Sunday 16 October 2011

Durga Puja - A festival of colour









Durga Puja has just finished in Kolkata and was an amazing riot of colour and sound. The festival worships Durga every year in one of the most spectacular events of the year. Months of work are required to complete increasingly elaborate idols representing Durga. Each community places these idols in temporary houses called Pandals or in the case of the wealthy, an idol will be placed in the house.

The festival moves beyond the worship of the goddess and is now a time to catch up with friends and family, buy new clothes, share food and gossip with friends. The city grinds to a halt and heaves with traffic and people all scrambling to see the newest and best Pandal.

At the end of the festival the idols are returned to the river in a lively emersion ceremony. 

Thursday 13 October 2011

Pandalmania at Durga Puja


Durga Puja is Kolkata's largest festival for the year. It is a celebration of the Goddess Durga but also an opportunity to get together with friends and family.

Images of Durga are made for months before being placed in elaborate pandal's. These are temporary structures made for the festival in each neighbourhood. Some are as elaborate like a castle while others more modest. Despite the heat everyone takes to the streets and strolls around to each pandal admiring the artistry and paying their respects. Those who are wealthy have an image in their home. At the end of the festival the image is given back to the River Hooghly in an elaborate ceremony on the ghats.

Sunday 11 September 2011

Saint Basil's Cathedral - Moscow.

One of the highlights for any visit to Moscow is Saint Basil's Cathedral in Moscow. It is easily one of the most recognisable buildings in Russia. Certainly as you walk across the Red Square, Saint Basil's can't help but catch your eye. Such a unique style of architecture and striking colours.




While not as spectacular perhaps as the outside it is fascinating to take a tour inside Saint Basil's. There are excellent audio guides to explain how each addition was made to the Cathedral. One of the highlights was listening to the choir singing.


Saturday 10 September 2011

Penguins - Simons Town - South Africa

Simons Town is a small coastal village just out of Cape Town in South Africa. The most remarkable things living in Simons Town are the colony of African Penguins. Most of us have a fascination with these beauties. Here on the beach you can see the penguins walking in and out of the water and get a close up of their lives.

For more the story and photographs on Cape Town see the ZeeGlobe website.










Sunday 21 August 2011

Monday 11 July 2011

Szechenyi Bath and Spa - Budapest


Szechenyi Spa Baths from ZeeGlobe on Vimeo.

Szechenyi Baths and Spa are some of the oldest in Budapest a town renowned for it's thermal waters. This complex first began on this site in Pest in 1881 and has obviously been added to and renovated since then. You can come along and enjoy the pools or have a spa treatment. One of the most popular features is to come and play chess while sitting in the pool.

Berlin - A City reborn

It is no news to the global art world that Berlin has been not so slowly rebuilding. Cheap prices and a blank canvas has made this one of the worlds artist melting spots. At every turn there are creative buildings, sculptural works, art galleries and tributes to the past.

Just one example is  Molecule Man, the work American artist Jonathan Borosky. Said to represent unity and wholeness.
What remains of the wall itself has become a work of art, particularly the section known as the Eastside Gallery. Artists from all over the world have celebrated the fall of the wall.

Architects have also had a creative hand in rebuilding and created symbols of unity. This bridge behind the new Bridge over the River Spree joining East and West.

Modern Berliners have been setting up clubs and pubs anywhere in recent years - many of the clubs have now become infamous and set the pace internationally. An example of making the most of things is the beach bars the are all over the city. Grab a cold beer and deck chair and relax almost anywhere but many are beside the river

Tuesday 5 July 2011

White nights in Saint Petersburg

Before arriving and experiencing the white nights for myself I was wondering what it might be like. What does it look like? Daylight 24x7? How does it make you feel? So now having been to Saint Petersburg and experienced the white nights - I too now struggle to describe it. The skies are not in perpetual midday light. However it stays feeling like daylight til midnight and then it feels like twilight. The sky turns a lovely dark blue which is an amazing backdrop to the illuminated buildings.

People feel more energised than is typical for night so you find yourself joining people for a stroll around the city. As its summer the cooler evenings make for a more pleasant walk anyway. Many of the cities museums have gotten into the spirit and you can for example climb up to the platform of Saint Isaacs Cathedral at 2am. 

Tuesday 21 June 2011

The House of Terror - Budapest


There are not too many museums that move participants to tears but the House of Terror in Budapest, is certainly one of them. This well thought of museum presents this building's horrific history and indeed the history of Hungarian people very well. It tells of the two worst periods on last century - the Nazi Occupation and then the Russian reign that followed. Scenes of death and destruction and survivors testimonies will live long after you leave. Beware though the scenes are graphic so not suitable for a day out with the kids.

Monday 13 June 2011

The Hagia Sofia - an architectural marvel



Hagia Sofia, Istanbul Turkey from ZeeGlobe on Vimeo.
The Hagia Sofia has spent its long history (360 AD) as a church, mosque and now justifiably famous museum. Unlike its neighbour The Blue Mosque, which has equal beauty inside and out, the real treasure of this building lies within. In a true blend of religions and era's you can see Islamic features and also incredible mosaics.

Sweeping interiors in the Blue Mosque - Istanbul



The Blue Mosque, Istanbul from ZeeGlobe on Vimeo.
The Blue Mosque or Sultan Ahmed Mosque is one of ZeeGlobe's Top 5 Religious Sites of the World. Justifiably so as the 20,000 blue tiles and high domes make this a magic building in anyone's terms. It is also a working mosque so an opportunity to see the daily life in a mosque. The courtyard is also full of local people taking a break. In the evening friends, families and lovers take a seat in the park and appreciate the impressive exterior as well.

