Phoenix 2011
Phoenix 2011 001
I'm in Phoenix to attend the memorial service for my Aunt Carol. The trip gave me the chance to visit two landmark buildings tied to architect Frank Lloyd Wright
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The Arizona Biltmore was developed in 1929 by investors including the Wrigley Family
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It was designed by architect Albert Chase McArthur
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McArthur studied under Frank Lloyd Wright and worked in his Chicago studio
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These two sculptures are from Wright's Midway Gardens project in Chicago
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Today the Arizona Biltmore stands as one of the nation's best examples of deco block architecture outside of Wright's studio
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Hence the signature restaurant, Frank & Albert's ranked No. 2 by TripAdvisor.com
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Every aspect of the hotel is faithful to the original 1929 design
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Water features bring coolness to the desert night
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The Biltmore Block is a Usonian construction brick that was produced onsite. The design is of a cut palm
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The Biltmore's warm interior bears the colors of the Arizona desert
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Classic Prairie School design forces the horizontal plane in the Biltmore's lobby
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Reproduction period furnishings set the nostalgic mood
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Original recessed lighting
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The stained glass window Sahuaros was produced at Wright's studio at nearby Taliesin West in 1973
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Classic Prairie School design forces the horizontal plane in the Biltmore's lobby
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The stained glass window Sahuaros symbolizes the local saguaro cactus and desert blossoms
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Wright's Sprites are from his Midway Gardens project in Chicago
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When Midway Gardens were demolished in 1929 these sprites were lost, recovered years later and given to the Biltmore in 1985
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Taliesin West is Frank Lloyd Wright's studio and home in Scottsdale northeast of Phoenix
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New molded sculpture stands outside the studio's workrooms
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Wright's Taliesin West conforms to the horizontal desert profile
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New molded sculpture stands outside the studio's workrooms
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Random sculpture complements structures
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Taliesin's rock structures imitate the surrounding mountains
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Wright's classic horizontal orientation - sharp shadows etch stone walls
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Native saguaro cactus stand sentry over Taliesin West
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The Mod Fab house built by students at Taliesin West in 2009
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Native saguaro cactus stand sentry over Taliesin West
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Mod Fab is short for modular fabrication
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Wright conceived of Taliesin as a structure conforming to the desert landscape - indeed it sometimes disappears into the landscape
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Wright conceived of Taliesin as a structure conforming to the desert landscape - indeed it sometimes disappears into the landscape
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Giant saguaro in bloom
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The vertical saguaro mocks the horizontal Taliesin
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Giant saguaro in bloom
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The vertical saguaro mocks the horizontal Taliesin
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Wright's Taliesin West conforms to the horizontal desert profile
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Wright's Taliesin West conforms to the horizontal desert profile
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Wright conceived of Taliesin as a structure conforming to the desert landscape - indeed it sometimes disappears into the landscape
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Taliesin's structures imitate the surrounding mountains
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Water orientation cools the searing desert heat
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Wright's sprite from Midway Gardens in Chicago
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Stainless steel spot lights mock the native saguaro
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Random sculpture complements structures
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Random sculpture complements structures
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Random sculpture complements structures
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From inside Wright's private office
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The roof-line of Wright's office
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An armless vertical saguaro defies the horizontal perspective
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Desert blossoms
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Patches of precious green lawn cool the harsh desert - Taliesin's Sunken Garden and reflecting pool
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The reflecting pool is at eye level when seen from the main studio
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Taliesin's horizontal orientation
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Overflowing water features quickly evaporate in the desert sun
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Qing Dynasty tableaux are scattered throughout Taliesin
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The southeast corner of the Garden Room
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Taliesin's iconic Garden Room
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A built-in credenza in the Garden Room
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Taliesin's iconic Garden Room
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Tea table in the Garden Room
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Wright's third wife, Olgivanna's bedroom and study
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Wright's bedroom and study looks over a walled garden onto the desert landscape
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The chimney above the Wright's living quarters
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Wright's bedroom and study looks over a walled garden onto the desert landscape
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Wright's efficient stainless steel bathroom
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Wright's bedroom and study
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Wright's study has a daybed to accommodate frequent naps
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The Studio Terrace
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The Dining Hall
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The Studio Terrace
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Cantilevered lookouts are the roof joists for the Studio
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The roof of the Cabaret Theatre
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Xeriscapic gardens adjacent to the studio terrace
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Wright Foundation fellows produce models of their designs and display them in the Music Hall
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The Mod Fab house is featured
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The Cabaret Theatre courtyard
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Geometry and perspective are defined by the long entry to the Cabaret Theatre
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Windows allow sunlight into the Cabaret Theatre, but the orange flip-up shutters can darken the room if need be
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A rhomboid doorway frames Taliesin's desert
Mediterranean Cruise 2011
Mediterranean Cruise 2011 001
Welcome aboard the Carnival Magic...the newest Funship in the fleet - Mark & I are off on a 13 day cruise of the Mediterranean Sea
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Our Stateroom No. 7207 is forward on the starboard side on Deck 7 right under the Magic's wheelhouse
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Our home away from home for the next two weeks - The window view over the bow will reveal some great ports of call
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The Lido Deck and Waterworks
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The Lido Deck
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The irresistible corkscrew water slide - You'll have to visit my share site at www.wanderlustish.shutterfly.com to see the swimsuit edition
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I'm on vacation!
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Mark & I with our new friends from Dresden, Germany, Isolde & Bern Storbeck
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Sunset on the Tyrrhenian Sea off Corsica - Our first port of call is Monte Carlo
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Port of call Monte Carlo on the Cote d'Azur - It occupies a point of land that is one of the smallest countries in the world - the Principality of Monaco
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Yachts in Monte Carlo's harbor are as big as ships
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The famous Monte Carlo Casino overlooks the harbor
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We are atop the fortress guarding the harbor
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From the fortress we hike along the cliffs to the palace
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Monaco's Saint Nicholas Cathedral
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The royal wedding will take place here in just two weeks
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Grace Kelly's grave next to Prince Rainier III in Saint Nicholas Cathedral
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Cannons guard Monaco's Royal Palace
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The view of Monaco and the Magic from the palace
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Monaco-ville is the Old Town overlooking Monte Carlo
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Monaco-ville is the Old Town overlooking Monte Carlo
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Institut Oceanographique de Monaco - the Oceanographic Museum was made famous by director Jacques-Yves Cousteau
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The Oceanographic Museum has a Victorian air - built in 1910 - a giant octopus decorates the entry hall
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Oceanographic Museum
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Jacques-Yves Cousteau became the director in 1957
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The museum's collections are elegantly presented
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France to the left and Italy to the right - I'm standing in the middle of the Gran Prix race course
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Why are cruise ship passengers known as seagulls to the crew? Because all they do is eat, squawk and crap! It's not far from the truth
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French architect Charles Garnier built the Monte Carlo opera house as a miniature of his opera in Paris in 1879
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The casino is known for attracting the very rich and famous and occasionally infamous
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Sculptor Anish Kapoor's Sky Mirror reflects the opera house
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I have arrived! Pinch me, I must be dreaming!
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Villa Casa Mia is home to the prestigious Academie de Danse Princesse Grace - The dance school overlooks the harbor
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A view of Prince Albert's swimming complex on the harbor
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My yacht is bigger than your yacht! - Our next port of call is Civitavecchia and a day in Rome
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Saint Peter's Basilica dominates Vatican City
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Pope John Paul II was beatified by Pope Benedict XVI on May 1, 2011 in Saint Peter's Square
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The uniforms of the Swiss Guard look like they're from the Renaissance, but they were actually designed in 1914
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Saint Peter's Basilica - The Holy See and home of the Roman Catholic Church
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Michelangelo's dome dominates the basilica
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Bernini's bronze baldacchino covers the altar and crypt beneath where Saint Peter is entombed
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Saint Peter's Basilica
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The Bernini altar in Saint Peter's Basilica
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Towering bronze doors lead to Saint Peter's Basilica
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The Vatican Museum and gardens beyond
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Renaissance buildings comprise Vatican City
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The entrance to the Vatican Museum
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The Vatican Museum has some the world's greatest sculpture - Laocoon and His Sons dates to 25 BC and was the first purchase for the museum over 500 years ago
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The museum courtyard and Saint Peter's Basilica
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The Egyptian Wing of the Vatican Museum
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The ceiling of the Gallery of Maps
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The Vatican Museum has some the world's greatest sculpture
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Michelangelo's Pieta is in Saint Peter's Basilica but removed from the public behind bullet -proof glass - This is a plaster cast of the Pieta
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The Vatican Museum and Rome beyond
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The Vatican Museum
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Crowds pack the Sistine Chapel to see Michelangelo's frescoes fully restored - No photos are allowed - It's a good thing I'm not Catholic!
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The central panels including Michelangelo's iconic Creation of Adam - Yes, I took this commando photo using the camera's timer and placing it on the floor of the chapel
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The Roman Colosseum
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The symbol of the glory of the Roman Empire
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The Roman Colosseum - Our one and only thunderstorm of the trip approaches like Ben-Hur in his chariot
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The Roman Colosseum
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The Roman Forum dates to the 8th century BC
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The sun sets on Rome and the port of Civitavecchia - Next stop...Florence
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The Tuscan sun rises over the port of Livorno - We are meeting Giuseppe d'Amore, Pettigrew's agent in Italy for nearly 30 years and his partner Rosie Wilson for a day in Florence
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Livorno is seen from our stateroom window - This is the shipping point for most of the furniture and lighting I buy for Pettigrew
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Michelangelo's masterpiece, David in the Accademia Gallery dates to 1504
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Mark & I climb to the top of Brunelleschi's dome above Florence's Duomo
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Padlocks hang from the window grate on the climb to the top
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All of Florence is at our feet atop Brunelleschi's tiled dome - the Duomo's campanile holds the bells
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The Tuscan hills surround Florence
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Santa Maria Novella and the copper-roofed market are in the quarter where Caroline lived in 2003 while studying at the Lorenzo di Medici Art School
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The Palazzo Vecchio anchors Florence's Uffizi Gallery
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The Uffizi Gallery houses the world's greatest collection of Renaissance art - A guard reminds me that no photos are allowed here - Oops!
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The Ponte Vecchio crosses the Arno River
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It was built in 1345 and is unique for it's span full of buildings stacked along the way
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Ponte Vecchio
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Rows of shuttered windows along the Ponte Vecchio
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The Piazza della Signoria is jam-packed with tourists and sculpture
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A replica of Michelangelo's David in front of the Palazzo Vecchio, Florence's town hall
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Conservators tend to Medusa's head held high above the Piazza della Signoria by Perseus
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David's perfect backside as on the Piazza della Signoria from the entrance to the Palazzo Vecchio
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Locks and more locks along the banks of the Arno River across the street from the Uffizi Gallery
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Pettigrew's agent and longtime Florentine partner, Giuseppe d'Amore points to the palazzo where he played as a youngster
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The Picci Family's antique carousel in the Piazza della Republica
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Giuseppe pilots Rosie's Peugeot around Florence and across the Tuscan Hills
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Mark holds onto his hat with Giuseppe at the wheel
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The panorama of Florence from the hills above the River Arno is incomparable
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Our hosts Rosie & Giuseppe bid farewell to the Magic - Molte grazie...Ciao! Our next port of call is Naples
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This is the view of Naples from our stateroom - As inviting as pizza's hometown may be, we are leaving the garbage riots to experience Roman history and coastal beauty
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We take the train to Pompeii where archaeologists are still discovering daily life in 79 AD when the city was buried by the pyroclastic outfall from Mount Vesuvius
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A Roman arch frames Mount Vesuvius
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Pompeii
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Pompeii's baths feature detailed caryatids
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The Temple of Apollo at Pompeii
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The Forum at Pompeii
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Mount Vesuvius still looms over Pompeii's Forum
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The Villa of the Mysteries at Pompeii
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This vivid mosaic floor of a Roman battle is in the House of the Faun
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The Villa of the Mysteries at Pompeii
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Pompeii's cache of 2000 year old everyday stuff
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A boy crouches and shields his mouth for 2000 years
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Others laid down and died in their tracks
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A tiny bronze statue of a Faun was found in this important villa, now called the House of the Faun
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Venus watches over Pompeii as Mount Vesuvius still threatens the Neapolitan coast
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Pompeii was discovered in 1749 when excavations began - Today only about a third of the buildings are accessible to the public
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We continue our train ride down the coast to Sorrento
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Grand villas take advantage of the view of the Bay of Naples and cool sea breezes
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The Port of Sorrento is where you depart for the Isle of Capri
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Grand villas take advantage of the view and the sea breezes
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We stop at the Grand Hotel Excelsior Vittoria
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Lord Byron, Marilyn Monroe, Oscar Wilde and Wagner slept here! - Mark & I didn't
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A disrespectful sea gull
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Mark & I soak-up la dolce vita in Sorrento - Ciao Marco, mia bello!
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The gardens of the Excelsior Vittoria are incredible
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Grand villas take advantage of the view and the sea breezes
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Grand villas take advantage of the view and the sea breezes
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I spotted a shop selling ceramic pieces from Ceccarelli who Pettigrew buys from in Florence - The terra cotta plaque (center) is the same as one in our Dallas showroom
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I discovered Limonoro - the limoncello factory on Via San Cesareo
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Limoncello is a liqueur distilled from fresh lemons that grow in the orchards above Sorrento - It's served ice cold - Perfecto!
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The Via San Cesareo is a narrow market street in Sorrento
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Inside the church is a beautiful nativity creche set in Renaissance Italy, of course
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Vertical Sorrento
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A poker face focuses on the game at the courtyard of Sorrento's Opera Society
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I've been spotted, but I take the shot anyway - "Molte grazie, senore!"
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Back to the game - This Opera Society is more about cards than opera
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Dining al fresco in Sorrento
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The Cloister of Chiesa di San Francesco in Sorrento
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The altar of Chiesa di San Francesco
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The Cloister of Chiesa di San Francesco in Sorrento
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The Chiesa di San Francesco has a beautiful ceiling
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The Cloister of Chiesa di San Francesco in Sorrento
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Sunny Sorrento
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We say "Ciao bello Sorrento" and return to Naples - We spend the next day sailing around Italy's boot and crossing the Adriatic to the Balkan state of Croatia
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The morning sun washes over the Dalmatian Coast of Croatia - Port of call Dubrovnik
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Our approach to Dubrovnik carries us past rock islands and lighthouses on the Adriatic Sea
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The view of Dubrovnik Harbor from our stateroom - Note the reflection in the window
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Dubrovnik's picturesque harbor
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The Magic dominates Dubrovnik's main harbor
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Dubrovnik's Old Town and church domes
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The fortress and ramparts guarding Dubrovnik from attack by sea
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The fortress and ramparts guarding Dubrovnik from the sea
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Wash day in Old Town Dubrovnik
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Dubrovnik's rocky cove with crystal blue water
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Nearly destroyed by Serbia during the siege of Dubrovnik in 1991, the city has been rebuilt with only the new roof tiles as a sign of reconstruction
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Dubrovnik's rocky cove with crystal blue water
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The fortress and ramparts guarding Dubrovnik from the sea
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The fortress and ramparts guarding Dubrovnik from the sea - Yours truly at the sentry's post
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Musicians entertain in Dubrovnik's Old Town
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Dubrovnik is blessed
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Dubrovnik has several old churches
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Dubrovnik's rocky cove with crystal blue water
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A quiet life in Old Town Dubrovnik
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Wash day in Old Town Dubrovnik
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A quiet life in Old Town Dubrovnik
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The fortress and ramparts guarding Dubrovnik from the sea
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Dubrovnik carillon
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A typical Croatian tourist shot
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The fortress and ramparts guarding Dubrovnik from the sea
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A quiet life in Old Town Dubrovnik
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The Cathedral of the Assumption of the Virgin Mary
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The Cathedral of the Assumption of the Virgin Mary - An ancient door handle
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Dubrovnik's rocky cove with crystal blue water
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A quiet life in Old Town Dubrovnik - A fat cat poses for me
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A quiet life in Old Town Dubrovnik - We stop for a Dalmatian lunch and cold Croatian beer
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Three cats await lunch in the courtyard
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We say goodbye to the sun-drenched Dalmatian Coast at Dubrovnik - Tomorrow we arrive in romantic Venice
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The Magic's approach to Venice is hard to beat - We list to starboard as all eyes are on the spectacle of the Piazza San Marco and the Grand Canal
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San Marco Basilica and the Palazzo Ducale - the Doge's Palace - This is the killer view from our stateroom
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The summer crowd swells at the Doge's Palace
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Iconic Piazza San Marco
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The courtyard of the Palazzo Ducale - The Doge's Palace
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The Palazzo Ducale
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The tiny island of San Giorgio Maggiore and Palladio's church as seen from the Doge's Palace
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The Palazzo Ducale
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The view from the Hotel Al Angelo's back door and private boat dock.
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A view of the Grand Canal from the Rialto Bridge
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The orchestra plays day and night at a cafe' in the Piazza San Marco
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This is one of my favorite spots where three canals intersect at the foot bridge outside the Hotel Al Angelo
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Night time falls on Venice...
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Gondolas at the ready
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...and the magic takes over
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Day Two in Venice - We are on the island of Murano to visit Mazzuccato's glassworks, Pettigrew's Venetian glass chandelier factory
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Murano is a quiet respite from the masses on San Marco Island
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The gondola fleet at San Marco
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A gondolier's skimmer straw hat - This is Mark's pic - My camera quit in Dubrovnik, so I must credit Mark with these wonderful images - I borrowed his camera for only a few shots
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The view from the Piazza San Marco's Museo Correr
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A floating Venetian fruit and vegetable market
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I'm crossing the Ponte dell Accademia over Venice's Grand Canal on my way back to the Magic - Our next port of call is Messina where Scylla meets Charybdis
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A sleek hydrofoil ferry flies across the Strait of Messina - Only three miles of sea separate the island of Sicily and the Italian mainland
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San Ranieri Lighthouse tops fortifications guarding the Port of Messina - The lighthouse was built in 1555
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The view of Messina's Duomo from our stateroom window
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The animated clock tower does its thing at noon everyday - Messina's Duomo dates to the 12th century
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The Annunziata dei Catalani church was built in 1150 on the ruins of the pagan temple of Neptune - this is one of few buildings to survive the 1908 earthquake and tsunami killing 60,000 residents
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The Shrine of Cristo Re as seen from the Magic
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Messina's famous bell tower and Duomo with the Magic in the background
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Narrow switchback streets and cascading architecture make Taormina a storybook village
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Taormina is perched above the Ionian Sea - Can you spot the square-rigged sailing ship anchored in the harbor?
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The view of Taormina from Castelmola overlooking the Ionian Sea - Our new friends from Dresden Germany, Bernd & Isolde invite us to tour via rental car and German-speaking GPS navigation
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Castelmola is perched high above the coastal town of Taormina
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Castelmola is perched high above the coastal town of Taormina
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The village of Castelmola is perched high above the coastal town of Taormina - Mola Castle towers over the village - We sail for the Aeolian Islands tonight
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Stromboli rises from the Tyrrhenian Sea - Stromboli is an active volcano, which has been in continuous eruption for over 20,000 years - One of the eight Aeolian Islands off Italy's west coast
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Fresh lava flows as recent as this spring are visible - The summit rises over 3,000 feet above the sea
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As we sail away, the spectacle of Stromboli is a fitting epilogue to our Mediterranean adventure - Now it's back to Barcelona where Mark & I ramp-up for our return to Dallas
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Barcelona is hip yet culturally rich and rooted in the history of Spain and the Catalan people - We view the city and the Mediterranean Sea beyond from Modernisme architect Anotni Gaudi's Park Guell
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The Placa Reial comes alive in the evening
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At Mercat de Sant Josep de la Boqueria fresh Catalan produce is never ending - packed with shoppers all day
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Fresh fruit smoothies in la Boqueria
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Tapas are served to order at la Boqueria - you pay by the number of toothpicks left over
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The main drag in Barcelona is La Rambla
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Buildings along La Rambla at the Placa de la Boqueria - The building on the left was once an umbrella factory - Note the umbrella bouquets decorating the facade
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La Rambla rambles in front of Gran Teatre de Liceu, Barcelona's famous opera house
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A skylight in the Gran Teatre de Liceu opera house
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The Palau de la Musica Catalana is a concert hall in Barcelona - Designed in the Catalan Modernista style by architect Luis Dominech i Montaner
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The Palau de la Musica Catalana facade
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The Cathedral of Santa Eulalia has been the center of Catalan faith for over 700 years
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The Cathedral of Santa Eulalia's classical apse
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The tomb of Saint Eulalia - In Roman times Saint Eulalia was bared naked in the street when a snow storm covered her - Enraged, the soldiers put her in a barrel lined with knives and rolled her down the street
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The Cathedral of Santa Eulalia's choir stalls
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The Cathedral of Santa Eulalia's rooftop view of Barcelona
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The Cathedral of Santa Eulalia's Cloister of the Thirteen Geese is named for her resident geese - 13 represents Saint Eulalia's age when she was martyred by Romans
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A bronze dragon oil lamp in the Cloister of the Cathedral of Santa Eulalia
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An amazing harpist plays in the Barri Gotic, the Gothic Quarter
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Barcelona's Bridge of Sighs spans the Carrer Bisbe
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Casa Mila' is also called La Pedrera - Antoni Gaudi's famous apartment project built in 1912
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Casa Mila' - La Pedrera
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Casa Mila' - La Pedrera
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Whimsical chimney pots decorate the rooftop of La Pedrera
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Some take the shape of Centurions or alien apparitions
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Whimsical chimney pots decorate the terraced rooftop of La Pedrera
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All the architectural elements of Antoni Gaudi's Casa Batllo' are symbolic - The undulating scallops of the roof represent a dragon's spine and the tower is Saint George, the Patron Saint of Barcelona
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Antoni Gaudi's masterwork the BasÃlica i Temple Expiatori de la Sagrada Familia's spires rise above the Passion Facade
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The Passion Facade of Sagrada Familia
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The spires above the Nativity Facade
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Sagrada Familia's towering nave was recently enclosed in 2010 after 128 years of continuous construction
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The golden canopy and crucifix above the altar
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In Park Guell Gaudi's serpentine bench is inlaid with trencadis, colorful pottery shards
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Park Guell's main entrance and columned marketplace
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Guardhouses at Park Guell's entrance with Barcelona at your feet
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Gaudi's palmetto fence provides a precise order in the midst of his chaotic designs
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Gaudi's serpentine bench is inlaid with trencadis, colorful pottery shards
Mediterranean Cruise 2011 242
Gaudi's iconic chameleon drools fresh water - He is decorated with trencadis
Mediterranean Cruise 2011 243
Gaudi's parabolic wave arcade in Park Guell is surfed by tourists young and old
Mediterranean Cruise 2011 244
Park Guell's parabolic arcade
Mediterranean Cruise 2011 245
Gaudi's first residential commission is Palau Guell - The Great Hall interior
Mediterranean Cruise 2011 246
The Great Hall seen from the balcony at Palau Guell
Mediterranean Cruise 2011 247
Trencadis is used extensively to decorate the chimney pots on Palau Guell's roof top
Mediterranean Cruise 2011 248
Trencadis and Catalan symbols are used extensively to decorate the chimney pots
Mediterranean Cruise 2011 249
Trencadis is used extensively to decorate the chimney pots
Mediterranean Cruise 2011 250
The whimsical weather vane at Palau Guell is still functional - It forecasts azure skies for our flight back to Dallas - Hasta la vista, Barcelona!
Monte Carlo 2011
Monte Carlo 2011 001
Our first port of call Monte Carlo on the Cote d'Azur
Monte Carlo 2011 002
It occupies a point of land that is one of the smallest countries in the world - the Principality of Monaco
Monte Carlo 2011 003
It's known as the playground of the rich and famous - Mark & I included
Monte Carlo 2011 004
Our entrance to the tiny harbor is incredible
Monte Carlo 2011 005
Charles Garnier's famous Opera House also houses the more famous Casino
Monte Carlo 2011 006
Yachts are as big as ships
Monte Carlo 2011 007
Monte Carlo's harbor is the ultimate
Monte Carlo 2011 008
A thumbnail country on the French Riviera
Monte Carlo 2011 009
The casino overlooks the harbor
Monte Carlo 2011 010
The Magic is the biggest yacht in the club
Monte Carlo 2011 011
The Magic is the biggest yacht in the club
Monte Carlo 2011 012
The Monte Carlo Yacht Club
Monte Carlo 2011 013
The Magic is the biggest yacht in the club
Monte Carlo 2011 014
The Magic is the biggest yacht in the club
Monte Carlo 2011 015
The is the view from our stateroom - no joke!
Monte Carlo 2011 016
Mark & I strike out to discover Monte Carlo
Monte Carlo 2011 017
This park is just a five minute walk from the ship
Monte Carlo 2011 018
We are atop the fortress guarding the harbor
Monte Carlo 2011 019
From the fortress we hiked to the palace
Monte Carlo 2011 020
Monte Carlo's Old Town and palace complex overlooks the harbor
Monte Carlo 2011 021
Monaco's Saint Nicholas Cathedral
Monte Carlo 2011 022
The site of the original church dates to 1252 - this building was consecrated in 1875
Monte Carlo 2011 023
This is the cathedral where Prince Albert, current ruler of Monaco will be married on July 1, 2011
Monte Carlo 2011 024
Saint Nicholas Cathedral
Monte Carlo 2011 025
Saint Nicholas Cathedral
Monte Carlo 2011 026
The royal wedding will take place here in just two weeks
Monte Carlo 2011 027
Saint Nicholas Cathedral
Monte Carlo 2011 028
Grace Kelly's grave next to Prince Rainier III in Saint Nicholas Cathedral
Monte Carlo 2011 029
Monaco-ville is the Old Town overlooking Monte Carlo
Monte Carlo 2011 030
Cannons guard Monaco's Royal Palace
Monte Carlo 2011 031
Monaco's Royal Palace is home to Prince Albert
Monte Carlo 2011 032
The view of Monaco and the Magic from the palace
Monte Carlo 2011 033
Cannons guard Monaco's Royal Palace
Monte Carlo 2011 034
Monaco-ville is the Old Town overlooking Monte Carlo
Monte Carlo 2011 035
The church at Monaco-ville
Monte Carlo 2011 036
Monaco-ville's Post Office
Monte Carlo 2011 037
Tiles frame a doorway in Old Town
Monte Carlo 2011 038
Monaco-ville is the Old Town overlooking Monte Carlo
Monte Carlo 2011 039
Monaco-ville is the Old Town overlooking Monte Carlo
Monte Carlo 2011 040
Monaco-ville is the Old Town overlooking Monte Carlo
Monte Carlo 2011 041
Institut Oceanographique de Monaco - the Oceanographic Museum
Monte Carlo 2011 042
The Oceanographic Museum has a Victorian air - built in 1910 - a giant octopus decorates the entry hall
Monte Carlo 2011 043
Oceanographic Museum
Monte Carlo 2011 044
Oceanographic Museum
Monte Carlo 2011 045
Oceanographic Museum
Monte Carlo 2011 046
Jacques-Yves Cousteau became the director in 1957
Monte Carlo 2011 047
The museum's collections are elegantly presented
Monte Carlo 2011 048
Jacques-Yves Cousteau launched his campaign to educate the world about the undersea world from this hall
Monte Carlo 2011 049
The museum's collections are elegantly presented
Monte Carlo 2011 050
This tiny church is nestled in a canyon
Monte Carlo 2011 051
France to the left and Italy to the right
Monte Carlo 2011 052
Why are cruise ship passengers known as seagulls to the crew? Because all they do is eat, squawk and crap! It's not far from the truth
Monte Carlo 2011 053
The Magic barely fits in Monaco's tiny harbor
Monte Carlo 2011 054
Monte Carlo's casino and opera house is a gem of the Belle Epoque
Monte Carlo 2011 055
The casino is known for attracting the very rich and famous and infamous
Monte Carlo 2011 056
The casino is actually a smaller wing to the opera house
Monte Carlo 2011 057
French architect Charles Garnier built the Monte Carlo opera house as a miniature of his opera in Paris in 1879
Monte Carlo 2011 058
Sculptor Anish Kapoor's Sky Mirror reflects the opera house
Monte Carlo 2011 059
Sarah Bernhardt performed at the opening of the Monte Carlo Opera in 1879
Monte Carlo 2011 060
Monte Carlo's casino and opera house is a gem of the Belle Epoque
Monte Carlo 2011 061
I have arrived!
Monte Carlo 2011 062
Monte Carlo's casino and opera house is a gem of the Belle Epoque
Monte Carlo 2011 063
The villa Casa Mia is home to the prestigious Academie de Danse Princesse Grace - The dance school overlooks the harbor
Monte Carlo 2011 064
Casa Mia's wrought iron frames the hills of Monaco
Monte Carlo 2011 065
Casa Mia's wrought iron frames the hills of Monaco
Monte Carlo 2011 066
Casa Mia's arches frame the hills of Monaco
Monte Carlo 2011 067
A view of Prince Albert's swimming complex on the harbor
Monte Carlo 2011 068
The public swimming complex is a great people watching spot
Monte Carlo 2011 069
The famous Automobile Club of Monte Carlo - Home of the Grand Prix Monaco and the oldest car race, the Monte Carlo Rallye
Monte Carlo 2011 070
The famous Automobile Club of Monte Carlo
Monte Carlo 2011 071
My yacht is bigger than your yacht! - Our next port of call is Civitavecchia and a day in Rome
Rome 2011
Rome 2011 001
Saint Peter's Basilica dominates Vatican City
Rome 2011 002
The Vatican's Swiss Guard has protected the Pope since 1506
Rome 2011 003
Pope John Paul II was beatified by the Pope on May 1, 2011 in Saint Peter's Square
Rome 2011 004
The uniforms look like they're from the Renaissance, but they were actually designed in 1914
Rome 2011 005
This is the pavilion in Saint Peter's Square where the Pope hold his public audiences
Rome 2011 006
OK, so I find the Swiss Guards intriguing - I don't get to see these guys in Dallas!
Rome 2011 007
Saint Peter's Basilica - the Holy See and home of the Roman Catholic Church
Rome 2011 008
Michelangelo's dome dominates the basilica
Rome 2011 009
Bernini's bronze baldacchino covers the altar and crypt beneath
Rome 2011 010
The crypt beneath the main altar is said to bear the remains of Saint Peter the Apostle
Rome 2011 011
Bernini also designed the niches to hold relics Christian relics including the spear that pieced Christ's side at his crucifixion
Rome 2011 012
Michelangelo's dome dominates the basilica
Rome 2011 013
Saint Peter's Basilica
Rome 2011 014
The Bernini altar in Saint Peter's Basilica
Rome 2011 015
Saint Peter's Basilica
Rome 2011 016
Bronze door lead to Saint Peter's Basilica
Rome 2011 017
Renaissance buildings comprise Vatican City
Rome 2011 018
Bronze door lead to Saint Peter's Basilica
Rome 2011 019
Renaissance buildings comprise Vatican City
Rome 2011 020
The Vatican Museum and gardens beyond
Rome 2011 021
The Vatican Gardens and Saint Peter's beyond
Rome 2011 022
Vatican City
Rome 2011 023
Vatican City
Rome 2011 024
Renaissance buildings comprise Vatican City
Rome 2011 025
The entrance to the Vatican Museum
Rome 2011 026
A Roman frieze was discovered on the grounds of Vatican City
Rome 2011 027
The Vatican Museum has some the world's greatest sculpture - Laocoon and His Sons dates to 25 BC and was the first purchase for the museum over 500 years ago
Rome 2011 028
The museum courtyard
Rome 2011 029
Huge crowds pack the halls of the Vatican Museum
Rome 2011 030
The museum courtyard and Saint Peter's Basilica
Rome 2011 031
The Vatican Museum was founded in 1506
Rome 2011 032
The Vatican Museum has some the world's greatest sculpture, the first of which was chosen by Michelangelo for Pope Julius II in 1506
Rome 2011 033
The Vatican Museum
Rome 2011 034
Greek sculpture
Rome 2011 035
The Vatican Museum is one of the largest museums in the world rivaling the Louvre and the Hermitage
Rome 2011 036
More Greek sculpture
Rome 2011 037
The Egyptian Wing of the Vatican Museum
Rome 2011 038
The ceiling of the Gallery of Maps
Rome 2011 039
The Vatican Museum has some the world's greatest sculpture
Rome 2011 040
The Vatican Museum - Michelangelo used this Greek sculpture as a model for his frescoes in the Sistine Chapel
Rome 2011 041
Michelangelo's Pieta is in Saint Peter's Basilica but removed from the public behind bullet -proof glass - This is a plaster cast of the Pieta
Rome 2011 042
The Vatican Museum and Rome beyond
Rome 2011 043
Hercules in the Vatican Museum
Rome 2011 044
The Vatican Museum
Rome 2011 045
Crowds pack the Sistine Chapel to see Michelangelo's frescoes fully restored
Rome 2011 046
No photos are allowed, but that was just an open invitation to yours truly - a wall and corner of the ceiling
Rome 2011 047
The central panels including Michelangelo's iconic Creation of Adam - Yes, I took this commando photo using the camera's timer and placing it on the floor of the chapel
Rome 2011 048
The Colosseum was built by Emperor Vespasian in 72 AD
Rome 2011 049
Today it stands as the iconic symbol of Rome
Rome 2011 050
And the symbol of the glory of the Roman Empire
Rome 2011 051
The Roman Colosseum
Rome 2011 052
The Roman Colosseum
Rome 2011 053
The Roman Colosseum
Rome 2011 054
The Roman Colosseum
Rome 2011 055
The Roman Colosseum
Rome 2011 056
The Roman Colosseum
Rome 2011 057
The Roman Colosseum
Rome 2011 058
The Forum in Rome
Rome 2011 059
The Roman Forum dates to the 8th century BC
Rome 2011 060
The Forum was the center of culture, government and commerce in Rome
Rome 2011 061
The Roman Forum
Rome 2011 062
The Forum is situated between the Palatine & Capitoline Hills of Rome
Rome 2011 063
The sun sets on Rome and the port of Civitavecchia - Next stop...Florence
Florence 2011
Florence 2011 001
The Tuscan sun rises over the port of Livorno
Florence 2011 002
Livorno is seen from our stateroom window - This is the shipping point for most of the furniture and lighting I buy for Pettigrew
Florence 2011 003
Michelangelo's masterpiece, David in the Accademia Gallery dates to 1504
Florence 2011 004
Florence's Duomo
Florence 2011 005
Florence's Duomo or Basilica di Santa Maria del Fiore dates to 1296
Florence 2011 006
The Basilica di Santa Maria del Fiore means the Church of Saint Mary of the Flowers
Florence 2011 007
Mark & I climb to the top of the dome
Florence 2011 008
Padlocks hang from the window grate on the climb to the top
Florence 2011 009
All of Florence is at our feet atop Brunelleschi's tiled dome - the Duomo's campanile holds the bells
Florence 2011 010
The Tuscan hills surround Florence
Florence 2011 011
The Tuscan hills surround Florence
Florence 2011 012
Santa Maria Novella and the copper-roofed market are in the quarter where Caroline lived in 2003 while studying at the Lorenzo di Medici Art School
Florence 2011 013
The Palazzo Pitti and Boboli Gardens lie across the Arno River
Florence 2011 014
The Palazzo Vecchio anchors Florence's Uffizi Gallery
Florence 2011 015
The Uffizi Gallery houses the world's greatest collection of Renaissance art - No photos are allowed here
Florence 2011 016
The River Arno rolls past the Uffizi Gallery
Florence 2011 017
The Ponte Vecchio crosses the Arno River
Florence 2011 018
Ponte Vecchio means Old Bridge
Florence 2011 019
It was built in 1345 and is unique for it's span full of buildings stacked along the way
Florence 2011 020
Ponte Vecchio
Florence 2011 021
A medieval hitching post on the Ponte Vecchio
Florence 2011 022
Rows of shuttered windows along the Ponte Vecchio
Florence 2011 023
The Ponte Vecchio houses shops selling Florentine gold
Florence 2011 024
Rows of shuttered windows along the Ponte Vecchio
Florence 2011 025
Renaissance Florence
Florence 2011 026
The Piazza della Signoria
Florence 2011 027
A replica of Michelangelo's David in front of the Palazzo Vecchio, Florence's town hall
Florence 2011 028
Conservators tend to Medusa's head held high by Perseus
Florence 2011 029
The Palazzo Vecchio is Florence's medieval Town Hall
Florence 2011 030
The Palazzo Vecchio is Florence's medieval Town Hall
Florence 2011 031
The Palazzo Vecchio is Florence's medieval Town Hall
Florence 2011 032
David's perfect backside as seen from the entrance to the Palazzo Vecchio
Florence 2011 033
Locks and more locks along the banks of the Arno River
Florence 2011 034
Pettigrew's agent and longtime Florentine partner, Giuseppe d'Amore points to the palazzo where he played as a youngster
Florence 2011 035
The Picci Family's antique carousel in the Piazza della Republica
Florence 2011 036
Giuseppe pilots Rosie's Peugeot around Florence and across the Tuscan Hills
Florence 2011 037
The panorama of Florence from the hills above the River Arno is incomparable
Florence 2011 038
Mark holds onto his hat with Giuseppe at the wheel
Florence 2011 039
The panorama of Florence from the hills above the River Arno is incomparable
Florence 2011 040
We zip through Tuscany back to Livorno top down and in style
Florence 2011 041
Our hosts Rosie & Giuseppe bid farewell to the Magic - Molte grazie...Ciao! Our next port of call is Naples
Pompeii & Sorrento 2011
Pompeii & Sorrento 2011 001
This is the view of Naples from our stateroom - As inviting as pizza's hometown may be, we are leaving the garbage riots to experience history and beauty
Pompeii & Sorrento 2011 002
We take the train to Pompeii where archaeologists are still discovering daily life in 79 AD when the city was buried by the pyroclastic outfall from Mount Vesuvius
Pompeii & Sorrento 2011 003
Pompeii
Pompeii & Sorrento 2011 004
Pompeii's marketplace
Pompeii & Sorrento 2011 005
Pompeii's Forum
Pompeii & Sorrento 2011 006
A Roman arch frames Mount Vesuvius
Pompeii & Sorrento 2011 007
Pompeii
Pompeii & Sorrento 2011 008
Pompeii's baths feature detailed caryatids
Pompeii & Sorrento 2011 009
In need of a bath himself, this hound is one of many strays who call Pompeii home
Pompeii & Sorrento 2011 010
Pompeii's baths feature detailed caryatids
Pompeii & Sorrento 2011 011
The Temple of Apollo at Pompeii
Pompeii & Sorrento 2011 012
A villa at Pompeii
Pompeii & Sorrento 2011 013
THe Forum still stands at Pompeii
Pompeii & Sorrento 2011 014
The House of the Faun in Pompeii
Pompeii & Sorrento 2011 015
The Forum at Pompeii
Pompeii & Sorrento 2011 016
Mount Vesuvius still looms over Pomeii's Forum
Pompeii & Sorrento 2011 017
2000 year old frescoes decorate the villas of Pompeii
Pompeii & Sorrento 2011 018
The Villa of the Mysteries still stands
Pompeii & Sorrento 2011 019
The House of the Faun is one of the most important villas in Pompeii
Pompeii & Sorrento 2011 020
This vivid mosaic floor of a Roman battle is in the House of the Faun
Pompeii & Sorrento 2011 021
The Villa of the Mysteries at Pompeii
Pompeii & Sorrento 2011 022
The Villa of the Mysteries at Pompeii
Pompeii & Sorrento 2011 023
The Villa of the Mysteries at Pompeii
Pompeii & Sorrento 2011 024
A cast of one of the residents of the Villa of the Mysteries at Pompeii
Pompeii & Sorrento 2011 025
His mouth is wide open gasping for air when there was nothing but the heat of searing ash
Pompeii & Sorrento 2011 026
Pompeii's cache of 2000 year old everyday stuff
Pompeii & Sorrento 2011 027
A boy crouches and shields his mouth for 2000 years
Pompeii & Sorrento 2011 028
Others laid down and died in their tracks
Pompeii & Sorrento 2011 029
Others laid down and died in their tracks
Pompeii & Sorrento 2011 030
A boy crouches and shields his mouth for 2000 years
Pompeii & Sorrento 2011 031
A tiny bronze statue of a Faun was found in this important villa, now called the House of the Faun
Pompeii & Sorrento 2011 032
Venus watches over Pompeii as Mount Vesuvius still threatens the coast
Pompeii & Sorrento 2011 033
Pompeii was discovered in 1749 when excavations began - Today only about a third of the buildings are accessible to the public
Pompeii & Sorrento 2011 034
We continue our train ride down the coast to Sorrento
Pompeii & Sorrento 2011 035
Sorrento is perched high about the Bay of Naples
Pompeii & Sorrento 2011 036
Grand villas take advantage of the view and the sea breezes
Pompeii & Sorrento 2011 037
The Port of Sorrento is where you depart for the Isle of Capri
Pompeii & Sorrento 2011 038
Grand villas take advantage of the view and the sea breezes
Pompeii & Sorrento 2011 039
We stop at the Grand Hotel Excelsior Vittoria
Pompeii & Sorrento 2011 040
Owned by the same family since 1834, the Excelsior Vittoria hosted many famous folks
Pompeii & Sorrento 2011 041
We stop at the Grand Hotel Excelsior Vittoria
Pompeii & Sorrento 2011 042
Lord Byron, Marilyn Monroe, Oscar Wilde and Wagner slept here!
Pompeii & Sorrento 2011 043
A disrespectful sea gull
Pompeii & Sorrento 2011 044
The Grand Hotel Excelsior Vittoria
Pompeii & Sorrento 2011 045
The hydrofoil to Capri departs the harbor
Pompeii & Sorrento 2011 046
Mark and I soak-up la dolce vita in Sorrento
Pompeii & Sorrento 2011 047
The gardens of the Excelsior Vittoria are incredible
Pompeii & Sorrento 2011 048
The gardens of the Excelsior Vittoria are incredible
Pompeii & Sorrento 2011 049
The gardens of the Excelsior Vittoria are incredible
Pompeii & Sorrento 2011 050
Grand villas take advantage of the view and the sea breezes
Pompeii & Sorrento 2011 051
Grand villas take advantage of the view and the sea breezes
Pompeii & Sorrento 2011 052
Grand villas take advantage of the view and the sea breezes
Pompeii & Sorrento 2011 053
Sorrento's gardens are lush and cooling
Pompeii & Sorrento 2011 054
The town center of Sorrento straddles a deep gorge leading from the mountains to the sea
Pompeii & Sorrento 2011 055
I spotted a shop selling ceramic pieces from Ceccarelli who Pettigrew buys from in Florence - The terra cotta plaque (center) is the same as one in our Dallas showroom
Pompeii & Sorrento 2011 056
Vertical Sorrento
Pompeii & Sorrento 2011 058
I discovered Limonoro - the limoncello factory
Pompeii & Sorrento 2011 057
I discovered Limonoro - the limoncello factory
Pompeii & Sorrento 2011 059
Limoncello is a lemon liquor - free samples led to an irresistible purchase
Pompeii & Sorrento 2011 060
The Via San Cesareo is a narrow market street in Sorrento
Pompeii & Sorrento 2011 061
Mark and I crashed an afternoon wedding
Pompeii & Sorrento 2011 062
Inside the church is a beautiful nativity creche set in Renaissance Italy, of course
Pompeii & Sorrento 2011 063
Wedding guests gather
Pompeii & Sorrento 2011 064
The organ loft
Pompeii & Sorrento 2011 065
Inside the church is a beautiful nativity creche set in Renaissance Italy, of course
Pompeii & Sorrento 2011 066
Silver medallions given in thanks for healing
Pompeii & Sorrento 2011 067
Inside the church is a beautiful nativity creche set in Renaissance Italy, of course
Pompeii & Sorrento 2011 068
Vertical Sorrento
Pompeii & Sorrento 2011 069
Vertical Sorrento
Pompeii & Sorrento 2011 070
The Opera Society has more to do with playing cards and reading the paper than opera - The trompe-l'oeil is very cool
Pompeii & Sorrento 2011 071
A poker face focuses on the game
Pompeii & Sorrento 2011 072
The Opera Society has more to do with playing cards and reading the paper than opera
Pompeii & Sorrento 2011 073
I've been spotted, but I take the shot anyway - "Molte grazie, senore!"
Pompeii & Sorrento 2011 074
The Opera Society's parlor in Sorrento
Pompeii & Sorrento 2011 075
A poker face focuses on the game
Pompeii & Sorrento 2011 076
Dining al fresco in Sorrento
Pompeii & Sorrento 2011 077
Grand villas take advantage of the view and the sea breezes
Pompeii & Sorrento 2011 078
The Chiesa di San Francesco or Church of Saint Francis in Sorrento
Pompeii & Sorrento 2011 079
The Cloister of Chiesa di San Francesco in Sorrento
Pompeii & Sorrento 2011 080
The Chiesa di San Francesco altar
Pompeii & Sorrento 2011 081
The Cloister of Chiesa di San Francesco in Sorrento
Pompeii & Sorrento 2011 082
The crypt at Chiesa di San Francesco
Pompeii & Sorrento 2011 083
The Cloister of Chiesa di San Francesco in Sorrento
Pompeii & Sorrento 2011 084
The Chiesa di San Francesco has a beautiful ceiling
Pompeii & Sorrento 2011 085
The Cloister of Chiesa di San Francesco in Sorrento
Pompeii & Sorrento 2011 086
The Chiesa di San Francesco altar
Pompeii & Sorrento 2011 087
The Cloister of Chiesa di San Francesco in Sorrento
Pompeii & Sorrento 2011 088
Sunny Sorrento
Pompeii & Sorrento 2011 089
Grand villas take advantage of the view and the sea breezes
Pompeii & Sorrento 2011 090
Lemon gelato in Sorrento
Pompeii & Sorrento 2011 091
We say "Ciao bello Sorrento" a return to Naples - We spend the next day sailing around Italy's boot and crossing the Adriatic to the Balkan country of Croatia
Dubrovnik 2011
Dubrovnik 2011 001
The morning sun washes over the Dalmatian Coast of Croatia - Port of call Dubrovnik
Dubrovnik 2011 002
Our approach to Dubrovnik carries us past tiny rock islands and lighthouses on the Adriatic
Dubrovnik 2011 003
Other ships follow us into the harbor
Dubrovnik 2011 004
Seaside resorts dot the Dalmatian Coast
Dubrovnik 2011 005
Our approach to Dubrovnik carries us past wooded rock islands and lighthouses on the Adriatic
Dubrovnik 2011 006
Our approach to Dubrovnik carries us past rock islands and lighthouses on the Adriatic
Dubrovnik 2011 007
Other ships follow us into the harbor
Dubrovnik 2011 008
Seaside resorts dot the Dalmatian Coast
Dubrovnik 2011 009
This new bridge links Dubrovnik with the road to Split - It replaces an old bridge bombed during the war with Serbia
Dubrovnik 2011 010
The view of Dubrovnik Harbor from our stateroom - Note the reflection in the window
Dubrovnik 2011 011
Dubrovnik's picturesque harbor
Dubrovnik 2011 012
Dubrovnik's picturesque harbor
Dubrovnik 2011 013
Dubrovnik's picturesque harbor
Dubrovnik 2011 014
The Ferry Dubrovnik ploughs the Dalmatian Coast
Dubrovnik 2011 015
Dubrovnik's picturesque harbor
Dubrovnik 2011 016
The Magic dominates Dubrovnik's main harbor
Dubrovnik 2011 017
Dubrovnik's picturesque harbor
Dubrovnik 2011 018
The old Customs House at the Port of Dubrovnik
Dubrovnik 2011 019
Dubrovnik's town plaza
Dubrovnik 2011 020
Dubrovnik's Old Town and church domes
Dubrovnik 2011 021
Dubrovnik's Old Town was heavily bombed during the war with Serbia in 1991
Dubrovnik 2011 022
The city has been rebuilt with only the new roof tiles as a sign of reconstruction
Dubrovnik 2011 023
Dubrovnik's Old Town
Dubrovnik 2011 024
Dubrovnik has several old churches
Dubrovnik 2011 025
The fortress and ramparts guarding Dubrovnik from the sea
Dubrovnik 2011 026
Dubrovnik's rocky cove with crystal blue water
Dubrovnik 2011 027
Dubrovnik's Old Town
Dubrovnik 2011 028
The fortress and ramparts guarding Dubrovnik from the sea
Dubrovnik 2011 029
Wash day in Old Town Dubrovnik
Dubrovnik 2011 030
Dubrovnik's rocky cove with crystal blue water
Dubrovnik 2011 031
A quiet life in Old Town Dubrovnik
Dubrovnik 2011 032
Dubrovnik's rocky cove with crystal blue water
Dubrovnik 2011 033
The city has been rebuilt with only the new roof tiles as a sign of reconstruction
Dubrovnik 2011 034
The fortress and ramparts guarding Dubrovnik from the sea
Dubrovnik 2011 035
The fortress and ramparts guarding Dubrovnik from the sea - Yours truly at the sentry's post
Dubrovnik 2011 036
Wash day in Old Town Dubrovnik - Ruins from the war with Serbia remain
Dubrovnik 2011 037
Musicians entertain in Dubrovnik's Old Town
Dubrovnik 2011 038
Dubrovnik is blessed
Dubrovnik 2011 039
Musicians entertain in Dubrovnik's Old Town
Dubrovnik 2011 040
Dubrovnik has several old churches
Dubrovnik 2011 041
Dubrovnik's rocky cove with crystal blue water
Dubrovnik 2011 042
A quiet life in Old Town Dubrovnik
Dubrovnik 2011 043
A quiet life in Old Town Dubrovnik
Dubrovnik 2011 044
A quiet life in Old Town Dubrovnik
Dubrovnik 2011 045
Wash day in Old Town Dubrovnik
Dubrovnik 2011 046
A quiet life in Old Town Dubrovnik
Dubrovnik 2011 047
Dubrovnik has several old churches
Dubrovnik 2011 048
A quiet life in Old Town Dubrovnik
Dubrovnik 2011 049
Wash day in Old Town Dubrovnik
Dubrovnik 2011 050
Dubrovnik has several old churches
Dubrovnik 2011 051
Wash day in Old Town Dubrovnik
Dubrovnik 2011 052
Wash day in Old Town Dubrovnik
Dubrovnik 2011 053
A quiet life in Old Town Dubrovnik
Dubrovnik 2011 054
Wash day in Old Town Dubrovnik
Dubrovnik 2011 055
Dubrovnik's Old Town Harbor
Dubrovnik 2011 056
The fortress and ramparts guarding Dubrovnik from the sea
Dubrovnik 2011 057
A quiet life in Old Town Dubrovnik
Dubrovnik 2011 058
A quiet life in Old Town Dubrovnik
Dubrovnik 2011 059
A quiet life in Old Town Dubrovnik
Dubrovnik 2011 060
A quiet life in Old Town Dubrovnik
Dubrovnik 2011 061
Dubrovnik carillon
Dubrovnik 2011 062
The fortress and ramparts guarding Dubrovnik from the sea
Dubrovnik 2011 063
A typical Croatian tourist shot
Dubrovnik 2011 064
The fortress and ramparts guarding Dubrovnik from the sea
Dubrovnik 2011 065
The fortress and ramparts guarding Dubrovnik from the sea
Dubrovnik 2011 066
Wash day in Old Town Dubrovnik
Dubrovnik 2011 067
A quiet life in Old Town Dubrovnik
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Dubrovnik carillon
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A quiet life in Old Town Dubrovnik
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The Cathedral of the Assumption of the Virgin Mary
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The Cathedral of the Assumption of the Virgin Mary's altar of Saint John of Nepomuk
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The Cathedral of the Assumption of the Virgin Mary
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The Cathedral of the Assumption of the Virgin Mary dates to 1700, but a Christian church has existed on this site since the 7th Century
Dubrovnik 2011 074
The Cathedral of the Assumption of the Virgin Mary
Dubrovnik 2011 075
A quiet life in Old Town Dubrovnik - We stop for a Dalmatian lunch
Dubrovnik 2011 076
A quiet life in Old Town Dubrovnik - A fat cat poses for me
Dubrovnik 2011 077
Three cats await lunch in the courtyard
Dubrovnik 2011 078
Dubrovnik's rocky cove with crystal blue water
Dubrovnik 2011 079
The Dalmatian Coast at Dubrovnik
Dubrovnik 2011 080
The Magic bids farewell to beautiful Dubrovnik and sets sail for the Grand Canal of Venice
Venice 2011
Venice 2011 002
The Magic's approach to Venice is hard to beat - We list to starboard as all eyes are on the spectacle of the Piazza San Marco and the Grand Canal
Venice 2011 001
Venice's Grand Canal and the Church of Madonna della Salute
Venice 2011 003
Piazza San Marco and the Campanile
Piazza San Marco2.JPG
San Marco Basilica and the Palazzo Ducale - the Doge's Palace - This is the killer view from our stateroom
Venice 2011 005
We get a bird's eye view of Venice from high atop the Magic - Sestiere Dorsoduro
Venice 2011 006
The beautiful Church of Santa Maria del Rosario Gesuati on the island of Dorsoduro
Venice 2011 007
Venice from the vaporetto
Venice 2011 008
Venice's Grand Canal
Venice 2011 009
Venice's Grand Canal
Venice 2011 010
Venice's Grand Canal - We approach Piazza San Marco
Venice 2011 011
The Church of San Giorgio Maggiore sits on a tiny island - Designed by Andrea Palladio in 1566
Venice 2011 012
The summer crowd swell at the Doge's Palace
Venice 2011 013
San Marco's Campanile bell tower
Venice 2011 014
Byzantine San Marco Basilica was built in the 8th century
Venice 2011 015
The summer crowd swell at the Doge's Palace
Venice 2011 016
Byzantine San Marco Basilica was built in the 8th century and is famous for her gold mosaics
Venice 2011 017
San Marco Basilica connects to the Palazzo Ducale
Venice 2011 018
Iconic Piazza San Marco
Venice 2011 019
A cafe' in the Napoleonic Block of the Piazza San Marco
Venice 2011 020
Basilica San Marco
Venice 2011 021
The courtyard of the Palazzo Ducale - The Doge's Palace
Venice 2011 023
A Bocca di Leone is a mailbox of sorts to denounce corrupt public officials - It means the lion's mouth
Venice 2011 024
The Palazzo Ducale
Venice 2011 026
San Marco's Byzantine domes
Venice 2011 025
The Palazzo Ducale
Venice 2011 027
The tiny island of San Giorgio Maggiore and Palladio's church as seen from the Doge's Palace
Venice 2011 028
The courtyard of the Doge's Palace
Venice 2011 030
The Palazzo Ducale
Venice 2011 029
The Palazzo Ducale
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The Palazzo Ducale
Venice 2011 032
The Palazzo Ducale
Venice 2011 033
The Palazzo Ducale
Venice 2011 034
Symbols of Venice, Saint Mark's winged lion and Saint Theodore stand atop the two columns
Venice 2011 035
A gondolier hangs a left
Venice 2011 036
This is one of my favorite spots where three canals intersect at the foot bridge outside the Hotel Al Angelo
Venice 2011 037
The view from the Hotel Al Angelo's back door and private boat dock.
Venice 2011 038
From atop the Rialto Bridge
Venice 2011 039
A view of the Grand Canal from the Rialto
Venice 2011 040
A view of the Grand Canal from the Rialto
Venice 2011 042
Yours truly atop the Rialto Bridge
Venice 2011 041
A view of the Grand Canal from the Rialto
Venice 2011 044
Wash day in Venice
Venice 2011 045
The orchestra plays day and night at a cafe' in the Piazza San Marco
Venice 2011 046
The orchestra plays day and night at a cafe' in the Piazza San Marco
Venice 2011 047
Who can resist a waltz in the Piazza San Marco?
Venice 2011 048
Gondolas at the ready
Venice 2011 049
Night time falls on Venice...
