Hi and welcome to Image Earth Travel!
A photography and travel blog geared towards independent travellers, and anyone with a passion for photography.
Check back here for a new post every week.
I love capturing the globe with words and lens! And, when not travelling to exotic destinations I’m based in Brisbane, Australia, working as a Technical Writer and freelance Photographer.
Photo: Neil Lintern Taragona, Spain
Photography
My intrigue with photography started at a young age using a 110mm film camera – remember those? I was addicted.
Working in an Old Time studio for a couple of years shooting everything on an old Hasselblad Flatbed camera, I saved enough money for my year away from Australia.
Travel
With a lust to travel and donning my first backpack in 1985, I spent almost a year solo-backpacking around the world.
Met loads of other travellers along the way while exploring Africa, Europe, United Kingdom, Egypt, India, and a first quick taste in Thailand.
Travelling by bus, train, boat, and hitchhiking, cemented forever my passion for travel and photography. Although travelling independently, booking a 21-day Topdeck tour ensured not to miss main European sites.
Photo: Abu Simbel, Nubia, Egypt (1985)
Life at Sea
Apart from local and global overland travelling, I’ve been a part of building from plans, a Roberts 28′ Motor Sailor and Naiad’s launch in NSW’s Hawkesbury River, Australia.
Motored Naiad to Sydney for work and to finish her fit-out, which took another 4 years – on top of the initial 5-plus years to launch.
Set sail bound for Brisbane, Queensland, meandering up the coast for 6 months, but then also living up and down the coast for years.
This part of the Australian East Coast has some of the best and most pristine cruising grounds in the world, especially the Great Barrier Reef.
During this time, an extension to Naiad made her 34′ and lived on her for 20 years in total, until deciding it was time for a bigger boat.
Flying to the US in 2008 to buy a Catalina 47′ after only looking at 3, we settled on Reality – already hauled out and winterised in Long Island, New York.
After trucking Reality to Miami by road, a fit-out for ocean passages, we finally set sail down the Miami River and on to Florida.
Taking 3 months from buying Reality to leaving the US, finally leave Florida and set sail for Cuba, Haiti, Dominican Republic, then due south in the beautiful Caribbean Sea to Bonaire.
A short sail to risky Venezuela to explore this spectacular country for a while, before sailing to Curacao.
I love the sea and always feel at peace on the water. Especially, during night watches when a backdrop of a million stars kiss the horizon, fusing the world together – magic!
Back in Australia
Living on Reality on my own during the 2011 Brisbane floods proved scary. With the help and support from close friends, all went well and Reality made it through unscathed.
During the flood, I did have an intruder late one night, but that story is for another future post.
Photo at left is of the flood waters. Notice the white and blue fenders on the right timber awning? They mark how high the river rose (Photo: Peter Cawdron)
Taking off again
Restless in one place propels more travel over the years to SE Asia and returning to Europe.
After a working stint in Australia, set out again on a longer trip of 10 months to Morocco, USA, and South America.
Photo: Chalalan – Madidi National Park, Bolivia (2011) Photo: Neil Lintern
An extended journey
Leaving Australia again in March 2014 and landing in Singapore without a real plan, hoping to be away for 12 to 24 month. Travelled through SE Asia over 10 amazing months.
Crossing overland borders through Singapore, Malaysia, and Thailand, the only flight was into Myanmar (Burma) from Thailand, as border crossings were closed or only granted a 15-day travel visa, at the time.
From Thailand, crossing overland to stunning Laos, Cambodia, and then Vietnam while taking time to experience each country is an excellent way to travel.
Photo: Konglor, Laos, SE Asia (2014)
The rough plan after a couple of months in Vietnam was to do the Trans-Siberian through China, Mongolia, and Russia over many months and possibly a year. Sadly, the visas are too short, too expensive, and too difficult to obtain once outside of Australia. If you’re doing a short trip or organised tour, then a visa isn’t a problem.
So, a quick change of plan sees a flight to Eastern Europe during the bitterly cold winter – arriving in Estonia in January then travelling independently overland through Latvia, Lithuania, and Poland. Australians can only stay 90 days in 180-day-period in Schengen-agreed countries. As of today, this is 27 EU countries. Three months in, three months out.
