Mykonos from a hill

Mykonos from a hill
Originally uploaded by juancamilovargas

It does live up any expectations, Mykonos is one of those places where time seems to have stopped. It was quiet, white and blue... I am definitely coming back soon.

The Acropolis before sunset

The Acropolis before sunset
Originally uploaded by juancamilovargas

When wandering around the observatory in Athens, I ended up attending to a free classical concert at Pnyx hill - it was the official launch of UNESCO women on that day.

The background was no other than the Acropolis -as seen in the picture.

Athens, chaotic, busy, hot...

My Europe's map (on the iPhone 4)

This is how my camera roll's places map looks like on my new iPhone 4 -it obviously imported some of the data from the pictures taken with my previous iPhones. I guess I should write a proper review one of these days, however, I am enjoying the phone and trying to take advantage of the new features of the OS update.

Dóm svätého Martina, Bratislava

Dóm svätého Martina
Originally uploaded by juancamilovargas

As part of our trip, we landed in Bratislava, which is very close to Vienna (only 40 mins by car) and Budapest (2 hours and something)...
The historic city is very small, compared to the other two, but we enjoyed its quietness! Also, our trip coincided with a music festival (Viva Vida Festival) and we were very lucky as we got to see a symphonic orchestra live in a square (they played great tunes)
A nice stop when travelling around Central Europe!

A carriage in Vienna

A carriage in Vienna
Originally uploaded by juancamilovargas

Comparisons are hateful, and after visiting Budapest, it is going to be really hard to write something unbiased about Vienna (I was probably expecting too much out of it). Basically I had heard Vienna is the best place to live these days, and you can tell as it looks very clean and organised; however, it lacks somehow of emotion, and it is also very expensive.
We stayed in a very nice hotel -mainly frequented by business people, and it was very well located... we were literally 10 minutes from Museumsquartier and same to the channel. I am sure we missed a lot of things and we should have done more research to take advantage of the city (in fact, I regret not having visited the cemeteries and had a coffee in one of those famous cafes) but we covered as much as we could during our stay.
Love the carriages and this cliche picture would be the best example of what you can expect of Vienna!

Matthias Church, Budapest

Roof of Matthias Church
Originally uploaded by juancamilovargas

Went to see the Formula 1 in Budapest (End of July/Beginning of August), and had the chance to wonder around with a couple of friends.
I loved the character of the city, it reminded me somehow Istambul, full of colours, textures and chaos.
I took loads of pictures but only uploaded few to my Flickr account, and this is probably one of the most beautiful you will find in the Budapest set, it's the rooftop of one of the churches (located at the top of one of the three hills in Buda).
Top place!

Florence Dome detail

Florence Dome detail
Originally uploaded by juancamilovargas

A minimalistic shot of Florence, taken from one of the small windows of the Basilica di Santa Maria del Fiore.

Siena Cathedral

The Cathedral of Siena
Originally uploaded by juancamilovargas

The impressive dome of Siena Cathedral, a Gothic church featuring several works from the greatest Michelangelo.

Siena is one of the most representative towns from the Renaissance period.

Tuscany from 'la Rocca'

Tuscany from 'the Rock'
Originally uploaded by juancamilovargas

This picture was taken from 'la Rocca' -a small fortress within the heart of the medieval town of San Gimignano, Tuscany; some vineyards can be seen in the background.

The leaning Tower of Pisa

The infamous Leaning Tower of Pisa
Originally uploaded by juancamilovargas

B&W shot of the leaning tower, taken on my recent trip to Italy.

Love the intensity of the background.

(You are) Just like heaven

(You are) Just like heaven
Originally uploaded by juancamilovargas

Although it may look as if I were advertising Ryanair, the truth is the end of the wing gives some balance to the picture.
Love the contrast of colours...

L'Impossible at Chamonix

L'Impossible at Chamonix
Originally uploaded by juancamilovargas

One of the few shots taken at Chamonix as part of the skiing holidays

The Istanbul series IV

The Istanbul series IV. Topkapi palace, Spice Bazaar, Orient Express station, Blue mosque, Istanbul

The Istanbul series III

The Istanbul series III. Haghia Sophia, Blue mosque (int), Crossing the bridge Europe-Asia, Domabahce palace (at the gates)

The Istanbul series II

The Istanbul series II. Sea of Marmara's bank, Sufi's dance, Blue mosque, Rustem Pasa mosque

The Istanbul series I

The Istanbul series I. Blue mosque, Sultanahmet - Old city, Spice Bazaar, Galata bridge

A magic place

There are magic places that make you feel in particular ways, this one for instance like being transported in time; remember being taken there while wondering in an autumn night in Paris, the barely noticeable set of lights which emphasises the ancient architecture and a sepulchral silence in the Cour Carrée, at the Louvre Museum. A most seen!