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Malta

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La finestra azzurra / Azure window
Made by AndreaPucci
Malta, Gozo, Azure window, Estate 2009 L’Azure Window di Dwejra è uno degli spettacoli della natura più sublimi, a poca distanza da Inland Sea e Fungus Rock. Nella parte più estrema della scogliera, Azure Window diventa un’enorme porta d’accesso attraverso la quale è possibile ammirare l’immensa distesa del mare blu oltre la scogliera. Si tratta di uno dei meravigliosi anfratti più fotografati di queste isole, ed è particolarmente spettacolare nella stagione invernale, quando le onde si infrangono alte sull’arco di scoglio. Il mare intorno è molto profondo e di un blu molto intenso, da cui il nome Azure Window (“finestra azzurra”). Gli scogli presenti in questa zona sono ricchi di fossili di crostacei, a conferma del fatto che la maggior parte dell’isola era un tempo sommersa. Di fronte all’Azure Window ci sono “Blue Hole” e “The Chimney”, due dei luoghi più frequentati per le immersioni subacquee. The Azure Window is another spectacular natural landmark in Dwejra, along with The Inland Sea and Fungus Rock. The Azure Window at the end of the cliff, is a giant doorway, through which one can admire the blue expanse beyond the cliff. It must be one of the most photographed vistas of the Islands, and is particularly spectacular during the winter, when waves crash high inside the arch. The sea around is very deep and of a dark blue hue, which explains why it is called the Azure Window. The rocks in this area are encrusted with fossilized crustaceans, evidence that most of the island was once covered by water. In front of the Azure Window is the Blue Hole, and The Chimney, two of the most popular dive sites in Gozo.


Oasis
Made by More Altitude
After days of driving through the barren wastelands of the Aïr Mountains, arriving at the Timia Oasis was a shot to the senses. A series of deep, interlocking canyons wind their way between rocky ridgelines and steep slopes lined with shale. Although the bed of the canyons are sandy and no water is visible at the surface, underground streams flow not far below the ground, shallow enough to provide drinking water for people... and for plants. The gardens of Timia are renowned throughout Niger. Billed as the most beautiful oasis in the country, it is not quite the image of a pool of water amidst the sand-dunes with a couple of palm-trees on either side. Instead it is a rich network of lush gardens in the middle of some of the most hostile terrain on earth- as true an oasis as you'll ever find. Oranges and pomegranates hang from branches and can be plucked (for a fee) and eaten on the spot. Date palms and citrus trees, and beneath the cool of the spreading leaves, any number of herbs, cereals and garden vegetables are grown. The Tuareg who tend the gardens export their produce all over the Aïr region- indeed in some cases all over Niger. After the searing heat of the Sahara, the Timia Oasis is the perfect rest-stop for a group of travellers, and time is well spent exploring the refreshing shade of the carefully-groomed orchards. Please drop by and check out photos and stories on my website. Timia, Aïr Mountains, northern Niger. December 2005.


Desert Transport
Made by More Altitude
Bahai, Chad/Sudan border, July 2004. We had travelled north from Abeche to find 20,000 Darfur refugees camped in the wadi outside this tiny desert hamlet and spent the night in the UNHCR compound under the stars. But we weren't the only travellers on the road. These transports come down across the desert from Libya. Loaded with anything and everything conceivably tradable, they crawl, sometimes doing no more than 15 or 20mph across the dunes and the desert tracks, across vast stretches of uninhabited Sahara, through areas rife with landmines and bandits, across disputed militarized zones, and along this road that leads them along the frontier with Darfur, then and now the world's worst humanitarian disaster. Yet somehow they make it through. I have such respect for the endurance of the drivers and passengers (yes, passengers, usually perched like insects atop the chaotic mound of cargo) who travel what has to be the most inhospitable route on earth. Apologies for the processing (dry-brush effect in Photoshop Elements done long ago). I shot this with my old SLR and had no tripod. The evening light was gorgeous, but I ended up with a blurred image, so I processed it a bit to take the edge off. This is still one of my favourite images, I find the subject so interesting to look at. But maybe it's just me... :o) Feel free to view more photos and stories on my website.


