Photos from my Trip Overseas May/June 2008

06/28/2008 08:02:56 PM · #1

I have received many emails from members wanting to see photos of specific locations on my trip. I am slowly getting through all the images. So I will upload them in this thread to try and keep them all together. I have chosen select ones for now but as I get through them all I will include links to the entire galleries on my site. Below is the list of countries I went to....so for those that are chasing specific countries...put the thread on watch so you won't miss them when they get uploaded. If you want any information on them....don't hesitate to ask.

Countries/cities -

London.....uploaded
France - Paris.....uploaded
Switzerland - Interlaken.....uploaded
Switzerland - Geneve.....uploaded
France - Annecy .....uploaded
France - Nice .....uploaded
Italy - Monaco.....uploaded
Italy - Pisa.....uploaded
Italy - Florence.....uploaded
Italy - Tuscany .....uploaded
Italy - Rome .....uploaded
Greece - Tinos.....uploaded
Greece - Delos.....uploaded
Greece - Mykonos.....uploaded
Greece - Santorini, Oia .....uploaded
Greece - Santorini .....uploaded
Fiji.....uploaded

The thumbnails take you to the folder of images for each place.

DPC GTG in London.

I had a ball in London with other DPC'ers.

Simms,

MikeOwens,

dainmcgowan,

MAK,

AlexSaberi,

inshaala,

Mr_Pants,

hanae.

The weather held out pretty much although it was damn cold. I loved seeing the squirrels and listening to Mark's tall stories....I will get you back for those. So much to see and do...and we got lost heaps when Damion and I were on our own. But I wouldn't mind revisiting London and other areas of England.

_______________________________________________________

France - Paris

Paris wasn't what I expected. It was chaotic...spread all over the place and way too many people hassling you. You had to watch your back whereever you went. Whilst I enjoyed seeing the many sites....the traffic was disastrous. Who gave them a licence to drive? I loved all the pastries and climbing to the second level of the Eiffel Tower....and photographing a bride under the Eiffel Tower. Moulin Rouge was set in a very interesting location and I have to admit...very colourful characters in that area....terrific for street photography. But still....I probably won't return to Paris itself again. It would be very popular with others, if you like the chaotic lifestyle though.

_______________________________________________________

Switzerland - Interlaken

I LOVE Switzerland. The houses/chalets, villages and the surroundings are just spectacular. Villages are built at the bottom of cliffs and waterfalls....or on top of cliffs and climbing up the sides. The snow and ice are fantastic to photograph...I had no issues with White Balance. The cows wear bells as do the sheep. The St Bernards and Huskies are too adorable. We went up to Jungfrau which rests 3454meters (11,333 feet) up and a temperature of -3.2 degrees. The water going through the town of Interlaken was a cold blue in colour and with white swans and pussycats wandering around....this place is definitely more romantic then Paris. With Swiss Chocolates handed out to passersby on the street and Alcohol cheaper than soft drink and water....who can't enjoy this place. I will DEFINITELY be returning to this place.

_______________________________________________________

Switzerland - Geneva

Geneva was lovely. So many beautiful shops and medieval style areas....I could spend hours just wandering around with my camera. It is definitely worth a visit. And the birds are very friendly too.

_______________________________________________________

France - Annecy

Annecy was beautiful. From their Gelato to their water front buildings and old jail in the middle of the river. So much to see and do. Their trays of beer samplers are a must to try.....just avoid excited clowns.....trust me on that one!!!

_______________________________________________________

France - Nice

Nice was wonderful. Awesome cocktails (especially that 'Sex on the Beach' drink...YUM!). And so much shopping and chocolatiers....double YUM! The pleasure boats and houses built up the cliffs are a sight to see. Definitely worth a visit.

