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
End of an era
The sun has finally set on the end of Chancellor Merkel's long reign in Germany during which it was challenged by external pressures. What will the next Chancellors run be like?
Köln
Germany
Responsibility in the Outdoors
We seek the great outdoors not to escape life, but for life not to escape us...
As the nations start opening up, there is a yearning in all of us to escape to the great outdoors, and gain a little bit of sanity that we may have lost over the last few weeks. But as you do spread out to wilderness areas all over, make sure you enjoy the outdoors responsibly. WTA, one of my favorite outdoor stewards, has compiled a helpful list here:
While passing people on trail, give space to others, and give way to the opposite direction
Pack in and pack out: trailheads are likely not serviced so avoid using the restrooms if you can. And if you really need to attend nature's calls, carry a small shovel and be prepared
Leave no trace: take only memories and leave only footprints
Avoid crowded trailheads: there is more of the outdoors to explore.
And if you are sick, please stay away from where people might congregate
When I traveled around in Germany a few years earlier, I was struck by how quickly I could get from the busy urban areas to the beautiful outdoors. Having that balance of nature and nurture certainly improves mental well-being, and increases appreciation of what life is all about.
Germany