Maurizio’s travelogue

Pachypodium plant in Ishalo NP - Madagascar uploaded on 27 March 2008

This curious succulent plant occasionally sprouts among the dry and rocky outcrops of the Ishalo National Park. The species is mostly endemic to Magascar. The small blooming sample shown in the picture may well be more than 50 years old.

Ishalo National Park - Madagascar uploaded on 27 March 2008

Leopard out of the bush uploaded on 12 March 2008

A lucky encounter with the shy and elusive wild cat. Moremi National Park - Botswana

Moonlight over the Caldera uploaded on 10 March 2008

When the night falls, younger tourists will find a wide choice of bars and discos in Santorini, to happily dance and drink their nights away. Nothing special, one could say; but where else can you enjoy such a spectacular and romantic moonlight view ?

Windmills at dusk uploaded on 10 March 2008

Tourists like so much to take pictures of the setting sun, and flock in thousands to a special place on the west coast wher the view over ther horizon is open and clear. However the approaching darkness delivers its best show in the villages, where the fading sunlight gradually leaves room for the artificial lights of the lampposts and of the restaurant signs. Here the silhouette of an old windmill in the town of Oia stands out against the reddish sunset sky.

Sunset with Oil Press uploaded on 10 March 2008

Yet another sunset from a rooftop, in the village of Thira on the Santorini island.
The object standing on the roof is an old press for extracting oil from the olives.

Sunset with Amphor uploaded on 10 March 2008

Another breathtaking view of the Santorini landscape at sunset. Picture taken from a rooftop, this time embellished with ancient (?) greek amphor and restored fisherman boat.

Rooftop with Boat uploaded on 10 March 2008

The inhabitants of Santorini like to adorn their houses with objects belonging to the island's historical, cultural and craftsmanship traditions. In the picture, a fisherman's boat standing on the rooftop of a house (now transfomed in a small family-run hotel), with a beautiful view over the caldera .

Village Houses in Santorini uploaded on 10 March 2008

A view of the typical village on the island of Santorini, with the freshly-painted houses perched on the steep cliffs along the caldera walls.