Sarah
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toonsarah.bsky.social
Sarah
@toonsarah.bsky.social
Passionate about travel and photography, enjoy sharing my experiences via my blogs. Live in London, love city life! Also enjoy cinema, eating out and supporting Newcastle United.
The Basilica di Santa Croce di Firenze

On our recent visit we stayed just around the corner from the Piazza di Santa Croce. It became the starting point for several of our walks and the focus of our evening drinking and dining. By day and night the huge basilica, the largest Franciscan church in…
The Basilica di Santa Croce di Firenze
On our recent visit we stayed just around the corner from the Piazza di Santa Croce. It became the starting point for several of our walks and the focus of our evening drinking and dining. By day and night the huge basilica, the largest Franciscan church in the world, dominates its eastern side.
www.toonsarah-travels.blog
November 28, 2025 at 7:47 PM
Gallery: leaves shadowy and bright, in black and white

There is nothing ordinary about a leaf. There is so much variety in their shapes and textures, and in their colours of course, especially (but not only) in autumn. They are endlessly satisfying to photograph because of those textures and…
Gallery: leaves shadowy and bright, in black and white
There is nothing ordinary about a leaf. There is so much variety in their shapes and textures, and in their colours of course, especially (but not only) in autumn. They are endlessly satisfying to photograph because of those textures and shapes just as much as for their colours.
www.toonsarah-travels.blog
November 26, 2025 at 10:23 AM
Gallery: finding the mysterious

I think many of us are drawn to the mysterious. We like to wonder about things only half seen. And we all share a sense of curiosity. In fact, humans evolved to explore the unknown, because doing so helped us survive; to find food and shelter, and to learn how to…
Gallery: finding the mysterious
I think many of us are drawn to the mysterious. We like to wonder about things only half seen. And we all share a sense of curiosity. In fact, humans evolved to explore the unknown, because doing so helped us survive; to find food and shelter, and to learn how to adapt and thrive.
www.toonsarah-travels.blog
November 24, 2025 at 12:23 PM
Exploring the Cattedrale di Santa Maria del Fiore (il Duomo)

Cathedrals often dominate their cities but I’m not sure I have ever seen one do so to the extent that Florence’s Duomo does. Although relatively hemmed in by other buildings, it towers over them. Any viewpoint over the city, whether from…
Exploring the Cattedrale di Santa Maria del Fiore (il Duomo)
Cathedrals often dominate their cities but I’m not sure I have ever seen one do so to the extent that Florence’s Duomo does. Although relatively hemmed in by other buildings, it towers over them. Any viewpoint over the city, whether from one of its towers or from the surrounding hills, will make this obvious.
www.toonsarah-travels.blog
November 22, 2025 at 4:45 PM
Gallery: London shadows in black and white

Photography, especially black and white photography, is all about light and darkness, and balancing the two. Too much of either and the photo is at best dull, at worst incomprehensible.
Gallery: London shadows in black and white
Photography, especially black and white photography, is all about light and darkness, and balancing the two. Too much of either and the photo is at best dull, at worst incomprehensible.
www.toonsarah-travels.blog
November 20, 2025 at 1:44 PM
On the far side of the Arno

We had spent two days in rather unsettled weather exploring the various sights of Florence, sights I will come back to in future posts. But when the sun appeared on our third day in the city it was time to see it from a different perspective, the far side of the River…
On the far side of the Arno
We had spent two days in rather unsettled weather exploring the various sights of Florence, sights I will come back to in future posts. But when the sun appeared on our third day in the city it was time to see it from a different perspective, the far side of the River Arno.
www.toonsarah-travels.blog
November 18, 2025 at 2:18 PM
Gallery: street art in Florence

Opinion is very much divided on the topic of street art and graffiti. Some dislike it all, regardless of the skill (or lack of it) of the artist. They feel it disfigures a cityscape, rather than enhances it. Others love it for its rebellious nature, again regardless…
Gallery: street art in Florence
Opinion is very much divided on the topic of street art and graffiti. Some dislike it all, regardless of the skill (or lack of it) of the artist. They feel it disfigures a cityscape, rather than enhances it. Others love it for its rebellious nature, again regardless of the skill (or lack of it) of the artist.
www.toonsarah-travels.blog
November 15, 2025 at 2:00 PM
Gallery: seeing clocks in black and white

A photograph freezes time, just as a stopped clock may appear to do. The camera captures a single moment and preserves it, while life goes on. The person walking down the street continues to walk. The bird above your head continues to fly. The sun moves…
Gallery: seeing clocks in black and white
A photograph freezes time, just as a stopped clock may appear to do. The camera captures a single moment and preserves it, while life goes on. The person walking down the street continues to walk. The bird above your head continues to fly. The sun moves across the sky and the hands of the clocks still turn. But in your photo, all motion is paused.
www.toonsarah-travels.blog
November 13, 2025 at 11:46 AM
In the footsteps of Van Gogh