_______________________________________________________

Italy - Monaco

We went for a tour of Monaco and was there when Prince Alfred/Albert (or whoever the heck he was) came out of his Palace. The church where the royals (including Grace Kelly) are buried is awesome.....and you are allowed cameras....yeeha! The views and food are to die for! The Casino is beautiful inside but no cameras allowed in there and most of the rooms are hidden for the big time gamblers...which was disappointing. They keep 15 of the guests cars out the front of the casino, but only the best of the best. So if a better one comes along, then the worst of the 15 is removed to a different car park. We were in Monaco the day after the Grand Prix finished....so it was a buzz to drive along the race track.....and then to see all the beauitful pleasure boats lit up with laser lights as the sun sets....definitely worth a trip to see.

_______________________________________________________

Italy - Pisa

Pisa was interesting. Bling-Bling-Boys everywhere....they run really fast......3 cops cars after them and they only manage to catch one....sheez! But the Leaning Tower of Pisa was cool....but the Gelato even better. Worth a look for an hour or two.

_______________________________________________________

Italy - Florence

Florence was awesome to photograph. So many beautiful statues. And the shopping was extreme. I am not your normal type of girl. I hate any form of shopping except if it is for photography. But in Florence....I had fun. I walked away with a full black leather coat, leather handbags, wrap-arounds, scarves and much more. So girls....get to Florence. You can also learn how to tell real leather from fakes, from the experts. Bling-Bling-Boys are ripe but they felt my wrath....I had fun with them. Definitely go their folks.

_______________________________________________________

Italy - Tuscany

Tuscany was insane. The landscape was everything I dreamed it would be....with rolling hills and green fields. We visited a small medieval town on top of our hill, surrounded by a larged wall. Instead of large churches, this village had 13 large towers, each one bigger than the last. Inside held many little shops including the World Champion in Gelato. He only works 5 months a year and yet when you taste his Gelato, you understand why it holds the Champion Ribbons. You can imagine that this village still has many secret tunnels beneath it's roads, especially when you visit the Torture Musuem. Definitely not for the faint hearted and I will say that I cannot watch Horror movies...and yet this museum makes horror movies look like play school. Incredible to see. As you walk through the streets of this village you will find many hidden gems.....from the dragon lamp holders to the tunnels covered in human skulls. Or go to one of the many wineries and have a wine, meat and cheese luncheon. A must for any traveller.

_______________________________________________________

Italy - Rome

Rome was interesting to say the least. You aren't allowed to photograph the Gladiators as that is how they make their money....but that didn't stop me. I got the shots....lol! So from copping a Gladiators Sword over the front of my lens (yes it did hit) to watching people get caught out by the live statues....it was fun to watch all the people and see all the history. We were pickpocketed along the way...but nothing we couldn't handle. Unfortunately I fell ill and had to return to the hotel for the rest of my time there. But it is worth seeing.....just allow loads of time for waiting lines.

_______________________________________________________

Greece - Tinos

Tinos was a small island with a history most noted for the site where the Virgin Mary was first seen. To this day they still climb the intense hill on their knees to the beautiful Church at the top. This island is dotted with numerous small villages....each village have many churches...sometimes one per family. The walls are white, as expected. There is marble used everywhere....even on the road kerbings. A small town that proudly displays its many cafes on the harbour front and market stalls that stay open till very late at night. And yet, with just a 5 minute walk you can escape the bustle of the tourists and locals and feel like you are in a small country location with quiet all around. The Nun's monastery are beautiful decorated and yet they still live as they did many years ago....no technology. I would definitely return to this place as there are many beautiful memories there that I would love to experience again.

_______________________________________________________

Greece - Delos

Delos is an Archaelogical Island with ruins dating back to 300BC. As you arrive you are confronted with acres of ruins that you can stroll through. You can almost feel the people of that era around you. Some ruins are still being uncovered and you are able to go right up to the people doing the work. These areas are not fenced off. From there you can head through the old lake and up to the enclosed museums and stroll through the many rooms of statues and findings. This is quite an eye opener and worth visiting.

