October 2003 saw my first ever trip to Spain, and I must admit to being disappointed with the city. Fantastic old and modernist buildings set in a city that wants to be modern and does not seem able to make you believe it. Clashes of style and the underlying separatism issues and threat of crime were always apparent. Enjoyed our trip to Figueres, though, and found our only decent (Spanish) restaurant, there. Those in Barcelona (in our price range) were pretty poor except a little hole in the wall where the meals were better than the pictures. Still, it was nice and warm in October and a few shots were had on the Nikon Coolpix 5000.

Pictures taken on various trips to france during 2004 and 2005. These depict many well known tourist sites as well as a few less known locations. The pictures on the March 2004 trip on the Cote D'azur were taken on a Nikon Coolpix 5000. The other pictures were taken on my Nikon D70.

We had visited Siena on our first trip to Florence two years earlier, and were immediately captivated by the place, and by the transitions to the medieval city within the original walls. It is also a great transport hub linking all parts of Tuscanny. At night, when the day tourists go, you are left with a wonderful city full of people promenading around the secure medieval lanes. The restaurants are not bad, either. The only down side, we had to stay in Rome, out and back. It is not my favourite city, but worth a quick visit for the sights - if you can separate them from the decaying city! Taken with Nikon D70.

Seville is to Glasgow as Barcelona is to Edinburgh - a city full of honest and friendly working folk with a wonderful outlook on life. There is also the Real Alcazar - a superb palace/garden in the Mudejar style extended by Pedro I from 1364 within the original Almohad palaces, although I did not make the most of it, mostly due to the crowds. Lot's more moorish and modern architecture to exite the eye, also the most ghastly gothic monstrosity of a cathedral the world has ever seen - in my opinion - but non the less interesting for that. Nikon D70

We travelled to Cordoba on the AVE from Seville. 180 m.p.h. across Andalucia to the superb Mezquita. Begun in 785 by Abd al Rahman I. Lavishly added to in the 10th Century by al Hakam II, and in the 16th Century a magnificently adorned cathedral was built in part of the reconsecrated mosque. Also featured is Alcazar de los Reyes Cristianos. Some pictures inside the Mesquita are not that good, as the D70 was cranked up to 1600 ASA and speeds were still only about 1/8th second hand held, with a good helping of associated "noise" and image degradation. Nikon D70

The Alhambra, built by the Nasrid dynasty under Ismail I, Yusuf I and Muhammad V, the ruling Cailiphs of Granada at a time when their power was on the wane and was an idea of heaven on earth using modest materials, but superbly worked. Set against the backdrop of the Sierra Nevada it is a trully magical sight - but those Lions are something else! Also featured is the Albaizin district - a rabbit warren of whitewashed houses that reflect its Arab ancestry. Some pictures in the Alhambra were taken at 1600 ASA and may not be too hot. Nikon D70

Cooler and more indiferent weather than usual this year with just a few more pictures from Eze, the Fondation Maeght at St. Paul de Vence and the magnificent Cimetiere du Vieux Chateau in Menton forming the bulk of the images. Nikon D70

Summer lingers in Tuscany till late October and we made good use of our time, based in Siena - visiting some old places and some new ones under mostly clear blue skies - featured are Pisa, Florence, San Gimignano, Pienza, Montepulchiano, Monteriggioni and Arrezzo. Nikon D70

Very sunny and clear conditions, allied to a cooler breeze than usual made for good outings. Covered a few missed photo opportunities from previous trips, so not a lot of new locations. Nikon D70

Our first trip to Madrid - it will not be our last! A marvellous mix of old and new, and beautifully managed. The native Madrelenos are courteous, helpful (if a little dour) and certainly enjoy life - you are readily accepted into their lifestyle. The city transport system is as good as Paris and the rail network unsurpassed. We also travelled to Toledo and Segovia via high speed rail links for a view of the older Spain - both tremendous locations. Nikon D70.

After my 1 day visit to see Tom Waits in November 2004, Muriel and I had resolved to revisit this ever-changing city. A grim March with a few fleeting glimpses of sun suggested a classic B&W grainy approach. The city is still in a shock of transition - one time looking like Manhatten, another like a prairie! There are still divides - the abominable Alexanderplatz and the "sophistication" of Potsdamer Platz - and the well and not-so-well-off. There are grim and fine architectural gems, and a reckoning with the past, to be found. Roll on the Riviera! Nikon D70.

Arles is a good centre to explore all areas of the Carmargue and is the hub of public transport to some remote locations. From the sea-side at Saintes Maries de la Mer with bull-ring and 28 km of beach arcing away from it into the blue of the sea and sky to Aigue Mortes with 1.6 km of intact, complete 13th century walls that are completely navigable and afford views of salt being harvested. The wonderful countryside, with freshly harvested rice fields ringed by giant sedges and the Carmargue white horses and black bull ranging around - cowboys too! However, as always, the streets are my love.