And again winter!!! Luckily white Christmas and New Year with great snow and frost in the region of -18 Celsium degrees. This year it was rather cold, and it was really fascinating time for photography, however, only one drink made it possible - VODKA!!!

Winter 2009 gave us really nice surpise on the New Years day-a bit of frost and great snowfall. Still in the middle of January the rivers started freezing and winter fishing season started, ice was about 35 centimetres, so it was not dangerous to go to the middle of the river and fish. Frost made all dark trees white and beautiful for some couple of hours in the morning during a week or so.

First snow this winter, everything had become white and nice. Due to the global warming real winter in Latvia starts in the beginning of January. December is usually bown-chilly cold and last years "black" Christmas, without snow, became a new tradition in the 21st century. The frost has came and the rivers are about to freeze totally, and then anglers will be lucky to start winter fishing adventure.

These photos were taken during January and February in Zemgale, southern Latvia. Winter in Latvia is rather cold, and usually there is a lot of snow, even rowe deer seems to be hungry, if it went out from the forest to search for grass, and temperature is from -5C till -25C. Just come, see, touch and feel!!! Winter 2007 was the coldest during last 10 years.

And again Turkish tropical colours... Every moment you spend in the greens, new ideas appears. You can see here almost everything, starting from simple greens and leafs, till cactuses, mysterious palm flowers(marked"..."), fir trees and other surprises of the nature.

It is impossible to compare Turkish natrure with something else, diversity of colours that are changing almost every minute during daynight. Everytime you go for a in the park you notice new details of nature. Night shots reflect the spirit of southern country. Palms, flowers, oleanders, hibiscus, grass, olives...

The best way to feel the southern spirit is to go the Turkish central market. You will find hundreds different kinds of natural spices, nuts, fruits and vegetables. The history of spice is almost as old as human civilisation. It is a history of lands discovered, empires built and brought down, wars won and lost, treaties signed and flouted, flavours sought and offered, and the rise and fall of different religious practices and beliefs. Spices were among the most valuable items of trade in ancient and medieval times. The atmosphere is not the same as in simple European market, actually it is impossible to explain the feelings, even the smell will change your mood immediately, this place everyone must visit at least once during the life, great impressions are guaranteed!!!

Turkey is a wonderful country with rich history, large number of architectural monuments, which reflect high standarts of ancient civilazation. Turkish coutryside is the same as is was many centuries ago, farmers live in small brick houses and work in their fields every day. Ancient traditions of turkish bath - hamam are still alive, taking care of human`s body is very important procedure. Today Turkey attracts visitors by its unique nature and unforgetable sights.

One more lovely winter morning. Swans are one of the most lovely and beautiful birds that you can see during winter season in Latvia. It is really mysterious how these birds don`t freeze while swimming in terribly cold river, the temperature of water in the river is about 0 Celsium degrees, in general temperature is in the region of -6. Still swans feel rather comfortable and are happy when sometimes people bring some bread.

During summertime all nature in Latvia is emerald green - parks, forests, fields. In the afternoon the weather is very warm and calm, almost no wind, it is the best time for taking reflection type photos. Water in the rivers and lakes is rather warm for swimming. All these shots were taken in countryside regions, so just come and enjoy the native spirit!!!