Tag Archives: cruise ship

November 6, 2013 · 5:35 am

Dancing ‘Round Dubrovnik

Dubrovnik, Croatia

Stepping through the Pile Gate entrance to the walled Old Town portion of Dubrovnik is a bit like stepping back into the Renaissance. The architecture is very reminiscent of Italy during that period. Once inside you’ll be greeted by tall, elegant spires and great cathedral domes.

Dubrovnik, Croatia

On the other side of the walled city you exit out to the small boat harbor and great views of the walled fortifications that once protected Dubrovnik.

Dubrovnik, Croatia

Returning inside the walls you’ll find narrow streets with some great people scenes and, of course, that wonderfully colorful ubiquitous European laundry underlining interesting shutters and windows.

Dubrovnik, Croatia

Click on any image below to bring up today’s slideshow.

Dubrovnik, Croatia

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Filed under Photography, travel

Tagged as Croatia, cruise ship, Dubrovnik, Holland America, MS Ryndam, photography, R. Doug Wicker, travel

November 4, 2013 · 5:35 am

Climbing Above Kotor

Kotor, Montenegro, is one of the most picturesque destinations I’ve ever had the privilege of photographing. If the terra cotta roofs, tall church spires, outdoor cafés, and great architectural details aren’t enough for you, then try trekking to the fortifications that ring the city from above.

Kotor, Montenegro

Just how high does this ring of fortification extend above Kotor? Below is a nighttime view of the lighted walls, watchtowers, and forts that oversee this ancient city surrounded by high mountains. The highest point is a climb of over 830 feet ((over 250 meters) along some very steep and treacherous footing and less-than-friendly stone steps.

Kotor, Montenegro

Ursula and I didn’t make the trek all the way to the top, as it didn’t appear to me that the photographic opportunities were going to be appreciably better beyond the chapel located just under the halfway mark for the climb.

Kotor, Montenegro

We stopped at this point, marveled at the views, took some photos, gave some tips to other photographers, and headed back toward the Old Town.

But don’t feel the need to make this moderately difficult climb, as the images awaiting you inside the walled portion of Old Town Kotor are already reward enough.

Kotor, Montenegro

Now for today’s photo gallery. Click on any image below to bring up the slideshow.

Kotor, Montenegro

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Filed under Photography, travel

Tagged as cruise ship, Holland America, Kotor, Montenegro, MS Ryndam, photography, R. Doug Wicker, travel

November 1, 2013 · 5:35 am

Corresponding on Corfu

Corfu Storefront

Two ports in two days — Katakalon/Olympia was reached only one day after we embarked from, and Corfu followed the day after that. This cruise had a busy beginning, as immediately after that we also stopped at the ports of Kotor, Montenegro; and Dubrovnic, Croatia. Hiking-wise, Ursula and I were averaging six or more miles a day for the first four days.

Corfu Café

The Greek island of Corfu sits only a mile or two off the shore of Albania, but the residents are most assuredly all Greek. The landscape is dotted with Greek Orthodox churches, including the impressive tower that marks St. Spyridon Church.

St. Spyridon Church

In the Old Town section — which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site — you’ll find a maze of charming, narrow backstreets.

Corfu Side Street

Many of this backstreets will offer the photographer the opportunity to capture that prototypical European sight (and one of my favorite subjects) of laundry suspended above the narrow expanse.

Laundry Corfu-Style

By the way, the following shot was taken from one of two fortresses overlooking Corfu. Take the time to make the trek to at least the Old Fortress — the lower of the two — to capture some great scenery.

Corfu as Seen from the Old Fort

Corfu is a great place to take some really fun shots of everything from quaint shops and charming cafés to nifty architectural details such as shutter-framed windows and ancient wooden doors. Below are some examples of what I mean (click on any image below to bring up today’s slideshow). Next week you’ll see more of the transatlantic adventure we started on Saturday, October 19, out of Piraeus, Greece.