Spring is in the air. Birds' nests can be found on tree branches. A colorful display of daffodils, bluebells, tulips and crocuses can be found along the many walks and parks here. I've finally emerged from hibernation resembling an overfed Shar-Pei pooch. It's time to shed those layers (lard, not clothes) and start looking like a sleek greyhound. I dragged a friend along for my morning walks down along the countryside.
It was a particularly foggy day, a common occurrence in a town surrounded by hills. I passed the Itchen, soothed by the sound of water. The strong current from the river is used to push the wheels of our local mill which is still in use after 300 years. The thousand year old remains of the original Roman wall can still be found by the Itchen.
As I huffed and puffed up the hill shrouded in fog, I imagined the fashionable crowds that used to parade in their Sunday's best. In the 19th century, the park on the hilltop was once a place to be seen. In my overactive mind, I visualized the ladies in their exquisite haute couture Charles Worth dresses. At least I'm far more comfortable in my jeans, Petit Bateau breton top, Isabel Marant Bator coat, Hermes shawl and mud-caked Converse sneakers, said the green-eyed monster.
You know, the thing about a walk is that it makes one beyond ravenous. We trudged back to my friend's place, satisfied that we've lost 500grams at the very least and proceeded to have a full Korean feast of yummy rice and home made kim chi. Oh, let's not forget a colossal box of han gua, a traditional Korean sweet snacks which her sister sent all the way from Korea. I'll start dieting tomorrow. I promise.
**I notice a stash of traffic coming from thenest.com. To my lovely reader, TX-bride, thank you for the referral!
Wow beautiful photos! I almost thought some of them were paintings, amazing!!!! :)
ReplyDeleteThank you, Parveen! I'm flattered you thought so.
DeleteI want to transport myself right there, right now. You always bring it to life!
ReplyDeleteI'm still waiting for you and Maria to visit me. Don't make me wait another decade!
DeleteFabulous photos!
ReplyDeleteThese photographs are out of this world, you're really talented.
ReplyDeleteTabitha, you really know how to make my day. Not sure about talent but I think I'm more suited to being behind the camera lens than in front.
DeleteI love the photos. Looking at them makes me snuggle up in my clothes, glad to be nice and warm where I am!
ReplyDeleteI-Ping, LOL! It was pretty cold on the day. It would've been colder if I'd stopped walking.
DeleteI feel like I've stepped into some kind of fantasy world looking at these gorgeous images! I love the magical look the fog brings. Thanks for taking us along! And now I have a mad craving for kim chi ;)
ReplyDeleteThank you for your sweet comment on my new dolly photo! It's true about people in NYC not cooking much. I must not be of the norm since I cook 4-5x/week lol.
rolala loves
It is actually this beautiful. I get told a lot by the locals that NZ is their dream destination. They won't believe me when I tell them that the scenery in their own backyard is just as spectacular.
DeleteSuch beautiful pictures M! I especially love the ones with the fog - it makes the pictures magical!
ReplyDeleteHave a wonderful weekend!
xo, sam
Thank you, Sam! We see a lot of fog around here :)
DeleteYou've got to be kidding! This is where you live? Where you pass on your morning walks? It is crazy beautiful.
ReplyDeleteThank you so much for your pictures. It's always a nice treat to log on and be transported to someone else's part of the world - esp one so gorgeous as this. You have a great eye - as always.
One more thing. Asian food is healthy and low calorie. No guilt needed. (At least this is what I always tell myself.)
ReplyDeletehahaha...that's a good rationale. Given the quantity I was gorging, it was still over-eating! Thank you for the sweet words. I hope I've convinced you to visit me.
DeleteI echo Tabitha, you are such a talented photographer! These photos were so lovely and just the right touch of moody as well. Gorgeous, I hope you post more of these!
ReplyDelete*mwah* Thank you, Kat! Seeing the positive feedback here, I'll try to post more of these in the near future.
DeleteYou totally live in a place straight out of a fairy tale! Lucky girl! :)
ReplyDeleteS, this has to be the prettiest place I've ever lived in.
DeleteMarlene!!! I love this series of pics! Love love love!
