Around the World

New Zealand: Haast Pass

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Driving across New Zealand, there is no shortage of beautiful scenery and spectacular landscapes, so when I read that the famous Haast Pass is THE most scenic highway in the country I had my doubts – but it didn’t take long for me to completely change my mind. This 140 km section of State Highway 6 starts at the Tasman Sea and winds its way along rugged coastline, skirting lush rainforests, passing through steep mountain ranges, crossing tumbling rivers and finally ending at Lakes Wanaka and Hawea, two of New Zealand’s biggest mountain lakes.  The road follows an ancient trail used by the Maori people. Continue reading →

Photo of the Week: Roman Theatre

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Aspendos (19)Aspendos, Turkey

One of the best preserved ancient Roman theaters is, oddly enough, not even located in Italy.  It can be found near the Southern coast of Turkey, by the city of Antalya.  This UNESCO World Heritage Site is frequented by hundreds of thousands of people every year.  We were there earlier in the morning, and had the place to ourselves.  In the summer, the beautiful building also hosts the annual Aspendos Opera and Ballet Festival where visitors get a chance to experience the acoustics of this ancient theater.

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: Glacier Country

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From Hokitika we continued to head South along Highway 6 towards Fox Glacier.  A visit to  New Zealand’s West Coast isn’t complete without a trip to one of the two glaciers found there – Fox Glacier and Franz Josef Glacier. The topography in this area is unique with glaciers and ice surrounded by lush, green forest covered with ferns and mosses. Also, both glaciers are located only a mere 300 meters above sea level. Continue reading →

Photo of the Week: NYC

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IMG_1750New York, USA

I love walking, that’s probably the biggest reason why I love living in New York.  If you have the time, you can walk from the top to the bottom of Manhattan and explore the different neighborhoods that are constantly changing.  This past weekend, we decided to take a walk across the iconic Brooklyn Bridge on a lovely sunny day.  From the bridge you can see the Manhattan skyline across the East River.  You can also see the Empire State Building as well as the Chrysler Building in this photo.  

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: Wellington to Hokitika

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When we first started planning the trip, we decided to not book anything in advance in order to allow ourselves some flexibility.  It worked out for the most part, and we were able to change our itinerary as we went along.  Our determination to go with the flow was really tested on this leg of the trip where everything was turned topsy turvy and we had to scramble to make lots of last-minute changes.  Luckily or unluckily (depending on how you look at it) we are no strangers to dealing with problems that arise while traveling. 

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Photo of the Week: Sunrise

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IMG_1930Bagan, Myanmar

Bagan captured my heart like no other place I’ve ever visited, and has cemented its spot at the top of my all-time favorites.  This place stirred up my sense of adventure as I hopped on my bike with map in hand to explore the forgotten temples peaking out from above the trees. As popular as it is, you can always find a peaceful corner, away from the crowds. Lying back against the broken ledge, staring up at the open sky, I felt a deep connection to this magnificent place. To read more about our visit to Bagan, check out this link.  

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: Tongariro Alpine Crossing

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The Tongariro Alpine Crossing is often promoted as New Zealand’s greatest single-day hike – maybe even the world’s. The spectacular 19.4 km track winds its way through the country’s oldest National Park and a dual World Heritage Area. The hike passes through alpine landscape, old lava fields, and even past a steaming volcano that erupted just three years ago. The place was made even more famous by its appearance in the Lord of the Ring movies as the setting for Mount Doom. Continue reading →

Photo of the Week: Sunshine

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IMG_4734Porto, Portugal

This weekend I turned another year older, inching my way to the big 4-0.  Recently I noticed that time seems to be flying by too quickly, so moments like this have to be appreciated.  This photo was taken last year in Porto, one of my favorite cities in Europe.  We walked to the top of Miradouro da Vitória and stopped to enjoy the warm sunshine.  

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: Rotorua

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After a short visit to the home of the hobbits, we continued on to Rotorua, a city best known for its dynamic thermal activity and Maori culture.  Its location in the middle of an active Taupo Volcanic Zone, makes Rotorua a geothermal hot spot. The intense subterranean heat feeds into the numerous natural vents, hot pools, and mud pits found in and around the area.  The concentration of hydrogen sulphide emission gives it it’s nickname as the “Sulphur City”. Even with the unpleasant “rotten eggs” smell that lingers in the air, Rotorua is still one of the most popular and most frequented cities in the North Island.   Continue reading →

Photo of the Week: Mosaic

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IMG_0599New York, USA

It was a nice afternoon, so we decided to go for a walk to the Bethesda Fountain, our favorite place in Central Park.  The sun was filtering into the subterranean arcade lighting up the distinctive ornate interior.  The details of the magnificent Minton Tile ceiling have attracted many visitors to this spot over the years.  The  interior, filled with 15,000 colorful tiles, also has brilliant acoustics.  The place is always filled with beautiful music since there is never a shortage of performers.

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.