Last Saturday, 26th July 2025, my hometown of St Ives, Cambridgeshire, was transported back in time as it became the dramatic backdrop for an unforgettable historical re-enactment. To mark the 600th anniversary of a pivotal moment in the town’s history—when Oliver Cromwell reportedly ordered the partial destruction of the St Ives bridge during the English Civil War—the town centre and Hill Rise Park were transformed into a full-blown battlefield.

More than 400 passionate re-enactors brought the 17th-century conflict to life, with astonishing attention to detail, despite the relentless downpour. I spent the entire day out in the rain, soaked through but completely captivated, camera in hand. It was a challenge shooting in such wet conditions, so I opted for my weather-sealed 24-105mm lens to protect my gear. While I’d have loved to use a longer lens to capture more close-up action, I wasn’t willing to risk water damage—though trust me, the moments I did capture were absolutely worth it.

I only attended Saturday’s event, but a second battle took place on Sunday as well—what an amazing weekend for the local community!

I’ve now sorted through over 800 images and selected the best to share with you. My St Ives Battle Re-enactment Gallery is now live! You can like, share, or purchase digital downloads for personal use for a small fee.

Many thanks to the organisers, re-enactors, and volunteers who made this memorable weekend possible for the people of St Ives—despite the weather, it was a fantastic celebration of local history.

CLICK HERE FOR FULL GALLERY

As promised, here’s another little glimpse into my time in Casablanca.

Looking back through my photos, I realised how much I focused on the details during this trip—especially at the Hassan II Mosque. It’s easy to be overwhelmed by the size of the place (it really is huge!), but I found myself drawn to the smaller elements: the carved doors, tiled floors, and quiet corners where light and shadow play beautifully. There’s something calming about noticing those bits that most people rush past.

In contrast, the local food market was a full-on sensory experience. Busy, noisy, full of colour and smells—from fresh mint and spices to seafood laid out on ice. It felt wonderfully real. Locals chatting, buying ingredients for dinner, and probably wondering why I was photographing a pile of lemons like it was art. But I loved it.

Casablanca has this mix of elegance and energy—peaceful one moment, chaotic the next—and I think these new photos show that contrast pretty well.

Hope you enjoy this next little batch from my Moroccan wanderings.

There might be still some photos left for later :)

#Casablanca #HassanIIMosque #AfricaTravel #CruiseBlog #FirstTimeInAfrica #Morocco #VirginVoyages #TravelPhotography #Wanderlust

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Cruise Photo Blog – Part One: Casablanca, Morocco 🇲🇦

I’ve just returned from an unforgettable cruise adventure, and I’ll be sharing a series of photoblogs capturing some of the highlights along the way. From vibrant cities to breathtaking seascapes, I took a lot of photos—so this is just the beginning.

Our first stop on the cruise—and my very first visit to Africa—was the vibrant and unforgettable city of Casablanca. I didn’t expect to be so moved, but the mix of emotions hit me the moment we docked. The energy, colours, and modern-meets-historic atmosphere took me by surprise.

We had a full-day stop and started exploring right from the port area, where I snapped a few shots of the fishing boats and surroundings. But the real highlight of the day was our first destination: the breathtaking Hassan II Mosque.

🌟 Some amazing facts about the Hassan II Mosque:

• It took just seven years to build and was completed in 1993.

• It can hold 20,000 worshippers inside, with room for an additional 80,000 in the courtyard!

• Its minaret is the tallest in the world, standing at 210 metres (689 ft).

• The mosque is built partly over the Atlantic Ocean, symbolising God's throne over the water.

• The interior is adorned with Moroccan craftsmanship—cedar wood, marble, mosaics, and zellige tiles—and its decorations subtly reference Islamic, Jewish, and Christian motifs.

• It’s one of the few mosques in Morocco that non-Muslims can visit, and I highly recommend doing so.

Casablanca was a real eye-opener for me—a mix of modern architecture, rich culture, and surprising contrasts. I loved our guided tour and took so many photos, so I’ll be posting more in Part Two soon.

Feel free to ask me anything about the trip, the mosque, or the cruise—I’m happy to share!

#Casablanca #HassanIIMosque #AfricaTravel #CruiseBlog #FirstTimeInAfrica #Morocco #VirginVoyages #TravelPhotography #Wanderlust

CLICK HERE FOR FULL GALLERY

Yesterday, Cambridge was bathed in glorious spring sunshine—a perfect day for an impromptu photography walk. The warmth of the sun made it feel like the city had truly awakened, with people enjoying the outdoors, punters gliding along the river, and vibrant flowers beginning to bloom.

Despite the inviting floral displays, the strong winds made macro photography a challenge. Instead, I shifted my focus to the beautiful architecture that gives Cambridge its timeless charm. From intricate historic facades to quiet hidden corners, I captured the city's elegance in a different light. The wind may have dictated my approach, but it also led me to see familiar sights from a fresh perspective.

Sometimes, the best photos come from embracing the unexpected.

This morning, I enjoyed a peaceful walk around my mum’s garden in Poland, camera in hand. A fresh frost had covered everything, creating a stunning winter wonderland. It was a perfect moment to capture the beauty of plants transformed by the cold.

I love photographing frosty details like leaves coated in ice crystals, evergreen needles shimmering in the morning light, and tiny frozen buds. These small, natural details are what make winter gardens so special. My focus is on soft, close-up shots that highlight textures and subtle colors, creating calming and natural images.

Spending time in the garden this morning reminded me how much I enjoy finding these hidden treasures. Frosty mornings have a quiet magic, and discovering these little moments feels like uncovering nature’s secrets. Each photo is a chance to share that beauty with others.

If you love plants, winter gardens, or serene nature photography, these frosted images might inspire you to take a closer look at the small details around you. Winter may seem quiet, but it’s full of beauty when you take the time to look.

Today, I visited Horsey Gap in Norfolk to witness the majestic Grey Seals. It was an incredible experience, made even more special by spotting the very first pup of the season, born just last Thursday! Although the newborn was far away—too distant even for my 70-200mm lens with an extender—the sight of that fluffy white pup was truly heartwarming. Watching the seals in their natural habitat was peaceful and joyful, filling me with so much happiness. I’m already looking forward to returning soon, hoping to capture even more of this magical scene. Nature's wonders never cease to amaze!

I had a wonderful day at the Audley End BBC Gardeners' World Autumn Fair, a perfect event for a botanical enthusiast and photographer like me. The presentation gardens were stunning, each showcasing beautiful design and creativity. There were plenty of vibrant flowers, creating a colorful tapestry that was a joy to photograph. I captured numerous shots of rare blooms and unique plant arrangements. The atmosphere was lively, filled with fellow garden lovers and experts sharing their knowledge. Overall, it was an inspiring experience that reignited my passion for gardening and photography, leaving me with lasting memories and a camera full of beautiful photos.