Venice 2011 050
...and the magic takes over
Venice 2011 051
Day Two in Venice - We are on the island of Murano
Venice 2011 052
We visit the glass works of Mazzuccato who sells chandeliers to Pettigrew
Venice 2011 053
An altar on Murano
Venice 2011 054
Murano
Venice 2011 055
Murano's Basilica Santi Maria e Donato dates from the 13th century
Venice 2011 056
A miniature glass orchestra on Murano
Venice 2011 057
Murano is quite and peaceful compared to Venice
Venice 2011 058
A hotel on Murano
Venice 2011 059
The gondola fleet at San Marco
Venice 2011 060
A gondolier's pie pan straw hat
Venice 2011 061
The view from the Piazza San Marco museum
Venice 2011 066
A floating fruit and vegetable market
Venice 2011 062
Venice
Venice 2011 063
Teatro La Fenice is the Venice opera house
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The Campo San Fantin is the square outside the La Fenice opera house
Venice 2011 065
I'm crossing the Ponte dell Accademia over Venice's Grand Canal
Venice 2011 022
Subtlety is not a strong suit of the Italians - On that note we set sail for Sicily - Next port of call is Messina and a road trip to Mount Etna
Sicily & Stromboli 2011
Sicily & Stromboli 2011 001
Messina is at the eastern tip of Sicily - The Strait of Messina is a narrow passage between Sicily and the tip of the boot of Italy
Sicily & Stromboli 2011 002
Hydrofoil ferries fly across the Strait of Messina
Sicily & Stromboli 2011 003
San Ranieri Lighthouse tops fortifications guarding the Port of Messina - The lighthouse was built in 1555
Sicily & Stromboli 2011 004
The Italian Coast Guard fleet stands ready at the Port of Messina
Sicily & Stromboli 2011 005
The Italian Coast Guard fleet stands ready at the Port of Messina - Scilla can be seen on the Italian mainland on the horizon
Sicily & Stromboli 2011 006
Our view of the Messina Duomo from our stateroom window
Sicily & Stromboli 2011 007
The animated clock tower does its thing at noon everyday - Messina's Duomo dates to the 12th century
Sicily & Stromboli 2011 008
The Santuario di Montalto church stands high above Messina
Sicily & Stromboli 2011 009
The Annunziata dei Catalani church was built in 1150 on the ruins of the pagan temple of Neptune - this is one of few buildings to survive the 1908 earthquake and tsunami killing 60,000 residents
Sicily & Stromboli 2011 010
The animated clock tower does its thing at noon everyday
Sicily & Stromboli 2011 011
The animated clock tower does its thing at noon everyday
Sicily & Stromboli 2011 012
The Shrine of Cristo Re as seen from the Santuario di Montalto above Messina
Sicily & Stromboli 2011 013
The Santuario di Montalto church stands high above Messina
Sicily & Stromboli 2011 014
The Shrine of Cristo Re as seen from the Magic
Sicily & Stromboli 2011 015
I'm at the entrance to the Shrine of Cristo Re, which holds the tombs of Sicilian war heroes
Sicily & Stromboli 2011 016
Messina is famous for cannoli...the creme-filled fried pastry shaped like a big taquito
Sicily & Stromboli 2011 017
Messina's famous bell tower and Duomo with the Magic in the background
Sicily & Stromboli 2011 018
The Magic dominates Messina's busy harbor
Sicily & Stromboli 2011 019
A view of San Ranieri Lighthouse from the hills of Messina - The lighthouse was built in 1555
Sicily & Stromboli 2011 020
Taormina is a resort town dangling from the Sicilian cliffs
Sicily & Stromboli 2011 021
Taormina is perched above the Ionian Sea - Can you spot the square-rigged sailing ship anchored in the harbor?
Sicily & Stromboli 2011 022
Narrow switchback streets and cascading architecture make Taormina a storybook village
Sicily & Stromboli 2011 023
The view of Taormina from Castelmola
Sicily & Stromboli 2011 024
Castelmola
Sicily & Stromboli 2011 025
Mount Etna steams on the horizon - Overlooking Castelmola's tiled rooftops
Sicily & Stromboli 2011 026
Castelmola is perched high above the coastal town of Taormina
Sicily & Stromboli 2011 027
Castelmola is perched high above the coastal town of Taormina
Sicily & Stromboli 2011 028
Castelmola is perched high above the coastal town of Taormina - Mola Castle towers above the village
Sicily & Stromboli 2011 029
A farm horse in Castelmola
Sicily & Stromboli 2011 030
Farmhouses cascade down the hills of Castelmola
Sicily & Stromboli 2011 031
Our towel animals bid farewell to Sicily as we set sail for Barcelona - But one more surprise awaits us as we cruise the Aeolian Islands
Sicily & Stromboli 2011 032
Stromboli rises from the Tyrrhenian Sea
Sicily & Stromboli 2011 033
Stromboli is an active volcano, which has been in continuous eruption for over 20,000 years - One of the eight Aeolian Islands off Italy's west coast
Sicily & Stromboli 2011 034
Fresh lava flows as recent as this spring are visible - The summit rises over 3,000 feet above the sea
Sicily & Stromboli 2011 035
As we sail away, the spectacle of Stromboli is a fitting close to our Mediterranean adventure - Now it's back to Barcelona where Mark & I ramp-up for our return to Dallas
Barcelona 2011
Barcelona 2011 001
Our home port is Barcelona - Mark & I take a couple of days to re-compress and get our land legs before returning to Dallas
Barcelona 2011 002
A tram spans the port on it's was to the hills above the city
Barcelona 2011 003
Barcelona is hip yet culturally rich and rooted in the history of Spain and the Catalan people
Barcelona 2011 004
The Placa Reial comes alive in the evening
Barcelona 2011 005
The cool arcades of the Placa Reial are packed with shoppers and dinner guests in the sidewalk cafes
Barcelona 2011 006
The Placa Reial comes alive in the evening
Barcelona 2011 007
The lamps of Placa Reial are designed by Gaudi
Barcelona 2011 008
The Placa Reial comes alive in the evening
Barcelona 2011 009
The Mercat de la Boqueria is Barcelona's central market
Barcelona 2011 010
Fresh Catalan produce is never ending - packed with shoppers all day
Barcelona 2011 011
Fresh fruit smoothies in la Boqueria
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Tapas are served to order at la Boqueria - you pay by the number of toothpicks left over
Barcelona 2011 013
The Mercat de la Boqueria
Barcelona 2011 014
A Modernisme pastry shoppe on La Rambla
Barcelona 2011 015
The main drag in Barcelona is La Rambla
Barcelona 2011 016
Buildings along La Rambla
Barcelona 2011 017
This building used to be an umbrella factory
Barcelona 2011 018
Open umbrellas decorate the facade
Barcelona 2011 019
The Dali Museum courtyard in Barcelona
Barcelona 2011 020
La Rambla in front of, Barcelona's famous opera house
Barcelona 2011 021
The Gran Teatre de Liceu facade
Barcelona 2011 022
The Gran Teatre de Liceu lobby
Barcelona 2011 023
The Gran Teatre de Liceu grand staircase to the orchestra
Barcelona 2011 024
The Gran Teatre de Liceu grand staircase to the orchestra
Barcelona 2011 025
The Gran Teatre de Liceu
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The Gran Teatre de Liceu
Barcelona 2011 027
The Gran Teatre de Liceu
Barcelona 2011 028
The Palau de la Musica Catalana is a concert hall in Barcelona - Designed in the Catalan modernista style by the architect Luis Dominech i Montaner
Barcelona 2011 029
The Palau de la Musica Catalana
Barcelona 2011 030
The Palau de la Musica Catalana street facade
Barcelona 2011 031
The Palau de la Musica Catalana lobby and grand staircase
Barcelona 2011 032
The Palau de la Musica Catalana street facade
Barcelona 2011 033
The Palau de la Musica Catalana dtreet facade
Barcelona 2011 034
The Palau de la Musica Catalana street facade
Barcelona 2011 035
Barcelona's Cathedral of Santa Eulalia dates to the 14th century
Barcelona 2011 036
The Cathedral of Santa Eulalia
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The Cathedral of Santa Eulalia
Barcelona 2011 038
The Cathedral of Santa Eulalia - The crypt contains the tomb of Saint Eulalia
Barcelona 2011 039
In Roman times Saint Eulalia was bared naked in the street when a snow storm covered her - Enraged, the soldiers put her in a barrel lined with knives and rolled her down the street
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The Cathedral of Santa Eulalia
Barcelona 2011 041
The Cathedral of Santa Eulalia
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The Cathedral of Santa Eulalia quire
Barcelona 2011 043
The Cathedral of Santa Eulalia rooftop
Barcelona 2011 044
The Cathedral of Santa Eulalia rooftop
Barcelona 2011 045
The Cathedral of Santa Eulalia bell tower
Barcelona 2011 046
Barcelona from atop the Cathedral of Santa Eulalia
Barcelona 2011 047
Gaudi's iconic Sagrada Familia is seen from atop the Cathedral of Santa Eulalia
Barcelona 2011 048
The Cathedral of Santa Eulalia's Cloister of the Thirteen Geese is named for her resident geese - 13 represents Saint Eulalia's age when she was martyred.
Barcelona 2011 049
The Cloister is decorated for the Feast of Corpus Christi
Barcelona 2011 050
Once a year for over 400 years the priests of Santa Eulalia have place a dancing egg in the cloister's fountain on Corpus Christi Day - Can you see the dancing egg in the fountain head?
Barcelona 2011 051
The Cathedral of Santa Eulalia Cloister
Barcelona 2011 052
A bronze dragon lamp in the Cloister of the Cathedral of Santa Eulalia
Barcelona 2011 053
The Cathedral of Santa Eulalia Cloister
Barcelona 2011 054
The Barri Gotic is Barcelona's medieval gothic quarter
Barcelona 2011 055
An amazing harpist plays in the Barri Gotic
Barcelona 2011 056
Barcelona's Bridge of Sighs spans the Carrer Bisbe
Barcelona 2011 057
Barcelona's Bridge of Sighs spans the Carrer Bisbe
Barcelona 2011 058
A Wedgewood cameo facade in the Carrer Bisbe
Barcelona 2011 059
Casa Mila' is also called La Pedrera - Antoni Gaudi's famous apartment project built in 1912
Barcelona 2011 060
It is consider an important building of the Modernisme Movement of Spanish architecture
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Casa Mila's biomorphic design is characterized by the absence of right angles - Note the elaborate bronze balcony railings
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The interior atrium is open to the sky
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All apartments face both the exterior and the interior courtyard
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Casa Mila' - La Pedrera
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Casa Mila' - La Pedrera
Barcelona 2011 066
Pastel colors of the entrance ceiling
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Casa Mila' - La Pedrera
Barcelona 2011 068
Casa Mila' - La Pedrera
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The entrance to the museum apartment
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The entrance to the museum apartment
Barcelona 2011 071
All apartments face both the exterior and the interior courtyard
Barcelona 2011 072
The parlor and dining room
Barcelona 2011 073
A tete-a-tete designed by Gaudi
Barcelona 2011 074
Casa Mila' - La Pedrera
Barcelona 2011 075
Casa Mila' - La Pedrera - A Modernisme tea service - Sorry Bill...It's not J P Kayser Sohn...Yes, I checked when no one was looking!
Barcelona 2011 076
Casa Mila' - La Pedrera
Barcelona 2011 077
All apartments face both the exterior and the interior courtyard
Barcelona 2011 078
Parabolic arches form the attic and roof of Casa Mila' - The arch is elemental to all of Gaudi's designs
Barcelona 2011 079
Whimsical chimney pots decorate the rooftop of La Pedrera
Barcelona 2011 080
Whimsical yet functional chimney pots decorate the rooftop of La Pedrera
Barcelona 2011 081
Some take the shape of Centurions or ghostly apparitions
Barcelona 2011 082
Whimsical chimney pots decorate the rooftop of La Pedrera - Undulating parapets represent sand dunes
Barcelona 2011 083
Whimsical chimney pots decorate the rooftop of La Pedrera
Barcelona 2011 084
Whimsical chimney pots decorate the rooftop of La Pedrera
Barcelona 2011 085
Whimsical chimney pots decorate the rooftop of La Pedrera
Barcelona 2011 086
Pastel colors of the entrance ceiling
Barcelona 2011 087
Pastel colors of the entrance ceiling
Barcelona 2011 088
Casa Batllo' is another one of Gaudi's buildings - Actually it was a remodel of an existing home
Barcelona 2011 089
All of the architectural elements of Casa Batllo' are symbolic
Barcelona 2011 090
The undulating scallops of the roof represent the dragon and the tower is Saint George, the Patron Saint of Barcelona
Barcelona 2011 091
The Basilica i Temple Expiatori de la Sagrada FamiÂlia is Antoni Gaudi's masterpiece cathedral
Barcelona 2011 092
The Passion Facade to the cathedral was conceived by Gaudi but recently built by Josep Maria Subirachs
Barcelona 2011 093
Sagrada Familia's spires
Barcelona 2011 094
The Modernisme crucifix found at the Passion Facade
Barcelona 2011 095
The Passion Facade of Sagrada Familia
Barcelona 2011 096
Sagrada Familia's spires
Barcelona 2011 097
Sagrada Familia's spires
Barcelona 2011 098
The Passion Facade of Sagrada Familia
Barcelona 2011 099
The Nativity Facade was constructed 100 years ago
Barcelona 2011 100
The spires above the Nativity Facade
Barcelona 2011 101
Sagrada Familia's Nativity Facade
Barcelona 2011 102
The spires above the Nativity Facade
Barcelona 2011 103
Sagrada Familia's Nativity Facade
Barcelona 2011 104
Sculptor Josep Subirach's Magic Square is a puzzle of numbers that when added equal 33, the age of Christ when he was crucified - From the bronze entrance doors at the Passion Facade
Barcelona 2011 105
The Passion Facade
Barcelona 2011 106
Sagrada Familia's towering nave
Barcelona 2011 107
Sagrada Familia's towering nave
Barcelona 2011 108
Sagrada Familia's towering nave
Barcelona 2011 109
Sagrada Familia's towering nave
Barcelona 2011 110
The canopy and crucifix above the altar
Barcelona 2011 111
Sagrada Familia's towering nave
Barcelona 2011 112
The canopy and crucifix above the altar
Barcelona 2011 113
Sagrada Familia's crypt museum
Barcelona 2011 114
Gaudi's workshop in Sagrada Familia's crypt
Barcelona 2011 115
Sagrada Familia's crypt museum - Gaudi used extensive modeling to accomplish his designs
Barcelona 2011 116
Sagrada Familia's crypt museum - Gaudi used extensive modeling to accomplish his designs
Barcelona 2011 117
Gaudi designed this school for the children of craftsmen building la Sagrada Familia
Barcelona 2011 118
This is the monument peak at Park Guell overlooking Barcelona
Barcelona 2011 119
That's me atop Park Guell
Barcelona 2011 120
The plaza at Park Guell
Barcelona 2011 121
Villas dot the hills surrounding Park Guell
Barcelona 2011 122
Gaudi's serpentine bench is inlaid with trencadis, colorful pottery shards
Barcelona 2011 123
The plaza at Park Guell
Barcelona 2011 124
Gaudi's serpentine bench is inlaid with trencadis, colorful pottery shards
Barcelona 2011 125
The entrance to Park Guell
Barcelona 2011 126
Guardhouses at Park Guell's entrance with Barcelona at your feet
Barcelona 2011 127
Park Guell with the Mediterranean Sea on the horizon
Barcelona 2011 128
Gaudi's serpentine bench is inlaid with trencadis, colorful pottery shards
Barcelona 2011 129
Gaudi's serpentine bench is inlaid with trencadis, colorful pottery shards
Barcelona 2011 130
Guardhouses at Park Guell's entrance
Barcelona 2011 131
Gaudi planned this clash of design and architecture to stimulate the senses - I'd say he succeeded
Barcelona 2011 132
The guardhouse at Park Guell's entrance
Barcelona 2011 133
Gaudi's palmetto fence
Barcelona 2011 134
The columns support the plaza above, which in turn shades and cools the market below
Barcelona 2011 135
The columns support the plaza above, which in turn shades and cools the market below
Barcelona 2011 136
Park Guell
Barcelona 2011 137
Park Guell
Barcelona 2011 138
Park Guell
Barcelona 2011 139
Gaudi's iconic chameleon fountain decorated with trencadis
Barcelona 2011 140
Gaudi's palmetto fence
Barcelona 2011 141
The sun and moon medallions on the ceiling of Park Guell's market
Barcelona 2011 142
The octopus medallion on the ceiling of the market at Park Guell
Barcelona 2011 143
Gaudi's palmetto fence
Barcelona 2011 144
Caryatids support the wave arcade at Park Guell
Barcelona 2011 145
Gaudi's parabolic wave arcade in Park Guell
Barcelona 2011 146
Park Guell
Barcelona 2011 147
The marketplace at Park Guell
Barcelona 2011 148
Park Guell
Barcelona 2011 149
Park Guell's parabolic arcade
Barcelona 2011 150
The guardhouse at Park Guell's entrance
Barcelona 2011 151
Hotel Gaudi is across the street from Palau Guell
Barcelona 2011 152
Palau Guell is Gaudi's first commission for his patron industrialist Eusebi Guell - Built in 1888
Barcelona 2011 153
As with nearly all of Gaudi's designs, the parabolic arch figures prominently in Palau Guell
Barcelona 2011 154
Palau Guell's Great Hall
Barcelona 2011 155
The original organ console has been replaced by a new organ
Barcelona 2011 156
Palau Guell's Dining Room
Barcelona 2011 157
The Great Hall from the balcony
Barcelona 2011 158
Palau Guell's new pipe organ entertains visitors during their tour
Barcelona 2011 159
The ceiling of the Great Hall
Barcelona 2011 160
An ebony screen conceals the orchestra stage overlooking the Great Hall
Barcelona 2011 161
Park Guell's rear terrace - The ingenious mechanical shutters can be adjusted from inside the house
Barcelona 2011 162
Decorative chimney pots adorn the roof top at Palau Guell
Barcelona 2011 163
Trencadis is used extensively to decorate the chimney pots
Barcelona 2011 164
Trencadis is used extensively to decorate the chimney pots
Barcelona 2011 165
Trencadis is used extensively to decorate the chimney pots
Barcelona 2011 166
The ventilation tower channels light into the Great Hall
Barcelona 2011 167
Trencadis is used extensively to decorate the chimney pots
Barcelona 2011 168
Trencadis is used extensively to decorate the chimney pots
Barcelona 2011 169
Trencadis is used extensively to decorate the chimney pots - The whimsical weather vane is still functional
Barcelona 2011 170
Trencadis is used extensively to decorate the chimney pots
Barcelona 2011 171
Our room at the Hesperia Ramblas Hotel just off La Rambla
Barcelona 2011 172
Our room at the Hesperia Ramblas Hotel just off La Rambla
Carnival Magic 2011
Carnival Magic 2011 001
Welcome aboard the Carnival Magic...the newest Funship in the fleet - Mark & I are off on a 13 day cruise of the Mediterranean Sea
Carnival Magic 2011 002
Our stateroom No. 7207 forward on the starboard side on Deck 7
Carnival Magic 2011 003
Our home away from home for the next couple weeks - our window view over the bow will reveal some great ports of call
Carnival Magic 2011 004
Roomy!
Carnival Magic 2011 005
The head is GINORMOUS!
Carnival Magic 2011 006
This is our towel animal collection on Day 12 - by Day 13 they were in the ship's laundry
Carnival Magic 2011 007
Deck 7 duh!
Carnival Magic 2011 008
Mark & I are standing on the Deck 7 right outside our stateroom, which is directly under the wheelhouse
Carnival Magic 2011 009
We share the deck with a few other folks, but usually we have the whole balcony to ourselves
Carnival Magic 2011 010
It's a long walk to the stern
Carnival Magic 2011 011
The lobby and atrium - looking from above
Carnival Magic 2011 012
The lobby and atrium - looking from below
Carnival Magic 2011 013
The main elevators
Carnival Magic 2011 014
The Showtime Theatre and stage
Carnival Magic 2011 015
The Showtime Theatre
Carnival Magic 2011 016
Magic art
Carnival Magic 2011 017
The casino didn't get any of our Euros
Carnival Magic 2011 018
The Northern Lights Dining Room
Carnival Magic 2011 019
The candy shoppe
Carnival Magic 2011 020
The Magic is all about eating
Carnival Magic 2011 021
The Cucina del Capitano Italian restaurant makes no sense on an Italian cruise
Carnival Magic 2011 022
The 24 hour hog trough
Carnival Magic 2011 023
The dessert buffet
Carnival Magic 2011 024
Carnival's sense of humor
Carnival Magic 2011 025
The Lido Deck and Waterworks
Carnival Magic 2011 026
The Waterworks and giant yellow dump bucket
Carnival Magic 2011 027
The fan tail pool
Carnival Magic 2011 028
The ropes course
Carnival Magic 2011 029
The ropes course
Carnival Magic 2011 030
The Lido Deck
Carnival Magic 2011 031
The hot tub on the Promenade Deck
Carnival Magic 2011 032
The fan tail pool
Carnival Magic 2011 033
Soon to be very sunburned passengers
Carnival Magic 2011 034
The irresistible corkscrew water slide
Carnival Magic 2011 035
That's me at the end of the waterslide
Carnival Magic 2011 036
Dunked, dazed and dizzy!
Carnival Magic 2011 037
Where the hell am I?
Carnival Magic 2011 038
The ship's spinning!
Carnival Magic 2011 039
Get me off of this thing...so I can do it again!
Carnival Magic 2011 040
I'm on vacation!
Carnival Magic 2011 041
Our maitre d', Ken the Irishman does a pretty good Sinatra
Carnival Magic 2011 042
"I did it myyyyyyyyy waaayyyyy"
Carnival Magic 2011 043
All the waiters serenade the diners from the stairway
Carnival Magic 2011 044
Dinner and dancing on elegant night
Carnival Magic 2011 045
Mark & I with our new friends from Dresden, Germany, Isolde & Bern Storbeck
Carnival Magic 2011 046
Sunset on the Tyrrhenian Sea off Corsica - We set sail from our home port of Barcelona
Carnival Magic 2011 047
Sunset on the Tyrrhenian Sea off Corsica
Carnival Magic 2011 048
Sunset on the Tyrrhenian Sea off Corsica - Our first port of call is Monte Carlo
California 2011
California 2011 001
Mark and I are off on another adventure - No! We are NOT alien invaders in Palm Springs, but we did find the place quirky and fun
California 2011 002
Mark's Uncle Ed and his partner Rhodell come to the Springs each March to escape Pacific storms in Oregon
California 2011 003
The stark contrast between the desert and mountains is appealing
California 2011 004
We hiked into the mountains to get a bird's eye view of the city which spreads across the Cahuilla Valley
California 2011 005
The Agua Caliente Indians and Spanish haciendas gave way to movie stars' homes
California 2011 006
Strict zoning has produced a low profile city that sprawls across the desert floor
California 2011 007
Where the desert meets the mountains is a beautiful geography
California 2011 008
March is the wet season for Palm Springs and the desert is in full bloom
California 2011 009
Desert daisies blanket the mountains
California 2011 010
Cacti bloom while they can
California 2011 011
The desert comes alive
California 2011 012
The desert comes alive
California 2011 013
Whimsical yard art road runner doubles as a mail box
California 2011 014
More of that quirky Palm Springs attitude
California 2011 015
The road runner has a lizard by the tail
California 2011 016
The Movie Colony neighborhood is where movie stars built they desert hideaways back in the 30's and 40's - Like this place built by Liberace for his mom
California 2011 017
Bougainvillea cascades from terra cotta tile rooftops
California 2011 018
Las Casuelas Terraza is a landmark restaurant on Palm Canyon Drive
California 2011 019
The courtyard, patios and rooms in this old house make it a great dinner spot for CalMex food
California 2011 020
Las Casuelas Terraza is a landmark restaurant on Palm Canyon Drive
California 2011 021
The courtyard, patios and rooms in this old house make it a great dinner spot for CalMex food
California 2011 022
Desert nights are cool and clear - perfect for walking Palm Springs' alley ways
California 2011 023
We're at dinner with our very attentive waiter, Paco
California 2011 024
Palm Canyon Drive is busy at night
California 2011 025
The Plaza Theatre opened in 1936 with the premier of "Camille" staring Greta Garbo and Robert Taylor
California 2011 026
The historic Plaza Theatre is 74 years young
California 2011 027
The "Fabulous Palm Springs Follies" has been playing each night at the Plaza since 1990
California 2011 028
The Plaza's concession stand is open for business
California 2011 029
Rhodell, Mark and Ed hit the strip - Notify the authorities and alert the media
California 2011 030
A sculpture garden near the Convention Center
California 2011 031
A sculpture garden near the Convention Center
California 2011 032
Snow capped Mt. San Jacinto rises a mile above Palm Springs
California 2011 033
Can you spot the tram traveling up to the summit of San Jacinto?
California 2011 034
A wind farm produces megawattage on the desert floor below San Jacinto
California 2011 035
Snow melt cascades off a cliff - Actually this is a man made waterfall at the tram terminal
California 2011 036
But there really is snow and cascading water atop Mt. San Jacinto
California 2011 037
A snow storm from the west is held at bay by warm desert air rising from the east
California 2011 038
Over a mile above Palm Springs the temperature varies some 50 degrees
California 2011 039
At over 8,500 feet San Jacinto peak is still getting regular snowfall
California 2011 040
A strange alpine environment so close to the desert
California 2011 041
At over 8,500 feet San Jacinto peak is still getting regular snowfall
California 2011 042
Snow showers would fly over us while we stand in the sunshine
California 2011 043
The tram approaches the terminal near the summit
California 2011 044
244 North Hermosa is our home away from home - Ed & Rhodell have rented it for the entire month of March
California 2011 045
They are escaping the fierce Pacific storms that soak their seaside home in Florence, Oregon
California 2011 046
This garden home offers a calm zen quality
California 2011 047
The landscaping is lush for the desert
California 2011 048
Big grapefruit grow in the yard
California 2011 049
Thank you guys, for having us visit Palm Springs - You ordered perfect weather - Now we're off to Disneyland!
California 2011 050
We blast off on Space Mountain in Tomorrowland
California 2011 051
I'm at Winnie the Pooh's hoard of honey pots
California 2011 052
The Frontierland Sheriff has a shootout at the Golden Horseshoe Saloon just before a 3" record rainfall floods Disneyland - The good news is you are spared any more Disney pics!
California 2011 053
We spend the night at the Los Angeles Athletic Club - That's right! Now stop laughing and check it out
California 2011 054
This is a portrait of Mark when he was MUCH younger - A fine specimen!
California 2011 055
The LAAC is actually a very nice club with a 72 room hotel included - 72 Olympic gold medals have been won by club members
California 2011 056
"The Mercury" magazine is the publication of the LAAC and an old cover is framed in our room
California 2011 057
The glass roof of the gymnasium dates back to the 30's, but the club was founded in 1880 when the population of Los Angeles was a mere 11,000
California 2011 058
The pool is home to two Olympic Gold Medalists in 2000 and 2004 on the women's water polo team - Brenda Villa & Patty Cardenas
California 2011 059
Clever swimmers murals at the pool
California 2011 060
Deco skylight and chandelier over the 5th floor pool
California 2011 061
A room with a view of downtown Los Angeles
California 2011 062
7th Street buildings are being renovated in once-seedy LA skid row
California 2011 063
Rooftops seen from our LAAC room are nostalgic of the early years of LA
California 2011 064
We have arrived!
California 2011 065
Grauman's Chinese Theatre is the Holy Grail of movie goers
California 2011 066
It opened in 1927 with the premier of Cecil B. DeMille's "King of Kings"
California 2011 067
Mary Poppins flew in to have her hand prints cast in cement
California 2011 068
The Griffith Observatory opened in 1935 atop Mount Hollywood in Griffith Park
California 2011 069
It houses one of the first public planetariums and a public telescope
California 2011 070
The Griffith Monument is in memory of Griffith J. Griffith who gave the money to build the observatory
California 2011 071
The LA skyline is usually shrouded in a coastal marine layer, what we used to call smog - Not today, following a record 5" rainfall
California 2011 072
The California sun returns to Los Angeles as it illuminates the blue Pacific on the horizon - From the Griffith Observatory
Monterrey 2011
Monterrey 2011 001
I'm off to Monterrey Mexico to visit Penate Candiles (Spanish for "chandeliers")
Monterrey 2011 002
This factory has been producing hand made chandeliers for over sixty years - The process begins with a line drawing
Monterrey 2011 003
The wooden mold is hand carved
Monterrey 2011 004
Then the mold is forged in bronze using the sand cast method - "Fundidora" is the Spanish word for foundry - this fundidora is a simple hole in the floor
Monterrey 2011 005
The wooden mold is cast in local river sand stabilized with fine materials and liquids including recycled motor oil
Monterrey 2011 006
The brick-lined fundidora is fired with propane gas - Here the crucible is prepared for casting
Monterrey 2011 007
Brake discs weight the sand cast mold ready to receive the molten bronze alloy
Monterrey 2011 008
Fresh castings are ready for machining
Monterrey 2011 009
Raw castings are cleaned using a grinder
Monterrey 2011 010
Chandelier parts are machined on a lathe - This machinist has been working at Penate for nearly sixty years
Monterrey 2011 011
Iron chandelier elements are bent by hand in a custom-made jig
Monterrey 2011 012
It takes the manpower of two grown men to bend the iron piece into a tight fiddle head form
Monterrey 2011 013
This graceful fiddle head becomes an important element of the iron chandelier
Monterrey 2011 014
Craftsmanship is the hallmark of Penate Candiles
Monterrey 2011 015
Penate's showroom is understated
Monterrey 2011 016
A finished cast bronze chandelier
Monterrey 2011 017
A finished cast bronze chandelier
Monterrey 2011 018
A finished wrought iron and cast bronze chandelier
Monterrey 2011 019
A finished cast bronze chandelier
Monterrey 2011 020
A finished cast bronze chandelier
Monterrey 2011 021
A finished cast bronze chandelier
Monterrey 2011 022
A finished iron lantern
Monterrey 2011 023
Penate owner Roberto Bremer takes me on a tour of some of the homes for which he has produced chandeliers
Monterrey 2011 024
An elegant marble entrance to his client's home
Monterrey 2011 025
Onyx panels in the front doors
Monterrey 2011 026
Entry sconces in iron and bronze
Monterrey 2011 027
Dining room chandelier
Monterrey 2011 028
Dining room chandelier
Monterrey 2011 029
Dining room chandelier
Monterrey 2011 030
Dining room chandelier
Monterrey 2011 031
Living room chandelier
Monterrey 2011 032
Living room chandelier
Monterrey 2011 033
Living room chandelier
Monterrey 2011 034
Living room chandelier
Monterrey 2011 035
Entry sconces in iron and bronze
Monterrey 2011 036
Entry sconces in iron and bronze
Monterrey 2011 037
Entry sconces in iron and bronze
Monterrey 2011 038
This luxury community is called San Pedro Garza Garcia
Monterrey 2011 039
Incredible views from the terrace
Monterrey 2011 040
Palladium windows frame the mountain views
Monterrey 2011 041
Palladium windows frame the mountain views
Monterrey 2011 042
What? No garage doors?
Monterrey 2011 043
Panorama of San Pedro Garza Garcia
Monterrey 2011 044
Panorama of San Pedro Garza Garcia
Monterrey 2011 045
Another tour stop at one of Bremer's client's home
Monterrey 2011 046
Entry chandelier sets the mood
Monterrey 2011 047
Penate's cast bronze chandelier in the dining room compliments the beautiful art collection
Monterrey 2011 048
Penate's cast bronze chandelier in the dining room compliments the beautiful art collection
Monterrey 2011 049
Penate's cast bronze chandelier in the dining room compliments the beautiful art collection
Monterrey 2011 050
Excellent patinated cast bronze
Monterrey 2011 051
Penate's cast bronze chandelier in the dining room compliments the beautiful art collection
Monterrey 2011 052
Next stop on our tour is the Bremer Family church
Monterrey 2011 053
A French gold cast bronze chandelier has been installed by Penate
Monterrey 2011 054
A French gold cast bronze chandelier has been installed by Penate
Monterrey 2011 055
A French gold cast bronze chandelier has been installed by Penate
Monterrey 2011 056
Sunlight filters into the peaceful chapel
Monterrey 2011 057
Penate "flies under the radar" by leaving the graffiti intact, but the whimsical shoes on the power lines caught my eye
Monterrey 2011 058
A quirky stuffed bobcat greets you with a smirk at Penate's showroom
Monterrey 2011 059
Calle Michoacan sur is a very old street in Monterrey
Monterrey 2011 060
The power lines and dangling shoes criss-cross the intersection
Monterrey 2011 061
Calle Michoacan sur
Monterrey 2011 062
The urban legend is that this a gang sign of drug activity - I say it's the work of crazy neighborhood kids
Monterrey 2011 063
Calle Michoacan sur
Monterrey 2011 064
Calle Michoacan sur
Monterrey 2011 065
Penate is very close to an old boxing ring
Monterrey 2011 066
Calle Michoacan sur
Monterrey 2011 067
Calle Michoacan sur
Monterrey 2011 068
The cross streets have character
Monterrey 2011 069
Few historic buildings still grace old Monterrey - The Merchantile Bank is one - Circa 1901
Monterrey 2011 070
Monterrey's cathedral is impressive in scale but austere in decor
Monterrey 2011 071
Monterrey's cathedral dates to 1626
Monterrey 2011 072
Monterrey's cathedral is impressive in scale but austere in decor
Monterrey 2011 073
A modern suspension bridge connects the old and new Monterrey
Monterrey 2011 074
Monterrey's skyline is challenging the surrounding mountains
Monterrey 2011 075
Monterrey's skyline is challenging the surrounding mountains - Downtown San Pedro Garza Garcia is where my hotel is located
Monterrey 2011 076
Hotel Saf Valle San Pedro - Bremer is trying to sell them some Penate chandliers, which is a very good idea
Monterrey 2011 077
A room with a view at Hotel Safi Valle
Monterrey 2011 078
Downtown San Pedro
Monterrey 2011 079
The waterfall and pool at Hotel Safi Valle
Monterrey 2011 080
The Hotel limo...not!
Monterrey 2011 081
A rather nice but anachronistic Rolls Royce limousine on display at Hotel Safi Valle
Europe 2010
Paris 2010 001
Mark and I are in Paris for eight days in May, then on to Austria for five more - Join us for all things Parisian, and where better place to start than the Musee du Louvre?
Paris 2010 005
Musee du Louvre - Two statues debate the wisdom of so many kids in one place
Paris 2010 007
Musee du Louvre - Life imitates art as an aging museum guard becomes his own statue
Paris 2010 023
Musee du Louvre - Le Grande Galerie was the site of a ritual murder in "The Da Vinci Code"
Paris 2010 031
Musee du Louvre - Unmistakeably Michelangelo - The Dying Slave is bathed in the Louvre's natural light
Paris 2010 034
Musee du Louvre - The Denon Wing and I M Pei's iconic pyramid seen from Cafe' Richelieu
Paris 2010 049
Musee du Louvre - The Egyptian Collection
Paris 2010 043
Musee du Louvre - From the Richelieu Wing
Paris 2010 089
Musee Rodin - Le Penseur is Rodin's masterpiece, The Thinker - Originally conceived to represent Dante' contemplating his poem "Inferno" from atop Rodin's Gates of Hell
Paris 2010 075
Musee Rodin - Hotel Biron was where Rodin lived and later had his studio
Paris 2010 086
Musee Rodin - The Age of Bronze is my favorite work by Rodin - He also stands in the Metropolitan Museum in New York City and the Nasher Sculpture Center in Dallas
Paris 2010 096
Chateau de Versailles was built by Louis XIV, the Sun King as his hunting lodge
Paris 2010 102
Chateau de Versailles - Some hunting lodge!
Paris 2010 105
Chateau de Versailles - Palladium shadows are cast on the limestone corridors
Paris 2010 108
Chateau de Versailles - Chapelle Royale
Paris 2010 114
Chateau de Versailles - The Hall of Mirrors is where the Treaty of Versailles was signed after World War I
Paris 2010 134
Chateau de Versailles - The fountains are gravity fed from cisterns atop the chateau and only flow on weekends in late spring & summer
Paris 2010 136
Chateau de Versailles - The Eastern Parterre
Paris 2010 143
Chateau de Versailles
Paris 2010 154
Chateau de Versailles - Swans cruise the Apollo Fountain in the Grand Canal
Paris 2010 157
Chateau de Versailles - Row boats on the Grand Canal
Paris 2010 163
Chateau de Versailles - The fairy tale beginning of a marriage at Louis XIV's Grand Trianon
Paris 2010 177
Chateau de Versailles - Marie Antoinette's Hamlet was a private hideaway for her and her four children to escape court life
Paris 2010 179
Chateau de Versailles - Marie Antoinette's Hamlet - The caretaker's cottage is a fairy tale reminder of her native Austria
Paris 2010 205
Palais Garnier Paris Opera - Cariatides light the way to the Opera along Place Diaghilev
Paris 2010 206
Palais Garnier Paris Opera - The Phantom still haunts the Grand Staircase
Paris 2010 217
Palais Garnier Paris Opera - Crimson velvet loge boxes and orchestra seats
Paris 2010 223
Palais Garnier Paris Opera - An interior spiral ellipse stairwell
Paris 2010 233
Palais Garnier Paris Opera - Mosaic ceiling of the Front Portico
Paris 2010 242
Notre Dame Cathedral - Gargoyles silhouette the city below as they ward off evil
Paris 2010 250
Notre Dame Cathedral -All of Paris is at your feet
Paris 2010 257
Notre Dame Cathedral - A mean gargoyle silhouettes the city below as he wards off evil
Paris 2010 260
Notre Dame Cathedral
Paris 2010 270
Notre Dame Cathedral - A saintly silhouette
Paris 2010 278
Notre Dame Cathedral - Just what I need...another Christmas card photo
Paris 2010 279
Sacre Coeur Basilica stands atop Montmartre at the highest point in Paris
Paris 2010 288
Sacre Coeur Basilica - All of Paris lies before you
Paris 2010 289
The sounds of Paris from atop Montmartre
Paris 2010 292
A colorful yet timeless character leaves the Metro station at Place des Abbesses in Montmartre
Paris 2010 297
Le Consulat in Montmartre was a favorite haunt of the 19th century Impressionist painters
Paris 2010 300
Le Moulin de la Galette is the windmill in rue Lepic where Renoir made his famous painting now seen in the Louvre
Paris 2010 303
Place du Tertre is the artists' square at the top of Montmartre - A Buddhist monk admires a new work
Paris 2010 316
Sainte-Chapelle was built by Louis IX in 1248 as a reliquary for Christ's crown of thorns - Stone arches support the roof, while the walls are all of stained glass
Paris 2010 318
Sainte-Chapelle's medieval stone work
Paris 2010 329
Eglise Saint-Eustache is the church near our apartment - Mark and I returned on Pentecost Sunday to hear the organ and found nearly every seat filled
Paris 2010 336
Ecoute' by Henry Miller is a giant stone sculpture outside Saint Eustache at the Jardin du Les Halles
Paris 2010 346
Jardin du Tuileries and the Louvre in the background
Paris 2010 351
Stone bridges criss cross the River Seine connecting Paris's Left Bank with the Ile de la Cite'
Paris 2010 358
The Singing Nuns of Notre Dame des Victoires
Paris 2010 368
A staircase off the Passage Vivienne - The railing up the wall is painted trompe l'oeil, but the bicycle is real 3D
Paris 2010 372
At this classy souvenir shop I actually discovered a souvenir to bring home...an architectural model of a floating spiral staircase
Paris 2010 381
Napoleon Bonaparte's tomb in the crypt of the Dome Church of Les Invalides
Paris 2010 389
An American in Paris - Long live George Gershwin
Paris 2010 391
Three reclining figures at Jardins du Trocadero
Paris 2010 400
Hermes delivers his message to the gods in Jardin du Luxembourg with the Sorbonne's Pantheon in the background
Paris 2010 412
Dinner at La Coupole in Montparnasse is an event
Paris 2010 418
Dinner at Le Petit Zinc in Saint Germain des Pres is a joy
Paris 2010 423
Dinner at Julien is a step back in time to the Belle Epoque
Paris 2010 439
The corner of rue Dussoubs and rue Saint Sauveur just steps from our apartment at No. 27 rue Dussoubs
Paris 2010 448
Mark and our hostess Dominique Lestrelin - The bag of macaroons from Laduree on the table was her welcome gift when we arrived...as she says, "Bon appetit!"
Disneyland Paris 2010 001
Being Official Mouseketeers, Mark and I take a break from Paris' museums, cathedrals and palaces to have fun at Disneyland a la Francais
Disneyland Paris 2010 012
Captain Jack Sparrow's ship calls all Pirates of the Caribbean
Disneyland Paris 2010 017
I'm "singin' in the rain" at the Disney Studios backlot, and the special FX rain is about the only rain we see during the entire two week trip - Next stop...Austria
Vienna 2010 003
Our visit to Vienna begins at Schloss Schonbrunn, the summer palace of the Habsburg royal family
Vienna 2010 020
Schloss Schonbrunn's English garden seen from atop the grape arbor
Vienna 2010 010
Schloss Schonbrunn's Gloriette with the Neptune Well below
Vienna 2010 037
Schloss Schonbrunn is a photographer's dream come true
Vienna 2010 021
Mark & I are at Schloss Schonbrunn's English garden seen from atop the grape arbor
Vienna 2010 032
Schloss Schonbrunn seen from atop the Gloriette - All of Vienna lies below
Vienna 2010 044
Stephansdom is Saint Stephan's Cathedral in the heart of Vienna - Dates to 1147
Vienna 2010 049
Horses and carriage arrive in cobbled Stephansdomplatz
Vienna 2010 056
Over 230,000 glazed fish scale tiles cover Stephansdom's roof
Vienna 2010 069
Stephansdom's grey Gothic arches are warmed by votive candles
Vienna 2010 079
A Viennese sliver carriage door handle
Vienna 2010 085
The Earl of Savoy's Schloss Belvedere's Grand Parterre leads to the Lower Belvedere and her collection of Klimts and Scheles
Vienna 2010 091
The Musikverein was built in 1870 by Emperor Franz Joseph and is home to the Wein Philharmoniker...the Vienna Philharmonic
Vienna 2010 096
The Musikverein's Golden Hall is where the New Years Day concert is held each year
Vienna 2010 112
Karlskirche is under renovation as are most of Europe's churches
Vienna 2010 109
In Karlskirche we were able to climb the artists' scaffold all the way to the top of the dome - Along the way we come face to face with the frescoes
Vienna 2010 122
The Wien Staatsoper aglow at night just 100 metres from our hotel - We enjoyed the opera fed live on an HD Jumbotron into the plaza
Vienna 2010 125
The Hofburg Palace palm house and orangerie
Vienna 2010 145
Sailing on the Karlsplatz reflecting pool
Vienna 2010 150
The boatman tows away his wagon of toy sailboats after the regatta
Vienna 2010 151
Mozart's statue and a begonia treble clef in the Hofburg's Burgarten
Vienna 2010 152
Dudes chill in the Hofburg's Volksgarten
Salzburg 2010 001
Since we were kids humming along to the "The Sound of Music," Mark and I have always wanted to see Salzburg - home of Mozart and the Von Trapp Family
Salzburg 2010 026
Hohensalzburg fortress has secured Salzburg for over 900 years
Salzburg 2010 032
We ride the funicular down from the fortress into the altstadt or old town
Salzburg 2010 037
Baroque towers crowd altstadt's courtyards in Salzburg
Salzburg 2010 050
Lacy signs hallmark the shops on the Getreidegasse...the street of Mozart's birthplace
Salzburg 2010 046
Salzburger Dom is Salzburg's cathedral
Salzburg 2010 054
Getreidegasse is the narrow street winding through Old Salzburg
Salzburg 2010 058
Schloss Mirabell's Neptune fountain near where they filmed "The Sound of Music"
Paris 2010
Paris 2010 001
Mark and I are in Paris for eight days in May - Join us for all things Parisian, and where better place to start than the Musee du Louvre?
Paris 2010 002
Musee du Louvre
Paris 2010 003
Musee du Louvre
Paris 2010 004
Musee du Louvre - The Richelieu Wing courtyard
Paris 2010 005
Musee du Louvre - Two statues debate the wisdom of so many kids in one place
Paris 2010 006
Musee du Louvre
Paris 2010 007
Musee du Louvre - A weary museum guard becomes his own statue - Life imitates art
Paris 2010 008
Musee du Louvre - The sculpture turns a stone cold shoulder to the tourists
Paris 2010 009
Musee du Louvre - Take that you nasty dragon! - His buddy looks on with approval from behind
Paris 2010 010
Musee du Louvre
Paris 2010 011
Musee du Louvre - Napoleon III's state apartments
Paris 2010 012
Musee du Louvre - Napoleon III's state apartments
Paris 2010 013
Musee du Louvre - Napoleon III's state apartments
Paris 2010 014
Musee du Louvre - Napoleon III's state apartments
Paris 2010 015
Musee du Louvre - Napoleon III's state apartments
Paris 2010 016
Musee du Louvre - The Eiffel Tower can be seen beyond the Carrousel du Louvre and the Jardin du Tuileries
Paris 2010 017
Musee du Louvre - The Carrousel du Louvre
Paris 2010 018
Musee du Louvre - Napoleon III's state apartments
Paris 2010 019
Musee du Louvre
Paris 2010 020
Musee du Louvre
Paris 2010 021
Musee du Louvre - Winged Victory
Paris 2010 022
Musee du Louvre
Paris 2010 023
Musee du Louvre
Paris 2010 024
Musee du Louvre - The Mona Lisa Gallery...Yes, that's her on the far wall
Paris 2010 025
Musee du Louvre
Paris 2010 026
Musee du Louvre - The Wedding Feast at Cana by Veronese shares the gallery with Mona Lisa
Paris 2010 027
Musee du Louvre - French schoolmates en vogue
Paris 2010 028
Musee du Louvre - The Carrousel du Louvre
Paris 2010 029
Musee du Louvre - Notice the NO PHOTO sign on the easel
Paris 2010 030
Musee du Louvre
Paris 2010 031
Musee du Louvre - Unmistakeably Michelangelo - The Dying Slave is bathed in the Louvre's natural light
Paris 2010 032
Musee du Louvre
Paris 2010 033
Musee du Louvre - The Richelieu Courtyard
Paris 2010 034
Musee du Louvre - The Denon Wing and I M Pei's iconic pyramid
Paris 2010 035
Musee du Louvre - Cafe' Richelieu is a must for lunch
Paris 2010 036
Musee du Louvre - Cafe' Richelieu
Paris 2010 037
Musee du Louvre - Cafe' Richelieu
Paris 2010 038
Musee du Louvre
Paris 2010 039
Musee du Louvre - Mark takes lunch at Cafe' Richelieu
Paris 2010 040
Musee du Louvre - I M Pei's style is apparent
Paris 2010 041
Musee du Louvre - A Parisian pigeon takes flight
Paris 2010 042
Musee du Louvre - Sevres
Paris 2010 043
Musee du Louvre
Paris 2010 044
Musee du Louvre - Sevres
Paris 2010 045
Musee du Louvre - No flash!
Paris 2010 046
Musee du Louvre - Don't touch!
Paris 2010 047
Musee du Louvre - The dome of the Institut de France across the Seine River - Note the Sun King's crest of Louis XIV
Paris 2010 048
Musee du Louvre
Paris 2010 049
Musee du Louvre
Paris 2010 050
Musee du Louvre
Paris 2010 051
Musee du Louvre
Paris 2010 052
Musee du Louvre
Paris 2010 053
Musee Rodin - Le Penseur - The Thinker
Paris 2010 054
Musee Rodin - The Thinker is an element of Rodin's Gates of Hell
Paris 2010 055
Musee Rodin - The Dome Church of Les Invalides
Paris 2010 056
Musee Rodin
Paris 2010 057
Musee Rodin
Paris 2010 058
Musee Rodin - Dante's Gates of Hell
Paris 2010 059
Musee Rodin - The Thinker at the top of the Gates of Hell represents Dante contemplating his poem "Inferno"
Paris 2010 060
Musee Rodin
Paris 2010 061
Musee Rodin - The Thinker at the top of the Gates of Hell represents Dante contemplating his poem "Inferno"
Paris 2010 062
Musee Rodin - Hotel Biron and the Dome Church of Les Invalides
Paris 2010 063
Musee Rodin - The Dome Church of Les Invalides is Napoleon's Tomb
Paris 2010 064
Musee Rodin - Hotel Biron and the Dome Church of Les Invalides
Paris 2010 065
Musee Rodin - Hotel Biron
Paris 2010 066
Musee Rodin
Paris 2010 067
Musee Rodin
Paris 2010 068
Musee Rodin
Paris 2010 069
Musee Rodin
Paris 2010 070
Musee Rodin - Hotel Biron
Paris 2010 071
Musee Rodin - The Dome Church of Les Invalides
Paris 2010 072
Musee Rodin - Hotel Biron
Paris 2010 073
Musee Rodin
Paris 2010 074
Musee Rodin - Hotel Biron
Paris 2010 075
Musee Rodin
Paris 2010 076
Musee Rodin
Paris 2010 077
Musee Rodin
Paris 2010 078
Musee Rodin
Paris 2010 079
Musee Rodin
Paris 2010 080
Musee Rodin - Balzac
Paris 2010 081
Musee Rodin -The Thinker
Paris 2010 082
Musee Rodin
Paris 2010 083
Musee Rodin
Paris 2010 084
Musee Rodin
Paris 2010 085
Musee Rodin
Paris 2010 086
Musee Rodin - The Age of Bronze is my favorite work by Rodin - He also stands in the Metropolitan Museum in New York City and the Nasher Sculpture Center in Dallas
Paris 2010 087
Musee Rodin
Paris 2010 088
Musee Rodin
Paris 2010 089
Musee Rodin
Paris 2010 090
Musee Rodin - The garden seen from the Hotel Biron
Paris 2010 091
Musee Rodin
Paris 2010 092
Musee Rodin - A model of The Thinker silhouettes the full scale piece in the garden
Paris 2010 093
Chateau de Versailles - Chapelle Royale
Paris 2010 094
Chateau de Versailles - Gilded forecourt gates
Paris 2010 095
Chateau de Versailles
Paris 2010 096
Chateau de Versailles
Paris 2010 097
Chateau de Versailles - The cobble stone forecourt
Paris 2010 098
Chateau de Versailles - Forecourt
Paris 2010 099
Chateau de Versailles
Paris 2010 100
Chateau de Versailles
Paris 2010 101
Chateau de Versailles - Forecourt
Paris 2010 102
Chateau de Versailles
Paris 2010 103
Chateau de Versailles - Chapelle Royale
Paris 2010 104
Chateau de Versailles _ Altar in the Chapelle Royale
Paris 2010 105
Chateau de Versailles
Paris 2010 106
Chateau de Versailles
Paris 2010 107
Chateau de Versailles
Paris 2010 108
Chateau de Versailles - Chapelle Royale
Paris 2010 109
Chateau de Versailles
Paris 2010 110
Chateau de Versailles
Paris 2010 111
Chateau de Versailles
Paris 2010 112
Chateau de Versailles - Marie Antoinette and kids
Paris 2010 113
Chateau de Versailles - Louis XIV, the Sun King's crest
Paris 2010 114
Chateau de Versailles - Hall of Mirrors
Paris 2010 115
Chateau de Versailles - Hall of Mirrors
Paris 2010 116
Chateau de Versailles - Hall of Mirrors is where the Treaty of Versailles was signed ending World War I
Paris 2010 117
Chateau de Versailles - Marie Antoinette's bedroom
Paris 2010 118
Chateau de Versailles
Paris 2010 119
Chateau de Versailles - Bas relief seen through old glass - Louis XIV built Versailles as a hunting lodge...some hunting lodge!
