Five Shots: Plateau Sunset

The plateau at the edge of the Sycamore Canyon, Arizona is a ridge line with a 360 view. The Northeastern view is comprised of the outlying Red Rocks bordering Sedona. Looking Southwest, the sun sets over Mingus Mountain. It has become over recent years a favorite spot for us to relax and star gaze without light pollution or crowds. Last night our family went out on the plateau to catch the meteor shower. We weren’t disappointed. Before the light show, the clouds entertained us. Here are some shots from last night.

Which one do you like best?

August 12, 2017 37

Five Shots: Clouds on the Rim

Some of our visiting family have never been to Eastern Arizona. Most people assume Arizona looks like the Phoenix landscape. 90 miles north, the Mogollon Rim is one of my favorite spots in this diverse state. Arizona ranks 6th in size among the 50 states. The total area of Arizona is 114,000 sq mi (295,260 sq km), of which land takes up 113,508 sq mi (293,986 sq km) and inland water 492 sq mi (1,274 sq km). Here are some shots I took kayaking and hiking around the rim. The clouds were colossal. Which photo do you like best?

July 21, 2017 44

Five Shots: The Colors and Patterns of Spain, Part II

Thanks to all who visited recent photo posts highlighting the educational traveling tour to Madrid, Toledo, Seville, and Barcelona. Here’s the last set. Which one do you like best?

Toledo Castle, a Benedictine Monastery, then home to the Knights Templar

Toledo street corner by the Ibn Shushan Synagogue

Oldest standing Synagogue in Europe, Toledo, erected in 1180.

General Archives of the Indies, Seville. A repository of extremely valuable archival documents illustrating the history of the Spanish Empire in the Americas and the Philippines.

The Plaza de España is a plaza in the Parque de María Luisa, in Seville, Spain, built in 1928 for the Ibero-American Exposition of 1929

The Alcázar of Seville has many beautiful gardens

Spain’s architecture is dizzying, but by some miracle, the shapes and patterns blend together in harmony. The ornate details are draw-dropping. Thank you for accompanying me. Next June’s trip is Southern Italy….

June 25, 2017 25

Five Shots: Food in Madrid

Famous market in Madrid for fresh foods, wines, and exotic fish.

6. Jamón ibérico. In Italy it is called prosciutto.

The colors and sights and sounds of the crowded market was a highlight of visiting Madrid.

June 24, 2017 25

Five Shots: The Colors and Patterns of Spain Part I

1. Basement of the Alcázar of Seville, a royal palace in Seville, Andalusia, Spain, originally developed by Moorish Muslim kings

Traveling to Madrid, Toledo, Seville, and Barcelona was filled with heat (35-44c), bright colors, fun food, and boundless patterns everywhere. Here are some pictures highlighting the colors and patterns from the trip. You decide which is the best shot.

2. The Plaza Mayor was built during Philip III’s reign (1598–1621) and is a central plaza in the city of Madrid, Spain.

3. Joan Enjoying Anchovies at Plaza Mayor

5. The Casa de Pilatos, Pontius Pilate’s house, Seville

6. Pontius Pilate’s House, downstairs courtyard

8. The Great Mosque of Cordoba, two hours south of Madrid, was a Visigoth, Christian temple converted into a Mosque when Muslims ruled in the late 8th century.

10. Santa María la Blanca is a museum and former synagogue in Toledo, Spain. 1180.

20170616_114146 — 11. Cold tomato soup, Sangria, and a fan to keep the face cool.

June 23, 2017 30

Five Shots: Where Am I ?

I’ve just returned from traveling with students and new friends. Here are clues for my traveling blogosphere buddies. Can you place me in the right country? Give yourself a point. Another for guessing the city. Award yourself a final point if you can guess the famous location/building.