Macau Tower

Macau's answer to Auckland's Skytower! Where's a tripod when you need one?!?! At least I managed to find a convenient resting place for my camera when this picture was taken. This shot was made without using a flash. It's just a question of controlling the shutter speed. This is the second best way to experience the Macau tower. The first is to have a meal in the revolving restaurant at the top! Yes, it was yummy!

Wisdom

Back to Lantau Island. The 'Wisdom Path' is situated close to the Po Lin Monastery. It's a lovely walk that leads you to a sight you don't expect to see, that being thirty-eight individual timber columns with inscriptions arranged to correspond with the topography of the landscape. The figure-of-eight configuration symbolises infinity and the number 8 is a very lucky number in Hong Kong society. If my memory serves me well, I took this shot while the sun lay behind the most prominent column. This makes things look darker than they actually were.

Expensive View

Without doubt, a trip to 'The Peak' should be one of the first things you do when you visit Hong Kong. The views are simply breathtaking. If you fancy purchasing a house or apartment in this area I guarantee the prices will take your breath away too! Property up here is the most expensive in the world! As my current savings pot won't 'afford' me a more permanent view, I decide to settle for a photograph!

A Sign

Hong Kong was proud to be involved with the Olympics of 2008. The Country co-hosted the equestrian events of the games. This picture was taken at Victoria Harbour. The symbol of the Olympic Games is composed of five interlocking rings, colored blue, yellow, black, green, and red. This was originally designed in 1912 by Baron Pierre de Coubertin, the founder of the modern Olympic Games. The five rings stand for passion, faith, victory, work ethic, and sportsmanship.

Close Up

A close up shot of the Eiffel Tower. The thing that struck me about the structure was just how big it was. In truth I don't think it's possible to convey this on film. Some things you just have to see in person ! Though freezing cold, hundreds must have gathered to view the tower this particular evening. Hard to believe it now, but many people considered the Eiffel Tower an eyesore when it was first built. The searchlights on top of the tower act as a beacon in the night sky.

Paris - Moulin Rouge

This photograph was taken on the move. As you can see the rain is lashing down on the window pane in front of me. I had to be quick to get this shot. I was travelling on a bus when this was taken. The powers the be don't like transportation stopping outside this famous Parisian landmark. For some strange reason I think this photograph works. By the way, if you fancy a meal and a show at the Moulin Rouge (French for Red Mill) it will cost you around £100 pounds.

Paris - Eiffel Tower

The Eiffel Tower taken on a very cold November night. The Tower is such an iconic site it's probably nigh on impossible to capture a 'different' view of it. Still... I had a go. A little known fact - 6,719,200 people visited the tower in 2006 and believe it or not more than 200,000,000 have seen it since its construction. Another factoid - maintenance of the tower includes applying 50 - 60 tons of 3 graded tones of paint every seven years to protect it from rust !

IFC In View

City scape Hong Kong style! Early evening is always great for photography. Somehow this time of day makes pictures appear more alive. As you can probably tell, natural light is fading fast. The International Finance Centre 2 (IFC2) stands out in this shot. It's a magnificent structure and is currently the 7th tallest office building in the world, the 3rd tallest building in the Greater China region and the tallest building in all of Hong Kong! IFC2 overlooks Victoria Harbour on the North Shore of Hong Kong Island and is a shimmering beacon night and day. Feel lost in Hong Kong? Find this in your vision and you're sure to find your bearings.

Hungry Horse

I was driving along a remote road in Cornwall when I came across this nosey fella (the horse). Like all good drivers I slowed up, then drew to a standstill as he approached the car. He was very interested in my vehicle. He walked around it a few times and then proceeded to stop at my window. I think he was looking for food and I must confess I was slightly concerned I might be next on the menu ! I slowly opened the window and said 'hi' as I reached for my camera. After the picture was taken - I got brave and ventured outside. Needless to say he soon got bored of me and headed down the road to greet his next victim (the driver of a ford focus).

