07-NOV-2009
It was a sunny day...
I had the opportunity to visit Beijing, China in early November 2009. While I been to Beijing on several earlier occasions, I was surprised to see the level of polution that chocked the city at this early point in the heating season. A brief rerun through the Forbidden City did not product many good pictures as the haze cut out the light and dulled the pictures. I did manage to get this shot of the sun in mid-afternoon through the smoke and haze.
07-NOV-2009
The Details
Traditional Chinese architecture has always held a fascination for me. I have always concentrated on the "big picture" in past galleries (see www.pbase.com/worldhoppr/forbidden_city/), often missing the subtle details that typifies the style. This and the next two pictures are my start at "looking at the details." Hopefully I can return to China in thefuture to continue my learning.
15-JUN-2009
Munching on a Wheat Thin
Normally one wouldn't think that a squirrel would go "nuts" over Nabisco's Wheat Thins, but this is not a normal squirrel. This cute speciman of squirrelhood was fearless as s/he boldly stole a dropped cracker and retreated up a nearby tree. S/he enjoyed every bite and came back for more. When "more" was not forthcoming, s/he looked indignent and chattered a shocking stream of squirrel-nasties. Being basicly benevolant, a few more Wheat Thins wre "accidentally cdropped on the ground. Without so much as a "How do you do?" or a "Thanks," the Wheat Thins were grabbed up and the squirrel made a hasty get-a-way.
The next time you shop for one of your favorite Nabisco crackers, carefull look over my shoulder to see if you are being stalked or if little bushy-tailed rodents are waiting in ambush to grab the treats you're buying.
See two more shots below. (All three picture were taken by Heather, I only "processed" them).
25-DEC-2008
The Master's Hands
Nonagenarian Yitzhaq Nayvelt truly deserves the title of "Master." Originally from Russia, he now resides in and graces Ottawa, Ontario. Age may slow us all down a bit, but Yitzhaq shows no signs of slowing when he plays his beloved accordian. In addition to playing for himself and his family, he is frequently a guest virtuoso with The Ottawa Klezmer Band. (See photos at
http://www.pbase.com/hsandler/klezmer)
This is the second example of a master's hands. On the last page of this gallery you can see another example from a different musical discipline. As with the earlier "Master's Hands" photograph, I did not take the picture, but was privledged to do a bit cropping and some slight Photoshop adjustments.
25-DEC-2008
Concentration
As in everything, mastery requires complete concentration, untold hours of practice, and undying love of the music and the instrument. Yitzhaq Navelt makes playing seem effortless, but the years of experience and practice, the love of his music and the concentration required to "do it right" can be easily seen as he plays.
26-AUG-2008
Simple Beauty on a Hot Afternoon
While suffering through the heat on an August afternoon in Hocking Hills State Park in central Ohio, nature sent a soft and beautiful creature to remind me of how fortunate we really are. In the midst of discomfort and perspiration, this was truly a "stop and smell the roses" moment to help put it all into perspective
25-JUL-2008
Lock #23 (Upper Gate), Rideau Canal Waterway
Merrickville is a delightful village and tourist attraction on the Rideau Canal Waterway in Ontario, Canada. For a brief tour of the villageand the locks, check out my gallery at www.pBase.com/worldhoppr/merrickville.
02-APR-2008
Beauty In Flight
Soaring high above the drying swamp and struggling alligators, an eggret takes flight in the Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary near Bonita Springs, Forida.
06-FEB-2008
Sasquach Lives!
I would love to say I took this picture, showing proof that Sasquach (aka the Abominable Snowman) lives, but I did not. It was sent from a friend who lives in the inhospitable north country where snow fluries are measured in feet and not inches (or meters and not centimeters). This picture shows the actual foot of the Abominable Snowman as it stepped upon a picnic table in the snow-covered, frozen tundra of eastern Ontario. I am glad I live in a more temprate climate and must appreciate these paranormal pheonomena in pictures.
