London At Sunset | 5 Top Places You Can See the London Skyline for Free

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So many times we see pictures of sunsets in exotic places and those beautiful sunset shots taken on the beach somewhere that evoke that "wish you where here" type of feeling. Funny how sometimes we can experience similar sunsets and never truly appreciate them until, well you see them up high.

We all take for granted things that are only a stone's throw in our cities. At the end of 2014 I though it was time to suck it up and explore places I have come to label as tourist traps. One such place I have avoided in all my 20+ years of living in London is St Paul's Cathedral. I have seen this place daily while washing dishes at home(view from the kitchen window) and have now moved to a new flat(2 years, not so new!), I have an even prettier view from my root top of the whole city in all its Panorama. I thought, I could not end 2014 without stepping foot inside the Cathedral.  Considering, churches, temples, and religious buildings are among the first places I want to see when I travel and here I was, having ignored this beautiful treasures in my own city. Pure blasphemy!

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Christmas Festivities | Harrods Windows

Every Christmas tourists(even locals) flock to the main department stores in London to see the beautiful Christmas displays. Harrods is among the popular department stores that always has captivating displays based around various themes. All the windows are covered up just before showdown and the unveiling is tried much like an event of the season, that must not be missed! Adults and kids alike gather around the store to take in the festivities as the curtains are dropped to reveal the year's display story. Usually I avoid such places like the plaque, but as I in the area I thought I would check out what this year's creativity brought to Harrods' Christmas window displays. 

This years theme transports you to The Land of Make Believe with beautiful creations of oversized vintage toys from some of the best designers around the world.

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How to Eat Your Way Through Amsterdam

My dreams of travel extend far into many corners of this big 'ol world. There is one particular place I have been dreaming about for the last two years. Suriname, a country that lies in the northern-eastern of the Atlantic coast of South America. My daydreams are filled with pictures of pristine sandy beaches, coconut drinks, drank straight from the coconut itself and food full of exotic flavours that send me into unbounded spiral of wanderlust. To my surprise I had no idea the trip to Amsterdam a few weeks ago to celebrate 2 years together with a cuddly ginger would have me sampling authentic Surinamese food in the heart of Amsterdam. Not so far out of the ordinary as the Dutch colonised Suriname and with many places they travelled they returned with food rich in flavour that even today will leave dinners speechless as they quietly devour each intoxicately good bite.

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Adventures on Victoria Falls | Dipping Into The Devil's Pool

In my last post I shared with you moments from my exploration of Livingstone Island, a World Heritage Site, which sits on the edge of the Victoria Falls. Its only been open since 1992, allowing exclusive access to get up close and personal with the falls. I also mentioned that I was going to be sharing with you pictures from the adventurous dip into the Devils Pool. The Devil's Pool is a natural pool on the edge of Victoria Falls and it's thought that it was created  by thousands of years erosion. It's beauty lies in the fact that you have a rock ledge on the edge that stops you from being swept down the 100 meter gorge by the torrents of water. Well you can wait no longer as the pictures are below. Before that a little detail on how this came about. This trip has been a long time coming and the Devils Pool even more so. I have mentioned it a couple of times now on the blog and it was between this and a bangee jump. I am glad to say the the Devils Pool won! 

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Exploring Victoria Falls | Lunch on Livingstone Island Surrounded By Victoria Falls

"So lovely, it must have been gazed upon by angels in their flight" - David Livingstone

Although the first known Europeans to visit Zambia were the Portuguese, it is thought that David Livingstone was the first Brit to explore the Zambezi River (and gaze upon the Victoria Falls), which gives life to Mosi-oa-Tunya. This translates to The Smoke that Thunders. You might know this as Victoria Falls, renamed by David Livingstone in 1855 in honour of Queen Victoria as he stood on what is now know as Livingstone Island. In high season you wouldn't be able to stand here as it is completely submerged in sheets of water. Most Zambians and Zimbabweans still use its original name and Zimbabwe went as far as officially renaming the falls back to "Mosi-oa-Tunya" last year.

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Sloane Square | Saatchi on Sunday

One of my favourite galleries in London. I dont get to venture to this part of London much these days other than when I am passing through to get to Chelsea's Lomax gym for a little PT. Saatchi Gallery in the heart of the beautiful Sloane Square houses contemporary and modern art by artists from all around the world. This was my perfect Sunday escape for a little me-time. I also wanted to see the huge ants that are the stars of the show at Saatchi Gallery. Colombian Artisit Rafael Gomezbarro's installation consists of these huge insects the scale the walls of one of the rooms in the gallery and its  so cool to be able to get so close to these pieces.

