Tag: Djur

Ta’ Qali Park – After the rain

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A few weeks ago there was no greenery at all in Ta Qali National Park. After the summer heat it was very dry. Then the rainy season began and nature woke up again. Although it’s October and the winter season awaits, it feels almost like spring is here. Fanny can merrily run around in the high grass again, surrounded by yellow flowers.

In Malta you will not find colorful autumn leaves, but cones may also have autumn colors.I haven’t seen these beautiful flowers since last spring.

This is Malta in October.
In January it becomes colder before the real spring begins in February when the almond tree blossoms.
A pretty pleasant winter awaits.

On the Way…

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Here we are on the way along the Mediterranean Sea where the sculpture “White Shadow”stands. A marble cut-out of human figures walking together. Designed by Maltese Architect Richard England in Sliema 2002.On the way by car to the countryside.

…where we meet these happy riders.Suddenly the road ends. Which way I chose then I’ll let you know in a later post, without high heels.

This is my second post for Son of a Beach’s Which Way Photo Challenge

The importance of Insects

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Insects, flowers and pollen. A fantastic combination for reproduction, created by nature.“If we were to wipe out insects alone on this planet, the rest of life and humanity with it would mostly disappear from land. Within a few months”
-E.O. Wilson-

Genuine Joy!

Published on by Anita44 Comments

Can you see her? For me this is pure joy. To see when Fanny with great delight runs freely on the rocks. She loves to run and she loves to run fast. This is a huge area along the Mediterranean, near Marsalforn in Gozo.

Here you also find the Salt pans. The production of sea salt has a long tradition in Gozo and the Salt pans found near Marsalforn are still used today. Click on the link and read more if you are interested.The salt is stored in caves carved into the coastal rock and I see a happy face!It’s amazing how nature has been shaped through the years! Some rocks looks more like soft sand dunes.

Here someone has created a cute snail in the soft stone.
Like sand dunes.
Fanny resting in the shade
The only plant I found.

Obviously, this is not the place to visit in search of plant or insects…

…but you can run, you can bike and if you’re brave, take a dip in the sea from the high cliffs.
Notice the ladder and don’t forget to click on an image to enlarge.With love from Anita & Fanny, my beloved Basenji! 💕

Selmun Bay

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Last weekend we went to Selmun Bay after we heard that there should be a nice dog-friendly sandy beach. Getting there was quite challenging, this is NOT a one way road! Fortunately, we didn’t meet any cars.Here we are! Looks nice and very dry up here, but we have to climb down a steep slope to reach the beach.

We soon realize that the water and the sandy beach is black! Black and full of seaweed! And where the water is clear it’s very rocky and slippery which makes it difficult to walk, especially when holding Fanny in my arms.But we manage to take a quick dip and a few meters from the shore the bottom consists of soft sand.Back from the water and Fanny has decided that it’s enough for today. No more swimming, now I just want to relax and observe what others are doing on the beach and in that black muddy water.

Fanny is obviously not the only one who prefers to stay on dry land.

All pictures in this post were taken with my digital camera Panasonic Lumix TZ100 that I rarely use for the reason that I still haven’t learned how to use it. I used only P-mode but I’m pleased with the quality and will try to use it more. The weight is only 300 gram compared to my Canon 1,5 kilo.

Happy Birthday!

Published on by Anita38 Comments

Today is Fanny’s birthday and she’s now one year old. We have had here since she was three months and this post is dedicated to my lovely Basenji. A clever engaging breed with great personality and a strong own will……and with a very special tail.Here she’s only three months old and just arrived from Sweden to our home in Malta. Today she runs free in Ta Qali without leash, always coming back when we call or if we hide.

Hiding in the grass. Today, the green grass is gone because of the heat.
Playful!
Tired.
She really loves the sun.
I don’t know why but Fanny has always enjoyed chew on stones and I have noticed that’s a commmon habit even in other dogs.
We have only meet one Basenji so far here in Malta. They are not common at all and I think there are not more than 5-6 dogs of this breed here on the island..
Always looking for something.
Tired after running too much.
What are you looking at? 😀

Click on an image to enlarge. There are a short text to every image.Did You Know?
*The Basenji, whose name means Bush Thing, is one of the most ancient breeds of dog.

*Basenjis have been around very long, they hung out with the ancient Egyptians. In fact, there is evidence of the dogs existing as far back as 4000 BCE. Each is different and unique, and each breed provides dogs that have their own personality traits.

*Well known as the “barkless” dog from Africa, the Basenji attracts admirers with his short coat, small, muscular body, alert manners, erect ears, and tail curled tightly over one hip. A wrinkled brow gives him a quizzical and sometimes mischievous expression.

