13077.
That’s the final count of photographs taken on a five week long frenetic trip, spanning Dubai, London, several towns in Sicily and the Veneto region of Italy and culminating in eight days in Paris. They sit in the photo editing software waiting to be tagged, categorised and filed into their respective folders.
Alongside them and running down a few pages on the screen, a document lists the posts that await Gourmantic, categorised under travel, food, restaurant reviews, photo essays and that favourite section of mine, opinion.
On my desk, a pile of restaurant receipts, menus and notes scribbled hurriedly in a spiral notebook remind me of the work that lies ahead. And it is beginning to feel like a pile of work sitting in an in-tray in lieu of holiday memories.
For 35 days and nights, 2 cameras, 3 lenses, a laptop and a notebook have been my constant companions. Every site was digitally captured before committed to human memory. Every meal and drink were photographed and documented before taking that first bite or sip; a prerequisite that often encroached on the enjoyment of the experience. Stealth and speed were often employed to steal that must-have image or to serve as a prompt for an article or a story.
All in the name of Gourmantic.
Yet the website today stands a little neglected. While it was updated with articles during my absence, it ran in autopilot mode due to time and connectivity constraints. The hectic pace of an eventful holiday can easily stall a budding and passionate project.
And so like the beckoning light from the lighthouse at Murano at dusk, Gourmantic is calling out to the vaporetti of the evening.
This trip sounds amazing. I am excited to see the pics and read about the food, but out of a personal curiosity – will there be a special post dedicated to the libations? I’d love to hear about the different types of alcoholic drinks (aperitifs, digestifs, beers, wines, etc…) that you found in all these wonderful places.
Justin: The trip was certainly a busy one peppered with many culinary and cultural experiences. As for the libations, you can count on more than one post including photographs. I have favourites to which I will dedicate special posts so I hope you will come back 🙂
The Website is fabulous.
The trip does indeed sound amazing. Must know more and Need more info on Hawaii.
Particularly LOVE the featured Song clip, makes me want to dive into the waters of the Hawaiian Islands. Must go there, must go there…oh hang on , I am going there at Christmas !
Neddy: Thank you and welcome 🙂
I’m envious! Loved Hawaii and the people there. I hope you’re going to visit a few of the islands instead of just staying in Waikiki. Maui is beautiful and the Big Island with its volcanoes is a must-see.