Street Art in London

Photo Essay: London’s Street Art

In my first post about my trip to London, I talked about the pubs, parks and plaques around the city and how they play a prominent role in the everyday lives of Londoners. But there’s another side of the city that has contributed to shaping its cultural and artistic qualities and that’s the street art scene. Noted as one of the best cities around the world for street art, I couldn’t wait to explore it. Read more “Photo Essay: London’s Street Art”

Costa Rica

Costa Rica: The Highlights

One word: Amazing.

My one-week visit to Costa Rica was that in every way. Amazing! With every turn in the road, meal we ate, new activity we tried, and information we learned about the country, amazing was the only way we could describe it.

It’s been a while since a country has won me over so quickly. Just 2 days of being on Costa Rican soil I was Skyping with Tristan and proclaiming that I’d found the next place we would live in. A big proclamation indeed.

Ok, I realize I need to rewind here a bit before my giddy inner 12-year old brain farts all over the page in an incoherent mess.

At the beginning of December, myself and my travel blogging amiga Cristina traveled down to Costa Rica as part of the Tourism Board’s ‘Happiness Campaign’. The intent was simple, find happiness in Costa Rica. But even before departing I knew this would be an easy feat. Read more “Costa Rica: The Highlights”

Capture the Colour 2013

Colourful Island of Burano, Italy
The colourful homes on Burano, Italy.

This year marks the second year the Capture the Colour Photo Contest is running and I’m excited to be participating this time! Bloggers have been challenged to showcase five travel photos that best represent the colours of these five categories: red, blue, green, yellow, and white. Of course these categories can be interpreted in any way or form and some of the photos coming in are really creative.

The hardest part of this challenge was picking just one photo for each category. I poured over thousands of images spanning over 7 years of travel. The result was a trip down memory lane as each photo represents more than just a colour but a personal travel story. Read more “Capture the Colour 2013”

Photo Essay: Street Art in Montreal

Street Art
The Paria Crew take over the side of a building during the Mural Festival in Montreal.

Ever since my tour of New York City’s street art last fall, I’ve been looking at this art form in a completely new way. First off, I’m noticing it more, I didn’t realize how much of it actually exists. Secondly, I’m taking the time now to look at the pieces and the creativity that goes into making them instead of just walking past thinking, “oh that’s cool” as I once used to do.

Of all the cities in Canada, Montreal has the strongest street art scene. You don’t have to venture too far out your front door before you’re face to face with one of its forms (stencil, mural, wheat paste, and stickers). The city fully recognizes and encourages what street art can do for a neighbourhood or community. Just this past spring, the first annual Mural Festival was launched where close to 20 new murals were created by local and international artists over a period of 4 days transforming a 2km stretch of Rue St. Laurent into an outdoor gallery.

I was so excited to discover my trip to the city coincided with this festival. On the Friday when we arrived, we meandered our way along Rue St. Laurent (aka The Main) watching as the artists were slowly transforming huge sides of buildings. Each piece was different from the next and drew crowds of interested onlookers watching as the scenes were taking shape. On the Sunday before we left, we made our way back and were amazed at the finished products. I personally felt like my inner creativity was being awoken just viewing the different pieces and I loved the bright colours and vibrancy it brought to the area. Read more “Photo Essay: Street Art in Montreal”

Photo Essay: Travel Patterns

What to see and do in Malaysia.
Part of the exterior of Masjid Negara (the National Mosque of Malaysia). Kuala Lumpur.

It’s easy to get caught up in the sweeping landscapes, stunning architecture, and colourful cultures when we’re traveling. I know, I do it all the time! But sometimes the beauty of a destination lies in the details. It’s not until we stop and take a moment to really look at a place that the character of a destination can shine through. Over the past couple of years, I made a point to focus on and photograph the smaller aspects of travel and the results have been amazing. Below are some of my favourite abstract shots (if you will) of my time backpacking through Southeast Asia. Read more “Photo Essay: Travel Patterns”