12-OCT-2007
Not Your Average Kitty
If you like pictures of animals in their natural habitat, visit the complete set of photographs at www.pbase.com/worldhoppr/pilanesberg and enjoy.
12-NOV-2007
Sunset Through the Masts
Business took me on a whirlwind, 24 hour visit to Hilton Head Island. I had the pleasure of golng on a dinner cruise that left from Harbour Town. As I pulled into the parking area, I was struck by the beautiful sunset nature was providing.
12-NOV-2007
Harbour Town Sunset
Pick your yacht for a sunset cruise.
12-NOV-2007
Harbor Town Lighthouse at Sunset
Probably the most well known symbol of Hilton head is the lighthouse at Harbour Town. Accented by the many beautiful watercrafts and silhouetted by the setting sun, it stands majestically, welcoming all to the beauty of Hilton Head Island.
01-NOV-2007
San Francisco Ferry Building & Oakland Bay Bridge
I had to give a talk in San Francisco on November 2nd. I was lodged at the Hyatt Hotel at Embarcadero Center, just a short block or two from the famous San Francisco Ferry Building. I was delighted to step onto the balcony off my room and see this pictureof the Ferry Building with the Bay bridge in the background. I couldn't resist taking the picture nor sharing it with my friends.
15-JUL-2007
Butterfly & Coneflower (Echinacea)
I just bought a Canon Powershot G7 to supplement my Nikon D200. There are many occasions where the lighter and smaller camera is a better fit than the full-blown DSLR. During the G7's "shakedown" cruise, I was lucky enough to find a cooperative butterfly on a fading daisy. What a special treat to find these for some of my test runs. I hope you enjoy the Butterfly & Daisy.
06-JUL-2007
Purple People Bridge from Cincinnati
What is now know as the "Purple People Bridge," spanning the Ohin River from Cincinnati, OH to Newport KY has a long and impressive history. Beginning as the L&N (Railroad) Bridge on April 1, 1872 as the Newport and Cincinnati Bridge. It was Cincinnati's first railroad bridge spanning the Ohio River. Over the next 35 years it was retrofitted to handle streetcars and automobile traffic. In 1904 it was renamed as the L&N (Louisville & Nashville) railroad bridge. In 2001 its use was suspended, until 2003 when it was reopened as a pedestrian-only bridge named the Newport Southbank Bridge. It now serves as a walking thoroughfare between Cincinnati's riverfront and Newport's "Newport on the Levee." (g)
06-JUL-2007
"Big Mac" Bridge
Through the ironwork of the Purple People Bridge, this 1983 suspension bridge, which carries I-471 across the Ohio is actually named the Daniel Carter Beard Bridge. The origin of the popular moniker, the "Big Mac" Bridge should be obvious.
06-JUL-2007
Ducks Rush In Where Humans Fear to Tread - Swimming in the Ohio River
As one who drank more of the Ohio than the Health Department would normally allow while "tubing" behind a Sea Ray with a sadistic, hot-shot captain, I would not recommend humans or ducks take the plunge. While the Ohio may be fit for swimming somewhere along its length, Cincinnati is not one of those "safe to swim" spots.
06-JUL-2007
Purple People Bridge from Newport on the Levee
06-JUL-2007
River Walk Below Newport on the Levee
21-MAY-2007
Dinner Roses
I recently stumbled across some wild roses growing outside a local restaurant. I was taken with the simplistic beauty that nature had created for anyone who wanted to "stop and smell the roses." I stopped, smelled and additonally photographed. I hope you enjoy these pre-dinneer roses.
21-MAY-2007
Dinner Roses
I did not notice the extra visitor in this picture until I put it onto my computer. I guess this rose is not only a pre-dinner rose for my enjoyment, but also an actual dinner rose for a friendly bee.
06-MAY-2007
Massachusetts State House Dome
My recent trip to Boston did not provide all the "photo ops." I had hoped for. However, here are a few random shots in and about Boston against a backdrop of the Massachusetts State House Dome.
