Pictures of Manchester Pride Parade
Pick afros, purple speedos, gold glitter, rainbow flags and a huge party. The essence of a gay pride parade and Manchester’s 2007 festival had all of them. Though getting into the spirit of it all when you’re not dressed the part might seem difficult at first, (and I’m never really dressed for that part…), the celebrations and exuberance of the parade’s participants makes it easy to pick up a rainbow flag to wave.
Of course, the colourful characters make for some fun photos, so I have just put a gallery of some of the fun faces of the parade. Check out the photos of the pride parade here.
Photos of St. Ann’s and St. George’s Churches
Today brings a double dose of photos of Manchester places of worship with images of St. Ann’s Church and St. George’s Church.
The former is still a practicing church in the middle of downtown, while the latter, just outside the city centre, has been transformed into apartments when it fell into disuse (and I would love to see the interior renovation some time in case a resident of the apartments is reading this and would like to invite me around).
St. Ann’s Church:
St. George’s Church:
Images of Urbis
I have just put up a gallery of photos of one of the more unique buildings in Manchester, the Urbis exhibition hall. Interesting angles and curves abound, images of overhead clouds dance on the glass, and the imagination soars at being able to ski down that steeply-slanted roof.
My only potential qualm with it is that it seems a bit out of place surrounded by much older buildings. While a number of these have been updated (the Triangle Centre, formerly the Corn Exchange and now a mall and the Printworks, formerly a press building and now an entertainment centre) they haven’t reached the level of modernism of Urbis’ slope. And accross the way, Chetham’s school and the Cathedral must be wondering what this 21st-century structure must be doing in the same park as them.
But on second thought, that diversity is one of Manchester’s appealing qualities for me. I shouldn’t complain about old and new rubbing shoulders when I’m such a fan of both.
View the gallery here.
More Photos of Manchester’s Town Hall
While I already have a number of photos available here of the exterior of the Manchester Town Hall, the building’s architectural wonders do not cease once you step inside. The first two floors of the building (at least the parts open to the public) make for a particularly good wander and I now have a gallery of photos of the interior to prove it.
A couple years ago, my wife brought two of her co-workers over to Manchester for a visit. They both worked in the city hall of the small city of Ichinoseki in northern Japan and they were blown away by Manchester’s building. I’m told they turned green with envy because the Ichinoseki city hall, well, it lacks some of the grandeur of Manchester’s municipal headquarters. Not that a Victorian Gothic building would make much sense in small-city Japan… Still, it’s nice when architects give the occupants of their buildings a treat.
Images of North Wales
Though I had passed through Wales on a previous trip years ago, I recently had the chance to pass through again, but this time I got to stop in a few more spots. A lovely little family vacation weekend down to North Wales yielded sojourns to three castles and one exceptionally weird resort town.
Caernarfon, Criccieth and Harlech Castles were the old forts where I got to imagine myself as a knight. That favourite childhood pastime of mine is made that much easier when I don’t have to do much imagining of the sets – the castles are all right there. I could happily explore these old forts for days and I feel so lucky to be over here in the UK with the opportunity to see more of some my favourite buildings.
In addition to the castles was the surreal town of Portmeirion. I really wish I could impart to you just how confused I felt here. I couldn’t seem to wrap my head around the bizarre architecture and seemingly incongruous sculptures thrown together in a post-modern stew. I felt a little like I had wandered into a Salvador Dali painting.
Hopefully my next trip down there will allow me to get further South and explore even more of the country. For now, here are some photos to draw me back there.
Images of Rawtenstall’s 1940s Weekend
In a country so rich with history, the UK has ample opportunity for historical re-enactments and the rarely fail to pass up on the chance. A popular target for British nostalgia is the 1940s and its wartime significance. Near Manchester, the towns of Rawtenstall, Irwell Vale and Ramsbottom (I can’t think of joke I should use for that one) hold an annual tribute to that defining decade and I recently got to photograph the events in Rawtenstall.
The main event was the re-enacted battle at the Rawtenstall railway station. Dozens of military men in full 1940s uniforms battled it out on the rail platform in what was actually a startling display. In a way, I found it a little unsettling – sure I’ve seen plenty of WWII movies, but there was something about being able to actually feel each gunshot’s sound in chest that made this display sometimes feel a little too real. More than anything, it drove home how lucky I am to have never had to personally endure a war – I’m pretty sure I’m not cut out for it!
