New year in Edinburgh

ST500(TL220) 1/8s l 3.5f l ISO480 l 4.9mm Program Auto

Hello, Twenty Ten! To celebrate the new year 2010, I went on a trip to Scotland that I’d been looking forward for so long. In Edinburgh, the capital of Scotland, they have the ‘Hogmany festival’ at New year’s Eve which is one of the most celebrated winter and new year festivals in Europe.

 

ST500(TL220) 1/500s l 3.5f l ISO80 l 4.9mm Program Auto

Edinburgh isn’t a big city and the streets aren’t so complicated so you can fully enjoy the city by walking around. There were 2 things that surprised me when I arrived at Edinburgh. One was the pile of snow which you can hardly find in Britain and the other is the freezing cold weather; no wonder why there was such massive snow! But thankfully the sky was very clear and pretty that made me feel fresh while I was walking round.

 

ST500(TL220) 1/125s l 3.5f l ISO80 l 4.9mm Program Auto

When you walk along Prince Street which separates the old and new town of Edinburgh, you’ll spot the giant eye-catching architecture burnt like black color. It’s the Scott’s Monument. They say that there are many mountains that consist of rocks in Scotland. Different from Britain where houses are built with bricks, buildings in Scotland are built of rocks dug out from the mountains. These architectures made out of rock seem to play a part in the antique and classical atmosphere of Edinburgh.

ST500(TL220) 1/45s l 4.1f l ISO100 l 6.5mm Program Auto

ST500(TL220) 1/60s l 3.7f l ISO80 l 5.3mm Program Auto

The whole city was hustle and bustle getting ready for the Hogmany festival. The concert stage was installed with the Edinburgh castle as the background, and over a background of thousand years old town buildings various rides and ice rink were available. The harmony between unharmonious things seemed very attractive.

ST500(TL220) 1/60s l 3.5f l ISO80 l 4.9mm Program Auto

ST500(TL220) 1/60s l 3.5f l ISO80 l 4.9mm Program Auto

When I was walking down Royal Mile crowded with most of the tourist sights, I was able to run into a couple of street artists. Especially, the man who is taking pictures with the tourists dressed like Mel Gibson from Brave Heart wearing the traditional Scottish costume is a celebrity at Royal Miles. Despite the cold weather, he was wearing a tartan skirt and was posing with a loud roar each time he was taking a picture with the tourists. I could tell how much he prides and loves Scotland from his passionate behavior.

ST500(TL220) 1/250s l 3.5f l ISO80 l 4.8mm Program Auto

ST500(TL220) 1/250s l 3.5f l ISO80 l 4.8mm Program Auto

Among many things that represent Scotland, probably the check pattern is the most known. You can easily find souvenir shops that sell items with check patterns anywhere in Edinburgh. From 100% cashmere clothing and accessories to mugs, dolls etc… it seemed like everything you can make with check pattern was gathered. Even a cute dog with tartan check outfit!

ST500(TL220) 1/8s l 4.1f l ISO800 l 6.5mm Program Auto

ST500(TL220) 1/8s l 3.5f l ISO800 l 4.9mm Program Auto

80,000 people were waiting for the new year’s countdown dancing and singing along with the DJ. As if the whole city were a club, it was the moment when excitement was at a peak with the festive fever and excitement for the new year regardless of age and nationality.

ST500(TL220) 1/3 l 3.5f l ISO203 l 6.6mm Program Auto

 ST500(TL220) 1/2 l 3.5f l ISO203 l 6.6mm Program Auto

At Royal mile, as seen from the picture above, the giant candle became a chandelier and lit up the sky. Freezing tourists gathered around the candle to warm their frozen hands and feet.

ST500(TL220) 1/60s l 4.4f l ISO200 l 13.7mm Program Auto

ST500(TL220) 1/750 3.5f l ISO80 l 4.9mm Program Auto

In Scotland, you can find tradition and people who proudly live the tradition. Following the tradition is their everyday life and something ordinary for them. I guess this is the reason why every year tourists flood to Scotland and Edinburgh and return home impressed, promising to visit again.

All photos, above, may not otherwise be reproduced, distributed, cropped, re sized, or otherwise altered without the written permission of the contributor. All photos represent the sole opinion of their individual authors and contributors and don’t express the opinion of Samsung Digital Imaging Co., Ltd., Samsungimaging.net or the opinion of any affiliates unless specifically marked as such. All photos, above, have been shot with the Samsung ST500(TL220), which has been provided by Samsung Digital Imaging Co., Ltd. In order to become an official SamsungImaging.net blogger, please click here

The charming city, York!

I had decided early on that I was going to award myself one day and that day was today! For the past two weeks I’ve been struggling with school work and was physically and mentally exhausted so I’ve decided to give myself a break and went to York, located not too far from Hull. York is about an hour and a half bus ride from Hull. Good thing about traveling between two cities is that there is a city bus and you can go on a day trip at an affordable price (₤ 8.50 for return trip). While New York is the city that represents US, there is the original York in UK. York has the most UK-like atmosphere among the cities I’ve travelled in UK. In York, you can find traces of the dramatic UK history here and there and as some say, the history of York equals the history of UK.