Vincent Van Gogh spent the last few months of his life in the village of Auvers-sur-Oise just outside Paris. In that short time, he completed over 70 paintings, many of them of scenes in the village and surrounding fields. Today the village styles itself ‘Village…
In the footsteps of Van Gogh
Vincent Van Gogh spent the last few months of his life in the village of Auvers-sur-Oise just outside Paris. In that short time, he completed over 70 paintings, many of them of scenes in the village and surrounding fields. Today the village styles itself ‘Village d’Artistes’ and is a popular day trip from the capital.
www.toonsarah-travels.blog
November 11, 2025 at 12:49 PM
Gallery: looking back at landscapes

Every landscape photographer knows the sense of disappointment, when the beauty and drama of the scene in front of them fails to come through in their images. We can capture the view, yes, but it’s harder to capture the feelings that view induces.
Gallery: looking back at landscapes
Every landscape photographer knows the sense of disappointment, when the beauty and drama of the scene in front of them fails to come through in their images. We can capture the view, yes, but it’s harder to capture the feelings that view induces.
www.toonsarah-travels.blog
November 9, 2025 at 11:11 AM
Gallery: seeing Florence in black and white

My surprise birthday trip to Florence, a city I’ve long wanted to visit, was naturally wonderful. In three days of rather mixed weather (one wet, one cloudy, one sunny) we managed to see many of its sights (but missed more than we saw), wandered its…
Gallery: seeing Florence in black and white
My surprise birthday trip to Florence, a city I’ve long wanted to visit, was naturally wonderful. In three days of rather mixed weather (one wet, one cloudy, one sunny) we managed to see many of its sights (but missed more than we saw), wandered its streets, ate gelati every day and excellent meals every evening, and slept well in a beautiful old house in the Borgo Santa Croce.
www.toonsarah-travels.blog
November 6, 2025 at 3:50 PM
Gallery: fleeting shadows

A shadow is fleeting. It can only last as long as the light that casts it. If the light disappears, so does the shadow. For this selection I have concentrated on shots that I consider to be primarily photographs of shadows.
Gallery: fleeting shadows
A shadow is fleeting. It can only last as long as the light that casts it. If the light disappears, so does the shadow. For this selection I have concentrated on shots that I consider to be primarily photographs of shadows.
www.toonsarah-travels.blog
November 3, 2025 at 12:24 PM
Gallery: an October selection (2025)

We have experienced plenty of mild mornings this October, but also some wild winds. The leaves changed colour throughout the month but by the third week many had fallen. We had sunny days, wet days and a few very chilly days.
Gallery: an October selection (2025)
We have experienced plenty of mild mornings this October, but also some wild winds. The leaves changed colour throughout the month but by the third week many had fallen. We had sunny days, wet days and a few very chilly days.
www.toonsarah-travels.blog
October 31, 2025 at 3:41 PM
Exploring Bercy, a Parisian suburb

In the first half of the 19th century a Parisian wanting a good night out might well have headed to the village of Bercy. Ideally positioned on the banks of the Seine, this village had become the centre of the Paris wine trade and a major European market for…
Exploring Bercy, a Parisian suburb
In the first half of the 19th century a Parisian wanting a good night out might well have headed to the village of Bercy. Ideally positioned on the banks of the Seine, this village had become the centre of the Paris wine trade and a major European market for wines and spirits.
www.toonsarah-travels.blog
October 28, 2025 at 4:05 PM
Gallery: street signs, or rather, signs on the streets

Walk down any street in any city and you will be confronted by a myriad of signs. There are the obvious ones telling you the name of the street, and those giving instructions or advice to drivers. ‘Junction ahead’. ‘One way street’. ‘Watch out…
Gallery: street signs, or rather, signs on the streets
Walk down any street in any city and you will be confronted by a myriad of signs. There are the obvious ones telling you the name of the street, and those giving instructions or advice to drivers. ‘Junction ahead’. ‘One way street’. ‘Watch out for pedestrians’. And so on. Much more interesting though are the random unofficial signs.
www.toonsarah-travels.blog
October 27, 2025 at 8:30 AM
Gallery: seeing Liverpool in black and white

Last week I paid a brief visit to Liverpool. I stayed only one night and saw only a fraction of what the city has to offer. The weather was dull and grey, best suited to monochrome photography.
Gallery: seeing Liverpool in black and white
Last week I paid a brief visit to Liverpool. I stayed only one night and saw only a fraction of what the city has to offer. The weather was dull and grey, best suited to monochrome photography.
www.toonsarah-travels.blog
October 25, 2025 at 9:38 AM
Gallery: flower power AI style

Photography can be a tricky medium. To all intents and purposes, it appears to provide a faithful representation of a true scene. But ever since it was first invented photographers have found ways to fool the viewer. Creating double exposures in the darkroom, adding…
Gallery: flower power AI style
Photography can be a tricky medium. To all intents and purposes, it appears to provide a faithful representation of a true scene. But ever since it was first invented photographers have found ways to fool the viewer. Creating double exposures in the darkroom, adding details by hand or removing them …
www.toonsarah-travels.blog
October 23, 2025 at 11:33 AM
Arctic diary ten: Camp Millar and Midterhuken

