BeanOn Photography Archives - Page 4 of 9

Ben Nevis, Scottish Highlands

In Edinburgh, the day before my Ben Nevis adventure, a street photographer warned me about the hike. “It’s steep at the start, in the middle and at the end. And it’s mostly steps, steep slippery steps. It’s tough, tougher than you could imagine.” Nonsense, I said to myself. How bad could it be, really?! After all I’d whizzed up Sani Pass (starting at 1544m and rises 1332 vertical meters to summit at 2876m) and Table Mountain (1,086 metres above sea level). Ben Nevis stands at 1352m above sea level, not that much higher than Sani Pass. The gradient only being 15 percent steeper. What’s 15 percent in the grand scheme of things, right? Well… Only after reading the article discovered on Walkhighlands about the hike, I thought much better of it. Perhaps Steve, the street photographer, wasn’t exaggerating after all. And not training for the walk was perhaps a little unwise from my side. From Fort William, a town nestled along the shores of Lock Linnhe, in the western Scottish Highlands, we accessed Ben Nevis. The United Kingdom’s highest peak. With the ground wet, rocks glistening, and the mist lifting at the beginning of the hike, the two of […]

Oct 05

by Nicola in Architecture, Back2Blighty, Cities, London, The United Kingdom, Uncategorized 0 comments tags: Back2Blighty, BeanOn Photography, England, Europe’s tallest Ferris wheel, Great Britain, Millennium Wheel, South Bank, Sunset, The London Eye, The United Kingdom, world's tallest cantilevered observation wheel

Coco-Cola London Eye – Europe’s tallest Ferris wheel

United Kingdom’s most popular paid for visitor attraction happens to be the Coco-Cola London Eye. Offering an unrivalled experience while absorbing the stunning vistas of the city, what’s there to beat it? Actually… Recently the 244m The Shard with its The View from The Shard has surpassed the 135m London Eye, but The Shard, is after all, not Europe’s tallest building as the London Eye is Europe’s tallest Ferris wheel. One can definitely boast with “Guess what I’ve just done? Europe’s tallest Ferris wheel!” Exactly! Without having to queue, being afforded a dedicated entrance with ninety percent fewer people, a Fast Track ticket was definitely worth its weight in gold. Especially during a balmy autumn afternoon below an unblemished sky an hour before sunset, how could it be resisted? Having experienced “the world’s tallest cantilevered observation wheel”, sometimes known as the Millennium Wheel, many years ago – twelve to be exact – I didn’t expect to feel as in awe of the trip this time round. Alas, with my expectations exceeded, I relished in appreciating every second of the rotating Coco-Cola London Eye, taking thirty minutes, while displaying the surrounding beauty that creates London. I feel […]

Sep 16

by Nicola in Back2Blighty, Hiking, Nature, Sunset 0 comments tags: Alton Barnes White Horse, Back2Blighty, BeanOn Photography, Chalk Countryside, Exploring, Pewsey Downs, Pewsey Downs National Nature Reserve, Sunset, The United Kingdom, Wiltshire

The Pewsey Downs – Peace at its most tranquil

I relished half a day wandering up and down the luscious Pewsey Downs, discovering peace at its most tranquil. Deliciously hot and humid – mid September in Britain – a mild heat wave upon us, a day before the flash floods; encircled by sheep, a bleat here and there; a family hiking in the distance; invigorating pollution-free air and a helicopter flying low, its throbbing engine the only sound out of place. On the southern edge of the Marlborough Downs, the Pewsey Downs National Nature Reserve delivers impressive views of the chalk countryside, famous for the Alton Barnes Whitehorse – learn more about the horse here. A sunset so vivid, its light changing the shape of the clouds at each blink of the eye: wispy, soft watercolour streaked clouds to the left of the setting sun, a sun resembling the sweetest, juiciest mango and strong clouds as though balls of paint are exploding through the darkening indigo sky to the right. Everything reflected below in puddles of water dotted around the recently ploughed fields. Its beauty left me mesmerised – a perfect way to end a flawless day. When the weather’s good, the English countryside is a […]

