Sunsets, sunrises, and the moon

76

By Elena.

Today a new hubber, Frieda Babbley (welcome Frieda!), posted a comment in my hub Simply marvelous encouraging more photo hubs. I replied that I may be tempted if I came across another wonderful, spectacular and marvelous subject matter.

Of course, I realize now, that was like tempting the devil. Antsy little me got to thinking about whatever could be move spectacular than that incredible snow day in Madrid city... As I said, like tempting the devil!

I've spent the afternoon digging my photo albums, even the oldest that contain only scanned in oldie paper photos, in search of some wonderfulness and marvelousness (spectacularity, too, but that I didn't even find in the dictionary!), and of course she who seeks will find.

The quality of some of the photos isn't so great –my scanner looks like it belongs in an antique shop, it was manufactured circa 1990, so give it a break, I beg you on its behalf, the poor thing did its business back in the days when USB may have been the acronym for a steroid. Or something.

So, without further ado, lets bring 'em up!

Sunrises

San Jose, Almeria
See all 30 photos
San Jose, Almeria
San Jose
San Jose
Pinar de las Rozas, railway station where I hop off to go to the office.  Working off the city in the middle of nowhere has to have some perks!  This was taken with the cell.
Pinar de las Rozas, railway station where I hop off to go to the office. Working off the city in the middle of nowhere has to have some perks! This was taken with the cell.
Window at home that overlooks the city to the East
Window at home that overlooks the city to the East
Same window, just another wonderful day!
Same window, just another wonderful day!
And the same window yet again, just earlier, barely before the sun rises, which is the time of day (or night, as the case may be!) that I rise.  Rising early has its perks, too, who knew, eh?
And the same window yet again, just earlier, barely before the sun rises, which is the time of day (or night, as the case may be!) that I rise. Rising early has its perks, too, who knew, eh?
Mallorca, from my mother
Mallorca, from my mother
A few minutes later
A few minutes later
Another wonderful sunrise in Mallorca
Another wonderful sunrise in Mallorca
And a few minutes later again!
And a few minutes later again!

Sunsets

Costa Rica, Pacific coast
Costa Rica, Pacific coast
Costa Rica, Pacific coast, just some minutes later.  Don't you find it amazing how quick the sun goes, when it goes?!
Costa Rica, Pacific coast, just some minutes later. Don't you find it amazing how quick the sun goes, when it goes?!
Living room window, yes, THAT window.  I love the pinkish clouds, sometimes I think pure and clear sunsets a bit overrated!
Living room window, yes, THAT window. I love the pinkish clouds, sometimes I think pure and clear sunsets a bit overrated!
Here's another not so clean sunset, I love it, too.
Here's another not so clean sunset, I love it, too.
And another not so clean sky, post sunset.  The light reflected in the clouds above indicates that the sun is still there, just not visible anymore from my window.
And another not so clean sky, post sunset. The light reflected in the clouds above indicates that the sun is still there, just not visible anymore from my window.
Staten Island Ferry, NYC. Like I said, please forgive my scanner!
Staten Island Ferry, NYC. Like I said, please forgive my scanner!
Staten Island Ferry, NYC, a few minutes later. The Statue of Liberty is a bit blurred. Yes, you know it, forgive my scanner!
Staten Island Ferry, NYC, a few minutes later. The Statue of Liberty is a bit blurred. Yes, you know it, forgive my scanner!
Staten Island Ferry, NYC.  Photo taken with the cell.
Staten Island Ferry, NYC. Photo taken with the cell.
Rings a bell?  I couldn't resist!
Rings a bell? I couldn't resist!

The moon

You have got to love those times when the moon is out with a not too dark, still blue sky.
You have got to love those times when the moon is out with a not too dark, still blue sky.
This one takes my breath away.
This one takes my breath away.
September 13th, 2008.  This was The White Night, a night in the city when museums remain open, cultural activities take place in the streets all over the city. This is the Palace Hotel, a lovely building, even more so with the full moon at its back.
September 13th, 2008. This was The White Night, a night in the city when museums remain open, cultural activities take place in the streets all over the city. This is the Palace Hotel, a lovely building, even more so with the full moon at its back.

