photography Archives | TRAVELS WITH TAM

The First Dive Day in Raja Ampat on The Arenui!

March 27, 2017 By Tam Warner 6 Comments

misool, diving, scuba, raja ampat, indonesia, the arenui — A Spadefish in bright orange coral, isn’t the color amazing?

The first dive day in Raja Ampat on The Arenui! Exciting! The currents were strong as you can see on the video, but it was wonderful. There were 15 divers on the boat and we were split into four dive groups, and each group had a guide. Most divers dive with a guide though there are some places in the world (Australia for example) where divers can go off with a buddy. My personal preference is to have a guide nearby, but that depends on the location and site as well. There are some places where I stay pretty close to the dive guide.

The first day of diving in Raja Ampat found us at Misool Island, and the dive sites Yuliet, Shadow Reef, Boo Windows and Boo Ridge. Before each dive the divers receive a dive briefing from one of the dive guides. The briefing consists of a map of the dive site, a discussion on typical currents, entries and exit points, and what animals are typically seen there. I have been on boats where a briefing is not given, in Key Largo I was given a map of the dive site to look over before jumping in.

I took GoPro video on this first day. Why? Because I have a new and fabulous camera, the Olympus OMD EM5 Mark ii, a mirrorless camera with DSLR quality photo ability, and I had to learn how to use it underwater. My new housing, a Nauticam, also took quite a bit of getting used to. For the most part, the first day was spent relaxing, getting used to diving again (I had not been since July 2016), and taking in the environment. On one dive, I took my new camera, but forgot to take the lens cap off! I thought the dive guide would drown he was laughing so hard! Ah, well, I can be somewhat forgetful at times, but by the end I had it down. Overall, I was happy with the photos I took, but they were certainly better by the end of the trip. I have to say I am just thrilled with my new camera and it’s capabilities!

misool, diving, scuba, raja ampat, indonesia — Dive Map of Shadow Reef.

raja ampat, diving, scuba, the arenui — A Clown Triggerfish

raja ampat, scuba, diving, arenui — These are False Clownfish. Only an experienced eye would know a False from a True Clownfish!

If you had good eyesight, you might find a pygmy seahorse in these gorgeous branches!

misool, the arenui, raja ampat, indonesia, scuba — Can you see the Scorpionfish? Great camo!

the arenui, raja ampat, indonesia, scuba — Shoal of Chevron Barracuda!

A Visit to the Exceptional Recoleta Cemetery in Buenos Aires!

March 8, 2017 By Tam Warner 8 Comments

Recoleta, Buenos Aires, Recoleta Cemetery — My friend and travel buddy, Annie, with Paula, a tour guide for Maria Corbalon Bespoke Tours, at the entrance to Recoleta Cemetery.

Cemeteries are not usually on my “to visit” list, but there are exceptions, and Recoleta Cemetery is one. Arlington Cemetery, Bonaventure Cemetery in Savannah, some of the cemeteries in New Orleans (which I truthfully have never visited) are a few of them. The Recoleta Cemetery in Buenos Aires is definitely an exception, and if you are traveling to Buenos Aires, it has to be at least a half day on your itinerary. Why? Because of the statuary and the historical value of the cemetery, but most of all, the peaceful beauty of the art within. If you have visited Bonaventure Cemetery in Savannah, you know exactly what I am talking about (if not, you need to visit it as well). The cemetery has been lauded as one of the world’s most beautiful cemeteries, and it is easy to see why. Paula, of Maria Corbalon Bespoke Tours, toured us, while we exclaimed constantly about the statues and crypts. Unlike Bonaventure, the crypts are right up next to one another, regardless of how they might be decorated. A fascinating place. I loved examining the tombs, the statues, and photographing them. Some had stories, some did not, but all were beautiful.