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Tower Of London | Sea Of Poppies

If you live in London you will no doubt notice how the month of November is usually dedication to the Remembrance Day. This year is no different, with the Tower of London having an installation entitled Blood Swept Lands and Seas of Red to commemorate the life of fallen British and colonial soldiers. The moat around Tower of London is now covered in "sea of poppies" as well as the "sea of people" as the installation has had an overwhelming response from not only the British traveling from all over the UK but also the great number of tourists who are a flocking to the tower to get a glimpse of the poppies before they are removed on November 11.

It has taken 8,000 volunteers to place the 888,246 cermaic poppies which take 3 days to make just one. If you are hoping to snag a poppy from the moat you might be disappointed as they have now all been sold and due to be sent out to buyers from November 11. Having started the planting in July this year, when I visited the Tower they were still planting more poppies.   This is set to continue with the final planting taking place on Armistice Day.

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Colours of Autumn In Richmond Park

Autumn is here and what better way to witness this vibrant and colourful season than to take to the English parks. I have done a few posts on my walk in the park series. This past weekend I got together with a few other budding photographers and we took to the lovely Richmond Park. The weather during the week had been grey, dull and uninspiring, although Saturday wasnt anything to sing about, it did brighten up just enough to take in the colours of autumn. I was hoping to also photograph the beautiful deer in Richmond park, I didn't mind so much when they failed to turn up as I had a full rainbow of autumn colours on display. Living in the city or anyone working/keeping house...while also trying to maintain sanity in this ever so hectic and the constant connection to the digital world that is now ingrained in our lifestyle can definitely appreciate some time enjoying the open  spaces  in the parks or countryside. When I do manage to get out to the parks I usually opt for a nice walk with music, book or with neither of these so as to just enjoy the spaces and allow the mind to clear with no distractions. Then there other times I take my camera with me(hence why you get to see pictures here), for me this serves as a little reminder to keep developing my photography and experiment with the settings and make the most of the light and shadows make the outdoor spaces look so delightfully pleasing to the eye. Take in the very things that we take for granted in our day to day and sometimes miss all together because we are too busy existing instead of living. My walk in the park series serve as a reminder to stop existing and start living. I hope they do the same for you too...

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Zambian Heritage | Kabwata Cultural Village

If you are heading over to Zambia don’t just head straight to Livingstone thinking that is all there is to see of the country. Zambia’s capital is beaming with culture and activities to part take in. There are day trips available to Kafue’s river side or exploring the local markets like Soweto market or seeing the bustling in Cairo road. A great tip for Cairo road is to go there on the weekend as the weekdays there is traffic like no other! If you are a lover of retail therapy then head to the malls. What you should not miss out on though, is Kabwata’s Cultural Village. Home to some 70 woodcarvers, basket weavers and artists who showcase their creative spirit in the products they make. This place is not just for tourists, locals in and around Zambia know about this little national treasure. If you are visiting Livingstone many other towns, you will find that you cannot haggle too much with the prices as a lot of those wooden carvings are made here, the buy from here and resell in Livingstone and many other areas on the country.

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Symphony of Lights | Things To Do In Hong Kong

Hong Kong is just like London, both cities are just as awake during the night as they are in the day. Hong Kong does not sleep at night. The city is still busy and bustling as if to prepare for the morning and with that, many things to do in Hong Kong, day or night. When morning comes, it's more bustling and when evening approaches yet more bustling - but this time with a  little bright treat! It's just so beautiful and so the exploring continues into the night for more sights to set upon the eyes. In this case the Symphony of Lights!

If you are in Hong Kong there is no double you will one to add this on your list of things to do in Hong Kong. This is Hong Kong's famous symphony of lights; a multimedia light show that comprises of five themes; Awakening, Energy, Heritage, Partnership, and Celebration. These celebrate the diversity, energy, and spirit of Hong Kong. Also named as the 'Worlds largest Permanent Light and Sound Show', while in Hong Kong you cannot miss the lights as the lasers can be seen from miles away. After mingling around the city exploring and eating my weight in food in Kowloon's food district it was time to head down to Victoria Harbor to rest my feet, let my food to settle before dessert and catch the Symphony of Lights show. These are some shots taken from Kowloon looking on Hong Kong Island's light show.

If you have seen the light show, what did you think of it?

