Arizona in Photos

StickyOctober 31, 2020Cities, Flora, Photos, travelCities, Phoenix, Tucsonkaowinston

At that this time of the month for the last few years I have always travelled to the state of Arizona. This year will be an exception as the current situation with the pandemic has literally ended all my travel intention. I thought therefore I will reflect via some photos on the areas I have visited in the last few years.

Sierra Ancha is a mountain range in Gila county in central Arizona. It now has improved roads which makes it easier to penetrate, and visit the many archaeological remains which exist.

Arizona for me is still the land of Agaves with many other succulents thrown in to the characteristic xeric landscape.

I love the succulents and I love them when the flowers are in bloom.

And it is important to remember this is the state of wonderful saguaros.

Plant Nurseries are numerous which means that if you are looking for seedlings and young specimens, you will find lots of them in Tucson and in Phoenix.

And there are the cities with active people.

Winston James in a cold wet London

Photos from Aripo Valley

StickyJuly 19, 2018Action, Flora, Photos, travelhiking, nature, plants, travel, Trinidad, tropicskaowinston

The Aripo Valley is like a guardian of the northern range in Trinidad, and in many ways is a significant stop on your way to the main mountain peak, El Cerro del Aripo. Any time I visit the island, I make an effort to do some exploration within the area. These photos demonstrate my love affair with nature especially as described in these tropical habitats.

Trees are always fascinating, and become much more so when you encounter and experience the intricate going ons of the tropical jungle. Lianas which are very prevalent are more than a curious surprise. Trying to work out where vines start or end is quite difficult. Also interesting, at this level, is the way most other plants manage to survive without being intimidated by the numerous vines.

The ginger flowers and heliconias are always conspicuous in this setting, as the climate and humidity makes it easy for them to flourish. It is not a valley that orchids and bromeliads show off their bloom in great abundance, but the species are there to be observed. Of course, the birds are everywhere, and without compromise make their music for us to hear. Sometimes I feel ashamed that I am not able to identify the species as they flutter around. But, I do know the humming birds, and that’s a start. Below, two photos from the Asa Wright Centre, which is great introduction to the Aripo Valley.

Agave Parryi var huachucensis

StickyJanuary 11, 2018travelkaowinston

Sometimes a plant becomes an obsession. That is the way I feel about Agave parryi. It is definitely one of the few Agaves which always present a great show whenever they are encountered. There are variations in the species exhibiting many forms. I love them all. I love the truncatas, the couesis, and even the distant cousin neomexicana. In habitat they are even more attractive, and are definitely worth the sometimes perilous journey to observe. They are exceedingly tough plants which can handle unpredictable wintry conditions very well. Therefore, if you are that way inclined. and would like to try your hand at growing, seeds are the easiest route to take. Careful nurturing will ensure their survival. And that way you can never have too much of them.

I Remember Shanghai

December 31, 2025travelkaowinston

It was a few years ago, but I have a few photos.

Winston James

Barcelona

November 30, 2025Cities, Photos, travelkaowinston

CATALUNYA Through the years I have visited the city of Barcelona. Here are some ot the ps which come from my photo collection.

LONDON: Leicester Square

October 30, 2025Action, Photos, travelkaowinston

Every now and then I head into central London. This is one of these occasions, as I walk around to see what is new. It is an easy walk this time from Leicester Square to Picadilly Circus, using my cell camera to document photos on the way. By downtown standards today is very quiet as there is little of the tourist crowds. I fancy a bite and I look around for a ”Pret A Manger’ restaurant, but there was none around. I will eat later.

Winston James 29-Oct-25

Pereskia.co.uk

August 24, 2025Flora, Photos, travelkaowinston

The original group of Pereskia species had officially seventeen species , before the reorganizing and renaming into different groups. This post is concerned with a picture presentatiom of these plants as I remember them.

Pereskia plant species are available on my Ebay site: https://www.ebay.co.uk/usr/kaowinston

Winston James @kaowinston

DIDIEREA TROLLII

June 29, 2025Flora, Photos, travelkaowinston

Here is a plant which is quite unusual,and it is rarely seen. It comes from Madagaascar. It may be something that you may like to try.

You will may the best start by choosing these kind of small sttings

Another unusual plant from Madagascar is Alluaudia Procera.

Alluaudia Procera with blooms

A very superficial presentation of one of my favorite caudiciform plants in Madagasscar.

WINSTON JAMES

SINGAPORE

February 27, 2025travelkaowinston

Hello, it is almost the end of February and here is another reason to show some of my photos. Expect a mixture of now and then.

Most of the photos cover the non creative idiom, and show some of the personal appeal which I have noticed in the last few years. As a gardener lover, viewing the landscape is very important, more important than the buildings.

That is how I see the country as a mixture of elegant buildings, surrounded by attractive gardens. Its small size makes it more spectacular.

Winston James

Malaga: Years Ago

January 28, 2025travelkaowinston

Oh my … this is years ago and it brings back memories. Spain has always been interesting to me, and although I never follow the obvious tourist route, it is always nice to pursue some of the empty spaces. Today there is a different mood as the locals have now began to complain to be overun by tourists. I suppose some of us expected it, but is there room for give and take after all most of us are tourist. Should add these photos date back to to the year 2021.

Winston James

November

November 30, 2024Flora, Photos, travelkaowinston

This November was not very good for me. Twice I endeed up in the local hospital feeling very sad. And it needed a lot of persuasion to drive the sad feelings away. Luckily by the last week I was able to be on my feet again. My big plan to visit Singapore did not happen, and that was a huge disappointment. Maybe next year, when I feel much more energetic. Let us cheer you up with some of may favorite photos of yester – years.

This is a very simple and uncharacteristic post for the month due to my mood. Let us hope next month will be better. Winston James

MIAMI: Brickell

September 28, 2024Cities, Photos, travelarchitecture, art, books, brickell, food, photography, travelkaowinston

There was a time many years ago that downtown Miami was a place to be avoided. Today it is very desirable, and some places much more desirable than others. I spent a few days in a Brickell Hotel recently, and here is a visual example of what it was like in the area.

This was the AKA Brickell where I stayed and yes it was good enough as far as accomodation was concerned. Yet I thought the restaurant was just OK.

The most exciting part was the many views you can get from the hotel, from the restaurant or the lounge or from your own room.

I thought if you had the right kind of maney you can possibly live here.

Away from the downtown I visited the Botanical Garden close to the Convention Centre, in the South Beach, and which appeaed much quieter than usual. I remember this place as always very busy.

This was a very different Miami for me this time, conspicuous by my stay downtown, and yet it was still very enjoyable.

Winston James

Gran Canaria

March 31, 2024travelkaowinston

These are some of my old photos taken years ago, relating to the time when I regulsrly visited Gran Canaria. I found the island very curious, but very different frm the tropics where I come from. Yet I can see the attraction for the visitors. For me it was the landscape that attracted me, sometimes full of vegetation, and at other times very bare and almost barren. Still, very much worth seeing. Winston