There is something unique about the urban life in many of the Western European cities. The activity and urban life I witnessed during my few brief jaunts to different cities left me longing for such a similar hub of activity. And I wondered what it was that created that feeling.
I realized that it really centered around exploring the old-towns in the country, replete with timber-frame housing dating back centuries, listening alternately to the harsh clanging of church bells and the melodious sounds of the choir, the vibrant street-music and colorful shops, and sipping on refreshing tipples in biergartens and wineries.
While not every place I visited had the entire gamut of experiences, most did. And Colmar, pictured here, came pretty close. And I was often torn between being a photographer documenting the scene, and enjoying the moment.
Colmar
Alsace, France
Of Distant Lands
The very first time I had seen photos of the Köln cathedral and the Hohenzollern bridge, I knew that I would want to see it in person. It took me a long time to get there, but the vision of the scene kept me focused.
This is true not only of photography, but other aspects of life as well. As long as the vision is concrete, and the path is clear, the objective can be achieved. The one thing to keep in mind is one has to enjoy the journey, or process, of getting there.
I truly enjoyed the contrast in culture and scenery I had experienced in my journey through Germany. For my young mind, it truly felt like I was in a land very distant from home.
Köln
North Rhine - Westphalia, Germany
Turkish Delights
The cavernous ceilings of Istanbul's mosques covered spartan interiors, the only embellishments being Arabic script with beautiful gold embellishments and floral patterns that stretched from floor to ceiling. The naturally ventilated mosques provided a welcome respite from the hot sun of mid-summer outside. In contrast, the Royal Palace was an exercise in lack of self-restraint, showcasing an over-indulgence of embellishments and decorations that yet were tastefully done.
It was a reminder that opulence of the gilded age in European castles continued to be a major influence in the styling of the Royal Palace. And of the strong contrast from the confluence of western designs and eastern culture. Istanbul is one of the few places that one can experience this amalgam in a single day.
Istanbul
Turkey
Pike Place Colors
A couple of weeks ago during one of those dazzling winter sunsets, the sky turned to a fiery spectacle. Bands of colorful clouds arced across the entire sky, turning slowly from yellows to reds to purples as the sunset progressed. While walking around the market, I found the blazing sign of Pike Place Market highlighting the fiery colors behind it. Composing this frame while minding vehicular traffic and people proved to be a challenge.
Seattle
WA USA
Kodachrome color
The winter in Seattle has been upping its game with spectacular sunrises and sunsets over the last few days. While I missed out on some of the action, I was still able to catch a decent bit of color.
Here is one from a foggy morning where the fog almost managed to play spoilsport, clearing just in time for the colors in the sky to shine through.
Seattle
WA USA
The Medina
My heart goes out to the people of Morocco who have been affected by the terrible tragedy that occurred last week. During my travel there, I was struck by the kindness and hospitality, the richness of their history, and their way of life rooted in tradition. Walking around the medina was an experience where all my senses got overwhelmed: the fragrant smells of spices, the dine of the street hawkers, the colorful fabrics, carpets and leather goods and so much more. I can only imagine how terribly these places were impacted.
The people of Morocco are resilient. I hope they pull through this difficult time.
Marrakech
Morocco
The lollipop swirl
The ferris wheel in Seattle often features patterns relevant to current affairs. On Valentines day, it featured a red heart, and for the majority of 2022, it featured the Ukrainian flag. But on this day, it featured a pattern I had never seen before - a spiral pattern that reminded me of a lollipop with a swirl. And so, even though the sunset burn wasn't as colorful, the ferris wheel more than made up for it.
Seattle
WA USA
Alley in Moonlight
Finally, in Ortigia, near the south of Sicily, we wandered through narrow alleys with ornate balconies adorned with tiny gardens. We cut through stately mansions and grand piazzas, and gobble up hot streetfood even if full from our afternoon meals. Such is a slow pace of life that we got to savor in Ortigia, a place we want to return back to sometime in the future.
Here is one such alley shining under the bright moonlight.
Ortigia
Sicily, Italy
Moonrise over the Mediterranean
Moving from the stark peaks of the Dolomiti to the azure blues of the Mediterranean was a jump in landscape, light and lifestyle. Here in Sicily, the pace was slower but richer. Every breath brought in a fresh and different aroma, and every sight was of a new vista of a village hugging a rocky coastline. The town of Taormina settles for the evening under a vibrant sunset and bright moonrise.
Taormina
Sicily, Italy
Uzbek Wonders
