This is Namibia – photo book just published

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We just published our photographic book. Take a look, a full preview is available for free.

The comprises 30 pages of full color images on 30 pages and dust jacket.

Be interested in any comments you have too.

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From our “paradise between the mountains” (and beyond)

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"travel image", #brianscantleburyphotography, Alicante, brian scantlebury, brianscantlebury.com, Costa Blanca, landscape, photographs, photography, photos, scenery, scenic, Spain, Spanish, street scene, travel, travel images, urban, Valencia

Parcent in distance, from top Coll De Rates some 645 metres up

 

as Gabriel Miro famous Spanish author of late 19th early 20th century called Parcent.

And then there’s the narrow village streets, such fun to drive around, the historic architecture, and churches, the way many places have more than one way to spell their names, the Bones Festes, and the funny cappuccinos. Guess this is Spain.

 

Gas bottle delivery truck negotiating the narrow streets and even more difficult corners doing a multi-point turn.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

A trip to the coast, the Costa Blanca and some of the picturesque villages and resorts makes for a colourful outing.

Your are there – 0k’s to Costa Blanca sign in Calp

First stop about 40 mins away, Calp,  reasonable sized town and home to this sign and the largest rock in the Mediterranean on the edge of the town, behind a cool marina.

Great restaurants waterfront activities, beaches and very touristy things, but well worth visit.

Through boat club entrance to marina decking.

 

 

 

From Calp one can head up or down the coast taking in the amazing Mediterranean views, resort towns and tourist hotpots.

Altea, picturesque old buildings in its back streets. the waterfront comprises a  very touristy promenade lined on one side with bars and restaurants and the other with the hordes covered sunbathing visitors.

Altea

Vilajoiosa, famous for its brightly painted houses is an historic fishing village. Lovely spot, and well worth the drive to visit. We misjudged the sun and the faces of waterfront buildings were all in shade. Drat, but we’ll return.

Closer to home are the plethora pueblos or villages each with it’s own distinctive feel and charm. Only 5 minutes down the road is Alcalali. These are a few of the street and building scene here. We had a coffee in the little square, bought a few supplies from local mini- supermercado and followed the postie around as he pushed his pike up and down the hilly streets delivering letters and chatting with locals. we had to do that as Anne wanted to post some cards and while he was busy doing this his PO was closed.

Went out to another town for dinner. Orba, about 10 minute away. Again, sat in square while our orders were delivered along with many other diners. What an atmosphere. Balmy evening in the Plaza de Espana surrounded by the old church and buildings like these taken from our seat, till about 10.30 when we headed home.

Incredible terraced valley between two ranges, another interesting town or two, and the castle on a rock.

The other side of the Coll de Rates mountains takes us through the windiest road I’ve ever driven as we descend into the Vall de Tarbena then back up the other side. Both sides are terraced extensively as this photo tries to show.An amazing drive.

When we get to Tarbena and its square with a couple of cafes and the ever present church its time for a coffee and dry toasted baguette with olive oil. That’s morning tea in the amazing cafe Casa Pinet cafe, museum like, totally packed with paraphernalia and picture from civil war era.

 

 

 

Any mode of transport works here. The John Deere parked in Tarbena square outside the church of Santa Barbara I’m guessing, while a local farmers drops into one of the adjacent cafes.

 

 

 

Guadalest bell tower built on a rock, alongside a small town comprising a wonderful old home, now a museum that was the original family’s here. Now a tourist magnet with a number of funny little “museums” and a ton of souvenir shops selling tons of Chinese tack. Great to visit for its history.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Markets were the order of the day, Saturday last. First there was the massive Xalo market then only a few metres down the road, the Lliber night markets.

A couple returning from Lliber night markets

Dancing in the streets;

In Alcalali (just 5 mins from us) we stumbled into their Bones Festes (don’t ask what that means, except they all seem to have one hell of a time). We had caught the last night of the event in Parcent the first night here when watermelon seemed to be the theme for some unexplained reason.