_______________________________________________________

Greece - Mykonos

Mykonos was certainly a popular island of Greece. The traffic was insane and certainly not designed for the narrow winding roads with no room to move. It is very popular with tourists and the beautiful blue and white walls famous in Greece are certainly evident there. It seems to be most well known for its gay population which was quite obvious at the Paradise Beaches. I was quite taken with the pelicans as they are so different to what we have in Australia. Whilst most are wild and inhabit the shopping areas quite comfortably...I did meet a tame 5 year old Pelican named Georgia who took a liking to my camera and put me on my ass on the ground.....I couldn't stop laughing.

The cafes were excellent as you can sit on the waters edge and enjoy a cappuccino or a meal with the waterspray hitting your legs. I found the island to be quite chaotic but I have many excellent memories that will stay with me a lifetime.

_______________________________________________________

Greece - Santorini, Oia

Oia is located on the island of Santorini. Most famous for its beautiful sunsets, people gather on every possible viewpoint to watch the sight. The shops around the village offers everything you could want from Greece...you could spend hours just browsing the stores. The Characters that linger around come in all shapes and sizes....even the dogs are entertaining. The ride to Oia is certainly a trip in itself, from steep cliff drops to beautiful views across houses in the middle of nowhere.

_______________________________________________________

Greece - Santorini

Santorini was excellent. The island is only 30kms long so getting about is easy. From driving around on Quad Bikes to taking the interesting bus rides around...there is much to do. Wineries are very welcoming as are the local cafes & restaurants. Pubs are very inviting with their Happy Hour on Cocktails and will look after you. Now if you get lost...don't forget to look for the 3 dogs who will guide you home. Trust me on that one....and you will probably be speaking fluent Greek by the time you leave the pub!!!!

The beaches are extreme...from red sand to black and so many private beaches...just watch out for naked men! You must also treat yourself to a meal on the cliffs edge as the sun goes down. You can take the cable car down the cliffs and jump on a donkey/mule who will then take you up over 500 steps to the top. There is also a hidden Boat Harbour where all the locals hang out....even the white swans reside there. Definitely a place worth visitimg.

_______________________________________________________

Fiji

Fiji was awesome. We stayed in a 5 star resort and couldn't have wanted for anything. The staff tripped over themselves to help you and we spent a lot of time relaxing by the pool with cocktails. Hair braiding was certainly an experience that I just had to try. From galloping along the beach on horseback to watching the Fijian Dancers during dinner...there was always something to do. We travelled up one of the rivers by canoe and visited a small village that were once cannibals. They shared their culture with us and made a beautiful buffet for lunch. They only had a couple of plates for the guests and a few plastic forks to dish up with....but you eat your meal on the floor with your hands. Afterwards they pile all the leftover food onto one plate and the entire village eat at once. Afterwards a swim under a waterfall refreshes you for the long trip back. Fiji is definitely a must for anyone.

Message edited by author 2008-07-19 19:21:01.

06/28/2008 08:56:50 PM · #2

I have now uploaded some images from Paris. Please see the OP.

pjangel

06/28/2008 09:02:21 PM · #3

Thank for sharing, I'm looking forward to the rest!

06/28/2008 11:11:17 PM · #4

I have now uploaded some images from Switzerland - Interlaken. Please see the OP.

06/29/2008 01:31:10 AM · #5

I have now uploaded some images from Switzerland - Geneva. Please see the OP.

BTW....thank everyone for your awesome comments. If you have any queries about them or you want the stats for the shot...don't hesitate to ask and I will put them up there. There are just to many to do them all in one hit.

And thank you

pjangel for your comment.

06/29/2008 01:46:31 AM · #6

I have now uploaded some images from France - Annecy. Please see the OP.

Leica 18-56mm f/3.5-5.6 Vario Elmar-T ASPH

06/29/2008 06:05:28 AM · #7

I have now uploaded some images from France - Nice. Please see the OP.