Moonset. Have you ever seen such a thing?

Moon hanging low in the night. It's coming down folks.
Moon hanging low in the night. It's coming down folks.
Lower and redder.  It's just amazing.
Lower and redder. It's just amazing.
Almost touching down.  I'm a bit sorry that the quality of the image isn't top notch.  Still, let me repeat myself: AMAZING!
Almost touching down. I'm a bit sorry that the quality of the image isn't top notch. Still, let me repeat myself: AMAZING!
There goes the moon...setting!  Please, feel free to stand up and applaud.  I most certainly do when I witness this wonder from, you know it, my living room window!  I'm sure you'll find it in your heart to forgive the low quality of the image.
There goes the moon...setting! Please, feel free to stand up and applaud. I most certainly do when I witness this wonder from, you know it, my living room window! I'm sure you'll find it in your heart to forgive the low quality of the image.

Eclipse

Brilliant, shiny, sexy even, with this ethereal halo.  She's ready to tango, you can barely see a missing part on the upper right side.
Brilliant, shiny, sexy even, with this ethereal halo. She's ready to tango, you can barely see a missing part on the upper right side.
Well, looky here.  Is this a photo effect or is it just the moon being eclipsed and throwing off some sort of charm?  I certainly didn't retouch it, promise!  As in, I wouldn't know where to begin to do such a thing!
Well, looky here. Is this a photo effect or is it just the moon being eclipsed and throwing off some sort of charm? I certainly didn't retouch it, promise! As in, I wouldn't know where to begin to do such a thing!
The eclipse is evident, even it it seems to happen over three moons rather than one!
The eclipse is evident, even it it seems to happen over three moons rather than one!

Added on March 8, 2009

What of the almost full moon in the middle of the day?
What of the almost full moon in the middle of the day?

And this is the end of the spectacularity! Even though the word can't be found in the dictionary, I hope you'll find it in your mind's eye and maybe also in your heart!  I hope you enjoyed the show!

Comments

Teresa McGurk profile image

Teresa McGurk 3 years ago

glorious! I'll be back in a while to comment again, as I'm supposed to be working at the moment, but couldn't resist a look. . .

Frieda Babbley profile image

Frieda Babbley Level 2 Commenter 3 years ago

No way that you got those eclipse photos! How cool is that! Amazing. See, I knew you've been coveting! Thanks for sharing, Elena. Beautiful. My favorite is the Palace Hotel moon photo. I want to stay there! On the top floor. Wonder if you could touch the moon from there. I suppose it's worth a shot, yes?

Elena. profile image

Elena. Hub Author 3 years ago

Cheers, Teresa!  You're welcome to visit any time :-)  And thanks for "glorious", that one I know for sure comes up in the dictionary! Laugh!

Notice the "cheers" in there and then go take a look at a very nice hub: http://hubpages.com/hub/UK-based-Hubbers

And then come back and enjoy the views!  Besos!

Elena. profile image

Elena. Hub Author 3 years ago

Hi Frieda! We meet again, and this hub is all your fault! :-) 

I'll say, you've got good taste!  The Palace hotel is one of the best in the city, I live close by, physically speaking, but oh so far when it comes to everything else ... namely money!!  Laugh!

Eclipse photos are all my doing, yep!  The view from my terrace or living room window affords the best shots AND the most unusual opportunities!  Thanks for the visit!

The Real Tomato profile image

The Real Tomato 3 years ago

There is something so calming about these pictures. I don't think you can ever see the same sunrise/sunset sky twice. Or the same color combination. such a beautiful topic.

I am glad you did this one!

Christoph Reilly profile image

Christoph Reilly Level 2 Commenter 3 years ago

Hi Elena! I love the photo's, especially the moons, but I've always been a moon guy. And like Freida, I love the hotel shot! Maybe if we all pool our money we can get a room for one night and have a party! Tapas and vino de verano! Woo hoo!

goldentoad profile image

goldentoad 3 years ago

Some cool pics. What beach was that at in Costa Rica?

