WordPress Weekly Photo Challenge: Beyond

Posted on January 19, 2013 by Travel Spirit

The Weekly WordPress Photo Challenge is Beyond. I believe these photos represent “Beyond” beyond a doubt! Hiking the Appalachian Trail in Shenandoah National Park, Virginia

Hiking Zion and Bryce National Parks

Posted on January 18, 2013 by Travel Spirit

Hiking in Zion and Bryce National Parks in Utah is a must-do for any nature enthusiast! In 2007 I flew out to Las Vegas, rented a car and was able to spend three nights in Zion, two nights in Bryce, … Continue reading →

Hiking Yosemite National Park

Posted on January 17, 2013 by Travel Spirit

Yosemite National Park is as grand as everyone says! I was fortunate to hike about 14 (long and rugged) miles of it one day back in 2006 while traveling solo for a week through California! That’s me…looking small beside the … Continue reading →

Over the Rhine and Washington Park

Posted on January 16, 2013 by Travel Spirit

Over-the-Rhine, is a neighborhood in Cincinnati, Ohio. I was there a few days ago taking photos and after researching the web, discovered that it is believed to be the largest, most intact urban historic district in the United States.It also contains the largest collection of Italianate architecture in the United States. According to Wikipedia, “its architectural significance has been compared to the French Quarter in New Orleans, the historic districts of Savannah, Georgia and Charleston, South Carolina, and Greenwich Village in New York City.” I didn’t take a ton of photos of the architecture because I was mainly on the hunt for Street Art…which I posted about yesterday.

Up until about six years ago, Over-the-Rhine used to be one of the most dangerous and poorest places in the United States. But, with a heavy police presence and redevelopment, it is now one of the most promising in the nation!

Over-the-Rhine was included in the 2008 book, Frommer’s 500 Places to See Before They Disappear.

I like being able to see the windows at the back of this empty space through the front windows…

Red on Red!

This is Music Hall from two different perspectives…

Taken from within Washington Park…which is across from Music Hall.

I was glad it was an overcast day. The colors seemed to pop more!

The following photo is not considered Over the Rhine (just Downtown), but I like that the buildings have vines growing on them…

It’s nice to learn about places…especially when they’re in your own backyard!

Tower Ghost Sign in Over-the-Rhine (visualingual.wordpress.com)
Survey: Views on downtown, OTR improve (wcpo.com)
New brewrey to open in Over-the-Rhine (wcpo.com)
Taste of Belgium (sparklesense.wordpress.com)
Survey: Downtown & Over The Rhine Much Safer Than Before (thebuzzcincy.com)
Cincinnati streetcar project delayed again (wlwt.com)

A Word a Week Photo Challenge: Round

Posted on January 15, 2013 by Travel Spirit

These weekly photo challenges are fun! I’m enjoying looking back through old photos and remembering. I have four “round” photos for your viewing pleasure. I thought I’d throw in some interesting “round” quotes also!

Photo taken in Cincinnati, Ohio

“Don’t grieve. Anything you lose comes round in another form.” ~Rumi

This photo taken in Columbus, Ohio

“And finally I twist my heart round again, so that the bad is on the outside and the good is on the inside, and keep on trying to find a way of becoming what I would so like to be, and could be, if there weren’t any other people living in the world.” ~Anne Frank

This photo taken in the Edison/Ford Museum in Ft. Myers, Florida

“A round man cannot be expected to fit in a square hole right away. He must have time to modify his shape.” ~Mark Twain

This photo taken in the Edison/Ford Museum in Ft. Myers, Florida

“Love may not make the world go round, but I must admit that it makes the ride worthwhile.” ~Sean Connery

See you tomorrow! Make it a great day!!

