Low Church Gems

As we walked the road thru the village of Easo, on the island of Lifou, in New Caledonia, we came to a wonderful old Catholic church.  Altho it is obviously cared for, it no long seems to be used.  There are other photo images of it in my travel blog (http://travelswithnadineandjeff.blogspot.com), here are some sort of hidden gems within the overall scope of the church that I thought generated more art-like images.

Low Church Side Door

There was another church that sat high on a bluff in this village, and consequently, that church is commonly called the “high church” and this church the “low church”.  The side door of the low church was a true hidden gem.  I’m sure most people missed it, because they were so wrapped up in the front of the church.  But, this side door, tells the tale of those who worked and prayed at the church – the priest, alter boys, church caregivers, etc.  I’m sure this was there “main entrance” when they came to do the business related things that go along with prayer.

Low Church Front Door

The front door to the church is also something somewhat easily overlooked, as it sat with a very deep entryway.  But, when one focuses on it, the carving of the doors, an art in itself, becomes like a beacon welcoming all.

Low Church Window

This window was off on the far side of the church.  Again, most people would notice the series of windows on the other side, as they approached from the direction where a good number of villagers would come from.  But this singular window, aged and weathered from whatever storms may visit the island, has its own wonderful character to share.

Enjoy!

A Pretty View of Apia

There were some views of Apia that fell more into the category of art, than travel images.  Hopefully, you will agree!

As we walked down Main Beach Road, we approached what I thought was most likely an old estate home that was now a hotel.  I was certainly surprised to find out that today, it’s a casino!

In a previous post, I talked about how bright colors were used in slightly unusual ways.  This clock tower is such a bright pink color – most unusual, but somehow, appropriate in Apia!

This image of the colorful flowers found in town just seemed made for a watercolor sketch, and so that’s what it became.  It is one of my favorite images from this day of all the lovely ones I took.

I have no idea what this flower is, but I absolutely love it.  The shading of the orange apricot petals offset by the green foliage behind the tiny little blooms is almost delicious.

And, finally, this great image of a palm tree with coconuts up high.  I made sure to stand so that if a coconut fell off the tree, it didn’t hit me, and I couldn’t help but think of the song that talks about the lime in the coconut!

Enjoy!

Samoan Sunrise

When we got to the town of Apia, on the island of Upolu, in Samoa, we had the most different sunrise that I believe I’ve ever seen.  It seemed like the sky was trying to decide whether or not to rain or storm.  So, the sunrise was a bit muted, yet sort of golden, and then even sepia toned before the clouds decided to let the sun begin to shine thru.  Take a look.

Enjoy!

Picture Perfect Kona

When we visited Kona, on the Big Island of Hawaii, we decided to just wander the main street and enjoy people watching and check out the scenery.  We had been to the Big Island of Hawaii several years ago, and thoroughly explored the island and Kona then.  I thought the sights we saw today was worth converting to some watercolor pencil sketches!

The shoreline of Kona is very pretty, altho you won’t find sandy beaches in this area.  I think those are to be found more on the other side of the island.

I always enjoy the bright colors that we find along the shops on the main street.  It was bustling, due to so many cruise tourists being in town, along with the Ironman competition that was happening in town.

There is a lovely old church along the main street.  I can’t recall what religion it’s affiliated with, but if memory serves me correctly, it is the oldest church on this island.

Enjoy!