I Won! I Won!

Last week, I won Travel Photo Roulette #70: a long-running Travel Blogger photo competition meme.

My illustrious prize is the honor of hosting Round 71… which brings us to now.

 

So, drumroll my friends….

The theme of Travel Photo Roulette Round 71 is….

RUIN

 

A monk reading at sunrise in Bagan: the Land of a Thousand Temples

After recent visits to Angkor Wat and Bagan, I have ancient ruins on my mind.

But “ruin” can mean so many other things.

The physical destruction or disintegration of something or the state of disintegrating or being destroyed.

So get creative. What photographic displays of ruin do you have in your collection?

 

Angkor Wat at Sunrise
Angkor Wat at Sunrise

 

The abandoned ghost town of Two Guns - once a popular destination on Route 66
The abandoned ghost town of Two Guns – once a popular destination on Route 66

and the winner is…

Calli & Travis. Have Blog Will Travel

 

Beelitz TB Clinic - Berlin, Germany
Beelitz TB Clinic – Berlin, Germany

 

Between the the symmetry of the windows, the tranquility of the hallway and my desire to peel the paint off the wall, I couldn’t get this photograph out of my mind.

So congratulations to Calli and Travis of Have Blog Will Travel. You’re hosting #TravelRoulette Round 72. Can’t wait to see what you choose!

 

In their words…

This is a shot from the Beelitz Tuberculosis Clinic outside Berlin.

With a storied history that includes Nazis and the Red Army, the place is as interesting to read about as it was to explore.

It’s rumored that Hitler himself sought treatment here during WWI. Today, the site is only accessible through organized photo tours and tons of pictures of it’s beautiful entryway are scattered around the web.

However, this is my favorite shot from our visit because of the way the vivid blue paint on the walls contrasts with the crumbling plaster and wood. It must have been a beautiful corridor when in use.

The site is ruined beyond repair, and seeing as German laws prevent it from being torn down and the owner can’t afford to restore it, the buildings sit empty, visited only by the occasional intrepid photo tour.

Everyone is a Winner

Wow. What an incredible selection of RUIN photography.

Thank you all so much for being part of the fun.

Stephen Bugno. Bohemian Traveler

 

We were peddling our bikes as fast as possible and pulled down a dirt lane to catch this temple in a field in the setting sun.
We were peddling our bikes as fast as possible and pulled down a dirt lane to catch this temple in a field in the setting sun.

The “Man This Was Tough” Award

I wish I could choose more than one!

Ivana & Gianni. Nomad is Beautiful

 

This is the Tower of Refuge seen from the shore of the Isle of Man. The structure was built upon a reef in 1832. When the tide is low the ruin can be reached by walking but with a high tide, when the reef is submerged, the tower appears like floating on the sea.
This is the Tower of Refuge seen from the shore of the Isle of Man. The structure was built upon a reef in 1832. When the tide is low the ruin can be reached by walking but with a high tide, when the reef is submerged, the tower appears like floating on the sea.

Lindsay Elizabeth Pond. His and Her Travel

 

Carnival on the backdrop of the ruins of Segovia's magnificent Aqueduct.
Carnival on the backdrop of the ruins of Segovia’s magnificent Aqueduct.

The “Indiana Jones” Award

For photos that make me think of Sean Connery saying “JUNIOR!”

Shane & Deidre. The Working Traveler

 

As the only Petra cat that posed dutifully rather than running up to headbutt the camera and ask to be stroked, I thought it deserved to feature here:
As the only Petra cat that posed dutifully rather than running up to headbutt the camera and ask to be stroked, I thought it deserved to feature here:

Mindy Postoff. Bounding Over Our Steps

In July, we were finally able to cross Petra off our bucket list. We were understandably blown away by its grandeur and mystique, but we were also disappointed at the vast amounts of trash and graffiti that we felt ruined the ruins. The only way we could avoid the disappointment was to look up, above the reach of spray paint... Here's an upward view of the Monastery.
In July, we were finally able to cross Petra off our bucket list. We were understandably blown away by its grandeur and mystique, but we were also disappointed at the vast amounts of trash and graffiti that we felt ruined the ruins.
The only way we could avoid the disappointment was to look up, above the reach of spray paint… Here’s an upward view of the Monastery.

The “I’ve Been There & Wish I Took This” Award

For photos that make me wanna go right back and try again!

