…I walk, I look, I see, I stop, I photograph!
Every picture tells a story, even though the viewer doesn’t always know what lies behind.
Today, photography is a great pleasure that people all over the world enjoy and share, thanks to the invention! But what is a photograph?! 
When I moved to Malta in 2000, there was no such modern architecture on the island.
The old houses are often well-preserved with a genuine Maltese architecture. Today, modern structures at Tigné Point strongly contrast with the buildings in Valletta as well as with most of the towns on the island. 
The only building that had a modern style when I moved here was the Portomaso Business Tower which opened in 2001. With its 97 meters it is still the tallest building in Malta.
The construction industry is currently booming here in Malta and new high-rise houses are being built almost everywhere. Hopefully they are also thinking of preserving as much as possible of the old houses, otherwise Malta will lose a lot of its charm.
…or a crazy imagination. 
What you see is what you choose to see.
Imagine everything can happen in your soul and you’re the only one who decides what’s really happening.
When exploring the nature in Malta you often see cliffs, cliffs, I see cliffs everywhere. And a clear blue sky.
It makes me dizzy and instead of looking up, I take a look down, to find a busy bee.
When I look up again, I see someone sitting on top of one of the high cliffs.
Must be a great view up there while I got an amazing view from down here.
Finally, for those who wondered if there aren’t any restrictions in Majjistral Nature Park. Here you are…
Poppies, or Vallmo as we say in Swedish, are one of the most beautiful wild flowers I know and very common during spring here in Malta. 
Looks like this one is dancing, despite some lost petals.
I always think about Princess Cakes when I see the pistil of these flowers.
Stamens and pistils along with amazing colors create a beautiful flower. Nature is a wonderful world.
I’ve never seen these flowers before but there are thousands of them growing in Ta Qali Park right now.
When I first saw them, I thought they were some kind of fungus.
Apparently, insects are attracted to them too.
I found similar but in a different color and my dear man picked one for me.
I have no idea what kind of plant these are but I’m sure some of my blog friends know.
Above, you see flowers from San Anton Gardens in Attard where I was last week. All planted but so beautiful and full of colors. Click on an images to enlarge. Below are some wild flowers from Ta Qali National Park. 
Yesterday I came home with more than 300 pictures in my camera after visiting the park for a few hours. There are hundreds of different wild flowers and trees in the park, many of which I never seen before, plus insects… 
…so it’s likely that there will be more wild flowers here, from my little corner of the blogosphere.
My favorite place is where I live my daily life on the small island of Malta. But after almost eighteen years in this country, another favorite place is my former hometown of Stockholm in Sweden. It´s exiting to be like a tourist and explore what’s new and to visit old favorite places from where I have so many memories.
Riddarholmen is an island in Mälaren and a district in central Stockholm, belonging to Södermalm’s district. The island, together with the Old Town, constitutes Stockholm’s historic center.
It´s not easy to choose but The Old Town, Gamla Stan, is a favorite place I always try to visit.
Here the alleys are long, many and narrow. It has happened that I’ve almost got lost.
A visit to one of Stockholm’s food markets is a must. This is from Östermalmshallarna.
At Södermalm you´ll find many old well-preserved houses. You almost get a feeling of being moved to the countryside, though you are in the middle of the city.
The only time of year I try to avoid visiting Sweden is during the winter. But when you see these, you know that spring has arrived! The best time of the year to visit Sweden is in the summer.
…and when you see this, you get another proof of Spring, or at least almost. As soon as there are degrees above zero and a blue sky, you’ll have to sit outside if you’re in Sweden, even if it’s only 10 degrees.
WordPress Weekly Photo Challenge / Favorite Place
Photo Challenge by Frank/ Dutch Goes The Photo
Yesterday we went to Majjistral Nature/History Park, the only natural park in Malta that includes coastal cliffs and a rich ecological and rural heritage. Thanks to Fanny, we discover new amazing places here on the island.
Mimosa blossoms.
It was a lovely day with blue sky and a temperature of 20 degrees. My dear husband and my lovely dog, always by my side, waiting patiently while I’m constantly taking new pictures.
There are around 430 different species of plants in the park and during spring, the best time to visit the park. I saw hundreds of flower and different plants. These, I believe, are Maltese Pyramical Orchids. 
Guess if I was a bit sad that my macro lens is broken. But not too bad, now I have a reason to buy a new one!!
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…
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!
…and if you look closely, you can see the moon not only on the last picture.
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.
Jag vill också vara med viskar Fanny och det är klart att hon får fast egentligen är det nog mest jag som vill…
Malta 25 February 2018
This week, Erica wants us to create an image or more that represents “A face in the crowd”.
Street Photography is both exciting and challenging.
I’d rather not ask strangers to pose but want to capture people spontaneously and since I´m not invisible, my pictures are often taken from behind or from the side.
The point is to try to capture parts of a person’s charisma, even if the face isn’t visible.
No one, neither me nor you or anyone else, is just a “face in the crowd”.
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…
16 Royal Purple. 
17 Jazzberry Jam.
…and a mix of the week’s colors. Now, we are waiting for a new colorful week to enjoy.
