June 2015
June 1st
I was at the mechanic's garage half an hour before opening time so that the cooling system had time to cool off before being put under pressure to try to find out why there was loss of water. A couple of hours later it had been established that the only thing it could be was the tap sealing the water container. A new one was ordered and 2 tyres as well. I had to return later on in the afternoon. The tap had arrived but not the tyres. It meant a chase around, however all was finally complete and I was back home ready to load up the car for the next morning.
I had a photographic challenge to find an image with a foreground, middle and background and to process the image in 6 different ways. I found some possibilities at the garage and completed the challenge so the day wasn't totally without photographic work!
I was at the mechanic's garage half an hour before opening time so that the cooling system had time to cool off before being put under pressure to try to find out why there was loss of water. A couple of hours later it had been established that the only thing it could be was the tap sealing the water container. A new one was ordered and 2 tyres as well. I had to return later on in the afternoon. The tap had arrived but not the tyres. It meant a chase around, however all was finally complete and I was back home ready to load up the car for the next morning.
I had a photographic challenge to find an image with a foreground, middle and background and to process the image in 6 different ways. I found some possibilities at the garage and completed the challenge so the day wasn't totally without photographic work!
June 2nd
And we're off! Loaded up and heading out of the village before sunrise, there was a definite sense of going on holiday. I inadvertently took a wrong road off the motorway heading for Granada not recognising a new junction. Finding myself heading back towards the coast I thought about turning around, however it was in the right direction so continued. When I looked at the satnav, I realised I had actually gained nearly 20 mins in time by my "mistake"!
It was an excellent journey and we made good time until just after Barcelona. All of a sudden there was a noise which sounded a bit like water boiling. A check of the thermomenter showed no problems there, so we pulled onto the hard shoulder. It's daunting when lorries thunder past, however the engine appeared to be OK, so I lay down to look under the car and saw what was the problem; the sump cover had dropped down at the front. I pushed it back up and we limped into a service area 14kms away. A friendly worker lent me a spanner to see if I could undo the remaining nuts holding the sump cover on. I couldn't budge them so the breakdown people were called via insurance. He arrived fairly promptly and managed to take off the cover. I fitted into the car and it was my companion for the rest of the journey. Rationalising that if that was the only problem we had to deal with it, there was no problem. We went to bed that evening having arrived only just over an hour later than anticipated, with a positive frame of mind for the rest of our adventures.
And we're off! Loaded up and heading out of the village before sunrise, there was a definite sense of going on holiday. I inadvertently took a wrong road off the motorway heading for Granada not recognising a new junction. Finding myself heading back towards the coast I thought about turning around, however it was in the right direction so continued. When I looked at the satnav, I realised I had actually gained nearly 20 mins in time by my "mistake"!
It was an excellent journey and we made good time until just after Barcelona. All of a sudden there was a noise which sounded a bit like water boiling. A check of the thermomenter showed no problems there, so we pulled onto the hard shoulder. It's daunting when lorries thunder past, however the engine appeared to be OK, so I lay down to look under the car and saw what was the problem; the sump cover had dropped down at the front. I pushed it back up and we limped into a service area 14kms away. A friendly worker lent me a spanner to see if I could undo the remaining nuts holding the sump cover on. I couldn't budge them so the breakdown people were called via insurance. He arrived fairly promptly and managed to take off the cover. I fitted into the car and it was my companion for the rest of the journey. Rationalising that if that was the only problem we had to deal with it, there was no problem. We went to bed that evening having arrived only just over an hour later than anticipated, with a positive frame of mind for the rest of our adventures.
June 3rd
It was off to the airport to collect the remaining member of our group for our trip. We were early for the flight arrival so were able to organise the hire which is to take us on our travels. We were chuffed to bits to see the Vauxhall Astra we'd been allocated; it would carry us all and our clobber without problem, that was for sure.
Getting ready to capture the moment of meeting up again, I had my camera at the ready outside Arrivals. The doors opened and I found myself confronted by a security guard who let me know in no uncertain terms that no photography was allowed. Another lady became involved with the same guard. He eventually called the Guardia who was even more obnoxious! It didn't spoil the reunion however, and the rest of the day was spent catching up since we had last been together.
