As some of you already know, I am not at home in Spain right now but gadding off around the world, as I often do during our winter months. I was racking my brains to think of a photo challenge I haven’t seen anywhere else and, as I am always camera-ready-in-hand whenever I fly, I thought that VIEW FROM AN AIRCRAFT might produce some spectacular entries for this month’s CBBH PHOTO CHALLENGE.
Whenever I fly, I always request a window seat. I love the view through an aeroplane window – because it means I´m going somewhere! These often spectacular views give a unique look at the world from a totally different perspective, and which simply cannot be seen from the ground. Sometimes I will see countries that I will never set foot in, and even if there is nothing spectacular to see, just looking at cloud patterns or sunrises can be fascinating.
With tight security rules and ever busier airports continuing to change air travel, rediscovering the romance of the window seat may be the most practical way to make flying more enjoyable.
So, Señores Pasajeros (Ladies and Gentlemen) please ensure your seat-belt is securely fastened, your tray table is stowed and your seat-back is in the upright position, and join me in enjoying a smooth approach into Abu Dhabi International Airport in the United Arab Emirates; Christchurch International Airport on the South Island of New Zealand and, of course, Malaga’s own Costa del Sol Airport on the south coast of Spain.
Abu Dhabi International (AUH) is one of the fastest growing airports in the world in terms of passenger numbers. I took this shot as we were coming in to land just after sunrise. You can see the first light shining off the houses on the left of the photograph. It’s quite amazing to see so many buildings in the middle of the desert!
Christchurch International Airport (CHC) provides not only the gateway to the South Island of New Zealand but also, with the development of many scientific expeditions, to Antarctica itself. The South Island is divided along its length by the Southern Alps, the highest peak of which is Aoraki/Mount Cook at 3754 metres (12,316 ft). As you can see, there was still plenty of snow on the Southern Alps when this photo was taken earlier this month, even though it is now summer in the southern hemisphere.
I couldn’t finish without a photograph taken on the approach to Malaga’s Costa del Sol airport (AGP). This sight is always good to see, because no matter how much I love travelling, it means I will soon be home – and that’s always a good feeling too, isn’t it?
This month´s CBBH Featured Blogs:
** Jo Bryant at Chronicles of Illusions is an Australian freelance writer now living with a demented fox terrier, two cats and a cockatiel in the Bay of Plenty, New Zealand. Jo always has plenty to say about life and I have particularly enjoyed reading her “Small Stones” Mindful Writing Challenge during the past month. Why not pop over there right away and take a look at exactly what I mean?
Jo takes the most amazing photographs and has something new to post most days. I don’t know how she finds the time, but I’m hoping to find out quite soon, as Jo and I are planning on meeting up when I get to the Bay of Plenty!
** If you want real, authentic, Italian home-cooking, then you should hop straight over to see what John has on offer From the Bartolini Kitchens. His recipes are always easy to follow (often with step-by-step photographs) and I especially loved his recent post describing how to make his Mom’s broth – which is sure to see off even the most dastardly of flu viruses!
John is a passionate cook who shares not only family recipes handed down from generation to generation, but wonderful tales of his childhood and family. How blessed he is to have been born into such a loving and close Italian family. When you visit John’s pages, be sure to tell him that Marianne sent you 🙂
So that´s the CBBH Photo Challenge for February, folks!
Remember, all you have to do is post your entry by the end of the month, link back to this post and, most importantly, don´t forget to share links to any two blogs that you´ve commented on during the past month, so that we can all HOP OVER and have a look. Make sure you FOLLOW THIS BLOG so you don´t miss next month´s exciting challenge!
For more information on how the CBBH Photo Challenge works click here.
I hope everyone taking part enjoys the exposure the CBBH Photo Challenge offers to featured blogs and, who knows, you may end up finding a new favourite! I´m looking forward to seeing your interpretations.
[CBBH logo Image credit: (cc) Mostly Dans]
East of Málaga 
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Here’s my contribution: http://adinparadise.wordpress.com/2013/02/24/window-seat-please/
As usual, you’ve surpassed yourself, Sylvia – especially with the view over Victoria Falls.
Thanks for sharing links to two other blogs – I don’t know either of these, so it makes it all the more exciting to HOP over, straight away 🙂
Great entry for this month’s challenge – well done!
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Superb photos, Marianne. Enjoy your trip. I’m sure you’re having lots of fun and making great memories. 🙂
Oh yes, we are having a great time, thanks 🙂
Great views, but my favourite is the heart silhouette on the first photo. 🙂
You know, I had great fun doing that one! 🙂
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I missed THE BEST ever chance of some snowy shots when we flew out of Newcastle to the Algarve recently, Marianne. The camera was in the bag in the overhead locker and by the time I’d finished “wow-ing” we’d left the snow behind. Hope you’re having fun.
Isn’t that always the way? What a shame – still, you’ve learned your lesson now!
Having a great time, Jo – flying from Auckland to Melbourne on Tuesday 19th 🙂
here is mine marianne …. i love taking photos out the window too! http://imagesoftheheart.wordpress.com/2013/02/09/cbbh-photo-challenge-view-from-an-aircraft/
Incredible photos, Christine. it’s so exciting taking photos from on high, isn’t it? You’ve managed some very clear shots there – well done!
Thanks for sharing links to two blogs you love to visit. I already know both of these ladies, and endorse your encouragement for others to visit them.
