Recently, FORTYLOVE.tv (a DIY travel show) is holding a travel-photo contest. The folks behind Fortylove.tv, Adrianna Tan and May Yee, are avid travellers. From Singapore, Adrianna (aka. @skinnylatte) is a fantastic author, photojournalist and blogger (of the popular Popagandhi fame).
Although I do not travel that often, I have taken tons of photos of the places I have visited over the years, which perhaps serve as the best travel memories for me. My only regret is, I should have taken even more photos in those pre-digicam days. I actually have many more photos taken in those days, not scanned yet. I am not a professional photographer, but for the fun of it, I sent in some memorable shots of the places and people I was exposed to. Watch out, photos galore!!!
Dubai, UAE - a fish and vegetable market near the Dubai Deira Creek and Gold Souk. Interestingly, all the sellers are clad in blue "uniform". The market is open throughout the night till early morning.
Lucerne, Switzerland - a couple of friends sharing a quiet moment in front of the Lion Monument, Löwendenkmal, or otherwise known as the Lion of Lucerne, designed by Bertel Thorvaldsen. It commemorates the Swiss Guards who were massacred in 1792 during the French Revolution. The American writer Mark Twain praised the sculpture of a mortally-wounded lion as "the most mournful and moving piece of stone in the world."
Phnom Penh, Cambodia - Inside the Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum which was originally used as a prison by the Khmer Rouge regime in the 1970s. Prisoners were interrogated daily and chained to the bed and tortured with various tools. Many committed suicide. The black patches on the floor tiles were actually dried up blood.
Phnom Penh, Cambodia - In the Killing Fields of Choeung Ek are the mass graves containing 8,895 bodies after the fall of the Khmer Rouge regime. A memorial stupa was erected and filled with more than 5,000 human skulls. The remains of the bones are still in the killing fields nearby.
Shenzhen, China - Watching a performance by a Chinese dance troupe. I think it was the story of Chang'e, the celestial maiden.
Gyeongju, South Korea - Taken in Bulguksa Temple (meaning Buddha Land). This was behind the courtyard behind Munseoljeon (Hall of No Words). Caught a monk strolling by. The name "No Word" comes from the belief that it is impossible to express the essence of Buddha's teachings simply through language.
Mt Titlis, Switzerland - A light moment between the tour guide and fellow tourist, who looked like she was about to fall over the cliff. Mt Titlis is a mountain in the Urner Alps of Switzerland. It is located on the border between the cantons of Obwalden and Berne in Switzerland, overlooking Engelberg (Obwalden) and is famous as the site of the world's first revolving cable car. I got up there on the big cable car. Engelberg is a really nice place beneath the mountains with little cottages.
Istanbul, Turkey - I think this was at the Sultan Ahmed Mosque (more popularly known as the Blue Mosque), a historical mosque in Istanbul, the largest city in Turkey and the capital of the Ottoman Empire. A mother and daughter chatting at a courtyard behind.
Ankara, Turkey - I just love this surreal shot. It is actually at Anıtkabir, the mausoleum of Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, the founder and first president of the Republic of Turkey.
Ankara, Turkey - The same place in Ataturk Mausoluem, these Turkish men having a smoke outside one of the museum halls.
Siem Reap, Cambodia - This is at the grounds of the famous Angkor Wat, a temple complex built for King Suryavarman II in the early 12th century as his state temple and capital city. As the best-preserved temple at the site, it is the only one to have remained a significant religious centre - first a Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Vishnu, then to a Buddhist temple.
Ephesus, Turkey - This is near the House of the Virgin Mary, a Christian and Muslim shrine located on Mt Koressos, Ephesus. It is believed by many Christians and Muslims that Mary, the mother of Jesus, was taken to this stone house by St John and lived there until her Assumption into Heaven according to many Catholics. How appropriate I got a shot here of this beautiful young mother playing with her child.
Melbourne, Australia - Having a picnic somewhere near Port Campbell along the Great Ocean Road, enroute from Adelaide to Melbourne. It was a great scenic coastal drive. I love how this shot captured a pigeon 's landing. :D
Ephesus, Turkey - My lame attempt taking a black & white panaromic shot of the Great Theater, part of the archaeological site of Ephesus's ruins. It is a dramatic and impressive sight and of biblical significance: this is traditionally where St. Paul preached against the pagans.
Paris, France - This was taken near the tunnel where Princess Diana met with her tragic car accident. The golden statue of the eternal flame near the tunnel was an original tribute to Franco-Americian friendship, but now it has been adopted as the unofficial shrine to Princess Diana following her death. Many people have placed cards, flowers and her photos around the statue. I loved Princess Diana and it was so sad being so "near" her for the very first time, albeit upon her death.
Florence, Italy - This Fountain of Neptune is situated on the bustling Piazza della Signoria (Signoria square), in front of the Palazzo Vecchio. Florence, established by Julius Caesar, is regarded as one of the most beautiful city in the world. The city lies on the River Arno and is known for its history and its importance in the Middle Ages and in the Renaissance period, especially for its art and architecture.
Florence, Italy - Nearby the Fountain of Neptune, this is the Uffizi Gallery, one of the oldest and most famous art museums of the Western world. It is housed in the Palazzo degli Uffizi. I love how light is cast upon the Uffzi Tower in this shot.
The contest closes on 31 Oct. It is still not too late if you would like to submit yours too. You can send in as many photos as you like. Others have already submitted so many awesome photos. But I hope I win a prize too, haha!
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