Reflection #584 – Giraffe in Botswana

Giraffe Botswana

There’s nothing more awkward than a giraffe trying to drink water. Spread-legged and thirsty, this young one hurries to take a drink while his partner stands guard.

And they definitely were smart to take turns, while the other watches for predators, because not long after they took off, the hyenas came around for some water too.

The wildlife in Botswana was amazing. I just can’t wait to go back!

Where was your favorite safari?

UNESCO World Heritage Site – Würzburg Residenz

Wurzburg Residenz Germany

The Würzburg Residenz is a mammoth building that encompasses art styles from around Europe.  The gardens are also an exquisite part of the reason that it was inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List.

 

The Würzburg Residenz took over 50 years to build in the late 17th to early 18th centuries.  Built to house the Bishop-princes of Franconia, it was lavish and extremely expensive.  Unfortunately is was all but destroyed at the end of World War II, and now only a few rooms remain that are original.  These are the  the Vestibule, Garden Hall, White Hall, Staircase and Imperial Hall.  All [...]

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Happy Father’s Day – Photos of Fathers in 6 Countries

Father Mongolia

In honor of fathers all over the world, here are some father photos from 5 countries.

 

Mongolia – Father and son walk together to go check on their horses in the Orkhon Valley.

 

 

Turkey – In a time-honored tradition, the son is apprenticed to his father to learn a skill and a trade.

 

 

 

Cambodia – Father, or maybe grandfather, and daughter make fish paste on Tonle Sap Lake.

 

 

Japan – A father talks his little girl into “fishing” for a new pet.

 

 

Tunisia – Dad [...]

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Reflection #583 – San Francisco Fire Truck

San Francisco Fire Truck

Topping the hill in San Francisco, you can see why kids love a good fire truck! Red and shiny, fast and heroic, here come the firemen to save the day, whether it be to put out a scary fire or to save a shivering kitty who is up a tree!

My 2 Favorite Museums in Berlin

DDR Museum Berlin

The Berlin Card gives you a choice of 50 museums you can visit in three days!  Go for it, but don’t miss these two museums, the Pergamon and the DDR.  They are my favorites!

 

I love ancient history.  I love imagining myself living in Ancient Mesopotamia, or Egypt, or China.  I just think it’s fascinating, and that’s why I strongly suggest that you visit the Pergamon Museum located on the Museum Island (Museumsinsel) in Berlin.

After living in Turkey and visiting the sights such as Çatalhöyük, Miletus, Hattuşa, and Pergamon (Bergama) made a visit to this museum a must [...]

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Reflection #582 – Acropolis in Athens

Acropolis

When you climb to the Acropolis in Athens and look out, you feel like you are on the top of the world. I get that feeling when I look at this photo as well.

It is such an imposing, powerful structure. The columns standing straight and tall, carrying such heavy loads. I just love it.

Have you been to the Acropolis?

Reflection #581 – Angkor Wat

AngkorWat

Angkor Wat is just one of those places that all travelers must go. They must. I loved it. It’s everything I love about Asia. It’s exotic, impressive, dilapidated, and has colorful monks walking around. Really, what more is there to life?

Have you been to Angkor Wat?

Reflection #581 – Heron in the Galapagos

Heron Galapagos

A heron enjoying the view as much as I am in the Galapagos.

The Galapagos is such a fantastic trip. I truly believe every traveling family needs to make it there. It’s not just a place for kids, but it is a perfect kid vacation.

The science connections alone are enough to go there, to see the Darwin finches and the Galapagos tortoises along with so many other species, up close and personal. But you have to do it on a boat, which is fascinating for kids as well. Then there is all the activity, hiking, snorkeling, boating, [...]

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Reflection #580 – Birches and Beehives

Beehive

Two of my favorite things, birch trees and beehives. I don’t know why I’m compelled to take photos of beehives. Rarely is there much activity around them. I just really liked these, mostly for the colors. It’s so springy.

These are the types of scenes I love capturing when Jim and I are just driving around the countryside. There is always a destination, but so many fun ways to get there. I just love to yell, “Stop!” so I can jump out of the car.

We love road trips, and we’re embarking on a pretty long one this summer…in [...]

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Taking a Quick Lobster Tour in New Hampshire

lobster tour USA

New England is known for its lobster, so we decided to find out a little more about the lobster industry.  Taking a lobster tour was one of the highlights of our summer!

My mom’s family is from Connecticut.  I come from a long list of boat and fishermen.  One of my great grandfathers was even a whaler who was stranded in Pacific for three years.

So, when we head home  to the U.S. for a visit each summer, I get all excited visiting the east coast and eating all the fresh fish, oysters, clams, and especially lobster that I [...]

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