Nicola, Author at Nicola Ann Art

Quintessentially charming Windsor

As a recently self-appointed self-employed contractor – sole purpose to experience as much of Blighty as possible at every presented opportunity – I now find myself luxuriating in everything the quintessentially charming Windsor has to offer. Many years previously I’d before only visited Windsor Castle; drove to the castle, explored inside and out and then back to London. I missed the chance to discover further afield; however, now I have returned and, for a total of 3 weeks, I am making up for the miss. With less than a ten-minute walk to Windsor’s town centre and of course the castle, I absorb myself in the surrounding beauty, mostly along the river’s edge, at least two hours every day or evening. At weekends it’s a bit longer. This past Sunday, my friend travelled from London to join me on a hike amongst Maidenhead Thicket, a twenty-minute drive from Windsor town centre, through cool woodlands and golden wheat fields. Back to Windsor, we next explored Windsor Great Park that appeared to be lightning struck land. With dead silver bark spiking the threatening sky in such vast openness, I couldn’t help feeling connected to nature. And then the heavens […]

Jul 06

by Nicola in Architecture, Back2Blighty, Hiking, Nature 5 comments tags: BeanOn Photography, countryside, derelict, Exploring, Hiking, Kent, nature, Shoreham Village, Stockland's Retreat House, The United Kingdom, West Kingsdown, wheat fields

A haunted derelict, Stacklands Retreat House

Lately, I’ve been relishing hiking Kent’s countryside especially now while the weather has been warm with perfect blue skies and when discovering a haunted derelict, Stacklands Retreat House. This most recent exploration took place from Shoreham Village. At the start of the walk, just past the church and through green wheat fields, about 60 wide steps greeted us – not easy to climb when having to take extra large steps, sometimes two strides to get up to the next step. However, once upon the ridge the view of the village below and fields of poppies in the near distance made it worth it. Across an abandoned golf course, up another steep mound, through meadows with horses, cattle and working farms we reached the eerie building I couldn’t wait to photograph. Through thick shrubbery and trees I could just see the Stacklands Retreat House, a haunted derelict at West Kingsdown: Three large buildings close to each other sprayed with graffiti and strangled by ivy. Watch out for the broken glass, tiles and asbestos littered all over the grounds. “Apparently, this is where priests came to reform after sinning in the church. One of them – known to be […]

Dubai Diary: The Old Dubai

Dubai Diary: The Old Dubai, a total of 4 days experiencing Dubai, the place for bargain hunting. Discovering the charm of Old Dubai, a clear geographical and cultural divide from New Dubai, had me enthralled. The city first began to grow around Dubai Creek, where it is still used today for importing and exporting goods to and from different areas. Also, the creek’s waterways are still used as commuter lanes where passengers cheaply cross to and from Bur Dubai to Deira on the brightly decorated wooden dhows. Dubai Museum, in the Bastkiya area, is located within the city’s oldest building, Al Fahidi Fort, which was erected in 1787. The house of Sheikh Saeed bin Maktoum Al Maktoum, who ruled Dubai from 1912-1958, is considered to be one of the most important buildings in Dubai as it once housed a ruler. This is definitely the place for bargain hunting within the souks: the spice souk (be prepared for a surrender of all senses), textile souk (best pashminas ever seen, but the thought of buying one in such heat completely deluded me) and the gold souk. Abundant food stalls selling tasty finger foods are worth sampling […]

Jun 23

by Nicola in Architecture, Cities, Dubai 0 comments tags: Architecture, BeanOn Photography, Dubai, Emirates Towers, Exploring, Middle East, Sheikh Zayed Road, Sky-rises, The New Dubai

Dubai Diary: The New Dubai

Dubai Diary: The New Dubai, a total of 4 days experiencing Dubai, the most expensive area in the Middle East. Once the emirate became rich from the discovery of oil in 1966, grand developments began to spring up along Sheikh Zayed Road. By 1980 the annual oil income dropped to an all-time low, and forced the city to come up with other ways to make money. Its reinvention as a tourist destination began in the mid-1980s, and the Emirates airline was established. Based at the Emirates Towers on the 41st floor with stunning views of New Dubai, I enjoyed an early morning stroll along the Sheikh Zayed Road, both north and south sides, and marvelled at the diverse architecture. Again, by 8:30am the temperature was stifling at 37 degrees Celsius with 47% humidity; however, it felt like 100% humidity. A respite from the heat, I discovered an air-conditioned bus shelter where I sat for a few minutes, people-watching. Yes, an enclosed bus shelter that’s perfectly air-conditioned. I bet the buses are air-conditioned too? The photographs simply don’t do the scale of the buildings any justice. You absolutely have to see it to believe it. I […]

