The Not So mini MINI

I was out and about with Gail this afternoon. Firstly we went over to see a friend of mine called Amy. She is also a keen photographer and has converted her garage into a studio. We were interested to know what she had done with the space and what equipment she had bought. It was a good space really and had bought some quality lights. Amy let me take a few photos of Gail posing, which won't be shown on here, as they are not brilliant and Gail would beat me up if I did!

Then Gail wanted to have a drive around in her MINI, as she hasn't really had the opportunity lately. So we went through the Park estate, and we looked at all the big houses. We then had a cruise down various roads, as Gail wanted to know where some led to. After a while, we ended up at our local Mini dealership. They were of course closed, but Gail was interested to know if there were any Countryman's on display in the forecourt. For those that don't know, the Countryman is a larger version of the MINI. It's like a small 4x4. There were a few to look at in different colours. I quite fancied the coffee coloured version, while Gail preferred the black one. Here is a photo of the Countryman, which the dealership are using for publicity purposes.

Blue And White

Back in Nottingham today for a sunny shot of the old Elite Cinema building. This building has had a chequered career since it opened. As the name suggests it started life as a cinema, then became a bingo hall. The nightclub chain Gatecrasher opened here a few years ago, and it almost burnt down in late 2009.

It's quite a fascinating structure with white tiles on the outside, and a number of figures close to the top of the building. I showed you a couple of shots previously in November 2006.

Baby, You Sure Don't Sing The Blues

I'm afraid that I am having to show you another photo from ArtMonaco 11, as I haven't been able to find anything worth taking in Nottingham so far this week, even though it has been sunny and warm. Maybe I should temporarily rename my blog!

Anyway for your enjoyment today is this fine sculpture of a baby, or could it be a young Buddha? I am not sure why the artist produced it in red, but it certainly would catch someone's eye, as they walked past it.

Flying High

We are up in the clouds this week with Dave's Headbanger theme of flight. Emulating our feathered friends is something that most people dream about. Being able to take off and soar into the wide blue yonder, free and able to go anywhere. But alas the only way we can do this is by sitting in a plane and cruising through the upper atmosphere at 36,000 feet. Or sailing silently in an hot air balloon. Another way, which Gail and I did in the south of France was go by helicopter. We flew from Nice airport to the hotel in Monte Carlo. It was the third time that we have flown in one; the others being in Sydney and Dubai. My headbanger photo this week shows some of the coastline of Monaco as we flew over the sea to our hotel. It was included in the price of the holiday, which was fantastic.

Today's photo shows an example of the type of helicopter that we flew in. Our hotel was quite close to the heliport, but the noise of the bladed wonders did not annoy us. In fact it was quite fun watching or hearing them take off, or come into land.

Don't forget to fly over to the other bloggers' sites to see their interpretation of the theme, and do enjoy this great tune from the late 1960's.

The One And Only..

On Friday, we paid a visit to Art Monaco at the Grimaldi Forum; a modern piece of architecture situated on the coast. There was an entry fee, but thanks to Jilly for sending me a link to get some free tickets.
There was a lot of pieces of art on show. Sculptures, glassware, some photography and many paintings were being displayed by different galleries from across the world. I took quite a few photos of the art, but was also on the hunt for some interesting people shots. Fortunately I came across this young lady striking a pose next to a wonderful painting of screen goddess Marilyn Monroe.

He's Mine!

The Cafe de Paris in Casino Square is the place to see and to be seen. It attracts visitors and locals alike. There's nothing like sitting in the shade, having a drink and watching the world go by. And that's exactly what Gail and I did on Saturday, before our flight back home. We both had our cameras poised in case we saw someone or something interesting, whether it was a well dressed and obviously rich resident, or one of the amazing vehicles that seemed to pass by every few minutes.

I thought that this was a telling little scene, with the man's ladyfriend touching his back in a loving and tender way, without giving too much away.

Horace Was Here

For a bit of fun, Gail suggested that I take a shot or two of Horace; Gail's travelling companion and mascot who was enjoying the atmosphere of the Cafe de Paris. I bought Horace as a present for her some time ago, and to add to the collection of the cuddly bear that my wife has built up (with a little help from me). Gail likes to clip him to her handbag or knapsack when we are out on our travels, and takes photos of him in the different places that we visit.

Red Top Hot Shot

It was sadly our last day in Monte Carlo today. By the time that you are reading this, we'll be back home and dreading going back to work next week. So we decided to make the best of our time left in Monaco. After packing and checking out, we went for a stroll around a park that was opposite our hotel in the Fontvieille. It was a good sized park with lots of flowers and statues of all kinds. We then got a bus to Casino Square, and sat outside the Cafe de Paris and watched the world go by whilst drinking some vary tasty hot chocolate. There were lots of expensive motors parked up that were attracting a lot of attention. But when you've seen one Lamborghini...
I was very pleased to see a small number of classic cars do the loop around the square. They seemed to be part of a group that were doing a run along the South of France. So I was busy snapping away. So too were a number of other photographers, probably all tourists. Here's a rather splendid MG, whose driver had stopped for a minute outside the casino, so people could take pictures of his pride and joy.

A Shaggy Dog Story

Gail and I had the great pleasure of meeting Jilly today, who runs the Monte Carlo Daily Photo blog. Jilly came to pick us up at the hotel and then she took us on the route of the Monaco Grand Prix. We then stopped for a drink and a spot of people watching at the Cafe de Paris. Jilly had bought along a very scruffy, badly cared for dog, who she had just taken to the vet. The dog was abandoned outside her house last night, and as she looks after canine waifs and straifs, Jilly just had to take her in. Even though the poor dog had matted fur, scabby skin and bad eyes, he or she was so adorable and well behaved. The vet had given Jilly all sorts of pills and potions, which Gail and I hope will help "Lucky" to get better and be even cuter.