Elena. profile image

Elena. Hub Author 3 years ago

Real Tomato -- You're so right about never quite seeing the same sky! I should know, as often as I see them! These images do have a calming effect on me, too, that kind of beauty always gets to me in a good way. I'm very glad you enjoyed the hub!

Christoph - That sounds like a plan, just the tapas and tinto de verano and Palace hotel don't go too well together, but of course can be attempted separately... the straight backed doorman doesn't really need to know where we're coming from! ;-)

GT - Let me fetch the name for you, can't remember off the top of my head, but was up north I seem to recall -- back pronto with the name!

Elena. profile image

Elena. Hub Author 3 years ago

GT -- Playa Coco! A resort around there!

goldentoad profile image

goldentoad 3 years ago

I was at manual antonio a few years back, the rock/island in the background looked a little like it, thought maybe you played with the monkeys too.

Elena. profile image

Elena. Hub Author 3 years ago

I was visiting the Manuel Antonio park! We did pretty much the whole country on a rented car, ended up with a few day's rest of the warrior, so to speak, up there in the north Pacific coast. Wonderful county, I loved it! Wonder if we were there the same year!! I was indeed that monkey look alike hanging from a branch!

goldentoad profile image

goldentoad 3 years ago

jeez, I think I was there four years ago now. We travelled the country too, and had quite an adventue, it was pretty much my last bachelor trip. The sadness come over me.

VioletSun profile image

VioletSun Level 5 Commenter 3 years ago

The hotel shot was awesome, and the moon photos were very relaxing. Life does indeed have much beauty to offer. This is what I needed to look at right now, as I was starting to get concerned about a monetary issue with our business, and worrying won't get me anywhere, so thanks for this! :)

Elena. profile image

Elena. Hub Author 3 years ago

My pleasure, VioletSun!  You're welcome to relax and enjoy the views here, it's got to beat worrying about money for sure!  Speaking of which, the hotel takes all the praise so far, and I'm really not surprised, it's a wonderful place, specially all "dressed up" for a night out on the town! :-)

GT - It was a "been married forever but I still love to travel together" trip for me ;-)

Ayer 3 years ago

Hi Leni! I hate you SO, and you are such a B*TCH! How many times do I need to tell you not to rub it in? Take your views and.... oh nevermind! Next time I'm in town your buying a night at the Palace! LOL

Elena. profile image

Elena. Hub Author 3 years ago

Keep dreamin' babe! But you're welcome to a beer or twenty and SOME views, next time you're in town! Besos!

Cris A profile image

Cris A Level 2 Commenter 3 years ago

I think i'm gonna do a Frieda Babbley - more more more!

Thanks for sharing these cool photographs - and i'm partial to the moon images. :D

Teresa McGurk profile image

Teresa McGurk 3 years ago

Oh, I want to be back in Madrid, looking out over the rooftops at the moon. Eating a tortilla sandwich. drinking an orange fanta.

Elena, The spectacularity of these photo-essences is truly absolutemeous. Excellentitude a-plenty!

ColdWarBaby 3 years ago

Some very nice shots! I particularly like the first one in the series.

Isn't if great what pollution does for sunsets?

I can't help it. I'm just a born cynic.

Several of your pics remind me of a collection of work my father did when he was a little younger. After they retired he and my mother were fortunate enough to do some rather extensive travelling. He has quite an amazing collection of sunsets.

FreezepopMorality profile image

FreezepopMorality 3 years ago

Ooh, I'm noticing hubs that mix photos and texts are becoming my favourite (to read and publish). These are great. I can never seem to take pictures of the moon. All I get is black screen. Also, really amazing variety, you seem to have been everywhere.

