tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4127966545486451012024-03-08T01:33:53.892-08:00Passports and PhotographsDiscovering the world through my camera lens.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05334535552506992906noreply@blogger.comBlogger20125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-412796654548645101.post-30185047780328170882013-02-21T21:45:00.000-08:002013-02-21T21:46:08.194-08:00City Profile: Vancouver - Introduction<br />
It has been a while since I have written a blog post! I decided to begin a series of city profiles; with several articles for each city. The first profile will be Vancouver, British Columbia, which will tie in with an article that I am currently writing for <a href="http://www.topcityrealestate.ca/" target="_blank">Top City Real Estate (TCR)</a>, on relocating to this beautiful city.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://thumbs.imagekind.com/member/8b489a81-5d6e-4c59-b01c-a84c761a58c9/uploadedartwork/650X650/736ebab1-4e33-4b72-b34b-b77e4a5850ee.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://thumbs.imagekind.com/member/8b489a81-5d6e-4c59-b01c-a84c761a58c9/uploadedartwork/650X650/736ebab1-4e33-4b72-b34b-b77e4a5850ee.jpg" width="239" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Vancouver's Historic Gastown District</td></tr>
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Vancouver is one of the youngest cities in the world, having only been incorporated in 1886; though Captain George Vancouver arrived in the area in 1792. It is said that he hated the area - and yet both the City of Vancouver and Vancouver Island (two different places, the city is located on the mainland of Canada) are named for the man! Today Vancouver is Canada's third largest city and sees almost 15 million tourists each year. On your next trip to Vancouver, if you would like to learn more about these origins and Captain Vancouver, head over to the <a href="http://www.vancouvermaritimemuseum.com/" target="_blank">Vancouver Maritime Museum</a> in Vanier Park.<br />
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<b>Some fun facts about Vancouver:</b><br />
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<li>Greenpeace was born in Vancouver in 1971</li>
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<li>Is the 10th cleanest city in the world and one of the move livable cities for quality of life</li>
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<li>Is home to the second largest television production in North American (Los Angeles being the first)</li>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.imagekind.com/Vancouvers-Vanier-Park_art?IMID=edd45c10-4d61-4a01-9302-49b9e5990b1c" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="239" src="http://thumbs.imagekind.com/member/8b489a81-5d6e-4c59-b01c-a84c761a58c9/uploadedartwork/650X650/edd45c10-4d61-4a01-9302-49b9e5990b1c.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Vancouver's Vanier Park</td></tr>
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<li>Has the 4th largest cruise ship terminal in the world and the second largest port in North American (the largest in Canada)</li>
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<li>Though Vancouver sees more a lot of cloudy and over cast days in the year, the total annual rainfall is less than that of Boston, New Orleans, Miami and New York</li>
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<li>There are more than 200 parks throughout the city, the largest and first being the beautiful Stanley Park, which is 10% bigger than New York's Central Park</li>
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<li>The <a href="http://www.vanaqua.org/" target="_blank">Vancouver Aquarium</a> is among the top 5 in the world</li>
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<li>1 in 5 Vancouverites walk to work</li>
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<li>35% of the population is foreign born, which is the highest in the world</li>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://raetuckerphotography.com/zz_westendwinter.html" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://thumbs.imagekind.com/member/20258f19-10c2-4447-b264-1b5c4c29dca2/uploadedartwork/650X650/75c538b5-5869-4159-8ac1-e3336f5edee5.jpg" width="298" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">English Bay Beach in the winter</td></tr>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05334535552506992906noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-412796654548645101.post-85844164354171209132012-11-09T23:18:00.004-08:002012-11-09T23:18:43.672-08:00New Zazzle Store!<embed flashvars="path=http://www.zazzle.com/assets/swf/zp/skins" height="300" src="http://www.zazzle.com/utl/getpanel?tl=raetuckerphoto%27s%20Store%20at%20Zazzle&ch=raetuckerphoto&at=238084498886474242&st=POPULARITY" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" width="450" wmode="transparent"></embed>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05334535552506992906noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-412796654548645101.post-33790647914312409112012-11-02T14:57:00.000-07:002012-11-02T14:57:48.979-07:00Ponte Vecchio in Florence, Italy<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Florence's oldest bridge is the aptly named Ponte Vecchio (meaning "old bridge"). The structure we see today was built in 1345, but it is not the original bridge to be built there. The first bridge, which dated back to the Roman Empire days, was destroyed in a flood in 1333.<br />
