For The Love of Travel

My favorite places, photos and stories

October 7, 2018
by Lids
Comments Off on 4/10/18 City skyline, Seattle, Washington

4/10/18 City skyline, Seattle, Washington

Seattle, a city on Puget Sound in the Pacific Northwest, is surrounded by water, mountains and evergreen forests, and contains thousands of acres of parkland.

Washington State’s largest city, it’s home to a large tech industry, with Microsoft and Amazon headquartered in its metropolitan area.

The Port of Seattle seaport generates 9,000 direct jobs with $2 billion of personal income,  resulting in $1.8 billion of business revenue and $183.7 million state and local taxes. In addition, the port is a critical link connecting Washington businesses with global markets, and supports the 40 percent of jobs in the state that depend on trade.
Yesterday, a 13 hour day of travel and photographs, as weather forecast predicted 100% rain today… so glad I made the effort, its bucketing!
These city views were taken at the Seattle Space Needle, while on a boat cruise on Elliot Bay, and visits to Dr Josef Rizal Park, Kerry Park and Pier 66.

September 11, 2018
by Lids
Comments Off on 11/9/18 Amirul Mukminin Mosque, Makassar

11/9/18 Amirul Mukminin Mosque, Makassar

You would know that I visited this site on my first afternoon in Makassar. Found slightly more info on it since…rising above the sea at the southern end of Pantai Losari, this futuristic twin-domed house of worship (constructed using concrete piles driven into the seabed) is known as the ‘floating mosque’. Visitors of all faiths are welcome. Built in 2009, it can accommodate 500 worshippers, and enjoys fine coastal views. The landscaped area around the mosque is the place to break the daily fast during Ramadan. There are lots of locals promenading at sunset and attending the mosque for Maghrib (18.01), and Isha (19.10) prayer.
I’ve been googling the significance of the mosque name and finally found it – Amir al-Mu’minin is historically a title bestowed on ‘leaders of believers’ (as a form of respect and identity for these leaders) from the time of the Prophet Mohammed.
My only other successful google on the name was about a professional Indonesian football player, playing for Martapura FC. Instinctively knew it wouldn’t be about him! 
It’s fitting that I have both a sunset and sunrise images of this lovely building, taken from different angles.
Brings my short lovely visit to Sulawesi to an end.

September 11, 2018
by Lids
Comments Off on 10/9/18 Paotere Harbour and Layar Putih Beach, Makassar

10/9/18 Paotere Harbour and Layar Putih Beach, Makassar

Early rising to catch the sunrise at Paotere Harbour, that’s packed with traditional Phinisi sailing ships.  
Fisherman have boats of varying sizes that can haul between a weekly to a monthly supply of fish. There is a nearby port which was established in the 14thC. The price of skip jack at auction is Rp900,000 for 55 kgs, or $1.60 per kg. If the catch is abundant, the price can be reduced by 50%.
My fave fish is the Baronang, or Rabbitfish a.k.a. Streaked Spinefish. That’s the cute litle one to the right. Very tasty to boot.
Our sunset shoot was at Layar Putih Beach located in Tanjung Merdeka village, 6kms from Makassar.  Mother nature gave her all this evening!!! The concrete sails secured in the water serve as a foreground for photos – butt ugly in daytime! Haha!!
Visitors (landscape photographer nuts; wedding photo seekers) provide the village that abuts the water, with a gratuity to be able to park – so its great villagers make a small gain.
I’m gradually developing my skills in using filters and then editing the pics. Rul has been a great teacher and I’ve learnt a lot in a short period of time.
Each of the 2 pics are about 1/2 an hour apart.