Kalkara creek at Malta
Made by B℮n
Malta is a small and densely-populated island nation comprising an archipelago of seven islands in the Mediterranean Sea. A country of Southern Europe, Malta lies south of Sicily, east of Tunisia, and north of Libya. The country's official languages are Maltese and English. The islands constituting the Maltese nation have been ruled by various powers – most recently the United Kingdom – and fought over for centuries. Malta is a member of the Commonwealth of Nations. It has been a member state of the European Union (EU) since 2004 and it is currently the smallest EU country in both population and area. Photo taken of the natural Kalkara creek at the city Vittoriosa Malta is een dwergstaat gelegen in de Middellandse Zee die bestaat uit de eilanden Malta, Gozo en Comino. Malta heeft een zeer lange geschiedenis. Op de eilanden Malta en Gozo staan prehistorische op zichzelf staande bouwwerken zoals de megalithische Tempel van Tarxien, gebouwd tussen 3500 en 2500 v.Chr., de tempels van Ħaġar Qim en Mnajdra en de op het eiland Gozo gelegen tempel van Ġgantija. Deze bouwwerken zijn ouder dan de piramiden in Egypte. Malta was een Britse kolonie tot de onafhankelijkheid binnen het Britse gemenebest in 21 september 1964. Malta is op 1 mei 2004 toegetreden tot de Europese Unie. Op 1 januari 2008 is officieel de Euro ingevoerd als wettig betaalmiddel.


Malta - Mosta - Dramatic Church Interior
Made by Darrell Godliman
I try to avoid using my 11-18 lense wide open as it lacks some sharpness in the corners but there are times when tripods aren't allowed and you've just got to get the shot. As there's still no sign of a Nikon D400 maybe I should treat myself to a new lense instead. Mosta boasts the third largest unsupported dome in the World dedicated to the Assumption. The Feast of the Assumption is held on August 15 and it is a public holiday. The church is also known as the Rotunda of St Marija Assunta. On 9 April 1942, the church was nearly destroyed during World War 2. An Axis bomb pierced the dome of the church but failed to explode. The detonator was removed and a replica bomb is now displayed as a memorial. The Rotunda was designed by George Grognet de Vasse, a French citizen but resident in Mosta. Mosta residents, at that time totalling not more than 1500, built this spectacular church by their own hands. It took them 27 years to complete but the result is a tourist attraction of world standard. Grognet chose the type of stone by insisting on having one slab from each quarry operating in the Islands. He then proceeded to test their durability. In the end he chose a quarry in Mosta near to Ta' Vnezja, at the gate of an old military airfield. The stone of the Rotunda bathes in the sun and spectacularly has taken a yellow/orange/red colour. Source : Wikipedia


Al Sahara
Made by More Altitude
I took this shot just over a year ago, at the end of December while travelling in the Aïr Mountains, in Northern Niger. After a couple of days of four-wheel-driving through the rocky wastes of what have to be some of the most desolate stretches of landscape on the planet, our guide brought us out onto the sandy plains near the Tizirzak Oasis. I can honestly say that I have seen few more beautiful landscapes in my life. For me this picture reminds me not only of that trip, but captures the essence both of the Aïr Mountains, and in my mind's eye, everything that the Sahara Desert stands for. I could have spent a month up there taking photos of the changing light on those wonderful dunes, but unfortunately I had a little over 12 hours to enjoy the place- a single afternoon and night, and we were gone the next day. When I was told that we would be travelling to the sand-dunes of the desert, I was excited, but I wasn't prepared for just how dramatic the scene would be. For a long while, this was the favourite of my photos that I have taken. I'm not sure if it still is or not, but it's certainly up there in the top two or three. I hope you enjoy it as well. As for me, I want to go back! More photos and stories on my website. Tizirzak, on the edge of the Sahara Desert, Niger. December 2005.


