Traveling alone is a double edged sword. The beauty of solo travel allows for a great deal of freedom. I decide where to go and when. I get to choose whether we walk or take transportation. Also, taking the stairs is always on the table. I am not a fan of elevators, but most people I travel with love them and insist on their use when available. I can eat what I want when I want. None of that, “didn’t we just eat?” business. However, as a woman, it is sometimes a little scary, especially after dark. But some chances I am willing to take.
I recently spent 5 days in New York City, alone. On Tuesday, I decided to go to Times Square and the Empire State Building. Times Square was fine. There were not that many people there at that time, so it was easy to get around and get some great photos. After that, I walked over to the Empire State Building. I entered the lobby, but did not want to go up. So many people in the elevators (one of the things I hate about elevators). I left after looking around a bit.
After a long afternoon nap (not an option when traveling with others, usually), I decided to go over and see it at night. There were not very many people there, so I decided to go ahead and go up. The elevator was empty! My lucky day, I guess. The view was magical with all the twinkling New York City lights below. Be sure to see some of those photos here.
After leaving, I turned around to look up at the top and noticed some nice clouds rolling in. The effect is dramatic and eye catching.
I would never have gotten this photo, if I were traveling with someone. We most likely would have gone up during the day or maybe not at all. Sometimes, I forget to look back when I’m traveling with someone. I get sidetracked talking about where to eat or what to do next. This was a great solo trip. I look forward to sharing more photos with you soon.
This image is available as an art print in various sizes and finishes.
Colorful hilltop buildings in Guanajuato Mexico
There are a lot of colors in Guanajuato Mexico. Some even say that this is the most beautiful city in the country. I don’t know if it’s the most beautiful, but it is nevertheless on the top of the list 🙂
Colorful hilltop buildings in Guanajuato Mexico
What makes this city stand apart, are the hills covered by lots of colorful buildings and houses. You can see them from no matter where you are.
This is a vertical shot of the same hill in Guanajuato..
As a mining town/city, the area is surrounded by hills, which in time were populated mainly by working class residencies. We stayed almost on the top of this hill in a beautiful house of a former mining engineer.
Without doubt, Mexicans like colors…. and Guanajuato proves it!.
On the hills around there is a mix of architecture – typical Mexican, but the overall look is definitely colored 🙂
* I have more photos on the city’s downtown, but in this post I will stick with the colorful hilltop buildings in Guanajuato Mexico. In this shot you can see some of them taken from the lower level of the city. In this area, the houses have a more superior level of maintenance than in the upper area of the city. It is obviously, on one of the main streets going downtown.
Some of these colorful hilltop buildings in the city are basic, even deteriorated, but some are rich and full of history. Guanajuato is a UNESCO World Heritage Site
Here is a view of the historic downtown, taken from one of the hills. From up above you can see some splendid panoramas of the city. Here for instance, you can notice the central Basilica, the University of Guanajuato (white), and the main street in-between the two most prominent buildings.
All the colorful hilltop buildings in Guanajuato, Mexico shown in this post are available as art prints at Fine Art America. Just click on them and you can have prints on various sizes, types and prices for your home decor and more.. You can see them all in my Guanajuato collection.
Stay tuned for more pictures 🙂
Five Marvelous Coastal Towns of Italy
More than a Day Trip
To best experience Cinque Terre, you need several days, as each of the towns have their own unique characteristics. This is not a place, where you go, visit a site, take a picture and move on. Cinque Terre is ideally suited to take it slow, walk about the streets, soak in the scene, laze on the beach or by the water. Town like Vernazza also feature a piazza right by the sea, an ideal way to enjoy a glass of wine and enjoy al fresco dinning. On our family trip last year (in Summer 2017), our first one to Italy (and to Europe), we choose to stay in the town of La Spezia. We took a train from Florence. Though, we only had a day and a half, we did manage to visit all five towns. We also squeezed in a one way hike from from Vernazza to Monterosso. This hike is only about 2 miles (about 3km), but takes about couple of hours to negotiate. Of course, it doesn’t help to hike during the peak afternoon. The heat, stopping to see the scenery, and taking some pictures, can add some more time to the hike.
Colorful Wall Art for your Home or Office
The pictures featured in this post, as well as many other images are available in various forms for wall and home decor. Clicking on any picture will take you to the site, where you can look for other images, as well as explore other options and formats.
Even though, Cinque Terre is no longer off-the-beaten path, the five villages are absolute delightful places to hang out, soak in the sun, and relax. For a travel photographer, it is an amazing location to take some gorgeous images.
