Around the World

New Zealand: Milford Sound

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I’ve often heard that no trip to New Zealand is really complete without a visit to Milford Sound, one of New Zealand’s natural wonders and a designated World Heritage Area.  The funny thing is that the name can be misleading because Milford Sound is not a ‘sound’ at all, but actually a fiord.  What’s the difference you ask?  A sound is a valley created by rivers while a fiord is carved by glaciers.  During the last Ice Age, glaciers carved out Milford Sound, a huge U-shaped valley with towering mountains, waterfalls, and rainforests. Continue reading →

Photo of the Week: Rowing

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IMG_9263Madrid, Spain

The beautiful El Parque de Retiro, located in the heart of Madrid, is a popular spot for the city’s residents who go there to row boats and sunbathe.  It was opened in the early seventeenth century with access only granted to members of the monarchy.  The royal family used to host pageants, mock naval battles, and bullfights on these grounds. 

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.

New Zealand: Mount Cook

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After a few days in Wanaka, we continued our journey onwards to Mount Cook, the highest peak in Australasia at 3,755 metres.  Aoraki Mount Cook National Park is home to many other towering peaks as well as the longest glaciers in New Zealand. According to legends, Aoraki and his three brothers, the sons of the Sky Father, had their canoe overturned on a reef while on a sea voyage.  When the brothers climbed on top of their canoe, the freezing south wind turned them to stone. The canoe became the South Island (Te Waka o Aoraki) and Aoraki and his brothers became the peaks of the Southern Alps. Continue reading →

Photo of the Week: Windy City

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IMG_1073Chicago, USA

The one hundred year old Navy Pier is not just a fun place to spend the afternoon, but it is also a historic landmark.  It is over 3000 feet long, jutting into Lake Michigan; from the pier, you have a great view of the Chicago skyline with the prominent John Hancock Building with its double antenna.

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: Gorge

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IMG_8087Atlanta, USA

This week, I dug up some photos from our trip to Atlanta a few years ago.  Since we rented a car, we decided to drive out to Tallulah Gorge for a short day-hike.  This beautiful destination, filled with waterfalls, rock outcrops, and river cascades is one of the most popular trails in Georgia.  The easy to follow 2 mile trail takes you across a suspension bridge, down towards the gorge and back out again. 

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.

New Zealand: Rob Roy Glacier

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What I absolutely love about hiking in New Zealand is that it seems like no two trails are alike.  Each one is challenging and great in its own unique way.  So even though we ended up hiking almost every day, the experience felt different each time.  There are tons of great day trails around the Wanaka area, and one of which is the Rob Roy Glacier track – the jewel of Mt Aspiring National Park.  It’s hard to believe, but after after almost 2 weeks in New Zealand, I still couldn’t get enough of the picturesque mountains, sheer rock cliffs, hanging glaciers, and alpine valleys. Continue reading →

Photo of the Week: City-center

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IMG_2436Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam

Every few years I go back to my hometown only to find that it has changed beyond recognition.  Vietnam has one of the fastest growing economies in Asia, which has translated into more high rises and modern buildings. Although there is still one area that has remained the same, the main square overlooking City Hall. The familiar French colonial building with its bright orange roof is iconic in this ever-changing city.

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.

New Zealand: Roy’s Peak

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I’ve never been an avid hiker; I have attempted a few short and long hikes over the years, but it wasn’t until I got to New Zealand that I realized how much I enjoy hiking. The South Island is known for its incredible trails with captivating scenery.  Wanaka in particular has many must-do hikes, one of which is the popular Roy’s Peak,  a rigorous uphill climb with breathtaking views of Lake Wanaka, Mount Aspiring, and the surrounding mountain peaks.  The exertion and pain is rewarded when you’re standing on a trail overlooking the the best views in New Zealand.
Continue reading →

Photo of the Week: Tranquility

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IMG_6933Coco Plum, Belize

During everyone’s travels, one always has a place that one dreams about revisiting. That place for us is Belize, more specifically, Coco Plum Resort.  The time we spent on the little secluded island was a paradise where time ceased to exist. Since there was no TV or internet, we were blissfully cut off from the world; and instead we spent our time reconnecting with each other and our surroundings.  

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.