Then a day and uncomfortable night in Valencia. After checking into our hotel found the aircon didn’t work. Well, that’s an understatement, it pumped luke warm air into an already 30 c + environment. I hear you saying, so what, get it fixed. tried that, no joy. Went out hoping all would be restored by our return. Uh uh, no. They still couldn’t fix it. Thier recommendation – open you window. Did that, then could’t sleep too well, from the clatter and traffic from below.Add to that the rock hard bed – what a night, and now they want me to do a trip advisor recommendation! The joys of travel.

Our short stay in the city was otherwise very enjoyable with the Hills and Jordans.

The Valencia Cathedral entrance beyond the long shadows of the gate.

 

 

 

On our return to Vila Joyosa we made it on to the city port. Actually only a fishermans port but very interesting. Fishermen drying and mending their nets and some of the little boats they venture out in raise questions not just of safety, but also economics. How an they make a living from these wee tubs?

And this red one wasn’t the smallest or the least seaworthy.

After a few very enjoyable day we returned the Hills to Valencia to continue their cruising.

A visit to the arts and science district is a must. Never got inside any of the spectacular buildings, too busy photographing the stunning white architectural exteriors. After about 3 hours we still missed as much. Be sure if you are in Valencia, allow plenty of time for this visit.

Brilliant white cable stay Assut De L’or Bridge with top of science museum bottom of frame.

Principe Felipe Science Museum architectural details reflected in adjacent pond in the “City of Arts and Sciences”

Hienz Mack”s stunning gold installation in City of Arts and Sciences, Valencia with Hemisferic Imax/3d and performing arts theatres

From under the Hemisferic theatre, Science museum, Assut de L’or rising bridge stays and Agora event space building (blue) beyond water feature.

 

 

 

 

Then there’s the story that seems to typify the Spanish. Nothing happens here quickly. Planning something, allow double the time needed (AT LEAST) anywhere else. Picked up a parking ticket for parking in a white lined parking space. That is the lines seemed to us to mark the area within which parking was allowable. Funny, 100 euro fine on back windscreen on our return. No right to argue, no place to go and fight so left with only option – to pay up. Where do you do that? at a bank, where else? First bank, teller fiddles on his computer for 5 minutes then tells us wrong bank, points out name of correct one. Eventually find one of those some number of cities away, same story, can’t do it here either. So I still have the ticket, unpaid because after some searching time walking, driving on the lookout, the one we are now told can do it seems to not exist. Have to keep looking I guess. There’s a 50% discount if paid before 20 days. Espana !!!!

Trust all is well wherever you are, adios.

On the road again…

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Not quite on the road so much off on another “expedition” and more for my library of photographic images plus these smartphone versions.

Buenos diaz, we’ve arrived at our home for month. It’s hot mid 20’s – 30’s c.

Flying low over Manises, Valencia we could clearly see the fruit fields below.

Mainly citrus. This I thought would be the the economic mainstay of the region. Once out of the airport we got our car and headed toward Parcent to meet Garry who is to take us to our digs.We drive, then off the highway, through orchards and olive groves.

The landscape here is hilly, most villages which are everywhere you look, often walking distance apart or only a couple of minutes drive set on hillsides or in the valleys there must be 30 or so of them from the vantage point of our home. Much dryer here. The orchards and groves don’t look as lush as the ones seen from the plane. After two nights in local restaurants I now know the main industries are poms and fruit/olive growing. The only Spanish voices heard in the establishments (one is even called Victoria) was from wait staff.

Our home is lovely, built way up a hill in what we know as Spanish style. Seems as villages grew and the poms arrived they have spread themselves through the hills around the traditional villages.

