photography

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.

6 Things to Do in Porto

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Porto was love at first sight for me, and even spring showers did not make the city any less beautiful.  Everything from the lively riverfront, to the quirky street art, to the colorful azulejos made me smile.  I loved wandering down old alleyways and looking up at charming apartments that were just a little rundown.  I loved relaxing on the bench at Jardim do Palácio de Cristal, taking in the sunshine and the view.  I loved sitting in the rickety tram, watching seagulls soar over the Atlantic and breathing in the bracing ocean air. There are many things to do in Porto, most of which are free:

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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.

Porto: Self Guided Walking Tour

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I have to admit, Porto was not high on my list of places to visit. I actually only came based on my sister’s recommendation, but in the end I couldn’t have been happier with that decision. I’ve  traveled to many cities around the world and indiscriminately loved them all, but there are few that hold on to my heart just a little bit longer, and Porto is one of them. It’s not flashy, but it doesn’t need to be and it exudes a quiet old-world charm and laid back vibe that some of the other cities lack.  

Porto is a coastal city in northwest Portugal, known for its Port wines. Portugal’s second-largest city comes with all the history and allure of Lisbon but minus the crowds, congestion, and price-gouging.   Not having gained the notoriety of other more well known European cities, it’s not as expensive as Paris or London, and it’s not as filled with tourists as Prague. 

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Eating in Porto

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A long drawn out dinner filled with good cheap wine and hearty food was our experience while eating in Porto, a city that is about so much more than port wine. The dining scene in Porto has evolved over the years to become the next food destination of Europe.  The unpretentious authentic northern Portuguese cuisine revolves around fresh local produce with delicacies such as francesinhas, sardinhas, and bacalhau taking center stage.  We had many memorable dishes from a cheesy, oozy sandwich to freshly grilled fish. Here are a few of the restaurants we’ve visited during our stay in Porto: Continue reading →

Photo of the Week: Lines

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IMG_5284Chicago, USA

The ultra modern Pritzker Pavilion serves as the centerpiece for Millennium Park and home to the Grant Park Music Festival, as well as many other outdoor music performances throughout the year.  Frank Gehry’s creative design of interlocking steel trellis spanning the great lawn gives a futuristic feel to the space, and the tall buildings provide the perfect backdrop to this beautiful setting. 

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.

Day 7: On the Road in Sintra

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The picturesque town of Sintra, has long been a sanctuary for royalty and is known for their many fairy-tale castles and colorful palaces from the Romantic period. My favorite is Quinta da Regaleira, with its beautiful palace and extensive grounds filled with little pockets of gardens and secret tunnels.  One of these tunnels lead to a tall spiraling well that was used for secretive initiation rites many years ago.

Day 6: On the Road in Cabo da Roca

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On the sixth day of our travel, we made it out to Cabo da Roca, the westernmost point of Europe.  The startling jagged cliffs dropped sharply down to the turbulent Atlantic ocean.  The powerful bracing wind whipped across my face, mixing the briny ocean air with the sweet smelling grass.  The setting sun covered by the thin layer of cloud and fog, cast a grey shadow over the rock face giving the place a wild rugged feel.

Day 4: On the Road in Lisboa

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Carmo Convent, located high on the hills of Lisbon was once the largest church in Lisbon.  A devastating earthquake in 1755 destroyed most of the building, with the roof caving in on the congregation as they were attending mass.  Today the ruin, with its skeletal remains, soaring arches, and roofless nave create a startling sight for visitors.

Day 2: On the Road in Foz do Duoro

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On the second day we headed out to Foz do Douro and Matosinhos, small seaside towns just north of Porto.  It’s possible to walk there from the Porto city center by following the paved walkway that winds along the coastline, however it will take about 1-2 hours. On a nice day, you will find a lot of people out on the beach.  The aesthetic and layout of this place reminded me of the beaches of Rio de Janeiro, which is not surprising since Brazil was settled by the Portuguese.