Five Shots: OBX

North Carolina’s Outer Banks (OBX) has a history of pirates and lighthouses, THE LOST COLONY OF ROANOKE, and the location of Orville and Wilbur Wright’s famous first flight in 1903. Check out this CBS Sunday Morning video about historian David McCullough’s book, The Wright Brothers. (A great read).

On the OBX you will discover sand dunes and wild horses and your eyes will fill with brown sugar beaches and water–the Pamlico Sound on the west side and the Atlantic Ocean on the east side. In addition to the history, add Southern hospitality and all the seafood you can eat. The warm breezes and the chilly Atlantic relaxed us beyond measure. Jim and I attended a special wedding at sunset on the beach when the waves turned into silver and the tall grass on the dunes waved under the pink sunset. Living in the desert, the water was therapeutic for us. We were only there for a few days, but in my mind, I’m already planning to rent a house and have a full family vacation at the OBX in the future. But for now, it was a welcome retreat and an opportunity to rejoice in an intimate family celebration. Which shot do you like best?

Oregon Inlet fishing station. Today’s catch.

The bride and groom and the proud witnesses

July 3, 2017 35

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.

Which shot would you jump into? How many points did you get?

June 22, 2017 60

Five Shots: Perkinsville Road

I can’t rave enough the day trip experience riding out on Perkinsville Road which begins at Jerome, AZ and eventually connects to the overland trail/road at Kaibab Forest and comes out at a splendorous spot, Garland Prairie, west of Flagstaff. Dislike crowds and congestion? When you come to visit Arizona, try this road trip for an authentic cowboy experience that would make Zane Grey proud. Which is your favorite picture?