The Happy Explorer

The Sunday market in Pollença

Happy — Wed, 01 Feb 2012 15:24:07 +0000

Pollença is a small town in the north of the Balearic island of Mallorca. Pollença comes to life every Sunday when thousands of people come to shop at the market. Farmers showcase their freshest produce whilst artists sell their latest artworks. There’s something for everyone, making the market a popular place to spend a Sunday morning.

Kitesurfing in Melbourne

Happy — Tue, 24 Jan 2012 00:46:22 +0000

The Melbourne suburb of St. Kilda is a lovely beachside community a few miles from downtown Melbourne. Aside from its beaches, markets and cafés, St. Kilda is also a popular spot for kite-surfers.

Read the accompanying post: ‘Marvellous Melbourne‘.

Aerial view of Lago di Lugano

Happy — Thu, 12 Jan 2012 12:26:28 +0000

Lago di Lugano is an alpine lake high up in the Alps on the border between Switzerland and Italy. I took this photo from 30,000ft on a flight from Amsterdam to Milan. The town of Lugano in Switzerland, including its airport (bottom left), can clearly be seen. The causeway that crosses the lake (bottom right) carries highway no. 2 which is one of the main road links between Switzerland and Italy.

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Boat tour under the Iguazu Falls

Happy — Tue, 10 Jan 2012 14:06:18 +0000

One of the most exhilarating experiences at the Iguazu Falls is to take the short boat tour along the Iguazu River. The boat goes up the rapids and past several falls before making a quick shot or two under the falls – to make sure everyone gets a close-up experience of the thunderous roar. You’ll be drenched for sure!

Creek Street in Ketchikan

Happy — Thu, 05 Jan 2012 16:23:33 +0000

Ketchikan is the southernmost town in Alaska. Also known as the ‘Salmon Capital of the World’, Ketchikan is a popular destination for fishing enthusiasts and tourists visiting the nearby Misty Fjords National Monument. One of the prime attractions in the town is Creek Street. The gorgeous emerald-green Ketchikan Creek flows through this historic neighbourhood that’s packed with colourful wooden houses on stilts.

Read the accompanying post: “Cruising Alaska’s Inside Passage“.

Ko Phi Phi island from the air

Happy — Wed, 04 Jan 2012 13:29:34 +0000

Ko Phi Phi is a group of islands in the Andaman Sea off the coast of southern Thailand that’s a popular beach destination. Ko Phi Phi Don comprises two hilly sections connected by an isthmus and flanked on both sides by white, sandy beaches. The isthmus, packed with hotels, shops, restaurants and cafés, was completely wiped out by the tsunami in 2004 but has since been redeveloped. The neighbouring island, Ko Phi Phi Le (Little Ko Phi Phi) is famous as the setting for the movie, “The Beach” and features breathtaking emerald green bays, towering forest-clad limestone mountains, the white sands of Maya Beach and coral reefs. The photos below were taken from 35,000 feet on a flight from Amsterdam to Kuala Lumpur.

Read the accompanying post: “A Tropical Paradise, Five Wishes and a Setback“.

Ko Phi Phi seen from the air under scattered clouds

Ko Phi Phi Le - Maya Bay

Spectacular Easter Island

Happy — Thu, 29 Dec 2011 20:49:26 +0000

Easter Island is famous the world over for its mythical statues. However, the scenery, from volcanic cones to massive cliffs and secluded beaches, is another great reason to visit this fascinating island. Here’s a photo of Ahu Tongariki, the largest platform with 15 statues (or moai), with impressive cliffs as a backdrop.

Read the accompanying post: “Things to See and Do on Easter Island“.

The monastery in Petra

Happy — Wed, 28 Dec 2011 11:08:51 +0000

The Treasury is the first major monument every visitor to Petra sees as they exit the Siq (the narrow canyon that leads visitors into Petra). The monastery, located high up in the mountains, is another monument that cannot be missed. Visitors can choose to hike to the monastery (a 20-30 minute hike) or ride a mule. Either way, you’ll be rewarded with a spectacular sight at the top!

Read the accompanying post: “Ten Things To Do in Petra“.

An awestruck visitor at the door of the monastery

The widest boulevard in the world

Happy — Wed, 21 Dec 2011 16:35:17 +0000

The Avenida 9 de Julio in Buenos Aires, with its 16 lanes, is touted as the widest boulevard in the world. It certainly takes a while (and a dose of patience) to cross!

Read the accompanying post: “Falling in Love with Buenos Aires”.

Aerial view of Perth, Western Australia

Happy — Tue, 20 Dec 2011 23:02:40 +0000

Perth is the capital and largest city of Western Australia. Located near the southwesternmost tip of the Australian continent, on the banks of the Swan River, Perth is one of the most isolated urban areas in the world. This picture was taken on a flight approach into Perth. The Swan River, the central business district and Kings Park can clearly be seen.

Read the accompanying post: “Perth: An Unexpectedly Cool City“.