Our June Grantourismo Travel Blogging Competition required that you submit a shot of your Perfect Vista and some 250 words describing it. We’re excited to announce this month’s winners… (drum roll)
FIRST PRIZE goes to Stephen Chapman who has won a stay at a HomeAway Holiday-Rentals property of his choice anywhere in the world valued at UK£500/US$750, a Context tour voucher worth US$100, and an Olympus FE-4040 compact camera worth £125/US$190 for his stunning view of the Sunrise at Cathedral Cove on New Zealand’s North Island.
SECOND PRIZE goes to Akila of The Road Forks for another spectacular New Zealand vista. Akila has won a Viator tour voucher worth £100/US$150 and a private half-day tour with a local guide in a destination of her choice anywhere in the world from Our Explorer. (Akila was also the non-UK winner of our April Grantourismo Travel Blogging Competition!)
THIRD PRIZE goes to Lauren for her sublime vista of the sandy beach and turquoise water at Tulum, Mexico. Lauren wins an annual subscription to AFAR magazine.
Thank you to everyone who entered and thanks again to all of our generous sponsors HomeAway Holiday-Rentals, Viator, Context, Our Explorer, and AFAR magazine for such fantastic prizes.
My Perfect Vista, Friday 25 June 2010: Sunrise at Cathedral Cove on New Zealand’s North Island.
By Stephen Chapman
Feelings of independence and isolation, yet also of being together and connected is why this scene stirred my emotions. Early encounters like this with the day are rare, despite being such a predictable and accessible occurrence. It was the beginning of a six-month trip away from home for us.
A cool 45-minute walk through the darkness, bleary eyed, and excited – the novelty of being up so early, ahead of the world in such a special place on your travels,always kickstarts the system. It’s like being let in on a secret by Mother Nature.
The sandy path meandered loosely through a forest of native pohutukawa trees, easing gently down to the deserted sandstone cove. The soothing sound of water lapped against the shore, patiently respecting the tranquillity and half-light of dawn. These are the moments I live for.
Travelling has a way of creating space for these experiences. Unshackled from daily commitments, we settle into a slower pace and surrender to the beat of a different drum. It’s a pleasant feeling. Whilst awaiting the majesty of the sun there’s always a period of true serenity where no words are needed, and those that are spoken are gently whispered.
This was a trip that had been so long in the dreaming and the making, it was now unfolding and boy was it all worth it. We’d each seen so many sunrises apart, living on separate sides of the Atlantic, now sharing a moment like this far from the crowds, and together was always going to be special.
You can find links to all the June entries in the Trackbacks and Comments at the end of the June Grantourismo Competition post. Details for the July competition coming next…
2 comments
Akila says:
July 7, 2010 at 6:23 am (UTC 10 )
Thank you so much! I loved all the pictures this month and we are so excited to have come in second.
Leverne says:
July 7, 2010 at 8:36 am (UTC 10 )
Congrats to everyone! Enjoyed the entries tremendously!