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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Chicken Paillard, Las Vegas, Nevada, USAWe 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.
A boy and his father, McCarran International Airport, Las Vegas, Nevada, USAWe snapped this photo on the jetway at Las Vegas' McCarran International Airport (LAS) and instantly fell in love with this shot.
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.
Interstate 70, Genesee Park, Colorado, USAWith 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.
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.
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!
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.
Mediterranean Pasta, Los Angeles, California, USAWe 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.
