Category: Photography
-
Tangier is an island – Tangier, Virginia

It happens all the time. Someone is wearing a T-shirt from a distant destination and I enthusiastically ask if they’ve been there. Sometimes I’ve been to the T-shirt worthy locale, so it’s a fun conversation starter – or non-starter. Case in point, after a dip in the pool a friend recently wrapped up in a…
-
Exploring Downton Abbey fashion

Men and women, young and old, multi-generational families – they all came for one purpose. In this parched viewing land between seasons, they come to taste of Downton Abbey. Though it takes a mere 45 minutes to view the collection, it does not disappoint. This is the fashion of the Downton Abbey – forty notable…
-
Model alien in the front yard
We all know we travel or live abroad to expose ourselves to new foods, cultures, people and ways of life. I wouldn’t generally say I travel to expose myself to new insect experiences. But sometimes those experiences can’t be avoided and it’s all I can do to turn them into a positive educational experience for…
-
American Road Trip (Part III): the National Park Tour that wasn’t
When we found out we were moving crosscountry, we intended to stop and stay in at least six U.S. National Parks. Travelers come from across the the globe to visit and enjoy some of the greatest (in every sense of the word) national parks in the world. We do not take them, or our tax…
-
American Road Trip (Part II): Coffee in the shadow of the Little Bighorn Battlefield
On some days of this trip our goal is to cover miles, not stop at every point of interest. We do have to get to our final destination this summer. . . But we couldn’t pass up the National Historic Landmark at the Little Bighorn Battlefield. Americans are taught about the historic events that took place among…
-
Oman – Inspiration for everyday life from a foreign land
Yesterday I returned from a week in Bahrain and Oman. Sometimes travel doesn’t reveal new insights or make a great impact on my worldview. Sometimes a trip simply contributes inspiration for small, everyday decisions. Instead of making my regular cup of coffee some morning, I might mix cardamon in the coffee grounds. Being surrounded by…
-
Unexpected bit of Hollywood legend at the San Diego zoo
Meet Winston, a large Galapagos tortoise with a small “2b” painted on his shell. Does his face look familiar? Though you may not have met him in person, the first time you saw his likeness was probably in 1982, or whenever you finally watched the Spielberg film classic E.T. According to the zoo volunteer who was…
-
The fruit of too much lemon – Moroccan preserved lemons

The dwarf lemon tree in my backyard bears too much fruit for its size. Doesn’t it have a season of not bearing fruit? It bears so much I can’t even give them all away. A few months ago I decided I couldn’t just let the fruit rot. I juiced some and froze the liquid…
-
“Hips to Hawndles!” – Fountains Abbey, Yorkshire, England
Founded in 1132, Fountains Abbey is the largest monastic ruin in Great Britain. This, and its role in history, has earned it a place on UNESCO’s list of World Heritage Sites. So, of course, I had to see it when I was in the area. Nevermind I went with my 8-month-old and a friend who…