Monte Carlo Or Bust

We had a transport related day today in Monaco. Firstly we paid a visit to the collection of vintage, and not so vintage cars that belong to the Prince. He has been collecting cars for over 40 years, and what a selection of vehicles. From the humble 'tin snail' to Formula One racing cars. I took a lot of photos in there including this early version of the famous E Type Jaguar.

We then took a bus trip around the principality. Twice actually, as it is one where you can get on and off all day. We also went across Port Hercule on a bus boat. A small solar powered ferry that chugs from one side of the harbour to the other. Probably not as exciting as the abra's in Dubai, but it was an experience, and we got to see a differnt view of all the million pound boats that were moored there.

Bonjour!

Well we've made it. Gail and are now in Monte Carlo. We arrived at lunchtime, after a very early start. After we landed at Nice Airport, shown above, we were collected and flown by helicopter to the hotel. Really something different than catching a bus or takin g a taxi. It was all in the deal. The hotel itself is very nice. It's not in the centre of Monaco, but as the country is so small, it's only a short stroll to the main drag. We're meeting up with Jilly on Friday. She does the MC blog, and so it we be good to meet her and compare notes.

Burying Ones Head In The Sand

Lanny has chosen this week's Headbanger Challenge, and has gone for 'Make Do'; something that probably happens a lot on a farm. During World War II, 'make do and mend' was a rallying cry to everyone in England, as people did what they could for their country. There was no waste. Old paper, metal, food etc was recycled for the war effort. Gardens were dug up for growing food. There was food rationing of course, but somehow nobody starved, and everyone seemed a lot healthier than they do today. Maybe because there was no processed junk foods, fast food outlets (except for fish and chips) and less choice.

At the Brewhouse Museum they have an area decked out like an air raid shelter, and one the wall are all these posters promoting and reminding people what they can do to help the country win.

Don't forget to visit all the other gang members to see how they have interpreted the theme.

By comparison, today's blog picture features fast food, albeit a healthy one. Ostrich meat is a fairly recent introduction into people's diets. I've tried ostrich meat sausages and burgers. Not from this new cafe though, but from a farmers market that appears in the square once a month, and very nice they are too. Full of flavour, without all the nasty fats that usual red meat contains.

Who Lives In A House Like This?

A return to Belton House today as my pal Imac is there again. He's on his way to the boathouse via a trail of daffodils. Well guess what, we are there already!
It's a curious little house, the sort you read about in stories. You can imagine Goldilocks living there, or the Three Little Pigs, or even an evil being from another world.

I've turned it into a old sepia print, in appreciation of the number of very large old photos that are on display in the restaurant.

Mambo Number Five

Today's entry marks the fifth anniversary of Nottingham Daily Photo. I can't believe that I've managed to keep it going for so long. Nearly 1700 blogs. One every day last year. A first, and one that I hope to keep up this year too.

I've tried to find something special to celebrate my achievement. And so here's two very colourfully painted doors, which I saw down on the canal. Somehow the artist who painted them knew about the forthcoming celebration!

A Quiet Moment

This is Kayes Walk and runs along St Mary's Church in the Lace Market. It's a quaint little lane, with tall Victorian buildings to one side and the church to the other. It looks really nice with the sun shining and the shadows of the branches of the churchyard trees.

Busted!

I was sad to see that the monument of Jesse Boot had been vandalised overnight. It had stood in the same spot near the university for years and years without any problems. I understand from news reports that it was done by student activists, in reaction to raising university fees, government cuts and the like. Personally I think it's stupid to destroy such things, as it doesn't do any good. In fact it actually puts people off and makes them resent the protestors.

Off With His Head

There was another demonstration in the market square today. This one was organised by the local university staff and students and concerned changes in staff pensions and possible job cuts.
I had read that the demo was going to start at about noon, but when I got there it had finished and they were just packing away the banners, flags, etc. I was a tad disappointed, as I wanted to try and take some good shots with my new camera. So I just had to make do with this one.

A Touch Of Red

It's the Wednesday Night Headbanger Challenge again, and this week we have a new contestant joining us called Sandy. Welcome then Sandy to the club.
This week's theme is an easy one for a change and thought up by Tom. And its the colour red. There are so many red things out there, so it was quite hard making a choice. I could have gone for the easy options like telephone kiosks and pillar boxes. Clothing, painted wood and the like were another area ripe for investigation. But last Friday was 'Red Nose Day', which is also known as Comic Relief, where people do silly things to raise money for charity. It was started several years ago and has happened every year since. Millions of pounds have been raised, which mainly goes to Africa, but a bit goes to groups in this country. People raise money by doing all sorts of mad activities. I have no idea what this person has been up to, but hopefully they raised some money for the charity.

While I was at the transport museum on Sunday, I saw a number of buses. So to tie in with the red theme, here are two for your delectation.; the famous Routemaster up for repair, and a fine example of a 1950s double decker from a local company.

Don't forget to see what the other members of the gang have come up with.

Blossom Time

The warm and sunny weather that we have fortunately been getting these past few days have helped to wake up the flora after emerging from its long winter sleep. Passing Highfields this morning, I noticed that all the flowering cherry trees have their covering of white flowers in full bloom. Besides seeing many daffodils about, it is a good sign that spring isn't too far away.

Puffing Billy

One of the most popular attraction yesterday were the free rides on a number of miniature steam engines. I was surprised how powerful they are, as being small they don't look like they can pull quite few people along at speed.