Aubrey
Welsh
Across the day, across the world
On this page, I have selected photographs I have taken to show the various times of day - from before dawn to after dusk - in different parts of the world. There are no close up images of people (that I know), just places.
Totara Vale, North Shore, Auckland
When I was working at Massey University in Albany, I would sometimes wake very early to go for a run. Those days are over.
Malaga, Andalucia, Spain
I still sometimes do a very early morning walk, often capturing incredible sunrises. This is one of my favourite times of day when I can simply be alone with my thoughts.
Puri Indah, Jakarta, Indonesia
Sometimes the place I'm living in is high enough to take what seems like an aerial shot. The distant vistas are very often quite spectacular - if you're willing to get up early!
Beechworth, Victoria, Australia
I love walking around urban areas in the early morning - there's no-one around and there is that beautiful stillness and quiet before the population begins to wake.
On SuperFast Ferry, leaving Igoumenitsa, Greece
I have witnessed thousands of sunrises but there is nothing more thrilling than one over the ocean - and when later in that day you meet up with long-time friends in Ithaca.
Jizan, Kingdom of Saudi Ararabia
It doesn't rain often here but when it does, it pours leaving the water nowhere to drain off. It looks like a lake but it's not - it's a construction site after overnight rain.
View of The Alhambra, Granada, Spain
When morning rolls in in Granada it occasionally is accompanied by this enormous rolling mist and I had to be there on just one of those mornings. Spectacular.
Ancient city of Jiaohe, near Turufan, Xinjiang, China
2000 years ago, this was the capital of the Jushi KIngdom and an important stop on the Silk Road. Today it is a UNESCO World Heritage site.
Narrow street in Ronda, Andalucia, Spain
2024 years later this is a view of a street in the 'white city', Ronda. It reminds me very much of Jiaohe and how city planning hasn't changed that much over the millenia.
St. Mark's Square, Venice, Italy
Everyone who visits Venice must stop at this piazza. I decided to go very early in the morning - hence the few tourists - but I was too early to get gain entrance into any of the buildings!
'Tommy' sculpture, Seaham, Northumbria, UK
A nine-and-a-half foot statue of the archetypal First World War soldier. Officially named 'Eleven-o-One' after the first minute of piece after the armistice cme into force.
Limmat River, Zurich, Switzerland
I have travelled to many countries and visited many rivers but I do declare that the rivers which run through Switzerland must be the best and cleanest in the world!
Donna Maria Pia Rail Bridge, Porto, Portugal
One can't talk about rivers without talking about the bridges which span them. Built over the Douro River in the 1870s by Gustave Eiffel - yes, you know the name very well.
Mountain pass road up to Abha, Saudi Arabia
I almost shat myself during my first trip to Abha from Jizan. Not only was the pass particularly windy and on stilts, we were travelling at up to 140km/h! Nothing more to say.
A street in Ayutthaya, Thailand
A slightly slower pace was achieved when I visited this ancient capital of Thailand. I'm not in favour generally of elephants used for tourism but think of it as a different kind of horse.
Saint-Cecile Cathedral, Albi, Midi-Pyrenees, France
Claimed to be the largest brick building in the world, this Catholic cathedral took 200 years to build. In the adjacent building is the fascinating Musee Toulouse-Lautrec.
Jacaranda in bloom, Kelvin Grove, Brisbane
Any South African travelling overseas just marvels when they come across trees and flowers which they are familiar with. I used to walk passed this tree every day on my way to teach.
Scottish home, Burntisland, Scotland
Travellers cannot but notice the way that architecture differs in different parts of the world. It doesn't matter where you go, you will find buildings and structures of every kind.
Hanoi City, Vietnam
What strikes one when one is travelling through most of south Asia, is the proliferation of scooters, motorbikes and other personal vehicles. Beware at traffic lights.
Toronto Towers, Canada
I am used to seeing tall apartment buildings having lived in HK and China but the rest of the world seems to be catching up. I liked the patterned exterior of these buildings.
Table Mountain, Cape Town, South Africa
This magnificent close up view of the cable station at the top of Table Mountain shows you how precarious the building position is. But that shouldn't put you off going to the top!
Euronews HQ, Lyon, France
I was thrilled to catch sight of this building while I was doing my hop on/hop off tour of Lyon. A very clever design to show the watchfulness of the news broadcaster.
Minack Theatre, Cornwall, UK
You will have visited some extraordinary places in your travels but for me this one takes a cake! Built on an actual cliff, this must be the most unique performance venue. Go there!
TSS Earnslaw on Lake Whakatipu, Queenstown, NZ
Queenstown is the Crown in the Winter Jewel of the South Island and is a must visit - even in summer. I would really like them to convert to renewable energy, though!
View from Sunshine City, Ma On Shan, Hong Kong
Whilst teaching at The Chinese University of HK, I lived on the 42 floor with this amazing view over the Tolo Harbour. The apartment building was a bit annoying but I got used to it.
Al Bustan, Oman
I never expected to find such beautiful scenes when I visited Oman. These were the Government Offices outside the capital Muscat - splendid blooms.
