Photo of the Week

Photo of the Week: Island

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IMG_7263Coco Plum, Belize

Every once in awhile, I’ll look back at some of the old photos I’ve taken on my trips and relive the memorable moments.  One of my favorite trips was to the island of Coco Plum, a small private island off of the coast of Belize surrounded by crystal clear water and all kinds of sea life.  There are no TVs or computers on the island, making it the perfect place to un-tether.

Every week, I’ll share a photo with you from my adventures around the world and at home.  Most of my photos have little or no post processing.  If you would like to see more, please click the Follow button.

Photo of the Week: Autumn

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IMG_8613 New York, USA

What  a difference a week makes!  Last week I was still wearing shorts and tank tops, walking around the city, complaining about the heat.  This week, a cold front officially moved in heralding the arrival of Fall.  Although it’s hard to tell by looking at the green leaves on the trees, I guess they didn’t get the memo.  I have mixed feelings when it comes to Fall.  It’s true that the heat has dissipated and it’s finally bearable to walk around the city again.  The park is gorgeous this time of year in varying shades of red, orange, and yellow.   The part that I don’t like so much is the progressively shorter days and the eminent threat of freezing weather around the corner.  Here’s to hoping that Fall lasts a little longer this year.

Every week, I’ll share a photo with you from my adventures around the world and at home.  Most of my photos have little or no post processing.  If you would like to see more, please click the Follow button.

Photo of the Week: Freedom

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IMG_4979Dachau, Germany

Standing at the entrance of the Dachau concentration camp, it’s impossible to remain unemotional. This place in particular, brings to life the inhumanity of Hitler’s regime. This was the first of the Nazi concentration camps opened in 1933 by Gestapo Chief Heinrich Himmler, and was used as a prototype for the many others that sprang up around Europe.   Over 200,000 Jews and other political prisoners were imprisoned here until the camp was finally liberated on April 29, 1945. The the iron gate with the ironic motto “Arbeit macht frei” (“Work will set you free”) belied the horrors that happened inside.  Once you entered, the only freedom was death.

Every Monday of each week, I’ll share a photo with you from my adventures around the world and at home.  Most of my photos have little or no post processing.  If you would like to see more, please click the ‘Follow’ button.

Photo of the Week: Top of the Rock

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IMG_9337New York, New York

My sister came to visit this past week, which gave me the perfect excuse to play tourist in my own city.  One of the places that I’ve always wanted to go to, but never been is Top of the Rock.  From the observation deck, you can see all the way downtown with the Empire State Building front and center.  The pricey ticket of $32 per person will get you access to the top floors, or you can skip all of that and just go to Bar 65 for a drink.  The restaurant is only 2 stories down, with essentially the same view and no admission cost.  You can use the money you would have paid and get yourself a nice cocktail instead.  Sipping a spatini while you admire the New York skyline at sunset is probably not a bad thing to do. 

Every Monday of each week, I’ll share a photo with you from my adventures around the world and at home.  Most of my photos have little or no post processing.  If you would like to see more, please click the ‘Follow’ button.

Photo of the Week: Cistern

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Istanbul (853)Istanbul, Turkey

Recently, Turkey has been dominating the news cycle for all the wrong reasons.  People  have started to associate the country with turmoil and military coups, but the Turkey I fell in love with all those years ago was a country rich in culture and history.  It’s Euro-Asian location offers unique blend of Eastern and Western influences that makes Istanbul one-of-a-kind.  One of the most interesting things I learned is that there are hundreds of ancient cisterns hidden beneath the city, used to store and supply water to the residents.  Pictured above is the Basilica Cistern, the largest of its kind, located right in the heart of the city.  At first glance, the tall striking columns and the somber lighting make the space look more like a sacred temple than a water reservoir.

Every Monday of each week, I’ll share a photo with you from my adventures around the world and at home.  Most of my photos have little or no post processing.  If you would like to see more, please click the ‘Follow’ button.

Photo of the Week: Band

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IMG_5934New Orleans, USA

One of the things I love about New Orleans is the live music. At the birthplace of jazz music, you can find it on the street corner, in a club and every where in between.  While walking around Jackson Square , we ran into a full band ensemble playing a rousing rendition of ‘When the Saints Go Marching In’ .  The exuberant music creates a lively atmosphere.  It’s not unusual to see people dancing down the busy street.

Every Monday of each week, I’ll share a photo with you from my adventures around the world and at home. Most of my photos have little or no post processing.  If you would like to see more, please click the ‘Follow’ button.

Photo of the Week: Cloister

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IMG_9568NYC, USA

Visiting the Cloisters, nestled inside Fort Tryon Park, feels like you’ve been transported to another time and place – back to Medieval Europe, even though you’re just short train ride from midtown.  This offshoot of the MET is located at the northern tip of Manhattan with perfect views of the George Washington bridge and the Hudson river. The atypical museum space showcases stained glass, tapestries, and architecture from the Middle Ages.  The enchanting garden are the perfect place to end a tour of the castle.  

Every week, I’ll share a photo with you from my adventures around the world and at home.  Most of my photos have little or no post processing.  If you would like to see more, please click the Follow button.

Photo of the Week: Trees

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IMG_9155Harcourt, Canada

I am back in the city for a few days and already I miss Canada.  I miss the fresh air, the tall graceful trees surrounding our cottage, and all the sounds of nature.  The only thing I don’t miss are the armies of mosquitoes that viciously attack anyone that wanders outdoors.  This picture was taken with my new wide angle lens that I got a few months back.  During the late afternoon when the sun is low, the soft light streamed through the green leaves creating a glowing effect. 

Every week, I’ll share a photo with you from my adventures around the world and at home.  Most of my photos have little or no post processing.  If you would like to see more, please click the Follow button.

Photo of the Week: R & R

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IMG_8425Harcourt, Canada

I’ve taken the last few weeks off from blogging to spend time with friends and family in Canada.  We made the trip home last week to attend my sister’s wedding.  It was a momentous event, 14 years in the making.  After all the fun and madness, we were ready for  some rest and relaxation by one of Canada’s many lakes.   This picture perfectly captured the idyllic setting – blue sky, clear water and lots of peace and quiet. The days are mostly spent eating, canoeing, and fishing.  I relish the rare vacations where we don’t run around like crazy. Check back next week for more posts on Portugal.

Every week, I’ll share a photo with you from my adventures around the world and at home.  Most of my photos have little or no post processing.  If you would like to see more, please click the Follow button.

Photo of the Week: Centered

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IMG_1433 (1800x1200)Kauai, Hawaii

When we were planning our trip to Kauai, a friend told us about a secluded beach that is one of the local’s best kept secrets – located on the north shore of the island, down a long dirt road.  Getting to the beach is a bit challenging as you have to climb over a steep wooded area filled with gnarly tree branches that is guarded by mosquitoes.  But the effort was definitely worth it.  Once you cleared the trees, you are greeted by an empty beach filled with golden sand.  The waves were too rough to consider wading in the water, at least for a weak swimmer like me.  It was enough to sit on the jagged rocks and listen to the waves crashing into the shore.

Every week, I’ll share a photo with you from my adventures around the world and at home.  Most of my photos have little or no post processing.  If you would like to see more, please click the Follow button.