Istanbul

Istanbl, June 29. I was two nights in Istnabul for work to join the Istanbul Pride week. It was my fourth time this year I was in Istanbul and the first time the weather was really good. Istanbul looks so much better in the sun. I am slowly getting used to the city and I start to more and more appreciate what the city has to offer, although I realize I have only seen a very small prt of it. Despite being here for work I had plenty of time to enjoy the water around Istanbul. I love taking ferry here and watch the city from the water.

Time flies

Ibiza, June 24. Already my last of 4 days Ibiza. Tomorrow morning I ll be returning to Amsterdam. It has been a great trip with so much sun and fun. I am coming back soon. The last day was spent at Escavallet beach with a little too much sun and wine.

Island Tour

Ibiza, June. The great thing about Ibiza is that it offers so many different bays and beaches and they all seem to have their own identity, feel and look. Madon took me to a few great spots, including this little bay with fisherman's houses. So serene and beautiful. All I could think was coming back to this spot in the eveing with a bottle of wine, sit and talk and watch the sunset. I will definitely do that next time I am here!

Full sumer @ Escavallet beach

Ibiza, June. It's a hot hot day today, perfect for only one thing: the beach. So we are back on Escavallet Beach, my third time this year, after being here in March and May. The sea is rough and colorful. Beach is a little busier, but still empty compared to the touristy beaches elsewhere. I love it here!

Pool in the morning

Ibiza, june. Having slept in a fabulous house wit a pool, starting the morning at the pool (and a glass of rose wine) is not a bad start. This house is from a friend of Madon. After a mix up he had to offer his own apt in Eivissa Harbor to the people that rented his house, but the house was still taken by the previous guests.

Lesbian Beach

Ibiza, June. This beach is just at the end of the runway of Ibiza Airport. There is no sand but the stone beach is comfortable enough and definitely a great spot for late afternoons. Just the one beach bar serving drinks and what looked like good food. We got here by Vespa, which is the way to travel on Ibiza. With just women lounging o this beach I suspect this is a gay beach for women. They could have choosen a worse place for that.

Talamanca

Ibiza, June 22nd. The bay of Talamanca is just on the other side of Ibiza. Not known for its beauty, but fine for a day like this. We went here by scooter, had a swim and that was it. The bottom pic shows Eivissa and the old town in the background.

Back In Ibiza

Ibiza, June 22nd. I was in back in Ibiza for a few days to visit Madon. Summer has hit the island of Ibiza with clear blue skies and warm temperatures. I had a 5 am flight out of Amsterdam, bringing me into Ibiza before 8 in the morning. Having the whole day, Madon showed me a few great and very different beaches. This one is called Montesol and is actually very close to old town Ibiza. It is reached by small path leading you down, then you climb a few rocks and there you are. Although it's small and not sandy, it's cute, different and private and the water was beautiful.

last day portugal

Cabanas beach, June 11th. This was one week ago, although it seems much longer. We left from Faro at 4 so we had time to spend the morning on the beach and it was a perfect day. I am sure I will return to thi beach before the end of the year.

No Doubt

Zandvoort, June 17. In the last few weeks I have been on some pretty amazing beaches around Europe. Today I was back at my 'own' beach, just 25 minutes by train from my home in Amsterdam at Zandvoort Beach and I realized once again how lucky I am to live here. Look at this amazing stretch of beach.... no one there (all day). My friend Bjorn joined me and we just hung out, drank some wine and had a great time relaxing. Mondays are quiet, but why doesn't anyone think of going to the beach? A day like this.. perfect temperature, spectacular view and plenty of sun.. why would anyone want to stay in the city. Tyn Akersloot deserve the business because they are doing an amazing job running their beach club. Look at this lunch salad >
Tyn Akersloot, June 17.

Broken

Amsterdam, June 15. I broke another camera today. This is my fourth in just a few months. I keep buying cheaper ones everytime because I know they will break. My last a Nikon was operational for just over three weeks. These are the last shots, from the train on my way visiting my parents. I ended the day on the beach and it was a perfect and clear day, but without a camera I don't feel complete. Buying a new one today!

Crowds

Fuseta, Algarave, June 9th. This is the same beach as the next post, but this is closer to where the ferry arrives, we sat about 10 minute walk from here. Portugese are a bit strange, they like to sit really close together... and they like beach umbrella's. Don't leave home without one.

Fuseta Island

Fuseta Island, Algarve, June 9th. Fuseta is a small village in between Olhao and tavira, about 20 minutes from Faro. From there a regular boat shuttle gets you in 15 minutes to Fuseta Island, which I believe is the same as Armona Island. Once again an unbelievable day. It must have been only 22 degrees, but very sunny. Water was clear and the beach emtpy. I found an umbrella at the resort which came out handy (4th pic), My mother, brother and me (2nd pic) had a fantastic time. Vino Verde, the local wine is perfect for drinking at the beach.

First bout out

Cabanas, Algarve, June 10th. I took the first boat out that gets you from the mainland to the barrier reef islands in front of the easter algarve coast. From Cabanas the island is reached in about 5 minutes and it only costs 60 cents. The island was still empty. If you walk 5 minutes to left or right, you have the beach to yourself.

Clouds in Cabanas

Cabanas, Algarve, June 10th. These are the only clouds I saw in about 5 days I was in the Algarve, but at least they were beautiful. I took this pic in the evening.