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South Africa: The Gear I Used Most
It was weeks before I had to depart for Madikwe in South Africa. I had Evernote open, and I was reviewing my packing list. I had a “Camera Stuff to Bring” portion on that list that appeared rather lengthy. Is this too much for one backpack? There is no way this is all going to fit. I also had another physical list beside my packing. I thought this was the best way to remember everything, and with two weeks to go, I had plenty of time to revise as needed.
Photographs from Rhulani
I arrived without delay in Johannesburg after a full day of travel. I had enough time to check in to the airport hotel, have a quick meal and adjust as much as possible to the five-hour time difference. The following morning, I grabbed breakfast at the hotel, took the shuttle back to the airport, and met everyone at arrivals from Cape Town. We boarded our van and began our four-hour drive to the Rhulani Safari Lodge, where I would experience one of the best times of my life.
Packing for South Africa
It’s an early morning here at Halifax International, and a long day of travel awaits me. In a short time, I will board the first of three flights - Halifax to Toronto, Toronto to Newark, and Newark to Johannesburg. The last of the three flights is about 15 hours. This will be my longest continuous flight to date. I have headphones, podcasts, updated Spotify playlists, a remarkably comfortable neck pillow, and an aisle seat! Let’s do this.
Efficient Travel: Making the Most of Your Time
When it comes to travelling, time is of the essence. Having the flexibility to explore at leisure is great, but what happens when you are limited, when there is so much you want to do but only a few days to do it all? Having more time will always be positive while travelling, but you can still enjoy a short trip and capture great photographs in only a few days. There are several key strategies to remember to make the most of it.
Photographs from Mexico
After four days in Mexico at El Dorado Maroma, I did not take a single photo; I was surprised. It’s not that I didn’t want to, but I was enjoying the company of others. I hadn’t seen anyone in a whole year, and I was meeting others for the first time. With numerous restaurants to choose from, we had a good choice of places to indulge, but on a few nights, it went a bit too late; the comfortable bed and the air-conditioned room became difficult to abandon in the early mornings.
Packing for Mexico: El Dorado Maroma
In May last year, Lisa and I went to Mexico to stay in El Dorado Maroma, meeting up with some colleagues she has worked closely with, primarily virtually until then. We have been to numerous resorts and had great times, but resorts have never been our primary travel style choice. We enjoy exploring cities and local neighbourhoods, trying restaurants, and seeing landmarks. Still, every few years, we get the urge to get away and relax without worrying about additional planning and expenses.
Photographs from New York
For my trip to New York last month, I used my Fujifilm X-E4, which has now become my only camera choice for travel. I had limited myself to only the 35mm f/2 to travel lighter and make my composition and photography choices easier. In addition, I was also able to utilize two film simulations, the same ones I had used in London the week before this.
Photographs from London
I spent a week exploring the city and doing street photography in London in late February and early March. While I was excited to get to the city again, arriving at the end of February, I was concerned about what kind of weather I’d be experiencing there. Checking a week before departing, the forecast was quite optimistic, with a mix of sun and cloud for the week and an average of about 6°C, but a week-out forecast is not the most accurate, and I was aware that this could and probably would change.
Packing for New York
Returning from London, I landed in Halifax on March 4th, and today, March 6th, Lisa and I are leaving for New York for a few days. Regarding places we plan to visit, we will spend some time down by One World Trade and the Oculus, as I enjoy that area, and we will walk the High Line and visit Little Island, as Lisa has not been there yet.
Packing for London
As I sit here at Halifax International waiting to board, I think of the first day of 2013 as that was the last time I had been to London. Lisa and I spent a few days there, and on January 1, we boarded the train to Paris. London was my first European destination, and I look forward to returning to the city later tonight. This London trip came together quickly as I just booked this last week.