Paris 2010 120
Chateau de Versailles - Louis David's famous painting of the Coronation of Napoleon and Josephine
Paris 2010 121
Chateau de Versailles
Paris 2010 122
Chateau de Versailles
Paris 2010 123
Chateau de Versailles
Paris 2010 124
Chateau de Versailles
Paris 2010 125
Chateau de Versailles
Paris 2010 126
Chateau de Versailles
Paris 2010 127
Chateau de Versailles
Paris 2010 128
Chateau de Versailles
Paris 2010 129
Chateau de Versailles -Les Grande Eaux Musicales is a special display of the fountains set to period music
Paris 2010 130
Chateau de Versailles
Paris 2010 131
Chateau de Versailles
Paris 2010 132
Chateau de Versailles - The fountains are only operated on weekends during late spring and summer for just four hours each day
Paris 2010 133
Chateau de Versailles
Paris 2010 134
Chateau de Versailles - The fountains are gravity fed from cisterns atop the chateau
Paris 2010 135
Chateau de Versailles
Paris 2010 136
Chateau de Versailles
Paris 2010 137
Chateau de Versailles
Paris 2010 138
Chateau de Versailles
Paris 2010 139
Chateau de Versailles
Paris 2010 140
Chateau de Versailles
Paris 2010 141
Chateau de Versailles
Paris 2010 142
Chateau de Versailles
Paris 2010 143
Chateau de Versailles
Paris 2010 144
Chateau de Versailles - The Apollo grotto and baths date to 1674
Paris 2010 145
Chateau de Versailles - The Apollo grotto and baths
Paris 2010 146
Chateau de Versailles - The Apollo grotto and baths
Paris 2010 147
Chateau de Versailles
Paris 2010 148
Chateau de Versailles
Paris 2010 149
Chateau de Versailles
Paris 2010 150
Chateau de Versailles - Apollo fountain detail
Paris 2010 151
Chateau de Versailles
Paris 2010 152
Chateau de Versailles - The Apollo Fountain
Paris 2010 153
Chateau de Versailles
Paris 2010 154
Chateau de Versailles
Paris 2010 155
Chateau de Versailles - We ate at Cafe' La Flotille on the Grand Canal
Paris 2010 156
Chateau de Versailles - Cafe' La Flotille
Paris 2010 157
Chateau de Versailles - Row boats on the Grand Canal
Paris 2010 158
Chateau de Versailles
Paris 2010 159
Chateau de Versailles - Linden tree allees lines the Grand Canal
Paris 2010 160
Chateau de Versailles - Louis XIV's Grand Trianon - with some crazy barbed iron work
Paris 2010 161
Chateau de Versailles - Grand Trianon
Paris 2010 162
Chateau de Versailles - Grand Trianon
Paris 2010 163
Chateau de Versailles - The fairy tale beginning of a marriage
Paris 2010 164
Chateau de Versailles - Grand Trianon
Paris 2010 165
Chateau de Versailles - The parterre of the Grand Trianon
Paris 2010 166
Chateau de Versailles - Louis XIV's Grand Trianon Estate overlooks the Grand Canal
Paris 2010 167
Chateau de Versailles - Marie Antoinette's monogram in the balustrade of the Petit Trianon
Paris 2010 168
Chateau de Versailles - The Temple of Love at the Petit Trianon
Paris 2010 169
Chateau de Versailles - Temple of Love
Paris 2010 170
Chateau de Versailles - Temple of Love
Paris 2010 171
Chateau de Versailles - Marie Antoinette's Hamlet
Paris 2010 172
Chateau de Versailles - Marie Antoinette's Hamlet
Paris 2010 173
Chateau de Versailles - Marie Antoinette's Hamlet
Paris 2010 174
Chateau de Versailles - Marie Antoinette's Hamlet
Paris 2010 175
Chateau de Versailles - Marie Antoinette's Hamlet
Paris 2010 176
Chateau de Versailles - Marie Antoinette's Hamlet - Carp annoy a swan en masse
Paris 2010 177
Chateau de Versailles - Marie Antoinette's Hamlet
Paris 2010 178
Chateau de Versailles - Marie Antoinette's Hamlet
Paris 2010 179
Chateau de Versailles - Marie Antoinette's Hamlet - the caretaker's cottage
Paris 2010 180
Chateau de Versailles - Marie Antoinette's Hamlet
Paris 2010 181
Chateau de Versailles - Marie Antoinette's Hamlet
Paris 2010 182
Chateau de Versailles - Marie Antoinette's Hamlet - Iris bloom atop the thatched roof
Paris 2010 183
Chateau de Versailles - Marie Antoinette's Hamlet - Iris bloom atop the thatched roof
Paris 2010 184
Chateau de Versailles - Marie Antoinette's Hamlet - Iris bloom atop the thatched roof
Paris 2010 185
Chateau de Versailles
Paris 2010 186
Chateau de Versailles
Paris 2010 187
Chateau de Versailles
Paris 2010 188
Chateau de Versailles
Paris 2010 189
Arc de Triomphe - The Champs Elysee (Elysian Fields) is packed with over a million Parisians during a festival to promote planting trees in Paris
Paris 2010 190
Arc de Triomphe - Mark turns a tiny Arc de Triomphe to view the bas relief details of the giant arch
Paris 2010 191
Arc de Triomphe - the view straight down from the top of the arch above the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier from World War I
Paris 2010 192
Arc de Triomphe - Trees take over the Champs Elysee for the weekend festival
Paris 2010 193
Arc de Triomphe - The River Seine flows between the arch and the Eiffel Tower on the Left Bank
Paris 2010 194
Arc de Triomphe - A view of the Eiffel Tower
Paris 2010 195
Arc de Triomphe - Paris' financial district lies on the edge of the city
Paris 2010 196
Arc de Triomphe - A view of the Eiffel Tower
Paris 2010 197
Arc de Triomphe - La Defense is a stylized arch anchoring the northern perspective
Paris 2010 198
Arc de Triomphe - A model shows the friezes and sculpture of the arch
Paris 2010 199
The Hotel Georges V courtyard with cobalt orchids
Paris 2010 200
A Lamborghini Murcielago parked in front of the Hotel Georges V
Paris 2010 201
A Lamborghini Murcielago parked in front of the Hotel Georges V
Paris 2010 202
Palais Garnier Paris Opera - home to the Phantom and Christine
Paris 2010 203
Palais Garnier Paris Opera
Paris 2010 204
Palais Garnier Paris Opera
Paris 2010 205
Palais Garnier Paris Opera
Paris 2010 206
Palais Garnier Paris Opera - Grand Staircase
Paris 2010 207
Palais Garnier Paris Opera - Grand Staircase
Paris 2010 208
Palais Garnier Paris Opera - Grand Staircase
Paris 2010 209
Palais Garnier Paris Opera - Library
Paris 2010 210
Palais Garnier Paris Opera - Library
Paris 2010 211
Palais Garnier Paris Opera - Set model in 3D in the Library
Paris 2010 212
Palais Garnier Paris Opera - Set model in 3D in the Library
Paris 2010 213
Palais Garnier Paris Opera - Set model in 3D in the Library
Paris 2010 214
Palais Garnier Paris Opera - Set model in 3D in the Library
Paris 2010 215
Palais Garnier Paris Opera - Library
Paris 2010 216
Palais Garnier Paris Opera - The massive chandelier illuminates Marc Chagall's painted ceiling
Paris 2010 217
Palais Garnier Paris Opera - Crimson velvet loge boxes and orchestra seats
Paris 2010 218
Palais Garnier Paris Opera - The massive chandelier illuminates Marc Chagall's painted ceiling
Paris 2010 219
Palais Garnier Paris Opera - Orchestra seats
Paris 2010 220
Palais Garnier Paris Opera - Proscenium arch
Paris 2010 221
Palais Garnier Paris Opera - The massive chandelier illuminates Marc Chagall's painted ceiling
Paris 2010 222
Palais Garnier Paris Opera - Dress circle
Paris 2010 223
Palais Garnier Paris Opera - an interior stairwell
Paris 2010 224
Palais Garnier Paris Opera - Grand Staircase
Paris 2010 225
Palais Garnier Paris Opera - Grand Staircase
Paris 2010 226
Palais Garnier Paris Opera
Paris 2010 227
Palais Garnier Paris Opera - Grand Foyer
Paris 2010 228
Palais Garnier Paris Opera - Grand Foyer
Paris 2010 229
Palais Garnier Paris Opera - The Beaux Arts fireplace in the Grand Foyer
Paris 2010 230
Palais Garnier Paris Opera - Grand Foyer
Paris 2010 231
Palais Garnier Paris Opera
Paris 2010 232
Palais Garnier Paris Opera - Front Portico
Paris 2010 233
Palais Garnier Paris Opera - Mosaic ceiling of the Front Portico
Paris 2010 234
Palais Garnier Paris Opera - Detail of the mosaic ceiling of the Front Portico
Paris 2010 235
Palais Garnier Paris Opera Museum - Ballets Russe Exhibit
Paris 2010 236
Palais Garnier Paris Opera Museum - Ballets Russe Exhibit - Nijinsky dances the "Afternoon of a Faun"
Paris 2010 237
Palais Garnier Paris Opera Museum - Ballets Russe Exhibit - a crazy Picasso costume from Satie and Cocteau's "Parade"
Paris 2010 238
Notre Dame Cathedral - dates to 1160
Paris 2010 239
Notre Dame Cathedral - Commanding views of all of Paris on a clear day
Paris 2010 240
Notre Dame Cathedral - Defines Gothic architecture
Paris 2010 241
Notre Dame Cathedral - The rabbit warren of the Latin Quarter on the Left Bank
Paris 2010 242
Notre Dame Cathedral - Gargoyles silhouette the city below
Paris 2010 243
Notre Dame Cathedral - The Palais de Justice and Sainte Chapelle's spire
Paris 2010 244
Notre Dame Cathedral - A gargoyle silhouettes the city below
Paris 2010 245
Notre Dame Cathedral - Sacre Coeur tops Montmartre
Paris 2010 246
Notre Dame Cathedral - The Pantheon at the Sorbonne
Paris 2010 247
Notre Dame Cathedral - Dramatic stonework
Paris 2010 248
Notre Dame Cathedral - Churchyard garden and the Latin Quarter beyond
Paris 2010 249
Notre Dame Cathedral - Gothic arches tower above Paris
Paris 2010 250
Notre Dame Cathedral
Paris 2010 251
Notre Dame Cathedral
Paris 2010 252
Notre Dame Cathedral
Paris 2010 253
Notre Dame Cathedral
Paris 2010 254
Notre Dame Cathedral
Paris 2010 255
Notre Dame Cathedral - A gargoyle contemplates the city
Paris 2010 256
Notre Dame Cathedral
Paris 2010 257
Notre Dame Cathedral
Paris 2010 258
Notre Dame Cathedral - Mark plays Quasimodo in the bellfry
Paris 2010 259
Notre Dame Cathedral - the Bell Tower
Paris 2010 260
Notre Dame Cathedral
Paris 2010 261
Notre Dame Cathedral
Paris 2010 262
Notre Dame Cathedral
Paris 2010 263
Notre Dame Cathedral -
Paris 2010 264
Notre Dame Cathedral -
Paris 2010 265
Notre Dame Cathedral
Paris 2010 266
Notre Dame Cathedral - Bronze saints climb the stairway to heaven up the steeple
Paris 2010 267
Notre Dame Cathedral
Paris 2010 268
Notre Dame Cathedral
Paris 2010 269
Notre Dame Cathedral - Architectural model
Paris 2010 270
Notre Dame Cathedral
Paris 2010 271
Notre Dame Cathedral
Paris 2010 272
Notre Dame Cathedral
Paris 2010 273
Notre Dame Cathedral - Architectural model
Paris 2010 274
Notre Dame Cathedral
Paris 2010 275
Notre Dame Cathedral
Paris 2010 276
Notre Dame Cathedral
Paris 2010 277
Notre Dame Cathedral
Paris 2010 278
Notre Dame Cathedral
Paris 2010 279
Sacre Coeur Basilica stands atop Montmartre at the highest point in Paris
Paris 2010 280
Sacre Coeur Basilica
Paris 2010 281
Sacre Coeur Basilica
Paris 2010 282
Sacre Coeur Basilica - Mosaic dome above the altar
Paris 2010 283
Sacre Coeur Basilica
Paris 2010 284
Sacre Coeur Basilica
Paris 2010 285
Sacre Coeur Basilica
Paris 2010 286
Sacre Coeur Basilica - Mosaic dome above the altar
Paris 2010 287
Sacre Coeur Basilica
Paris 2010 288
Sacre Coeur Basilica - All of Paris lies before you
Paris 2010 289
The sounds of Paris for atop Montmartre
Paris 2010 290
On the climb up Montmartre
Paris 2010 291
Montmartre patisserie
Paris 2010 292
A colorful character leaves the Metro station at Place des Abbesses in Montmartre
Paris 2010 293
The Bohemian way of life is alive in the Passage des Abbesses in Montmartre
Paris 2010 294
The Bohemian way of life is alive in the Passage des Abbesses in Montmartre
Paris 2010 295
Iconic Le Consulat was a hangout for the French Impressionists in Montmartre
Paris 2010 296
Le Consulat in Montmartre
Paris 2010 297
Le Consulat in Montmartre
Paris 2010 298
Le Moulin de la Galette is the windmill in rue Lepic
Paris 2010 299
Le Moulin de la Galette is the windmill in rue Lepic - This is the garden where Renoir painted the famous scene, which now hangs in the Louvre
Paris 2010 300
Le Moulin de la Galette is the windmill in rue Lepic
Paris 2010 301
Place du Tertre is the artist square at the top of Montmartre
Paris 2010 302
Place du Tertre is the artist square at the top of Montmartre
Paris 2010 303
Place du Tertre is the artist square at the top of Montmartre - A Buddhist monk admires an artist's work
Paris 2010 304
Place du Tertre is the artist square at the top of Montmartre
Paris 2010 305
Place du Tertre is the artist square at the top of Montmartre
Paris 2010 306
Place du Tertre is the artist square at the top of Montmartre
Paris 2010 307
An art nouveau doorway atop Montmartre
Paris 2010 308
Sainte Chapelle was built by Louis IX in 1248 as a reliquary for Christ's crown of thorns
Paris 2010 309
Sainte Chapelle is unique by its use of stone and stained glass - This is a photo of a photo...the chapel is currently under restoration and covered in scaffolding
Paris 2010 310
Stone arches support the roof, while the walls are all of stained glass
Paris 2010 311
The Lower Chapel of Sainte Chapelle
Paris 2010 312
Sainte Chapelle
Paris 2010 313
Sainte Chapelle
Paris 2010 314
Sainte Chapelle
Paris 2010 315
Sainte Chapelle
Paris 2010 316
Sainte Chapelle
Paris 2010 317
Sainte Chapelle's entrance has been newly restored
Paris 2010 318
Sainte Chapelle's stone work
Paris 2010 319
Sainte Chapelle's entrance has been newly restored
Paris 2010 320
Sainte Chapelle's Gothic stonework tells the story of Genesis
Paris 2010 321
Sainte Chapelle - Stone arches support the roof, while the walls are all of stained glass
Paris 2010 322
Eglise Saint-Eustache dates to 1632 and houses the largest pipe organ in France
Paris 2010 323
Eglise Saint-Eustache anchors the Les Halles neighborhood, once home to the public markets
Paris 2010 324
Eglise Saint-Eustache is just a couple locks from the apartment where we stayed
Paris 2010 325
Eglise Saint-Eustache
Paris 2010 326
Eglise Saint-Eustache
Paris 2010 327
A lone parishioner listens intently at Eglise Saint-Eustache
Paris 2010 328
Eglise Saint-Eustache
Paris 2010 329
Eglise Saint-Eustache - Mark and I returned on Pentecost Sunday to hear the organ and found nearly every seat filled
Paris 2010 330
Eglise Saint-Eustache
Paris 2010 331
Eglise Saint-Eustache - A Keith Haring triptych bridges acceptance and understanding in this diverse neighborhood of Les Halles
Paris 2010 332
Eglise Saint-Eustache
Paris 2010 333
Eglise Saint-Eustache
Paris 2010 334
Eglise Saint-Eustache - Henry Miller's stone sculpture Ecoute'...which means Listen
Paris 2010 335
Jardin des Halles is a real people place
Paris 2010 336
Ecoute' by Henry Miller
Paris 2010 337
Musee d'Orsay was once a train depot but is now an amazing modern art museum
Paris 2010 338
Musee d'Orsay
Paris 2010 339
Musee d'Orsay - We ate lunch in the cafe', which was once part of the hotel / train station complex
Paris 2010 340
Musee d'Orsay Cafe'
Paris 2010 341
Musee d'Orsay Cafe'
Paris 2010 342
Arc de Triomphe du Carrousel stands between the Louvre and the Jardin du Tuileries
Paris 2010 343
The alignment of the Carrousel, Pei's pyramid and the Louvre
Paris 2010 344
Jardin du Tuileries and the Louvre in the background
Paris 2010 345
Jardin du Tuileries and the Louvre in the background
Paris 2010 346
Jardin du Tuileries and the Louvre in the background
Paris 2010 347
Jardin du Tuileries and the Louvre in the background
Paris 2010 348
The Grand Palais beyond the Tuileries Garden
Paris 2010 349
Jardin du Tuileries looking toward the Place de la Concorde and Cleopatra's Needle from Alexandria
Paris 2010 350
The French tricolour on the River Seine
Paris 2010 351
Bridges cross the River Seine connecting Paris's Left Bank with the Ile de la Cite'
Paris 2010 352
The Instiutut de France includes the Academie des Beaux-Arts - The Pont des Arts crosses the Seine from the Louvre
Paris 2010 353
A view from the Ile de la Cite'
Paris 2010 354
The Conciergerie on the Ile de la Cite'
Paris 2010 355
A memorial window in La Conciergerie bears Marie Antoinette's monogram - She was held prisoner here before her execution
Paris 2010 356
As was Louis XVI's sister, Madame Elisabeth - La Conciergerie dates to the 14th century
Paris 2010 357
Hotel de Ville is Paris' city hall
Paris 2010 358
The Singing Nuns of Notre Dame des Victoires
Paris 2010 359
Is it a zither, a dulcimer, an autoharp or a clavichord? Whichever, the nuns were playing it during mass at Notre Dame des Victoires
Paris 2010 360
The Singing Nuns of Notre Dame des Victoires
Paris 2010 361
Passage Vivienne
Paris 2010 362
THe book shoppe in Passage Vivienne
Paris 2010 363
Passage Vivienne
Paris 2010 364
THe book shoppe in Passage Vivienne
Paris 2010 365
These 19th Century indoor shopping arcades are full of cafes and specialty shops
Paris 2010 366
This shop just sells biscuits...crackers and cookies
Paris 2010 367
This shop just sells biscuits...crackers and cookies
Paris 2010 368
A staircase off the Passage Vivienne - The railing up the wall is painted trompe l'oeil, but the bicycle is real
Paris 2010 369
Peeling trompe l'oeil reveals an earlier trompe l'oeil
Paris 2010 370
A staircase off the Passage Vivienne
Paris 2010 371
These 19th Century indoor shopping arcades are full of cafes and specialty shops
Paris 2010 372
Like this classy souvenir shop where I actually discovered an souvenir to bring home...an architectural model of a floating spiral staircase
Paris 2010 373
A sweet Parisian ride
Paris 2010 374
Victoria Station Wagon Restaurant in rue Montmartre
Paris 2010 375
Dine inside an antique rail coach
Paris 2010 376
These 19th Century indoor shopping arcades are full of cafes and specialty shops
Paris 2010 377
Like this great toy store
Paris 2010 378
The view from Les Invalides across the Pont Alexandre III to the Grand Palais crystal palace
Paris 2010 379
The Dome Church of Les Invalides is Napoleon Bonaparte's tomb
Paris 2010 380
The Dome Church of Les Invalides
Paris 2010 381
Napoleon Bonaparte's tomb
Paris 2010 382
The Dome Church of Les Invalides
Paris 2010 383
Napoleon Bonaparte's tomb
Paris 2010 384
The Dome Church of Les Invalides
Paris 2010 385
The Dome Church of Les Invalides
Paris 2010 386
The Dome Church of Les Invalides - The battle flags are those of the defeated
Paris 2010 387
Vive le Tour Eiffel - Long live the Eiffel Tower
Paris 2010 388
Vive le Tour Eiffel - Long live the Eiffel Tower
Paris 2010 389
An American in Paris - Long live George Gershwin
Paris 2010 390
Vive le Tour Eiffel - Long live the Eiffel Tower
Paris 2010 391
Three reclining figures at Jardins du Trocadero
Paris 2010 392
An art nouveau gem at No. 29 Avenue Rapp by architect Jules Lavirotte - Built in 1901
Paris 2010 393
With bronze dragon handles on the front doors
Paris 2010 394
An art nouveau gem at No. 29 Avenue Rapp by architect Jules Lavirotte - Built in 1901
Paris 2010 395
An art nouveau gem at No. 29 Avenue Rapp by architect Jules Lavirotte - Built in 1901
Paris 2010 396
The Pantheon at the Sorbonne seen from the Jardin du Luxembourg
Paris 2010 397
The French Senate was a palace built by Catherine Medici - Jardin du Luxembourg
Paris 2010 398
Hermes in Jardin du Luxembourg
Paris 2010 399
Hermes in Jardin du Luxembourg
Paris 2010 400
Hermes in Jardin du Luxembourg
Paris 2010 401
Hermes in Jardin du Luxembourg
Paris 2010 402
The French Senate in Jardin du Luxembourg
Paris 2010 403
The Medici Fountain in Jardin du Luxembourg
Paris 2010 404
The Medici Fountain in Jardin du Luxembourg
Paris 2010 405
The Medici Fountain in Jardin du Luxembourg
Paris 2010 406
Jardin du Luxembourg
Paris 2010 407
Jardin du Luxembourg - The Orangerie
Paris 2010 408
Une exposition d'art dans l'Orangerie en Jardin du Luxembourg
Paris 2010 409
Dinner at La Coupole in Montparnasse is an event
Paris 2010 410
La Coupole even has her very own table-to-table curry chef
Paris 2010 411
The raw bar at La Coupole - oysters from Brittany
Paris 2010 412
Dinner at La Coupole in Montparnasse is an event
Paris 2010 413
Dinner at Le Petit Zinc in Saint Germain des Pres is a joy
Paris 2010 414
Dinner at Le Petit Zinc in Saint Germain des Pres is a joy
Paris 2010 415
Le Petit Zinc is an art nouveau gem
Paris 2010 416
Le Petit Zinc is home to one of the last remaining zincs...outdoor fish stands, which were a sanitation law in the 19th century - The fishmonger
Paris 2010 417
Le Petit Zinc is an art nouveau gem
Paris 2010 418
Dinner at Le Petit Zinc in Saint Germain des Pres is a joy
Paris 2010 419
Louis XIV's Arc de Triomphe de la Porte Saint-Denis stands just a few feet from my favorite restaurant in Paris, Julien
Paris 2010 420
Dinner at Julien is a step back in time to the Belle Epoque
Paris 2010 421
Hats for women and men ruled the Belle Epoque
Paris 2010 422
Today old hats decorate the window at Julien
Paris 2010 423
Dinner at Julien is a step back in time to the Belle Epoque
Paris 2010 424
Dinner at Julien is a step back in time to the Belle Epoque
Paris 2010 425
Dinner at Julien is a step back in time to the Belle Epoque - Dinner plate
Paris 2010 426
Dinner at Julien is a step back in time to the Belle Epoque
Paris 2010 427
Dinner at Julien is a step back in time to the Belle Epoque
Paris 2010 428
Dessert rule at Julien
Paris 2010 429
Strohrer Patisserie in rue Montorgueil is the oldest pastry shop in the world - Strohrer served pastries to Louis XV as well as Mark and me
Paris 2010 430
A 17th century apartment building in rue Montorgueil
Paris 2010 431
Rue Montorgueil is our neighborhood in the 2nd arrondissement near Les Halles
Paris 2010 432
Rue Montorgueil is our neighborhood in the 2nd arrondissement near Les Halles
Paris 2010 433
Rue Montorgueil is our neighborhood in the 2nd arrondissement near Les Halles
Paris 2010 434
L'Escargot has been serving snails for dinner in rue Montorgueil for the past 135 years - Sarah Bernhardt dined here
Paris 2010 435
Rue Montorgueil is our neighborhood in the 2nd arrondissement near Les Halles
Paris 2010 436
Bouquets curbside in rue Montorgueil
Paris 2010 437
Peonies bloom at the foot of rue Montmartre in Les Halles
Paris 2010 438
A pocket park outside our apartment at the corner of rue Dussoubs and rue Saint Sauveur
Paris 2010 439
The corner of rue Dussoubs and rue Saint Sauveur
Paris 2010 440
The corner of rue Dussoubs and rue Saint Sauveur
Paris 2010 441
One of two water wells built into the front of our apartment building at No. 27 rue Dussoubs
Paris 2010 442
No. 27 rue Dussoubs dates to the 17th century...one of the older residential neighborhoods in Paris, what with fires and revolutions and all
Paris 2010 443
The interior stairs at No. 27 rue Dussoubs are original 17th century and are protected by preservation laws
Paris 2010 444
And the show it...no two steps are the same height, depth or pitch...so climbing the four flights to our apartment was challenging when sober
Paris 2010 445
And impossible when under the influence - Our neighbor did not fair so well on more than one early morning return home
Paris 2010 446
Our door is more like a bank vault door...very secure...but the door frame gives one vertigo as there are no plumb walls or sqaure corners in No. 27 rue Dussoubs
Paris 2010 447
Our second story view up rue Dussoubs
Paris 2010 448
Mark and our hostess Dominique Lestrelin - The bag of macaroons from famed Laduree on the table was her welcome gift when we arrived
Paris 2010 449
And the first floor view across from No. 27 rue Dussoubs - Of all things, a parking garage - Not everything in Paris is chic!
Disneyland Paris 2010
Disneyland Paris 2010 001
Being Official Mouseketeers, Mark and I take a break from Paris' museums, cathedrals and palaces to have fun at Disneyland a la Francais
Disneyland Paris 2010 002
Of course we were some of the first Disney freaks on Main Street this morning - only a 40 minute train ride on the RER from rue Dussoubs
Disneyland Paris 2010 003
La Belle au Bois Dormant is how the French say Sleeping Beauty - Her story is told inside the castle
Disneyland Paris 2010 004
The fairytale of Sleeping Beauty is told in stained glass and sculpture inside her castle
Disneyland Paris 2010 005
Fantasyland as seen from Adventureland
Disneyland Paris 2010 006
Peter the Pirate gives directions to the Pirates of the Caribbean
Disneyland Paris 2010 007
Aladdin's Agrabah is the entrance to Adventureland
Disneyland Paris 2010 008
Captain Jack Sparrow's ship calls all Pirates of the Caribbean
Disneyland Paris 2010 009
Captain Jack Sparrow's ship calls all Pirates of the Caribbean
Disneyland Paris 2010 010
Captain Jack Sparrow's ship calls all Pirates of the Caribbean
Disneyland Paris 2010 012
Captain Jack Sparrow's ship calls all Pirates of the Caribbean
Disneyland Paris 2010 011
The island fortress at Port Royal is home to the Pairates of the Caribbean
Disneyland Paris 2010 013
Next destination...Frontierland
Disneyland Paris 2010 014
Big Thunder Railroad shakes your teeth loose
Disneyland Paris 2010 015
We discover the Temple of Peril with Indiana Jones - I'm making a video clip of the ride...go figure
Disneyland Paris 2010 016
It's a long way via paddlewheel steamer from Anaheim to Paris, but the Mark Twain made the journey in one piece
Disneyland Paris 2010 017
I'm "singin' in the rain" at the Disney Studios backlot, and the special FX rain is about the only rain we see the entire two week trip
Vienna 2010
Vienna 2010 001
Schloss Schonbrunn was the imperial summer palace for the Habsburgs - Dates to 1569 and was home to Maria Theresa and Franz Joseph
Vienna 2010 002
Schloss Schonbrunn's main entrance
Vienna 2010 003
Schloss Schonbrunn's forecourt
Vienna 2010 004
Schloss Schonbrunn's Great Parterre and Gloriette on the hill
Vienna 2010 005
Schloss Schonbrunn's Neptune Well below the Gloriette
Vienna 2010 006
Schloss Schonbrunn's Gloriette
Vienna 2010 007
Schloss Schonbrunn's forecourt
Vienna 2010 008
Schloss Schonbrunn's sunken garden and English garden beyond
Vienna 2010 009
Schloss Schonbrunn's main entrance and forecourt
Vienna 2010 010
Schloss Schonbrunn's Gloriette with the Neptune Well below
Vienna 2010 011
Schloss Schonbrunn's main entrance
Vienna 2010 012
Schloss Schonbrunn's forecourt
Vienna 2010 013
Schloss Schonbrunn's grape arbor surrounding the English garden
Vienna 2010 014
Schloss Schonbrunn's yellow roses mimmick the buildings
Vienna 2010 015
Schloss Schonbrunn's sunken garden with lemon trees
Vienna 2010 016
Schloss Schonbrunn's sunken garden
Vienna 2010 017
Schloss Schonbrunn's sunken garden
Vienna 2010 018
Schloss Schonbrunn's English garden seen from the grape arbor
Vienna 2010 019
Schloss Schonbrunn's English garden seen from the grape arbor
Vienna 2010 020
Schloss Schonbrunn's English garden seen from atop the grape arbor
Vienna 2010 021
Mark & I are at Schloss Schonbrunn's English garden seen from atop the grape arbor
Vienna 2010 022
Schloss Schonbrunn's allee of huge laurel trees
Vienna 2010 023
Schloss Schonbrunn's allee of huge laurel trees
Vienna 2010 024
Schloss Schonbrunn's gardens
Vienna 2010 025
Schloss Schonbrunn's English garden topiary
Vienna 2010 026
Schloss Schonbrunn's English garden topiary
Vienna 2010 027
Schloss Schonbrunn's Neptune fountain
Vienna 2010 028
Schloss Schonbrunn's Neptune fountain
Vienna 2010 029
Schloss Schonbrunn's Neptune fountain
Vienna 2010 030
Schloss Schonbrunn's Neptune fountain
Vienna 2010 031
Schloss Schonbrunn's Neptune fountain
Vienna 2010 032
Schloss Schonbrunn
Vienna 2010 033
Schloss Schonbrunn
Vienna 2010 034
Schloss Schonbrunn's Gloriette
Vienna 2010 035
Schloss Schonbrunn's Gloriette
Vienna 2010 036
Schloss Schonbrunn's laurel allee from the Gloriette
Vienna 2010 037
Schloss Schonbrunn
Vienna 2010 038
Schloss Schonbrunn's Neptune fountain
Vienna 2010 039
Schloss Schonbrunn's laurel allee from the Gloriette
Vienna 2010 040
Schloss Schonbrunn
Vienna 2010 041
Schloss Schonbrunn
Vienna 2010 042
Schloss Schonbrunn's Cafe' Gloriette - Wedgewood paint scheme with rural themes
Vienna 2010 043
Schloss Schonbrunn's boxwood maze
Vienna 2010 044
Stephansdom is Saint Stephan's Cathedral in the heart of Vienna - Dates to 1147
Vienna 2010 045
Stephansdom's fish scale glazed tile roof was replaced after a fire during World War II - Austria's double eagle is the Habsburg royal crest
Vienna 2010 046
A tiny dormer peaks out of Stephansdom's tile roof
Vienna 2010 047
Stephansdom's roof
Vienna 2010 048
Stephansdom and Vienna beyond
Vienna 2010 049
Horses and carriage arrive in Stephansdom's cobbled courtyard
Vienna 2010 050
Stephansdom's steeple
Vienna 2010 051
A gothic rooster atop Stephansdom
Vienna 2010 052
Old Vienna's rabbit warren from Stephansdom's bell tower
Vienna 2010 053
This plaque tells of the great bell atop Stephansdom called Pummerin or "Boomer"
Vienna 2010 054
Weighing 44,380 pounds, Pummerin is the second largest swinging bell in Europe - The largest in Austria and one of 23 bells above Stephansdom
Vienna 2010 055
Courtyard seen from Stephansdom's bell tower
Vienna 2010 056
Over 230,000 glazed fish scale tiles cover Stephansdom's roof
Vienna 2010 057
Gothic meets the 50's atop Stephansdom
Vienna 2010 058
Vienna beyond Stephansdom's gothic spires
Vienna 2010 059
View from Stephansdom's bell tower
Vienna 2010 060
Gothic meets the 50's atop Stephansdom
Vienna 2010 061
Horses and carriage arrive in Stephansdom's cobbled courtyard
Vienna 2010 062
Gothic meets the 50's atop Stephansdom
Vienna 2010 063
Rabid downspouts growl at passersby and ward-off evil spirits
Vienna 2010 064
The tomb of Frederick III, Holy Roman Emperor lies beneath gothic arches at Stephansdom
Vienna 2010 065
The Fenstergucker or window gawker leans out to inspect his cabinet work on the adjacent altar - an Austrian trick, this fellow is a self-portrait of the wood carver himself
Vienna 2010 066
Stephansdom's organ pipe loft
Vienna 2010 067
Stephansdom's Baroque altar
Vienna 2010 068
Stephansdom's ornate chapel gates
Vienna 2010 069
Stephansdom's gothic arches are lit by votives
Vienna 2010 070
Stephansdom's Baroque altar
Vienna 2010 071
Stephansdom's Baroque altar
Vienna 2010 072
Stephansdom's gothic exterior
Vienna 2010 073
Stephansdom's clock
Vienna 2010 074
Stephansdom is under restoration to remove the black soot of centuries
Vienna 2010 075
Stephansdom's glazed tile roof glistens under the Austrian sun
Vienna 2010 076
A Viennese carriage hub
Vienna 2010 077
A sliver carriage door handle
Vienna 2010 078
A gold crest adorns a carriage door
Vienna 2010 079
A sliver carriage door handle
Vienna 2010 080
Schloss Belvedere was the summer palace of Prince Eugene of Savoy - Dates to 1697 and is home to incredible art
Vienna 2010 081
THe Lower Belvedere beyond the Grand Parterre
Vienna 2010 082
Schloss Belvedere's Grand Parterre - Eugene of Savoy was the hero of the Ottoman Wars
Vienna 2010 083
Schloss Belvedere's Grand Parterre
Vienna 2010 084
The Upper Belvedere dates to 1717 and houses great paintings by Louis David, Gustave Klimt and Egon Schele
Vienna 2010 085
Schloss Belvedere's Grand Parterre
Vienna 2010 086
The Upper Belvedere's grand ballroom overlooking all of Vienna
Vienna 2010 087
Schloss Belvedere's jeux d'eau fountains
Vienna 2010 088
Schloss Belvedere's jeux d'eau fountains
Vienna 2010 089
Schloss Belvedere's jeux d'eau fountains
Vienna 2010 090
The Musikverein is the home of the Weiner Philharmoniker, the famed Vienna Philharmonic
Vienna 2010 091
The Musikverein was built in 1870 by Emperor Franz Joseph
Vienna 2010 092
The Musikverein's Golden Hall is considered one of the three finest concert halls in the world
Vienna 2010 093
Mark and I attend a concert but stand for Euro8,00 instead of paying $135.00 for a seat
Vienna 2010 094
The Golden Hall is where the famous New Year's concert is held each year - Strauss' Radetzky March is always the finale
Vienna 2010 095
The gold leaf organ case above the stage
Vienna 2010 096
Hence the title Golden Hall
Vienna 2010 097
The Vienna Philharmonic takes five
Vienna 2010 098
The Musikverein's vaulted lobby
Vienna 2010 099
The Musikverein's gilded ceiling above the SRO mezzanine...worth Euro8,00 for sure
Vienna 2010 100
Karlsplatz Stadtbahn and Karlskirche - Jugendstil architect Otto Wagner designed this train station in 1899
Vienna 2010 101
Karlskirche dates to 1717 to honor St. Charles Borromeo, patron saint of plague survivors
Vienna 2010 102
Karlskirche
Vienna 2010 103
Karlskirche
Vienna 2010 104
Karlskirche
Vienna 2010 105
Karlskirche
Vienna 2010 106
Karlskirche's organ loft
Vienna 2010 107
Karlskirche's dome is being renovated and we were fortunate to climb the worker's scaffold all the way to the top of the dome
Vienna 2010 108
Along the way we come face to face with the frescoes
Vienna 2010 109
Along the way we come face to face with the frescoes
Vienna 2010 110
We reach the very top of the inside of the dome 200' above the altar
Vienna 2010 111
A small museum inside Karlskirche
Vienna 2010 112
Karlskirche
Vienna 2010 113
Staatsoper is the world famous Vienna State Opera House
Vienna 2010 114
Built in 1869, the Staatsoper was heavily bombed during World War II - this section survive the attack
Vienna 2010 115
Mozart's bust at the Staatsoper
Vienna 2010 116
Backstage at the Staatsoper - One of the largest stages in the world
Vienna 2010 117
Staatsoper stagehands make ready the set and props for tonight's performance
Vienna 2010 118
Staatsoper's proscenium arch looking into the house
Vienna 2010 119
Post-war murals decorate the restored public spaces
Vienna 2010 120
Post-war murals decorate the restored public spaces
Vienna 2010 121
On summer evenings the opera is fed live into the Staatsoperplatz and viewed on an HDTV Jumbotron - Shot during a less-exciting moment - Can you spot Mark standing in the back row
Vienna 2010 122
Staatsoper aglow at night
Vienna 2010 123
The city gate to the Hofburg Imperial Palace - Winter residence to the royal family
Vienna 2010 124
The Neue Burg section of Hofburg Palace
Vienna 2010 125
Hofburg's palm house and orangery
Vienna 2010 126
Stone giants cast a wary eye on the shutterbug
Vienna 2010 127
Hofburg giants
Vienna 2010 128
Hofburg Palace dates to 1279
Vienna 2010 129
The Neue Burg of Hofburg Palace
Vienna 2010 130
Hofburg is home to the famous Spanish Riding School, home of the Li
Vienna 2010 131
Hofburg's Swiss gate and main entraaance under a huge dome and drive-through rotunda
Vienna 2010 132
Hofburg's Swiss gate in the Michael wing
Vienna 2010 133
Statue of Prince Eugene of Savoy, hero of the Ottoman Wars defeating the Turks
Vienna 2010 134
Hofburg Palace
Vienna 2010 135
Hofburg Palace
Vienna 2010 136
Hofburg Palace
Vienna 2010 137
Hofburg Palace - A carriage crosses the Heldenplatz
Vienna 2010 138
Emperor Franz Joseph rides toward Hofburg
Vienna 2010 139
Hofburg's Michael wing
Vienna 2010 140
The Natural History Museum on the Maria-Theresien Platz
Vienna 2010 141
Maria Theresa sit atop her monument in the Maria-Theresien Platz
Vienna 2010 142
The Natural History Museum on the Maria-Theresien Platz
Vienna 2010 143
Sailing on the Karlsplatz reflecting pool
Vienna 2010 144
Sailing on the Karlsplatz reflecting pool
Vienna 2010 145
Sailing on the Karlsplatz reflecting pool
Vienna 2010 146
Sailing on the Karlsplatz reflecting pool
Vienna 2010 147
Sailing on the Karlsplatz reflecting pool
Vienna 2010 148
Sailing on the Karlsplatz reflecting pool
Vienna 2010 149
Sailing on the Karlsplatz reflecting pool
Vienna 2010 150
Sailing on the Karlsplatz reflecting pool
Vienna 2010 151
Mozart's statue and a begonia treble clef in Hofburg's Burgarten
Vienna 2010 152
Dudes chill in Hofburg's Volksgarten
Vienna 2010 153
Pink roses bud in Hofburg's Volksgarten
Vienna 2010 154
Vienna's Rathaus (City Hall) towers over Hofburg's Volksgarten
Vienna 2010 155
Vienna's Rathaus (City Hall) towers over Hofburg's Volksgarten
Vienna 2010 156
Rose trees in Hofburg's Volksgarten
Vienna 2010 157
Rose trees in Hofburg's Volksgarten
Vienna 2010 158
Hofburg's Volksgarten
Vienna 2010 159
Old meet new in Vienna's Stephansdom Platz
Vienna 2010 160
Old meet new in Vienna's Stephansdom Platz
Vienna 2010 161
Austrian order is displayed in Vienna's newest architecture
Vienna 2010 162
Hofburg Palace is seen from the Neuemarket
Vienna 2010 163
The fountain in Neuemarket
Vienna 2010 164
Viennese horse power
Vienna 2010 165
Olbrich's 1898 Secession Building houses art from the Jugendstil period of decorative arts in the Karlsplatz
Vienna 2010 166
Olbrich's 1898 Secession Building houses art from the Jugendstil period of decorative arts in the Karlsplatz
Vienna 2010 167
Olbrich's 1898 Secession Building houses art from the Jugendstil period of decorative arts in the Karlsplatz
Vienna 2010 168
Vienna's Rathaus - City Hall
Vienna 2010 169
Old Vienna
Vienna 2010 170
Vienna's Museumsquatier houses modern art - a quarry wall is the backdrop to a petanque game
Vienna 2010 171
Turkish tiles in the Museumquartier cafe'
Vienna 2010 172
Hotel Sacher is home to the famous Sacher Torte chocolate cake
Vienna 2010 173
Hotel Sacher is home to the famous Sacher-Torte chocolate cake
Vienna 2010 174
Hotel Sacher is home to the famous Sacher-Torte chocolate cake - our table at Cafe' Sacher
Vienna 2010 175
Hotel Sacher is home to the famous Sacher-Torte chocolate cake
Vienna 2010 176
Hotel Sacher built in 1900 - lobby
Vienna 2010 177
Hotel Sacher - bar
Vienna 2010 178
Hotel Sacher - photo of Rudolph Nureyev in the library
Vienna 2010 179
Hotel Sacher - photo of Elizabeth Taylor in the library
Vienna 2010 180
Our hotel is located in the center of this photo - the Staatsoper is on the right and the Hotel Sacher is on the left
Vienna 2010 181
Our hotel in Vienna on the Ringstrasse
Vienna 2010 182
The view from our room at Pension Suzanne
Vienna 2010 183
The view from our room at Pension Suzanne
Vienna 2010 184
Fruhstucksraum means Breakfast Room
Vienna 2010 185
Fruhstucksraum means Breakfast Room
Vienna 2010 186
Pension Suzanne - Breakfast Room
Vienna 2010 187
Pension Suzanne - Breakfast Room
Vienna 2010 188
Pension Suzanne - Coffee cups await guest in the Breakfast Room
Vienna 2010 189
Pension Suzanne - Breakfast Room
Vienna 2010 190
Pension Suzanne - Reception
Salzburg 2010
Salzburg 2010 001
Since we were kids humming along to the "The Sound of Music," Mark and I have always wanted to see Salzburg - home of Mozart and the Von Trapp Family
Salzburg 2010 002
We take a break from Vienna and hop the Railjet for the 2 1/2 flight across Austria to Salzburg
Salzburg 2010 003
The rural panorama along the way gets blurred - I say flight, because th Railjet is faaaaast!
Salzburg 2010 004
How fast? About 140 mph!
Salzburg 2010 005
I had to shoot pics in sports mode to even catch a couple shots
Salzburg 2010 006
Salzburg's old quarter or altstadt with the Festung Hohensalzburg fortress towering above the town
Salzburg 2010 007
The view from the fortress is breathtaking
Salzburg 2010 008
Salzburg is situated in the foothills of the Austrian Alps - snow still cools the valleys
Salzburg 2010 009
Stately homes and castles line the banks of the Salzach River
Salzburg 2010 010
The chapel at Hohensalzburg castle
Salzburg 2010 011
The fortress is over 900 years old
Salzburg 2010 012
Storm clouds brew around the mountain peaks above Salzburg
Salzburg 2010 013
Hohensalzburg fortress has secured Salzburg for over 900 years
Salzburg 2010 014
Hohensalzburg fortress has secured Salzburg for over 900 years
Salzburg 2010 015
Storm clouds brew around the mountain peaks above Salzburg
Salzburg 2010 016
Medieval decor of Festung Hohensalzburg
Salzburg 2010 017
A Majolica stove warms the state apartments of Hohensalzburg castle
Salzburg 2010 018
Hohensalzburg's chapel bellfry
Salzburg 2010 019
Storm clouds brew around the mountain peaks above Salzburg
Salzburg 2010 020
The view from the state apartments at Festung Hohensalzburg
Salzburg 2010 021
The chapel at Hohensalzburg castle
Salzburg 2010 022
Salzburg is situated in the foothills of the Austrian Alps - snow still cools the valleys
Salzburg 2010 023
A wooden dragon's head is the well pump spout
Salzburg 2010 024
Hohensalzburg fortress has secured Salzburg for over 900 years
Salzburg 2010 025
Cathedrals and chapels pack Salzburg's old town
Salzburg 2010 026
Hohensalzburg fortress has secured Salzburg for over 900 years
Salzburg 2010 027
Hohensalzburg fortress has secured Salzburg for over 900 years
Salzburg 2010 028
The chapel at Hohensalzburg castle
Salzburg 2010 029
Storm clouds brew around the mountain peaks above Salzburg
Salzburg 2010 030
Hohensalzburg fortress has secured Salzburg for over 900 years
Salzburg 2010 031
Altstadt is where Mozart was born and raised
Salzburg 2010 032
We ride the funicular down from the fortress into the altstadt or old town
Salzburg 2010 033
Graves old and new mark Salzburg's tiny churchyards
Salzburg 2010 034
A source of pride to the Austrians, graves are meticulously tended - St. Peter's cemetery is 1300 years old
Salzburg 2010 035
Graves old and new mark the tiny churchyards
Salzburg 2010 036
The bell towers of Salzburg Cathedral
Salzburg 2010 037
Baroque towers crowd altstadt's courtyards in Salzburg
Salzburg 2010 038
The domes of Salzburger Dom beyond tiny St. Peter's cemetery
Salzburg 2010 039
The belltower of St. Peter's church
Salzburg 2010 040
The bell towers of Salzburg Cathedral
Salzburg 2010 041
Salzburgerdom cathedral in Salzburg - Mark and I climbed to the organ loft
Salzburg 2010 042
Baroque towers crowd altstadt's courtyards in Salzburg
Salzburg 2010 043
Baroque towers crowd altstadt's courtyards in Salzburg
Salzburg 2010 044
Salzburger Dom cathedral in Salzburg dates to 771
Salzburg 2010 045
Salzburger Dom - the cathedral
Salzburg 2010 046
Salzburger Dom - the cathedral
Salzburg 2010 047
Salzburg's Residenz Museum
Salzburg 2010 048
The altstadt fountain in Salzburg
Salzburg 2010 049
St. Peter's sun dial
Salzburg 2010 050
Lacy signs hallmark the shops on Getreidegasse - the street of Mozart's birthplace
Salzburg 2010 051
Mozartplatz in front of Mozart's birthplace
Salzburg 2010 052
Mozart's gebertshaus or birthplace
Salzburg 2010 053
Mozart marionettes in Salzburg's marionette museum
Salzburg 2010 054
Getreidegasse is the narrow street winding through Old Salzburg
Salzburg 2010 055
Tirolean singers pause on the bridge crossing the Salzach River
Salzburg 2010 056
A jetboat powers her way down the rushing Salzach River
Salzburg 2010 057
Schloss Mirabell is the Habsburg palace in Salzburg
Salzburg 2010 058
Schloss Mirabell's Neptune fountain
Salzburg 2010 059
View from Schloss Mirabell
Salzburg 2010 060
Mirabell gardens at the palace where "Do-Re-Me" from The Sound of Music was filmed
Salzburg 2010 061
Alpine snow shrouds the peaks late in the day during our trip back to Vienna
Salzburg 2010 062
We pass villages and this convent on the train trip to Vienna
Salzburg 2010 063
A snow rainbow at sunset
New York 2010
New York 2010 001
We're in New York for only 30 hours, so let's see how much can be done...starting NOW! We're staying at the Hilton Times Square on 42nd Street
New York 2010 002
In 2000 Tom Otterness installed his "Time & Money" sculpture at the Hilton's entrances
New York 2010 003
These whimsical bronze tourists are dwarfed by what makes Times Square tick...time and money
New York 2010 004
He holds the luggage while she takes a snap shot of Times Square - she reminds me of ME!
New York 2010 005
The view from the Hilton's entrance on 41st Street
New York 2010 006
Our view of the Upper West Side from the Hilton's 35th floor
New York 2010 007
Our view of the Upper West Side from the Hilton's 35th floor
New York 2010 008
The penthouse atop Disney's New Amterdam Theatre
New York 2010 009
The penthouse atop Disney's New Amterdam Theatre
New York 2010 010
Our view of Times Square from the 35th floor of the Hilton
New York 2010 011
Our view of Times Square from the 35th floor of the Hilton - the New York Times Building
New York 2010 012
The W Hotel with a view of the Hudson River and New Jersey beyond
New York 2010 013
The W Hotel
New York 2010 014
The penthouse of a Broadway theatre seen from our room at the Hilton
New York 2010 015
The giant gold hand dangles the marquee for Madame Tussauds' Wax Museum above 42nd Street
New York 2010 016
Our view of the Hudson River and New Jersey with Short Hills on the horizon
New York 2010 017
Our view of Times Square from the 35th floor of the Hilton
New York 2010 018
Midtown Manhattan and the Empire State Building from the 35th floor of the Hilton
New York 2010 019
Le Carrousel in Bryant Park off Fifth Avenue
New York 2010 020
Le Carrousel is a reproduction built in 2002, but it has become a popular icon of Bryant Park even in the dead of winter
New York 2010 021
A lone reader at the New York Public Library on Fifth Avenue
New York 2010 022
A lone reader at the New York Public Library on Fifth Avenue
New York 2010 023
A lone reader at the New York Public Library on Fifth Avenue
New York 2010 024
The flagpole monument to knowledge at the New York Public Library on Fifth Avenue
New York 2010 025
The flagpole monument to knowledge at the New York Public Library on Fifth Avenue
New York 2010 026
The flagpole monument to knowledge at the New York Public Library on Fifth Avenue
New York 2010 027
The lions head drinking fountains in the New York Public Library carry the theme from the giant stone lions guarding the front steps on Fifth Avenue
New York 2010 028
A door detail in the library book store
New York 2010 029
The lions head drinking fountains in the New York Public Library carry the theme from the giant stone lions guarding the front steps on Fifth Avenue
New York 2010 030
Times Square looking north from 42nd Street
New York 2010 031
Mark takes flight with Mary at the New Amsterdam Theatre near our hotel
New York 2010 032
I do the same
New York 2010 033
Host extraordinaire Jean-Claude Baker welcomes us to his Paris bistro Chez Josephine
New York 2010 034
Jean-Claude is Josephine Baker's adopted son and his restaurant is a tribute to his beloved mom - Chez Josephine has become our favorite restaurant on Broadway
New York 2010 035
Leslie Hawke of The Alex Fund has invited us to a benefit performance of Sam Shepard's critically acclaimed play "A Lie of the Mind"
New York 2010 036
The Alex Fund supports Ovidiu Rom in Romania to help educate Roma (gypsy) children
New York 2010 037
Actor Keith Carradine is spotted at the after party
New York 2010 038
Lead actor Alessandro Nivola - our hostess Wendy Phillips Kahn of The Alex Fund - and yours truly
New York 2010 039
Leslie Hawke is Ethan Hawkes mom - Ethan directed "A Lie of the Mind" - they chat with George ______ an Alex Fund supporter from Baltimore
New York 2010 040
I couldn't resist a pic with Ethan Hawke
New York 2010 041
The newly renovated Guggenheim Museum is Frank Lloyd Wright's final masterpiece
New York 2010 042
After 15 years of planning, design and construction, the Guggenheim opened in 1959
New York 2010 043
The controversial helical shape stunned the public
New York 2010 044
It's unconventional shape shatters the skyline along Fifth Avenue facing Central Park
New York 2010 045
Cylinders intersect boxes to create one of the most recognizable buildings in the world
New York 2010 046
I've dreamed of visiting the Guggenheim, but after so many visits to New York this was the first time
New York 2010 047
The galleries opening onto the helical void have been cleared of exhibits to show-off the building after it's new restoration
New York 2010 048
The skylight above the helical void floods the museum with UV filtered natural light
New York 2010 049
The only art on display in the void is this couple making love with their clothes on - this is performance art...live subjects writhing in passion non stop for hours
New York 2010 050
Continuous ramps lead gallery visitors up, around and past works of art displayed on the outer walls
New York 2010 051
Continuous ramps lead gallery visitors up, around and past works of art displayed on the outer walls
New York 2010 052
Continuous ramps lead gallery visitors up, around and past works of art displayed on the outer walls
New York 2010 053
Continuous ramps lead gallery visitors up, around and past works of art displayed on the outer walls - Yes, you can spot the boy and girl still making love in the center of the floor
New York 2010 054
Continuous ramps lead gallery visitors up, around and past works of art displayed on the outer walls
New York 2010 055
OK...enough already! Get a room!
New York 2010 056
The newly completed exterior renovation altered Wright's original light yellow paint scheme to stark white
New York 2010 057
Continuous ramps lead gallery visitors up, around and past works of art displayed on the outer walls
New York 2010 058
Looking out through the curved frosted glass door of the Aye Simon Reading Room
New York 2010 059
A Wright designed chair in the Aye Simon Reading Room
New York 2010 060
A skylight in the Aye Simon Reading Room reveals the exterior helical cone
New York 2010 061
Anish Kapoor's iron sculpture "Memory" is a giant egg that fills the gallery
New York 2010 062
Anish Kapoor's "Memory" appears to levitate above the gallery floor - The giant iron sphere's interior appears as infinite space and is viewed from another gallery
New York 2010 063
Central Park West's skyline viewed from the Guggenheim Museum
New York 2010 064
Central Park's frozen reservoir melts along Fifth Avenue
New York 2010 065
Central Park's frozen reservoir melts along Fifth Avenue
New York 2010 066
Snow covers the roads in Central Park
New York 2010 067
Snow covers the roads in Central Park
New York 2010 068
Central Park's reservoir is named for Jackie Kennedy who lived on Fifth Avenue adjacent to the park
New York 2010 069
Geese and gulls soak up the winter sun while standing on lake ice in Central Park
New York 2010 070
Geese and gulls soak up the winter sun while standing on lake ice in Central Park
New York 2010 071
Geese and gulls soak up the winter sun while standing on lake ice in Central Park
New York 2010 072
Winter hangs on outside the Egyptian Wing of the Metropolitan Museum of Art on Fifth Avenue - Inside the glass wall stands the Temple of Dendur
New York 2010 073
Art Deco buildings near Rockefeller Center
New York 2010 074
The Art Deco crown defines the use of the decorative arts in architecture
New York 2010 075
20th Century glass and steel meet 19th Century Gothic revival stone and copper at St. Patrick's Cathedral
New York 2010 076
St. Patrick's Cathedral was built in 1878
New York 2010 077
THe rose window above the organ loft casts color into the naive of St. Patrick's Cathedral
New York 2010 078
St. Patrick's Cathedral may be America's best answer to the great cathedrals of Europe
New York 2010 079
The Saint Michael & Saint Louis altar was designed and built by Tiffany & Co.
New York 2010 080
St. Patrick's Cathedral may be America's best answer to the great cathedrals of Europe
New York 2010 081
Atlas carries the heavens upon his shoulders as punishment for defying Zeus - The 1936 statue at Rockefeller Center stands across Fifth Avenue from St. Patrick's Cathedral
New York 2010 082
The 1936 Art Deco Atlas statue at Rockefeller Center stands across Fifth Avenue from St. Patrick's Cathedral
New York 2010 083
Spring makes an early appearance at Teuscher Chocolates at Rockefeller Plaza
New York 2010 084
A golden Prometheus illuminates Rockefeller Plaza
New York 2010 085
A golden Prometheus illuminates Rockefeller Plaza
New York 2010 086
The International Center of Photography Museum at 43rd Street & Avenue of the Americas
New York 2010 087
Broadway meets 7th Avenue before making their separate ways at Times Square
New York 2010 088
Broadway meets 7th Avenue before making their separate ways at Times Square
New York 2010 089
I love New York and Times Square kitsch
New York 2010 090
I love New York and Times Square kitsch
New York 2010 091
I love New York and Times Square kitsch
New York 2010 092
I love New York and Times Square kitsch
New York 2010 093
I love New York and Times Square kitsch
New York 2010 094
I love New York and Times Square kitsch
New York 2010 095
I love New York and Times Square kitsch
New York 2010 096
I love New York and Times Square kitsch
New York 2010 097
I love New York and Times Square kitsch
New York 2010 098
I love New York and Times Square kitsch
New York 2010 099
I love New York and Times Square kitsch
New York 2010 100
I love New York and Times Square kitsch
New York 2010 101
I love New York and Times Square kitsch
New York 2010 102
I love New York and Times Square kitsch
New York 2010 103
I love New York and Times Square kitsch
New York 2010 104
Welcome to Broadway!
New York 2010 105
Strike a pose on Broadway atop the red roof steps of the TKTS booth at Times Square
New York 2010 106
TKTS' red roof steps on Broadway
New York 2010 107
Night falls on Broadway at Times Square and signals an end to our 30 hour adventure in The Big Apple
Dallas Snow 2010
Dallas Snow 2010 001
A record-breaking foot of snow falls on Dallas - Turtle Creek becomes a postcard in the inner city
Dallas Snow 2010 002
Turtle Creek becomes a postcard in the inner city
Dallas Snow 2010 003
A pair of mallards are happy in this weather
Dallas Snow 2010 004
The Bowen Street bridge crosses Turtle Creek
Dallas Snow 2010 005
Turtle Creek becomes a postcard in the inner city
Dallas Snow 2010 006
Turtle Creek becomes a postcard in the inner city
Dallas Snow 2010 008
Turtle Creek becomes a postcard in the inner city
Dallas Snow 2010 009
Turtle Creek becomes a postcard in the inner city
Dallas Snow 2010 010
Neighbors venture out with their dog
Dallas Snow 2010 011
The Towers at the Rosewood Mansion on Turtle Creek
Dallas Snow 2010 012
Neighbors venture out with their dog
Dallas Snow 2010 013
Turtle Creek becomes a postcard in the inner city
Dallas Snow 2010 014
Sculpture in Turtle Creek Park
Dallas Snow 2010 015
Turtle Creek becomes a postcard in the inner city
Dallas Snow 2010 016
Turtle Creek next to my house in Uptown Dallas
Dallas Snow 2010 017
Turtle Creek next to my house in Uptown Dallas - the Bowen Street bridge
Dallas Snow 2010 018
Duck tracks lead to Turtle Creek
Dallas Snow 2010 019
Turtle Creek next to my house in Uptown Dallas
Dallas Snow 2010 020
Turtle Creek next to my house in Uptown Dallas
Dallas Snow 2010 021
Turtle Creek becomes a postcard in the inner city
Dallas Snow 2010 022
Turtle Creek next to my house in Uptown Dallas
Dallas Snow 2010 023
Lee Park
Dallas Snow 2010 024
Lee Park
Dallas Snow 2010 025
Robert E. Lee beats a hasty retreat to warmer climes
Dallas Snow 2010 026
Arlington Hall in Lee Park
Dallas Snow 2010 027
Arlington Hall in Lee Park
Dallas Snow 2010 028
Stone bridge in Lee Park
Dallas Snow 2010 029
Flagstones in Lee Park
Dallas Snow 2010 030
Lee Park cascade
Dallas Snow 2010 031
Stone bridge and privy in Lee Park
Dallas Snow 2010 032
Arlington Hall's porte cochere in Lee Park
Dallas Snow 2010 033
A Snow Day snowman in Lee Park
Dallas Snow 2010 034
Lee Park's gazebo
Dallas Snow 2010 035
Lee Park's gazebo
Dallas Snow 2010 036
A Snow Day in Lee Park
Dallas Snow 2010 037
The spillway in Turtle Creek Park at Hall Street
Dallas Snow 2010 038
The Hall Street bridge over Turtle Creek
Dallas Snow 2010 039
The pond in Turtle Creek Park
Dallas Snow 2010 040
The pond in Turtle Creek Park
Dallas Snow 2010 041
Turtle Creek Park and Lee Park
Dallas Snow 2010 042
The pond in Turtle Creek Park
Dallas Snow 2010 043
The pond in Turtle Creek Park
Dallas Snow 2010 044
The spillway in Turtle Creek Park at Hall Street
Dallas Snow 2010 045
The spillway in Turtle Creek Park at Hall Street in black & white
Dallas Snow 2010 046
The Theodore & Beulah Beasley Entry to the Katy Trail at Hall Street
Dallas Snow 2010 047
The Sheep Meadow in Turtle Creek Park on Hall Street
Dallas Snow 2010 048
Turtle Creek Park becomes a postcard in the inner city
Dallas Snow 2010 049
Turtle Creek Park becomes a postcard in the inner city - black & white
Dallas Snow 2010 050
Snyder's Union on the Katy Trail overlooks Turtle Creek Park
Dallas Snow 2010 051
Snyder's Union on the Katy Trail overlooks Turtle Creek Park
Dallas Snow 2010 052
The wet snow weighs heavily on the native oak at Turtle Creek Terrace where I live
Mexico 2009
Mexico 2009 001
Join Karen, Caroline, Chris and me as we sail away aboard the Carnival Triumph bound for Mexico's Yucatan Peninsula
Mexico 2009 002
We leave from the Port of New Orleans - the Crescent City Connection is what they call the twin bridges
Mexico 2009 003
The winter sun sets behind New Orleans seen from the Erato Street wharf
Mexico 2009 004
The Triumph's red whale tail towers over the Port of New Orleans at the Riverwalk, site of the 1984 World's Fair
Mexico 2009 005
Being on the river is a flashback to my days as Fleet Manager at Agritrans and my trip up the Mississippi from New Orleans to Cincinnati in 1968
Mexico 2009 006
Deckhands touch-up the paint around the Triumph's anchor chocks
Mexico 2009 007
It's too chilly to shoot the Triumph's water slide
Mexico 2009 008
Lifeboat muster at Boat Station A
Mexico 2009 009
We no longer have to wear our life jackets to the lifeboat muster
Mexico 2009 010
The Lido Deck overlooks the New Orleans skyline
Mexico 2009 011
Lookin' good on the Promenade Deck
Mexico 2009 012
Cool terraces on the Lido Deck
Mexico 2009 013
Karen wins the Perfect Ice Cream Cone Contest while Chris wins the Speed Cone Eating Contest...BRAIN FREEZE!!!
