Shadow Shot Sunday 200 - Nice

Something dramatic for my 200th shadow shot - late afternoon in May looking over the beach in Nice from La Promenade des Anglais.....I started contributing back in 2008 when I was living in Mexico City with this shot taken in the beautiful colonial town of San Miguel de Allende in Mexico....

Both are shadow paintings - painting in light and shadow....For more shadow shots this week, click HERE for Shadow Shot Sunday. Enjoy!

Imperia - Weekending on the Ligurian Coast...

This is November on the Ligurian Coast in Italy - just a short train ride away from Nice and the French Riviera. Imperia is a beautiful resort consisting of two distinct old towns Porto Maurizo and Oneglio linked by none other than Mussolini into the Imperia of today.....originially planned as his HQ to take over N.Africa...and the rest of the world...

Today Imperia is a beautiful location for a relaxing weekend as it has small sea-view hotels, scenic harbours, cosy trattorias, and in November an olive oil festival accompanied by gourmet food stalls and special menus on offer from local restaurants amidst a vibrant and friendly atmosphere...

And what's more there is a string of such lovely places along this stretch of the Ligurian Coast....What are you waiting for?

Shadow Shot Sunday 199 - Nice

Where can you find this rather lovely lacy shadow and architectural detail?

At the beautiful Russian Orthodox Church in the centre of Nice  - St Nicholas Cathedral which happens to be the largest Russian Cathedral outside of Russia itself - see the previous post for more shots of this beautiful building. In the meantime check out Shadow Shot Sunday by clicking HERE. Enjoy!

November in Nice - St Nicholas Cathedral

Most towns and cities on the French and Italian Riviera are home to a beautiful Russian Orthodox church harking back to the history of the coastline when Russian royalty and dignitaries would winter on the Riviera to escape the harsh climate of the homeland...

One of the most beautiful examples is the St Nicholas Orthodox Cathedral right in the centre of Nice, and although these stunning blue skies set off the ornate tiled onion domes perfectly, I was particularly enchanted by this muted, golden Autumnal light from the back of the Cathedral....

Isn't it truly magical??

Proceed Pronto to Procida.........

Most seeking a day trip out from the hectic city of Naples will hop a ferry to the famed island of Capri or the well-known resort of Sorrento…My advice?? Skip both of these and catch a ferry instead to the smallest island in the Bay of Naples…and its best-kept secret.

Only 4m sq and just 50 minutes from Naples itself, Procida is a charming blend of pastel-hued houses lining the stone quays of fishing villages, picturesque harbours with colourful boats bobbing up and down, and tiny piazzas with grand baroque yellow churches.

Be sure to walk from the main Piazza dei Martiri over the hill to the tiny village of Corricella, and here on the quay are a few quiet cafes and restaurants in the most idyllic of settings with the most stunning of views across to the castle. 

Choose either “Il Postino” or “Gorgonia”, both open all year round, and enjoy the generous servings of fresh calamares and grilled swordfish. The only thing which moves during this perfect postcard lunch is the local ginger cat prowling for any leftovers…

Film-makers have long appreciated the scenic beauty of Procida, and it is often known as the “cinema island” having been the setting location for such films as “Arturo’s Island”, “Il Postino” and “The Talented Mr Ripley”, but fortunately hordes of tourists have always bypassed the island on their way to Capri.

Procida can be easily reached in 50 minutes by ferry from the Calata port in Naples and costs 21 euros return with Caremar Ferries. Naples is also easily reached from Nice by the relatively new direct flight offered by Easyjet at approximately 80 euros return. Enjoy! 

Shadow Shot Sunday 198 - November in Nice!

November in Nice is a time of sharp winter light and clear blue skies...and a bonus today of 22 degrees!! These shots were taken in Nice's newly opened public park in the heart of the city, namely La Promenade de Paillon...

Tracing the course of the original River Paillon running through the centre of Nice, this "Coulee Verte" is a most welcome addition to the amenities of the city providing a wonderful green mile for strolling, meandering, and loitering....

For more shadow shots this week, click HERE for SHADOW SHOT SUNDAY. Enjoy!

Weekend Reflections 38 - Nice

Sharp winter light and clear blue skies created these reflection shots along Nice's new "green mile" - a newly opened public park which acts as a green corridor or "la Coulee verte" through the city centre linking the Promenade Anglais and the National Theatre. On sunday afternoon children were loving the fun and excitement of running through the fountains and dodging the showers, whilst adults marched more briskly through. For more reflection shots this week, click HERE for WEEKEND REFLECTIONS. Enjoy!