Winter is wonderful in the Himalayas. The days are rich in sunshine and the weather is dry, both in Kathmandu Valley and in the Annapurnas. We're surrounded by snow-capped peaks, but in the valleys of the Kali Ghandaki we are baking in the sunshine. The nights are very cool but comfortable, especially with a good curry in our guesthouses. Have a look at what two weeks in Nepal looks like :)

Kathmandu Valley is a great place to be in Spring. It hasn't got too hot yet, the forest is blooming with flowers and the birdlife is amazing. This journey was a research trip for Be Your Best Tours, and the images below were captured on the new LUMIX S5. Enjoy!

This series of images was captured while travelling on a Be Your Best Tours 'slow travel' adventure in Nepal. I love being in the Annapurnas. I love the views of snow capped peaks that greet you from every direction. I love the local dal bhat for lunch. I love the sunny skies and tree blossoms.

This series is taken by my wife, Shellie Froidevaux. We recently ran a walking tour in Nepal, and this was our first time shooting with the LUMIX S5. We had a variety of primes lenses, plus the 20-60mm kit lens. Shellie gravitates towards the 35mm anyway, and to make life simple she spent most of the trip with the 35mm in hand. Every so often I would grab it for some video :) This series of images was heavily styled in editing, leaning into the dusty and sun-soaked vibe of Nepal.

Meeting this group of Maasai Warriors was a truly special part of our Kenya journey. To come and visit them in their home, in their country, was wonderful. You gain a unique appreciation for the depth of culture from spending a few days learning from the men of the Maasai. The camp is very basic, and very wonderful. The comfort goes down a little but the experience goes up a lot. A big thank you to Tianguali ole Ntutu and Parsaloi Nguruma especially for sharing your songs and joyous spirit up in the hills.

The shops at Sulmac Village exist for a community of Kenyans who work in glass houses along Lake Naivasha, that supply flowers to Nairobi. This village has an abundance of tea shops, beer halls and fresh fruit. Our presence in the town made a bit of a stir. Travellers in Kenya don't stop here. They drive between parks and hotels. These people were lovely. The kids were just kids, wanting to get in front of a camera lens.

There are two things they have plenty of in Nong Khiaw, rice and cotton. Traditional weaving skills have been brought to market in recent years with the help of Ma Te Sai. The Taileu villages near Nong Khiaw have grown in confidence, as their textiles gain better appreciation and stronger markets. You can visit these parts of Laos yourself with the help of Emi at Ma Te Sai.

Spring has arrived in Melbourne and the Sulphur-crested Cockatoos are back in town. Some mornings they rumble our apartment block in the middle of the CBD, and other times I have to walk down to the Yarra River to see them. They're friendly and gentle and such a joy in the middle of a pandemic!.

Many of my favourite moments on safari in Kenya happen when relaxing around the lodges. In the shaded forests and gardens of a tented camp it's possible to enjoy the company of dozens of birds, without needing to drive all over the Masai Mara and without having to worry about a lion eating you.