Sunsetopalooza

Another year is coming to an end. Time for another annual The Best Of summary. Looking through a year worth of photos, I noticed a pattern. Every place we called home this year awarded us with remarkable sunsets.

Kittens and sunsets. What else do you need to feel good?
The former proved to be elusive everywhere except Cyprus. On the other hand, sunsets were never in short supply. In 12 months we amassed an impressive collection of them. Enough to branch off from The Best Of 2016 into an independent life. Thus, here we are. Enjoy the show.

I want to mention that no filters had been applied to these photos. There are too many out-of-this-world images of sunsets (especially on Instagram) that so clearly been digitally enhanced. There is nothing wrong with it except that it puts those images into a different category. They reflect the author’s vision (perhaps, imagination even better word) and ability to use digital tools. It has the same value and traits as a flawless photo of a Hollywood celebrity in some glossy magazine: the perfection from a conventional point of view. It’s not real, we know it, and we accept it. However, nature has its own mind and vision. Sometimes, it blows your mind. Sometimes, you can’t believe your eyes. We should appreciate these treasures and admire and remember them as they are.

This photo gallery follows our progression through places we visited in 2016. Our readers know that we’ve been slowly traveling around the world for 3+ years. Every now and then we take short vacations as any other working couple does. One of these quick getaways also happened to be my birthday present (honestly, I can’t think of better gift than a trip to some destination I haven’t seen yet) was a trip to Lebanon. Two of my favorite sunsets we found there. Oops, I jumped ahead of the story. Let’s start from the beginning.

CYPRUS January-February

There bound to be great sunsets on an island. Cyprus didn’t disappoint. Short days of winter may spook some beachgoers, but the sun was determined to quickly go through its daily routine to settle somewhere behind the horizon. Every once in a while, a storm would pass leaving dramatic skies behind.

LEBANON January

The trip to Lebanon was the best birthday present ever. Everybody heard about Beirut, but how much do we really know about a city that in the past was called the Paris of the Middle East? I didn’t know what to expect. It was an amazing experience where the end of each day was highlighted by remarkable sunsets.

BERLIN March

Berlin is famous for many different things, but sunsets are not among them. Plus, it was rainy and cloudy during most part of our visit. Sun was safely locked behind thick clouds. I guess one day it got bored and decided to look around.

PORTUGAL March-May

Our second visit to Portugal lasted 3 months. Falling in love with the country, it was not long enough. Among many other delightful things, Portugal generously shared with us a penchant for fantastic sunsets.

This time we stayed near Lisbon. Every day, with just a few exceptions, when the weather became too stormy, we walked along the water. Couple times we even hiked all the way from Paço de Arcos to Cascais. Walking 25km along the river and the ocean is a dream come true for any photographer. With correct timing, the sun would kindly present you with stunning sunset shows.

Below is a bunch of photos taken at the same location, Praia da Bolina in Costa da Caparica, following the sun going down. The storm had passed the area couple hours back. The dense clouds on the horizon were going away directed by strong gusts of wind. Thus, curiously, first shot with the sun mostly hidden behind the clouds looks darker than latter ones.

MADRID April

TBILISI May – September

Georgian capital is known for food and hospitality of its inhabitants, but sunset chasers would have to climb up the hills to get unobstructed views.

CHICAGO August

WESTERN AUSTRALIA September – December

Here is a small collection from just one quaint sleepy town called Fremantle. It happens to be the perfect place to watch sunsets over the Indian Ocean. Every day, about half an hour before the sun goes down, spectators beginning to arrive to witness the grand free spectacle. Who cares about laser shows or fireworks. The sun conquered them all.

I hope this small photo gallery cheered you up. What is your favorite place to watch sunsets?

Share this article on Pinterest by clicking Save button