Talon Windwalker.  1 Dad, 1 Kid, 1 Crazy Adventure

 

I shot this at one of the temple ruins in Ayutthaya, Thailand. I like the mixture of peace with visible destruction.
I shot this at one of the temple ruins in Ayutthaya, Thailand. I like the mixture of peace with visible destruction.

Turtles Travel

 

India is another amazing destination for "ruins," ancient and modern. This photo is from the eastern outskirts of Khajuraho. The Hindu Mandir, Javari Temple in the background is part of the Khajuraho Group of Monuments, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The pig and chicken in the foreground are making the most of some more modern ruins.
India is another amazing destination for “ruins,” ancient and modern. This photo is from the eastern outskirts of Khajuraho. The Hindu Mandir, Javari Temple in the background is part of the Khajuraho Group of Monuments, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
The pig and chicken in the foreground are making the most of some more modern ruins.

Dave. Travel Transmissions

 

Tanah Lot is Bali's most important Hindu temple on the sea. Crowds tend to rage here around sunset, but you can beat em by showing up in the morning.
Tanah Lot is Bali’s most important Hindu temple on the sea. Crowds tend to rage here around sunset, but you can beat em by showing up in the morning.

Suzanne. The Travel Bunny

 

Tombs with a view! These old ruined tombs are part of a massive and ancient necropolis in Pamukkale, Turkey. They're located right on the edge of the travertines (cotton castle) and just in front of the ancient ruins of Hierapolis.
Tombs with a view! These old ruined tombs are part of a massive and ancient necropolis in Pamukkale, Turkey. They’re located right on the edge of the travertines (cotton castle) and just in front of the ancient ruins of Hierapolis.

Denise. The Art of Slow Travel

 

A few weeks ago I was in Sukhothai, Thailand, exploring its historical park on a bike.The park is a UNESCO heritage site, and is home to many ancient ruins. As I was walking around taking photos of the ruins, I came across this beautiful girl, dressed in traditional Thai clothing, posing for a group of Japanese photographers with the ruins as her background. I was sweating in the heat, while she looked absolutely perfect, even if I saw her wandering the park for at least another couple of hours.
A few weeks ago I was in Sukhothai, Thailand, exploring its historical park on a bike.The park is a UNESCO heritage site, and is home to many ancient ruins. As I was walking around taking photos of the ruins, I came across this beautiful girl, dressed in traditional Thai clothing, posing for a group of Japanese photographers with the ruins as her background.
I was sweating in the heat, while she looked absolutely perfect, even if I saw her wandering the park for at least another couple of hours.

Daniel. Globe Trekking

 

Here I have combined 2 of my favorite things: ruins and reflections... the Library of Celsus at Ephesus in Reflection
Here I have combined 2 of my favorite things: ruins and reflections… the Library of Celsus at Ephesus in Reflection

The “Classic Ruin Shot” Award

For those great images that scream the word “ruin”

Bianca Bauza. Nomadbiba

 

At the moment I'm travelling around Peru and its unbelievable how many ruins and archaeological sites there are in this country! Of course, none is as famous as the mind blowing Machu Picchu. I did a multi-day trek to get to the ruins and the feeling of accomplishment that I had when I stood on the hill above the ruins to take in the view was truly amazing! One of the highlights of my trip, for sure :)
At the moment I’m travelling around Peru and its unbelievable how many ruins and archaeological sites there are in this country!
Of course, none is as famous as the mind blowing Machu Picchu. I did a multi-day trek to get to the ruins and the feeling of accomplishment that I had when I stood on the hill above the ruins to take in the view was truly amazing! One of the highlights of my trip, for sure 🙂

Dan. This World Rocks

 

We made a trip to Corregidor Island, outside of Manila, to see what is left of the WWII ruins there from the Battle of Manila. This photo is the very end of what is known as the Mile Long Barracks due to it’s incredible length. The ruins go on for what seems like forever, and we were also able to find the ruins of an old swimming pool.
We made a trip to Corregidor Island, outside of Manila, to see what is left of the WWII ruins there from the Battle of Manila. This photo is the very end of what is known as the Mile Long Barracks due to it’s incredible length. The ruins go on for what seems like forever, and we were also able to find the ruins of an old swimming pool.

