Today, I’m sharing some highlights from Days 216 to 221 of my challenge, which include reflections on a recent trip to London and the beauty of Scotland.

Day 216: Natural History Museum and the Ancient Greek Meaning of 'Idiots'

After working nonstop since New Year’s, I took a well-deserved holiday in London to visit some museums and introduce my daughter to the vibrant culture of the capital. Fortunately, we avoided the recent violence caused by far-right groups. The museums were packed with people, mostly tourists, speaking Spanish, and Asian and Muslim visitors, all eager to absorb culture and science.

The irony of this peaceful experience contrasted harshly with the media images of a library being burned, a reminder of how fascists throughout history have destroyed knowledge in the name of 'traditional values.' It brought to mind the ancient Greek definition of an 'idiot.' Unlike today, the Greeks didn't use the word as an insult. As explained by Greek Reporter, an idiot was someone apathetic to politics and society, lacking curiosity and a desire to learn. In ancient Greece, the thirst for knowledge was crucial for individual and societal development. Those who ignored intellectual pursuits were deemed 'idiots.' This reflection stayed with me throughout the day.

Day 217: Covent Garden on a Rainy Day

On our last day in London, we planned to visit more museums. However, the heavy rain and long queues led us to change our plans. Soaked to the bone, we took the subway to Covent Garden, where we found a pretty art installation featuring smiley clouds—perfect for the miserable weather. We sought refuge in an chic café where I tried a turmeric and vanilla latte for the first time. While I’m not usually one to experiment with coffee (I prefer to avoid sugary syrups), this latte was a delicious surprise.

Our flight back to Aberdeen was highlighted by a stunning view of sunrays filtering through the clouds and casting a golden glow over the Scottish mountains—a breathtaking end to our trip.

Day 218: Back to Normality

As someone who grew up in an energetic capital city, returning to the quiet countryside after a few days in London was a stark contrast. While I appreciate the tranquillity, I sometimes struggle with the lack of stimulating experiences. Nature, however, offers a soothing remedy, providing balance and perspective. I must be honest—this contrast affects me, but it also fuels my creativity.

Day 219: The Agapanthus Under the Rain

On this windy and rainy day, I had no desire to go outside with my camera. Instead, I placed my potted agapanthus near the conservatory and captured the shot from the warmth inside. Using my creativity, I transformed the simple scene into something more interesting —mission accomplished for the day!

Day 220: Gorgeous Evening in Westhill

After several unsuccessful attempts to photograph a horse and a roe deer, I was saved by a stunning sunset at the end of my walk. This daily photography challenge has sharpened my ability to quickly identify elements of interest, turning what could have been a frustrating day into a success.

Day 221: Dunecht House – Aberdeenshire, Scotland

Dunecht House, just ten minutes from home by car, is our go-to spot for a change of scenery. I was fortunate to capture the effect of a mix of sunlight and dark clouds over the fields, creating perfect lighting conditions to emphasise the colours of the wheat. Of course, we got caught in the rain at one point.

Day 222: Crathes Castle, Garden and Estate

This is another place we visit when we feel like taking the car for a longer, more varied walk. Their collection of trees is remarkable. The Highlands are always part of the landscape, but I couldn’t photograph them in the past as they’re usually quite far away. Today, due to the heat, they were resting under the trees and more approachable. I’ve added some extra photos as a bonus for this day.

This photography challenge continues to push me to find beauty in the everyday, even in the face of unexpected challenges. Whether it’s capturing the majesty of a London museums or the serene landscapes of Scotland, each day offers a new opportunity to grow as a photographer and storyteller. I look forward to sharing more of this journey with you and helping you present your best self through my photography.

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Thank you for reading.

Bye for now.