MAK

Leica CL

06/29/2008 06:14:56 AM · #8

Excellent Judy. It was a pleasure to me Damion & Yourself, If I'm ever down under I'll be sure to pop over for a BBQ.

hanneke

Canon EOS-5D Mark II

Canon EF 24-70mm f/2.8L USM

06/29/2008 07:21:38 AM · #9

This is great Judi! Seems like you've had a great time in Europe and seen a lot of places.

I'll follow this thread to check on updates :D

MikeO

Fujifilm x100

06/29/2008 02:26:55 PM · #10

What a trip you have had ! It was good to meet up with you and Damion.

DarkRider

Nikon D300

Nikon AF-S DX Zoom-Nikkor 18-70mm f/3.5-4.5G IF-ED

06/29/2008 03:46:17 PM · #11

awesome stuff thx for sharing

06/29/2008 05:22:05 PM · #12

I have now uploaded some images from Italy - Monaco. Please see the OP.

Thankyou so much everyone. I am so pleased that they are being enjoyed. It was a fantastic trip and one that I would definitely do again. There are lots more images to come...so be warned. LOL!

06/30/2008 12:58:23 AM · #13

I have now uploaded some images from Italy - Pisa. Please see the OP.

06/30/2008 03:33:34 AM · #14

I have now uploaded some images from Italy - Florence. Please see the OP.

06/30/2008 05:03:16 PM · #15

I have now uploaded some images from Italy - Tuscany. Please see the OP.

Thankyou so much for all the comments and questions. I hope the answers you receive help a little.

Tamron SP AF 17-50mm f/2.8 Di II LD Aspherical (IF) for Nikon

07/01/2008 01:29:38 AM · #16

I have now uploaded some images from Italy - Rome. Please see the OP.

MikeO

Fujifilm x100

07/01/2008 07:30:36 AM · #17

Really great set of photos from your travels, I am really enjoying them, thanks for sharing with us. Looking forward to seeing the shots from Fiji

Mike

kolasi

Nikon D300

07/01/2008 11:55:39 AM · #18

Great photos!

waiting to see your take on the motherland

smurfguy

Canon EOS-5D Mark II

Canon EF 24-70mm f/2.8L USM

07/01/2008 01:03:26 PM · #19

O_o

Wow, Judi! Fantastic!

anotherday

Canon EOS-400D Rebel XTi

07/02/2008 04:15:54 AM · #20

Originally posted by Judi:

Switzerland - Geneva

Geneva was lovely. So many beautiful shops and medieval style areas....I could spend hours just wandering around with my camera. It is definitely worth a visit. And the birds are very friendly too.

Ohhhh, I didn't know you'll be passing through Geneva. My husband works there for the moment so I'm half time in Geneva, half time in Belgium. Let me know when you come back :)

Originally posted by Judi:

Italy - Florence

Florence was awesome to photograph. So many beautiful statues. And the shopping was extreme. I am not your normal type of girl. I hate any form of shopping except if it is for photography. But in Florence....I had fun. I walked away with a full black leather coat, leather handbags, wrap-arounds, scarves and much more. So girls....get to Florence. You can also learn how to tell real leather from fakes, from the experts. Bling-Bling-Boys are ripe but they felt my wrath....I had fun with them. Definitely go their folks.

So, they showed you the trick with the lighter? I was also very suspicious when buying a purse, so the guy HAD to convince me it's real leather!

Originally posted by Judi:

Italy - Tuscany

Tuscany was insane. The landscape was everything I dreamed it would be....with rolling hills and green fields. We visited a small medieval town on top of our hill, surrounded by a larged wall. Instead of large churches, this village had 13 large towers, each one bigger than the last. Inside held many little shops including the World Champion in Gelato. He only works 5 months a year and yet when you taste his Gelato, you understand why it holds the Champion Ribbons. You can imagine that this village still has many secret tunnels beneath it's roads, especially when you visit the Torture Musuem. Definitely not for the faint hearted and I will say that I cannot watch Horror movies...and yet this museum makes horror movies look like play school. Incredible to see. As you walk through the streets of this village you will find many hidden gems.....from the dragon lamp holders to the tunnels covered in human skulls. Or go to one of the many wineries and have a wine, meat and cheese luncheon. A must for any traveller.

