Merry Christmas

We wish all visitors a Merry Christmas and a happy New Year..

Tribute to Oscar Niemeyer

The white wall of the Culture Center in Le Havre. architecht Oscar Niemeyer

This famous architech from Brazil was also the one behind this cultural center in the French Town in Normandie, Le Havre.

The center so big and "captured" between other buildings that you need a really good wide angel to have it all in - but without, it is possible to just take a part of the big big building :-)))

Le Havre a town completely rebuild after WW2 where it was totally bombed. In fact there is a plaza in the city app. 1m lower than the landscape around just to display what was the soil level before the bombing of the town.

Open air art in Argeles sur Mer

In France du sud - the small village Argeles Sur Mer they have the last summers a huge exhibition of themes with regard to our environment both locally and globally. Quite an interesting art exhibition.

Posted with Blogsy

Canal de Midi by Colombiers

Passing the little village Colombiers between Narbonne and Beziers the beautiful Canal de Midi offers, as always, some fine paths for walking and/or biking. -going from here to Beziers app. 1hr. at a bike - passing the 9 canal locks close to Beziers. Quite an attraction to explore.

Posted with Blogsy

Oslo Town Hall - Nobel Peace Prize

December morning by Oslo Town Hall where the Nobel Peace Prize Cermony is arranged.
In the foreground spot the shadow of the commuter ferry from the penisula Nesodden.

 

Posted with Blogsy

"The Italian Road Patrol"

The Italian Road Patrol

Right outside Treviso these statues seems to overlook the nearby traffic - as they have been here since the days of the Romans.

Photo taken just before a heavy rain started up....

For a more extended photo set - see the flickr set here >>

 

Posted with Blogsy

Video: Photofolia meets in Venezia / Venice

More than 20 ameateur photographers from the photo site Photofolia meets in Venice, Sep. 2012.

Here some video clips from the day spent in Venice.

For more photos see Photofolias theme side from the meeting here >>

The new spectacular Art Museum in Oslo

Right outside the well known landmark Aker Brygge(pier) there is a new modern and most exciting museum to be opened in September 2012. The Astrup- Fearnley Art Museum has a significant placement in the inner harbour and is already very popular to visit - so far only at the outside. It evens have it's own small artificial beach by the shores there..

Oslo Town Hall

In Oslo Port the Town Hall has a significant placement by the seaside as displayed in this photo taken from the sea as we pass by in a daycruiser.
The foreground old boat was used in the 50ties and 60ties to commute to the many islands in the harbour of Oslo.
For more exciting photos from Oslo Port just click here >>

 

Oslo Opera House

This is the Oslo Opera House in a summer setting. A popular target for tourists visiting Oslo.

In this photo set you will also see some December photos and great details of our Opera >>

 

Video: Visit Norway: Geiranger Fjord

Take a look at this video and enjoy ca. 3 minutes of Norwegian Nature

Being tourist in your own country can be a kind of fun.
In July we did a 2 days travel to some of the most visited places in our country. Going from our mountain house via route 53 and route 63 to Dalsnibba and Geiranger Fjord - there taking the car ferry for a "minicruise" to Valldal 2,5 hrs.

The Geiranger Fjord is a fjord in the Sunnmøre region in Norway. It is a 15-kilometre (9.3 mi) long branch of the Storfjord (Great Fjord). The small village of Geiranger is located at the end of the fjord where the Geirangelva river empties into it.

The fjord is one of Norway's most visited tourist sites and has been listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, jointly with Nærøyfjord, since 2005, although this status is now threatened by the disputed plans to build power lines across the fjord.

A car ferry, which doubles as a sightseeing trip, is operated by Fjord1 Nordvestlandske. It runs lengthwise along the fjord between the small towns of Geiranger and Hellesylt. Another route tke the longer leg to Valldal (2,5hrs).

Along the fjord's sides there lie a number of now abandoned farms. Some restoration has been made by the Storfjordens venner association. The most commonly visited among these are Skageflå, Knivsflå, and Blomberg. Skageflå may also be reached on foot from Geiranger, while the others require a boat excursion. 

The fjord is also host to several impressive waterfalls.

Ref. wiki 

The frozen summer lake

Even in the middle of July is this lake up in the mountains in Norway West still frozen. Yuou will find the lake along the touristic route 63 between Grotli and the popular small village Geiranger.

