2026 is the new 2016” isn’t just a random caption — it’s become a social media phenomenon where millions of users on platforms like TikTok and Instagram – ChatGPT Joining the bandwagon of nostalgia… grateful I went when I could, laughed when I did, and took way too many photos. These are photos from my…
Tag: travelling
Travel Diary in Osaka Castle – Day 14
There’s a charming little tourist train, often called the Osaka Castle Park Train, which loops around the castle grounds. It is an easy way to see the sights and save on walking. Here are some images from around the castle, with the added bonus of autumn colours. Food stalls were waiting for us when we…
Travel Diary in Nakazakicho & Umeda – Day 11
It was still a tour day in Osaka for those who booked the optional excursions, but Jack and I decided to explore on our own. Took the train to Nakazakicho. But first Brunch… I’d read about this place called Nakazakicho, Osaka’s bohemian soul. It is just the place for me…narrow lanes, old wooden houses turned…
Travel Diary First Day of Tour – Day 4
So today, our tour officially began. We finally met our tour mates, and they all seemed like such a happy, easygoing bunch. It already feels like the start of a fun trip. First stop is the Meiji Shrine. I walked into Meiji Shrine through its huge wooden gate, and suddenly Tokyo felt far away. The…
Travel Diary in Shibuya & Shinjuku – Day 2
Right after breakfast on Day 2 in Tokyo, we were off again, heading straight for Shibuya. It is busy, loud, and buzzing with its own kind of magic. And just outside Shibuya Station, we found the famous Hachikō statue. I’ve seen it in photos countless times, but standing there in the middle of all the…
A Day in Akaroa
TRAVEL DIARY: Day 2 AKAROA I don’t know how it always happens—no matter how much I plan for a relaxing trip, I end up packing in so much! This was especially true on our second day in Christchurch, when we found ourselves heading out to explore even more places, including the beautiful town of Akaroa….
Holyrood House Windows
At the Palace of Holyroodhouse in Edinburgh, the windows beautifully connect the front building, to the grandeur of the royal residence to the haunting beauty of the ruined abbey. I am linking this to Monday Window Challenge
Wordless Wednesday – 22
RUINS OF ST PAUL’S CHURCH, MACAU Photo taken in 2008
Florence Windows
From the grand arched windows of Renaissance palazzos to the charming wooden shutters of centuries-old homes, each tells a story. Photos from Florence, Italy in 2016 I am linking this to PR’s Monday Window
Doors as seen from the Hop-On Hop-Off Bus
One of the best ways to explore a city when the weather is unpredictable is by hopping on a Hop-On Hop-Off bus. Sitting on the top deck offers a fantastic perspective. I loved spotting these beautiful Porto doors along the route. These photos have been tucked away in my archives for a while, and it’s…
Geometry in Chairs found in Bristol
These chairs were from my travels in 2023 and it was taken from the main street in Bristol, UK. I am linking this to Xingfumama’s Pull Up a Seat Challenge Debbie’s Six Word Saturday and Becky’s GeometricJanuary
Places of Worship in Monochrome
The theme for this week’s Monochrome Madness Challenge is “Place of Worship”. Many people say the first thing they explore when traveling is the local market, and for me, that’s absolutely true. My next stop, however, is always the churches. Growing up in a Catholic family in the Philippines, with a deeply rooted Catholic upbringing,…
Portugal Souvenir
I love exploring souvenirs while traveling; it’s a fun way to remember my adventures. However, I sometimes find myself spending on things I don’t really need. There was one item that caught my eye for Monday Window, and while I really liked it, I ultimately decided to pass on the purchase. But here is the…
Tuesday StreetArt Dublin – 60
Seeing photos sent by my son Tim feels almost like being there with him. Here are some amazing street art pieces on electric boxes from Ireland. Thanks, Tim! 😍
Finding Beauty in Unexpected Places
Patti (P.A.Moed) is hosting the Lens-Artists Photo Challenge this week, with the theme of Finding beauty in unexpected places This reminds us that wonder can emerge from anywhere. It challenges our perceptions, showing that even in the most ordinary settings, there are moments of inspiration waiting to be discovered. It might be a flock of…
Seven cats by the Window
NAZARE, PORTUGAL Lovely memory of Nazare. There were so many shops with handcrafted ceramics and souvenirs. Here are 7 cats by the window in the centre square of Nazare. .