The Lady's Bridge, The Kennet & Avon Canal, Wiltshire

Aug 09

Kennet & Avon Canal, Wiltshire, The United Kingdom

Since my arrival in West Stowell, Marlborough of Wiltshire, a week ago, I discovered a pleasant walk to the Kennet & Avon Canal at Wilcot by avoiding all roads. Oh how I adore off-road! With the warm sun heating my bones and gilding everything in it’s path, beneath a bright blue sky, I set off on my journey of exploration: Over the fence at the end of the property; through the corner of the field with the heifers and a lone bull (must research how fast a cow or bull can run – anyone know?); a hop over the fence in to the next field, around the outskirt of lush grass; under a fence; another climb over a fence coated in barbs, in to a wheat field stretching for kilometres; along the bare meter-wide track through the middle of the wheat; over the final fence and on to the canal path. For at least an hour along the water’s edge, I hiked with many pauses in between to take photographs of all that caught my eye, hoping most of it’s the creative one. And we can all be the judges… Not long to go now… The row […]

Jul 24

by Nicola in Architecture, Cities, Dubai 0 comments tags: BeanOn Photography, Burj Khalifa, Burj Lake, Dancing Fountain, Dubai, Dubai at night, The Dubai Fountain, The Dubai Mall

Dubai Fountain at The Dubai Mall

Upon collecting my new Nikon camera while in Dubai, the next best experience was The Dubai Fountain dancing over Burj Lake in front of the impressive Burj Khalifa at The Dubai Mall – where I put my camera to the test. I think it passed.

Jul 03

by Nicola in Architecture, Cities, Dubai 2 comments tags: Architecture, BeanOn Photography, Dubai, Dubai: Holy Month of Ramadan, Exploring, Ramadan, Shiehk Zayed Road, Skyscrapers, UAE, United Arab Emirates

Dubai during the Holy Month of Ramadan

If unable to abstain from eating out in public during daylight hours then avoid Dubai during the Holy Month of Ramadan (6th June to 5th July 2016). It’s easier than I think; all eateries are closed during the day and only open after sunset, all forms of temptation at bay. Fortunately, I am staying with a friend and am able to order food in when required. Brazen violation of the rules is not only deemed offensive (would you believe?), it can land you in a pickle with the authorities, ranging from warnings or fines issued by the police to a stint in prison. Don’t smoke, drink, chew gum or eat in public during the hours of sunrise to sunset. Don’t wear revealing or tight fitting clothes in public, as modesty is key during Ramadan. This includes when heading for a night out. Don’t dance, sing or be intoxicated in public at any time. Don’t play loud music in public; always use headphones. Don’t swear in public. Blasphemy is condemned at the best of times, but during the Holy Month of Ramadan it’s particularly offensive. As some of you may notice, I am back […]

May 11

Would you live in Cape Town?

After my recent trip to Cape Town someone asked me, Would you live in Cape Town? I answered immediately. Without a second’s hesitation, I said, “No!” Cape Town is unreservedly South Africa’s most beautiful city! Wholeheartedly, I agree. Cape Town is clean, visually pleasing; the government go out of their way to attract tourists; the people of Cape Town, the locals respect their government; the taxis are well behaved, road users stop at red traffic lights and are polite. Okay, perhaps the reason for such a well run province – the Western Cape – is because the ANC (African National Congress) does not dominate. The majority of the Western Cape are not black and so the DA (Democratic Alliance) are in power, which apparently says it all. However, when Cape Town experiences a cold front, it suddenly turns atrocious. The dreadful winters feel like they are as long lasting as the UK’s winters. And I would not know what to do with myself in a place that only offered cold oceans. Even a 20mm dry suit wouldn’t get me into such icy waters. And I don’t think I could survive without surfing, not again. Did you […]

Apr 30

by Nicola in Adventure, Architecture, Back2Blighty, The United Kingdom 0 comments tags: Architecture, Back2Blighty, BeanOn Photography, England, Exploring, haunted Stacklands Retreat House, Kent countryside, Sevenoaks Chronicle (UK), The United Kingdom, West Kingsdown

Sevenoaks Chronicle – Haunted Stacklands Retreat House

Towards the end of April a reporter from the Sevenoaks Chronicle (UK) approached me after discovering my blog piece on the haunted Stacklands Retreat House – original post here – requesting more information and permission to use my photography taken of the haunted derelict. The derelict is soon to be demolished. Read more of the article here or view it below.