It was off to the airport to collect the remaining member of our group for our trip. We were early for the flight arrival so were able to organise the hire which is to take us on our travels. We were chuffed to bits to see the Vauxhall Astra we'd been allocated; it would carry us all and our clobber without problem, that was for sure.
Getting ready to capture the moment of meeting up again, I had my camera at the ready outside Arrivals. The doors opened and I found myself confronted by a security guard who let me know in no uncertain terms that no photography was allowed. Another lady became involved with the same guard. He eventually called the Guardia who was even more obnoxious! It didn't spoil the reunion however, and the rest of the day was spent catching up since we had last been together.
June 4th
The first part of our journey proper started out in a very relaxed manner. We had no set time to depart however found ourselves ready for the off just after 8am. We were following behind a lorry on the motorway and as it had a very shiny rear, I was able to take a selfie of our car, much to the amusement of the others!
Arrival at our first hotel involved first contact with the locals as we couldn't spot the entrance to the hotel even though we knew we were near. We stopped at one of the numerous horse trekking places to ask for directions. Obviously making a good impression and speaking Spanish/French rather than English/French, the offer soon came to follow behind the guy who would show us where the entry was. What he didn't mention was that he'd also be towing a trailer load of manure! Of course, we never do things in a normal way, do we! Such a novel way to arrive at the hotel with bits of shit over the car and the smell inside and up our nostrils! We'd made it though and it was a superb location too.
Cooling down at the pool I also became aware of the amount of wildlife around and it wasn't long before I could lay down and simply point my camera upwards to capture some images.
The first part of our journey proper started out in a very relaxed manner. We had no set time to depart however found ourselves ready for the off just after 8am. We were following behind a lorry on the motorway and as it had a very shiny rear, I was able to take a selfie of our car, much to the amusement of the others!
Arrival at our first hotel involved first contact with the locals as we couldn't spot the entrance to the hotel even though we knew we were near. We stopped at one of the numerous horse trekking places to ask for directions. Obviously making a good impression and speaking Spanish/French rather than English/French, the offer soon came to follow behind the guy who would show us where the entry was. What he didn't mention was that he'd also be towing a trailer load of manure! Of course, we never do things in a normal way, do we! Such a novel way to arrive at the hotel with bits of shit over the car and the smell inside and up our nostrils! We'd made it though and it was a superb location too.
Cooling down at the pool I also became aware of the amount of wildlife around and it wasn't long before I could lay down and simply point my camera upwards to capture some images.
June 5th
What an experience last evening. We went to the beach, walked around town, had something to eat and then went for a walk on the marshes. We were treated to some memorable moments. Not just the sun going down but the way it went down! There are horses all around running free or in organised treks. There are numerous birds and wildlife everywhere. There's no need to go on tours, look and you can see it all. It was late before we tore ourselves away and called it a night.
I was up early this morning in time to watch the sun rising over the marshes. The horses were close to where I was standing and I just couldn't stop clicking the shutter of my camera; it was magical. We had decided later on to visit an ornothological park nearby, however it didn't take long before we came across true wildlife. Masses of flamingos in a lagoon right next to the road. We were able to walk right up to them without disturbance on either part. Further along we saw bulls and on the various wetlands plenty of birds, feeding away. We reached the park, however when we saw what was advertised as being possible to see, realised we had seen everything anyway so saved our money for another day and another activity.
With the day in front of us we headed for Arles, the more well-known town in the area. We had a good look round and there was plenty of historical interest to see. It was hot though, so we eventually found a park in which to sit and relax and eat our packed lunches.
What an experience last evening. We went to the beach, walked around town, had something to eat and then went for a walk on the marshes. We were treated to some memorable moments. Not just the sun going down but the way it went down! There are horses all around running free or in organised treks. There are numerous birds and wildlife everywhere. There's no need to go on tours, look and you can see it all. It was late before we tore ourselves away and called it a night.
I was up early this morning in time to watch the sun rising over the marshes. The horses were close to where I was standing and I just couldn't stop clicking the shutter of my camera; it was magical. We had decided later on to visit an ornothological park nearby, however it didn't take long before we came across true wildlife. Masses of flamingos in a lagoon right next to the road. We were able to walk right up to them without disturbance on either part. Further along we saw bulls and on the various wetlands plenty of birds, feeding away. We reached the park, however when we saw what was advertised as being possible to see, realised we had seen everything anyway so saved our money for another day and another activity.
