What an amazing trip to the famous destination of Egypt, the land of the pharaohs, and home to the pyramids.

We landed in Cairo after a long 21hr trip from Sydney. The temperature on arrival was a stinking 39 celcius with little to no humidity.

Our holiday began in Cairo the capital of Egypt which was truly an unbelievable city. We were greeted by our tour guide from On the Go tours at the airport which was a great relief. Cairo is hectic, chaotic, vibrant and home to the famous Giza Pyramids.

The 6000 years of history is quite evident around the city with the majority of Cairo still living life like the ancient Pharaohs once did. Camels, goats, donkeys are still used as transport mixed amongst the cars which all had damaged panels on them.

The drive from the airport to the Oasis hotel was quite an experience in itself. The drivers own the roads and rules are non-existent. Our accommodation was excellent and the service 5 stars all the way.

Visiting the museum was fascinating where most of the famous artifacts were held in tight security surroundings. Unfortunately no cameras are allowed in the museum to avoid damage to the relics.

The famous Giza Pyramids were unbelievable. Standing 145m high they were truly an awesome sight.

Luxor was home to the famous temples. It was a beautiful and peaceful city much cleaner than the busy and overcrowded Cairo which has a population of 23 million people packed like sardines.

Dahab was a resort town famous for the best snorkling and diving in the world. The Blue Hole was awesome to say the least. Costing 50 Egyptian pounds ($10AUD) for transfers including snorkling gear, the trip was worth it without doubt. Highly recommended for anyone travelling to include Dahab on your itenenary. The resorts are 5 stars and the service excellent throughout the tour.

Shopping is very cheap and exciting if you don’t get harassed by the thousands of locals looking for a quick dollar. Lookout out for scammers as they are part of the culture in Egypt. The best method to get rid of these people is to ignore them. They will get the message.

Everyone is a taxi driver or supposed to be. Only travel in the white cabs that have meters.

We can honestly say the trip was amazing as we met new people, lived a new culture and experienced a new religion composed mainly of Muslims.

You must be vigilant and stay alert in Egypt. This is evident everywhere as tourists police, armed personnel, security guards and the army are present on almost every corner, hotel gates and check points throughout the country.

On the Go tours were fantastic and highly recommended. Travelling in Egypt with a tour was an excellent decision. Trying to experience this country on your own is very difficult and not as secure as being amongst travellers. Special thanks to our tour guides Moustaffa, Tommy, Hamada and Shady for their great service, friendly smile and organisation. Cheers guys!!

Looking forward too our next journey and adventure as soon as possible.

With compliments

Thina Doukas

” Thina Doukas – Wedding Photographer Sydney. Professional International Sydney Wedding Photography Services – Australia

Egypt Holiday – Cairo, Giza Pyramids, Luxor, Dahab, Blue Hole Snorkling 2010 – Sydney Photographers Thina Doukas is a post from: Thina Doukas Wedding Photography Sydney

For one thing, such tours employ staff who understand a region exceptionally well. They know where to find photo worthy scenes. Guides can advise on lighting and position. Some even made their living from photography before branching into tourism.

One such tour could take you on an African safari, specifically Namibia, Tanzania or Botswana. Botswana guides offer camping tours, canoe fishing, long walks and drives with numerous opportunities to see and take pictures of wildlife. Develop techniques for framing lions, elephants and giraffes within the square box of your view to create an image outside of the box. Watch your skills improve with some guidance.

Get ready for travel photography opportunity during a canoe trip in Botswana or while driving or walking in search of big game ready to pose. Your guides will help you to catch elephants, giraffes or lions in the right light. There is even the option to bring your family so you can all learn.

In Tanzania you will meet the colorful and friendly Maasai. They are surrounded by beautiful sights such as the relatively quiet Tarangire National Park, the Serengeti, and Ngorongoro Crater. Camp, walk, view exotic animals from a distance. Just be ready: opportunities will appear around every corner.

Though perhaps not as exotic in the minds of westerners, Europe still plays host to numerous scenic locations worthy of being preserved in color print. Tour parts of southern France with a professional photographer to compose photos of Camarque, with its wild white horses. Catch the spray of Mediterranean water around their hooves to invoke activity from still life. Visit the Gironde fishing huts on stilts, wooden boats in the estuary, and explore the play between shades of color and quality of light.

Venice inspires romance, art and photography. Snap images of Rialto Bridge and the Bridge of Sighs. Immortalize gondolas and their boatmen working up and down the canals. For a change of setting pack lenses and tripod for a trip to Iceland to experience ice flows, waterfalls and beaches entirely made from black ash. Light a camp fire and train your developing eye on the fading light to tease out unexpected and atmospheric shapes. Move to a different continent entirely, delving into the history and life of China, from cities to rice fields to temples along rivers that roll calmly between mountains.