Jun 19

by Nicola in Beach, Dubai, Nature, Swimming 0 comments tags: beach, BeanOn Photography, Dubai, Dubai Sailing Club, Early morning, Exploring, free beach, Jumeirah open beach, nature, running track, Umm Suqeim

Dubai Diary: A Free Beach

My Dubai Diary: A Free Beach, a total of 4 days experiencing Dubai, that’s too hot to handle. We explored Jumeirah open beach, the free stretch of sand running the length of Umm Suqeim (known as Kite Beach due to its popularity with the city’s kite-surfers) to Dubai Sailing Club. At 8am, with the temperature a mere 35 degrees Celsius and stifling humidity, we walked for about 9kms along the wooden walk way and soft, spongy running track, awash with joggers. If I were even to attempt a run along the track I’d definitely start before the sun rises at 5:30am. As the searing heat drained the last drop of moisture from my body, we caught an air-conditioned taxi back to where we’d started. I’ve never in all my life appreciated air-conditioning. Even during Durban’s summers I’d refrain from sleeping in air-conditioning and settle for a fan. But not here… Not even if one paid me. Should I ever visit again it shall be during their winter, which is around 25 degrees Celsius, a more comfortable temperature indeed! The rules of the beach included no wearing of swimming gear beyond the sand; male and female changing huts […]

Jun 16

by Nicola in 4x4, Adventure, Dubai, Nature, Off-Road, Safari, Sunset 4 comments tags: 4x4, Adventure, bbq, BeanOn Photography, camel riding, Desert Safari, Dubai Desert, Dubai Diary, dune bashing, Exploring, Marsh Fun Travel & Tours, nature, Off-road, quad-biking, Sunset

Dubai Diary: Dubai-Desert-Safari

My Dubai Diary, a total of 4 days experiencing Dubai, a thrill-seeking 4×4 dune bashing during a Dubai-Desert-Safari. Just after 3:30pm a driver from Marsh Fun Travel & Tours picked us up and drove us, just over an hour to the desert. As they offer tailor-made itineraries, we opted to hire a 4×4 vehicle and driver for just the two of us (ooh there’s a song in that somewhere…) to avoid sharing with other tourists. Just before the 4-wheel-drive safari started, we were able to freshen up, drink tea or water while the tyres on the vehicle were deflated. A hot wind didn’t provide any relief from the 40 degree Celsius heat and 69% humidity. Durban’s mild, cool even, in comparison to Dubai. Almost 20 minutes of already dune bashing, the driver asked if we wanted to experience speed. “Yes,” I shouted excitedly. Oh how I wished I had my Suzuki Jimny – it made me ache with nostalgia, and especially crave off-roading in KwaZulu-Natal. The driver sped up to a high ridge of a dune and the vehicle had to be counter steered so as not to flip and roll down the other side. Oh so […]

Jun 13

by Nicola in Cities, Dubai, Fashion 0 comments tags: Burji Khalifa, Creek Harbour, Dubai, Dubai Festival City Mall, Fly Emirates, Middle East, Shopping, Ski Dubai, Souk Al Bahar, The Dubai Aquarium, The Dubai Mall, The Mall Of The Emirates

Dubai Diary: Travel & Shopping

My Dubai Diary, a total of 4 days experiencing Dubai, begins with travel and shopping. Travel A mild panic set in when the first leg of the train journey to Gatwick airport was delayed. It always pays to give oneself plenty of extra time when relying on rail services even from a first world country… With England’s sky more grey than blue and the wind inflicting heavy breaths of chill, I most looked forward to real heat again; a constant heat that reaches my bones. My first experience on Emirates and I’d definitely repeat it anytime, especially when the food served on board was concerned. Appetiser: Tuna salad with new potatoes and olives; Main course: Pan-fried salmon with sundried tomatoes and herb butter, saffron risotto and seasonal vegetables; Dessert: Chocolate mousse with cherry compote. And then afternoon tea: assorted reception sandwiches, scone with clotted cream and strawberry jam. Tea or coffee and unlimited complimentary alcohol for those that need it… Sounded too divine to be true but believe me when I state: This was the best food I’ve ever eaten on a Boeing. And I’ve flown on many Boeings in my lifetime. When I arrived at […]

