Showing 1–20 of 93 results
Valensole, Provence, France
A wisp of cloud forms during sunset over the lush lavender fields in Provence. There’s also a delicate fragrance of lavender in the air while the bees go about their daily work.
The Valensole plateau is famed for growing lavender and is a popular destination for visitors.
Near Gordes, Provence, France
Sénanque Abbey is a working Cistercian abbey near the charming hilltop village of Gordes in Provence, south of France.
This is undoubtedly one of the most photographed places in the region, so it will be crowded at most times should you want to visit – especially when the lavender is in bloom.
Near Valensole, Provence, France
A storm is brewing as lightning strikes the lavender fields north of the renowned region of Valensole (sun valley) in Provence.
The sun shines in the Valensole plateau for roughly 300 days a year which offers the lavender excellent conditions to grow.
Near Upper Glendalough Lake, Co. Wicklow, Ireland
A moody overcast day with a streak of sunlight backlighting the heather on the hills, near the Early Medieval monastic settlement at Glendalough in County Wicklow.
Glendalough means “Valley of two lakes”.
Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
Street sellers survey colorful blooms outside their flower shop in the Vietnamese capital.
Connemara, Co Galway, Ireland
Derryclare Lough is located about 37 miles (60 km) northwest of Galway city.
North of the lake lies The Twelve Bens mountain range exuding a gentle and magical beauty.
These amazing landscapes are frequented by photographers and artists alike. And keen fishermen arrive to fish for salmon and trout in the peaty and pristine lakes and rivers throughout the area.
Glen Canyon National Recreation Area, Arizona, USA
Horseshoe Bend is a popular location to witness the complete U shape meander of the mesmerizing Colorado River below. It’s situated almost at the place where the Grand Canyon, one of the Seven Wonders of the World begins, just 4 miles from the town of Page. While 5 miles downstream is the impressive Glen Canyon Dam and Lake Powell, the second largest man-made reservoir in the United States.
The overlook is 1,000-feet (300 m) above the river itself and can be accessed via a 1.5-mile round-trip hike.
Grand Canyon National Park, Utah, USA
The soft light of sunset reflects off an Elk stag as he stands proudly in between grazing along the Canyon edge. He shows off his elegant set of antlers at the top of the South Rim of the Grand Canyon.
Halong Bay, Vietnam
Situated in northeast Vietnam, Halong Bay is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It is known for its thousands of limestone karst islands in various shapes and sizes of which there are between 1,960 and 2,00 of them. The limestone in this bay has gone through continual change over the past 500 million years of formation in different conditions and environments.
This particular morning sunrise saw a calm sea swathed in the usual fog (said to be caused by excessive pollution inland). Junk boat tours with companies like Paradise Cruises operate year-round in Halong Bay.
Angkor Wat, Cambodia
Three monks in conversation at the entrance of an Angkor Wat Buddhist temple near Siem Reap.
It’s extraordinary how these monuments have survived so well for several centuries under the encroachment of the jungle. Restoration to certain badly damaged parts of the complex continues to this day.
Angkor Wat, Cambodia
Two little Cambodian children stare into history as they gaze at a Buddha statue in an adjacent complex.
With very warm daily temperatures in this part of the world, many children will play inside among the temple structures to remain cool.
Angkor Wat, Cambodia
A Buddha towers above a small boy who assists his seniors with the preparation of worship ceremonies inside an Angkor Wat temple.
There is such a feeling of calmness and serenity surrounding this place which leaves a befitting memory to those who experience it. The wonderment of the construction and detail of the carvings is also a joy to behold.
Angkor Wat, Cambodia
Within the great Angkor Wat temple complex, these Cambodian Apsara dancers display their art for visitors. Over a million people a year visit Siem Reap and the surrounding area to see these extraordinary monuments that have been resurrected from the jungle.
Apsaras are beautiful, supernatural female beings according to Indian mythology. They are youthful and elegant and are excellent in the art of dancing.
Angkor Wat, Cambodia
Inside the great Angkor Wat temple complex beneath one of the many Buddha shrines, a woman prepares a fire to light incense sticks for those wanting to worship.
The experience of peace and serenity surrounding this wonderful place are enjoyed by over a million people per year. It is thought that a cap on visitor numbers may be introduced in the coming years.
Ta Prohm, Angkor Wat, Cambodia
These 15th-century temples of Ta Prohm were so well built that even after many centuries in the jungle they still stand today. Trees grow out of the ruins as their extraordinary root structures seek new gripping points wherever possible.
Angkor Wat is the world’s largest religious monument, which includes temples, reservoirs, and canals. The website ‘World Archaeology’ describes Angkor Wat as “the most extensive urban complex in the pre-industrial world.”
Ta Prohm, Angkor Wat, Cambodia
After the fall of the Khmer Empire in the 15th century, the temple of Ta Prohm (the modern name of the temple at Angkor in Siem Reap Province) was abandoned and neglected for centuries.
When conservation and restoration of the temples of Angkor began in the early 21st century, it was decided that Ta Prohm would be left mainly as it had been found, as it was the one which had best merged with the jungle, without becoming part of it.
This tree soars skywards while the roots maintain their reptilian-like grip on the beautifully carved temple structures below.
Ta Prohm, Angkor Wat, Cambodia
The power of nature combined with the extraordinary building structures enable scenes like this all over the Angkor Wat temples complex. The roots of mainly fig trees bid to consume the efforts of these manmade structures.
However, this “Great City” of Angkor Thom was the last and most enduring capital city of the Khmer empire established in the late 12th century by King Jayavarman VII still stands tall and fights back the jungle encroachment.
Asheville, North Carolina, US
During the fall the lure of greens and reflections studded with the reds and yellows were mesmerizing while I enjoyed a brief moment in time at a lake on the Vanderbilt Estate near Asheville.
This is one of the most amazing properties to visit, so if you’re in the area it’s a must. The Vanderbilts are an American family that through Cornelius Vanderbilt created great success with the shipping and railroad empires. The family expanded into numerous other areas of industry and philanthropy. Cornelius Vanderbilt’s descendants went on to build several grand mansions, one of which was the palatial Biltmore House in Asheville, North Carolina.
Wintergreen, Virginia, US
Typical vibrant fall colors near the resort of Wintergreen in the the mountains of Virginia.
Wintergreen, Virginia, US
Fall in the the mountains of Virginia at this slow flowing, chaotic-looking creek where the dead leaves flow gently by.