Mexico 2009 014
The teak bench outside our cabins on the Empress Deck
Mexico 2009 015
Endless companionways aboard the Triumph
Mexico 2009 016
An excellent towel monkey foreshadows a like encounter in Cozumel
Mexico 2009 017
Our Stateroom No. 7205 beneath the wheelhouse on the Empress Deck
Mexico 2009 018
The Triumph's high rent district - Deck 7
Mexico 2009 019
Sisal agave plants decorate the courtyard at Progreso's City Hall
Mexico 2009 020
The Danza de los Listones or Ribbon Dance welcomes us to the Port of Progreso - nice shoes guys!
Mexico 2009 021
Casa de los Progreso
Mexico 2009 022
Progreso's lighthouse towers over City Hall
Mexico 2009 023
Sisal agave plants decorated the courtyard at Progreso's City Hall
Mexico 2009 024
Progreso's City Hall
Mexico 2009 025
Karen and Caroline shop Progreso's market
Mexico 2009 026
Colorful sisal agave hammocks are handmade in Progreso
Mexico 2009 027
Caroline spots the call board for our tour of Chichen Itza
Mexico 2009 028
It's a two hour ride from Progreso through the Yucatan jungle to Chichen Itza
Mexico 2009 029
The Maya Temple of Kukulcan at Chichen Itza
Mexico 2009 030
The Maya Temple of Kukulcan at Chichen Itza - 91 steps lead to the top...one for each day of the year - with 92 steps on the north face and 91 on the three other faces, there is a total of 365 steps
Mexico 2009 031
Chichen Itza
Mexico 2009 032
The skulls of victorious ballplayers adorn the cemetery at Chichen Itza
Mexico 2009 033
New excavations at the base of El Castillo, the Temple of Kukulcan
Mexico 2009 034
Maya hieroglyphs at the cemetery at Chichen Itza
Mexico 2009 035
The ballcourt's facade at Chichen Itza
Mexico 2009 036
Caroline and Chris at El Castillo, the Temple of Kukulcan
Mexico 2009 037
The cenote at Ik Kil - swimmers cool off in the sacred waters
Mexico 2009 038
The Yucatan jungle invades the cenote at Ik Kil
Mexico 2009 039
Ik Kil is Maya for Sacred Blue Well
Mexico 2009 040
The Yucatan jungle invades the cenote at Ik Kil
Mexico 2009 041
The Yucatan jungle invades the cenote at Ik Kil
Mexico 2009 042
A sweet ride is spotted in the village of Piste near Chichen Itza
Mexico 2009 043
The last few passengers queue up to board the Triumph at the Port of Progreso
Mexico 2009 044
We arrive on the island of Cozumel - Sister ship Glory is docked next to the Triumph
Mexico 2009 045
Chankanaab National Park on Cozumel
Mexico 2009 046
A perfect morning on an empty beach in paradise at Chankanaab
Mexico 2009 047
Chillin' at Chankanaab - "Hola Victor! Uno mas Chi Chi Especial por favor!"
Mexico 2009 048
A seafan at a depth of nearly 10 meters at Chankanaab
Mexico 2009 049
Giant brain coral in the foreground with seafans at Chankanaab
Mexico 2009 050
The Ave Maria statue is about 10 meters deep and is hard to spot, but Chris and I manage
Mexico 2009 051
The Triumph and the Glory float on the horizon just a couple miles from Chankanaab National Park
Mexico 2009 052
Chillin' at Chankanaab
Mexico 2009 053
Chris and Caroline at Chankanaab's turquoise cenote
Mexico 2009 054
Chankanaab's botanical garden
Mexico 2009 055
Chris, Karen and Caroline at Chankanaab's turquoise cenote
Mexico 2009 056
The Mayan rain god Chac under the giant palapa at Chankanaab
Mexico 2009 057
Dias de los Muertos or Day of the Dead mural at La Choza restaurant in San Miguel on Cozumel
Mexico 2009 058
A guitar stands at ease at La Choza
Mexico 2009 059
Wall art in La Choza's shady courtyard
Mexico 2009 060
La Choza's courtyard
Mexico 2009 061
A guitar stands at ease at La Choza
Mexico 2009 062
Bongos and maracas at the ready at La Choza
Mexico 2009 063
La Choza's colorful mural
Mexico 2009 064
The Nativity at Iglesia de San Miguel on Cozumel Island
Mexico 2009 065
Votives glow at Iglesia de San Miguel
Mexico 2009 066
The Nativity at Iglesia de San Miguel
Mexico 2009 067
Monkey shines in Cozumel's market
Mexico 2009 068
Monkey shines in Cozumel's market
Mexico 2009 069
Monkey shines in Cozumel's market
Mexico 2009 070
Monkey shines in Cozumel's market
Mexico 2009 071
Carnival's Glory sets sail from the Port of San Miguel on Cozumel Island
Mexico 2009 072
It's formal night aboard the Triumph - December 22nd was our family's 30th Anniversary
Mexico 2009 073
A beautiful sunset over the Bay of Campeche in the Gulf of Mexico
Mexico 2009 074
I meet the Triumph's Captain Massimo Marino at the Captain's Reception
Mexico 2009 075
The Triumph's famous singing waiters - "When the moon hits your eye like a big pizza pie...that's amore!"
Mexico 2009 076
It's Mardi Gras in the Rome Room
Mexico 2009 077
The Rome Room's Venetian chandelier
Mexico 2009 078
It's Mardi Gras in the Rome Room
Mexico 2009 079
It's Mardi Gras in the Rome Room
Mexico 2009 080
A beautiful sunset over the Bay of Campeche in the Gulf of Mexico
Mexico 2009 081
Disney's Dreams Come True animation exhibit at New Orleans' Museum of Art at City Park
Mexico 2009 082
Disney's Dreams Come True animation exhibit at New Orleans' Museum of Art
Mexico 2009 083
Disney's Dreams Come True animation exhibit at New Orleans' Museum of Art
Mexico 2009 084
Disney's Dreams Come True animation exhibit at New Orleans' Museum of Art
Mexico 2009 085
Disney's Dreams Come True animation exhibit at New Orleans' Museum of Art - Rodin's Age of Bronze stands guard on the landing
Mexico 2009 086
The Faberge' Gallery at the New Orleans Museum of Art
Mexico 2009 087
The Faberge' Gallery at the New Orleans Museum of Art
Mexico 2009 088
The Faberge' Gallery at the New Orleans Museum of Art
Mexico 2009 089
The Faberge Gallery at the New Orleans Museum of Art
Mexico 2009 090
The classic Beaux-Arts facade of the New Orleans Museum of Art at City Park
Mexico 2009 091
Sculptured gates enclose a courtyard framed by the Beaux-Arts facade of the New Orleans Museum of Art at City Park
Mexico 2009 092
The classic Beaux-Arts facade of the New Orleans Museum of Art at City Park
Mexico 2009 093
Henry Moore sculpture at the New Orleans Museum of Art new Sculpture Garden in City Park
Mexico 2009 094
City Parks ancient oaks and lagoons survived hurricane Katrina in 2005
Mexico 2009 095
City Park's Popp Bandstand was built in 1907
Mexico 2009 096
City Park's Casino Building built in 1917 has been fully renovated since Katrina
Mexico 2009 097
A trip to City Park isn't complete without a trip over Tickle Bridge near the Casino
Mexico 2009 098
City Park's Popp Bandstand and Casino Building
New England 2009
New England - October 2009 - 001
Walden Pond near Concord, Massachusetts - Come along as we trace Paul Revere's ride from Charlestown's Old North Churc
New England - October 2009 - 002
Caroline & Matt's house in Watertown
New England - October 2009 - 003
I picked a rainy fall day to visit
New England - October 2009 - 004
But the house is warm and dry and so comfortable
New England - October 2009 - 005
The stained glass windows make it so...
New England - October 2009 - 006
....so nostalgic and homey
New England - October 2009 - 007
Caroline's art is evocative of our first home on Algiers Point in New Orleans
New England - October 2009 - 008
Her triptych of mixed media Victorian shotgun houses reminds me of home
New England - October 2009 - 009
Her theme of home is carried throughout the Watertown House
New England - October 2009 - 010
The kitchen catches the morning sun
New England - October 2009 - 011
Mawmaw Beasley's art deco canisters atop the kitchen vent
New England - October 2009 - 012
Cool spice rack in the kitchen...from Ikea
New England - October 2009 - 013
Caroline is plant-sitting Rachel's blooming exotic
New England - October 2009 - 014
Lincoln, Massachusetts on the road to Concord - Paul Revere passed this way on his famous ride
New England - October 2009 - 015
The old church in Lincoln
New England - October 2009 - 016
The old church in Lincoln
New England - October 2009 - 017
Library keystone in Lincoln
New England - October 2009 - 018
The Lincoln Library
New England - October 2009 - 019
The Lincoln Library
New England - October 2009 - 020
Nashoba Brook in Concord
New England - October 2009 - 021
The Nashoba Brook Bakery
New England - October 2009 - 022
Bakers bake while a birthday is celebrated
New England - October 2009 - 023
The Nashoba Brook foot bridge
New England - October 2009 - 024
The bridge leads to the bakery across Nashoba Brook
New England - October 2009 - 025
The Nashoba Brook foot bridge
New England - October 2009 - 026
The Nashoba Brook foot bridge
New England - October 2009 - 027
Concord's historic colonial cemetery
New England - October 2009 - 028
Concord's historic colonial cemetery
New England - October 2009 - 029
Gravestones are crowned with Puritan death's heads
New England - October 2009 - 030
Concord's historic colonial cemetery
New England - October 2009 - 031
Gravestones are crowned with Puritan death's heads
New England - October 2009 - 032
Gravestones are crowned with Puritan death's heads
New England - October 2009 - 033
Concord
New England - October 2009 - 034
Concord is open for business
New England - October 2009 - 035
Thoreauly Antiques plays on the home of Henry David Thoreau in Concord
New England - October 2009 - 036
Caroline is happy she didn't spend any money in Concord
New England - October 2009 - 037
The Concord Postmaster's office
New England - October 2009 - 038
Concord Post Office
New England - October 2009 - 039
Trinitarian Congregational Church, Concord with roots dating to 1636 - this building came in 1927 after fire destroyed t
New England - October 2009 - 040
First Parish Church, Concord was founded in 1636 by Unitarian Universalists in Cambridge - the church in Concord was sta
New England - October 2009 - 041
First Parish Church, Concord is called a meetinghouse with beginnings in 1637
New England - October 2009 - 042
Holy Family Church, Concord is a new Catholic Parish occupying an old Unitarian building standing when Paul Revere rode
New England - October 2009 - 043
The Holy Family Church graveyard is perfect for Halloween
New England - October 2009 - 044
Holy Family Church, Concord is a new Catholic Parish occupying an old Unitarian building
New England - October 2009 - 045
Concord's Colonial Inn
New England - October 2009 - 046
Battle Road in Minute Man National Park
New England - October 2009 - 047
A reenactor of a colonial Minute Man at the foot of the North Bridge stands where the first shots of the American Revolu
New England - October 2009 - 048
Minute Man National Park in Concord
New England - October 2009 - 049
The boathouse of the Manse on the bank of the Concord River at the North Bridge
New England - October 2009 - 050
The boathouse of the Manse on the bank of the Concord River at the North Bridge
New England - October 2009 - 051
Concord's North Bridge where the shot heard 'round the world started the American Revolution
New England - October 2009 - 052
Concord's North Bridge where the shot heard 'round the world started the American Revolution on April 19, 1775
New England - October 2009 - 053
A statue of Henry David Thoreau stands near a replica of his cabin at Walden Pond
New England - October 2009 - 054
Walden Pond
New England - October 2009 - 055
Walden Pond
New England - October 2009 - 056
Walden Pond
New England - October 2009 - 057
A Pumpkin Patch near Walden Pond
New England - October 2009 - 058
Caroline needs a pumpkin for her front porch in Watertown
New England - October 2009 - 059
A Pumpkin Patch near Walden Pond
New England - October 2009 - 060
Caroline needs a pumpkin for her front porch in Watertown
New England - October 2009 - 061
A Pumpkin Patch near Walden Pond
New England - October 2009 - 062
The perfect pumpkin!
New England - October 2009 - 063
A Pumpkin Patch near Walden Pond
New England - October 2009 - 064
A Pumpkin Patch near Walden Pond
New England - October 2009 - 065
A Pumpkin Patch near Walden Pond
New England - October 2009 - 066
A Pumpkin Patch near Walden Pond
New England - October 2009 - 067
A Pumpkin Patch near Walden Pond
New England - October 2009 - 068
A Pumpkin Patch near Walden Pond
New England - October 2009 - 069
The Lobster House in Portland, Maine
New England - October 2009 - 070
The Lobster House in Portland, Maine
New England - October 2009 - 071
The Lobster House in Portland, Maine
New England - October 2009 - 072
Matt's parents' home in Poland, Maine
New England - October 2009 - 073
Nelson & Sharon Beaudoin's home in Poland, Maine - hydrangea tree in bloom
New England - October 2009 - 074
Nelson & Sharon Beaudoin's home in Poland, Maine
New England - October 2009 - 075
Nelson & Sharon Beaudoin's home in Poland, Maine - Nelson's freshly painted pickets
New England - October 2009 - 076
The road from Poland to the Fryeburg Country Fair
New England - October 2009 - 077
Naples, Maine on Sebago Lake
New England - October 2009 - 078
Maine's Lakes Region near Naples
New England - October 2009 - 079
Maine's Lakes Region near Naples
New England - October 2009 - 080
Maine's Lakes Region near Naples
New England - October 2009 - 081
Naples, Maine on Sebago Lake
New England - October 2009 - 082
Maine's Lakes Region near Naples
New England - October 2009 - 083
Bike racers approach Naples, Maine
New England - October 2009 - 084
Shawnee Peak ski area is lost in the clouds
New England - October 2009 - 085
Fall reflections - Maine's Lakes Region near Naples
New England - October 2009 - 086
Fall reflections - Maine's Lakes Region near Naples
New England - October 2009 - 087
Fall reflections - Maine's Lakes Region near Naples
New England - October 2009 - 088
Fall reflections - Maine's Lakes Region near Naples
New England - October 2009 - 089
A homestead in Fryeburg, Maine
New England - October 2009 - 090
A homestead in Fryeburg, Maine
New England - October 2009 - 091
Fryeburg, Maine's Country Fair
New England - October 2009 - 092
Fryeburg, Maine's Country Fair
New England - October 2009 - 093
Fryeburg, Maine's Country Fair
New England - October 2009 - 094
Fryeburg, Maine's Country Fair
New England - October 2009 - 095
Fryeburg, Maine's Country Fair - stuffed mooses
New England - October 2009 - 096
Fryeburg, Maine's Country Fair - Caroline and Matt's mom, Sharon
New England - October 2009 - 097
Fryeburg, Maine's Country Fair - the crowd gathers to cheer the Firemen's Muster
New England - October 2009 - 098
Fryeburg, Maine's Country Fair
New England - October 2009 - 099
Fryeburg, Maine's Country Fair - Angora bunny
New England - October 2009 - 100
Fryeburg, Maine's Country Fair - Angora bunny
New England - October 2009 - 101
Fryeburg, Maine's Country Fair - Angora bunny
New England - October 2009 - 102
Fryeburg, Maine's Country Fair - Angora bunny
New England - October 2009 - 103
Fryeburg, Maine's Country Fair - Angora bunny
New England - October 2009 - 104
Fryeburg, Maine's Country Fair - Angora bunny
New England - October 2009 - 105
Fryeburg, Maine's Country Fair
New England - October 2009 - 106
Fryeburg, Maine's Country Fair
New England - October 2009 - 107
Fryeburg, Maine's Country Fair
New England - October 2009 - 108
Fryeburg, Maine's Country Fair
New England - October 2009 - 109
Fryeburg, Maine's Country Fair - prized Christmas trees are judged
New England - October 2009 - 110
Fryeburg, Maine's Country Fair
New England - October 2009 - 111
Fryeburg, Maine's Country Fair
New England - October 2009 - 112
Fryeburg, Maine's Country Fair
New England - October 2009 - 113
Fryeburg, Maine's Country Fair
New England - October 2009 - 114
Fryeburg, Maine's Country Fair - Belgium draft horses are judged on strength
New England - October 2009 - 115
Fryeburg, Maine's Country Fair - Belgium draft horses are judged on strength
New England - October 2009 - 116
Fryeburg, Maine's Country Fair - Sheep dog trials
New England - October 2009 - 117
Fryeburg, Maine's Country Fair - Sheep dog trials
New England - October 2009 - 118
Fryeburg, Maine's Country Fair - Sheep dog trials
New England - October 2009 - 119
Fryeburg, Maine's Country Fair - Sheep dog trials
New England - October 2009 - 120
Fryeburg, Maine's Country Fair - Sheep dog trials
New England - October 2009 - 121
Fryeburg, Maine's Country Fair - Sheep dog trials
New England - October 2009 - 122
Fryeburg, Maine's Country Fair - Sheep dog trials
New England - October 2009 - 123
Fryeburg, Maine's Country Fair
New England - October 2009 - 124
Fryeburg, Maine's Country Fair
New England - October 2009 - 125
Fryeburg, Maine's Country Fair
New England - October 2009 - 126
Fryeburg, Maine's Country Fair
New England - October 2009 - 127
Fryeburg, Maine's Country Fair
New England - October 2009 - 128
Fryeburg, Maine's Country Fair
New England - October 2009 - 129
Fryeburg, Maine's Country Fair - the oxen are lowing
New England - October 2009 - 130
Fryeburg, Maine's Country Fair - the boy is lowing...on the back of a draft horse
New England - October 2009 - 131
Fryeburg, Maine's Country Fair - the stable boys are lowing in the ox barn
New England - October 2009 - 132
Fryeburg, Maine's Country Fair
New England - October 2009 - 133
Fryeburg, Maine's Country Fair - the kids are lowing on the backs of draft horses
New England - October 2009 - 134
Fryeburg, Maine's Country Fair
New England - October 2009 - 135
Fryeburg, Maine's Country Fair
New England - October 2009 - 136
Fryeburg, Maine's Country Fair
New England - October 2009 - 137
Fryeburg, Maine's Country Fair - local honey
New England - October 2009 - 138
Fryeburg, Maine's Country Fair - local yarn
New England - October 2009 - 139
Fryeburg, Maine's Country Fair
New England - October 2009 - 140
Fryeburg, Maine's Country Fair
New England - October 2009 - 141
Fryeburg, Maine's Country Fair
New England - October 2009 - 142
Fryeburg, Maine's Country Fair
New England - October 2009 - 143
Fryeburg, Maine's Country Fair
New England - October 2009 - 144
Fryeburg, Maine's Country Fair
New England - October 2009 - 145
Fryeburg, Maine's Country Fair
New England - October 2009 - 146
Fryeburg, Maine's Country Fair
New England - October 2009 - 147
Fryeburg, Maine's Country Fair - patriotic grandstands
New England - October 2009 - 148
Fryeburg, Maine's Country Fair - a yoke of oxen
New England - October 2009 - 149
Fryeburg, Maine's Country Fair - a yoke of oxen
New England - October 2009 - 150
Fryeburg, Maine's Country Fair
New England - October 2009 - 151
Fryeburg, Maine's Country Fair - a shiny maple syrup cooker
New England - October 2009 - 152
Fryeburg, Maine's Country Fair
New England - October 2009 - 153
Fryeburg, Maine's Country Fair
New England - October 2009 - 154
Fryeburg, Maine's Country Fair
New England - October 2009 - 155
Fryeburg, Maine's Country Fair
New England - October 2009 - 156
Fryeburg, Maine's Country Fair - Sut Marshall and his award winning wagon collection
New England - October 2009 - 157
Fryeburg, Maine's Country Fair - a gypsy wagon
New England - October 2009 - 158
Fryeburg, Maine's Country Fair
New England - October 2009 - 159
Fryeburg, Maine's Country Fair
New England - October 2009 - 160
Fryeburg, Maine's Country Fair
New England - October 2009 - 161
Fryeburg, Maine's Country Fair
New England - October 2009 - 162
Fryeburg, Maine's Country Fair
New England - October 2009 - 163
Fryeburg, Maine's Country Fair
New England - October 2009 - 164
Fryeburg, Maine's Country Fair - Caroline is type cast as a school teacher
New England - October 2009 - 165
Fryeburg, Maine's Country Fair - New England farm hands or green horns as is the case
New England - October 2009 - 166
Maine's Mountain Region approaching New Hampshire
New England - October 2009 - 167
Maine's Mountain Region approaching New Hampshire
New England - October 2009 - 168
The iconic New England farm near New Gloucester, Maine
New England - October 2009 - 169
The iconic New England farm near New Gloucester, Maine
New England - October 2009 - 170
The iconic New England farm near New Gloucester, Maine
New England - October 2009 - 171
The iconic New England farm near New Gloucester, Maine
New England - October 2009 - 172
The iconic New England farm near New Gloucester, Maine
New England - October 2009 - 173
Sabbathday Lake Shaker Village in New Gloucester, Maine
New England - October 2009 - 174
Sabbathday Lake Shaker Village in New Gloucester, Maine
New England - October 2009 - 175
Sabbathday Lake Shaker Village in New Gloucester, Maine
New England - October 2009 - 176
Sabbathday Lake Shaker Village in New Gloucester, Maine
New England - October 2009 - 177
Sabbathday Lake Shaker Village in New Gloucester, Maine - Matt & Caroline inspect the shaggy cows
New England - October 2009 - 178
Sabbathday Lake Shaker Village in New Gloucester, Maine - Caroline and Matt looking very shaky on becoming Shakers
New England - October 2009 - 179
Sabbathday Lake Shaker Village in New Gloucester, Maine - shaggy Shaker cows
New England - October 2009 - 180
Sabbathday Lake Shaker Village in New Gloucester, Maine
New England - October 2009 - 181
Sabbathday Lake Shaker Village in New Gloucester, Maine - Shaker geese swim in the gift shop
New England - October 2009 - 182
Sabbathday Lake Shaker Village in New Gloucester, Maine - Shaker designs on a lampshade
New England - October 2009 - 183
Sabbathday Lake Shaker Village in New Gloucester, Maine - a Shaker made basket
New England - October 2009 - 184
Sabbathday Lake Shaker Village in New Gloucester, Maine - Shaker house rules
New England - October 2009 - 185
Sabbathday Lake Shaker Village in New Gloucester, Maine
New England - October 2009 - 186
Sabbathday Lake Shaker Village in New Gloucester, Maine - this is the last of the Shaker communities
New England - October 2009 - 187
Sabbathday Lake Shaker Village in New Gloucester, Maine
New England - October 2009 - 188
Sabbathday Lake Shaker Village in New Gloucester, Maine
New England - October 2009 - 189
Sabbathday Lake Shaker Village in New Gloucester, Maine
New England - October 2009 - 190
Sabbathday Lake Shaker Village in New Gloucester, Maine
New England - October 2009 - 191
Sabbathday Lake Shaker Village in New Gloucester, Maine
New England - October 2009 - 192
Sabbathday Lake Shaker Village in New Gloucester, Maine
New England - October 2009 - 193
Sabbathday Lake Shaker Village in New Gloucester, Maine
New England - October 2009 - 194
Sabbathday Lake Shaker Village in New Gloucester, Maine - the Boy's Shop
New England - October 2009 - 195
Sabbathday Lake Shaker Village in New Gloucester, Maine - the Boy's Shop
New England - October 2009 - 196
Sabbathday Lake Shaker Village in New Gloucester, Maine - the Boy's Shop
New England - October 2009 - 197
Perkins Cove at Ogunquit, Maine
New England - October 2009 - 198
Perkins Cove at Ogunquit, Maine
New England - October 2009 - 199
Perkins Cove at Ogunquit, Maine
New England - October 2009 - 200
Perkins Cove at Ogunquit, Maine
New England - October 2009 - 201
Perkins Cove at Ogunquit, Maine
New England - October 2009 - 202
Perkins Cove at Ogunquit, Maine
New England - October 2009 - 203
Perkins Cove at Ogunquit, Maine
New England - October 2009 - 204
Perkins Cove at Ogunquit, Maine - monument to the Lost Seamen of Ogunquit
New England - October 2009 - 205
Perkins Cove at Ogunquit, Maine
New England - October 2009 - 206
Perkins Cove at Ogunquit, Maine
New England - October 2009 - 207
Perkins Cove at Ogunquit, Maine
New England - October 2009 - 208
Perkins Cove at Ogunquit, Maine
New England - October 2009 - 209
Perkins Cove at Ogunquit, Maine
New England - October 2009 - 210
Perkins Cove at Ogunquit, Maine
New England - October 2009 - 211
Perkins Cove at Ogunquit, Maine
New England - October 2009 - 212
Perkins Cove at Ogunquit, Maine - passersby become the drawbridge operators
New England - October 2009 - 213
Perkins Cove at Ogunquit, Maine
New England - October 2009 - 214
Perkins Cove at Ogunquit, Maine
New England - October 2009 - 215
Perkins Cove at Ogunquit, Maine
New England - October 2009 - 216
Perkins Cove at Ogunquit, Maine
New England - October 2009 - 217
Perkins Cove at Ogunquit, Maine
New England - October 2009 - 218
Perkins Cove at Ogunquit, Maine
New England - October 2009 - 219
Perkins Cove at Ogunquit, Maine
New England - October 2009 - 220
Perkins Cove at Ogunquit, Maine
New England - October 2009 - 221
Perkins Cove at Ogunquit, Maine - public restrooms play on words
New England - October 2009 - 222
Perkins Cove at Ogunquit, Maine
New England - October 2009 - 223
Perkins Cove at Ogunquit, Maine
New England - October 2009 - 224
Perkins Cove at Ogunquit, Maine - the Marginal Way is a one mile walk from Perkins Cove to Ogunquit Beach
New England - October 2009 - 225
The Marginal Way is a picture perfect one mile walk from Perkins Cove to Ogunquit Beach
New England - October 2009 - 226
The Marginal Way is a one mile walk from Perkins Cove to Ogunquit Beach
New England - October 2009 - 227
The Marginal Way is a one mile walk from Perkins Cove to Ogunquit Beach
New England - October 2009 - 228
The Marginal Way is a one mile walk from Perkins Cove to Ogunquit Beach - Matt's looking cool
New England - October 2009 - 229
The Marginal Way is a one mile walk from Perkins Cove to Ogunquit Beach - Matt's looking cool & rugged
New England - October 2009 - 230
The Marginal Way is a one mile walk from Perkins Cove to Ogunquit Beach - Matt's looking cool
New England - October 2009 - 231
The Marginal Way is a one mile walk from Perkins Cove to Ogunquit Beach
New England - October 2009 - 232
The Marginal Way is a one mile walk from Perkins Cove to Ogunquit Beach
New England - October 2009 - 233
The Marginal Way is a one mile walk from Perkins Cove to Ogunquit Beach
New England - October 2009 - 234
The Marginal Way is a one mile walk from Perkins Cove to Ogunquit Beach
New England - October 2009 - 235
The Marginal Way is a one mile walk from Perkins Cove to Ogunquit Beach - Caroline's not that short and Matt's not that
New England - October 2009 - 236
The Marginal Way is a one mile walk from Perkins Cove to Ogunquit Beach
New England - October 2009 - 237
Seaside Ogunquit
New England - October 2009 - 238
Seaside Ogunquit
New England - October 2009 - 239
A Mainer chipmunk
New England - October 2009 - 240
Ogunquit sailing
New England - October 2009 - 241
Ogunquit sailing
New England - October 2009 - 242
Ogunquit sailing - the tiny lighthouse still functions
New England - October 2009 - 243
Ogunquit sailing - the tiny lighthouse still functions
New England - October 2009 - 244
Ogunquit beach
New England - October 2009 - 245
Ogunquit beach - surf's up!
New England - October 2009 - 246
Seaside Ogunquit
New England - October 2009 - 247
Russell's Lobster House - Cape Neddick, Maine
New England - October 2009 - 248
Cape Neddick Harbor - Russell's Lobster House
New England - October 2009 - 249
Russell's Lobster House - Cape Neddick, Maine
New England - October 2009 - 250
Lobster Buoys - Cape Neddick
New England - October 2009 - 251
Either the lobsters are running or Russell keeps strange hours
New England - October 2009 - 252
Russell's Lobster House at Cape Neddick, Maine
New England - October 2009 - 253
Russell's Lobster House at Cape Neddick, Maine
New England - October 2009 - 254
This is what happens to one who questions the freshness of Russell's catch - Russell's Lobster House at Cape Neddick, Ma
New England - October 2009 - 255
Russell's Lobster House at Cape Neddick, Maine
New England - October 2009 - 256
York Cliffs - Cape Neddick, Maine
New England - October 2009 - 257
York Beach, Maine
New England - October 2009 - 258
Warren's Lobster House - Kittery, Maine
New England - October 2009 - 259
Warren's Lobster House - Kittery, Maine
New England - October 2009 - 260
Warren's Lobster House - Kittery, Maine
New England - October 2009 - 261
Jacob Wirth German Restaurant in Boston
New England - October 2009 - 262
Jacob Wirth Restaurant in Boston has been serving German beer and sauerkraut & wurst since 1868
New England - October 2009 - 263
Old Boston
New England - October 2009 - 264
Kid's ceramic tiles make the Davis Square T subway station fun
New England - October 2009 - 265
Live classical guitar at the Davis Square T stop
New England - October 2009 - 266
Story Chapel at Mount Auburn Cemetery - Cambridge, Massachusetts
New England - October 2009 - 267
Story Chapel at Mount Auburn Cemetery - Cambridge, Massachusetts
New England - October 2009 - 268
Story Chapel at Mount Auburn Cemetery - Cambridge, Massachusetts
New England - October 2009 - 269
Story Chapel at Mount Auburn Cemetery - Cambridge, Massachusetts
New England - October 2009 - 270
Story Chapel at Mount Auburn Cemetery - Cambridge, Massachusetts
New England - October 2009 - 271
Memorial to Mary Baker Eddy at Mount Auburn Cemetery - Cambridge, Massachusetts - Founder of the Christian Science Churc
New England - October 2009 - 272
Memorial to Mary Baker Eddy, founder of The Christian Science Monitor - Mount Auburn Cemetery - Cambridge, Massachusetts
New England - October 2009 - 273
Henry Wadsworth Longfellow - Mount Auburn Cemetery - Cambridge, Massachusetts
New England - October 2009 - 274
Memorial to Mary Baker Eddy, founder of The Christian Science Monitor - Mount Auburn Cemetery - Cambridge, Massachusetts
New England - October 2009 - 275
Henry Wadsworth Longfellow - Mount Auburn Cemetery - Cambridge, Massachusetts - detail of his tomb
New England - October 2009 - 276
Mount Auburn Cemetery - Cambridge, Massachusetts
New England - October 2009 - 277
Mount Auburn Cemetery - Cambridge, Massachusetts
New England - October 2009 - 278
Mount Auburn Cemetery - Cambridge, Massachusetts
New England - October 2009 - 279
Mount Auburn Cemetery - Cambridge, Massachusetts
New England - October 2009 - 280
Edwin Booth, older brother of John Wilkes Booth, Lincoln's assassin - Mount Auburn Cemetery - Cambridge, Massachusetts
New England - October 2009 - 281
Edwin Booth's marker reads, "I will turn their mourning into joy and will comfort them and make them rejoice from their
New England - October 2009 - 282
Mount Auburn Cemetery - Cambridge, Massachusetts
New England - October 2009 - 283
Mount Auburn Cemetery - Cambridge, Massachusetts
New England - October 2009 - 284
Washington Tower and obelisks - Mount Auburn Cemetery - Cambridge, Massachusetts
New England - October 2009 - 285
Washington Tower was built in 1854 - Mount Auburn Cemetery - Cambridge, Massachusetts
New England - October 2009 - 286
Washington Tower was built in 1854 - Mount Auburn Cemetery - Cambridge, Massachusetts
New England - October 2009 - 287
A view of Harvard Stadium, Cambridge and Boston beyond from Washington Tower - Mount Auburn Cemetery - Cambridge, Massac
New England - October 2009 - 288
A view of Harvard Stadium, Cambridge and Boston beyond from Washington Tower - Mount Auburn Cemetery - Cambridge, Massac
New England - October 2009 - 289
Mount Auburn Cemetery - Cambridge, Massachusetts
New England - October 2009 - 290
Mount Auburn Cemetery - Cambridge, Massachusetts
New England - October 2009 - 291
Mount Auburn Cemetery - Cambridge, Massachusetts
New England - October 2009 - 292
Buckminster Fuller, architect of the geodesic dome - Mount Auburn Cemetery - Cambridge, Massachusetts
New England - October 2009 - 293
Mount Auburn Cemetery - Cambridge, Massachusetts
New England - October 2009 - 294
Mount Auburn Cemetery - Cambridge, Massachusetts
New England - October 2009 - 295
Mount Auburn Cemetery - Cambridge, Massachusetts
New England - October 2009 - 296
Mount Auburn Cemetery - Cambridge, Massachusetts
New England - October 2009 - 297
Mount Auburn Cemetery - Cambridge, Massachusetts
New England - October 2009 - 298
William Harnden, founder of the express shipping business in America - Mount Auburn Cemetery - Cambridge, Massachusetts
New England - October 2009 - 299
Mount Auburn Cemetery - Cambridge, Massachusetts
New England - October 2009 - 300
Mount Auburn Cemetery - Cambridge, Massachusetts
New England - October 2009 - 301
Bigelow Chapel - Mount Auburn Cemetery - Cambridge, Massachusetts
New England - October 2009 - 302
Mount Auburn Cemetery - Cambridge, Massachusetts
New England - October 2009 - 303
Bigelow Chapel - Mount Auburn Cemetery - Cambridge, Massachusetts
New England - October 2009 - 304
Story Chapel - Mount Auburn Cemetery - Cambridge, Massachusetts
New England - October 2009 - 305
Story Chapel - Mount Auburn Cemetery - Cambridge, Massachusetts
New England - October 2009 - 306
Story Chapel - Mount Auburn Cemetery - Cambridge, Massachusetts
New England - October 2009 - 307
Mount Auburn Cemetery - Cambridge, Massachusetts
New England - October 2009 - 308
Director's chairs on location of Ben Affleck's film The Town - Salem Street, Charlestown, Boston
New England - October 2009 - 309
Director's chairs on location of Ben Affleck's film The Town - Salem Street, Charlestown, Boston
New England - October 2009 - 310
On location of Ben Affleck's film The Town - Salem Street, Charlestown, Boston
New England - October 2009 - 311
On location of Ben Affleck's film The Town - Salem Street, Charlestown, Boston
New England - October 2009 - 312
On location of Ben Affleck's film The Town - Salem Street, Charlestown, Boston
New England - October 2009 - 313
On location of Ben Affleck's film The Town - Salem Street, Charlestown, Boston - Ben! BEN! BEEENNN!!! This way, Ben!
New England - October 2009 - 314
The Old North Church in Charlestown where two lanterns warned Boston of the British approach by sea on April 18, 1775 -
New England - October 2009 - 315
The Old North Church in Charlestown where two lanterns warned Boston of the British approach by sea on April 18, 1775
New England - October 2009 - 316
The Old North Church in Charlestown where two lanterns warned Boston of the British approach by sea on April 18, 1775
New England - October 2009 - 317
The Old North Church in Charlestown where two lanterns warned Boston of the British approach by sea on April 18, 1775
New England - October 2009 - 318
The Old North Church in Charlestown where two lanterns warned Boston of the British approach by sea on April 18, 1775 -
New England - October 2009 - 319
Matt at the mixing board in Q Division Studios - Davis Square, Somerville, Boston
New England - October 2009 - 320
Q Division Studios - Davis Square, Somerville, Boston
New England - October 2009 - 321
The Lenny Zakim Bunker Hill Bridge in Charlestown - Boston
New England - October 2009 - 322
Massachusetts Institute of Technology on the Charles River from the Red Line T
New England - October 2009 - 323
Marblehead, Massachusetts
New England - October 2009 - 324
Cape Ann, Gloucester & Rockport, Massachusetts
New England - October 2009 - 325
Cape Ann & Essex, Massachusetts
New England - October 2009 - 326
Lowell, Massachusetts
New England - October 2009 - 327
Thunderheads over Oklahoma & Texas
New England - October 2009 - 328
Thunderheads over Oklahoma & Texas
New England - October 2009 - 329
Thunderheads over Oklahoma & Texas
New England - October 2009 - 330
Thunderheads over Oklahoma & Texas
New England - October 2009 - 331
Thunderheads over Oklahoma & Texas
New England - October 2009 - 332
Thunderheads over Oklahoma & Texas
New England - October 2009 - 333
Thunderheads over Oklahoma & Texas
New England - October 2009 - 334
Thunderheads over Oklahoma & Texas
McKinney Trolley Parade 2009
Trolley Parade 2009 001
The North Dallas High School drill team and band leads the parade down McKinney Avenue
Trolley Parade 2009 002
We are celebrating the 20th Anniversary of the revival of the M-Line, Dallas' full service trolley from Uptown to Downto
Trolley Parade 2009 003
Transportation is the theme and what better kind is there than a big wheel bicycle
Trolley Parade 2009 004
OK so the parade is long on transportation...I suppose firetrucks are transportation...and short on spectators
Trolley Parade 2009 005
Rosie is 100 years old and rolling - she's the oldest and most charming of the M-Line fleet of vintage trolleys
Trolley Parade 2009 006
Built in Philadelphia in 1909, Rosie was shipped to Lisbon, Portugal where she served for 75 years
Trolley Parade 2009 007
Rosie is named for benefactor Caroline Rose Hunt who made the restoration possible
Fort Worth Botanic Garden 2009
Ft Worth Garden 001
Japanese Garden - Pagoda entrance
Ft Worth Garden 002
Japanese Garden - Pagoda entrance
Ft Worth Garden 003
Japanese Garden - Pagoda entrance
Ft Worth Garden 004
Japanese Garden
Ft Worth Garden 005
Japanese Garden
Ft Worth Garden 006
Japanese Garden
Ft Worth Garden 007
Japanese Garden
Ft Worth Garden 008
Japanese Garden - Pagoda birdhouse
Ft Worth Garden 009
Japanese Garden - Pagoda entrance
Ft Worth Garden 010
Japanese Garden
Ft Worth Garden 011
Japanese Garden
Ft Worth Garden 012
Japanese Garden - Mikoshi shrine
Ft Worth Garden 013
Japanese Garden
Ft Worth Garden 014
Japanese Garden
Ft Worth Garden 015
Japanese Garden
Ft Worth Garden 016
Japanese Garden
Ft Worth Garden 017
Japanese Garden
Ft Worth Garden 018
Japanese Garden
Ft Worth Garden 019
Japanese Garden - the Teahouse
Ft Worth Garden 020
Japanese Garden
Ft Worth Garden 021
Japanese Garden
Ft Worth Garden 022
Japanese Garden
Ft Worth Garden 023
Japanese Garden
Ft Worth Garden 024
Japanese Garden - the Teahouse
Ft Worth Garden 025
Japanese Garden
Ft Worth Garden 026
Japanese Garden - the Teahouse
Ft Worth Garden 027
Japanese Garden
Ft Worth Garden 028
Japanese Garden
Ft Worth Garden 029
Japanese Garden
Ft Worth Garden 030
Japanese Garden - the Wedding Pavilion
Ft Worth Garden 031
Japanese Garden
Ft Worth Garden 032
Japanese Garden -the Wedding Pavilion
Ft Worth Garden 033
Japanese Garden
Ft Worth Garden 034
Japanese Garden - Imperial Koi
Ft Worth Garden 035
Japanese Garden
Ft Worth Garden 036
Japanese Garden
Ft Worth Garden 037
Japanese Garden
Ft Worth Garden 038
Japanese Garden
Ft Worth Garden 039
Japanese Garden
Ft Worth Garden 040
Japanese Garden
Ft Worth Garden 041
Japanese Garden
Ft Worth Garden 042
Perennial Garden
Ft Worth Garden 043
Perennial Garden
Ft Worth Garden 044
Perennial Garden
Ft Worth Garden 045
Perennial Garden
Ft Worth Garden 046
Conservatory
Ft Worth Garden 047
Conservatory
Ft Worth Garden 048
Conservatory - from behind the waterfall
Ft Worth Garden 049
Conservatory
Ft Worth Garden 050
Conservatory - from behind the waterfall
Ft Worth Garden 051
Conservatory
Beverly Hills & Hollywood 2009
California 2009 001
Come and listen to a story 'bout a man named Jed...who moved to Beverly...Hills that is
California 2009 002
The Station Fire burns out of control in La Canada - Sunset Blvd. in Beverly Hills
California 2009 003
Oh boy...koi - palm trees reflect
California 2009 004
Will Rogers Memorial Park is the gateway to Beverly Hills
California 2009 005
Giant tree fern in Will Rogers Memorial Park
California 2009 006
Will Rogers Memorial Park is the gateway to Beverly Hills
California 2009 007
The Beverly Hills Hotel was built in 1912
California 2009 008
The Fountain Coffee Room at the Beverly Hills Hotel dates to 1949
California 2009 009
I'm in Beverly Hills to work on a $50 million residential construction project - Pettigrew is supplying all of the decor
California 2009 010
I'm staying at the Hollywood Hills Hotel in Hollywood Heights above famed Hollywood Blvd. in Hollywood - I can see the H
California 2009 011
My hotel is perched above the Magic Castle
California 2009 012
The Magic Castle in Hollywood Heights - built in 1909, the Castle has been the home of the Academy of Magical Arts since
California 2009 013
Griffith Park and the Observatory seen from my hotel balcony
California 2009 014
Hollywood and the iconic Capitol Records building at Hollywood & Vine
California 2009 015
Los Angeles from my hotel balcony - zoom lens at work
California 2009 016
Hollywood and LA
California 2009 017
The Station Fire smoke plume is seen from my hotel beyond Hollywood Heights
California 2009 018
Lots of stars and movie folks live atop Hollywood Heights
California 2009 019
Our hotel pool and the 600 year old Yamashiro Pagoda
California 2009 020
A waterfall sets the pace at the Hollywood Hills Hotel
California 2009 021
Our hotel pool and the 600 year old Yamashiro Pagoda
California 2009 022
The tea house of the Yamashiro Palace adjacent to my hotel
California 2009 023
Our hotel pool and the 600 year old Yamashiro Pagoda
California 2009 024
Japanese zoysia has been growing at Yamashiro since 1914
California 2009 025
Yamashiro Palace
California 2009 026
Hollywood Heights seen from my hotel balconey
California 2009 027
It's cocktail hour at the Tiki Ti on the Sunset Strip
California 2009 028
Since 1961 the Tiki Ti has been pouring toe-curling rum drinks on the Sunset Strip in Hollywood
California 2009 029
Tiki Ti owner/bartender Mike Buhen conjures up another Mai Tai
California 2009 030
Tiki art
California 2009 031
The tiki god smiles on the Tiki Ti
California 2009 032
48 years of tiki cards
California 2009 033
A blowfish light fixture at the Tiki Ti or a customer after drinking an Uga Booga
California 2009 034
Need I say more?
California 2009 035
Tiki art - from the artist's Blue Period
California 2009 036
I pose with Rasta Jim, long time barfly at the Tiki Ti
California 2009 037
Tiki art
California 2009 038
I'm enjoying my Uga Booga - What's an Uga Booga - If you have to ask you've never been to the Tiki Ti
California 2009 039
I visit The Getty - a train whisks you up the hill from the underground parking garage
California 2009 040
The Getty Center is the Los Angeles fine arts museum complex
California 2009 041
The Getty is an architectural maze of galleries and plazas and gardens perched atop the hills overlooking the Pacific
California 2009 042
Claude Monet's The Portal of Rouen Cathedral in Morning Light -The Getty
California 2009 043
The Getty
California 2009 044
The Getty
California 2009 045
The Getty
California 2009 046
The Getty
California 2009 047
Vincent van Gogh's Irises - The Getty
California 2009 048
The Getty
California 2009 049
The Getty
California 2009 050
The Getty
California 2009 051
The Sculpture Gallery - The Getty
California 2009 052
A view of Brentwood from The Getty
California 2009 053
The Getty
California 2009 054
Claude Monet's Pond at Giverny - The Getty
California 2009 055
The Getty
California 2009 056
A view of the Station fire from The Getty
California 2009 057
Pierre-August Renoir's La Promenade - The Getty
California 2009 058
A view of the Station fire from The Getty
California 2009 059
The Getty
California 2009 060
The Getty
California 2009 061
Greg Clayton and me at The Getty
California 2009 062
The Getty
California 2009 063
Greg and Kerry
California 2009 064
The Getty
California 2009 065
The Getty
California 2009 066
The Getty
California 2009 067
The Getty
California 2009 068
The Getty
California 2009 069
The Getty at sunset
California 2009 070
The Getty at night
California 2009 071
The view from my hotel balcony
California 2009 072
The Yamashiro Pagoda Bar above the hotel swimming pool
California 2009 073
The Hollywood Hills Hotel swimming pool
California 2009 074
The view of Los Angeles from my hotel balcony
California 2009 075
Sunrise over Hollywood
California 2009 076
Los Altos Place in Hollywood Heights is only accessible on foot
California 2009 077
The elevator tower at Hollywood Heights carries owners up the hill from their garages on the streets below
California 2009 078
Bougainvillea blossoms line the stairs of Los Altos Place in Hollywood Heights
California 2009 079
Bougainvillea decorates 1920s garages in Hollywood Heights
California 2009 080
Rooftop living rooms along Los Altos Place in Hollywood Heights
California 2009 081
The Balboa Island Ferry arrives on the mainland at Balboa Peninsula
California 2009 082
Balboa Island
California 2009 083
The tiny Balboa Island Ferry has been operating since 1919 - the Beek Family has been the only licensed operator of the
California 2009 084
Kayaks plow Newport Harbor
California 2009 085
Only three cars can be ferried over Newport Harbor each crossing - these two wooden ferries have been in service for ove
California 2009 086
It costs $2 per car and $1 per person making this the last remaining bargain in California - over two million people hav
California 2009 087
Room 303 at the Hollywood Hills Hotel
California 2009 088
Room 303 at the Hollywood Hills Hotel
California 2009 089
Room 303 at the Hollywood Hills Hotel
California 2009 090
Room 303 at the Hollywood Hills Hotel
California 2009 091
Room 303 at the Hollywood Hills Hotel
California 2009 092
Greg on the balcony of Room 303 at the Hollywood Hills Hotel
California 2009 093
Greg and I are in Beverly Hills working on Pettigrew's chandelier project on Sunset Blvd.
California 2009 094
The home is being built by a billionaire - entry doors from the interior
California 2009 095
The house will cost over $50 million when completed in 2010 - Grand Entry Hall from the upstairs sitting area
California 2009 096
Pettigrew is supplying all of the decorative lighting on the project - The Grand Staircase
California 2009 097
We will design, manufacture, ship and install over 200 fixtures - the Library coffered ceiling - gilding is complete
California 2009 098
All of the interior fixtures are gold plated in 22kt - gilding in the Library
California 2009 099
Pettigrew has spent the past two years on this project - Dining Room
California 2009 100
Butler's Pantry - silver safe
California 2009 101
From the Breakfast Room toward the Loggia
California 2009 102
Ceiling paint detail of millwork in the Breakfast Room
California 2009 103
Kitchen
California 2009 104
Cook's line in the Kitchen
California 2009 105
Walk-in fridge
California 2009 106
The Master Bedroom is 1,225 square feet of open space
California 2009 107
Millwork detail in Master Bedroom - the Master Suite is over 10,000 square feet
California 2009 108
Millwork detail in Master Bedroom - the Master Suite is a total of nine rooms
California 2009 109
His steam shower with mirror (squeegee required)
California 2009 110
Grand Entry Hall and arcade entering the Music Room - We are supplying a 62 light 11' tall chandelier for this hall with
California 2009 111
Her steam shower
California 2009 112
Guest steam shower
California 2009 113
His office in the Master Suite
California 2009 114
Loggia - Pettigrew is also supplying 31 exterior decorative lanterns
California 2009 115
Forecourt fountain and front portico
California 2009 116
Forecourt
California 2009 117
Drive-in underground garage
California 2009 118
Ten car garage is underground - temporary construction office
California 2009 119
Walk-out basement exit - mature magnolia trees ready to landscape
California 2009 120
Corinthian capitals ready for installation on the main (East) portico
California 2009 121
Stone detail - the stone facade was quarried in Portugal and shipped to Hebei, China - there the stone was carved and ha
California 2009 122
West (rear) portico
California 2009 123
South portico
California 2009 124
Urn detail on west facade
California 2009 125
Corinthian capital on the south portico
California 2009 126
Stone detail - the stonework is computer matched and cataloged before shipping - masons assemble the facade like a giant
California 2009 127
South portico
California 2009 128
Stone detail
California 2009 129
Stone detail - high bas relief carving
California 2009 130
West portico
California 2009 131
West portico overlooking the pool terrace
California 2009 132
Pool terrace and cabana
California 2009 133
West portico from the pool terrace
California 2009 134
Greg and me on the forecourt
The Best of Egypt 2009
The Best of Egypt 2009 - 001
Welcome to my Best of Egypt album - these pics were chosen with the help of all my friends who commented on their favori
The Best of Egypt 2009 - 002
The pyramids at Giza greet Egyptair Flight 896 from New York - a good omen for my two week trip to Egypt
The Best of Egypt 2009 - 003
Population estimates range from 10 million to 30 million - let's face it - Cairo is HUGE
The Best of Egypt 2009 - 004
Zamalek Island - home to embassies and pasha's palaces
The Best of Egypt 2009 - 005
A camel wrangler contemplates the crowd of tourists waiting to venture into the desert at Giza
The Best of Egypt 2009 - 006
The three small Queen's pyramids stand at the base of the pyramid of Menkaure dating to the 26th century BC - Khafre's a
The Best of Egypt 2009 - 007
Khafre's pyramid in the foreground is actually 7' shorter than son, Khufu's pyramid to the right-but Khafre's pyramid wa
The Best of Egypt 2009 - 008
I captured a timeless scene as a caravan navigates due east towards Cairo-the polished limestone casing on Khafre's pyra
The Best of Egypt 2009 - 009
Climbing the pyramids is STRICTLY PROHIBITED! Menkaure's pyramid is 204' high
The Best of Egypt 2009 - 010
Camel wranglers at Giza-HUT HUT HUT! is Arabic for GITTYUP - trust me, HUT HUT HUT works
The Best of Egypt 2009 - 011
Legend has it that Napoleon shot off the Sphinx's nose with a cannon, but it was actually long gone by the time he conqu
The Best of Egypt 2009 - 012
Always one to make friends fast in far off places, I took this one kiss too far!