Jun 07

St Ives in Cornwall

End of April (for my birthday), I ventured down to St Ives in Cornwall and explored the seaside town, on the coast of the Celtic Sea, and its surrounding areas (St Just, Lands End, Mousehole – don’t get me started on the pronunciation of such place – and St Michael’s Mount) for a few days. The moment the sea filled my vision when arriving at St Ives I felt my jaw drop – the stunning colours of the water caused awe to wash over me. “Is this really England?” I’d asked my friend. I’d never known England to present such exquisite beauty before. About 12 years ago I first visited Cornwall and I did not recall it to be as vividly pleasing. Unless it’s taken my eyes and mind thus long to be fully open and aware and appreciative… Another delight took place while dining at the Porthmeor Beach Café, less than a 5 minute walk from St Ives’ harbour. The heated booths outside on the balcony overlooked the beach without any interruption, and the tapas of fresh fish couldn’t have been cooked better elsewhere. The dramatic sky added to the ambiance of the place, to the […]

May 06

by Nicola in Adventure, Art, Back2Blighty, Nature, The United Kingdom 0 comments tags: Art, Back2Blighty, Boats in the woods, Bristol, England, Leigh Woods, Luke Jerram, The Clifton Suspension Bridge, The United Kingdom, Withdrawn

Leigh Woods, Bristol – Withdrawn

I’ve been back in the United Kingdom for just over two weeks now and have relished every moment discovering the new and returning to rediscover the old. I’d lost all my photographs – unrecoverable from a smashed hardrive – 11 years worth of all my adventures while living in Britain and travelling as much as possible. And now I return to capture everything with an upgraded DSLR camera and fresh pair of eyes as eager as a leopard stalking an impala. So many photographs to review, edit and upload, I don’t know where to begin. Perhaps I shall begin with one of the most fascinating discoveries of recent days… Can you imagine seeing boats in the middle of a forest? Well, they are there in the middle of Leigh Woods, Bristol – Withdrawn – an art installation by Luke Jerram. What are the boats doing in the middle of the woods? How did they get there? Why would someone put them there? Why is there no smell of the sea? What is the point? Many questions flood my brain, more than normal *wink wink*, at just the thought of viewing […]

Mar 19

by Nicola in Beach, on the Rock camera club 0 comments tags: BeanOn Photography, Durban beach front, Indian Ocean, KwaZulu-Natal, Moyo Ushaka Pier, on the Rocks camera club, Paintings by Light, South Africa, Spinning Orbs

Spinning Orbs at Moyo Ushaka Pier

This time last week On The Rocks Camera Club (OTRCC) hosted an evening of sparking, spinning orbs and paintings by light at Moyo Ushaka Pier, Durban beachfront. With the excitement spinning, moment by moment, we waited, some not so patiently, for the weather to improve; unfortunately it worsened. Spinner, Pierre Retief, one of OTRCC’s professional photographers, braved the electric storm and pelting rain to display a fantastic light fiesta. A pity about the rain as the OTRCC’s members and guests huddled in single file under the pier to capture the dampened display of dancing fire, spitting sparks and brilliant paintings by light. What a shame I didn’t have the correct lens with me to capture the entire painting by light pictures. Thank you, Pierre and OTRCC – I truly enjoyed the sparkling experience; another first for me. Should you be interested in photography and experiencing firsts then please visit OTRCC. Every monthly meeting and exciting outing is a thrilling learning experience. For more information, please find details on their website contact page here: http://otrcameraclub.wix.com/otrcameraclub#!contact/cxcd Hope to see you there!

Mar 08

by Nicola in Beach, Nature, Sunset, Umdloti beach 0 comments tags: BeanOn Photography, Blue Bottles, crabs, Indian Ocean, KwaZulu-Natal, nature, South Africa, Sunset, Umdloti, Umdloti beach, Umdloti South Beach

Umdloti crabs

What a spectacular sighting: the Umdloti crabs doing their thing at twilight; every time I’ve enjoyed a run or walk along south beach, a third of the way towards Umhlanga, they’d caught my attention. I’ve never seen these types of crabs along the north beach, and I wonder why… Last evening, with the perfect weather, I couldn’t resist taking along my camera and doing my best to capture them running in to the water, burying themselves as deep as possible in the sand when the flow of the water hits them (be prepared to get drenched in the process), and some are still in the exact same place as the water ebbs, while others tumble into the next flow of the wave. A few of them had Portuguese man o wars (aka blue bottles) wrapped around their claws and appeared to be munching on them. It proved a challenge, hence the not so sharp photos, trying to capture the little critters as they kept dancing around as if on a stage, performing for each other. The setting sun turned the sky over the ocean pink and orange and made for stunning moments worth holding on to… […]

