Tag: Människor

Black & White Photography – 4

Published on by Anita17 Comments

This is the fourth time I’ve joined Susan’s black/white photo challenge and to me it’s really a challenge, but a fun one. In last week’s b/w post I showed old vehicles but it feels more challenging to edit images of people.

Choosing between these two types of editing felt a bit difficult, they are so different. Which one do you prefer?These people dressed in traditional costumes are from the Iban tribe in Sarawak, Borneo. The Ibans are famous for their head-hunting past, their massive ironwood longhouses, their ornate body tattooing, their wonderful weaving skills, and of course their potent rice wine, tuak.Next Monday I will be traveling to Sarawak again, probably for the last time…

As before, I also show my pictures in color, for those who want to compare.
The one I am least satisfied with is the warrior, he is doing much better in black / white.

Susan’s Black and White on Wednesdays

The Tower

Published on by Anita15 Comments

Għajn Tuffieħa Tower, designed by architect Vincenzo Maculaniwas, is a small watchtower built in 1637.The tower was built on the site of a medieval watch post and was originally armed with a ½-pounder gun. Its garrison consisted of a captain and three men, who were paid by the Università of Mdina…read moreThe view from here is amazing.

Għajn Tuffieħa Bay, Malta – November 2019

Black & White Photography

Published on by Anita33 Comments

“When you photograph people in color, you photograph their clothes.
But when you photograph people in black and white, you photograph their souls”
– Ted Grant –

I’m not sure if I agree with Ted Grant.
These images were taken when I sat in my car waiting while a religious procession passes by along the road. Nowadays it is not so common for me to photograph people.
What’s more unusual is that I edit them to black and white, so these are an exception.But I enjoy trying something new and would love to learn more.
What do you think about my black and white photos, how could they have been improved?

Here the images are also shown in color, for those who want to compare.
Your comment is much appreciated. Thanks!

Susan’s Black and White on Wednesdays

Skyltsöndag

Published on by Anita11 Comments

Då var det söndag och dags att skylta igen. Här är en blandning från förra helgens utflykt till fiskebyn Marsaxlokk här på Malta samt lite annat smått och gott. Den övre har anknytning till den sista. Enjoy! Den här var väl fin!

Har man hund så har man. Voff, voff…🐕 I en fiskeby erbjuds naturligtvis färsk fisk. Fast vi tyckte det var lite för dyrt och tillagade fisk hemma istället.San Gwakkin?? Men en Skylt är det och de så typiska Malta-färgerna. En tygpåse som förhoppningsvis leder till ett gott skratt… Kunde inte undgå att lägga märke till alla män som plötsligt gick omkring och bar på svenska flaggans färger. Helt fantastiskt att så många tagit flyget hit för att se fotbollsmatchen mellan Malta-Sverige. Vilken entusiasm! Vädret har dessutom varit strålande med upp till 27+ vilket inte framgår på bilden, men en skylt ser ni iallafall.

Alla kan vara med och skylta på söndagar, BP håller i trådarna.
Länk till övriga deltagare.

A trip to Marsaxlokk – Malta

Published on by Anita36 Comments

Last Sunday we went to Malta’s largest fishing village Marsaxlokk. I enjoy walking around here, mainly because of all the colorful fishing boats that are seen in the harbor but also because of its special atmosphere.Even the fishing nets are colorful.…and so are the benches.

Some snapshots!On Sundays, many Maltese visit the fish market to buy from the morning’s catch and it’s a popular location among locals for Sunday lunch. We neither bought any fish nor ate lunch but it was well worth a visit!

A Day trip to Valletta

Published on by Anita26 Comments

It’s not often that I visit Valletta but a few days ago I took the ferry to Malta’s capital. Here, most of the side streets are narrow and some also very steep. The best way to get around is on foot, which I did.The entire city of Valletta has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1980 and selected as the European Capital of Culture year 2018. The city became the capital on 18 March 1571.Valletta has many titles, all recalling its rich historical past. It’s the “modern” city built by the Knights of St John, a masterpiece of the Baroque. It’s also one of the most concentrated historic areas in the world.

More to come….

At the End of the Road

Published on by Anita13 Comments

“At the end of the road is the beginning of a new adventure““Life is a journey, not a destination”
– Ralph Waldo Emerson –

Frank Jansen’s Tuesday Photo Challenge – Road

Which Way…

Published on by Anita17 Comments
Harmony Bridge in Kuching, Sarawak.
The foot bridge in Tigne, Sliema from where you can watch the view of Malta’s capital Valletta on the other side.
Il-Majjistral Nature & History Park in Il-Mellieħa late afternoon.
Nerja, Andalusia, Spain.

This is my entry for this week’s Which Way Photo Challenge

Harmony Bridge – Kuching

Published on by Anita20 Comments

Back in Kuching and to the new foot bridge “Harmony Bridge” which connect the North with the South City. Well, I’m not back in reality but in my thoughts when I look at my pictures.

I came back home with lots of images of this amazing bridge which is designed from the idea of Yin and Yang. It’s S-shaped and curved with two masts inclined in opposite directions.The shape of the bridge symbolizes the balance of cultures living together in harmony.
This is Sarawak in Borneo, this is Kuching and I’ll hopefully be back soon.