On the final day of our expedition cruise we enjoyed enjoy a final walk on Spitsbergen and, as on every day of this trip, some special wildlife sightings. Our last full day on board started well, with a sighting of a large pod of beluga whales off the…
Arctic diary ten: Camp Millar and Midterhuken
On the final day of our expedition cruise we enjoyed enjoy a final walk on Spitsbergen and, as on every day of this trip, some special wildlife sightings. Our last full day on board started well, with a sighting of a large pod of beluga whales off the port bow.
www.toonsarah-travels.blog
October 21, 2025 at 8:12 AM
Gallery: ancient wonders from my travels

To be able to see the wonders of the world abroad; what a privilege that is. And perhaps most of all when those wonders are ancient. To stand among the ruins of buildings that have stood for hundreds of years allows us to witness history brought to life in…
Gallery: ancient wonders from my travels
To be able to see the wonders of the world abroad; what a privilege that is. And perhaps most of all when those wonders are ancient. To stand among the ruins of buildings that have stood for hundreds of years allows us to witness history brought to life in a way no book or film can ever do.
www.toonsarah-travels.blog
October 19, 2025 at 2:26 PM
A postcard from Liverpool: the Philharmonic Dining Rooms

A strong contender for the most beautiful city pub in England, the Philharmonic Dining Rooms, commonly referred to as The Phil, has an ornate exterior and an even more stunning interior. There is a large main room, two smaller rooms named…
A postcard from Liverpool: the Philharmonic Dining Rooms
A strong contender for the most beautiful city pub in England, the Philharmonic Dining Rooms, commonly referred to as The Phil, has an ornate exterior and an even more stunning interior. There is a large main room, two smaller rooms named for Brahms and Liszt, and highly decorative wood-panelling, stained glass and floor tiles throughout.
www.toonsarah-travels.blog
October 17, 2025 at 11:52 AM
Gallery: seeing ceramics in black and white

People have been using clay and similar materials to shape objects both ornamental and practical for millennia. Today every culture has its ceramics traditions: forms and styles, decorative techniques, purposes. These often sculptural forms lend…
Gallery: seeing ceramics in black and white
People have been using clay and similar materials to shape objects both ornamental and practical for millennia. Today every culture has its ceramics traditions: forms and styles, decorative techniques, purposes. These often sculptural forms lend themselves to monochrome processing.
www.toonsarah-travels.blog
October 15, 2025 at 4:31 PM
Just one day in Helsinki

When you only have one day to explore a city, being ‘small enough to be easily understood’ is a real plus point. And one day was all we had, on this occasion at least. But we really took to Helsinki, so maybe in the future we’ll come back for a more in-depth look.
Just one day in Helsinki
When you only have one day to explore a city, being ‘small enough to be easily understood’ is a real plus point. And one day was all we had, on this occasion at least. But we really took to Helsinki, so maybe in the future we’ll come back for a more in-depth look.
www.toonsarah-travels.blog
October 13, 2025 at 2:33 PM
Gallery: dreamy florals

The soft delicacy of flower petals can give them an ethereal, dreamlike quality. And a bit of creative photo editing can enhance that impression, A blurred background, combined with soft focus, can make the flowers seem to float in a hazy, dreamy space.
Gallery: dreamy florals
The soft delicacy of flower petals can give them an ethereal, dreamlike quality. And a bit of creative photo editing can enhance that impression, A blurred background, combined with soft focus, can make the flowers seem to float in a hazy, dreamy space.
www.toonsarah-travels.blog
October 12, 2025 at 9:44 AM
Arctic diary nine: Hornsund, Burgerbukta and Mühlbacherbreen

Overnight the Ocean Explorer had left the smaller islands of Edgeøya and Barentsøya and returned to the main one in the archipelago, Spitsbergen. We rounded its southern tip to moor in the fjord of Hornsund. The landscapes were…
Arctic diary nine: Hornsund, Burgerbukta and Mühlbacherbreen
Overnight the Ocean Explorer had left the smaller islands of Edgeøya and Barentsøya and returned to the main one in the archipelago, Spitsbergen. We rounded its southern tip to moor in the fjord of Hornsund. The landscapes were particularly stunning but for me our arrival here was tinged with a little sadness as it felt as if we were on the home strait back to Longyearbyen.
www.toonsarah-travels.blog
October 10, 2025 at 2:00 PM
Gallery: light and dark

The theme at last night’s meeting of the Ealing group of London Independent Photographers was ‘Light and dark’. We each showed a series of images with our own interpretation of that theme. For my contribution I decided to edit some of my travel photos in high contrast black…
Gallery: light and dark
The theme at last night’s meeting of the Ealing group of London Independent Photographers was ‘Light and dark’. We each showed a series of images with our own interpretation of that theme. For my contribution I decided to edit some of my travel photos in high contrast black and white. The theme that tied them together as a series was the use of an arch to frame the scene.
www.toonsarah-travels.blog
October 8, 2025 at 3:23 PM