Mortar blasts, detailed makeup for the wounded, smoke grenades and an Avro Lancaster flying overhead added to the extremely well-choreographed re-enactment.
The battle was tricky to photograph due to so much movement taking place in so many places at once, but I managed to get a few good captures. See the gallery of photos here.
Barton Arcade Images
A semi-hidden gem here in downtown Manchester is the Barton Arcade shopping mall. Tucked in between Deansgate and St. Ann’s Square, the arcade doesn’t show much of itself from the outside, especially on the Deansgate side. But once you step inside, it reveals a beautiful glass and iron roof that fills the hall with light.
It’s always nice to cut through here even just for a glimpse when walking in the area.
See the photos here.
Photos of Haworth’s 1940s Weekend
I’ve just uploaded a new gallerty of photos of the Haworth 1940s weekend festival.
What could be more fun for a photographer than a bunch of people getting dressed up in vintage clothing or historically accurate costumes and being eager to have you take their picture? Well, maybe a smaller number of tourists crowding the narrow main street of Haworth would have been nice, but you can’t have everything!
Haworth village is a beautiful place on its own (photos to come…), but during its annual 1940s weekend, the vintage cars and costumes steal the show from the quaint main street and Bronte sisters attractions. I had such a good time, I think I might have to make it an annual visit. I look forward to 2008!
Pictures of Manchester, England
I know it has been too long in putting these up, but here they are: a small batch of my first photos from Manchester. Believe me when I say I have a rather sizable bunch of photos still requiring processing and uploading.
Manchester is my new home and, in these first few months, it has been been good to me, photographically speaking. There’s plenty to explore here in terms of architecture and sights, the accessible countryside has plenty more to shoot and the number of events that make their way through here is formidable (the only limit is my cash and time!).
I wanted to be able to deliver a few relatively complete collections of photos before I started uploading, and while I could always shoot more shots of these fine sights, I now have a few solid and somewhat comprehensive collections of images to share.
Check out a few starter photos here and find lots more in the gallery:
Pictures of Banteay Srei
The red sandstone of Banteay Srei, 20km from the main group of temples, and a bit further still from Siem Reap, is a well-preserved exhibition of ancient carving skill. The intricate details decorating the walls of this small temple are truly gorgeous and hint at how spectacular the Angkorian temples must have been in their prime. Imagine Angkor Wat covered in these beautiful carvings and the mind boggles.
Banteay Srei’s red shapes gleam in the morning sun and, if you can make it there early enough, you might be able to find some peace inside the small temple. Soon after the sun has risen, however, tour buses will unleash piles of visitors into the small spaces of the ancient site so an early trip out to the countryside is worth the early wake up.
See more photos here.
Images of Beng Mealea in Angkor
Seeking a private visit to any of the temples in Angkor is a near impossible task. Wherever you go and whenever you arrive, there will be hundreds if not thousands of tourists sharing the sites with you.
One notable exception, however, is Beng Mealea. This temple ruin is located almost 80 km outside of Siem Reap, so most people don’t make the journey (especially considering the state of some of Cambodia’s roads). But for those hardy enough to sit on the back of a rattling motorbike on bumpy for close to two hours, you will be rewarded by an extraordinary sight.
The jungles surrounding Beng Mealea have been left to take over the massive temple. Most visitors to Angkor get a similar experience with the enormous trees of Ta Prohm and their constricting roots. Beng Mealea takes the union of jungle and temple to a new level. Here, the temple is often indistinguishable from the vines and trees attempting to reclaim it. If ever you’ve had fantasies of being Indiana Jones, this is the place to be.
Visitors to Beng Mealea are free to explore the collapsed walls and buildings. There are few indoor areas left intact, but the many crumbling courtyards reveal themselves only after adventurers climb over piles of rubble.
The one modern touch at Beng Mealea is a walkway built for the filming of the movie Two Brothers. Other than this addition and the few other tourists that make it to the temple, it’s easy to forget what year it is. A solitary trek through Beng Mealea will make you believe you live in a time when there was much more left to explore in the world.
See my photos of Beng Mealea here. And a couple samples:
More Photos of Taiwan
Over the weekend, I posted a couple more galleries of photos from Taiwan.
First, a batch of photos from the rural area of Ershui. This quiet town on the Jiji small rail line was a good spot for a leisurely bike ride and some monkey watching up in the hills.
