In October we toured the upper Midwest to take in vibrant fall colors. We circumnavigated Lake Michigan by driving through Wisconsin, around the Upper Peninsula of Michigan, ending in Holland. Our timing was perfect, and the sugar maples, birches and ash were in full autumnal splendor. If a leaf-peeping tour is on your list of things to do, consider Wisconsin and Michigan as an option. Friendly, helpful people, amazing scenery, varied and innovative dining options along with a 150-year-old history of fishing and logging make this a must visit destination.
This medieval city dates to the 9th century and by the 11th century was the largest trading port in the Hanseatic League. Trade was supplanted by wealthy English and French tourists starting in the second half of the 19th century. The original medieval city experienced a renaissance with restorations of residential and commercial structures subsequently receiving European Capital of Culture designation in 2002. Since then, it has been a popular destination for tourists from around the world. An interesting city, Bruges is worth a few days detour on the trek from Paris to Amsterdam. Go for it’s historic gothic architecture, it’s cuisine and of course it’s wonderful beer.
Susan and I spent 12 wonderful days in Vienna visiting their Christmas markets and fell in love with this beautiful, enticing city. We attended opera, chamber, or an orchestral performance almost every day. While Vienna is a modern city, it retains an old-world charm typical of Austria. The people are friendly, yet formal; the local wines delightful, the cuisine is international and innovative. The museums are among the best in the world and musical options are second to none, set in magnificent palaces and buildings dating from the 18th and 19th centuries. With so much to enjoy in Vienna, it is a city that we look forward to visiting again soon.
Porto is known for it’s medieval winding streets, it’s many churches and cathedrals and it’s original and interesting cuisine. An outpost of the Roman Empire, it is one of Europe’s oldest cities and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Walking the narrow and winding streets up from the river provided an endless number of opportunities to sightsee, shop and dine. Walking along the Rio Douro on either the Ribeira or Vila Nova de Gaia side one passes cafes and restaurants offering al fresco dining and entertainment with a beautiful cityscape unfolding before you reflected in the river beneath the Eiffel designed Dom Luis I suspension bridge. While we were in Porto for 9 days the time passed too quickly, and we look forward to returning to Oporto again soon.
Located on the North Coast of Spain along the Bay of Biscay, San Sebastian is one of the most beautiful and enchanting places we’ve ever visited. Parte Vieja, originally a walled city until late 1800’s, offers a mix of shopping, casual and fine dining along with historical sightseeing and the highest density of bars in Europe. Playa de La Concha, a wide sand beach surrounds the Bahia de La Concha providing a protective bay for swimming and anchoring or just sitting in the Café de La Concha enjoying the view, anchovies and a glass of Txakoli. If travelling to Spain, making a stop in this capital of Basque culture should not be missed.
Starting in 1982 with just 20 hot air balloons the Reno Balloon Race was originally conceived to fill the weekend between the State Fair and the Reno Air Races, since then it has become an event unto itself. Forty-one years later with more than 100 balloons taking flight, it attracts upwards of 150,000 attendees over the 3-day run and has become a beloved community tradition. All in all, it was an interesting day to see something new and different and be among a happy group of people celebrating lighter than air flight. I would recommend the Great Reno Balloon Race as something everyone in the area should experience at least once.
Edinburgh is the crown jewel of Scotland with beautiful architecture, lovely people, interesting and varied cuisine and a lively cultural scene. We explored the churches and cathedrals, castles and fortresses, shops, restaurants and the many pubs where one could pop in for a warming whisky.
A Scottish settlement since 950 AD, it was founded as a royal burgh by King David I in the early 12th century. Today Edinburgh is rich with history, culture and bustles with creative energy. As a destination or a jumping off point to touring the rest of Scotland, Edinburgh is a must visit city for anyone interested in Scottish culture and history.
A Scottish settlement since 950 AD, it was founded as a royal burgh by King David I in the early 12th century. Today Edinburgh is rich with history, culture and bustles with creative energy. As a destination or a jumping off point to touring the rest of Scotland, Edinburgh is a must visit city for anyone interested in Scottish culture and history.
