Vinegar Hill

Next on our tour of Brooklyn we’re heading to a curious little neighbourhood that is not exactly on the tourist trail – Vinegar Hill. It’s a tiny neighbourhood in Brooklyn on the East River Waterfront between Dumbo and the Brooklyn Navy Yard. The neighbourhood gets its name from the Battle of Vinegar Hill, an engagementContinue reading “Vinegar Hill”

Multitude of murals

As we continue our exploration of Orgosolo’s outdoor art gallery we come across everything from political and historical paintings to cubist style works. Below is a painted reproduction of a movie poster for the famous Bandits of Orgosolo, a 1960 Italian film drama directed by Vittorio De Seta that featured local shepherds as some ofContinue reading “Multitude of murals”

Marvellous Marbella

Last trip of our Spanish holiday now, a return to the lovely little town of Marbella. Despite it’s reputation as the go to place for vacuous reality stars it’s actually a wonderful place. Its beautiful old town is crammed full of character, whitewashed walls and splashes of hot pink bougainvillea draped across every surface. AsContinue reading “Marvellous Marbella”

Ventnor Bay

Normal blogging service is resumed after a glorious 10 days in stunning Sardinia (much more of that later!) We carry on with our micro-tour of the Isle of Wight. Next up is Ventnor, a very traditional little seaside resort and was a famous Victorian health resorts due to its unique micro-climate. There’s a pretty stretchContinue reading “Ventnor Bay”

Godshill

Nest up on our tour of the Isle of Wight is the beautiful little village of Godshill. It is full of charming thatched-roofed cottages and a winding main-street lined with traditional tearooms and quaint shops. This psychedelic little splash of joy is the Oracle Gallery.  It’s a cross between channel art, and guided meditation. AccordingContinue reading “Godshill”

Sunny Sandown

We’re continuing with our exploration of the Isle of Wight now with a visit to Sandown. It’s a quintessentially English seaside resort with a long sandy beach and a huge pier lined with arcades and fairground rides. It’s a mixture of garish colour and slow decay. With some prime beach front properties boarded up andContinue reading “Sunny Sandown”

Colourful clothing and consumerism

As we pass through the streets of Kyoto I stealthily snap away at some of the beautiful, colourful ladies parading in traditional costume. Locals and tourists alike enjoy hiring these elaborate outfits. The women we spot are mainly wearing Yukata. These are inexpensive, informal summer robe for summer that’s popular for cherry blossom viewing parties, festivals andContinue reading “Colourful clothing and consumerism”

Captivating Kyoto

Leaving Hiroshima behind the next stop on our tour is the fascinating city of Kyoto. A heady mix of bustling modern city and hauntingly beautiful traditions. Before we even get into the city however I am distracted (it doesn’t take much TBH) with a selection of colourful magazines. Then a cute little shrine, festooned with moreContinue reading “Captivating Kyoto”