The other gallery I posted is from Changhua, a city that boats a rather enormous Buddha statue overlooking the town below.
If you would like to read more about my travels in each of these locations, check my blog entries on Ershui and Changhua
Lastly, some appetizers:
Photos of Lukang Posted
More photos of Taiwan are up. This time, it’s a gallery of photos from Lukang, a beautiful little city in Western Taiwan.
Most of the city was relatively plain, but the small portion of it that wasn’t seemed like it had stepped out of the past. I won’t dwell on describing it too much here. If you’re interested, feel free to check out this detailed blog entry about my short stay in Lukang.
For now, a few photos:
Sun Moon Lake Photos Posted
As I was travelling through Taiwan and exploring the area around the Jiji small rail line, I realized that my way back to Taipei could pass through one of the country’s favourite destinations: Sun Moon Lake. So, I quickly adjusted my plans for the trip back and I was able to spend an afternoon on the shores of this gorgeous, blue lake.
I quickly realized that I could have done with an extra day there. Renting a bike for a day and riding around the roads near the shore would have made for a great day’s adventure. But since I was short on time, the afternoon would have to do. I walked along the lake’s edge to Wenwu Temple and explored there until I had to make my way back to quaint little Shuishe Village to catch my bus back to Taipei, happy to have taken in some beautiful views and country quiet.
Shilin Official Residence Photos
I’ve just put up another batch of photos from Taipei. This time I’ve uploaded photos from the Shilin Official Residence, the former home of Taiwanese leader Chiang Kai-Shek.
The expansive gardens of the residence make a nice escape from the Taipei noise and traffic with peaceful paths, colourful flowers and quiet greenhouses. During my visit, the photogenic location was highlighted by an army of wedding photographers directing brides and grooms throughout the gardens. I could hardly turn a corner without seeing a happy couple posing together.
Xingtian Temple Photos
Adding to my recent flood of photos of Taipei, I have just added a gallery of photos from Xingtian Temple.
Another of the many busy temples in Taipei, my favourite sight in Xingtian Temple was the many blue-robed temple officials seeing to the smooth operation of the temple and accommodating the needs of worshipers. Like the brilliant saffron robes of the Buddhist Monks in Southeast Asia, these blue attendants immediately caught my attention. They were like patches of bright, blue sky showing through an overcast day.
A couple of photos to get you started:
Taipei’s Dihua Street Market
I continue my journey down my Taiwan memory lane today with photos from Taipei‘s Dihua Street Market. A bustling shopping area in the afternoons, the market sells Chinese candies, medicinal herbs and sundries and the gregarious vendors will be all to happy to stuff your pockets and your mouth with samples.
I left with a massive bag of pistachio nuts well beyond my eating capacity. They were just too delicious! They found a good home in the bellies of the other guests at my hostel.
The street was full of tasty treats and happy faces. And while it may not have been as much of an adventure as the creatures, mystery meats and mystery smells of Snake Alley, it was a worthy stop in Taipei.
A couple sample photos:
Photos of the Grand Hotel in Taipei
If only my trip’s budget had allowed me to stay at the Grand Hotel in Taipei. Though my accommodation was perfectly comfortable, I’m sure the luxury of the Grand Hotel would have been a happy addition to my accommodation itinerary.
The best I could really do is have a wander through its exquisite lobby and around the grounds where my photos were taken.
Taipei 101 Photos
Continuing with my recent trend of posting images from Taiwan, I have just added a gallery of photos of what is currently the tallest building in the world: Taipei 101.
The astonishingly high building is a must-see in Taipei and due to it’s height, it’s almost a sure bet you will see it from somewhere in the city. But getting up close will give you the opportunity to truly marvel at the construction. Even better, take the surprisingly-fast elevator ride to the top where you will get a perspective of the city that shows just how sprawling the metropolis is. And if the views from the observatory aren’t high enough for you, climb a few more flights of stairs and head outside.
The outdoor observatory was one of my favourite parts of my visit to the tower. On the night I visited, the terrace was not heavily populated and I was often left alone to listen to the wind and the distant, faint hum of the city. It was extraordinary to be surrounded by millions of people, but still enveloped in quiet.
Check out the photos (including a couple shots from inside the wax museum in the observatory – David Beckham and Bruce Lee were graceful models for me) here.
