I've now finished work and I am in the throws of preparing for my year travelling. More about that at my travel blog.
It's been a hectic time, tidying things up at work, being best man, seeing friends and generally trying to get ready for 12 months away.
I've known my friend for years, since nursery school and I was chuffed when he asked me to be his best man. The day itself was wonderful relaxed affair. A simple church service followed by a lovely meal.
My Brother is a wedding photographer and he asked me to help him out for a couple of mornings recording events at either the Bride and Grooms house. It was my first experience of capturing a wedding as a "professional". A nerve wracking experience but a good one, something I would like to do more of.
Finally last week ended up at the Luton Carnival, a great day to capture some great shots.
That's it for this blog for now and now over to my travel blog.
HOW EXCITING!
Tuesday 2 June 2009
Wednesday 6 May 2009
My Nephews Second Birthday
25th of April was my Nephew's birthday. All our family birthdays are an excuse for the family to get together, eat lots of lovely food and have my favourite, birthday cake. My Nephew loves the children's programme "In The Night Garden" so that was the the theme. Iggle Piggle featured heavily for those in the know.
Sunday 19 April 2009
Rehearsals, Beach and a Dog
It was the dress rehearsal for my friend's wedding this weekend. He's getting married in Pagham near Portsmouth at a lovely little church on the south coast. The rehearsal went fine, my job as best man seems to be to make sure I pass the rings over at the right time and that the groom makes it to the church on time.
After the rehearsal we went for a long walk along the beach and Pagham harbour. It turned out to be a lovely sunny day with only a little nip in the air. The beach is long and full of pebbles and was pretty quiet, only a few fishermen, a couple of windsurfers and several people walking their dogs.
The venue for the wedding is Pagham as it's where my friend's Dad retired. They liked the church there and there is some antiquated rule about living in the parish you get married in so it was a choice of his hometown parish or Pagham. His dad has a golden labrador to keep him company, which we took on the walk and I think he enjoyed it more than we did. He's a little on the large side what with all the treats he gets, so definately needs the exercise.
After the rehearsal we went for a long walk along the beach and Pagham harbour. It turned out to be a lovely sunny day with only a little nip in the air. The beach is long and full of pebbles and was pretty quiet, only a few fishermen, a couple of windsurfers and several people walking their dogs.
The venue for the wedding is Pagham as it's where my friend's Dad retired. They liked the church there and there is some antiquated rule about living in the parish you get married in so it was a choice of his hometown parish or Pagham. His dad has a golden labrador to keep him company, which we took on the walk and I think he enjoyed it more than we did. He's a little on the large side what with all the treats he gets, so definately needs the exercise.
Monday 13 April 2009
Cirular Walk, Castle Combe to Ford
Stardust was filmed in Castle Combe which is a quaint village about 20 mins outside of Swindon. There is a lovely circular walk that starts in Castle Combe and goes through Ford.
It's a pretty easy walk with a couple of steepish bits, nothing most people can't handle. I've been on this walk before, it's charming with lovely idyllic views and the bonus is that a lot of it is along the river Brybrook.
The most interesting sight along the way this time was an upturned tree, I'm not sure where it came from as the path it was next to was tiny - maybe it slid down the slope?
At the end of the walk you get a chance to wander through Castle Combe. If you catch it early or late in the day you will be rewared with quiet streets. This will give you a chance to immerse yourself into its history which dates back to the 12th Century without all the crowds.
For more details of the walk and a map click here.
It's a pretty easy walk with a couple of steepish bits, nothing most people can't handle. I've been on this walk before, it's charming with lovely idyllic views and the bonus is that a lot of it is along the river Brybrook.
The most interesting sight along the way this time was an upturned tree, I'm not sure where it came from as the path it was next to was tiny - maybe it slid down the slope?
At the end of the walk you get a chance to wander through Castle Combe. If you catch it early or late in the day you will be rewared with quiet streets. This will give you a chance to immerse yourself into its history which dates back to the 12th Century without all the crowds.
For more details of the walk and a map click here.
