Category Archives: Photo Gallery

El Convento De Santa Catalina

“Silent women? Go figure!”

If you enjoy peace and quiet, then you’ve probably not come to the right place. Going back hundreds of years ago, it may have been one of the most peaceful places on the planet as it was full of nuns who had vowed silence. Silent women? Go figure! These days, the Santa Catalina Monastery is full of annoying and loud tourists that get in your way when you try to take photos.

Apart from the above, I love old style Spanish architecture and gardenscape design concepts. I had a blast taking photos of pots, walls and doors. Yes, believe it. I also gawked in dumbfoundedness at the way they (not sure if it was the nuns or modern day gardeners) used lantana plants to decorate some walls (as climbing vines) as they are considered a weed and pest in Australia and most gardeners can’t cut these down fast enough.

Taquile Married Woman

The many faces of Peru

Peru boasts countless natural wonders and a multitude of jaw-dropping, man-made landmarks. From its Pacific beaches (La Costa) to its Andean Mountains (La Sierra) and to the Amazonian jungle (La Selva), its cultural diversity embraces a mestizaje of Inca, African, and European traditions. Like many other Latin American countries, it has endured centuries of colonisation and the destruction of indigenous structures – all this adds to its historical and cultural wealth and forges a proud tradition that includes many folkloric dances, costumes, typical drinks, and signature dishes (Peruvian Cuisine is just delicious). These photos show just some of the people and fauna we encountered on this wonderful journey. I will be adding more as our trip continues deeper into the country…

Darwin 3414.

On the way to Toowoomba

“…when you’re the driver, you tend to focus more on oncoming traffic and keeping the vehicle between the white lines….”

The number of times I have travelled to Toowoomba over the years is countless. Countless, because I have never really counted them, and I am not saying I go there often, but I do go from time to time. When you’re a passenger in a car, the mind tends to wander off into distant daydreams, thinking about things such as life, problems and happy times. But when you’re the driver, you tend to focus more on oncoming traffic and keeping the vehicle between the white lines.

 

Noel the Farmer

Noel – Very friendly farmer.

I thought I would take the opportunity of the 130 km trip to Toowoomba to take some photos. Interestingly, on the way there:
– I met a super friendly and cool farmer named Noel.
– I almost bought a shot of Tequila at The Sundowner Saloon
– I saw a Red Elephant (and I didn’t even have the Tequila!)
– I had coffee made and served by a skinny Fred Flintstone
– I didn’t see people fall from the sky but I could imagine it…

Rip Cord - People falling from the sky!!

RIPCORD

Toowoomba is nicknamed the Garden City, and what better time to visit the garden city than in Spring? The trees were getting their first spring flushes, flowers were gently beginning their opening journey divulging their inner beauty, branches were budding and eggs were 2 for $5.00 dozen (whatever that means)…

THE BIG ORANGE

THE BIG ORANGE

I always enjoy my visits to Toowoomba. Last time I was there, I ate a sausage roll with a knife and fork! Oh lah dee dah!! I would recommend that you take the time to stop and enjoy the scenery on your next trip to Toowoomba, alternatively, get someone else to drive the car!

The Aikido Kid a.k.a. The Black Van Damme

“…He meticulously and precisely shuffled to the left, and then to the right (in a similar fashion to the little shop of horrors)…”

My Kanaky brother, Hnawish, had his Aikido graduation over the weekend and I was invited to take some photos of the event.

Hnawish - The Aikido Kid

Hnawish – The Aikido Kid

He had to pass some rigorous tests in order to obtain his black belt. And so he did -Hnawish threw, spun, whacked, jumped, and dove, then he dipped, dodged and grabbed with surgical precision. Bodies were flying left, right and centre – all in the spirit of good sport. He made it look so easy. A flick of the fingers and waaaaaaaah! They flew head over heels, literally – the photos prove it.

Throwing looks so easy

Throwing looks so easy

They came at him with wooden swords and knives. He meticulously and precisely shuffled to the left, and then to the right (in a similar fashion to the little shop of horrors), disarmed his opponents and brought them to their knees, literally (again). All it took was a little twist of the wrist, a tug from the elbow.

When someone comes at you with a timber sword...

Hnawish is ready…

How impressive! I know who I would love to be my bodyguard if I ever become an organised (or even disorganised) Mafia boss. Respect! Oh, and I forgot to mention, Hnawish graduated and is now a first dan black belt. Congratulations Master Hnawish!

The Harbour Bridge - thousands of steel rivets.

Sydney Trip July 2012

“….. I always end up meeting someone interesting or finding myself lost in a place I like to find myself…. “

Sydney is a truly awesome city to visit. I love coming here and having Portuguese chicken from little Portugal (in the suburb of Petersham). I also love going to Newtown for Thai cuisine. Newtown very much reminds me of Brisbane’s West End and it is the home of the free-thinking, art-loving, purple hair sporting, nose ringing, beatnik’en fashionistas.

The Harbour Bridge - thousands of steel rivets.

Ribbed for his pleasure.

Foggy Sydney

Foggy Sydney

Sydney is most definitely a buzzing city and has plenty of cool events (for example last weekend’s Aroma Festival), hip restaurants and trendsetting hang-outs. Things can get happenin’ if you know where to look and/or if you have connections. But who am I to say? A little bit of adventurous roaming never hurt anyone and is a great way to become more acquainted with such a city.

Personally, I like to take to the streets (armed with my camera and tripod) and follow my nose and instincts.

I always end up meeting someone interesting or finding myself lost in a place I like to find myself.

I’m just sayin’.

One of the SHB Pylons

One of the Sydney Harbour Bridge Pylons

The smiling face of Luna Park in Sydney's Milson's Point.

The smiling face of Luna Park in Sydney’s Milson’s Point.