From Poland, we fly to the UK for a while but I also visit Australia on a short 6-day stay. While in Australia and before returning to the UK, hop on a wonderful 2-week sailing side-trip in Fiji to catch up with friends, which I haven’t seen in years.
Motorhoming
Buying a 1997 Fiat Ducato motorhome (Reg) in the UK to first experience some of England’s beautiful corners, then decide to drive Reg through France, Spain, and Italy for an incredible 3 months.
Enjoying Freshwater Beach Holiday Park, Dorset (2015) Photo: Neil Lintern
A motorhome gives you an amazing time and a comfortable method of travelling, while meeting loads of like-minded travellers.
Once again, the Schengen clock ticks, so time to leave this zone and return to the UK.
How to fill in 3 months before returning to the EU?
Volunteer with FED again of course.
FED is the same NGO in Thailand that we volunteered with for almost two months in 2014. This time we’re helping out for 3 months.
Photo: Don Khong, Mekong River, Laos (2014)
Europe again
Over the years, the desire to obtain Italian Citizenship is even stronger, but would this prove difficult? Yes.
Another trip to Australia at the end of 2016 to request an Italian visa, then back in Italy for permission to stay and some 4.5 months later, my physical card arrives.
Based in southern Italy, I can finally relax and soak up the wonderful Italian culture, connect with relatives, and have fun with great new friends.
COVID-19
In September 2019, booked flights, accommodation, and buses for a quick 6-week trip to Australia in 2020. For the first time in my life, I booked everything…bad move.
Arrived in Australia only to be marooned, missing a wedding in the UK and unable to return to Italy. The world changed. But, we need to re-invent ourselves and adapt to everything that’s thrown at us – don’t despair or wallow in self-pity – we’re alive so enjoy every moment.
On the road again
After spending three years in Australia, we set out again on a two-year jaunt without too much planned but hoping to volunteer in the Ukraine, if accepted. So, stay with me, leave me a comment now and again, so that I know you’re still out there to read my next adventure. Meanwhile, I leave you with a quote that resonates, by the Roman satirical poet Decimus Junius Juvenalis…
The noiseless foot of time steals swiftly by, and ‘ere we dream of manhood, age is nigh.
Enjoy!
Nilla
Want to send me on a trip? Email Nilla’s Photography to discuss. See my global travel portfolio at Nilla’s Photography, visit my Facebook page, or read more posts on Image Earth Travel.
Note: All photos by Nilla’s Photography unless otherwise mentioned. No part of this post was composed with the help of ChatGPT or AI.
Leave a comment
142 responses to “About”
My pleasure 🙏
Y9u are great travel enthusiast and a fantastic blogger! I will go through your posts soon😂
Thank you for the lovely feedback!
I like to help other travellers or people thinking of taking that first leap! 🙂
So nice of you dear 🙏
Travellers need to help each other, don’t we… 😉
Kindly go through my blogs & follow if you find it worth 🧡
Will do and thanks for stopping by…
You love travel so you might want to drop by some of these:
http://travelswithchoppy.com/2020/12/05/backyard-view-november-2020/
https://havewheelchairwilltravel.net/swansea-lakeside-holiday-park-accessible-lake-macquarie-accommodation/
http://bagfullofrocks.com/2020/06/07/santorini/
http://fortheloveofnike.com/2020/11/10/visit-banff-see-the-ink-pots-dont-get-caught-in-quicksand/
http://travelwithintent.com/2020/12/14/im-a-fan-of-elegance/
http://wanderessence.com/2020/12/13/on-returning-home-from-a-road-trip-to-nowhere/
https://photoblography3.wordpress.com/2020/12/16/autumn-2020-part-44-feeling-invincible-jasper-national-park/
http://wanderingcanadians.com/2020/12/17/hike-44-ferris-provincial-park/
Thank you for introducing me to so many new blog sites!
I’ll check them out soon… 🙂
Nilla this is beautiful what you have here at image earth travel, will drop by to read more.