Thursday 9 June 2011

Renting a car in South Africa

On a recent trip to South Africa I had to make the decision on how to get around. My destination was Cape Town and as I was finding public transport is not readily available. This leaves two options - join a tour or rent a car. The roads are excellent so there is no problem driving. A few tips will help though.

  • Never leave anything in your car. This includes warm jumpers as windows have been smashed to get hold of much needed clothing in winter
  • Warning. At the lights its typical for people to approach you trying to sell things - generally they mean no harm but don't be surprised
  • Doors automatically lock once you are in the car. This feature is enabled on all South African cars
  • Four way stops are typical at intersections. Its a first come first serve basis.
  • Cracking a window slightly gives it more strength should someone try to smash it
  • Around the townships there will be people crossing the freeway. Watch out particularly at night as they are difficult to see.

The Blue Mosque, Istanbul

The Blue Mosque in Istanbul is rated in ZeeGlobe's Top 5 Religious Sites.

This video shows the magnificent colours and also just how tall the building is. The formal name for this mosque is the Sultanahmet Mosque which was built in 1616 with the aim to be more impressive than the Hagia Sofia. Some 20,000 blue tiles were used to create this ceiling. Giving the mosque its impressive shades of blue and its name the Blue Mosque.



The Blue Mosque, Istanbul from ZeeGlobe on Vimeo.

Saturday 4 June 2011

Turkish hospitality in Cappadocia

Looking for a hotel in Cappadocia with a local flavour?  Goreme is a bustling town in the heart of some of the most unique landscape you're likely to experience. Faruk Keles at the Kismet Cave Hotel is a tireless host with a cheeky sense of humour, which will be sure to make your stay enjoyable. All activities and transport can be arranged from the hotel including car hire, balloon rides or private tours.

Tuesday 24 May 2011

Cape Town - The Gardens area

If you are looking for something a little special in Cape Town I would look to stay at The Four Mosmead in Oranjezicht - nestled in the foothills on Table Mountain you can wake up to views across the mountain out one window and the city out the other. An intimate hotel with only eight individually crafted rooms you know as soon as you step in the door that you're in for an experience. The area is a residential area with loads of upmarket restaurants within easy reach and the staff can always order food in for you. There is no restaurant but you have plenty of options in safe walking distance. Try Societi Bistro an atmospheric bistro that every neighbourhood should have.

Going to Africa and need a safari lens? Rent one

On my recent safari to Africa I went through what must be a typical decision about what to do with a lens. A previous safari to Sri Lanka made me realise my 70-200mm while being wonderful didn't have the reach. However how often do you really need a 400mm (unless of course you specialise in wildlife). So on the recommendation of a friend I used Lens Rental  a company based in Johannesburg, South Africa. The service is amazing and they will meet you at the airport if, like me you are heading out to Botswana or elsewhere in Africa. I rented the 100-400mm Canon and found it to be excellent. It was as Paul warned me a little slow on my 5D Mark II but it worked.

Sunday 22 May 2011

Old fashioned hospitality in The Marine Hotel, Hermanus, South Africa

If you are coming to South Africa to watch the amazing whales in August / September and looking for somewhere to stay look no further than The Marine in Hermanus. This elegant art deco hotel overlooks the bay which becomes a display of whales that has to be seen to be believed. Reputedly the best land based whale watching in the world you can see these whales from the comfort of your room if you are so inclined. Make sure you enjoy the locally caught seafood in the restaurant.

Friday 20 May 2011

Photography tour in Cape Town

Are you a keen photographer and visiting Cape Town in South Africa? If so, you must join James Gradwell at Photography Tours SA for a very personal and unique experience. With ultimate flexibility you can be picked up or use your own hire car which makes it a stress free experience. With years of experience as a safari guide and a passionate photographer James can take you to all the secret locations in his home town to find wildlife within an easy drive. Don't waste time wondering which the best angle to capture the sunset is - ask the local photographer.

Wednesday 27 April 2011

Day-In Day-Out by Carl Valiquet

Carl Valiquet's latest production is an amazing short film about the struggle of those who perform hard labour in Indonesia. Brilliantly put together using a combination of still photographs and film this piece of work takes you right there. Set with recordings made on location you can feel the effort through the screen on every heave.

Take a look at the results http://vimeo.com/22462024

Thursday 21 April 2011

Orto - Hot new restaurant in Sydney

If you haven't already been down try the latest hot dining experience in Surry Hills, Sydney. It is Orto the newest sensation from the team at Baffi and Mo's in Redfern. The cool and hip are already pouring in and reviews are great. Go check it out

Tuesday 19 April 2011

Photo competition

ZeeGlobe has just entered its first international photo competition. Please go and take a look and vote for some of the photos. Feel free to comment if you have any suggestions or feedback
http://www.3rdwardopencall.com/ZeeGlobe

Saturday 16 April 2011

Hawkes Bay - New Zealand

Hawkes Bay is a well kept New Zealand food and wine destination. Home to wineries such as Te Mata, CJ Pask, Esk Estate, Elephant Hill and Craggy Range to name but a few. A good destination for enjoying the local wine & food. Try Mangapapa Lodge for a boutique hotel experience