Nugget Point, Otago, South Island, New Zealand

Nugget Point is one of the most iconic landforms on the Otago coast. Located at the northern end of the Catlins coast down the road from Kaka Point, this steep headland has a lighthouse at its tip, surrounded by rocky islets (The Nuggets). The point is home to many seabirds, including penguins, gannets and spoonbills, and a large breeding colony of fur seals.

The lighthouse was built in 1869 and stands 76 m (250 ft) above the water. It was automated in 1980 and is operated by Maritime New Zealand.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nugget_Point

Hoopers Inlet, Otago Peninsular, South Island, New Zealand

Early morning at Hoopers Inlet, Otago Peninsular, South Island, New Zealand. Calm weather with beutiful reflections on the still water.

Thai Army in Ceremonial Dress at the Funeral of HRH Princess Bejaratana Rajasuda

 

Royal funerals are a big occasion in Thailand. There is usually a huge procession around the Grand Palce in Bangkok as the body is taken to a specially prepared site at Sanam Luang where the cremation takes place. This is one section of the Thai armed forces that took part in the procession.

A Thing of the Past?

Phuket City is full of old Sino Colonial buildings but there appearance is often marred by the power and telephone cables strung along the roads. The authorities are now busy putting these cables underground so photos like this one will soon hopefully become a thing of the past.

Elephants, Wat Chedi Luang, Chiang Mai

powered by Fotopedia

These elephants are to be found at Wat Chedi Luang in Chiang Mai. The temple is about 600 years old and once housed one of the most important relics in Thailand - the Emerald Buddha which is now housed in its own temple in Bangkok. The chedi, which was destroyed either by earthquake or King Taksin cannons, was the tallest structure in Chiang Mai.

Jui Tui Temple, Phuket City

powered by Fotopedia

This is the Jui Tui temple in Phuket City and located not far from the main market. It was previously in Soi Romanee in the old town but moved to its present location after a fire. The temple plays a big part in Phuket's annual Vegetarian Festival.

Hooper's Inlet, South Island, New Zealand.

This is Hooper's Inlet on the Otago Peninsular, South Island, New Zealand. It is a beatiful place especially at dawn on a nice day which was when this photo was taken. The peninsular itself is sparsely populated but the city of Dunedin is very close by.

Juice Bar, Bangkok

Juice Bar, Bangkok, Thailand

Juice bars are becoming popular everywhere including Bangkok. This is the Marina Juice Bar near Siam Square which is at the heart of the shopping district in Bangkok. All manner of fruits including apples, mangoes, kiwi, oranges, guava melon and dragon fruit can be seen on display.

Songkran 2012

Songkran, which is the Thai New Year, was traditionally a time to visit and pay respects to elders, including family members, friends, neighbors, and monks. These days it has become a huge water festival where the objective is to soak as many people as possible. Held at the hottest time of the year, it provides welcome relief from the heat.

The Grand Palace,Bangkok

It is some years since I last visited the Grand Palace in Bangkok, but I did so today.it has lost none of its splendour, and is absolutely a "must see" when visiting Bangkok.

Hoi An SLideshow

Hoi An on Fotopedia

Kanchanaburi - Get drunk for 10 baht

On a trip to the northern parts of Thailand, we stopped off in Kanchanaburi for the night. Visiting the local hostelries, we came across this bar which offers local drinks for 10 baht each. For that, you get a shot of the local spirit (with such exotic names as Pornthip and Black Cock) with soda or neat if you prefer. A scotch whisky will cost you 20 baht. As you can see from the sign on the right, you also get free ice.

Sunsets of Thailand - Bang Tao Beach, Phuket

Bang Tao beach is a very long stretch of beach on Phuket that is some 8 kilometers long. This picture is taken at the southern end of the beach where the fishermen morr their boats. Phuket sunsets are very varied and the colours can be fantastic as in this shot. To see more sunsets of Thailand, type "sunsets of thailand" in the search box.

Twofaced in Marrakech

It is difficult taknig photos in Morocco as many of the locals either ask for money or just do not want you to take their photo. Pictures of locals are always a good way to get the feel of the place and I took to shooting from the hip to try and get photos without being noticed. It was not entirely successful and it was noticed by some of the locals. However, I do like this picture of a girl with a face on her t shirt, carrying bread on her head. The low angle also goves the photo extra interest.

Lake Mapourika, Westland, South Island, New Zealand

Leaving Franz Josef and heading north up the west coast of the South Island in New Zealnd, we came across this beautiful lake. Called Lake Mapourika, this lake is obviously used for watersports and fishing. The jetty provided a perfect photo opportunity.

The Art Deco Irish Pub

Napier is a town on the North Island of New Zealand that was devastated by eartquake in the 1930's. As a consequence, many of the buildings there are in Art Deco style. This large building is actually a hotel called the Masonic but it features an Irish Pub called "The Rose".

Lake Mapourika, South Island, New Zealand

Just north of Franz Josef Glacier is Lake Mapourika. It was a beautofulo calm morning when I stopped here to take this photo. New Zealand is full of lakes all of which have their own beauty.

The Coromandel Peninsular, North Island, New Zealand

The Coramandel Peninsular is a very popular holiday destination for New Zealanders from Auckland, especially the lower part of it which is easy to reach. The more northern area above Coramandel town is far more remote with many untarred raods which restrict the access somewhat. It is nevertheless a beautiful area.

Playing Backgammon

Playing Backgammon

These two old boys were whiling away the time in Famagusta, North Cyprus by playing Backgammon. This is a popular pastime in this region.

Wat Phranang Sang, Thalang, Phuket

Wat Phranang Sang is the oldest temple in Phuket although it is not known exactly how old it is. The temple was a rallying point for Phuketians defending Phuket against Burmese invaders in 1785. The templ also houses 3 tin buddhas which are one of the most important histporical artefacts of Phuket.