Walking in the Sky

Sky Bridge, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
Hovering 6 stories above ground level at its eastern terminus, this sky bridge in downtown Atlanta takes pedestrians one very long block (about 2/10 of a mile) over downtown Atlanta. From a drab parking garage to the Peachtree Center mall, you can reach adjacent office buildings and avoid the bleak city streets below.

Thanksgiving in the Mountains

Valley and Lake, Lookout Mountain, Georgia
Several years ago we spent Thanksgiving weekend in a log cabin near the town of Cloudland in the North Georgia mountains. The cabin is long gone, but the memories of a restful weekend remain. This was one of the many beautiful places we saw during our visit.

Senior Citizen of the Air

Everts Air Cargo DC-6, Everett, Washington, USA
This Douglas DC-6 is over 60 years old and still flying the rugged Alaska wilderness. Despite these airplanes spending more time in the maintenance shop than flying (reportedly 12 hours of maintenance for each flying hour), these aging giants outperform more recent aircraft.

Criss, Cross, Climb

Escalators, Chicago, Illinois, USA
This double escalator bank (2 pairs of up and down) is found in the Macy's on State Street (originally the Marshall Field & Company flagship). We really like how these crisscross and appear almost suspended in the atrium.

Hoodoo Descent

Navajo Trail, Bryce Canyon National Park, Utah, USA
The switchbacks on the Navajo Trail are slippery with loose rocks and gravel. If inattentive or wearing the wrong shoes, you risk slipping off the trail and tumbling down the canyon. Descending from Sunset Point, the trail takes you below the famous hoodoos of Bryce Canyon National Park. We loved Bryce and highly recommend it for a day or two day visit.

Almost Unbelievable

Baha'i Terraces, Haifa, Israel
The Shrine of the Báb is a holy place for members of the Baha'i faith and is surrounded by gardens. The exquisite garden terraces traversing steep Mount Carmel above and below the shrine are so perfect as to be almost unbelievable. While we're not Baha'i, we do admire the beauty of the gardens.

A Crisp Morning

Fall Sky, Falmouth, Maine, USA
This was the view from Falmouth one late November morning. You can almost smell the fresh, crisp air!

The Sunshine State

Sunset, Biscayne Bay, Miami, Florida, USA
If not for the bay and buildings, you might not know this is Miami. The colors and clouds are more like the Desert Southwest than South Florida.

Florida is known as The Sunshine State. It seems like it is the sunrise and sunset state too!

This sunset came after a nice afternoon watching cruise ships come and go.

Portman's Portholes

Marquis II and Marriott Marquis, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
John Portman is the architect responsible for much of downtown Atlanta's look, both good and bad. On the upper left is the curvaceous Marriott Marquis hotel, one of the most whimsical and well known buildings in downtown Atlanta. It is a gem inside and out. In the foreground is the Marquis II office tower. Except for its large windows, it would not seem out of place in a communist country.

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.

Soothing Sea

Cruise Ship Wake, Caribbean Sea
One of the things we love about cruising is the ample time to do nothing but relax. Sitting and watching the wake from the stern of a big cruise ship is so relaxing, it is almost hypnotic. The beautiful endless patterns against a blue sea and blue sky are one of the many things which draws us to the sea and cruising.

A Winter's Day

Interstate 70, Genesee Park, Colorado, USA
With summer upon us and winter perhaps retreating, we thought it time to take a last glimpse of winter. This is the view of I-70 looking westward towards the Rocky Mountains and the Continental Divide from Genesee Park.

Before the Interstate Highway System, getting across the USA by car was a confusing and slow affair. A major engineering marvel, the Interstate Highways brought easy driving at the expense of smaller towns and cities. However, we don't think any of us want to return to the days when we had to drive 40 MPH across the country.

A Famous Mugshot

Original Pantry Counter, Los Angeles, California, USA
Every day, millions of folks sit down at a diner's counter and order a meal while they read a newspaper or magazine. A fixture at many diners is ketchup and coffee, both pictured here.

This picture is from the counter at the Original Pantry in downtown Los Angeles. Open since 1924, it reportedly has never closed since the day it opened. Unknown to us at the time, it is an historic landmark and has appeared in at least one popular film.

Arctic Station

Train Station, Aéroport Paris-Charles de Gaulle, Roissy, France
Europe is well known for it's food, culture and architecture. Unlike the USA, where our structures are frequently utilitarian, Europe is replete with exciting structures and spaces. This train station at the Charles de Gaulle airport was no exception. Our only complaint was that it was bitterly cold and it was a drastic change from the warm terminal to the freezing train station. We're not sure, however, that a utilitarian station would have been any warmer!

A Room With A View

Great Bay, Sint Maarten, The Netherlands Antilles
This is a moment that highlights the relaxation and beauty to be found on a cruise vacation. After an exciting day touring the Island of Concordia (home to the Dutch Sint Maarten and French Saint-Martin), from the balcony of our cabin we watched the sun dip below the mountains on the Great Bay.