The story of Eva Duarte Peron cannot be told in a photoblog, but I certainly urge you to read about her, or of course, watch the movie. She is still greatly loved in Argentina, and is interred in Recoleta. After Eva’s death, the plan was to build a huge monument to her, much like Lenin’s, where her body would be displayed for the public. While the monument was being built, Evita’s embalmed body was displayed in her former office at the House of Culture for nearly two years. In 1955, before completion of the monument, Juan Peron was overthrown and had to escape Argentina. He was unable to make arrangements for Eva’s body. A military dictatorship took over, and Evita’s remains disappeared for 16 years! “From 1955 until 1971, the military dictatorship of Argentina issued a ban on Peronism. It became illegal not only to possess pictures of Juan and Eva Perón in one’s home, but to speak their names. In 1971, the military revealed that Evita’s body was buried in a crypt in Milan, Italy, under the name “María Maggi.” It appeared that her body had been damaged during its transport and storage, such as compressions to her face and disfigurement of one of her feet due to the body having been left in an upright position.” (Wikipedia)

In 1971, Evita’s body was exhumed and taken to Spain where Juan Peron and his third wife, Isabel, kept the corpse in their dining room. Yes, you heard me correctly, in their dining room, near the table. Ugh. Peron returned to Argentina and to power in 1973, and when he died in 1974, his wife Isabel became President of Argentina. She had Eva’s body returned to Argentina and displayed with Juan’s. Both Juan and Eva are in the Duarte Family tomb in Recoleta. (The family of Eva Duarte Peron.) The Argentine government has secured the tomb, and it is said that a nuclear blast could not harm it. Eva is still very much venerated in Argentina.

The Recoleta Cemetery is filled with history, beauty, and art. When in Buenos Aires, do go and visit!

My Visit to Buenos Aires was Unexpected in Many Ways!

March 5, 2017 By Tam Warner 14 Comments

Buenos Aires, Argentina, touring Buenos Aires — Annie and I visiting the Buenos Aires Tulip!

Why visit Buenos Aires? About a year ago I posted a question on Facebook: where should I go next? Annie, a woman I met on a Ray of Hope Citizen Science Expedition in the Yucatan, wrote back and said, how about Antarctica? And to get to Antarctica one has to go either through Buenos Aires or Santiago, Chile. We decided on the trip that left from Argentina!

buenos aires, argentina — Beautiful Annie among the beautiful roses!

On 13 March 2013, Archbishop Jorge Mario Bergoglio was elected as Pope Francis.

buenos aires — Floor tiles depicting the 3 nails of the passion of Christ.

Truthfully, I had never really considered going to Buenos Aires. It was not on my radar. Fate put me in the city, and I am so glad that it did. Buenos Aires was a lovely, unexpected surprise in so many ways! The first thing we did was schedule a private tour with Maria Corbalan Bespoke Tours and it was the perfect introduction to the city. We actually did two tours, one with Paula, and one with Maria herself. If you are headed to Buenos Aires and want a thorough introduction to the history and neighborhoods of the city, I cannot recommend Maria Corbalan highly enough!

The city is very cosmopolitan, and feels more European than South American. The buildings are gorgeous, many are built in the French neoclassical style. The different neighborhoods are so distinct from one another! Buenos Aires is a fascinating city, full of color, art and history.

Buenos Aires is very concerned about its citizen’s health. There are exercise courses and equipment all over the city! They know that it is cheaper to prevent illness than to treat it. I wish America acted that way!

It is also a city of practiced pickpockets. My iphone and money were stolen right out of my backpack and I didn’t feel a thing. Someone watched me use my phone inside of a store, followed me and robbed me without being detected. Well, no vacation is perfect, right? Come along on this photoblog of beautiful Buenos Aires! And stay tuned for more blogs about Buenos Aires!

Day 6 in Antarctica and the March of the Adelies!

February 9, 2017 By Tam Warner 4 Comments

Fab Foto Friday and the March of the Adelies!

Adelies, Penguins, Antarctica — Marching Adelies!

The March of the Adelies! Penguins are an absolute delight. ALL penguins. I must say, though, the Adelies were the most delightful of the delightfuls! They are one of three Brushtail Penguins species found in the Antarctic, and Adelies are not found anywhere else. The penguins were discovered in 1840 by scientists on a French Antarctic expedition led by Jules Dumont d’Urville. D’Urville named southern Antarctica, or a part of it, Adélie Land, after his wife, Adéle. Scientists Jacques Hombron and Charles Jacquinot also called the penguins “Adelies”.

Day 5 with the Weddell Seals and Awesome Humpback Whales!

February 7, 2017 By Tam Warner 11 Comments

seals, antarctica, weddell, humpbacks — A beautiful sight. There was also one sleeping on my left side. They eat at least 22 pounds a day!