Friday 10 April 2009
Bristol Zoo and the SS Great Britain
Bristol Zoo was a busy old place this week as it was half term so the kids were off school. At first when we queued up to get in I had my doubts if it was such a good idea but the line moved quickly. Once inside, the place is small enough to get round in a few hours. Some of the enclosures could be bigger but I guess the good they do with their breeding programmes outweighs this. My favourite sight of the day was the Gorillas, especially watching the bond between Mother and Child.
After spending time at the Zoo we headed off to have a look at the SS Great Britain, a steamship built by Brunel. It was launched in 1843 and then recovered from the coast off the Falkland Islands. It's been restored to its former glory and I have to say is fantastic. I loved that you can go "under water" in the dry dock and have a look at the hull.
For things to do in Bristol click here.
After spending time at the Zoo we headed off to have a look at the SS Great Britain, a steamship built by Brunel. It was launched in 1843 and then recovered from the coast off the Falkland Islands. It's been restored to its former glory and I have to say is fantastic. I loved that you can go "under water" in the dry dock and have a look at the hull.
For things to do in Bristol click here.
Thursday 9 April 2009
Sunday 5 April 2009
Finding the stash
I've had a lovely weekend, had friends over and on top of that the weather has been great. I took the opportunity to take some pictures today and I spotted this Squirrel having a play in the flowers. I'm not sure if it was digging up a stash of nuts or something!
Sunday 29 March 2009
I'm a Taya Abu
Yesterday I went to High Wycombe to celebrate my Sister-In-Law's 30th birthday. The best bit was that my little nephew has finally started calling me "Taya Abu". This is a specific name for my relation to him in Urdu - as I'm the older Brother to his Dad. I'm really pleased as it's the last relation name he's learned.
Thursday 26 March 2009
You've got a good eye.
I had my final photography course session yesterday, we met up earlier than usual and took advantage of the lighter evenings to take some pictures outside the classroom environment. We all met up at South Cerney on Bow Wow Road ( what a great name ) where there are some lovely arches that go across an old railway line which is now a path.
Afterwards we had a wrap up of what we had learned and Simon the instructor on the course said I had a good eye- I was chuffed. He did add what I now needed to do was get myself a decent camera and lens. Before I started the course I was happy with them but as you learn more you start to understand the limitations.
Afterwards we had a wrap up of what we had learned and Simon the instructor on the course said I had a good eye- I was chuffed. He did add what I now needed to do was get myself a decent camera and lens. Before I started the course I was happy with them but as you learn more you start to understand the limitations.
Sunday 15 March 2009
Unexpected Pleasures!
Today was sunny and warm, spring has definitely arrived. The daffodils are out and some of the trees even have blossoms. Wonderful! I always love the first time the warmth of the sun touches you in spring, it's like an unexpected pleasure as it gives me a tingle of what's to come in the year, like a new beginning.
Saturday 14 March 2009
Taking Pictures in Public
Went on my first night shoot with the Photography course and it was interesting how many people came up to us to find out what we were doing. Their position was why are you taking pictures, after a quick explanation they were happy-ish. One of the things I've learned recently is that it is not an offence to take a picture in a public place, regardless of what anyone thinks. I'm not sure what I would do if I was challenged while taking pictures as I hate confrontation - apparently being challenged is getting more common so I'll find out soon.
Thursday 26 February 2009
Spoilt Rotten for my 40th
I had the best time this weekend. It was all a surprise to celebrate my 40th. I met up with lots of my friends, was treated to the Theater and flew on the London Eye. We set off by train to London on the Friday and by 2 we had checked into the 5 star Marriot at County Hall! We just had time to put our bags down when I was treated to the second surprise of a flight on the London Eye.
A trip down memory lane later when we ate at Won Kei in Chinatown after which I had my third surprise of the day, tickets to see Three Days of Rain. The next day started off with a trip to Covent Garden and then a random walk to Hyde Park. Here we met some friends who 'happened' to be there at the same time- my fourth surprise. Later that evening I met up with more friends, some more of a surprise than others.
We all went to Benihanas for something to eat with entertainment provided by the chefs who cook all the food in front of you. The next day Kew Gardens was the surprise where we larked around and had some fun. Later that day we ate at the Rainforest Cafe where I've always wanted to go. I was treated like a big kid with all the resturant singing happy birthday to me.
