Travel

David’s Birthday Cruise

Posted on September 6, 2012 by Mark

Pimm’s ahoy! We all piled onto a barge at Boothstown marina in Salford and went on a cruise for David’s birthday. There was a party on board, with booze, bumps and bridges along the way. We whistled at hunky firemen and scared the ducks. Almost a perfect day!

Secret Doors of the World

Posted on August 30, 2012 by Mark

Little House, Oia, Santorini, Greece.

I’ve found myself in some strange places. Camera in hand, partner and tourists rolling their eyes: it’s a door. Why is that man taking pictures of a door? I love the stuff that other people walk straight past.

Rusting door, Castlefield, Manchester

It’s the mystery, the history, the peeling paint and the rust. Forgotten locks and handles, or maybe some overwrought filigree. To me, the texture of weathered neglect is beautiful.

Weathered wall and iron gates, Santorini, Greece

When the sleeve gets tugged I say ‘Go and flick through Facebook in the café – I’ve found something fascinating…’ There are hidden wonders to be found if you wander from the beaten track.

Haçienda, Barcelona

Coming back from Parc Güell above Barcelona, I spotted this charming little haçienda and in my mind, I bought it and moved in straight away.

Fantastic Art Nouveau shop door, Brussels.

As beautiful as Brussels is, I could have spent all day in Grote Markt and missed this elaborate example of Art Nouveau architecture which was hiding down a side street. I stopped the traffic to get this shot, while the horns hooted.

Categories: Photography, Random, Travel, Vibe Monitor | Tags: architecture, Barcelona, Brussels, Doors, Greece, Greek Island, iPhoto, Oia, Photoshop, Santorini, Spain | 34 Comments

Canal Motif

Posted on August 20, 2012 by Mark

These pictures are taken from a canal-boat cruise from Boothstown to Wigan in the North of England. The legacy of Britain’s industrial past glided by, full of rust and texture. There was wildlife in the undergrowth, the banks overgrown with character (and pubs.) We had a birthday party on board and almost demolished the barge, which was eventually confiscated by the owners. Even our picnic table collapsed beneath us as we moored at a local watering hole. All told, a wonderful day, Pimm’s on the boat – terribly English!

Magical Mystery Tour

Posted on August 7, 2012 by Mark

It’s a magical mystery tour! My new About page has been completely redesigned as a visual map of my blog. Just click on the goose, it’s the best way to explore…

Categories: Art, Design, Music, Photography, Travel | Tags: About, blog, Blogging, Mark Wallis, The Vibes | 4 Comments

Mount Olympus: Origin of the Olympic Ideal

Posted on July 25, 2012 by Mark

Home of the gods and the origin of the Olympic ideal. Mount Olympus was the seat of Zeus, and the games were held in his honour at Olympia. A permanent crown of angry clouds reign above the peaks, ample inspiration for legends and myth.

I’ve stood at the foot of this mountain gazing in awe, wondering if Spielberg was inspired by such an imposing view. You can imagine how the ancient Greeks saw gods in these clouds.

Exploring the mountain itself is an adventure: wild boar bigger than cars, shrines, snakes and giant waterfalls.

In the shadow of the mountain is a museum, containing art, jewellery and sculpture so sophisticated you would think it was crafted in modern times. Walking round with my mouth open, I was amazed at how advanced ancient Greek culture was. It’s easy to see how this was the cradle of modern civilisation.

Greek culture is rich and colourful, and wandering from Mount Olympus down to Olympic Beach you can see how a different kind of deity dominates. The churches have brightly decorated interiors, adorned with icons, murals and relics.

If there isn’t a church to hand, there are shrines everywhere. Even on the beach!

We finally found some holy wine…(don’t run, Panos!)

Angela Merkel was spotted swimming in the sea…

Greece is a wonderful country which I’ve visited many times. Unfortunately Germany is hell-bent on destroying this proud nation, imposing draconian sanctions on the people, causing widespread poverty and suffering. For some bizarre reason, the western media portrays the Greek people as deserving of punishment, and nothing could be more wrong. The people unfairly pay the price of their corrupt government (Spain and Italy seem exempt from similar penalties: I mean, really. Italy!) As Sea Monster Merkel spies oil in the Greek sea, you can rest assured she will make the nation a slave to her appetites.

Despite the economic upheaval, tourism is alive and well, and you can support the Greek people by taking your vacation there. Take a look at my trip to idyllic Santorini here.