Ghent in Photos

Still a bit lost for words, but got some news that could potentially change things.

How's that for cryptic?  I'll keep you posted as I know more.

In the mean time, here are some photos from Ghent, Belgium.

It doesn't really need words.  What an incredible city?!?

We almost decided against popping over from Bruges on the train,

but I'm so glad that we did.  It's straight out of a fairytale.

Probable the most picturesque European city I've seen so far.

Doesn't our lunch look divine?

Best meal-eaten-while-sitting-in-the-sun-people-watching-in-a-gorgeous-city EVER!

What city reminds you a a fairy tale?

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Ghent's Saint Bavo Cathedral

Doh!  Remind me to never post cryptic messages on my blog again.

At least not without explaining in full to my mom first.  I woke up to three emails demanding details.  

It's nothing really.  We're moving house in London soon and

are REALLY looking forward to less than a 3 hour commute each day.

Y'all seemed to really like the Ghent photographs.

Thanks for the comments and social media love.

It's a fantastic place and you have to go there!

Here are a few more pics from the Saint Bavo Cathedral.

Visiting a massive gothic cathedral just never gets old, does it?

I hope you all are having a wonderful week.

I'm so enjoying this beautiful London weather and the long days are good for my soul.

Where is your favorite cathedral?

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Urban Snapshots with the Samsung Galaxy S5

I’ve done a few walking tours in London and it’s one of my favorite ways to explore this city via food, transport, history, or photography.  The tour guides are eager to expose you to things you may not otherwise have noticed.  I always learn so much.  A few weeks ago, I was invited to join a Street Art London Tour of East London by Three Mobile.  This one had a twist.  They wanted me to try out and review the Samsung Galaxy S5, particularly the camera capabilities.  We posted throughout the tour to instagram and twitter using #urbanS5snapshots.  

The tour was terrific and, pardon the expression, very “hip & young.”  Obviously, the fact that I just used that phrase reinforces the fact that I'm neither.  I was the oldest in the group by several years, but was happy to keep up.  I even found myself climbing under a fence at one point.   

The guide was extremely knowledgeable in the street art scene.  (In fact, he was so cool that he asked me not to mention him in any of my social media shout outs.  I’m sure I would have been detrimental to his street cred.)  But he knew his stuff.  In just a few hours he managed to show us loads of pieces by about forty different artists, some commissioned and some rogue street art.  We saw a few of the more well-knowns, Banksy and Roa and some really interesting and beautiful stuff.

I, unfortunately, don’t know a lot about the various artists.  But, I do love the art.  Here are some of the many photos that I took with the Samsung Galaxy S5.  I did tweak them using Picasa, as I do with all of my photos, but no more than usual.  I think they turned out great, what do you think?  I’ve pointed out a few of my favorites. 

This was amazing. It was done in relief with the wall painted white and then the color removed to expose the image.

Roa is a Belgium artist from Ghent and leaves the most amazing animals all over London.

More from Roa.  His work is very distinctive.

Another favorite, I believe by a Spanish artist. 

You know I have a love affair with my Nikon D90, but it can be cumbersome to carry around a DSLR.  There are some times when I choose to leave it at home and just use my camera phone.  I was curious to see if the Galaxy offered me a better option than my current iPhone.   

I found the Samsung light and easy to use.  I really loved the large screen, much bigger than my iPhone.  I was also pretty impressed with the camera.  I’ll definitely consider changing over when my next upgrade is due.  Obviously, it will never replace my DSLR, but it’s nice to have an easier option that I can trust to give me decent photos. 

Which piece of street art is your favorite?

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I was a guest of Three Mobile for the walking tour and returned the phone afterwards.

All photos, writing and opinions are my own.   
As always, I promise to be open, honest and transparent with my readers. 
If you have any questions, please don't hesitate to ask.