Nature
Kasia Sokulska
Can't Wait!

The snow is mostly gone, here on the prairies, but it will be some weeks before we see greenery and flowers blooming. I can’t wait! It has been a long winter and I sure could use a bit of color. Late spring or early summer images are great for it because all is fresh and green is bright and not dimmed by dust of late summer days.

Can't Wait!
Fuji X
Kasia Sokulska
Fall Aurora

We are lucky here in Alberta, because some nights are full of light show. We had a couple of gorgeous Aurora showing last fall and I have managed to capture some shots without leaving the city.

Fall Aurora
Nature
Kasia Sokulska
Not Ready for Winter Images Yet...

I know, I know it is winter and everybody posts winter photography, but I am not ready for it yet. I see it outside my window every day, so I want to see something warm, colorful and pretty. Hope you are in need of this as well.

Not Ready for Winter Images Yet...
Nature
Kasia Sokulska
How Summer Began

It has been a while since I’ve posted anything about Elk Island National Park. So, I think, it is time for some lovely sunset from the beginning of summer, when all was green, flowers were blooming and days were warm and long.

How Summer Began
Nature
Kasia Sokulska
In The Woods

It’s wintery outside. With colder weather and short days I find myself thinking of summer. Summer visits to forest, here in Alberta, are one of my favorites ways to spend a weekend.

In The Woods

alhambra

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Goodbye Spain....

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Our last day in Spain was spent driving.  It is a 6 hour drive from Almerimar to Madrid, and on the way we were planning to stop in Granada to see the famous Alhambra Palace and it's gardens.  That part of the trip did not go so well.  We didn't realize at the time, that if you want to get in you should be buying tickets online well in advance, as there are ques stretching for miles.  Also our GPS unit decided to take us right through the center of Granada.  After getting lost, because a lot streets were closed due to construction, and narrowly avoiding collisions with abundant motorcyclists and scooter-ists on the streets, we finally arrived.  Like I said above, the amount of tourists was staggering, so of course we did not get in.  So we decided to go for a little walk outside of the Palace walls.  It's quite impressive, the Palace, even from the outside.  Here are some images from that walk. Few words on the Fuji X-Pro 1, to add.  The shooting conditions were not ideal.  High, late morning sun, and beautiful blue skies, with out a cloud, and Fuji did remarkably very very well.  Auto focus was spot on, and the biggest plus... carrying a small camera with small lenses, and knowing that I have the same control over images as I would get from a much bigger an heavier DSLR system.  Knowing and trusting, this little mirror less wonder, and using it on our trip in Spain was a pure, unadulterated, pleasure!

After leaving Granada, and finding a much easier wayout , then we came in, we headed to Madrid.  After returning the car at the airport and catching a taxi to the hotel, we barely had some time to go for a little walk around.  It gave me an opportunity to try the Fuji X-Pro 1 at night.  So of course high ISO, since I did not bring a tripod.  Color me impressed.  The images came out clean crisp, and surprisingly I did not have problems with the auto focus at all.  Another big point for Fuji.  After our little walk we go ready for bed, since we were catching a flight in the early morning to start another leg of our vacation.... Scotland.  Here are some night street images from Madrid.  Enjoy!

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The last day in Spain

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With a great sadness we have said our good-byes to our friends in Almerimar and undertaken the long drive back to Madrid.  The views, again, were quite lovely and I have taken a few shots (again) of the lovely wind turbines that make the scenery even more picturesque..

We have chosen slightly different route this time and were hoping to be able to stop on the way in Granada and visit Alhambra.

The palace of Alhambra is rather famous for it's great Moorish architecture and rich history and I always wanted to visit it. Unfortunately we were unable to gain entry to the palace itself.  To preserve it only a certain amount of visitors is allowed daily and we were just too late.. When we approached the entry they were just announcing that fact over the loud speakers.. During the high season, in order to visit the place one has to book tickets on line well in advance, otherwise there is no way to get inside... So... since we have planned to stop there anyway, we have decided to, at least, visit the grounds and took a long walk around the palace.  The weather was gorgeous and everything was blooming and so green that it was a delightful break in our long drive. Of course, I was not only interested in the architecture of the place but, as usual, gave in to my fascination with plants so different than what I am used to.. And here is a few shots from there:

We were given only glimpses of the palace buildings, stolen through shrubbery and walls.. I'd love to see them closer, but, will have to wait for the next time..

Being located on top of a hill Alhambra has a wonderful view of the surrounding Granada, which we could spot also from our walk:

It was very pleasant there. Quite a restful place, where you can be surrounded with greenery and listen to the sounds of trickling water..

But, as everything, this little respite in our journey had to come to an end and we left Alhambra, promising that one day we shell be back!  For now Scotland was waiting for us, with it's wonderful mountains and heavy skies and a promise of yet another adventure..

Kasia