Tag Archives: Europe

Inside Musée Jacquemart-André, Paris, France

Posted on March 20th, 2017 by

Parisian Opulence

A quick photo today from Paris. Pamela and I made a rendezvous while I was on a trip around the world. She didn’t want to go on the entire jaunt, but when I said I was ending in Paris, she cashed in some award miles (January in Europe tends to be cheap as mileage awards go)! This is one of the many museums in Paris and is housed in a gorgeous mansion. I absolutely LOVE opulent home tours and this was absolutely beautiful!

Inside Musée Jacquemart-André, Paris, France
Inside Musée Jacquemart-André, Paris, France

Photo Technical Info

  • Aperture: ƒ/4
  • Camera: Canon EOS 5D Mark II
  • Taken: 26 January, 2017
  • Focal length: 16mm
  • ISO: 1600
  • Shutter speed: 1/320s
  • Title: Inside Musée Jacquemart-André, Paris, France

Begijnhof, Amsterdam

Posted on February 27th, 2017 by

Perfect Timing

I have this theory of travel. I believe trips come to us, sometimes in unexpected ways, just when we need them. That is probably less metaphysical that it first sounds. We are often drawn on some subconscious level to the things we need, real or perceived. Amsterdam has been a city high on my list for years but I had yet to visit until last week. I was drawn there (though largely by an airline fare sale) but it fed my soul all the same.

There is a constant question that plagues many and it can take many forms. Why am I here? What is my purpose? Who am I? These essential musings on our very nature are often lost in the wanderings of day to day existence. Travel helps us see though the daily haze and wonder at the incredible beauty in the world. It helps us question our place and seek new possibilities. It helps us see the universality of pain and see our own pain through the lens of others suffering. It helps remind us of the amazing talent and beauty people share every day, and the genius of artists of the past that still make us cry in joy that such a thing of beauty could even exist.

Many of the residential areas in Amsterdam contain a wonderful courtyard called a hof. Begijnhof is perhaps one of the most famous, but hidden from view behind a door. It’s a beautiful and peaceful place away from the hustle and bustle of the city. It is one of the great lessons Amsterdam taught me.

Begijnhof, Amsterdam
Begijnhof, Amsterdam

Photo Technical Info

  • Aperture: ƒ/8
  • Camera: Canon EOS 5D Mark II
  • Taken: 18 February, 2017
  • Focal length: 25mm
  • ISO: 1000
  • Shutter speed: 1/2000s
  • Title: Begijnhof, Amsterdam

In the Courtyard of the Basilica of Santa Maria della Salute

Posted on January 30th, 2017 by

Up Early

I got up early this day to walk across the Ponte dell’Accademia in Venice, Italy. I was hoping to catch the sunrise on the bridge and since I was so close I figured I would go to the Basilica of Santa Maria della Salute. You probably recognize this church from photos shot from St Mark’s Square at sunset. The Basilica dominates the view in the West from the main square, but because you have to cross the Grand Canal, its out of the way nature makes it seem almost an after thought. I was lucky to be the only person at the Basilica that morning (another couple was leaving as I was entering) and I absolutely LOVE to catch birds in flight on a wet morning!

In the Courtyard of the Basilica of Santa Maria della Salute
In the Courtyard of the Basilica of Santa Maria della Salute

Photo Technical Info

  • Aperture: ƒ/8
  • Camera: Canon EOS 5D Mark II
  • Taken: 26 January, 2014
  • Focal length: 16mm
  • ISO: 100
  • Shutter speed: 1/100s
  • Title: In the Courtyard of the Basilica of Santa Maria della Salute

Equal Armed Cross in Venice, Italy

Posted on January 16th, 2017 by

Keeping an Eye Out

I love the little things you find when traveling. Sure the guidebook provides some historical context and the highlights that are NOT to be missed, but often I most enjoy the serendipity that abounds when I am away from the familiar. All around, people have created beautiful things. We often fail to realize the beauty all around and maybe that is because of familiarity. This carved stone equal armed cross was on the side of a building in Venice as I walked one early morning to Santa Maria della Salute. I could have easily missed it or walked by, but instead I brought it back to share its beauty with all of you.

Equal Armed Cross in Venice, Italy
Equal Armed Cross in Venice, Italy

Photo Technical Info

  • Aperture: ƒ/8
  • Camera: Canon EOS 5D Mark II
  • Taken: 26 January, 2014
  • Focal length: 35mm
  • ISO: 100
  • Shutter speed: 1/40s
  • Title: Equal Armed Cross in Venice, Italy

The Dome of St Peter’s Basilica

Posted on December 5th, 2016 by

Highest of the High

There is something both wonderful and awe inspiring about visiting a European Basilica or Cathedral. Each has it’s differences of designation within a religious faith, but the meaning seems clear. First, stuff lots of people in. Check! Second and perhaps more symbolic, the church is meant to represent the house of divinity. Obviously for the infinite, you need an AWE inspiring structure. This view of the very impressive dome of St Peter’s (yes, that St Peter…”Upon this rock…”) is from one of the lower balconies that lead all the way to the top of the dome and perhaps one of the most spectacular views of Rome. Be forewarned, it’s a strenuous climb. An elderly woman collapsed upon reaching the top on my trek up. I believe she was okay in the end, but what a way to go!