A Word A Week Photo Challenge – Round (suellewellyn2011.wordpress.com)
Weekly Photo Challenge: Illumination (travelspirit333.com)
A Word A Week Photo Challenge – Round (klassikurlz.wordpress.com)
A Word A Week Photo Challenge: Round (speakingabouttravel2.wordpress.com)
Word a week : Round (scrapydo.wordpress.com)
Dipping into the archives for ‘A Word a Week Photo Challenge- Round’ (suellewellyn2011.wordpress.com)
a word a week photo challenge: round (starlight427.wordpress.com)
Rumi (akserendipity.wordpress.com)
Love ~~ Rumi Quote (bipolarmuse.com)
A Word A Week Photo Challenge – Round (ridingthebcrollercoaster.com)

Weekly Photo Challenge: Illumination

Posted on January 13, 2013 by Travel Spirit

This week’s WordPress Weekly Photo Challenge is Illumination. Looking through my photos, I realized that things can be illuminated from different directions and sources. It was tough…but I had to narrow my selections down to seven.

This photo was taken in the “Siq” at Petra, Jordan.

Light source from beyond

This photo is from a yearly event in Cincinnati called “Balluminaria“. Unfortunately, I had not taken a tripod with me and the wind had picked up…so my photos weren’t as good as I had wished for.

Light Source from below

You may remember this photo from my road trip through Florida.

Light source from below

This was taken in Peru…back in 2009. I remember thinking…”Wow–just the small village is being lit up”!

Light source from above

This was in New Mexico in 2011.

Light source from above

This was taken in San Francisco in 2011.

Light source from above

During the holidays, The Cincinnati Zoo has a fantastic light display throughout the zoo and this is the entrance.

Light source – All Around

I believe 2013 will bring much clarity or illumination to all of us!

Weekly Photo Challenge: Illumination (charlieray45.wordpress.com)
Weekly Photo Challenge: Illumination (rarasaur.wordpress.com)
weekly photo challenge : illumination (timetobeinspired.wordpress.com)
Weekly Photo Challenge: Illumination (livonne.com.au)
Weekly Photo Challenge: Illumination (annablakeblog.com)
Illumination – Weekly Photo Challenge (staceycovell.com)
Weekly Photo Challenge: Illumination (hereandthere5.wordpress.com)
Weekly Photo Challenge: Illumination (picturesinlivingcolor.wordpress.com)
Weekly Photo Challenge: Illumination (daysofphotographs.com)

Cincinnati Street Art

Posted on January 12, 2013 by Travel Spirit

Cincinnati Street Art is amazing! Having viewed Street Art in quite a few Cities recently, I realize that our City is very artistic. I now have a drop down category on my blog entitled “Tourist in my City” because I … Continue reading →

Smoke on the Water

Posted on January 12, 2013 by Travel Spirit

Leaving my house thirty minutes earlier than necessary to meet friends for lunch yesterday, I had enough time to take photos of the Ohio River and the Downtown area of Cincinnati from the Kentucky side.

I didn’t expect the beautiful fog. I live 35-40 minutes from Downtown and as I crossed a bridge into Kentucky, I had to pull over on the Highway to take a photograph.

After arriving in Newport, Kentucky, I walked on to the Purple People Bridge, which is a pedestrian only bridge.

Bridges always fascinate me. I love all of the lines and angles.

This little girl is so colorful with her oh-so-long lollipop!

The fog dissipated pretty quickly…

I have some lovely shots of Cincinnati Street Art for tomorrow! Hope you have a wonderful day!

Suspended across time (sethsnap.com)
Back in the day, the Ohio River froze over (blogs.courier-journal.com)

Children of Egypt and Jordan

Posted on January 11, 2013 by Travel Spirit

My 18 day journey through Egypt and Jordan back in February 2009 was the first time I was exposed to a culture, that at the time, seemed completely alien to my own. Although I had been to destinations such as Mexico, Costa Rica, Europe and much of the Caribbean, these two Countries seemed more brazen and wild! I took a photo of the “Siq” in Petra that is really magical. If you’d like to take a peek…look here!

I managed to go on three “big” trips during 2009. There were family crises happening that I had no control over…so I decided to enjoy myself! For some of my readers, you’ve seen a few of these photos from the past.

