tfttf696 – I Steal Shower Caps

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Chris and Monika call in from beautiful Donegal in Ireland where Chris together with Trevor and Ashley did a photo tour with people from all over the world in one of the most amazing landscapes that can be found in Europe. Wild coasts, beautiful beaches, high cliffs, sea arches and the most mesmerizing light. Join in as they discuss some of the details.

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Galapagos anyone?

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Photo: Vasilis Tsikkinis

Okay, so this is a completely unexpected development for me, but one that I’m very happy about. Some opportunities seem to come from nowhere. Or maybe I helped a bit by doing some networking.

I’ve been networking a lot over the years, which in the end enabled me to take photographers to all three Mt. Everest Base Camps (thanks Jon!), to Hokaido, Japan (thanks Martin!) and to Iceland twice (thanks Tim!). Next up is the Darjeeling First Flush tour in May (still a couple of seats available here) and I can’t wait for September to explore Donegal, the stunningly beautiful north-western tip of Ireland.

And there are more in the planning. I still haven’t seen Iceland in summer, so there is now a possibility that I’ll be able to offer a summer 2016 Iceland tour through the highlands, including flights over the streams to take stunning aerial photography.

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Photo: manel luque

But then, just a few days ago I was offered something that floored me: the Galapagos islands. On board of an exclusive beautiful yacht. Approx. 10 days. Which is about the extent of information that I have for now. Four spots are already booked, which warrants one photo instructor. Six or more filled spots would allow for a second instructor and that second instructor would be me. And I’m very excited about this prospect.

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Photo: Sura Ark

I don’t know a lot of details so far, other than that the tour starts in Quito (which in itself is said to be stunning) and that the sea wildlife must be spectacular. We’re also probably talking about a small group of less than 10 people. I’ve heard stories of clear water, big swarms of clown fish (hi Nemo!) and snorkelling with penguins and whales.

I don’t even know the price yet. I guess I’ll brace myself for impact.. Still, if you’re interested, I have started a list and if you shoot me a quick mail ([email protected]) I’ll put you on that list and let you know as soon as I have more information about the tour.

Update: this tour will not be part of the official list at discoverthetopfloor.com, I’m happy to send you all information, including price and a detailed itinerary as soon as I have received that information.

Darjeeling First Flush – Tea-Themed Photo Tour/Workshop

While getting ready for the Iceland tour (starting in 3 days), I’m also in the process of arranging details with our Indian tour operator for the May 2015 Darjeeling First Flush photo tour.

Important: we have TWO seats left for the tour. You can find more information about the tour here.

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This is the only photo tour focusing on photography and the tea culture around Darjeeling.

You will see some of the most famous tea plantations in the world, as the tour will take us to the wonderful Sikkim area in North Bengal, home of the Bengal Tiger. We will get to Darjeeling right around the end of the first flush harvest and the beginning of the second flush harvest. You will find out how tea is being picked, processed, learn to taste some of the finest teas and meet and photograph the people behind the tea.

You will encounter a rich and colorful culture, and visit gems like the Sangacholing Monastery, which was built in 1697.

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While we are in the North Bengal area, the Kingdom of Nepal is only a small hop away. At the end of the India leg of the tour, you have the choice to continue on with us to Kathmandu, Nepal for a six-day adventure. We will spend time to explore Chitwan National Park, photographing in the jungle with elephants and other wildlife and of course we will see Kathmandu and its rich culture and religion.

This is an experience not to be missed, including an amazing photographic variety of people, landscapes, culture, cities and wildlife, guided by a reliable local tour operator and two professional photographers who will make sure you return with stunning photography.

Oh, and no major hiking and no camping. Promise ๐Ÿ™‚

ยป more information on the Darjeeling First Flush tour

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