Benjimester profile image

Benjimester Level 5 Commenter 3 years ago

Thanks for sharing the pics. I love the building in The White Night. Madrid looks beautiful.

ajbarnett profile image

ajbarnett 3 years ago

Great shots, Elena. Whenever I've tried photographs of the moon it comes out oval because of the long time exposure. You must have been using pretty high ISO.

I live in the campo, on a low gradient of the sierra overlooking the village of Jalón (Xaló), Valencia, and with having no light interferience, sometimes moonlight is spectacular.

Elena. profile image

Elena. Hub Author 3 years ago

Cris – You're very welcome! I think between my hub and your comment we just coined a new expression, a Freida Babbley, indeed!! Laugh. The moon seems to be the favorite in the house. Pity full moons only happen every four weeks!

Teresa – You have got to be an English teacher, aren't you! You know a LOT more NON WORDS than I do!!! :-) Tortilla sandwich is as Madrileño as bullfighting! I LOVE that you know this city!

Elena. profile image

Elena. Hub Author 3 years ago

CWB – Your comment reminds me, sunsets are a lot more popular than sunrises, and I guess it's just because people are a lot more around to witness them!  I takes getting up really EARLY to capture wonderful sunrises, except in the dead of winter!

The first in the series is as cleaaaaaan as one can hope to find in the whole wide world, San Jose sits smack in the middle of Cabo de Gata, a very protected National Park!

 

Freeze – I could never get clear moon shots before the Sony Cybershot, but this little tiny nothing of a camera just seems to be able to do anything!  Haven't been everywhere YET, but getting there!   I also enjoy hubs that combine photos and text, I thought I might as well jump into the wagon! :-)

Elena. profile image

Elena. Hub Author 3 years ago

Benjimester – The Palace Hotel and the moon are quite a pair, yes!  I didn't anticipate such a wild success for that particular photo, but now that everyone comments on it, it makes perfect sense – it's beautiful!  Thanks for stopping by!

 

Anthony – Would you believe me if I told you I don't even know what ISO is? BLUSHING Actually, I know what it is, I'm just pretty useless to manipulate it to my advantage in most cases!  I seem to recall twitching a setting in the camera for the eclipse photos, but I never stayed more than the time it takes to click to "expose" the image.

I know what you mean with having no light interference, those are the "perfect shots"! I wondered where in Spain you were :-)  You must have some views, overlooking the sierra! 

JamaGenee profile image

JamaGenee Level 8 Commenter 3 years ago

What a wonderful collection! Especially like the moonset series - spectacular! Now I *really* have to remember to take my camera everywhere. Mostly to get a shot of the sun rising over the bend in the river I cross every morning.

Pam Roberson profile image

Pam Roberson 3 years ago

Ack! My eyes! My eyes! Those eclipse pictures are incredible even if they did cause renal, I mean, retinal damage. ;)

Seriously, all of these pictures are incredible! The moon set pictures in particular are so surreal. I've never seen the moon set before, so these were very special.

Thank you for sharing! :)

Elena. profile image

Elena. Hub Author 3 years ago

JamaG – Remember not only to take the camera, but also to get up at the right time of morning –or night as the case may be! Laugh! Oh, and I hope it's a tiny bit of a camera like mine that fits in your pocket! Thanks for the nice comment!

Pam – You're too funny! :-) The moon set is a show that every breathing person should see once in their lifetime, I don't have words to describe the wonder of it. I swear, I feel like calling people to rush to my place when I see the moon is preparing for it! I've only seen in summer – I guess it's all that Galileic placement of the sun and the Earth and what not, eh? I don't care about science those times, I just hang around the window and oh and ahhhh :-)

britneydavidson profile image

britneydavidson 3 years ago

wow elena....great hub.....what a photgraphy...i think you should make an exibishion of your photos.....it should come out for public to view because they are amazing......the most one i liked is the eclipse one....great job done..keep it up....have a look for this one ...will be as flashy as your pictures....i am sure you will love it.

http://hubpages.com/hub/Worlds-most-costliest-phon

thanx...hav a great time

ameliehub profile image

ameliehub 3 years ago

Hi, really amazing photos. wow that are so beautiful. I wuould like to be at Pacific coast of Costa Rica one day. It is looking so beautiful. Thanks to you Elena n Freida both.