James Pham. Fly, Icarus, Fly

 

Spent a frustrating morning trying to figure out how to get to Jerash, a city outside of Amman, Jordan, using public transportation. Totally paid off when I got to the site, smack in the middle of the city, and had some of the best Roman ruins practically to myself for the day. This columned boulevard made it too easy to imagine myself there more than 2,000 years ago...
Spent a frustrating morning trying to figure out how to get to Jerash, a city outside of Amman, Jordan, using public transportation. Totally paid off when I got to the site, smack in the middle of the city, and had some of the best Roman ruins practically to myself for the day. This columned boulevard made it too easy to imagine myself there more than 2,000 years ago…

Bethaney. Go Click Travel

 

The Catholic Cathedral in Christchurch, New Zealand stands ruined after a series of major earthquakes in the city. I've got plenty of pictures of iconic ruins like those in Angkor and Bagan which might look more impressive but this one is more personal to me as we lived through the Christchurch earthquakes as residents of this city.
The Catholic Cathedral in Christchurch, New Zealand stands ruined after a series of major earthquakes in the city. I’ve got plenty of pictures of iconic ruins like those in Angkor and Bagan which might look more impressive but this one is more personal to me as we lived through the Christchurch earthquakes as residents of this city.

The Urban Decay Award

For taking the word “ruin” into the 20th Century

Kate Voyage.  30 Traveler

 

Here's mine. Harlem, NYC. A slightly abstract take on the theme in terms of the decay of society that this type of mural would be needed in a neighborhood.
Here’s mine. Harlem, NYC. A slightly abstract take on the theme in terms of the decay of society that this type of mural would be needed in a neighborhood.

Tom Bartel. Travel Past 50

 

Late last summer, I went on a photo shoot along US Highway 12 between the Twin Cities of Minnesota and eastern South Dakota. As you get out of the prosperous cities, the abandoned farms and other structures pertinent to the way farming was done in the first half of the 20th Century increasingly dot the landscape. Processing this in black and white made me more mindful of the evocative photos of the Depression shot by such great American photographers as Dorothea Lange and Walker Evans.
Late last summer, I went on a photo shoot along US Highway 12 between the Twin Cities of Minnesota and eastern South Dakota. As you get out of the prosperous cities, the abandoned farms and other structures pertinent to the way farming was done in the first half of the 20th Century increasingly dot the landscape. Processing this in black and white made me more mindful of the evocative photos of the Depression shot by such great American photographers as Dorothea Lange and Walker Evans.

Natasha von Geldern. World Wandering Kiwi

 

This photo is of ruined mine works on White Island - an active volcano island off the coast of New Zealand. From the 1880s through to the 1930s some hardy souls lived out here mining the sulphur for use as an antibacterial agent. The corroded ruins are testament to the tragedy of 1914 when a crater rim collapsed and the resulting lahar killed all ten workers then based on White Island. The only survivor was the cat.
This photo is of ruined mine works on White Island – an active volcano island off the coast of New Zealand.
From the 1880s through to the 1930s some hardy souls lived out here mining the sulphur for use as an antibacterial agent. The corroded ruins are testament to the tragedy of 1914 when a crater rim collapsed and the resulting lahar killed all ten workers then based on White Island. The only survivor was the cat.

Lauren Crabbe. The World Please

 

I don't know if this classifies as a "ruin": the photo was taken at a cliffside temple in Uluwatu, Bali. Sadly, this particular piece of it was fenced off for construction, and this was as close as I could get! So maybe that's where the theme comes in ;)
I don’t know if this classifies as a “ruin”: the photo was taken at a cliffside temple in Uluwatu, Bali. Sadly, this particular piece of it was fenced off for construction, and this was as close as I could get! So maybe that’s where the theme comes in 😉

Dustin Main. A Skinny Escape

 

"As much as I've spent the past few years around ruins dating hundreds or thousands of years old, it's the more modern abandoned places that catch my interest. The interior glows yellow and green thanks to light filtered through the trees around an abandoned building in a former railway complex outside of Berlin, Germany."
“As much as I’ve spent the past few years around ruins dating hundreds or thousands of years old, it’s the more modern abandoned places that catch my interest.
The interior glows yellow and green thanks to light filtered through the trees around an abandoned building in a former railway complex outside of Berlin, Germany.”

