So far so good, and today we have a surprisingly beautiful morning; the sky is blue, a lovely hue with few clouds, now three days in a row, However, despite the vibrant appearance of the day, unfortunately, the air is cold due to the wind factor, which feels like -2C / 28F, making it a bit too nippy for my taste. As I step outside, the crispness bites at my skin, urging me to bundle up more tightly in layers of clothing, savoring the clear skies while grappling with the chill that nips at my fingers and cheeks.
Today my post is going to include, obviously,How to Survive the Novembertheme Round, which is crucial as we navigate the often dreary days of this month. In addition to that, I will be sharing to Becky’s NovemberShadows, where we can explore the interplay between light and darkness through photography. Furthermore, I will touch upon John’s Cellpic Sunday, an opportunity to showcase our mobile photography, which is one my challenges weekly. To conclude, I will delve into Debbie’s OneWordSunday, focusing on the theme Monochrome, where we can capture the beauty and depth that black and white images bring to our stories.
A beautifully presented bowl of rice garnished with seaweed, set against the backdrop of a dining table, showcasing round and the monochrome theme.
Now that is multitasking 😀 I have more than one posted food shot from Johns Cellpic, as we often dine out on Saturday. I am not going to change that delightful routine. The plates are round, elegantly showcasing the delicious dishes, the interior has shadows that play beautifully. With the variety of colors and textures, I can always convert shots to Monochrome, which adds a timeless quality to the images, enhancing the details and making the food pop even more against the understated background.
A monochrome close-up of elegantly shaped bowls filled with various side dishes, showcasing a captivating interplay between textures and shapes including round.
A cozy restaurant scene showcasing a woman serving food at a table, highlighting the interplay of shadows and light.
A delicious spread featuring grilled meat and various side dishes, perfect for showcasing culinary delights.
A beautifully arranged plate featuring a variety of sushi, sashimi, and side dishes, perfect for showcasing the theme of ’round’ in a culinary setting.
A delightful dessert featuring whipped cream topped with mango, mint, and a hint of coffee in a round serving bowl.
November begins, and we’ll keep this year rolling forward. The theme is ’round’, and you can interpret it any way you like. It can be a photograph, a painting, a drawing, a new or old picture, anything. Hopefully, it has ‘that certain something’.
Inlinkz- link for your entry is at the right column.
This week is Ann-Christine‘s turn to host, and when I saw the topic, I thought, wow, do I have anything for this one? I was pretty sure I didn’t, but as I reflected more, I realized my memory did not serve me well. As I started to look for images, I revisited these places again, and they brought back lots of nice memories, each one a little treasure from the past. I remembered the conversations, and the warmth of those special moments. The sights and sounds all came rushing back, making me appreciate the experiences I had taken for granted. It’s funny how a simple image can trigger such a flood of emotions and nostalgia, reminding me of the connections I’ve made and the joy that comes with them.
Marketplaces nor fairs are not something I frequently go to. Many of the marketplaces are often tourist traps, and I am not into those places; I find them to be overwhelming and overpriced, and they lack the charm I seek in my outings. Instead, I usually visit stores that have vintage furniture and quirky home decor items, or we have great recycling stores that we might have a quick peek at, offering unique finds and sustainable options. There’s something special about hunting for treasures in these hidden gems rather than being surrounded by the hustle and bustle of a crowded market.
A bustling marketplace in Nice, France, showcasing vibrant market stalls and charming architecture.
It makes me reminisce about a particular trip to a marketplace we came across in Nice, France, years back; the vibrant colors, the sounds of local vendors engaging with customers, and the tantalizing aromas of fresh produce and local delicacies filled the air, making it an unforgettable experience. It was a delightful fusion of culture and community, highlighting the essence of the region. This memory urges me to reconsider my stance on marketplaces and perhaps explore them with a more open mind in the future.
Now that I’ve embraced the spirit of exploration, I’m reminded of a few unforgettable visits to the markets that I’d like to share. Stepping into a Thai floating market feels like entering an entirely different realm. Narrow canals overflow with boats offering a wealth of food and merchandise, while the amiable vendors engage in lively conversations in Thai. This surreal experience is one you shouldn’t miss during your time in the country. One of my most enchanting experiences occurred at a floating market in Thailand, where the air was filled with vibrant colors and enticing aromas. Vendors deftly navigated their boats, overflowing with fresh fruits, fragrant spices, and artisanal crafts, establishing a vibrant atmosphere that embodied the local culture. It was clear that this spot was a must-see attraction for tourists.
