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Best of Travel Photos—My 7 Super Shots

9 May 2012 6,358 views 65 Comments
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One thing that can entice me to travel somewhere is seeing pictures of the place. Thus, even if I’m not really good at photography, I do try to take good pics, and I take A LOT (thank God for digital cameras!), knowing that my readers will appreciate my post more if there are photos accompanying it. More than that though, the pictures I take also remind me of every detail of that particular place and time, serving as a memory enhancer.

I’m very glad then that Mary of The World is a Book tagged me in the Hostelbookers 7 Super Shots game.  Looking at my photos and choosing my seven favorites brought me back to all the places I’ve been to.

The game is simple; I’m supposed to choose seven of my favorite travel photos that fit a certain theme. Afterwards, I get to tag five other travel bloggers who may also participate in the game.

I have thousands of pictures, and it definitely wasn’t easy to choose! In any case, here are my favorite photos.

1. Takes my breath away

Pisa, Italy

Picturesque Pisa along the River Arno.

When I arrived in the town of Pisa, Italy, I decided to walk to the Piazza del Duomo where the Leaning Tower of Pisa is. I was so glad I did! After navigating the alleys and small streets, not quite knowing whether I was walking in the right direction, I came across the bridge over the River Arno. The houses looked so colorful! The Gothic-styled church of Santa Maria della Spina on the right was very strategically located, too.

 

2. Makes me dream

Santorini

Church and houses in Oia, Santorini.

Santorini is indescribably beautiful. Full of pastel-colored stone houses, being there made me dream of having a simple, quiet life in an island, with nothing but tranquility around me. Santorini is beauty personified, from the friendliness of its people to the quiet elegance of its surroundings. I’m not for staying in one place, but Santorini made me realize that somewhere out there, there’s a place which can make me want to establish roots.

 

3. Makes me think

Colosseum, Rome

The Colosseum in Rome, Italy

Seeing the Colosseum in Rome made me think about the importance of our heritage. Europe is rich in such ancient treasures. They value it and preserve it. Why aren’t Filipinos the same? The government tears down hundred-year-old trees and destroys historic buildings to put up new ones (more shopping malls, probably). Is history really less important to us Filipinos? Is that why we’re repeating the same mistakes over and over again? As I walked through historic Rome, I couldn’t help but be envious of their conscious decision to preserve their cultural heritage.

 

4. Makes me laugh or smile

Cat in Santorini, Greece

A cat in Fira, Santorini daring me to touch him.

There are a lot of street cats in Greece, and most are really friendly. Just make a small come-on gesture, and they would come to you to be petted. That’s why the sight of this grumpy cat in one of the stores in Fira, Santorini really made me smile. Looking at me approaching him, he seemed to be daring me to come closer, but his raised leg and tense demeanor showed what he was likely to do if I did so. Needless to say, I kept my distance!

 

5. Makes my mouth water

Leonidas from Belgium

Happiness is a box of Leonidas chocolates!

I love Belgium for several reasons, and one of these is their chocolates. Everything is so creamy and full of flavor! One of the best I tasted there is Leonidas. I celebrated last Valentine’s Day in Bruges, the most romantic city in Belgium, and I received a whole box of it. I loved every piece of it!

 

6. Tells a story

Prague, Czech Republic

An old woman touching a cross on Charles Bridge, Prague.

I was walking on the very well-known and historic Charles Bridge on my way to the Prague Castle when I saw people stop by and touch something. It was a golden cross embedded on the bridge, directly under the small statue of St. John of Nepomuk who was thrown into the Vltava River from that exact spot sometime in the 14th century. People touch it and the golden cross, praying for some luck. I touched it, too, wishing for a bit of luck in a particular aspect in my life.

The love padlocks attached also tells another story, that of lovers leaving it there, hoping that their love will remain as long as the locks are left untouched.

I used Couchsurfing when I was in Prague, but I’m aware that not all people like the backpacker lifestyle. To get the most out of your Prague visit, staying at hotels can be an option. Prague hotels can be budget friendly, but you must know how to look for one to find the best hotel for your needs. I, myself, would love to stay in one that overlooks Charles Bridge, but unfortunately, that is extremely out of my budget.

 

7. I’m most proud of (a.k.a. my worthy of National Geographic shot)

Tianmo Desert near Beijing

Lovely colors in Tianmo Desert.

This is a very simple shot, taken when I had my Nikon D3100 for less than a week. It’s definitely not NG material, but for some reason, I really like it. The subject is a sand dune two hours from Beijing. It’s small and it’s surrounded by vegetation, making it deserving of its other name “Heavenly Desert.”

These are just some of my favorite shots, so full of wonderful memories whenever I look at them. Which of them do you like and why?

I’m now tagging a few travel bloggers to share their own super shots. Can’t wait to see them!

  1. Cat of Seeking Felicity
  2. Abby of Paris Weekender
  3. Bino of I Wander
  4. Christian of Lakad Pilipinas
  5. Kuya Bon of Con Tour Blog
  6. Marky of Nomadic Experiences

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 Aleah Taboclaon is a freelance writer and editor. She likes running (completed one marathon, training for the next!), diving (PADI open water diver), and traveling with her Kindle. Connect with her on Facebook, Twitter, and Google Plus. You can also email her; she would love to hear from you!

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