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Wednesday 8 June 2016

#AviewFromWhereIStand | Around the World


I thought it would be fun to reminisce and document #aviewfromwhereistand, a blog post of some our favourite views we have had the pleasure to set eyes on.  I list the location where I stood to take each shot and I bullet point below, where we were at the time the photo was taken.

Kev and I have been fortunate enough to travel around the world, with most of our bucket destinations being ticked off. We always try and make a visit at a high vantage point or place that enables us a panoramic or advantageous angle. There is something being so high up, looking down which makes you reflect and appreciate everything you have in your life. When you see the world from a different view, it just brings perspective. When you are troubled or emotionally involved in something, it can be hard to take a step back as you are too close to the view, but zoom out and see the bigger picture, you change your core belief system and it can bring a positive change to your life.


Photo 1 | NEW YORK, USA | On top of the Empire State Building 443 meters tall, overlooking the thousands of skyscrapers of Manhattan during a delightful and colourful sunset. (Photographed in 2014)

Photo 2 | NEW YORK, USA | I love this shot - we climbed over 200 steps, through a narrow winding staircase to reach the very top of Lady Liberty's crown, and I just poked my camera out of a small window (which was a gap in the crown) to take this shot. Though it is just a shot of Statue of Liberty's arm and her torch, I also find the this shot very dignifying to be so close to something that signifies such an historic, iconic and life changing importance. (Photographed in 2014)

Photo 3 | NEW YORK, USA | Our first night in Manhattan was unforgettable with a trip up the Rockefeller Center aka Top of The Rock, in the evening to see the sparkly and glistening city lights of the concrete jungle beneath us was a great way to start our New York trip! (Photographed in 2014)

Photo 4 | FLORENCE, ITALY | One of our favourite cities within Italy was Florence (followed by Venice and Rome and Verona). It was our 10 year anniversary and we made an impromptu trip to sample the finest gelato, eat the best charcoal flames cooked Florentine steak we have EVER had in our lives (no exaggeration!) and soaked in the beautiful views from Piazzale Michelangelo and the Arno Valleys. Piazzale Michelangelo is in actual fact a parking lot! But many locals and tourist come here simply for the majestic views, like we did! (Photographed in 2012)

Photo 5 | TOKYO, JAPAN | The Tokyo Tower undeniably resembles the Eiffel Tower, but the views are far from Parisian. As the sun went down, it casted a beautiful orange hue in the sky and Mount Fuji’s silhouette was clearly visible from the special observation deck of Tokyo Tower (Photographed in 2015)

Photo 6 | ROPPONGHI HILLS, TOKYO | Standing 52 floors high within the Mori Tower enables us a night time view as far as the eye can see with Tokyo Tower (illuminated in a golden yellow) in the distance. The sky deck is surrounded by floor to ceiling windows which gives you an unobstructed panoramic view of Tokyo. (Photographed in 2014)

Photo 7 | HAKONE, JAPAN | The trains and trams that took us ascending up to this beautiful view point, left us appreciating the vast natural surroundings largely untouched by buildings and structures. A quiet location to gaze at the mountains and foliage. (Photographed in 2015)

Photo 8 | CAMBRIDGE, UK | St Mary the Great Church offers one of the best views of Cambridge. Access to the tower is via 123-step medieval turret staircase. From here, you can see King's College Chapel, one of the most iconic landmarks of Cambridge, the colourful rooftops of the market stalls, Senate House and beyond. (photographed in 2013)

Photo 9 | TAIPEI, TAIWAN | One of our earlier holidays we had taken together, Kev and I thoroughly enjoyed our time in Taiwan. We fondly remember all the fresh fruit juices we must have drank as it was so humid. Taipei 101's elevators swiftly takes us from the fifth floor to the 89th-floor observatory in only 37 seconds where we circled the indoor observation deck before heading up a few more floors to the windy outdoor deck. (Photographed in 2009)

Photo 10 | HONG KONG, CHINA | Pearl of the Orient is often what comes to mind whenever we visit Victoria Peak. I can never ever get bored of such a beautiful view. Although missing the musical soundtrack, it's possible to still view The Symphony of Lights from here. (Photographed in 2015)

Photo 11 | KOH SAMUI, THAILAND | The boat journey from Koh Samui took us to Ang Thong Marine Park in a few hours where we did a spot of kayaking around the edges of the island and soaking in the Sun. To reach the viewpoint was a steep traverse, almost like climbing a step-ladder but it was worth it to see the bright e blue/green waters of Thale Nai (Emerald Lake). (Photographed in 2015)

Photo 12 | On a British Airways plane, JAPAN | Okay, so we were not standing on Mount Fuji when I took this shot, we were flying past it! As we had lift-off from Narita Airport, I saw the most incredible sight of Mount Fiji and the surrounding City and I just clicked away! (photographed in 2015)

Photo 13 | PARIS, FRANCE | For our 13th anniversary, we spent a few days admiring the Eiffel Tower, drinking coffee and eating deliciously home made patisserie in cute cafes, cherishing the beautiful views of the French Capital. Our trip to Paris was surprisingly awesome - not that we did not expect it to, but in some ways, it far exceeding our expectations which is always welcomed. (Photographed in 2014)

Photo 14 | PARIS, FRANCE | Close to the famous Moulin Rouge we walked up the incline path with rows of shops leading to the Sacred Heart Basilica of Montmartre (Sacre-Coeur). Photographed in 2014)

Photo 15 | ROME, ITALY | Though the Spanish Steps does not provide a particularly high point to see the City, it is a great place to just soak in the atmosphere and views of the City. With 138 steps, they connect with the upper piazza Trinita dei Monti with its twin tower dominating the skyline. (Photographed in 2010)

Photo 16 | LONDON, UK | Situated 155m up of the Walkie Talkie Building, the Sky Garden is by far one of the best places see spot some of the Capital's most iconic attractions as well as provide spectacular views across London. (Photographed in 2015)