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memories of Japan
In the autumn of 2007 Martin and I travelled to Japan. It was a country both of us always wanted to visit, and it was a memorable trip. My favourite part was our short seclusion in the Buddhist village of Kôyasan, which is located high in the mountains south of Osaka. It was founded twelve centuries ago, and is the centre for the study and practice of Shingon Buddhism. It is difficult to describe the majesty of its surroundings or the serenity that permeates the area. If you wish to stay overnight you must take lodgings in one of its 120 beautiful monasteries. In 2004 UNESCO named the “Sacred Sites…
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sunset over mallorca
This was yesterday’s sunset in Santa Ponsa, where the local fisherman cast their lines. Alas, my short break has run its course. Today I head back to Ireland. The next time I hope to come away to a place like this with more free time. I spent most of yesterday in front of my keyboard, rattling away at my latest project, and wishing the afternoon wasn’t so fine. I managed a short break in the evening, just before dinner, and dashed down to the water to try and snap some shots. I captured a number of good images, which I will look at when I’m feeling oppressed by grey skies…
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gallery cats
Mallorcans love cats and dogs. They are well-treated and indulged, and are everywhere on the island, usually not far from their doting owners. I snapped this mother and daughter duo in a Gallery in the incredibly picturesque village of Sóller. I caught the rickety train, with its old-fashioned wooden carriages, into the mountains to explore the town for a couple of hours. The train trundled upwards past almond trees shedding their blossoms, trees dripping with lemons and oranges, and ancient olive groves. Sóller’s buildings are relatively unaltered, with terracotta roofs, wrought iron balconies and sturdy, polished wooden doors. Many of its winding, narrow streets – loomed over by serrated mountains…
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mallorcan tree
I’m only a couple of days on Mallorca and I’ve already had blazing sun and blue skies, an afternoon of torrential rain and a nocturnal lightning storm. It’s mercurial and eventual staying on a Mediterranean island in February. I love it. The vegetation is amazing to my eyes – a variety of palm trees (tall, stubby, gnarled) with huge architectural fronds, a wide range of cacti, as well as pink, purple and violet flowers in bloom. And always the constant drumbeat of the waves pounding against the rocks. Most of the pubs, cafes and souvenir shops are closed. Santa Ponsa has a slightly forlorn feeling at times, but I don’t…
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turn to the sun
In mid-January I bought a flower pot that came with four Narcissus bulbs and compost. It took about five minutes to sow them, and after that I stuck them on the windowsill and watered them every now and again. There is something quite magical about putting a seed in the ground and watching it sprout into a plant. The stems are long and willowy, almost a meter, and I was very excited when they burst into bloom the other day. As seems usual, three of them were quicker off the mark than their smaller sibling. A late developer – perhaps it will be most wise. I snapped this picture during…
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toy n joy
This is one of those delightful, slightly macabre, images you can chance upon occasionally. I snapped it during my last trip to London. I often think dolls are rather grotesque, with their fake smiles and staring eyes. Especially when they are stripped down so their human mockery is made evident. This jumble contains potential winners of a Creepy Doll pageant. Childhood is a funny period in your life. So many things you love can be simultaneously frightening in different circumstances: like when you’re tucked up in bed and the teddy bear eyes glint in the glimmer of the hall light, and the distant unintelligible murmur of your parents’ voices offers…
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sky confetti
Just before I landed last night Galway threw down some sky confetti to celebrate my return, which was a lovely thought but unnecessary. As we were in our final approach the plane had to pull up as the runway failed its ‘braking test’, and we soared back into the night skies. I admired the lights of Galway and pondered how they were going to help the runway pass its test again. I assumed there was a mighty grind session, or at least grit scattered about. It seemed to work as the plane was able to stop so we could disembark. Much to my surprise my bag was already waiting for…
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The waiting game
I’m in Luton airport early – I can’t even check in yet – because it started sleeting in London in the late afternoon. By the time I arrived in Luton there was proper snow on the ground, much more than in the city. I’m not a fan of hanging about in airports, despite the boy’s choir singing carols, but at least I got here easily, and I hope I’ll lift off from snowy ground in a couple of hours.
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Islington gynoid
Can you believe I found the lovely robot I photographed in Gort, Galway a few weeks ago in the first shop I went into in Islington, London? She’s called the Venus Robot, and that’s her beside my glass of spiced cider it The Bull pub in Islington.
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off to old blighty
I’m off to London tomorrow, and I’ll be back on Thursday. Apparently there’s a severe weather alert for the end of this week with a potential Europe-clogging snow and ice storm arriving in time for Christmas. Hopefully I’ll skim back in before it hits. I guess the bookies aren’t taking bets for a white Christmas any more as it is very likely. I’m already taking steps in case we have to stay put for a while. I took the above picture in London a few years ago of a decorative feature on one of its many outstanding buildings. I’ve mentioned before I love architecture, and London is a treat with…