Mediterranean Facade - Balzan
Made by zaahr - very busy...See you soon, my friend
Balzan (or Ħal-Balzan) is the name of a small village found towards the centre of the Maltese Islands in the Mediterranean sea. It is one of the so called three villages, together with Attard and Lija. The village originally consisted of a group of small dwellings and farms, but eventually grew, becoming a parish in the 17th century. The village of Balzan was named after Maximillian Balzan who was a Spanish merchant who settled in Malta in 1567. He married a Maltese girl. He was granted a large area of land (which became the village of Balzan) for services rendered to Grandmaster Jean de la Vallette and the Knights of the Order of St John. This land was known as ta-Balzan and nicknamed il-moru (the Maure - meaning the place in Spain occupied by the Maures. (Wiki) Gracias a todos por los amables comentarios, mi amig@s! Thank you for all your kind comments, my friends! Zaahr - in Black * Zaahr - Facebook


Mediterranean moon
Made by B℮n
Please take your time... to View it large on black Valletta is the capital city of Malta. It is located in the central-eastern portion of the island of Malta. The Most Humble City of Valletta with the building of bastions, curtains and ravelins, along with the beauty of the baroque buildings along its streets, it became known as Superbissima — 'Most Proud', amongst the ruling houses of Europe. Valletta as a city of palaces built by gentlemen for gentlemen. In 1980 the City was listed by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site. Photo taken in the harbor of Valletta and post processed by myself :) Valletta is de hoofdstad van de republiek Malta, op het gelijknamige eiland in de Middellandse Zee. De stad staat sinds 1980 op de Werelderfgoedlijst van UNESCO. De stad heeft een uniek laat-middeleeuws centrum met volledig intacte ommuring. Het is de zetel van de Maltese regering en het parlement. Valletta is een belangrijk verkeersknooppunt en heeft een mooie haven.


Never the twain shall meet
Made by blurredfoto
Oh, East is East, and West is West, and never the twain shall meet, Till Earth and Sky stand presently at God's great Judgement Seat; [Rudyard Kipling (1865-1936), British writer, poet. The Ballad of East and West, Barrack-Room Ballads (1892). Opening lines.] Let me share my present seascape shoot workflow: 1. With the aid of Google Earth, pick a suitable spot on the Maltese coast. In this case, Fomm ir-Riħ, limits of Mġarr, on the Western side of the island. 2. Drive there via narrow, winding, potholed country roads in my totally-unsuitable-for-this-purpose MINI. 3. Attempt to find a footpath to the secluded photogenic pebble beach below. 4. Fail miserably, take a few snap from cliffs and head back home. UPDATE: I'm too hard-headed to give up. I went again this evening and I did get to the beach via a very precarious route etched in the cliffs. I'll be uploading some images from the beach, starting with . [Explore #5 on 25 Oct 2008 - Thanks!!]


Homage to Eduardo, or was it Roberto???
Made by ~aspidistra~
Today's pick is 'Explore the donkey', a group dedicated to getting lame pictures into Explore. I know there's been a Nikon lens cap in Explore before - I think it may even have been in the top ten (was that the legendary Roberto?) - but has there been a Tokina??? This is from my luvverly new wide angle. It's also sums up all the creativity and energy I have tonight after a week of a toddler with sleep issues and spending the day with 3 and 4 year olds having an end of year party - times two as we had to do it morning and afternoon! If you'd like to see a Tokina lens cap in explore, please fave away!!! It was the truly legendary Roberto Carboni - see below. I'm honoured to follow in his hallowed footsteps. His Nikon lens cap reached no 44 back in May 08. Thanks to everyone who has supported me in my heartfelt tribute - I really miss his work and I'm delighted to have graced the front page and top ten with my humble offering (sniff).