06-MAY-2007
Massachusetts State House
06-MAY-2007
Park Street Church Steeple
Like so many of the historic buildings in Boston, modern society has encroched on the historic. It was sad that the surrounds of the historic sites was made up of masses of glass and steel. To me it detracted from the beauty and significnce of what I was seeing. Such is life. This church sits on the corner of Tremont Street, just across the from the Boston Commons and a block away from the State House.
06-MAY-2007
On Boston Commons
Being just across the street from the State House, I wondered if this depicted a political statement -- something like "The Law and the Legislature." Think about it.
06-MAY-2007
Across the Charles River
This was taken through the window of a moving bus (which was painted to look like a trolly). Not anything special, but it is a nice view of Boston across the Charles River.
06-MAY-2007
Cheers
In the city of the "Old North Church," "Paul Revere's House," the Boston Tea Party and numerous historic buildings, this may be the most recognized symbol of Boston to the modern generation.
28-APR-2007
The River Runs Down ...
I had the chance to visit one of the Mad River tributaries in the White Mountain National Forest in New Hampshire. At home in Cincinnati it was about 80 degrees and sunny; on the banks of the Mad River it was cold, with ice and snow in a patchwork on the ground. My walk was brief as the rain was threatening, but the peace of being with nature again was overwhelming. I hope you enjoy these four scenes from my stroll along the banks of one of the Mad River tributaries.
28-APR-2007
A Fallen Warrior
In contrast to the birch in the next picture, this reminded me of a valiant, fallen warrior.
28-APR-2007
Son of a Birch
The two white birch stand guard over the river, like parents watching over their child.
28-APR-2007
Mad River
Is the river "mad," as in angry, or "mad," as in crazy. or, perhaps, "mad," as in rushing along in a big, big hurry. At one time or another, all are probably true.
11-MAR-2007
Just Pretty ...
I would love to tell you that I took these pictures, but I did not. The untouched .jpg image- capture was sent to me by a close friend who asked me to see what I could do with them. So I played a bit in Photoshop (Elements 4) and came up with these four scenes. I am posting these here because I think they are great pictures and also to help convince my friend that a new pBase gallery should be in the immediate future. Then pictures like these will get a proper display and proper credit can be given. I hope you like them as much as I do. (g)
22-MAR-2007
Moon Through the Pines
Like me, my friend loves the interplay of the moon and the trees. These two shots of the slivered moon through the pines take ones mind to a crisp fall setting in the north woods. (g)
22-MAR-2007
The Gathering Storm
The interesting cloud formations, interesting play of light and more pine trees couple to hint of a gathering storm. (g)
21-FEB-2007
Moon
The cold weather finally broke followed by rain. Finally there was a clear night with a quarter moon off my rear deck. I took the opportunity to work with the differences between spot and matrix metering -- matrix picks up the surrounding details, but washes out the details of the moon itself, while spot gives a true rendition of the moon and its surface, but the earthly surroundings are lost in the shorter ecxposures. These three shots were all taken wit matrix metering with varring levels of zoom (which can control the time of exposure depending on how much of the fram one can fill with the moon). I don;t know why the longer exposure in the last shot gave a significant sepia case, but I like it. All shots were "processed" with Photoshop Elements 4 by adding a bit of "shadow lightening." This brught out the surrounding trees better to give a very erie feeling to the picture. The middle picture was at maximum zoom (200mm) and the trees were lost to the shorter exposure of filling the frame more with the moon.
21-FEB-2007
Sepia Moon
... and I don't know why, but it did take almost 10 seconds of exposure as determined by the camera software and sensors.
17-FEB-2007
Hope
In the midst of a very cold winter, on a very gloomy and inhospitable day, I saw a church steeple silhouetted against the sky. A hole in the sky seemed to open and the warmth and brightness of the sun shone through. In that moment I saw hope for the future peek down and lay its promise at the feet of the world. Hope is always there, just beyond the clouds. Let's not forget it.