Thank you for your kind feedback!
I publish every Sunday so stay tuned… 😉
To say your blog is lovely is to say the obvious. Any one will feel inspired seeing your photographs and the write-ups. Thank you Nilla be we very well. Regards 😊
Thank you Dilip for your very lovely feedback!
I’m happy that you enjoyed stopping by my blog and appreciate my work. Please feel free to share my blog with friends and other travellers as I like to inspire people that are thinking of travelling. 🙂
All the best,
Nilla 🙂
Wow, what a great adventurous life.
Hi Yuna! Yes, an adventurous life and still going 😉 I work to travel so this is ensconced in my DNA now.
Travelled for 4 months through your gorgeous country Indonesia, back in 1998 and would love to return. I’ll get around to digitising my travel journals in the future…
Hi Nilla,
We discovered you through Twitter. Love your About Me page. How long ago did you sell your boat? We sailed from San Francisco down to the Panama Canal and on to Florida over the course of 3 years. It was a highlight of our life. Please stop by our blog and leave a comment! Cheers,
John and Susan
Expats presently in Medellin, Colombia
Hi, isn’t social media amazing? I’m constantly surprised as to how far-reaching these forums are and my Flag counter always makes me happy when I gain another flag!
Happy that you enjoyed my About page, even though it’s a little long. You may also like to read my “Why do you travel?” post. 😉
Naiad was sold in 2008 and Reality in 2012, but I haven’t lived on a boat permanently since early 2011. It took me a while getting used to living on land after 21 years on a boat.
I’ll be happy to check your blog out and look forward to reading about your adventures, cheers, Nilla
Hi Nilla, I just came across your blog… I am enjoying reading it & the efforts you put in , thanks. I just started doing and surely this will help to move further…
just to know have you put on article on INDIA??
Hi Nitin,
Many thanks for your kind feedback. How did you find my blog? From the WordPress Reader or another blog? I’m always interested to know how people stumble upon my site. 🙂
I visited India in 1985 when I solo-backpacked around the world for 12 months and have many travel journals in storage. I will start to digitise those hopefully next year, which includes India – perhaps with a different perspective than travelling there today?
That’s a lot of globetrotting! Looks exciting. Happy ongoing travels. And thanks for the follow.
Ha, ha, it is but it’s over 30+ years so some may say it’s quite slow going, but I like spending a lot of time in Countries and not zipping by…
Many thanks for your thoughts.
Slow is good.You can immerse yourself in the country and culture far more deeply that way.
Exactly what I think and thoroughly enjoy…
You’ve mesmerized me with your adventures. I too find a peace a sea …but I have never built my own sailboat! While I have enjoyed some of the destinations you have visited, your imagery has inspired me to visit many more … and to return to some again :-).
Such kind feedback Lisa – your photos are gorgeous and travel stories are wonderful!
Wow traveling since 1985! This is very inspiring! By the way, I’m new here in the travel blog community so please forgive me if I’ve stalked some old blog posts of yours haha
Ha, ha no problem at all.
Yes, I’ve been travelling for a very long time and still travelling – it’s in my DNA. 😉
Thanks for leaving me a comment. Just checked out your blog and look forward to your future posts.
It seems like you’re living such a beautiful and intentional life! With many more places on my list, this is so inspiring! Thanks, Aneta!
Thank you Abigail. I’m just trying to make the most of my life whilst I can – we never know what’s around the corner… 😉
Wow, what adventures you’ve had…so far!! I’ve just discovered your site and I’m so glad I have! I’m looking forward to reading more 🙂
Hi, don’t write me off just yet as still going despite my age!! 😉
You may like to read my “Why do you travel?” post.
How did you come across my blog? I’m always intrigued on WP’s tentacles.
Haha, I definitely haven’t written you off! I’m inspired by all your adventures you’ve had so far and look forward to hearing about the ones that you are yet to have 🙂 I was having a browse yesterday and just searched under travel in the reader and your ‘Why do you travel?’ post was the first on the list – it grabbed me immediately!
Thanks – appreciate that! 😉
I’m impressed that it displayed on the Reader as I’m not sure how WP works this – thanks for letting me know.
