If You Stay Too Long Out in the Sun...

From a distance this was quite alarming –no doubt that was part of its intention. I was walking along the beach at sunset and had it almost to myself. Was someone still sunbathing? And so close to the water? Had somebody died? Was it an alien from outer space? (my imagination is admittedly a little on the wild side).I laughed when I came closer and saw it was just a very realistic sand sculpture. The eyes made of grapes were a nice touch –perhaps that's why I thought of creatures from outer space. The low evening sun also gave a sort of washed-out alien light – just before the cherished "golden time" when the sun dips. Location: Corfu, Greece

Pulling Up The Infant Jesus

The fishing boats came in through irksome waves one by one when the sun was already climbing high. They were pulled and pushed and shoved and drawn by whole families and anyone else who happened to be on the beach at the time, slowly -inch by inch- heaving up from the water's edge and up onto the sand where the boats would perch boldly and proudly until it was time to push them out to sea again in the evening or night. I watched this timeless ritual every morning when I walked along the beach at Goa –once or twice I joined in, and I was always captivated and exhilerated by the zeal and activity involved. For me it was a holiday -the beach stretched far and beckoned with its powdery sand: for these people it is their livelihood. The "Infant Jesus" is typical of the biblical names given to these vessels. Location: Goa, India

Canine Patisserie

Well, I'm tempted to say "only in America" but I am sure I will be proven wrong. Everything on display here –every delicious-looking snack, cookie and cake is purely for our four-footed friends. And for the somewhat exclusive upper-market ones, at that. This is only one part of an entire store for such pampered pooches –elsewhere on display one could find designer baskets, food bowls and outfits and any number of luxurious (and expensive) playthings. And not only for the discerning dog customer,the shop also caters for the most choosy of cats. Such is Florida where pets frequently deserve –and get– the very best. Were I a dog the pastry "fun bones" at $2.99 a piece would be right up my street. Perhaps in the next life? Location: Miami, USA

Beach huts

I'm going through a bit of a "bright"colour" stage at the moment –maybe because the weather has been so grey and dull recently. At a very basic level we are all attracted to colour and brightness – as something uplifting and cheering. Besides; I like colour. Well, here we are on the beach in front of a long line of huts (only a few of which are pictured) –but out of season. These little "cells" are part shed, part storeroom, part changing room for modest bathers and –because this is England– part shelter when the heavens open! Location: Lowestoft, England

Splash of Colour

A wet, grey, dull day –much like today. The view from the castle was not particularly great due to the clouds so my pictures were sadly disappointing; but I found the splash of colour provided by these umbrellas to be irresistible - brightening things up considerably. Why aren't all umbrellas like this! Location: Heidelberg, Germany