photography

Day 1: On the Road in Porto

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We finally made it to Porto after a roundabout flight to London.  Having heard so much about this quiet city from my sister, I couldn’t wait to see it for myself and had high expectations. The city itself reminds me of a lot of other European cities, but the difference is that it’s laid back and not overrun with tourists.  I immediately fell in love with the rambling cobblestone streets lined with charming colorful apartments and their balconies filled with flowers.  The city is small and walk-able, a definite bonus.  Even with the rolling hills it was still easy to get around.  We spent the first day exploring the city and immersing ourselves in the local culture.  It doesn’t hurt that we are staying in an apartment instead of a hotel, making us feel even more like a local.

Trip Report: Myanmar

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Now is an exciting time to travel to Myanmar (Burma). Having had their first democratic election last year, the country is rapidly changing.  On the precipice of a new era, the once isolated nation is opening itself up and everyone is taking notice.  Even with all the changes, a lot of things are staying the same. This is a country steeped in tradition, and it’s not unusual to see people still wear the traditional longyi, covered in thanakha, and chewing betel leaves.  In rural areas, there are still plenty of people traveling around in horse carts.  It’s quite rare to find a country that’s not  filled with Starbucks and McDonald’s.  Myanmar right now is what I imagined Thailand was maybe 20 years ago. So what are you waiting for?  Here are the cost breakdown of our trip to Myanmar to help you plan yours: Continue reading →

Photo of the Week: Bosphorus Strait

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Istanbul (986)Istanbul, Turkey

The city of Istanbul straddles two continents, Europe and Asia.  With its strategic location on the Bosphorus peninsula between the Mediterranean and the Black Seas, it has attracted many conquering armies over the centuries.  It has also had lead to a mix of East and West culture that has made the city one of the most unique in the world. This picture was taken from the Bosphorus Strait where the ancient Hagia Sophia and the Blue Mosque stand out prominently in the city skyline.

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.

5 Things to do in Ngapali

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Ngapali is a beach paradise, not unlike those of Thailand or Vietnam; the only difference is that it is still relatively unknown and uncrowded – at least for now.  It is easily accessible from the major airport hubs around the country like Yangon, Bagan or Mandalay via a short domestic flight.  This untouched destination is known for its crystal clear water, fluffy white sand and fresh seafood.  For more information on Ngapali beach, check out our other post.  Below are five things to do while you’re in Ngapali Beach. Continue reading →

Getting to Know Ngapali

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After traveling through Myanmar for 11 days, we were tired of temples and stupas and ready for some R&R at the beach. Ngapali is a sleepy fishing village that has not quite attained the international recognition the beaches in Vietnam or Thailand have. Its white sand and clear blue waters have cemented its status as the premier beach in Myanmar, however. Overlooking the Bay of Bengal, Ngapali beach is located about 7 km from the town of Thandwe. This idyllic palm-lined beach was found years ago by a homesick Italian reminiscing about Napoli.  The laid back vibe here makes it the perfect location for some peace and quiet to recharge for a few days before heading back to reality. Continue reading →

Photo of the Week: Green Space

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IMG_3736Paris, France

This photo was taken at the top of the Eiffel Tower, looking down onto the Champ de Mars.  This public green space is always filled with people playing, relaxing, or picnicking right under the shadow of France’s most iconic landmark.  It’s also a great place to enjoy the dazzling light show at night.  Instead of spending the 4 hours in line waiting to go up the Eiffel Tower, the time is better spent on the green lawn with a bottle of wine, a nice spread of cheese, and a baguette – you know, sightseeing Parisian style.

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.

Bagan in Pictures

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Have you ever fallen in love with a place before you even got there?   Ever since the first time I saw a picture of Bagan at sunrise, I obsessively scoured Instagram  looking through other people’s photos, dreaming of a time when I would be there myself.  My dream came true last year when I finally got to explore the Burmese plains and took  over 3,000 photos during the 3 days that I was there.  Even the great explorer, Marco Polo was in awe of this place, calling it “one of the finest sights in the world”. Continue reading →

Photo of the Week: Prayer

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IMG_5642Sukhothai, Thailand

Sukhothai was the capital on the once mighty Kingdom of Siam, which flourished in the 13th and 14th centuries. This prosperous period is considered the golden age of Thai civilization.  Today, all that remains of the kingdom is the 45 sq km historical park that contains the ruins of ancient sites. 

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.

Getting to Know Bagan

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The ancient city of Bagan,  located on the banks of the Ayeyarwady River,  is home to over 4,000  Buddhist temples, pagodas, and stupas. It is one of the world’s greatest archaeological sites, rivaling that of Angkor Wat, with ruins dating back to as far as the 11th and 12th centuries. Over half of the original temples have managed to survive the years.  The stunning images of temples peaking through the canopy of trees is THE reason why I wanted to come to Myanmar.   The reality was every part as amazing as I imagined. Continue reading →

Photo of the Week: Japanese Garden

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IMG_4432 New York City, USA

This weekend is Sakura Matsuri, the 35th annual cherry blossom festival at the Brooklyn Botanic Garden.  It’s the peak time to see all the beautiful spring flowers in bloom. This picture was taken on a stroll of the Japanese garden, a little piece of calmness in the center of chaos.  It was a beautiful Saturday and thousands of people made the trip to Prospect Park not just to enjoy the flowers but to take in the colorful cosplay and and performances at the festival.  

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.