Goa by day (2)

More photos of Goa during the day. These photos were taking at Candolim and Mandrem.

And just 5 minutes later a fire started and was spreading in minutes! Some how it didn't end up being too serious but there was A LOT of smoke and even some crazy locals getting in amongst it! You can see them in the photos below. Madness!

Goa by day

A mixture of the local sites and locals. The first (below, left) is the view from where I was sunbathing. Idyllic, isn't it? And the second image (below right) is from the spice plantation we visited in Ponda. I love how green and lush it looks and the reflection on the water.

Locals and local sellers on the beach.

My trademark sun shot!

Old Goa and Panjim

For those of you who follow my Facebook page, you may have seen that I was in Goa for two weeks in January and boy, what a holiday it was! If you haven't been there before, I absolutely recommend you go there once in your life! The people are amazing, the food is amazing, the colours, the smells, everything, I can't speak of it highly enough.

Anyway, enough of my gushing! I have a few blogposts to share with you over the next few days of the various things I documented whilst over there. First up is Old Goa and Panjim. Just a quick history lesson. ;) Old Goa was the first territory that was colonised by the Portuguese in the 17th Century. Panjim is the state capital of Goa and many of the buildings still retain Portuguese charm with faded colour washed walls and Catholic churches. 

This is The St Francis of Assisi Church in Old Goa

  

And this is inside another church on the other side of the road; The Basilica of Bom Jesus. Inside this church, there is a tomb of St Francis Xavier, whose remains are said to have never fully decomposed! Nice.

These next photos were taken around Panjim.

Before I went away, a work colleague said if I went to Panjim, I had to go the Mandovi Hotel because it was like something from years gone by. It was very art deco, as you can tell by this photo!

I love the colours in this photo.

Can't get enough of the Cemetery!

I hope this post finds you well and not experiencing a bad case of the January blues! Hopefully some sunshine in these pictures will brighten up your day a bit. And guess what? I have been back to a cemetery to take them. ;-) I just love going to a cemetery and taking shots, I'm sorry but I do! There are some beautiful graves and some also beautifully cared for plus you get lots of greenery and pretty plants. And when the sun is shining it can look truly magical. That's what I think anyway.

This is my fave image from this shoot and you wouldn't even know it was taken in graveyard would you? I just love the reflection in the puddle, who cares how dirty that water is?!

I Literally just turned 180 degrees to get these two shots and look at the difference in terms of light and general appearance?! Could have been in two completely different locations. Amazing what a simple change of direction can do...

The Best of 2012

So, we are well and truly in to the new year! I always like to have a bit of self reflection around this time and see how I have developed, improved and what I need and would like to work on. 

I also go through all of my photos from the past year (and there's a lot!) and make a 'Best of' collage. Most people are self critical, myself included, so I find it good practise to do this. It's sort of therapeutic. These are what I think are my best from this year, have a look through my blogpost and tell me what you think! I'd love to hear your thoughts! 

Anyway, a short blogpost for you this week (sorry) I'm afraid as I am currently busy taking a gazillion photos for another project. Don't forget the exhibition is only a week away, please click here for more details.

Last few moments of Christmas....

Awwww, I feel a little bit sad thats it's all over for another year again! But before it's officially bad luck, here are a few more of decorations for your delectation! 

And I'd just like to take this opportunity to say thanks to everyone who has passed through here for the last year. I've had a better year than I could have imagined when I decided to start this blog this time last year and your support is invaluable. I hope I continue to receive your support in the coming year and many more to come! I wish you all a very prosperous and healthy New Year and all the best for 2013!

My homemade table decoration, you like?! I'm thinking possible Christmas cards for next year.....

Remember, you can buy one off images from me, or I can tailor make any photography package to suit your needs, just get in contact! Here's to 2013!