the girl with a dragon graffiti

I found this enormous graffiti in Thessaloniki, close to famous neighbourhood of Ladadika. At that time I have just finished reading Stig Larsson’s “Millennium” trilogy and the title for the photo came to my mind immediately :-D

Anyway, the size is impressive! Easily comparable to Patra’s downtown graffiti from my very first post. I cannot say that I always enjoy painted walls, specially the ones with football slogans on freshly renovated buildings, but when the graffiti is really nice and represents more than just an offending slogan, it’s just hard not to appreciate it.

Photo: NIKON D70s, AP, f 1/6.3, 1/400s, -0.3EV, f=36 mm (for 35mm), GIMP software

the best weather is bad weather

Bad weather is definitely not the one to be jealous for, but has one huge advantage over boring summer perfectly clear sky – it has clouds, lots of clouds. Therefore, it gives many opportunities to capture some dramatic scenes :-D So, if it comes to photos, some might paraphrase the famous saying: “the best news is bad news” and make it as in title. 

This time well known view at Rio-Antirio bridge during stormy March weather. How different… Of course help of software is necessary to get such dramatic effect, but bad weather is a must first.

Photo: Panasonic DMC-FX 150, Landscape Mode, f 1/3.5, 1/320s, 0EV, f=47mm (for 35mm), GIMP

turkish invasion

In the beginning of November 2011, NATO forces had done naval drills in Patras. Therefore some of the ships docked in the city port and were available for visitors to enter the deck. Absolutely free of charge, it was possible to get a tour around the ship with assistance of NATO officers, answering all the technical questions. Very interesting and rare occasion!

When taking photos in the port, I have noticed some worried older citizens, very disturbed by the view of the destroyers under Turkish flag! I wonder if any of them got scared of Turkish invasion :‑P

Photo: NIKON D70s, AP, f 1/9, 1/400s, -0.3EV, f=103 mm (for 35mm), GIMP software

marina of patras

One thing I like the most in coastal cities is marina, a place for the wealthiest citizens to live, run their business, spend money. It’s just a part of the city where everything is attractive: boats and yachts, system of quays floating on calm water, small lighthouse pointing the way to dock Your boat, the best and the most expensive cafes and restaurants offering fresh fish and seafood and of course magnificent views, and probably the most wanted apartments.

In Patra’s marina, specially on weekends, You can see expensive sport cars parked outside of full cafes, where prices are double, yet You have to be lucky to find a table. Women are wearing expensive, designed clothes. It’s just a place of luxury and it seems the crisis will never get in here :-P

Photo1: NIKON D70s, AP, f 1/7.1, 1/1000s, -0.3EV, f=40 mm (for 35mm), GIMP software

Photo2: NIKON D70s, AP, f 1/6.3, 1/5s, -0.3EV, f=60 mm (for 35mm), GIMP software