These little girls were just adorable!!

While hiking through Petra, Jordan, we encountered this beautiful little girl. I don’t remember if she was selling something or just begging, but I was entranced!

This little boy is the epitome of “boy”! Look at his little goat! It seemed odd to me to find these children up in the Mountains. I was worried they would fall and hurt themselves.

We slept on a Felucca sailboat on the Nile River one night and this young man was one of the crew.

These lovely children were in Amman, Jordan.

These little ones were from Egypt.

So much has happened since then, I feel like a different person now!

Daily Daydream: Petra, Jordan (daydreamsandshoestrings.wordpress.com)
A Weekend in Jordan (globalgator.wordpress.com)
A business deal called marriage (dailynewsegypt.com)
Petra, Jordan (vivalavisa1.wordpress.com)
Egypt to increase gas supply to Jordan: Minister (en.trend.az)
A RISK TO SECURITY? Push to Cancel US Gifts Of F-16s, Tanks to Egypt (foxnews.com)

Lee County Dog Park, Kayaking to Lovers Key State Park & Bicycling

Posted on November 25, 2012 by Travel Spirit

If you live in Florida or travel with your dog…Lee County Dog Park next to Ft. Myers and Lovers Key State Park is a fun..fun place to take your dog! We arrived about 7:30am to meet a friend who took us kayaking and checked out the Dog Park while we waited for him to arrive.

One of the dog owners told us that the place becomes quite busy with dogs and their owners on the weekends. Depending on the tide…you may have to wade through a foot or two of water to get to the little island where the dogs are in the photo below. It was a bit chilly this morning to do that…50 degrees.

I spotted this bird while we were watching the dogs…

I’m becoming obsessed with reflection shots…

I have my down jacket on for the beginning of the kayaking experience. We paddled about three miles total and even ventured out into the Gulf from the coastal waterway. We stopped at Lovers Key State Park and walked around. I’ve only been kayaking once or twice before…so this was a lot of fun! Thanks Wayne!!

Yesterday, the lumberjack and I went and bought a couple of used beach cruisers to leave for the family members that let us use their condos…and for anyone else that visits. We purposely bought these type…you know…the old style where you push back on the pedals to stop and only one gear…forward!

We took a ride this afternoon. Of course, the lumberjack would have to ride by me and screech his brakes really loudly to scare me…which worked…but also made me angry! This was after the chain fell off…preventing me from being able to stop…which was scary! But…I had fun!

We’re headed to have a drink at the small beach nearby and a bite to eat…while we watch the sunset. Lovin’ Florida!!

Dogs live it up at new park (heraldnet.com)
Fab Finding Follow Up: A Day At The Dog Park (fabsugar.com)
My dog bowled over an elderly woman in a dog park. Am I liable for any injuries she may have? (ask.metafilter.com)

The “Art” of asking directions in Rome

Posted on March 16, 2012 by Travel Spirit

Boarding the train in Civitavecchia, Italy, on my way to explore Rome for the first time, I was prepared for the long day ahead. Having organized my own shore excursion to save money, in lieu of purchasing one through Royal Caribbean, I was aware of the strict timeline for my traveling companion and I. Twelve hours to make our way to Rome, explore and return. I had purchased train tickets in advance and the trip was approximately 1 1/2 hrs, each way. The first stop was Vatican City and I was surprised by how quickly we were able to gain entry. Unfortunately we weren’t able to see St. Peter’s Basilica because the Pope was going to speak.

I’m not sure how I managed to get a photo in Vatican City without a person in it…

We quickly walked out of that Country and entered Rome! Next…we crossed the Tiber River. Side note: I was using someone else’s camera…mine had broken!

This is where the fun started. Although we were equipped with three maps, locating the Pantheon was not happening. I’m usually very good with maps. I started asking people for directions. My theory from years of traveling is that unless you get a gut feeling someone’s directions are really good…ask someone else…which I did…again and again…so we arrived at the Pantheon (which I didn’t post a picture of).