Marysia. My Travel Affairs

 

I have visited Abkhazia a bit earlier this year while travelling in Caucasus region. Abkhazia has been severely destroyed during the 1992 war and never really rebuild. Some regions like Gali district have more ruins than actually 'lived in' buildings. This particular picture have been taken in Sukhumi, the capital city of Abkhazia. I have tones of other photos of ruins, majority of them in much worser stage, but there was something special about this particular, very lonely facade!
I have visited Abkhazia a bit earlier this year while travelling in Caucasus region. Abkhazia has been severely destroyed during the 1992 war and never really rebuild. Some regions like Gali district have more ruins than actually ‘lived in’ buildings.
This particular picture have been taken in Sukhumi, the capital city of Abkhazia. I have tones of other photos of ruins, majority of them in much worser stage, but there was something special about this particular, very lonely facade!

The “Funny Because It’s True” Award

Read the caption; then think about the state of the American Government right now.

 Jeremy Jones. Living the World RTW

 

If your approval rating is single digits, I think you fit for the category at hand.
If your approval rating is single digits, I think you fit for the category at hand.

The “Creative Focus” Award

I love the way the people are covered by an out-of-focus heat-haze

Stephen Lioy. MonkBoughtLunch

 

This is from the ancient city of Merv in Turkmenistan. There's so much history in this area, inhabited since Bactrian times and the site of one of the world's greatest massacres (Genghis Khan was a real dbag), and yet even after the fall of the Soviet Union and rise of the odd Turkmen dictator live still just sort of flows on around the ruins of Merv and the surrounding city of Mary. I like the shot because it feels so low-key to me, people just doing their normal thing on there way from place to place, yet the van and structures both evoke that sense of ruin and decay.
This is from the ancient city of Merv in Turkmenistan.
There’s so much history in this area, inhabited since Bactrian times and the site of one of the world’s greatest massacres (Genghis Khan was a real dbag), and yet even after the fall of the Soviet Union and rise of the odd Turkmen dictator live still just sort of flows on around the ruins of Merv and the surrounding city of Mary.
I like the shot because it feels so low-key to me, people just doing their normal thing on there way from place to place, yet the van and structures both evoke that sense of ruin and decay.

The “Am I in Another World?” Award

Seriously … this place feels like I’m on a distant planet… with tourists.

Charli and Ben. Wanderlusters

 

White Island is New Zealand's only active marine volcano. Just under 50km from the coast this sub-marine giant is a landscape of natural destruction and ruin. Geysers spew boiling noxious gases into the air and toxic lakes eat away at the ground below. Those brave enough can hike across the crater and during our visit we did just that. I likened it to a lunar landing, the terrain was so alien.
White Island is New Zealand’s only active marine volcano. Just under 50km from the coast this sub-marine giant is a landscape of natural destruction and ruin. Geysers spew boiling noxious gases into the air and toxic lakes eat away at the ground below.
Those brave enough can hike across the crater and during our visit we did just that. I likened it to a lunar landing, the terrain was so alien.

 

 

 

Thank you all so much for your submissions.

 

The Fine Print

Here’s the skinny: Winner of the last round of Travel Photo Roulette (let’s call him/her X) hosts the next round on their blog. X picks a theme and invites players to submit photos over the course of one week. At the end of the week, X decides the winning entry. Repeat! Couldn’t be easier.

Rules

  1. One submission per blog
  2. Post processing, cropping, correcting for red eyes and other flaws is fine for this round.
  3. Abstract submissions are welcome. But if you want to win, it’s probably best that the judge understands your interpretation.
  4. Hosts should keep themes general so all bloggers can participate. Avoid specifics like ‘Eiffel Tower’; instead choose a more open theme, like ‘monuments’ or ‘monuments at night’.
  5. Abstract thoughts can be fun, as long as everyone can understand. ‘Overlooking creation’ is good, ‘Kafkaesque’ is not.
  6. No obscene photos or themes allowed. Suggestive themes and photography might be accepted, but be careful. Remember, the host is all-powerful.
  7. Themes may be reused after a period of time; however new photos must be submitted. Keep it fresh!
  8. You do not have to take the photo within the week of the contest period to submit it.
  9. Most importantly: ALL PHOTOS MUST BE YOUR OWN.
  10. Spread the word about Travel Photo Roulette and use the hashtag #PhotoRoulette.
  11. Last, but not least: It’s a game, so have fun with it.

 

An abandoned corner of Detroit, Michigan
An abandoned corner of Detroit, Michigan

Past winners and hosts

As you can see, this game has been going on for a while. Here are all the rounds so far. The list is a winners’ table as well, as each topic host won the preceding round. Click the host’s link to go directly to that entry to see fab photos of the chosen theme.