Feb 10

Umdloti sunset and moonrise

While briskly walking along beach late afternoon, the cloud formations shouted out, get in to the sugar cane fields, up that hill and capture what’s about to be a stunning Umdloti sunset and moonrise. With my camera equipment already in my car, we tackled the tracks amidst the fields; changing to low range 4×4, we ploughed through the soft red earth and climbed to reach the peak, the ideal viewpoint. Seized by a dramatic vista – composed of Boeings flying alongside the setting sun, heading towards King Shaka Airport, Sibaya Casino to the left and the moon rising over the Indian Ocean. A basket filled with picnic food was the only thing missing…

Jan 21

by Nicola in Beach, Nature, Wildlife 0 comments tags: BeanOn Photography, Exploring, Indian Ocean, KwaZulu-Natal, Lagoon Drive, South Africa, uMhlanga Lagoon Nature Reserve, uMhlanga Rocks, Wildlife

uMhlanga Lagoon Nature Reserve

Between the M4 freeway and the Indian Ocean, on the south bank of the Ohlanga River overfilling with reed beds (hence the reason the Zulus named it uMhlanga Rocks – ‘Place of Reeds and Rocks’), one will find the uMhlanga Lagoon Nature Reserve with its entrance gate (free of charge) just past the Breakers hotel at the end of Lagoon Drive. There is a secret parking area, end of the cal-de-sac, at the entrance to the reserve. Explore a well-marked heritage trail through ancient coastal forest, along boardwalks over the river, that’s home to vervets, small buck and birds. There are benches discreetly scattered amongst picnic spots. The lush vegetation framing the blues of the ocean and golden sand is definitely worth capturing.

Dec 24

by Nicola in 4x4, Adventure, Cycling, Nature, Off-Road, Safari, Wildlife 0 comments tags: 4x4, Adventure, BeanOn Photography, Challenge, cycling, Early morning, Gwahumbe Game Reserve, Jimny, KwaZulu-Natal, Off-road, Rhino, Rugged Terrain, South Africa, Suzuki, Suzuki Jimny, Wildlife

Fancy mountain biking with a rhino?

Can you even imagine mountain biking with a rhino…? Well, unfortunately – of course I did it hoping for the ultimate experience, a beastly encounter that would make the heart drop to the foot and adrenalin force the blood to violently pump – it didn’t happen while on two wheels. After exhausting ourselves by bicycle through the spectacular Gwahumbe (Saturday morning, 13 December) a favourite private game reserve for a day visit (because of the rugged landscape, and amazingly it’s just over an hour’s dive from Durban), we jumped in to my Jimny. The climb down to the hippo pool brought us head-on with the rhino. We ensured we kept our distance, and that he was aware of our presence. A non existent exist strategy caused the brain to deal with many jumbled thoughts – in other words, we were trapped. He appeared to be relaxed, and while munching the grass on the edge of the track he glanced in our direction and moved closer and towards us. I felt my body stiffen, my heart do somersaults, goose flesh ripple all over my body the moment his nose touched, albeit it a gentle touch, the Jimny’s nudge […]

Nov 30

by Nicola in Art, Nature 1 comments tags: BeanOn Photography, Exploring, KwaZulu-Natal, Long Walk To Freedom, Marco Cianfanelli, Nelson Mandela, Nelson Mandela Capture Site, Nelson Mandela Memorial, President Jacob Zuma, Sculpture, South Africa, The Midlands Meander, The Natal Midlands, Tribute to Nelson Mandela

The Nelson Mandela Memorial

A week before the first anniversary of Mandela’s death, 6 December 2013, I visited The Nelson Mandela Memorial, at Madiba’s Capture Site for the first time. A spectacular tribute to Nelson Mandela –South Africa’s first black president died aged 95 – by artist, Marco Cianfanelli, marks the 50-year anniversary of Mandela’s “Long walk to freedom.” Upon President Jacob Zuma unveiling the artwork on the 6th of August 2012, Cianfanelli stated: “This represents the momentum gained in the struggle through the symbolic of Mandela’s capture. The 50 columns represent the 50 years since his capture, but they also suggest the idea of many making the whole; of solidarity. It points to an irony as the political act of Mandela’s incarceration cemented his status as an icon of struggle, which helped ferment the groundswell of resistance, solidarity and uprising, bringing about political change and democracy.” It is incredible how only from a certain point, about 35m before the sculpture, do the 50 steel column constructions the image of Mandela, facing west, comes in to focus. The museum takes you on a journey through the life of Mandela and his battle against Apartheid that brought about a democratic South […]