*In Kenya, the dogs are used to lure lions out of their caves, as Basenjis not are afraid of bigger animals. Masai hunters use about four of these dogs at one time to find lions and get them out in the open. Once a lion leaves the safety of its cave, hunters form a circle around the big cat to take it down.

*Like cats, Basenjis like to lick themselves clean. They shed very little and have no undercoat, so they do not tolerate the cold very well. They tend to find the sunniest spot to take a nap.

*Basenjis love to play and play. They act like puppies even into old age. They are very comical to watch and provide entertainment for their owners.

*Basenjis are very intelligent and quick learners but that does not make them easy to train. They are very independent and usually have an agenda of their own.

 

Winged & Colorful

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Winged and colorful but so hard to capture with my camera.Pride…Tough and stubborn.Looks like this one wants to say something, I’m colorful and I can fly.

Weekly Photo Challenge by Frank / Dutch Goes the Photo’s

Seventh Heaven On the 7th Floor

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It was on our roof terrace I took my first macro images.A few years ago we bought seeds in an attempt to grow rhubarb. But it didn’t succeed.

Spiders! Click on an image to enlarge.

It’s early in the spring and my dear man is cleaning while I take a selfie in the window of our office.

I’m not sure how many different kinds of flowers we have had but these are some of them.

One of my husband’s many fun experiments. Can you really fry an egg in the sun? Obviously!!Our terrace as it once looked and below, what it looks like right now. Yes, added some color. Our office, my dear husbands atelier and our dining room that we use every summer are gone after twelve years. Of our flowers and plants there are only a very few left and so are the butterflies and other insects. Looking at the stars in the sky and the moon that shine but this is not my Seventh heaven anymore. Fanny, Yeah, come on!!! Rock ‘n’ roll!!!

All images in this post have I taken on our roof terrace over the years gone by…
…apart from the last one.

Splash!!

Published on by Anita32 Comments

Come with me and take a dip in the sea, said the bigger dog when we were at Manoel Island last weekend.
It’s nice and cool, 22 degrees!! Come on Fanny!!!I don’t know if I dare I’ve never swam before but it looks fun. Fair enough, I’ll try!! Splash!!!! This may not be the best way to get up from the water but I’m a brave, strong and very stubborn Basenji who never gives up. I will certainly try again but may need some assistance from my leader.

Hopefully Fanny and I will soon swim together in the Mediterranean where it’s now 22 degrees. Some dogs may have the physical capacity to swim, but a mortal fear of the water. We’ll have to start on shallow waters and I’ll try to make her feel safe and encourage her to enjoy it. If that doesn’t work I’ll will never force her.…💖Who knows, within a week or two, she may be a real water lovers.💖

White Beauty

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“The ugly Duckling”, (Den fula ankungen) is a fairy tale from 1853 written by H.C. Andersen and it’s about a young duck bird that is teased for its ugliness, but then grows up to a beautiful white swan.  The story is a fable, where animals represent humans. A handsome look or a beautiful face is of great importance to many people. It really doesn’t matter how we look from the outside since real beauty is the light that shines from our soul. This Swan is unaware of its beauty which makes it even more beautiful.

Walpurgis Night

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Walpurgis Night is the last day of April and a traditional non-religious holiday in Sweden. Especially in the City of Uppsala where there are huge student gatherings to celebrate the arrival of the spring.

From the plateau in Majjistral park
Sailboats on the Mediterranean Sea.
The Mediterranean around Malta has crystal clear water. It is now 18 degrees. within a couple of months 28 degrees.
Walking on water.
Some prefer to take a jeep to the edge of the steep cliffs while others prefer to walk.

Here in Malta April 30th is an ordinary day and my images have no connection with Walpurgis Night, or Valborgsmässoafton, as this evening is called in Swedish.

But I like to wish you all a wonderful evening wherever you are on this planet, no matter if you celebrate or not. Remember, even a small fly is part of our nature. Take care out there and enjoy every moment!!

Majjistral Park Plateau

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I’ve shown some pictures from Majjistral Park but not so many from the plateau that is high above sea level. From here the views are amazing but it’s real steep at the edge of the high cliffs. Do not walk too close!Most of the plants up here are small, you can see the ant. These grow individually……whilst these blooms together and forms like small meadows on the plateau.A symbol of the Navy.A very special flower that I’ve never seen before. To me they look like soft corals.

