Europe

Day 3: On the Road in Porto

/ lifeafter9to5 / 3 Comments

IMG_5357

Porto is hilly, which means there are a lot of lookout points through the city.  This particular one was at the Jardins do Palácio de Cristal.  On the left of the main park is a path that takes you down to these smaller gardens overlooking the Douro river and the Vila Nova de Gaia side. These secret gardens are pockets of serenity within the city, surrounded by flowers, large shaded trees, and amazing views.  Once in awhile you’ll hear a sharp cry, but don’t be disturbed, it’s just one of the peacocks signaling a mate.

Day 2: On the Road in Foz do Duoro

/ lifeafter9to5 / Leave a comment

IMG_4991

On the second day we headed out to Foz do Douro and Matosinhos, small seaside towns just north of Porto.  It’s possible to walk there from the Porto city center by following the paved walkway that winds along the coastline, however it will take about 1-2 hours. On a nice day, you will find a lot of people out on the beach.  The aesthetic and layout of this place reminded me of the beaches of Rio de Janeiro, which is not surprising since Brazil was settled by the Portuguese.

Day 1: On the Road in Porto

/ lifeafter9to5 / Leave a comment

IMG_4743

We finally made it to Porto after a roundabout flight to London.  Having heard so much about this quiet city from my sister, I couldn’t wait to see it for myself and had high expectations. The city itself reminds me of a lot of other European cities, but the difference is that it’s laid back and not overrun with tourists.  I immediately fell in love with the rambling cobblestone streets lined with charming colorful apartments and their balconies filled with flowers.  The city is small and walk-able, a definite bonus.  Even with the rolling hills it was still easy to get around.  We spent the first day exploring the city and immersing ourselves in the local culture.  It doesn’t hurt that we are staying in an apartment instead of a hotel, making us feel even more like a local.

Photo of the Week: Bosphorus Strait

/ lifeafter9to5 / Leave a comment

Istanbul (986)Istanbul, Turkey

The city of Istanbul straddles two continents, Europe and Asia.  With its strategic location on the Bosphorus peninsula between the Mediterranean and the Black Seas, it has attracted many conquering armies over the centuries.  It has also had lead to a mix of East and West culture that has made the city one of the most unique in the world. This picture was taken from the Bosphorus Strait where the ancient Hagia Sophia and the Blue Mosque stand out prominently in the city skyline.

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: Green Space

/ lifeafter9to5 / Leave a comment

IMG_3736Paris, France

This photo was taken at the top of the Eiffel Tower, looking down onto the Champ de Mars.  This public green space is always filled with people playing, relaxing, or picnicking right under the shadow of France’s most iconic landmark.  It’s also a great place to enjoy the dazzling light show at night.  Instead of spending the 4 hours in line waiting to go up the Eiffel Tower, the time is better spent on the green lawn with a bottle of wine, a nice spread of cheese, and a baguette – you know, sightseeing Parisian style.

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: Gibraltar

/ lifeafter9to5 / Leave a comment

IMG_0763Gibraltar, Europe

Gibraltar is a small British Territory (just under three square miles), located at the tip of the Iberian Peninsula and easily accessible from both Spain and Morocco.  One of the main attractions here are the towering limestone ridges that rise to almost 1,400 feet, known as the Pillars of Hercules.  The low hanging cloud creates a mystical effect in the picture taken on our hike up the Rock of Gibraltar.

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: Concrete Forest

/ lifeafter9to5 / Leave a comment

IMG_9355Barcelona, Spain

La Sagrada Familia is the crown jewel of Barcelona and one of Gaudi’s most famous works; yet it’s been under construction on and off since 1882 and still not complete.  The towering pillars rising up to the vaulted ceiling reflect the colorful lights from the stained glass windows and reminds me of the mottled effect of sunlight pouring through thick branches. Gaudi is well known for his organic style of architecture, drawing inspiration from nature, so it’s not far-fetched to enter the cathedral and imagine yourself walking amongst a concrete forest. This is one of my all time favorite cathedrals. 

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

/ lifeafter9to5 / Leave a comment

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: Carrick-a-Rede

/ lifeafter9to5 / Leave a comment

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: Ephesus

/ lifeafter9to5 / Leave a comment

Ephesus (398)Ephesus, Turkey

Ephesus was an important trade center of the ancient world through many successions of empires from the Greek to Roman to Ottoman.  This was one of the richest cities in the world for centuries, once famed for the Temple of Artemis – one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World.  

This is a photo of Curetes Street, the main pathway leading from the Gates of Hercules to the famed library of Celsus. The wide street, paved with marble, was once lined with shops in ancient times.  All that is left now are the crumpling pillars and mosaics that have managed to stand the test of time.   

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.