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Hiking in Majjistral Nature Park– Part 2

Published on by Anita16 Comments

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.

A steep slope of dry mud. A place I’d not choose to walk on after a rainy day.
I could follow the path for hours. Hear are lots of beautiful and small flowers.
This wooden bridge was not entirely safe to walk on.
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..
Always curious about what’s waiting around the corner.

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 – Prolific

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This week, Krista asks us what “Prolific” makes us think about. The most prolific must be the earth itself as home of all known life. Water, microorganisms, oxygen, mammals, dinosaurs, flowers, insects, humans…
A never ending process, of which these images are just a tiny fraction from my little corner of the earth.The nature, not always easy for humans to explore, but we are attracted and we are curious about it. …and we are part of an amazing landscape and scenery. In search for life and color.We all know that behind the clouds the sky is always blue but rarely think of the valuable air we breathe. And when the sun sets, another day is gone and life on earth continues in an eternal circle, constantly prolific. With or without homo sapiens…

All images are from Majjistral National Park here in Malta April 2018.

WordPress Weekly Photo Challenge / Prolific

Soft Sunday…

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Instead of Silent Sunday. But the pictures may speak for themselves anyway.
Today we spent another day at Majjistral National Park in search for the way around, more to come…

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

Poppies

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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.

Hiking in Majjistral Nature Park– Part 1

Published on by Anita33 Comments

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

 

Future

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This week, Frank invites us to share one or more photos that makes us think about the future.Yesterday, we were hiking for three hours in the Majjistral National Park where nature is stunning. The sea, the huge rocks in different shapes, all wild flowers and the swirling footpaths gives a feeling of being truly in the middle of nature. That we totally went lost is another story…Nature is both delicate and strong. As long as we let nature take care of itself, it will also survive…

One of many threats to the future of our nature is plastic. In the deep oceans, as well as on land.What every generation teaches to the next……will be the result of our future. And I strongly believe in the future.Photo Challenge by Frank / Dutch Goes the Photo’s / Theme: Future

Macro time

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I think this is a Vinbärssnäcka. That´s what it called in Swedish but I´m not sure about the English name.

Here I let the pictures speak for themselves.This is the first butterfly I managed to capture so far this year. It flew among the flowers in Majjistral National Park. This one was not easy to catch with the camera, but I’m very happy that I found it.

WPC – Smile

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This week, Ben invites us to point our camera at something or someone that puts a smile on our face.
Happy people jumping of joy a cold day in January here in Malta. Keep smiling, regardless of image quality. “There are hundreds of languages in the world, but a smile speaks them all”

A child’s spontaneous drawing, natural colors from flowers and even the strict but yet colorful stained glass found in many churches. “A smile is the universal welcome”An unexpected smile during last weekend’s walking in Majjistral National Park.

💖If you meet someone without a smile, give one of yours💖 

WordPress Weekly Photo Challenge / Smile

Sunset & Memories

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Honestly, I’m not so fond of images showing sunsets, maybe I’ve seen too many.But i like straight lines, colors and silhouettes.  And I like to look back in my archive to find memories. Here you see how the Azure Window once looked before it collapsed in stormy weather on 8 March 2017. A major tourist attractions, a 28-metre-tall natural arch on the island of Gozo in Malta, was suddenly gone forever. A place from where I have many memories.

Another memory I found in my archive. These are from 2011, three of my very first pictures before my interest in photography began. The images are real bad but the scene so perfect. There´s no need to look closely, but today they mean a lot to me as they remind me of the time when I began to explore the beauty of the photography.

WordPress weekly Photo Challenge / Rise/Set /  Photo Challenge by Frank / Dutch Goes the Photo’s Memories

A Special Flower of the day

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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.

The joy of insects

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Is it really possible to feel joy when watching small insects while most people try to wave them away.Yes, if you have a camera and if you are really eager to learn more about macro shooting and the amazing world that you can explore through your camera. Just wish I started to learn this earlier in my life.Maybe too close, but I really had fun!!
In my next life I´ll be a photographer specialized in macro, a botanist and entomologist.
Until then, I continue to practice, learn and have fun…

Flowers & Colors

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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.

Favorite Place – Stockholm Sweden

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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

WPC – I’d Rather Be…

Published on by Anita25 Comments

Where would I rather be, I asked myself when I was sitting in front of my computer and worked last Friday. I decided to take a day off and went to Majjistral National Park a second time to explore and enjoy the nature. Just me, Fanny and my camera. I’d Rather Be out there than sitting on my office chair.

In the park you´ll find wild flowers and different plants everywhere. Most of them are quite small so you have to look for them. Now I also got the chance to try my new macro lens but sadly, it was very windy and for some reason, my M mode setting doesn’t work anymore. But it was a lovely day, where I´d rather be…

Click on an images to enlarge.

WordPress Weekly Photo Challenge  / I’d Rather Be…

Beautiful view

Majjistral Nature Park – Malta

Published on by Anita53 Comments

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.

Maltese Pyramical Orchid
Maltese Pyramical Orchid.

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!!

Friday’s thoughts…

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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!

Spring Flowers

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Just a few scenes from last weekend. All from Ta Qali National Park here in Malta, except the last one.Some trees are blooming now……while most are still bare.

This flower is a bit special, I’ve shown it before but have no idea what it’s called..This yellow one is very common in spring, often seen blooming all over the meadows like a carpet of flowers.Another small and colorful flower and that’s all for today. Now I’ll go for a walk with Fanny… …and today we will walk along this path.

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…

WPC – A Face in the crowd

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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”.

WordPress Weekly Photo Challenge / A Face in the Crowd

CYW – 18-24 February

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21. Outrageous Orange.
I love this one painted by my husband. Colorful in thoughtful simplicity.18. Forest Green.
Some greenery from Ta Qali park here in Malta19. Pacific Blue.
Fisherman at the clear Mediterranean waters of the Mediterranean Sea.These are the week’s colors in Jennifer’s Color Your World Challenge.

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 / 11 -17 February

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GoldenrodBlue GreenMelonThese are the week’s colors in Jennifer’s Color Your World Challenge from where I choose 12, 13 and 14. Each image is from different countries, Malta, Malaysia and Sweden. Which image belongs to which country? Perhaps too easy to guess…

WPC – Tour Guide

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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…

WordPress Weekly Photo Challenge  / Tour Guide

Color Your World 2018 / 2

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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.

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

 

Nature’s diversity

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Above is part of where I walk with Fanny every morning. The rocks along the Mediterranean stretch from Sliema Pitch to Balluta Bay. It takes more or less an hour and a half back and forth if we walk pretty fast, including stops when we meet other dogs..I love the scenery and Fanny jumps with joy along the rocks.

In the weekends we take the car to Ta Qali National Park where nature is completely different. This is a large recreation area with walkways and a wide range of plants and trees as well as animal species.

We are not far from the rocks near home but we are in a completely different scenery.

Here we find lots of greenery and beautiful plants, many of which I’ve never seen. This is part of nature’s diversity on this small island in the Mediterranean Sea.