The Happy Explorer

On the frozen canals of Amsterdam

It doesn’t happen very often that the canals of Amsterdam freeze up completely. This winter, a prolonged period of sub-zero temperatures created an ice floor that was sufficiently thick for everyone to go ice-skating or for a canal stroll. There were speed-skating competitions, festivals and even a classical concert (by a local orchestra) on the frozen canals! In the evenings, Amsterdammers brought out tables and chairs and organised dinners and parties on the ice! It certainly was a memorable winter!

Tags: city, Netherlands, scenes

The colourful Mini in Figueres

I spotted this Mini Cooper outside the Dali Theatre and Museum in Figueres. Wild!

Tags: museums, scenes, Spain

Camels at the Treasury in Petra

Petra is an ancient city located in the present day Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan. Built by the Nabateans in the 1st century BC, the city is a UNESCO World Heritage site and one of the top attractions in Jordan. The Treasury building (pictured below) is the first monument visitors see as they approach the city through the mile-long Siq (gorge).

Read the accompanying post: ‘Ten Things To Do in Petra‘.

Tags: architecture, Jordan, monument, scenes

Kitesurfing in Melbourne

The Melbourne suburb of St. Kilda is a lovely beachside community a few miles from downtown Melbourne. Aside from its beaches, markets and cafés, St. Kilda is also a popular spot for kite-surfers.

Read the accompanying post: ‘Marvellous Melbourne‘.

Tags: Australia, beach, city, scenes

Aerial view of Lago di Lugano

Lago di Lugano is an alpine lake high up in the Alps on the border between Switzerland and Italy. I took this photo from 30,000ft on a flight from Amsterdam to Milan. The town of Lugano in Switzerland, including its airport (bottom left), can clearly be seen. The causeway that crosses the lake (bottom right) carries highway no. 2 which is one of the main road links between Switzerland and Italy.

View Larger Map

Tags: Italy, scenes, Switzerland