Balconies
PR of Flights of the Soul is hosting the Lens-Artists Photo Challenge this week, focusing on Balconies. Balconies are architectural elements that extend from the exterior of a building, providing outdoor space and often offering picturesque views. One of literature’s most iconic balconies belongs to Juliet in Shakespeare’s “Romeo and Juliet.” While the balcony itself in…
Tuesday Streetart Space Invaders -49
As we strolled through Paris, I spotted Space Invader artworks scattered throughout the city. These mosaics resembles the pixelated Space Invaders 1978 video game. They’re the work of Invader, a French artist who began creating these mosaics in the 1990s, drawing inspiration from his love for the classic game. Since then, he continued to create…
Sightseeing Destinations
This week, Leanne is hosting the Lens-Artists Photo Challenge, focusing on Tourist Attractions—a broad yet captivating theme. To tackle this expansive topic, I’m categorizing my entries into places I cherish exploring. To my mind, the greatest reward and luxury of travel is to be able to experience everyday things. as if for the first time,…
Liverpool
TRAVEL DIARY: LIVERPOOL There are places I’ll rememberAll my life, though some have changed.Some forever, not for better;Some have gone and some remain.– the Beatles Even if you’re unaware, you’ll unmistakably sense when you’ve arrived in Liverpool—where everything transforms into a celebration of the Beatles. But first was dinner. We decided to go to Jollibee,…
Window shopping in Edinburgh
Edinburgh offers more than just castles and historic sites—it’s also a place for diverse and vibrant shopping experiences. Here are some Scottish windows blending modern culture with rich history. Love the window reflection of the buildings from the opposite side. Want to do some window shopping with me?
Edinburgh
TRAVEL DIARY: EDINBURGH From York, we headed to Edinburgh, where Jack, Tim, and I spent three days and two nights at my cousin Connie’s place. Our visit was more about catching up and reminiscing than sightseeing. Last time I saw her was in 2016 with her late husband Rick, who drove us around Scotland.…from Glasgow,…
Doors in York
YORK, UK Here are the doors lining the main road of the Shambles in York, one of the city’s most renowned landmarks and among Europe’s best-preserved medieval shopping streets. A quirky shop named “The shop that must not be named” I always love capturing Nutcracker Christmas shop doors. Found more doors from the Lord Mayor’s…
York
TRAVEL DIARY: YORK After a scenic 4.5-hour drive from Bristol, we reached York around 7 p.m. Hungry from the journey, we headed to Riverside Farm near our hotel for a delicious dinner of traditional English Roast with mash and gravy. It was the ideal way to unwind after our travels. After dinner, we were all…
Bristol Drive-by shots of Double Doors
BRISTOL, UK As we strolled towards the streets adorned with vibrant street art (that’s what Bristol is known for), we couldn’t help but be captivated by the charming Bristol traditional terraced houses*. Each one boasted colourful double doors that added a unique touch to their character. *Thanks Sarah for letting me know that these are…
Connecting Bridges
This week, Donna from Wind Kisses hosts the Lens-Artists Photo Challenge with the topic of CONNECTIONS. Bridges connect more than just two pieces of land- they link communities, cultures, and histories, fostering unity and progress. However, this week, I’m focusing on their literal role as a form of connection from point A to point B. The Pont…
Somebody by the Window saw me
Here are more captivating windows from the Cotswolds. What’s amusing is that precisely when I snapped the picture, a lady by the window seemed to be peering back at me haha Quite the unexpected moment! Some more on the main street of Castle Combe.
Camden Town
TRAVEL DIARY: CAMDEN TOWN During the first leg of our holiday in Paris, Barcelona, and Portugal in October of 2023, we weren’t able to indulge in much shopping at the markets. Our luggage was already filled to the brim, leaving little room to bring back souvenirs or treasures from our travels. So first thing we…
Electricity Boxes Reimagined
You’ve probably seen one and stopped and maybe even smiled because it is hard to miss a large, cheerfully painted metal electricity box on the streets. I know, because there are also some here in Melbourne and is becoming a trend in many modern cities around the world. Last week, I showcased doors from Rua…
Doors in the area of Rua das Flores
We discovered the charm of this 18th Century walking street sloping down from Porto’s San Bento Railway Station to the Duoro river. Known as “Rua das Flores,” or “Flower Street,” it earned its name from the beautiful gardens that used to line the houses along the way. Sadly, those gardens are now gone. Love the…