Samsung ST500(TL220) 1/180s l 3.5f l ISO80 l 4.9mm Program AE

Samsung ST500(TL220) 1/125s l 4.9f l ISO80 l 16.3mm Program AE

As soon as you arrive in York, first thing that catches your eye are the walls and gates that surround the city. There is a path along the top of the wall so if you walk up and down the wall you can get a panoramic view of York. The walls that you can see in between the streets enhance the classic atmosphere of the city.

Samsung ST500(TL220) 1/350s l 3.5f l ISO80 l 4.9mm Program AE

Samsung ST500(TL220) 1/350s l 3.5f l ISO80 l 4.9mm Program AE

You have to cross a bridge to get to the York city centre. One of the ways to enjoy York is to ride the cruise. The old city breathes alive and there is a romantic river flowing… I bet there’s no one who wouldn’t fall in love with York’s atmosphere

Samsung ST500(TL220) 1/500s l 3.5f l ISO80 l 4.9mm Program AE

Samsung ST500(TL220) 1/500s l 3.5f l ISO80 l 4.9mm Program AE

If you walk a little bit after crossing the bridge, you’ll see a huge park where York museum is located. You can see the historical remains in the park as well. Like most of the cities in UK, especially in York, the historical remains are preserved blending in naturally with the surroundings. As you can see in the picture, it is very impressive that they have developed the park with the historical spot into a space with benches where people can rest anytime.

Samsung ST500(TL220) 1/180s l 3.5f l ISO80 l 4.9mm Program AE

Granddaughter Sophie and Sophie’s grandfather who I met in the park. I set the camera mode to children mode to capture Sophie’s attention but the grandfather seemed a lot more excited than Sophie. The English people may seem blunt on the outside like Sophie’s grandfather, but when you ask for a favor they will respond with a smile and from that my heart found peace again.

Samsung ST500(TL220) 1/350s l 4.1f l ISO80 l 6.5mm Program AE

Samsung ST500(TL220) 1/180s l 3.5f l ISO80 l 4.9mm Program AE

After arriving in York, my footsteps were constantly headed towards the York Minster was one of the places I was the most fascinated with. York Minster is one of the most famous architectures in UK, and is evaluated as one of the most outstanding Cathedral or Minster that represents the best of Gothic architecture. Size is one thing, but it’s difficult to express the magnificent and overwhelming scale of the York Minster in one word.

Samsung ST500(TL220) 1/60s l 3.5f l ISO80 l 4.9mm Program AE

Samsung ST500(TL220) 1/45s l 3.5f l ISO100 l 4.9mm Program AE

In front of the York Minster, there was a train headed to National Railway Museum waiting for passengers. I came across one family inside the train waiting for departure. The look alike smile of the family seems nothing but  peaceful.

Samsung ST500(TL220) 1/15s l 3.5f l ISO200 l 4.9mm Program AE

Samsung ST500(TL220) 1/20s l 4.7f l ISO400 l 8.3mm Program AE

This is a picture taken of the inside of Cathedral at the entrance and a picture of the splendid stained glass. If you pay four pounds, you can tour freely inside and listen to guide’s explanation for free.

Samsung ST500(TL220) 1/15s l 3.5f l ISO400 l 4.9mm Program AE

Samsung ST500(TL220) 1/8s l 3.5f l ISO800 l 4.9mm Program AE

Many exhibits and sculptures, and the solemn mood of the chapel brought out the piousness inside me.

Samsung ST500(TL220) 1/8s l 3.5f l ISO800 l 4.9mm Program AE

Samsung ST500(TL220) 1/500s l 3.5f l ISO80 l 4.9mm Program AE

There is a observation deck (admission ₤ 3) in York Minster where you can see all of York at once. To get to the observation deck you have to walk up the steep stairs in a tower just wide enough to fit one person. I was wearing boots this day so while I was climbing up the stairs, I had to bear the pressure on my calf that felt like the boots were about to explode. On the picture is the York Minster taken at middle point before arriving at the top.

Samsung ST500(TL220) 1/90s l 3.5f l ISO80 l 4.9mm Program AE

Samsung ST500(TL220) 1/180s l 3.5f l ISO80 l 4.9mm Program AE

This is a photo overlooking the panoramic view of York city from the observation deck on top of the tower and the appearance of York Minster tower. The ever-changing weather in UK suddenly became cloudy when I reached the top so I wasn’t able to capture the clear look of the city. But even for a beginner like myself, I was able to take decent pictures setting the camera at smart mode despite the cloudy weather.

Samsung ST500(TL220) 1/45s l 4.1f l ISO200 l 6.5mm Program AE

The small street from the York Minster directly leads to the city center. While I was walking, a long-line in front of the café caught my attention. Later I found out that this café was the most famous tea shop in York. Not only is it well known to the English people, but is very famous among foreigners that if you visit York, this café is one of the must-see spots in town. I couldn’t dare to wait so I turned away pledging to come back next time.