Photos of Taipei’s Longshan Temple
Longshan Temple was one of my favourite locations to visit in Taipei. I visited the temple twice and both times, it was as busy as it could be with the devout engaging in the rituals common to Taiwanese temples.
When I visited one evening, I found I had become the companion of a young Taiwanese girl and her mother who seemed thrilled just to have a foreign friend to show around the temple. I’m sure it could have been quite educational had either of them spoken a word of English (or if I knew more than to say ‘hello’ and ‘thank you’ in Mandarin). The girl grabbed me by the wrist and enthusiastically dragged me to different parts of the temple, chatted to me about who-knows-what for a while and would usually take a photo of me wherever I happened to be standing.
I’m not sure what she was trying to tell me, but she was giddy while telling it. That was enough for me to consider her a temporary friend while I wandered through the temple wondering where she might drag me next.
Taipei in Photos
Over the coming days, I hope to add a number of galleries to reflect my travels in Taipei. Taiwan was my first stop on the journey I began at the beginning of 2006, so these photos are long over due, but I hope that I can soon make up for the delay be showing off some of my adventures there.
While I did manage to get out of the capital city for a few days, I’m going to start off with the island nation’s entry point and show you around Taipei. This first batch of galleries includes shots from the Snake Alley Night Market, Chiang Kai-Shek Memorial Hall, Bao-An Temple and the Confucius Temple.
Keep checking back for more from this fascinating city.
Photos of the Calgary Zombie Walk 2006
I’ve gone through a bunch of my photos from the Calgary Zombie Walk this year and They are now available here. Limp, don’t run to check out the photos!
This year’s turnout was equal to or possibly greater than last year’s and a number of people were intent on outdoing their costumes from the previous year. That meant more gore, more blood, more guts and more fun. Some personal favourites included the zombie whose face was wrapped in barbed wire, the biohazard zombie who carried four litres of fake blood in a pack beneath his clothes to spurt on command, and the golfer zombies pinned back to back having been impaled by a stick.
The Elvis Zombies entertained and the doctor zombie carrying an animatronic baby (with slightly too realistic movements) disturbed. A zombie slayer dressed as Ash from the Evil Dead series (he only needed Bruce Campbell’s chin to complete the look) and a Shaun of the Dead zombie added some star power to the event as well.
It made for a great, early Halloween treat. Here are some samples of the horror awaiting you in the gallery:
Singapore Photos Posted
I’ve just finished adding a huge batch of photos from the Southeast Asian, island nation sensation. For anyone eager to get straight to it, I shall cut to the chase and invite you to check out my photos of Singapore.
For some of my time in Singapore, I was accompanied by some great travel companions in Jenny, Katy and Sam. Our mini-golf game on Sentosa Island stands (strangely enough) as a highlight of my stay in SIngapore. Really, what could be better than being a kid again with some fun friends while bouncing around a mini-golf course in an exotic location. Sam thought I should take up a career of photographing miniature golf courses around the world thus combining a few passions into one undoubtedly lucrative career.
As you will see from the photos, however, I did have a lot of time to wander the city on my own with cameras in hand. Singapore has fabulous locations where a shutterbug traveller can keep himself busy for hours. The colonial district is full of history. The Singapore Zoo satisfies every zoological interest. The modern skyscrapers mark the country’s economic ascendency. Populated by peoples from a diversity of backgrounds, the cultural influences blend and mix like streams flowing to form a larger river that has an identity of its own. And if you want to put away the camera, you will never find yourself wanting for someplace to shop or eat.
I could easily spend more time there and I hope someday I will. Until then, I will content myself with looking at a few images:
San Francisco, Sanfrantastic!
I’m back in Calgary and I already want to head back to San Francisco. My itchy feet only got temporary relief while strolling over the Golden Gate Bridge, through Little Italy and Chinatown and around Sonoma. And a couple days barely scratches the surface of what San Francisco has to offer.
But, my sister and I made the best of the short time and embarked on a bunch of fun little trips. Puppy class with her lovely black lab Alice, watching the Blue Angels and the air slalom racers from the shores of the bay, and chowing down on plenty of Mexican food kept us busy and happy.
Here’s a few photos from the past few days:
Darby Sawchuk is a Canadian-born photographer who currently resides in Manchester, England. He has travelled to over 40 countries and is always adding more to the list. He creates stock for multiple agencies and is available for assignments.
+44 0790 992 8932
