"Getsemane"

I am not sure if I should say much about this photo, apart from it being one of my favourites.  It does carry some "eeriness" or even some "sacredness" - almost like being in the garden in person

Chacma baboon

To all my followers, I have not turned my back on you.... I have been out there looking for the perfect shot.  This baboon made it extremely difficult for me to get the perfect frame, in the end I had to be satisfied with this Paris Hilton over-the-shoulder shot.

Anneke Hanekom - Kom nader

Kom ondersteun asseblief

http://www.atterburyteater.co.za/a_event.htm?eventID=716

KAARTJIES: Ry A-K: R130.00; Ry M-Q en galery: R110.00
BESPREKINGS EN NAVRAE: 012 471 1700

Anneke Hanekom stel haar nuwe CD op 13 Junie by Atterbury Teater bekend.
"Kom Nader" is 'n joviale, karnaval-konkoksie van speelsheid en drif, verleiding en verlange. Die 12 oorspronklike liedjies herinner aan die klanke van Cesaria Evora, die Amelie klankbaan, Fairground Attraction en Caro Emerald. Anneke se verbeeldingsmusiek belowe om nuwe en ou wêrelde op te tower; plekke waar jy jou eie stories kan teëkom.
Anneke word bygestaan op die verhoog deur Juan Oosthuizen en Matthys Maree, wat ook die regisseur van "Kom nader" is.

DUUR: Ongeveer 1h.

Tye: 20:00

High Key Photography - Burchell's Zebra

The plains zebra (Equus quagga, formerly Equus burchelli), also known as the common zebra or Burchell's zebra, is the most common and geographically widespread species of zebra.  It ranges from the south of Ethiopia through East Africa to as far south as Botswana and eastern South Africa.  The plains zebra remains common in game reserves, but is threatened by human activities such as hunting for its meat and hide, as well as competition with livestock and encroachment by farming on much of its habitat.

High-key lighting is a style of lighting for film, television, or photography that aims to reduce the lighting ratio present in the scene.  This was originally done partly for technological reasons, since early film and television did not deal well with high contrast ratios, but now is used to suggest an upbeat mood.  High-key lighting is usually quite homogeneous and free from dark shadows.  The terminology comes from the key light (main light)

Cape Buffalo - Syncerus caffer

The Cape Buffalo is not closely related to the slightly larger wild Asian water buffalo, but its ancestry remains unclear. Contrary to popular belief, the African buffalo is not the ancestor of domestic cattle, and is only distantly related to other larger bovines.  Owing to its unpredictable nature, which makes it highly dangerous to humans, the African buffalo has never been domesticated unlike its Asian counterpart, the water buffalo.
I came across this beautiful animal outside Olifants Restcamp inside the world famous Kruger National Park. 

African Elephant - Loxodonta africana

I am vulnerable.  Also known as Africa's gentle giants - looking at the emotion in their eyes confirms this

Stade Roland Garros

I kinda like this shot - there is a little something to it

Entrance to the Roland Garros Museum 

 

The wall with past champions  - I still have so may childhood memories of them all

Here I am in the conference room after my first title.  I have a funny feeling that this might have been my last :(

Rafael Nadal's locker

 

Roger Federer's locker.  Top players are allocated the same lockers year after year - for the sake of tradition


During the tour the court was being prepared for the upcoming French Open.  Because of this there were no lines on court

Th always recognizable Roland Garros Logo

"In real life" the court seems a lot smaller, and the whole complex a lot more compact

 

At least I could climb up somewhere -  never underestimate the eagerness of a tourist 

Along the Loire Valley: Chatillon Sur Loire to Decize.

 

Nothing beats a "StarBucks" Coffee

When you are travelling Europe and you want a super size coffee, Starbucks is definitely the place 

Eary misty morning

Le Boat France. Chatillon Sur Loire to Decize

Just completed a one way trip in the Loire Valley from Chatillon Sur Loire to Decize. This is a region famous for it’s quiet way of life and is quintessential France. Apart from the cool weather this was indeed a unforgettable experience.  Hopefully we will return some day.  More pictures of the criose on the Loire to follow

Church in the centre of France

One of my personal favourites from our recent visit to France.  We stumbled into this seemingly deserted village in search of a mechanic to "fix" my dodgy bicycle.  I found a mechanic and had my bicycle fixed with the help of sign language

The Palace of Versailles