Mate silhouette

If there is one thing that the Uruguayans are famous for it is their love affair with the mate. Bitter in taste, strong as an ox and slightly addictive it is a traveller's acquired taste. But once you are in you are hooked.

They carry their mate with them everywhere and it is the thing to do down by the River La Plata as you watch the sun set over Buenos Aires on the other bank.

Like Australian's drink beer and Cubans their rum, it is the quintessential way to mix in the culture.

Ansel Adams...maybe not

Ansel Adams' photographs of Yosemite capture the real spirit of the valley. His black and white photos are timeless in their excellence - www.anseladams.com

It is a truly unique part of the globe, personally I have been there over 5 times. The valley is so photogenic that you will take rolls or memory cards full of photos.
I recommend that you take in colour and convert your photos later for the dramatic Ansel Adams effect. As shown here.

Take the trails and find the smaller treasures, look around and find something new that people may not ordinarily look at. Look for that unique perspective of everyday life, a different angle or a reflection in a pool of water.

Also look at the postcards and see what others including Ansel Adams took photos of and get your own versions of the classics.

Generally enjoy Yosemite and make sure that you leave it for others to enjoy for generations to come.

World's best beach

From my extensive travels around world I have to say that Itacare in Brazil is the best beach I have been too. Perfect waves, locals, food and atmosphere.

Other top beaches:

• Araya - Venezuela


• Wineglass Bay, Australia


• San Juan del Sur, Nicaragua

Let me know your top beaches?

National Geographic Asia - Comp

A great competition I noticed recently for all of those in the Asia region is this one run by Nikon and National Geographic. There are some great prizes on offer:
www.ngcasia.com/nikon/index.htm

It is free to enter and runs out on the 24th December.

If you have any recommendations from my colletion - let me know?
www.innereye.com.au/search.asp

Argentinian Farm Boy

After spending the day talking to the family the son popped his head up in his bedroom window and the look in his eyes tells his feelings.