Elena. profile image

Elena. Hub Author 3 years ago

Thank you, Britney! The eclipse is pretty, indeed! :) No exhibitions for me though, the photos are pretty but not all that good :-)

Amelie – Thanks!  Costa Rica is a wonderful country, both the coast and the interior regions! And yes, Frieda's little and gentle push and shove made me do this, so thanks to her too :-)

Sally's Trove profile image

Sally's Trove 3 years ago

Absolutely gorgeous. Love the captions, too. A good photo always speaks for itself, but I enjoy hearing a little about it as well. What a lovely way for me to spend some of a Sunday morning.

Yes, please, more Babbleys!

Elena. profile image

Elena. Hub Author 3 years ago

Hi Sally!  I'm glad you like the photos, the response to this hub makes it more than worth the time I spent digging them out :-) Makes is worth my time to have been up at the very crack of dawn to have some of them taken, too!! :-)

"A babbley" is officially coined now! Laugh!   I'll have to tell Frieda, but I don't think she'll object, considering!

Frieda Babbley profile image

Frieda Babbley Level 2 Commenter 3 years ago

No, I don't mind at all. It's quite humorous really. My name has never been coined before. However, in the event that I were to be coined, I have prepared a nice simple little speach. (Let me clear my throat first, one moment please. And some water, I tend to be long winded, one moment...) Now where was I. Oh, yes.

But seriously. I do have to say it was Elena who came up with the concept as this is the second, not first, of these fabulous photo hubs of hers. And I must say it was she who inspired me to inspire her to make another.

So Elena, any more "Babbley's" up your sleeve?

Elena. profile image

Elena. Hub Author 3 years ago

Babbley, the woman herself!!!  You forgot to take a bow after your speech!! :-P 

For now I don't have any more photos whose SPECTACULARITY grants a hub, but of course I'm again tempted to search for them in my folders.  You'll be the first to know about any new Babbley's!

Now, shall we go patent the name before someone snatches it from under our noses? Laugh!

Frieda Babbley profile image

Frieda Babbley Level 2 Commenter 3 years ago

(Bow. Bow. Bow. Curtsey.) (Catching bouquet of roses now.) Thank you. Thank you. Oh, your too kind. Thank you. (Blow kisses) (Catch some more roses) (Oh, a rose BUSH!..) How thoughtful. (Bow wihile backing up) (Bow while backing up.) (Prick from rose thorns, don't show pain, smile instead, bow while backing up, make a run for it.)

=)

Yes, Elena, I think when the copywrite offices open tomorrow we should be first in line.

Lgali profile image

Lgali 3 years ago

Thanks for sharing the pics very nice hub

Elena. profile image

Elena. Hub Author 3 years ago

Cheers, Lgali.

paul 3 years ago

Hi, what a nice hub,I think that picture onsite can talk much than word"picture express thousand word" is it right?Have nice day

justmesuzanne profile image

justmesuzanne Level 5 Commenter 3 years ago

These are just lovely! Thank you! :)

Elena. profile image

Elena. Hub Author 3 years ago

Hey Suzanne! You're very welcome, I'm glad you enjoyed!

This week's "Spring" hubmob had me thinking about a new Babbley.... "Spring in me terrace"! I just didn't have the time to compile photos yet ... maybe it'll be too late and the week will be over when I do! Whoops! :-)

Laughing Mom profile image

Laughing Mom 3 years ago

Okay, Elena. Cross off Tuscany. Add Spain. Well, maybe not cross OFF Tuscany. But definitely add Spain.

Actually, I don't have a passport, and I suspect never will. So I'll live vicariously through your photos and the movie "Under the Tuscan Sun".

