Postcards

Postcards

Summer and the Sea, Santorini This is paradise. Invigorating salt breeze, mingled with the sweet scent of summer blossoms. Not to mention a view across the Med that simply defies description. Easy to see how the place sells so many postcards.	Cascade, Santorini Love the way the cluster of little villas clinging to their seaside perches create that blocky, digital-looking contour. And such a lot of fun it was too to lose oneself among the mazy cobbled streets that thread the way almost invisibly between them.	Stairs, Lisbon The alleyway behind Cafe Sao Luiz in the Chiado district of Lisbon. The simple but cutting play of the elegant cast iron staircases against the bold yellow backdrop makes this one of my favourite compositions.
The Pantheon, Rome Piazza della Rotonda on a warm spring evening. The resting place of Renaissance artist Raphael and other luminaries, the Pantheon is also interesting for the circular "window" in its dome that leaves the temple open to the elements. Try a visit on a rainy day.	Street Party, Rome The Trastevere district of Rome lays claim to being the most traditional part of the Eternal City. Open to debate I'm sure, but there is simply no argument about the authenticity of its Roman flavour. And speaking of flavour, it's also home to my favourite pizza place Pizzeria Ai Mami.	Nights of Future Past, Rome It's hard to think of any other man-made thing that inspires the same sense of awe and introspection as the Colosseum. The weathered giant stands across the ages as a reminder of our mortality and the brevity of our lives. Carpe diem my friends.
To Work, Hong Kong Making the most of my jetlag, I was up before dawn to see the usually bustling metropolis come drowsily to life. One by one, the morning shift shouldered their overcoats and responsibilities to make their way in. The shadows reaching across the wall of the converted pawn shop fills the metaphor of the daily grind with poignant urgency.	Art Yard, Hong Kong Like discovering a strawberry in your oatmeal, it is so refreshing to find a spontaneous burst of artistic expression in a place you would only expect to find industry and commerce. The local community had converted the entryway of an apartment block into an exhibit.	Urban Heritage, Hong Kong A quilting of the vibrant colours and vintage imagery from my hometown. Just looking at the images, I can already smell the distinct mix of street food and exhaust, and hear the din of traffic and barking Cantonese that tells me instantly I'm in Hong Kong.
Open Learning, Ephesus As a student of Scripture, it is always a thrill to set foot in these ancient, biblical places. Ephesus was a Greek city of no small renown, and the inspiring Library of Celsus is one of the remarkably well-preserved monuments that can be seen at this heritage site.	Space Port, Paris UFO landing? The futuristic-looking cabin makes for an interesting feature against the equally interesting fascade of the Musee de l'Institut du Monde Arabe. The shutters are photosensitive metal plates that close up in the sun.	Chapelle Royale Chateau de Versailles, Versailles
Apex Musee du Louvre, Paris	Weekend Retreat St Albans, England (2010)	Catwalk Soldiers Casa Batllo, Barcelona
Elevador da Bica Rua da Bica de Duarte Belo, Lisbon	Escheresque Hyatt Regency Embarcadero, San Francisco	Goldmobile Turk Street, San Francisco
Forgotten Treasure Vila Adentro Galeria, Faro	Anglo-Roman Style The Roman Baths and Pump Room, Bath