The Best of Egypt 2009 - 013
The Egyptian Museum in Cairo is home to Tutankhamun's treasure and the royal mummies from the Valley of the Kings at The
The Best of Egypt 2009 - 014
The spice souq at Khan el Kahlili
The Best of Egypt 2009 - 015
Belly dancer's costumes for sale at the Khan el Kahlili souq
The Best of Egypt 2009 - 016
Al Muizz Street in Cairo's Islamic Quarter - home to caravans 1,000 years ago
The Best of Egypt 2009 - 017
Multi-mirror theory - if one rear view mirror works, then seven will work that much better - our cab had a total of twel
The Best of Egypt 2009 - 018
The Mosque of Muhammad Ali Pasha at Saladin's Citadel is the national symbol of Egypt
The Best of Egypt 2009 - 019
The mihrab towers 25' over the floor of the Mosque of Pasha Muhammad Ali
The Best of Egypt 2009 - 020
The open sahn or courtyard and arcades of the 14th century Mosque of Sultan Muhammad al-Nasir (Qala'un Mosque) in Saladi
The Best of Egypt 2009 - 021
The central dome of the Mosque of Pasha Muhammad Ali soars 170'
The Best of Egypt 2009 - 022
Qara'un Mosque and stone minaret at the Citadel
The Best of Egypt 2009 - 023
The central dome of the Mosque of Suleyman Pasha is covered in blue faience tiles
The Best of Egypt 2009 - 024
Oil lamps-now electrified-are suspended from the dome of the Mosque of Muhammad Ali
The Best of Egypt 2009 - 025
Foreheads touch the antique carpets of the alabaster mosque - the mihrab or pulpit is three stories high
The Best of Egypt 2009 - 026
The central dome of the Mosque of Suleyman Pasha is covered in blue faience tiles
The Best of Egypt 2009 - 027
The richly tiled dome and vaults of the Mosque of Suleyman Pasha
The Best of Egypt 2009 - 028
A stone arabesque border detail inlaid with mother-of-pearl from the Qala'un Mosque
The Best of Egypt 2009 - 029
The mihrab or niche of Qala'un Mosque dates to 1328 and is finely inlaid with stone and miniature arches and columns - t
The Best of Egypt 2009 - 030
These arabesques of carved sandalwood inlaid with ebony and ivory decorate the minbar or pulpit from which the Imam spea
The Best of Egypt 2009 - 031
Open arcades surround the sahn or courtyard of the Muhammad Ali Mosque - they provide shade and a breezeway to cool the
The Best of Egypt 2009 - 032
A parade of oil lamps dangle from the dome of the Mosque of Pasha Muhammad Ali
The Best of Egypt 2009 - 033
A boansiana or flame tree shades the park outside Qara'un Mosque
The Best of Egypt 2009 - 034
Jacob's ladder and out buildings at Saladin's Citadel
The Best of Egypt 2009 - 035
A drowsy docent at Gawhara Palace contemplates the tourists - "No photos" was her reply
The Best of Egypt 2009 - 036
The Mosque and Madrassa (school) of Sultan Hassan stands to the left of the El Rifai Mosque - 560 years separates the tw
The Best of Egypt 2009 - 037
The carpeted corridor leads to the 14th century Madrassa (school) of Sultan Hassan - President Obama and Secretary of St
The Best of Egypt 2009 - 038
The arabesque doors of the minbar in the Mosque of Sultan Hassan are covered in silver
The Best of Egypt 2009 - 039
The ornate minbar or pulpit of the Mosque of Sultan Hassan
The Best of Egypt 2009 - 040
The fountain still flows in the center of the sahn or open courtyard - for over 650 years worshipers have washed and dra
The Best of Egypt 2009 - 041
A shaft of sunlight illuminates the interior of Sultan Hassan's mausoleum at the 14th century madrassa that bears his na
The Best of Egypt 2009 - 042
The mihrab of the Mosque of Sultan Hassan dates to 1356 - the niche points to Mecca and stands as a religious compass fo
The Best of Egypt 2009 - 043
Verdant rice fields betray the desert as the Nile River brings life to the delta
The Best of Egypt 2009 - 044
Damietta's mosque and lofty minarets on the east bank of the Nile River
The Best of Egypt 2009 - 045
Board feet are delivered by donkey cart - dinner keeps the horsepower from running off with the load of lumber
The Best of Egypt 2009 - 046
Pettigrew's wood carvers and furniture builders learned the trade through generations of apprenticeship - Napoleon's fur
The Best of Egypt 2009 - 047
Flatbread fresh from the oven is ready for delivery to the woodshops
The Best of Egypt 2009 - 048
Diners enjoy the sunset on the Nile and Old Damietta
The Best of Egypt 2009 - 049
Balloon boys on Nile Street in Ras El Bar
The Best of Egypt 2009 - 050
Loudspeakers blast dance music in competition with other party boats to attract the next gang of revelers
The Best of Egypt 2009 - 051
Dawn breaks the seamless sky onto the lighthouse at Ras El Bar - where the Nile meets the Mediterranean
The Best of Egypt 2009 - 052
Ras El Bar at dawn is quiet after a wild night of party boats on the Nile
The Best of Egypt 2009 - 053
A dingy bobs at dawn at Ras El Bar
The Best of Egypt 2009 - 054
The Damietta fishing fleet at Ras El Bar
The Best of Egypt 2009 - 055
Hibiscus blossoms are dried and brewed into a crimson tea - hibiscus tea is served hot or ice cold with lots of sugar an
The Best of Egypt 2009 - 056
Cobalt glass doors on a seaside villa at Ras El Bar
The Best of Egypt 2009 - 057
Seaside cottages welcome Egyptian tourists to Ras El Bar
The Best of Egypt 2009 - 058
Shishas or Egyptian hookahs stand ready for customers at Ahed's roadside restaurant
The Best of Egypt 2009 - 059
Her arabesque fan and dark eyes are the essence of the Egyptian mystique for me - this is one of those 1,000 word photog
The Best of Egypt 2009 - 060
Terrazzo floor at Ahed's roadside restaurant on the way to Alexandria
The Best of Egypt 2009 - 061
An irresistible subject for the camera's eye
The Best of Egypt 2009 - 062
Maamoura Harbor leads to Montaza Palace
The Best of Egypt 2009 - 063
Montaza Palace is a Disneyesque creation of Italian and Spanish architecture gone mad
The Best of Egypt 2009 - 064
The Roman amphitheatre at Kom al-Dikka is not very large, but it is a very good site - it was discovered in 1960 while a
The Best of Egypt 2009 - 065
The Roman mosaic at the amphitheatre of Kom al-Dikka is beautifully preserved as are a Roman villa and baths nearby
The Best of Egypt 2009 - 066
The amphitheatre is well-preserved - even the seat numbers are intact...Roman numerals of course
The Best of Egypt 2009 - 067
In stark contrast to Alexandria's ancient sites, the Bibliotheca Alexandrina was built on the site of the ancient librar
The Best of Egypt 2009 - 068
The Bibliotheca Alexandrina overlooks the harbor and this statue of Poseidon and Athena
The Best of Egypt 2009 - 069
The orientation of the library to the sea and surrounding pools makes this an architectural wonder
The Best of Egypt 2009 - 070
Who wouldn't be happy living in Alexandria
The Best of Egypt 2009 - 071
Lacey and white to reflect the nearby harbor, the mosques are a cool retreat from the pressures of the day
The Best of Egypt 2009 - 072
I found myself lost in the moment as the Imam chanted his prayers
The Best of Egypt 2009 - 073
Premium shade at water's edge on Alexandria's eastern harbor
The Best of Egypt 2009 - 074
Alexandria's fishing fleet in the eastern harbor
The Best of Egypt 2009 - 075
Alexandria's fishing fleet in the eastern harbor
The Best of Egypt 2009 - 076
The Citadel of Sultan Qaitbay was built in 1477 from the limestone blocks that were once the Pharos lighthouse one of th
The Best of Egypt 2009 - 077
Qaitbay's limestone ramparts are in contrast to the blue Mediterranean Sea
The Best of Egypt 2009 - 078
Sun-drenched Arabesque latticework provides restrained decoration to the otherwise austere Citadel
The Best of Egypt 2009 - 079
Qaitbay's limestone ramparts are in contrast to the blue Mediterranean Sea
The Best of Egypt 2009 - 080
Airshafts channel cool ocean breezes and light to the interior of the Citadel
The Best of Egypt 2009 - 081
Sultan Qaitbay's limestone ramparts are in contrast to the blue Mediterranean Sea - another lazy policeman soaks up the
The Best of Egypt 2009 - 082
The carved niches in the walls formed the book shelves and held the scrolls - the low humidity and cool temperature pres
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Steps ascend from deep under the Temple of Serapis and Pompey's Pillar
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More than 50' underground, Hany stands in a shaft of sunlight in the catacombs at Kom al-Shoqafa
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This is the banquet hall within the catacombs where dinner parties were held among the dead
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Egypt's Tomb of the Unknowns is revered as is ours in Arlington National Cemetery
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Alexandria is alive at night when cool sea breezes bring everyone out into the streets
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Backgammon has given way to video games for Egypt's youth - only old guys hangout in the shisha cafe's these days
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A few Muslim women embrace fundamental dress even in 100F+ temperatures
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The Mosque of Abu el-Abbas el-Mursi is Andalusian architecture designed by an Italian- white lacey cut limestone reflect
The Best of Egypt 2009 - 091
Andalusian latticework of the Mosque of Saad Zaghloul filters the European facade of the Woman's Hospital
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The Mosque of Saad Zaghloul
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Andalusian architecture and Moorish decoration prevail in Alexandria's mosques
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The kid across the street from hotel room
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The vintage French Pleyel piano in the Windsor Palace Hotel ballroom
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The harborside Corniche is bumper-to-bumper 24/7 - the view from the rooftop terrace of the Windsor Palace Hotel
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The Chapel of Anubis in Hatshepsut's Temple at Deir al-Bahri - Tuthmosis III makes offerings to the sun god Ra-Harakhty
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I stand alone before Hatshepsut's Temple at Deir al-Bahri - the benefit of baking in June is to have the whole Valley of
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Horus overlooks Hatshepsut's Temple at Deir al-Bahri
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The Shrine of Amun at Hatshepsut's Temple at Deir al-Bahri
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In the forecourt of the Shrine of Amun at Hatshepsut's Temple at Deir al-Bahri
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In the forecourt of the Shrine of Amun at Hatshepsut's Temple at Deir al-Bahri
The Best of Egypt 2009 - 103
The Chapel of the goddess Hathor at Hatshepsut's Temple at Deir al-Bahri
The Best of Egypt 2009 - 104
The Chapel of Anubis in Hatshepsut's Temple at Deir al-Bahri - Tuthmosis III makes offerings to the sun god Ra-Harakhty
The Best of Egypt 2009 - 105
The Chapel of the goddess Hathor at Hatshepsut's Temple at Deir al-Bahri
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The Osiride statues of Hatshepsut at Deir al-Bahri
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The Chapel of the goddess Hathor at Hatshepsut's Temple at Deir al-Bahri
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Hany arranged for noted Egyptologist Moubarak Saad to guide me through the ancient sites of Luxor - he points the way to
The Best of Egypt 2009 - 109
Excavations continue today in the Valley of the Kings - these 3,000 year-old pottery shards may indicate the entry to an
The Best of Egypt 2009 - 110
I'm standing at the entrance to Tutankhamun's tomb discovered by Howard Carter in 1922 after a seven-year search
The Best of Egypt 2009 - 111
The temple complex at Luxor glows at dusk
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The Avenue of Sphinxes approaches the First Pylon at Luxor Temple built by Ramesses II
The Best of Egypt 2009 - 113
The First Pylon at Luxor Temple was built by Ramesses II
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The First Pylon at Luxor Temple was built by Ramesses II
The Best of Egypt 2009 - 115
The Colonnade of Amenhotep III is of stylized papyrus-bud columns
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The First Pylon at Luxor Temple was built by Ramesses II
The Best of Egypt 2009 - 117
The Colonnade of Amenhotep III forms an avenue of fourteen majestic columns
The Best of Egypt 2009 - 118
Coptic Christian frescoes of the Twelve Disciples adorn the wall of Alexander the Great's Chapel at Luxor Temple
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The Colossus of Ramesses II at Luxor
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Luxor's Avenue of Sphinxes
The Best of Egypt 2009 - 121
The Colonnade of Amenhotep III is of stylized papyrus-bud columns
The Best of Egypt 2009 - 122
The Avenue of Sphinxes leads to the Temple of Amun at Karnak - I'm here for the Sound & Light Show
The Best of Egypt 2009 - 123
Restoration work is on-going at Karnak Temple
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Ram's headed sphinxes lead to Karnak Temple
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The Temple of Ramesses III at Karnak
The Best of Egypt 2009 - 126
The Temple of Amun beyond the Sacred Lake during Karnak's Sound and Light Show
The Best of Egypt 2009 - 127
The Great Hypostyle Hall at Karnak's Temple of Amun
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The Colossus of Ramesses II at Karnak's Temple of Amun
The Best of Egypt 2009 - 129
The temple complex at Luxor
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Karnak's Sacred Lake where priests purified themselves at the Temple of Amun
The Best of Egypt 2009 - 131
The temple complex at Luxor
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The Temple of Amun at Karnak heiroglyphs
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I had to bribe Temple Security to let me climb the sand dune at Karnak's eastern gate for this shot - the temperature wa
The Best of Egypt 2009 - 134
My final stop along the Nile is Luxor - for four days I'm here to rest and leave my worries back in Dallas - little did
The Best of Egypt 2009 - 135
Built in 1887 the Winter Palace Hotel harkens to the days of Agatha Christie and Noel Coward - both stayed here where Ch
The Best of Egypt 2009 - 136
King Farouk's throne room now entertains hotel guests before they board river boats to cruise up the Nile River to Aswan
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King Farouk's famous gardens at Luxor - plumeria and palms cool guests at the Winter Palace Hotel
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King Farouk's famous gardens at Luxor - Alexander the Great introduced the goddess Aphrodite to Upper Egypt
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Luxor's felucca fleet docks in front of the Winter Palace Hotel - Gezira village is just across the Nile
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Water taxis cross the river - the closest bridge is five miles upriver - the water taxi fare is 5.00 EP or 89 cents US..
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The ferry lands at Gezira village - my home for the next four days - ancient Thebes lies just beyond the blue Nile
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Friendly faces are the rule in Gezira
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You can't beat the Nile for a swimming hole
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When it's 115F in the afternoon, nothing beats a swim in the clear running blue Nile to cool off
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The captain's felucca gets a fresh coat of paint
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The felucca captains of Gezira are a talented and friendly bunch - "No worries, Pasha!"
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Later I discover Camel Island a few miles upstream from Gezira
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Deckhand Hakim shimmies up the NISMA's mast to unfurl the felucca's hallmark lateen sail
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It's no secret I'm taken by Hakim - his classic Egyptian features and good nature are irresistible
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The river felucca sails upstream with a single lateen sheet, which gives it power and maneuverability in the Nile's stro
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The captain and Hakim concentrate on the passing cruise boat
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Feluccas race to Banana Island
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The captain and Hakim concentrate on the passing cruise boat
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Captain Noobi hugs the bank on his approach to Banana Island
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A caption is useless here - all words fall short
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Captain Noobi hugs the bank on his approach to Banana Island
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Is that the African Queen? - the landing at Banana Island
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Hakim sets sail at sunset for a fast trip downstream to Gezira
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Hakim furls the lateen sail
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The desert sun sets on Banana Island
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A caravanserai welcomes travelers to the Bedouin village at Banana Island - leather hassocks seat visitors on the ground
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Captain Noobi and Hakim chill on a rattan chaise on Banana Island - "No worries, Captain?"..."No worries, Pasha Jon...no
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The Bedouin village at Banana Island
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Stand still for a picture! Stop moving, kids!
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Banana Island's tiny mosque points to Mecca across the blue Nile
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Banana Island's kitschy camel bar - "another Stella, please...shukran"
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Bedouin tents grace Banana Island
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Bedouin folk art reflects the carefree life here - these colors aren't seen in Cairo where life is much more complicated
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Masts of Luxor's felucca fleet filter my view of ancient Thebes
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A felucca slips past the river grass at Gezira
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I found the Hotel Sheherazade on TripAdvisor.com - you can read a review of my stay and see more pics of this great litt
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Welcome to the Hotel Sheherazade in the village of Gezira
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The Hotel Sheherazade's palm courtyard welcomes you to the L-shaped main building - bougainvillea provides the color pal
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The Theban sun sets on the ferry crossing the Nile River
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The desert sun sets behind the hills of Thebes - a fitting epilogue to an incredible adventure in Egypt - Salam...salam
Cairo Egypt 2009
Cairo 001
The pyramids at Giza greet Egyptair Flight 896 from New York - a good omen for my two week trip to Egypt
Cairo 002
Population estimates range from 10 million to 30 million - let's face it - Cairo is HUGE
Cairo 003
The Conrad Cairo Hotel is home for six days - I'm a guest of the Egyptian Exporter's Association
Cairo 004
A room with of view of the Nile River overlooking Zamalek Island - home to embassies and pasha's palaces
Cairo 005
The Nile River along the Corniche el Nil boulevard near the Conrad Cairo Hotel
Cairo 006
Zamalek Island - home to embassies and pasha's palaces
Cairo 007
Fellow Pettigrew VP Jim Palmer, Alreda Chandeliers' Ahmed El Beblawy and Pettigrew Agent Hany Sorial at Alreda's factory
Cairo 008
I attended the FURNEX trade show for Egyptian furniture and lighting - Asal Furniture is a company we buy from in Damiet
Cairo 009
Hany invited us to dinner at his mother's home our first night in Cairo - Jim strums Hany's lute
Cairo 010
Hany and his mother - we'll forgive him for the awkward pose
Cairo 011
The Egyptian Museum in Cairo is home to Tutankhamun's treasure and the royal mummies from the Valley of the Kings at The
Cairo 012
The Egyptian Museum in Cairo was built in 1902 to house the collection begun in 1835 - sorry folks, no cameras allowed
Cairo 013
With few exceptions, the Egyptian Museum holds most of Egypt's antiquities - a new museum is planned at Giza
Cairo 014
Jim saddles - up for his ride into the desert at Giza
Cairo 015
Khafre's pyramid looms over the village of Giza - today Giza is actually an encroaching suburb of Cairo
Cairo 016
A camel wrangler contemplates the crowd of tourists waiting to venture into the desert at Giza
Cairo 017
Our guide Sam has me pose like I'm picking up Khafre's pyramid more than a mile away
Cairo 018
Walk like an Egyp...tian!
Cairo 019
It's already over 100F at 9:00 in the morning and the camels smell really bad!
Cairo 020
I captured a timeless scene as a caravan navigates due east towards Cairo-the polished limestone casing on Khafre's pyra
Cairo 021
The three small Queen's pyramids stand at the base of the pyramid of Menkaure dating to the 26th century BC - Khafre's a
Cairo 022
Always one to make friends fast in far off places, I took this friendship one kiss too far!
Cairo 023
Climbing the pyramids is STRICTLY PROHIBITED! Menkaure's pyramid is 204' high
Cairo 024
Khafre's pyramid looms over the ruins of the Mortuary Temple of Menkaure
Cairo 025
Khafre's pyramid in the foreground is actually 7' shorter than son, Khufu's pyramid to the right-but Khafre's pyramid wa
Cairo 026
The Sphinx and Khafre's pyramid at Giza
Cairo 027
Legend has it that Napoleon shot off the Sphinx's nose with a cannon, but it was actually long gone by the time he conqu
Cairo 028
Camel wranglers at Giza-HUT HUT HUT! is Arabic for GITTYUP - trust me, HUT HUT HUT works
Cairo 029
Khufu's pyramid beyond the mastabas or tombs for the pharoahs' officials
Cairo 030
There's a theory that the head of the Sphinx was carved from the original lion's head 1000's of years after it was first
Cairo 031
Khafre's pyramid beyond the mastabas or tombs for the pharoahs' officials
Cairo 032
Camels cool it in Giza's souq or marketplace
Cairo 033
Prepare to disembark the ship of the desert-our guide Sam gives Jim a hand
Cairo 034
Plenty go-slow is the Egyptian version of bumper-to-bumper traffic - Cairo's cars clearly bear the scars of too many bum
Cairo 035
Multi-mirror theory - if one rear view mirror works, then seven will work that much better - our cab had a total of twel
Cairo 036
Al Muizz Street in Cairo's Islamic Quarter - home to caravans 1,000 years ago but the site of a suicide bombing in Febru
Cairo 037
Khan el Kahlili is Cairo's ancient bazaar or souq-caravan's would stop here to rest and trade goods in the souq - carava
Cairo 038
Ali sells belly dancer's costumes at Khan el Kahlili
Cairo 039
Belly dancer's costumes for sale at the Khan el Kahlili souq
Cairo 040
Al Muizz Street in Cairo's Islamic Quarter - home to caravans 1,000 years ago
Cairo 041
Al Muizz Street runs through the caravanserai of Khan el Kahlili
Cairo 042
The spice souq at Khan el Kahlili
Cairo 043
Cairo's City of the Dead lies at the foot of Mokattam Mountain - the 1,000 year old cemetery has since been settled by s
Cairo 044
Jim and Hany enjoy the cool(ish) morning air atop Mokattam Mountain-this restaurant overlooks the sprawling urbanscape -
Cairo 045
Old Cairo from atop Mokattam Mountain is a rabbit warren of drab buildings - only the mosques betray this urban wastelan
Cairo 046
The Mosque of Muhammad Ali Pasha at Saladin's Citadel is the national symbol of Egypt
Cairo 047
Considered modern in Cairo terms, Muhammad Ali's mosque was built in 1830
Cairo 048
The coffered ceilings in the Mosque of Sultan Muhammad al-Nasir are of carved sandalwood dating from the 14th century
Cairo 049
These arabesques of carved sandalwood inlaid with ebony and ivory decorate the minbar or pulpit from which the Imam spea
Cairo 050
The mihrab or niche of Qala'un Mosque dates to 1328 and is finely inlaid with stone and miniature arches and columns - t
Cairo 051
The minbar or pulpit of Qala'un Mosque from which the Imam speaks or offers prayers
Cairo 052
Miniature marble arches and columns decorate the 14th century mihrab of Qala'un Mosque in the Citadel
Cairo 053
The open sahn or courtyard and arcades of the 14th century Mosque of Sultan Muhammad al-Nasir (Qala'un Mosque) in Saladi
Cairo 054
The minbar or pulpit of Qala'un Mosque from which the Imam speaks is of intricately carved sandalwood
Cairo 055
A stone arabesque border detail inlaid with mother-of-pearl from the Qala'un Mosque
Cairo 056
The open sahn or courtyard and arcades of the 14th century Mosque of Sultan Muhammad al-Nasir (Qala'un Mosque) in Saladi
Cairo 057
View looking up from the mihrab niche in Qala'un Mosque - note the carved sandalwood coffers - 14th century
Cairo 058
The open sahn or courtyard and arcades of the 14th century Mosque of Sultan Muhammad al-Nasir (Qala'un Mosque) in Saladi
Cairo 059
The carved stone minaret of the Qara'un Mosque
Cairo 060
The open sahn or courtyard and arcades of the 14th century Mosque of Sultan Muhammad al-Nasir (Qala'un Mosque) in Saladi
Cairo 061
Saladin established a fortress at Old Cairo in 1176 before defeating the Crusaders - under Saladin the Citadel became th
Cairo 062
Open arcades surround the sahn or courtyard of the Muhammad Ali Mosque - they provide shade and a breezeway to cool the
Cairo 063
Prayers are offered five times daily at the Mosque of Pasha Muhammad Ali
Cairo 064
Foreheads touch the antique carpets of the alabaster mosque - the mihrab or pulpit is three stories high
Cairo 065
A century of dust clouds the great chandelier in Pasha Muhammad Ali's mosque
Cairo 066
Oil lamps-now electrified-are suspended from the dome of the Mosque of Muhammad Ali
Cairo 067
The mihrab towers 25' over the floor of the Mosque of Pasha Muhammad Ali
Cairo 068
Jim finds a peaceful moment at the Mosque of Pasha Muhammad Ali
Cairo 069
The mihrab towers 25' over the floor of the Mosque of Pasha Muhammad Ali
Cairo 070
The central dome of the Mosque of Pasha Muhammad Ali soars 170'
Cairo 071
The central dome of the Mosque of Pasha Muhammad Ali soars 170' - barefoot visitors are welcome before, after and during
Cairo 072
Pasha Muhammad Ali's marble tomb-born 1769 died 1849
Cairo 073
A parade of oil lamps dangle from the dome of the Mosque of Pasha Muhammad Ali
Cairo 074
The iron gates to Gawhara Palace, Pasha Muhammad Ali's residence at the Citadel
Cairo 075
A drowsy docent at Gawhara Palace contemplates the tourists - "No photos" was her reply
Cairo 076
Gawhara Palace incorporates cooling features to shade and shutter the windows yet allow for air circulation
Cairo 077
Pasha Muhammad Ali's mosque seen from Gawhara Palace
Cairo 078
Jacob's ladder and out buildings at Saladin's Citadel
Cairo 079
The stone quarry at Mokattam Mountain seen from the Citadel - limestone from this quarry was used to build the pyramids
Cairo 080
The El Qullah palace gate at the Citadel
Cairo 081
Qara'un Mosque and its stone minaret at the Citadel
Cairo 082
The El Qullah palace gate at the Citadel
Cairo 083
A boansiana or flame tree shades the park outside Qara'un Mosque
Cairo 084
Old military barracks at the Citadel look like a movie set for "Beau Geste"
Cairo 085
The Mosque of Suleyman Pasha is Ottoman and dates to 1528 - it's the smallest of the three mosques of the Citadel, but a
Cairo 086
The richly tiled dome and vaults of the Mosque of Suleyman Pasha
Cairo 087
The central dome of the Mosque of Suleyman Pasha is covered in blue faience tiles
Cairo 088
The richly tiled dome and vaults of the Mosque of Suleyman Pasha
Cairo 089
The central dome of the Mosque of Suleyman Pasha is covered in blue faience tiles
Cairo 090
Ottoman decoration stems from the occupation of Egypt by the Mamluks, Turkish slaves who rebelled and ruled Cairo for ov
Cairo 091
The central dome of the Mosque of Suleyman Pasha is covered in blue faience tiles
Cairo 092
The richly tiled dome and vaults of the Mosque of Suleyman Pasha date to 1528
Cairo 093
The Mosque of Suleyman Pasha is Ottoman and dates to 1528 - it's the smallest of the three mosques of the Citadel, but a
Cairo 094
Qara'un Mosque and stone minaret at the Citadel
Cairo 095
Bronze horses attempt to escape the royal stables at the Citadel
Cairo 096
Out buildings at the Citadel
Cairo 097
Muhammad Ali's Mosque at the the Citadel
Cairo 098
The Mosque and Madrassa (school) of Sultan Hassan stands to the left of the El Rifai Mosque - 560 years separates the tw
Cairo 099
The ornate minbar or pulpit of the Mosque of Sultan Hassan
Cairo 100
The fountain still flows in the center of the sahn or open courtyard - for over 650 years worshipers have washed and dra
Cairo 101
The carpeted corridor leads to the 14th century Madrassa (school) of Sultan Hassan - President Obama and Secretary of St
Cairo 102
The fountain still flows in the center of the sahn or open courtyard - for over 650 years worshipers have washed and dra
Cairo 103
The arabesque doors of the minbar in the Mosque of Sultan Hassan are covered in silver
Cairo 104
The mihrab of the Mosque of Sultan Hassan dates to 1356 - the niche points to Mecca and stands as a religious compass fo
Cairo 105
A shaft of sunlight illuminates the interior of Sultan Hassan's mausoleum at the 14th century madrassa that bears his na
Cairo 106
An arabesque detail in the Madrassa of Sultan Hassan
Cairo 107
The Mosque of Muhammad Ali overlooks Old Cairo from Saladin's Citadel
Cairo 108
Pasha Hany fades in the afternoon heat at the entrance to the Mosque of Sultan Hassan in Old Cairo - we depart for the N
Nile Delta 2009
Nile Delta 001
Verdant rice fields betray the desert as the Nile River brings life to the delta
Nile Delta 002
Rural farms and date palm groves enjoy an endless supply of water from the Nile
Nile Delta 003
I'm provided the use of a limousine and chauffeur by the Egyptian Exporters Association for factory and showroom visits
Nile Delta 004
Never mind that my limo is a Toyota Corolla and my driver is a cranky old guy named Bawdry - actually Bawdry is a very n
Nile Delta 005
My first stop is at Asal Furniture's factory in New Damietta - Jim and Hany are followed by another Hany and Michael, a
Nile Delta 006
Jim and I visit Asal's huge factory in New Damietta - we call it "the factory that Pettigrew built," because it was aft
Nile Delta 007
Romanian beechwood is delivered to furniture carvers in Old Damietta where Pettigrew's furniture is still built by hand
Nile Delta 008
Board feet are delivered by donkey cart - dinner keeps the horsepower from running off with the load of lumber
Nile Delta 009
Pettigrew's wood carvers and furniture builders learned the trade through generations of apprenticeship - Napoleon's fur
Nile Delta 010
A load of furniture makes it's way through Damietta's souq
Nile Delta 011
Flatbread fresh from the oven is ready for delivery to the woodshops
Nile Delta 012
Hot flatbread right from the wood-fired brick oven
Nile Delta 013
People in the Nile Delta are happier than in Cairo - always greeting you with a smile and "Salam alaikum"
Nile Delta 014
Damietta's mosque and lofty minarets on the east bank of the Nile River
Nile Delta 015
Diners enjoy the sunset on the Nile and Old Damietta
Nile Delta 016
A railroad trestle frames the old Nile bridge and mosque in Damietta
Nile Delta 017
The lighthouse at Ras El Bar marks the Damietta Channel of the Nile River where it flows into the Mediterranean Sea
Nile Delta 018
The guys hang out on the sea wall at Ras El Bar, a seaside vacation resort for the Egyptian middle class
Nile Delta 019
This is a new lighthouse and a great people-watching-place at night
Nile Delta 020
Balloon boys on Nile Street in Ras El Bar
Nile Delta 021
Party boats are for hire by the quarter hour and provide a cool ride on the Nile
Nile Delta 022
Loudspeakers blast dance music in competition with other party boats to attract the next gang of revelers
Nile Delta 023
Loudspeakers blast dance music in competition with other party boats to attract the next gang of revelers
Nile Delta 024
Dawn breaks the seamless sky onto the lighthouse at Ras El Bar - where the Nile meets the Mediterranean
Nile Delta 025
This marker celebrates the confluence of the Nile River and the Mediterranean Sea - flowing 4,132 miles due north from t
Nile Delta 026
Ras El Bar at dawn is quiet after a wild night of party boats on the Nile
Nile Delta 027
Dawn breaks over a sunken fishing boat
Nile Delta 028
The Damietta fishing fleet at Ras El Bar
Nile Delta 029
A floating restaurant at Ras El Bar - Damietta is just across the river
Nile Delta 030
Evil eyes on the prow of a fishing boat at Ras El Bar ward off sea serpents - so far so good for this boat
Nile Delta 031
A dingy bobs at dawn at Ras El Bar
Nile Delta 032
The Damietta fishing fleet at Ras El Bar
Nile Delta 033
The Damietta fishing fleet at Ras El Bar - attenTION! FULL SPEED AHEAD!
Nile Delta 034
The Damietta fishing fleet at Ras El Bar
Nile Delta 035
The Damietta fishing fleet at Ras El Bar
Nile Delta 036
Dawn breaks over a sunken fishing boat - this unlucky boat could have used a pair of those evil eyes - the sea serpent w
Nile Delta 037
The Damietta fishing fleet at Ras El Bar
Nile Delta 038
The mosque at Ras El Bar welcomes vacationers
Nile Delta 039
Seaside cottages welcome Egyptian tourists to Ras El Bar
Nile Delta 040
Seaside cottages welcome Egyptian tourists to Ras El Bar
Nile Delta 041
Storm tattered awnings at Ras El Bar
Nile Delta 042
Cobalt glass doors on a seaside villa at Ras El Bar
Nile Delta 043
Hibiscus blossoms are dried and brewed into a crimson tea - hibiscus tea is served hot or ice cold with lots of sugar an
Nile Delta 044
The Beau Rivage Hotel at Ras El Bar is the best place in town - Hany and his family have been visiting the Beau Rivage H
Nile Delta 045
Our two bedroom flat at the Beau Rivage Hotel is on the 4th floor and overlooks the villas of Ras El Bar to the west
Nile Delta 046
The living room of our flat at the Beau Rivage Hotel
Nile Delta 047
A room with a view at the Beau Rivage Hotel overlooks Ras El Bar to the west
Nile Delta 048
The kitchen at the Beau Rivage Hotel in Ras El Bar
Nile Delta 049
A room with a view of the Mediterranean Sea from our veranda at the Beau Rivage Hotel in Ras El Bar
Nile Delta 050
The marble bath in our flat at the Beau Rivage Hotel in Ras El Bar
Nile Delta 051
Our shady veranda at the Beau Rivage Hotel
Nile Delta 052
The view of the Nile River meeting the Mediterranean Sea from our veranda at the Beau Rivage Hotel
Nile Delta 053
Triple oleander blossoms in the courtyard of the Beau Rivage Hotel on Nile Street in Ras El Bar
Nile Delta 054
Terrazzo floor at Ahed Arafa's roadside restaurant on the way to Alexandria
Nile Delta 055
Ahed's son Ahmed grills fresh delta tilapia at a roadside restaurant
Nile Delta 056
My driver Bawdry makes a pit stop and relaxes with a puff on a shisha
Nile Delta 057
Shishas or Egyptian hookahs stand ready for customers at Ahed's roadside restaurant
Nile Delta 058
Ahmed shows Jim how to puff a shisha
Nile Delta 059
Terrazzo floor at Ahed's roadside restaurant on the way to Alexandria
Nile Delta 060
Ahed Arafa spent eight years in New York before being deported - he and his enterprising family squatted on government l
Nile Delta 061
Ahed's daughters pose for the American shutterbug
Nile Delta 062
His oldest daughter displayed an unusual freedom not seen in Egyptian girls or even women for that matter - girls are ty
Nile Delta 063
I believe her father, Ahed brought back to Egypt with him an American sense of self esteem and confidence that he has pa
Nile Delta 064
They all displayed a charm and curiosity of meeting visitors - especially this obsessive American with a camera
Nile Delta 065
I asked Ahed if I could take this photo of his daughter and send it to him via email - he said yes and yes I did
Nile Delta 066
Her arabesque fan and dark eyes are the essence of the Egyptian mystique for me - this is one of those 1,000 word photog
Nile Delta 067
I was suffering from the pharaoh's revenge when we stopped here, but meeting Ahed and his family was a great comfort and
Nile Delta 068
An irresistible subject for the camera's eye
Alexandria Egypt 2009
Alexandria 001
Maamoura Harbor leads to Montaza Palace
Alexandria 002
Montaza Palace was the summer residence of King Farouk - built in 1892
Alexandria 003
Montaza Palace is a Disneyesque creation of Italian and Spanish architecture gone mad
Alexandria 004
King Farouk was the great-great grandson of Pasha Muhammad Ali in Cairo
Alexandria 005
There's nothing Egyptian about Montaza Palace other than the absurd display of royal wealth and power - no wonder Gamal
Alexandria 006
The Roman amphitheatre at Kom al-Dikka is not very large, but it is a very good site - it was discovered in 1960 while a
Alexandria 007
The amphitheatre is well-preserved - even the seat numbers are intact...Roman numerals of course
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The Roman mosaic at the amphitheatre of Kom al-Dikka is beautifully preserved as are a Roman villa and baths nearby
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At the site of the Roman amphitheatre at Kom al-Dikka
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In stark contrast to Alexandria's ancient sites, the Bibliotheca Alexandrina was built on the site of the ancient librar
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The Bibliotheca Alexandrina overlooks the harbor and this statue of Poseidon and Athena
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The orientation of the library to the sea and surrounding pools makes this an architectural wonder
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The orientation of the library to the sea and surrounding pools makes this an architectural wonder
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The planetarium at the Bibliotheca Alexandrina
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Zagloul Square is an oasis on the site of Cleopatra's palace - the famous Hotel Cecil built in 1929 overlooks the square
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Civic pride is seen at every turn in Alexandria - the mayor who turned things around years ago has left for Cairo - Alla
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Who wouldn't be happy living in Alexandria
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A moment after I caught this kid surfing down a granite monument, the local police collared him - I didn't mean to spoil
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A happy security guard patrols the Italian Embassy
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Life is good on the Corniche in front of my hotel - The Windsor Palace
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Alexandria's mosques are of Andalusian style displaying a Moorish architecture not seen in Cairo
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Lacey and white to reflect the nearby harbor, the mosques are a cool retreat from the pressures of the day
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I found myself lost in the moment as the Imam chanted his prayers
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A digital readout prompts the muezzin for the next adhan or call to prayer, which changes every day according to the ris
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Premium shade at water's edge on Alexandria's eastern harbor
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Alexandria's fishing fleet in the eastern harbor
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Fishermen ferry to their dories in the eastern harbor
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Fishermen ferry to their dories in the eastern harbor
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Alexandria's fishing fleet in the eastern harbor
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Alexandria's fishing fleet in the eastern harbor
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Alexandria's fishing fleet in the eastern harbor - Sultan Qaitbay's Citadel stands watch over the harbor
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Alexandria's fishing fleet in the eastern harbor
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Alexandria's fishing fleet in the eastern harbor
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Alexandria's boatworks at Pharos Point
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The Citadel of Sultan Qaitbay was built in 1477 from the limestone blocks that were once the Pharos lighthouse one of th
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Qaitbay's limestone ramparts are in contrast to the blue Mediterranean Sea
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Arabesque latticework provides restrained decoration to the otherwise austere Citadel
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Sultan Qaitbay's Citadel protected Alexandria's eastern harbor for over 300 years
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Sun-drenched Arabesque latticework provides restrained decoration to the otherwise austere Citadel
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Vaults and arches of Sultan Qaitbay's Citadel
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Jim stands sentry at the Citadel
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Airshafts channel cool ocean breezes and light to the interior of the Citadel
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Arabesque latticework provides restrained decoration to the otherwise austere Citadel
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A lazy policeman takes a break at the Citadel - "No worries, Pasha"
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Qaitbay's limestone ramparts are in contrast to the blue Mediterranean Sea
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Qaitbay's limestone ramparts are in contrast to the blue Mediterranean Sea
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Airshafts channel cool ocean breezes and light to the interior of the Citadel - this is the oculus above the mosque
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Arabesque latticework provides restrained decoration to the otherwise austere Citadel while allowing a cool cross-breeze
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Airshafts channel cool ocean breezes and light to the interior of the Citadel
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Sultan Qaitbay's limestone ramparts are in contrast to the blue Mediterranean Sea - another lazy policeman soaks up the
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Pompey's Pillar was erected by the Romans in 293 AD - it stands 99' tall and weighs 396 tons - the Sphinx was part of th
Alexandria 052
Enter the Serapeum which is an underground library and overflow for the great library at Alexandria
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The carved niches in the walls formed the book shelves and held the scrolls - the low humidity and cool temperature pres
Alexandria 054
Steps ascend from deep under the Temple of Serapis and Pompey's Pillar
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Excavations are still underway at the Temple of Serapis
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The entrance to the catacombs of Kom al-Shoqafa
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Discovered by accident in 1900 when a donkey fell into this shaft, the catacombs are an underground labyrinth of tombs
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This is the banquet hall within the catacombs where dinner parties were held among the dead
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The catacombs at Kom al-Shoqafa
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More than 50' underground, Hany stands in a shaft of sunlight in the catacombs at Kom al-Shoqafa
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Jim helps the guys on the seawall fly their kite at night - the city lights along the Corniche keep the kite in sight
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Egypt's Tomb of the Unknowns is revered as is ours in Arlington National Cemetery
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Of course I have to get in on the kite-flying action along Alexandria's harborside Corniche
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Egypt's Tomb of the Unknowns is revered as is ours in Arlington National Cemetery
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This is the shisha cafe' across the street from my hotel - backgammon is the game of choice in Egypt
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Tea flows nonstop in the shisha cafe's along the harborside Corniche
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Backgammon has given way to video games for Egypt's youth - only old guys hangout in the shisha cafe's these days
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A practical home delivery by the bakery downstairs
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Alexandria is alive at night when cool sea breezes bring everyone out into the streets
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Jim buys a dance mix CD from a DJ on Alexandria's busy streets
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European architecture abounds in Alexandria
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The apartment buildings along the Corniche have an Italianate quality
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Zaghloul Square is an oasis on the site of Cleopatra's palace - the famous Hotel Cecil built in 1929 overlooks the squar
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A few Muslim women embrace fundamental dress even in 100F+ temperatures
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Zaghloul Square is an oasis on the site of Cleopatra's palace
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The Mosque of Abu el-Abbas el-Mursi is Andalusian architecture designed by an Italian- white lacey cut limestone reflect
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The Mosque of Abu el-Abbas el-Mursi was built in 1775 and the interior is of artificial stone, a modern contrivance of t
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Andalusian latticework of the Mosque of Saad Zaghloul filters the European facade of the Woman's Hospital
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The Mosque of Saad Zaghloul
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Andalusian architecture and Moorish decoration prevail in Alexandria's mosques
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The Mosque of Saad Zaghloul
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The Imam chants his prayers while others are lost in the peace of the moment
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A father and son pray to Allah
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Cleanliness is next to Godliness in the mosque
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Sultan Qaitbay's Citadel protects Alexandria Harbor
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A shisha cafe' is advertised in downtown Alexandria
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The rooftop across the street from my hotel could use some work - residents fully occupy this building in spite of its d
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Friendly neighbors outside my hotel room balcony - actually the guy is waving me off - NO PHOTOS, INFIDEL!
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The rooftop across the street from my hotel could use some work - residents fully occupy this building in spite of its d
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A view of downtown Alexandria from my hotel balcony
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The kid across the street from hotel room
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This fellow is selling mangoes on the Corniche outside my hotel
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The Windsor Palace Hotel is my home in Alexandria - built in 1906 by American hotelier John T. Windsor, the hotel is equ
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The rooftop terrace is a great place for a cool hibiscus tea on a hot afternoon
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The harborside Corniche is bumper-to-bumper 24/7 - the view from the rooftop terrace of the Windsor Palace Hotel
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The rooftop terrace is a great place for a cool hibiscus tea on a hot afternoon - sunbathing is NOT recommended - try it
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The Edwardian lobby of the Windsor Palace Hotel built in 1906 by American hotelier John T. Windsor
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Looking from the ballroom to the lobby of the Windsor Palace Hotel
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The vintage French Pleyel piano in the Windsor Palace Hotel ballroom
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The parlor at the historic Windsor Palace Hotel
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The lobby at the Windsor Palace Hotel opened in 1906
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The drawing room at Alexandria's Windsor Palace Hotel
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The elevator lobby at Alexandria's historic Windsor Palace Hotel
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The interiors of the 1906 Otis elevator cabs are inlaid with wood marquetry
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Antique Otis elevators are still in use at the Windsor Palace Hotel in Alexandria
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Antique Otis elevators are still in use at the Windsor Palace Hotel in Alexandria - a cab arrives in the lobby - "Mind y
Alexandria 107
So long from Alexandria - my next destination is Upper Egypt and the mysteries of the pharaohs
Old Luxor 2009
Ancient Luxor 001
The Chapel of Anubis in Hatshepsut's Temple at Deir al-Bahri - Tuthmosis III makes offerings to the sun god Ra-Harakhty
Ancient Luxor 002
I stand alone before Hatshepsut's Temple at Deir al-Bahri - the benefit of baking in June is to have the whole Valley of
Ancient Luxor 003
Horus overlooks Hatshepsut's Temple at Deir al-Bahri
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Horus overlooks Hatshepsut's Temple at Deir al-Bahri
Ancient Luxor 005
The Osiride statue of Hatshepsut at Deir al-Bahri
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The Chapel of the goddess Hathor at Hatshepsut's Temple at Deir al-Bahri
Ancient Luxor 007
Tuthmosis III makes offerings to the sun god Ra-Harakhty in the Chapel of Anubis at Hatshepsut's Temple at Deir al-Bahri
Ancient Luxor 008
In the forecourt of the Shrine of Amun at Hatshepsut's Temple at Deir al-Bahri
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The Shrine of Amun at Hatshepsut's Temple at Deir al-Bahri
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The Shrine of Amun at Hatshepsut's Temple at Deir al-Bahri
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The Shrine of Amun at Hatshepsut's Temple at Deir al-Bahri
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The Osiride statues of Hatshepsut at Deir al-Bahri
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In the forecourt of the Shrine of Amun at Hatshepsut's Temple at Deir al-Bahri
Ancient Luxor 014
In the forecourt of the Shrine of Amun at Hatshepsut's Temple at Deir al-Bahri
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The Chapel of the goddess Hathor at Hatshepsut's Temple at Deir al-Bahri
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The Chapel of Anubis in Hatshepsut's Temple at Deir al-Bahri - Tuthmosis III makes offerings to the sun god Ra-Harakhty
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The Chapel of the goddess Hathor at Hatshepsut's Temple at Deir al-Bahri
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The Osiride statues of Hatshepsut at Deir al-Bahri
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In the forecourt of the Shrine of Amun at Hatshepsut's Temple at Deir al-Bahri
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The Osiride statues of Hatshepsut at Deir al-Bahri
Ancient Luxor 021
The Chapel of the goddess Hathor at Hatshepsut's Temple at Deir al-Bahri
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The Chapel of Anubis in Hatshepsut's Temple at Deir al-Bahri - Tuthmosis III makes offerings to the sun god Ra-Harakhty
Ancient Luxor 023
The goddess Hathor with the ears of a cow in the Chapel of Hathor at Hatshepsut's Temple at Deir al-Bahri
Ancient Luxor 024
In the forecourt of the Shrine of Amun at Hatshepsut's Temple at Deir al-Bahri
Ancient Luxor 025
The Chapel of Anubis in Hatshepsut's Temple at Deir al-Bahri - Tuthmosis III makes offerings to the sun god Ra-Harakhty
Ancient Luxor 026
Hatshepsut's temple complex at Deir al-Bahri is a stunning setting with the shear limestone cliffs and cobalt desert sky
Ancient Luxor 027
Royal tombs dot the limestone cliffs above the floor of the Valley of the Kings necropolis
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Hany arranged for noted Egyptologist Moubarak Saad to guide me through the ancient sites of Luxor - he points the way to
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The approach to the tomb of Tuthmosis III in the Valley of the Kings - sorry, no photos are allowed in the tombs
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Security is high at the Valley of the Kings necropolis
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Even the early morning sun blisters tourists in Thebes' Valley of the Kings
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I'm standing at the entrance to Tutankhamun's tomb discovered by Howard Carter in 1922 after a seven-year search
Ancient Luxor 033
Excavations continue today in the Valley of the Kings - these 3,000 year-old pottery shards may indicate the entry to an
Ancient Luxor 034
Hot, dry and foreboding, Thebes' Valley of the Kings is not a place to spend a lot of time - only three tombs plus the t
Ancient Luxor 035
The temple complex at Luxor glows at dusk
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The First Pylon at Luxor Temple was built by Ramesses II
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The Colonnade of Amenhotep III is of stylized papyrus-bud columns
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The Colonnade of Amenhotep III is of stylized papyrus-bud columns
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The First Pylon at Luxor Temple was built by Ramesses II
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The Avenue of Sphinxes approaches the First Pylon at Luxor Temple built by Ramesses II
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The First Pylon at Luxor Temple was built by Ramesses II
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The Colossus of Ramesses II sits at the First Pylon entrance to Luxor Temple
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The First Pylon at Luxor Temple was built by Ramesses II
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The Colossi of Ramesses II sit at the First Pylon entrance to Luxor Temple
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Luxor Temple's pink granite obelisk stands 82' high at the First Pylon
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The Luxor Temple complex as seen from King Farouk's Winter Palace
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Tutankhamun and his wife Ankhesenamun at Luxor Temple
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Enter Alexander the Great's chapel at the Temple of Luxor
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The Colonnade of Amenhotep III forms an avenue of fourteen majestic columns
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Coptic Christian frescoes of the Twelve Disciples adorn the wall of Alexander the Great's Chapel at Luxor Temple
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The arched entrance to Alexander the Great's Chapel at Luxor Temple
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Alexander the Great's Chapel at Luxor Temple
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Cooling it in Alexander the Great's Chapel at Luxor Temple
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Luxor Temple
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2,000 year old graffiti defaces the First Pylon at Luxor Temple
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The Colonnade of Amenhotep III is of stylized papyrus-bud columns
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The Colossus of Ramesses II at Luxor
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Luxor's Avenue of Sphinxes
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The Luxor Temple complex as seen from King Farouk's Winter Palace
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The Avenue of Sphinxes leads to the Temple of Amun at Karnak
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The Avenue of Sphinxes leads to the Temple of Amun at Karnak - I'm here for the Sound & Light Show
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The Avenue of Sphinxes leads to the Temple of Amun at Karnak - in greyscale
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Restoration work is on-going at Karnak Temple
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Ram's headed sphinxes lead to Karnak Temple
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The Great Hypostyle Hall at Karnak's Temple of Amun
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The tomb of Seti II within the Temple of Amun at Karnak
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Karnak Temple hieroglyphs
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The temple complex at Karnak with the Nile's west bank on the horizon
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The temple complex at Karnak with the Nile's west bank on the horizon - ruins of Tuthmosis III's Great Festival Temple i
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The Great Hypostyle Hall at Karnak's Temple of Amun
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The Temple of Ramesses III at Karnak
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Ruins of Tuthmosis III's Great Festival Temple at Karnak
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The Temple of Amun beyond the Sacred Lake during Karnak's Sound and Light Show
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The Great Hypostyle Hall at Karnak's Temple of Amun
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The Great Hypostyle Hall at Karnak's Temple of Amun
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The Colossus of Ramesses II at Karnak's Temple of Amun
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Karnak's Temple of Amun
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The Temple of Amun during Karnak's Sound and Light Show
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The temple complex at Luxor
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The Great Hypostyle Hall at Karnak's Temple of Amun
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The Great Hypostyle Hall at Karnak's Temple of Amun
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The Temple of Ramesses III at Karnak
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The Temple of Ramesses III at Karnak
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Karnak's Sacred Lake where priests purified themselves at the Temple of Amun
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Karnak's Sacred Lake where priests purified themselves at the Temple of Amun
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The Temple of Ramesses III at Karnak
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The Temple of Amun at Karnak heiroglyphs
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The Scarab of Khepri built by Amenhotep III
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The temple complex at Luxor
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I had to bribe Temple Security to let me climb the sand dune at Karnak's eastern gate for this shot - the temperature wa
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This shot of a felucca navigating her way to Banana Island upriver from ancient Thebes is my timeless link to today's Lu
New Luxor 2009
Today's Luxor 001
My final stop along the Nile is Luxor - for four days I'm here to rest and leave my worries back in Dallas - little did
Today's Luxor 002
The guys on the Corniche are always there to greet me
Today's Luxor 003
Ancient Thebes lies just across the Nile - I stayed in the village of Gezira just a ferry ride to the west bank
Today's Luxor 004
King Farouk's Winter Palace is now a hotel - he was wise not to summer in Luxor - instead he spent the blistering days b
Today's Luxor 005
Built in 1887 the Winter Palace Hotel harkens to the days of Agatha Christie and Noel Coward - both stayed here where Ch
Today's Luxor 006
Not much business for the shoeshine boy - most tourists wear sneakers these days
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King Farouk's throne room now entertains hotel guests before they board river boats to cruise up the Nile River to Aswan
Today's Luxor 008
The cranberry red Bohemian chandelier lights the lobby - lush gardens lie beyond the palladium window
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King Farouk's famous gardens at Luxor
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King Farouk's famous gardens at Luxor - plumeria and palms cool guests at the Winter Palace Hotel
Today's Luxor 011
King Farouk's famous gardens at Luxor - Alexander the Great introduced the goddess Aphrodite to Upper Egypt
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An adobe pigeon coop was used to provide squab and eggs for the king's breakfast
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Cars run contrary to the pace in Luxor - when the only stop light in Luxor turned red, the car stopped but the caleche c
Today's Luxor 014
Luxor's felucca fleet docks in front of the Winter Palace Hotel - Gezira village is just across the Nile
Today's Luxor 015
Water taxis cross the river - the closest bridge is five miles upriver - the water taxi fare is 5.00 EP or 89 cents US..
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The public ferry lands at Luxor Temple and is my choice for crossing the busy Nile - the fare is 1.00 EP or 18 cents US
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The ferry captain insisted that I take his photo, then insisted on NOT smiling - I fear he was toothless and embarrassed
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The ferry lands at Gezira village - my home for the next four days - ancient Thebes lies just beyond the blue Nile
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Ferry commuters rush ashore
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My ferry docks at Gezira village - the Temple at Luxor lies just across the Nile
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Friendly faces are the rule in Gezira
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A papyrus island floats by the fleet at Gezira
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When it's 115F in the afternoon, nothing beats a swim in the clear running blue Nile to cool off
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Bedouins offer camel rides along the banks of the Nile in Gezira
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You can't beat the Nile for a swimming hole
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The captain's felucca gets a fresh coat of paint
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The felucca captains of Gezira are a talented and friendly bunch - "No worries, Pasha!"
Today's Luxor 028
Later I discover Camel Island a few miles upstream from Gezira
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Colorful water taxis are at the ready in Gezira village
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Felucca masts filter my view of the Theban mountains
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Captain Noobi welcomes me aboard his felucca NISMA
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Deckhand Hakim shimmies up the NISMA's mast to unfurl the felucca's hallmark lateen sail
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And we're off on my private trip up the Nile aboard the NISMA - Captain Noobi is at the tiller
Today's Luxor 034
It's no secret I'm taken by Hakim - his classic Egyptian features and good nature are irresistible
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The river felucca sails upstream with a single lateen sheet, which gives it power and maneuverability in the Nile's stro
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A tourist cruise boat slips upriver past the NISMA
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A furled lateen sail
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The captain and Hakim concentrate on the passing cruise boat
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The NISMA is not a small craft...about 50' long and 20' in the beam...but it can be sailed by one man due to the single
Today's Luxor 040
A good natured crew makes for a pleasant voyage
Today's Luxor 041
The captain and Hakim concentrate on the passing cruise boat
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Feluccas race to Banana Island
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Captain Noobi has a light touch on the NISMA's tiller
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Feluccas race to Banana Island
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"No worries, Pasha Jon?" - "No worries, Hakim...no worries at all!"
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We slip up the Nile past Camel Island
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Noobi surveys his landing at Banana Island - site of a Bedouin village and a banana plantations
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Captain Noobi hugs the bank on his approach to Banana Island
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We slip up the Nile past Camel Island
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Captain Noobi hugs the bank on his approach to Banana Island
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The NISMA approaches the landing at Banana Island
Today's Luxor 052
Is that the African Queen? - the landing at Banana Island
Today's Luxor 053
The landing at Banana Island - this is a red carpet welcome Bedouin-style
Today's Luxor 054
OK, some modern contrivances are necessary even in a Bedouin village on Banana Island
Today's Luxor 055
The sun-washed mural on Banana Island
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A caravanserai welcomes travelers to the Bedouin village at Banana Island - leather hassocks seat visitors on the ground
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Captain Noobi and Hakim chill on a rattan chaise on Banana Island - "No worries, Captain?"..."No worries, Pasha Jon...no
Today's Luxor 058
The Bedouin village at Banana Island
Today's Luxor 059
Stand still for a picture! Stop moving, kids!
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Folk art feluccas sail across the stuccoed Bedouin house
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Banana Island's tiny mosque points to Mecca across the blue Nile
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Banana Island's kitschy camel bar - "another Stella, please...shukran"
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Bedouin tents grace Banana Island
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Bedouin folk art reflects the carefree life here - these colors aren't seen in Cairo where life is much more complicated
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Hakim sets sail at sunset for a fast trip downstream to Gezira
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The desert sun sets on Banana Island
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Hakim furls the lateen sail
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A caption is useless here - all words fall short
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Masts of Luxor's felucca fleet filter my view of ancient Thebes
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A felucca slips past the river grass at Gezira
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Felucca MOBARAK at Gezira village
Today's Luxor 072
I found the Hotel Sheherazade on TripAdvisor.com
Today's Luxor 073
Welcome to the Hotel Sheherazade in the village of Gezira
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Only the rooms are air-conditioned at this little oasis of a hotel
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The Hotel Sheherazade's palm courtyard welcomes you to the L-shaped main building
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The Hotel Sheherazade's palm courtyard welcomes you to the L-shaped main building - bougainvillea provides the color pal
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The domed center court captures a desert breeze and delivers it down the loggias to your room
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The brick dome towers 50' over the center court - doves roost and welcome you home...cooo cooo, Pasha Jon
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A view of the Nile across Gezira's rooftops can be seen from the Hotel Sheherazade's rooftop terrace
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Palm logs fence-in the hotel's back yard where a donkey grazes and the kitchen's garden grows fresh basil and tomatoes
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A view from the hotel's back yard
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The banks of the blue Nile and country farms border the Hotel Sheherazade - the view from the rooftop terrace
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The view of the Theban mountains from the hotel's rooftop terrace
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Country farms border the Hotel Sheherazade - the view from the rooftop terrace
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Dinner is served outdoors on the shady patio
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Dinner at the Hotel Sheherazade is excellent - roasted free range chicken (that tastes like real chicken), pomme frites,
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Complimentary breakfast is served each morning shaded by Bedouin tents
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The hotel mouser helps himself!
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Ahmed is waiter by day and boxer by night
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A scene from "1001 Arabian Nights" told by Sheherazade
Today's Luxor 091
Ali is the busboy and bellhop at Hotel Sheherazade
Today's Luxor 092
The ankh welcomes me to Room 201 - Egyptian symbol of life
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Room 201 is modest yet cheery and reflects the attitude of Gezira village - the ceiling is domed and 18' high
Today's Luxor 095
Ali makes towel animals and uses my earplugs as lobster eyes - note the blanket on the bed, which is the most ridiculous
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The Theban sun sets on the ferry crossing the Nile River
Today's Luxor 097
The desert sun sets behind the hills of Thebes - a fitting epilogue to an incredible adventure in Egypt - Salam...salam
Spring Arrives in Dallas 2009
Spring Arrives at Dallas' Lee Park001
Arlington Hall overlooks Turtle Creek - One of the great urban parks in the State of Texas comes alive with the arrival
Spring Arrives at Dallas' Lee Park002
Named for Robert E. Lee, the park transcends the dark history of Texas during the Civil War
Spring Arrives at Dallas' Lee Park003
I'd like to say that Lee is riding south in retreat, but that doesn't cotton well being the Beasley's are a great Texas
Spring Arrives at Dallas' Lee Park027
General Lee's faithful horse, Traveller
Spring Arrives at Dallas' Lee Park004
Lee Park is a people place, especially on a perfect Sunday afternoon
Spring Arrives at Dallas' Lee Park005
Arlington Hall is a 2/3 replica of Lee's home in Arlington, Virginia - Mark's photo
Spring Arrives at Dallas' Lee Park006
Creeping fig imitates a handrail on Arlington Hall
Spring Arrives at Dallas' Lee Park007
Lee Park is a people place, especially on a perfect Sunday afternoon overlooking Turtle Creek - I live just a block away
Spring Arrives at Dallas' Lee Park008
The Mayfair is a condo on the park
Spring Arrives at Dallas' Lee Park009
Out buildings built in the 1920's add charm to the old park
Spring Arrives at Dallas' Lee Park010
The urban landscape surrounds Lee Park
Spring Arrives at Dallas' Lee Park011
Lee Park is a people place, especially on a perfect Sunday afternoon
Spring Arrives at Dallas' Lee Park012
The west entrance to Arlington Hall
Spring Arrives at Dallas' Lee Park013
Arlington Hall is site to garden weddings, community events and home of the Turtle Creek Association and Lee Park Conser
Spring Arrives at Dallas' Lee Park014
Wisteria adorns the wedding pavilion
Spring Arrives at Dallas' Lee Park015
Azaleas and dogwood trees herald the arrival of Spring to Dallas
Spring Arrives at Dallas' Lee Park016
Dogwood blooms at the wedding pavilion
Spring Arrives at Dallas' Lee Park017
A park bench graces the azalea trail through the park
Spring Arrives at Dallas' Lee Park018
Lee Park is a people place, especially on a perfect Sunday afternoon
Spring Arrives at Dallas' Lee Park019
The wedding pavilion's gazebo filters the urban landscape
Spring Arrives at Dallas' Lee Park020
A spring-fed creek meanders to Turtle Creek
Spring Arrives at Dallas' Lee Park022
A spring-fed creek meanders to Turtle Creek
Spring Arrives at Dallas' Lee Park030
Wysteria winds its way onto the gazebo at the wedding pavilion
Spring Arrives at Dallas' Lee Park023
The Mayfair towers over Lee Park
Spring Arrives at Dallas' Lee Park024
White azaleas in front of Arlington Hall
Spring Arrives at Dallas' Lee Park025
One of the great urban parks in the State of Texas comes alive with the arrival of Spring
Spring Arrives at Dallas' Lee Park026
One of the great urban parks in the State of Texas comes alive with the arrival of Spring
An LSU Roadtrip February 2009
LSU February 2009001
Last weekend my sister Cathy and I headed down to Baton Rouge for the Southwest Conference Championship to cheer Chris a
LSU February 2009002
Chris is Team Captain and weighed in at 133
LSU February 2009003
In a wild card bout, he dominated
LSU February 2009004
Another takedown demonstrates Chris' grace and balance on the mats
LSU February 2009005
This would be Chris' final collegiate bout
LSU February 2009006
Fifth Place in the NCWA Southwest Conference and seeded at Nationals next month in Virginia - But conflicts with studio
LSU February 2009007
LSU's Bengal tiger habitat is where Tiger Mike lives - A sculpture of LSU's famous mascot
LSU February 2009008
Tiger Mike is named for an LSU trainer in 1936 who raised funds for Mike I
LSU February 2009009
Mike VI lives a cushy life in his $5 million habitat
LSU February 2009010
The habitat comes complete with a swimming pool and underwater window, an observation tower and giant tiger-sized litter
LSU February 2009011
Tiger Mike is really magnificent, but $5 million for a tiger cage is a bit much - Wait until you see Tiger Stadium
LSU February 2009012
Chris rides Tiger Mike
LSU February 2009013
Chris and Dad in front of Tiger Stadium
LSU February 2009014
Nice kitty
LSU February 2009015
Aunt Cathy and Chris at Tiger Stadium
LSU February 2009016
The Robert Reich School of Landscape Architecture occupies the third floor of LSU's School of Design
LSU February 2009017
It's the leading undergraduate program for landscape architecture in the country
LSU February 2009018
Chris is in his second year of a five year BLA program
LSU February 2009019
Chris is one of two 2nd Year Program Representatives
LSU February 2009020
In his studio Chris shows his latest presentation of a campus parking lot solution
LSU February 2009021
Chris shows Cathy another work in progress
LSU February 2009022
Works from past abstract classes
LSU February 2009023
Texture study
LSU February 2009024
More studio presentations from second year studies
LSU February 2009025
Clay relief model component to a class project
LSU February 2009026
First year music interpretation studies
LSU February 2009027
Chris spends every available hour in the studio - late at night - weekends - This is where he proves his skill and creat
LSU February 2009028
Third year juries are just weeks away - Only 36 second year candidates will be accepted into the third year - Good luck,
LSU February 2009029
LA Professor Van Cox's office door
LSU February 2009030
LA Professor Max Conrad will be teaching a mini-semester on Colonial Landscape Architecture throughout Mexico during Spr
LSU February 2009031
LA Professor Max Conrad's office - Max's desk looks just like mine - Clearly a sign of genius
LSU February 2009032
Tiger Stadium from the School of Design
LSU February 2009033
Tiger Stadium from the School of Design
LSU February 2009034
Kiln chimneys top the pottery studio in the School of Design complex
LSU February 2009035
LSU's Memorial Bell Tower from the School of Design
LSU February 2009036
LSU's famous terra cotta tile roofs incorporate the Italian Renaissance architectural theme
LSU February 2009037
The old sugar cane processing plant has been converted to the campus power station
LSU February 2009038
LSU's Memorial Bell Tower
LSU February 2009039
Artsy bike racks in the School of Design's courtyard
LSU February 2009040
The Italian Renaissance architectural theme makes the campus interesting
LSU February 2009041
LA's Van Cox designed the Quad - Chris and his Campus Landscaping crew keep things looking beautiful year round
LSU February 2009042
LSU's Memorial Bell Tower
LSU February 2009043
A cold north wind on a crystalline winter day
LSU February 2009044
LSU's Memorial Bell Tower spotted through the ancient live oaks
LSU February 2009045
Chris and his Campus Landscaping crew keep things looking beautiful year round
LSU February 2009046
Copper downspout detail
LSU February 2009047
John J. Audubon Hall was built in 1923 and houses LSU's Psychology Department
LSU February 2009048
Crepe myrtle trunk twists in time
LSU February 2009049
Cathy and Chris enter the Quad
LSU February 2009050
Chris' Tigeride complete with custom tiger stripe paint job
LSU February 2009051
Chris' Tigeride complete with custom tiger stripe paint job - at Chris' apartment complex
LSU February 2009052
Texas sunset over I20 returning to Dallas - Photo courtesy of Cathy
The Sea Ranch 2009
The Sea Ranch February 2009053
Eleven years ago Glenn & Marie Nakazawa decided to build their dream hideaway at The Sea Ranch on Sonoma County's rocky
The Sea Ranch February 2009001
Snow clouds shroud the hills above Milpitas near San Jose - they signal the arrival of the biggest storm of the season f
The Sea Ranch February 2009002
The vineyards of Domaine Carneros in Sonoma County where Tattinger champagne is produced - Glenn and I stopped for lunch
The Sea Ranch February 2009003
The vineyards of Domaine Carneros in Sonoma County where Tattinger champagne is produced...and tasted!