Colorful houses hidden in a magical alley, the dreamlike Italian city called Burano
These picturesque colorful houses were hidden in a magical alley of this incredible city in Italy called Burano, near Venice. It´s a fantastic place to explore, but you really need to be careful… Why do I tell you this? Well, because I have been about to miss this fairytale scene, just for being in an unnecessary hurry! Here is the story:
Sometimes you just have to slow down
Travel photographers often find ourselves running behind our travel companions. You don´t like to keep people waiting, so you try to be kind and walk just behind them trying to take as many memorable photographs as you can. And that was exactly my situation the day I took this image. I was looking around while walking fast trying to reach my fellows, almost running. I saw this scene to my right, but I looked forward again and kept walking. It took a second for my brain to process the data, then I suddenly stopped and looked to my right again. I had been about to miss that beautiful scene for nothing. I took the picture. That´s the story behind it. So let´s do some recap: next time you´re taking photographs, be careful not to be too kind! Let the others run if they want to 🙂
A city to explore
This is like a fairytale, dreamlike scene to my eyes. The colorful houses and buildings with vibrant tones are all around in this amazing city, yet this is a pretty unique view. This narrow alley with flowers and hanging clothes is probably one of the most representative of the magic of this town. No doubt the hanging clothes add so much magic into the scene, so I could say I was in the right place, at the right time!
Burano is a place you want to explore, same as Venice. There must be a moment when you just save the maps in your pocket when you´re there. If you want to take note of important places throughout the city and visit them, that´s perfectly right. But before or after doing so, you need to take a moment to explore the city. I think that´s the true charm of Burano and Venice. They both are cities to get lost in their streets, to walk expecting to find another unique scene around every corner.
It´s so easy to abuse maps today, specially with our mobile phones, so save your hand map or phone in your pocket and get lost into this hidden italian jewel. Just make sure you have the map with you when you want to come back!
Two faces of the same coin
Burano is similar to Venice, because it has the islands separated by canals and connected by bridges. The obvious difference is in the architecture. The buildings are much more modern, and that alone makes the city less nostalgic and romantic. Don´t misunderstand me, this doesn´t necessary mean that this place is not so magical. I think it´s a different kind of magic, Burano being a more vibrant city and talking more about a happy, energetic present. On the other hand, Venice is more related to the nostalgia and romance of the past. Two cities that are absolutely complementary to each other in my opinion, like two faces of the same coin.
If you visit Venice, you´ll probably end up visiting Burano too. And you absolutely should, by all means, because you don´t want to miss the magic! 🙂 To go there, you can take the vaporetto (water bus) from Fondamenta Nuove or San Zaccaria stations in Venice. From there, you will be in Burano in around 30 or 45 minutes. It is a very enjoyable experience with many scenic views. And if you have the time, you should visit Murano too! You can visit both islands in one single day, and the same vaporetto will take you to both of them, being Murano first.
A touch of magic for your walls
These colorful houses are available in customizable prints for your home or office decor! You can get yours on paper, canvas, acrylic, metal or wood. It is also available to be printed onto several other items such as phone cases, spiral notebooks, shower curtains and more, so you can get a pretty unique gift for your friends or family 🙂 Click on the image above to see your options, or visit my gallery of Burano to find more images of this amazing corner of the world. You can visit any of my other collections too.
Thank you very much for reading this, hope you enjoyed this post. If you did, give it your thumbs up and share it to your favorite social media. And please don´t forget to visit this site to find more amazing travel photography and paintings from several talented artists!
I think this hidden view and its colorful houses deserve to be part of some challenges, so I posted it in Cee’s Fun Photo Challenge: Vibrant Colors and Weekly prompts: Right Place Right Time.
No Trespassing historic sign, dating back to 1869 in Wells, Nevada
I saw and photographed this poster/sign in Wells, an old almost ghost town in Nevada.
The town is full of history from the time when Chinese, Irish and Italian immigrants came here to build the Central Pacific Railroad.
I took a lot of photos from this place so interesting to explore, but I haven’t yet uploaded them to my FAA gallery.
This No Trespassing historic sign was on the outside wall of “The Bullshead” tavern. I found it interesting because of the words and rule: “All Nations Welcome, Except… Carrie – No Trespassing”. I don’t know who Carrie was, but I assume there was a misspelling, meaning to say that people carrying weapons were not allowed to enter 🙂
** I was wrong! Read Terri’s comment about Carrie Nation. That explains it all 🙂
– People must have been exasperated by her! Ha, ha…
The tavern sign also brings back the old-time nostalgia of Wild West life in the USA. I think that it can make a great poster. If you want to hang it on your wall, it’s available as art print in my signs art gallery.
