Tuesday, November 27, 2012

in the docks



I have finally decided to buy tripod (Greek word btw :-D). Therefore, immediately after receiving my shipment, I went for a walk to the center, equipped with both cameras and tripod of course.



I have started in the port, just after sunset, with a view straight from the docks in west direction towards Kefalonia. I like this palette of colors just after sunset. Not only yellow-orange-red on the horizon line, but also light to dark blue sky and even darker clouds. This one definitely goes to my collection of sunsets.

Photo: Nikon D70s, Manual, f 1/8, 2s, -0.3EV, f=27mm (for 35mm), GIMP software

Monday, November 19, 2012

minus seventeen



This year’s 30th Athens Classic Marathon was a second marathon race for me after competing in Thessaloniki in April earlier this year. The two races appeared to be very different. The number of participants in Athens is something about 10 times larger, reaching 9000 this year, the number of spectators probably even more times larger, and the route itself is considered one of the most demanding in the world with its’ famous ascent to Agia Paraskevi, while Thessaloniki is almost completely flat. But one thing stays the same, the distance :-P that is the killer!



I have managed to prepare myself much better this time by fulfilling the plan in 100%. Fourteen weeks with average distance of more than 60km and 4h per week. The preparations for any autumn marathon are somehow easier as the weather is much better, that allowed me to stay away of any injures.
All in all, I have achieved my goal of sub 3.5h run with final time of 3:22:58 :-D That gives me more than seventeen minutes improvement from Thessaloniki! Considering the level of difficulty of the route, my satisfaction is even greater.
The photo I post comes from official photo-partner of Athens Classic Marathon, taken just few meters before heaven…


Wednesday, November 14, 2012

in the jungle

Imagine a dense, jungle-like, deep forest in the middle of Peloponnese. Many would think - no way! But these really do exist, full of green with blooming flora. And luckily, they can be found pretty close to Patra.

Only 1h driving south along road 111 towards Tripoli, there is quite famous Pholoe forest. It is truly amazing for Greek climate. The "leaf roof" is so compact that it easily seals the sky in many places, giving nice "air-conditioned" feeling even in the middle of the summer.
I hope to manage to go again somewhere in the fall, to see some colourful leaves.

Photo: Nikon D70s, AP, f 1/7.1, 1/40s, -0.3EV, f=27mm (for 35mm), GIMP software

Thursday, November 1, 2012

laundry time



Kerkyra is one of the most popular Greek islands among foreign tourists. Also, it’s history involves lots of foreign influence, as the island was governed by many different nations. All this, makes Kerkyra very “international” place. You can experience it on every corner by meeting foreigners, hearing multiple languages spoken on the streets, but also by observing customs and habits of its inhabitants.



While whole Greece is drinking morning frappe in the summer and traditional Greek coffee in the winter, Kerkyra is choosing cappuccino and espresso! Traditional local alcohols and sweets also have little in common with typical products for Greece, like baklava, pasteli or even ouzo.
Nowhere else in Greece You will find laundry being dried on the strings outside the windows. Strings, no longer than 3m, pulled between two opposite buildings, full of laundry – I like this views :-D

Photo: Nikon D70s, AP, f 1/8, 1/800s, -0.3EV, f=105mm (for 35mm), GIMP software