Finally, Fanny on the run, full of energy 💖 …until we are back home. More to come…
Meanwhile, wish you all a great Sunday 💖

Hiking in Majjistral Nature Park– Part 2

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Last time, we went along the narrow path to the small buildings that you can see in distance at above image. From there we continued our walk in search for the staircase up to the plateau, where we got lost.Here we are still on our way to the buildings by the sea and the path is easy to follow. My dear man carries my pink bag with water, my macro lens and some snacks. Fanny is the leader while I, as usually, walk behind.Surrounded by huge cliffs……and the Mediterranean Sea below.

Suddenly we are surrounded by high grass..
Don’t look up, don’t look down look where you put your feet, it´s quite deep down to the sea..
This wooden bridge was not entirely safe to walk on.
A steep slope of dry mud. A place I’d not choose to walk on after a rainy day.
Always curious about what’s waiting around the corner.
I could follow the path for hours. Hear are lots of beautiful and small flowers.

The scenery varies quite a lot but we just have to follow the narrow path and there’s no risk of getting lost.Finally, by the sea to rest for a while. I dip my feet in the water before continuing our walk around the corner.

Water and some chicken for Fanny…

…while I take a look at some of the pictures I have in my camera that I’ve taken along the way. Now I realize that even this post will be too long so I finish as last time with a picture of my beloved and brave Basenji Fanny. Part 3 will come later but to give you a clue, there were no easy paths around the corner…

WordPress Weekly Photo Challenge – Awakening

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This week, Jen asks us to show an image/s of awakening or some kind of renewal.
While enjoying the awakening of nature after winter……seeing a butterfly is an obvious proof of that spring is has arrived……and when you see these you know that even this summer, you can enjoy eating fresh figs……while a wild cat yawning, renewed with energy after a few hours sleep in Independence gardens.

WordPress Weekly Photo Challenge / Awakening

Hiking in Majjistral Nature Park– Part 1

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In my last post, I mentioned that we went hiking in Majjistral Nature Park last Saturday. We walked for about three hours and we got lost. These are just a very few of all the pictures I took, just to give an impression of how it looks in the park. You can choose between walking at the flat plateau which we did the first time… …for more adventure you can choose to walk along the slopes on narrow winding paths, and that’s what we did this time. Me, my husband and our brave Basenji Fanny. Here at the beginning the walkway is quite wide.Our first stop will be at the small buildings by the water. When we were here last time we thought this was a dead end but on our way back we meet a couple who said that you can continue around the corner and further up there are a stairway where you can get up to the plateau. No need to go back and just a few hours walk.

This trip can easily be a very long trip since I stop all the time to take pictures. Here´s the second butterfly I seen so far this year. Sadly, my macro lens was in my bag, but I managed to take some close ups anyway.Now the paths have become more narrow and the slopes down towards the sea are steeper.We will soon arrive at the small buildings where we will rest before moving on to see what’s waiting around the corner. It became quite exciting, but I’ll leave that until part two. Before I finish, I have to mention my beloved four-legged friend. She’s soon nine months old, still a puppy but very clever and so brave. She proved that on several occasions during the next part of our adventure.💖💖

I think this post may fit well with the theme of breathe with its breathtaking views, the breathtaking adventures, and our deep breaths when we were exhausted after climbing and when we realized we were lost. If that’s not enough then it’s obvious above how Fanny breathes.

Photo Challenge by Frank / Dutch Goes the Photo’s / Theme: Breathe

 

Friday’s thoughts…

Published on by Anita35 Comments

Sometimes, I get a feeling of not knowing why or for whom I post my pictures on this blog. You’ll find that some of my pictures are posted without any special intention. I’ve no inspiration to take part in photo challenges at the moment. Right now, I’m just trying to keep my blog alive but…

Weekend in Greenery

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Some pictures from Malta in early March.

I have a little too much around me right now but tomorrow I’ll take the time to visit You!
You are my inspiration, take care out there!

Happy Monday’s mix!

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A kite flying in the air is a kind of freedom for both the child on the ground and for the viewer.

This road sign is so cute! I have never seen a hedgehog here in Malta but these signs are quite common. Hopefully there are many hidden living in the bushes, although they are not visible.A typical Maltese boat with its special eye, not the first one I show, I know and there will be many more.

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Jag vill också vara med viskar Fanny och det är klart att hon får fast egentligen är det nog mest jag som vill…

Dogs!!

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Dogs! I know that some of you aren’t interested at all, like me when it comes to sport. But this weekend when we let Fanny run freely without leash for the first time she was exceedingly happy, and so was I!!

