A UNESCO world heritage site in the centre of Japan, sunshine and the first snow of the year - what more do you need?  Shirakawa-go is a village near Takayama and is a popular tourist destination with distinctive thatched houses with a steep rake, looking very much like a swiss chalet.

Old and New - a young girl in a bright kimono at the steps to a shrine in Kyoto surrounded by locals in western dress.

Prayer flags in Bhutan

Prayer flags are a common sight in Bhutan where it's windy, white vertical flags are placed to commemorate the death of a person.

Simon - Charlie Wrights International Bar

Simon on Rhythm and/or lead guitar, Fernandes can tell you which. Minus Kangol hat which is a bit unusual...

1/100s at f/2.0 100 mm ISO 1600

Ian - Charlie Wrights International Bar

Bit of an advert for the band Realta who had diversified from playing in Soho and were, in this case, in Hoxton at Charlie Wright's International Bar.

Fernandes is doing his thing here and, I noticed, hogging the best light on the stage. Guitar player in background. Very little light so used a fast, prime lens and a wide aperture. Keep it up guys.

1/100s at f/2.2 ISO 1250 100 mm

Chateau de Chenonceau

OK long time since an update, so here we are with "The western face of the graceful arches of Chateau de Chenonceau reflected in the gentle waters of the River Cher. The grand Florentine gallery was added by Catherine de Médicis. Loire Valley, France." It's a standard shot of this chateau, yes, but you can also see why. The famous gallery which extends across the river though is actually pretty empty which is somewhat of a surprise. Apparently it was used as an escape route between Vichy and German controlled France.

Sunset brought great light and also a reduction in crowds and boats on the river. Well worth the visit, though I remember they charge you through the nose for it...

1/40s at f/13 40 mm ISO 100

Chateau de Chambord

Tourists in a rowing boats on the River Cosson looking southeast towards the northern façade of Chateau de Chambord at sunset, Loir-et-Cher, Loire Valley, France. Chateau de Chambord, famous for its size, a double helix staircase and the 365 chimneys on the roof. It's in the middle of a huge park and on the northern face here three of the four large towers can be seen.

Light, as you can see, was excellent, taken at 1908. Though the price was that we arrived too later (around 1800) to be able to go into the chateau itself. Still, you are free to wander through a lot of the grounds which is good.

1/50s at f/14 47 mm ISO 125