The Sea Ranch February 2009004
Winter storms have brought green to the brown hills of Sonoma County where herds of local sheep keep the lawn mowed
The Sea Ranch February 2009005
Fields of mustard on the road to Petaluma in Sonoma County
The Sea Ranch February 2009006
The mountains of Northern Sonoma County come crashing into the Pacific above Bodega Bay
The Sea Ranch February 2009007
The Sea Ranch was a sheep ranch, but this cow is no sheep - Sonoma coast above Bodega Bay
The Sea Ranch February 2009119
The Crow's Nest at The Sea Ranch
The Sea Ranch February 2009120
The Crow's Nest at The Sea Ranch
The Sea Ranch February 2009008
The view is breathtaking from the Crow's Nest at The Sea Ranch - this is Glenn's money shot
The Sea Ranch February 2009009
The view is breathtaking from the Crow's Nest at The Sea Ranch
The Sea Ranch February 2009010
The Nakazawa's kitchen & living area has a Crow's Nest view of The Sea Ranch
The Sea Ranch February 2009011
Three wild toms greeted me during my morning walk at sun-up
The Sea Ranch February 2009012
Knotted kelp washes-up on Black Point Beach from the overnight storms
The Sea Ranch February 2009013
Wild iris in the redwoods on Crow's Nest Road
The Sea Ranch February 2009014
The overnight rain finds its way from the mountains to the bluff above the beach then cascades into the Pacific
The Sea Ranch February 2009016
A gull feather
The Sea Ranch February 2009015
Knotted kelp washes-up on Black Point Beach from the overnight storms
The Sea Ranch February 2009017
The sand paintings at Black Point Beach
The Sea Ranch February 2009019
Winter storm approaches Black point Beach before dawn
The Sea Ranch February 2009020
Storm surf at Black Point before dawn
The Sea Ranch February 2009022
Storm surf at Black Point Beach
The Sea Ranch February 2009018
California sea lions at Tide Pool Beach
The Sea Ranch February 2009023
California sea lions play at Tide Pool Beach
The Sea Ranch February 2009021
California sea lion at Tide Pool Beach
The Sea Ranch February 2009024
Winter storm surf at Tide Pool Beach
The Sea Ranch February 2009026
Dawn breaks at Black Point
The Sea Ranch February 2009028
My lone prints before dawn at Black Point Beach
The Sea Ranch February 2009029
The winter storm approaches Black Point Beach
The Sea Ranch February 2009030
The winter storm approaches Black Point Beach
The Sea Ranch February 2009031
The winter storm approaches Black Point Beach
The Sea Ranch February 2009033
The winter storm approaches Black Point Beach
The Sea Ranch February 2009035
The winter storm approaches Black Point Beach
The Sea Ranch February 2009034
The winter storm approaches Black Point Beach
The Sea Ranch February 2009038
Warren flies at Walk On Beach
The Sea Ranch February 2009062
Warren busts a move at Walk On Beach
The Sea Ranch February 2009060
Glenn captures Trey in a sand wipeout
The Sea Ranch February 2009040
Warren and Trey both fly at Walk On Beach
The Sea Ranch February 2009025
Trey busts a move at Walk On Beach
The Sea Ranch February 2009042
Warren flies at Walk On Beach
The Sea Ranch February 2009043
Winter storm approaches Black point Beach at dawn
The Sea Ranch February 2009044
Dawn at Black Point
The Sea Ranch February 2009048
Black Point Beach
The Sea Ranch February 2009049
Black Point Beach
The Sea Ranch February 2009050
Black Point Beach
The Sea Ranch February 2009051
Glenn's & Jon's footprints on Black Point Beach
The Sea Ranch February 2009041
Trey, Warren and Glenn search for dinosaur heads at Black Point
The Sea Ranch February 2009052
Searching Black Point for dinosaur heads
The Sea Ranch February 2009054
Searching Black Point for dinosaur heads
The Sea Ranch February 2009065
Glenn spots a dinosaur head at Black Point
The Sea Ranch February 2009061
Glenn spots a dinosaur head at Black Point
The Sea Ranch February 2009067
The Nakazawa guys walk Black Point
The Sea Ranch February 2009073
The Nakazawa guys walk Black Point during heavy winter storm surf
The Sea Ranch February 2009055
Dawn approaches Black Point
The Sea Ranch February 2009056
Point break at Black Point
The Sea Ranch February 2009058
Point break at Black Point
The Sea Ranch February 2009057
Point break at Black Point
The Sea Ranch February 2009059
Point break at Black Point
The Sea Ranch February 2009070
The Sea Ranch Chapel designed by architect James Hubbell - built in 1985 of local redwood with copper features - the cha
The Sea Ranch February 2009063
Interior of The Sea Ranch Chapel designed by architect James Hubbell - built in 1985
The Sea Ranch February 2009064
Redwood prayer desk at The Sea Ranch Chapel - redwood inlaid with shells and local stones
The Sea Ranch February 2009066
Interior of The Sea Ranch Chapel designed by architect James Hubbell - built in 1985 - the chapel is interfaith
The Sea Ranch February 2009068
Interior of The Sea Ranch Chapel designed by architect James Hubbell - built in 1985 - the chapel is interfaith
The Sea Ranch February 2009069
The entrance doors from inside The Sea Ranch Chapel
The Sea Ranch February 2009071
The Sea Ranch Chapel designed by architect James Hubbell - built in 1985 of local redwood with copper features
The Sea Ranch February 2009072
The Sea Ranch Chapel designed by architect James Hubbell - built in 1985 of local redwood with copper features
The Sea Ranch February 2009075
Overlooking Black Point Beach
The Sea Ranch February 2009074
Glenn at Black Point Beach
The Sea Ranch February 2009076
Overlooking Black Point Beach
The Sea Ranch February 2009077
The overnight rain finds its way from the mountains to the bluff above the beach then cascades into the Pacific
The Sea Ranch February 2009079
Noted architect Charles Moore designed The Sea Ranch Lodge - built in 1964, this condominium project has been home to fa
The Sea Ranch February 2009080
Warren entertains at the lodge
The Sea Ranch February 2009081
Warren entertains at the lodge
The Sea Ranch February 2009082
Warren entertains at the lodge
The Sea Ranch February 2009083
Warren entertains at the lodge
The Sea Ranch February 2009084
Warren and Marie at the lodge
The Sea Ranch February 2009086
Trey, Warren and Marie at the lodge - no bunny ears!
The Sea Ranch February 2009085
Trey, Warren and Marie at the lodge - no bunny ears!
The Sea Ranch February 2009088
The Sea Ranch Lodge overlooks Bihler's Point
The Sea Ranch February 2009089
The Sea Ranch Lodge
The Sea Ranch February 2009090
The Sea Ranch Lodge
The Sea Ranch February 2009091
The Sea Ranch Lodge
The Sea Ranch February 2009092
The Sea Ranch Lodge
The Sea Ranch February 2009093
Noted architect Charles Moore designed The Sea Ranch Lodge - built in 1964
The Sea Ranch February 2009094
Noted architect Charles Moore designed The Sea Ranch Lodge - built in 1964
The Sea Ranch February 2009032
Winter daffodils at The Sea Ranch Lodge
The Sea Ranch February 2009095
Noted architect Charles Moore designed The Sea Ranch Lodge - built in 1964
The Sea Ranch February 2009096
Noted architect Charles Moore designed The Sea Ranch Lodge - built in 1964
The Sea Ranch February 2009097
Noted architect Charles Moore designed The Sea Ranch Lodge - built in 1964
The Sea Ranch February 2009098
The Sea Ranch Lodge overlooks Bihler's Point
The Sea Ranch February 2009099
The Sea Ranch Lodge
The Sea Ranch February 2009100
These are original structures from Ranch Del Mar dating back to 1906 when The Sea Ranch was a sheep ranch
The Sea Ranch February 2009101
The 5,200 acre ranch was bought for $2.3 million in 1963
The Sea Ranch February 2009102
Bihler's Cove and Black Point
The Sea Ranch February 2009103
Bihler's Point
The Sea Ranch February 2009104
Ranch fencing at Bihler's Point
The Sea Ranch February 2009105
Trey and Warren atop windswept Black Point
The Sea Ranch February 2009107
Black Point is where Glenn and Marie were married
The Sea Ranch February 2009106
Succulents cling to the rocks at the crest of Black Point
The Sea Ranch February 2009108
Hearty lupin thrives on the sea spray and fog at the crest of Black Point
The Sea Ranch February 2009110
Black Point - the iconic Northern Sonoma Coast grape stake fence is of native redwood
The Sea Ranch February 2009113
The Scalabrini Family planted the first vines at Annapolis in 1975 - their Zinfandel Port is perfect with dark chocolate
The Sea Ranch February 2009112
Oak barrels of Cabernet Savignon at Annapolis Winery
The Sea Ranch February 2009109
Apple blossoms at Annapolis Winery
The Sea Ranch February 2009111
Rhododendron blooms in winter at Annapolis Winery
The Sea Ranch February 2009114
Rosemary blooms in winter at Annapolis Winery
The Sea Ranch February 2009115
Apple blossoms at Annapolis Winery
The Sea Ranch February 2009116
Tiny Annapolis post office - zip 95412
The Sea Ranch February 2009117
Sheep ranch at Annapolis in far northern Sonoma County
The Sea Ranch February 2009118
Sheep ranch at Annapolis in far northern Sonoma County
The Sea Ranch February 2009121
The Russian River's muddy outflow collides with the blue Pacific at Fort Ross
Northern Europe 2008
Brighton 004.JPG
King George IV's Royal Pavilion at Brighton - the exterior is a fanciful Persian palace with onion domes and minarets which double as chimney pipes
Brighton 005.JPG
King George IV's Royal Pavilion at Brighton - the exterior is a fanciful Persian palace with onion domes and minarets
Brighton 006.JPG
King George IV's Royal Pavilion at Brighton - the exterior is a fanciful Persian palace with onion domes and minarets which double as chimney pipes
Brighton 014.JPG
King George IV's Royal Pavilion at Brighton - the exterior is a fanciful Persian palace with onion domes and minarets
Brighton 017.JPG
King George IV's Royal Pavilion at Brighton - the exterior is a fanciful Persian palace with onion domes and minarets which double as chimney pipes
Brighton 020.JPG
King George IV's Royal Pavilion at Brighton
Brighton 022.JPG
King George IV's Royal Pavilion at Brighton
Brighton 028.JPG
King George IV's Royal Pavilion at Brighton
Brighton 024.JPG
King George IV's Royal Pavilion at Brighton
Brighton 032.JPG
King George IV's Royal Pavilion at Brighton - the exterior is a fanciful Persian palace with onion domes and minarets
Brighton 029.JPG
Brighton's boardwalk on the English Channel
Brighton 035.JPG
Brighton Marine Palace and Pier - Mark and our host, Chris Price
Brighton 036.JPG
Brighton Marine Palace and Pier
Brighton 039.JPG
Brighton Marine Palace and Pier
Brighton 037.JPG
Brighton Marine Palace and Pier
Brighton 038.JPG
Brighton Marine Palace and Pier - Off to the races!
Canterbury 015.JPG
Canterbury Cathedral from a back street
Canterbury 005.JPG
Either he has big boobs or she's grown a handsome moustache
Canterbury 008.JPG
A pub sign makes no mention of American tourists from Dallas
Canterbury 011.JPG
Roses at No. 9
Canterbury 009.JPG
An open window beckons from Elizabethan times
Canterbury 016.JPG
Chaucer's tales are told at The Canterbury Tales Museum
Canterbury 014.JPG
Rowing past the old mill
Canterbury 017.JPG
The voyage of the Mayflower was planned in Canterbury by the pilgrims from Kent
Canterbury 021.JPG
The Old Weavers House was built in 1500 AD
Canterbury 025.JPG
Construction of this third cathedral was begun in 1174 AD
Canterbury 026.JPG
The British coat of arms inside the cathdral
Canterbury 027.JPG
The cathedral was targeted by the Germans in World War II, but their bombs missed landing on the monestary just yards away
England 2008
Canterbury Cathedral
Canterbury 028.JPG
Thomas Becket was Archbishop of Canterbury in 1170 when he was assasinated by King Henry II's knights on this spot in the northeast transcept
England 2008
Canterbury Cathedral
Canterbury 029.JPG
A view of the altar from the quire
Canterbury 032.jpg
An effigy near the altar makes timeless prayers
Canterbury 035.jpg
A window in Canterbury Cathedral
Canterbury 034.jpg
A lone candle on the cathedral altar
Dover 003.JPG
Dover Castle was founded by the Romans - William the Conquerer landed here after the Battle of Hastings in 1066
Dover 002.JPG
The famous white chalk cliffs of Dover
Dover 004.JPG
The famous white chalk cliffs of Dover welcome a ferry from France
Carnival Splendor 2008
Jon on Deck overlooking the Retractable Magradome
Carnival Splendor 2008
Our Sem-private Balcony-Room 7205-Empress Deck
Carnival Splendor 2008
Our Stateroom 7205
Splendor 038.JPG
The waterslide atop the Splendor - the magrodome glass sunroof retracts to reveal the Lido pool
Splendor 004.JPG
The Lido Deck is covered by what Carnival calls the magrodome - a retractable sky roof
Splendor 033.JPG
The waterslide atop the Splendor - the magrodome glass sunroof retracts to reveal the Lido pool
Splendor 005.JPG
The adult pool on the aft deck
Splendor 007.JPG
The kids get their own water park
Splendor 006.JPG
The aft deck has deuling hot tubs for the grown-ups
Splendor 008.JPG
More cool deck chairs
Splendor 022.JPG
Table steward Imade from Bali and his assistant Myoman from Indonesia - Imade is an excellent dancer and Myoman a slow learner
Splendor 023.JPG
Carnival's Midnight Buffet Extravaganza complete with dragon ice sculpture and over-fed cruisers
Splendor 037.JPG
Carnival is all about fun - Las Vegas-style shows nightly in the Spectacular Spectacular (that's right - two spectaculars) theatre
Splendor 042.JPG
Carnival is all about fun - Las Vegas-style shows nightly in the Spectacular Spectacular (that's right - two spectaculars) theatre
Splendor 009.JPG
Cool deck chairs
Carnival Splendor 2008
Jon in Cool Deck Chairs
Carnival Splendor 2008
Lido Deck Pool with Retractable Magradome
Carnival Splendor 2008
The Spectacular Spectacular Show Lounge
Carnival Splendor 2008
The Main Lobby Atrium
Carnival Splendor 2008
The Main Lobby Atrium
Carnival Splendor 2008
The Piano Bar
Carnival Splendor 2008
The Sushi Bar
Carnival Splendor 2008
The Dessert Bar
Copenhagen 008.jpg
The Splendor docked in Copenhagen
Copenhagen 009.jpg
The famous Little Mermaid statue is a tribute to Copenhagen's favorite son Hans Christian Andersen - it's very close to where the Splendor docked - surprisingly this is a copy which has often been attacked or defaced by those making political protests
Copenhagen 001.JPG
St. Alban's Anglican Church was built in 1887 - Den Engelske Kirke (The English Church) is the only Anglican church in Denmark
Copenhagen 004.jpg
The Palace Guard at Amalienborg Slot, Denmark's Royal Palace in Copenhagen - I was told to HALT and maintain a 3 meter distance from him and the palace - no argument from moi
Copenhagen 006.jpg
The copper dome of Frederik's Church seen from Amalienborg Square (Royal Palace Square)
Copenhagen 010.jpg
The copper dome of Frederik's Church seen from Amalienborg Square (Royal Palace Square)
Copenhagen 2008
Frederiks (Marble) Church
Copenhagen 014.jpg
Statuary in the tiny churchyard of Frederik's Church
Copenhagen 012.jpg
Alexander Newsky Russian Orthodox Church was built in 1883
Copenhagen 021.jpg
Bruun Rasmussen is an antique autioneer where Pettigrew has bought furniture throughout the years
Copenhagen 2008
Nyhavn Canal
Copenhagen 025.jpg
Nyhavn Canal is Copenhagen's historic fishing port and home to Hans Christian Andersen
Copenhagen 2008
Holmens (Sailor's) Church
Copenhagen 028.jpg
Flying ships reveal Holmen's Church's ties to the sea
Copenhagen 030.jpg
Tivoli Gardens' Chinese Pantomime Theatre
Copenhagen 032.jpg
In 1843 Tivoli's founder, Georg Carstensen obtained a five-year charter to create Tivoli by telling King Christian VIII that when the people are amusing themselves, they do not think about politics - Walt Disney visited Tivoli while designing Disneyland - this is Hotel Nimb overlooking the gardens
Copenhagen 036.jpg
I salute Tivoli Gardens
Copenhagen 037.jpg
Bees love Tivoli Gardens
Copenhagen 038.jpg
Tivoli's famous pirate ship
Copenhagen 041.jpg
Tivoli's Chinese pagoda
Copenhagen 044.jpg
Begonia's bloom at Tivoli
Copenhagen 046.jpg
Mark relaxes at Tivoli's Færgekroen (Ferry Boat Inn)
Copenhagen 053.jpg
RÃ¥dhuspladsen (City Hall Square) is the center of Copenhagen
Copenhagen 054.jpg
A bust in Copenhagen's City Hall
Copenhagen 058.jpg
Caritas Fountain (Fountain of Charity) in Gammel Torv (Old Square) has been a drinking fountain for over 400 years - strange considering the water squirts from the woman's breasts and from her son's peni...well it's just strange
Copenhagen 059.jpg
Christiansborg Castle Square and the Copenhagen Opera House
Copenhagen 060.jpg
A flower stall in Gammel Torv (Old Square) part of the Stroget pedestrian mall
Copenhagen 061.JPG
A newsboy peddles his way through the Stroget, Copenhagen's shopping district
Copenhagen 062.JPG
Songsters entertain in the Stroget, Copenhagen's shopping district
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A Danish deckhand at work on a yacht - Operaen, the Danish national opera house is in teh background
Copenhagen 064.JPG
A view from inside The Marble Church
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Kastellet (The Citadel), Copenhagen's fortress dates from 1626 and is one of the best preserved fortifications in Northern Europe
Copenhagen 067.JPG
The Splendor sails from Copenhagen Harbor bound for Germany
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Hanseatic facades lining Neuer Platz look more Dutch than German
Germany 002.JPG
Rostock's Rathaus is the medieval Town Hall still in use - Rostock was once part of Soviet East Germany - the Rathaus commands the Neuer Platz
Germany 013.JPG
Rostock's Rathaus is the medieval Town Hall still in use
Germany 005.JPG
Hanseatic facades lining Neuer Markt look more Dutch than German
Germany 016.JPG
Hanseatic facades lining Neuer Markt look more Dutch than German
Germany 018.JPG
Marienkirche (St. Mary's Church) houses a giant astronomical clock dating back to 1472 - it calculates the occurance of Easter to the year 2017
Germany 023.JPG
The Molli steam train stops for passengers in Bad Doberan - the tracks run right down the middle of the narrow cobblestone street
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The Molli steam train at Heiligendamm station near the Baltic Sea coast - All aboard the Mollibahn!
Germany 2008
Heiligendamm Train Station with Jon on Molli Train
Germany 031.JPG
The Kempinski Grand Hotel in Heiligendamm was built in 1793 as a seaside resort for the Grand Duke of Mecklenburg - Dubya slept here as this was the site of the G8 Summit in June 2007
Germany 036.JPG
The flower stall in Bad Doberan
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The Molli train arrives back in Bad Doberan
Germany 035.JPG
A fruit stand in Bad Doberan
Germany 038.JPG
Bad Doberan Munster (Cathedral) is the largest brick gothic church in Northern Germany - built in 1368 by Cistercian monks
Germany 041.JPG
Bad Doberan Munster (Cathedral) is the largest brick gothic church in Northern Germany - built in 1368 by Cistercian monks
Germany 043.JPG
Bad Doberan Munster stained glass windows - the gothic cross is the repeated theme
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The Splendor at berth in Warnemunde, an East German fishing port since the 13th century
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Warnemunde is a lively fishing village - colorful fishing boats line the Alte Strom harbor
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Seaside cottages on cobblestone lanes in Warnemunde
Germany 2008
Warnemunde Soldier Chorus
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Seaside cottages on cobblestone lanes in Warnemunde
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The Splendor at berth in Warnemunde, an East German fishing port since the 13th century
Germany 2008
Warnemunde Lighthouse
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The midnight sun sets on Warnemunde
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Fireworks just for the Splendor courtesy of the people of Warnemunde
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Fireworks just for the Splendor courtesy of the people of Warnemunde
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Kappeli Cafe' on the Esplanadi
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Helsinki's Esplanadi begins at Market Square
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Helsinki Cathedral commands the high ground of the old city
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Market Square in front of Finland's Presidential Palace
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The Uspenski Finnish Orthodox Cathedral
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The altar of the Uspenski Finnish Orthodox Cathedral
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The Uspenski Finnish Orthodox Cathedral - the cathedral has several valuable icons - less than a year ago the St. Nicolas – The Wonder Maker was stolen between noon and 1:00 p.m. in broad daylight while hundreds of tourists were visiting the cathedral - it has yet to be recovered
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The Uspenski Finnish Orthodox Cathedral - this icon is framed with rosaries, crosses and religious medals
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Market Square on Helsinki's harbor
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Helsinki Harbor
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Helsinki Cathedral is the national symbol of Finland
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The neoclassical National Library of Finland is adjacent to the Helsinki Cathedral
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Helsinki Cathedral is the national symbol of Finland - Alexander II stands watch over Senate Square
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You can buy reindeer steaks in the Old Market Hall
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The ornate stalls offer fresh fruits and vegetables - we opted for a sandwich-to-go for our trip aboard the Sporakoff tram
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We toured Helsinki on the luxury tram Sporakoff - operated by Koff Brewery
Helsinki 2008
Sparokoff Tram
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The interior design of Kappeli Cafe'
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The Esplanade is an absolute people place
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Bikes on the Esplanade - the kiosks have served Fins for over 100 years
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The Esplanade leads to Market Square
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Helsinki's Esplanadi is anchored at Market Square
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The Finnish Naval Academy Band marches past the Esplanadi
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These cadets from the Finnish Naval Academy know something's up
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The Esplanade
Helsinki 2008
Esplanade Park Carriage
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Peterhof's sea canal leads from the Gulf of Finland to the Grand Cascade
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Peter the great returned to Peterhof and modified his plan to mimic Versailles - "More gold!" was the order of the day
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Peterhof's West Chapel flanking the main palace
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Peterhof's parquet floors have been beautifully restored - special slippers are worn to protect them
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Peterhof's portrait room uses shouler-to-shoulder portraits to wallpaper the entire room
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The second floor landing of the grand staircase at Peterhof
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A view of the grand cascade in front of the palace at Peterhof
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From room to room color reigns supreme at Peterhof
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A view of the south parterre from Peterhof palace
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Towering ceramic stoves heat Peterhof during the long winters - this stove is covered in blue and white tiles from Delft
St. Petersburg 2008
Peterhof Grand Summer Palace-Gold Dining Room
St. Petersburg 2008
Peterhof Grand Summer Palace-Lower Gardens and Cascade Fountains
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The Grand Cascade - Peter the Great served lunch in the grotto between the cascades
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The Grand Cascade and terminus of Peterhof's sea canal leading to the Gulf of Finland in the Baltic Sea
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Natasha, our swanky Russian tour guide tries to corral all of the tourists on our bus - Bus Pink No. 2
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A view of Peterhof and the Grand Cascade from the north parterre
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The Neptune Fountain at Peterhof's Orangery
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A view of the Roman Fountains from atop the Chess Cascade in the eastern forest
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Peterhof's East Chapel
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Two of Peterhof's royal musicians rest in the south parterre
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The Peter and Paul Cathedral at Peterhof
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One of the few remaing statues of Lenin still in place in Russia - this one is huge and stands before the old headquarters of the Communist Party in St. Petersburg
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The front portico of the Winter Palace facing the Neva River
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The main staircase of the Winter Palace was designed by Italian architect Rastrelli
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Peter the Great's throne room in the Winter Palace
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The grand entry hall of the Winter Palace
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Peter the Great's throne room in the Winter Palace
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Peter the Great's throne room in the Winter Palace
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The State Hermitage Museum - one of three skylit galleries built by Catherine the Great
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The grand Pavilion Hall of the Winter Palace
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This door panel in the Winter Palace is etched brass inlaid with amber
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The dizzying Raphael Loggia in Catherine the Great's Hermitage Museum
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Leonardo da Vinci - Madonna and the Child (The Benois Madonna) - 1478 - State Hermitage Museum
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A giant malachite urn anchors a table - both are from solid pieces of copper carbonate from Russia's Ural Mountains
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Michelangelo Buonarotti - Crouching Boy - 1530-1534 - The State Hermitage Museum
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An Empire giltwood table with a solid top of lapis lazuli mined in Afghanistan
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Catherine the Great's Hermitage gallery
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Rembrandt Harmensz van Rijn - Holy Family (excerpt) - 1645 - The State Hermitage Museum
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The Hermitage sculpture gallery
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Henri Matisse - The Dance - 1910 - The State Hermitage Museum
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The Winter Palace courtyard facade
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Peter the Great's throne room in the Winter Palace
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The Winter Palace courtyard facade
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Czar Alexander I built the triumphal arch leading from Nevsky Prospekt into Palace Square to commemorate Russia's defeat of Napoleon
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Palace Square and the Alexander Column - the tallest of its kind in the world, the column is a single 500 ton piece of red granite from Finland - in 1834 it took 3,000 men just two hours to raise the column into the exact place it stands today - without any attachment to the base it stands under its our mass
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The Kuntstkammer was St. Petersburg's first museum - Peter the Great had to entice early residents to visit by offering free shots of vodka with admission - the drawbridge crosses the Neva River to reach Vasilevsky Island
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Russian cadets in their distinctive pie pan hats at ease on the canalside
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Palaces line the Moyka Canal
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The dome of St. Isaac's Cathedral overlooks the Neva River - 220 lb of gold leaf cover the dome
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Russian Cruiser Aurora - on October 25, 1917, the refusal of an order for the Aurora to take to sea sparked the Bolshevik Revolution - a blank shot from her forecastle gun signaled the start of the assault on the Winter Palace, which was to be the last episode of the October Revolution - the Nakhimov naval Academy is on the left
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Peter the Small, St. Petersburg's answer to Dickens' Artful Dodger followed our boat running from bridge to bridge over a couple miles - the tourists would pitch coins up onto the bridges for him to catch - demeaning, but enterprising and very entertaining all at once - I say he was distracting the dumb tourists to see them get knocked silly by the low clearance under the bridges - I'm happy to report that it worked more than once
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Saint Isaac's Cathedral and the statue of St. Nicholas I in St. Isaac's Square
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The Church of the Savior on Spilled Blood - the name refers to the blood of the assassinated Alexander II of Russia, who was mortally wounded on that site on March 13, 1881
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Matryoshka dolls are everywhere in Russia and the terrace of Peterhof is no exception
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The Cathedral of Saints Peter and Paul on teh Neva Rivermarks the tombs of all the Romanov Czars since Peter the Great - the cathedral stands within the walls of the Peter and Paul Fortress - Peter the Great built a small cabin here in 1703 where he lived for six years during the construction of St. Petersburg
St. Petersburg 2008
Catherine Palace in Pushkin
St. Petersburg 2008
Catherine Palace in Pushkin-State Rooms
St. Petersburg 2008
Catherine Palace in Pushkin-State Rooms
St. Petersburg 2008
Neva River Cruise Departure Restaurant-Replica Ship
Tallinn 2008
Jon and Carnvial Splendor in Port
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St. Olaf's Church and the Splendor in Tallinn Harbor beyond - taken from the Town hall belltower
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A lane leading up to Toompea Castle - seat of the Estonian government
Tallinn 2008
Alexander Nevsky Russian Orthodox Church
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St. Alexander Nevsky Cathedral atop Toompea, Tallinn's highest point
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St. Alexander Nevsky Cathedral reflects Tallinn's link to Russia - the orthodox mass is underway, a timeless ritual of incense and voices, of beeswax and icons
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St. Alexander Nevsky Cathdral is across the square from Toompea Castle, seat of the Estonian government
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St. Alexander Nevsky Cathedral reflects Tallinn's link to Russia - the orthodox mass is underway, a timeless ritual of incense and voices, of beeswax and icons
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A view of Tallinn from the Town Hall belltower beyond Market Square - The Baltic Sea is on the horizon
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An artist sketches at the town well
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Tallinn's picture postcard architecture
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The Cathedral of St. Mary the Virgin dates back to 1219
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St. Alexander Nevsky Cathedral is seen from the steps entering the Cathedral of St. Mary the Virgin
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Tallinn's picture postcard architecture
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Tall Herman Tower stands guard at Toompea Castle - the seat of Estonia's government - Estonia gained independence from the Soviet Union on August 20, 1991
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Tallinn's picture postcard architecture
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Tallinn is one of Europe's best preserved medieval walled cities - red tiled roofs top each guard tower as seen from St. Olaf's Church belltower
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Tallinn's picture postcard architecture
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A view of Toompea from the Town Hall belltower
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Tallinn's picture postcard architecture as seen from the Patkul Platform - note the golden gamecock weathervane
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Tallinn's market square frames Europe's oldest Town Hall built in 1404 - the square is the site of medieval markets and executions alike - we climbed the belltower for a medieval bird's eye view
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Tallinn seen from atop St. Olaf's Church once the tallest building in the world
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Tallinn street life from atop the Town Hall belltower
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Tallinn's market square frames Europe's oldest Town Hall (left) built in 1404 - the square is the site of medieval markets and executions alike
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A view from Tallinn's Town Hall belltower
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Tallinn's picture postcard architecture - an artist's courtyard
Tallinn 2008
City Hall Tower
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Tallinn is one of Europe's best preserved medieval walled cities - red tiled roofs top each guard tower
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Tallinn is one of Europe's best preserved medieval walled cities - red tiled roofs top each guard tower - a view of the Splendor from St. Olaf's Church belltower
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Tallinn's picture postcard architecture
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Tallinn's picture postcard architecture - The Patkul Platform is at the top of the Toompea Hill on the right
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The view of Tallinn from the Town Hall belltower with the Baltic Sea on the horizon
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The Olde Hansa Restaurant is famous for their medieval feast
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A midnight sunset over Estonia
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The Russian-built Voskhod Eurofoil hydrofoil from Amsterdam flies past the Splendor and over the Wijkertunnel under the North Sea Canal
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A drawbridge on the North Sea Canal near Amsterdam
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The Port of Amsterdam with the Central Train Station along the waterfront as seen from the Splendor's stern
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Architect Renzo Piano's dramatic NEMO (New Metropolis Science and Technology) Museum with the cruise terminal in the foreground
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The dome of Sint Nicolaaskerk - Church of Saint Nicholas towers over the Port of Amsterdam
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Stained glass windows in Sint Nicolaaskerk - the Church of Saint Nicholas
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An icon in Sint Nicolaaskerk - the Church of Saint Nicholas
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The dome of Sint Nicolaaskerk - Church of Saint Nicholas towers over Amsterdam
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Amsterdam is overflowing with young backpackers in the summer - life is fleeting...spend the summer in Amsterdam
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One of the few remaining authentic windmills in Holland
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The view from Otto Frank's spice warehouse - Anne Frank's hiding place
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Mark pauses before the secret bookcase conceiling the door to the annex of Otto Frank's spice warehouse - Otto's daughter Anne and seven others hid here for two years
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On the morning of August 4, 1944 the German Security Police stormed the front door of this office and found eight Jews hiding in the rear annex at the top of the stairs
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Westerkerk's (West Church) bells were silenced by the Germans - Anne missed the church bells, which let her know the time of day and night - The windows of the annex were always blacked-out
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Amsterdam's coffee shops serve more than coffee - the name is code for serving-up cannabis and hashish...pot to those who are clueless
Amsterdam 2008
Rembrandt House-Seal in Entrance Floor
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Rembrandt's print shop in Rembrandthuis
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Rembrandthuis - Rembrandt displayed and sold his paintings from this salon
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Rembrandthuis - Rembrandt's bedroom
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Rembrandthuis - Rembrandt painted most of his master works in this studio - note the natural light coming in the windows of the top floor of his home
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Rembrandthuis - the courtyard
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Canal life
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Canal life
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Canal life - Sint Nicolaaskerk dominates the background
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Canal life
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A street scene in old Amsterdam
Amsterdam 2008
Canal Scene & the Ubiquitous Bicycles
Amsterdam 2008
Royal Palace at Dam Square
Amsterdam 2008
Royal Palace at Dam Square
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The Splendor berthed at Amsterdam's gleaming cruise terminal - the new music hall overlooks the harbor
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Big Ben at Parliament seen from Trafalgar Square
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Our hotel outside the gates to Hyde Park on Park Lane
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Hyde Park's rose garden
England 2008
Grenadier Pub
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The Grenadier Pub in the Wilton Mews of Belgravia, Knightsbridge
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The Grenadier Pub is a respectable establishment
England 2008
Grenadier Pub
England 2008
Sir John Soane Museum
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A bronze gothic cross at Lincoln Fields Inn
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Charles Dickens slept here and also wrote Oliver Twist when he wasn't sleeping here
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Proof - Dickens slept here
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Saint Paul's Cathedral was built in 1708 by Christopher Wren
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Crowds love the Millennium Bridge leading to the Tate Modern art museum
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A portal to the Millennium Bridge leading to the Tate Modern art museum
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Blackfriar's Bridge and Tower Bridge beyond cross the River Thames
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Tate Modern art lovers arrive via the Millennium Bridge
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The year 1708 meets the year 2000
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The Tate Modern Collection art museum is housed in a converted power plant
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From the Tate looking across the Millennium Bridge to Saint Paul's beyond
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The reconstructed Shakespeare's Globe Theatre on London's Bankside
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Sir Francis Drake circumnavigated the world aboard the Golden Hind, moored at Bankside, Southwark
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Effigies process in Southwark Cathedral
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Southwark Cathedral's altar
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Southwark Cathedral's bell tower
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Trafalgar Square
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Trafalgar Square
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St. Martin-in-the-Fields has been fully renovated to the tune of $72 million
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St. Martin-in-the-Fields' new east window above the altar is designed by Shirazeh Houshiary - the elipse glows as night falls outside
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Sunset comes close to midnight less than 500 miles from the Arctic Circle - this was taken at 11:00 pm in the North Sea - White Nights means nearly 20 hours of daylight each day during the trip
England 2008
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Lawn bowling on a sunny Saturday in Brighton
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King George IV's Royal Pavilion at Brighton - the exterior is a fanciful Persian palace with onion domes and minarets
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King George IV's Royal Pavilion at Brighton - the exterior is a fanciful Persian palace with onion domes and minarets which double as chimney pipes
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King George IV's Royal Pavilion at Brighton - the exterior is a fanciful Persian palace with onion domes and minarets which double as chimney pipes
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King George IV's Royal Pavilion at Brighton - the exterior is a fanciful Persian palace with onion domes and minarets
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King George IV's Royal Pavilion at Brighton - the exterior is a fanciful Persian palace with onion domes and minarets
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King George IV's Royal Pavilion at Brighton - the exterior is a fanciful Persian palace with onion domes and minarets which double as chimney pipes
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King George IV's Royal Pavilion at Brighton - the interior is entirely of chinoiserie
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King George IV's Royal Pavilion at Brighton - the exterior is a fanciful Persian palace with onion domes and minarets
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King George IV's Royal Pavilion at Brighton - the interior is entirely of chinoiserie
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King George IV's Royal Pavilion at Brighton - the exterior is a fanciful Persian palace with onion domes and minarets
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King George IV's Royal Pavilion at Brighton
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King George IV's Royal Pavilion at Brighton - the exterior is a fanciful Persian palace with onion domes and minarets
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King George IV's Royal Pavilion at Brighton - the exterior is a fanciful Persian palace with onion domes and minarets which double as chimney pipes
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In Brighton, Georgian sensibility in architecture meets the East at the Royal Pavilion
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King George IV's Royal Pavilion at Brighton - the exterior is a fanciful Persian palace with onion domes and minarets which double as chimney pipes
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King George IV's Royal Pavilion at Brighton - the exterior is a fanciful Persian palace with onion domes and minarets which double as chimney pipes
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King George IV's Royal Pavilion at Brighton
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King George IV's Royal Pavilion at Brighton
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King George IV's Royal Pavilion at Brighton
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King George IV's Royal Pavilion at Brighton
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King George IV's Royal Pavilion at Brighton
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King George IV's Royal Pavilion at Brighton
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King George IV's Royal Pavilion at Brighton
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King George IV's Royal Pavilion at Brighton
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King George IV's Royal Pavilion at Brighton
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Brighton's boardwalk on the English Channel
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King George IV's Royal Pavilion at Brighton - the North Gate and entrance to the palace gardens
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King George IV's Royal Pavilion at Brighton - the North Gate and entrance to the palace gardens
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King George IV's Royal Pavilion at Brighton - the exterior is a fanciful Persian palace with onion domes and minarets
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King George IV's Royal Pavilion at Brighton - the exterior is a fanciful Persian palace with onion domes and minarets
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King George IV's Royal Pavilion at Brighton - the exterior is a fanciful Persian palace with onion domes and minarets
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Brighton's Victorian boardwalk on the English Channel
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Brighton Marine Palace and Pier - the pier was built in 1891 and today plays host to a fun fair and restaurants
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Brighton Marine Palace and Pier - Mark and our host, Chris Price
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Brighton Marine Palace and Pier
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Brighton Marine Palace and Pier
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Brighton Marine Palace and Pier
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Brighton Marine Palace and Pier - Off to the races!
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A cobblestone lane leading to the cathedral
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The balloon at Leeds Castle gives a bird's eye perspective on a fine day in Kent
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Canterbury Cathedral from a back street
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The watchtower at Canterbury's city gate is now a clock tower
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Either he has big boobs or she's grown a handsome moustache
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The Pilgrims' Gate to Canterbury Cathedral conjures images from Chaucer's The Canterbury Tales
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A pub sign makes no mention of American tourists from Dallas
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The gothic Pilgrims' Gate leading to Canterbury Cathedral
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An open window beckons from Elizabethan times
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An open window beckons from Elizabethan times
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Roses at No. 9
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Chaucer's tales are told at The Canterbury Tales Museum
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An old mill without its wheel
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Canterbury Cathedral from a back street
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Chaucer's tales are told at The Canterbury Tales Museum
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Rowing past the old mill
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The voyage of the Mayflower was planned in Canterbury by the pilgrims from Kent
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The Marlowe Theatre and the muse statue
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Tombstones in the churchyard
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A quiet cobblestone lane
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The Old Weavers House was built in 1500 AD
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Canterbury Cathedral was founded in 602 AD and built using a Roman road as its foundation
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Cathedral spires behind the Pilgrim's Gate
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The cathedral is the seat of the Archbishop of Canterbury and home to the Church of England
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Construction of this third cathedral was begun in 1174 AD
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The British coat of arms inside the cathdral
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The cathedral was targeted by the Germans in World War II, but their bombs missed landing on the monestary just yards away
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Thomas Becket was Archbishop of Canterbury in 1170 when he was assasinated by King Henry II's knights on this spot in the northeast transcept
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A view of the altar from the quire
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The quire and Canterbury Cathedral's lofty vaults
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An effigy near the altar makes timeless prayers
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An effigy near the altar makes timeless prayers
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A lone candle on the cathedral altar
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A window in Canterbury Cathedral
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Dover Castle was founded by the Romans - William the Conquerer landed here after the Battle of Hastings in 1066
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The famous white chalk cliffs of Dover
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The famous white chalk cliffs of Dover welcome a ferry from France
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The famous white chalk cliffs of Dover
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Hyde Park is home to Kensington Palace where Princess Diana lived
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Hyde Park's rose garden
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Hyde Park's rose garden
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Hyde Park's rose garden
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Hyde Park's rose garden
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Hyde Park's rose garden
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Our hotel outside the gates to Hyde Park on Park Lane
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Our hotel outside the gates to Hyde Park on Park Lane
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Hyde Park's Wellington Monument across from our hotel on Park Lane
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The Grenadier Pub is a respectable establishment
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The Grenadier Pub in the Wilton Mews of Belgravia, Knightsbridge
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The Grenadier Pub in the Wilton Mews of Belgravia, Knightsbridge
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Arab oil comes to London
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Arab oil comes to London
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The Grenadier Pub in the Wilton Mews of Belgravia, Knightsbridge
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The Grenadier Pub in the Wilton Mews of Belgravia, Knightsbridge
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The Grenadier Pub in the Wilton Mews of Belgravia, Knightsbridge
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Arab oil comes to London
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Arab oil comes to London
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Arab oil comes to London
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Arab oil comes to London
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A view of Hyde Park Corner and Knightsbridge
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A bronze gothic cross at Lincoln Fields Inn
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Stone gothic crosses at Lincoln Fields Inn
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Charles Dickens slept here and also wrote Oliver Twist when he wasn't sleeping here
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Proof - Dickens slept here
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Saint Paul's Cathedral has been scubbed and polished
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Saint Paul's Cathedral has been scubbed and polished
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Saint Paul's Cathedral has been scubbed and polished - Feed the birds, tuppence a bag
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Saint Paul's Cathedral was built in 1708 by Christopher Wren
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Saint Paul's Cathedral was built in 1708 by Christopher Wren
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Saint Paul's Cathedral was built in 1708 by Christopher Wren
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Saint Paul's Cathedral was built in 1708 by Christopher Wren
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Crowds love the Millennium Bridge leading to the Tate Modern art museum
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Crowds love the Millennium Bridge leading to the Tate Modern art museum
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A portal to the Millennium Bridge leading to the Tate Modern art museum
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A portal to the Millennium Bridge leading to the Tate Modern art museum
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A sidewalk artist and his masterwork near the Millennium Bridge
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A sidewalk artist and his masterwork near the Millennium Bridge
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The Millennium Bridge crosses the River Thames to the Tate Modern
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The Millennium Bridge crosses the River Thames to the Tate Modern
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Saint Paul's Cathedral anchors the Millennium Bridge
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Blackfriar's Bridge and Tower Bridge beyond cross the River Thames
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The Tate Modern Collection art museum is housed in a converted power plant
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The year 1708 meets the year 2000
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Tate Modern art lovers arrive via the Millennium Bridge
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The year 1708 meets the year 2000
London 047.jpg
The year 1708 meets the year 2000
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The Tate Modern Collection art museum is housed in a converted power plant
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The Tate Modern Collection art museum is housed in a converted power plant
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From the Tate looking across the Millennium Bridge to Saint Paul's beyond
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From the Tate looking across the Millennium Bridge to Saint Paul's beyond
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London from the Tate Modern
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The Tate Modern Collection art museum is housed in a converted power plant
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London from the Tate Modern
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London from the Tate Modern
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London from the Tate Modern
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The reconstructed Shakespeare's Globe Theatre on London's Bankside
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Sir Francis Drake circumnavigated the world aboard the Golden Hind, moored at Bankside, Southwark
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Effigies process in Southwark Cathedral
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Effigies process in Southwark Cathedral
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A memorial window to John Harvard for whom Harvard University in Cambridge, Massachusetts is named - He attended Southwark Cathedral and funded the university's first building and library in 1638
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Southwark Cathedral's altar
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A gargoyle at Southwark Cathedral
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Southwark Cathedral's bell tower
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Trafalgar Square
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Trafalgar Square
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Big Ben at Parliament seen from Trafalgar Square
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Trafalgar Square
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St. Martin-in-the-Fields on Trafalgar Square
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St. Martin-in-the-Fields has been fully renovated to the tune of $72 million
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We are at St. Martins-in-the-Fields for a concert - Vivaldi's Four Seasons
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St. Martin-in-the-Fields has been fully renovated to the tune of $72 million
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St. Martin-in-the-Fields' new east window above the altar is designed by Shirazeh Houshiary - the elipse glows as night falls outside
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St. Martin-in-the-Fields' new east window above the altar is designed by Shirazeh Houshiary - the elipse glows as night falls outside
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We are at St. Martins-in-the-Fields for a farewell concert before returning home - Vivaldi's Four Seasons
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We are at St. Martins-in-the-Fields for a concert - Vivaldi's Four Seasons - Mark reflects on our last day in London - Mark? Mark? Wakey wakey, Mark!
Denmark 2008
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The Palace Guard at Amalienborg Slot, Denmark's Royal Palace in Copenhagen - I was told to HALT and maintain a 3 meter distance from him and the palace - no argument from moi
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The Palace Guard at Amalienborg Slot, Denmark's Royal Palace in Copenhagen - I was told to HALT and maintain a 3 meter distance from him and the palace - no argument from moi
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St. Alban's Anglican Church was built in 1887 - Den Engelske Kirke (The English Church) is the only Anglican church in Denmark
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St. Alban's Anglican Church was built in 1887 - Den Engelske Kirke (The English Church) is the only Anglican church in Denmark
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The copper dome of Frederik's Church seen from Amalienborg Square (Royal Palace Square)
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The copper dome of Frederik's Church seen from Amalienborg Square (Royal Palace Square)
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Frederik's Kirke (Frederik's Church) known as The Marble Church was started in 1749 but construction stopped when achitect Eigtved died five years later - it stood unfinished for 150 years and was completed in 1894
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The Splendor docked in Copenhagen
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The famous Little Mermaid statue is a tribute to Copenhagen's favorite son Hans Christian Andersen - it's very close to where the Splendor docked - surprisingly this is a copy which has often been attacked or defaced by those making political protests
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The copper dome of Frederik's Church seen from Amalienborg Square (Royal Palace Square)
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Alexander Newsky Russian Orthodox Church was built in 1883
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Alexander Newsky Russian Orthodox Church was built in 1883
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Statuary in the tiny churchyard of Frederik's Church
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Statuary of Frederik's Church
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Statuary in the tiny churchyard of Frederik's Church
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Statuary in the tiny churchyard of Frederik's Church
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Unused parts for Frederick's Church - The Marble Church was started in 1749 but construction stopped when achitect Eigtved died five years later - it stood unfinished for 150 years and was completed in 1894
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Unused parts for Frederick's Church - The Marble Church was started in 1749 but construction stopped when achitect Eigtved died five years later - it stood unfinished for 150 years and was completed in 1894
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Unused parts for Frederick's Church - The Marble Church was started in 1749 but construction stopped when achitect Eigtved died five years later - it stood unfinished for 150 years and was completed in 1894
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Statuary and bonsai in the tiny churchyard of Frederik's Church
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Bruun Rasmussen is an antique autioneer where Pettigrew has bought furniture throughout the years
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Bruun Rasmussen is an antique autioneer where Pettigrew has bought furniture throughout the years
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Nyhavn Canal is Copenhagen's historic fishing port and home to Hans Christian Andersen
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Nyhavn Canal is Copenhagen's historic fishing port and home to Hans Christian Andersen
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Nyhavn Canal is Copenhagen's historic fishing port and home to Hans Christian Andersen
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Nyhavn Canal is Copenhagen's historic fishing port and home to Hans Christian Andersen
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Nyhavn Canal is Copenhagen's historic fishing port and home to Hans Christian Andersen
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The organ in Holmen's Church built in the 16th century
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Flying ships reveal Holmen's Church's ties to the sea
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Holmen's Church is the only remaining Renaissance chuch in Denmark
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Tivoli Gardens' Chinese Pantomime Theatre
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In 1843 Tivoli's founder, Georg Carstensen obtained a five-year charter to create Tivoli by telling King Christian VIII that when the people are amusing themselves, they do not think about politics - Walt Disney visited Tivoli while designing Disneyland - this is Hotel Nimb overlooking the gardens
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In 1843 Tivoli's founder, Georg Carstensen obtained a five-year charter to create Tivoli by telling King Christian VIII that when the people are amusing themselves, they do not think about politics - Walt Disney visited Tivoli while designing Disneyland - this is Hotel Nimb overlooking the gardens
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Fountains at play in Tivoli Gardens
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Tivoli Gardens was opened in 1843
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Copenhagen's City Hall looms over Tivoli Gardens
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I salute Tivoli Gardens
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Bees love Tivoli Gardens
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Tivoli's famous pirate ship
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Hans Christian Andersen's ugly duckling
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Tivoli Gardens
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Tivoli's Chinese pagoda
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Tivoli's famous pirate ship
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Tivoli's Japanese Garden
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Begonia's bloom at Tivoli
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Færgekroen Bryghus (Ferry Boat Inn Brewery) at Tivoli is a micro-brewery
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Mark relaxes at Tivoli's Færgekroen (Ferry Boat Inn)
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The view from Tivoli's Færgekroen (Ferry Boat Inn)
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Tivoli Gardens
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Copenhagen's City Hall
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Tivoli Gardens
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The Hans Christian Andersen Palace at Tivoli Gardens - Tivoli's founder, Georg Carstensen and Andersen were best friends - Andersen wrote "The Nightingale" at Tivoli in 1845
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Griffins guard Copenhagen's City Hall on the RÃ¥dhuspladsen (Town Square)
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A bust in Copenhagen's City Hall
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RÃ¥dhuspladsen (City Hall Square) is the center of Copenhagen
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A Byzantine mosaic above the front entrance to Copenhagen's City Hall
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A spiral staircase graces Copenhagen's City Hall
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Copenhagen's famous Store Kongensgade (Store Street) is a pedestrian mall
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Caritas Fountain (Fountain of Charity) in Gammel Torv (Old Square) has been a drinking fountain for over 400 years - strange considering the water squirts from the woman's breasts and from her son's peni...well it's just strange
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Christiansborg Castle Square and the Copenhagen Opera House
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A flower stall in Gammel Torv (Old Square) part of the Stroget pedestrian mall
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A newsboy peddles his way through the Stroget, Copenhagen's shopping district
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Songsters entertain in the Stroget, Copenhagen's shopping district
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Copenhagen's famous Store Kongensgade (Store Street) is a pedestrian mall leading from the Splendor right to the heart of the city
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A Danish deckhand at work on a yacht - Operaen, the Danish national opera house is in teh background
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A view from inside The Marble Church
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Operaen is the Danish national opera house - opened in 2005 at a cost of $500 million, it was a gift to Denmark by A.P. Møller, the co-founder of Maersk steamship line
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The Splendor sails from Copenhagen Harbor bound for Germany
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Kastellet (The Citadel), Copenhagen's fortress dates from 1626 and is one of the best preserved fortifications in Northern Europe
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St. Alban's Church in Churchillparken (Churchill Park) seen from Kastellet
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Kastellet (The Citadel), Copenhagen's fortress dates from 1626 and is one of the best preserved fortifications in Northern Europe
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Dozens of giant sea windmills have reduced Denmark's dependence on imported oil
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Kastellet (The Citadel), Copenhagen's fortress dates from 1626 and is one of the best preserved fortifications in Northern Europe
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The Splendor sails from Copenhagen Harbor bound for Germany
Germany 2008
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Warnemunde is a lively fishing village - colorful fishing boats line the Alte Strom harbor
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The Splendor docked near the Warnemunde train station
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Warnemunde is a lively fishing village - colorful fishing boats line the Alte Strom harbor
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Warnemunde is a lively fishing village with an artist colony - I'm standing on their hand-cranked drawbridge crossing the Alte Strom (Old Channel)
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Happy hour in Warnemunde along the Alte Strom harborside
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Kröpeliner Tor is the 14th century gatehouse in Rostock
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Neuer Markt is Rostock's market square
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Neuer Markt is Rostock's market square
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Rostock's Rathaus is the medieval Town Hall still in use - Rostock was once part of Soviet East Germany - the Rathaus commands the Neuer Platz
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Hanseatic facades lining Neuer Platz look more Dutch than German
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Hanseatic facades lining Neuer Markt look more Dutch than German
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Rostock's Rathaus is the medieval Town Hall still in use - Rostock was once part of Soviet East Germany - the Rathaus commands the Neuer Platz
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Every Rathaus has a Ratskeller and Rostock is no exception - the restaurant or beer hall is in the basement of the town hall
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Rostock's Rathaus is the medieval Town Hall still in use
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Neuer Markt is Rostock's market square
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Neuer Markt is Rostock's market square
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Hanseatic facades lining Neuer Markt look more Dutch than German
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Rostock's red tile rooftops are seen from the Rathaus town hall - the steeple and belltower of Petrikirche (St. Peter's Church) has been a Rostock landmark since the 13th century
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Marienkirche (St. Mary's Church) houses a giant astronomical clock dating back to 1472 - it calculates the occurance of Easter to the year 2017
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Marienkirche (St. Mary's Church) houses a giant astronomical clock dating back to 1472 - it calculates the occurance of Easter to the year 2017
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Marienkirche (St. Mary's Church) dates back to 1232
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The Molli steam train stops for passengers in Bad Doberan - the tracks run right down the middle of the narrow cobblestone street
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The Molli steam train stops for passengers in Bad Doberan
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The Molli steam train stops for passengers in Bad Doberan - the tracks run right down the middle of the narrow cobblestone street
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The Molli steam train chugs her way down the main street of Bad Doberan bound for the sea coast
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The Molli steam train chugs her way down the linden tree-line main street of Bad Doberan bound for the Baltic Sea coast
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The Molli steam train at Heiligendamm station near the Baltic Sea coast - All aboard the Mollibahn!