My pleasure! I’m not really sure how it works either!
Inspiring story and life! Nice photography too. We will be following you and hope accomplish what you have in your life!
Hey Mark and Alayna, many thanks for your kind feedback.
I haven’t accomplished half as much as there is to go yet, so stay tuned… 😉
Thanks! And good luck!
You too!
great posts in here! you just got your newest follower!
Thank you for taking the time to comment and follow my blog. I’m heading over to your site now to check your travel stories out…:-)
Hi Nilla, Wow! What an amazing life you’re living. That’s fantastic. There must be very few corners of the globe that you haven’t explored. You are the definition of intrepid. As a kindred spirit, I’m looking forward to reading so much more. All the best, Terri
Hi Terri, thank you for you wonderful words!
I think I’m destined to roam this earth until I can no longer…and then I hope that someone will be kind enough to wheel me around! 🙂
There are so many corners of the world that I haven’t seen yet as I’ve only travelled to just over 60 countries. Too many more to go and only a lifetime to do it all in – I don’t do the checklist thing and try to stay a while in each country.
Wow you’re amazing!! Definitely following you and looking forward to catching up with your blog 🙂
Nahh, just love travelling and hope to inspire others to explore more. Have too many travel journals to digitise yet. 😉
wouw.. what an adventure. Follow you now:)
Ha, ha life is always an adventure and never dull! Still much more to come and thank you for the follow. 🙂
You welcome and look forward to your next adventure:)
Cool, look forward to reading more of your posts also. 🙂
wouw… nice blog and photos
Thank you as is your blog! 🙂
welcome:
http://m.popkey.co/364b74/o0XR_f-maxage-0.gif
Thank you!
Photo from Laos (elderly lady?) is outstanding. I am looking forward to read more posts and see more photos. Greetings 🙂
Thank you! I saw her on her porch whilst riding past on the back of a motor bike (scooter) and had to stop.
Look forward to reading more of your travel posts!. 🙂
Hey,
Thank you for stopping by and liking my post. Keep exploring the treasures around the world! 🙂
My pleasure. Will keep exploring until I can no longer do it!
I wondered what Schengen. was so of course I looked at Google 🙂 Interesting which is why our passports were not needed as we crossed borders.
Always pays to check, especially as Australians can only stay in Schengen countries (about 26 I think) for 90 days then we have to exit for 90 days.
When I first travelled through Europe in 1985, Schengen didn’t exist, so at each border, passports were checked.
A very nice “about”. 🙂 I can’t believe that Australians are limited to 90 days in Schengen. Another example of our (European) stupidity… Well… flying to Singapore in a few hours. That should be interesting. Any recommendations?
Buon Natale
Thank you! I keep adding to this page so it’s getting a little long.
It’s a problem for Australians, Americans, Canadians, and I’m not sure of the other countries. If you want to read more on the pain as an Australian in Europe, then check my Citizenship post out…but make sure you have a glass of wine.
I like Geylang the Red Light District in Singapore, for it’s vibrancy, seediness (but not bad really), and cheap great food.
Enjoy your stay in Singapore, but be careful as it’s quite pricy for accommodation and entry to museums, etc. Going anywhere else in SE Asia?
Have a great Christmas and a fantastic 2018! 🙂
We spent 3 days in Singapore. Airbnb. Cool. We are now in Penang. Then we will go to ko lantah, bangkok, angkor, back to singapore. Then back home. 3 weeks overall. Nice so far. I’ll try to check your post.. be good. 😎🇫🇷
Sounds great and the warmth is good!
I have posts on Malaysia, Thailand and Cambodia if you need some tips. Enjoy! 🙂
Thank you.
What an adventurous life. You sound a lot like my daughter, who has been living overseas for many years. She’s coming home next year for her sister’s wedding and tells us she will be staying. I’ll believe that when I see it. 🙂
Ha, ha, yeah I wouldn’t believe it until your daughter stays for at least a couple of months!
I intend to keep travelling until I can’t do it any more…then might take a campervan/motorhome around Australia. 😉
Amazing and your photos are breathtaking!!!!!…….. lol yes big difference real camera and iPhone.. hahahha… but ur eye is great!