17-FEB-2007
The Foundations of Canada
During a recent trip to Canada I came across a monument to the foundartions of the nation. The Inuit, the buffalo, the deer/elk/reindeer, the eagle, all depicted on a single podium of honor. This picture, taken from he back of the mounment, against the modern-day building gives a contrast of where Canada started and where she is today. The eagle is flying upward, ever upward. Surely Canada's future will be bright if she builds on her heritage and follows the eagle -- onward and upward. (g)
07-FEB-2007
Winter Sculpture 1
After the early winter months being warmer than normal, February brought more typical weather to the Ohio Valley along with the requisite snow. Our first really big snowfall of the year (5 to 6 inches) brought these images to my front deck. The sculpturing of the snow on the deck and railing displayed the peace and beauty of the moment, while just a short distance away, angry and frustrated drivers fought to get to their destination while snowplows and tons of salt did battle with the elements that I found so beautiful. C’est la vie.
Winter Moon
During a recent trip, I saw the onset of winter approaching, fortold by the first "Winter Moon" of the season. Cold, damp, windy, freezing, all depicted as the lunar candle shone through the gathering snow clouds.
10-NOV-2006
Confused Crocuses
During a mid-November trip to Williamsburg, Virginia, I was treated to two days of spectacular weather. Temperatures in the 70s and a clear, blue sky with just a few wispy clouds overhead made Indian summer a reality. As I walked the historic area, admiring the colonial homes and buildings, I looked down to see some apparently confused crocuses. Normally blooming in early spring (often through the snow), these beautiful heralds-of-spring decided to enjoy the nice November weather with me and the myriad of other visitors to Williamsburg. Confused blooms? Perhaps, but a beautiful sight nonetheless.
In addition to sharing these flowers with you, I also invite you to view the two galleries of photographs taken during my visit, "A Walking Tour of Colonial Williamsburg," and "The Signs & Symbols of Colonial Williamsburg." I hope you enjoy them all.
20-OCT-2006
George Washington Masonic National Memorial
While attending a recent business meeting in Alexandria, VA, I looked out of the 6th floor conference room window at the local scenery, dominated by the George Washington Masonic National Memorial. Following a chilly, misty morning, supplied by the nearby Potomac River, I was surprised to see the weather had cleared, replacing the mist with sun and fluffy clouds. Shooting through the (thankfully) clean window, I captured this picture.
The monument was constructed from private funds and dedicated on 12th May 1932. The Memorial, with its 333 foot tower, is situated on top of historic Shooters Hill, and is open to the public daily free of charge.
08-OCT-2006
Sun Off The Ohio
The Tall Stacks Festival is now gone, not to return for three years. There were two pictures I took during the celebration that I thought were worth sharing, but they did not have any references to the riverboats other than there were taken during the Festival. Now that the boats have gone, I am posting these, I hope you enjoy the Sun Off The Ohio and ....
08-OCT-2006
The Purple People Bridge
... The Purple People Bridge. The bridge is a Cincinnati landmark and was decommissioned as a train and traffic bridge sevral years ago. It was painted purple and became a major pedestrian link between Cincinnati and Newport, KY.
If you haven't visited my Tall Stacks site yet, please do so, both the 2006 and the 2003 offerings. In 2003, you will see almost the same picture, but with the world-famous Delta Queen passing under the bridge.
06-OCT-2006
Cincinnati
Cincinnati sits at the point where the Licking River (in Kentucky) joins the Ohio. While I was roaming around, enjoying the festivities connected with the triannual Tall Stacks Festival, I took this picture of Cincinnati from the mouth of the Licking River. While there are no "Tall Stacks" readily apparent in the picture (there are a few that look like "specs" off to the right), it was the Tall Stacks celebration that pushed me to view my city from "the other side of the river." I hope you enjoy this view of Cincinnati, and I hope you will enjoy the separate gallery I am constructing of photographs taken throughout the Tall Stacks event.