The first European Christmas market dates to 1296 in Vienna, Austria when Duke Albrecht I authorized a 14-day fair in the month of December. Today Christkindlemarkt generally run from November 19th through December 25th and feature local delicacies, seasonal drinks, a variety of cooked meats and regional holiday ornaments and items for sale. They are also a place where people stop by with their friends for a mug of gluhwein or rum punsch and maybe a sausage or leberkase sandwich. At night, which comes early in this part of the world, the markets take on a wonder and beauty that’s hard to describe. If you like tradition, cultural sophistication and architectural beauty Salzburg and Vienna should be on your must visit list abroad.
Berlin is a modern city; dynamic and artistic, it is one of the cultural, creative, and economic centers of Europe. These B&W photos capture the beauty and sometimes starkness of Berlin’s architecture, memorials and civic places. The city is many things, including an historical reminder of the need to be ever vigilant to avoid the nationalist predilections fervent in today’s world.
San Miguel de Allende is a beautiful small town located in the central Mexico highlands. A perfect example of Spanish Baroque Neoclassical colonial architecture, San Miguel de Allende has retained its originality and is a world heritage site. Cobblestone streets and Spanish buildings dating from the 1500’s makes visiting a step back in time. Wonderful people, beautiful architecture, authentic cuisine, art galleries and cultural attractions make San Miguel de Allende a great place to visit for a few days or to spend the season.
During the 1700’s – 1900’s Glasgow was a hub of international trade with China, the Americas and East India. Located on the River Clyde it was also a shipbuilding port home to more than 40 shipyards building thousands of ships over the several hundred years of active construction. Today Glasgow is the largest city in Scotland with 5 universities, 11 museums and an active arts scene, great restaurants and historical sites around every corner
Spring is a perfect time to visit Seattle. The city and neighboring islands are lovely and welcoming with beautiful public spaces, and plenty of great things to see and do. Located in the Pacific Northwest there is an abundance of fish, shellfish and oysters in varieties not available anywhere else in the country. With so much to do and see, and so much dining to savor, there is always something to look forward to on our next visit.
Fremont Street dates to the earliest days of Las Vegas history. It’s casinos welcomed patrons prior to the first Nevada gambling licenses issued in 1931. Re-named Glitter Gulch in 1946 Fremont Street remained active as development continued south on Las Vegas Blvd. In 1995, to counter the decline, the Fremont Street Experience opened surrounded by casinos, restaurants, and clubs. Today Fremont Street is an edgy counterpoint to the homogenized and family-safe fun on Las Vegas Blvd. One gets a sense that this is how it used to be, when taking a chance really meant something. If you become bored with the same old shows and walking through one themed casino after another, a trip to Fremont Street might just be the thing.
Oban is a beautiful little village, inhabited since the 1600’s, coming into prominence as a modern town upon the founding of the Oban Distillery in 1794. With a perfect horseshoe harbor, it is home to ferries, passenger vessels and an active fishing fleet. In summer it is also a popular jumping off point to many island destinations in the Inner and Outer Hebrides. Rain was omnipresent during our visit to Scotland and Oban was no exception. It rained all or most of everyday, which does not really keep the Scots indoors or slow things down. What is it they say? There is no such thing as bad weather, only bad clothes.
Inviting and alluring, like most great cities Florence, Italy comes alive with a completely different perspective at night. The more time one spends there the more you realize that there is so much more to see, experience and enjoy in this lovely city. Once the center of European trade and one of the wealthiest cities in the world today it offers an overabundance of art museums, public squares, palaces, and cathedrals combined with a vibrant culture and cuisine it is truly our favorite place to visit in Italy.
The Texas Hill Country is a wonderful region full of historic little settlements, tranquil rivers and lakes, beautiful scenery, legendary BBQ joints, and 100-year-old bars. A fusion of Spanish and German influences in music, architecture, and cuisine Hill Country has a distinctive Texan culture separate from the more Southern and Southwestern influences in the state. A worthy destination for anyone interested in Texas history, beautiful scenery and a laid-back lifestyle.