Thank you! I can’t take photos with an iPhone; it just doesn’t feel right.
You might like to check out my other site: Nilla’s Photography 🙂
The site is beautiful!!!
Thank you!
I have many more photos to upload but not to this site. This is the one I’m replacing as it’s about 6 years’ old now and quite outdated.
Wow! Both your photographs and your life and incredible!
Thank you!
I try my hardest to enjoy life to the full. We only get one shot at it… 😉
Hi! Happy to have found your blog! I love the layout, the style the content…everything! I’ve read some of your posts and I can’t wait to read more! Looking forward to following you 🙂
Lisa | http://www.fromdreamtoplan.net/
Thank you for stopping by and commenting.
I visited your blog just now and you have some great stories and I look forward to reading more!
My pleasure! Oh thank you, so nice of you 🙂
You are welcome 🙂
I am passionate about photography. I used Zenza Bronica 6×6 photocamera and I love b/n photo….
You’re very clever, compliments!
I don’t read your name… have I to call you “Mrs x”?? 🙂
have a nice day
(thanks for your comment to my post)
Hi Antonio!
Thank you for the kind feedback.
Photography is also my passion and apart from my Nikon D600 camera, I still use several film cameras. I still love film!
My name is Nilla and hope you’re having a great weekend. 🙂
Hi, I have just come across your photography site, it looks fabulous. You have certainly seen lots of the world, how wonderful. I am kind of jealous that you’re travelling right now LOL. I will enjoy reading about your adventures to come 🙂 xx
Hi, always more of the world to see… 😉
Thank you for checking my other site out! It’s quite dated now and the reason I’m building my new one as we write.
I don’t have all my Galleries on that site. I stopped loading photos to Nilla’s Photography because of the new site. Back in 2013, I scanned 4,000+ negs and slides; and still need to sort these countries out for my new site. 🙂 x
Merry Christmas and Happy New Year 2017
I liked your blog, good article, I invite you to my blog:
http://dishdessert.wordpress.com
Merry Christmas and hope you have a wonderful 2017!
I’ve just stopped by and like your blog; wonderful recipes!
Thanks my friend,
Across your images is evident your love for travel, photography, composition and humanity. It’s quite complete the way you share not only your travels but the tools for other travelers. Thanks very much and kind regards from Peru. 🙂
Ciao e grazie da Italia! How is spectacular Peru?
I’m glad my posts help other travellers as this is my intent. My photography is a part of me that I love to share with everyone. 🙂
I was so intrigued reading about your adventures and how you got started. I also love your adventurous photos! Can’t wait to read more and travel the world through your lens. 🙂
Very cool! I’m about 11 months behind with posts; just have everything in Word. I will publish another one on Italy today/tomorrow.
Travel is in my DNA, as is photography! Love your recipes by the way and look forward to trying out a few. 🙂
Wow, you are an adventurous lady 🙂
Going to try to keep track of your new trips and during wintertime (on those rainy cold days) I will explore your beautiful blog!
XxX
Ha, ha try to be!
Traveling is my drug. Over the last 30 years, I only stop travelling to work for funds!
I have so many posts and photos to upload yet as I’m about 11 months behind on this current trip. So, stay with me and I’ll try to bring you some sunshine on those dark rainy days! 😉
I love your blog! Stay safe in your adventures!
Thank you! Love you blog, especially your Dream Journal series. 😉
Stunning pictures on your global travel and street images page. A works of a Master in photography!
Thank you for your wonderful comments – very much appreciated! Hope the posts aren’t too boring for you. 🙂
You take good pictures.
Thank you again and so do you!
If you want to see other countries not in this blog, then check out my global Galleries at Nilla’s Photography. I need to re-design and re-build this site as it’s about 5 years’ old but the photos will be the same…when I have time.
Sure!
Love reading your bio. Nice photos too.
Hey thank you! Not sure whether I had too much info in it or not. 🙂
Hi Nilla, Great blog and we love your photos too! Thank you following back 🙂
We love to view more of your stunning snaps 🙂 Enjoy your travels.