Of course, Australia and New Zealand offer unique creative palettes to the photographer. Australia is a vast landscape unique in all the world with many types of wildlife that live nowhere else. There is a majesty in the empty harshness that inspires. New Zealand of course was made famous by the Lord Of The Rings movies and is wild and rugged; it is approximately the same size as the United Kingdom in land area, yet has a population of only 4 million. Solitude can be easily found – a rare pleasure in today’s busy world – and a professional guide can take you to places and people that you would struggle to find alone.

Add a further educational element to your holiday. Since experts travel along side you, they can share their expertise with digital photography. This includes how to make the most of your computer software to produce great work, whether you are a beginner or an expert.

Are you interested in inexpensive NZ photography holidays? We’ve got the ultimate low down now in our comprehensive Photography tour New Zealand guide.  If you are wanting a guide for your next holiday then destination photographers can assist you. This article, Some Of The Photography Holidays Booked With A Professional Guide is available for free reprint.

Photography Destinations Holidays with a Guide is a post from: Thina Doukas Wedding Photography Sydney

Heading to Europe and don’t know which country to head to. Greece is  one of the earliest civilizations known to human kind with rich history, heritage and culture. It is the place where Byzantine Empire once ruled and also great Ottoman Empire. It is also considered to be as the birth place of Democracy. Athens is the capital city of Greece. The Olympic games originated in Greece. Not only that, it was the world center for western philosophy, political science, astronomy, mathematics, major scientific studies and what not. It is also known as a Mediterranean country as it has Mediterranean Sea in the south. It is a popular destination for world tourists in that region known for its beautiful beaches, reach history and charming villages. The Greek islands are one of the most wonderful places to be explored by Cruise or Yacht. The trip of Greece will definitely be one of the most memorable to remember in ones life.

Bring your camera and a few memory cards as you will surely be taken thousands of photos. The Greek islands such as, Santorini, Crete, Rhodes, Zakinthos, Mykonos, Corfu are some of the bigger names and offer fantastic scenery and beautiful weather during the summer months.

Population & Languages

The population of Greece is around 11 million and the official language being spoken is Greek. The other popular languages are English and French.

Climate

It has three distinct climates namely Alpine, Mediterranean and temperate climate with mild and wet winters and also hot and dry summers due to Mediterranean affect. Alpine system is seen in mountainous regions. The temperate climate is seen near border along Macedonia. Athens has both temperate and Mediterranean weather.

Local Customs

The Greece is a place with strong historic and cultural background. There are different traditions and customs in different parts of the Greece. The throwing back of a hand is considered to be a negative gesture here in Greece. Casual dress can be worn most of the times. Smoking is prohibited in public transport services and public buildings. Tipping 12 to 1 percent is customary in restaurants, hotels and taxis.

Places to Visit
* The Olympic Games in Athens (the spot of the historic 2004 Olympic Games)
* Mardi Grass Celebrations in February
* The Parthenon in Athens
* Skiing in Arahova Mountains between October and March
* Easter Celebrations
* Thessalonikis White Tower and countrys rich Byzantine culture
* The south of Corinth
* The beaches in Lesvos
* Crete, Tripoli, Corfu
* Santorini, Mykonos, Lesvos,
* The famous, Moni Panagia Chozoviotissa, a Byzantine monastery in Amorgos

How to Travel

By Air  The national airline of Greece is Olympic Airlines. Many popular airlines like British Airways and Delta Airlines operate daily flight from Athens. The biggest airport is newly constructed Athens International Airport which is located like 17 miles northeast of the city. The other international airports of Greece are Heraklion (Crete), Thessaloniki (Macedonia) and Corfu (Kerkira).

By Sea  The popular Greek ports include Corfu, Heraklion, Igoumenitsa, Patras, Piraeus (Athens), Rhodes, Thessaloniki and Volos. Shipping vessels and ferryboat lines link these ports with Italy, Croatia, Cyprus, Russia and Turkey. Some of the popular cruises operating in Greece are Celebrity Cruises, Costa Cruises, Crystal Cruises, Festival Cruises, Holland America Line, Princess Cruises, Silversea and Swan Hellenic.

By Rail  If one is coming from UK, the best way is to take Eurostar train to Brussels or Paris and from there take connecting train to Greece.

The tips shown above are just a few pointers in travelling to picturesque Greece. Bring your summer clothing as you will endure fantastic weather, culture, food and brilliant beaches.

With Compliments

Thina Doukas

” Thina Doukas Wedding Photographer Sydney. Professional International Sydney Wedding Photography Services – Australia “

Photography on the Greek Islands – International Wedding Photographer is a post from: Thina Doukas Wedding Photography Sydney

You can start of in the Bahamas where you can see awesome sunsets, casinos and brilliant beaches. Try tasting the exotic foods and sip on cocktails as you sit on the beach or one of the fantastic pools and watch the sunset. The Bahamas is a Great holiday destination with incredible value for the money. The weather is brilliant which is perfect for relaxing on the beach or take day with trips into the countryside.

Bring you digital camera as the Bahamas offers vast geographically beautiful areas for amazing photographs. If you get lost ask one of the many thousands of friendly people who will jump at your feet to offer you assistance.