A complete photo set from this region to be seen right here >>

 

Spot the fjord farm in the Geirangerfjord

See the boathouse down by the seaside - and then high up there is the farm in the steep mountain side rising almost vertically from the sea. How come they prefereed to live here the people 2-3 generations back.
- Maybe to avoid the tax collector. Some places it was so steep that they had to use ladders to get up to the farm - and pulling up the ladder effectively stopped the tax collector hehe...

Typical fjord landscape and mountain farm as seen along the Geirangerfjord by Norway Westcoast

A closer look to the fjordfarm up in the mountain side

About Geirangerfjorden from Wiki:

The fjord is one of Norway's most visited tourist sites and has been listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, jointly with Nærøyfjord, since 2005, although this status is now threatened by the disputed plans to build power lines across the fjord.[1] A car ferry, which doubles as a sightseeing trip, is operated by Fjord1 Nordvestlandske. It runs lengthwise along the fjord between the small towns of Geiranger and Hellesylt.
Along the fjord's sides there lie a number of now abandoned farms. Some restoration has been made by the Storfjordens venner association. The most commonly visited among these are Skageflå, Knivsflå, and Blomberg. Skageflå may also be reached on foot from Geiranger, while the others require a boat excursion.


For a complete photo set from the Geirangerfjord - just KLICK here >>

 

Spot the red car on the mountain road

You find this exciting mountain road along the touristic route 63 in the fjordlands of Norway West - not far from the Geirangerfjord at the UNESCO's world hertiage list.

Fore a complete photo set of this landscape just KLICK here >>

 

The "Seven Sisters" waterfall in Geiranger, Norway

The Seven Sisters (Norwegian: De Syv Søstrene or Dei Sju Systrene, also known as Knivsflåfossen) is the 39th tallest waterfall in Norway. (Look for the small boat in the fjord down there...)

The waterfall consists of seven separate streams, and it is located along the Geirangerfjord in the municipality of Stranda in Møre og Romsdal county, Norway.

The tallest of the seven has a free fall that measures 250 metres (820 ft). The legend of the seven sisters is that they dance playfully down the mountain, while a single waterfall opposite the seven sisters (known as the Courter, or Suitor, a male onlooker) flirts playfully from across the fjord. In Norwegian, 'The Suitor' is Friaren.

For a complete Flickr photo set - just klick here >>

 

Geirangerfjord with 3 cruiseships

On the UNESCO list of world heritage places Geirangerfjord of Norway has become very popular to visit in the summertime. A small village along route 63 also available by car and/or car ferries.

You can find my photo set with more photos of this region at flickr by clicking right here >>

 

Collioure Sud de France - summer afternoon

In Sud de France the small village Collioure still with original arcihetechture from years back.
A perfect place for an afternoon stroll....

 

Scriptreading by the Wailing Wall

Visiting the square by the wailing wall in Jerusalem the place is always filled with activities and visitors.

In this photo a boy and his grandpa sits down just by the wall to do some script reading
- still the boy seems also interested in some other activity going on near by...

 

MV "Color Magic" leaves Oslo bound for Kiel

MV "Color Magic" passes Fjellstrand as she is leaving Oslo

Worlds largest car ferry MV "Color Magic" and her sister ship MV "Color Fantasy" sails daily between Oslo and Kiel in Germany. The route has been run since 1961.
The current ferry owned by Color Line. Previously, the route was driven by Jahre Line.

 

Old Roundpole fence in the summer landscape

The roundpole fence is a wooden fence typical to the countryside in Norway (in Norwegian:skigard). It is normally made from unbarked and unsplit youngish trees, mostly spruce or juniper. Roundpole fences have traditionally been used as a means of fencing off animals rather than marking property boundaries.

The fence construction generally consists of 3 or 4 parts: uprights put together in pairs, round poles laid horizontally or diagonally between the two uprights, and binding cord usually made from young saplings - and sometimes also diagonal bracing.

The fence is usually 1.5–2 metres tall. The fencing can also incorporate specially made stiles and gates. The fence requires an abundance of wood, which was never a problem in Scandinavia, as the trees generally came from the owners' own forests in the process ofthinning them out.

The oldest known roundpole fence dates back to the Iron Age.

(ref: wiki)

 

The barber shop in old Jerusalem

As we walk the Via dolorosa - the way of grief - in old Jerusalem, we pass this little barber shop along our route.

Via Dolorosa in Jerusalem must be one of the most visited places in the world complete crowded the whole day with tourists and native people - even on a grey day in November.

Good then to have a photo of this moment of peace in the little barber shop .