Here is a framed wall mounted version of the No Trespassing historic sign in Wells, Nevada. Click on the image to see all the options:
Posted for the WP Challenges, for:
FOWC with Fandango — Carry | Friday Follies #profrifollies – Funny Signs | Word of the Day: Rules | Word of the Day: Exasperated
Harness Race in Inverses, Cape Breton, Nova Scotia, Canada
The Harness races in Cape Breton runs from May to late October, in the daytime or evenings.
It was the month of September when we visited the community of Inverness, in Cape Breton, and didn’t know anything about this event… My husband just saw an ad in the local newspaper, and we thought it was something we should attempt – he was right. I’m glad he was, because there was a time when I liked to do panning photography, so I thought it was a good opportunity to try my hand 🙂
Because of the darkness of the night, the photos didn’t have too much color, so I decided to covert them into digital paintings.
It was not easy to photograph them because their motion was quite erratic, as they were changing lanes, trying to get in front of each-other…
The tripod didn’t help, but I was able to get to the surrounding fence, brace my elbows and shoot the rapid motion…
… and here is another version of the Harness Race in Inverness, Nova Scotia as pop-art:
All these pictures of the Harness race Inverness, Cape Breton, Nova Scotia, are available as wall print for home decor. Click on it for all the options in types of print, sizes and prices:
*BTW: this is the picture exposed on the homepage of this blog 🙂
Cape Bonavista coastline fence
I generally like fences visually, not theoretically… 😉
They make a delimitation between spaces and create a focal point to an image that otherwise would not have too much visual appeal. In photography, they can split an image into layers of interest, and often create nice patterns, too.
Here you will see a type of fence that I believe you haven’t seen before – and it really delimiltates two different environments. It’s the Cape Bonavista coastline fence, that separates the town of Bonavista from the rough water of the Northern Atlantic Ocean.
It starts here on this windy tip of the Bonavista peninsula,
… and it continues all the way along the coastline, protecting the populated area from the danger of the turbulent water.
Luckily, the shore is very rocky and gets somehow an additional natural protection. But the houses are so close to the water… I honestly wouldn’t want to have my home there.
In some areas there is nothing but the beach and waves. It’s the fence makes this place inhabitable.
The Cape Bonavista coastline fence is made out of wood, and I believe that the Newfoundlanders have to maintain it often…
As you can see the wood is quite massive, but the water is continuously rough there and the fence is so, so close…
… and here is a gate to the sea – It was surprising to see this gap in the fence… it is also so visually interesting 🙂
Cape Bonavista coastline fence art prints
All these images of the Cape Bonavista coastline fence are available as art prints at Fine Art America, for your wall or home decor. Here is an example on how one of them can look above the living-room sofa, but I think that a series of them would be more comprehensive… Just click on any of them to see all the options.
Lens-Artists Photo Challenge #10: Fences
Pick-a-Word Thursday’s Special: Inhabitable
Cuban Art – Time Portal
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One of my favorite images from one of my favorite places… Trinidad, Cuba.
‘Time Portal’ captures the layers of Cuban life both literally and figuratively. This is an example of how preservation and renovation is often only skin deep. The archway in the ‘modern’ facade opens up to an artist studio. Beyond, lay the remnants of colonial architecture now falling into ruin. A dog sits in the archway awaiting his master. Paints and brushes await their artist’s next inspiration.
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Photographer’s Paradise
In once-prosperous Trinidad, Cuba time stands still. The signs of its former splendor are evident in the colorful Colonial architecture and in the local and European luxuries on display in museums on the main square. The tourist trade is a blessing and a priority for government investment in the town. As a result, the buildings and people provide a bounty of photographic opportunities for amateur and professional alike.
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Add a touch of Cuban flair to your decor
Now imagine ‘Time Portal’ in your home or office. Certainly this artwork will enhance your room and spark conversations. All because you ordered a print according to your style and taste – framed art print, modern metal print, acrylic and more, in the size you need.
Visit the Cuba Autos and Architecture Gallery and find even more options to enhance your decor. Share a glimpse of modern-day Cuba. And while you’re there, consider ordering greeting cards of your favorites. These images will bring a slice of the Caribbean, with a Cuban flare, into your home and place of business. Bienvenido a Cuba!
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Entry hall by Paintzen https://www.paintzen.com/
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Also don’t forget to check out more Travel Photography on this site!
Exploring the Great Smoky Mountains, by Connor Beekman
Tranquil, mystical, wonderful: These are words that come to mind when I think about the Great Smoky Mountains. Sculpted ridgelines are blanketed with lush deciduous forests, while gently flowing streams wander through the valleys. The Smokies are teeming with life. Brightly-colored salamanders find shelter beneath a log, while black bear cubs lookout from the tree canopies high above. This is nature at its finest.
