photo of the week

Photo of the Week: Top of the Rock

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IMG_9337New York, New York

My sister came to visit this past week, which gave me the perfect excuse to play tourist in my own city.  One of the places that I’ve always wanted to go to, but never been is Top of the Rock.  From the observation deck, you can see all the way downtown with the Empire State Building front and center.  The pricey ticket of $32 per person will get you access to the top floors, or you can skip all of that and just go to Bar 65 for a drink.  The restaurant is only 2 stories down, with essentially the same view and no admission cost.  You can use the money you would have paid and get yourself a nice cocktail instead.  Sipping a spatini while you admire the New York skyline at sunset is probably not a bad thing to do. 

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: Cistern

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Istanbul (853)Istanbul, Turkey

Recently, Turkey has been dominating the news cycle for all the wrong reasons.  People  have started to associate the country with turmoil and military coups, but the Turkey I fell in love with all those years ago was a country rich in culture and history.  It’s Euro-Asian location offers unique blend of Eastern and Western influences that makes Istanbul one-of-a-kind.  One of the most interesting things I learned is that there are hundreds of ancient cisterns hidden beneath the city, used to store and supply water to the residents.  Pictured above is the Basilica Cistern, the largest of its kind, located right in the heart of the city.  At first glance, the tall striking columns and the somber lighting make the space look more like a sacred temple than a water reservoir.

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: Band

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IMG_5934New Orleans, USA

One of the things I love about New Orleans is the live music. At the birthplace of jazz music, you can find it on the street corner, in a club and every where in between.  While walking around Jackson Square , we ran into a full band ensemble playing a rousing rendition of ‘When the Saints Go Marching In’ .  The exuberant music creates a lively atmosphere.  It’s not unusual to see people dancing down the busy street.

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: 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.

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.

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.

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.

Photo of the Week: Hot Springs

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IMG_6199La Fortuna, Costa Rica

This picture was taken at the Tabacón  hot springs – located at the northern base of Arenal Volcano. The geothermal springs are heated naturally by the magma found in the earth’s core. The mineral-rich natural springs are surrounded by lush tropical foliage and serene cascading waterfalls creating a paradise setting, perfect for relaxation after a long day of trekking through the rainforest. 

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.