Christine Arnaldi

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Portrait of Cheryl

This is a Portrait of the beautiful Cheryl who is also a Portrait photographer and is based in Lake Macquarie. It has been a lot of fun collaborating and trying out new set ups in each other's studios. I look forward to many more photoshoots together

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Portrait of Melissa

Melissa is a Professional Dancer, Aerialist, Performing Artist and Fitness Model 

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Portrait of Venus

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Sweet Plum

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Colourful Tomatoes

I love the contrast between the red cherry tomatoes and the yellow background.

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Bakery in Dotonbori, Osaka

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View from the Plane Window

It’s not always you get a window seat and not always daylight when flying. On the way to Norfolk Island, I was lucky to enjoy breathtaking views from the comfort of my seat. The sun was setting and the colours magical above all the clouds. A very peaceful and calming view which made a perfect start to the holidays.

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For the coffee lovers

Roasted coffee beans ready to be brewed for that morning coffee to start the day.

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Moonlike Ice Formation

It's amazing how the ice formations on a glacier can take on a moonlike appearance. 

These ice sculptures are on the Tasman Glacier in the South Island of New Zealand. A short helicopter ride from Mt Cook airport.

There is a sense of serenity and contemplation being surrounded by such a beautiful scenery.

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Juicy red strawberry

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Mexican night in with Tacos

It’s nice to be able to stay in the comforts of your own home and experience food from different cultures. 

I like to experiment and cook foods from all over the world. I decided to make Tacos, a traditional Mexican dish made up of corn or wheat tortilla.

Tacos are so easy and quick to prepare and taste delicious. Perfect for nights when you want to stay in but don’t fancy spending hours in the kitchen. 

Starting with hard taco shells, I filled them with juicy strips of stir-fried beef marinated in a mix of spices and then topped it all up with salsa, beans and salad. Paired with a glass of Sangria it made for a a perfect evening.

All that was missing for the complete Mexican experience was the Sombrero hat and the Mexican dancers

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Vibrant and Lively produce markets

Vacoas markets in the tiny Island of Mauritius is a fascinating place. Local shoppers go there every week to get their fresh produce. The markets are colourful and lively with all the stall holders all trying to compete for your attention.

As well as the usual fresh produce, you will also find sweet pineapple peeled and cut ready for you to eat on the spot or coconut water to be enjoyed straight from the green coconut shell. There are also plenty of Indian sweets to be enjoyed as well as many local delicacies so you don’t go hungry whilst you shop. 

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Could this be Vanilla Orchids?

Cilaos is a town on the French Island of Reunion. It was fascinating walking through the Sunday markets at Cilaos. There was a bit of everything - clothing, straw hats, woven baskets, fresh produce, herbs and spices, delicatessen as well as live poultry.

I came across these nicely bundled packets that look like tree roots. I couldn't tell what they were and the vendor at the market told me they were vanilla. It was interesting to see as I have not seen vanilla in this shape before.

It could be vanilla orchids. Have you seen vanilla orchids before and does this picture fit the description?

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Rainbow over Doubtful Sound Doubtful Sound after a storm. Doubtful Sound is a very large and imposing Fiord in Fiordland in the South Island of New Zealand

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Japanese Cake shop Dotonbori in Japan was a fascinating place to visit. So full of life and endless choices of places and food to eat #Dotonbori #Japan #cakes #sweets #shop #japanese #worker #japanesefood

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Chef in Kyoto, Japan

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A taste of Japan in Gosford

I recently visited the Japanese Gardens, known as the Gosford/Edogawa Commemorative gardens located in the grounds of the Gosford Regional Gallery in NSW. The Gosford/Edogawa Commemorative gardens was built as a gift to residents of Gosford City Council by the Ward of Edogawa, Tokyo, Japan and officially opened in September 1994. 

Walking through the beautiful and peaceful gardens brought back memories of my trip to Japan a few years back where I visited many gardens in Tokyo, Kyoto and Osaka.   

Despite being in winter, I was lucky to have chosen a beautiful sunny day for my visit to the gardens. It was so peaceful to stroll through the gardens. The path goes past a waterfall, a rock garden, sculpted shrubs, a Japanese water fountain, many traditional Japanese lanterns,  a tea house and a pond with Koi fish jumping high above the water and being fed by Grandparents and their grand children and ducks peacefully floating on the water enjoying the warmth of the sun on their feathers. 

Plenty of benches to sit and ponder and admire the beauty of the gardens. Sitting in the tea house overlooking the pond, I could picture the Geishas holding tea ceremonies. For a few hours I felt I was back in Japan.

What’s your favourite garden?