The Dome of St Peter’s Basilica
The Dome of St Peter’s Basilica

Photo Technical Info

  • Aperture: ƒ/2.8
  • Camera: Canon EOS 5D Mark II
  • Taken: 18 January, 2016
  • Focal length: 35mm
  • ISO: 2000
  • Shutter speed: 1/125s
  • Title: The Dome of St Peter's Basilica

Inside Brunelleschi’s Dome, Florence

Posted on November 14th, 2016 by

Way Up There

Its funny how things scale. When I went to Florence, Italy I HAD to see the Cathedrale di Santa Maria del Fiore. I have read WAY too many Dan Brown novels to pass this treat up. I like active trips and climbing the stirs to the top of the Cathedral’s dome is quite an active day. The dome is a marvel of its time (honestly of today as well) and getting through the ever narrowing and sideways passages around the dome to the top is a tad spooky!

Inside Brunelleschi’s Dome, Florence
Inside Brunelleschi’s Dome, Florence

Photo Technical Info

  • Aperture: ƒ/2.8
  • Camera: Canon EOS 5D Mark II
  • Taken: 14 January, 2016
  • Focal length: 16mm
  • ISO: 1600
  • Shutter speed: 1/25s
  • Title: Inside Brunelleschi's Dome, Florence

Art Nouveau Parisian Metropolitan Station

Posted on November 7th, 2016 by

Art Deco Paris

You can find more exquisite examples of Art Nouveau in and around Paris that just about anywhere I have been. There are whole areas of museums sure, but even walking around the city you find beautiful organic utility. This metro station is just across the river from Île de la Cité. I suspect it’s been installed or restored because of the prime tourist location, but that doesn’t at all detract from the beauty. I am headed back to Paris next year and cant wait to sit in its cafe’s just taking in the atmosphere.

Art Nouveau Parisian Metropolitan Station
Art Nouveau Parisian Metropolitan Station

Photo Technical Info

  • Aperture: ƒ/4
  • Camera: Canon EOS 5D Mark II
  • Taken: 8 October, 2011
  • Focal length: 50mm
  • ISO: 100
  • Shutter speed: 1/250s
  • Title: Art Nouveau Parisian Metropolitan Station

Cheese in France

Posted on August 22nd, 2016 by

Bring on the Cheese!

We made a very important discovery on our first trip to France. Not all cheese is created equal.

In the U.S.A. cheddar is basically cheddar. Gouda is good and Brie is…well, not so great (my personal preferences). Sure they are varying qualities, more expensive and less expensive, more or less sharp, but you can count on cheese being cheese. Until you go to France and realize that good they call brie in the United States is emphatically NOT brie! Your options are nearly limitless and they quality is, as is all cuisine in France, and art form. This is just one small cabinet outside a fromagerie to entire patrons into the shop. It’s a cheese lover’s paradise!

Cheese in France
Cheese in France

Photo Technical Info

  • Aperture: ƒ/8
  • Camera: Canon EOS 5D Mark II
  • Taken: 10 October, 2011
  • Focal length: 50mm
  • ISO: 100
  • Shutter speed: 1/40s
  • Title: Cheese in France

Performers on the Streets of Barcelona, Spain

Posted on August 1st, 2016 by

Taking to the Street

One of the things I love when traveling is how I tend to stumble on odd happenings. I am frequently in tourist sorts of areas during my first visit to a place, and I always expect something like this is designed to entertain and empty the pockets of visitors, but it’s still fun none the less! When I arrived in Barcelona I walked up and down La Rambla (a very large pedestrian thoroughfare) and came upon a VERY noisy parade. There were colorful costumes and bands and noise makers of every kind you can imagine. I caught this group of jovial dancers as the whirled and jingled loudly on by.

Performers on the Streets of Barcelona, Spain
Performers on the Streets of Barcelona, Spain

Photo Technical Info

  • Aperture: ƒ/2.8
  • Camera: Canon EOS 5D Mark II
  • Taken: 17 February, 2013
  • Focal length: 35mm
  • ISO: 100
  • Shutter speed: 1/500s
  • Title: Performers on the Streets of Barcelona, Spain

Under London Bridge

Posted on July 11th, 2016 by

Walking Under Bridges

We were headed for a different bridge (and a museum), Millennium Bridge while visiting London when we passed under what would be a famous bridge. There have been a number of London Bridges, including one sold to Arizona. This version was built in 1974 and is actually not the bridge I was singing about the whole day after seeing the marker.

“London Bridge is Falling Down, Falling Down, Falling Down…”

Under London Bridge
Under London Bridge

Photo Technical Info

  • Aperture: ƒ/2.8
  • Camera: Canon EOS 5D Mark II
  • Taken: 4 September, 2013
  • Focal length: 35mm
  • ISO: 100
  • Shutter speed: 1/400s
  • Title: Under London Bridge