Photo of the Week: Chedi

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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.

Rio de Janeiro: Street Arts

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In Rio de Janeiro, street art can be found everywhere from the walls of the favelas to buildings in upper class neighborhoods. The graffiti and artwork are both bold and diverse. The ever-evolving Brazilian street art scene was further fostered by a law that was passed in 2009 that decriminalized graffiti.  Like many other cities around world, street art in Brazil is completely legal if done with the consent of the owner. Continue reading →

Eating in Rio

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Rio is often known for its gorgeous beaches and natural attractions, but you’ll be missing out if you don’t try the amazing food. It’s normal to over-indulge when you visit Brazil.  The country’s rich history and diverse culture results in a mix of cuisine  with flavors influenced from Africa, Portugal, and Japan. The city’s unique atmosphere makes the eating and drinking experience even more enjoyable. It’s no surprise that the people here love to eat, especially meat. From street food to traditional BBQs to upscale restaurants, there is a place to suit every palette.  The meals in Rio can be long drawn out affairs with many side dishes.  The remarkable thing is how everyone manages stay fit after so much food!  Based on our short stay, here are a few places to eat and drink in Rio:

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Photo of the Week: Carrick-a-Rede

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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.

Things I wish I knew

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I was a chubby little monster

Today I turned 36, that was almost my mother’s age when she left Vietnam.  She traveled half-way across the world, and left everyone and everything she knew in order to give her family the opportunities she didn’t have.  That level of self-sacrifice seems so adult and mature to me.  I am half way through my 30s and I still feel like a little kid; not to say that I didn’t have my own challenges that I had to overcome. But I am going to take this opportunity on my birthday to reflect on the things I’ve learned in my 30s that I wish I knew earlier.  I’ve condensed my ‘wisdom’ into a nice short list, one for each year:

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Photo of the Week: Paradise

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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.

Trip Report: Tanzania

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Close your eyes and imagine a wide open savanna.  On one side you see giraffes languidly grazing beneath an acacia tree. On the other, zebra trotting across the dusty road on their way to another pasture.  Off in the distance a herd of antelope prancing across the high grass.  Hidden somewhere out there are a pride of lions, patiently waiting for their prey.  Continue reading →

Photo of the Week: Ephesus

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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.

Zanzibar: Beach Life

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If you want to get away from the stress of every day life and relax, head to Zanzibar – one of the most picturesque places on the planet. The island located off the east coast of Tanzania was once a major center of trade, that has turned into a vacationer’s dream paradise. Imagine soft white sand beaches that stretch on for miles and turquoise blue water so clear that you can see all the way to the bottom.   The air is warm and rich with local spices grown here in abundance.  The island invites people to its shores and keeps them longing to return again.

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