So, after Milan, I spent a few days in Scotland, in Aberdeen. I’ve been there a few times before, but I can’t really say I know the place.
I will be spending some time in Aberdeen, however, as that’s where Professor M works now. And because we try to spend weekends and holidays together, this means that one of us has to travel. Yes, every week…
Not very environmentally friendly, I know, but I don’t care. You can’t save the planet by telling people they shouldn’t do something (besides, nobody likes a spoilsport). You can save the planet by inventing more environmentally friendly ways of doing what people are going to do anyway, though. That’s what I tell all the hypocrites who criticise my carbon footprint: instead of finger-wagging, they should get an engineering degree and do something a bit more concrete to save the planet. Not that I’m going to wait for them to come up with more environmentally friendly planes to see my husband…
OK, rant over, I think you get my point: while my husband and I continue to live in two countries, we will be travelling between Finland and Scotland on a regular basis.
Anyway… since my last trip to Aberdeen didn’t exactly go to plan, I tried to do better this time. So, I was playing tourist, taking random photos of this and that, and here’s a little sample of what I saw:
I have to confess: I have thing for graffiti, and I can’t resist good wall art. I have to photograph it…
You know what else I can’t resist photographing? Lanterns. And windows. My Photo Journal (= my second Instagram feed, which you can see on the sidebar) is full of pictures of windows.
And no, I don’t collect pictures of windows or lanterns (or anything else) because they’re old and quaint. I actually prefer modern architecture, and I would definitely not want to live in an old house (however quaint or cute).
I can’t tell you what it is that makes me think something is ‘interesting’, i.e. ‘must be photographed’. I haven’t really thought about it, nor do I want to. You see, for me, photography (or doing my Photoshop art) is an exercise in using the right side of the brain: letting go of logic and reason, stopping the endless flow of thoughts that overload my mind. So, the only ‘rule’ is: see something interesting, take a picture. It works.
Tiina
Do you ever take random photos of whatever catches your eye?
Linking up with:
Not Dead Yet Style, Elegantly Dressed and Stylish, High Latitude Style, Style Elixir, A Labour of Life, Curly Crafty Mom, Fashion Should Be Fun, Color and Grace, The Wardrobe Stylist, Not Dressed As Lamb, Style Nudge, Living on Cloud Nine, A Well Styled Life, Elegance and Mommyhood. Posh Classy Mom, Nancy’s Fashion Style, Shelbee on the Edge, A Pocketful of Polka Dots Style Splash, The Fashionista Momma, Tina’s Pink Friday, Away from the Blue, Mummabstylish , Living on Cloud Nine, Mutton Years Style and I
I’m in two minds about graffiti if it’s well done, or has a message good, but it’s a fine line between a graffito as art and vandalism. Last month I read of the outrage over ‘vandals’ who had spray painted over a Banksy ‘masterpiece’, lol. When I’m on holiday I never seem to do anything touristy I like art galleries but I’ve never been up the Eiffel Tower or the Empire State building. When I get home I find the photos could have been taken almost anywhere. I like finding strange shop or shop windows and for that you need the back streets. I hope you enjoy Aberdeen if the cold doesn’t bother you, you are probably used to that.
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I know what you mean: I don’t like the tags some people paint on walls. But I’ve seen some pretty cool graffiti (or should I say art, rather) that cover the entire wall of a building. By they were painted by real artists, of course.
Guess what, I’ve never been to the Eiffel Tower or the Empire State Building, either (and I’ve visited both Paris and New York many times, I even lived in Paris for a while when I was young). I just don’t see the point of queueing for an hour or two to get in. I prefer to just walk around, and many times I’ve come across a nice little gallery or a small museum this way. Less people, less stress…
Yes, I got to know Aberdeen a bit more this time. It was windy, but not particularly cold. And yes, I’m used to cold…
I don’t take photos. I do pay attention to details though when walking around. But that is perhaps the reason, why I don’t take photos. I find it too difficult to to catch the small detail or the specific light or colour that catched my attention.
About graffiti and murals: If we talk about graffiti style pictures not just tags, they really do no harm in most of places. I mean I’d rather look art than dirty concrete grey in underground walkways or under bridges etc. Even if it done without permissions. Also I’m really glad that so many housing companies have recently been open to ideas and allowed murals to be painted. Especially eastern Pasila area in Helsinki is like on open door art gallery rather than a depressing block of concrete with all that art on the walls. -q
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Sometimes it seems that people have lost the ability to simply enjoy the moment as they’re so focused on capturing it on camera (or the phone) instead. It’s almost as if what you see or experience doesn’t matter unless you post it on Instagram. That’s a pity. And this coming from someone who takes a lot of pictures…
I agree with you on the murals: I find them quite impressive. I’d like to see more of them, to be honest.
I love good street art – Glasgow is rather blessed with some fine examples My instagram is generally full of flowers or plants – thats my happy place and yes that involves “not thinking”
Author
Instagram is my happy place, too. I post all sorts random photos I take on a whim, or my ‘artwork’ (I have 3 Instagram feeds, for different purposes). And I follow lots of cute little kittens…
Do people really give you a hard time about living separately from your husband due to your jobs? That seems a bit insensitive to me. I am glad that your attitude is not giving a hoot though. That being said, I also am drawn to wall art and doors and windows and lanterns and light posts. However, I do really like really old ones as well as funky new architecture. I don’t take photographs but I will definitely stop to admire such interesting things when I come across them. Thanks for sharing these lovely photos and linking up with me, Tiina!
Shelbee
http://www.shelbeeontheedge.com
Author
Oh well, these days people are so judgemental…
Thanks!