Come and Getty It

Mediterranean Pasta, Los Angeles, California, USA
We had this delicious pasta dish featuring Mediterranean cheese and vegetables at Restaurant at the Getty Center. The refined service and decor combined with the breathtaking view of the mountains and landscape to enhance an already delicious dish.

The Grass is Greener

Pioneer Park, Austin, Texas, USA
We visited Austin's Pioneer Park back in the winter of 2001. We had a nice time at the park. We find this photo interesting because of the contrasts of the green grass, the canopy of barren trees, and bare dirt paths.

Pretender on a Pretend Throne

Maraschino Cherry on Whipped Topping, Dillsboro, North Carolina, USA
The cherry and whipped topping of the dessert above are like a cubic zirconia set in gold-plated nickel. The cherry is not a real Dalmatian marasca nor is the whipped topping real cream. In America, we now prefer processed and fake over the real deal. While we try our best to avoid processed food, sometimes we give in. Like costume jewelry, the cherry and topping looked terrific!

The Song Remains the Same

Getty Museum, Los Angeles, California, USA
This is the rotunda in the J Paul Getty Museum in Los Angeles. It is very bright and pleasant to be in and to look at. It very much reminds us of the rotunda at the High Museum in Atlanta. This is likely because both the Getty Museum and the High Museum of Art were designed by the same architect, Richard Meier.

Aquatic Impressions

Piedmont Park, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
This impressionistic photo is a reflection of clouds on Lake Clara Meer in Atlanta's Piedmont Park. While at the park, we enjoyed people watching, walking in the fresh air, seeing the trees and flowers, and feeding the ducks and geese who reside on Lake Clara Meer.

Continental Dreams

Continental 727, Miami International Airport, Miami, Florida, USA
When this photo was taken in June 1990, the passengers on this Continental Boeing 727 could have been headed anywhere.

Some passengers may have been dreaming of home after Caribbean vacations; some may have been dreaming of winning clients on their business trips; some may have been dreaming of delicious hot meals served during a smooth flight.

The crew, however, were likely dreaming of the day when Frank Lorenzo would leave their carrier. Thankfully, within a few months, it would be the beginning of the end at Continental for the airline-wrecking Lorenzo.

Sadly, Continental is gone now too. Another storied American airline is now gone, but not forgotten.

Endless Crossing

Mustangs at Las Colinas, Irving, Texas, USA
We saw and photographed Robert Glen's bronze horses back in the late 1980's, on our first long distance trip together. The fountains in the "river" give the illusion that the horses are really in motion.

Relaxing in the Med

Mediterranean Sea, Tel Aviv, Israel
We've been to Israel many times, but until recently we'd never been swimming in the Mediterranean Sea. Sure, we dipped our toes in and waded in the water, but we never really had a chance to go swimming in the Med.

On our most recent trip, we finally got a chance to swim in the Mediterranean. This was the scene right before sunset. It was lovely!

A Busy Day on the Ramp

Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
The airport is almost always a magical place. We were heading to our gate when something about the clouds, the lined up carts, the moving aircraft, and the general feeling of the moment compelled us to take this photo. We are very glad we did, as it captures so many things at once.

Waiting for the Wonderbread

Duck, Piedmont Park, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
As children, we loved feeding the ducks at our local ponds. Now grownup, we still love to watch and feed the ducks.

Riverside Barbershop

Barber Shop, Bryson City, North Carolina, USA
We were vacationing in The Great Smoky Mountains and spotted the Riverside Barbershop next to the Tuckasegee River in Bryson City. While cutting Marc's hair, the barber said he had been there over 40 years and wasn't planning to upgrade the look since he could have done that years ago. We think he made the right choice.

Victory Salad

Vinaigrette Salad, Stone Mountain, Georgia, USA
Our friend made this salad for a Chanukah celebration. It was not only delicious, but looked so good in the bowl she chose for it.

Blue Jean Baby

Ladybug on Denim, Moccasin Creek State Park, Clarkesville, Georgia, USA
There is no doubt that the little critter above is a ladybug. What is surprising, however, is that this ladybug is crawling on denim blue jeans.

The "flower" feature can turn the everyday into the extraordinary, as we discovered in the photo above.

It is amazing to think that a camera which cost less than a week of groceries can do this! Technology has sure come a long way.

Swanky Luxe

Eyeglasses, Portland, Maine, USA
We were at a cute little basement club in Portland, Maine several years ago and spied these glasses just sitting on the bar. In a bar, it's often the case that you can't see far, with or without glasses. In this case, the glasses are blurry while the surroundings are crisp. Perhaps that is because the camera was not imbibing.


Formica Countertop, Portand, Maine, USA
The glasses above are reminiscent of the Populuxe (Mid-Century Modern era). Although not seen in the picture of the glasses, the Formica-topped bar had an amazing Mid-Century Modern pattern.