Part Two:

Antarctica is amazing in so many different ways Weddell Seals and Awesome Humpback Whales are a part of it. The trip felt breathlessly exciting…just going to Antarctica is a mind adventure in and of itself. The seventh continent for me, the mysterious White Continent! Seeing animals, is for me, the most incredible part of almost any trip and Antarctica has plentiful life both above, and below, the sea. On Day 5, when we were looking at the Blue Whale bones, I was made aware that two large Weddell Seals were snoozing nearby. I took a seat by the bones, as close to the seals as I could get without endangering myself or startling them, and just sat quietly, watching them. Of course, I photographed them as well, obviously!

Day 5 with the Weddell Seals and Awesome Humpback Whales! — The White Continent is number 7 for me!

Ever heard of a Weddell Seal? I think they are the prettiest of the Antarctic seals…at least, the ones I saw, which were Crabeaters (who don’t eat crab), Elephant Seals (huge!), Leopard Seals and Weddells. I know there are fur seals, but I didn’t see any of them. Seals are different from sea lions though they are related…seals do not have ear flaps, they can’t “walk” around on their flippers like sea lions can, but the most beautiful difference is their vocalizations. Sea Lions bark, Weddell seals almost sing. Their vocalizations are very pretty, almost like song. A sweet difference. Check out some sea lions!

After Port Lockroy the expedition headed toward Wilhelmina Bay, named for Wilhelmina, Queen of the Netherlands, who reigned from 1890 to 1948. It is a 15 mile wide bay located between Reclus Peninsula and Cape Anna, along the west coast of the Antarctic Peninsula. It was discovered by the Belgian Antarctic Expedition of 1897-99 led by Adrien de Gerlache. To say this bay has spectacular scenery is an understatement. It is a popular destination for humpback whales because of its rich plankton rich upwells. We were not disappointed! We saw them quite a few times, but in the Bay, they came very close to the ship. I was on the bow, photographing them, and they actually went under the bow, coming up on the other side. This was the closest I’d ever seen their blowholes, their throats, and their blows! It was truly magical.

Two of the Humpbacks stayed very close together as you can see from the photographs! The whole ship seemed to be on the bow, either taking photographs or making loud “oooooo” and “ahhhh” sounds. Dinner that evening was loud with chatter about the Humpbacks and people running around showing off their photos. A very exciting day for the entire ship.

There are Endless Reasons to Love Antarctica!!

January 18, 2017 By Tam Warner 6 Comments

Antarctica, icebergs, lindblad — We had blue skies and calm seas.

I never expected to fall in love with Antarctica. A cold, barren wasteland, freezing and forever gray, or so I thought. No, no, no. It is a beautiful place, filled with incredible creatures, stunning icebergs, and awe inspiring landscapes. Unbelievable vistas. I never imagined the scope of it…or the absolute cuteness of penguins. My travel buddy, Annie, says you can overdose on cuteness, and that is the truth when it comes to penguins! Traveling on Lindblad NatGeo Expeditions was an exciting experience, and I relished the knowledge the experts shared with us. Come along and take a look as we crossed the Drake Passage and the Antarctic Convergence.

Antarctica, lindblad, icebergs — The bow of the Lindblad Explorer.

And of course, there are penguins! Our first visit was to a colony of Gentoo Penguins. They are so cute!

Antarctica, icebergs, lindblad, penguins — Gentoo Penguins!

Antarctica, penguins, lindblad — Check out the scope! And this is our first day! A Minke Whale! They are endangered, but Japan insists on harvesting them in the Antarctic Southern Ocean.

Our daily report from Lindblad:

This morning we hope to visit Danco Island, a small island in the southern end of the scenic Errera Channel. It was charted during the Gerlache 1897-1899 expedition. It is named after a geophysicist who perished during that expedition. There is a chance to go ashore to see a small Gentoo penguin colony and a chance for a great hike overlooking the bay. In addition, depending upon the weather, we may also be able to offer Zodiac cruises and/or Kayaking.

As for the afternoon, our plans are to visit Neko Harbour. This location was named after the whale factory ship Neko which operated along the Antarctic Peninsula in 1911-12 and again in 1923-24. The landing spot is surrounded by Gentoo Penguins, Skuas, Snowy Sheathbills and Kelp Gulls. There is a great walk to a viewpoint above the landing beach, and a glacier near the landing site which you can walk toward, but please take caution in case it calves. The landing at Neko will be on the mainland of the Antarctic Peninsula.

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