04-OCT-2006
Tall Stacks - 2006
Today, 4th October 2006, marked the opening of the tri-annual Tall Stacks celebration in Cincinnati, Ohio. Once every three years, a dozen or more of the remaining, working riverboats come to Cincinnati to celebrate the heritage of all the cities dotting the American landscape that have a history tied to a river. Of course, Cincinnati's history is intimately tied to the Ohio River, just as New Orleans, Memphis, St. Louis and Minneapolis are tied to the Mississippi River. The Celebration is five days of music, food and, most importantly, the boats and the River. This picture shows the Belle of Cincinnati and the Spirit of Peoria (Illinois), moored side-by-side on the Cincinnati riverfront. During the festival, passengers may enjoy a cruise up and down the Ohio, some including a meal, as well as a myriad of musical events and theatrical performances. Costumed volunteers add a bit of authenticity as they stroll the riverfront in period costumes. Just across the river, in Newport, Kentucky, is a reconstruction of a Civil War encampment; one can also tour a World War II personnel landing craft on the Covington, Kentucky side of the Licking River. (Cincinnati, Newport and Covington sit at the points where the Licking River meet the Ohio.) Anyone wanting to capture a bit of this American history should either come to Cincinnati and experience the celebration or enjoy the full gallery of pictures that I will build over the coming days. (Samples are available now in the main gallery section of this website.)
24-SEP-2006
Tagore's Garden
A number of years ago I was fortunate enough to visit Calcutta (Kolkata) in the Indian state of West Bengal. While the city maintains much of the heritage from the British occupation, it is definitely Indian. At the time of my visit, I was ignorant of the works of Rabindranath Tagore (1861 - 1941), the poet laureat of India and the first Asian to win the Nobel Prize (for literature in 1913). His home and gardens are open to visitors where one can see his works and view photographs and artifacts of his life.
Since that visit I have come to appreciate the beauty of the works and life of Rabindranath Tagore. When in India, a trip to Kolkata (Calcutta) with an unhurried visit to Tagore's home and garden is definitely recommended.
24-SEP-2006
Strolling Through Tagore's Garden
24-SEP-2006
Strolling Through Tagore's Garden
24-SEP-2006
Tagore's Arborial Center Piece
24-SEP-2006
Goodbye to Peace and Serenity
Following our tour of the house we made one final trip through the gardens before leaving the peace and serenity of Tagore's home. Returning to the hustle and bustle of Kolkata's streets provided a stark, modern-day contrast to the private world that was Rabindranath Tagore's sanctum.
15-SEP-2006
Prelude to Tall Stacks: Power from Louisville
The tri-annual Tall Stacks Celebration comes to Cincinnati in early October. One of the most beautiful boats to join the armada of "tall stacked" river boats is the Belle of Louisville. A true paddle-wheel powered river boat, the Belle makes ready for the 100 mile journey up river to Cincinnati. The drive shaft and wheel crank will easily fight the Ohio River's current on the trip. Will the Belle be triumphant again this year in the annual steamboat race against the Delta Queen? We'll know in a few weeks.
15-SEP-2006
The Belle Prepares to Head North to Cincinnati ...
11-AUG-2006
Francis Scott Key Bridge
The time in the DC area is now over. As a final sojourn I made the trek to Theodore Roosevelt Island, crossing over the Island pedestrian bridge in early evening. As I looked to the left I saw the Key Bridge, named in honor of Francis Scott Key, the author of the poem that eventually became the words to our National Anthem. The Key Bridge bore me from Arlington to Georgetown on many evenings during my visit and supplied the "tripod" as well as a lamp post prop for my earlier picture. A farewell photo of the bridge that had now become my friend was in order. I hope you enjoy the evening picture of the Key Bridge.
