There is something about sunsets that make them not only amazingly photogenic, but also incredibly memorable! I feel like a trip is almost incomplete without seeing how the rays bounce off of the local surroundings, whether it be buildings or the water. Not only does the sunset never look the same, but also on the same given day, the way the colors play with the sky differ on every location on the world. The sunset almost contributes to the identity of a location. Here are some of my favorite sunsets:
1. Signal Hill, Cape Town, South Africa
Next to Table Mountain, Signal Hill is a local landmark in Cape Town, South Africa. It gives panoramic views of the ocean, the city, the mountains, and even Robben Island. I remember taking this picture on my first day in Cape Town, four years ago. After landing in Cape Town, we went straight up Table Mountain and then Signal Hill for a relaxing sunset.
2. Tshukudu Bush Camp, Kruger National Park, South Africa
Prior to visiting South Africa, I was most excited to go on safari, and my expectations were exceeded. From the moment we entered the Bush Camp, I felt like I was in another world. After being on the bus for 11 hours, leaving from Johannesburg, we were welcomed by two giraffes that were walking in-front of our bus! I was in awe of both the amazing animals and the landscape, and thus took this picture on the moving bus, as we were entering a life changing experience.
3. Toledo, Spain
The first two pictures may have been from my first day visiting a new city, but this picture was taken on my last evening in Toledo, Spain, last February. According to the original plan, we would've left Spain already but with a snowstorm in the northeast, no flight came flew into Madrid, which meant we got an extra day of meandering through the narrow, cobblestone streets of Toledo. Home to Marzipan, and the intersection of many religions, Toledo harvests and displayed a lot of culture and was very welcoming.
4. Chicago, IL
This panoramic picture perfectly captures the gradient formed by a sunset. And even though the sunset is on the left, the reflections on the Chicago skyline mimic another sunset on the right. I love trips to Chicago because they entail great food and tons of family fun. Also, whenever I go in the summer, there always seems as though there is so much going on in the Windy City!
5. Yosemite National Park, CA
Although the bright reds and oranges weren't out this day, it was incredible to see the shadows shift as the sun set in Yosemite National Park. As the sun was setting the more and more of Half-Dome became wrapped in darkness as only the very top was lit. After a day of hiking in the heat, it was refreshing to sit and just relax with my younger cousins. Before it got too dark, we decided to head out and even saw a wolf on our way.
6. California Coast
The California Coastline is known for its breathtaking views and that's exactly what I witnessed when in California, a few year ago. I usually am not a big fan of long car rides, but driving down the coast from San Francisco to San Diego was something I won't forget! The views were gorgeous at all times of the day, and we made sure to take a little pit-stop to watch the sun vanish.
7. Mumbai, India
Exploring the city of Mumbai was one of my most memorable travels abroad. This may not be the first image that comes to mind for many, when recalling Mumbai, but for me watching the sunset while sitting on Marine Drive was an unforgettable moment. After a fun day of exploring all of the food Mumbai has to offer, including Nutella & Kiwi crepes at the Taj Hotel, we winded down while watching the reflected rays on the waves of the Arabian Sea.