The tranquil and measured perfection of Kenroku-en left me stunned. As I stood in awe of each balanced branch and mossy root, I felt as if time had frozen and all hints of chaos had slipped from my mind.
Category Archives: Culture
Kimono Fever in Kyoto
The vibrant scene of kimonos at Kyoto’s Kiyomizu-dera Temple were as striking as the 17th Century pagoda, making it an exciting scene for travel photography.
A Photo Drive Around Wanaka, New Zealand
The air is still like winter. Alpine blues soften ice-bitten brown and gravel-grey mountains. Long lakes like mirrors line the valleys. Woodfire smoke rises to meet low cloud. Sitting in the passenger seat, I’m in awe of the natural scenery and glad of hiring a car. I’m an adventurer on wheels; an intrepid spirit inContinue reading “A Photo Drive Around Wanaka, New Zealand”
Melbourne Weekender: Foody Happiness in Australia’s Cultural Capital
The creative pulse of Melbourne stirs giddy dreams of urban adventures. With every visit, I find myself enchanted by vibrant street art and tipsy with the rush of cultural possibilities. Melbourne inspires laneway fever, strolls down wide streets, tours of history-rich buildings and skipping through crisp autumn leaves. The city calls for late night explorationsContinue reading “Melbourne Weekender: Foody Happiness in Australia’s Cultural Capital”
A Photo Walk in Melbourne, Australia
Crisp leaves scrape along the windy path. Coffee grind scents the morning air. A dog dressed in tartan trots next to a lady in black. I’m as comfortable here, walking camera-in-hand, as I’ve been anywhere in the world. Melbourne is cold and exciting. It inspires creative footsteps. It urges me to capture the quirks ofContinue reading “A Photo Walk in Melbourne, Australia”
A Week In Berlin: Exploring Germany’s Creative Capital
The mere mention of Berlin is often enough to conjure thoughts of street art, underground music and offbeat urban adventures. Such associations fit quite nicely with my concept of the ideal city, so I made my way back to Berlin in September to emerge myself in the creative city for a second time. I cameContinue reading “A Week In Berlin: Exploring Germany’s Creative Capital”
A Photo Walk in Berlin
Gritty and colourful, sweet and rough, the streets of Berlin offer many curiosities for the aimless wanderer to consider. Whether it’s the street art that Germany’s creative capital is so famous for, the charming blossoms that dress cafe table tops, or the grand monuments that represent a rich and dark history, there is no doubtingContinue reading “A Photo Walk in Berlin”
A Photo Walk in Plitvice Lakes National Park, Croatia
Aquamarine lakes are fringed with mossy veins and sunshine-dappled woodlands in Croatia’s natural treasure, Plitvice Lakes National Park. Covering almost 300 km2 , and comprising 16 lakes, Plitvice is the largest of Croatia’s eight national parks and was the first established, back in 1949. As well as being just generally amazing, with its (hiding) brownContinue reading “A Photo Walk in Plitvice Lakes National Park, Croatia”
Nature’s Playground Around Bled, Slovenia: Part One – Emerald River Adventure
From the highest mountain pass in Slovenia, the world is a soothing spectrum of hinterland greens, precipice blues and alpine whites. Here, in the northern corner of Slovenia, beside the Italian and Austrian borders, silence drifts between the rugged pine slopes of Triglav National Park and the glimmering limestone peaks of the Julian Alps. ItContinue reading “Nature’s Playground Around Bled, Slovenia: Part One – Emerald River Adventure”
A Photo Walk in Ljubljana, Slovenia
Walking the calm streets of Slovenia’s capital city, Ljubljana, is a bit like taking a stroll through a modern-day fairytale. The stoic stone castle perched above the river-laced city sets the tone for sure, but it’s the calm, cobbled streets, sunflowers, pinwheels and flower pots that sunny-up the scene and urge the body to skipContinue reading “A Photo Walk in Ljubljana, Slovenia”
Delightful Dining in Bologna & Parma, Italy
If there is one thing you must do when in Italy, it is eat…and oh, what a chore it is! The Italians are experts at offering regional specialties, quality ingredients and simple elegance on a plate. They are also wonderfully good at nailing that heart-winning combination of incredible food and indulgent yet casual dining experiences,Continue reading “Delightful Dining in Bologna & Parma, Italy”
Travel. Food. Photo. Italy.
My month in Italy was an adventure centred around eating – regularly, indulgently, eating. As a result, this edition of Travel. Food. Photo. is kinda epic. I just had to taste all the glorious flavours that have radiated from this relatively small country and influenced deliciousness across the world. Each region of Italy offers specialtyContinue reading “Travel. Food. Photo. Italy.”
