Photography

Homesick

Posted on 2010-10-28 20:43 by rv

Five months ago I was here. I threw away most of my worldly possessions, sent my remaining stuff home to my parents and cycled 2000 kilometers from Tokyo until the southernmost tip of Japan, carrying with me nothing but the bare necessities. Four side bags of survival items and a backpack of electronics. No time limit, no pre-set course to take. I have never before in my life felt so free, and I'm not sure if I will ever feel that free again. I really miss that time right now.

Two friends I made on the trip, relaxing in the shade

Of course I realize that most of that freedom is just an illusion. For one thing, it's pretty much impossible to get away from civilization in Japan. A second limitation was money and my visa status, which limited the duration of my trip, although I finished it long before either one became endangered.

A great area to walk around in

Leaving everything behind and going on a bare-necessities trip with no time limit. I'm not sure if I will ever be in a similar opportunity again, but to those of you who will: don't hesitate! It will be the best experience of your life!

Travel the path!

Posted in Cycling , Photography , Spirit of Japan , Thoughts , Travel | Tagged adventure , cape sata

Dartmoor

Posted on 2010-10-23 15:33 by rv

Went to Dartmoor national park and nearby Plymouth last week. Today I finally spent some time to upload the remaining photos. Picasa holds all my Dartmoor pics.

I've been annoyed at my attempts at producing decent HDR images recently. Either my valuation of HDR changed, or I am producing photos that are simply not suited for HDR. The above photo is in fact HDR, but the colors were so messed up that I decided to sepialize it instead, which fit the grainy nature of the original. The full size image is a bit abysmal though. Here's another gritty one.

And here's two panoramas of Plymouth, a very agreeable city.

Nice park. Quite cold though.

I like the UK. It has more character than the Netherlands. I think it's the hills.

Posted in Photography , Travel | Tagged dartmoor , gringiver , hills , plymouth

Still busy gaah

Posted on 2010-10-21 22:36 by rv

I'm studying up on all things algorithmy to prepare for my next interview. It's amazing how many important things I've forgotten since university, and it's even more amazing how many important CS topics weren't even taught or not properly emphasized during my education. Fortunately we have the internets to help solve that deficiency.

Also, here's another Dartmoor photo.

Posted in Photography , Tech | Tagged dartmoor

Dartmoor

Posted on 2010-10-19 21:46 by rv

So much photos to sort. Please have patience my friends. I will give you your grin eventually.

Posted in Photography | Tagged pattybot

A squirrel!

Posted on 2010-10-15 19:46 by rv

Saw this funny little creature near Staines, on the way to the train station. There were a lot of them, but this little guy just sat there looking at me. We had a bit of a Mexican stand-off, with me trying to reach for my camera and snap a photo before he disappeared. He was sitting right in front of me but I wasn't fast enough and he climbed higher up in the tree.

Posted in Photography | Tagged squirrel , yo

The East Polder

Posted on 2010-10-10 00:44 by rv

In the distant past, at times of high downpour, the Hunze river and the Lake of South Laren would flood. The East Polder was regularly flooded as well. Large portions of the polder would remain wet for a long time and could only be hayed very late in the summer. In the early 20th century quays were constructed, water pumping stations were built and the water was contained. Thus the polder became a suitable place for pastures. Alternately haying and grazing the plots attracts waders like the Redshank and the Godwit. The Foundation for the landscape of Groningen performs, in cooperation with farmers, a bird-friendly management. For example, mowing takes place until after the breeding season (at the end of July).

(text found on an information sign in the polder, freely translated to English by me)

Autumn is here.

At the entrance of our block

In the forest

Not at the rail bridge

Me, I'm more of a summer person. Swimming! Water! Sunshine! Before that, Winter will come. Snow, ice, cold... For now, it's still autumn :)

(Ok, I cheated on that last one... Here's how it really looked like when I saw it.)

Posted in Dutch , Photography

Abound

Posted on 2010-10-05 23:19 by rv

No matter how hard I try, I can't get my photos to have warm colors while I'm in Holland. It's just such a cold country.

Posted in Photography

The first blue sky in weeks

Posted on 2010-09-28 19:50 by rv

It's cold. Can't just go out cycling unprepared any more...

A month ago I was able to go running after dinner and still come back before sunset. Now the sun sets immediately after dinner.

Flower buu

Mirror

Winter. It's such a woody word.

Posted in Dutch , Photography | Tagged gornnn

Bunch of photos

Posted on 2010-09-22 18:45 by rv

I'm staying in Holland longer than expected. Finding the job I want is not easy.

Uh, mushrooms. Duh.

Unyuu

I took a long walk around the area tonight. Well, since this is the countryside, the only type of walk is a long walk, as everything is very far away.