Archive for the ‘images’ Category
same world, just a little higher up
We’re huge fans of the incredible photo collection by the gifted French photographer Yann Arthus Bertrand and felt we had to share his online photo library (we’re just nice like that) because, quite frankly, it made us do a double take on the planet: evidence, we say that there’s a lot out there we need to be discovering.
It’s his magnum opus, it induces serious wanderlust on a gargantuan scale and we think it’s really rather amazing. Check it out here…
our weekend find…
…Okay, so we didn’t actually FIND this formation. But that’s because it’s in the middle of the Sahara and was first spotted by astronauts. (Our spaceship was in for repairs…) But it’s just another reason why we think Africa is, well, pretty unbelievable.
The Eye of the Sahara is still used as a landmark point by the space-bound today too. Pretty neat.
abbi hits the slopes

Abbi snuck off to the slopes recently recently and, as always, brought her trusty camera with her.
Despite my obsession with the sunshine, I am also rather fond of a bit of snow. I’ve been skiing since I was two and try to hit the slopes at least every couple of years. This year I headed to Courchevel, Les Trois Vallees, France. Blue skies, sunshine and perfect snow. The skiing was great and the mountain top restaurants superb. I made sure to keep up my energy levels with plenty of delicious tartiflette and tarte au pomme… And heading down to St Martin de Belleville was great to escape the crowds.
abbi returns…

brick lane by abbi kemp www.abbikemp.com
Our globetrotting photographer Abbi Kemp captures the place she calls home…
Inevitably after 6 months gallovanting around South America, I was a little apprehensive about returning to London.
Arriving home as winter approached probably wasn’t the best idea. However, despite the expected doom and gloom it’s been rather enjoyable. I decided it must be embraced. I needed to make an active effort to see London through the eyes of a tourist and let it excite me…
Click on the image here and keep clicking through to see Abbi’s photos of London.
the cobbled streets of cuzco, peru

the faces of peru
Abbi lives like a local in Cuzco, Peru
Cuzco and I didn’t get off to the best start… an all night Salsa session in Cali, Colombia, followed by a flight straight to Lima and directly onto a 20 hour bus to Cuzco. Needless to say I was shattered and miserable before I even got there and this coupled with the severe altitude sickness from heights of 3300m. However, despite all this I adored Cuzco. In fact it rates as my 3rd favourite ciudad in South America!
It’s a juxtaposed city, where modern Peruvian life operates alongside colonial Andean architecture and colourful indigenous locals. It would be impossible not to become totally captivated by Cuzco’s beautiful cobbled streets, charming plazas and spectacular views. Of course Cuzco’s main attraction is its proximity to Machu Picchu but there is still plenty more to do… Immerse yourself in local life by meandering around the indigenous markets, take in the Inca ruins whilst on horseback and white-water raft down one of the nearby Rio’s.
To tackle the altitude sickness make sure to sip lots of coca tea, walk slowly up the extremely steep cobbled streets, avoid alcohol and get early nights if you can…
Click on the image above and keep clicking through to see all of Abbi’s Cuzco gallery.
where we’re going in 2011…

where we're going in 2011
The New Year is here, and with the exciting prospect of twelve months of brand new travel possibilities ahead of us, we’re bringing you our Top Ten destinations for 2011. From untouched islands to bustling cities, these are (in our humble opinion) the places you shouldn’t miss this year. Discover a new experience, delve into local life and find something truly unique. It all starts here.
Ethiopia: Kick up red dust along zigzagging highways, or listen to Colombus monkeys down the Omo River. See it all from the cave cathedrals to burnt-out Russian tanks: this is a raw untouched treasure.
Tasmania: This wild island has baby-stepped out of Australia’s shadow: expect dramatic landscapes of dense jungle, pink granite boulders and gorgeous untouched beaches
Montenegro: It was golden beaches that first put Montenegro on the map, but we’re looking skywards, (2,522m to be precise) up to Mount Durmitor and the Kolasin mountains. So much for a ‘small’ country.
Libya: Explore the ancient Roman city of Leptis Magna, uncover war relics and sleep under the stars in the desert. Undiscovered, and simply jaw-dropping.
São Tomé and Príncipe: Visit the volcanic crater deep in the Ôbo forest, picnic by a natural waterfall known as Formoso Cascade and swim on your own secluded beach on the East coast. What could be better?
Panama: Be astounded by the sheer diversity of this small country. Colonial chic, steaming rainforests, volcanic craters, white sand beaches and clear Caribbean seas. And yes, there’s a canal too.
Québec: A rich music culture, food fit for royalty and a wilderness that will get your heart racing. This is a place too good to miss.
Guyana: Between the giants of Venezuela and Brazil, find the three Guyanas. Paddle with otters, taste French wine, find the world’s largest water lily and the highest single drop waterfall. The three Guyanas have it all.
Taiwan: Asia’s unsung hero – think fields of wild flowers, breathtaking mountain ranges dropping down to a blue ocean. Discover ancient legends, modern art and some of the most flavoursome food you’ll ever taste.
The Deep South, USA: The birthplace of the blues and rock ‘n roll, the Deep South steps to its own (soulful) beat. Trek through the mountains, lay out on the sun drenched beaches, and taste fiery cuisine. Years of different cultures makes together makes for something pretty special.
riveting rio