1. Nov 2010 – Living the Dream – Animals 2. Nov 2010 – Skinny Backpacker – Road Signs
3. Nov 2010 – Dream a Little Dream – Street Art 4. Nov 2010 – Flashpacker HQ – Festival
5. Dec 2010 – Over Yonderlust – Landmarks 6. Jan 2011 – Don’t Ever Look Back – Beaches
7. Jan 2011 – ThePlanetD – Portraits 8. Jan 2011 – Travel with a Mate – Motion
9. Feb 2011 – Johnny Vagabond – Water 10. Feb 2011 – Ken Kaminesky – Urban
11. Feb 2011 – Travels of Adam – Friday Night 12. Mar 2011 – Itchy Feet Chronicles – The Journey
13. Mar 2011 – Brendan’s Adventures – Changing Seasons 14. Apr 2011 – Shutterfeet – Storytelling
15. Apr 2011 – 10 Times One – Piousness 16. Apr 2011 – Beached Eskimo – Learning
17. May 2011 – Travel Junkies – Architecture 18. Jun 2011 – Destination World – Transportation
19. Jun 2011 – Living the Dream – Paradise 20. Jun 2011 – Vagabond Quest – Clothes
21. Jul 2011 – The Unframed World – Symmetry 22. Jul 2011 – Beached Eskimo – Home
23. Jul 2011 – BackPackerBanter – Inspiration 24. Aug 2011 – WanderingTrader – Darkness
25. Aug 2011 – Finding the Universe – Tranquillity 26. Sep 2011 – Fearful Adventurer – Food
27. Sep 2011 – Adventures of a Good Man – City 28. Oct 2011 – Globe-Trekking.com – Reflections
29. Oct 2011 – Scene With A Hart – Framing 30. Nov 2011 – Vagabond Quest – Silhouettes
31. Nov 2011 – Hecktic Travels – Music 32. Dec 2011 – Globetrotter Girls – Love
33. Jan 2012– Man on the lam – Humor 34. Jan 2012 – My Walkabout – Winter
35. Jan 2012 – The Art of Slow Travel – Blue 36. Feb 2012 – Ten Times One – Depth of Field
37. Feb – Runaway Juno – My Digital Nomad Moment 38. Mar 2012 – Nomadbiba – Sunshine
39. Mar 2012 – Travel With Kat – Local Character 40. Apr 2012 – The Travel Bunny – Street Scene
41. Apr – Adventure Crow – Spirit of the Country 42. May 2012 – Food Travel Bliss – Evening
43. May 2012 – Matt Gibson – Adventure 44. June 2012 – Flashpacker HQ – Once In A Lifetime
45. July 2012 – Skinny Backpacker – Surreal 46. August 2012 – 2away – Smile
47. Aug – Bridges & Balloons – Splendour of the Universe 48. Sept 2012 – The GypsyNester – What the ?!
49. Oct 2012 – Runaway Juno – Sweet 50. Nov 2012 – GQ Trippin – Play
51. Dec 2012 – Breakaway Backpacker – Face 52. Jan 2013 – Fly, Icarus, Fly – Serendipity
53. Feb – Travel Transmissions – Lost in Thought 54. Feb 2013 – Wanderlusters – The Natural World
55. Mar 2013 – Travel Junkies – Patterns 56. April 2013 – Living the Dream – Your First Time
57. May 2013 – Getting Stamped – As The Sun Goes Down 58. Jun 2013 – The GypsyNester – Cheesy Tourist Diversions
60. June 2013 – Boomeresque – Revolution 61. July 2013 – Breakaway Backpacker – Colorful
62. Aug 2013 – Around This World – Mountains 63. Aug 2013 –Passports & Pamplemousse – Hands at Work
64. Sept 2013 – TurtlesTravel – Dance 65. Sept 2013 – Keep calm and travel – The sea
66. Sept 2013 – Travel Photo Discovery – The Market 67. Oct 2013 – Am I Nearly There Yet? – Travel Fails
68. Oct 2013 – The GypsyNester – Weird Regional Foods 69. Nov 2013 – Sophie’s World – Trees
70. Nov 2013 – Shoutography – Party 71. Dec 2013 – Adventures of a GoodMan – Ruin