A day in Marsaxlokk

Published on by Anita32 Comments

Last Sunday we went to Malta’s largest fishing village Marsaxlokk.

Sundays are most crowded when many people flock to the Sunday market where street hawkers set up their stalls selling souvenirs, clothes and all kinds of things. And of course they sell lots of fresh fish.

But we were not here mainly for the market but for the colorful boats……and the genuine and lovely atmosphere among the locals.

We also found a dog friendly beach but it was quite small and rocky. Fanny just relaxed and enjoyed being in a new place while she was curiously looking at what happened in the harbor among the colorful boats.Before heading back home we stopped at Ta Qali Park to let Fanny have fun and run freely. Lucky me found spring’s first Poppy, my favorite and no, I didn’t pick it but needed a helping hand because of the wind.

Greetings from Sarawak!

Published on by Anita46 Comments

Just some images from where I’m now……in Sarawak.

 

Sarawak is located in Borneo, Malaysia and we are now in Kuching. The playful children was taken in 2016 while the rest are all new.
The children may represent the joy and harmony found here in amazing Borneo.

I haven’t had much time left to create new posts or to visit You but next week I’m back to my everyday life in Malta and my lovely Basenji dog Fanny. Take care out there!!

Which Way…

Published on by Anita16 Comments

Stairway to heaven…

Sometimes we may need to just relax and contemplate before making any decisions, which way…

Posted for Son of a Beach’s Which Way Photo Challenge.

Let the New Year Begin…

Published on by Anita33 Comments

Yes, I know, we are all almost back to our everyday life again and it’s the third day of the New Year 2019. Some may have noticed that I let my blog rest during the festive season, that was without any special reason.Above, two typical images of Malta. Greenery all over the island and yellow flowers, even though it’s winter. And when you see the different colored balconies in the cluttered but yet charming surroundings, it’s easy to guess where you are.

From yesterdays visit to Il-Gżira Manoel / Manoel Island in Gzira. I also noticed that the mimosa trees got buds and they will soon bloom, in February.But, it feels colder than cold, especially when I walk with Fanny on the cliffs along the Mediterranean sea. Strong winds, 12 degrees but luckily the sun shines. The forecast says it will drop to 4 degrees at night!The new year has just begun and we know nothing about the future but it looks bright with lots of love and joy. Take care out there!!!
Anita & Fanny

Challenge – Catching People Unaware

Published on by Anita35 Comments

Sometimes, it may be a challenge, to capture unknown people with the camera……while they are unaware that they are actually being photographed by another unknown person.

Dutch Goes the Photo – Challenge

Cee´s Fun Foto Challenge -Catching people unaware.

A Photo a Week Challenge – Blue

Published on by Anita20 Comments

This is my first entry for Nancy Merrill’s photo challenge, where the theme for the week is Blue.
Where the first picture of the boy in blue jeans was taken, I will show in a later post.Blue color in two different pools, or maybe the same pool but from different angles in different light.

Old and new surrounded by blue…Back to the pool for a dip in the blue……before embarking on this sailboat for a trip on the Mediterranean blue sea.

A Photo A Week Challenge / Blue

Which way…

Published on by Anita33 Comments

A  breakwater outside Malta’s majestic Grand Harbour which is one of the most spectacular ports in the world.It is possible to take a walk along the Mediterranean Sea when you are in Malta’s capital Valletta.
But some parts could be a bit difficult to access… …and so it was when we hiked in Majjistral park. My brave Basenji Fanny and my dear stubborn husband try to find the way to the stairs leading up to the plateau. Which we never found because there was no staircase.Another breakwater outside Malta’s Grand Harbour in Valletta. St Elmo Breakwater Footbridge.

Which way would you choose.

Posted for Son of a Beach’s Which Way Photo Challenge.

Comfort

Published on by Anita28 Comments

It may not look so comfortable but when I saw this man I felt that he had fun. Seeing the fun in an uncomfortable situation shows that the man has an open mind who enjoys his comfort.

Some may feel the comfort of a cold beer after a hard day’s work while others choose a light lunch.

Friendship and games between adults.
Lonesome on the rocks by the sea with a book.
Friendship between young people.

There are so many types of comfort, that can be friendship or being alone.
And most important, to be grateful for having the feeling of comfort, which we can’t take for granted.

Post inspiration:  Dutch Goes the Photo – Comfort

Men at work…

Published on by Anita34 Comments

New buildings are in full progress almost everywhere right now here in Malta. Old houses are replaced with new ones. I know, it does not show but these men work on the narrow boards high above the ground.I myself are far away so this time I had to use my zoom lens in full.
This is my third entry for Son of a Beach’s Which Way Photo Challenge.
Approved or not for this challenge, they are at least standing on boards. But, of course I have a backup:Which way?