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Oops!!! I missed a bungles out, I’ll try again…
http://pommepal.wordpress.com/2013/02/08/cbbh-photo-challenge-view-of-the-bungle-bungles-from-an-aircraft
I’m loving the Bungles 🙂
They are sensational
That was a great challenge theme Marianne, I’ve been waiting to share these photos
G’day Marianne, just found your challenge and loved this topic have had these photos tucked away for quite a while now waiting to be shown off..
http://pommepal.wordpress.com/2013/02/08/cbbh-photo-challenge-view-of-the-bungles-from-an-aircraft
Wow! Incredible series of photos. You did well to get so many great shots during your short flight 🙂
The flight was specifically to view the landscape, it took an hour of flying to get to the Bungles and he flew low so we had a good view, there were 12 passengers and I got lucky and sat in the co-pilots seat right at the front, excellent for photos.. 🙂
Fantastic!
Thanks
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beautiful views marianne, great contrasts! i will go hunting, since if possible i do take photos from aircraft 🙂
Great! Look forward to seeing what you’ve got 🙂
So amazing views… 🙂
I fly really much between multiple destinations, mostly in Europe
but must admit that I have never taken a photo from the plane on these trips… 🙂
You should try it!
Your photos are excellent Marianne. Mine aren’t as clear, but I hope you enjoy them: http://travelwithintent.com/2013/02/05/cbbh-photo-challenge-view-from-an-aircraft-over-kenya/
I enjoyed them very much – and I love how you set the scene, too 🙂
Glad to have you on board!
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Very very nice to hear that two of the greatest WP bloggers had a meet. Jo is an outstanding blogaholic. You can never miss her presence.
Jo is absolutely fantastic, Rommel. I’m so glad we got the chance to meet in person 🙂
Gorgeous views, Marianne. I’ll pass on this one.
Thanks Paula.
Catch you again soon 🙂
Great challenge- I fly a lot on business and always take pictures! Last week some of the lazy Mississippi!
Excellent!
Best I can do is this:
http://mostlymonochrome.wordpress.com/2012/01/02/ubiquitous-picture-of-an-aeroplane-wing/
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Great shots, as always. I can’t wait to hear where you have been visiting. Happy trails!
Thanks Patricia – much appreciated 🙂
Thank you for taking me on these plane trips today, Marianne! Great shots 😀
You’re welcome, Dianne.
Yay! So glad you got to meet Jo. How wonderful!! I love the view from planes for the same reason. Traveling by plane is my joy. I never seem to get good photos though. 😦
Jo is wonderful – I love her. We chatted as if we had known each other all our lives. 🙂
I find my photos from aircraft are very hit and miss, Angelia. I have taken some good ones (but they are back home in Spain right now) but most are mediocre. Still, it’s a fun challenge.
Fabulous shots Marianne!
Here are some of my not so great ones for this challenge 🙂
http://theurgetowander.com/2013/02/01/a-planes-eye-view/
And oh yes. thanks for the links….Jo I know very well, look forward to checking out John’s blog.
You’ll love John’s blog, I’m sure 🙂
Wow – I love your shot of one of the pyramids – fantastic!
Thanks for sharing links to two (new-to-me) blogs, too. I love visiting new places online, and in reality 🙂
Well done, Madhu 🙂
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Great idea for a challenge, Marianne. Years ago, while flying over the Grand Canyon, I learned to never to pack my camera, even if it’s in the overhead compartment. One never knows what sight will be revealed, like your shots of the Southern Alps or Malaga’s coastline, both beautifully done.
Thank you, Marianne, for your kind words and shout out. I really do appreciate them.
You are so welcome, John.
We flew in a small 4 seater aircraft over the Grand Canyon some years ago when we were visiting, too. Absolutely amazing sight. I think that might have been in the years before I had a digital camera and, of course, all my old photos are back home in Spain, or I might have been able to publish it.
It’s a hard lesson to learn, not having your camera to hand, isn’t it?
Absolutely stunning shots, Marianne – keep safe on your travels
Thanks Alec – will do!
What fab piccies. I always take from the plane – will have to go through mine and do this challenge. Watch this space :).
Looking forward to your pix 🙂
Stumped me this time Marianne! I’ve posted the only picture I’ve ever taken from a plane and unfortunately I know and love your two guest bloggers – but your post’s great. Enjoy the rest of your trip 🙂
Thanks Meredith 🙂
Nice one Marianne.The world from above has always held a fascination for the human race…Why do we love it so much? Icarus, high mountain views,the view from plane window,bird’s eye view,the Earth seen from space…all these things we enjoy so much!
It’s just so fascinating to see things from a different perspective 🙂
Well you have to know which one is my favourite Marianne. I had a blast today with you guys. Can’t wait to see you again !!! So here are mine for the month…and look at that I get to be first for a change…hehehe
http://jobryantnz.wordpress.com/2013/02/01/cbbh-photo-challenge-view-from-an-aircraft/
Yaay – first! Well done that woman!
We had a great time today, didn’t we, Jo? In the blink of an eye, three hours were gone, lounging about in the Hot Pools in Mount Manganui. Looking forward to the high-brow agricultural show on Sunday 😛
Love your Tahiti photos – I would be sad to leave there, as well.
Thanks for sharing two links, neither of which I knew until a few minutes ago.
Hugs
Marianne
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Very clever picture with the heart hands.
Thanks George – I had fun doing it! Glad you liked it.