Multiple people were responsible for our arrival to the Trevi Fountain…which we tossed a coin into standing backwards. That way you are assured you’ll return to Rome!

The following two pictures are obviously a street with lots of people and a street with very few!

We were guided by a few kind souls to the Spanish Steps…which we didn’t climb attempting to conserve energy for all of the walking!

I’m not sure what or where this was…but it had nice light!

Finally, armed with directions from the friendly locals, we headed towards the Coliseum.

You can almost imagine yourself living back in the “hey day” of the Roman Empire!

Rome was a City that surprised me for a variety of reasons. I was surprised that you’re just walking along and then the Coliseum is…just there…I thought it would be farther outside of the City! I did so much research on the flight, cruise, train travel and hotels that I didn’t research every City – I guess it’s nice to be surprised sometimes!

For some reason, I thought Rome would be a bit “dirty” and be more crowded, but it wasn’t!

Tomorrow we skip over to Croatia…one of my favorite places!

24 hours in Rome – A 24 hour travel guide to Rome (essentialtravel.co.uk)
La Culture – When in Rome. (greensboring.com)
larkycanuck.com | Travel Adventures | Italy | When in Rome do as I do! (larkycanuck.com)
From Rome with Love (Day 2) (cityoftheweek.wordpress.com)
Travel Tuesdays: Amo Roma (equalpartsofawhole.wordpress.com)

The Passages of Venice

Posted on March 14, 2012 by Travel Spirit

Our ship arrived in Venice in the early afternoon and I had purchased a ship run shore excursion to the Murano Glass Factory and a touristy gondola ride. It was my birthday…so I treated myself! Our Gondolier was a handsome man … Continue reading →

Island of Capri

Posted on March 13, 2012 by Travel Spirit

I decided to pay Royal Caribbean the $150 to go on their organized shore excursion, since I had arranged all of my previous excursions. Once the cruise ship docked in Naples, Italy, I boarded a small boat and was stepping onto the small island of Capri within 45 minutes.

We boarded a bus for a unique ride to Anacapri, that took us up skinny, winding roads, past lovely guesthouses/villas and finally dropped us at a chair lift that takes you to the top of the island. During the chair lift ride, I was twisting and turning to take photos of the dramatic vistas!

I love the excitement of being somewhere new and so very beautiful! The views were spectacular! You’ll notice these photos aren’t as clear and crisp as my others…there was a haze in the sky and I had borrowed someone’s camera, since mine mal-functioned.

Island of Capri

Our tour guide was Italian. I asked to take his photo and he insisted on one with both of us in the photo.

Perhaps I am generalizing here…but it seems Italian men have an air of confidence and know when to take charge! Or maybe, they try to take charge all of the time.

He led our group for a stroll through the exquisite and colorful “Gardens of Augustus“.

It was very soothing and almost like a retreat!

Gardens of Augustus

After our tour of the gardens, it was fun window shopping and I eventually found a seat at a quaint sidewalk cafe, and ordered a deliciously chilled Limoncello!

Don’t tell anyone, but I also bought a bottle of wine to sneak on the ship and I wasn’t the only one. When on-board drinks are $8-9 each, it’s the smart thing to do.

One of my doctors has been there and said the hiking is great. Although Capri is gorgeous, it was very crowded and touristy. If I were to return, I would prefer to explore other areas of the Island and hopefully escape some of the crowds!

Tomorrow, we sail to Venice!

Capri tour, dinner @ Nennella, night in Napoli – Capri, Italy (travelpod.com)
Photo Of The Day: A Caprese In Capri (gadling.com)

Cinque Terre…The Five Lands and “Guido”

Posted on March 12, 2012 by Travel Spirit

Although all of the destinations on my 12-night Mediterranean cruise (taken in 2010) were amazing, I was looking forward to Cinque Terre most of all, and it didn’t let me down! In 2006, I had spent hours upon hours researching and booked a solo, three week backpacking trip to Europe, to include Cinque Terre, and because of life, had to cancel it, so I was thrilled to finally have the opportunity to visit. Especially due to the recent disaster there!

