Around the World

10 things to do in Lisbon

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Europe’s westernmost capital has blossomed in recent years, attracting visitors to its world class restaurants as well as its culture and history. Despite the old-world feel with its network of antiquated trams, Lisbon definitely has a modern edge. 

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Portugal’s hilly capital, is a coastal city known for many things – from the blue-and-white azulejo architecture, to the spectacular views that can be seen from anywhere on top of the seven hills to the imposing São Jorge Castle. The rambling alleyway are lined with pastel colored houses covered in pretty flower boxes.  The sweet citrus smells drift over the walls, hiding a fruit-laden lemon tree in the courtyard.  Even though the streets are confusing, it’s definitely walk-able, just make sure you bring your running shoes along.  Here are a few places to explore in Lisbon’s labyrinthine streets: Continue reading →

Photo of the Week: Towers

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IMG_2368Cologne, Germany

From the the other side of the Rhine River, you can clearly see the towers of Cologne Cathedral.  They are visible from every point in the city center, dominating the skyline. Not only is this magnificent structure the pride of Cologne, it is also Germany’s most visited landmark, attracting tens of thousands of people every day.  

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.

Eating in Lisbon

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To me, eating is the best way to appreciate and explore a new country and culture.  It is always the favorite part of my trips – and the most memorable.  A good dish is something that I will remember for the rest of my life when memories of the city long fade into the cobwebs of my mind.  Portugal has fast become my favorite European country for food.  As you know, I had a really positive experience eating in Porto and couldn’t wait to try the cuisine in Lisbon.  Continue reading →

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.

Exploring the Miradouros of Lisbon

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The Portuguese often refer to Lisbon as the cidade das sete colinas, or “city of the seven hills.” This is not an exaggeration as we found out on our first day.  Climbing all of the stairs in Lisbon was a challenge, but the outstanding views from the top make the trips worthwhile. Each miradouro offers different perspectives of the city, with panoramic views of popular landmarks from the castle down to the river. Continue reading →

Photo of the Week: Milky Way

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IMG_8711Harcourt, Canada

Living in a city like New York with the lots of light pollution it’s impossible to see the stars at night.  That’s why I appreciate the rare occurrences when I am out in the open and I can look up and see the sky full of stars.  This photo was taken on our trip to a cottage, a few hours north of Toronto.  Late at night after the parents went to bed, we stole down to the pier with our flashlights, blankets, and cameras.  By the water, with the silence periodically broken by the sharp cry of a loon looking for its mate, the slow moving water gently swayed the dock as we quietly laid in a row. Looking up, the Milky Way was perfectly visible strewn across the inky black sky. Millions of stars twinkled, creating an unforgettable moment that I got to share with my family.

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.

Exploring the Miradouros of Porto

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Porto – with its well worn buildings, colorful facades, and red rooftops that dot the hillside along the river Douro; is extremely photogenic whether you’re wandering through the streets or taking in the views from above.  There are many lookouts with different vantage points over Porto. These places are called miradouros in Portuguese and are usually high points with clear sights of popular landmarks amongst the sea of rooftops. These hilltop terraces are popular with locals and visitors for their panoramic views.  Here are a few of our favorite places for the perfect sweeping vista of the city: Continue reading →

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.