Welcome to Part Two of my photo Journey
In this blog posting I have decided to share some of my favorite photo memories by regions and countries. We are going to continue this nostalgic journey with some of my favorite photographs from Mexico and Beyond.
Part One can be viewed at the following link: PART ONE OF PHOTO MEMORIES
In this blog posting PART TWO: PHOTO MEMORIES FROM MEXICO AND BEYOND: LAURA'S PHOTO JOURNEY we will continue our journey and we will be visiting the countries of New Zealand, Australia, Portugal and Spain. So buckle up and here we go!
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NEW ZEALAND
I fell in love with New Zealand and its people, the culture, and the traditions. And the Coromandel Peninsula with its wonderful chardonnay wine was definitely not hard duty!
The Coromandel Peninsula on the North Island of New Zealand extends 85 kilometres north from the western end of the Bay of Plenty, forming a natural barrier protecting the Hauraki Gulf and the Firth of Thames in the west from the Pacific Ocean to the east. It is approximately 25 miles wide at its broadest point. Got it?
In addition, it had awesome street art and I was totally captivated.
A native Maoris dance demonstration at the Auckland Museum.
An Ostrich we met in Rotorua, New Zealand. Now that is one tall bird!
Sunset at Russel on the Bay of Island, North Island, New Zealand.
Pahi Beach on the North Island of New Zealand.
And to top it all off, more great street art as seen in New Zealand.
AUSTRALIA
Landing on Sand Island in Australia. What an incredible memory!
In Australia it's a good idea to watch out for everything including crocodiles, flightless birds, and other wildlife that can only be found in Australia.
I loved the road signs in Australia including this sign warning it was a Cassowary crossing and to be on the lookout.
The southern cassowary is the third tallest and second heaviest living bird and smaller only than the ostrich and emu. Check out mama bird's offspring!
Embracing the awesome "down under" beauty of Australia.
The lighthouse in Byron Bay, New South Wales, Australia
They grow them big in New South Wales, Australia!
PORTUGAL
Portugal is a southern European country on the Iberian Peninsula bordering Spain. Its location on the Atlantic Ocean has influenced many aspects of its culture: salt cod and grilled sardines are national dishes. The Algarve's beaches are a major destination and much of the nation’s architecture dates to the 1500s–1800s when Portugal had a powerful maritime empire.
Quinta da Regaleira in Sintra, Portugal is simply gorgeous! Quinta da Regaleira is an estate located near the historic center of Sintra, Portugal and is classified as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO within the "Cultural Landscape of Sintra."
It was chilly, but totally worth the visit to Portugal and I would love to return one day.
The Sintra-Cascais Natural Park is a park on the Portuguese Riviera, one of the 13 Natural Parks of Portugal. While only established in 1994 as a Natural Park by the Portuguese Government, it has been protected since 1981.
Hiking through the Parque das Merendas before visiting the Castelo dos Mouros Castle of the Moors was definitely a lovely work out.
Just look at this castle constructed by the Moors before the arrival of the Christians in Sintra, Portugal. This was one serious fortress.
Lovely countryside to be enjoyed on the road from Lisbon to Spain.
SPAIN
Seville Cathedral in Seville, Spain and the Torre (Tower) Giralda which is a bell tower. One of my favorite photographs.
I fell in love with the culture, the history, and the people of Spain and gave it two thumbs up as you can see in this photography.
Spain has a very social culture and you could see multi generations of friends and family enjoying themselves.
Lovely caballos (horses) are just waiting for the visitor and local alike to take a trot around Seville! The white horses are the famous Andalusian breed of Spain.
Mick Jagger and Keith Richards singing from a balcony in Seville. Don't you love it!
The cured ham of Seville is the main choice for dinner. Check out the wall image on the left for a laugh.
Holy Week in Seville, Spain
The exterior of the Cathedral of Seville, Spain with its flying buttresses and the famous orange trees of Spain.
Ready for the flamenco photo shoot in Seville, Spain. Another one of my favorite photos and she didn't charge me for the privilege. Muchas gracias, senorita!
Can't get the man away from the Golden Arches even in Seville, Spain!
In closing I don't think these words could not be more true and I am happy I took a photo of this sign in Portugal.
Laura and her Mexico flag on the balcony waiting to be blown away.
With my sincere thanks for your joining me on my Blog Journey. Until next time, wishing you well and safe travels wherever the road may take you. Saludos, Laura