Apr 07

Tala Private Game Reserve’s Gems: Five Adult Rhinos

With the craving gnawing at my heart, it had been thirty days plus since I’d last seen a rhino. Just under forty-five minutes from Durban we arrived at Tala, amidst the thick mist from the drizzling rain. Resistance is futile when a craving is upon thee… After paying our dues at the gate we headed up the hill to the right in search of Tala Private Game Reserve’s gems: five adult rhinos. Okay, we cheated a little and asked the guard at the gate where they were last spotted. And there they were… Five large, healthy rhinocerotidaes (commonly known as rhinoceroses) huddled together on a mound of earth, resting while the rain gently fell. We spent about thirty minutes watching them stretch and roll over, as though their comfort in the damp truly mattered. After exploring the reserve, relishing a packed breakfast at the Hippo Hide, a coffee at the restaurant’s veranda and bouncing along the 4×4 only tracks, we returned to the rhinos up and about munching their way through the grass. Such spectacular creatures! As I’ve previously published a post on Tala Private Game Reserve about a year ago, I shall keep this one brief. […]

Golden Gate Highlands National Park

The moment one witnesses the beaming sun-rays, either from a sunrise or sunset, softly gild the sandstone cliffs making up the Maluti Mountains, it becomes instantly apparent how the Golden Gate Highlands National Park acquired its name. Mr van Reenen, in 1878, spotted this sighting and named his new farm, wait for it – Golden Gate. From Kiara Resort, we drove approximately five kilometres to Glen Reenen Rest Camp within the Golden Gate Highlands National Park and parked the car. With the sun already casting a glow on to the distant cliffs, we crossed the road and embarked on our hike just after 6am. Desiring to knock off at least an hour from the four-hour Wodehouse Peak hike, we meandered via Mushroom Rock. In awe of its magnificence, we breezed around the mushroom-like rock formation, glancing up every few moments to absorb the scale of the mountain that loomed above us. Zigzagging up towards Wodehouse Peak, steeper and steeper we climbed. Feeling safe, we traversed along the extremely well maintained path with its perfectly carved sandstone steps, wooden bridge and iron rods strategically placed for hands to grab, to heave one’s body up the mountain side. Up and up we climbed, and […]

Kiara Resort, Maluti Mountains

This past Friday we drove an easy – with not one pothole in sight – four hours from Durbs to Kiara Resort nestled in the striking, sandstone Maluti / Maloti Mountains between the Golden Gate Highlands National Park and the charming village of Clarens in the Free State. From the moment we left Bergville we spotted herds of pure black wildebeest, small oribi antelope, eland antelope, blesbok antelope, springbok antelope, mountain reedbuck and zebra freely roaming the vast open scrublands at every meandering turn. The temperature reached 34 degrees Celsius before midday. The car’s air-conditioning turned up to maximum failed at providing relief from the incredibly dry heat. And this is autumn? With just over an hour to spare before check-in time at 3pm, we refuelled at the Golden Gate Hotel. While admiring the sandstone mountain range from the recently renovated hotel restaurant, we enjoyed a light, great value for money, lunch. Kiara Resort’s reception area appeared in great need of a spruce up. Fortunately, the apartment style self-catering chalet allocated to us wasn’t in the same state as the reception area. Clean, new and modern, the spacious chalet, comfortable for six adults, deserved a three-plus-star […]

Feb 21

by Nicola in 4x4, Nature, Safari, Wildlife 1 comments tags: 4x4, Adventure, BeanOn Photography, Big 5, Buffalo, Early morning, Elephant, Exploring, KwaZulu-Natal, lion, nature, Off-road, Rhino, Rhino River Lodge, Rugged Terrain, South Africa, Sunrise, Sunset, Wildlife, Zululand