You are welcome to see all selected photos from our visit to the old town Jerusalem right here >>

 

Jerusalem - prayer at the Wailing Wall

We was anchored in the harbour of Port of Ashdod on our Mediterranian cruise with MV Constellation from Celebrity Cruises when we did this bus tour to Jerusalem and Bethlehem.

Difficult to select among the many photos made under such difficult conditions where you walk in a large group of fellow travellers and also other visitors.

You are welcome to see all selected photos from our visit to the old town Jerusalem right here >>

 

 

Østensjøvannet, Oslo - in June

Greylag Geeses at the lake Østensjøvannet, Oslo - KLICK for larger version

Østensjøvannet is a lake in Oslo, capital of Norway. It is well known for the wide variety of birds and other wildlife that can be found there. It is surrounded by the Østensjø borough. It is currently a wildlife preserve, though urban development posed a serious threat to the lake and its environs during the 1980s and early 1990s.

Serie with 4 photos right here >>

"The earth is the Lord's and the Fullness thereof"

"The earth is the Lord's and the Fullness thereof." - KLICK for version 1000px

It seems as the nature is in full swing reclaiming this old wooden house at the edge of a field at Kråkstad outside of Oslo, Norway                            

Summerfield by the Oslofjord

Summerfield at Jeløya by the Oslofjord - KLICK for a large version

The green summer landscape outside Røed Manor at the island Jeløya in the Oslofjord, Norway.
A perfect place for a walk in contemplation....

Complete Flickr photo set from the Oslofjord right here >>

A car ferry to cross the Oslofjord

A car ferry leaves Moss bound for Horten 25 minutes away - KLICK for larger version

Every 20 minutes during the day a car ferry cross the Oslofjord from Moss to Horten and/or the other way.
The passage takes app. 25 minutes.  The company shipped in 2010 over 1.5 million vehicles and more than 3 million passengers.

From WIKI:
Ferry connection over the outer part of the Oslo fjord has a long history, and was probably used from the early Middle Ages. In the visitation books of Bishop Jens Nilsson from 1582 it is mentioned that it was customary to travel over the fjord here.
Tronvik on Jeløya was then the ferry site on the east side of the fjord. In a letter dated 1712 orders of King Frederik IV sheriff in Borre to build a larger ferry, it could take 16 horses and 50 men.
At the ferry privilege of 1752 was required to keep the ferry with room for 6 horses with their riders, and in addition boatsmen.
In 1784 given the provisions on ferry fares, the ferry man to have 40 shillings for rowing a boat for 12 people over the fjord, winter fare was 60 shillings. In 1857 it took over government operations, which place and the ferry was moved to the middle Bryggen in Moss.

More photos from the Oslofjord in this Flickr set >>

Norway SE: Linnekleppen - a fire watchtower in the forest

Linnekleppen - KLICK for larger version

Linnekleppen is the highest point in Rakkestad municipality in Ostfold, Norway SE.
325 meters above sea level. It is also the fourth highest point in the county.

The Fire Watchtower is Northern Europe's only at active service in the summer.
From the tower one has views over large areas of the forest in southeast Norway, and parts of Sweden.

The tower was established in 1908 and is staffed in June, July and August.
This version of the tower was erected in 1936. The tower is 17 meters high and has a little room to accomondate the person/guard who stays there.
Visitors have to hike app 3,5km to the tower with an elevation at app 250m.

Beach at Jeløya by the Oslofjord

Beach at Jeløya in June - just before the summerseason - KLICK for large version 

More photos from this island "Jeløya" in a Flickr photo set from the Oslofjord>>

...mmm can you smell them?

Summerflowers - can you smell them? (KLICK for larger version)

The nursery at Røeds Manor at Jeløya in the Oslofjord - june 2012.
More photos from this island "Jeløya" in a Flickr photo set from the Oslofjord

Oslo Harbour

Oslo Harbour in a tiltshift setting - KLICK the photo for the LARGE PANO setting

Cruiseships in the Oslo harbour by Akershus Castle.
Tiltshift effect.
PANORAMA - best viewed in original size (KLICK the photo)
More photos from the Oslofjord in this Flickr Photo set >>

The Bahai Temple in Haifa, Israel

The Bahai Temple in Haifa at night (- klick the photo for a larger version)

The temple is centered in this compo while the darker diagonal (with the ligt patterns) is the temple garden going from the top of mont Carmel and right down to the city centre.

