marketplace

Little bits of Croatia

/ mikeosbornphoto / 19 Comments

Croatia is a stunningly attractive country, with a long coastline along the Adriatic Sea. When the waters and the sky are blue, it’s undoubtedly a magnificent sight. But exploring the towns and islands of the south, there is more to see.

The buildings sometimes have a faded grandeur, while lines of washing hang proudly in the sleepy back streets and signs point to little tavernas. The markets are always groaning with fresh local produce, bringing colour to the old stones of Dalmatia.

This is just a small collection of the details I found in enticing places including Korcula and Makarska. If you haven’t already visited Croatia, you simply must.

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Market bustle

/ mikeosbornphoto / 6 Comments

Mauritius is not just an island of dreamy azure seas and golden sands. Venture to the Indian Ocean republic’s capital, Port Louis, and it’s a lively place where people go about their daily business like any other.

The central market is the place to visit, thronging with people and groaning with produce. Some of the floorspace is given over to Mauritian handicrafts made for tourists, and as a European visitor you’ll have several offers to visit stalls with vanilla, spices and fake t-shirts.

The fruit and vegetable market is an irresistible draw and bustling with activity. The two shots above show this frenetic life, smeared with colour and movement.

I chose a muted scheme for the photograph below, and like the story it tells – the stall on the left shows little movement apart from the owner glancing at his much busier rival. Why is everyone going to buy their goods there?

Sometimes you only notice these little stories in a frame long after you have taken it. While I’m not always very comfortable with documenting life and people, sometimes the rewards are richer, wouldn’t you say?