Color Your World 11-17 February
This is sweet enough for me, love, peace and harmony…
This week, Krista asks us to share images of where we live. What do we love about where we live?
Malta is an island in the Mediterranean Sea located south of Italy. It´s one of the smallest countries in the world with an estimated population of 422,000. It´s a popular tourist destination with its warm climate and architectural and historical monuments. Malta has some of the oldest free-standing structures in the world and the capital Valletta is designated as the Capital of Culture 2018!
Love the wonderful nature, especially in spring with all wildflowers and a stunning greenery all over the island. Not to be found during the hot summer months.
Who doesn’t love the typical Maltese balconies, painted in different colors…
… and where in Europe can you buy fresh sweet strawberries even in winter.
The local wine is very tasteful as well as many other local produces.
Then we have the colorful fishing boats known as Maltese luzzu. There are much much more I would like to share, but I think I have to stop here and consider a part two…
Piggy Pink.
Bitter sweet.
Razzle Dazzle Rose.
ColorYourWorld!
…and for those who might wonder from where the colorful mannequins in my last post came from. Surprise!! A window display at Capo Crudo’s restaurant at Triq Il-Lanċa in Valletta, close to the ferry to/from Sliema.
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 challenge
Screaming Green.
Sun glow.
Outer Space.
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.
Malta 28 January 2018.
Same, same….
When the almond trees bloom here on the island, it feels like spring has come.
Malta 22 January 2017
Yesterday we went to the countryside as we often do during the weekends. Chapels like these are often seen along the country roads, while all the small villages and towns have their magnificent churches in the center.
Some flowers I found in Ta Qali National Park while Fanny ran around and explored the lush surroundings.
For me, this flower is unique. They are quite small and you don’t notice the colors if you’re not really close. There are lots of these rare flowers that bloom now here in Malta. 
In my next post, I’ll show almond trees that already blooming on the island.
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.
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.
Some of the year’s first wild flowers and plants I found in Ta ‘Qali National Park.
Malta January 2018.
Fanny, really enjoy being in nature among the green grass and all white flowers. Still we can´t have her loose but with an eight meter long leash she can run quite freely. At least when she´s wise enough to run in a circle. Next Friday we will take her to school to learn more about behavior, obedience and much more…
I love Italy and from Malta to Sicily it only takes 90 minutes by ferry. You can take a day trip or stay over the weekend. We went to Taormina, a city with a lovely Italian atmosphere, wonderful food and so nice people. And the best part is that you can take your little puppy with you…
Click on an image to enlarge.
When I moved to Malta in 2000, the buses looked like this. Bus drivers were often ruthless, they smoked while they were driving, there were only men and everyone owned their own bus. As well as providing public transport across the country, the traditional Malta bus served as a popular tourist attraction, until 2011.
Much has happened and much has changed during the 17 years I’ve lived here.
This is parts of the The Parliament House in Valletta that was officially inaugurated in 2015.
The ultramodern design that contrasts with the rest of Valletta has gone as far as the UNESCO questioning the city’s title as a World Heritage Site. Valletta will be hosting the title of European Capital of Culture in 2018!
Then we have these colorful boats known as Maltese luzzu. But what symbolizes the eye?
The eyes’ origins are steeped in mystery. They are often referred to as the Eye of Horus, as a symbol of protection and good health, and are believed to protect the fishermen from any harm while they are out at sea.
More to come in part 4…
Growth in nature provides nutrition to fruits and vegetables. We use leftovers as decorations.
There was a wedding that took place here high above the clouds. 
No greenery without growth. 
Growth among clouds and mountains high above Kota Kinabalu town.
Growth puts people at work who provide food for themselves and the people.
At the market in Kota Kinabalu, Sabah, Borneo, Malaysia
Sabah, also known as “Land of the Wind”, which comes from the author of Agnes Keith’s first book in 1939. A kind of growth, in the history…
Isn’t it amazing that the flowers I gave to my husband in June are still blooming. Flowers with power.
Some flowers from our terrace, January 2018.
Hibiscus close-up.
Finally, some sweet strawberries I bought from a farmer. Yes, they are grown even in the winter here in Malta. Thanks for all new year’s greetings! Let’s take some power from our flowers and create joy of all colors!!
Yesterday, when I went for my daily walk, I thought, why don´t take some pictures of my daily surrounding. This is just a very small part of all the impressions I encounter and probably it will be a part two.
There are many churches along the way. Powerful, big and beautiful from the outside but I rarely visit them.
A typical Maltese balcony from an odd angle and the typical blue sky.
It´s getting dark around five. This is “Our Lady of Mount Carmel Parish Church”, Balluta, Saint Julian’s.
Now I´m only minutes from home. The sculpture “White Shadows” is an intriguing play of light and shadows. Made by Richard England and situated along Sliema promenade.
…but widely used in many cuisines to add spiciness to dishes. I love chili pepper and it is also healthy!!
No more or less from Malta this Friday, the last 2017! Wishing you all a warm and spicy weekend.
