Gallery: a February selection (2024)
Why do you go away? So that you can come back. So that you can see the place you came from with new eyes and extra colours. And the people there see you differently, too. Coming back to where you started is not the same as never leaving.
Terry Pratchett
Eight hours into our twelve-hour flight home from Mexico City, which had been preceded by a shorter flight from La Paz and a six hour lay-over in the airport, I was questioning my sanity! Even now, a day later but still a little jet-lagged and weary, I’m half-inclined to ask myself why I do it. But of course I already know the answer.
Every trip, every journey, turns you into a slightly different person than you were before you left. The sights you saw, the experiences you had, the people you met; these are all part of you now.
I’m sure I’ve mentioned before that the February weather in England can be dismal, and after a few months of winter weather we’re always ready for a change and keen to see and feel some warm sunshine! This year was no different, and we spent a major part of the month in Mexico. There will be many more detailed posts about that trip no doubt, but photos from it naturally rather dominate the slideshow below and will provide a sneak preview of what is to come!
In the early part of the month we went to the London Destinations show. No photos, but plenty of inspiration for future trips (as though I didn’t have enough ideas already!) and a chance for us to catch up with Carl from Regent Holidays who led our trip to North Korea. There was also a cinema outing (The Holdovers), dinner with friends and a meeting of my photography group.
Technical notes
The first few shots were taken close to home with my phone, while in Mexico I used my Panasonic Lumix bridge camera. All were edited with Photoshop Elements and/or Nik Color Efex.
As always I am linking my selection to Ju-Lyn’s and Brian’s Changing Seasons challenge. Use the arrows to navigate the slideshow if you want to see all the images.
44 Comments
Lucy Rebecca
Great post! Thanks for sharing 🙂
Sarah Wilkie
Thank you 🙂
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wetanddustyroads
At least it looks like Mexico treated you to sunny weather! I like the photo with the pink wall and the tree – the simplicity (if you can call pink simple), is striking. And the view of Oteros Canyon is also lovely.
Sarah Wilkie
Thank you, I see you’ve been busy catching up on a lot of my posts 😀 Yes, Mexico was sunny almost all the time, we had only one day that was rather foggy by the Pacific. That pink building in Oaxaca went down well with my photography group too!
leightontravels
Lovely images Sarah. I’m particularly taken with the quintessential Mexican-man-with-guitar and the pensive feel in the shots of the beautifully dressed guide and souvenir seller. Frida Kahlo’s home… really looking forward to reading about that.
Sarah Wilkie
Thank you Leighton 🙂 We had three tours with that guide and she dressed beautifully every day, combining traditional and modern clothing in a very effective way. Frida Kahlo’s home will definitely feature in a future post!
Ju-Lyn
Love the Terry Pratchett quote. And your line: “Every trip, every journey, turns you into a slightly different person than you were before you left”. Which is a good reason why you brave the long flights, finicky jetlag and the other challenges that come with travel.
You have ventured far this trip to Mexico. On on!
Sarah Wilkie
Yes, exactly so – the rewards far outweigh the challenges 🙂 Thank you Ju-lyn!
grandmisadventures
I bet the Museum of Anthropology was so fascinating. Beautiful pictures from Mexico- I can’t wait to read more on your visit there 🙂
Sarah Wilkie
It was, though a shame really that we visited on our first afternoon when a bit weary from lack of sleep on the overnight flight. I’ll share more photos soon 🙂
Rose
That quote certainly speaks to those of us who love to travel… and come home again. I keep hoping planes will get more comfy, giving us extra room for our legs on long flights. Are reclining Lazy-boy chairs and treadmills too much to ask for? LOL. But it seems airlines are prone to packing us all in like sardines. My favorite photo might be the street art of the large ‘whale’ – the blue color and ‘bigness’ of it impresses my heart…💙
Sarah Wilkie
Thank you Rose 🙂 I loved the blues in that shot too (I think it may be a whale shark?) And I agree about planes, but such luxuries are only available to the few prepared, and able, to pay for them!
Wind Kisses
Always so much to love in your journey though this life, Sarah. Almost a month in Mexico? The most wonderful part of extra time is the chance to take your time. A few favorites include: The shrine, the backlit poinsettia, the Kahlos home (beautiful color, and composition!), and the guitarist. It is always nice to be home, but so refreshing to travel. Welcome to March.
