Humayun's Tomb
The tomb was built in 1570 and is of signifigance in that it is the first "garden tomb" on the Indian subcontinent. Some of the architectural innovations were later used in building the Taj Mahal. Humayun's Tomb (and the Taj Mahal) is an example of Mughal architecture, a distincive style of Islamic, Persian and Indian architecture developed during the 16th Century.
Humayun (1508-1556) was the eldest and most favored son of Barbur. He took the reigns of the Mugal empire at the age of 22 when his father died of an illness. Hamayun "shakily" ruled for about 10 years. He died at the age of 48 from injuries sustained in a fall. (added 16 July 2006; photo updated 19 July 2006)
Home (for me)
Home for me is Cincinnati, OH; one of the most well kept secrets in the US. Cincinnati has world class symphony and pops orchestras, great art museums, theater of all types, including the acclaimed Playhouse-in-the-Park, professional sports, many safe and well cared for parks, etc. It is a great place to live and raise a family. One of the symbols of the Queen City (as Cincinnati has been nicknamed) is the John A. Roebling Suspension Bridge. Roebling, the designer and builder of the famed Brooklyn Bridge in New York City, designed and built his "prototype" across the Ohio River at Cincinnati to test his designs and theories before embarking on the larger project between Brooklyn and Manhatten. Here we see a bit of downtown Cincinnati, viewed across the Ohio-side of the Roebling Suspension bridge. (added 14 July 2006)
A Bridge Across
The Ohio River boasts a wide variety of bridge designs as it traverses the landscape from Pittsburgh to the Mississippi River near St. Louis. One that I have always liked, especially at night, is the I-65 span from Louisville, KY to Jeffersonville, IN. (added 14 July 2006)
Chateau Frontenac
A few of the old Canadian "railroad" hotels remain open and active. One of the most beautiful is the Chateau Frontenac. Dominating the Quebec City landscape like a watchful and benevolant monarch, this beautiful example of an age now past provides a glimpse of a time when elegance and style reigned supreme in this beautiful Canadian city. (added 14 July 2006)
Palm Springs
One of the most unusual places I have visited is Palm Springs, CA. A city (actually a group of cities) that was literally manufactured in the high desert east of Los Angeles. The sharp contrast of the landscape amazes. Where the ground on the desert floor is watered and cared for it is lush green and beautiful. Where it is not, the land is blowing sand and scrubbrush. These two conditions coexist in the valley between stark, baren and beautiful mountains. The composite view shown here shows views of the nurtured green of a golf resort surrounded by the brown mountains. On the desert floor, temperatures in excess of 100 degrees are not unusual. On the top of the surrounding mountains, it can easily be 40 or more degrees cooler. In the higher elevations surrounding Palm Springs, it is not unusual to find snow on the ground. Palm Springs, "beautiful?" Yes. "Natural?" No. Worth a visit? Absolutely. (If you go, be sure to take the cable tram ride up the mountain to Mount San Jacinto State Park; you'll enjoy the beauty of the park, the view from the top and the break from the heat.) (added 14 July 2006)
A Castle
Of all the castles in the world, Cinderella's home in Orlando is among the most recognized. This view was taken with a Nikon D70, handheld. With the castle as clear as it is, given my level of ability and the slow shutter speed, this picture is clear proof of the magic Cinderella's castle possesses. (added 13 July 2006)