Samsung ST500(TL220) 1/60s l 4.4f l ISO200 l 13.7mm Program AE

Samsung ST500(TL220) 1/60s l 5.5f l ISO160 l 10.4mm Program AE

It is quite easy to see street performances in any cities and countries in Europe. I was able to meet variety of street performers in York as well. The most impressive were the two performers in the picture. They were singing so loudly with joy that people passing by listening to their song seemed to be having a good time. A man playing organ in the middle of the square. Despite the hand freezing cold weather, he played some great music and it was really impressive. Thus, York is certainly a charming city that not only entertains your eyes but your ears as well.

All photos, above, may not otherwise be reproduced, distributed, cropped, re sized, or otherwise altered without the written permission of the contributor. All photos represent the sole opinion of their individual authors and contributors and don’t express the opinion of Samsung Digital Imaging Co., Ltd., Samsungimaging.net or the opinion of any affiliates unless specifically marked as such.

All photos, above, have been shot with the Samsung ST500(TL220), which has been provided by Samsung Digital Imaging Co., Ltd.

 

Happy Christmas in Hull…

Hi! I am ISEUL, currently living in Hull, a city located in North Eastern UK. I am studying in Hull University as an exchange student. I bought a new camera when I came here and it’s Samsung ST500(TL220). The last camera I had for 2 years was also by Samsung and I was satisfied with it so I went with Samsung again this time. I like taking self portraits and the dual LDC function in ST500(TL220) was the crucial factor in making my decision to buy this camera.

I took this first picture with my old camera. I always carry camera in my bag. Not only ST500(TL220) is small and lightweight, but the design is so pretty that I can’t wait to take it out to take pictures whenever, wherever. And to the young generations these days, digital camera is a must-have.

Samsung ST500(TL220) 1/60s l 3.5f l ISO80 l 4.9mm  Program AE

I went to the Hull city centre today. The building with the emerald-colored-roof in the picture is the Hull city centre. It is located in the heart of the city so if you ever visit Hull, you should visit the information center (for guides and tips) and start your travel.

Samsung ST500(TL220)  1/45s l 3.5f l ISO80 l 4.9mm Program AE

These are the buildings found in the city. One of the things that impressed me the most living here was the architecture. Each individual building has its unique charm and style that you never get bored looking at it. You can see the lighting decorations on the building for the upcoming Christmas. And there are Christmas markets opening in the front one by one.

Samsung ST500(TL220)  1/90s l 3.5f l ISO80 l 4.9mm Program AE

One of the most popular sports in UK must be rugby. There is large screen installed in the middle of the city square and they play live sports games. It’s fun to look at people stopping on their way to watch the screen.

Samsung ST500(TL220)  1/30s l 3.5f l ISO200 l 4.9mm Program AE

The center of the city was lined with Christmas markets. They were selling all sorts of chocolates, candies and hamburgers. But perhaps due to the cold weather, people were just passing by and I felt a bit sorry for the merchants. 

Samsung ST500(TL220)  1/30s l 3.5f l ISO200 l 4.9mm Program AE

One side of the street was rides for the children. The parents looking at their children enjoying the rides seemed a lot more excited than the children actually riding themselves.

Samsung ST500(TL220)  1/30s l 3.5f l ISO200 l 4.9mm Program AE

This is a picture of a Santa in a shoe repair shop. The children passing by were excited to see the cute Santa. Thus, Christmas has something special that makes people happy with the smallest things.

Samsung ST500(TL220)  1/30s l 3.5f l ISO200 l 4.9mm Program AE

The picture of the building floating on the river on the right is a shopping center. It was interesting for me to see the harmony between the new and old architecture in one space. I think this is one of the charms of UK.

Samsung ST500(TL220)  1/30s l 3.5f l ISO200 l 4.9mm Program AE

This is inside the shopping center. The lightings decorated for Christmas were absolutely amazing. It was the weekend and also was the start of the winter sale season so it was really crowded.

Samsung ST500(TL220)  1/8s l 3.5f l ISO480 l 4.9mm Program AE

Samsung ST500(TL220)  1/8s l 3.5f l ISO200 l 4.9mm Program AE

The sun had set already when I came out of the building after shopping. It was only around 5 o’clock when I took this picture but it was no different than in the middle of the dark night! The lights started to light up after the sunset, and it made me feel like Christmas even more.

Samsung ST500(TL220)  1/8s l 3.5f l ISO480 l 4.9mm Program AE

It’s time to head back home. The colors of double-decker bus differ in each city, and the color of double-decker bus in Hull is brown. It’ll be quite interesting to look at the different colors of bus from different cities. With that thought, it’s a wrap for today.

Since this is the first post, I probably wasn’t perfect. I’ll try to be back with better pictures in the next post. I’m planning on going to York next week. I’ll introduce York to you, a city that has very different atmosphere from Hull. Stay tuned! Till then, bye-bye :)

All photos, above, may not otherwise be reproduced, distributed, cropped, re sized, or otherwise altered without the written permission of the contributor. All photos represent the sole opinion of their individual authors and contributors and don’t express the opinion of Samsung Digital Imaging Co., Ltd., Samsungimaging.net or the opinion of any affiliates unless specifically marked as such.

All photos, above, have been shot with the Samsung ST500(TL220), which has been provided by Samsung Digital Imaging Co., Ltd.