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Day Trips From Hong Kong | Exploring Lantau Island With Big Buddha

After days of city living in on HK island and Kowloon it was time to branch out to Outlying Islands. I embarked on a trip to Lantau Island to visit Big Buddha.  Travelling by train to Tung Chung, and with the cable car out of service for maintenance just 24 hrs before my trip, I changed transportation to a coach service at Tung Chung station to reach the Po Lin Monastery and then Big Buddha.  Winding roads form a mountainous backdrop of beautiful lush green valleys. Phoenix Mountain being the highest peak of these mountains stretches to 935 meters high. The second highest peak in Hong Kong but the most popular spot for tourists visiting Lantau Island for climbing in order to view and admire sunrise and sunsets from its peak. Lantau Island is among the 234 islands belonging to Hong Kong SAR with only a few these inhabited. 

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Floating in Israel's Dead Sea

I hope I haven't spoiled you too much with pictures from my road trip around Israel. One of our last stops a few days before leaving Israel was of course the Dead Sea. Also known as the Salt Sea. You cannot visit the Holy Land and not visit the Dead Sea. Why, it would almost be sinful. The Dead Sea serves as a backdrop for many events in biblical times. A place of refuge for King David who hid from King Saul, the prophet Ezekiel had visions here and this was also a health resort for Herod the Great. The story of Masada also happened only a stone's throw from here and overlooks the Dead Sea and a striking sight set in Israel's Judean Dessert combining history, geology and archaeology. 

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The Red Sea: Dive in to a magical world

Shipwreck near Tiran

Thinking about at the beautiful blue waters on my recent trip in Israel, I have been reminiscing about my diving in Egypt last September. Not only that, walking around with bare legs also revealed my little diving accident as the scar on my leg have healed but still shop dark patches.

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Seattle | Proposals In The Chinese Room

Wishing for a harmonious marriage in the Chinese Room

While I am sorting through my pictures from the trip to Israel I thought I would share with you pictures from my time in Seattle. Having spent a few days in Seattle I managed to visit the city's main observation towers; the Space Needle, Columbia Centre Sky Deck and the viewing deck of the Smith Tower. I left this place last although the building was right next to my hotel. From what I had read about it, it offered up a lot more charm, with open air views of Seattle. This was by far my favourite building in the city. There is something about it. Modern design considering its been standing for over a 100 years. Built in 1914, at one point the tallest building in the whole of the united states. Also the oldest skyscraper in Seattle but you couldn't tell just by looking at it. Entering the building slowly starts to unravel the old charm within. You are immediately birthed in all that is golden brass.

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Cologne's Love Locks Bridge

"To find someone who will love you for no reason, and to shower that person with reasons, that is the ultimate happiness"

This Friday, Valentines day is upon us once again(its happens every year you know!). In my recent trip to Germany I passed through Cologne and while exploring my friend showed me Cologne's Love Locks Bridge after a visit to Kolner Dome. Germany is not known as a romantic destination so I was taken by surprise seeing all the beautiful locks on the Hohenzollern bridge. It appears the trend from Rome's Milvian Bridge on the Tiber not only reached the Parisian Pont de l'Archevech on the Seine but made its way to Cologne as well. As trains rumble over the Hohenzollern bridge so do thousands of hearts as row after row of padlocks decorate the stretch across the river with messages of love. Various shapes and colours of padlocks all engraved with names and dates of marriages, engagements combined add up to some 40,000+ padlocks hanging on what is now Germany's Love Locks Bridge or perhaps the bridge of love as I call it. Considering the tradition in Cologne only started in 2008 the number of locks left here has grown and to 2 tons in weight, and has been weighing heavily on the hearts of many local officials who questioned how long this tradition can be sustained for. After much protest from lovers in the city they have now decided that it will continue into the foreseeable future.

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Diving in the Red Sea

The warm breeze filtering through the Yacht as the sun burns on unforgivingly, while divers are are diving in the mysterious blue sea beneath the Yacht in search of the many sea creatures that the Red Sea habours.

Anchored peacefully and bobbing afloat over looking Tiran Island, the sea is calm, fellow divers and snorkelers joyfully drying off the salt sea water off tanned and glowing skin and comparing notes on the fish they have just seen. Sharm El Sheik's beauty attempts to hide the complicated situation and language of bullets that is spoken in Egypt's capital and the popular tourist spot of Alexandria and Cairo.

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Discovering Malta | Gozo and Comino

Having recently visited Malta, I am still smittened by the beauty and serenity of the place. There are a 101 great reasons why Malta should be on your list of places to visit or you next holiday. Still unspoilt and with most buildings only two stories high it still has an old feel to it. Its fairly easy getting around Malta and will only set you back 12 Euros for a weekly bus pass which is valid on both Gozo and Malta. The islands are fairly small so there is no real need to rent a car. Malta has seen many invaders and as a result the islands have a rich culture and heritage, evident in almost everything you look at; from the street/town names to the language and food. With many rulers - the makings of an interesting place to tour around. So my reason for wanting to pay the islands a visit once more:

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