Sarah Wilkie
Thanks so much Donna 😊 I’d like to say we did take our time in Mexico but it’s such a large country that even in three weeks we feel we barely scratched the surface!
Wind Kisses
That is probably true! So much to see!
Alison
Wonderful gallery Sarah, I think my favourite is the guitar player or maybe the souvenir seller, can’t decide. I’ll also be in the UK I. June. Will be back from somewhere in Europe on 13 June till 21 June. Possibly Albania but keep changing my mind!
Sarah Wilkie
Thanks Alison, those two are favourites of mine 🙂 We tipped the souvenir seller to pose for us, well worth it for both parties in the transaction!
Albania would be good – we loved Tirana! And do get in touch if you have time to meet up for a drink/meal/photo walk 😀
margaret21
My laptop has been bloody minded all day and the latest blow is I can’t see your gallery. I’m going to pop your post in a safe place till I’ve had the thing looked at. Grrr. So frustrating.
Sarah Wilkie
It will still be there when you’re able to look properly, no worries!
Sue
Fabulous gallery, Sarah…some stunning scenery, great street art, lovely florals and good people captures. A good February for you!
Sarah Wilkie
Thanks so much Sue ☺️
Easymalc
If your gallery is anything to go by we’re in for a treat when you start writing up your posts about Mexico
Sarah Wilkie
Aw, thank you Malcolm 😊
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Heyjude
Superb gallery. Your Mexican photos are so vibrant they cheer up this very dreary winter. I can totally see why you get away in February.
Sarah Wilkie
Thanks so much Jude 😊 Dreary is certainly the word for today, it’s totally miserable here (and my boots let in water when we went out earlier!) I’m going to lose myself in editing more of my Mexico shots!
the eternal traveller
I know what you mean about long haul flights. Pretty much everywhere we want to go to requires long flights and waiting for connections. But it’s always worth it, as your lovely photos show. 😊
Sarah Wilkie
Definitely worth it, I never regret it even when at my most tired 🙂 Glad you enjoyed the photos.
Anabel @ The Glasgow Gallivanter
I loved all your Mexico pictures and look forward to seeing more.
restlessjo
No doubt about it- February was a beautiful month, Sarah.
Sarah Wilkie
It was a great month, thanks Jo 😀
bushboy
A fabulous gallery of February Sarah as always. It was funny to see the vendor at Teotihuacán as that is the second photo of there I have seen today. I am glad you think of the Changing Seasons 🥰
Sarah Wilkie
Thanks so much Brian 😊 I always enjoy this challenge as it’s fun to look back over the month and it’s often a chance to share photos that might not otherwise see the light of day, although in the case of these Mexican shots that’s probably unlikely! Funny you should see another photo of Teotihuacán on the same day. Is someone else blogging about a visit there? If so I’d be curious to see it.
Teresa
What a beautiful gallery, Sarah. Take care of that jetlag, enjoy London then I will be seeing more photos of your travels.
Sarah Wilkie
Thank you Teresa 🙂 Actually the jetlag is pretty minimal this time, it was mainly general tiredness from the long journey and not sleeping on the plane. I’m feeling much better already!
Teresa
That’s good to hear. Just normal for me, the not sleeping on the plane, that is why I hate long haul flights.
mickmccann24175
Que buen viaje tuvieron!
Sarah Wilkie
Gracias 🙂
Anne Sandler
This was a nice, varied selection Sarah. I loved your street portraits and art.
Sarah Wilkie
Thank you Anne, I’m glad you enjoyed them 🙂
thehungrytravellers.blog
Never mind looking forward to reading your posts, we are relishing the thought of sitting with you guys over lunch and beer and talking about Mexico, the places we’ve now both visited. Let’s make it happen in June, Sarah. I think we could quite possibly end up talking for hours. Best make it lunch AND dinner 😂
Sarah Wilkie
Sounds like a plan! I’m away the first few days (until the 4th) but otherwise it looks like being a fairly quiet month for me. Drop me a line when you know more about your plans 🙂
thehungrytravellers.blog
We will definitely be in England for the whole of June….as it stands…..