Lyveden New Bield, Northamptonshire

Renovation Time at the Victoria and Albert Museum, London.

The Royal Leicestershire Regiment, Newalke Houses Museum, Newalke, Leicester.

Harlyn Bay Coastal Path, Cornwall

Absinthe For Sale

I cant say I've ever tried Absinthe but would like to if I ever get the chance. Having said that I've never been a big fan of spirits, prefering instead a good Real Ale or Cornish Cider. This shot was taken opposite Kings College home of the Choir and Attracted my attention because of the the sign and bike.
A little computer magic was required to get this effect which my wife would hate, telling me I'd buggered it up, but heh I see photography as art rather than simply documenting things as they are, as such I'm more than happy to remove unwanted artefacts like streetlamps and signs.

Memories of James Herriott

Yesterday I mused about Absinthe but then admitted I actually prefer a good real ale, well here is a great place to sample just such a tipple. Made famous by James Herriott in the 1980's it was the setting for many epsiodes of the TV series. Siegfried Farnham played by Robert Hardy was probably my favourtie character, someone who I would imagine would also enjoy a good pint.

This shot was taken in the spring when it was quite cold outside, note the large log fire which made the place even more cosy.

Cromer Pier on England East Coast

Highcross Shopping Centre, Leicester

As a Leicester lad I must say the City is somewhere I only visit every now and then. Old, tired and run down was probably how I would have described it for years. As a teenager I would visit after dark and boogie the nights away in night clubs, especially as I recall Mr Kiesas above the Haymarket, but at other times it had little to offer.
All change in 2008. The old Shires shopping centre was repalced with the state of the art Highcross, large areas made pedestrian, everywhere cleaned and tidied and a new arts quarter developed which included the grand Curve theatre. Guess what its now somewhere I visit alot more often.

The Natural History Museum, London

If you've never visited this place, next tie you are in London take half an hour to go and have a look around. The exhibits are fascinating but in my opinion of more interest is the building itself, an absolute marvel of design, the structure is full of carvings and detailing unparalleled in the UK. This shot is taken loooking along the length of teh main hall, coloured stone all around and light streaming through the glass roof. Photography is allowed but no tripods. Now I've a D700 with its amazing low light capabilites I'll have to return but on this occasion I was using a D200 so was rather limited.

Pontiac Grand Tourer, USA

As a child there were two outstanding things I recall from the USA, Elvis and their amazingly huge cars. My best friend at school Douglas Hamilton was lucky enough to travel regularly in such as car and I was so envious. His wealthy father ownbed a Ford Mustang which would roar into school to take Douglas home.
It is hardly suprising then to learn that when I finally visited the USA last year for a 3 week holiday one thing I wanted was to drive a big jazzy car and I wasnt dissappointed. The Pontiac was described as a mid range car as there were many largers one. 5 litres or petrol hell. I am afraid I have to leave my ecoprinciples behind for the three week visit.

Centreparcs

I dont know if any of you will have been to centreparcs but if you havent I can definitely recommend it. Lots of outdoor space, thoughtfully managed, with consideration for the environment and wildlife, yet within a short distance of gret indoor water worlds. I must admit that I've only visited in the colder winter months when for me the place comes into its own. I recall one visit when it snowed heavily. Image sitting in a bubbling pool surrounded by steam watching moonlit snowflakes falling into the water. pure magic.
This image above was taken at the edge of the lake on a particularly sunny spring day. I was attracted by the colours of the canoes, though didnt actually use one. Note the sandy beach and the fountain in the distance, all part of the magic that is Centreparcs.

Dubai Marina From The Harbour Hotel, Dubai.

City of lights and architecture. Thats how I will remember Dubai from my first visit. In essence it was simply one huge building site with the most amazing architecture I have ever seen. The worlds larger seems to be added to the front of every name in this place, tower, indoor ski slope, airport, shopping mall, to name but a few.
My visit unfortunately conincided with a heat wave reaching 54 degree in places, something which I'm not a big fan of, air conditioning was of course the norm everywhere which helped me but probably not the environment, and yes I did feel guilty every time I adjused that temperature dial.
A week wasnt really enough time to see all I wanted and one day I'd like to return, my favourites probably the older parts of town, but then I've always prefered ancient to modern.

Madinet Souk Antique Shop, Jumeirah, Dubai, United Arab Emirates

Although this shop was located in a fake / reproduction Souk adjacent to the Burj Al Arab Hotel many of the items on sale were actually authentic. Compared to the sort of Antique shops I am used to visiting in the UK there was no comparison, in fact many of the items on sale were the sort of thing that could be purcahsed at a UK car boot sale. The day was very hot and sticky, but the people were very friendly, and at least the interior spaces were air conditioned. Outside it was staggering 51 degrees hence the lack of exterior shots as the camera just couldnt cope(excuse).

Zaha Hadid's Railway Station In Innsbruck

After watching a South Bank Show documentary about Zaha I was intrigued to see some of her work in the flesh. Unfortunately this railway station was quite small in comparison to some of her amazing creations, but it certainly gave a flavour of her genius.
The colours and the way the light reflected on the glass was superb. This station was our entry point, later we headed upwards to the zoo passing through more of her structures. Having had a taster I now want to see some of her more impressive work. When I do I'll be sure to post the images here so watch this space.

Dr Bainbridge's Dispensary

Abbey Park Cafe, Leicester

Norwich Cathedral