After docking in Livorno, we boarded our pre-paid/reserved train…a little over one hour trip…to La Spezia and then hopped on a short regional train ride that delivered us to the last of the five villages, Monterosso al Mare. I thoroughly researched this excursion, because when you’re on a cruise ship, timing is very important! If you miss your ship, you’re “ship” out of luck!

I took this photograph of Monterosso al Mare while hiking. Everyone that I spoke to on the ship was going to Florence and/or the leaning Tower of Pisa. They didn’t know what they were missing!

This is the beginning of the 1 1/2 hour trail that we hiked from the fifth village to the fourth village, Vernazza. Although I purchased some great Merrill sandals, especially for this trip, I was beginning to get a callous on the edge of my heel. But nothing could dampen the dazzling vistas!

The entire region is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

The natural beauty was almost overwhelming!

The trail varied in it’s difficulty and scenery…

You can see the village of Vernazza in the distance.

It’s like a jewel jutting from the cliff…

After having some lunch in town…due to time constraints, we took the train to the first village, Riomaggiore, where we briefly looked around and headed back to the train station in La Spezia.

We had over an hour to kill at the train station, so we went for a walk and my traveling companion overheard a woman talking to a taxi driver about taking her to her ship, which happened to be Royal Caribbean. We spoke to her and within seconds we’re sharing the taxi with her to go back to the ship. Obviously, we weren’t thinking…we were over an hour away from the ship…and the woman said the taxi was only 10 euros…which is about $12 to split.

Within a couple of minutes we realized that she was heading to a different Royal Caribbean ship and I’m asking “Guido” the taxi driver if he is going to charge us anything for taking us back to where we came from. He said he wouldn’t and started making a wierd gesture with his arms and saying in his half Italian and broken English that we were tight!

Then…the lady wanted a receipt for her taxi ride and he wouldn’t give her one…gesturing and almost shouting…so she exited the taxi and on the 5-10 min. ride back to the train station, he is saying “Cacare”, over and over. Upon inquiring as to its meaning, he informed us it meant “F____ you”. He was upset with the lady wanting a receipt…so to break the tension…I requested him to teach us how to say it…so we’re all three in unison saying…”Cacare, Cacare”!

If you’re ever in La Spezia and want an unforgettable taxi ride, try to find “Guido”!

p.s. Later…I discovered from a fellow blogger that “Guido” is actually a slang term to denote someone that is lower or working class of American/Italian descent.

Wonderland=Cinque terre (mesmerizinggirl.wordpress.com)
My Happy Place is the Italian Riviera (briefhiatus.wordpress.com)
Cinque Terre Italy – It doesn’t get any better than this…. (boxmag8.wordpress.com)
In The Shadow Of Cinque Terre, Discovering The Treasures Of La Spezia (gadling.com)
Riomaggiore, Cinque Terre (detailinthefabric.wordpress.com)
Riomaggiore, Cinque Terre, Italy: Backpacking With My Daughter (legionofdoorwhores.wordpress.com)
Travels: Cinque Terre (alanajonesmann.wordpress.com)

“Boeuf” in Cannes

Posted on March 11, 2012 by Travel Spirit

The first port of call on my 12 night Royal Caribbean Mediterranean cruise was Cannes, France. I found it to be very pleasant and nice…almost too perfect! I’m not complaining…it’s just that I like the “unusual” in my travels. Perhaps not exciting enough…no sense of adventure or mystery. Anyway, after walking for hours…there were only so many shops we could look in…

A little cappuccino break…

We stopped at a restaurant and the waitresses couldn’t speak much English. One of the “specials of the day” was something with boeuf in it. The waitress kept enunciating it…boof…and finally I said, “What animal sound does it make? Moo…Moo?” She agreed that it made the sound, “Moo…Moo!” When I lived in Germany for a few years in my early 20’s, learning to communicate was essential.