Another great pick is the Cayman Islands. There are 3 individual islands which make up the Cayman peninsula. They are situated close to Miami and are a great tropical holiday destination. Enjoy swimming, diving, water skiing and snorkling. If you don’t like water sports you can stay in luxury hotels suites and go shopping to your hearts content.

The Caribbean destination has so much to offer. You will be amazed with the crystal clear blue waters and amazing scenery. Head to Puerto Rico and Jamaica. Listen to Rega music as you sip on exotic cocktails partying on the islands. Most importantly enjoy yourselves and relax.

When you arrive in the Caribbean bring along these great spots to get your honeymoon off with a bang.

Y.S. Falls, Jamaica. Although the north coast’s Dunns’ River Falls is far more visited, these secluded falls offer couples a much quieter paradise. Cascading in steps through tropical forest, the falls can be climbed with the help of a guide then swimmers can enjoy clear waters under a canopy of ferns.

Old San Juan, Puerto Rico. Dotted with historic sites and rich with the atmosphere of Spanish conquistadors, here couples can stroll hand-in-hand where lovers have literally walked for centuries. The most recognized site in Old San Juan is Fuerte San Felipe del Morro, a fort better known as El Morro.

Boca Tabla, Curaçao. Pounding Atlantic waves carved this sea cave. Kneeling in the darkness of the sea cave, you’ll watch the surge of crystal blue waves as they come within feet of you, roaring into the cave and back out to sea.
West End, Negril, Jamaica. Negril’s famous Seven Mile Beach gives way to rugged cliffs on its west side and here visitors find one of the best sunset lookouts in the Caribbean. Every day, crowds arrive at Rick’s, one of the region’s best known sunset bars, for the chance to watch another island day draw to a close.
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South Peninsula, St. Kitts. Until a few years ago, this stretch of land was accessible only by boat. Today a modern highway makes the island’s most beautiful, pristine beaches accessible. Keep an eye out for the vervet monkeys that live in this remote region.
Natural bridge, Aruba. This symbol of Aruba marks the line where tumultuous sea waves crash against the windward coast. Walk out on the bridge for a cool sea spray and a breathtaking view.

Paradise Point, St. Thomas. Aboard ski-lift gondolas, you’ll rise to one point that never sees snow: the top of Flag Hill for a view of the Charlotte Amalie harbor dotted with cruise ships. Gondolas ascend to the point from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. every day.

Maracas Bay, Trinidad. About an hour from Port of Spain, the drive to this area is a treat in itself, winding through the Northern Range with views of forests where species such as howler and capuchin monkeys, ocelot, Amazon parrots, and wild pigs can be found. The beach at Maracas Bay offers a full day of fun and is the place to see and be seen in Trinidad.

Source for Great Spots: Caribbean Destination.

Click here on wedding tips for more great information that can assist you on your special day.

Thina Doukas – Wedding Photographer Sydney. Professional International Wedding Photography Sydney Services – Australia. Click travel photography for more information.

Carribean Holiday for your Honeymoon is a post from: Thina Doukas Wedding Photography Sydney

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China Holiday Summer 2008 experience!

China is rich in culture and history. Visit the Great Wall of China in Beijing, sip Chinese tea in Xiamen, dance with ethnic tribes in Yunnan, check out 19th Century European buildings in Qingdao – there are just so much to do and see in China!

China is a large country at a size of 9,596,960 sq km. China was only partially open to the world from 1980 onwards and has been a communist country for many decades. Although there is much progress in the travel industry and infrastructure of China, there remain areas that need to be improved before it can match the level that most tourist would require.

Below are some travel tips to make your travel in China easier:

Entry Visa

China require entry visa from most countries. Apply at the Chinese consulate or through your travel agent before travelling to China.

Climate

Extremely diverse; tropical in south to subarctic in north. Be prepared with the right seasonal clothing.

Foreign Exchange

The unit of currency is known as Renmembi(RMB) or Yuan. Get some Chinese Yuan in your local country before travelling. When in China, exchange foreign currency for local currency in the banks or at the hotel. Banks tend to give slightly better rates than hotels. Take note that some banks close for a noon siesta between 12-2pm.

Photography Images

Travelling around China on Tour was a fantastic way to see Chinese people living there daily routines. The tour started in Beijing, then headed to Xian, Shanghai.

When you Travel Shanghai China, you will quickly notice it is the power-house of China, the money-making machine that drives the Chinese economy continually forward.

Shanghai is usually a business destination. However if you are coming for a China vacation, or traveling through on the way to somewhere else, Travel Shanghai China has some must-see experiences and is a good way to introduce yourself to the wonders and difficulties of Travel in China.

Check out the Photography moments i captured on my journey through China!

Capturing Moments in Life

With Compliments

Thina Doukas Photography

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Sydney Wedding Photographer – China Adventure – Thina Doukas Wedding Photography is a post from: Thina Doukas Wedding Photography Sydney