Assaraya Al-Hamra !
Made by BenTaher
( Assaraya Alhamra ) (English: The Red Fortress ) (Arabic: السرايا الحمراء ) alternate spelling Tripoli's castle, Essaraya Elhamra, Saraya Hamra, Sarayi, The Red Castle is Located in Tripoli City, Libya ( Trabulus ). Assaraya Al-Hamra is built into the southeast corner of the city wall, overlooking the harbor. The existing plan of the main complex is Ottoman, with a mosque, harem and many courtyards, but the castle is undoubtedly built on the foundations of earlier fortresses. The intricate network of paths within the castle reflects the style of winding arcaded streets seen in the old city. The fortress has been added to by each successive generation of Tripoli's rulers, and thus contains a mix of architecture and decoration. The main gateway dates from the 16th century, and shows the influence of the Spanish rulers at the time. Oooh, I Forgot something very Important it's my 1st shot by Sony H10 ( my New Camera ) ;-)


Survival N/B
Made by More Altitude
Thought I'd try something new. I tend to be a colourful sort of guy, and black and white has never been my taste in shots, especially landscapes, but I got talked into trying a couple of b/w conversions using the channel mixer in CS2, so I'm giving them a bit of a trial run to see how they go. I quite liked how this one turned out- had to lighten the sky a little to keep from losing the tree, but I like the different elements- the tree, the ripples in the sand, the dune and the puff of cloud behind- in some ways the b/w leaves you more room to enjoy the composition while the sacks you with saturation. Just thinking with my fingers here. Hope you like. Suggestions on improvement are more than welcome. Please drop by and check out photos and stories on my website for more shots and tales from around the world. Tizirzak, Air Mountains, Northern Niger. December 2005.


Salt Lake - شط الجريد‎
Made by Düss
Chott el Djerid (Arabic: شط الجريد‎) is a large endorheic salt lake in southern Tunisia. It is the largest salt pan of the Sahara with a surface area of over 7,000 km² (some sources state 5,000 km²). Due to the extreme climate with annual rainfall of only 100 mm and temperatures reaching 50° C, water evaporates from the lake. In summer Chott el Djerid is almost entirely dried up, and numerous fata morganas occur. South of Chott el Djerid, the Grand Erg Oriental desert begins. The towns of Kebili and Douz are also located south of the lake. The lake can be crossed by foot and even by car, but this is very dangerous since the salt crust isn't always too firm. Chott el Djerid was used as a filming location for the Star Wars series, among others. (by Wikipedia) You can see this photo on black in all sizes clicking to Take me to the future at the top of the page and then press on the magnifying glass icon!


the sheltering sky
Made by shapeshift
A medina quarter is a distinct city section found in many North African cities. The medina is typically walled, contains many narrow and maze-like streets, and was built by Arabs as far back as the 9th century CE. They often contain historical fountains, palaces, and mosques. Because of the very narrow streets, medinas are free from automobile traffic, and in some cases even motorcycle and bicycle traffic. The streets can be less than a meter wide. This makes them unique among highly populated urban centers. Kairouan (Arabic القيروان) (variations include Kairwan, Kayrawan, Al Qayrawan) is a city in Tunisia, about 160 kilometres south of Tunis. In 2003 the city had about 150,000 inhabitants. Founded in about the year 670, the original name was derived from Arabic kairuwân, from Persian Kâravân, meaning camp, caravan, or resting place. (wikipedia) Kairouan, Tunisia


This is a new page to view
Made by blurredfoto
If there is nothing new on the earth, still the traveler always has a resource in the skies. They are constantly turning a new page to view. The wind sets the types on this blue ground, and the inquiring may always read a new truth there. [Henry David Thoreau (1817-1862), U.S. philosopher, author, naturalist. A Week on the Concord and Merrimack Rivers (1849), in The Writings of Henry David Thoreau, vol. 1, p. 383, Houghton Mifflin (1906).] Captured from Baħar iċ-Ċagħaq, Malta. In the distance once can see the Madliena Tower which is a fortification built by the Knights of Malta on the north shore of Malta. These watchtowers, surrounding the whole coast of Malta, were strategically placed by the Knights in order to have sight of each other. [Explored #59 on 17 Nov 2008]