From NZ  a stopover at Houston TX. An interesting city, our mistake was to stay out of it. The Galleria area would be great if the only thing you wanted to do was shop. Massive shopping center with all imaginable chain and department stores imaginable, but a good 20 mins from the action. That being the architecture, parks, walks etc on the Downtown or the Museum district with it scores of museums, galleries, the large Hermann Park.

Then if you camp down here you are that 20 mins closer to things like the Nasa Space Center, Galveston Island etc. If you ever want a reference for a Houston or NASA guide let me know. Elizabeth was excellent

Monster rocket burners.

Shuttle over Houston skyline -photo of photo

With a couple of hours to spare before leaving, nothing to do around hotel hired a cab and headed for museum district. Oh well next time as we only have 1.something days this time.

Adam, our very cheery Ethiopian driver really tried to be helpful, unfortunately most closed for Sunday morning but he did make a suggestion we see the Menil gallery (shot from the gallery hallway) . So we humored him. Glad we did. This is worth the visit. Don’t miss it if you have any interest in art. Would also commend Adam for a driver, got his number too if you ever want it.

 

 

 

 

Flight from Houston to Frankfurt provided me with window seat, which I like, however row 69 and about 10 around them are all over a ginormous Airbus 380 wing. It’s like looking out at a white football field.

Great view of sky. Bugger! Nothing left to do but leap int the on-board entertainment system. seems good range but stuck on Chinese, can’t rest, ask hostess who responds “something like, oh well too bad not your day” and buggers off Disappointments come in 3’s don’t they? After the meal they bring around cognacs or Baileys, and what do they do?  Distracted by the constant asking for extras by the Indian guy sitting next to Anne they offer them to everyone all around and totally miss our seats.

 

Flying over Germany, France and Spain presented real interesting scenes below. Can’t get over  the orderliness of the Teutonic landscape below.

Home for next month, Villa La Paz.

Now in Parcent Spain. Just arrived last night, after a small sleep headed into the village for a feed and to look around after dark.

 

 

Happened on a celebration the Bones Festes. Groups dressed up and yahooing, having a great old time in the streets of the village.

Another day, back down thru’ Parcent to Orbas. another of what must be about 30 villages that can be seen from our place. What a great little place, typically traditional Mediterranean. First stop, bar for a cappuccino at cost of only E1.20 each. Walk the streets, pick up some cookie things and pizza from a beaut little bakery joint.

Bar and street in Orba. Men supping their reds and espresso’s around mid morning.

Food, yep always important, & wine & coffee too. Some interesting experiences thus far. First in Houston Galleria all the usual suspects but decided once again to try Nordstrom restaurant to avoid American standard burgers and chips. Now here’s a tip. Always excellent food and service at Nordstrom. Better by far than the US normal places you find around places like malls or even on the street.

In Parcent last night we shot out to a place we’ve driven by a few times since  being  here. Looked ok by the signage. When we arrived noticed 3 courses, wine & water €12 but closed so down the road to Victoria’s. English fare, similar deal but €18. Running out of options so gave it a go. Well you could feed a small village on what we sent back. Not a quality problem, food was good. Just that they provided starters , bread + spreads with olives and a soup before the meal even started. No way a normal person could all this food justice. Well may except for you Gerald!! Ended up leaving without even getting to try the dessert. Looking forward to finding more tapas style places.

Quiet day today, but eventually headed to a supermarket village about 7 minutes away in Xalo. Walked the old streets for a while then stop in to a botega. Sign outside says 3 tapa + wine E9. Looks good. After the usual Hola, its ?habla ingles? then the language tryst commences. Fun. Tapas not of the style we are used to, but perfecto anyway, sometimes. Meat slices, bread and spread, potato salad and quiche. More than  a meal. We keep learning.

Xalo form its outskirts.

