Traveling Cape Verde – Ritva Sillanmäki Photography

CCFFC – Colorful buildings

I liked these colorful houses in this country, or in many other warm climate countries, but they would look so wrong, to me, if they were in Finland. I have seen some, and they are so out of place here; the brightness just does not fit with the natural palette of the Finnish landscape. The hues that might look vibrant and inviting against sunlit coastal backdrops or among lush tropical settings feel jarring against the more muted tones of Finland’s forests and snowy winters. But when I’ve seen these vivid buildings in other countries, they seem to blend in perfectly, as if they were meant to be there among the sun-kissed streets and bustling markets. It’s fascinating how context influences perception—go figure…

I have taken these photographs years ago in Cape Verde, and even in their rundown state—or perhaps in their unfinished state—they still appeal to me in a unique way. There’s a charm in their wear and tear, a story captured in the peeling paint and uneven lines. These structures despite their disrepair, they exude a warmth that resonates with the colors themselves.

CFFC – Colorful Buildings all photos in the gallery can be enlarged.

Colorful Houses and Desert Landscapes in Cape Verde

Photography, Travel, Traveling Cape Verde

I took a trip down memory lanes, dreaming of warm places while watching the snow fall outside my window. The cold outside contrasted with my warm memories, making me yearn for warmth while the winter’s chill wrapped around me.

These photos were taken several years ago, ten years ago during a memorable trip where we drove a bit inland in Sal, Cape Verde. The area we explored is likely more developed now. I would say this is an area where many locals live. As we ventured further, we marveled at flat desert are dotted with colorful houses. These particular photographs were captured on the way to Salinas de Pedra de Lume, an extraordinary salt mine, which certainly left a lasting impression on our journey.

For Thursday Doors 2024

Turquoise doors

Photography, Travel, Traveling Cape Verde

The journey to the salt mines of Pedra de Lume on Sal Island, Cape Verde, was made even more enchanting by the turquoise doors of the old church doors that adorned the road. These Old Church doors of Pedra de Lume captivated every traveler passing through the route leading to the beautiful east coast of Sal.

Old church in Pedra de Lume on Sal Island , Cape Verde

Posted for Dan’s Thursday Doors

How to Survive November 2022 – 30

how to survive November, Traveling Cape Verde

I made it, this is the end of November. Thanks to my Novembers survivors Lepis and Susupetal for the company, I have heard songs that I haven’t in a while also made new discoveries. This has also made me again an active music listener, as I’ve grown older the less I’ve listened to music, And it’s a shame! Silence has been a good friend of mine, me and my thoughts, photos and art.

I need to keep up with this positive newly found joy of lisening to music.

Olavi Uusivirta is an actor and musician, As a musician, he is one of the most successful in our country. Three of his albums have achieved gold and Olavi (2016) received the award for rock album of the year at the Emma gala. Olavi Uusivirta has also acted in numerous films and on stage.

“The song tells about a compelling longing for somewhere else, for a new environment away from the familiar and safe, perhaps for a new human relationship — towards the new and unknown. You can also think that the narrator of the song experiences a powerful spiritual experience, after which there may be no going back. However, something happens and ‘the new pedaling takes me with it’!” Uusivirta opens the song.

And I hear a voice in the distance
The new rhythm takes me along
And gravity disappears completely
This is a forbidden game
It’s another reality
And if we’re being reasonable
The game ends with the autumn rains

”Laulu kertoo pakottavasta kaipuusta johonkin toisaalle, uuteen ympäristöön pois tutusta ja turvallisesta, kenties uuteen ihmissuhteeseen — kohti vierasta ja tuntematonta. Voi myös ajatella, että laulun kertoja kokee voimakkaan sielullisen elämyksen, jonka jälkeen paluuta entiseen ei ehkä enää ole. Jotain kuitenkin tapahtuu ja ’uusi poljento vie mut mukanaan’!” Uusivirta avaa kappaletta.

Thanks PARALLEL LINES |in scale for hosting How to Survive November once again.

At the ‘How to Survive November‘ monthly theme we will combine photo and sound. You can select a piece of music to your taste and find a photo to portray the song or you can make a drawing, painting or collage. The picture can be from your archives or you can get it fresh. Enjoy and have fun!