Love On The Rocks
Made by blurredfoto
Aint no surprise Pour me a drink And Ill tell you some lies Got nothing to lose So you just sing the blues all the time [♫♫ Love on the Rocks ♫♫ ~ Neil Diamond] St. Mark's Tower or Qalet Marku is a small watchtower on the island of Malta built by the Knights of Malta. St. Mark's Tower has sight of Għallis Tower to the west, and Madliena tower to the east. It was one of the thirteen de Redin towers constructed during the reign of Grand Master Martin de Redin. [Wikipedia] There was some gorgeous light on my way home yesterday and I really had to stop and have another go at St. Mark's Tower. Long exposure composite HDR (-2, 0, +2) with ND8 and polarizer. Looks much better [Explored #40 on 22 Oct 2008]


Ginger
Made by blurredfoto
What do I care about the purring of one who cannot love, like the cat? [Friedrich Nietzsche (1844-1900), German philosopher, classical scholar, critic of culture. Friedrich Nietzsche, Sämtliche Werke: Kritische Studienausgabe, vol. 10, p. 201, selection 5[1], number 122, eds. Giorgio Colli and Mazzino Montinari, Berlin, de Gruyter (1980). Unpublished fragments dating to November 1882-February 1883. Originally meant to be attributed to Zarathustra in Thus Spoke Zarathustra.] A stray cat in Naxxar (Malta) during feeding time. This lass was curious about the strange looking black device that was being pointed at her and her cohorts. Her sibling's pic is here: Exposure: 1/4000 sec Aperture: f/1.4 Focal Length: 50 mm ISO Speed: 100


The bay of great repose
Made by blurredfoto
Recommended: Here, in this little Bay, Full of tumultuous life and great repose, Where, twice a day, The purposeless, glad ocean comes and goes, [Coventry Kersey Dighton Patmore (1823-1896), British poet. The Unknown Eros (l. 1-4) ... Oxford Book of English Verse] Dominated by a tall, rocky outcrop crowned by Lippia Tower (built in 1637), Ġnejna Bay is a popular Maltese tourist destination featuring a sandy beach and a secluded strip of shore which doubles as Malta's only nudist beach. Although the valley is a protected area, sadly, illegally-built boat houses and concrete piers litter the western shores of the bay. Long exposure composite HDR (-2, 0, +2) with ND8 and polarizer. [Explored #102 on 20 Oct 2008 - Yay!]



Made by claude.attard.bezzina
Si libenter crucem portas portabit te. If you willingly carry the cross, the cross will carry you. Thomas Kempis This shot was inspired by the recent ruling of the European Court of Human Rights that crucifixes should be removed from Italian classrooms. Deemed wrong and myopic by a Vatican spokesperson, this decision sparked condemnation throughout Italy, and other European countries alike. Although a Catholic myself, I'm no churchgoer! However, like most Maltese Catholics, I definitely have a strong opinion regarding this matter! Strobist info: 1x 430EXII fired at 1/8 power 35mm through a DIY snoot, placed approximately 4ft subject upper left, 1ft off the wall. Triggered by PT04M


Other waves will follow
Made by blurredfoto
... like a Wave on a beach, that thinks it's had this Tremendous idea, coming to crash on the beach Like that, and it's true, it has, yet Others have gone before, and still others will Follow. [John Ashbery (b. 1927), U.S. poet, critic. Litany.] This was captured at the same location of the previous shot, just a day later as the very different clouds will reveal. Captured at Fomm ir-Riħ beach (Malta) with a Sigma 10-20mm using ND8 and polarizing filters. As much as I've enjoyed producing this series, I now need a short break. Well, at least until the rain clouds come back. Today we just had sunny, cloudless and flat skies over Malta. Bother that sun! [Explored #48 on 28 Oct 2008]