The Willamette River valley extends south of Portland for 150 miles and is bordered by the Cascade Range to the east and the Oregon Coast Range to the west. A land of “milk and honey” it was the primary destination for wagon trains heading west on the Oregon Trail. Today the Willamette Valley AVA is the country’s premier pinot noir wine region with over 650 wineries spread over 9 separate AVA sub-appellations. With beautiful countryside and wonderful people, the Willamette Valley is a must go destination for lovers of fine wine.
Waiheke Island is one of my favorite places to visit in the world. Located 40-minutes from downtown Auckland by ferry, Waiheke offers rolling hills, tranquil beaches, and beautiful vineyards making it a great place to get away. One easily gets into a routine of exploring during the day, lunching at one of the many vineyards and walking to a local beach to watch the sunset. Overcome by the island’s natural beauty and the kindness and warmth of the locals we find Waiheke to be a place we would like to spend more time, maybe even a season or two.
A visit to Bavaria last autumn afforded the opportunity to visit Neuschwanstein and Hohenschwangau Castles. Hohenschwangau was built on a hill overlooking the lake Alpsee in the 12th Century, remodeled over the next 600-years and serving as summer and hunting lodge to generations of Bavarian royalty. Neuschwanstein Castle built on the rock outcropping above Hohenschwangau is a stunning example of 19th Century Romansque Revival architecture. Inspired by the operas of Richard Wagner, one can only imagine the fairy-tale like existence living here must have been. Beautiful, imposing, and whimsical this World Heritage Site is a must see for anyone touring about Southern Bavaria.
Founded in the year 696 as a salt mining and trading city on the banks of the River Salzach, Salzburg has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1996. Known for its historic city center, Baroque architecture and a medieval hilltop fortress, Salzburg is beautifully sited in the shadows of the Austrian Alps. It is also the birthplace of Mozart who performed and composed in Salzburg’s cathedrals and fortresses.
A visit to Salzburg is many things; classical musical performances, mountain vistas, magnificent architecture, an interesting and original cuisine, a friendly and gracious people offering an insight into a more formal and reserved time in history.
A visit to Salzburg is many things; classical musical performances, mountain vistas, magnificent architecture, an interesting and original cuisine, a friendly and gracious people offering an insight into a more formal and reserved time in history.
On a recent visit to Prague, Susan and I took a bus ride three hours south to Cesky Krumlov. This small town situated in pastoral countryside along the Vitava River was originally settled in 1240 and is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Close to the Austrian border, it has fantastic Gothic, Renaissance and Baroque styles of architecture evident in the castle, gardens, churches and old town. Cesky Krumlov is a bit out of the way, but worth visiting for the counterpoint it offers to the city of Prague. A step back in time quaint Cesky Krumlov offers a small-town European feel that is getting harder and harder to find.
London is a remarkable city anytime of the year but is particularly beautiful during the holiday season. From Southbank to Mayfair, The City to Kensington, buildings, streets and public squares were decorated for the holidays. It’s easy to see why people come to London from around the world to shop; the volume of places, the quality and the specialty is beyond amazing. For centuries London was the center of royal power and influence spreading to every corner of the planet. With a history going back over 2000 years today’s London is one of the cultural and financial capitals of the world and a thoroughly enjoyable place to visit.
Prague in the Czech Republic is one of the most beautiful, romantic and culturally interesting places we’ve visited. As an economic, political and cultural center of Central Europe it has a history rare among European cities. It’s architecture spans Romanesque, Gothic, Renaissance and Baroque periods. The many castles, churches, bridges and cathedrals dating back to the Romanesque period are all are on display in their original condition. We found Prague to be wonderful in every way and we’re already planning a trip back to the Czech Republic…
We took off for a week on the Maine coast with the expressed goal of eating our weight in lobster, crab, oysters and clams. Using Bar Harbor as a base we explored Acadia National Park and the various fishing settlements on the island taking in the scenic beauty and culinary delights the region has on offer. It’s easy to see why Down East Maine has maintained its attraction for centuries. We are already planning our next adventure Down East. Did somebody say lobster?