The natural wonders of the Great Smoky Mountains are complimented by the rich history of the southern Appalachians. More than a century ago pioneers settled in the mountains and built quaint log cabins and idyllic farms. The late 1800s also saw the construction of mills to supply power and schools to educate the region’s growing population. Many historic sites are well-preserved to this day.
Great Smoky Mountains National Park
When news spread to the big cities about the beauty of the Smokies, a tourism industry was born. Great Smoky Mountains National Park was established in 1934, and the 469-mile Blue Ridge Parkway began construction shortly after. In modern times, millions of travelers visit the Great Smoky Mountains each year. They come for the scenic drives, abundant wildlife, fascinating history, and the mystical fog that earned these mountains the name “smoky”.
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The Great Smoky Mountains road trip
When I first visited the Smoky Mountains on a road trip with my family in 2017, I was amazed by how lush and green the forests were. Having been raised in the arid west, traveling through Tennessee and North Carolina in the summer felt liking trekking through a tropical rainforest. It was an entirely new experience for me.
During our first day in North Carolina, we drove a small portion of the Blue Ridge Parkway. Getting on at Balsam Gap, we traveled the southernmost 25 miles of the parkway, concluding in the town of Cherokee. With my dad driving the minivan and my mom in the passenger seat, I sat in the far back behind my brother and sister. Each and every time we approached an overlook I would shout at my dad to pull over so I could take some pictures. I had a wonderful time hopping out of the car and snapping away with my camera, but I think my family got tired of it quickly. Fortunately for them, we only drove 25 miles of the parkway.
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Smoky Mountain Railroad
The next day the five of us boarded the Great Smoky Mountain Railroad in Bryson City. The railroad offers a couple of excursions: one that follows the Tuckasegee River into the countryside and another that enters the Nantahala Gorge. We opted for the latter and had a great time on the 4.5-hour trip. The train marched along the shoreline of Fontana Lake, a massive reservoir dotted with houseboats. Afterward, we followed the Nantahala River into the gorge.
The train makes a stop within the gorge, giving riders a chance to disembark. My family used the one-hour layover to have a picnic lunch by the river. We watched as dozens of rafters and kayakers flowed by. Due to time constraints, my family didn’t partake in any water activities, but those who did looked like they were having lots of fun. The Great Smoky Mountain Railroad was very enjoyable. It provided a unique perspective of the mountains that you can’t get by driving.
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Over the next couple of days we explored Great Smoky Mountains National Park. We hiked to the summit of Clingmans Dome, the highest point in the park. From here, the views are incredible. Layers of mountains and ridges are visible in nearly every direction. You can see North Carolina one way and Tennessee the other. To anyone visiting the Smoky Mountains, Clingmans Dome is a must-see.
Fork Motor Nature Trail
On the Tennessee side of the national park is the Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail. Think of it, not as a road, but as a hiking trail for cars. The one-way loop travels through old growth forest, passing by mountain streams, waterfalls, and historic Ogle Place, a cabin and farm from the 1800s. This area of the park is excellent for viewing wildlife. While driving the Roaring Fork, we were lucky enough to come across some bears. A mom and her three cubs! It was so exciting, and of course, I was in heaven taking photos of everything.
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My family road trip through the Great Smoky Mountains is one of my all-time favorite vacations. The combination of pristine natural environments and fascinating historic sites made for an enjoyable trip and a successful photography outing. I hope to go back soon.
The Great Smoky Mountains art prints
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I hope you enjoyed looking at some of my photos from the Great Smoky Mountains. Click on any of the photos above to view purchase options. All images are available as prints on paper, canvas, metal, acrylic, and wood. Photo gifts such as greeting cards, throw pillows, and tote bags are also offered.
Laundry day by the Atitlan lakeside, in Panajachel, Guatemala – Black and White photography
Lake Atitlan (Atitlán) is a huge and beautiful lake in Guatemala – a very touristic place, especially for the North Americans.
It covers about 130.1 km2 (50.2 sq mi) with a medium depth of about 220 meters (720 ft), and it’s all surrounded by mountains and volcanoes.
I’m not too much into black and white photography and I have a lot of color photos of Lake Atitlan including the places around. However, I thought that these shots of women doing laundry by the lakeside would look more interesting as monochromatic photo-journalistic type of images.
I took these photos in Panajachel, Guatemala, which is one of the most visited places in the country, due to the beauty of the lake and the nature.
Although the lake is huge, doing laundry in this water looked to me a little surprising. With all the motor boating activity, not to mention the hotels and restaurants discharging their waste water here, you can imagine … But this is Central America.
However, the lake looks very clean, and some people are even fishing here. I haven’t seen anybody swimming though…
All these photos of Laundry day by the Atitlan lakeside are available as art prints. Click on them to see all the options.
Posted in the WP Challenges gallery, for:
