Spain, Ronda:This busy town is home to the Museum of Bullfighting, mostly filled with beautiful Toreador costumes and historic posters (not dead bulls - thankfully). If you like a great Tapas, the tavernas here will suit you. On the quest for great scenery a winding, steep path leads you down to the mirador, which lays out wheatlands below and this unique clifftop view of part of the town above.
Spain, Siera Navada, Picos de Veleta: This scene is just off the mountain range. Discover this zone and stop off for a picnic lunch - you won't disturb the locals, unless a herd of goats comes by. A pair of buzzards glide overhead calling to each other in the search for an easy snack. A thin scrim of clouds warn that a cold front and snow may be on the way. So tranquility rules the day as the sun beats down.
Spain, Almeria: Viva Espana. I love that country and can imagine returning there time after time. This Mexican 'Pueblo' is there - just outside Almeria you'll find a desert in which nestles the village of 'Mini Hollywood' created by that legendary creator of the 'Spaghetti Western' Sergio Leoni. Head for the bar and you'll find real cowboys. Take a walk to the corall and you might find camels whose grandparents participated in the filming of Mad Max. Go ahead fantasize - I did.
England, Shaftesbury: This small, picturesque town draws tourists from far and wide like a massive magnet. But visit there on a day, such as this - with fresh snow on the ground and a dusting of that miracle of frozen rain on the horizon and waiting for the sightseers to pass, will provide a pristine view from this Saxon hill fort site. I am fortunate to only live a short drive from here and look forward to this picture postcard perfection on a regular basis.
England, Lake District, Ambleside: I was trekking here when my companion came close and quitley phispered an understated 'Paradise', pointing down the path. As I have always wanted to visit any place with such a label I keenly followed the directions to come upon this scene of halcyon simplicity. Sit an artist down with a pencil and pad and they will design, compose and create perspectives that couldn't be more perfect than this.
England, Somerset, Stourhead: This is one of thos locations that is possible to visit time after time, without ever being tired of the scenery that has been so carefully and lovingly constructed. Even to the point of being surprised time after time - for the seasons change and so do the flaura - displaying their breathtakingly, hypnotic variations in abundance. Scenes like these water lillies bring to mind the creations of Claude Monet
England, London: Fans of Dan Brown's 'Da Vinci Code' will be aware of the scenes inside The Temple - a site of religious observance and with connections to Freemasons and the British Royal Family. Inside the atmosphere is redolent with history; of Crusaders and powerful secrets. The external courtyard is just as moody with a statue devoted to 'The Poor Knights' and this overkill of pillars and conspiratorial deep shadows.
England, Cornwall: As you head towards Praa Sands along the footpath from Prusia Cove you might come across this sight of grass and if it happens to be raining (Cornish Sunshine) you'll catch a rainbow. While I was there it rained every day and I caught eight rainbows. So plenty of gold down there. But Cornwall has a magic of its own - no matter where you are there can be beauty and tranquility tossed in with crazy weather.
Portugal, Comporta: Head south of Lisbon for an hour, cross the Sado River onto the isthmus called the Peninsula de Troia and you will come to Comporta, where the Sado Reserve attracts local and migrating birds and when the tide is low leaves a fascinating mudbank mozaic. Get there early enough and you could be treated to the sound of flights of Storks meeting before they go downriver for breakfast. This is a place that leaves you breathless.
Portugal, Praia da Ursa: (Bear's beach - so named because a huge finger of rock marks the spot and looks from certain angles like a bear) is difficult to access - a twenty minute climb down a boulder-strewn path can find you without a beach at all. It all depends on the time of year, tides and currents. And because of this access and uncertainty many can't be bothered to make the trip. It is a secret location heavily guarded by the few that do make the effort. Mostly the only sound you will hear is the crashing of waves, punctuated by the occasional seagul - and that brings a tranquility all of it's own.
Portugal. A wide bay with its own dunes. When the wind blows (and it can really blow here - straight off the Atlantic) the seas are whipped into angry waves, much loved by windsurfers and kite fliers. The sands can drift right accross the road and is very abrasive. Here in the lea of the bushes there is often calm. On a windless day the view can take your breath away.
This is the blogsite for Peace In The Spirit Of Place. Devoted exclusively to my images (whether photographic, drawn, or painted) of places that hold a special, peaceful place in my heart. Sometimes that place could have an aesthetic appeal, othertimes I may feel a strong emotional attachement, or it may be because of events or people that I associate with the place and again it may be beyond explanation. I hope you will join me and similarly feel that these places are special. There will be an upcoming website and also limited edition, boxed prints, a book or exhibitions to follow. I will keep you posted here.
Love and peace
Mel Sewell
P.S: Don't forget to click on the image if you would like to see it enlarged.