While visiting Singapore last month, Susan and I spent a day walking about Kampong Glam, an ethnic enclave allocated for use by Malays and other Muslims by Sir Stamford Raffles in 1819. Today Kampong Glam is a vibrant and exciting community with restaurants, shophouses, art galleries and bars. Sometimes termed the “Muslim Quarter” this population still maintains a significant presence. Kampong translates to village, Glam is thought to be derived from the “gelam” tree that was previously prevalent in the area. A wonderful ethnic part of Singapore it is a recommended must see for all visitors interested in local Malay history, culture and its peoples.
Susan and I travelled through New Zealand’s Northland with friends to explore the earliest European settlements, unspoiled rain forests and native Maori historic sights. We travelled by SUV using roads, paths, ferries and off-road trails to visit remote beaches and small villages while touring through the beautiful countryside. All in all, it was great exposure to a most beautiful part of New Zealand’s North Island and learn of its culture, ways and history. We hope someday to return to experience the regions hospitality and generosity of spirit as well as the cultural and scenic sights that abound.
Susan and I were invited by friends to tour Eastern Malaysia to explore the regional cuisines and cultures of Sarawak and Sabah. We were quick to join the adventure as this is a part of the world that we had not travelled, nor were likely to visit without local knowledge and language support. This trip is one we never forget and will be remembered for the fantastic cuisine, the jungle countryside, beautiful sunsets over the South China Sea, the warm and generous indigenous peoples as well as new friends met and old friends we travelled with along the way. Truly a once in a life-time adventure.
These pictures were taken from the open windows of our room at the Moana Surfrider and while I’m willing to do most anything to get that perfect shot, sitting on the window seat with my camera seemed apropos with the laidback vibe of the Hawaiian Islands. Wonderful people, great restaurants, beautiful beaches, soft tropical breezes, a wide variety of things to see and do and that “view” make this a place we love coming back to. Aloha!
Often called the birthplace of the Renaissance, Florence is endowed with some of the most beautiful sculpture, architecture, ornamental gardens and cathedrals in all of Europe. The abundance of beauty is simply overwhelming. Walking in any direction takes one past some of the most remarkable sights and scenes one can imagine. One could spend the rest of their life here and still not see, experience and appreciate all this wonderful city has to offer.
Visiting Chicago is an anytime of the year treat, but especially so in summertime. A wide variety of things to do awaits the visitor; fantastic museums and displays of art, grand parks, wonderful restaurants for all tastes, great shopping, all within a few minutes walking distance. Great in all seasons, Chicago really is at her best in the summer.
The former Imperial capital of Japan for over one-thousand years, Kyoto is full of historic neighborhoods, beautiful gardens, quiet temples and colorful shrines. Home to the Gion historic district, where Geisha train in their time-honored arts; the lively Nishiki Market where any food related item can be found, KinKaku-ji golden temple and Fushimi Inari-taisha torri shrine, Kyoto has history, culture and beauty in abundance.
Philadelphia has been pivotal in US events since the 1700’s and there is something historic to see around every corner. Independence Hall where the US Constitution was signed in 1789 and holds claim to being the Nations birthplace is surrounded by the First and Second National Banks, historic homes, famous parks, markets and cemeteries . Add to this vibrant neighborhoods and an interesting dining scene and you have a great place to visit.
Dating back to the year 711, Inari is the Shinto god of rice and sake. An awe-inspiring place of beauty, it was hard to image the Fushimi Inari before we arrived. Hiking the paths through the almost continuous vermillion Torii Gates leading to the mountain top was an invigorating, interesting and beautiful experience. Along the way were side paths to miniature shrines and graveyards for private worship and prayer adorned with wooden Ema and small fox statues. One of Japan’s most visited shrines, it is a once in a lifetime visit.
It had been over 20-years since I last visited this beautiful and historic city. Boston has changed, but much is still the same. Boston has history around every corner. It’s almost impossible to walk through the old town and not encounter a building, a street or monument commemorating the revolution, a historic moment in the nations early years or memorial dedicated to contributions of the founding fathers. A must visit place when in the Northeastern US.