looking out over a favela
Black Tomato’s intrepid reporter Abbi reports back from Brazil with some stunning pictures of Rio and some top tips
Most people if asked to name their favourite city in the world would struggle, not me, Rio de Janeiro would win hands down. This cidade maravilhosa has everything a city could ever provide: fantastic food, alluring locals, non-stop partying and captivating landscapes. If you are fortunate enough to visit then do not miss out on the following:
- Watching the sunset over the rocks in between Copacabana and Ipanema
- Observing the local fisherman in the early evening at Praia Vermelha
- Having a picnic in the botanical gardens
- Dancing the night away in a Samba club in Lapa
- Make sure to open your eyes and take in the truly impressive street graffiti
- Being a culture vulture at the Instituto Moreira Salles
- Immersing yourself in the football mania at the world famous Maracana stadium
- Taking in the panaramic views at the top of Pao De Acucar
Rio’s energy and natural beauty is truly captivating and I defy anyone that visits and doesn’t want to throw a tantrum when leaving.
Click on the images amd keep clicking through to see more of Abbi’s photos
24 days, 24 travel gifts…

black tomato advent calendar
Christmas is quickly approaching. Eek. We all have the big day marked on our calendars, and this year we’re counting down the Black Tomato way. Starting tomorrow (yep, tomorrow is December 1…), we’re going to start opening the Black Tomato Advent Calendar. No peeking early… Santa’s watching.
Check back each day for your gift (because presents before the big day are always welcome). Just click on the day’s date for a new image and a special gift that you can’t get anywhere else.
Sign up to our newsletter to get a handy reminder into your Inbox. Wouldn’t want you to miss out… And some of the days might even include a prize to fill your stocking now…You’ll have to keep checking to see.
colombian amor

cartagena
Our roving reporter, Abbi Kemp, shares another episode of her Colombian story. This time she’s in love with Cartagena (and we don’t blame her).
It would be impossible not to fall in love with (or in…) the Caribbean coastal town of Cartagena. Tropical heat, vibrant markets, cobbled streets, historical architecture, colourful people and fantastic nightlife.
Head to the old town to immerse yourself in Cartegena’s history. Protected by Las Murallas a huge, ancient wall (originally constructed to prevent pirate invasion) you will find within beautiful churches, artists painting, vivid African women selling fruit, street dancing, a whole market devoted to sweets, Colombian handicrafts and much much more. Once you have wandered all the bright, flower draped streets head up to Cafe Del Mar to watch the sunset whilst sipping a sneaky cocktail. The town’s beaches are not why one visits Cartagena, but if you do need some R&R on Caribbean sand then catch a local boat to nearby Playa Blanca. Make sure to take a snorkel with you and spend your day playing with the fishes on the reef.
P.S. Don’t miss a morning or afternoon floating in mud at the Volcano of Totumo…
Click through the images to see Abbi’s gallery of Cartagena.
a different type of pencil sharpener

dalton ghetti
Some people create art with pencils. Dalton Ghetti creates pencil art. Just when all of us were here thinking that pencils could only help create – this guy’s figured out that they can be the centrepiece. Pretty cool, right? Unfortunately (for us) this is Ghetti’s hobby, which means they’re not for sale. And we’ve always wanted a pencil shaped liked Elvis’ head…
Click through the image below to see a gallery of Ghetti’s amazing sculptures
Full article via The Telegraph


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