Nun In St Peters

I tried to be as unobtrusive as possible and I think it kinda worked ;) This picture was taken in St Peters Basilica in Rome. I like to think these nuns were visiting the place for the first time (just like me) and were amazed at all they saw and experienced. Although the Vatican Basilica is not the Pope's official seat, it's his principal church. Most Papal ceremonies take place at St. Peter's due to its size, proximity to the Papal residence, and location within the Vatican City walls.

A Gift?

The soulless hustle and bustle of all the shopping and business commuters seem a world away on Lantau Island. Looking into the eyes of the 'The Giant Sitting Buddha' is an awe inspiring experience. As you can see, the peaceful, serene Giant Buddha has one hand raised while the other rests on his lap, open. Maybe he has a gift for all who visit here? Something to share? No matter your views on religion or spirituality, this is a wonderful location to unwind. Personally, I believe this place is the beating heart of Hong Kong. Batteries re-charged, I feel it's possible to face the shops of Kowloon once more.

Wetland Wonder

You could be forgiven for thinking this was another photograph from New Zealand, but it's not. This shot was taken in the Northern part of Tin Shui Wai, Hong Kong. I feel the 'Hong Kong Wetland Park' doesn't get enough publicity. After spending a good half day here, I found myself wanting tell all who'd listen what a special park this is. It's a wonderful place to learn about conservation and comprises of a 10,000 square meter large visitor centre, wetland interactive world, and a 60-hectare wetland reserve. All this, combined with themed exhibitions and a magnificent resource centre make this a special retreat. This picture is just a simple shot surveying the landscape in front of me while exploring the reserve.

Skyward

I love a good building and yes, Rome is full of em' ! This shot was taken while looking skyward. I think I must have been looking for pictorial inspiration at the time ! I quite like how this photograph worked out. I think I was in one of Romes many Piazza's at the time, enjoying the summer sunshine.

Surfer At Piha

A lone surfer surveys the waves out at sea. Piha is world renowned for its surf. As mentioned previously, many big world championships take place here. The tides can be very dangerous though ! Not for the faint hearted !

Sun Sinking At Karekare

Sunset At Karekare Beach. This is the one place I could watch the sun set every night of the year. Not good at getting out of bed for sun rises, so I think I'll just skip those :) The rock you see before you is Paratahi Island (see other listing below). This was a beautiful calm evening. The cloudless sky let me capture the sinking sun in all her glory.

Poppy On Poppy Day

Another simple shot. This photograph was taken in a small village called St Ive (near Callington in Cornwall). Wind and rain are Autumns companions, yet this delicate looking thing has almost seen the season out. No small feat ! The secret to getting a shot like this is to get in close. The blurred background helps highlight the rich colours on display.

Stairway To Heaven

Rome is impressive on many levels. So many sites to see ! Even if religion is unimportant to you, the Vatican Museum proves a breathtaking place to explore. Highlights include the Sistine Chapel and Raphael's Rooms. Pictures of these will be added soon. In the meantime I hope you like my shot of the Vatican staircase. I wonder how many people have trod these steps this week, month or year ???? Answers on a postcard.

Rain Rain Rain

Christmas time in Auckland doesn't necessarily mean sunshine and strawberry's. Stuck in my hire car - while the rain pelted the windscreen - I reached for the camera. I was parked close to a beach called Mission Bay - a popular spot with locals and tourists alike, with extinct volcano - Rangitoto in the background. Like the mood of this picture. The shot looks best in black and white.

Te-Henga (Bethells Beach)

Te-Henga or Bethells as it's sometimes known is one of the most popular beaches in the Waitakeres. A 30km drive (along winding roads) will lead you to this beautiful long coastal location. Though this photograph was taken when few people were around, Te Henga has a population explosion in the Summer months ! The Te-Henga Valley shows evidence of human settlement dating back over 1000 years. It's even possible to imagine dinosaurs exploring this kind of terrain ! This picture was inspired by the reflection. Spot the cave to the left of the picture.

Hong Kong Shoreline

A photograph of the Hong Kong Island shoreline at night. This is the central business district of Hong Kong. It's located across Victoria Harbour from Tsim Sha Tsui, the Southernmost point of Kowloon Peninsula. Many multinational financial services corporations have their headquarters in the area. This picture shows how colourful the area is at night. Midnight walks come highly recommended.