Tokyo is a unique place but also reminiscent in ways to NYC. It has distinct neighborhoods which are interesting to visit for its own cultural vibe. We visited nine separate neighborhoods around Tokyo and found all interesting and inviting. No matter what you are looking for its out there. From quiet walks along a canal to exciting night life, high-end retail to rival Fifth Avenue or shops dedicated to kitchen essentials, Tokyo has it all. If you get a chance to visit Japan, go and enjoy the sophistication and culture that makes this island nation special.
Night or day the St. Petersburg waterfront is alive with young and old walking the streets, dining at the numerous restaurants, browsing in galleries and boutiques or just strolling through the park. In the day when more development usually means over development St. Petersburg has through some juxtaposition of vision, money, architecture and geographic location achieved something different and wonderful.
Waikiki is interesting and exciting; beautiful stately pre-WWII hotels sit conspicuously along the beach beside much larger, modern accommodations. Noodle shops are chockablock 4-star dining establishments while street people hustle the crowds in front of the $1000.00/night hotels. In spite of the crowding and crass commercialization Waikiki still retains a visual beauty, an interesting history and wonderful people from around the world.
Milford Sound rightfully holds the reputation as one of the most beautiful places on Earth. A fjord in the New Zealand Southern Alps it is located 3000-miles from the South Pole. Milford airport was closed due to inclement weather but Air Milford landed at a grass strip about 50-miles south of Milford Sound. Being forced to do the fly-drive route was perfect as the last 50-miles going into Milford is the most spectacular scenery Susan and I have ever seen. Once we got to Milford we boarded a boat and ran out through the sound to the Tasman Sea. Partial fog obscured what are usually fantastic views of this awesome fjord, but the rains gave it a magical quality and the waterfalls plentiful flows, a fair trade-off for sure. A wonderful trip we both would like to do again soon.
Susan and I were in Las Vegas for a long weekend and I took the opportunity to travel about and see the sights. From our base at the Bellagio I spent time checking out the amazing architecture, the art and neon museums and of course all of the holiday decorations. Here are a few of my favorite holiday scenes.
Susan and I were fortunate to spend a week in December in Hawaii again this year. Tropic splendor abounds with beautiful beaches, lovely scenery and holiday decoration. Having lived in South Florida and spending time in the Bahamas and Virgin Islands I have an affinity for the tropical life style. Add the mélange of Native Hawaiian, Polynesian and Asian cultures with their respective cuisines and Hawaii ends up being both a diverse and desirable place to visit.
Sometimes a place you visit just seems perfect and to us that place is New Zealand. From cosmopolitan Auckland on the North Island to the outdoor adventure hub of Queenstown in the South, we encountered friendly people, enjoyed the regional cuisine, and were amazed by the most spectacular scenery of anywhere we’ve ever been.
Susan and I spent a couple of days in Chicago earlier this year. Typical for the Midwest it rained every day but the last. With filtered sunlight and wet pavement most cities are actually more beautiful in the rain. Chicago is no exception. Here are my favorite images from the trip.
Susan and I spent a long Memorial Day weekend in New York City. We spent time in the various neighborhoods in the city enjoying the museums, restaurants, theater and vibrant, exciting life on the streets. At home in an urban environment, we enjoy travelling by trains, subways, ferries and on foot and are out and about from the early morning until late at night. Along the way we get to savor what a diverse and dynamic culture that is New York City.
I had two trips to the Midwest in September/October of this year and had a chance to see once again how beautiful this part of the country is when the seasons are changing.
The on-trail scenery was dramatic, the weather was cool and inviting and once you are a hundred yards from the trailhead you were away from the crowds. Above 8700-ft elevation we watched a summer storm move in with thunder and lightning.
Susan and I both found ourselves in New Orleans on business and ended up spending a long weekend in one of our favorite cities in America.
A couple of months ago I was at SFO to meet Susan returning from a trip. I got there early and she ended up being delayed so I rode the SFO Air Train around SFO and took some pictures. Knowing that airports and cameras are not always simpatico and that I was carrying a SLR with big lenses I was curious to see what would happen. Nothing happened. I even chatted up the TSA outside their offices, stood on a mezzanine overlooking a security check point taking pictures and wondered around empty areas looking very suspicious behavior, guess I just looked harmless.