So, what's the name of this village?

Oh, and nice pics! I'm waiting for the rest of them.

07/02/2008 05:23:04 AM · #21

Originally posted by anotherday:

Ohhhh, I didn't know you'll be passing through Geneva. My husband works there for the moment so I'm half time in Geneva, half time in Belgium. Let me know when you come back :)

Next time I am there I will certain let you know ahead of time.

Originally posted by anotherday:

Italy - Florence

So, they showed you the trick with the lighter? I was also very suspicious when buying a purse, so the guy HAD to convince me it's real leather!

Yes....that and other tricks...lol!

Originally posted by anotherday:

Italy - Tuscany

So, what's the name of this village?

The name of the village is San Gimignano. Definitely worth seeing. You can stay there in one of the hotels and use it as a base for travelling around the other areas.

anotherday

Canon EOS-400D Rebel XTi

07/02/2008 06:18:02 AM · #22

Originally posted by Judi:

Originally posted by anotherday:

Ohhhh, I didn't know you'll be passing through Geneva. My husband works there for the moment so I'm half time in Geneva, half time in Belgium. Let me know when you come back :)

Next time I am there I will certain let you know ahead of time.

Please do! :)

Originally posted by Judi:

Originally posted by anotherday:

Italy - Florence

So, they showed you the trick with the lighter? I was also very suspicious when buying a purse, so the guy HAD to convince me it's real leather!

Yes....that and other tricks...lol!

lol! I have to go back, I need to do some shopping :)

Originally posted by Judi:

Originally posted by anotherday:
Italy - Tuscany

So, what's the name of this village?

The name of the village is San Gimignano. Definitely worth seeing. You can stay there in one of the hotels and use it as a base for travelling around the other areas.

Thanks, it's on my list for next vacations.

ps: Was your trip organized by some agency, or you did it by yourself (if so, you did a great job!).

07/02/2008 06:29:41 AM · #23

Originally posted by anotherday:

Italy - Tuscany

So, what's the name of this village?

Originally posted by Judi:

The name of the village is San Gimignano. Definitely worth seeing. You can stay there in one of the hotels and use it as a base for travelling around the other areas.

Originally posted by anotherday:

Thanks, it's on my list for next vacations.

ps: Was your trip organized by some agency, or you did it by yourself (if so, you did a great job!).

I spent months looking through different tour groups and areas and finally settled on a Tour from London to Rome and another from Athens through the Greek Islands (both through different Tour Groups...I didn't want a pub crawl or Blue Rinse Tour Groups!) and a week relaxing in a 5-star resort in Fiji...so I spoke to the Travel Agency...and told them what tours and places I wanted and in what order and the dates and to book it. So they then had to fit it all in...including extra days in set countries/cities. So there were only two tours and the rest were on our own. With 10 different flights and loads of hotels, buses, trains, ferries etc all thrown in for good measure.

In all the cities except one, we got completely lost and found loads of wonderful places we wouldn't have found otherwise....we tried every possible subway/train service...most on our own, even though we couldn't speak or read any other languages. In one place I was put in charge of alcohol...and got everyone drunk....yeeehaaa!!! And we tried lots of native foods and activities....and wouldn't have changed any part of it. We met some incredible people and am still in touch with many of them.

Definitely try it.

Message edited by author 2008-07-02 06:30:32.

07/02/2008 07:50:57 AM · #24

I have now uploaded some images from Greece - Tinos. Please see the OP.

anotherday

Canon EOS-400D Rebel XTi