A//J

Similar to my post yesterday, but I love the expression of the moment captured in this one.

*A//J aka Arielle//Jessica, could be a new music group name…

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Glasgow grit in greyscale

The view from on top of the Lighthouse is pretty great. Glasgow has an urban grit that I’ve heard many compare to Philly. Do you think they are right?

It isn’t over till it’s over.

Looks like an “end scene” shot, well it was our last full day in Glasgow.  Glasgow has a lot of cool stuff hidden away in alleys. This was from the top of The Lighthouse, a center for design and architecture, and hilarious washroom signs.

Quacks and Quackery

My library life has injected itself in most things I see and do now. One recent development is applying descriptive terms to everyday life. Unlocked a new level of nerd? FTW! These are the true quacks. Do not take their medical advice, but you can be their friend. [Shot in Pollock Park, Glasgow, Scotland]

A sandy stroll on Iona

When I think of Iona I think of Illuminated Manuscripts. I also think of that fantastic animated film, The Secret of Kells. However, Iona is more than that. It is a beautiful island with a cute little town, lots of sheep, and of course a famous abbey that the Vikings really loved to burn down. Above pictures the lovely Alex Galletly walking on the sandy shore close to the ferry dock.

The Shores of Mull

Three interesting facts about Mull:
1. Sheep have right of way
2. Bus shelters are really just for sheep
3. Fences aren’t to keep sheep in, but to keep them out

I want to give a shout out to our bus driver through Mull. He was one of the best (and most hilarious) tour guides I have ever experienced. Mull is absolutely beautiful, everything you imagine about the highlands on one small island. There is a history of many a highland squabbles as well, even fake deaths. There’s also a thriving wildlife on Mull including otters (!), eagles, and deer, not to mention (the aforementioned) domestic life of sheep (they’re everywhere), highland cows (coos), and various birds. The above photograph shows the shores on the west side of the island, adjacent to we picked up the boat to Staffa.

Hiding a Horcrux?

So, this tiny island was named by Vikings who thought the rock formations were reminiscent of staffs, thus we have Staffa. Also, get ready for a pop culture reference, Staffa’s character, including Fingal’s Caves, was used in the filming of Harry Potter and the Half Blood Prince, where Dumbledore and Harry… well I won’t spoil it. I know some people do not know the story [you should!]. It was a really bright day when we traveled to the isles, we were really lucky, because… Scotland. Above, you’ll find rocks that seemed to freeze mid-motion, and below the cave’s entrance.

Sea prospect

Welcome to Staffa. It is a very small island off the west coast of Scotland. The view above is the top of the island but it has the most beautiful rock formations below the pillow soft grasses… Really, the grass was daring you to nap there and miss the boat, or maybe years could go by like Brigadoon. Volcanic eruption formed the island, and it is home to a large colony of Puffins! Unfortunately they were too busy taking a swim to say hi to us, but I saw one sun bathing seal! Much more on this beautiful island soon…

Mirror

Being behind the camera most of the time means I am not often a subject, but like many before me, I have taken quite a few self-portraits over the years. This one is also from my trip to Toronto.