Kuala Lumpur
The mixture of old and new in this capital city of Malaysia provides a variety of enjoyable sights for the resident and visitor alike. From the modern spires of the twin Petronas Towers, the tallest building in the world on the date of its completion (the Sears Tower in Cicago stands taller), to the Sultan Abdul Samad Building, one will sees interesting treasures wherever they look. The Sultan Abdul Samad Building was designed in the moorish-style by the British architect A. C. Norman in 1897. Today it serves as the home for the Supreme and High Courts. The Petronas Towers were built in 1998 from a design by Cesar Pelli and stand 88 stories high, (452 meters or 1483 feet high). During my visit, I was fascinated by the "fan' palms that grow in Kuala Lumpur. I hope you enjoy them as much as I do. (added 23 July 2006)
On Bermuda's South Shore
One of the all-around most beautiful places I have ever visited is the island of Bermuda. The rocky shore line, the waves breaking on the protective reef surrounding the island, Hamilton, St. George, Somerset and the variety and beauty of the vegetation all combine to make this magical place. Sadly, the hotel that I have always gravitated to, the Sonesta Beach (the Carlton Beach, when I first visited) in Southampton Parish was severely damaged in a hurricane and is no longer a tourist hotel. These pictures were taken in Southampton Parish in the vicinity of the Sonesta Beach. The rich blues of the water are exactly as shown. The beauty of the rock formations are likewise something to behold. Although it has been many years since I was there, the memory lingers strongly in my mind and my photographs make it live again whenever I view them. (added 22 July 2006)
Punta del Este Sunset
About 5 years ago business took me to Montevideo, Uruguay. While there I was able to spend a few days with relatives at Punte del Este. For Uruguay, it was "off season." The crowds of tourists that flock to Punta del Este in the summer (December through March) had left. As Jimmy Buffet would say, I was there "When the coast was clear." The time I spent visiting was great and the scenery of the area was spectacular, as was the dulce de leche. Dulce del Leche is a sweet milk (leche) concoction that was used to make just about everything better. From morning toast through the evening’s ice cream, dulce de leche was a welcome addition. As the visit was winding down and my business in Montevideo was calling, I was able to witness this sunset. Sometimes you are just in the right place at the right time. (added 22 July 2006)
London & Surrounds
A number of years ago I had the chance to spend a bit of "free" time in one of my favorite cities, London. The weather was "iffy," bouncing between beautiful and dreary as my Nikon 6006 (ISO 200 Fuji film) and I took in as many sights as we could. The following day business took me to Windsor. This composite picture shows Big Ben (and a portion of Parliament), the Tower Bridge, and the Thames River from Sir Christopher Wren's House in Windsor. (added 21 July 2006)
Tobago
In very early 1998 I went to Trinidad for a business conference. The conference was routine and successful, but, to help make it all worthwhile, the trip afforded me the opportunity to take a one day visit to the neighboring island of Tobago. I was instantly in "love." The island seemed to have avoided the commercialization that so many of the beautiful Caribbean Islands have suffered. (Still beautiful and still requiring a visit, but commercialized, nonetheless.) The pristine cove in the top picture was as beautiful as any I had ever seen. Sadly the guide informed me that the land had been purchased and was to be developed into a tropical resort. I am sure that has been done by now, and I am equally sure the resort is beautiful, but I have to ask if the native beauty was enhanced or destroyed by "progress." Some day I hope to return, so I can see for myself and make up my own mind. Until that time, I will live with the memory of the natural beauty of this beautiful island. (I will also never forget the next day I flew to Montreal, QC, Canada where there was a blizzard and the temperature was -40 degrees (Celsius or Fahrenheit, at -40 they are equal). This was a climate shock I would have gladly missed, but fate would not allow. The deep freeze of Montreal could never "trump" the beauty and warmth I experienced in Tobago, just a few hours earlier. (added 20 July 2006)
Bridge at Sunset
Looking down the Ohio River from 4th Street in downtown Louisville, one finds a train trestle spanning the watery gap between Kentucky and Indiana. Silhouetted against the setting sun, the bridge provides a picture to help remember a short, but memorable trip to Kentucky's largest city. (added 19 July 2006)
A Masters Hands
During a recent trip to Alexandria, Virginia (see my gallery "The Doors of Alexandria"), I had the pleasure of hearing Mr.Rick Whitehead present an evening of superb jazz guitar at a local restaurant. His mastery of his instrument was awesome as he crammed more notes into a measure than I though would ever fit. During the breaks, Mr. Whitehead also proved to be a very nice person in addition to being a fantastic jazz guitarist. The evening I spent with him and his trio will not soon be forgotten. As he played, the audience was allowed to take pictures. This photograph was not taken by me, but my Olympus C4040 was used. All I can claim is the cropping and "PhotoShopping," but it is a pleasure to have been a part of this glimpse of "A Masters Hands." (added 18 July 2006)
The End of the Day
In August 1996 I had the opportunity to visit Chile (something I repeated in July 2005 and again in March 2006). During this first visit, friends showed me Santiago and took me to Viña del Mar, Valparaiso and Quisco. Even though it was the middle of winter in Chile, the beauty of Chile shone bright. As our day of adventure was winding down, I got the chance to walk the shoreline at Quisco. As the winter sun was setting in the western sky, I saw this lone person, lost in thought as the gentle waves lapped close to his feet. The play of light in the clouds and as reflected off the wet sand gave the view I share today. (added 17 July 2006)
Qutab (Kutab) Minar
I have always been fascinated by the culture, history, legends, myths and religions that make up the stark contrasts on the Indian subcontinent. Partcularly the centuries old struggles between the Hindu and the Islamic cultures that coexist there today. The Qutab (Kutab)Minar in Delhi is a supurb example of Islamic design. At 72.5 meters tall, it is the largest stone tower in India. The tower was built to celebrate the victory of last Hindu kingdom in Delhi. The foundation was laid in 1199. (added 16 July 2006)
Just Wandering the Bay
San Francisco, the City by the Bay, is one of the most photographed places in the world. I love the city and take the chance to just wander with my camera whenever I can. The views making this composite are almost a cliche. I have seen these same "poses" from many photographers (and postcards) over the years. However the city and its surrounds are so specatcular that one more version is always in order. So I offer these views, taken on a hurried business trip with my trusty "pocket camera", an Olympus C4040 in 2004. (added 17 July 2006)