In fact there wasn’t a single cloud in sight. I just couldn’t think of a better title to describe the feeling of my experience yesterday. Imagine suddenly growing wings… then imagine something grabbing you, rocketing you a thousand metres up and… letting you go. It was exhilarating!
Whilst I always try to capture my travels when on business, I am inevitably more focussed on the task at hand. Phone-calls and discussions with colleagues mean many opportunities are simply missed. Being on holiday allows me more concentration on my photography.
This post summarises my journey – looking out of my window seat. My favourite shot is the one above of the Thames and Houses of Parliament. Have a look at the larger version for more detail.
I’m back in the air!
Jeddah airport has been renovated but it still looks hopelessly dull. It’s such a contrast to what it looks like from outside. I love the simple tent-look of the main terminal building. The lack of the ugly (but necessary) jetways, and the vast open area of the airport apron, help maintain the illusion.
From 30,000 feet, a dust storm is rather beautiful. That’s what we should do in fact: we should build stations high up where the weather is both cooler and dust-free. Just look at that blue sky!
Even dust seems to produce beauty: I love the view above – taken from our cruising altitude. Dubai wasn’t anywhere near as dusty as Kuwait – but it was a ‘yellow’ journey from start to finish. Below are a few shots from the trip, starting with the airport, Dubai, the ‘World’ and Kuwait.
On my flight to Dubai earlier this evening, I saw Ahmadi shortly after take-off. I’ve always liked how ‘different’ Ahmadi looks compared with the rest of Kuwait. For me it’s the hints of green and the many red roofs that give it its charm. This is the first time I see Ahmadi by night – from a height. It still has a different look about it.
Most towns in Kuwait are modern blocked areas with a co-op supermarket somewhere in the middle. It’s nice to have one area that’s not from the same cast.
This is what it says in Wikipedia:
It was also home to several thousand mostly British Ex-pats and their families from 1947 through to 1970, and possibly beyond. The original town layout was from an American pattern. Streets laid out at right angles to each other – 1st Street, 2nd Street and so on. At right angles were the avenues. The town was built on a slope facing the sea, which was about 7 miles (11 km) away. The street that ran across the top of the hill was called “main street”. It housed the upper eschelons of the KOC. It ran down the hill in order of KOC rank. Within the town was the Hubara Club – a complex of buildings with a swimming pool, meeting rooms, restaurants, squash courts, tennis courts etc. Employees of the KOC would use this club every day to meet and chat. Their children spent most of their time here. Towards the bottom of the ‘hill’ was the ’souk’ or shopping area; banks a cinema, which is now been closed down and a few shops.
‘Sprint’ is probably the fastest most powerful pigeon we have. However, he tends to spend some nights away from home. I have no idea where he goes… Unfortunately, it means I can’t use him for Project Bird’s Eye.
I have added a new page. I chose Neubronner as the name of the loft, named after the pioneer of aerial photography using pigeons. Have a look and check again for updates. I hope you find it interesting – even if you have no interest in pigeons.
I’ve been thinking and planning this since last summer. I can’t wait for the potentially fascinating findings.
