photo of the week

Photo of the Week: Walled-City

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IMG_8359San Juan, Puerto Rico

San Juan is Puerto Rico’s capital and largest city, founded in 1509. Its convenient location on the Atlantic coast makes it one of the busiest harbors in the Caribbean. The charming city is full of colorful colonial architecture and massive fortresses that overlook the Atlantic ocean. The layered defenses of forts, ramparts, and cannons have guarded the walled city for centuries. 

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: Contrast

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IMG_20140321_025820273_HDRDubai, UAE

During our long weekend trip to Dubai a few years ago, we stayed at Le Meridian Mina Seyahi, a beachfront resort located right in the heart of the city.  A few minutes of walking from our hotel room brought us to the crystal clear water of the Persian Gulf, where we could look straight through the water and see many tiny fishes.  Another interesting feature about the beach is the fact that you can look up behind you and see the skyscrapers of Dubai in the background.  This picture perfectly captured that contrast between the laid back beach vibes and the sleek tall buildings of the modern city nearby.

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: Nightscape

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IMG_6452Hong Kong, China

One of my favorite views of Hong Kong is from the top of Victoria Peak. The Peak, as it’s known locally, is the most popular tourist attraction in the city. From this vantage point, you can see the glittering panoramic view of the harbor, lit up by the surrounding skyscrapers. To get to the top you can either take the Peak Tram or a bus. The tram is more fun and a shorter direct trip to the top, but due to the high demand the wait to get on can take hours.  The bus is cheaper with less waiting, but the ride up the mountain can take about an hour.  Either option is not too appealing, but if it’s your first time in the city, this view is not to be missed.  

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: Eiffel Tower

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IMG_4299Paris, France

This photo, taken from the top of the Arc de Triomphe while looking down the tree-lined Avenue d’Léna with the Eiffel Tower in the distance perfectly epitomizes the city of Paris for me. The location of the monument at the center of the Place Charles de Gaulle, makes it the perfect lookout to admire this beautiful city.  From here you can see all the way down the Champs-Élysées as well as many other notable landmarks around the city.  The Arc de Triomphe was erected to honor all the soldiers who fought and died for France in the French Revolutionary and Napoleonic Wars.

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: Oculus

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IMG_20160827_150141

New York, USA

I finally made it down to the new World Trade Center Path station.  Earlier this year the downtown transportation hub finally opened to the public after years of construction and delays.  The highly anticipated structure was designed by renowned Spanish architect Santiago Calatrava, to resemble a a bird-in-flight.  The stunning $4 Billion dollar building opened to mix reviews.  The large open area in the center is known as the Oculus, and connects the train station, the September 11th Memorial plaza, and the many high-end retail shops.  Inside the main hall, the sun pours through the steel and glass design giving the feel of an open space.  Have you been inside the new World Trade Center Path station?  Do you think it was worth the hefty price tag?

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: Island

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IMG_7263Coco Plum, Belize

Every once in awhile, I’ll look back at some of the old photos I’ve taken on my trips and relive the memorable moments.  One of my favorite trips was to the island of Coco Plum, a small private island off of the coast of Belize surrounded by crystal clear water and all kinds of sea life.  There are no TVs or computers on the island, making it the perfect place to un-tether.

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: Autumn

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IMG_8613 New York, USA

What  a difference a week makes!  Last week I was still wearing shorts and tank tops, walking around the city, complaining about the heat.  This week, a cold front officially moved in heralding the arrival of Fall.  Although it’s hard to tell by looking at the green leaves on the trees, I guess they didn’t get the memo.  I have mixed feelings when it comes to Fall.  It’s true that the heat has dissipated and it’s finally bearable to walk around the city again.  The park is gorgeous this time of year in varying shades of red, orange, and yellow.   The part that I don’t like so much is the progressively shorter days and the eminent threat of freezing weather around the corner.  Here’s to hoping that Fall lasts a little longer this year.

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: Canoe

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IMG_8918Hartcourt, Canada

Last week signaled the end of summer, but I am not ready to let it go just yet.  Before I officially say good bye to warm summer nights, walks by the beach, and of course smelly subway stations, I wanted to share this photo of one of my fondest memories of this summer.  Our family got together and rented a cottage by Lake Miskwabi where we spent a few blissful days eating, swimming, and exploring. Spending time with the people I love in such an idyllic setting is the epitome of the perfect summer.  Now I am ready to welcome Fall with her brisk breezes and lovely colors.

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: Freedom

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IMG_4979Dachau, Germany

Standing at the entrance of the Dachau concentration camp, it’s impossible to remain unemotional. This place in particular, brings to life the inhumanity of Hitler’s regime. This was the first of the Nazi concentration camps opened in 1933 by Gestapo Chief Heinrich Himmler, and was used as a prototype for the many others that sprang up around Europe.   Over 200,000 Jews and other political prisoners were imprisoned here until the camp was finally liberated on April 29, 1945. The the iron gate with the ironic motto “Arbeit macht frei” (“Work will set you free”) belied the horrors that happened inside.  Once you entered, the only freedom was death.

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: Walkway

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IMG_5971Dresden, Germany

Last year, on our whirlwind trip around Eastern Europe, we visited Dresden, a small town in Germany with an interesting history.  It used to be the capital of Saxony before getting completely destroyed by bombers during WWII.  Most of the historic center has been reconstructed over the years to bring it back to its former glory.  

One of my favorite places is the Zwinger palace, the most beautiful structure you’ll see in Dresden or perhaps even Germany. The buildings are connected by a series of walkways that are lined with an interesting mix of Rococo sculptures and statues.  This particular path passes right over the Crown Gate, the well-known entrance into the interior courtyard.  

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.