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The Molli steam engine was built in 1886
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The train station at Heiligendamm on the Baltic Sea coast
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The Molli steam train returns to Heiligendamm station near the Baltic Sea coast
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The spa at the Kempinski Grand Hotel in Heiligendamm
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The Kempinski Grand Hotel in Heiligendamm was built in 1793 as a seaside resort for the Grand Duke of Mecklenburg
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The Kempinski Grand Hotel in Heiligendamm was built in 1793 as a seaside resort for the Grand Duke of Mecklenburg - Dubya slept here as this was the site of the G8 Summit in June 2007
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Downtown Bad Doberan
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A fruit stand in Bad Doberan
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The flower stall in Bad Doberan
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A cafe' in the White Pavilion at Bad Doberan - Chinese architecture plays off German gothic in the quiet park setting
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Bad Doberan Munster (Cathedral) is the largest brick gothic church in Northern Germany - built in 1368 by Cistercian monks
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Bad Doberan Munster (Cathedral) is the largest brick gothic church in Northern Germany - built in 1368 by Cistercian monks
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Bad Doberan Munster (Cathedral) is the largest brick gothic church in Northern Germany - built in 1368 by Cistercian monks
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Bad Doberan Munster (Cathedral) is the largest brick gothic church in Northern Germany - built in 1368 by Cistercian monks
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Bad Doberan Munster (Cathedral) is the largest brick gothic church in Northern Germany - built in 1368 by Cistercian monks
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Bad Doberan Munster (Cathedral) is the largest brick gothic church in Northern Germany - built in 1368 by Cistercian monks - restoration is constantly underway
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Bad Doberan Munster stained glass windows - the gothic cross is the repeated theme
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Bad Doberan Munster stained glass window
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Bad Doberan Munster stained glass windows - the gothic cross is the repeated theme
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Once part of the Cistercian Monestary at Bad Doberan
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Once part of the Cistercian Monestary at Bad Doberan
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The Molli train arrives back in Bad Doberan
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All aboard the Mollibahn!
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Seaside cottages in Warnemunde - the lighthouse (top left) was built in 1897 and still operates
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The Splendor at berth in Warnemunde, an East German fishing port since the 13th century
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The Warnemunde lighthouse was built in 1897 and still operates on the Baltic Sea
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Seaside cottages on cobblestone lanes in Warnemunde
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Seaside cottages on cobblestone lanes in Warnemunde
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Warnemunde has been an artist colony since the 19th century - Edvard Munch spent the summers of 1907 and 1908 painting in Warnemunde - here is a chest-high bronze sculpture of a procession along the Alte Strom
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Seaside cottages on cobblestone lanes in Warnemunde
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Warnemunde has been an artist colony since the 19th century - here is a chest-high bronze sculpture of a procession along the Alte Strom
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Seaside cottages on cobblestone lanes in Warnemunde
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The hand-cranked drawbridge crossing Warnemunde's Alte Strom (Old Channel)
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The Splendor at berth in Warnemunde, an East German fishing port since the 13th century
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The Splendor at berth in Warnemunde - the ferry crosses the ship channel to Hohe Dune and the beaches on the Baltic Sea
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Warnemunde's cruise terminal and the long line of passengers returning from Berlin
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The Port of Warnemunde - the ferry to Hohe Dune
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The whole town of Warnemunde turned out for a big sail away party for the Splendor complete with oomp-pah bands, beer & schnitzel, dancing tugboats (very strange) and fireworks at midnight
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The midnight sun sets on Warnemunde
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The midnight sun sets on Warnemunde
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The midnight sun sets on Warnemunde
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Fireworks just for the Splendor courtesy of the people of Warnemunde
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Fireworks just for the Splendor courtesy of the people of Warnemunde
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Fireworks just for the Splendor courtesy of the people of Warnemunde
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Fireworks just for the Splendor courtesy of the people of Warnemunde
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Fireworks just for the Splendor courtesy of the people of Warnemunde
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Fireworks just for the Splendor courtesy of the people of Warnemunde
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Fireworks just for the Splendor courtesy of the people of Warnemunde
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Fireworks just for the Splendor courtesy of the people of Warnemunde
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Fireworks just for the Splendor courtesy of the people of Warnemunde
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Fireworks just for the Splendor courtesy of the people of Warnemunde
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Fireworks just for the Splendor courtesy of the people of Warnemunde
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Fireworks just for the Splendor courtesy of the people of Warnemunde
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Fireworks just for the Splendor courtesy of the people of Warnemunde
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Fireworks just for the Splendor courtesy of the people of Warnemunde
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Fireworks just for the Splendor courtesy of the people of Warnemunde
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Fireworks just for the Splendor courtesy of the people of Warnemunde
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Fireworks just for the Splendor courtesy of the people of Warnemunde
Finland 2008
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The Port of Helsinki from the stern of the Splendor
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A modern church in Helsinki
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A copper spire on a church in Helsinki
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Old Helsinki has a look of 19th century New York or Paris
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Helsinki's Esplanadi is anchored at Market Square
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The Esplanadi
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Kappeli Cafe' on the Esplanadi
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Gardens are tended lovingly on the Esplanadi
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Cafe' Kappeli was opened in 1867 - and served lunch to the composer Sibelius
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Helsinki's Esplanadi is the absolute people place
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Helsinki's Esplanadi
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Helsinki's Esplanadi
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Helsinki's Esplanadi begins at Market Square
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Helsinki's Esplanadi begins at Market Square
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Helsinki Cathedral commands the high ground of the old city
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Market Square in front of Finland's Presidential Palace
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The Uspenski Finnish Orthodox Cathedral
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The Uspenski Finnish Orthodox Cathedral
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The altar of the Uspenski Finnish Orthodox Cathedral
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The Uspenski Finnish Orthodox Cathedral - the cathedral has several valuable icons - less than a year ago the St. Nicolas – The Wonder Maker was stolen between noon and 1:00 p.m. in broad daylight while hundreds of tourists were visiting the cathedral - it has yet to be recovered
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The altar of the Uspenski Finnish Orthodox Cathedral
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The Uspenski Finnish Orthodox Cathedral - this icon is framed with rosaries, crosses and religious medals
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The Uspenski Finnish Orthodox Cathedral
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The Uspenski Finnish Orthodox Cathedral - this icon is framed with rosaries, crosses and religious medals
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The Uspenski Finnish Orthodox Cathedral - an oil lamp illuminates this icon - the cathedral has several valuable icons - less than a year ago the St. Nicolas – The Wonder Maker was stolen between noon and 1:00 p.m. in broad daylight while hundreds of tourists were visiting the cathedral - it has yet to be recovered
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Market Square on Helsinki's harbor
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Helsinki's harborside
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Helsinki Cathedral commands the high ground of the old city
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Helsinki Cathedral seen from the harbor gatehouse
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Helsinki Harbor
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Helsinki Harbor
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Helsinki Harbor and the Uspenski Finnish Orthodox Cathedral
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Helsinki Harbor
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Helsinki Harbor
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Helsinki Harbor
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Helsinki Cathedral is the national symbol of Finland - it commands Senate Square - the Alexander II monument
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Helsinki Cathedral is the national symbol of Finland - Alexander II stands watch over Senate Square
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Helsinki Cathedral is the symbol of Finland - the simple interior of this Lutheran church is in contrast to the ornate Uspenski Orthodox church on the harborside
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Helsinki Cathedral is the national symbol of Finland - built in 1830
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Helsinki Cathedral is the symbol of Finland - we attended an organ recital by a French organist
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Helsinki Cathedral is the national symbol of Finland
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The neoclassical National Library of Finland is adjacent to the Helsinki Cathedral
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The neoclassical National Library of Finland is adjacent to the Helsinki Cathedral
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The Finnish Naval Academy Band marches in Senate Square
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The Finnish Naval Academy Band marches past the Esplanadi
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The Finnish Naval Academy Band marches past the Esplanadi
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The Finnish Naval Academy Band marches past the Esplanadi
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Vanha Kauppahalli is Helsinki's Old Market Hall
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You can buy reindeer steaks in the Old Market Hall
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The ornate stalls offer fresh fruits and vegetables - we opted for a sandwich-to-go for our trip aboard the Sporakoff tram
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We toured Helsinki on the luxury tram Sporakoff - operated by Koff Brewery
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The Sporakoff tram sports a bar serving the Finnish national beer - Koff - they know how to put the fun back into sightseeing
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Trams race the Sporakoff
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The Finlandia Concert Hall
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A medieval church during our Sporakoff tour
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A band concert on the Esplanade from the steps of Cafe' Kappeli
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The Esplanade leads to Market Square
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A cadet from the Finnish Naval Academy
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Kappeli Cafe' has served Helsinki on the Esplanade for over 140 years - the composer Sibelius (Finlandia) dined here daily
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The interior design of Kappeli Cafe'
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Kappeli Cafe' has served Helsinki on the Esplanade for over 140 years
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These cadets from the Finnish Naval Academy know something's up
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The Esplanade
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The Esplanade is an absolute people place
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The Esplanade
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Bikes on the Esplanade - the kiosks have served Fins for over 100 years
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The ferry from Tallinn, Estonia our port of call after St. Petersburg - Helsinki Harbor
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Helsinki Harbor as we sail for Russia
Russia 2008
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Peterhof in the morning sun - the Oak Fountain is silent in the south parterre
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The spires of the Peter and Paul Cathedral behind Peterhof's gardens in the south parterre
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A trumpeter heralds our arrival at Peterhof
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Peter the Great's great mud room at Peterhof Palace
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Peterhof's grand staircase designed by Rastrelli
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The second floor landing of the grand staircase at Peterhof
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Peterhof's West Chapel flanking the main palace
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Peterhof's West Chapel
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Peterhof
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Peter the Great patterned Peterhof on Louis XIV's Versailles near Paris, which he visited in 1717
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Peter the great returned to Peterhof and modified his plan to mimic Versailles - "More gold!" was the order of the day
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Mirrors reflect candlelight to illuminate Peterhof
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A view of the grand cascade in front of the palace at Peterhof
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Peterhof's parquet floors have been beautifully restored - special slippers are worn to protect them
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The throne room of Peter the Great - one of several at Peterhof
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Breakfast is served at Peterhof
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Peterhof - the Imperial Suite overlooking the north parterre
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Peterhof's portrait room uses shouler-to-shoulder portraits to wallpaper the entire room
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Peterhof - the Imperial Suite overlooking the north parterre
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Peterhof's portrait room uses shoulder-to-shoulder portraits to wallpaper the entire room
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Peterhof's sea canal leads from the Gulf of Finland to the Grand Cascade
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Peterhof's sea canal leads from the Gulf of Finland to the Grand Cascade
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Peterhof's Oak Study in the Imperial Suite
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Peterhof's Oak Study in the Imperial Suite - this is a detail of the door panel
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Many of Peterhof's walls are covered in fabric
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From room to room color reigns supreme at Peterhof
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From room to room color reigns supreme at Peterhof
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One of Peterhof's few chandeliers - most room are lit by wall sconces
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A view of the south parterre from Peterhof palace
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Peterhof's mirrors multiply the light
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Towering ceramic stoves heat Peterhof during the long winters - this stove is covered in blue and white tiles from Delft
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Peterhof's south parterre
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Natasha, our swanky Russian tour guide tries to corral all of the tourists on our bus - Bus Pink No. 2
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The Grand Cascade and terminus of Peterhof's sea canal leading to the Gulf of Finland in the Baltic Sea
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The Samson depicts the moment when Samson tears open the jaws of a lion, representing Russia's victory over Sweden and is doubly symbolic - the lion is an element of the Swedish coat of arms, and one of the great victories of the war was won on St Samson's Day - from the lion's mouth shoots a 60' high jet of water, the highest in Peterhof - this masterpiece by Mikhail Kozlovsky was looted by the Germans during the World War II - a replica of the statue was installed in 1947
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The Grand Cascade - Peter the Great served lunch in the grotto between the cascades
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The Grand Cascade
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The Grand Cascade
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The Grand Cascade framed by the east temple flanking the sea canal
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The Grand Cascade framed by the east temple flanking the sea canal
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A view of Peterhof and the Grand Cascade from the north parterre
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The Neptune Fountain at Peterhof's Orangery
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The Neptune Fountain at Peterhof's Orangery
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The Chess Cascade in the eastern forest at Peterhof
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The Chess Cascade in the eastern forest at Peterhof
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Peterhof's Roman Fountain in the eastern forest
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Peterhof's Roman Fountain in the eastern forest
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Peterhof's Roman Fountain in the eastern forest
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Peterhof's Roman Fountain in the eastern forest
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The Orangery at Peterhof in the eastern forest
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A view of the Roman Fountains from atop the Chess Cascade in the eastern forest
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Peterhof's East Chapel
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Peterhof's East Chapel
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Peterhof's East Chapel
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Peterhof's East Chapel inside the east gate
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Peterhof's East Chapel from the south parterre
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Two of Peterhof's royal musicians rest in the south parterre
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The Peter and Paul Cathedral at Peterhof
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The Peter and Paul Cathedral at Peterhof
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Russian Presidential Residence - according to the tour guide, but I can't find any official info on this building
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An unidentified church off the Nevsky Prospekt
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One of the few remaing statues of Lenin still in place in Russia - this one is huge and stands before the old headquarters of the Communist Party in St. Petersburg
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Victory Arch
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Check out the giant balalaika - we are serenaded during lunch on the Nevsky Prospekt at the Radisson Hotel
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Palaces line the Moyka Canal
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The Cathedral of Saints Peter and Paul on teh Neva Rivermarks the tombs of all the Romanov Czars since Peter the Great - the cathedral stands within the walls of the Peter and Paul Fortress - Peter the Great built a small cabin here in 1703 where he lived for six years during the construction of St. Petersburg
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The front portico of the Winter Palace facing the Neva River
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The front portico of the Winter Palace facing the Neva River
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The grand entry hall of the Winter Palace
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The main staircase of the Winter Palace was designed by Italian architect Rastrelli
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The grand entry hall of the Winter Palace
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The main staircase of the Winter Palace was designed by Italian architect Rastrelli
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The ballroom of the Winter Palace
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Peter the Great's throne room in the Winter Palace
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A gold gilt on bronze chandelier in the ballroom of the Winter Palace
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A salon of the Winter Palace from the period of Catherine the Great
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A salon of the Winter Palace from the period of Catherine the Great
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The State Hermitage Museum - one of three skylit galleries built by Catherine the Great
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The State Hermitage Museum - one of three skylit galleries built by Catherine the Great
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Peter the Great's throne room in the Winter Palace
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Peter the Great's throne room in the Winter Palace
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Peter the Great's throne room in the Winter Palace
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The grand Pavilion Hall of the Winter Palace
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The grand Pavilion Hall of the Winter Palace
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A giant fluted malachite urn with gold handles
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An Italin quintych at the Hermitage
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This door panel in the Winter Palace is etched brass inlaid with amber
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The dizzying Raphael Loggia in Catherine the Great's Hermitage Museum
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Leonardo da Vinci - Madonna and the Child (The Litta Madonna) - 1490-1491 - The State Hermitage Museum
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Leonardo da Vinci - Madonna and the Child (The Benois Madonna) - 1478 - State Hermitage Museum
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A giant urn of lapis lazuli in the State Hermitage Museum
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Michelangelo Buonarotti - Crouching Boy - 1530-1534 - The State Hermitage Museum
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An Empire giltwood table with a solid top of lapis lazuli mined in Afghanistan
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One of a pair of malachite and gold urns in the Hermitage
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One of a pair of malachite and gold urns in the Hermitage
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A giant malachite urn anchors a table - both are from solid pieces of copper carbonate from Russia's Ural Mountains
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The Hermitage sculpture gallery
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Rembrandt Harmensz van Rijn - Holy Family (excerpt) - 1645 - The State Hermitage Museum
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Rembrandt Harmensz van Rijn - Portrait of an Old Man - 1643 - The State Hermitage Museum
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Catherine the Great's Hermitage gallery
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Paul Gauguin - Woman Holding a Fruit - 1893 - The State Hermitage Museum
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Henri Matisse - The Dance - 1910 - The State Hermitage Museum
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The Winter Palace - note the intricate parquet floors
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The Rostral Column was once a lighthouse to mark the Neva River split by Vasilevsky Island - the Zoological and Naval Museums command the Strelka (spit)
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The Kuntstkammer was St. Petersburg's first museum - Peter the Great had to entice early residents to visit by offering free shots of vodka with admission - the drawbridge crosses the Neva River to reach Vasilevsky Island
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The Winter Palace courtyard facade
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Czar Alexander I built the triumphal arch leading from Nevsky Prospekt into Palace Square to commemorate Russia's defeat of Napoleon
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Palace Square and the Alexander Column - the tallest of its kind in the world, the column is a single 500 ton piece of red granite from Finland - in 1834 it took 3,000 men just two hours to raise the column into the exact place it stands today - without any attachment to the base it stands under its our mass
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The Winter Palace courtyard facade
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The Winter Palace courtyard facade
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Palaces line the Moyka Canal
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Palaces line the Moyka Canal
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Russian cadets in their distinctive pie pan hats at ease on the canalside
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Russian cadets in their distinctive pie pan hats at ease on the canalside
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Palaces line the Moyka Canal
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Peter the Great rides on horseback before St. Isaac's Cathedral
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The dome of St. Isaac's Cathedral overlooks the Neva River - 220 lb of gold leaf cover the dome
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Local Russian entertainment in Pushkin during our lunch of vodka and borscht cherries jubilee and champagne
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The Russian merchant ship is a restaurant in the Neva River - the Cathedral of Saints Peter and Paul are in the background
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Russian Cruiser Aurora - on October 25, 1917, the refusal of an order for the Aurora to take to sea sparked the Bolshevik Revolution - a blank shot from her forecastle gun signaled the start of the assault on the Winter Palace, which was to be the last episode of the October Revolution
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Russian Cruiser Aurora - on October 25, 1917, the refusal of an order for the Aurora to take to sea sparked the Bolshevik Revolution - a blank shot from her forecastle gun signaled the start of the assault on the Winter Palace, which was to be the last episode of the October Revolution - the Nakhimov naval Academy is on the left
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We are crossing under the Trinity Bridge built by Gustave Eiffel in 1903 - the bridge crosses the Neva River from the Peter and Paul Fortress to the Winter Palace
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The Winter Palace and State Hermitage Museum are seemingly endless along the banks of the Neva River
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The golden spire of the Cathedral of Saints Peter and Paul marks the tombs of all the Romanov Czars since Peter the Great - the cathedral stands within the walls of the Peter and Paul Fortress - Peter the Great built a small cabin here in 1703 where he lived for six years during the construction of St. Petersburg
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The Summer Palace was built in 1714 forty years before the Winter Palace just a short distance down river - this was the first buildding to have a plumbing system in the new city
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A cottage in the Summer Garden on the Fontanka Canal
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The Czar's Imperial Stables on the Moyka Canal
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Peter the Small, St. Petersburg's answer to Dickens' Artful Dodger followed our boat running from bridge to bridge over a couple miles - the tourists would pitch coins up onto the bridges for him to catch - demeaning, but enterprising and very entertaining all at once - I say he was distracting the dumb tourists to see them get knocked silly by the low clearance under the bridges - I'm happy to report that it worked more than once
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Palaces line the Moyka Canal
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The gate to Mikhaylovsky Gardens along teh Moyka Canal
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Rush hour on the Moyka Canal
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Rush hour on the Moyka Canal
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High tide on the Neva River translates to low clearance under one of St. Petersburg's 500 bridges - Mind your head!
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The Kempinski Hotel Moika 22 is very close to the Hermitage and across the canal from Palace Square - only $540/night in summer and $440/night the rest of the year - no free internet and no free coffee - NO, I did not stay here
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Saint Isaac's Cathedral and the statue of St. Nicholas I in St. Isaac's Square
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Palaces line the Moyka Canal
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Peter the Small, St. Petersburg's answer to Dickens' Artful Dodger followed our boat running from bridge to bridge over a couple miles - the tourists would pitch coins up onto the bridges for him to catch - demeaning, but enterprising and very entertaining all at once - I say he was distracting the dumb tourists to see them get knocked silly by the low clearance under the bridges - I'm happy to report that it worked more than once
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Palaces line the Moyka Canal - this one is in a sad state of neglect
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Palaces line the Moyka Canal
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Palaces line the Moyka Canal
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The Kempinski Hotel Moika 22 is very close to the Hermitage and across the canal from Palace Square - only $540/night in summer and $440/night the rest of the year - no free internet and no free coffee - NO, I did not stay here
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Street life along the Moyka Canal
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The Church of the Savior on Spilled Blood - the name refers to the blood of the assassinated Alexander II of Russia, who was mortally wounded on that site on March 13, 1881
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The Church of the Savior on Spilled Blood - the name refers to the blood of the assassinated Alexander II of Russia, who was mortally wounded on that site on March 13, 1881
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The Church of the Savior on Spilled Blood - the name refers to the blood of the assassinated Alexander II of Russia, who was mortally wounded on that site on March 13, 1881
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The Nevsky Hostel is just steps from the Hermitage and the Winter Palace - $40/night in summer and $30/night the rest of the year - free internet and free coffee - NO, I did not stay here
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Matryoshka dolls are everywhere in Russia and the terrace of Peterhof is no exception
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Matryoshka dolls are everywhere in Russia and the terrace of Peterhof is no exception
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Faberge' Peterhof Egg - the Splendor gift shop offers royal Easter eggs from the Czars' famed jeweler
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Faberge' Egg - the Splendor gift shop offers royal Easter eggs from the Czars' famed jeweler
Estonia 2008
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A view of Tallinn from the Town Hall belltower beyong Market Square
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Oleviste kirik (St. Olaf's Church) dates back to the 11th century and was once the tallest building in the world - today
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St. Olaf's Church is now home to the Baptist congregation
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Legend has it that the builder of St. Olaf's Church fell from this spire upon completion - when his body hit the ground
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St. Olaf's Church
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Oleviste kirik (St. Olaf's Church) dates back to the 11th century and was once the tallest building in the world - today
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An artist sketches at the town well
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A whitewashed warehouse speaks to Tallinn's role as a trading port for centuries
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Tallinn is one of Europe's best preserved medieval walled cities - red tiled roofs top each guard tower
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A lane leading up to Toompea Castle - seat of the Estonian government
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A kindergarten courtyard
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Tallinn's picture postcard architecture
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St. Alexander Nevsky Cathedral atop Toompea, Tallinn's highest point
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St. Alexander Nevsky Cathedral reflects Tallinn's link to Russia - the orthodox mass is underway, a timeless ritual of i
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St. Alexander Nevsky Cathedral atop Toompea, Tallinn's highest point
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St. Alexander Nevsky Cathedral reflects Tallinn's link to Russia - the orthodox mass is underway, a timeless ritual of i
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St. Alexander Nevsky Cathedral atop Toompea, Tallinn's highest point
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The altar in St. Alexander Nevsky Cathedral
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St. Alexander Nevsky Cathedral atop Toompea, Tallinn's highest point - seen from Toopea Castle, Estonia's seat of govern
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St. Alexander Nevsky Cathedral reflects Tallinn's link to Russia - the orthodox mass is underway, a timeless ritual of i
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St. Alexander Nevsky Cathedral reflects Tallinn's link to Russia
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St. Alexander Nevsky Cathedral reflects Tallinn's link to Russia - the orthodox mass is underway, a timeless ritual of i
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St. Alexander Nevsky Cathedral reflects Tallinn's link to Russia - the orthodox mass is underway, a timeless ritual of i
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St. Alexander Nevsky Cathedral reflects Tallinn's link to Russia
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St. Alexander Nevsky Cathedral atop Toompea, Tallinn's highest point
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St. Alexander Nevsky Cathedral reflects Tallinn's link to Russia - the orthodox mass is underway, a timeless ritual of i
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Estonian door design
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Estonian door design
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The Estonian Maritime Museum
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Tallinn's picture postcard architecture
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Tallinn is one of Europe's best preserved medieval walled cities - red tiled roofs top each guard tower
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An artist sketches at the town well
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Tallinn's picture postcard architecture
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St. Nicholas' Church houses Bernt Notke's medieval masterpiece "Dance Macabre"
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Tallinn's picture postcard architecture
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Tall Herman Tower stands guard at Toompea Castle - the seat of Estonia's government - Estonia gained independence from t
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Tallinn's picture postcard architecture
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The Cathedral of St. Mary the Virgin dates back to 1219
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St. Alexander Nevsky Cathedral is seen from the steps entering the Cathedral of St. Mary the Virgin
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Tallinn's picture postcard architecture
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Looking down on a lightening rod from Tallinn's Town Hall belltower
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Toompea Hill from the Tallinn Town Hall belltower
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Tallinn's picture postcard architecture
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Tallinn's picture postcard architecture
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The Cathedral of St. Mary the Virgin
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Tallinn 002.JPG 2008-08-16 Tallinn is one of Europe's best preserved medieval walled cities - red tiled roofs top each g
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St. Olaf's Church and the Splendor in Tallinn Harbor beyond - taken from the Town hall belltower
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Tallinn is one of Europe's best preserved medieval walled cities - red tiled roofs top each guard tower
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Tallinn's picture postcard architecture
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Tallinn is one of Europe's best preserved medieval walled cities - red tiled roofs top each guard tower as seen from St.
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Tallinn's picture postcard architecture
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St. Alexander Nevsky Cathedral reflects Tallinn's link to Russia
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St. Alexander Nevsky Cathedral reflects Tallinn's link to Russia - the orthodox mass is underway, a timeless ritual of i
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Tallinn's market square frames Europe's oldest Town Hall built in 1404 - the square is the site of medieval markets and
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Olde Hansa Restaurant is famous for their medieval banquet
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A view of Toompea from the Town Hall belltower
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The Cathedral of St. Mary the Virgin dates back to 1219
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St. Alexander Nevsky Cathdral is across the square from Toompea Castle, seat of the Estonian government
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Tallinn is one of Europe's best preserved medieval walled cities - red tiled roofs top each guard tower
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Tallinn's picture postcard architecture as seen from the Patkul Platform - note the golden gamecock weathervane
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Tallinn seen from atop St. Olaf's Church once the tallest building in the world
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Tallinn's picture postcard architecture
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Tallinn's picture postcard architecture
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St. Alexander Nevsky Cathedral reflects Tallinn's link to Russia - the orthodox mass is underway, a timeless ritual of i
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The Cathedral of St. Mary the Virgin dates back to 1219
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The St. Alexander Nevsky Cathedral is seen through the front window of the Toompea post office
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Tallinn's picture postcard architecture
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Tallinn's market square frames Europe's oldest Town Hall built in 1404 - the square is the site of medieval markets and
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Tallinn's picture postcard architecture
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Tallinn street life from atop the Town Hall belltower
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St. Olaf' Church and the Splendor in Tallinn's harbor beyond
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A view from Tallinn's Town Hall belltower
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Tallinn's picture postcard architecture - an artist's courtyard
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Tallinn's picture postcard architecture
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St. Olaf's Church is now a Baptist congregation
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The Cathedral of St. Mary the Virgin dates back to 1219
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Tallinn's picture postcard architecture
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Tallinn is one of Europe's best preserved medieval walled cities - red tiled roofs top each guard tower
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The Cathedral of St. Mary the Virgin was built in 1219
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Estonian door design
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St. Alexander Nevsky Cathedral
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Tallinn's picture postcard architecture
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Tallinn is one of Europe's best preserved medieval walled cities - red tiled roofs top each guard tower - a view of the
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Tallinn's picture postcard architecture
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Tallinn's picture postcard architecture
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Tallinn's old town theatre
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Toompea Hill from the St. Olaf's Cathedral's steeple
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Tallinn is one of Europe's best preserved medieval walled cities - red tiled roofs top each guard tower - a view from St
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Tallinn's picture postcard architecture
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Tallinn is one of Europe's best preserved medieval walled cities - red tiled roofs top each guard tower
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Toompea Hill is Tallinn's highest point - St. Alexander Nevsky Cathedral is flanked by Tall Herman tower atop Toompea Ca
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Tallinn's picture postcard architecture
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The steeple of St. Nicholas Church which houses Bernt Notke's "Dance Macabre"
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Tallinn's picture postcard architecture
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The view of Tallinn from the Town Hall belltower
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Tallinn has a great old world atmosphere at every turn
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The Olde Hansa Restaurant is famous for their medieval feast
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Tallinn's picture postcard architecture
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The midnight sun sets over Estonia
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A midnight sunset over Estonia
Holland 2008
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Traveling the North Sea Canal to the Port of Amsterdam
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The Russian-built Voskhod Eurofoil hydrofoil from Amsterdam flies past the Splendor and over the Wijkertunnel under the North Sea Canal
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The Russian-built Voskhod Eurofoil hydrofoil from Amsterdam flies past the Splendor
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Swans grace the North Sea Canal
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Holland is famous for windmills - this one towers above the Splendor which is 220 feet tall itself
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The drawbridge at Buitenhuisen crossing the Zijkanaal leading to Harlem
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A drawbridge on the North Sea Canal near Amsterdam
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This hopper dredge keeps the North Sea Canal clear for ship traffic - dredges like this enable the Netherlands to exist
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Bikes out-number cars in Amsterdam and throughout the Netherlands - a commuter ferry safely crosses our stern
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Amsterdam from the North Sea Canal
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Architect Renzo Piano's dramatic NEMO (New Metropolis Science and Technology) Museum with a replica of the merchant ship Amsterdam, which sank in 1749 on her maiden voyage
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The Port of Amsterdam with the Central Train Station along the waterfront as seen from the Splendor's stern
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The Port of Amsterdam with the Central Train Station along the waterfront as seen from the Splendor's stern
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The cruise terminal in the Port of Amsterdam is very close to the town center
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The Splendor looms over Amsterdam as the ship manuevers in the turning basin to dock
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The Port of Amsterdam with the Central Train Station along the waterfront as seen from the Splendor's stern
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The Port of Amsterdam with the Central Train Station along the waterfront as seen from the Splendor's stern
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Architect Renzo Piano's dramatic NEMO (New Metropolis Science and Technology) Museum with the cruise terminal in the foreground
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Europe's famous riverboats dock near the town center adjacent to the Central Station
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Europe's famous riverboats dock near the town center adjacent to the Central Station
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The Port of Amsterdam is a very busy place
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Giant letters spell-out a welcome at the cruise terminal
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Welcome to Amsterdam
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Welcome to Amsterdam
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The Splendor berthed at Amsterdam's gleaming cruise terminal - the new music hall overlooks the harbor
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The dome of Sint Nicolaaskerk - Church of Saint Nicholas towers over the Port of Amsterdam
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The dome of Sint Nicolaaskerk - Church of Saint Nicholas towers over Amsterdam
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Stained glass windows in Sint Nicolaaskerk - the Church of Saint Nicholas
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An icon in Sint Nicolaaskerk - the Church of Saint Nicholas
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Stained glass windows in Sint Nicolaaskerk - the Church of Saint Nicholas
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The dome of Sint Nicolaaskerk - Church of Saint Nicholas towers over Amsterdam
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A lane leading to Amsterdam's red light district
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A lane leading to Amsterdam's red light district
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Beer - the beverage of choice to the Dutch
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Gin before lunch - the other beverage of choice to the Dutch
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Amsterdam is overflowing with young backpackers in the summer - life is fleeting...spend the summer in Amsterdam
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Amsterdam Centraal is the Central Railway Station
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Amsterdam Centraal is the Central Railway Station
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It's 3:00 on a Thursday afternoon in downtown Amsterdam - doesn't anyone work in this place?
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A street scene in old Amsterdam
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One of the few remaining authentic windmills in Holland
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One of the few remaining authentic windmills in Holland
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A statue of Anne Frank in the churchyard at Westerkerk near the hiding place
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Long lines form at the Anne Frank Museum - our tour marched right past them all to the front of the line - Thank you, Carnival!
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Long lines form at the Anne Frank Museum
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Mark pauses before the secret bookcase conceiling the door to the annex of Otto Frank's spice warehouse - Otto's daughter Anne and seven others hid here for two years
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Of all the sights on this trip, my visit to the Anne Frank Museum was the most meaningful - I read the 13-year-old's diary on the trip, and her haunting words were fresh in my mind as I walked through the rooms where she was last happy and full of hope
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The view from Otto Frank's spice warehouse - Anne Frank's hiding place
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Anne was German - her name was prounced An-nah Fronk - She never considered this to be her house - The annex was simply a hiding place until the war ended - Indeed, this was Anne's last home
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On the morning of August 4, 1944 the German Security Police stormed the front door of this office and found eight Jews hiding in the rear annex at the top of the stairs
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On September 3, 1944 all eight were deported to Auschwitz - Anne and her sister Margot were transferred to Bergen-Belsen where they died of typhus in March 1945
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Westerkerk's (West Church) bells were silenced by the Germans - Anne missed the church bells, which let her know the time of day and night - The windows of the annex were always blacked-out
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British troops liberated Bergen-Belsen two weeks after Anne died - Anne's father Otto was the only one of the eight to survive - He returned to Amsterdam in July 1945 to collect Anne's diary, which was found by his employee Miep Gies
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Westerkerk was built in 1620 and is one block from Anne Frank's hiding place
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Approaching Holland's Royal Palace with Atlas atop the paladium - right background
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The paladium of the Netherlands' Royal Palace on Dam Square
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The Dutch Royal Palace on Dam Square
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Nieuwe Kerk (New Church) dates back to 1408 and is where Dutch Queen Beatrix was crowned in 1980
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It's 3:00 on a Thursday afternoon in downtown Amsterdam - doesn't anyone work in this place?
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Dutch boys
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Amsterdam's coffee shops serve more than coffee - the name is code for serving-up cannabis and hashish...pot to those who are clueless
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The Church of Saint Nicholas anchors one of Amsterdam's canals
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De Waag is the old weigh house for the public market in the surrounding square - it once was a gate house for the city walls built in 1488 - the upper floors housed the surgeon's guild where Rembrandt painted his famous work, Anatomical Lesson of Dr. Tulp
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Rembrandt's print shop in Rembrandthuis
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Rembrandt's print shop in Rembrandthuis
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Rembrandt's print shop in Rembrandthuis
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Rembrandt's print shop in Rembrandthuis
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Rembrandt's print shop in Rembrandthuis
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Rembrandthuis - Rembrandt sold his paintings from this entrance hall
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Rembrandthuis - Rembrandt sold his paintings from this entrance hall
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Rembrandthuis - Rembrandt sold his paintings from this anteroom
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Rembrandthuis - A guestroom with a bedsteed or bed-in-a-box to stay warm
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Rembrandthuis - Rembrandt displayed and sold his paintings from this salon
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Rembrandthuis - Rembrandt's bedroom
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Rembrandthuis - a view of the canal from his studio
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Rembrandthuis - Rembrandt painted most of his master works in this studio - note the natural light coming in the windows of the top floor of his home
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Rembrandthuis - Rembrandt's studio
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Rembrandthuis - Rembrandt's studio
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Rembrandthuis - Rembrandt's studio
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Rembrandthuis - the courtyard
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Rembrandthuis - the courtyard
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Rembrandthuis - the courtyard
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The flea market...
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...complete with fleas
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Canal life
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Canal life
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Canal life
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Canal life
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Canal life
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A Dutch flat
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The churchyard gate
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De Waag is the old weigh house for the public market in the surrounding square - it once was a gate house for the city walls built in 1488 - the upper floors housed the surgeon's guild where Rembrandt painted his famous work, Anatomical Lesson of Dr. Tulp
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Canal life
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Amsterdam's gay neighborhood
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Canal life - Sint Nicolaaskerk dominates the background
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Canal life
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The Splendor berthed at the Port of Amsterdam
Carnival Splendor 2008
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Day One - The life boat drill is fun for some and scary for others - it's one of the few times we realize that there are over 4,800 people aboard
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Dover Castle and the famous white chalk cliffs are reflected in the Deck 7 sign outside our cabin
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Our view from Cabin 7205 - they warned us that it is a partially obstructed view - true, but we really enjoyed our semi-private deck just outside the door - a fair trade-off for an otherwise nice view
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Mark is standing on our front porch - Cabin 7205 is directly under the wheelhouse overlooking the bow
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The waterslide atop the Splendor - the magrodome glass sunroof retracts to reveal the Lido pool
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The Lido Deck is covered by what Carnival calls the magrodome - a retractable sky roof
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The adult pool on the aft deck
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The kids get their own water park
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The waterslide atop the Splendor - the magrodome glass sunroof retracts to reveal the Lido pool
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The aft deck has deuling hot tubs for the grown-ups
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Cool deck chairs
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The waterslide atop the Splendor - the magrodome glass sunroof retracts to reveal the Lido pool
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More cool deck chairs
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Sunset comes close to midnight less than 500 miles from the Arctic Circle - this was taken at 11:00 pm in the North Sea - White Nights means nearly 20 hours of daylight each day during the trip
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Sunset comes close to midnight less than 500 miles from the Arctic Circle - this was taken at 11:00 pm in the North Sea - White Nights means nearly 20 hours of daylight each day during the trip
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Sunset comes close to midnight less than 500 miles from the Arctic Circle - this was taken at 11:00 pm in the North Sea - White Nights means nearly 20 hours of daylight each day during the trip
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Sunset comes close to midnight less than 500 miles from the Arctic Circle - this was taken at 11:00 pm in the North Sea - White Nights means nearly 20 hours of daylight each day during the trip
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Sunset comes close to midnight less than 500 miles from the Arctic Circle - this was taken at 11:00 pm in the North Sea - White Nights means nearly 20 hours of daylight each day during the trip
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Sunset comes close to midnight less than 500 miles from the Arctic Circle - this was taken at 11:00 pm in the North Sea - White Nights means nearly 20 hours of daylight each day during the trip
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Sunset comes close to midnight less than 500 miles from the Arctic Circle - this was taken at 11:00 pm in the North Sea - White Nights means nearly 20 hours of daylight each day during the trip
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Sunset comes close to midnight less than 500 miles from the Arctic Circle - this was taken at 11:00 pm in the North Sea - White Nights means nearly 20 hours of daylight each day during the trip
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Table 368 in the Golden Pearl Dining Room - this cast of characters includes a middle school teacher from Virginia, a NATO mercenary from Kosovo and a aircraft chronometer collector from Palm Springs
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Table 368 in the Golden Pearl Dining Room - this cast of characters includes a middle school teacher from Virginia, a NATO mercenary from Kosovo and a aircraft chronometer collector from Palm Springs
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Table steward Imade from Bali and his assistant Myoman from Indonesia - Imade is an excellent dancer and Myoman a slow learner
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This is the dessert bar looking down from the rotisserie
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Carnival's Midnight Buffet Extravaganza complete with dragon ice sculpture and over-fed cruisers
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Carnival's Midnight Buffet Extravaganza complete with dragon ice sculpture and over-fed cruisers
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Carnival's Midnight Buffet Extravaganza complete with dragon ice sculpture and over-fed cruisers
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Carnival's Midnight Buffet Extravaganza complete with dragon ice sculpture and over-fed cruisers
Splendor 028.JPG
Carnival's Midnight Buffet Extravaganza complete with a tower of white and dark chocolate and over-fed cruisers
Splendor 029.JPG
Towel animal folding class is just one of the many exciting things to do during our days at sea
Splendor 024.JPG
A rare sight passing so close to another cruise ship - but in the Baltic Narrows between Denmark and Sweden, there's not a whole lot of ocean to share
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The Oresund bridge connecting Denmark and Sweden - taken at midnight
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The Oresund bridge connecting Denmark and Sweden - taken at midnight
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Carnival is all about fun - Las Vegas-style shows nightly in the Spectacular Spectacular (that's right - two spectaculars) theatre
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Carnival is all about fun - Las Vegas-style shows nightly in the Spectacular Spectacular (that's right - two spectaculars) theatre
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Carnival is all about fun - Las Vegas-style shows nightly in the Spectacular Spectacular (that's right - two spectaculars) theatre
Splendor 036.JPG
Carnival is all about fun - Las Vegas-style shows nightly in the Spectacular Spectacular (that's right - two spectaculars) theatre
Splendor 037.JPG
Carnival is all about fun - Las Vegas-style shows nightly in the Spectacular Spectacular (that's right - two spectaculars) theatre
Splendor 040.JPG
Carnival is all about fun - Las Vegas-style shows nightly in the Spectacular Spectacular (that's right - two spectaculars) theatre
Splendor 039.JPG
Carnival is all about fun - Las Vegas-style shows nightly in the Spectacular Spectacular (that's right - two spectaculars) theatre
Splendor 041.JPG
Carnival is all about fun - Las Vegas-style shows nightly in the Spectacular Spectacular (that's right - two spectaculars) theatre
Splendor 042.JPG
Carnival is all about fun - Las Vegas-style shows nightly in the Spectacular Spectacular (that's right - two spectaculars) theatre
Splendor 043.JPG
Mark and Brandon, one of the dancers from London
Abilene 2008
Fort Phantom Hill
Built in 1851 to protect settlers from Comanche Indians in the area
Fort Phantom Hill
Troops left in 1853 after only two years due to the harsh plains environment
Fort Phantom Hill
Soon after, the buildings burned leaving only the haunting stone chimneys
Fort Phantom Hill
And the memories of hard times on the frontier
Fort Phantom Hill
In 1858 the abandoned fort became a stop on the Butterfield Stagecoach Line
Fort Phantom Hill
Confederate troops re-established the fort during the Civil War
Fort Phantom Hill
Later in the 1870s the fort was a shipping point for buffalo hides
Fort Phantom Hill
Settlers stayed and farmed the land along the Clear Fork of the Brazos River
Fort Phantom Hill
In 1880 over 500 settlers lived at the fort, then the Jones County seat
Fort Phantom Hill
Among them was the Beasley Clan from Georgia and my great-grandfather Hiram
Fort Phantom Hill
My grandfather Dan was born here in 1883
Fort Phantom Hill
He was one of 14 kids, my grandmother one of 12, and my dad was one of 12 too
Fort Phantom Hill
My father was born in the kitchen on the family farm a few 100 yards from here
Fort Phantom Hill
What was once the Beasley homestead is now prickly pear cactus and mesquite
Fort Phantom Hill
Dad was a mounted cavalry troop in the Texas Militia at Fort Clark near El Paso
Fort Phantom Hill
In 1942 they became the 112th Cavalry and fought in the S. Pacific on horseback
Fort Phantom Hill
The old fort's original guardhouse and magazine still stand 157 years later
The Vintage House B & B
Built in 1927, the Maxwell House (just smell the coffee) cost $18,000 - Mark's
The Vintage House B & B
Breakfast is served in the formal dining room every morning at 8:00 - Mark's
The Vintage House B & B
The Vintage Bedroom
The Vintage House B & B
The upstairs landing
The Vintage House B & B
The Tourist Information Center
The Vintage House B & B
Complimentary soft drinks and bottled water
The Vintage House B & B
The downstairs landing and antique hall tree
The Vintage House B & B
Time stands still in the 1920s
The Vintage House B & B
An antique pump organ still plays in the parlor
The Vintage House B & B
Antique furnishings grace the parlor
The Vintage House B & B
The downstairs parlor welcomes guests
Mulberry Canyon
Cathy and Dannie herd the baby kids in the goat pin - Mark's photo
Mulberry Canyon
Aunt Dannie's winter garden indoors
Mulberry Canyon
Kalanchoes and begonias bloom
Mulberry Canyon
Aunt Dannie's canned buttons and thread spools - Mark's photo
Mulberry Canyon
Kalanchoes and begonias bloom
Mulberry Canyon
Granny's coleus lives-on from cuttings over 50 years old
Mulberry Canyon
Daffodils bloom among the rocks above the root cellar
Mulberry Canyon
Aunt Dannie's bird houses await new tenants
Mulberry Canyon
Blight or blessing? Giant wind turbines dominated Mulberry Canyon
Mulberry Canyon
Aunt Dannie's old bird house has seen better days
Mulberry Canyon
New baby goats arrive in the Canyon
Mulberry Canyon
Baaaaaaaaah
Mulberry Canyon
Life at Mulberry Canyon is fun...for now - The cabrito mesquite grill awaits
Mulberry Canyon
Take the picture and go awa-a-a-a-a-y...ple-e-e-e-e-e-ase
Mulberry Canyon
This says it all...some things never change at Mulberry Canyon
Disneyworld 2007
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110507 097.jpg 2007-11-26
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110507 100.jpg 2007-11-26
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110507 096.jpg 2007-11-26
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110507 098.jpg 2007-11-26
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110507 101.jpg 2007-11-26
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110507 110.jpg 2007-11-26
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110507 102.jpg 2007-11-26
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110507 118.jpg 2007-11-26
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110507 104.jpg 2007-11-26
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110507 121.jpg 2007-11-26
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110507 120.jpg 2007-11-26
Disney World 2007
Monorail Entering Magic Kingdom
Disney World 2007
Main Street Train Station
Disney World 2007
Main Street Train Station
Disney World 2007
Main Street Train Station
Disney World 2007
Main Street Train Station
Disney World 2007
Main Street Train Station Park Opening Show
Disney World 2007
Main Street Train Station Park Opening Show
Disney World 2007
Main Street Train Station Park Opening Show
Disney World 2007
Main Street Train Station Park Opening Show
Disney World 2007
Main Street Train Station Park Opening Show
Disney World 2007
Main Street Train Station Park Opening Show
Disney World 2007
Main Street Train Station Park Opening Show
Disney World 2007
Main Street Train Station Park Opening Show
Disney World 2007
Main Street Train Station Park Opening Show
Disney World 2007
Main Street Decked Out for Christmas
Disney World 2007
Main Street Decked Out for Christmas
Disney World 2007
Cinderella's Castle
Disney World 2007
Cinderella's Castle
Disney World 2007
Cinderella's Castle
Disney World 2007
Cinderella's Castle
Disney World 2007
Cinderella's Castle
Disney World 2007
"Dream Along with Mickey" Castle Forecourt Stage Show
Disney World 2007
"Dream Along with Mickey" Castle Forecourt Stage Show
Disney World 2007
"Dream Along with Mickey" Castle Forecourt Stage Show
Disney World 2007
"Dream Along with Mickey" Castle Forecourt Stage Show
Disney World 2007
"Dream Along with Mickey" Castle Forecourt Stage Show
Disney World 2007
"Dream Along with Mickey" Castle Forecourt Stage Show
Disney World 2007
"Dream Along with Mickey" Castle Forecourt Stage Show
Disney World 2007
"Dream Along with Mickey" Castle Forecourt Stage Show
Disney World 2007
"Dream Along with Mickey" Castle Forecourt Stage Show
Disney World 2007
"Dream Along with Mickey" Castle Forecourt Stage Show
Disney World 2007
"Dream Along with Mickey" Castle Forecourt Stage Show
Disney World 2007
"Dream Along with Mickey" Castle Forecourt Stage Show
Disney World 2007
"Dream Along with Mickey" Castle Forecourt Stage Show
Disney World 2007
"Dream Along with Mickey" Castle Forecourt Stage Show
Disney World 2007
"Dream Along with Mickey" Castle Forecourt Stage Show
Disney World 2007
"Dream Along with Mickey" Castle Forecourt Stage Show
Disney World 2007
"Dream Along with Mickey" Castle Forecourt Stage Show
Disney World 2007
"Dream Along with Mickey" Castle Forecourt Stage Show
Disney World 2007
Peter Pan's Flight in Fantasyland
Disney World 2007
Tomorrowland
Disney World 2007
Tomorrowland
Disney World 2007
Tomorrowland - Space Mountain
Disney World 2007
Tomorrowland - Space Mountain
Disney World 2007
Tomorrowland
Disney World 2007
Tomorrowland
Disney World 2007
Tomorrowland - Buzz Lightyear's Space Ranger Spin
Disney World 2007
Tomorrowland - Buzz Lightyear's Space Ranger Spin
Disney World 2007
Haunted Mansion
Disney World 2007
Haunted Mansion
Disney World 2007
Haunted Mansion
Disney World 2007
Liberty Square
Disney World 2007
Liberty Square
Disney World 2007
Liberty Square - Hall of Presidents
Disney World 2007
Liberty Belle Steamboat
Disney World 2007
Liberty Belle Steamboat
Disney World 2007
Liberty Belle Steamboat
Disney World 2007
Liberty Belle Steamboat
Disney World 2007
Tom Sawyer Island Rafts
Disney World 2007
Liberty Belle Steamboat Paddle
Disney World 2007
Adventureland
Disney World 2007
Main Street Afternoon Parade
Disney World 2007
Main Street Afternoon Parade
Disney World 2007
Main Street Afternoon Parade
Disney World 2007
Main Street Afternoon Parade
Disney World 2007
Main Street Afternoon Parade
Disney World 2007
Main Street Afternoon Parade
Disney World 2007
Main Street Afternoon Parade
Disney World 2007
Main Street Afternoon Parade
Disney World 2007
Main Street Afternoon Parade
Disney World 2007
Main Street Afternoon Parade
Disney World 2007
Main Street Afternoon Parade
Disney World 2007
Main Street Afternoon Parade
Disney World 2007
Main Street Afternoon Parade
Disney World 2007
Main Street Afternoon Parade
Disney World 2007
Main Street Afternoon Parade
Disney World 2007
Main Street Afternoon Parade
Disney World 2007
Main Street Afternoon Parade
Disney World 2007
Main Street Afternoon Parade
Disney World 2007
Main Street Afternoon Parade
Disney World 2007
Main Street Afternoon Parade
Disney World 2007
Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party
Disney World 2007
Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party
Disney World 2007
Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party - "'Twas the Night Before Christmas"
Disney World 2007
Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party - "'Twas the Night Before Christmas"
Disney World 2007
Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party - "'Twas the Night Before Christmas"
Disney World 2007
Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party - "'Twas the Night Before Christmas"
Disney World 2007
Cinderella's Castle with Christmas Night Lighting
Disney World 2007
Cinderella's Castle with Christmas Night Lighting
Disney World 2007
Cinderella's Castle with Christmas Night Lighting and Jon
Disney World 2007
Cinderella's Castle with Christmas Night Lighting and Jon
Disney World 2007
Cinderella's Castle with Christmas Night Lighting and Mark
Disney World 2007
Mark at Cinderella's Castle, Disney World 2007
Disney World 2007
"Holiday Wishes" Fireworks Spectacular
Disney World 2007
"Holiday Wishes" Fireworks Spectacular
Disney World 2007
"Holiday Wishes" Fireworks Spectacular
Disney World 2007
"Holiday Wishes" Fireworks Spectacular
Disney World 2007
"Holiday Wishes" Fireworks Spectacular
Disney World 2007
"Holiday Wishes" Fireworks Spectacular
Disney World 2007
"Holiday Wishes" Fireworks Spectacular
Disney World 2007
"Holiday Wishes" Fireworks Spectacular
Disney World 2007
"Holiday Wishes" Fireworks Spectacular
Disney World 2007
"Holiday Wishes" Fireworks Spectacular
Disney World 2007
Disney Studio - Tower of Terror
Disney World 2007
Disney Studio - Tower of Terror
Disney World 2007
Disney Studio - Tower of Terror
Disney World 2007
Disney Studio - Tower of Terror
Disney World 2007
Disney Studio - Tower of Terror Lobby Interior
Disney World 2007
Disney Studio - Tower of Terror Lobby Interior
Disney World 2007
Disney Studio - Sunset Blvd.
Disney World 2007
Disney Studio - The Great Movie Ride
Disney World 2007
Disney Studio - The Great Movie Ride
Disney World 2007
Disney Studio - The Great Movie Ride
Disney World 2007
Disney Studio - Muppet 3-D Movie
Disney World 2007
Disney Studio - Muppet 3-D Movie
Disney World 2007
Disney Studio - Muppet 3-D Movie
Disney World 2007
Disney Studio - Muppet 3-D Movie
Disney World 2007
Disney Studio - Star Tours Ride
Disney World 2007
Disney Studio - Hollywood Blvd.