Thank you! Hope to upload more soon as I’m about 9 months behind! Too busy enjoying my travels 😉
Good for you! 😊 happy travels!
You too! 🙂
Hi Nilla, What an exciting story! You have a gorgeous blog and fun life. Thank you for following my photography blog and I hope you enjoy my work.
Thanks for visiting and following my blog also! Look forward to seeing more of your work 🙂
your blog is wonderful so I’m happy to discover and follow it
Kisses
Anita
Thank you and glad you like following my travels! I’m very behind with posts as I’ve been on the road for over 27 months.
I love your blog also and only wish I could look as stunning whilst travelling as some of the women in your posts! 😉
oh welcome
Tahnk you so much for your message hoping that you’ll follow mine too?
🙂
No problem; I have already followed your blog 🙂
Thank you so much
Kisses
Thank you 😉
oh welcome
How long has your blog site been running?
More than 7 months
I created it 25th november 2015
Wow that’s impressive! You have many followers, how did you achieve this?
I like posts, comment ans liking comments another bloggers
So do I but not enough it seems; thanks for the tip! 😉
oh welcome
so nice to travel vicariously thru your blog!
Wonderful! Glad I can bring countries to your home 😉
Great bio.
Thank you! I might shorten it as think it’s a little too long…but then again, so is my life 😉
Thanks for following my blog http://www.danetigress.wordpress.com I’ve followed back !
Excellent! Thank you 🙂
Love your pics
I followed you on social media too
Thank you and I did the same! Really appreciate your follow and comments! Check out my photography website for more photos: http://www.nillasphotography.com
😀
Wonderful blog!
Thank you for your kind comment! I am very behind but will be uploading my posts on Poland in the next week so stay tuned 🙂
Thank you nominating me for Dreamers When I was 6 yr my dream was to sail around the world. Was a dream all my adult life But kids and family kept me close No regrets travelers are dreamers Thanks again jackie http://lifeseasiamagazine.com/2016/01/19/infinity-dreams-award/
You deserve it for all your hard work with your blog and photography! Great response to the questions. Everyone has to have dreams. Without dreams we’re nothing. 😉
Stunning blog Nilla and so great to see you again..thinking about you in the European winter cold soon x
Thanks for your kind feedback and glad you like my blog!
I still have many countries to upload. Great to catch up with you again; it’s lovely and sunny here in Spain…for now. x
Wow! I didn’t realise you had a blogsite too (as well as Nilla’s Photography). Your posts are fascinating. Needless to say the photography is amazing but I already knew that. And I’m always glad to see my little old Laotian lady (above). 🖖🏼
Thanks Gail! I had a blog site with Matador Community for several years but last December, everyone was told they had one week to move or lose all blogs, so I had to build this WP site. I’ve linked my WP site from within my Nilla’s Photography also.
I’m very behind with my posts and uploading to my photo gallery as the internet is not always the best but also because I’m busy travelling – into the 19th month now! 🙂
Hello Nilla, I just wanted to let you know that I nominated you for The Liebster Award, because I really enjoy reading your blog! Please do not feel obligated to follow the award rules! Thanks for sharing your posts and have a nice day! ( http://streetartrat.com/2015/08/22/the-liebster-award/ )
Congratulations on your award and many thanks for nominating me for Liebster; I’m very honoured!
Sorry for my late response but I was away for almost a month. A fleeting 6-day visit to Brisbane (Australia) then onto Fiji for a couple of weeks’ sailing on my friends’ boat, but not much wi-fi. To top it up, I’ve just gone over to the dark side and bought a MacBook Air so madly transitioning all my work over; it’s not a smooth transition from Windows! Thanks again!
You are welcome! I hope you enjoyed your trip, it sounds amazing! No worries about the award, I just wanted to let you know that I enjoy reading your blog 🙂 and good luck with getting used to your new system, it is always hard 🙁 Have a nice day and thanks for your comment!
Thanks again Aneta. I also enjoy your blog; just love all of the street art you post. I take many photos of street art when I see some in different countries and have many to load to my website yet. 🙂