Rhino River Lodge: a sacred retreat

For me, after being away from home for nine months, nothing beats time in the bush. I chose Rhino River Lodge for a second visit because the first experience, eleven months ago, stayed with me every day since. I simply had to return. Again, expectations exceeded. Less than 3 hours from Durban, just off the N2, Rhino River Lodge, home to the Big Five, warmly awaited us. Chelsea, Clair, Kyle and Alex to name but a few were all as welcoming as the African sun (not once have I complained about KZN’s amazingly humid heat). The day we arrived, the temperature reached thirty-six degrees Celsius, in the shade. What a greeting! A pity about the drought… I’ve been fortunate enough to experience the knowledgeable and highly amusing ranger, Kyle, on both occasions. He threatened to name a meal after me for mispronouncing a Zulu word. I refuse to even attempt spelling it here. Swiftly moving on… While on a game drive, a French tourist asked: “What’s the difference between impalas and springboks?” Kyle began: “Springboks are lighter in colour, and —” “Impalas don’t play rugby,” a fellow South African piped up. Well, that tickled me! An […]

Feb 14

by Nicola in 4x4, Adventure, Black & White, Nature, Off-Road 2 comments tags: 4x4, Adventure, BeanOn Photography, Exploring, Gwahumbe Game Reserve, KwaZulu-Natal, nature, Off-road, Rhino, Rugged Terrain, South Africa, Wildlife

Gwahumbe Game Lodge & Spa

Resistance is definitely futile when it comes to spending the day at Gwahumbe. Just over an hour’s drive from Durban, Gwahumbe Game Lodge & Spa is a favourite of mine to enjoy 4x4ing, game viewing and lunch all in a day. As I’ve previously published a couple of blogs on the reserve, the last fourteen months ago, I’ll limit my words this time and allow the images to speak louder. We only managed a distant sighting of the young male rhino, now grown in to an expert vehicle mock-charger. Bring it on! I secretly wished to experience such, but he didn’t even notice us with his head buried in the veld about twenty meters away from the vehicle, munching away on the lush grass. Never in my entire life have I tasted a more succulent and perfectly cooked piece of kingklip fish. This is no exaggeration. Compliments to the chef!

Jan 29

by Nicola in Beach, Durban, Sunrise 2 comments tags: beach, BeanOn Photography, Durban beach front, Early morning, Indian Ocean, KwaZulu-Natal, Moyo Ushaka Pier, North Beach, sea, South Africa, Sunrise, uShaka Beach, uShaka Pier

Habanero-hot welcome back to Durban

What a warm, actually habanero-hot welcome back to Durban. And I’d left London the day after the snow had settled overnight. With Emirates, from London Gatwick to Dubai and then finally Durban, the flight path permitted me to take in kilometre after kilometre of the rich-blue Indian Ocean bubbling below. What a sight after eighteen hours of flying time and three-hours wait in Dubai. Never mind the nine months of being away. It felt as though I was away for much longer but from the moment I stepped off the plane it felt as if I had never left; the epitome of home. I don’t know how but I resisted (resistance is usually futile) snapping the sunrise at uShaka Beach my first morning at home. Well, to be honest the need to catch-up on sleep triumphed and I ventured down to the beachfront for the sunrise the second morning after my arrival. My brain failed me momentarily, but it was 5am after all. I forgot that during the summer months the wall of the harbour mouth blocked the sunrise and it didn’t rise directly in front of the pier. I’ve since discovered the incredible SunCal, informing me that on […]

Jan 22

by Nicola in Architecture, Back2Blighty, Cities, London, The United Kingdom, Uncategorized 2 comments tags: Back2Blighty, BeanOn Photography, Canary Wharf, London, Piccadilly Circus, The Shard, The United Kingdom, Tower Bridge, Tower of London, Trafalgar Square

London Calling

The entire day spent photographing around London (two days before I left for South Africa) and I didn’t manage to shoot all on my list. I’d run out of time. Perhaps it’s a sign for me to return, use that return ticket of mine and enjoy the UK’s summer. But only the summer… At Canary Wharf my friend asked a security guard, one of many security guards spotted strolling around the wharf, about photographing the shopping centre. Apparently, all in the name of terrorism, we needed a permit to take photos inside and outside of the mall. Obtained from the management of the shopping centre, we had to apply online – advised in order to avoid a hefty fine up to £100k, depending if they could prove we were using the shots for promotional purposes. “You have pro equipment and look like pros,” he said. Out in the open, I spotted a security guard standing outside a building I wanted to photograph, and so I asked him if it was okay; as long as I wasn’t going to be filming, and we were not hanging around taking millions of photos. Just as I’d finished setting up and leaned forward […]