Taking only photographs – leaving only footprints
Wondering the streets of new cities, looking for things to photograph is something I enjoy very much. Despite being in French Polynesia for nine days and nights I was only on the main island of Tahiti for my first night and last day in the country. The above mural was taken in the capital city of Papeete. It was on a corner of building that housed on of the many tourist gift shops. The shop was just a couple of blocks inland from the main harbour.
Since travelling so much I have seen a number of signs showing how far away I am from various places. In New Zealand they are particularly popular, especially at Bluff and Cape Reinga. Muri Beach is one of the most popular public beaches on the island of Rarotonga. This sign was on the edge of the sand. I particularly like the inclusion of McDonalds and KFC. Sadly I am not sure that there are many places left in the world quite so far away from such fast food places.
Driving along the West Coast Road through Arthur’s Pass National Park was a landscape photographer’s dream. There were interesting landscapes seemingly around every corner. Just after I crossed the Waimakariri River I came across another Kiwi signpost. This must be the second or third I have seen. For locals it must make me appear like another crazy tourist but road signs like this are interesting for some.
The west coast of New Zealand’s south island is the wettest place I have ever been. Not only that, the weather changes so fast that if its not raining you need to make the most of it. After a days driving from Christchurch on the east side of the island, it was great to finally make it to my beach hostel at Punakaiki. Outside their reception was this great weather forecasting stone. Although not the first time I have seen this done, it couldn’t be in a more appropriate part of the country. Here the only true way to “forecast” the weather is looking out of the window or at your forecasting stone!