Church of St Peter's Bell Tower Marienplatz, Munich Bavaria, Germany

Merry Christmas to all! I thought this image would be more fitting if I posted it closer to Christmas.

As the year 2016 slowly draws to a close, I am left in a rather reflective mood. 2016 has been full of surprises, both in my personal life and world that we live in. Brexit and the results of the US election has left the world with much uncertainty. The conflict in Syria and the spades of terror attacks has captured the recent headlines. Especially the latest truck attack in Berlin Christmas Markets just two days ago, which I will be visiting on New Years Eve, is a tragic reminder about how fragile life is. We should make the best use of our time on this planet, cherish the people that we love.

The Germans really know how to celebrate Christmas! There is a Christmas Market in almost every town and city! The festive atmosphere is just something that is not present in Asia Pacific region. I really enjoyed walking around these markets, absorbing the great vibes and looking at the items they have for sale.

Originally, I intended to arrive at this location earlier to photograph the warm ray of light from the setting sun reflected on the iconic buildings. Unfortunately, someone was attempting to commit suicide on the train track and all train services into the city centre came to a grinding halt. I had to walk a good half an hour just to get to the church. After paying a small admission fee, I started climbing a series of narrow wooden staircases. It was definitely a work out to get to the top as quickly as possible. The viewing platform was really narrow and with the number of people around, it was impossible to set up a tripod. I had to shoot handheld and hence the rather slow depth of field to avoid camera shake. It also didn't help to have all the cranes and the scaffolding around Frauenkirche tower. I guess it was the off peak season and the attractions were conducting restoration work. Overall, the bird eye views from the church tower were splendid and a must see for any travelers!

On a personal note. At the start of the year, I could have never imagined that I will be spending three months in Germany on a dream internship. Working on cutting age aerospace morphing technology that could have the potential be incorporated in future aircraft. Being in Europe also given me the opportunity to spend Christmas in a place that is at the top of my wish list: Iceland. Never in wildest dream would I have thought that I will visit Iceland this soon! At the time of writing, I am desperately hoping for great weather and a chance to photograph the Northern Lights! Hopefully, plenty of Icelandic landscape images to come!

1 exp shot, edited in Photoshop and Lightroom. Any comments or constructive criticisms are appreciated!

View from the 91 meters high tower (Alter Peter - Old Peter) of the parish church of Saint Peter Blick vom 91 Meter hohen Alten Peter der Pfarrkirche Sankt Peter

La Marienplatz de Múnich, con el enorme y neogótico ayuntamiento nuevo, es el centro neurálgico de la capital de Baviera.

Munich skyline from the Bell tower of Peterskirche (a great outlook point) incl. Frauenkirche towers and tiled roof (on the left) and Das Neue...