As we were driving through the northern part of wine country in Sonoma County a few weeks ago, I pulled over the car for a photo opportunity. I am not sure there is a better scene than the beginning of a new wine growing season. Green for miles and miles, with rows of vines to turn the landscape into a grid pattern. Healdsburg seems less traveled than the southern sections … [Read more...] about Barn and Fields outside of Healdsburg, California
Neuschwanstein Castle in Schwangau, Bavaria, Germany
There is no more iconic castle in the world than Neuschwanstein Castle in Bavaria. Fairytale views, not such a great ending for Ludwig II. Now a landmark that everyone should try to visit if they are ever in Germany. We visited while the winter weather was still taking hold of Bavaria. Clouds in the air, sleet coming down, it was difficult to get good shots of the castle … [Read more...] about Neuschwanstein Castle in Schwangau, Bavaria, Germany
Streetscape in Salzburg, Austria
Most of the photos that I take are landscapes. Part of it is because I feel uncomfortable taking street-shots, part of it is that people move around too much, and part of it is that I often find myself outside of the city when traveling. … [Read more...] about Streetscape in Salzburg, Austria
Kayaks and Sailboats in Anegada, British Virgin Islands
In the British Virgin Islands (BVI), Anegada is the outlier. It is the only island made of coral and limestone, which makes for an interesting climate within. The island is flat and a haven for kitesurfers (think Sir Richard Branson), as well as a great place for fresh lobster. … [Read more...] about Kayaks and Sailboats in Anegada, British Virgin Islands
View of Intercontinental Hotel in Davos, Switzerland
Last week I spent two nights in the incredible Intercontinental Davos Hotel in Switzerland. A full review is still to come, but I have to say that this is one of the nicest hotels I have visited since I started playing the travel game. For now, you can see the hotel in the background (it's the big gold bubble). … [Read more...] about View of Intercontinental Hotel in Davos, Switzerland
Dome at the Hagia Sophia in Istanbul
If you ever have the opportunity to visit Istanbul, you will likely check out both the Blue Mosque and the Hagia Sophia, which are located next to each other. I visited both during my walking tour of Istanbul and was impressed by both. If you go during the daytime with natural light shining through, it's tough to take a bad picture. You will spend a lot of time staring up at … [Read more...] about Dome at the Hagia Sophia in Istanbul
London Tower Bridge on the Thames River
My first time in London was in 2014 and I only had one day to explore the area. Fortunately, the city is very easy to navigate and find landmarks. On this overcast day, the best photo opportunity was the London Tower Bridge over the Thames river. While the greyness of the bridge blended in with the skyline, I was able to find some color in the foreground during my photo … [Read more...] about London Tower Bridge on the Thames River
Tomales Bay Near Point Reyes, California
If you go to the Tomales Bay Oyster company, make sure that you bring everything but the oysters. I learned that the hard way, as we were caught with no drinks, side dishes or equipment for shucking oysters. Next time I will come more prepared. On the bright side, if you don't eat the oysters you can just explore around Tomales bay, which is not a bad alternative. At low … [Read more...] about Tomales Bay Near Point Reyes, California
Budapest Parliament Building at Night
It is hard to miss the Budapest Parliament building when it is lit up at night. You can see it from pretty much any vantage point in the city with a river view. This photo was taken in January of 2014, while I stood outside in the freezing cold trying to make sure the photo would turn out. Next time I will make sure to bring a tripod, and probably do a longer exposure. Can't … [Read more...] about Budapest Parliament Building at Night
Sunrise on the Bosphorus River in Istanbul
The view from the club lounge of the Hilton Istanbul is hard to beat. You can see the all of the activity on the Bosphorus river, watch the sunrise and take in the lights at night. There are many distinct phases that the river view goes through on any given day, but something is always happening on the Bosphorus. … [Read more...] about Sunrise on the Bosphorus River in Istanbul