Elena. profile image

Elena. Hub Author 3 years ago

Laughing Mom, for sure you want to add Spain, but you don't want to cross off Tuscany!! I'm going to fetch you a hub I read a while ago on some Tuscany towns, that ought to renew your interst :-) Or, it'll help you live vicariously, too :-)

And what's the deal with passports for you American folks? I mean, you're the land of the free and what not, right? How come it's so complicated to get a ticket outta town? Ohhhh forget I ever asked, I'm not sure I want to know! I know one thing for sure, I mean this as a joke and I don't want to get hate mail on account of this crack :-) Laugh

Elena. profile image

Elena. Hub Author 3 years ago

Here you go, Laughing Mom: http://hubpages.com/hub/Italian-Cities, by happyexplorer!

Laughing Mom profile image

Laughing Mom 3 years ago

I don't even have a clue how to go about getting a passport, to be completely honest.  I've only been to Juarez at a little bitty kid when someone decided to go to a dog race or something.  I don't really remember it.  My husband tried to sell his sister there once, though.  Actually, he was just kidding, but someone tried to take him up on the offer.  She beat the snot out of him (my husband) right there in the street!

So there's my worldly experience for you.  Las Cruces, El Paso and a few other Texas border towns are about as close to getting out of here as I've ever been.  Oh, and Niagra Falls.

So where's the hub?  And anyone who sends hate mail isn't worth the time it takes to read it anyway...... 

Laughing Mom profile image

Laughing Mom 3 years ago

Sorry, we posted at the same time.

I'm off to Tuscany!!

Sufidreamer profile image

Sufidreamer Level 1 Commenter 3 years ago

Lovely hub, Elena - I love the moon in all its guises.

Would love to visit Spain one day - it looks beautiful. These photos have whetted the appetite!

Elena. profile image

Elena. Hub Author 3 years ago

Thanks, Sufi! Some parts of Spain aren't that different from those photos of Greece in your hub :-) Then again, the sun and the moon are quite pretty everywhere, aren't they :-)

Laughing Mom profile image

Laughing Mom 3 years ago

You've got to be kidding me!! I get all excited for these pictures of Tuscany, and BOOM!!! "Hub does not exist"!!!

Elena. profile image

Elena. Hub Author 3 years ago

My mistake, LM, let's take the comma outta the picture and see where it takes you... to plenty of wunneful Italian cities:

http://hubpages.com/hub/Italian-Cities

Paper Moon profile image

Paper Moon 2 years ago

Now it is only natural that I would like this one. I loved the moonset the most.

Elena. profile image

Elena. Hub Author 2 years ago

Hello, PM! Of course, makes sense you'd like your name sake :) Never mind the fact that this was inspired by none other than Ms Babbley!

Attention and heads up all rolled up in one: Next new moon, beginning of August, has potential for "setting". Watch out for the show!

Coolmon2009 profile image

Coolmon2009 Level 4 Commenter 2 years ago

Nice photo collection I really like the sunset pictures

Elena. profile image

Elena. Hub Author 2 years ago

Glad you enjoyed, Coolmon!

couponalbum profile image

couponalbum 2 years ago

Those are really amazing shots! Love the sunset pictures. Joining your fanclub and would like to invite you to join mine..

Elena. profile image

Elena. Hub Author 2 years ago

Glad you liked them, coupon :-) I lay more towards the sunrises, but they're all very pretty, aren't they!

Die'Dre' profile image

Die'Dre' 18 months ago

Marvelous. Makes me want to share some of my photos. Thanks

Elena. profile image

Elena. Hub Author 18 months ago

My pleasure, Die'Dre' :-)

pooilum profile image

pooilum Level 2 Commenter 3 months ago

very interesting photos. Loved it. I think you will like my blog too. Have a visit will ya :)

Elena. profile image

Elena. Hub Author 3 months ago

Thanks, poolium, glad you enjoyed!

Sweet Chococarrie profile image

Sweet Chococarrie Level 2 Commenter 5 days ago

My kind of hub, i'm a lover of the sunset, sunrise, and the beautiful moon

Elena. profile image

Elena. Hub Author 5 days ago

Glad you enjoyed, Sweet!

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