Disney World 2007
Epcot - Spaceship Earth
Disney World 2007
Epcot - Spaceship Earth
Disney World 2007
Epcot - Spaceship Earth
Disney World 2007
Epcot - Spaceship Earth
Disney World 2007
Epcot - Spaceship Earth
Disney World 2007
Epcot - Spaceship Earth
Disney World 2007
Epcot - Spaceship Earth
Disney World 2007
Epcot - Mission: Space
Disney World 2007
Epcot - Universe of Energy
Disney World 2007
Epcot - The Land
Disney World 2007
Epcot - Test Track
Disney World 2007
Epcot - Shark Attack
Disney World 2007
Epcot - The Living Seass
Disney World 2007
Epcot - Journey Into Imagination
Disney World 2007
Mexico
Disney World 2007
Norway
Disney World 2007
Norway - Door Detail
Disney World 2007
Norway
Disney World 2007
Norway
Disney World 2007
China
Disney World 2007
China
Disney World 2007
China
Disney World 2007
China
Disney World 2007
China
Disney World 2007
Germany
Disney World 2007
Germany Facade Detail
Disney World 2007
Italy
Disney World 2007
Italy
Disney World 2007
Italy
Disney World 2007
Italy
Disney World 2007
France
Disney World 2007
France
Disney World 2007
Japan
Disney World 2007
David Sanborn at the Amercian Adventure Theater
Disney World 2007
David Sanborn at the Amercian Adventure Theater
Disney World 2007
Epcot Illuminations Fireworks
Disney World 2007
Epcot Illuminations Fireworks
Disney World 2007
Epcot Illuminations Fireworks
Disney World 2007
Epcot Illuminations Fireworks
Disney World 2007
Epcot Illuminations Fireworks
Disney World 2007
Epcot Illuminations Fireworks
Disney World 2007
Epcot Illuminations Fireworks
Disney World 2007
Epcot Illuminations Fireworks
Disney World 2007
Grand Floridian Hotel
Disney World 2007
Grand Floridian Hotel
Disney World 2007
Grand Floridian Hotel
Disney World 2007
Grand Floridian Hotel
Disney World 2007
Grand Floridian Hotel - Gingerbread House
Disney World 2007
Grand Floridian Hotel - Gingerbread House
Disney World 2007
Grand Floridian Hotel
Disney World 2007
Animal Kingdom - Jon & Mark
Disney World 2007
Animal Kingdom - Asia
Disney World 2007
Animal Kingdom - Tree of Life
Disney World 2007
Animal Kingdom - Tree of Life
Disney World 2007
Animal Kingdom - Tree of Life
Disney World 2007
Animal Kingdom - Expedition Everest
Disney World 2007
Animal Kingdom - Expedition Everest
Disney World 2007
Animal Kingdom - Expedition Everest
Disney World 2007
Animal Kingdom - Kilimanjaro Safari Tour
Disney World 2007
Animal Kingdom - Kilimanjaro Safari Tour
Disney World 2007
Animal Kingdom - Kilimanjaro Safari Tour
Disney World 2007
Animal Kingdom - Kilimanjaro Safari Tour
Disney World 2007
Animal Kingdom - Kilimanjaro Safari Tour
Disney World 2007
Animal Kingdom - Kilimanjaro Safari Tour
Disney World 2007
Animal Kingdom - Kilimanjaro Safari Tour
Disney World 2007
Animal Kingdom - Kilimanjaro Safari Tour
Disney World 2007
Animal Kingdom - Kilimanjaro Safari Tour
Disney World 2007
Animal Kingdom - Kilimanjaro Safari Tour
Disney World 2007
Animal Kingdom - Oasis Area
Disney World 2007
Animal Kingdom - Oasis Area
Disney World 2007
Animal Kingdom - Oasis Area
Disney World 2007
Animal Kingdom - Oasis Area
Disney World 2007
Animal Kingdom - Oasis Area
Disney World 2007
Animal Kingdom - Oasis Area
Disney World 2007
Port Orleans French Quarter Hotel
Disney World 2007
Port Orleans French Quarter Hotel
Disney World 2007
Port Orleans French Quarter Hotel
Disney World 2007
Port Orleans French Quarter Hotel
Disney World 2007
Port Orleans French Quarter Hotel
Disney World 2007
Port Orleans French Quarter Hotel
Disney World 2007
Port Orleans French Quarter Hotel
Disney World 2007
Port Orleans French Quarter Hotel
Disney World 2007
Port Orleans French Quarter Hotel
Disney World 2007
Port Orleans French Quarter Hotel
Disney World 2007
Port Orleans French Quarter Hotel - Our Corner Room
Disney World 2007
Port Orleans French Quarter Hotel - Riverboat to Downtown Disney
Disney World 2007
Port Orleans French Quarter Hotel - Riverboat to Downtown Disney
Disney World 2007
Port Orleans French Quarter Hotel - Swimming Pool
Disney World 2007
Port Orleans French Quarter Hotel - Swimming Pool
Disney World 2007
Port Orleans French Quarter Hotel - Swimming Pool Life Guard
Disney World 2007
Port Orleans French Quarter Hotel - Swimming Pool Life Guard
Disney World 2007
Airbus A380 at Orlando Airport
Disney World 2007
Airbus A380 at Orlando Airport
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110507 097.jpg 2007-11-26
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110507 100.jpg 2007-11-26
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110507 096.jpg 2007-11-26
110507 098.jpg
110507 098.jpg 2007-11-26
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110507 101.jpg 2007-11-26
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110507 110.jpg 2007-11-26
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110507 118.jpg 2007-11-26
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110507 102.jpg 2007-11-26
110507 104.jpg
110507 104.jpg 2007-11-26
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110507 121.jpg 2007-11-26
110507 120.jpg
110507 120.jpg 2007-11-26
Disney World 2007
Monorail Entering Magic Kingdom
Disney World 2007
Main Street Train Station
Disney World 2007
Main Street Train Station Park Opening Show
Disney World 2007
Main Street Decked Out for Christmas
Disney World 2007
Main Street Decked Out for Christmas
Disney World 2007
Cinderella's Castle
Disney World 2007
Cinderella's Castle
Disney World 2007
Cinderella's Castle
Disney World 2007
Cinderella's Castle
Disney World 2007
Cinderella's Castle
Disney World 2007
"Dream Along with Mickey" Castle Forecourt Stage Show
Disney World 2007
Tomorrowland
Disney World 2007
Tomorrowland - Space Mountain
Disney World 2007
Tomorrowland
Disney World 2007
Tomorrowland - Buzz Lightyear's Space Ranger Spin
Disney World 2007
Tomorrowland - Buzz Lightyear's Space Ranger Spin
Disney World 2007
Haunted Mansion
Disney World 2007
Liberty Square
Disney World 2007
Liberty Square - Hall of Presidents
Disney World 2007
Liberty Belle Steamboat
Disney World 2007
Liberty Belle Steamboat
Disney World 2007
Liberty Belle Steamboat
Disney World 2007
Liberty Belle Steamboat
Disney World 2007
Tom Sawyer Island Rafts
Disney World 2007
Liberty Belle Steamboat Paddle
Disney World 2007
Main Street Afternoon Parade
Disney World 2007
Main Street Afternoon Parade
Disney World 2007
Main Street Afternoon Parade
Disney World 2007
Main Street Afternoon Parade
Disney World 2007
Main Street Afternoon Parade
Disney World 2007
Main Street Afternoon Parade
Disney World 2007
Main Street Afternoon Parade
Disney World 2007
Main Street Afternoon Parade
Disney World 2007
Main Street Afternoon Parade
Disney World 2007
Main Street Afternoon Parade
Disney World 2007
Main Street Afternoon Parade
Disney World 2007
Main Street Afternoon Parade
Disney World 2007
Main Street Afternoon Parade
Disney World 2007
Main Street Afternoon Parade
Disney World 2007
Main Street Afternoon Parade
Disney World 2007
Main Street Afternoon Parade
Disney World 2007
Main Street Afternoon Parade
Disney World 2007
Main Street Afternoon Parade
Disney World 2007
Main Street Afternoon Parade
Disney World 2007
Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party
Disney World 2007
Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party - "'Twas the Night Before Christmas"
Disney World 2007
Cinderella's Castle with Christmas Night Lighting
Disney World 2007
Cinderella's Castle with Christmas Night Lighting and Jon
Disney World 2007
Mark at Cinderella's Castle, Disney World 2007
Disney World 2007
Cinderella's Castle with Christmas Night Lighting
Disney World 2007
"Holiday Wishes" Fireworks Spectacular
Disney World 2007
"Holiday Wishes" Fireworks Spectacular
Disney World 2007
"Holiday Wishes" Fireworks Spectacular
Disney World 2007
"Holiday Wishes" Fireworks Spectacular
Disney World 2007
"Holiday Wishes" Fireworks Spectacular
Disney World 2007
Disney Studio - Tower of Terror
Disney World 2007
Disney Studio - Tower of Terror
Disney World 2007
Disney Studio - Tower of Terror
Disney World 2007
Disney Studio - Tower of Terror Lobby Interior
Disney World 2007
Disney Studio - Sunset Blvd.
Disney World 2007
Disney Studio - The Great Movie Ride
Disney World 2007
Disney Studio - The Great Movie Ride
Disney World 2007
Disney Studio - The Great Movie Ride
Disney World 2007
Disney Studio - Muppet 3-D Movie
Disney World 2007
Disney Studio - Muppet 3-D Movie
Disney World 2007
Disney Studio - Hollywood Blvd.
Disney World 2007
Epcot - Spaceship Earth
Disney World 2007
Epcot - Spaceship Earth
Disney World 2007
Epcot - Spaceship Earth
Disney World 2007
Epcot - Spaceship Earth
Disney World 2007
Epcot - Spaceship Earth
Disney World 2007
Epcot - Spaceship Earth
Disney World 2007
Epcot - Spaceship Earth
Disney World 2007
Epcot - Mission: Space
Disney World 2007
Epcot - Universe of Energy
Disney World 2007
Epcot - Test Track
Disney World 2007
Epcot - Shark Attack
Disney World 2007
Epcot - The Living Seass
Disney World 2007
China
Disney World 2007
China
Disney World 2007
China
Disney World 2007
Germany
Disney World 2007
Italy
Disney World 2007
France
Disney World 2007
France
Disney World 2007
Japan
Disney World 2007
David Sanborn at the Amercian Adventure Theater
Disney World 2007
Grand Floridian Hotel
Disney World 2007
Grand Floridian Hotel
Disney World 2007
Grand Floridian Hotel - Gingerbread House
Disney World 2007
Grand Floridian Hotel - Gingerbread House
Disney World 2007
Animal Kingdom - Jon & Mark
Disney World 2007
Animal Kingdom - Expedition Everest
Disney World 2007
Animal Kingdom - Expedition Everest
Disney World 2007
Animal Kingdom - Expedition Everest
Disney World 2007
Animal Kingdom - Kilimanjaro Safari Tour
Disney World 2007
Animal Kingdom - Kilimanjaro Safari Tour
Disney World 2007
Animal Kingdom - Oasis Area
Disney World 2007
Animal Kingdom - Oasis Area
Disney World 2007
Animal Kingdom - Oasis Area
Disney World 2007
Port Orleans French Quarter Hotel
Disney World 2007
Port Orleans French Quarter Hotel
Disney World 2007
Port Orleans French Quarter Hotel
Disney World 2007
Port Orleans French Quarter Hotel
Disney World 2007
Port Orleans French Quarter Hotel - Our Corner Room
Disney World 2007
Port Orleans French Quarter Hotel
Disney World 2007
Port Orleans French Quarter Hotel - Swimming Pool Life Guard
Disney World 2007
Port Orleans French Quarter Hotel - Swimming Pool Life Guard
California 2007
1
My cousin Susi Reaves, her husband Richard and their son and anime artist Chris
2
Susi and I are within months of being the same age - she looks so much younger
3
The Nakazawa Family included me in their dinner at Szechuan, Rancho Palos Verdes
4
Glenn's kids, Warren and Trey keep the day fun and entertain all the old folks
5
Uncle Joey shows Trey the Tickle Monster
6
Tony and I have been friends since grade school in Fullerton when we had hair
7
Laguna Beach from the overlook at Heisler Park on Saturday night
8
Heisler's palms at Las Brisas with Main Beach in the background
9
Main Beach at Laguna on Saturday night
10
Beasley's have been coming to Las Brisas since 1937, then the Victor Hugo Inn
11
Crescent Bay was my beach in the 60's and remains my favorite place on earth...
12
...my favorite place for many reasons...the serenity of the Pacific...
13
...the unique California lifestyle at Laguna - a residential beach community...
14
...the reverence for nature in a people place - skin divers still come to Laguna
15
...the whitewater seascapes are the best in Southern California...
16
...one forgets he's only 30 miles from downtown Los Angeles...
17
...and one can still have his own private cove on a perfect Sunday morning...
18
...where they honor resident seal lions...
19
...and live at the edge of the world...
20
...the tide pools are alive, but less so than when I was a kid - life is fragile
21
...but the sea lions, pelicans and cormorants still rule Seal Rocks...
22
...and Shell Beach still gets it's name from the mussels and conch...
23
Skim boarding was hot in the 60's and is still No. 1 at Crescent Bay
24
The shore break makes swimming tough - a great place for a kid to learn quick
25
Hotdogging makes surfing look easy - This is a sport I never mastered...
26
...but it's never too late for an old sea dog to learn new tricks, right?
27
These guys make it look easier than it really is...
28
...and this guy showing off doesn't help my confidence level one bit...
29
...Don't these guys ever wipeout?
30
Ahhhh ha ha ha ha...wwwwWIPE out!
31
And you would be correct...I never looked this good in a pair of board shorts
32
...Back to all the reasons I love Crescent Bay...
33
Locals come here for a reason - to show off while having the time of their lives
34
Mission accomplished!
35
...and show off they did...
36
...some more than others...
37
...some more serious about having fun than others...
38
...some more focused on having fun than others...
39
...some looking better at having fun than others...
40
...some looking like the classic surf bum...
41
...others just naturally cool...
42
...or should I say, naturally HOT?
43
...but no matter the surfer, fun is the reason we're here at Laguna Beach
44
Surf's up , so hang loose, dude!
Chinatown 2007
Chinatown 1
The neon entrance to Old Chinatown in downtown Los Angeles is on Broadway Street
Chinatown 2
Gin Ling Way is the site of several movies including "Chinatown" of course
Chinatown 3
The Buddah brings peace to Old Chinatown, once the site of anti-Chinese riots
Chinatown 4
Buddah rests at the foot of Gin Ling Way
Chinatown 5
Chinatown under a seamless LA sky
Chinatown 6
Our host Steven Chase talks shop with John Orr over crab with black bean sauce
Chinatown 7
A quiet Saturday night in Los Angeles' Old Chinatown
Chinatown 8
Chinatown's neon pagoda is transformed by pushing colors using contour filters
Mexico 2007
1
We spotted the Ecstasy as we drove down The Strand on Galveston Island
2
The Ecstasy's whale tail stack looms over the Port of Galveston
3
The schooner Ellisa is dwarfed by the Ecstasy. She's a floating maritime museum
4
Juxtapostion - The Ecstasy and the Ellisa at the Port of Galveston
5
We sail from the Port of Galveston on schedule - 5:00 pm sharp
6
The Coast Guard escorts the M/S Ecstasy to the Galveston breakwater
7
The life boat muster is the order of the day
8
This was about the only time I felt like one in 2,200 passengers
9
Mark strikes a pose during the life boat muster
10
Day One - The M/S Ecstasy heads into the Gulf of Mexico bound for Cozumel Mexico
11
Fair weather to start the trip
12
Stateroom M11 - Main Deck starboard and forward
13 - Mark's Photo
That's me sitting in the port hole bay
14
Where is everybody? We kept saying that we felt alone with 3,150 others aboard
15
Downtown Ecstasy - The interior decor is glitzy chic - 'very 1991
16
It's hard to believe we're on a ship - This is the lobby bar
17
Mark is mermaid-watching from the library
18
The library is pretty cool, but who wants to hang-out in the library? We didn't
19
I'm on the look-out for sea serpents or iceburgs or whatever
20
The iconic Rolls Royce hood ornament is called The Spirit of Ecstasy - 'Get it?
21
The domed ceiling of the Society Bar is nicely decorated with a 1930's party
22
This is the Lido deck as seen from the poop deck on our first night at sea
23 - Mark's Photo
Here I am aboard Carnival's Ecstasy sailing to the Yucatan - September, 2007
24
The giant chess pieces are backed-up by the Jamaican band - You be jammin' mon
25
Table 163 in the Wind Star dining room - six nice ladies all from Texas
26
Cindi and Sheri are from Galveston - Sudita is from Indonesia
27 - Mark's Photo
Petit fores on the Lido deck -All you can eat perfectly presented 24 hours a day
28 - Mark's Photo
Melon balls gone wild at the midnight buffet
29 - Mark's Photo
The average Ecstasy passenger gains 8 pounds on a six day cruise
30 - Mark's Photo
Sudita is our favorite waiter who took good care of us each evening at dinner
31
Day Three - Port of call Cozumel - The M/S Glory dwarfs the Ecstasy
32
San Miguel is the only town on Cozumel Island 7 miles off the Yucatan coast
33
The mariachis at Chankanaab Lagoon set the mood for a day at the beach
34
Chankanaab is a national park - The cenote is fed by underground caves
35
A black angel fish swims in the cenote over 100 yards inland from the ocean
36 - Mark's Photo
A perfect morning on an empty beach in paradise
37 - Mark's Photo
I'm off to snorkel on the reef just offshore at a depth of about 7 meters
38
A seascape with coral head and seafans
39
A black wrasse weighing about 10 pounds
40
Coral head seascape
41
The rainbow parrotfish creates all the reef sand by nibbling the coral
42
The divemaster is feeding snappers and sergeant majors
43
I was lucky to capture a shot of the wily and illusive squirrel fish - He's fast
44
Giant brain coral in the foreground with seafans
45
The sergeant majors are up early on the reef - This guy is about 10 inches long
46
A seafan at a depth of nearly 10 meters
47
This snapper was looking for a hand-out
48
The Ave Maria statue is about 10 meters deep and was hard to spot
49
Chankanaab has a botanical garden - These are ginger blossoms
50
This is another variety of flowering ginger
51
This is a golden fungus growing on a post in Chankanaab's botanical garden
52
Bienvenidos a Cozumel - The entrance to Plaza del Sol
53
My favorite restaurant on Cozumel is La Choza - It's a Dia de los Meurtos mural
54
San Miguel is a sleepy town especially during their siesta
55
La Choza is decorated with talavera plates inbedded in the plaster walls
56
Iglesia de San Miguel - The little church is decorated for a quinceanera
57
The alter has a crazy coral reef motif
58
The M/S Ecstasy at the Port of San Miguel - Isla de Cozumel, Mexico
59
Day Four - Port of Call Progreso - A fishing village near Merida on the Yucatan
60
Dune buddies wait for tourists but instead we head for Chichen Itza
61
Tony is our guide for a day at Chichen Itza in central Yucatan
62
The observatory was used to chart the stars for agriculture and religious rites
63
Chichen Itza has been named one of the new Seven Wonders of the World
64
It has also been declared a World Heritage Site
65
The Temple of Kulkucan was built about 1200 years ago
66
Merida is known for it's French-influenced architecture
67
Wealthy sisal planters traveled to Europe and returned with estates in pieces
68
Merida's Monumento a la Bandera records the history of each state in Mexico
69
Day Five - Our last full day at sea and the empty deck chairs will soon fill-up
70
The obligatory belly flop competition poolside exhibited some great style
71
What a great idea! A pool slide on a cruise ship!
72
I couldn't resist...
73
...So I made Mark capture the action
74
A great way to end a really fun vacation on Carnival's Fun Ship, the M/S Ecstasy
75
The Captain's farewell speech with the M/S Ecstasy's officers at ease
76
Each night our steward Alberto left a towel animal - Someone ate the lobster!
77
I was up before dawn every morning to try and catch the sunrise...
78
I knew from crossing the Atlantic that sunrises were worth getting up early for
79
...But it's not everyday that one is so lucky to witness nature's fireworks
80
This golden moment really made our trip unforgetable
81
Day Six - Home Port Galveston
82
Galveston's Bishop's Palace was designed by architect Nicholas Clayton
83
Mark and I have become fans of Clayton visiting buildings in Dallas and Austin
84
His work is significant because my dear friend Greg Clayton is his greatgrandson
85
The Venetian winged lion stands guard before the Bishop's Palace
Austin 2007
Austin 2007
St. Andrew's University Plaque
Austin 2007
St. Andrew's University
Austin 2007
St. Andrew's University
Austin 2007
St. Andrew's University
Austin 2007
St. Andrew's University
Austin 2007
St. Andrew's University
Austin 2007
St. Andrew's University
Austin 2007
St. Andrew's University
Austin 2007
St. Andrew's University
Austin 2007
St. Andrew's University
Austin 2007
St. Andrew's University
Austin 2007
St. Andrew's University
Austin 2007
LBJ Library & Museum at UT
Austin 2007
LBJ Library & Museum at UT
Austin 2007
LBJ Library & Museum at UT
Austin 2007
LBJ Library & Museum at UT
Austin 2007
LBJ Library & Museum at UT
Austin 2007
LBJ Library & Museum at UT
Austin 2007
LBJ Library & Museum at UT
Austin 2007
Burleson Bell Tower at UT
Austin 2007
Burleson Bell Tower at UT
Austin 2007
Football Stadium at UT
Austin 2007
Football Stadium at UT
Austin 2007
Football Stadium at UT
Austin 2007
Football Stadium at UT
Austin 2007
Football Stadium at UT
Austin 2007
Campus Buildings at UT
Austin 2007
Martin Luther King, Jr. Statue at UT
Austin 2007
Campus Buildings at UT
Austin 2007
Campus Buildings at UT-Exterior Detail
Austin 2007
Campus Buildings at UT
Austin 2007
Campus Buildings at UT-Exterior Detail
Austin 2007
Campus Buildings at UT-Exterior Detail
Austin 2007
Campus Buildings at UT-Exterior Detail
Austin 2007
Campus Buildings at UT
Austin 2007
Campus Buildings at UT
Austin 2007
Campus Buildings at UT
Austin 2007
Capitol Rotunda Model
Austin 2007
Capitol Rotunda Model
Austin 2007
Spiral Staircase in Old Land Office
Austin 2007
Spiral Staircase in Old Land Office
Austin 2007
Spiral Staircase in Old Land Office
Austin 2007
Texas Declaration of Independence Frame
Austin 2007
Cowboy Jon
Austin 2007
Cowboy Jon
Austin 2007
Original Corinthian Column from Capitol
Austin 2007
View from Windo of Old Land Building
Austin 2007
Capitol Plaque
Austin 2007
State Capitol Building
Austin 2007
State Capitol Building
Austin 2007
State Capitol Building
Austin 2007
State Capitol Building
Austin 2007
State Capitol Building with Flower Memorials for Lady Bird Johnson
Austin 2007
State Capitol Building
Austin 2007
State Capitol Building
Austin 2007
State Capitol Building
Austin 2007
State Capitol Building
Austin 2007
Rotunda Detail
Austin 2007
Rotunda Detail
Austin 2007
Rotunda Detail
Austin 2007
Rotunda Detail
Austin 2007
Rotunda Detail
Austin 2007
Rotunda Detail
Austin 2007
Rotunda Detail
Austin 2007
Frosted Door Pane
Austin 2007
Legislator Offices
Austin 2007
Legislator Offices
Austin 2007
Legislator Offices
Austin 2007
Legislator Offices
Austin 2007
Legislator Offices
Austin 2007
Texas Senate Chamber
Austin 2007
Texas Senate Chamber
Austin 2007
Texas House Chamber
Austin 2007
Texas House Chamber
Austin 2007
Texas House Chamber
Austin 2007
Door Hinge Detail
Austin 2007
Capitol Annex View
Austin 2007
Frosted Seal on Door
Austin 2007
Night at State Capitol
Austin 2007
Night at State Capitol
Austin 2007
Night at State Capitol
Austin 2007
Night at State Capitol
Austin 2007
Night at State Capitol
Austin 2007
Night at State Capitol
Austin 2007
Night at State Capitol
Austin 2007
Night at State Capitol
Austin 2007
Night at State Capitol
Austin 2007
Night at State Capitol
Austin 2007
Night at State Capitol
Austin 2007
Protest at Capitol
Austin 2007
Protest at Capitol
Austin 2007
Protest at Capitol
Austin 2007
Protest at Capitol
Austin 2007
Segway Tour
Austin 2007
Segway Tour
Austin 2007
Congress Bridge Bat Watching Crowd
Austin 2007
Congress Bridge Bat Watching Crowd
Austin 2007
Congress Bridge Bat Watching Crowd
Austin 2007
Congress Bridge Bat Watching Crowd
Austin 2007
Congress Bridge Bat Watching Crowd
Austin 2007
Congress Bridge Bat Watching Crowd
Austin 2007
Congress Bridge Bat Watching Crowd
Austin 2007
Congress Bridge Bats
Austin 2007
Congress Bridge Bats
Austin 2007
Congress Bridge Bats
Austin 2007
Congress Bridge Bats
Austin 2007
Congress Bridge Bats
Austin 2007
St. Mary's Cathedral Plaque
Austin 2007
St. Mary's Cathedral
Austin 2007
St. Mary's Cathedral
Austin 2007
St. Mary's Cathedral
Austin 2007
St. Mary's Cathedral
Austin 2007
St. Mary's Cathedral
Austin 2007
St. Mary's Cathedral
Austin 2007
St. Mary's Cathedral
Austin 2007
St. Mary's Cathedral
Austin 2007
St. Mary's Cathedral
Austin 2007
St. Mary's Cathedral
Austin 2007
St. Mary's Cathedral
Austin 2007
Old Millet Opera House (Austin Club)
Austin 2007
Driskill Hotel
Austin 2007
Driskill Hotel
Austin 2007
Driskill Hotel
Austin 2007
Driskill Hotel
Austin 2007
Driskill Hotel
Austin 2007
Driskill Hotel
Austin 2007
Driskill Hotel
Austin 2007
Country Star Jon
Austin 2007
Congress Street Buildings
Austin 2007
Governor's Mansion
Austin 2007
Governor's Mansion
Austin 2007
Governor's Mansion
DSCN1331.JPG
Texas State History Museum
Austin 2007
Texas State History Museum
Austin 2007
Texas State History Museum
Austin 2007
Texas State History Museum
Austin 2007
Texas State History Museum
New Orleans 2006
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Disneyland 2006
Disneyland 2006
Main Street Train Station
Disneyland 2006
Main Street Train Station
Disneyland 2006
Main Street Train Station
Disneyland 2006
Main Street Train Station
Disneyland 2006
Sleeping Beauty's Castle
Disneyland 2006
Sleeping Beauty's Castle
Disneyland 2006
Sleeping Beauty's Castle & Space Mountain
Disneyland 2006
Sleeping Beauty's Castle
Disneyland 2006
Sleeping Beauty's Castle
Disneyland 2006
Sleeping Beauty's Castle
Disneyland 2006
King Arthur's Carousel
Disneyland 2006
Merlin & "The Sword in the Stone"
Disneyland 2006
The White Rabbit from "Alice in Wonderland" statue
Disneyland 2006
The Evil Queen
Disneyland 2006
Cinderella & Prince Charming statue
Disneyland 2006
Chris, Jon & Caroline in front of "Partners" statue & Castle
Disneyland 2006
Jon & Mark in front of "Partners" statue & Castle
Disneyland 2006
Main Street, U.S.A.
Disneyland 2006
Main Street, U.S.A.
Disneyland 2006
Main Street, U.S.A. Street Signs
Disneyland 2006
Caroline getting her silhouette done on Main Street
Disneyland 2006
The remnants of the silhouette cuttings
Disneyland 2006
Main Street Lantern for 50th Anniversary
Disneyland 2006
Opera House on Main Street
Disneyland 2006
The Blue Bayou Restaurant in New Orleans Square
Disneyland 2006
Adventureland
Disneyland 2006
The Columbia ship
Disneyland 2006
Chris, Jon & Caroline onboard the Columbia
Disneyland 2006
The Columbia ship
Disneyland 2006
Afternoon Parade-Pinnochio
Disneyland 2006
Afternoon Parade-Ursula
Disneyland 2006
Afternoon Parade-Alice in Wonderland
Disneyland 2006
Afternoon Parade-Lion King
Disneyland 2006
Afternoon Parade-Mickey & Minnie
Disneyland 2006
Downtown Disney Sign
Disneyland 2006
Entrance to Disney's California Adventure Theme Park (DCA)
Disneyland 2006
DCA-Sun Sculpture
Disneyland 2006
DCA-Hollywood Avenue Entrance
Disneyland 2006
Hollywood Tower of Terror Hotel
Disneyland 2006
Hollywood Tower of Terror Hotel
Disneyland 2006
Jon, Chris, Mark & Caroline onboard the ride @ Hollywood Tower of Terror Hotel
Disneyland 2006
DCA-Hollywood Avenue
Disneyland 2006
DCA-Mickey & Friends show
Disneyland 2006
DCA-Mickey & Friends show
Disneyland 2006
DCA-Paradise Pier
Disneyland 2006
Jon, Mark, Chris & Caroline on the roller coaster ride
Orange County 2006
Laguna Beach
Orange County 2006
Chris, Jon & Caroline @ Laguna Beach
Orange County 2006
Chris, Jon & Caroline @ Laguna Beach
Orange County 2006
Laguna Beach
Orange County 2006
Laguna Beach
Orange County 2006
Laguna Beach
Orange County 2006
Laguna Beach
Orange County 2006
Laguna Beach
Orange County 2006
Laguna Beach
Orange County 2006
San Juan Capistrano Mission
Orange County 2006
San Juan Capistrano Mission
Orange County 2006
San Juan Capistrano Mission
Orange County 2006
San Juan Capistrano Mission-History Plaque
Orange County 2006
San Juan Capistrano Mission-Founded in 1776
Orange County 2006
San Juan Capistrano Mission-Gate Lock Close-up
Orange County 2006
San Juan Capistrano Mission
Orange County 2006
Balboa Island
Orange County 2006
Balboa Island
Orange County 2006
Balboa Island
Orange County 2006
Balboa Island-Yellow Rose
Orange County 2006
Balboa Island-Tree Trunk
Disneyland 2006
Disneyland Turns Fifty
Europe 2006
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Milan's Duomo stands watch over Milan
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Stone finials and statuary stand guard over Milan's Duomo
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A spiral staircase decorates the wedding cake rooftop of Milan's Duomo
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Spires inspires atop Milan's Duomo
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Milan's Duomo was under construction for over 800 years
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Gargoyles and finials decorate to roof of Milan's Duomo
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Gothic arches and flying butresses hold up the massive roof of Milan's Duomo
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An eclectic mix of styles and forms and statuary - all in stone
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The duomo's mythical griffons are the downspouts to move rainwater off the roof
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Our home in Milan was the Terminal Hotel- poor marketing with that name
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The Milan City Hall courtyard makes a great setting for a summer band concert
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The bandmaster conducts in Milan's City Hall, once a ducal palace
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Inspirational spires
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Restoration never stops on the Duomo - scaffolding remains in place for years
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Tourists snap photos while parishioners worship in the cathedral below
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The stone lattice of this spiral staircase makes one ponder - why? Well why not?
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Aperture of architechitecture
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Stone works gone mad - all to the glory of God
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The roof of Milan's Duomo is an architectural feast
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800 years of construction yeilds an eclectic mix of styles and subjects
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Stone finials in the shape of gothic crosses stand sentry over Milan
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Spires that inspire
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Aspiring architect, Chris contemplates the history of Milan's great buildings
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Milan's Piazza del Duomo and the city beyond
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Crest of the Visconti Family who ruled Milan for 500 years - Castello Sforzesco
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Castello Sforzesco built in 1450 houses da Vinci's Codex manuscript
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Stone watchtowers anchor Castello Sforzesco the House of Visconti
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THe courtyard of Castello Sforzesco - home to the ruling Visconti Family
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The Corso Sepione leads to Castello Sforzesco
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Milan's Arco della Pace was built by Napoleon victorious over Italy in 1807
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The bronze Mermaid Bridge in Milan's Sempione Park
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Graffiti art alludes to the movie Planet of the Apes
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Milan's dragon heads double as drinking fountains by plugging the mouth
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Pigeons carry encephalitis, Newcastle disease, cryptococcosis and toxoplasmosis
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The herb and spice vendor in Milan's market
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Dried lavender and herbs in Milan's street maket
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Lavender in Milan's herb market
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A gypsy woman contrasts the oppulance of the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele
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La Scala is the center of the opera world
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This church is in the center of Milan's fashion shopping district
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Leonardo da Vinci casts a disapproving gaze in the piazza across from La Scala
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Only the Agusta rivals Ducati in the world of superbikes
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A mass guitar orchestra gives a peace concert in the Piazza del Duomo
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Milan's fashion district near the Duomo
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All aboard Trentalia's Eurostar from Stazione Centrale, built by Mussolini
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Next stop - Bologna aboard the highspeed Eurostar
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Chris travels first class aboard Trenitalia's Eurostar from Milan to Bologna
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The Astoria Hotel was a good choice just a short walk from the train station
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The hotel has free bikes to pedal to the old town which is closed to cars
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Chris wanted his picture taken with the Italian women in the background
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Bologna's old town is closed to cars - a maze of narrow streets
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The wooden spiral staicase is a scene from Alfred Hitchcock's thriller "Vertigo"
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Bologna's famous due torre - two towers are the best way to see the city
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Asinelli's Tower built in 1109 provides glimpses of the old town as you climb
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The hills of the Emilio-Romagna region provide a backdrop to the city
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The tower's air vents give tiny snap shots of the town below
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From the tower you can hear the bells toll from churches in the nearby hills
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Bologna once had over 100 towers - symbols of wealth and power
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Villas dot the hills surrounding Bologna
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Terra cotta rooftiles are parted by winding narrow streets - no right angles
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Jon made it to the top - 100 meters up - 498 steps and no coronary
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Chris accepted the challenge and followed Dad to the top - in case of emergency
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The Neptune Fountain is Bologna's favorite meeting place
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Built in 1566, the Fontana del Nettuno was sculptor Giambologna's first attempt
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Bologna's old town
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Old town's shopping district is closed to cars
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The sun plays on Bologna's earth colors
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The balloon man in the Piazza Maggiore
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We were treated to a preview of the 2007 Murcielago - Lamborghini's top model
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Chris tries on the 2007 Murcielago test car at Lamborghini's factory in Modena
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Lamborghini's museum in Modena - home of the Italian sports car
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Lamborghini's museum in Modena - home of the Italian sports car
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Lamborghini's museum in Modena - home of the Italian sports car
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Lamborghini's museum in Modena - home of the Italian sports car
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Lamborghini's Gallardo hangs on the wall like the piece of art it is
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Lamborghini's Gallardo is hand-assembled on the production line without robots
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Lamborghini's Murcielago is awesome in its exterior simplicity
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A very fast and cool automobile and a very cool and fast man
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Horacio Pagani greeted us at his workshop in the village of Castelfranco
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The Pagani Zonda F is considered by many as the world's most exclusive car
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Each copy of the Zonda F takes 6 months to build at a cost of $1/2 million
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Each Zonda F is hand made of carbon fiber
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Each Pagani comes complete with a matching set of Bespoke luggage
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Pagani Automobili in Castelfranco
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Horacio Pagani is today's Enzo Ferrari - an innovator in supercar design
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The Zonda F is powered by a Mercedes AMG V12 7.8 liter engine - 0 to 60 in 3.8
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Ferrari's famous test track in Maranello
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Ferrari's Winter Olympics car which wowed the world at the Opening Ceremonies
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The Ferrari museum is next to their factory in Maranello
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This is the world's richest collection of Ferrari cars
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A Ferrari prototype
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The top-of-the-line Enzo named for Ferrari's founder
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Ferrari cars are displayed as works of art rather than machines
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Chris and the Enzo
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Paolo's Testarossa at his Ferrari shop in Maranello
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Chris takes a spin in Paolo's Testarossa on the Ferrari circuit around Maranello
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Chris at the Ducati Museum in Bologna
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Ducati builds superbike racing motorcycles
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Ducati is to motorcycles what Ferrari is to cars
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Jon and Chris overlook Marostica in Italy's Veneto Region
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Hotel La Rosina is a quiet retreat from the hustle of Bologna
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Hotel La Rosina is on the Italia Giro bike race route and home to cycling teams
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A room with a view - of the foothills of the Italian Alps above Marostica
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Ristorate Castello Superiore and the view beyond
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We were awakened by the sound of the cuckoo echoing across the landscape
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The gardens of the La Rosina Hotel above Marostica
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A shrine marks the spot of a deadly roadside mishap on a mountain road
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A view of the castle from Hotel La Rosina above Marostica
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The castle restaurant Superiore - famous for its white asparagus feast in Spring
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Restorante Castello Superiore is built inside the castle walls
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A hillside chapel near Hotel La Rosina
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Ripe cherries were for sale outside the medieval castlegate above Marostica
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Marostica's medieval town square is a life size chess board
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Marostica is famous for its chessboard town square and live chess matches
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Marostica is a picture perfect medieval town in the Italian alpine foothills
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The hilltop castle and wall protected Marostica for 500 years
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Italian cypress stand guard over Marostica
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Marostica from atop the castle walls
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Pettigrew's agent Giuseppe d'Amore was our guide to Marostica and Bassano
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The Ponte degli Alpini crosses the Brenta River at Bassano del Grappa
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The wooden bridge was designed by famed architect Palladio in 1569
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The Brenta River flows from the Italian Alps to the Adriatic Sea near Venice
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Bassano is famous for its white lightening distilled from grape skins - grappa
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Bassano del Grappa is just an hours train ride from Venice - a perfect daytrip
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Palladio's bridge frames Mt Grappa in the alpine foothills
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All aboard the train from Bassano del Grappa to Santa Lucia station in Venice
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The view from Santa Lucia train station in Venice
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The view from the gondola landing at the Albergo All' Angelo
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Venice's Grand Canal
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Venice's market
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The market at the Rialto Bridge - all produce is brought to market via boat
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The Grand Canal from under the Rialto Bridge
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San Marco's gondoliers
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The Rialto Bridge in Venice
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Passengers relax on the stern of the vaporetto - Venice's public water taxi
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Rush hour at The Rialto
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The palazzos of Venice line the Grand Canal
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Every photo could be a postcard when taking shots of Venice
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A trio of gondolas round the bend of the Grand Canal
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Sunlight plays on the brightly painted palazzos of Venice
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Approaching the Piazza San Marco and the Adriatic Sea
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Approaching the Piazza San Marco and the Adriatic Sea
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Close quarters demand the skill of the gondolier
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Shadows cool San Marco's gongoliers
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San Marco's Campanile tower is on the left - the Doge's Palace is on the right
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Piazza San Marco
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A room with a view - our room at the Albergo All' Angelo had panomaric views
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Our room overlooks an busy intersection
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The gonoliers cry OYEE in place of a horn before they turn the corner
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The vaporetto approaches the Rialto Bridge
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The Church of Madonna della Salute on Dorsoduro across from San Marco
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The view from our room at Abergo All' Angelo
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The view from our room at Abergo All' Angelo
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The view from our room at Abergo All' Angelo
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The bathroom at Albergo All' Angelo
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Our room at Albergo All' Angelo in Venice
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Chris checks his email from the lobby of our hotel in Venice
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Pigeons carry encephalitis, Newcastle disease, cryptococcosis and toxoplasmosis
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Piazza San Marco - The bell tower was rebuilt in 1912 after falling down in 1902
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The mini skirt remains en vogue in Venice
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The Grand Canal from the Rialto Bridge
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The Rialto Bridge
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Like the Ponte Vecchio in Florence, the Rialto Bridge is covered with shops
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The Rialto Bridge is one of only three foot bridges crossing the Grand Canal
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Daniel Craig is the new James Bond in the remake of "Casino Royale"
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An action shot filming "Casino Royale" - an unlikely sailboat on the Grand Canal
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James Bond's yacht from the Rialto Bridge
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Daniel Craig was filming "Casino Royale", the new James Bond movie
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The market at the foot of the Rialto Bridge
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The Church of San Giacomo Apostolo in San Polo is near the Rialto Bridge
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The Scuola Grande di San Teodoro dates from 1258 and is now a concert hall
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We attended a Vivaldi concert in the Scuola Grande di San Teodoro
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Instruments await their musicians at the Scuola Grande di San Teodoro
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The ensemble dresses in Baroque costumes at the Scuola Grande di San Teodoro
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The painted ceiling of Scuola Grande di San Teodoro
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The lead violin plays Vivaldi and Pachelbel at the Scuola Grande di San Teodoro
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Musica al fresco at the sidewalk cafes of Piazza San Marco
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Piazza San Marco is magical at night
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The Church of Madonna della Salute in the moonlight
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The Church of Madonna della Salute in the moonlight
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San Marco's gondola fleet at sunrise
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San Marco's gondola fleet at sunrise
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San Marco's gondola fleet at sunrise
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The ferro on the prow of the gondola serves as a counterweight for the gondolier
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The Church of San Giorgio Maggiore was designed by Andrea Palladio
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The Church of Madonna della Salute behind San Marco's gondola fleet
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The Church of Madonna della Salute behind San Marco's gondola fleet
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The Church of Madonna della Salute behind San Marco's gondola fleet
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Church of Redentore was built in 1577 after 50,000 Venetians died in the plague
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San Marco's gardens by the Adriatic Sea
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A covered wooden draw bridge in the UP position
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San Marco's cafes are set with yellow table cloths and umbrellas at dawn
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Piazza San Marco and the Campinale - bell tower
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The Piazza San Marco with the guild house clock in center
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The Piazza San Marco with the guild house clock in center
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This bronze door bell is of a winged lion - the symbol of Venice
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The Basilica di San Marco is adorned with many Byzantine gold mosaics
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The Basilica di San Marco built in the 8th century is of ornate Byzantine design
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Famous for its Byzantine mosaics the Basilica di San Marco houses many icons
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The Palazzo Ducale or Doge's Palace was built over a period of 1,000 years
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This mail slot was for anonymous denunciations and accusations of alleged enemies of Venice
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The Church of San Giorgio Maggiore was designed by Andrea Palladio
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THe Great Council Hall of the Doge's Palace
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The courtyard of the Palazzo Ducale with San Marco's dome in the background
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Chris tries to break into the prison cell that Casanova escaped from
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The view from the Bridge of Sighs - a prisoner's last glimpse of freedom
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The ornate stone work distinctive to the Bridge of Sighs
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Piazza San Marco's famous outdoor cafes have music day and night
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Doin' the pigeon-toed dance in San Marco's Square
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Rice Krispies from breakfast make perfect pigeon feed and silly photo ops
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The fountain in the courtyard of the Palazzo Ducale
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Chris looking ship-shape at Punta Sabbioni - say "Formaggio!"
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The rowing team at Punta Sabbioni
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Painted beach retreats at Punta Sabbioni
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It's prosecco time at Punta Sabbioni - "Salute!"
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The rowing team at Punta Sabbioni
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Our first class sleeping compartment on the Die Bahn night train to Munich
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Chris takes the upper berth on the night train from Venice to Munich
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Swarovski's factory in the Austrian Alps near Innsbruck
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Swarovski's Kristallwelten or Crystal World is art presented in crystal works
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Swarovski's giant diamond made of one piece of crystal weighing over 50 pounds
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Called Winter's Dream, this piece is made of many of the crystals Pettigrew uses
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Kristallwelten is a sculpture garden set in the Austrian Alps
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Swarovski's factory in the Austrian Alps near Innsbruck
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An alpine setting at Swarovski's Kristallwelten
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The Austrian Alps rise above Innsbruck
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Innsbruck's old town with the famous Golden Roof at the end of the street
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The Hofburg Royal Palace in Innsbruck
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The old city gate in Innsbruck
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The Hofburg Royal Palace in Innsbruck
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A room with a view - from our hotel near Innsbruck in the alpine village of Zirl
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The icy moon hangs over the Austrian Alps - shot from our room in Zirl
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The Tyrolis Hotel is in Zirl near Innsbruck - great views of the Alps from here
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The village of Zirl is on the mountain backroad from Innsbruck to Seefeld
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St Michael's church in Zirl
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This trekkers chapel is at the trailhead and the last stop for mountain climbers
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Seefeld in southernmost Germany is a storybook village surrounded by the Alps
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The Czech soccer team was training in Seefeld preparing for the 2006 World Cup
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Seefeld is the perfect place to get away and relax - there is a famous spa here
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Seefeld hosted the Nordic events during the Winter Olympics in Innsbruck
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Seefeld Germany is a post card village in the Bavarian Alps
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Chris stopped to make a new friend outside Mittenwald
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On the back road to Mittenwald in Southern Germany
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On the back road to Mittenwald in Southern Germany
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On the back road to Mittenwald in Southern Germany
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Ludwig II built Linderhof as a miniature Versailles
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Ludwig II of Bavaria built Linderhof as his mountain retreat
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Linderhof is very remote - far from his subjects who questioned his extravagance
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The Neptune fountain and cascade from the famous Wagnerian Grotto
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Gilded statuary and formal gardens reminded Ludwig II of Versailles
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Ludwig II enjoyed private operas from his swan boat in the underground grotto
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The swan boat from which King Ludwig II of Bavaria would enjoy Wagner's operas
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Linderhof uses forced perspective to make it appear more grand in scale
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Linderhof is very remote - far from his subjects who questioned his extravagance
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A Bavarian alpine lake
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Gasthof Hanselewirt in Schwangau is a very comfortable hotel near Neuschwanstein
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We joined the wedding procession from the church to the traditional reception
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This is where we crashed the wedding party which continued late into the night
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The groom was ready to jump-the-broom, but why is one of his pants legs up?
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The dude with the accordian was actually yodelling as the wedding guests paraded
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Real German men wear lederhosen, especially at Bavarian weddings
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This fountain is between our hotel and the dairy next door
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Chris is yodelling from our room at Gasthof Hanselewirt
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This is the church where the wedding took place
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The picture perfect village of Schwangau with Neuschwanstein in the distance
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Our view of Neuschwanstein Castle from our room at Gasthof Hanselewirt
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The village well where I saw two old ladies fetching water for their gardens
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The dairy next door to our hotel made for fresh yogurt and butter at breakfast
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The castle seen from Ludwig's father's home Hoenschwangau
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A view of the castle from our hotel room in Schwangau
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The courtyard fountain at Hoenschwangau
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A view of the valley from Hoenschwangau
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Neuschwanstein's grand hall
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Neuschwanstein's gatehouse
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Neuschwanstein's courtyard
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Neuschwanstein's entrance at the gatehouse
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Neuschwanstein's tower staircase
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Neuschwanstein's incredible view of Swan Lake from Ludwig's bedroom
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Panorama of Schwangau
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The Marienbrucke or Marie's Bridge over the gorge at Neuschwanstein
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A view of the gatehouse from the grand hall at Neuschwanstein
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Neuschwanstein interior
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The swan grotto and spa at Neuschwanstein
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Neuschwanstein through the woods on the mile hike to Marienbrucke
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Neuschwanstein from Marienbrucke
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Neuschwanstein from Marienbrucke
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Neuschwanstein from Marienbrucke
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Our 2006 Christmas card photo
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Our 2006 Christmas card photo
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The Tegelberg tram carries skiers to the summit in winter and hang gliders today
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A hang glider launches from Mt. Tegelberg over the Fussen Valley
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Hang gliders rig their equipment atop Mt. Tegelberg
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A leap of faith into the thermals of Mt. Tegelberg
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The Tegelberg tram station below the summit
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Our view into Austria from the summit at Mt. Tegelberg
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A view from Tegelberg's summit
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Chris at the top of the Bavarian Alps
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Jon at the summit of Mt. Tegelberg
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Tibetan prayer flags honor mountain climbers
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The view of the Italian Alps from Tegelberg's summit
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Three trekkers press on to the summit
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What I first thought was edelweiss is some other alpine wildflower
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The sign reads STOP - ONLY FOR EXPERTS in German, French and English
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Chris mocks the sign as we climbed to the summit in spite of the warnings
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A view of Neuschwanstein Castle from the Tegelberg Tram
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The famous glockenspiel clock tower fronts Munich's City Hall
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Chris celebrates World Cup soccer in Munich's Marienplatz
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Munich's Marienplatz becomes a beer and schnitzelfest to cheer World Cup soccer
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Who said German's aren't friendly? It's Oktoberfest in June
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Soccer fans are glued to the TV watching the World Cup played in Germany
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Munich's city gates lead to the town center
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The Bacchus fountain at Munich's city gate
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The ceiling of St. Michael's is the second largest barrel vault in the world
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St. Michael's was bombed in World War II and rebuilt by the Allies
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Munich's gothic Town Hall - Rathaus & the famous mechanical glockenspiel
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The gothic spire of Munich's Town Hall topped by the symbol of Munich
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The Residenz is Bavaria's royal palace and Munich's best museum
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The gilt promonade at The Residenz - Bavaria's royal palace
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The Bavarian crown jewels on display in The Residenz
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The royal crown was last worn by Ludwig II who bankrupt Bavaria building castles
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The medieval Antiquarium in The Residenz is lined with 100's of busts
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The Church of Our Lady was bombed in WWII, but Munich's Town Hall was spared
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The fountain in Munich's Marienplatz from atop St. Peter's bell tower
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The best view of Munich is from Old Peter - the bell tower of St. Peter's church
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Overlooking Munich's famous beer halls from St. Peter's bell tower
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The golden Madonna is the symbol of Bavaria - she reigns over the Marienplatz
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The fountain in Marienplatz is at the famous Ratskeller restaurant
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Under the chestnut trees at Hofbrauhaus is the perfect spot for beer and brats
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Hofbrauhaus is the world's largest bar complete with their own oompah pah band
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The Bavarian Parliament was spared Allied bombing in World War II
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St. Michael's church is the final resting place for Bavaria's royal family
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King Ludwig IV's bronze tomb in St. Michael's church
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King Ludwig II of Bavaria's tomb in St. Michael's crypt
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Our Yeoman Warder guide at the Tower of London
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The changing of the Queen's guard at the Tower of London
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Chris and a Beefeater at the White Tower guarding the crown jewels of England
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Jon at the Tower Bridge on the River Thames - pronounced TIMS y'all
San Antonio 2006
Mission Concepcion
Founded in 1731 Concepcion is the best preserved of San Antonio's five missions
Mission Concepcion
These limestone steps lead to Concepcion's rooftop
Mission Concepcion
Wrought iron decorates and secures the walls surrounding Concepcion
Mission Concepcion
The hand-painted ceiling medallion and bell pull
Mission Concepcion
Old wall surrounding Mission Concepcion
Mission San Jose
Founded in 1720 just two years after the Alamo was built
Mission San Jose
German monks added architectural features from their homeland
Mission San Jose
Palm Sunday tableau
Mission San Jose
San Jose provided San Antonio its best defense against raids by local Indians
Mission San Jose
San Jose seen from the old grist mill which is still working
Mission San Jose
Much of Mission San Jose has been left unrestored
Mission San Jose
The hot Texas sun bakes the limestone of San Jose
Mission Espada
The rectory is still in use 275 years after Espada was built
Mission Espada
The tiny chapel of Espada
Mission Espada
The smallest of the five missions of San Antonio
Mission Espada
The acequia irrigation system incorporates an aquaduct still in use today
Mission Espada
What part of STAY OFF THIS HISTORIC STRUCTURE does this Marine not understand?
San Fernando Cathedral
Founded in 1731, this is the oldest cathedral sanctuary in the United States
The Blessing of the Palms
Archbishop Patrick Flores blesses the palms in preparation for Palm Sunday
Procesion de las Palmas
The Palm Procession is led through the Plaza de las Islas
Mariachi Choir
San Fernando's famous Mariachi Choir in the Palm Procession
Leazer Cousins
Velva, Dorothy, Carol and Bill
The Aztec Theater
Neon marks the historic Aztec on San Antonio's Riverwalk
The Aztec Theater
The lobby of the Aztec has been transformed into a sound and light show
The Aztec Theater
The Wurlitzer pipe organ console - installed in 1926 at the end of silent films
The Aztec Theatre
The working innerds of the mighty Wurlitzer pipe organ are on display
El Mercado
Market Square dates back to 1820
Hey, I think I know that guy!
Our docent at Mission San Jose is an old Army buddy of Jerry's
A Reunion at the Reunion
Old friends...good times
King William District
The Johnson Street foot bridge crosses the San Antonio River
King William District
The Johnson Street foot bridge frames downtown San Antonio and is closed to cars
King William District
The historic Steves Homestead built in 1876 by lumberman Edward Steves
King William District
Steves Homestead gardens and fountain bought at the the 1876 Centennial Expo
Guenther House
Jerry and Linda at Guenther House
Guenther House
Built in 1860 by the founder of the Pioneer Flour Mill
Guenther House
Sunday brunch attended by the Leazer Clan
Guenther House
Linda, Jerry and Cathy on the banks of the San Antonio River in King William
China 2004
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ABC Islands 2002
ABC Islands 2002 001
Lighthouse Point on Aruba
ABC Islands 2002 002
The Polynesia at Oranjestad, Aruba
ABC Islands 2002 003
Jon at the helm - Lighthouse Point Aruba
ABC Islands 2002 004
Rum swizzle time aboard the Polynesia
ABC Islands 2002 005
Chris at the helm - Lighthouse Point Aruba
ABC Islands 2002 006
Cabin Deck aboard the Polynesia
ABC Islands 2002 007
The Captain's Storytime aboard the Polynesia
ABC Islands 2002 008
Captain Casey's daily storytime is legendary
ABC Islands 2002 009
Lighthouse Point on Aruba - the Polynesia at anchor - the tender heads to the beach
ABC Islands 2002 010
Deckhand Chris
ABC Islands 2002 011
Heave! Step to and hoist sail, matey! Heave to!
ABC Islands 2002 012
Deckhand Chris secures a line
ABC Islands 2002 013
Heave! Step to and hoist sail, matey! Heave to!
ABC Islands 2002 014
All kids on deck!
ABC Islands 2002 015
Chris on the north shore windward side of Aruba
ABC Islands 2002 016
Jon on the north shore windward side of Aruba
ABC Islands 2002 017
Chris on the north shore windward side of Aruba
ABC Islands 2002 018
Chris and friend stack rocks - cairns on Aruba's north shore
ABC Islands 2002 019
The north shore windward side of Aruba - Ankok National Park
ABC Islands 2002 020
Chris stacks rocks - cairns on Aruba's north shore
ABC Islands 2002 021
The north shore windward side of Aruba - Ankok National Park on Aruba
ABC Islands 2002 022
Cairns on Aruba's north shore - Ankok National Park
ABC Islands 2002 023
Ankok National Park on Aruba
ABC Islands 2002 024
Ankok National Park on Aruba
ABC Islands 2002 025
Lighthouse Point on Aruba - the Polynesia at anchor
ABC Islands 2002 026
Lighthouse Point on Aruba - the Polynesia at anchor
ABC Islands 2002 027
Oranjestad Harbor Aruba
ABC Islands 2002 028
Boats navigate inside the Renaissance Marina Hotel in Oranjestad Aruba
ABC Islands 2002 029
Boats navigate inside the Renaissance Marina Hotel in Oranjestad Aruba
ABC Islands 2002 030
Oranjestad Aruba
ABC Islands 2002 031
Oranjestad Harbor Aruba
ABC Islands 2002 032
A tropical low off Bonaire made for exciting sailing - 8' to 10' seas had most of the passengers and even some of the cr
ABC Islands 2002 033
The Polynesia at Caracas Bay Curacao
ABC Islands 2002 034
The quarantine building at Caracas Bay on Curacao
ABC Islands 2002 035
The quarantine building at Caracas Bay on Curacao - overlooking the Polynesia
ABC Islands 2002 036
The quarantine building at Caracas Bay on Curacao
ABC Islands 2002 037
Curacao Quarantine Hospital
ABC Islands 2002 038
Fort Beekenburg at Caracas Bay on Curacao dates to 1703
ABC Islands 2002 039
Fort Beekenburg at Caracas Bay on Curacao dates to 1703
ABC Islands 2002 040
Fort Beekenburg at Caracas Bay on Curacao dates to 1703
ABC Islands 2002 041
Fort Beekenburg at Caracas Bay on Curacao dates to 1703 - guns are pointed at the Polynesia
ABC Islands 2002 042
Fort Beekenburg at Caracas Bay on Curacao dates to 1703 - guns are pointed at the Polynesia
ABC Islands 2002 043
From the quarantine building at Caracas Bay on Curacao
ABC Islands 2002 044
Caracas Bay Point on Curacao
ABC Islands 2002 045
Sunset on the Polynesia at Caracas Bay Curacao
ABC Islands 2002 046
Sunset on the Polynesia at Caracas Bay Curacao
ABC Islands 2002 047
The Polynesia dock at Kralendijk Bonaire
ABC Islands 2002 048
Our diveboat on Bonaire
ABC Islands 2002 049
Chris on the Bonaire diveboat
ABC Islands 2002 050
Our diveboat at Klein Bonaire
ABC Islands 2002 051
Our diveboat at Klein Bonaire
ABC Islands 2002 052
Our diveboat at Klein Bonaire
ABC Islands 2002 053
Jon diving Klein Bonaire
ABC Islands 2002 054
Chris diving Klein Bonaire
ABC Islands 2002 055
Chris diving Klein Bonaire
ABC Islands 2002 056
Klein Bonaire
ABC Islands 2002 057
Klein Bonaire
ABC Islands 2002 058
Klein Bonaire
ABC Islands 2002 059
Klein Bonaire
ABC Islands 2002 060
Klein Bonaire
ABC Islands 2002 061
Chris diving Klein Bonaire
ABC Islands 2002 062
Klein Bonaire
ABC Islands 2002 063
Jon diving Klein Bonaire
ABC Islands 2002 064
Klein Bonaire
ABC Islands 2002 065
Klein Bonaire
ABC Islands 2002 066
Chris diving Klein Bonaire
ABC Islands 2002 067
Chris diving Klein Bonaire
ABC Islands 2002 068
Klein Bonaire
ABC Islands 2002 069
Jon diving Klein Bonaire
ABC Islands 2002 070
Dolphin pace our diveboat at Bonaire
ABC Islands 2002 071
Dolphin pace our diveboat at Bonaire
ABC Islands 2002 072
Dolphin pace our diveboat at Bonaire
ABC Islands 2002 073
The Polynesia docked at Kralendijk Bonaire
ABC Islands 2002 074
Governor's Mansion at Kralendijk Bonaire
ABC Islands 2002 075
Kralendijk Bonaire
ABC Islands 2002 076
1,000 Steps on Bonaire
ABC Islands 2002 077
1,000 Steps Beach on Bonaire
ABC Islands 2002 078
1,000 Steps Beach on Bonaire
ABC Islands 2002 079
1,000 Steps Beach on Bonaire
ABC Islands 2002 080
Kuruburu, Bonaire
ABC Islands 2002 081
Seroe Largoe, Bonaire
ABC Islands 2002 082
Burros on Bonaire
ABC Islands 2002 083
Salt huts on Bonaire
ABC Islands 2002 084
Salt huts on Bonaire
ABC Islands 2002 085
Kralendijk, Bonaire
ABC Islands 2002 086
The Harbormaster's Customs House at Kralendijk, Bonaire
ABC Islands 2002 087
Kralendijk Harbor, Bonaire
ABC Islands 2002 088
Market in Kralendijk, Bonaire
ABC Islands 2002 089
Kralendijk Harbor, Bonaire
ABC Islands 2002 090
Kralendijk, Bonaire
ABC Islands 2002 091
The lighthouse at Kralendijk, Bonaire
ABC Islands 2002 092
The lighthouse at Kralendijk, Bonaire
ABC Islands 2002 093
THe Polynesia's crew at ease - Caracas Bay Curacao
ABC Islands 2002 094
Jon and Chris at the PPP Party
ABC Islands 2002 095
PPP Party
ABC Islands 2002 096
Fellow shipmates aboard the Polynesia
ABC Islands 2002 097
Kids at the PPP Party
ABC Islands 2002 098
PPP Party
ABC Islands 2002 099
PPP Party
ABC Islands 2002 100
PPP Party - PPP stands for Pirates, Prostitutes and Pimps - need I say more
ABC Islands 2002 101
Topless Beach on Aruba
ABC Islands 2002 102
Topless Beasch at our hotel on Aruba
ABC Islands 2002 103
Iguana on Aruba
ABC Islands 2002 104
Aruba
ABC Islands 2002 105
Aruba
ABC Islands 2002 106
Aruba
ABC Islands 2002 107
Aruba
ABC Islands 2002 108
Aruba
ABC Islands 2002 109
Jon & Chris on Aruba
ABC Islands 2002 110
Chris and Jon on the beach at Aruba
ABC Islands 2002 111
Jon looking good on the topless beach on Aruba
ABC Islands 2002 112
Sunset on Aruba