Bells, Doors and Bicycles: A Photo Walk in the Tuscan town of Lucca, Italy
Every town and city has its own delightful character, something that makes it particular, charming, unlike other cities. The provincial centre of Lucca in Tuscany could be described as quaint, historical, pretty, as could many surrounding towns. For me, Lucca was set apart by it’s wider streets, the bicycles and the big, leafy trees alongContinue reading “Bells, Doors and Bicycles: A Photo Walk in the Tuscan town of Lucca, Italy”
Happy Wanderings in Perugia: A Photo Walk in Umbria, Italy
A quiet kind of romance lingers in the medieval streets of Perugia. Vineyards, sunflowers and picturesque peaks abound the small city, leading newcomers on a happy journey into the capital of Italy’s Umbria region. The walled city wears potted flowers, balcony herbs and scrambling vines with an old-world elegance that fits my cinematic ideals ofContinue reading “Happy Wanderings in Perugia: A Photo Walk in Umbria, Italy”
Travel. Food. Photo. Lisbon.
Usually the posts in this ‘Travel.Food.Photo’ series share the foods themed by country, but as my Portuguese travels (so far) have been limited to the capital city, Lisbon, this post is dedicated to the delicious tastes of Lisbon alone. I was delighted with the food of Lisbon. It is impressively affordable, features lots of freshContinue reading “Travel. Food. Photo. Lisbon.”
Colourful Streets of Lisbon: A Photo Walk
Sweet pastels and brightly patterned tiles line the vertical surfaces of Lisbon’s streets. Like clothing, the colours are worn to communicate personality, enliven the streets, tell a story about culture. In my week visiting Lisbon I spent hours just wandering with a camera in hand, soaking in the joy of those coloured walls, learning theContinue reading “Colourful Streets of Lisbon: A Photo Walk”
Escaping into the Sahara Desert of Morocco
Leaving Marrakech is quick. As if the city were contained within an invisible wall, buildings suddenly give way to clay huts and large fanning palms. Mountains spring like over-sized ant mounts on the horizon, all soil and rocks and earthy bluntness. The road ribbons into the distance; the only curve among angular peaks and graveledContinue reading “Escaping into the Sahara Desert of Morocco”
Redefining ‘Exotic’ in Djemaa el-Fna, Marrakech
In my wildest dreams and most intrepid travels I have never encountered such an intense, exotic scene as the nightly market of Djemaa el-Fna in Marrakech, Morocco. Commonly known as ‘the big square’, Djemaa el-Fna is the centre of Moroccan exotic displays, where traders, touts and performers have been gathering for a thousand years. AsContinue reading “Redefining ‘Exotic’ in Djemaa el-Fna, Marrakech”
Adventures in the Fez Medina, Morocco
Infused with generations of artisan skill, the Fez Medina is a pulsing labyrinth of colour and culture. With more than 9,500 narrow corridors curiously arranged into dedicated souqs, this UNESCO World Heritage site is one of the largest living Islamic medieval cities in the world and offers more than enough to occupy a visit toContinue reading “Adventures in the Fez Medina, Morocco”
Art, Music & Culture in Granada, Spain
A few weeks ago I had the delight of visiting the Southern Spanish city of Granada. Known for its bohemian culture, impressive Muslim legacy and flamenco-gypsy arts, this dynamic city was bound to entertain. I was pretty excited to be in a region where delicious Spanish food meets multicultural colour and stunning Spanish landscapes. ByContinue reading “Art, Music & Culture in Granada, Spain”
188 Days of Travel
Looking out across the calm Lisbon shore, I am moved by the memories that brim to mind. It is mid-year already and time to reflect on all I have seen and experienced in my last 188 consecutive days of travelling. You would think that after six months, I would be used to living this realityContinue reading “188 Days of Travel”
A photo walk in the Alhambra, Granada, Spain
Looking out across the manicured exotic gardens and regal stone archways of the Alhambra, it is easy to forget your time and place in the world. The vines are woven with wisdom through weathered wire frames and ageless white light filters through ancient windows. Sophisticated fountains and aqueducts nourish fragrant blooms and keep the groundsContinue reading “A photo walk in the Alhambra, Granada, Spain”
Travel. Food. Photo. Spain. (Pt.2)
Yesterday was the last day of my six week Spanish adventure, during which I saw a lot of the country, learnt a little of the language and ate lots of delicious food. Starting in lovely Barcelona, I then walked from Pamplona to Santiago de Compostela on the Camino de Santiago, Camino Frances. I cycled theContinue reading “Travel. Food. Photo. Spain. (Pt.2)”
6 Wonderful ways to experience Santiago de Compostela, Spain
Traditional and contemporary delights contribute equal doses of charm in the northern Spanish city of Santiago de Compostela. Widely known as being a UNESCO World Heritage City, the home of the tomb of Saint James and the end of the Camino de Santiago pilgrimage, Santiago attracts millions of pilgrims each year, as well as plentyContinue reading “6 Wonderful ways to experience Santiago de Compostela, Spain”
Travel. Food. Photo. Spain. (Pt.1)
