I thought, since it is New Years Eve, I would post a photo gallery of shots from some of the places I’ve been around the world. Sort of a “Best of” gallery from previous posts. I’ve been only blogging since August, so I have yet to post shots from everywhere I’ve been. And, I have yet to even start posting video from all of these places. That is what 2014 is for. Resolution 🙂
The world is a big, beautiful place, filled with interesting people, amazing sights, random coincidences and occasional tender mercies. I have been blessed to travel. I have been blessed to make friends on every continent. I hope to keep the friends I have made and make more as time goes by. However, my greatest blessings are found at home, with a warm fire, a good meal and my family, who love me.
I hope you enjoy the photographs. Happy New Year.
Soweto Towers could be one of the coolest places in the world to bungee and base jump.
Corregated metal, cardboard, canvas and the ever-present barbed wire makeup the materials of most houses in the township.
Without education, children growing up in the township face limited opportunities.
The Village Elder gave us permission to take a picture, but, the women of the village, the mothers wouldn’t come out of their huts to be in the shot.
A child can find pure joy amidst the most challenging of circumstances.
The secret to such smooth, smooth skin could be found in the mud of Lubumbashi River.
Working with root fibers in Yamoransah village, Ghana.
When I tried to take her picture, she would hide her face and then laugh. When I showed her pictures of her friends, she opened up enough to let take this photo.
Jacaranda trees bloom in spectacular beauty on a residential street in Johannesburg, South Africa.
The legendary tree of life thrives in Africa.
A thirsty African elephant takes a healthy drink from his own personal well.
Leopard finishing a meal of Impala at the Mala Mala Game Reserve, South Africa.
One of the greatest achievements of Roman Engineering and Architecture, the Roman Colosseum is still the largest amphitheater in the world.
Kneeling in the attitude of penitent prayer, this woman remains still for hours, hoping her prayers will be answered with coins in her cup.
Late afternoon light illuminates a common staircase adjacent to the Scala Sancta (Holy Steps) said to be the steps Jesus stood upon before Pontius Pilate.
A vintage rainy day in Paris.
KIngs and Courtiers still bask in the lavish extravagance of the Château de Versailles.
Evergreen soldiers await the command to march on the Palace.
One of the islands on the Seine, near the birthplace of Paris.
A woman rests from her burdens.
Can you say Da Vinci Code?
The heart of the ancient Inca Empire
Scones and Smiles, she’ll warm your heart with both.
Shape, pattern, line and light emerge through a high-dynamic-range look into the meadow.
Early morning sun shines on Lone Peak, Wasatch Mountains, Utah.
Temple Square in Salt Lake City is the headquarters of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Construction of the Salt Lake Temple began in 1847 and took nearly 40 years to complete. The Temple, surrounded by thousands of twinkling Christmas lights, stands as a symbol of faith and hope to more than 15 million Latter-day Saints (Mormons) across the world.
People, places, things–I think I’ve pretty much covered it. This will be my last post from Paris–a collection of random stuff–shapes, lines, designs, stuff–much of it transportation related–since we were running, literally, around the city. The city of lights, the city of love, good food, great architecture, interesting people–Paris has it all. Some may wonder, then, why shoot this–stuff? Storytelling, for me, begins with the wide shot and gets more specific. I am fascinated by shapes, lines, interesting stuff. It is so easy to miss the interesting stuff. It is even more difficult to see the interesting stuff, in interesting ways. The story of my visit to Paris–a story I will never forget–and, one I hope to visit again–concludes with the specific, yet random–from my treasure box of stuff.
Notre Dame Cathedral is rich in sacred imagery carved with intricate detail.
Intricate carved stone detail above the entrance to the cathedral of Notre Dame.
Intricate design and inlaid gold accent gates at the Château du Louvre.
Intricate design and inlaid gold accent gates at the Château du Louvre.
Blue granite monuments, symbols of eternity, perfection and earth, near Paris monuments.
Red granite monuments, symbols of eternity, perfection and earth, near Paris monuments.
One of the friendliest gargoyles I’ve seen.
Aging cobblestones on an aging Paris street.
Stone Newels cast interesting shadows at the Château du Louvre.
Rusted chains, set in stone, convey a sense of decaying permanence.
Angels, even dusty ones, above your threshold must be a good thing–right?
Tie up your bike, or your boat.
Nice house, nice ride.
They’re everywhere–a great, green method of transportation.
Perhaps a place to chain your bike?
They’re everywhere.
My reflection in the cracked mirror of a Vespa.
In spite of the ubiquitous logo network, my cellphone reception in Paris was terrible.
Interesting designs and colors on the covering above our outdoor cafe stop.
Bright colors, garish perhaps, liven the underground realms of the Paris Metro.
Which line, which direction? This is how you find your way on the Paris Metro
Ropes and horn cleats on the docks of the River Seine.
On a bridge above the Seine, trash finds a home on the seldom seen and unnoticed river side of the wall.
Fall leaves adorn the streets of Paris in September.
They're Calling To Me 