With the day in front of us we headed for Arles, the more well-known town in the area. We had a good look round and there was plenty of historical interest to see. It was hot though, so we eventually found a park in which to sit and relax and eat our packed lunches.
June 6th - 7th
I am in love...............!! I absolutely adore Florence. I'm not one usually for built up areas, however the ambience here is one I really like. There are plenty of people, however it's not overwhelming and although temperatures are high, there are plenty of places in the shade to walk. Nell is coping with it all magnificently and is constantly having her photo taken. The Italians really love dogs and I am able to take her into the breakfast room without problem.
Talking of breakfast reminds me of the last place we stayed at in France. It was a fantastic location and quarters and I would recommend it to anyone. The only downside was that the breakfast was expensive, so we decided to make ourselves a roll to take with us on our journey to Florence yesterday as well, working on the basis that if we had eaten it there, it would've been OK. Only it wasn't OK! We were spotted with our rolls in a serviette and were told it was not permitted! We had to just leave them. Pity 'cos I don't suppose they'd have been of any use for others!
On the road again and heading for Italy, we decided to take a diversion and visit Monaco as we were passing close by. On the way there we found ourselves in the midst of a large group of Harley Davidson motorbike riders who stayed with us awhile seemingly escorting us!
There were magnificent views of the harbour from on high and we came across a car park so decided to stop. What we didn't realise is how much of the principality is just hanging on the cliff face and we were virtually at the top of it. We ventured down hundreds of steep steps to the port area. It was just too hot to do much more than sit in the shade before thinking about going back.......via taxi! It is definitely a playground of the rich!
It was a tired group which arrived in Florence in the evening. Thankfully the tom-tom had accepted all the address and took us through the restricted area to our hotel directly. Our hotel is near to the centre and cars have only limited access. It was a pleasure to leave ours in the garage for the duration of our stay.
Once revived with a cuppa and a bite to eat, we ventured out into the cooling air as the sun went down. No cars in the streets mean it is quiet apart from people noise and that isn't overwhelming. We decided that we probably wouldn't bother eating, however we found ourselves in an area frequented by students and prices/food seemed good value so we indulged.
After we'd eaten we had a wander. Not far from where we're staying is the Arno River over which the Ponte Vecchio sits. The bridge is like a magnet and was full of people and musicians, sitting and enjoying the ambience. There are shops on each side of the bridge, although they were closed when we were there. Nonetheless, the spectacle was breathtaking and I was spoilt for where to point the camera. It was late before we came back to the hotel where we sank thankfully into our beds and into deep sleep thanks to large beers and a great deal of walking!
This morning I had absolutely no intention of getting up early even though the early morning light over the Ponte Vecchio would've been superb. Sometimes, sleep has to come first! We went out after breakfast to explore more of this lovely city. We found some vantage points where we could sit in the shade and watch the tourist groups being marched from one area to another. There is indeed loads to see and the historic areas are beautiful.
I don't have the time or inclination to process all the images that I want to keep at the moment. I shall add to them as and when.
I am in love...............!! I absolutely adore Florence. I'm not one usually for built up areas, however the ambience here is one I really like. There are plenty of people, however it's not overwhelming and although temperatures are high, there are plenty of places in the shade to walk. Nell is coping with it all magnificently and is constantly having her photo taken. The Italians really love dogs and I am able to take her into the breakfast room without problem.
Talking of breakfast reminds me of the last place we stayed at in France. It was a fantastic location and quarters and I would recommend it to anyone. The only downside was that the breakfast was expensive, so we decided to make ourselves a roll to take with us on our journey to Florence yesterday as well, working on the basis that if we had eaten it there, it would've been OK. Only it wasn't OK! We were spotted with our rolls in a serviette and were told it was not permitted! We had to just leave them. Pity 'cos I don't suppose they'd have been of any use for others!
On the road again and heading for Italy, we decided to take a diversion and visit Monaco as we were passing close by. On the way there we found ourselves in the midst of a large group of Harley Davidson motorbike riders who stayed with us awhile seemingly escorting us!
There were magnificent views of the harbour from on high and we came across a car park so decided to stop. What we didn't realise is how much of the principality is just hanging on the cliff face and we were virtually at the top of it. We ventured down hundreds of steep steps to the port area. It was just too hot to do much more than sit in the shade before thinking about going back.......via taxi! It is definitely a playground of the rich!
