365/150: 19 July 2010: Mohammed Ali Pasha Mosque

This has to be one of the most impressive religious buildings I’ve been in. The design means that the open space under the main dome (which rises to 52m) is even larger than a big cathedral, with far fewer pillars to block your view – and the atmosphere was much less formal than I expected – although perhaps because of the number of tourists. We even got stopped by a couple of Egyptian guys who wanted their photo taken with some European tourists!

Other highlights of the day included the Cairo Museum – but we weren’t allowed to take cameras inside :0(

365/145: 14 July 2010: Manchester contrasts

Another night in Manchester – at this rate I’ll start to know my way around and half the fun of wandering aimlessly around a huge city centre will be gone. At the Ibis in Portland Street again to night, waiting for my pizza to arrive. OOOH! Luxury!

Went for a stroll in the surrounds and found this shot next the Bridgewater Hall. In my book it’s this kind of contrast that makes cities so interesting for photography.

365/134: 03 July 2010: Portland Street, Manchester

In Manchester today – mainly to move Rhiannon from her student halls to a shared house in a leafy suburb, but also to see/hear The Halle at the Bridgewater Hall. First night of the Halle Proms apparently so nice accessible programme – Sorcerer’s Apprentice, Rachmaninov’s 2nd Piano Concerto, Karelia Suite, Peer Gynt 1 and William Tell. Rousing stuff and great fun was had by all.

Sadly, but unsurprisingly no photos in the Hall so I settled for this shot of one of the dozens of magnificent buildings that make up Manchester city centre. This one is opposite the Ibis Hotel on Portland St and was shot from our second floor window.