This was a totally different experience regarding scents – a fish market in Negombo, Sri Lanka, where the air was thick with the briny aroma of freshly caught fish, mingled with the subtle sweetness of tropical spices. The hustle and bustle of vendors shouting their catch of the day created a vibrant atmosphere, drawing both locals and tourists alike. Memorable for me, this sensory overload offered a glimpse into the daily lives of the fishermen and the rich culinary traditions that define this coastal city. The colors of the fish, the energy of the crowd, and the unique scents combined to create an unforgettable tapestry of sights and sounds. Popular items are generally sharks, prawns, crabs, yellowfin tuna, sardines and Spanish mackerel. You can even find varieties like sea chicken, barracuda, and other “exotic “varieties here. The Dry Fish market usually has endless rows of fish on Hessian rugs to dry.
A bustling fish market in Negombo, Sri Lanka, showcasing freshly caught seafood and local vendors in action.
I apologize for the overload of photos, but the amount of them also kind of creates the same overwhelming feel these two last places had. Each image captures a myriad of memories and moments that can easily saturate the senses, reflecting the vibrant chaos that characterized those locations. That does not include Nice, though; that was calm and had a totally different vibe to it.
A huge thank you to John for another enlightening challenge last week! I really appreciated the examples and tips shared. I’m eager to see what you create this week! Next week, we’ll have another opportunity for “Looking Back,” with Sofia leading the way. Don’t forget to check out her lovely site for more!
If you’re interested in sharing your own responses to the Lens-Artists Challenge each week but need guidance on how to begin, you can find more information here.
I have had an opportunity to travel and see new places for a month, what a trip it has been! Every day was filled with new sights as we explored destinations that I had wanted to visit. I truly got to see some wonderful places. Each had its own unique charm and beauty. I also met family and friends that I have not seen in years. This made the experience even more special. I am ever so happy I got to do this trip . My mind is filled with unforgettable memories. My husband is going to help me word these memories as he kept daily notes on what we saw did in the following posts
The trip back home felt like it took forever, and I was seriously sleep-deprived; it took me a whole week to feel normal again. Even after such a tiring adventure, I am still feeling the aftermath. Honestly, the pressure to catch up on everything is a bit overwhelming. Then I went through my photos, it was a new reason to stress out. I realized I had snapped thousands of pics on my journey. Each one needs a good look; did it really capture what I had in mind? Now, I’ve got to sort through them all. I need to wrap my head around what I shot. Only then can I tackle the job of editing each one. Since I shoot in RAW, the editing is super important and pretty time-consuming. Normally, I love this creative process, and I’m set on enjoying it this time too. I’m ready to dive in, and I’ve already started with our first stop. Now I can bring them to life through editing and figure out which ones are worth keeping.
These I took with my iPhone as we approached our first destination Singapore from above. I am amazed how good photos the phones take these days. We we also rather amazed how many container ships there were.
I took these nine years ago, but as I was going through my archives I edited few more photos I have previously ignored..
The Big Buddha statue
Known among Thais as the Phra Puttamingmongkol Akenakkiri Buddha, this magnificent statue has garnered significant cultural and spiritual importance. Built in 2004, it stands majestically at a height of 25 meters across at the base, making it one of the largest Buddha statues in the region. The body of the statue is constructed from sturdy reinforced concrete, ensuring durability and resilience against the elements it is layered with beautiful Burmese white jade marble, which gives it a radiant shine under the sunlight.
There are several golden monk statues, here are two of them.
I just read that the Phuket Buddha site ordered closed due to landslide risks. Phuket’s Royal Forest Centre will order a big Buddha site on top of Nak Koet Hill in tambon Karon to be closed due to fears of further landslides after 13 people were killed in the area by landslides on Aug 23.3.9.2024
We saw this wonderful sight at the coast of Sri Lanka. One rarely gets to see a blue whale so close. We were told to be quiet and having listened to the captains orders; the whale came to check out our boat. It swam around and under our boat, so we were able to see it up and close – It was impressive!
Ritva Sillanmäki Photography 