Utility Art

Utility box, Kfar Saba, Israel
Utility boxes are common on city, suburban, and rural streets all over the world. Most of the time, these boxes disrupt the aesthetic of the surrounding landscape. Kfar Saba has many painted and decorated utility boxes. This box on Weizmann Street is now a whimsical piece of street art rather than just an essential eyesore.

Feeding the Competition

Chick-fil-A, Dahlonega, Georgia, USA

We found it very funny that an employee of Five Guys Famous Burgers and Fries in full regalia stopped by the anti-burger Chick-fil-A.

Apples Awaiting Honey

Apples, Atlanta, Georgia, USA

Tonight marks the start of Rosh Hashanah.  Jews in the USA traditionally eat apples and honey.

These apples came from a bumper crop and tasted delicious.  We certainly enjoyed these a variety of ways.

Golden Boy

Goldfish, Chicago, Illinois, USA 

This is Albert, the house fish of the Hotel Burnham in Chicago.  Albert certainly added to the Burnham's considerable charm and hospitality.

A Long Haul Afternoon

KAL 777, San Francisco, California, USA
This Korean Airlines Triple-7 was boarding passengers and having catering loaded as it prepared for a trans-Pacific haul from San Francisco (SFO) to Seoul (SEL). Leaving in the early afternoon, this 777 traversed the route in daylight arriving a little more than twelve hours later in the afternoon on the following day.

Twists and Turns

Interstate Highway Interchange, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
This highway interchange, with its multi-leveled twists and turns, is the southwest connection of Interstates 85 and 285, the Atlanta Bypass. The Perimeter, as I-285 is also known, is a major structure both physically and psychologically for metro Atlanta.

This particular interchange is nameless, and is thus less well known than the northern Perimeter intersections with I-85 and I-75. However, unlike the northern interchanges, this interchange demarcates the transition from urban to rural Georgia.

Parched Canaan

Negev Desert, Israel
A few years ago we drove through the Negev Desert on our way to Eilat. Except for the hand-of-G-d and the ingenious Israelis, most of Israel might be dry desert. This view of the ground from atop a mountain in the Negev desert is what Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, and even Moses likely saw during their travels in Canaan. We are lucky to have this living reminder of their fortitude.

Looking for Road Runner

State Highway 9, Springdale, Utah, USA
This beautiful scene was captured one morning in the western reaches of Springdale, just outside Zion National Park. The mountains and highway made us feel as if Road Runner and Wile E. Coyote would appear at any moment.

A Studio Fit for a King

Sun Studio, Memphis, Tennessee, USA
This is where Elvis Presley, Carl Perkins, Jerry Lee Lewis, Johnny Cash, Roy Orbison, and many other famous early rock and rollers recorded and became famous. Opened in January 1950 as Memphis Recording Service, this building served as the genesis of Sam Phillips' label Sun Records. Because of several changes in ownership, the building later housed a plumbing company and auto supply store before reverting to a recording studio.

Shine a Little Light

Golden Planter Sculpture, Centre Georges Pompidou, Paris, France
We were leaving the Musée National d'Art Moderne when we realized that a certain perspective would change the flowerpot on a pedestal into a flashlight.

We had already taken plenty of pictures of this Parisian landmark before we entered the Museum. However, we found the change in the weather and time of day presented a new opportunity for an exciting photo.

Ready to Roll

Los Angeles International Airport, Los Angeles, California, USA
Here we are on the threshold of take-off at Los Angeles International Airport (LAX). Marc finds take-off very exciting, while Ned does not. In moments we'll be on our take-off roll racing down runway 25R and climbing out over the Pacific Ocean.

There Is Light At The End Of The Tunnel

Zion-Mount Carmel Tunnel, Zion National Park, Utah, USA
Opened in 1930, the Zion-Mount Carmel tunnel is just a little over a mile long. Not too long by modern standards, but with a restricted height and a speed limit of 25 MPH (which you are unwise to approach or exceed), it can take over 5 minutes to traverse the tunnel. As this tunnel is built into the side of a mountain, rather than through it, there are viewing portals every so often to let in a little light and fresh air, but completing the journey is definitely a relief.

Like in Paris ... Las Vegas

Chicken Paillard, Las Vegas, Nevada, USA
We stumbled upon the fabulous Eiffel Tower Restaurant in Las Vegas by accident. We were having a frustrating morning of site seeing. A long week of vacationing in multiple locales was finally taking its toll on us. Spotting the Eiffel Tower after exiting the Bellagio, Ned said "Let's go to the Eiffel Tower for lunch. We never got to do that in France." While the hotel and restaurant were Las Vegas' rendition of Paris, the meal couldn't have been more French or delicious. The environment was lovely too. This Chicken Paillard (pounded peppercorn chicken) with salad was one of the delicious dishes we enjoyed.

Father and Son

A boy and his father, McCarran International Airport, Las Vegas, Nevada, USA
We snapped this photo on the jetway at Las Vegas' McCarran International Airport (LAS) and instantly fell in love with this shot.