In April, the fresh flavours of Istanbul, Turkey inspired me to photograph and share my culinary adventures in the first instalment of Travel. Food. Photo. It seems that you liked the vicarious tasting tour, so I’m back to share the exciting palette of Northern Spain, which I enjoyed in May (and continue to enjoy) whileContinue reading “Travel. Food. Photo. Spain. (Pt.1)”
Reflections: A 2012 Travel Photo Essay
I’ve always found that travelling offers so many opportunities to reflect, to re-evaluate the direction of my life. Unlike the routine churn of home life, travelling allows time and space, a new angle from which to view the world, new experiences to teach you, and different challenges to remind you that there is always moreContinue reading “Reflections: A 2012 Travel Photo Essay”
Barcelona express: food, sights and culture in two days
Here is a little post written during my visit to Barcelona a couple of weeks ago… now that I’m walking el Camino across Spain, Barcelona streets seem so far away. Hope you enjoy. xo It’s 9pm here in Barcelona, meaning the sun will soon disappear behind the sea of balconied buildings. Although only my thirdContinue reading “Barcelona express: food, sights and culture in two days”
For the love of Turkish coffee
Thick, sweet, caffeinated goodness, oh how I love you… especially when served in tiny colourful cups amidst the whir of Turkish culture. For the love of you, I have been led into hidden bookish courtyards, I have whittled hours watching passers-by, and I’ve been persuaded to perform foreign stove-top rituals at the risk of shameContinue reading “For the love of Turkish coffee”
Two days on Camino de Santiago: impressions
Day 1 From the moment we left our room in Pamplona, we were winging it. Dave and I both had light packs with minimum supplies for a month of walking, a vague map and very poor sense of direction. After two kilometres (kms) of wandering residential streets, we found our first shell – the symbolContinue reading “Two days on Camino de Santiago: impressions”
Must-have Istanbul meals for 10 Turkish Lira or less
The glory of Istanbul’s Ottoman architecture and colourful carpets is arguably matched by its exotic, flavoursome foods. After three months of travelling around Northern Europe on budget-conscious cold sandwiches and greasy pub meals, I was delighted to arrive in Istanbul where fresh, delicious food is cheap, abundant and comes with a side of culture. Fast-forwardContinue reading “Must-have Istanbul meals for 10 Turkish Lira or less”
From Istanbul to Barcelona, from there to here
A rising murmur in the afternoon street rouses me from siesta. Eyes open to a sun-streaked balcony of daisies and thyme. Ears focus on the plucking of strings and the zip of motos under echoing sirens. I am warm, tired and utterly disoriented. And then I remember: Barcelona is out there. My head is stillContinue reading “From Istanbul to Barcelona, from there to here”
Travel. Food. Photo. Istanbul.
I’ve become that strange girl who photographs her food. I’m not sure if it’s a natural urge that I’ve previously suppressed through social awareness, or a new habit that’s sprung from a sincere appreciation for finding good, safe, yummy eats on the travel trail. Perhaps it’s because food is so connected to the cultures I’mContinue reading “Travel. Food. Photo. Istanbul.”
The magical world of Topkapi Palace – Istanbul, Turkey
One of my favourite Istanbul experiences is visiting Topkapi Palace in Sultanahmet, Istanbul’s old city. As you walk through the impressive white Gate of Salutation, you are transported to a time and place that seem more akin to childhood make-believe than real-world history. Inside you’ll find the worlds fifth largest diamond sparkling with decadent delightContinue reading “The magical world of Topkapi Palace – Istanbul, Turkey”
Wide angle: a photo walk through Istanbul, Turkey
I am feeling inspired by the rich cityscape of Istanbul: the kaleidoscope of colours, the exotic scents that hang on humid air, the lovely clash and clamour on the streets. Some of my favourite days here have been spent wandering the labyrinth of possibilities, taking time to notice and capture the quirks that collectively createContinue reading “Wide angle: a photo walk through Istanbul, Turkey”
Impressions of Istanbul, Turkey
The thing about Istanbul is, it’s not an easy place to sum up. I’ve sat here scribbling impressions for a hour and my list is long and varied. From the hundreds of ornate mosques that call the city to pray each day, to the high-end fashion and modern bohemian vibe, it is clear that IstanbulContinue reading “Impressions of Istanbul, Turkey”
Walking Wales: the Pembrokeshire Coast & Brecon Beacons national parks
From the late night ferry between Ireland and Wales, to the deep-fried bread served at breakfast, and the hour spent patiently enduring a theological rant by a crazy woman in a carpark, it had been a rough start to the day. But by 4pm Dave and I were half way around the 6.8 mile StrumbleContinue reading “Walking Wales: the Pembrokeshire Coast & Brecon Beacons national parks”
Wide angle: a photo walk through Belfast, Northern Ireland
The complex character of Belfast is hard to pick. The iconic yellow Harland and Wolff cranes and sprawling harbour flag the city’s shipping roots. The regal city hall marks the influence of the English crown. The barbed wire, corrugated tin and concrete fences show this city has seen The Troubles. And the store-lined boulevards andContinue reading “Wide angle: a photo walk through Belfast, Northern Ireland”
Nic Freeman 