View to Prague Castle, Vltava River
The Czech Republic had not been on my 'bucket list' but I was persuaded to go and it did not disappoint. After travelling by train from Berlin, the city showed all its splendour.
Umbrellas in Prague
Sean and I were up one of the many Gothic Church turrets and when he looked down, he saw this amazing vista and took the wonderful photo. Yes, it was drizzling.
Wulumuqi, Xinjiang, China
It was just after midday when I took this photo in the centre of Urumqi. I was contracted to conduct some teacher training and it just happened to be from Dec - Feb!
Queens Theatre, London
I love just about everything about London - except, perhaps, the muddy, sometimes smelly, Thames. But above all, I love the theatre and cannot visit without seeing a new show.
Dockey Wood, Ashridge, Berkhamsted, UK
When I'm out walking with friends, there is nothing more pleasant than coming upon a bluebell forest. Always make time when travelling to get into nature.
Railway tracks in Belle River, Ontario, Canada
I have always loved the perspective offered when taking a photo of railway tracks. I'm also amazed at how quickly trains in the distance reach you!
Railway Station, Bologna, Italy
My favourite way to travel is by train. You sit back, relax and watch the beautiful scenery pass by - it's a little annoying, though, when travelling on the high speed trains in Spain!
View of The Alps from a train
And this is what you can see when travelling by train. This was my first train journey from Zurich to Venice and I was thrilled to catch this brief glimpse of those famous mountains.
Passengers at Jeddah Airport, Saudi Arabia
But one can't always travel slowly. Flying is great but sometimes there are just too many people who have the same idea. I could not find a seat anywhere here.
Wedding at Basilica Pontificia, Bari, Italy
While travelling, one often stumbles across important events happening. This couple was happy for visitors to watch. By the way, the 'real' St Nicholas (Xmas) is interred in this church.
Masjid Raya Al A'zhom, Tangerang, Jakarta
It was 35 degrees outside but when I stepped into the mosque, the temp fell by at least 15 degrees. Incredible architecture. It was after midday prayers so all was quiet.
Puente Neuvo Bridge, Ronda, Spain
This 'new' bridge is more than 300 years old and spans the Guadalevin River - both of which split Ronda City. It is 98 m high and it is scary to look down!
Kingdom Centre, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
I did not visit this building or go to the top of it when I briefly visited Riyadh. In fact, I did very little because I mainly went to visit some friends and I was only there for a few days.
Old, unused Bullring, Malaga, Spain
I am very happy that bullfighting has been banned in Spain (and in many other countries around the world) - now many of the bullrings have been repurposed for various activities.
WW2 old German Fort, Farasan Islands, Red Sea
When it's approaching 40 degrees in the mid-afternoon, there's nothing better than a plunge into the ocean for a bit of snorkelling in the Farasan Islands near this historic fort.
Sacre Coeur, Paris, France
There are many places of worship across the globe which are very special to many people. I visited this cathedral only twice but both visits were very special.
Wat Traimit Temple, Bangkok, Thailand
The peace, serenity of beauty of Thai temples is quite unique. And, of course, the external architecture with all those spires is a marvel. When in Bangkok visit the Marble Temple.
Fields at Durham University, County Durham, UK
But soon the sun begins to drop in the sky and shadows grow longer and longer. By the way, that shadow is me taking a photo of a lonely crow on the field
Sunset during storm, Malaga, Spain
We'd just had a short afternoon storm when I captured this amazing shot of the setting sun breaking through the clouds. Couldn't quite get the colour of the bougainvillea.
Sunset over Nazares, Portugal
I was most privileged to capture this view on an unanticipated visit to the region. I always thought that Nazares was in southern Portugal - wrong, it's central.
Sunset over resort, Jilin, northern China
I visited this region to deliver some training to teachers on public speaking and debating. I wasn't lucky enough to stay here but the overall trip was most enjoyable.
Sunset over Manukau Harbour, Auckland
I live on the left hand side of this road -Kiwi Esplanade - and I am given these wonderful views throughout the year. I just have to step across the road and take a snap.
Malaga Harbour, Andalucia, Spain
In the centre background, you can see the Malaga Cathedral with only the right hand spire and dome. There weren't enough funds to build the second, symmetrical one.
Clark Quay, Singapore
One of the great attributes in visiting Singapore (apart from the obvious Sling) is enjoying the wide variety of cuisine. This recently renovated spot is a must!
Franklin Road lights, Auckland, NZ
Every December, all the residents of Franklin Road in Ponsonby decorate their homes with Xmas lights. It has become so popular - traffic department help is needed.
Christmas LIghts in Malaga
During covid, I had an opportunity to teach for Durham Uni online but covid wasn't going to stop myself and tens of thousands of others seeing the Xmas lights.
Town Hall, Auckland, NZ
I catch my bus home from nearby this building and it is wonderful to see how it is lit up at night. Musical concerts, events and graduations are held in it.
Belle River, Windsor, Ontario, Canada
Towards the end of a visit to one of my nieces, late autumn was beginning to set in and the nights become colder and foggier. Glad I left before winter.