Taken by Surprise

Published on by Anita35 Comments

Surely it’s surprising to discover what amazing bird species there are around the world. This one looks unique.When I saw this “sculpture” at a distance in Siracusa, Sicily, I was absolutely sure it was real. Until I came close and my dog began to nose around his feet. Then he couldn’t sit still any longer without laughing and he began to talk. I’ve seen many kinds of these players before but nobody as real like this one.
A really fun and unexpected surprise.Shooting with the macro lens often gives unexpected surprises.

It may be surprising to look at a fly with its amazing faceted eyes……or to see a hairy butterfly.

Post inspiration:  Dutch Goes the Photo – Surprise

Everyday Life…

Published on by Anita26 Comments

Everyday life in different parts of our world. Above you see a family at the market in Kota Kinabalu in Borneo, Malaysia and then a woman selling Pancake Crepes along Patong Beach in Phuket, Thailand.

All of these pictures are from my archive and memories from different trips. The images speak for themselves but you may be able to guess where they were taken. A few clues, three are from Malta one from Singapore, one from Sicily and the rest from Borneo, Stockholm and California. Click on an image to enlarge.

On the Way…

Published on by Anita34 Comments

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

Clouds in the sky…

Published on by Anita43 Comments
A barefoot man looks at the wakes on the sea after the stormy weather.
Sailing in the Mediterranean Sea when the weather is clear in October.
The vision of the little man shows the simplicity of humanity on earth.

We have variable weather now here in Malta with sun and blue sky and gray days with rain, while the first stormy weather has passed. (Please click on a circle to enlarge, each image has a short text.)…and when it’s gray and rainy, there are always colors to find that can brighten our days.Autumn is here to stay but we have varannandagsväder as we call it in Swedish. Yesterday I had to bring my umbrella while walking with Fanny, today it’s clear sky and 27 degrees. Wish you all a wonderful weekend!

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! 💕

Away for a while…

Published on by Anita51 Comments

I’ve been away for a while, away from it all, again. This time we went to Gozo, Malta’s sister island which is completely different from the main island. Gozo is known as a tranquil haven for a tempo and scene change.

This little island has its own special charm. It’s greener, more rural and with life’s rhythms dictated by the seasons, fishing and agriculture. I love this little island in the middle of the Mediterranean. These images may represent tranquility and life’s rhythm, at the sunset of Dwejra.

I’d like to thank Ben Humberman at WordPress.com who once again highlighted my blog in the Reader under Discover. Thank You so much Ben and thanks to all of my new and old followers!!
You are my inspiration. ❤

Every picture tells a story…

Published on by Anita20 Comments
I walk…
I look…
I photograph…
I look..
I see…
I Photograph!

…I walk, I look, I see, I stop, I photograph!

I walk…
I look…
I look..
I photograph…
I see…

Every picture tells a story, even though the viewer doesn’t always know what lies behind.

Selmun Bay

Published on by Anita29 Comments

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.

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.💖

Follow me to Valletta…

Published on by Anita48 Comments

It’s not often that I visit Malta´s capital but last week I a took the ferry and spent some hours in the city. Valletta is designated as the European Capital of Culture in 2018.Some tourists and one of the public art installations depicting Maltese proverbs.To the left you see the new Parliament Building in Valletta.The architecture of Valletta’s streets and piazzas ranges from mid-16th century Baroque to Mondernism.And the entire city of Valletta has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1980.

Here are some more of the public art installations. You must click on an image to enlarge. It is an exciting city worth exploring. But after a couple of hours walking in the heat it’s time for an ice cream.Republic Street is the main street of Valletta. It is about 1 km long and extends from the City Gate towards the granaries at Fort St. Elmo. It is mostly dedicated to pedestrians, with highly limited vehicle use.Beyond the old Opera house, it’s often crowded with people due to large selection of small shops and cafes. Daphne Caruana Galizia, the journalist who was killed in a car bomb on 16th October 2017. The memorial located at the foot of the Great Siege Monument has been wiped out more than once. But as activist Pia Zammit said: “They can remove the flowers and candles but the truth remains.”Unlike the main street, most of the streets in the city are narrow, the houses are old in a typical Maltese style.Time to take the ferry back home to Sliema. It only takes a couple of minutes and I think I´ll return quite soon.

A glimpse of Malta

Published on by Anita49 Comments

I haven’t had time enough lately to create new posts or visit my valuable followers. Time flies and life goes on but I definitely want to keep my blog alive and stay in touch with you out there in this amazing blogosphere.Looking back… Flowers almost everywhere and it’s a wonderful time right now.
Trying to live in the present while the summer is waiting around the corner.This must be a tasteful thistle. If you look closely, you’ll see three small visitors.It’s now 18 degrees in the Mediterranean. As usual, I wait until it’s at least 25 before I take a swim.The water around Malta is crystal clear and there are also a lot of jellyfishes right now.
Hopefully gone when the water gets warmer.I continue to feed our plants on the terrace. Do not ask me why, because soon we have no plants left to feed. That’s life, a part of my life here in Malta and I must learn how to change my way of thoughts…Fanny, my lovely Basenji, always by my side, my inspiration.

Cliffs haven

Published on by Anita35 Comments

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…

Walpurgis Night

Published on by Anita16 Comments

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.

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

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!!