Michael & Hannah and the two littlies arrive and provide more entertainment and reason to explore the narrow country roads and even narrower village streets. Again, great fun. A spot of sunbathing sounded like a good idea, so off the Grandella beach, about an hour away. For  E28 you hire (actually Michael did, thanks) 2 deck chair things and an umbrella from those all set out out in rows

 

La Granadella is a small cove set between spectacular rock cliffs all round. the beach is stones and packed more tightly than a can of sardines. Off course when people are so close interesting events occur. Like I’m sitting on my deckchair minding y own business and become aware of something quite large around my left ear, gingerly turn my head to come face to face with some guys quite ample arse in the bright orange beach shorts I’ve ever seen. For a moment I thought the sun had dropped in. Couldn’t help worrying that he had full control of his bio-systems. It was close, but then after he had adjusted his arrangements his misses stood and revolved her over-ample butt into that same space, just mm’s away I’ll swear, now my worry was about her sense of balance. It’s all very close around these beaches, if you know what I mean!

 

 

People and shade silhouettes on the crowded beach of La Granadella.

 

 

It’s hunting season here and we are living in the Coll de Rates mountains. There’s the almost constant sounds of barking dogs and gunfire. Pretty hard to spot any wildlife, tho’ I did see a small squirrel scurrying along the power lines. He’d better be careful, we’re told they shoot anything that moves around here.

From our abode in the mountains

 

 

 

 

Just love driving around these little villages with their narrow roads, never knowing whats around the next right angle corner. The street scenes are quite picturesque, the people though are something else. The odd old lady with greet you with and hola, or buenos dias, in the main, no smiles, acknowledgements or even the cursory wave when you give way in the car. Strange.Found a couple of open churches today. Very austere exteriors and extremely ornate interiors, similar to Italian I suppose.

Interior and main alter inside Parcent Catholic church. Was originally a Mosque, but when the Muslims got done the last time the Christians took as their own. 17th Century I believe.

 

Hope you’ve been picking up the other images posted on Instragram too. Instagram address; briansphotography

Adios amigos.

What a stunner

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Papamoa Beach at sunrise yesterday along with a new series in my Tauranga gallery.

It was a stunner of a morning as winter sun rose across, beach and dunes with many great photographic opportunities.

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Beach grass abstract defocused.

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Papamoa Beach, outlok to horizon beautiful golden glow into sunrise

Cyclist in blurred motion sillouette on Papamoa Beach, outlok to horizon beautiful glow into into sunrise

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http://www.brianscantlebury.com

 

Route 66- not a another guide, a photographic essay.

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brian scantlebury, brian scantlebury photos, brianscantlebury.com, buttes, Coca Cola, Coke, corny, dust bowl, Erick, farms, gift book, HArley, heritage, kitsch, land, landscape, Lowell Davis, Main Street America, mesa, Mother Road, old buildings, photographs, photography, prairie, road trips, roads, Route 66, Sandhills Curiosity Shop, scenery, scenic, travel images, US 66, Will Rogers Highway

“Brian,an absolute gem of a book,it’s our Route 66 trip in a nut shell. Thanks so much. Ross” An appreciated and unsolicited comment from buyer of our book. Thank you.

Please check it out; http://bit.ly/Route66bookfreepreview

Available online or by contacting me direct. Also all images available in print, just let me know your desired size/s and the image/s for a quote.

Route 66 

Hi there, just thought is was time you took a break, have a coffee, or similar, and take in the free preview of our new book on our recent wee adventure, ROUTE 66.

“Well if you ever plan to motor west
Just take my way it’s the highway that’s the best
Get your kicks on Route 66
Well it winds from Chicago to L.A.
More than 2000 miles all the way
Get your kicks on Route 66″    

Here’s the link;  You may even see a gift opportunity in our book. Hope so, either way do enjoy the free preview.

http://www.blurb.com/b/6612645-route-66

Please feel free to leave a comment, send a comment, share etc.