10-AUG-2006
Fern-dale
While rummaging around Arlington, VA looking for a note worthy subject, a sudden urge to look up hit. There was an almost sillouette of a feathery fern overhead, framed by adjacent wood. The moment was captured to share with you
08-AUG-2006
Sunset from the Key
I was fortunate enough to be on the Key Bridge just as the sun started its final descent toward the horizon. A break in the evening traffic was just long enough to catch the fading, setting orb at the end of its daily journey.
08-AUG-2006
Heading Home at Day's End
Traversing the Potomac River at sunset one gets to see the pleasure craft ending their day on the river and starting to head into port for the night.
08-AUG-2006
Arlington Serenity
In the midst of rumbling traffic, emergency sirens and bustling people, in the middle of Arlington, Virginia there sits a small park with a babbling fountain and man-made waterfall. This little drop of serenity cries out to passers-by, asking them to stop, even for a moment, and "smell the roses." I heard it cry and followed its call.
06-AUG-2006
M Street at the Key Bridge
Georgetown in D.C. provides a complete spectrum of subjects for cityscape pictures. From tree-lined streets, to busy shops to quaint houses, interesting and sometimes unusual people, Georgetown proudly displays it all. This picture of a line of row houses on M Street near the Key Bridge is just one example of the interest awaiting anyone willing to walk around and just look. (added 6 August 2006)
06-AUG-2006
Evening on the Potomac
Walking back from dinner in Georgetown, the evening cruise launch passed under the Key Bridge as I walked overhead. The late dusk lighting with a smidgen of hazy moonlight and the Washington Monument in the distance was too good to pass up. My trusty Olympus 4040 and an iron grille for support allowed me to get this photograph. (added 6 August 2006)
May 1996
Kanapali Beach Sunset
Setting aside the chorus of "commercialism" heard from many when Hawaii is mentioned as a vacation venue, my visit to Maui was something to remember. Staying at the Westin Hotel on Kanapali Beach, just outside Lahaina on the Island of Maui, afforded some of the most beautiful views of water, beach and, of course, sunsets. No special techniques, no long searches for the perfect picture, all one has to do is set up with the camera pointing west and wait. In the 30 to 60 minutes it takes the sun to drop below the horizon, any photographer can snap their fill of beautiful sunsets. This May 1996 view still captures my heart with memories of the beauty that is everywhere to see; Hawaii. (added 3 August 2006)
Sunrise Over Solberg
Six-thirty AM came much too early, but there I was awake, dressed and tromping the grounds at Solberg Airport seeking a possible balloon ride; after all, it was the New Jersey Festival of Ballooning!
Festival of Balloons
An entire gallery of pictures from the New Jersey Festival of Balloons can be found in the "NJ/FOB" gallery on this site. As a hint of what is in the full gallery, here is one picture of a cascade of balloons taken from the basket of the balloon that cast the shadow. (added 31 July 2006)
06-OCT-2005
A Bit More of Home: Cincinnati
The Roebling Suspension Bridge and downtown from a boat on the Ohio River. (added 26 July 2006)
06-OCT-2005
A Bit More of Home: Cincinnati
Cincinnati's riverfront serpentine wall as seen from under the "Purple People Bridge." (added 26 July 2006)
Casapueblo: Carlos Páez Vilaró
Casapueblo is an amazing complex in Punta Ballena, Uruguay, just outside of Puenta del Este. This unique structure by architect-painter-sculptor Carlos Páez Vilaró is truly unique. The structure now serves as a club-hotel including a museum and showroom of the artist’s talents. Casapueblo was originally built by the artist as a home and studio where he could paint and sculpt as well as entertain friends. The building is extremely unique; a photographers dream as the hotel provides a myriad of interesting close-ups as well as distance shots. There is something new and interesting around every corner and bend. Additionally there are many examples of the artists work in and on the walls as well as the display areas. (added 25 July 2006)
Casapueblo: Carlos Páez Vilaró
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)
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)