photography

Photo of the Week: St. Peter’s

/ lifeafter9to5 / 1 Comment

IMG_1987Vatican City

We’re back! Happy New Year everyone.  The first post of 2015 is a photo taken from our first trip together back in 2007 to Italy.  Memories!

We made the pilgrimage to the Vatican and scaled the 551 steps of winding narrow stairs to get to the top of St Peter’s basilica.  This is the sweeping panoramic view from the top of the dome overlooking the square and the rest of Rome in the distance. We fell in love with the ancient city and it helped ignite our love of traveling.

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.

On the Road: Day 16 in Melbourne

/ lifeafter9to5 / Leave a comment

IMG_3146

This picture was taken from inside the Atrium in Federation Square. Today is our last day in Australia before we head back to a snowy New York.  It is very hard to say goodbye to this beautiful country and all the friendly people we’ve met along the way.  Our trip was full of great food and amazing memories that we won’t soon forget.

On the Road: Day 14 on the Great Ocean Road

/ lifeafter9to5 / 1 Comment

IMG_2794

Three words: epic road trip. This morning we picked up our tiny car and made our way south on the Great Ocean Road.  This scenic route zigzags along the shore providing spectacular views of the coast.  The Australian coast line is full of jagged cliffs towering over the deep blue ocean. After a long drive, we ended our day at Port Campbell just in time to see the sunset over the Twelve Apostles.

On the Road: Day 13 at Ayer’s Rock

/ lifeafter9to5 / Leave a comment

IMG_1870

We woke up early today to go to the base of Ayer’s rock for a short hike before heading to Melbourne for the final leg of our trip.  Every time we approach Uluru, we are still awestruck by how massive it is looming in the horizon.  Up close at the base, the rock rises up like a red mountain.  Surprisingly, there is a lot of green vegetation around for what is referred to as a desert.  Walking the path along the base of the rock, we learned about the history of the Aboriginal tribes that used to live in this area. Uluru was their sacred site, their livelihood and their shelter.

On the Road: Day 12 in Uluru

/ lifeafter9to5 / 1 Comment

IMG_1458

We arrived in Uluru today and it’s sweltering hot here in the desert. I mean sweat pouring off your face, hide in your room, 45 degrees Celsius hot.  In the late afternoon, we finally ventured out to watch the Wakagetti cultural dancers.  The dancers  performed authentic  Aboriginal dances passed down through the generations.

On the Road: Day 10 in Daintree Rainforest

/ lifeafter9to5 / Leave a comment

IMG_0947

Today we left the Whitsundays behind and headed up north to Cairns.  Upon leaving the airport, the first thing we noticed is how unbearably hot it is with the sun beating down on you relentlessly. Driving towards Port Douglas, the landscape was a mix of rainforest and sandy beaches, separated by a road in the middle.  With the mountain ranges in the distance, it made me feel like I was in Hawaii again. 

We spent the afternoon hiking around the Daintree rainforest.   This is my favorite picture of the day because of the soft glow created by the afternoon sun filtering through the forest canopy.  The ferns growing on the vine almost looks like hairs standing on end. 

On the Road: Day 8 in Whitehaven

/ lifeafter9to5 / Leave a comment

IMG_0580

Blue sky, white sand, clear water. Paradise is the perfect word to describe Whitehaven, one of the most beautiful beaches I’ve ever been to.  The clear water reflects the blue sky, creating varying shades of turquoise.  The sand is so fine and white, it feels like baby powder on your feet. This place might have ruined all other beaches for me.

On the Road: Day 5 in Sydney

/ lifeafter9to5 / Leave a comment

IMG_0218

If you’ve ever watched Masterchef Australia then you should be familiar with the ‘Snow Egg’ created by Peter Gilmore.  On our last day in Sydney, we splurged and went to Quay to experience this signature dish first hand.  The meal built crescendo as each course out-performed the last, ending with this memorable dessert.