ReplyDeleteYou inspire me to take nicer pics, really.
I'm not sure if you've discovered this blog yet. Knowing you love all things french, this might appeal to you as she takes lovely pics in Paris.
http://parisinfourmonths.com/
And oh..I love Kimchi though I'm not a Korean. :)
Melody, thank you! I decided to point my camera towards anything that's not fashion related. LOL! I'm suffering from a fashion burn out.
DeleteI'm a great admirer of Carin's blog. Awesome photos!
Wow , the Itchen looks menacing in full spate.
ReplyDeleteIt's the most beautiful river I know , in Summer it becomes green and dreamy .
Your pictures are fabulous, thanks for sharing.
I love the sound of water but I'd much rather live on a hilltop. Thank you, Estrella! Glad you like the photos.
DeleteHow beautiful! It makes me want to go there immediately for a walk or curl up with an episode of Downton Abbey. :-)
ReplyDeleteI still pinch myself whenever I see the beautiful scenery :)
DeleteBeautiful, looks like a fairy tale or a dream!
ReplyDeleteIt sure is :)
Deleteyou have such incredible photos. wow.
ReplyDeleteJoy, thank you!
DeleteWhat gorgeous pictures:) Please post more pictures like this in the future. It's a really nice and peaceful escape. Long walks are so soothing and beautiful scenery really lifts my mood.
ReplyDeleteIt was 65 degrees yesterday and I saw crocuses on my walk. It made me really really happy.
You're absolutely right, Lindsay. I feel more energetic and my head's a lot clearer after a long walk.
Deletebeautiful pictures.. love how you've captured the dreamy mood. happy spring ;) we're looking forward to autumn over here.. x
ReplyDeleteSteph, so sweet of you to say so. Thank you. This winter has been mild so I can't complain. I do miss the sun though...
DeleteJUST READ YOUR POST. I am a huge 19th century English litterature fan (before the DA series era!) and seeing your pics just makes me travel back in time. Thank you!
ReplyDeleteBTW, IM is all good too in the countryside...hugs from Freida xx
Freida, in that case, you'll be right at home in my little town. We have a few famous 19th century literary figures who'd lived and left a mark here.
Deleteahhh the korean snacks look so delicious!!
ReplyDeleteand for eyeliner tutorial, mb this video will help? http://youtu.be/cawhKCraQLQ
Thank you so much!! I'm definitely checking out this video tonight.
Deletethose pictures are amazing and you have a great eye! they're so neat and clean, i can see all the details.. what's your camera??? mine just died so i'm still looking for something i don't like to buy another canon :(
ReplyDeletebtw we have crazy weather right now, its raining cats and dog... i'm so happy to be back again. can't wait to see your updates! xoxo, Haus of Gala
Thank you, Meg! I'm so pleased you like the photos. Mine's an older version of yours. It's Canon 400D. I've got a cheap but fabulous lens Canon 55-250mm IS which I'm happy with. I'm not a professional so at the moment, I can't justify a £1K lens.
DeleteThanks for sharing these amazingly beautiful photos, like paintings, they are a work of art. You are such an awesome photographer! Hugs my dear. <3
ReplyDeleteWhat a lovely thing to say seeing that I love YOUR photography.
DeleteLove your pictures so much! It must be like therapy for body and soul to live with nature that beautiful around you. You're so talented!
ReplyDeleteIt is. I find that I'm more energetic and my head's clear after a nice walk.
DeleteLOL M at I huffed and puffed! Ohhhhhh the pictures you took were beyond AMAZING! It's like you can step right into them and you're there. Ohhh I wish! Thanks for sharing what you saw on your walk. Such loveliness!
ReplyDeletehttp://www.averysweetblog.com/
GREAT GREAT shots! I wish I could find something like these in New York right now.
ReplyDeleteI love your pictures!! I hope you will share more of them. Yummm that Korean feast sounds so good.
ReplyDeletethat photo with the bridge and the river is really stunning. Where is it?
ReplyDeleteThe photos are simply beautiful. Along with your beautiful commentary, I almost felt like I was there walking with you!
ReplyDelete