We have not set out to produce another guide for Route 66 travelers. As we found, there are simply dozens of these already. Many very good.
We do hope this collection of images will serve as a memoir for you if you have traveled the route, or perhaps prepare you for what to expect if you plan to take the drive. If you have, you’ll surely have many fond memories of the scenery, the sights and your experiences. Perhaps images we’ve captured will take you back.
Planning to go? You are in for a wonderfully entertaining, educational and nostalgic time.

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The historic route goes by a number of names, US Route 66, the Will Rogers Highway, Main Street of America, the Mother Road and reference to all of them can be seen along the way.

The roads rise and fall and rise again as an important thoroughfare from Chicago to Santa Monica, Los Angeles is legend. All 2400 odd miles (near 4,000 kilometers) entertain and educate as you pass through the incredible variety of landscapes, towns, and gift shops.

 

From the expansive scenes and landforms along the way, the newer interstate highway system and railroad that parallel the historic route near all the way, the left behind towns, the dilapidated signs, deserted motels, revitalised buildings and tourist magnets, the quirky, the queer, the corny, the kitsch and the characters.

 

Red Oak II just outside Carthage Red Oak II farm Carthage, Missouri founded by famous American artist Lowell Davis in his home.

Characters Harley in his home in  beside the Sandhills Curiosity Shop, a must drop in on the Route in small town of Erick.

And if you do not find yourself singing the songs of 60’s as you pass through the towns imortalised in so many lyrics then you might just have missed an amazing time in our history.

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Also available in ebook;  http://www.blurb.com/ebooks/553896-route-66

To check the Route 66 photo library please go to; http://www.brianscantlebury.com/Travel/Route-66

 

Take a detour, New Zealand’s South Island it’s really worth it!

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"travel image", #newzealand, autumn, brian scantlebury photos, lake, landscape, stock image

“The really happy person is the one who can enjoy the scenery, even when they have to take a detour.”
― James Jeans

Great stock landscape for backgrounds or canvas prints to adorn any room or office.

Check this image, with others from the region,  just uploaded to http://www.brianscantlebury.com

Such wonderful landscapes are certainly worthy of a detour. Image shot in February 2015, HDR post processing used to give a vibrant deep image highlighting the turquoise snow-feed lake water with the golden dry summer grass around the lake banks.

Lake Pukaki, Canterbury, South Island NZ.

Reflected glory – Then let us compare mythologies

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“Then let us compare mythologies

I have learned my elaborate lie

of soaring crosses and poisonous thorns

…” Leonard Cohen.

Relected glory – stunning #Lake_Tekapo reflected in the window of the #Old_Stone_Church on the lakes shore. Religious architecture blends with the natural landscape of the region in the church’s window reflection 

Myanmar now, as we saw it post Ang San Suu Kyi release and election.

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"south east asia", "travel image", abstracts, archaelogical, asia, bagan, black and white, brian scantlebury, brian scantlebury photos, brianscantlebury.com, buddhist, burma, cultural, editorial images, fine art, fine art photography, historical, landscape, monochrome, myanmar, pagoda, patterns, stock images, stock photos, temples, textures, travel images

Stone Buddha images lined up. Selective focus in Black and white. More Myanmar Travel Images at http://www.brianscantlebury.com

images available, or prints, New Zealand, Tauranga and more

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australia, brian scantlebury, landscape, mount maunganui, new zealand, photography, tauranga, travel images

Recently added a few images to my Australia gallery; http://www.brianscantlebury.com/Travel/Australia/15790312_AFsCB
Be interested to hear your views/impressions, also to hear if there’s an image you could use that you dont see in any of my galleries. I have many more images and just might have what you need.

Landscape scene, Australian rural image.

Also to Tauranga Gallery; http://www.brianscantlebury.com/New-Zealand-Town-and-country/New-Zealand-scenics/13702051_ZNMCY

Surf Lessons, new skills.

Please let me know your thoughts (good, bad, indifferent..) or if there’s images you need that you cannot find. Be happy to search my full catalogue and send any for your consideration.
Cheers
brianscantlebury.com