April 2018 - Nicola Ann Art

Babeny Farm Stables, Dartmoor National Park

Apr 16

by Nicola in Back2Blighty, Hiking, Nature, The United Kingdom 0 comments tags: Babeny Farm Stables, Back2Blighty, BeanOn Photography, Bovey Castle, Dartmoor National Park, Devon, England, Hiking, horse riding, The United Kingdom

Nature Calls Dartmoor National Park, Devon

Thick, ancient wooded valleys, deep rivers with dense mosses in luminous greens and yellows are scattered throughout the wild moorlands of Dartmoor National Park. The largest open moor in southern England protects Dartmoor’s ‘little five’: blue ground beetle, marsh fritillary butterfly, cuckoo and ash black slug. There are two reasons I’d merrily return to dramatic Devon. First, horse riding through the moorland. We chose Babeny Farm Stables’ pub ride that gave us three hours in the saddle. A pity the weather limited our cantering through the boggy open moors. At least it limited the amount of people out and about too and provided a rather imtimate experience Second, Bovey Castle surrounded by 275 acres of Dartmoor National Park with deer and ponies amidst the rolling hills.

Apr 08

by Nicola in Architecture, Travel 0 comments tags: Architecture, BeanOn Photography, Exploring, Eze, French Riviera, Monaco

Nestled between Nice and Monaco a trip to Eze is obliging

Nestled between Nice and Monaco, a trip to Eze is obliging. Five out of five stars. Instantly transported to medieval times, Eze also requires a bit of effort to experience. Rugged stone streets lead through narrow passages to boutique stores. Fortunately, not all of Eze has been touched with the expensive wand and the flowing surrealism vistas easily help one turn a blind eye to the tourist trap… Gardens sprouting exotic plants are spotted everywhere. I’ve never tasted a better coffee than at Chateau Eze, also the most expensive but worth every cent! I had to have a second. Oh, the views! In every direction. Monaco! What can be said… other than… when sitting at a café with the view of Monte Casino directly in front of one’s eyes, the luxurious sports cars cause the head to swivel. The McLaren 570S coupe even starred on a film set of sorts. A great pity for the cold, windy weather! Isn’t the French Riviera meant to be sultry at all times?!

Apr 07

by Nicola in Architecture, Cities, People 0 comments tags: Architecture, BeanOn Photography, French Riviera, Nice, People Watching

Nice People French Riviera

Nice People French Riviera, or better said; people spotted in Nice along the French Riviera. A few hot spots below for people watching in Nice: Promenade du Paillon Opened in 2013, the promenade has seen more pedestrian traffic than anywhere else in town. Separating the old town from the modern, it stretches for about a kilometre. Lou Pilha Leva Famous for its socca, a savoury crepe made with chickpea flour, the quaint restaurant is nestled in Place Centrale, along the bustling shopping street in Vieux Nice, Rue de la Boucherie. Facing the busiest entrances to the old town, it is one of the best places to capture people in action. Place Garibaldi Sit near the fountain and watch people getting on and off the nearby bus and tram stops. The nearby bars and cafes mostly have decent happy hours with their food and drink.

Apr 06

by Nicola in Architecture, Beach, Cities 0 comments tags: Architecture, BeanOn Photography, Castle Hill, Côte d’Azur, France, French Riviera, Le Chantecler, Le Negresco, Nice

Nice French Riviera

Nice, Eze & Monaco pulsating along the French Riviera made for a vibrant mini getaway. Côte d’Azur is glitzy but with a splash of medieval when it came to Eze. Nice felt more Italian than French with a twist of Irish. Who would have thought a hunt for french fries on their own would have proved fruitless… A bowl of mussels with french fries, absolutely. But simple french fries on their own, not a chance! Juicy fruit and vegetables, authentic local produce from inland Nice are teeming at the Cours Saleya market in the old town. Expect all of your senses to be charmed, especially your spirit with its stimulating ambience. One of many things Nice can be proud of is their Michelin Star cuisine, especially at Le Chantecler at Le Negresco where Chef Jean-Denis Rieubland is the only chef in Nice with two Michelin stars. The view from Castle Hill is worth the few steep steps to get there, but mind the gale force winds.

Apr 02

by Nicola in Beach, Durban, KwaZulu-Natal, People, Sunrise, Uncategorized 0 comments tags: BeanOn Photography, Durban, Durban beach front, Early morning, Indian Ocean, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa

Happy Easter, Durban, South Africa

Happy Easter, Durban! Durban, vibrant and bursting with soul, is always a happy place to be but appears to be even happier during holidays. So many from around the country visit for the warm ocean and still hot sun. Even when the waves aren’t spectacular it’s crowded with surfers. Once again, even in Autumn, Durban is the warmest place to be, thanks to the locals. Most of these snaps were taken with my iPhone.

Nature Calls Dartmoor National Park, Devon

Nestled between Nice and Monaco a trip to Eze is obliging

Nice People French Riviera

Nice French Riviera

Happy Easter, Durban, South Africa

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