I had the wonderful opportunity to sail with friends on a 54-ft cruising ketch from Tortola BVI to the Turks and Caicos. It was a lovely sail on a fantastic yacht with an experienced crew, great conversation and good weather downwind, down current in the Caribbean. Enjoying wine with dinner and espressos before the 10PM to 2AM watch, life aboard doesn’t get much better than this. We reached with the spinnaker all day and sailed with genoa and staysail all night. Got to experience a few really great sunrises and sunsets, saw pods of dolphins dancing in the bow wake and was mesmerized by the phosphoresce in the water on a moonless night.
La Sagrada Familia is an astonishing church started in 1882 and is still under construction. Located in the center of Barcelona it is a shining example of Gaudi’s genius and vision while also recalling the works of other Catalan artists Miro and Picasso. Susan and I enjoy seeing cathedrals, basilicas, temples, monasteries and other fantastic places of worship and have visited many in the US, the UK and Europe. La Sagrada Familia however is unique among the world’s cathedrals as these pictures pay testament.
Susan and I finally made it to Barcelona over the last Thanksgiving holiday. I’d never been there before and I wish I could have gone there sooner. Beautiful people, great food, inspiring architecture. We spent our days walking through El Barri Gotic, El Born and Eixample, eating tapas, drinking the local beers and in general just enjoying being there. Barcelona was decorated for the holidays unlike any city we’ve ever seen. Every street had its own unique decorative lights. It was fantastic.
Susan and I finally made it back to Paris, one of our favorite cities in the world. We stayed on the Ile de Saint-Louis which is a very quaint and convenient place from which to see the different neighborhoods of Paris. Over four days we spent time in Saint-Germaine, Montmartre, Le Marais and the Tuileries. We toured the Bastille Sunday Market, Basilique du Sacre Coeur, the Latin Quarter, Notre-Dame, Musee de L’Orangerie and attended a string quartet performance at Sainte Chappelle.
With the highest population density of any European city Amsterdam is buzzing with pedestrians, bicycles, trains, trams, boats, buses and cabs. It’s amazing to see everyone travel about so easily and efficiently without getting in each other’s way. Amsterdam is also a lovely city to take photographs, with bustling city streets and canals framing every shot it’s hard not to find it picturesque.
All images were taken with Fuji X100s 35mm, f2.0 in Velvia film mode except for the East India “Amsterdam” which was taken with a Samsung S4 smart phone.
All images were taken with Fuji X100s 35mm, f2.0 in Velvia film mode except for the East India “Amsterdam” which was taken with a Samsung S4 smart phone.
I flew to Albuquerque where I joined my friend Paul for a two-lane, high-speed run through though New Mexico, Arizona, Nevada and into California in his new 2014 Corvette Sting Ray.
The entire drive turned out to be a nice run with a mix of tight on camber corners, high speed sweepers combined with some flat out straights through some of the most beautiful scenery the American West has to offer. Very little traffic and almost no law enforcement made for relaxing extra-legal cruising speeds.
The entire drive turned out to be a nice run with a mix of tight on camber corners, high speed sweepers combined with some flat out straights through some of the most beautiful scenery the American West has to offer. Very little traffic and almost no law enforcement made for relaxing extra-legal cruising speeds.
The Nation’s Capital is one of our favorite places to visit because of its diversity, vibrancy and beauty. There is always something to do, something to see, a great public transportation system that makes it easy to get around and at this time of year plenty of great little local restaurants serving up delicious crab cakes and oysters.
