51f5a00260e664b9feef09/1588928506236-KCU07CHI3WUD3ZCLQ5B5/L1000737-2-1.jpg Blog - Images from Singapore I recently had an article published by the Royal Photographic Society, an article based on the lives of the elderly in Singapore. I shall not dwell on that in this blog, but perhaps shall cover the issue at a later date. For now, suffice to say that there is disparity and a generational gulf in many ways. This lady is sitting right outside the Buddha Tooth Temple. I wonder how many of the visiting tourists pay her any attention. OK, moving on… https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e51f5a00260e664b9feef09/1588924939570-WWAJWNAOND1NUIVWPMX1/3E9A2777-1.jpg Blog - Images from Singapore Gardens By The Bay. I really like it here, especially early morning, when you can catch the gardens lit up as sunrise starts to kick in. Also, not many people around at 6am and that suits me just fine as well. They get in the way, end up in your photos and don’t take loud tutting as a hint to move their backsides. Irritating and does my blood pressure no good whatsoever. Sorry, I’m being a bit moany today, not sure why - I’m normally the life and soul. OK, cheer up, Fatman, cheer up! Right - GBTB - here it is, or at least part of it. The big things are “Supertrees” and there are more of them dotted around the park. Behind them is one of the Domes - think “big greenhouses”. Apparently, they are the world’s largest “columnless greenhouses”. Again, who measures and documents these things? Regardless, they are lovely attractions in their own right and provide a welcome break from the heat if you are wandering around here at a more sociable hour. There are also cafes and restaurants in the Gardens - as well as “Satay By The Bay”, an open air hawker centre. Oh, a small water playground for the young ‘uns as well. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e51f5a00260e664b9feef09/1588929352969-IA83RF3CSODYJB8SLFNP/L1010813-1.jpg Blog - Images from Singapore Inside the Temple… https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e51f5a00260e664b9feef09/1588925715494-B59URITZ2TRUVYLCR8T0/_T7C4227-1.jpg Blog - Images from Singapore Another view of the Hotel and Gardens, just to give an idea of location and scale. I’ve no real facts to add, so I’ll just say that this image was taken at 6.08am on 5th December, 2015. Shutter was open for 13 seconds, the longer shutter speed helps smooth out the water. 6am in the morning - that’s dedication right there. Either that or a guilty conscience and resultant sleep issues. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e51f5a00260e664b9feef09/1588930595113-MJWVQHTA4K0U6I68296L/L1020807-1.jpg Blog - Images from Singapore Talking of Little India, here you will find Tekka Market - a wonderful local fresh food market. A dish you will find in Little India, and elsewhere in Singapore, is fish head curry. That stuff will blow your socks off and no mistake. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e51f5a00260e664b9feef09/1588926481245-EONXXN55DLLU7JYMHEYD/DSC04523-1.jpg Blog - Images from Singapore OK, let’s move to a more sociable time of day, I’m guessing around midday for this one. Here you can see the Museum more clearly and the view towards the main business district of Singapore. The low building on the right, with the red roof, is the Fullerton Hotel. Many years back this was the General Post office and effectively sat on the seafront. So the museum, the hotel(one of the 40 largest in the world, don’t forget), the gardens and a whole bunch of other things are built on reclaimed land. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e51f5a00260e664b9feef09/1588930851468-AZT490EB1AFEGES3YBBT/_T7C5275.jpg Blog - Images from Singapore Heading back outside. The street around Sultan Mosque are known for a good number of Arabic restaurants as well as the quirky shops that can be found in Haji Lane. Lot’s of textile shops around this area. Nice spot for a wander, with the old traditional shop houses. https://www.travellingfatman.com/blog/gorilla-trekking-in-rwanda monthly 0.5 2020-12-28 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e51f5a00260e664b9feef09/1588665655025-R9TESSUDVHDMMUE20F2F/IMG_8957-1.jpg Blog - Gorilla Trekking in Rwanda https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e51f5a00260e664b9feef09/1588665983834-4HVH9T80X40Z5KH6ZQR1/IMG_8916-1-1.jpg Blog - Gorilla Trekking in Rwanda https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e51f5a00260e664b9feef09/1588665386797-A92EPPNXH50EJ8PZTRS6/IMG_8900-1-1.jpg Blog - Gorilla Trekking in Rwanda https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e51f5a00260e664b9feef09/1588659576202-5MXC42NKX61XHA4X7SD9/IMG_8739-Edit-1.jpg Blog - Gorilla Trekking in Rwanda I kinda like this shot. It’s probably up there with “Afghan Girl”, but unlike Steve McCurry’s shot this one (I call it “Rwandan Boy”) isn’t shrouded in controversy. But whereas he gets fame and global recognition, I get this blog and obscurity. Where’s the justice? Pfffft…. (Actually, for anyone unaware of the “Afghan Girl” controversy, it’s worth a read and you can do so here) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e51f5a00260e664b9feef09/1588663747310-8ERFXHSZ9WHYZX4AF8M6/P1080131-1.jpg Blog - Gorilla Trekking in Rwanda Just to give you an idea of the terrain and on how close we were to the family group https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e51f5a00260e664b9feef09/1588661517117-JSUJM74R2DUX3AQHWB81/P1080059-1.jpg Blog - Gorilla Trekking in Rwanda Up muddy hillsides… https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e51f5a00260e664b9feef09/1588665059494-KXKHSF2M39B2UL60A7JO/IMG_8883-1-1.jpg Blog - Gorilla Trekking in Rwanda There were a number of young ‘uns in the group and they showed a huge amount of curiosity towards us - they would approach, have a look, show off a little with somersaults etc - then their mother would come along, pick them up and carry them away to a safer distance. And then the process would repeat itself! Kids, eh? https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e51f5a00260e664b9feef09/1588662388973-NPSUCO9IELWTOC3QP7SQ/P1080086-1.jpg Blog - Gorilla Trekking in Rwanda A bamboo forest was thrown into the trekking mix https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e51f5a00260e664b9feef09/1588662947485-94H6EK6SVNJI40GNGSAO/P1080107-1.jpg Blog - Gorilla Trekking in Rwanda Poo. Gorilla poo. Fresh gorilla poo. And lots of it. My God, someone needs to teach personal hygiene to these animals. There was poo all over their “nest”. This was their bed from the previous evening - I hope to hell they were building a new one for the next night. (Apparently they do - the nests are only temporary) If nothing else, though, this was to prepare me for the experience of sharing a camper van with my brother six years later. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e51f5a00260e664b9feef09/1588657796355-6TSMVF9FA74NHUIPNI4X/IMG_8735-Edit-1.jpg Blog - Gorilla Trekking in Rwanda Not all stops were planned, however. Our vehicle suffered a puncture up in the mountains. You may get a sense of the elevation from the misty clouds around us as the repairs were taking place. I did offer to help with repairs, of course I did - because I’m just that kinda guy. But the group was absolutely adamant that I should stand back and just take photos and not get my hands dirty. “We need a photographic record of this, Fatman”, they insisted “and there’s no one better than you”. As I recall, those were their exact words and I felt duty bound to oblige. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e51f5a00260e664b9feef09/1588657555389-8E336RP3UI666KPI12PC/07012013+rwanda0009-1.jpg Blog - Gorilla Trekking in Rwanda On the drive to the National Park we had a few stops for photo opportunities. Rwanda is a beautiful country and not as hot as you may expect - it is mountainous and the elevation keeps the general temperature down. As you can see from the clothes worn by this handsome model, long sleeves were required at the time of his visit. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e51f5a00260e664b9feef09/1588661192523-WUUDH4MUEXZ183TIBKYV/IMG_8789-Edit-Edit-1.jpg Blog - Gorilla Trekking in Rwanda The trek started calmly enough - lovely walks through some farmland with view of the mountains in the distance and cloud cover keeping the temperature down. Rwanda has some stunning scenery! However, after this sedate start, things moved rapidly downhill (metaphorically speaking - in a literal sense we went uphill. or rather upmountain. I’d never experienced a descent cause by going uphill before. Bit weird) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e51f5a00260e664b9feef09/1588657086129-T824A7088OT9STTMJKYS/IMG_9011-2.jpg Blog - Gorilla Trekking in Rwanda In Kigali we were based the Hotel Des Milles Collines. This hotel was the location of the real events depicted in the movie Hotel Rwanda. During the 1994 genocide the hotel manager, Paul Rusesabagina, effectively turned this hotel into a refugee camp and a place of relative safety with rooms, corridors and lobbies packed with those trying to escape the violence. His heroic efforts saved a great many lives. It is an incredible story. Incidentally, the movie was not filmed at the hotel itself - it was filmed in South Africa, I believe. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e51f5a00260e664b9feef09/1588665495737-60XT0LM8VUCZ6DWONGJJ/IMG_8951-1.jpg Blog - Gorilla Trekking in Rwanda For anyone curious about these things, I was using a 400mm lens for this shot https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e51f5a00260e664b9feef09/1588662000870-OW7OG7SRJS4N9PDKQ4OW/P1080080-1.jpg Blog - Gorilla Trekking in Rwanda Yours truly with one of the guides. That’s me on the left. I’d shown him my photo of Rwandan Boy and he insisted on getting his photo taken with me, assuming, quite naturally, that one day I’d be famous and he could say he met me back in the day. Life deals some cruel blows at times. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e51f5a00260e664b9feef09/1588660188850-Q7IPEK8JIIBFOV3A1ABB/P1080032-1.jpg Blog - Gorilla Trekking in Rwanda Just a snap of the park entrance. Fully accept not getting accolades for this shot. Think of it as a scene-setter. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e51f5a00260e664b9feef09/1588664881016-5C9KFVNC264UZXA3HJ9U/IMG_8919-1.jpg Blog - Gorilla Trekking in Rwanda The big fella… https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e51f5a00260e664b9feef09/1588661845257-0SHDRZY0906HPQHS55BE/P1080071-1.jpg Blog - Gorilla Trekking in Rwanda Nearly stood on this damned thing - it would have had my foot off, I’m sure! I think its a python or something similar. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e51f5a00260e664b9feef09/1588662562241-WS6U2FT9NACS0QHJMEZW/P1080095-1.jpg Blog - Gorilla Trekking in Rwanda Let’s throw in another steep hill. Because, well, why not? https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e51f5a00260e664b9feef09/1588661633598-7Z5I84Z42NRXBV0K56I5/P1080064-1.jpg Blog - Gorilla Trekking in Rwanda Think the gardener missed his shift - paths weren’t maintained to proper standards… https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e51f5a00260e664b9feef09/1588658108037-6QI7O6UMN7SF7IA2NF8K/IMG_8738-Edit-1.jpg Blog - Gorilla Trekking in Rwanda I felt that by taking these photos I was contributing to a historical record. As you can see, some others are just standing around. Not even taking photos. Look, I don’t even know why I’m justifying myself. Some journalists get Pulitzer Prizes and OBEs for this kind of on-the-spot and in-your-face reporting, garden parties and meeting The Queen. This is real life drama and grit from the heart of the action. I’m like a male Kate Adie. Kate Adie CBE to be exact. I’m like her without the recognition. Fact. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e51f5a00260e664b9feef09/1588665728462-CCGIHR2FICTYL4O0VE7A/IMG_8997-1-1.jpg Blog - Gorilla Trekking in Rwanda Some of the youngsters played right in front of us. Until mum came along and spoiled the fun! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e51f5a00260e664b9feef09/1588665262678-0YGKQRG3MD8G2GHEM374/IMG_8885-1-1.jpg Blog - Gorilla Trekking in Rwanda No words… https://www.travellingfatman.com/blog/some-of-my-fave-uk-spots monthly 0.5 2020-05-04 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e51f5a00260e664b9feef09/1588580070930-KYL6KRNU159CYVE2JXXV/DSC01007-1.jpg Blog - Some of my fave UK spots Castle Combe in Wiltshire lies about 5 miles north of Chippenham and is a handy base for Bath and the Cotswolds. A very pretty little village, Castle Combe has been used as a filming location for movies and TV programs - Poirot is one example. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e51f5a00260e664b9feef09/1588584609007-2KCLW52AS44SJM90F0U6/_T7C0185-1.jpg Blog - Some of my fave UK spots Moving North - York. Just a lovely city to explore, walking the walls, the Minster and Betty’s tearoom. And it’s on a main train line, so transport is a winner. I love York. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e51f5a00260e664b9feef09/1588581288699-GVGUXGQH2V7SP13VYZ9M/DSC01045-1.jpg Blog - Some of my fave UK spots The City of Bath has a lot to offer on a city break - canal walks, Pulteney Bridge, the Cathedral and, of course, the Roman Baths - although they do get incredibly busy, so watch your timing. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e51f5a00260e664b9feef09/1588581675432-3ZPUO31Y93E6LQEIA2VU/DSC01051-1.jpg Blog - Some of my fave UK spots Pulteney Bridge in Bath - the bridge was used in the film, Les Miserables. But you’d be anything but miserables if you spent a few days in this wonderful city. Oh my god, that was a bad line - I’m actually embarrassed by it. Sorry, I went all Alan Partridge there. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e51f5a00260e664b9feef09/1588581929598-RSCLUHE80GU2VTK3JESM/_T7C1499-1.jpg Blog - Some of my fave UK spots Back on the 3rd April my Facebook post included a number of images from this remarkable wee village - Avebury. I don’t have the imagination to do a fresh write up, so here’s a copy/paste job from that post… “The small village of Avebury in Wiltshire is perhaps less well known than its nearby cousin, Stonehenge, but is - in my mind - infinitely more appealing. Surrounded by a Neolithic stone circle, ditch and embankment, Avebury also boasts a country church, thatched cottages and a pretty decent pub, as well as a relatively new museum and cafe. You can walk right up to the stones. It really is a wonderful spot, easily one of my fave places in England. Once this current situation has passed, international travel may remain subdued for some time. For any potential tour of the UK, I'd throw Avebury into the suggestion pot.” To be fair, most of you probably never read that post, so I could have winged it without the explanation. And it was so damned good anyway, a re-write would have been a step backwards. Now I’m getting annoyed at myself. Both the initial explanation and the subsequent justifications of why the explanation were not needed and have taken up time I can ill afford. Sigh. OK, lesson learned, on with the pics. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e51f5a00260e664b9feef09/1588582687955-L7ZY8DF7ZVX9J4T192W7/DSC01208-Edit-2.jpg Blog - Some of my fave UK spots If you like walking, the Peak District is a wonderful spot. This image is taken from the top of Winnats Pass looking towards the peak of Mam Tor. I walked up there and I’m a fat sod, so it’s manageable for most. In fact, I’ve been up Mam Tor three times now. I could have worded that better, in retrospect. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e51f5a00260e664b9feef09/1588583275382-Z6ZE4N7A9ND52GLHA2VK/DSC01297-1.jpg Blog - Some of my fave UK spots The view from Stanage Edge, also in the Peak District. An easy walk, but some rock-hopping near the top so be careful. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e51f5a00260e664b9feef09/1588583635116-RKM20TMKIWAVIIII87QT/Snapseed+%282%29-2.jpg Blog - Some of my fave UK spots OK, gonna chuck in a food photo - kinda pleased with this one, snapped and edited on an iphone. I treated myself and stayed at Fischer’s, Baslow Hall. It’s a great place, near Aysgarth Falls, from Robin Hood, Prince of Thieves, fame. I’m struggling to recall what the above canapes were - the middle one was a beetroot macaroon with horseradish cream, I think the one on the right was cheese - possible Comte cheese - and the one on the left…aiyooooh…I’m going for hummus. Whatever it was, it was all damned good. Fischer’s is also near the Wensleydale Cheese Factory, Grommit. You can see how the cheese is made, plus there’s a shop, cafe and restaurant - worth a visit if you are in the area. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e51f5a00260e664b9feef09/1588585645368-PN7Z0BAWZN1X6QWC3NO3/L1010321-Edit-1.jpg Blog - Some of my fave UK spots I mentioned Edinburgh a couple of times, so here it is. Well, a part of it, not all of it, obviously. This is Victoria Street, which connects the Royal Mile with the Grassmarket and was reportedly the inspiration for Diagon Alley in the Harry Potter novels. Lots of quirky shops, you get the idea. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e51f5a00260e664b9feef09/1588580775863-D3XX133DRSGD6WZHYP21/DSC00984-2-1.jpg Blog - Some of my fave UK spots The Castle Inn in Castle Combe provides hotel accommodation - plus good bar food and beers! Within walking distance there is a country house hotel for those wishing something more upmarket - but I loved this place. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e51f5a00260e664b9feef09/1588585955325-YMZ0GFRAJ25VQVVSUDYR/_T7C0637.jpg Blog - Some of my fave UK spots Orkney - a bit tougher to get to, but well worth the effort. For more pics and info, please read my Orkney Blog https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e51f5a00260e664b9feef09/1588584288118-F20CE3PZGGVO8HH23BVF/DSC05536-1.jpg Blog - Some of my fave UK spots I mentioned the Aysgarth Falls, so here they are! This is where Robin Hood and Little John had their fight in the Prince of Thieves movie. I might go back there and recreate the scene with my brother, as long as he agrees to getting a crack on the head and a good soaking. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e51f5a00260e664b9feef09/1588584881506-S4PE5CPATHFBD8TNLJU1/_T7C0303-Edit-1.jpg Blog - Some of my fave UK spots I also love Whitby - close to York, fish and chips, the Abbey and just a very pretty place to visit. Villages like Robin Hood’s Bay very close as well. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e51f5a00260e664b9feef09/1588585032911-9OL6WOX9KN0LF3CG4RJU/Neidpath+Castle+2-1.jpg Blog - Some of my fave UK spots This is Neidpath Castle, just outside the town of Peebles in the Scottish borders - this castle is only about a 15 minute walk from where I was brought up. My brother lives in Peebles, if he can find a bench and the police don’t spot him. The River Tweed flows through the town and a walk along the river banks brings you to this castle. Peebles is only half an hour or so south of Edinburgh. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e51f5a00260e664b9feef09/1588585344683-UWM3OB0K4H0TTG1SFHC6/15April0001-1.jpg Blog - Some of my fave UK spots I mentioned the River Tweed, so here it is - looking down river towards the town. It’s down there somewhere, in the darkness. Oddly, that’s how people from Edinburgh sometimes refer to Peebles. https://www.travellingfatman.com/blog/wildlife-images-ii monthly 0.5 2020-05-03 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e51f5a00260e664b9feef09/1588497471885-GZNS5XU5PPEX7SOIYGCY/3E9A5635-1.jpg Blog - Wildlife Images II This is an olive-backed sunbird, snapped here in Singapore in a local park It is perched above his nest. I say his, but it could be here - my gender knowledge of birds isn’t as strong as with fruit bats. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e51f5a00260e664b9feef09/1588499923896-XLWRNH6UWAVPG59X42DJ/28Dec20110052-1.jpg Blog - Wildlife Images II OK, I’m gonna finish with this shot. This one dates from 2011 and I’d either forgotten about it or overlooked it at the time, came across it in my archives this morning and it brought a smile to my wee fat face. I shall leave it up to your own imaginations as to what’s going on here… https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e51f5a00260e664b9feef09/1588495560240-IP8EXOQS6B92UYGMKBD0/3E9A4015-1.jpg Blog - Wildlife Images II Let’s start with this one. This was hot in the wild right here in Singapore. “Wild crocs in Singapore?" No Way”, I hear you cry. Well, Way. Way indeed. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e51f5a00260e664b9feef09/1588496340797-4E87JP2CL2RRJW2R5RQD/8Oct20110020-1.jpg Blog - Wildlife Images II This Happy Chappie is a mandrill. This image was shot in Singapore Zoo a few years ago. I stated my views on zoos in my earlier blog. You’ll have all read that by now, so I won’t repeat them here. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e51f5a00260e664b9feef09/1588498705622-QLJV1Q49A95ES6VS2OV5/Gull+2-1.jpg Blog - Wildlife Images II A slightly less exotic location and bird, perhaps - but I love this image, brings back memories of home. This was taken in Cramond, Edinburgh on a typically dreich Scottish day. I think this image also reminds me that you don’t need to wander far and wide to get interesting photos - sometimes I forget that, maybe we all do… https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e51f5a00260e664b9feef09/1588499678543-X67YDK6RK2IBIPMU6GGO/10+sep20110086-1.jpg Blog - Wildlife Images II Very similar to the image in the previous wildlife blog, but I thought worth sharing… https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e51f5a00260e664b9feef09/1588498087185-D7G3M7VJX63TKWKM20X0/3E9A5432.jpg Blog - Wildlife Images II Let’s stay in the wilds of Singapore and throw in a monitor lizard. Here I had one of the other elements mentioned in the kingfisher blog(which you’ve all read) - that of luck. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e51f5a00260e664b9feef09/1588497002671-0P2S9G4VUHGV9N0WVTI3/6T7C2006-1.jpg Blog - Wildlife Images II Here we have a fruit bat in all his glory. I was lucky the sun was behind him, giving that lovely detail in his wings. Now, some of you may be wondering how I know that this is the male of the species. Let’s just say you pick these things up with experience. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e51f5a00260e664b9feef09/1588497882384-4WNNMV2SMYCQASF1A7GU/3E9A5527-1.jpg Blog - Wildlife Images II Pretty sure my nest description was rubbish, so hopefully this pic clarifies! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e51f5a00260e664b9feef09/1588499128194-CRIN5KSQYU86UVNOISFS/IMG_8063.jpg Blog - Wildlife Images II OK, this fella seems to be a bit of a favourite - he’s a Shoebill Stork. https://www.travellingfatman.com/blog/the-kingfisher-project monthly 0.5 2020-06-24 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e51f5a00260e664b9feef09/1588402580002-FXSRWVJE9KDPDNVBUY69/3E9A5892+copy.jpg Blog - The Kingfisher Project... I’ll finish with this shot of this beautiful bird… https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e51f5a00260e664b9feef09/1588400732285-8DLQJPU9YU150SCP3PBF/3E9A5843-1.jpg Blog - The Kingfisher Project... So, here it is - the previous image with zero editing applied. My editing process is relatively simple and all done in Lightroom. Again, apologies for the technicals, but my workflow is essentially this… Enable Profile correction (an automatic adjustment based on the lens used - a “one tick” adjustment, Lightroom is programmed with individual lens characteristics) Crop - to achieve a more pleasing composition - here, for example, I cropped to remove the annoying little stump Colour profile - changed to “landscape”, basically enhances colours White Balance - changed to daylight. One of the benefits of shooting in RAW is the ability to change white balance in the editing process Tone - I often start with “auto” then tweak individual elements such as brightness, contrast, tone, shadows, highlights and saturation until I’m happy with the result If needed, I will do some “noise reduction” on high ISO shots That may sound a lot, but in reality takes. couple of minutes on simple images such as this one. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e51f5a00260e664b9feef09/1588402168960-ZXHQSHP4PIBPEPVX26EC/3E9A5933+copy.jpg Blog - The Kingfisher Project... I like this image - but I need to do some editing to remove the spiders web. Annoys me more and more each time I see it. Bloody spiders, https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e51f5a00260e664b9feef09/1588397848923-O2W6YQK4YSTBJ1ZFWZ0B/3E9A6093-1.jpg Blog - The Kingfisher Project... This image was taken one month later, on 15th March (8.39am). Hopefully this image is immediately more appealing than the previous one. The settings were ISO 1600, shutter speed 1/3200 and aperture of f4. The high ISO and wide aperture allowed for a very fast shutter speed, important in images of this nature. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e51f5a00260e664b9feef09/1588399442943-JBTWHCGO9GR4RPBR4UFE/3E9A5843-1.jpg Blog - The Kingfisher Project... ISO 400, 1/200, f4. Focal length 560mm. The bird was stationary, so a slower shutter speed was fine. One of the downsides of increasing ISO is that it leads to “noise” in the image (similar to grain in film days). https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e51f5a00260e664b9feef09/1588402026962-8O92KU75MO4PEI2YX1D1/IMG_8253.jpg Blog - The Kingfisher Project... Not sure what all this weighs. “A bloody ton” is my best guess. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e51f5a00260e664b9feef09/1588396770415-VTV0AS1GA2OA4AWTNXCF/3E9A5157-3.jpg Blog - The Kingfisher Project... This was taken on 15 February 2020 - 7.33am, to be precise! It is a RAW image, totally unedited. Straight as the camera took it. The settings were ISO 1250, 1/320 shutter speed and aperture of f4. The focal length was 560mm, a combination of a 400mm lens and a 1.4x extender (apologies of that’s a bit technical). RAW files have no editing applied, either in or out of camera. To produce a jpeg, the file format most of us are familiar with, requires a level of processing - usually performed in camera using inbuilt software - this process goes on largely unknown to the user. Most professionals use RAW format then apply their own editing. This gives greater control to the photographer when it comes to producing the final image. I can talk more about this, but it does get technical and may be boring to many - but hopefully this gives some insight into the process. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e51f5a00260e664b9feef09/1588401507808-TJJIPULAURRWO2F73LYU/3E9A5892+copy.jpg Blog - The Kingfisher Project... I think it’s a little disappointing that these birds are known as “common” kingfishers when they are so beautiful with their colourful plumage..! https://www.travellingfatman.com/blog/wildlife-images monthly 0.5 2020-05-01 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e51f5a00260e664b9feef09/1588311399423-1K25SYC25J25KYK1E9XS/10+sep20110088-1.jpg Blog - Wildlife images Singapore Zoo. I don’t think I need to add any words to this one. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e51f5a00260e664b9feef09/1588311751302-7VMA9VXH3SGANVVVKUB4/8Oct20110020-2-1.jpg Blog - Wildlife images A male mandrill, taken in Singapore Zoo. Not sure he wanted his pic taken. Prob doesn’t want to be in a zoo either. A beautiful animal - those teeth! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e51f5a00260e664b9feef09/1588313945450-ZF5ZFRVPTNNYQKPTDXSB/3E9A5972-1.jpg Blog - Wildlife images Let’s throw in a snake. Before lockdown kicked in, I had just started going out to local areas where snakes can be spotted - but i’s not easy, they can be very hard to find. Here’s a juvenile mangrove pit viper… https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e51f5a00260e664b9feef09/1588314558606-SKS96CNQ1Z5T9B7KJDJY/3561-1.jpg Blog - Wildlife images A whale tale - or “fluke” to give it the proper name…Taken off the Gold Coast in Australia https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e51f5a00260e664b9feef09/1588312252903-XEQW8GKNUVQNGMIKZPU3/IMG_8916-1.jpg Blog - Wildlife images OK, back to the wild and one of the most memorable experiences of my life. Several hours of trekking across plains, up mountains and through jungle paths brought is to a family of gorillas. Time with them was limited but truly incredible. Zoom lens used here, social distances had to be kept. Might do a blog on Rwanda at some point. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e51f5a00260e664b9feef09/1588311609395-S344TCVPLQ5NLLN18R4O/3E9A5691-1.jpg Blog - Wildlife images An olive-backed sunbird, taken earlier this year - pre lockdown - in a Singapore park. Big camera, big lens, big tripod. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e51f5a00260e664b9feef09/1588310911726-SDLTBRUTWYK4TUAQJH02/6T7C1951-1.jpg Blog - Wildlife images Taken in Singapore Zoo - it’s an “open concept” zoo, the orang utans are not in cages, they have a large “open roaming” area. Yes, I agree, the world would be in a better place if they could roam freely and safely in the wild. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e51f5a00260e664b9feef09/1588309620907-07RLBU1SQEKKCSJNGDJD/6T7C4386-2.jpg Blog - Wildlife images Taken in the wild, on safari in Rwanda. These are zebras, in case anyone doesn’t know. :-) This image is a few years old now, 2015, I think. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e51f5a00260e664b9feef09/1588313291925-G4B6G5T6XQ25FYBB2DGO/IMG_4616-1.jpg Blog - Wildlife images Otters are becoming an increasingly common sight in Singapore - a family was even found using a condo swimming pool just a few weeks ago… https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e51f5a00260e664b9feef09/1588309822869-4UTMKK3UFP7CAYMK2FH9/3E9A5841-1.jpg Blog - Wildlife images Common Kingfisher, snapped in Singapore at a local park. Pretty pleased with this one, kingfishers can be hard to catch, fast little devils. Had a long zoom lens on, heavy tripod for stabilisation - not taken with a smartphone. :-) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e51f5a00260e664b9feef09/1588313749402-VJBXV90LSOYVAPN6QHLC/16july20110049-1.jpg Blog - Wildlife images A golden egret in flight, with a fish for supper… https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e51f5a00260e664b9feef09/1588312654338-SMYPJ00WP305F8YH2EDQ/IMG_8995-1.jpg Blog - Wildlife images There were a few youngsters in the gorilla family and they were curious wee devils! This one in particular regularly approached our group, natural curiosity I guess. He would get fairly close - 10 feet or so - and start playing, rolling over, making noises, looking at us all - his mum would then come over and pick him up and take him away. When she wasn’t looking, he’d come back to us again - it was wonderful! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e51f5a00260e664b9feef09/1588312938794-97XD754OZ5Y756S9WJ8Z/IMG_8920-1.jpg Blog - Wildlife images Let’s finish the gorilla images with the Big Fella, the silverback. Huge, powerful, gentle. Wouldn’t make him angry though… https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e51f5a00260e664b9feef09/1588313416893-BGI6H8ZB6F2XPC6KQI3E/16july20110012-1.jpg Blog - Wildlife images This fella seemed to garner some interest - this prehistoric looking beauty is a Shoebill Stork”. Native to the wetlands of eastern Africa, but this was taken in Singapore bird park many years ago. Listed as endangered, sadly… https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e51f5a00260e664b9feef09/1588313652166-3NDODNH23XSV87IIOZ4U/16july20110036.jpg Blog - Wildlife images A hungry stork… https://www.travellingfatman.com/blog/photo-editing-easy-object-removal monthly 0.5 2020-04-28 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e51f5a00260e664b9feef09/1588045965768-JLCOX4JGI8NQGNIBTUME/DSC04760-1-2.jpg Blog - Photo editing - Easy object removal The blue rubbish bag annoys me - it’s a temporary object that detracts from the scene - I have no qualms about “object removal” in this instance. The “after” image is still a fair reflection of reality. I could have gone down the hill, moved the bag and come back up again. But it was a steep hill so that wasn’t happening. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e51f5a00260e664b9feef09/1588047954532-09IE4MXXND8KBZ0HBUM6/DSC04760i-1-2.jpg Blog - Photo editing - Easy object removal And here if the “after” image - very quick and easy and unlikely any casual observer would realise that anything had been taken from the shot. https://www.travellingfatman.com/blog/morrisdancinginshaftesbury monthly 0.5 2020-04-26 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e51f5a00260e664b9feef09/1587802729520-CAWZP9TK1IN7QGGTL6TA/DSC04801-1.jpg Blog - Morris Dancing in Shaftesbury Another of the main performers https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e51f5a00260e664b9feef09/1587803999222-HFTS9LJ0MIKMDAZL9LOG/L1000755-1.jpg Blog - Morris Dancing in Shaftesbury Back to the Morris Dancers. I cannot speak highly enough of this event - if you ever get the chance in the future - go! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e51f5a00260e664b9feef09/1587803352785-LC2DYULNZ8CA3JXZ5BCQ/DSC04824-1.jpg Blog - Morris Dancing in Shaftesbury Three Cheers for Shaftesbury! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e51f5a00260e664b9feef09/1587802164183-2P77W4YN4UILBZIZPDEZ/L1000724-1.jpg Blog - Morris Dancing in Shaftesbury Performers of all ages… https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e51f5a00260e664b9feef09/1587801105975-GHJ6Z1OHEV9815N7T06I/L1000723-1.jpg Blog - Morris Dancing in Shaftesbury I had both a Scotch Egg and a sausage roll. I was as happy as I was full. I love a Scotch Egg, can’t resist the little beauties. The sausage roll was effectively a dessert. With ketchup. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e51f5a00260e664b9feef09/1587801513369-KJEGUZ5MEZW2T7IAAQL7/DSC04836-1.jpg Blog - Morris Dancing in Shaftesbury The local Mayor was there, but he didn’t pop over for a chat - seemed a bit shy. Also, think he had the hump because I wouldn’t let him jump the queue for the Scotch Eggs. He might have a big gold chain but he can wait in line like the rest of us…came across as a decent bloke though, pressing the flesh with all and sundry (except me). Can’t do that these days, safety first! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e51f5a00260e664b9feef09/1587801995342-3CC287CXGD1GS8PKFO7J/L1000742-1.jpg Blog - Morris Dancing in Shaftesbury Happiness everywhere - this lovely old chap seemed to be having a right good time. We need more of this. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e51f5a00260e664b9feef09/1587802426408-KUPTP40XY9SJWBO6911B/L1000764-1.jpg Blog - Morris Dancing in Shaftesbury Genuine apologies to any veggies out there, but this was sooooo good. The Fair had loads of food and drink stalls, heaven for a lardy like me. God knows what the Big Yin would have made of it, he’d have loved this as a snack. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e51f5a00260e664b9feef09/1587802274353-6B19JG85T7E0F3S3YUCN/DSC04810-1.jpg Blog - Morris Dancing in Shaftesbury I hesitate to safe “infectious smile” these days, but there were smiles everywhere in Shaftesbury… https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e51f5a00260e664b9feef09/1587803476381-YTE87S101E7BK888DPQ7/L1000778-1.jpg Blog - Morris Dancing in Shaftesbury Food, friendship and smiles - doesn’t get much better than that! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e51f5a00260e664b9feef09/1587802620430-W1EDAB0TGFGQ544QJRQU/DSC04787-1.jpg Blog - Morris Dancing in Shaftesbury One of the stars of the show. A banker by day, apparently. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e51f5a00260e664b9feef09/1587801318019-AEY4LLIWGE7X7XDQCMDW/L1000731-1.jpg Blog - Morris Dancing in Shaftesbury A bag of this cider joined me on the NC500 trip. Didn’t last long, I regret not getting two of them. Live and learn, fatman, live and learn… https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e51f5a00260e664b9feef09/1587800888615-E2PC87S4KBY4GG2GXICF/DSC04760-2a-1.jpg Blog - Morris Dancing in Shaftesbury Before kicking into the Fair, here’s an image of Gold Hill in Shaftesbury - the scene of a famous Hovis advert in the UK. Maybe any young ‘uns won’t know about this, but for us oldies this hill is a part of our youth. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e51f5a00260e664b9feef09/1587803065979-XXPHN8O1T1UOFT50Y84C/L1000770-1.jpg Blog - Morris Dancing in Shaftesbury I wasn’t the only one enjoying the local food on offer. I hope that at some point in the future, I can return - it was a wonderful event! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e51f5a00260e664b9feef09/1587802922404-74ABEOME3JBYRVW1SG08/L1000735-1.jpg Blog - Morris Dancing in Shaftesbury Some of the young ‘uns performing in the main square. These ones might know about Hovis Hill, being locals… https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e51f5a00260e664b9feef09/1587801778483-DHR7SU9S09YK2J2EDB68/DSC04825-1.jpg Blog - Morris Dancing in Shaftesbury This guys was a star - smiling away, banging his drum and really entertaining the crowd. Looks like he would enjoy a few ciders as well. Good lad. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e51f5a00260e664b9feef09/1587803195970-MRRRV9HE4OOHM6S321P6/L1000785-1.jpg Blog - Morris Dancing in Shaftesbury More traditionally-attired Morris Dancers. Full of energy! I was full of egg, sausage, cider and roast pork. https://www.travellingfatman.com/blog/nc500-top-tips-and-final-thoughts monthly 0.5 2020-04-21 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e51f5a00260e664b9feef09/1587440640746-30242BBYN9SZAHQOSFDN/DSC05325-1.jpg Blog - NC500 - Top Tips and final thoughts Applecross, I loved it. The coastal route with the views to Skye(cheers, Big Yin!), the views from the Inn, the available light for photography, the food and accommodation and the fact it was the starting point for our Bealach Na Ba drive. Bit of a trek to get there, but worth every second. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e51f5a00260e664b9feef09/1587442858955-KKA094U8Y74UNWJVMF8L/IMG_2167-2-1.jpg Blog - NC500 - Top Tips and final thoughts Scourie. Lovely hill walks to viewpoints giving stunning views as well as this walk around the coastline. My Durness to Scourie blog has more images from here. We also stayed in the Scourie Hotel as an added treat - good food, nice drinks and lovely (separate) rooms with private facilities - a good break from van life for a night. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e51f5a00260e664b9feef09/1587444621908-AKUSYJ52D5SQR5YCXNWN/IMG_2242-1.jpg Blog - NC500 - Top Tips and final thoughts Might seem and odd one, but sitting in the van while a storm blew outside was a memorable moment and, for me, made the van experience even better. Sitting in the warmth with a cup of coffee and watching the elements while catching up on messages and emails made me very happy indeed. The Big Yin was sat opposite me, reading a book. I’d never seen that before. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e51f5a00260e664b9feef09/1587444350715-PLRHAJLBTDC9L42ZDIYK/IMG_2026+%281%29-1.jpg Blog - NC500 - Top Tips and final thoughts The Big Yin. What to say? The trip just would not have been the same without him and his gilet. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e51f5a00260e664b9feef09/1587440826786-7D9R689UHGUJR03JZYRR/L1000990-Edit-1.jpg Blog - NC500 - Top Tips and final thoughts The Whaligoe Steps. I had been fascinated by the steps since watching Billy Connolly feature them on his “World Tour of Scotland” many years ago. The scenery, the walk up and down and the cafe at the top was the icing in the cake - great food. Plus, the Big Yin paid for the meal so it was a winner all round. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e51f5a00260e664b9feef09/1587442188298-J9HJOVP6S3QA9TLANM5X/DSC05064-2-1.jpg Blog - NC500 - Top Tips and final thoughts Duncansby Head. That view on a beautiful sunny day. I was not expecting anything so stunningly dramatic. More time to walk along these cliff tops would have been wonderful. Something to aim for next time. You can see more from the area on this video https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e51f5a00260e664b9feef09/1587442585124-UGIWIH2PUNX4VTYM4NBO/DSC05114-1.jpg Blog - NC500 - Top Tips and final thoughts Durness/Sango Bay. Please read this blog for more info on this area, it also includes possibly my favourite image from the trip. I love this view looking north, but it misses out two beautiful beaches which lie at the base of the cliff below me. The campsite on top of the cliff was in a perfect location. And had a decent pub onsite as an added bonus. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e51f5a00260e664b9feef09/1587443144291-YSU0CYLDFV7UDGV3WE61/IMG_2102-1.jpg Blog - NC500 - Top Tips and final thoughts Might not seem much, but I loved this moment. Simple sausages on a roll with a lovely Highland view - the dry stane dykes, the stone building and the view to the mountains in the distance. This was Balnakeil Church and we got talking to another couple of vanners. They were a little older than us, a married couple and were travelling in an older style camper. It turned out that the lady had been diagnosed with a terminal illness, so the couple had bought a van and were touring the country, taking their time, enjoying the journey, the destinations and making special memories together. Where possibly, they were using video technology to share their journey with their grown up kids. This was a very touching moment and added to why I included this image here in the “special moments” section. People can make or break a trip - my trip was enriched here. https://www.travellingfatman.com/blog/nc500-day-7-applecross-to-edinburgh monthly 0.5 2020-04-20 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e51f5a00260e664b9feef09/1587345793485-BWGI095ZFM0B6GRX6NLK/DSC05337-Edit-2.jpg Blog - NC500, Day 7 - Applecross to Edinburgh Eilan Donan Castle. We stopped in the visitors car park - lucky to get a space, it was mobbed - then walked back to get this viewpoint. Patience is a key attribute in photography - the light was changing quickly, clouds scudding about. So we hovered in this area for a good while, literally taking dozens of shots with varying light conditions - this is one example where I think it proved reasonably worthwhile. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e51f5a00260e664b9feef09/1587346085885-BFDG7V0XTKRKR29KHJZ0/DSC05336-Edit-Edit-1.jpg Blog - NC500, Day 7 - Applecross to Edinburgh Being arty. But I think I prefer the colour version. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e51f5a00260e664b9feef09/1587360607826-L2J7TTDSOLAHRTJJXFJZ/L1010321-Edit-1.jpg Blog - NC500, Day 7 - Applecross to Edinburgh For good measure, let’s throw in a snap from Edinburgh. This is Victoria Street, a connecting road between the Grassmarket and the Royal Mile. Full of interesting shops, cafes and restaurants, Victoria Street was reportedly the inspiration for Diagon Alley in the Harry Potter novels. It was now time for me to sit down, reflect and look through the images and videos taken on the trip. Many of these have now been shared on this blog over the past few days. I have really enjoyed going over the whole journey and I am looking forward to the day when all of us can safely plan to travel again. Not together, obviously - I’d need a bigger van. Who knows, another road trip with the Big Yin may be in order. In the meantime, stay home, stay safe - and be kind. :-) And thank you all for the lovely feedback I have received over this series, it really is appreciated and I shall continue blogging. Thank you! Fatman xxx https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e51f5a00260e664b9feef09/1587345263622-VP9BNRB60222C8WHCLA6/IMG_2332-1.jpg Blog - NC500, Day 7 - Applecross to Edinburgh This was my Applecross Inn breakfast before hitting the road. Not up there with the Rumblin’ Tum (see the Wick-John O’Groats blog) but I could have added more elements and the fried bread was a huge bonus! Not had that in years! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e51f5a00260e664b9feef09/1587348195538-JSHE0RRIQFWU8EJ68OTU/DSC05375.jpg Blog - NC500, Day 7 - Applecross to Edinburgh “United We Conquer”. A message relevant in today’s world, it seems… https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e51f5a00260e664b9feef09/1587348502134-04NIGYFS27XTGR36VP6C/DSC05382-1.jpg Blog - NC500, Day 7 - Applecross to Edinburgh Glencoe. Taken from the car park by Loch Achtriochtan. Glencoe is, of course, famous for the Massacre of 1692, when the MacDonald Clan was butchered by a contingent of Campbells. Now, I’m not going to give an account here of what happened - I’m no historian and there are differing views on the details. Suffice to say this was a dark day in the history of Scotland and, for many, just being in Glencoe is enough to spark deep emotions. Indeed, even the Big Yin, as tough and battle-hardened as he is, suffered from “the shivers” as we approached the Glen. Don’t believe me? Check the video - 6.25 onwards. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e51f5a00260e664b9feef09/1587349703519-3WCIDXYZ5KT1QVYSP5M8/L1010288-1.jpg Blog - NC500, Day 7 - Applecross to Edinburgh Another view in the Glen. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e51f5a00260e664b9feef09/1587347546229-J21GPK1KBS7STROLADST/L1010276-1.jpg Blog - NC500, Day 7 - Applecross to Edinburgh The Commando Monument at Lochaber, near Spean Bridge. My father and the Big Yin were both in the Forces and this monument is a fitting tribute to their service. Although dedicated to the men of the original British Commando Forces raised during World War II, a small Garden of Remembrance near this statue is dedicated to those who fell in more recent conflicts. The simplicity of this statue and it’s setting overlooking the surrounding countryside make it all the more moving. An engraving on the monument plinth contains the lines, “In memory of the officers and men of the commandos who died in the Second World War 1939–1945. This country was their training ground.” https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e51f5a00260e664b9feef09/1587349811852-B8T6SVIS4ICWHTKCXLMZ/L1010292-Edit-Edit-1.jpg Blog - NC500, Day 7 - Applecross to Edinburgh And another one from this beautiful spot. Just a little tip - this car park always seems to be quieter than those at the top of the Glen. WE had a good old leg-stretch, go some decent shots and then headed through the Glen, across Rannoch Moor and then to Tyndrum for a late lunch. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e51f5a00260e664b9feef09/1587350861884-Y033BHPTHODDTOL27DT8/6T7C8694.jpg Blog - NC500, Day 7 - Applecross to Edinburgh Rannoch moor - on a day like this, simply stunning! After this, it was lunch, petrol stop and straight back to Edinburgh. Once there, the Big Yin picked up his car and headed back to the Borders and his mother’s embrace. https://www.travellingfatman.com/blog/nc500-day-6-ullapool-to-applecross monthly 0.5 2020-04-19 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e51f5a00260e664b9feef09/1587277816300-XKRDY5F7Z3W1BBR2L3GV/DSC05306-1.jpg Blog - NC500, Day 6 - Ullapool to Applecross Our base for the evening, the Applecross Inn https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e51f5a00260e664b9feef09/1587278141927-Q4YD1KY15S5GTTMO6TEG/L1010274-1.jpg Blog - NC500, Day 6 - Ullapool to Applecross The bay in front of the hotel - there was some stunning light, the evening sun and the approaching storm. These conditions were a bit of a dream, lovely for taking photos! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e51f5a00260e664b9feef09/1587271146811-1TYXPT9F63NHH0L6KS6F/DSC05278-1.jpg Blog - NC500, Day 6 - Ullapool to Applecross And here is the viewing platform… https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e51f5a00260e664b9feef09/1587271704459-QCD3RT7DQ9H54X01NSUS/L1010255-Edit-2-1.jpg Blog - NC500, Day 6 - Ullapool to Applecross A view through the Torridons…we had just driven down this road https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e51f5a00260e664b9feef09/1587270834247-JCMZ77HIJE2A817TTF6B/L1010226-1.jpg Blog - NC500, Day 6 - Ullapool to Applecross Overhead view of the falls - please do watch the video to get a better idea of their scale. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e51f5a00260e664b9feef09/1587275548657-FIZ9GQCVJCMNVEAH9BAF/L1010253-1.jpg Blog - NC500, Day 6 - Ullapool to Applecross And we were just about to drive in this direction.. Shortly after this, we stopped for lunch at the Torridon Castle Hotel and then, just after Sheildaig, we turned off the A896 towards Ardheslaig and Fearnbeg. This road is so small and windy I’m not sure it has a designation - but it is a lovely coastal road and is featured in the video above. 6.09 and 6.25. To give you an idea on some of these roads, my bro is a big lad. He has served in Her Majesty’s Forces, fighting for our country. He now works in a major supermarket in the frontlines of our current war. He’s no chicken and I am very proud of the daft lump. But the Roads of Scotland brought him to tears. Or it may have been my driving, but that seems unlikely. Whatever it was, the effects of the roads on him were not pleasant and I very quickly regretted giving him eggs for breakfast. That said, the road did afford some wonderful views and I was grateful to stop and get some fresh air. However, my feelings of gratitude were soon to turn to regret and shame.. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e51f5a00260e664b9feef09/1587278264791-7DMGGGFVAWNSHJSEG1A2/DSC05325-1.jpg Blog - NC500, Day 6 - Ullapool to Applecross The low sun behind me was lighting the shore while a storm approached from over the hills. Now, just to be clear, I do edit my images and, if there was interest, I’d happily do a short video on the processes I use. It’s generally minimal, just tweaks. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e51f5a00260e664b9feef09/1587270374644-MSAYVRG4EYC2ZMZ9ZAR7/IMG_2270-1.jpg Blog - NC500, Day 6 - Ullapool to Applecross Fatman’s Legendary Eggs! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e51f5a00260e664b9feef09/1587270703800-D4J8L8QV85A74CLH4RZ2/L1010231-1.jpg Blog - NC500, Day 6 - Ullapool to Applecross First stop of the day was at Corrieshalloch Gorge - from this bridge you had a birds eye view of the Falls. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e51f5a00260e664b9feef09/1587277938356-7XHCGRGJQWWGRGIYPS5M/IMG_2313+2-1.jpg Blog - NC500, Day 6 - Ullapool to Applecross Some of the Applecross menu https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e51f5a00260e664b9feef09/1587278813333-8YS6B8FVI3CQHZIOJ88K/DSC05320-1.jpg Blog - NC500, Day 6 - Ullapool to Applecross I loved this view from the front of the hotel, looking over the bay towards the cottage. Well, that concludes this penultimate day of our road trip around Scotland. The next blog will cover our drive from here to Edinburgh, starting with the Bealach Na Ba. Until then, stay home, stay safe, be kind! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e51f5a00260e664b9feef09/1587270473943-TPUIFVKIRK7FZIB63XSN/IMG_2271-1.jpg Blog - NC500, Day 6 - Ullapool to Applecross Served in a white bap. If the Greek Gods could have had this, the’d have binned their ambrosia in a heartbeat and never looked back. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e51f5a00260e664b9feef09/1587271067983-0VANN2SHQ74ZIWXE66RU/DSC05268-1.jpg Blog - NC500, Day 6 - Ullapool to Applecross Looking back up to the falls and the suspension bridge, taken from the viewing platform. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e51f5a00260e664b9feef09/1587277661378-YIHGM44O4FOXOLC09GYP/DSC05302-Edit-1.jpg Blog - NC500, Day 6 - Ullapool to Applecross Here’s a better view, doesn’t have him in it. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e51f5a00260e664b9feef09/1587271497480-OJI5TPXEV82OTNMWCEZI/DSC05299-1.jpg Blog - NC500, Day 6 - Ullapool to Applecross A view from our route south… https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e51f5a00260e664b9feef09/1587271580144-KVN3AKY107P1092U368Y/L1010252-1.jpg Blog - NC500, Day 6 - Ullapool to Applecross We had a wee stop at a parking spot in the Torridons. Please bookmark this image - the Big Yin isn’t wearing his blouse. Even the stag seems to be cheering the moment. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e51f5a00260e664b9feef09/1587271233617-56WNNH1JE14HRM9NGGUV/DSC05286-1.jpg Blog - NC500, Day 6 - Ullapool to Applecross A short walk from the platform brings you to this viewpoint. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e51f5a00260e664b9feef09/1587278016667-8M2ZMJ88VSMTAQUJCEQ0/IMG_2316+2-1.jpg Blog - NC500, Day 6 - Ullapool to Applecross I had the posh fish and chips, the monkfish. Washed down with cider. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e51f5a00260e664b9feef09/1587270927614-0Z1WACOCXG8VYWMYJHQU/L1010227-Edit-Edit-1.jpg Blog - NC500, Day 6 - Ullapool to Applecross Beautiful..! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e51f5a00260e664b9feef09/1587276399522-8H38GTFBBJCC2ZUBBJXV/DSC05301-1.jpg Blog - NC500, Day 6 - Ullapool to Applecross Here, on the long coastal approach to Applecross, as he took photos of his own, the Big Yin said something like, “Lovely views all the way to Skye”. To my eternal regret, my geographic awareness left me and I questioned his mentality in what were, in retrospect, possibly fairly aggressive terms. It was only after consulting Google Maps that I acknowledged my error. I had been Bested By The Big Yin. I can only fully and publicly offer my honest apology if he in any way perceived my doubt as anything other than a sincere “are you sure that’s Skye..?” Those who know me are aware that I’m the first person to put their hand up and apologise if they make a mistake. And this wasn’t my proudest moment. I had to face facts - I was no longer the Big Man in the Camper Van. Again, I’m not one to linger on these things. https://www.travellingfatman.com/blog/nc500-day-5-scourie-to-ullapool monthly 0.5 2020-04-18 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e51f5a00260e664b9feef09/1587180324012-FVVJ2XRAURHAX60SC07T/IMG_2259.jpg Blog - NC500, Day 5 - Scourie to Ullapool Saw this wee van in the campsite! I want it. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e51f5a00260e664b9feef09/1587177570550-T9FKUFP74PHDXERXRWIU/DSC05144-Edit-1.jpg Blog - NC500, Day 5 - Scourie to Ullapool Very typical of West Highland scenery and weather! Dreich, as you can see. Tell you what, I could think of worse places for social distancing, this would suit me just fine. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e51f5a00260e664b9feef09/1587178731906-NA6M3J2AF7PMAVZ7QZOD/DSC05233-1.jpg Blog - NC500, Day 5 - Scourie to Ullapool Here we have Ardvreck Castle on Loch Assynt. You know, I have to double check the spelling on “Ardvreck” and “Assynt” every time I write them out. Had to do the same with “Kylesku”. I must confess that’s starting to annoy me a little. But at least the bridge is out the way now, that’s something. This wee castle (let’s dispense with the name, you know it by now) sits on a loch (same) very close to the A837, so is very easy to reach - you’ll know that, having watched the video, right..? Mind you the ground can be boggy so Wear Good Boots! The castle dates from the 16th century and does have a small but interesting footnote in history. The “Undiscovered Scotland” website tells me “On 27 April 1650, the Marquis of Montrose, fighting for the Royalist cause even after the execution of Charles I (see our Historical Timeline) lost the battle of Carbisdale to a much smaller Covenanter army. His flight brought him, two days later, to Ardvreck Castle, where he sought sanctuary with Neil Macleod of Assynt. Neil was away, and his wife, Christine, tricked Montrose into the castle dungeon and sent for Government troops. Montrose was taken to Edinburgh, where he was executed on 21 May 1650. This act stands as a notorious betrayal of Highland hospitality.” https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e51f5a00260e664b9feef09/1587179255839-8GW05OT2IPXS6B0ERQB4/DSC05243-Edit-1.jpg Blog - NC500, Day 5 - Scourie to Ullapool Another view of the castle. Slight shame about the weather, but enjoyed it very much anyway. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e51f5a00260e664b9feef09/1587181319707-3RK8JVVHNDIA0J72616T/DSC05230-Edit-1.jpg Blog - NC500, Day 5 - Scourie to Ullapool Here’s some wider context around the castle. Not quite an island in a loch as you can walk across from the left side as we look - but almost an island. Not a great image, but does give that context with the loch and the surrounding countryside - and no people in the shot, which is surprising. Well, that wraps up today’s blog - tomorrow will see us head from Ullapool to Applecross. Until then, Stay Home, Stay Safe, Be Kind. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e51f5a00260e664b9feef09/1587179762928-B6MH3SWNTH8HKFP76NQ8/L1010195-1.jpg Blog - NC500, Day 5 - Scourie to Ullapool Their menu on the day we visited… https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e51f5a00260e664b9feef09/1587179847696-095MLGR60JCL4A6RVL6G/IMG_2220-1.jpg Blog - NC500, Day 5 - Scourie to Ullapool The Big Yin in raptures at a bit of fried fish. Look how happy he is! He’s still wearing the blouse, you’ll notice(Day 5, not been off once). How it could still “smell of mum” after the weather we’d been having, I’ll never know. I didn’t sniff it to check, for the record. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e51f5a00260e664b9feef09/1587181055691-REUAMCDQDI60JWLPV8AL/DSC05231-1.jpg Blog - NC500, Day 5 - Scourie to Ullapool Now, I’ve come back to the castle for the last two images. This one shows, yet again, the Big Yin wandering off. Some background to this behaviour was given in yesterday’s blog - essentially he does this as “he’s exploring his limits and taking steps towards independence”. Regardless, my mother was happy for him to have a week away as it means she could “get into his room and get some of her clothes back”. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e51f5a00260e664b9feef09/1587178453665-9RUBCGBOAFESQB9HYQ82/DSC05208-Edit-Edit-1.jpg Blog - NC500, Day 5 - Scourie to Ullapool Again, took a fair bit of work editing the “straight out of camera” image to finish up with this - and I’m by no means an expert editor. But I hope it gives an idea of the rugged beauty of the Scottish Highlands - the loch, the mountains, the brooding clouds and the wee road winding through the middle. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e51f5a00260e664b9feef09/1587179998888-FAHI0WJG267NYZOR9ZCM/IMG_2242-1.jpg Blog - NC500, Day 5 - Scourie to Ullapool The weather turned, so we went back to the van to sit it out. Pretty dreich. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e51f5a00260e664b9feef09/1587180396107-6ALTKDDMSSP8AMK3OVSO/IMG_2254+2-1.jpg Blog - NC500, Day 5 - Scourie to Ullapool Fish Pie at the Arch Inn for supper - wasn’t bad at all! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e51f5a00260e664b9feef09/1587180095800-8KRQOYS8PMKXX4O4P6UU/L1010217-Edit-1.jpg Blog - NC500, Day 5 - Scourie to Ullapool After the rain we were treated to a rainbow, lovely! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e51f5a00260e664b9feef09/1587180182809-10UG6NJED67FYO3A0YWU/DSC05253-2-Edit-2-1.jpg Blog - NC500, Day 5 - Scourie to Ullapool The aftermath of the storm saw some lovely cloud formations and evening light https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e51f5a00260e664b9feef09/1587179460387-1F956GNQ9JOOFMMAVSF6/L1010199-1.jpg Blog - NC500, Day 5 - Scourie to Ullapool The Seafood Shack in Ullapool - this was on our list of “must visits” when we were planning the trip. Sadly closed just now, what with the lockdown, but they have won awards, been featured in the press and on TV and sell fresh, local food that tastes delicious - highly recommended, worth checking out their website. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e51f5a00260e664b9feef09/1587177473429-G7X9WMSU9Q4Y3AX1GNF4/DSC05200-1.jpg Blog - NC500, Day 5 - Scourie to Ullapool My wee van, back on the road - miss him. Was supposed to be doing another trip in July but that’s looking very unlikely. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e51f5a00260e664b9feef09/1587177764343-E5X4W8JXZ6RDRJRXT8Q7/L1010178-Edit-1-1.jpg Blog - NC500, Day 5 - Scourie to Ullapool The Kylesku Bridge. The weather was awful, I really had to put a lot of time into editing to get something that I was remotely happy with sharing, this was about the best I could come up with. Went black and white because there was no real attractive colour - grey skies, grey water, grey road. Anyway, here it is - the bridge. The bridge was opened to traffic in July 1984, with The Queen opening it officially a month later. I hope she’s doing ok in all this, by the way. If anyone reading this has an inside line, please do pass on my regards. Anyway, before this bridge was built there was a ferry crossing nearby so this must have been a massive timesaver for anyone travelling this route. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e51f5a00260e664b9feef09/1587179328072-3XN5HLP322TQG3FGKSY1/DSC05247-Edit-1.jpg Blog - NC500, Day 5 - Scourie to Ullapool The nearby ruin of Calda House. Going back to “Undiscovered Scotland”, “Calda House burned down in 1737 and before the Mackenzies were able to rebuild it, their estates had been seized by the Crown for their support of the losing side in the 1745 uprising. It has remained a ruin ever since.” https://www.travellingfatman.com/blog/nc500-day-4-durness-to-scourie monthly 0.5 2020-04-17 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e51f5a00260e664b9feef09/1587097815680-F1D80FB5AZEWRXHAXZYT/IMG_2109-1.jpg Blog - NC500, Day 4 - Durness to Scourie The legendary hot chocolates - hot, rich, creamy, mix of milk and white chocolate - sinfully delicious. And the big lad managed to squeeze in a fudge finger to boot. After this little treat, it was back in the van for another very short drive to the Kyle of Durness viewpoint, barely 10 minutes away, https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e51f5a00260e664b9feef09/1587101988493-KRO87CXWWRHXIQT9GX50/DSC05183-Edit-Edit-1.jpg Blog - NC500, Day 4 - Durness to Scourie The walk took us past this little graveyard and gave us this view back over the bay to Scourie. The mountain in the distance, just right of centre, is Ben Stack. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e51f5a00260e664b9feef09/1587098182542-RWASBDHQGQ9DWWJ9HROC/L1010148-2-1.jpg Blog - NC500, Day 4 - Durness to Scourie You can see more of the viewpoint in the video above. The weather wasn’t great and I really struggled to get any form of a decent image - this was about the best I could manage and it took a fair amount of editing to even get this. That said, I was incredibly happy just standing in this part of Scotland and taking it all in - the view of the loch, mountains and clouds, the breeze, the drizzle and the smell of traditional Scottish fried food wafting over from the van. Happy Days indeed! Incidentally, there’s a great Scottish word - “dreich”. This is a great word that so often sums up weather in Scotland, probably especially on the west coast. It sums up all these attributes - dreary, gloomy, miserable, grey, depressing, devoid of sunshine and some drizzle blowing in the air. This was a dreich moment. Compare this shot to the beach photo above, with blue skies and cows chilling on the beach. The weather can be changeable in this part of the world - but that adds to the appeal, in my opinion. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e51f5a00260e664b9feef09/1587100729727-SX7DR3PE09G93490QWKV/IMG_2136-1.jpg Blog - NC500, Day 4 - Durness to Scourie The view from the hill, overlooking Scourie. Our hotel, where we had separate rooms, is the big white building a third in from the right. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e51f5a00260e664b9feef09/1587101856591-EE82SG1DG6CNY5HLYJYR/IMG_2166-1.jpg Blog - NC500, Day 4 - Durness to Scourie After supper, we took a wee walk around the bay and out onto the headland https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e51f5a00260e664b9feef09/1587096856412-VV1TQ49SR5JZQPPR57WX/IMG_2105-1.jpg Blog - NC500, Day 4 - Durness to Scourie And here’s the Big Yin enjoying his gourmet breakfast. You’ll see that he is, yet again, wearing his “gilet” or blouse. See previous blog for an explanation on that one. He even sleeps in the thing. I asked him about that the previous night and his explanation was that it “helped him relax, because it “smelt of mum””. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e51f5a00260e664b9feef09/1587101044837-SRY7BUTTIHWLZ32F7QST/DSC05152-Edit-1-2.jpg Blog - NC500, Day 4 - Durness to Scourie Taken from virtually the same spot as the previous image, but looking inland. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e51f5a00260e664b9feef09/1587102203829-D2WEXPUT4N6COVOXYNUD/DSC05190-1.jpg Blog - NC500, Day 4 - Durness to Scourie A little further out on the headland we found this small cairn, Ben Stack features more prominently from this angle. We were hoping for a nice sunset over the sea behind us, but sadly clouds spoiled that one. So we headed back inland, back to the Scourie Hotel, had a last drink at the bar then off to our separate rooms. Well, that concludes the Durness to Scourie section. of the trip - a short drive, but still fitted in a good amount and had a thoroughly enjoyable day with some great food. Especially the breakfast. The next day we headed from here to Ullapool. Stay tuned! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e51f5a00260e664b9feef09/1587098080641-XV3RY6SOO508SY9NSYZU/IMG_2131-1.jpg Blog - NC500, Day 4 - Durness to Scourie Upon reaching the viewpoint, someone needed refuelling https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e51f5a00260e664b9feef09/1587094575296-1PWHVM8I29254BV6XK81/L1010131-2-1.jpg Blog - NC500, Day 4 - Durness to Scourie Balnakeil beach - you can just make out the cows having a morning stroll and getting ready to dip their hooves in the water. Braver than me, the water was freezing. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e51f5a00260e664b9feef09/1587101285334-MNMWRYC4E7NVWIE44LTN/IMG_2158-Edit-1.jpg Blog - NC500, Day 4 - Durness to Scourie Langoustines in the Scourie Hotel. These little pink beauties were delicious, dipped in drawn butter and served with new potatoes. Lovely! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e51f5a00260e664b9feef09/1587094705653-5EP3H2FRJ1CWS03QSRQM/L1010140-2-1.jpg Blog - NC500, Day 4 - Durness to Scourie The wee ruined church. There’s an interesting article on the church on the Undiscovered Scotland website https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e51f5a00260e664b9feef09/1587100270773-WWCQ33FF5PR7YJV20U9N/DSC05135-Edit-Edit-1.jpg Blog - NC500, Day 4 - Durness to Scourie And here’s a similar scene without my bro. Still not a bad pic but I prefer the previous one. From here, we headed to Scourie where we checked into the Scourie Hotel, dumped bags in our separate rooms and then headed for a wee walk up a hill - the weather had improved considerably! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e51f5a00260e664b9feef09/1587099137586-Q724QDY8DO5HKG5KLERL/DSC05227-2-1.jpg Blog - NC500, Day 4 - Durness to Scourie I’ve included this image as I think it gives a reasonable idea of the driving conditions and general scenery - lovely, winding roads through dramatic countryside along the shores of a loch. On a serious note, do drive carefully in these parts - and also pay attention to the traffic around you, don’t hold others up unnecessarily - pull over and let faster vehicles pass when the opportunity arises. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e51f5a00260e664b9feef09/1587099607245-S6XIH8C84UZHR8IFYWRA/DSC05130-1.jpg Blog - NC500, Day 4 - Durness to Scourie Now, I do like this photo, pretty happy with this one. I like the line of the river, the brooding clouds, the slope of the hill and I think it works better with the inclusion of the Big Yin in the shot. To me, he adds scale and perspective, a wee touch of interest. I’ll post a picture without him and you can make up your own minds. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e51f5a00260e664b9feef09/1587097109451-UNVRYKC7V6EV6AJKCDJQ/IMG_2102-1.jpg Blog - NC500, Day 4 - Durness to Scourie And here is the breakfast. Might not look much to the untrained eye and I forgive you. But, believe you me, this hit the spot! And to have that view, well - you can take your avocado hollandaise free range whatevers on wholegrain artisan focaccia and your white table-clothed Savoy dining room and chuck them right out your double glazed bay windows. Grilled sausages on a bap with a view of the Scottish Highlands trumps that any day of the week, After this van-cooked delight, we drove a few hundred yards back up that road to the craft village and the famous Cocoa Mountain https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e51f5a00260e664b9feef09/1587101156086-JFJQOB7V0A0SBHMHHKW7/L1010154-2-1.jpg Blog - NC500, Day 4 - Durness to Scourie From the same viewpoint. You can just make out the Big Yin in the middle of the shot. He did have a tendency to wander off, something his carer had warned me about, but thankfully he came to no harm. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e51f5a00260e664b9feef09/1587101595177-2XIX1F609EYFIX1ZNEM1/IMG_2156-1.jpg Blog - NC500, Day 4 - Durness to Scourie Also had some whitebait - crunchy and piping hot, I was a happy man indeed. The salad garnish could go do one, though. Pointless. Although I did eat the radish slices, I do like a radish. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e51f5a00260e664b9feef09/1587093202911-T8NYV314GM8XTQP7LWXG/L1010104-2-1.jpg Blog - NC500, Day 4 - Durness to Scourie The entrance to the Smoo Caves, our morning walk before driving a short distance to Balnakeil. https://www.travellingfatman.com/blog/nc500-day-3-part-2-john-ogroats-to-durness monthly 0.5 2020-04-16 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e51f5a00260e664b9feef09/1587010278122-8EB2LZQ7W1IXL0ZE69LN/IMG_2074.jpg Blog - NC500, Day 3 - Part 2, John O'Groats to Durness Another wee notice board at the Smoo Caves, I used to love reading these things and the pictures kept my brother amused. Something for everyone, genius! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e51f5a00260e664b9feef09/1587008968327-IC7MFGDXQASAEC41GNRR/IMG_2032-1.jpg Blog - NC500, Day 3 - Part 2, John O'Groats to Durness Some lovely spots on the route to park up, take some snaps and stretch the old legs. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e51f5a00260e664b9feef09/1587011970647-VOVEWHN25YSWCBET2T22/DSC05113-2-2-1-1.jpg Blog - NC500, Day 3 - Part 2, John O'Groats to Durness Taken from basically the same spot, looking across the beach. This is possibly my favourite image from the trip, certainly top 5. For me, it encapsulates so much about this part of Scotland - a beautiful beach, some rugged landscape, remote dwellings and a wonderful, ever-changing light. It’s really not often you’ll hear me say say that I’m happy with one of my photos, but I’m happy with this one. Possibly part of it is that I feel a personal connection and can remember standing there, enjoying the view, taking images, feeling the see breeze - it brings back good memories. And what was also important - and I’ll probably regret saying this - is it was a highlight of a wonderful trip shared with my brother. Yes, he’s a big daft galoot in a blouse, but he’s a decent bloke, deep down, and we don’t often get the chance for experiences like this one we had on the NC500. Enough of that, moving on again… https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e51f5a00260e664b9feef09/1587011425116-7HVX0YE11058X5KH05KJ/L1010059-1.jpg Blog - NC500, Day 3 - Part 2, John O'Groats to Durness And here is the beach - well, one half of it anyway… https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e51f5a00260e664b9feef09/1587014188802-C7E40XBCP0RXGAQQ8R12/L1010108-2-1.jpg Blog - NC500, Day 3 - Part 2, John O'Groats to Durness And heres a shot from inside the cave, looking out. Well, that kinda wraps up for This section of the NC500 - the next entry will cover a relatively short drive from Durness to Scourie. In Scourie we treated ourselves to a night in a hotel, away from the van. More on that in the next post. Until then, stay strong, stay safe, be kind! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e51f5a00260e664b9feef09/1587010037190-YP0YLNS6V9U2JII7QRRA/DSC05101-1-1.jpg Blog - NC500, Day 3 - Part 2, John O'Groats to Durness And here it is, Loch Eriboll. If memory serves, this is one of the deepest sea lochs in Britain. It’s around 60 metres deep in places and Royal Navy ships have used it as a safe and sheltered anchorage for much of the 20th century. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e51f5a00260e664b9feef09/1587013073472-YHQ62NAWUW8GOJFT1D9D/IMG_2094-1.jpg Blog - NC500, Day 3 - Part 2, John O'Groats to Durness OK, apologies - another continuity error. I need to get my act together, I really do. I’m trying my best to be an internationally recognised blogger, photographer and social influencer and yet I’m making mistakes like this, it’s ridiculous and I’m very disappointed in myself. Sigh. OK, earlier I posted a signboard regarding the Smoo Cakes - Uamh Smudha in Gaelic. Well, here’s an iPhone image of the cave entrance - the notice board is up by one of the white buildings on the opposite cliff top. Let’s go back to Wikipedia…”Smoo Cave is a large combined sea cave and freshwater cave in Durness in Sutherland, Highland, Scotland. The cave name is thought to originate from the Norse 'smjugg' or 'smuga', meaning a hole or hiding-place”. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e51f5a00260e664b9feef09/1587011521060-PAQNWAXPH3KMLXH2NNLV/L1010055-1.jpg Blog - NC500, Day 3 - Part 2, John O'Groats to Durness And here’s the other half. I know we were spoiled by the weather, but this was glorious. The two beaches are split by a small headland and from that point it is not uncommon to see basking sharks come close to shore. We never saw any, alas. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e51f5a00260e664b9feef09/1587012631886-XAEO6EF7Q7X90OK5Q9XB/IMG_2058-1.jpg Blog - NC500, Day 3 - Part 2, John O'Groats to Durness The campsite - some ups and downs there. The location, as you’ve seen, is superb, faultless. But it did get very, VERY busy and the facilities left a little to be desired. But there was a pub onsite serving a decent range of food - certainly of good “fill you up” variety, if a little odd at times. This was haggis - normally served with neeps and tatties - here, it came with a salad. Tasty enough, but unusual. I had steak and chips afterwards - nothing special, but good enough. Given the location and a decent appetite after a long day, it pretty much hit the mark. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e51f5a00260e664b9feef09/1587008275856-GOBFKV7DTA3EPV31ZQY9/IMG_2029-1.jpg Blog - NC500, Day 3 - Part 2, John O'Groats to Durness This was the route for the afternoon - for the GPS to assume nearly 3 hours for a 90 mile journey should give some idea as to the nature of the roads! This wasn’t motorway driving, but give me this any time - it was glorious! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e51f5a00260e664b9feef09/1587009890577-ZMOEIIT1H82XVXB80SGN/IMG_2036-1.jpg Blog - NC500, Day 3 - Part 2, John O'Groats to Durness And another information board! Man, I love these things - tell you a whole bunch of stuff you’d never know otherwise. Whoever put these up, in the remotest and most unlikely of locations, deserves a medal. Or at least a pat on the back - they are wonderful. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e51f5a00260e664b9feef09/1587011315312-M7W0M0CEXYIBJDY11JKE/IMG_2048-1.jpg Blog - NC500, Day 3 - Part 2, John O'Groats to Durness We reached our campsite at Sango Bay, Durness and had an incredible spot for the night - bang on top of a cliff overlooking a beautiful beach. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e51f5a00260e664b9feef09/1587011833325-C6F9YXGR21Y2MJYG9JJU/DSC05114-1.jpg Blog - NC500, Day 3 - Part 2, John O'Groats to Durness A view from the cliff top… https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e51f5a00260e664b9feef09/1587010537111-IRII6DSR9AZ73XSW7IJC/L1010084-2-1.jpg Blog - NC500, Day 3 - Part 2, John O'Groats to Durness Here’s the Big Yin catching a few snaps at Ceannabeinne Beach, very close to Durness. There’s also a zip line here, if that’s your thing. Now, you can see he’s wearing his bodywarmer again, I think it may be welded to him. But perhaps some clarification is required - he messaged me after yesterday’s blog, fairly apoplectic, saying it’s “not a %$!#ing bodywarmer, it’s a gilet”. I had no idea what a gilet was, so I googled it. Now, these next words are not mine, they are the words of Wikipedia. “A gilet is a sleeveless jacket resembling a waistcoat or blouse. It may be waist- to knee-length and is typically straight-sided rather than fitted; however, historically, gilets were fitted and embroidered. In 19th-century dressmaking a gilet was a dress bodice shaped like a man's waistcoat.” So he is wearing either a blouse or a bodice. Again, I defer to Wikipedia and make no comment of my own. “A bodice is an article of clothing for women and girls, covering the body from the neck to the waist. The term typically refers to a specific type of upper garment common in Europe during the 16th to the 18th century, or to the upper portion of a modern dress to distinguish it from the skirt and sleeves.” I think he should have settled for bodywarmer. Moving on… https://www.travellingfatman.com/blog/nc500-day-3-part-1-wick-to-john-ogroats monthly 0.5 2020-04-15 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e51f5a00260e664b9feef09/1586916549210-F8P7J5HEEJZ7GC63EYT1/L1010009-1.jpg Blog - NC500, Day 3 Part 1 - Wick to John O'Groats IT HAD A PORTCULLIS!!! Joy of joys, I love a portcullis, adds to the whole feel of the place and reminded me that I’m a bit of a Robin Hood character (please refer to earlier blog). https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e51f5a00260e664b9feef09/1586923215611-ZCGGKGCBU48BRG6O4QGC/IMG_2013-1.jpg Blog - NC500, Day 3 Part 1 - Wick to John O'Groats And it came with toast. So good I photographed it twice. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e51f5a00260e664b9feef09/1586927512410-T6MWWAJ23JTLMU5OP2B5/L1010036-Edit-1.jpg Blog - NC500, Day 3 Part 1 - Wick to John O'Groats After those wonderful views, we paid the obligatory trip into John O’Groats. Not much there, really - bunch of tacky souvenir shops, busy car park, cafe…and the sign! Oh yes, the sign - you have to get a photo of it - actually looked quite nice, with the wee harbour behind it and the view over the sea. We had to wait a few minutes though, lots of people doing that predictable selfie thing . And I bought some tacky souvenirs, I must confess. Sticker for the van, key rings for family - you know the drill. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e51f5a00260e664b9feef09/1586926197918-SL2BA3QJUE94WJNMYHUI/L1010017.jpg Blog - NC500, Day 3 Part 1 - Wick to John O'Groats I’ve lost the word for this. Inlet? Gorge? Crack? I dunno - whatever it is, this geological feature adds to the dramatic coastline - birds nesting on the sides, flying in and out of the gully (is it a gully?), the wind blowing the guano smell into your face… https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e51f5a00260e664b9feef09/1586921249649-0I96SPV3M4IVN5GJ1ICS/DSC05039-1.jpg Blog - NC500, Day 3 Part 1 - Wick to John O'Groats Looking north from the castle. The east coast scenery is very different from the west, but still has its own beauty and charm. The cliffs in the distance are by Duncansby Head, a destination for later in the day. Anyway, after the castle we headed for breakfast… https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e51f5a00260e664b9feef09/1586915925298-NFCL5704PAXONXVJRQU1/IMG_1992-1.jpg Blog - NC500, Day 3 Part 1 - Wick to John O'Groats I don’t know who puts up all the information boards around the NC500 route, but as mentioned previously, there were a lot of them and they were very much appreciated - loved this one of the castle! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e51f5a00260e664b9feef09/1586916108272-QOAXAYORNTITHZL9DZX7/L1010014-1.jpg Blog - NC500, Day 3 Part 1 - Wick to John O'Groats And here it is! It’s a beauty and no mistake, very well worth including in your itinerary especially if you have weather like this. With a breeze, don’t forget the breeze. You can access the castle over the wee bridge on the left - but parts are fragile, so just be a little bit careful. Otherwise it may come tumbling down on you, you’d be trapped and easy midgie fodder. They’d cover you in a heartbeat and then you’d be sorry. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e51f5a00260e664b9feef09/1586927836388-8YDFSQULDA7YP7Z113JY/IMG_2026+%281%29-1.jpg Blog - NC500, Day 3 Part 1 - Wick to John O'Groats And, yes - we did the predictable selfie! Well, you have to, really… OK, that’s part 1 of Day 3 done with - tomorrow I’ll do part 2. In the meantime, Stay Home, Stay Safe, Be kind. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e51f5a00260e664b9feef09/1586914931573-ZEWZISY0J4XTB38IXJWD/IMG_1990-1.jpg Blog - NC500, Day 3 Part 1 - Wick to John O'Groats We were up at the crack of dawn and, even before breakfast, we headed towards this hidden gem - Castle Sinclair, Girnigoe. This ruined castle sits in a spectacular location just north of Wick, high on a cliff with views over the sea towards Duncansby head and beyond. The weather certainly helped - lovely sunny day and a warm breeze. That breeze is important in these parts - it keeps the midgies away. For those unaware, midgies are hard-as-nails little devils that will swarm all over you and bite the living daylights out of every visible patch of skin. They are the violent cousins of your tropical mosquito. Do not mess with a midgie. Seriously, before heading into these parts do your midgie research. Don’t believe me? Check this video. Don’t say you haven’t been warned. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e51f5a00260e664b9feef09/1586924503409-OR0MYHTJVPVBDYECZSIQ/IMG_2015-1.jpg Blog - NC500, Day 3 Part 1 - Wick to John O'Groats And here is my new Food Hero. Glyn runs the cafe, does the cooking, is an accomplished local author and, I believe, makes the wood carvings sold in the cafe. I sincerely hope his business pulls through the current crisis…The Rumblin’ Tum was a great stop on the NC500 route… https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e51f5a00260e664b9feef09/1586916492772-EQC9GL6BVDNG9LFJYZWS/IMG_2003-1.jpg Blog - NC500, Day 3 Part 1 - Wick to John O'Groats Slightly different view of the castle… https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e51f5a00260e664b9feef09/1586919226530-RMUTH2W0EHFS3VP1QKSK/IMG_1998-1.jpg Blog - NC500, Day 3 Part 1 - Wick to John O'Groats Me and the Big Yin on the way to the castle. Yep, I should have put this earlier in the sequence. I messed up the continuity, I can only apologise for any confusion caused and promise to try harder in future… https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e51f5a00260e664b9feef09/1586925277320-GOZVXEAHXX2IP03G8SU9/L1010023-2-1.jpg Blog - NC500, Day 3 Part 1 - Wick to John O'Groats Duncansby Head lies to the east of John O’Groats and from the car park - at the end of a narrow road, be careful - there’s a short walk to this wonderful view. I loved this place, just spectacular. Once you park and get out of your car, depending on the way the wind is blowing, you may be hit with a pretty distinctive smell. Now, I was kinda getting used to odours, what with sharing a van with Bodywarmer Boy, but this was something else - it was the smell of guano (posh word for bird poo) coming from the seabirds nesting on the surrounding cliffs. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e51f5a00260e664b9feef09/1586923286508-C53P3DC2BU6UTPGDEQJ4/IMG_2011+%281%29-1.jpg Blog - NC500, Day 3 Part 1 - Wick to John O'Groats Let’s throw caution to the winds and add in a third, the Big Yin deserves his moment in the sun. I think even he was impressed with the quality of food, although I do believe he went on Tripadvisor later to complain about the small portions. No, I’ve no idea why he’s wearing a 1980’s body warmer. Get used to it though, he never takes it off. Anyway, after breakfast we drove up to Duncansby Head. I genuinely had no idea what lay ahead… https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e51f5a00260e664b9feef09/1586926403823-M5KAKZ7VT0B2KPWW3U3H/DSC05067-Edit-2-1.jpg Blog - NC500, Day 3 Part 1 - Wick to John O'Groats But that view…oh my days, that view! I didn’t expect this and my photos cannot do just to the impact this will have on you if you visit the area. And we were spoiled by the weather, it was glorious! I could easily have stood here for hours, taking this in… https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e51f5a00260e664b9feef09/1586922962379-O72CTHZBZDCZP3YVSMGV/IMG_2006-1.jpg Blog - NC500, Day 3 Part 1 - Wick to John O'Groats And here’s where we ate - The Rumblin’ Tum. I had read some cracking online reviews, so expectations were high… https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e51f5a00260e664b9feef09/1586927129378-6CDGNBQGAQV8SRCJ5UWT/L1010004-Edit-1.jpg Blog - NC500, Day 3 Part 1 - Wick to John O'Groats OK, I’m having a bit of a ‘mare here - this sea stack is back from the start of the day, pre-breakfast at Castle Sinclair Girnigoe. I was going to leave it out, but I changed my mind as I thought it worth sharing. There’s a raw, natural beauty about sea stacks and I don’t get to see them very often. So, apologies for another continuity error, I’m not proud of myself. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e51f5a00260e664b9feef09/1586923037024-YSD07TABC891L8D1T08G/IMG_2010-1.jpg Blog - NC500, Day 3 Part 1 - Wick to John O'Groats And those expectations were met - what a breakfast! WHAT a breakfast! Piping hot, delicious and the beans not touching the egg. I’m going to throw this out there - this was the best breakfast of the trip. I’m salivating. https://www.travellingfatman.com/blog/nc500-day-2-fairy-glen-camster-cairns-and-whaligoe-steps monthly 0.5 2020-04-14 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e51f5a00260e664b9feef09/1586839819310-FGCS6HGVBJAFPNA9SWXU/L1000963-1.jpg Blog - NC500, Day 2 - Fairy Glen, Camster Cairns and Whaligoe Steps The main Fairy Glen waterfall - used a slow shutter speed to get that slightly silky effect on the falling water https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e51f5a00260e664b9feef09/1586840203032-HYHIDNAT0N26L5YA0HXW/DSC04993-Edit-1.jpg Blog - NC500, Day 2 - Fairy Glen, Camster Cairns and Whaligoe Steps And so to the Grey Cairns of Camster - mysterious structures set in beautiful countryside https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e51f5a00260e664b9feef09/1586841781677-QHSYL3YNMW2UZNG9B21C/IMG_1955-1.jpg Blog - NC500, Day 2 - Fairy Glen, Camster Cairns and Whaligoe Steps OK, one more of the steps. :-) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e51f5a00260e664b9feef09/1586840285560-3B590C01O5YUNNDYDJ0G/DSC05004-Edit-1.jpg Blog - NC500, Day 2 - Fairy Glen, Camster Cairns and Whaligoe Steps Well worth a short drive off the main road… https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e51f5a00260e664b9feef09/1586839603027-B66KGAZ0H1XVFSR9VFK7/L1000969-1.jpg Blog - NC500, Day 2 - Fairy Glen, Camster Cairns and Whaligoe Steps The forest walk runs alongside a stream that leads to the waterfall… https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e51f5a00260e664b9feef09/1586841870655-W8SF7PSGORXHLA87E9O3/IMG_1945-1.jpg Blog - NC500, Day 2 - Fairy Glen, Camster Cairns and Whaligoe Steps My meal at the cafe. Lean chicken, fresh veg, clear broth - lovely! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e51f5a00260e664b9feef09/1586839256239-RXGYBQSXUIQQ5V3V5DRB/IMG_1908-1.jpg Blog - NC500, Day 2 - Fairy Glen, Camster Cairns and Whaligoe Steps The car park for the Fairy Glen is just on the outskirts of the wee town of Rosemarkie and has a useful noticeboard, highlighting the walking route and giving some useful information. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e51f5a00260e664b9feef09/1586840084719-M2TQKMK1W8ENP3M41PW5/IMG_2032-1.jpg Blog - NC500, Day 2 - Fairy Glen, Camster Cairns and Whaligoe Steps An iPhone panorama from the route - lovely driving in good weather… https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e51f5a00260e664b9feef09/1586841498942-96M9AW8CPSR9V6GVO2RC/IMG_1954-1.jpg Blog - NC500, Day 2 - Fairy Glen, Camster Cairns and Whaligoe Steps A small section of the >300 steps. As you can see, the Big Yin was coming down backwards. They were steep and he “found it easier that way”. Bless! For more on the steps, please do check the video https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e51f5a00260e664b9feef09/1586841947067-IAOK1I8JQGP0158TR7N2/IMG_1944-1.jpg Blog - NC500, Day 2 - Fairy Glen, Camster Cairns and Whaligoe Steps The Big Yin had chips…The menu, which you can see on the video, had pita breads, salads, falafels, soups, ramen. He had chips. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e51f5a00260e664b9feef09/1586842305171-JH2U2RU7PYKWXHVPBZGN/IMG_1966-1.jpg Blog - NC500, Day 2 - Fairy Glen, Camster Cairns and Whaligoe Steps Wick campsite - lovely spot, beside a river… https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e51f5a00260e664b9feef09/1586842514479-E5S7GME26WOLFI4CZ0TE/L1000995-1.jpg Blog - NC500, Day 2 - Fairy Glen, Camster Cairns and Whaligoe Steps The town was less lovely, I’m sad to say - but he did find a bar he liked the look of… https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e51f5a00260e664b9feef09/1586841322685-58ILET4DT5INM47MXNSQ/IMG_1942-1.jpg Blog - NC500, Day 2 - Fairy Glen, Camster Cairns and Whaligoe Steps The cafe/restaurant at the top of the Whaligoe Steps… https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e51f5a00260e664b9feef09/1586842581658-SP6ONY8P3BR28CTKDMR8/IMG_1987+%281%29-1.jpg Blog - NC500, Day 2 - Fairy Glen, Camster Cairns and Whaligoe Steps Then back to the van for a light supper - cheese roll and an apple. He had to google “apple”, fruit was a new one on him. Well, that ends the “Day 2” blog - thanks so much for reading and looking at the photos, really is much appreciated! Day 3 will follow tomorrow… In the meantime, Stay Strong, Stay Safe, Be Kind! https://www.travellingfatman.com/blog/nc-500-dunnottar-castle monthly 0.5 2020-04-13 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e51f5a00260e664b9feef09/1586756058013-GJ338M7KKXQ87EBFJJ1Y/IMG_1902-1.jpg Blog - NC 500 - Dunnottar Castle Back to the van and some time to chill. Not sure what he was looking at and, with all due consideration, I’d rather it stayed that way… https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e51f5a00260e664b9feef09/1586756230929-5ZR68K6ZFXQD40I7UC3G/IMG_1897-2-1.jpg Blog - NC 500 - Dunnottar Castle Supper time - tinned curry, rice and a healthy pouring of cider. Tinned curry - do not knock it, this one came from Sainsbury’s, the Balti version. The big fella wasn’t convinced but he’s now a convert. And for camping/vanning it does the job. (FYI I’m not sponsored by Sainsbury’s, but just in case anyone from there is reading - call me) Well, that really finished Day 1 - apologies for the quality of the images but do bear with me - they get better as the trip goes on! In the meantime, stay strong, stay safe, be kind! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e51f5a00260e664b9feef09/1586753789276-N4OA80G1WFO5MZ26C8PU/IMG_1857-1-2.jpg Blog - NC 500 - Dunnottar Castle An iPhone panorama of the castle - it really is a remarkable location, has a great “Game of Thrones” feel to it. Wikipedia tells me “Dunnottar Castle is a ruined medieval fortress located upon a rocky headland on the northeastern coast of Scotland, about 2 miles south of Stonehaven. The surviving buildings are largely of the 15th and 16th centuries, but the site is believed to have been fortified in the Early Middle Ages” https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e51f5a00260e664b9feef09/1586754435355-PG1UNR0UFFLOPUI11Z15/IMG_1859-1.jpg Blog - NC 500 - Dunnottar Castle Myself with a bit of a ruin behind me. And Dunnottar Castle in the background. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e51f5a00260e664b9feef09/1586755130185-J8O4LZ6760G3O4JV932S/L1000953-Edit-1-3.jpg Blog - NC 500 - Dunnottar Castle Stonehaven harbour - a very pretty part of the town… https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e51f5a00260e664b9feef09/1586754718209-PYEO00RM13M9XSJCKB5C/DSC04978-1-2.jpg Blog - NC 500 - Dunnottar Castle The walk leading up to the castle… https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e51f5a00260e664b9feef09/1586754805095-UFLAW8B5ZR2CC5NN7S8Q/IMG_1882.jpg Blog - NC 500 - Dunnottar Castle After touring the castle (please watch the Youtube video to see what is like when you get there - well worth a visit) we headed a couple of miles north into Stonehaven for breakfast. We parked near the harbour then walked along a beach-side path into the town. Where we found a Greggs. Happy Days indeed! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e51f5a00260e664b9feef09/1586755417857-CWT46HI44JYNIJBSYHXF/L1000938-1-2.jpg Blog - NC 500 - Dunnottar Castle Nice walk around the sea front into the town for breakfast… https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e51f5a00260e664b9feef09/1586754207749-XOX1VWRBTVXKP09GTXEW/IMG_1852.jpg Blog - NC 500 - Dunnottar Castle Dunnottar has a good range of notice boards around the site, explaining the history and giving plenty of information around castle life. Indeed, we found good signage around most of the NC500 route. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e51f5a00260e664b9feef09/1586755544591-X506PHUF8KTJMQE5775V/IMG_1892-2-1.jpg Blog - NC 500 - Dunnottar Castle Drove on towards Grantown and caught up with an old mate and a great boss from a previous life. A few beers, good banter and not often I’m the best looking bloke in the room. https://www.travellingfatman.com/blog/isolation-photography monthly 0.5 2020-04-10 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e51f5a00260e664b9feef09/1586494219582-9S20JC0RHXHE7WU53FSH/48B3DD27-6740-4B23-AA5F-D74F03BB3BD0.JPG Blog - "Isolation Photography" An artist’s impression of me if I keep cooking, eating and drinking. Used the Photofox app, you can blend images. Could have taken more time on this, it’s a bit sloppy, but you get the idea… https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e51f5a00260e664b9feef09/1586494564959-PHYA9OGAYKDK9337ZIZ9/Snapseed+%284%29.jpg Blog - "Isolation Photography" The wee fella is a wooden netsuke. Netsuke are generally made of ivory and are antiques - but ivory obviously massively out of favour these days. So this is a wooden one. Netsuke are miniature sculptures dating from 17th-century Japan onwards and served a practical purpose - essentially fasteners on traditional Japanese clothing. Edited on Snapseed. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e51f5a00260e664b9feef09/1586494113501-4B6TROIFRIVF875GXUWB/Snapseed+%286%29.JPG Blog - "Isolation Photography" It’s a fried egg. Or, to be accurate, a frying egg. Used the Hipstamatic app for this snap - not a bad app for food photos. Not much else to say, really, it’s an egg… https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e51f5a00260e664b9feef09/1586494355356-836WYJIGWEBP40U92CFF/Snapseed+%283%29.JPG Blog - "Isolation Photography" Used the Hipstamatic app again. Kombucha is a fermented, slightly fizzy drink that supposedly has health benefits and is better for you than the well known market leading sodas. Not that it matters here, really. Tastes good, ginger and lemon - top notch flavour combo! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e51f5a00260e664b9feef09/1586492840235-0D7C2TA9H5G7J4BAN9CE/IMG_9429.jpg Blog - "Isolation Photography" A wee selfie to start - reaching into the booze supply to try and get through the day! Not the healthiest of breakfasts, but needs must ;-) For this one, the phone was set up at the back of the wine fridge on a 10 second timer - straight from the iPhone, no editing at all.. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e51f5a00260e664b9feef09/1586493019021-Y9OKFQQWQ6T7V460GLGE/IMG_8856.JPG Blog - "Isolation Photography" I do enjoy cooking, and this extra time at home has allowed me to do some more of it - this was the early stages of a chilli dish, using slices of beef instead of minced beef. I could be massively wrong here, but I understand that’s the more traditional way? Shortly after this pic was taken, I added beef stock, tomatoes and let it simmer for a while. Beef was tender, lots of flavour - and went down very well with the wine from the previous pic. (Wasn’t really for breakfast, just in case anyone was in doubt..!) iPhone, all these images are, slight editing on the inbuilt iPhone software https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e51f5a00260e664b9feef09/1586493803988-IOYBZ8PF2A9OQ6FO8W4P/IMG_9207.jpg Blog - "Isolation Photography" Really quite pleased with this little dish. I had potatoes and leeks lying around so I made…well…a potato and leek dish. Chopped and par-boiled the spuds, drained them, added them to a frying pan with some olive oil and butter. Then, as they took some colour, added sliced leeks and seasoned them - served shortly thereafter and scoffed them up. This will now be a regular side dish in the Fatman household. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e51f5a00260e664b9feef09/1586494824560-XUHI4C4Z9C512SKDDG78/Snapseed+%285%29.jpg Blog - "Isolation Photography" Some dried flowers that I found in the apartment. No idea where they came from or how they got here - and they won’t be here for long. But they made a good subject for trying to work on “depth of field” with an iPhone. Also edited in Snapseed. Well, those are my examples of iPhone shots snapped in the apartment during this lockdown! On that note, I shall wind this blog up and wish you all well - Stay Strong, Stay Safe, Be Kind. https://www.travellingfatman.com/blog/orkney monthly 0.5 2020-04-02 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e51f5a00260e664b9feef09/1585823956914-YFW67DG83BQJLGUA7JHE/_T7C0825-Edit.jpg Blog - Orkney Stromness is Orkney's second largest town and a main ferry port. It is viewed an architectural gem, an inspiration for artists and writers, and a firm favourite with visitors https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e51f5a00260e664b9feef09/1585822748949-2FSRIZ85J6HMJ03ZF90Z/_T7C0596.jpg Blog - Orkney One of the Churchill Barriers, now a causeway between islands https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e51f5a00260e664b9feef09/1585823600870-9WYQNMH97G30IINKKOMH/_T7C0712-Edit.jpg Blog - Orkney In 1916 the HMS Hampshire sank off Marwick Head in mysterious circumstances with the loss of 655 lives. Among those who lost their lives was Lord Kitchener, minister of war at that time. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e51f5a00260e664b9feef09/1585823371440-NOEOPLK1CYR5GBY06MAY/_T7C0663.jpg Blog - Orkney Skara Brae… https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e51f5a00260e664b9feef09/1585822521195-VIJT7ZFZUG4M2TAOV319/_T7C0543.jpg Blog - Orkney The interior of the Chapel https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e51f5a00260e664b9feef09/1585823772187-U1EQ6HAMRV7C9FJIS1HZ/_T7C0756.jpg Blog - Orkney The Brough of Birsay is an uninhabited island off the north-west coast of of Orkney - at low tide it is accessible by foot. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e51f5a00260e664b9feef09/1585822296943-VO2I9A0PWNW64P0YB2YJ/_T7C0535-Edit.jpg Blog - Orkney “The Italian Chapel consists of two Nissen huts transformed into a beautiful chapel by Domenico Chiocchetti and his colleagues, prisoners of war captured in North Africa and transported to the Island of Lambholm in Orkney”. (www.orkney.com) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e51f5a00260e664b9feef09/1585823026140-08L2K075JW0TKJ5NJBYU/_T7C0657.jpg Blog - Orkney Beautiful beaches…but cold water! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e51f5a00260e664b9feef09/1585822871031-CR5OLGXD2JO32K0GY85R/_T7C0637.jpg Blog - Orkney The famous Ring of Brodgar. Billy Connolly once danced naked round these stones… https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e51f5a00260e664b9feef09/1585824222068-1FBI3U5J3AHV2BRDFPTM/_T7C0843-Edit.jpg Blog - Orkney The skyline of Kirkwall… https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e51f5a00260e664b9feef09/1585824433774-13SLV28HB8VKQQCTN1FA/_T7C0846.jpg Blog - Orkney St Magnus Cathedral known as the 'Light in the North' was founded in 1137 and is Britain’s most northerly Cathedral. https://www.travellingfatman.com/blog/york-whitby-and-robin-hoods-bay monthly 0.5 2020-04-01 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e51f5a00260e664b9feef09/1585728619665-S17CFYY4NWIJDZST0QFN/_T7C0254-1.jpg Blog - York, Whitby and Robin Hood's Bay... The grave of Dick Turpin, an infamous highwayman, lies a short walk from the centre of York. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e51f5a00260e664b9feef09/1585730428068-BPL6I4QDGEDC1TCK24FM/_T7C0353-1.jpg Blog - York, Whitby and Robin Hood's Bay... The main road leading up from the harbour of Robin Hood’s Bay… https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e51f5a00260e664b9feef09/1585729478278-UNZY0P5GRXX523DLJCP7/_T7C0329-Edit-1.jpg Blog - York, Whitby and Robin Hood's Bay... Looking down onto the harbour.. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e51f5a00260e664b9feef09/1585728332550-8OUNI11ITV23CY1ZQTNC/_T7C0219-1.jpg Blog - York, Whitby and Robin Hood's Bay... Once you reach the Minster, you can take tours around the famous Cathedral, including up to the higher levels! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e51f5a00260e664b9feef09/1585729956354-BB4K152PRKLWXZR6DP4X/_T7C0331-1.jpg Blog - York, Whitby and Robin Hood's Bay... Looking north from Whitby, a beautiful coastline! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e51f5a00260e664b9feef09/1585727987194-5T2WYQHGC5CRCW1VAES2/_T7C0185-1.jpg Blog - York, Whitby and Robin Hood's Bay... Walking the old city walls is a highlight of a visit to the city and the walk affords some wonderful views of the Minster! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e51f5a00260e664b9feef09/1585729799101-QLOGTJ7DGX1XSQPVYJJL/_T7C0330-Edit-1.jpg Blog - York, Whitby and Robin Hood's Bay... The harbour entrance, looking out to the North Sea… https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e51f5a00260e664b9feef09/1585728878206-GJJ7USDBHFNDAVWL3Q0A/_T7C0300-1.jpg Blog - York, Whitby and Robin Hood's Bay... Around a one hour drive from York lies the harbour town of Whitby. The ruined Gothic Whitby Abbey was Bram Stoker’s inspiration for “Dracula”, absolutely worth a visit. From the Abbey, the steps in this image lead you down towards the heart of the town. I have posted an image of the Abbey on my Facebook page. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e51f5a00260e664b9feef09/1585729278345-ZK815ADKXLS8I45DP0R2/_T7C0316-Edit-1.jpg Blog - York, Whitby and Robin Hood's Bay... Fishing boats in Whitby harbour… https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e51f5a00260e664b9feef09/1585730183907-NU1XBZWZ63WKAZNUU5B9/_T7C0348-1.jpg Blog - York, Whitby and Robin Hood's Bay... Robin Hood’s Bay is a picturesque old fishing village on the Heritage Coast of the North York Moors and lies 5 miles south of Whitby. Apparently an old smuggling village, I spent a few childhood holidays here - family friends ran a fish and chip shop near the harbour - happy days! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e51f5a00260e664b9feef09/1585730889238-UXN6ITQP21UZ0J4IATOV/_T7C0364-1.jpg Blog - York, Whitby and Robin Hood's Bay... From the top of the hill looking back over Robin Hood’s Bay https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e51f5a00260e664b9feef09/1585730620874-LG1CHOUZR39AS95NHC6G/_T7C0360-Edit-1.jpg Blog - York, Whitby and Robin Hood's Bay... The same road - just a beautiful wee village! https://www.travellingfatman.com/blog/new-york-christmas-2010 monthly 0.5 2020-03-21 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e51f5a00260e664b9feef09/1584785418635-QKQGSQFCTHG8F7O2YVDT/20dec20100114-1.jpg Blog - New York, Christmas, 2010 Museum of Modern Art https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e51f5a00260e664b9feef09/1584785446368-B653DHHK7JPHUL536TT3/21dec20100024a-1.jpg Blog - New York, Christmas, 2010 Solitude, Central Park https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e51f5a00260e664b9feef09/1584785550834-TFC6GFRP6UBM693KM15F/22dec20100062-1.jpg Blog - New York, Christmas, 2010 Heroes https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e51f5a00260e664b9feef09/1584785662696-9ACN3WGEACTA0LGK7OY4/26dec20100014-Edit-1.jpg Blog - New York, Christmas, 2010 Reflections https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e51f5a00260e664b9feef09/1584785627822-GZTWWCPDSVXFLTHLM1Q6/25dec20100019-1.jpg Blog - New York, Christmas, 2010 Independence https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e51f5a00260e664b9feef09/1584785746121-8U5POT8EQ4FZC35ONVD0/IMG_1399-Edit-1.jpg Blog - New York, Christmas, 2010 Central Park https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e51f5a00260e664b9feef09/1584785505537-H3MUBBUL6QC0U9G7XBL3/22dec20100054-Edit-1.jpg Blog - New York, Christmas, 2010 Fire Escapes https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e51f5a00260e664b9feef09/1584785707470-MP0RUJO2G8MW141F7K4Y/IMG_1172-1.jpg Blog - New York, Christmas, 2010 Stand Tall https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e51f5a00260e664b9feef09/1584785584380-7RKL3LYSBUA3KXJO1R1N/22dec20100124-Edit-1.jpg Blog - New York, Christmas, 2010 Katz Deli https://www.travellingfatman.com/blog/wildlife-in-singapore monthly 0.5 2020-03-15 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e51f5a00260e664b9feef09/1584257335255-UD67B532PXTWIRKJPU66/3E9A5635-1.jpg Blog - Wildlife in Singapore Let’s finish off with another bird. This is an olive-backed sunbird watching over her nest. Please do check my wildlife gallery for more images - thank you! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e51f5a00260e664b9feef09/1584256351008-DRKEFSGWQXLRY3CKFOM0/3E9A5463.jpg Blog - Wildlife in Singapore Grey herons are commonly seen in wetland areas, was lucky to catch this one as he was having his breakfast. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e51f5a00260e664b9feef09/1584255469398-RFAHLFORJDDYR3VVSG2K/3E9A5207.jpg Blog - Wildlife in Singapore Let’s keep the drama going with a mangrove pit viper. Thankfully this one was at a decent distance and I had a long lens on the camera. Snakes can be found around the island in various forested parks and reserves - and it is not that uncommon for them to be seen in built up areas as well. Pythons in particular seem to pop up on news stories every 2 or 3 months. In fact, a 3 metre specimen was even found in Orchard Road in early 2019 - you can read about that in this news article. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e51f5a00260e664b9feef09/1584256577987-4L0UFJFNHSTZ6FWM33AV/3E9A5279.jpg Blog - Wildlife in Singapore Otters have become increasingly common in Singapore in recent years and can really be found all over the island - including central tourist spots such as Gardens by the Bay - although that’s not where I spotted this wee fella. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e51f5a00260e664b9feef09/1584255007599-XHZHNZNG546QNMRVM7WA/3E9A3962-1.jpg Blog - Wildlife in Singapore Let’s start off in slightly dramatic fashion with this little beauty. Saltwater crocodiles can be found in and around Sungei Buloh nature reserve which lies on the north of the island, near to the causeway to Malaysia. I was lucky enough to spot this chap when he was feeding. The crocs can often be spotted in the water or basking on the shores near the footbridge leading into the reserve. Migratory birds, otters, spiders, snakes and large monitor lizards can also be found here. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e51f5a00260e664b9feef09/1584256017031-7MQ8BJ6GT7STCP61GTYT/3E9A5208.jpg Blog - Wildlife in Singapore If you do go out to the reserves or parks, please take care when on any boardwalks - snakes often encroach onto them - here we have a juvenile mangrove pit viper on the mangrove board walk at Pasir Ris Park. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e51f5a00260e664b9feef09/1584256780833-KWYIRYWLPPHR1GG9LHKK/3E9A5856-1.jpg Blog - Wildlife in Singapore This beautiful chap is a common kingfisher, another visitor to parks and wetlands around the city. I’ve spent many happy hours watching, waiting and snapping this wonderful bird. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e51f5a00260e664b9feef09/1584256925037-PAR55MYUL4FRQWNBHIM4/3E9A5432.jpg Blog - Wildlife in Singapore And here we have a monitor lizard - again, common across the island in parks where you can find ponds or lakes. Even in central locations such as the Botanical Gardens. https://www.travellingfatman.com/blog/photography-terminology monthly 0.5 2020-03-09 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e51f5a00260e664b9feef09/1583748432688-FAK900WLG8TVUJSI1L57/3E9A1683-2-1.jpg Blog - Photography Terminology This image had an exposure time of 6 seconds, to help with smoothing the water. It is also an example of a “wide angle” shot - the focal length was 17mm. https://www.travellingfatman.com/blog/photography-tips monthly 0.5 2020-03-04 https://www.travellingfatman.com/blog/travel-photography-what-is-it monthly 0.5 2020-06-25 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e51f5a00260e664b9feef09/1582859783186-EWJU8VZFBSM9ORGHK7R5/6T7C6176.jpg Blog - Travel Photography - what is it? So…prayer flags…everywhere! The different colours each have their own significance, their own meaning and they are clearly an important part of Bhutanese culture - and should be respected as such. From a photographer’s perspective, they offer a wonderful opportunity to capture an essential element of local culture. For those interested in the colours… White is for good fortune Blue is for health and long life Yellow is for victory over difficulties Red is for fulfilling wishes Green is for compassion https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e51f5a00260e664b9feef09/1582855663518-QSNTR6E0APUFA2EK82ZO/6T7C5217.jpg Blog - Travel Photography - what is it? I look at the two images above and they scream “Bhutan” at me. There’s no way I’d have got these shots in Glasgow, for example. The clothing, the prayer wheels and the group of women - very Bhutanese imagery. Granted, you may see similar in other Himalayan Kingdoms, but as travel images for Bhutan, I’m pretty happy with these ones. There’s a fit here for both the People and Culture categories, but I’ll plump for People and give separate examples of “Culture” below… https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e51f5a00260e664b9feef09/1582857604346-N49PJATEGFCEUVSLF1GH/6T7C6278.jpg Blog - Travel Photography - what is it? https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e51f5a00260e664b9feef09/1582859658927-MCXPHU71TJTCALBAVJNR/6T7C4960.jpg Blog - Travel Photography - what is it? https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e51f5a00260e664b9feef09/1582861987369-2AI7DB04VFNDKXY303TP/6T7C4901-1.jpg Blog - Travel Photography - what is it? https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e51f5a00260e664b9feef09/1582862577329-01Y3N6WSLMOMHTA5CAB4/6T7C5748-1.jpg Blog - Travel Photography - what is it? https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e51f5a00260e664b9feef09/1582855274652-RXIUHFQPW4U5J6CYXOPQ/6T7C5251.jpg Blog - Travel Photography - what is it? https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e51f5a00260e664b9feef09/1582857796379-6QH38YQI85PVPTD57AGB/6T7C6294.jpg Blog - Travel Photography - what is it? Bhutanese culture is heavily steeped in Buddhism and these two images are typical images from the country. Prayer wheels can be seen in Temples and elsewhere and the sight of a monk striding across a flagstone courtyard gives a good sense of what to expect to see, should you visit the country. Something I would recommend, by the way - Bhutan is a wonderful place to visit. Another element of local culture you will see everywhere is Prayer Flags… https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e51f5a00260e664b9feef09/1582859108370-GBM7YTLKI9VVSEPL2M5H/6T7C5011.jpg Blog - Travel Photography - what is it? https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e51f5a00260e664b9feef09/1582862752072-3UJ1B9LQWPAE6LX78KDX/6T7C5827-1.jpg Blog - Travel Photography - what is it? Last of the three categories - Environment. I accept that “environment” can be a pretty broad term. When I look at this category I am thinking of images that reflect the surroundings you will find yourself in when you visit a location - in some cases, that may be a cityscape or even street photography, such as in a modern metropolis like Tokyo. But here, in Bhutan, you have mountains, rivers, paddy fields - and the occasional landslide, as evidenced in the final pic. The image of the landslide was taken on my route back from Punakha over the Dochula Pass towards Thimphu. WE encountered a recently-blocked road and the traffic slowly backed up - the drivers of the cars, buses and trucks got together to clear the road, with the few tourists, myself included, helping where we could. All in, a wonderful experience of travel in Bhutan - it’s often moments like this, spontaneous and unplanned, that form the highlights of a trip to a new destination. Well, many thanks for reading the blog - please do follow me on Instagram for more images from my travels! You can find more of my snaps on the Portraits of Asia website and if you want to see me in full action mode, there’s a Youtube channel - any subscriptions/likes would be massively appreciated! 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