The Dutch city of Rotterdam is overshadowed by nearby popular tourist hotspot Amsterdam.
But I chose to spend my first stay in the Netherlands there, lured by the prospect of eye-catching architecture.
With its river setting spanned by graceful bridges, I discovered an attractive city which looks good from many angles. What do you think?
Oh and Rotterdam really is packed with delicious architecture – there’ll be a lot more on that next time.
Here in the UK, if the weather forecast for the next day is good, you make plans.
On this particular occasion I decided to travel from Manchester to the seaside resort of Southport for some sunshine.
It looked like the forecasters had got it wrong. Heavy clouds and the threat of rain made the Mersey coastal town look dramatic rather than calm.
But a fish and chip lunch later, the clouds shifted to make way for beautiful blue skies and had me scurrying back to Southport’s expansive beach and lengthy pier. There’s always hope even in the north of England!
The Humber Bridge, which connects East Yorkshire and Lincolnshire, is the UK’s longest single-span suspension bridge. It’s a man-made thing of beauty and wonder.
I was lucky enough to visit on a little staycation to the nearby city of Hull. You can trudge along the Humber shore for fantastic views, even walk underneath this colossal but graceful structure.
It was a quick pitstop graced by wonderful skies. I’m told the bridge looks different every time – a reason to return with my camera!
Welcome to Manchester. Here are the first photographs from my new home city. I’m living (at least for now) on Salford Quays, an old industrial area reclaimed for the 21st century and now bristling with media outlets including the BBC, high-rise residences and amenities.
The area’s waterways and gracefully illuminated bridges make this an excellent place to take both camera and tripod out for a spin after dark. It’s quiet enough to go about your photography unimpeded, while the evenings are mild – at least for now.