I have read so much about letting Basenjis run freely. They completely ignore you and take the opportunity to search for their own adventures. That´s not true, she ran away but not too far without being aware of where we were.There were also exciting meetings with other dogs in Ta Qali National Park.

Suzy was friendly, just trying to scare you with her ugly smile while another dog just laughed. At home  after a fantastic weekend!  She´s now seven months old and I love her so much…

Color Your World 2018 / 1

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This is my first entry for Jennifer’s Color Your World challenge which began in January. I haven’t had time to participate from start, but from now on, I will try to create at least one post per week in this fun challengeScreaming Green.Sun glow.Outer Space.

CYW 2018

 

WPC – Beloved

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Besides my beloved husband, I have a wonderful beloved Basenji puppy.
Fanny doesn’t mind taking part in the week’s theme, but only partially.

WordPress Weekly Photo Challenge  / Beloved

Monday’s mix of weekend pics

Published on by Anita33 Comments

Another wonderful weekend at Ta Qali National Park here in Malta.

It feels like spring is already here when I see all these flowers but still, only 16-17 degrees in the air.What is this? One of nature created works of art!A small visitor, I wish I saw more of them.

This one is not so good, I know!!!

Now that we have Fanny, we go to the park every weekend. I feel so happy when I see her running in the high grass and how she really enjoys it. She is now 6 months old and not always easy to catch with my camera…

If you like, click on an image below to enlarge.

 

WordPress Weekly Photo Challenge – 2017 Favorites

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To celebrate the end of the year, this week we share the most meaningful photo we’ve taken in 2017.

This little Proboscis baby monkey I saw very close to Sarawak River and Kuching City. A place where you rarely meet them.
This little Proboscis baby monkey I saw very close to Sarawak River and Kuching City. A place where you rarely meet them.

Wild Proboscis are only found in Borneo and Indonesia. With a threatening extinction it´s amazing to get the chance to meet this unique species in their natural environment. Moments I`ll never forget.A favorite picture I took in Permai Rainforest in Sarawak, Borneo, Malaysia in April 2017.

Last but not least. After four years of waiting, I finally got my beloved four-legged little puppy home to Malta. A long-awaited new family member, an amazing dog that will bring a lot of joy for many years to come.

WordPress Weekly Photo Challenge / 2017 Favorites – Theme by Ben Huberman

Weekend pics from Malta

Published on by Anita35 Comments

Above you see pictures from our terrace and below from Ta Qali National Park where we went with Fanny last weekend. We also found a Dog Park but Fanny is too young to visit it, we have to wait until she is at least six month old. But she enjoyed the other part of the park while we trained her to walk well kept on leash.

A lovely flower I never seen before.
It was really green in the park!
Love the color.
The National Park is a big green space in central Malta, used for several events throughout the year. Ta’ Qali National Park stands where once was a Royal Air Force airfield and barracks between 1943 and 1950. During the Second World War the Ta Qali National Park was used as an airfield and is today a very popular picnic area with plenty of space.
An exciting meeting with another dog of the same size.i

Click on an image to enlarge. To some picture there’s a short text.

CFFC – Letter N

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Nature lovers, on hiking in Malta in November.Natural look. Neat and so lovely, but nearly too close.

Cee’s Fun Foto Challenge – Needs to start with the letter N

Historical buildings are seen almost everywhere on this island.
Almost dried out but with some greenery kept on top and around..
Lovely color!
Not alive but still nice as nature’s own decoration.
Greenary, November is not a bad month :-)
Fanny exploring the environment.
Like sunshine, there is always a little sun in my heart. Tralala … !!
Looks soft but are they..?
Beautiful autumn flowers!

Why Malta – This is my Malta part 2

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Yesterday we went to Saint Agatha’s Tower in Mellieħa, also known as the Red Tower, located half an hour’s drive from home. Not because of the tower itself but for the surroundings, the nature and the view.Fanny really enjoys to explore new areas and there’s a lot left for her to discover on this island.On  Saturday when we visited a park close to Floriana nearby Valletta. Fanny is kept on a lead all the time while I try to teach her to walk without pulling all the time, not as easy as it sounds. A stone is a stone, but some stones can even smile. Or did we meet a magical being 😉

Click on an image in the gallery to enlarge. To each image there is a short text.

Sunday pics from Malta…

Published on by Anita37 Comments

Yesterday we took the car out to the countryside here in Malta…

…in search for signs of the autumn and this is what we found.
Click on an images to enlarge.We went to Blue Grotto located on the southern coast of Malta. A popular spot for tourists during high season. In November, a popular spot for locals to relax by the Mediterranean Sea.Fanny really enjoy to be in the nature. And for the first time she`s close to the Mediterranean Sea.