We scheduled this trip visiting Pearl Harbor to coincide with the Memorial Day weekend paying tribute to the many sacrifices made that allow us to lead the privileged lives we are fortunate to have. It was a deeply personal experience in that my father served in the South Pacific during WWII. He and his generation gave up a few years of their lives and some cases everything to ending the tyranny extant in the world during their time. The Pearl Harbor Memorial includes the USS Arizona Memorial, the battleship USS Missouri and the USS Bowfin, a surviving WWII submarine along with museums and interpretative exhibits. All together they fairly convey the complacency before the attack, the human sacrifice on December 7th, 1941 and the nation’s reaction leading to war in the Pacific. After spending the morning at Pearl Harbor and visiting the USS Arizona Memorial we took a side-trip to Waikiki to walk along the beach, have lunch and a Mai Tai and visit the historic hotels that were centers of social life before and during the war. The Royal Hawaiian, the Moana Lani and the Halekulani are still amazing 70+ years later offering a relaxing and luxurious experience on the shores of Waikiki. That said, it was a pretty busy and touristy place and after a couple of hours we left to go back to the tranquility of Turtle Bay on the North Shore.
Was in South Florida for a week this month and got to spend four days with a friend on his 46-ft Motor Yacht cruising from Fort Lauderdale to Miami and back for the Miami Beach Boat Show. Not only is it the most fun way to get to Miami Beach, the Marina where we docked provided a convenient base of operations and offers great opportunities to roam around South Beach with a camera.
Time on the street in around the French Quarter after dark taking candid pictures of the local nite-life.
We were fortunate to be in Berlin, Germany during the thirtieth anniversary of the fall of the Berlin Wall which also coincided with the Festival of Lights. These pictures were taken during a walking tour from Hackescher Market to the Brandenburg Gate around Museum Island. The route passed many buildings and monuments holding historical and cultural significance to the German people. Joining them in their contemplation and celebration in the crowded public squares along the route was a momentous and joyous experience.
VIVID is an annual art exhibit that is located at the Circular Quay waterfront, the Botanical Gardens and several other locations within Sydney. While Sydney is beautiful all year round the VIVID displays enhance, dramatize and further beautify the city’s world-famous architectural landmarks. The laser projected video images are designed and produced for each venue by local and international artists. While a single picture may be a stunning image it is part of a video presentation that tells the artist’s story.
Dale Chihuly uses a team approach to creating his works of art, something he learned during an internship in the glass blowing studios in Murano, Italy. His work is spontaneous and the end results are a combination of extreme creativity and happy coincidence. Chihuly’s mastery of the blown glass sculpture makes him without a doubt one of his generations most creative artists in any format or medium.
Touring this vessel on the 75th Anniversary of the attack on Pearl Harbor lent special meaning to the occasion. The Missouri is one of four Iowa Class battleships that survived WWII. Now decommissioned she is moored on Ford Island bow to stern with the USS Arizona that lies beneath the harbor surface. My visit was on a rare rainy December day which allowed me to be alone on deck of this monument dedicated to the courage and sacrifice of the men and women of previous generations.
Not having attended this event before I was not sure what would be going on, but took a camera along just in case. As it turned out we had perfect seats literally 10-feet from one of the course fences in a Grand Prix show jumping competition. The scenery was beautiful, the late afternoon light attractive, the riders athletic and strong and the horses; simply magnificent.
I visited the Stanford Invitational Men’s Rowing Regatta in Redwood Shores, California last weekend. I’d ridden my bicycle by them racing on the lagoon before and finally went by on Saturday to see what was going on. The time of day was not real conducive to photography and the afternoon wind chopped up the water a lot more than I would have liked, but I still got a couple of shots that captured some of the excitement and beauty of this collegiate sport.
Holi is one of the more vibrant expressions celebrating Spring, the joy of love, redemption, the triumph of good over evil, forgiveness, or all of the above, depending on the region of India you’ve emigrated from and your personal beliefs. Add traditional Indian music with a rap beat and the local “Curry-Up Now” food truck and everybody has a good time.
An amazing event, both from the point of view as a spectator and historically with the awesome come from behind victory that Team Oracle was able to achieve over Team New Zealand. These pictures were taken from the breakwater at the St. Francis Yacht Club in San Francisco.
A summer Tahoe tradition the Tahoe Wooden Boat Concours brings out the best wooden boats on the West Coast. Clear water, sunny skies and brite finished mahogony equals perfection