Exploring Archives - Page 3 of 4

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 […]

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.

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 […]

Sep 23

by Nicola in 4x4, Adventure, Nature, Off-Road 4 comments tags: 4x4, Adventure, BeanOn Photography, Challenge, Exploring, Highest Pub in Africa, Jimny, KwaZulu-Natal, Off-road, Rugged Terrain, Sani Pass, South Africa, Suzuki Jimny

Sani Pass adventure

A first I’d never driven a vehicle up Sani Pass – experienced it a few times as a passenger and even walked it a couple of years ago in just over 2.5 hours – and couldn’t wait to experience the thrill in my Jimny. Well, it turned in to more than a Sani Pass adventure anyone could have bargained for. Road trip With the day off from work on Friday, we departed mid-morning for Mkomazana Mountain Cottages where we spent two nights enjoying a log fire and freshly baked scones (best scones ever tasted) brought to us first thing on both mornings – the closest accommodation before San Pass, about 3kms on dirt road after the Sani Pass Hotel. Replenish At Himeville Arms we relished a late lunch and took pleasure in stretching our legs after almost a 2.5 hours drive. If only we’d driven 500m past Himeville Arms where we discovered a quaint café with outdoor seating – it appeared new and fresh and worth a visit, which we did the following day for lunch. Definitely worth it and even offered traditional home-style cooking such as bobotie. Rustic yet comfortable Upon dumping our […]

Jul 28

by Nicola in 4x4, Adventure, Nature, Off-Road 2 comments tags: 4x4, Adventure, BeanOn Photography, Exploring, Jimny, Off-road, Rugged Terrain, Suzuki

#ResistanceIsFutile

Another warmest thank-you to both Suzuki Pinetown (“the best dealership in town”) and Travis from Shift Group for a spectacular 4×4 adventure at Nkonka Lodge this past Sunday, 27 July, 2014. 10x Jimnys, 3x Grand Vitaras, 1x Sx4 and the 1 x unmentionable – at least the chaps at Suzuki see it as a challenge to convert the so called “traitor” – all met at the Pinetown dealership for coffee and muffins first thing, and in convoy made our way to the farm. Almost every 10 minutes, just after taking the Richmond turnoff, I longed to stop and capture the beauty in panoramic form; however, I also couldn’t wait to venture off road and explore the unknown. How many time do I need mention: #ResistanceIsFutile? After about an hour’s drive, 20 minutes on gravel, beneath the perfect blue African sky, the sun heating up by the minute, we reached the extensive land surrounding Nkonka Lodge. Land that could not deliver more stunning vistas set in the virgin terrain of the Umkomaas Valley in KwaZulu-Natal, just outside Richmond, en route to Pietermaritzburg. After a pit-stop to quench thirsts and absorb the stunning beauty near the river, we set off deeper in to the bushveld […]

Apr 13

by Nicola in 4x4, Adventure, Nature, Off-Road, Wildlife 0 comments tags: 4x4, Adventure, BeanOn Photography, Early morning, Exploring, KwaZulu-Natal, Off-road, Rugged Terrain, Tala Private Game Reserve, Wildlife

Tala Private Game Reserve

Tala Private Game Reserve, a stunning wildlife sanctuary, amidst green sugarcane fields, is only a 30 minute drive from the Mariannhill Toll Plaza, Pinetown, KwaZulu-Natal. Stuart Hicove purchased the cattle ranch in 1988 and then turned it into a game ranch that stretches 3200ha and is home to white rhino, giraffe, blue wildebeest, kudu, eland, nyala, sable, waterbuck, reedbuck, common duiker, warthog and a large variety of bird species. The serenity, quietness – wildlife sounds – is an instant dose of calmness; a temporary reprieve from everyday turbulence. Day visitors are welcome, and a nominal entrance fee is payable at the gate. Office hours: 7:00am to 5:00pm Gate times: 7:00am to 7:00pm (Summer) 7:00am to 5:00pm (Winter) Guides are available for game drives and bush walks. There are picnic sites overlooking the rock pool and a restaurant at the main lodge.

Feb 03

Only in Africa

The ultimate beach-and-bush experience en route to Cape Vidal via the iSimangaliso Wetland Park World Heritage Site, Greater St Lucia. Stunning vistas of grasslands; greetings by zebra and kudu along the side of the road en route to the beach, where a beautiful, unspoilt bay awaits, beckons to be explored beneath its electric blue surface and then a grand farewell by two rhinos still with their horns attached, followed by a munching warthog. Honestly, what more could a visitor wish for? Once again, only in Africa!

Dec 16

Amakhosi Private Game Reserve

The day after Mauritius, from 14th – 17th December, I retreated to the middle of the bushveld at the stunning Amakhosi Private Game Reserve, on the banks of Zululand’s Mkuze River. Surrounded by thick bushland, wetlands and mountains makes for spectacular vistas from one of the six luxurious river suites I stayed in, and found a challenge departing from. The entire five-star experience – from the welcoming staff, the sensory cuisine, the game drives, the landscape, the animal sightings, the noises of the bush, the smells and the packed lunch given to you upon farewell – had you feeling like royalty; an experience fit for a king. It was worth driving 4.5 hours from Durban to Pongola, and I plan to visit again sometime in the next few years.

Dec 13

Le Touessrok, Mauritius

From the 7th – 13th December, I relinquished my senses to sun, sea and sand amongst private, pristine beaches along Mauritius’ east coast. Their website describes the luxurious five-star hotel, Le Touessrok, as “…one of the world’s great romantic resorts.” I couldn’t agree more – a zenith of tropical bliss. An encounter that led to a blissful blur… No two other words perfectly capture the idyllic, paradisal utopia… With views of the tranquil Trou d’Eau Douce Bay, the resort lies on a stunning stretch of white sandy coast. Within the lagoon are two islands Ilot Mangénie and Ile aux Cerfs, with hospitable staff awaiting your arrival. The resort boasts an 18-hole championship golf course, one of the best in Mauritius. Startling. Staggering. Dramatic. A sensory shock; all senses awakened, like a jolt of lightening bursting through an ink-black sky.

Nov 30

by Nicola in Black & White, Nature 0 comments tags: BeanOn Photography, Black & White Photography, Exploring, Flowers, Garden, KwaZulu-Natal, nature, Plants, South Africa

Colour-less

I enjoyed a stroll through a garden with my camera in hand, poised, ready for action; inspired by everything around me, I couldn’t resist shooting black and white – a colour-less world – to capture the dull, wet day… ANON: These are beautiful images, I have always personally thought that “Black and White” photography shows the true character and nature of things. Somehow light and shadow seem to intensify and define themselves much better. I enjoy these images, and hope to see more on your website soon. BeanOn: Thank you for enjoying these images. Some things definitely demand to be captured in black and white, as you mentioned, highlight (excuse the pun) shadows and definition and turn something ordinary into something that’s worth appreciating.

Oct 29

by Nicola in Adventure, Nature 0 comments tags: BeanOn Photography, Exploring, Getaway Magazine, Giba Gorge, Hi-Tec, Hiking, KwaZulu-Natal, nature, Pinetown, Quarry, Rugged Terrain, South Africa

Getaway Magazine and Hi-Tec at Giba Gorge

About 50 of us joined Getaway magazine and the Hi-Tec crew for a half-day hike at Giba Gorge on Sunday, 27 October. What a stunning trail through the peaceful new and old-growth forests with spraying waterfalls and inspiring vistas – to the top, high above the N3 freeway where it suddenly turned dangerous climbing in the pouring rain; not for the fainthearted!