It was a tired group which arrived in Florence in the evening. Thankfully the tom-tom had accepted all the address and took us through the restricted area to our hotel directly. Our hotel is near to the centre and cars have only limited access. It was a pleasure to leave ours in the garage for the duration of our stay.
Once revived with a cuppa and a bite to eat, we ventured out into the cooling air as the sun went down. No cars in the streets mean it is quiet apart from people noise and that isn't overwhelming. We decided that we probably wouldn't bother eating, however we found ourselves in an area frequented by students and prices/food seemed good value so we indulged.
After we'd eaten we had a wander. Not far from where we're staying is the Arno River over which the Ponte Vecchio sits. The bridge is like a magnet and was full of people and musicians, sitting and enjoying the ambience. There are shops on each side of the bridge, although they were closed when we were there. Nonetheless, the spectacle was breathtaking and I was spoilt for where to point the camera. It was late before we came back to the hotel where we sank thankfully into our beds and into deep sleep thanks to large beers and a great deal of walking!
This morning I had absolutely no intention of getting up early even though the early morning light over the Ponte Vecchio would've been superb. Sometimes, sleep has to come first! We went out after breakfast to explore more of this lovely city. We found some vantage points where we could sit in the shade and watch the tourist groups being marched from one area to another. There is indeed loads to see and the historic areas are beautiful.
I don't have the time or inclination to process all the images that I want to keep at the moment. I shall add to them as and when.
June 8th - 22nd
I finally had to call a halt on my blog whilst away as I was too busy taking photos to process them and write about it all.
It was an amazing experience. I have so many stories to relate and experiences to write about. I've decided that there's more than enough for a separate blog, so I shall concentrate on putting it together for the next few days.
I finally had to call a halt on my blog whilst away as I was too busy taking photos to process them and write about it all.
It was an amazing experience. I have so many stories to relate and experiences to write about. I've decided that there's more than enough for a separate blog, so I shall concentrate on putting it together for the next few days.
June 27th
The weekly challenge posed was for 5 images beginning with the letter 'A'. My offerings comprised a bowl of fruit all beginning with that letter, an awl, arrow heads, ankles and ace cards. I tried to experiment with various photoshop techniques and found replacing the ace cards particularly difficult.
The weekly challenge posed was for 5 images beginning with the letter 'A'. My offerings comprised a bowl of fruit all beginning with that letter, an awl, arrow heads, ankles and ace cards. I tried to experiment with various photoshop techniques and found replacing the ace cards particularly difficult.
June 28th
I joined some friends in the village for a meal and to hear the duo Acoustic Roots play. I'd hoped that they'd be using some special effects, however there was probably enough to deal with by way of lighting for my first attempt of taking photos at a live gig.
I enjoyed the music and the relaxed manner of the duo. They split the evening into three sections, the last being when it was dark and people were encouraged to dance. I decided to wait until later to capture what I hoped would be more atmospheric images. They'll be back in August so maybe I'll have another go then.
I joined some friends in the village for a meal and to hear the duo Acoustic Roots play. I'd hoped that they'd be using some special effects, however there was probably enough to deal with by way of lighting for my first attempt of taking photos at a live gig.
I enjoyed the music and the relaxed manner of the duo. They split the evening into three sections, the last being when it was dark and people were encouraged to dance. I decided to wait until later to capture what I hoped would be more atmospheric images. They'll be back in August so maybe I'll have another go then.
June 30th
An interesting hangout with a member of my photography group from Guernsey. There weren't too many hiccups and we managed to get the sequence of sharing a screen and photos sorted out, so I am almost ready for my next critique with 'the master'!
The next challenge is for photos beginning with the letters B,C,D,E and F as well as self portraits illustrating life style and location as well. Hmmm, not so sure about the last one. I have a few ideas, however they involve getting up early in the morning to catch the sunrise and that's a bit too early, even for me!
An interesting hangout with a member of my photography group from Guernsey. There weren't too many hiccups and we managed to get the sequence of sharing a screen and photos sorted out, so I am almost ready for my next critique with 'the master'!
The next challenge is for photos beginning with the letters B,C,D,E and F as well as self portraits illustrating life style and location as well. Hmmm, not so sure about the last one. I have a few ideas, however they involve getting up early in the morning to catch the sunrise and that's a bit too early, even for me!