Thank you to the blog East of Málaga for this monthly Photo Challenge – just click the logo above for more information about how this challenge works. You can also click this link to read their opening post for this month’s challenge: CBBH Photo Challenge
I will also be using this challenge as a way of enjoying some of my favourite photographs of the Algarve ~ and even linking you up with some other blog posts you might enjoy that we have written previously. So here goes…
Looking Up
is the title of this month’s Challenge ~ and here are the photos that I have chosen to represent this theme:
Looking Up …steps!
We are always on the lookout for a new angle or a new way of viewing things ~ and often crouching down (or even lying on the floor!) and looking up is the only way to go! If there are steps to be found, you can be sure that we will try to use them to ‘lead you’ into a photograph:
The picture above was from our post D is for Doors if you would like to see more shots like this one!
Looking up … inside buildings!
Roofs and interiors of buildings – especially churches – fascinate me. I love the film What Dreams May Come – there is a scene where they are in an upturned cathedral like building, walking on the upturned roof inside – it was quite something! Very gothic and mysterious. So I always look up in a church and imagine it as another room …
Sometimes it can be quite a shock to look up in a church! This shot is from the Capela dos Ossos or ‘Chapel of Bones’ in Faro – to find out more about this church you will need to read our post Don’t Rush Away from Faro
Looking Up … into the sky!
The only way to take decent shots of birds in flight is to be very patient! Oh – and having a good camera lens helps too! I love this shot that Dave took of a seagull in flight – so majestic and commanding on the wing.
Fans of this blog will know that we adore the White Storks that nest all around here on chimney stacks and high buildings – I love this shot as it seems as if even the Stork is thinking ‘Crikey, it’s a long way down!’ For more about the birds of the Algarve check out our post B is for Birds
Looking Up … outside!
Sometimes the best angle is the one that looks straight up ~ and in the Algarve with a shot like this you are almost always guaranteed a blue sky for a dramatic background.
And sometimes looking up introduces you to new people ~ like this delightful local lady from Silves who was very happy to have her photograph taken!
Looking Up … at the sun!
A rare shot of me for you on the blog – enjoying the sunshine! This was taken in the depths of winter too!
And I leave you with a fab shot of the sunset that we enjoy from our balcony window - it’s stunningly beautiful.
And here’s a link to two of my favourite blogs – both of whom use really great photos to illustrate their writing ~ and might even be up for the challenge of joining us every month – who knows?!
My Sardinian Life – La Mia Vita Sarda ~ well written, interesting and informative writing
Julie Dawn Fox in Portugal ~ more well researched, real-life writing about life in Portugal
And don’t forget to check out the blog East of Málaga for more information about this monthly Photo Challenge.
What a fantastic start to the CBBH Challenge you have made, Alyson! I´d be hard pressed to say which of your photos is my favourite, as they are all stunning.
We drove across to Portugal a couple of years ago and spent a four or five days travelling the length of the Algarve coast. I was particularly impressed with the gorgeous golden sandy beaches. Faro was very interesting and I have some similar shots to you, taken from the tower of the Cathedral, as well as the extraordinary storks and their nests!
I was particularly interested in your photograph of the “Chapel of Bones”, which reminded me of our visit to Choeung Ek (better known as The Killing Fields) in Cambodia earlier this year, where there is glass monument to the victims of the Khmer Rouge, containing over 9,000 skulls.
I´m already familiar with Jennifer´s blog at My Sardinian Life, but I´ll hop straight over to Julie´s place right now, and say HELLO!
Well done!
Marianne
thanks very much Marianne! glad you like them
we hope to explore the western borders of Spain some day too … so I am avidly reading your blog for ideas and locations…
if you are ever heading our way again – give us a shout!
I will do that – and likewise if you are ever East of Málaga!
On another note – have you seen the article I have posted today about the cost of living?
thanks!
yes had a quick look but will have a proper read in the morning – gasped in astonishment at how cheap your electricity is!!
Thank you kindly for the wonderful shout-out! Virtual hugs your way! These photos are amazing, I just love the blue door! I wonder what’s behind it…
you’re welcome! you think the same thoughts as me – I’d love to explore inside the house too! ….
Wonderful variety of photos displaying the theme, looking up. Thank you for sharing.
BE ENCOURAGED! BE BLESSED!
thank you – glad you like them!
A terrific post. Great series of images that make me want to look up!
thank you! remember to keep looking forward too – I’ve been known to bump into things/people before now when I have a camera in my hands!
What beautiful photos! I love the one of you just drinking in the sunshine! You have the most sublime expression!
The idea of “looking up” and capturing interesting angles and perspectives is such a beautiful metaphor for how we might live a balanced life! I really enjoyed your photos! Debra
blimey thanks Debra – I don’t think anyone has ever described me as sublime before! I like it!!!
glad you like the photos
Nicely done Alyson. I’ve enjoyed each one of them
thank you! I’m looking forward to next months’ challenge theme already
I like the one looking up at the vaulted church ceiling best, Aly. Wonderful angle. Are these all Dave’s shots? Happy for you that you have an up and coming exhibition.
thanks Jo! if you hover over the pics you can see which of us took each one … and yay mine’s the vaulted ceiling
!!!
exhibition coming around a bit quick – so I’m busy painting!!! ….
Congrats! I have just nominated you for an award…
stop by CTB and get all the details
http://canadiantravelbugs.wordpress.com/2012/08/26/awards-x-2/
wow! thank you so much – and such a pretty award too (wish I could eat them!!!)
Mee too! Yum!
Congrats… well deserved.
Pingback: CBBH Photo Challenge: Looking up at Portugal « Julie Dawn Fox in Portugal
Thanks again, Aly for tagging me on this one. I love your photos, and Dave’s of course! Here’s my effort: http://wp.me/pWYDB-B5
great! thought you might enjoy it – off to have a look now!