It’s bitterly cold here at the moment in London but these beautiful sunsets in the clear skies make up for it
Winter skies
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Category Archives: Photography
Farewell 2023
We’ve come to the end of 2023. I was able to see some beautiful things this year like flower fields and the Peaks, as well as some truly wonderful art. But sadly the end of this year is a one with war ongoing in too many parts of the world. I pray that people find peace, justice and safety soon.
Here are some of my favourite photos from 2023, looking back is always a nice way to end a year. I wish you all Happy New Year and pray that 2024 is filled with peace and happiness for all of us.
And still we stand
The ongoing bombardment of Gaza in Palestine has lead to the loss of almost 20 thousand people, so many of them children. As we approach Christmas it makes me sad and angry to see so many people and their governments celebrate Christmas but not care about the people, including Christians in the land that Jesus was born and that Christianity came from. Like so many I will continue to call for a permanent ceasefire and pray that the people of Palestine are safe and find peace soon.
In our millions
I joined a million people in London last weekend to call for a ceasefire against Israel’s brutal bombardment of Gaza and for an end to the occupation against all Palestinian people. The last month has seen thousands killed, mostly children. It has to stop. Seeing so many people come out to protest was heartening to see. In our thousands, in our millions, we are all Palestinians.
Monet exhibition
I went to a Monet art exhibition in London. A lot of new exhibitions on artists work are ‘immersive‘ meaning that the art is projected onto huge walls where you can sit and take in the art, with music playing while you watch.
The Monet exhibition was also immersive but it did have sections where there were props, like this bridge over a lily pond, a reflection of one of his most famous art works.
In the main room, there were lots of seats that you could take to enjoy the art as they were shown. I liked how the artworks were collated together to show themes.
Some of Monet’s most famous artwork pieces were shown and it was nice to be able to see some of the greater details.
The show lasts about 20 minutes and includes some animation to help bring the art to life. It wasn’t busy when I went so it was calming just to sit and enjoy the art. At the end there was a VR section you pay for and a place for kids to colour in some of Monet’s art.
I’d recommend a visit but personally I enjoy exhibitions that allow me to learn about the artists and their influences and that make me think about what they are trying to portray.
York
I visited the city of York for the day. York is one of the oldest cities in the country and is known for it’s cathedral.
We looked around the shops and the markets in an area called The Shambles – one of the best-preserved medieval shopping streets in Europe. It has cobbled streets and was very busy. I came across the York Chocolate shop where a well known brand started up. And yes I did buy some.
We then visited the Cathedral. We didn’t go inside but the exterior was quite beautiful.
Next we decided to take a boat ride down the River Ouse. The weather was lovely and we took in the nature and the sights. The emblems on this bridge caught my notice.
After stopping for a quick lunch we finished the day with what I thought was my favourite part of York – the city wall walk. Walls were erected around a city to protect it and the ones that remain intact around York are longer than any other city in England. We found a set of steps and made our way along the wall.
Some wall sections ended quickly, others went on for much longer. It was quite interesting to see the old stone walls were right above modern day houses and gardens with some residents waving hello as we walked by.
We spent an hour or so walking and then made our way back to the car and home. The whole walk takes about 2 hours and I’d like to do it again in full one day
I enjoyed my visit to York but there’s lots more to do and explore and I hope I can come back one day to do just that.
Mam Tor
Mam Tor (meaning Mother Hill) at the Peak District is one of its most well know hiking spots. It’s also also known as the Shivering Mountain because its shale and gritstone layers are prone to landslips. Whilst in the area a few weeks ago my family and I decided to do the walk.
At the bottom there was a sign post telling you what was in each direction. We found the path for Mam Tor and started our steep hike up. Alongside the path I saw a few metal images placed in the ground. I assume this alludes to the history of England and the Iron Age.
As we got higher the winds got stronger but the views became more beautiful too.
Taking our time and putting in some effort we made it to the peak where there was a stone pillar marking the highest point. We all spent a bit of time looking around and taking in the magnificent view.
After taking in the views and some photos we then started our careful walk back down to the car park. I’d recommend this hike, it’s not too difficult to do and the views are amazing. They definitely helped soothe my soul.
Ladybower Reservoir
I spent a day at the Peak District National park at the weekend and decided to visit the Ladybower Reservoir. I specifically wanted to see the ‘plugholes’ that are part of it. These plugholes are spillways that allow overflow of water to drain away to the River Derwent.
There hasn’t been a lot of rain lately so the reservoir water levels were below the edge of the plugholes. It was still quit cool to have a look down them though.
I also spent a bit of time walking around the reservoir on what was a bright sunny day. The entire walk takes 2 hours so I just walked around part of it and back.
It was an interesting trip and great to see something different in a beautiful natural setting.
Hiding ladybird
I spotted this ladybird taking a rest on this lovely pink rose. It was tucked away so I was pleased to notice it. I’m sure it’ll be on it’s way again soon enough.
Giant waterlilies at Kew
I’ve been to Kew Gardens in London a number of times, it’s one of my favourite places. I always remember going as a child and seeing the giant waterlilies in a hot greenhouse but never managed to see them since. I was determined this year to try and catch them and luckily I did.
The waterlilies can grow up to 3 meters wide and grow in the summer months. Seeing the size of the lilies in person was quite spectacular. There were also some pretty flowers growing in the pond that made the view all that more amazing. It made me want to sit on one of the lilies but I’m probably too big for them now (they can support a child).
It made me really happy to see these lovely plants after so many years, and that they were as stunning now as they were then. It’s plants like these that increase my wonder about the world and about all the astonishing things in it.
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