From wiki:
The Terraces of the Bahá'í Faith, also known as the Hanging Gardens of Haifa, are garden terraces around the Shrine of the Báb on Mount Carmel in Haifa, Israel. They are one of the most visited tourist attractions in Israel. 
Along with the Baha'i Holy Places in Western Galilee, it is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

On the way to Peyrepertuse - a Cathar Castle in the clouds

Trek in the clouds

You could see this day how the clouds was hanging around the summits of the lower Pyrennes.
We had in fact to wait till after lunch before visiting - even then we ended up with a walk in the clouds this day of May 2012.

Find the old castle at the google map here >>

Norway SE: A small trek in the forest..

A walk in the forest with some freslyh picked "Lily of the valley"

A half day trek in the forest this early in the year is really recommended. The green nature, the birds singing and the smell of early summer.. hmm..  a fine quality time...

You can see the 7,5km trek right here: http://bit.ly/JHSSlO

Below a forest detail, the little pond Gulltjern in this terrain only 40km southeast of Oslo, Norway:

Gulltjern (The Golden Pond)

Collioure in Sud du France as a miniature

The charming village Collioure with the Royal Palace in a tiltshift setting of May 2012.

KLICK the photo for a large version.

 

As an Elk passes by...

Yesterday evening this Elk passed our mountain cottage on her way up from a nearby river - a quite normal incident i the forests up here in the lower mountains in Norway South.. (KLICK photo for large version)

Camera Canon G1X

 

Port-Vendres in France - tiltshift

Port Vendres - KLICK the photo for a larger version

Port-Vendres in Sud du France looks like a Disney-land creation in this tiltshift version....

Camera: Canon G1X
PP: Paintshop incl. tiltshift effect                            

The Smaalenene Bridge (bro), Spydeberg, Norway

"Smaalenene Bridge" from 2010 - KLICK for large version

From a fine day in May 2012 - the 2 year old bridge fits well the landscape along the river Glomma - the longest in Norway with it's 623 kilometer...

I followed the construction of this bridge through all seasons over several years,
KLICK here  for my short video...

Village detail along the Oslofjord

Typical white houses in an idyllic seaside village along the Oslofjord 

Another photo from the small village Drøbak along the Oslofjord, only some 30 km south of Oslo.
May 2012.

Camera: Canon G1X

From Drøbak a small village along the Oslofjord

A May day in the small village Drøbak by the Oslofjord - KLICK the photo for a large version

One the narrowst places by the Oslofjord you will find this little idyllic village: Drøbak.
The setting here from a fine day in May 2012.

Camera: Canon G1X          

May 17 - National Day of Norway

Children Parade on the National Day Celebration outside Oslo - KLICK for large version

Traditional children parade, brass bands and flags - typical details when we celebrates our national day in Norway.

Photo from Spydeberg a village app. 40km southeast of Oslo.

Camera: Canon G1X - effect: tiltshift

Under an old tree in South of France

By lake Raho in Sud de France (klick the photo for a larger version)

A warm afternoon by the lake Raho in sud de France, just outside of Perpignan you will find this small village with the beautiful lake and the path where you can use  1,5 hrs. to walk around the lake and enjoy the pleasant landscape and climate and find idyllic scenes as here...

Camera: Canon G1X. May 9th. 2012        

The wine drinker in Sud du France

The wine drinker in Sud du France

I found the wine drinker on this orientation table on the road to the Madeloc Tower - overlooking the plains of Rousillon in the region Languedoc-Rousillon in Sud du France - the worlds most producing wine area.                          

MV Minerva departs from Port - Vendres, Sud du France

Newly renovated the small exclusive cruise vessel Minerva departs this Saturday afternoon after some hours in this very attractive part of the deep South of France

What a day in South of France...

In the daily updates from our base camp in France du Sud we presents of this Friday in May this photo of the church in the harbour of Port - Vendres.

Click the photo for the whole Flickr series from May 2012.

Peyrepertuse the Cathar Castle in the clouds...

You could see this day how the clouds was hanging around the summits of the lower Pyrennes.

We had in fact to wait till after lunch before visiting this very interesting historical site - even then we ended up with a walk in the clouds this day of May 2012.

Click on the photo for a Flickr Photo Set.

 

A tree in the clouds...

In the South of France with app. 300 sunny days in a year - you will some time see the clouds hang down the lower summits - and you walk into the clouds and find a tree...

Argeles sur Mer in Sud du France

The photo of the church in Argeles sur Mer is stitched from 6 individual photos.

The small village is a very popular holiday resort, not far from the Spanish border situated in the South of France. This photo set was made 8 th. Of May 2012.

KLICK here for a small photo set at Flickr