Furneaux Lodge New Zealand

                                                                  http://furneaux.co.nz/
This was the first nights accommodation on the 'Queen Charlotte Walk'. There are no roads into the lodge. You have to hike in or come by boat. The gardens are just delightful, leading down to the ocean. The dining/bar area is just like I imagine a lodge would be in Scotland. The largest open fireplace I have ever  seen.

Curlew

                                      http://bird.net.au/bird/index.php?title=Bush_Stone-curlew
The first night I spent on Lamb Island in August 2001 there was a big storm. Not only was the storm so loud but after the rain stopped, the Curlews started to make their night time noises. When you have never hear these bird noises before it sounds like someone is being murdered. After a time we learned to live with them.

Stencils on the ceiling - Locanda Art Deco Hotel

These pretty stencils were on the ceiling above my bed in the hotel in Venice. The hotel was built in the 1400's. Because the ceilings are so high they were able to built loft floors for a second bedroom in the suite. Our suite was 5 floors up - no elevator. I counted 50 steps, and then another 10 up to my 'loft'. http://www.locandaartdeco.com/

Oleander

I love Oleander as a cut flower for the house. They make a wonderful display, and best of all are free! I steal them from the trees along the fence line of the old hermit at the end of our street. Perfect for summer cheer.

Takashi Murakami at Versailles

http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/gallery/2010/sep/10/takashi-murakami-palace-versailles#/?picture=366592993&index=0
I loved this installation at Versailles. 15 rooms including the hall of mirrors had these fabulous pieces. Europeans didn't really like this exhibition. They are not used to Asian art and found it difficult to appreciate such modern pieces in an historical famous building.

Black Beard the Pirate

                                             http://www.qaronline.org/rcorner/genhistory.htm
The jury is still out on whether or not Black Beard the Pirate really existed. However on the island of St Thomas he is definately part of the folklaw. His 'castle' is a great tourist attraction. I have always loved stories about pirates so photographing 'pirate places' on St Thomas was a real treat for me.

Another Salad with broad beans

I am obsessed with broad beans at the moment. They are time consuming to prepare but will worth the effort. This recipe has the broad beans, peas, cherry tomatoes, baby bocchini, water cress and dobs of pesto along with the dressing.