Oia, Santorini, Greece :: Photographer's Paradise

Let me begin by saying, or rather admitting, that I've been in a rut. A big one. For the last year or so I have no had the desire to edit photos. I've been religiously taking them in every port, but organizing, editing, and processing those shots hasn't been at the top of my priority. Well... after today things have certainly changed.

For those of you creative types out there who need inspiration or just a good kick in the ass, book the next flight out to Santorini!!   Today was the second time we visited Santorini, but the first time I made it out to Oia. Santorini is a decently sized island inhabiting two or three villages. The village by which we port is called Thira, perched at the top of a very steep cliff. You get to the top by either cable car or donkey path. A couple weeks ago I spent the day in Thira, running to the top (of course), dodging the donkey land mines on the way up.  Thira was nice but it didn't wow me by any means. Oia is the town everyone thinks of when they think of Greece, white stucco buildings with blue topped roofs. Truth be told there are only about 6 roofs that are blue... but they certainly stick out!

Oia is an overload to the senses. I think every type of artist and photographer would love a visit to Oia. Everywhere you turn there is something to grab your attention. Souvenirs and funny little still-life pictures, landscapes and architecture opportunities, portraiture and lifestyle photos of the locals, staircases, leading lines, bicycles, colourful doors, windows, things falling apart and in disarray... I could go on, but I won't...

Ok enough chitter chatter. If you want to go to an amazing destination, I am recommending Santorini. :) enjoy the photos!

 

 



 

 

 

 

 

 

PS the food and coffee are to die for as well. I unfortunately don't have any photos of edible items because I ate them too quickly. HA! :|

 

Antarctica Day 2 :: The Danco Coast

We woke up today to the most gorgeous of scenes. The water was like pure glass reflecting the mountains above and blue skies. Despite being nice and sunny today was considerably more cold than day 1, but that didn't stop us all from spending the day out on the decks taking in the scenery around us. 

Good Morning, Antarctica

Sunrise on The Danco Coast, Antarctica

Mirror Waters, Antarctica

Gentoo Penguins & Seals on an Iceberg, Antarctica

A Day in the Life of Seals, Antarctica

Seal Porpoising and Mountains, The Danco Coast, Antarctica

Reflections, Antarctica

Pillar Iceberg, Antarctica

Antarctica

Antarctica

Blue Iceberg, Antarctica

Turquoise Blue Icebergs (not an exaggeration), Antarctica 

Iceberg, Antarctica

Icebergs Abound, Antarctica

Chilean Research Centre and Penguin Colony, Antarctica 

Chilean Research Centre and Penguin Colony, Antarctica 

Gentoo Penguins on an Iceberg, Antarctica

Gentoo Penguins, Antarctica

Antarctica

Humpback Whales, Antarctica

Probably the most beautiful of days in my entire life. Simply speechless... :) Hope you enjoyed my photos! I'll post Day 3 - but the weather was cloudy, foggy and we didn't see very much. 

Antigua

First stop that I got off after Half Moon Cay was Antigua. I had never been here before and I was anxious to see another Caribbean island. When we walked off the gangway we saw a local band playing steel drums for us. Really set the tone and made us feel like we were in the tropics! 

Once we got outside the terminal we wandered around the streets until we found the church, which was rundown but the statues outside of the gate to the church were preserved and I got this photo of John the Baptist. I think I remember Lisa telling me these statues were important or interesting because they were looted from another ship once upon a time.. but I may be wrong ... I'll have to ask her again :) 

Next we walked through the market place, which was basically just the main street with vendors set up on either side. I found a really cute sign that said "Credit Makes Enemies" Thought that was a good motto to live by :) Lisa and I bought fresh Bananas and an Avocado, which were both AMAZING. Walking past the PUBLIC MEAT MARKET was a little bit stinky lol and I was aghast to see a man with his bare hands in a tub full of fish bits stirring it around... it was gross I didn't take a picture of it lol. I did take this pic of the scales and some dead fishies below.  

After the Market we walked back to the ship and looked at all the little fishing boats and nets that they were using. 

And of course Lisa had to take a pic with the pirate :P 

Ok, Goodnight for now, I'm going to go to Lima Peru now and try not to get mugged, haha Finger's Crossed! 

Half Moon Cay

The Holiday Cruise started off with a stop at Holland America Line's own private island in the Bahamas. I had not been there yet and couldn't wait to get off the ship. The water is even bluer than I imagined and the beach was filled with the most gorgeous white sand.  I did bring my camera and I took a few photos, but I must say most of my time on the island was spent swimming and enjoying my friend's company.  ;)    

A very rare photo of myself... !

Needless to say this is definitely a paradise island. I think "The Bachelor" should film a show here!! hahaha I'd say it's romantic enough.