A trip down memory lane later when we ate at Won Kei in Chinatown after which I had my third surprise of the day, tickets to see Three Days of Rain. The next day started off with a trip to Covent Garden and then a random walk to Hyde Park. Here we met some friends who 'happened' to be there at the same time- my fourth surprise. Later that evening I met up with more friends, some more of a surprise than others.
We all went to Benihanas for something to eat with entertainment provided by the chefs who cook all the food in front of you. The next day Kew Gardens was the surprise where we larked around and had some fun. Later that day we ate at the Rainforest Cafe where I've always wanted to go. I was treated like a big kid with all the resturant singing happy birthday to me.
Thursday 19 February 2009
I'm 40 today
Well I'm 40 today and I was lucky enough to have the day off work. On a day when the credit crunch is still making headlines and it's all doom and gloom, my days been the opposite - walking and taking pictures, two things I love to do. A nice long walk gave me a chance to practice my picture taking and I think I came away with some that captured the the day perfectly.
The walk itself was 6.5 miles, it started and ended in Highworth and went through Stanton Fitzwarren and Sevehampton. We ended the walk with something to eat at a lovely cafe in Highworth. The walk itself is well marked so easy to do but not one I would do again.
The walk itself was 6.5 miles, it started and ended in Highworth and went through Stanton Fitzwarren and Sevehampton. We ended the walk with something to eat at a lovely cafe in Highworth. The walk itself is well marked so easy to do but not one I would do again.
Sunday 15 February 2009
Waterlogged walk in Cricklade
Cricklade is little village just outside Swindon along the A419. It's where my photography course is held and until today I have only seen it in the dark on a Wednesday evening. The idea was to walk along the River Thames but with all the melted snow it has left the walk very waterlogged. We had a go at climbing over a couple of flooded bits but eventually had to give up.
In the village itself this sign caught my eye. In the modern world it seemed a blast from the past. First because it was made of iron and secondly it gives the measurement in feet and inches.
In the village itself this sign caught my eye. In the modern world it seemed a blast from the past. First because it was made of iron and secondly it gives the measurement in feet and inches.
Sunday 8 February 2009
Saturday 7 February 2009
Bunnies in the snow.
Today I was supposed to get my Brother and co to Heathrow airport. I tried in vain to get the car out of my parking space at the flat today. We spent ages clearing the snow but in the end trying to reverse up to the gate proved too difficult. At one point I thought I'd broken the electronic gates as one side would close but the other side stayed open after getting stuck in the deep snow. Suffice to say I was left frustrated as I never got to the airport so to cheer myself up I took some silly pictures in the snow.
Friday 6 February 2009
Snow!
It's the most snow we have had for 20 years this week ( apparently). The snow on the balcony showed the depth of it really well. What I did notice was that people change their behaviour, you get more smiles as you pass them on the street and some even make conversation. It must be that shared experience thing.
Saturday 31 January 2009
The Ridgeway - Sparsholt
A circular walk starting from Sparsholt a quiet village in Oxfordshire. I have to say on first impressions it's not an inviting place, mostly due to the feeling like being a foreigner in your own country. The suspicious looks by the 'locals' made me feel uncomfortable. Not everyone was the same however, enough looks to make me feel unwelcome. On the way up I saw our first blooms of the year, some snow drops peeking out from the strewn leaves.
The walk goes through the sleepy village of Kingston Lisle which is full of quaint cottages. At this point the path becomes a steep climb onto The Ridgeway. It was not the most inspiring of days , very overcast and cold.
The path most of the way round was very muddy and I have to say the least interesting of all the Ridgeway walks we have done. It's about six mikes and I'd recommend it if you live close by but don't bother if you have to come any distance. One of the main reasons for getting out today was to take some pictures and practice what I've been learning on my photography course. It's the first time I've taken any pictures on the manual setting on my camera. I've resigned myself that the pictures are going to get worse before they get better again!
The walk goes through the sleepy village of Kingston Lisle which is full of quaint cottages. At this point the path becomes a steep climb onto The Ridgeway. It was not the most inspiring of days , very overcast and cold.