Around five it’s getting dark and time to go home. To the left you see the small desert island of Filfla. To the right some youths after a dip in the 22 degrees water, same temperature as in the air. We really had a great day!!

Cee’s Black & White Photo Challenge: Pets

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Once again I take part in Cee’s Black & White Photo Challenge and the theme for this week is “Pets”!  It suits me well because I now have my own pet. My funny silly, lovely little Fanny, almost four months old.

There are lots of wild cats in Ġnien Indipendenza/Independence Garden here in Sliema. Mutual harmony between dog and human being.

This blog is not going to be a Dog-blog but now and then I’ll post pics of my little puppy.
She`s now a part of my everyday life.

Tuesday mix from Malta

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Äntligen hemma!Äntligen är min efterlängtade fyrfota familjemedlem hemma. Fanny busar, biter i allt, är smart, kvick, rolig och väldigt kelig. Hon älskar att slappa i solen ute på vår terrass, just nu ligger hon i min famn medan jag skriver med ena handen på datorn. Hon tar upp all min tid men jag känner mig väldigt, väldigt lycklig och…… …äntligen hemma!

Fanny är en fyra månader gammal Basenji valp som vi köpt från en uppfödare i Tibro, Sverige. Under den fyra timmar långa bilresan till Stockholm låg hon stilla i min famn. Två dagar senare var hon instängd i en trång väska i sex timmar utan att gnälla det minsta då vi flög från Arlanda till Malta. Hon är bara så helt underbar.

Sunday Mix from Kuching

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Kuching is divided by the Sarawak River where locals often catch fish and shellfish. There are plenty of fish in the river and fishing boats leave the nearby harbor early mornings so you can buy fresh fish in the local market.
The Sarawak River is listed as a location of the Crocodile Removal Zones, whereby the presence of crocodiles in this area pose serious human/crocodile conflicts. In July a 2.5 meter long Sarawak crocodile meet its end. This one was luckily behind bars at a rehabilitation center when I took the picture.Getting from one side to the other is easy with small primitive boats. It takes a few minutes and cost 50 cent. A footbridge will be finished at the end of the year. That´s great for me who love long brisk walks.Sunday stroll. Having a dog as a pet isn’t common here in Kuching because of the Muslims. For some reason, they don’t like dogs. In my thoughts I can see my funny little Fanny horsing around among the dismayed Muslims 😉 ..with all due respect!

In the Blue

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Today…

my pictures…Today, my pictures speak for themselves.This little sweetie grows fast. Fanny is now nine weeks old and I really hope she will fit into the cage during the flight between Sweden-Malta when she’s fifteen weeks! Of course she will.

Birds and birds…

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When in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, don’t miss the birds!

Here are some pictures from KL Bird Park. Hope you enjoy! Pelican, looks proud.Peacock, beautiful color.

I have no idea about the names of most birds, but you may know.One of a kind.

The bird’s bill is a remarkably adaptable and useful instrument. Click on an image to enlarge.Distracted.In my opinion, the most beautiful one with its amazing feather suit.

You will find Kuala Lumpur Bird Park only 10 min drive away from the hustle and bustle in the city centre of KL. Most of the birds in the park are let free in the bird sanctuary which closely resembles their natural habitat. This free-flight concept allows the birds to breed naturally in this unique environment.

I’m not in Malaysia right now but will go there within a couple of weeks.Then we travel to Sweden to pick up our little puppy at the end of October.

Everyday life in Malta

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Turister och försäljare på The Strand i Sliema.
Att ha hund är väldigt vanlig och snart är det min tur 🙂
Motionärer som springer mitt på dagen trots över 30 grader!

Några bilder från vardagen här på Malta. Klicka gärna på en bild för att förstora.
Utmed den breda havspromenaden vid Tower Road finns det många sätt att ta sig fram. Nere vid The Strand i Sliema är turisterna många liksom de som vill sälja utfärder.Tower Road sträcker sig flera kilometer från Spinola Bay i San Giljan till Tigne och Qui si sana i Sliema. Perfekt för den som vill promenera, motionera eller bara flanera. 🙂

Monday’s mix from Malta

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Watercolor in the Mediterranean Sea.A diligent visitor among our flowers.This flower doesn’t grow on our terrace and I don’t know what it’s called.

If everything goes as planned, we will go to Sweden in September to pick up our little puppy. Here you see our new family member born 13th July. I’m keeping my fingers crossed that this will be reality, I´m so happy.

All pictures are taken by me except those on the puppy, taken by Marianne Gustavsson.