Photo of the Week: Accomplishment

IMG_6786Kauai, Hawaii

Kauai is beautiful – from the vast Waimea canyon to the breathtaking Na Pali coastline. The most memorable part of the trip  for me, however, was at the top of the Wai’ale’ale lookout.  This picture was taken on our trip to Hawaii after my many surgeries.  I was still recovering, so any kind of physical activity was difficult and tiring.  My short ‘hike’ from the car to the lookout point was quite an accomplishment, and I remembered feeling like I was on top of the world.

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: Fountain

IMG_4087Versailles, France

The magnificent Palace of Versailles was built in the mid-17th century during the reign of Louis XIV at the height of the French monarchy. The enormous palace complex has manicured lawns, intricate sculptures, and ornate fountains located throughout the property. The centerpiece of the garden is the elaborate Latona fountain, which inspired Ovid’s Metamorphoses.

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: Railroad

IMG_4490New York City, USA

This photo was taken at the train station on 125th street in Harlem.  A lot of commuter trains from Connecticut pass through this hub on their way into the city.  The lines of the railroad tracks are very beautiful to me.  I love sitting here watching the trains zoom off until they are a tiny dot in the distance.

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: Descending Dragon

IMG_3385Ha Long Bay, Viet Nam

This picture really captured the scene for me with a mystical quality that makes the seascape looks like a watercolor painting.  Designated a World Heritage site, Ha Long Bay archipelago is made up of around 2,000 islands of various sizes.  It is well known for its towering limestone pillars rising out of the emerald water as seen above. Arguably, one of Vietnam’s most famous and stunning locales, it attracts many visitors each year.  For two days, we cruised around the bay, appreciating my country’s natural beauty.

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: Snow

IMG_4134New York City, USA

This picture was taken last year after one of the many snow storms in the New York area.  The ground was blanketed by a fresh layer of soft white powder making everything shiny and bright again.  The busy promenade at Bryant Park was uncharacteristically quiet.  This year, however,  the weather has been pretty mild.  It’s already the end of February, and there haven’t been too many cold days which makes me optimistic that spring will come earlier.  

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: Chedi

IMG_1282

Ayutthaya, Thailand

Ayutthaya, located about 80 km north of Bangkok used to be a bustling Siamese capital.  After it was attacked and destroyed by the Burmese in the 18th century, it was never rebuilt.  Nowadays, the sleepy market town stands as an archeological site with many ruined temples and palaces that give visitors an idea of its past splendor.

Walking around the courtyards, we encountered many headless figures of Buddha adorned in orange silk, sitting serenely under the shade.  The heads were lopped off by looters after the city was destroyed and left defenseless and sold to private collectors.  At Wat Phra Si Sanphet remain the three grand chedis that are believed to contain the relics and ashes of Ayutthaya’s greatest rulers. This photo was taken at the top of the steps of one of the temples.

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: Carrick-a-Rede

IMG_5163Ballintoy, Northern Ireland

Just a few miles from Giant’s Causeway is another must-see sight in Northern Ireland: the Carrick-A-Rede rope bridge.  The bridge links the mainland to the small island of Carrick-A-Rede, originally erected by salmon fisherman to get across the rocky chasm. It takes a bit of nerve to cross the suspension bridge when it swings and shakes on a windy day.  On the way, there are wonderful vantage points to stop and take in the natural beauty of the coastline. The coastal path leading to the bridge offers stunning views of the cliff and the Scottish Isles.

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: Paradise

IMG_6931Coco Plum Cay, Belize

It’s officially the middle of winter, and I have the blues.  I closed my eyes and transported myself back to the island of Coco Plum, where it is always warm and the water is clear and calm. So clear in fact, that you can look down and see the fish and eagle rays gliding through the water.  It’s truly a little piece of paradise on Earth.  

This tranquil picture was taken early one morning when we woke up to watch the sun rise over the ocean.

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: Niagara

DSCF2653Niagara, Canada

I remember the first time I visited the famous Niagara Falls and how I felt completely thunderstruck by the mighty force of water.   Even from the parking lot, I could hear the roaring water crashing down.  Over 600,000 gallons of water fall over the edge of Horseshoe Falls every second! This majestic waterfall is located at the border of Canada and the United States.

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: Spiraled

IMG_2414Vatican City

Surprisingly, one of the most photographed pieces at the Vatican museum is not one of the numerous artworks, but this double helix staircase, located at the exit of the museum. There are two access points at the bottom – one for people going up and the other for people going down.  This graceful wrought iron staircase was designed by Guiseppe Momo who was inspired by the original stairs designed by Donato Bramante.

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.