The path most of the way round was very muddy and I have to say the least interesting of all the Ridgeway walks we have done. It's about six mikes and I'd recommend it if you live close by but don't bother if you have to come any distance. One of the main reasons for getting out today was to take some pictures and practice what I've been learning on my photography course. It's the first time I've taken any pictures on the manual setting on my camera. I've resigned myself that the pictures are going to get worse before they get better again!
Monday 26 January 2009
Walk at Lunchtime
I've started a photography course to help improve my skills. I always get frustrated that I can't capture what I see and always do it justice. The ten week course on a Wednesday evening will help. I've already learned about composition and hyperfocal distances. I went on a recce today to find something to photograph that would practice both these and found some interesting shots near work.
Lets hope it does not rain tomorrow and I'll have a proper go at taking the pictures and not just with my mobile.
Today I also managed to do this puzzle. I've been trying for a few weeks now at work, usually as a little break to take my mind off things- today it all came together. It looked easy but that was deceptive as once the wooden pieces are out of the frame it's not
Lets hope it does not rain tomorrow and I'll have a proper go at taking the pictures and not just with my mobile.
Today I also managed to do this puzzle. I've been trying for a few weeks now at work, usually as a little break to take my mind off things- today it all came together. It looked easy but that was deceptive as once the wooden pieces are out of the frame it's not
Saturday 10 January 2009
On the drive home from Bath
What a frosty morning today was, the fields and trees along the roadside looked like they were covered in snow as it was so thick. As the sun started peeking through the fog, the frost started to fall off the trees making it feel like it was snowing in pockets.
Today was an exciting day as we had a chat with the people at STA in Bath to plan the next trip.
Today was an exciting day as we had a chat with the people at STA in Bath to plan the next trip.
Saturday 3 January 2009
Cirular Walk Avebury to West Kennett
Another frosty morning with clear skies, ideal for a circular walk just 10 miles outside Swindon at Avebury. The walk itself is only 5 miles and is pretty easy going. It's one we've done before and I enjoyed it as much the second time round.
The walk starts at the Avebury Stone Circle and heads out towards Silbury Hill. This is one of the several ancient attractions that this walk gives. Others include The Sanctuary and West Kennett Long Barrow which is a burial mound dating back 5500 years.
I'd definitely recommend the walk, it takes 2 hours at the most at a comfortable pace and has some great history and views to take in. You'll find this particular walk at WalkWeb. If you follow this you won't need another map as the one provided with instructions is clear and easy to follow.
The walk starts at the Avebury Stone Circle and heads out towards Silbury Hill. This is one of the several ancient attractions that this walk gives. Others include The Sanctuary and West Kennett Long Barrow which is a burial mound dating back 5500 years.
I'd definitely recommend the walk, it takes 2 hours at the most at a comfortable pace and has some great history and views to take in. You'll find this particular walk at WalkWeb. If you follow this you won't need another map as the one provided with instructions is clear and easy to follow.
Thursday 1 January 2009
New Years Day
It was the coldest day of the year I'm sure at 0 degrees. Weston-Super-Mare was pretty quiet with a few hardy souls braving the cold to go for a walk along the beach. I'm never sure if the tide is out or not as it seems the same the few times I've been but it looked bleak. It was so cold that we did not spend that much time walking but found a traditional British cafe to have something hot to drink and eat.
When you're at the seaside it always seems right to have fish and chips, which is exactly what I had with buttered bread and a cup of tea. Very unhealthy but lovely. I always like doing something on New Years Day, it makes me feel that the rest of the year will be shaped by it.
Last year we spent it in the Thar Desert in Rajasthan in India on a camel safari. Oddly enough in the evenings it was as cold as it felt today, the saving grace was being huddled around a camp fire. I wonder what next New Year will bring?
When you're at the seaside it always seems right to have fish and chips, which is exactly what I had with buttered bread and a cup of tea. Very unhealthy but lovely. I always like doing something on New Years Day, it makes me feel that the rest of the year will be shaped by it.
Last year we spent it in the Thar Desert in Rajasthan in India on a camel safari. Oddly enough in the evenings it was as cold as it felt today, the saving grace was being huddled around a camp fire. I wonder what next New Year will bring?
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