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The bridge was built with houses running the length of it, a common practice during the time in Europe. Originally they butchers, tanners and the like sold their wares from these structures on the bridge, dumping their refuse into the Arno river below. Eventually, they were replaced with goldsmiths. <br />
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<a href="http://www.imagekind.com/Ponte-Vecchio_art?IMID=39f19904-0215-41ae-813d-130c137bcc32" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://thumbs.imagekind.com/member/34b2c86f-8307-4e5f-868b-6d6dbf1f8014/uploadedartwork/650X650/39f19904-0215-41ae-813d-130c137bcc32.jpg" width="265" /></a></div>
The corridor that runs along the top of the bridge was added around 1565 by Cosimo I de'Medici. It connects Palazzo Pitti with Palazzo Vecchio and was constructed as a way in with the Medici could privately travel between the two.<br />
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During World War II, all the bridges in Florence were destroyed, with the exception of the Ponte Vecchio, which Hitler is said to have spared because it was too beautiful to destroy.<br />
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Today the bridge is still home to many jewellers and other merchants, from the extravagant to the touristy souveniers. In the centre of the bridge, on either side, you will find three arches which overlook the Arno river. These are usually packed with photograph-taking tourists.<br />
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My favourite time to walk along the bridge is in the early morning hours, particularly in the winter, outside of tourist season. Though the shops may not be open, the normally busy bridge is mostly void of people and you can truly appreciate the architectural beauty of the bridge.<br />
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<a href="http://www.imagekind.com/Arno-Reflection_art?IMID=f86ce072-80dc-43a3-925a-d2f29d40a16d" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="298" src="http://thumbs.imagekind.com/member/20258f19-10c2-4447-b264-1b5c4c29dca2/uploadedartwork/650X650/f86ce072-80dc-43a3-925a-d2f29d40a16d.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://www.imagekind.com/Ponte-Vecchio-Over-the-Arno_art?IMID=43917050-f79e-4a08-b184-eeccff62a464" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="298" src="http://thumbs.imagekind.com/member/1a301f2f-6560-4365-aadb-2d9ebb7d3f7f/uploadedartwork/650X650/43917050-f79e-4a08-b184-eeccff62a464.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05334535552506992906noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-412796654548645101.post-56680827562070357292012-10-18T01:36:00.001-07:002012-10-18T01:39:59.502-07:00Autumn, how I have missed you...<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.imagekind.com/Rainy-Autumn-Leaves-art?IMID=c95334f8-654a-463f-9cca-d5ec748df2c1" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="298" src="http://thumbs.imagekind.com/member/1a301f2f-6560-4365-aadb-2d9ebb7d3f7f/uploadedartwork/650X650/c95334f8-654a-463f-9cca-d5ec748df2c1.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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My favorite time of year is upon us! The light is a little softer, the colors more vibrant and a magic in the air that brings goosebumps to my arms. I was lucky enough to catch this rain-soaked window looking up from the inside at the beautiful maple leaves that had fallen from the tree outside. These were taken in Vancouver, Canada in October.<br />
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To see more, please visit my <a href="http://raetuckerphotography.com/recent.html" target="_blank">website</a>. To purchase any photo on this blog, and many others, please visit <a href="http://www.imagekind.com/MemberProfile.aspx?MID=0370abee-880d-436c-9618-5d1c8c6c219c" target="_blank">ImageKind</a>.</div>
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<span style="color: #990000;"><b>Happy October!!</b></span></div>
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05334535552506992906noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-412796654548645101.post-10083183745030076862012-07-01T10:16:00.001-07:002012-07-01T10:16:41.475-07:00Photo of the Day - July 1, 2012<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Vancouver's amusement park Playland serves as the spot for the Pacific National Exhibition (<a href="http://www.pne.ca/" target="_blank">PNE</a>) every August. The event lasts two weeks and is filled with shows, exhibits, rides and games.</div>
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05334535552506992906noreply@blogger.com02901 E Hastings St, Vancouver, BC V5K, Canada49.282252140304351 -123.036446571350149.279662640304352 -123.0413820713501 49.28484164030435 -123.0315110713501tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-412796654548645101.post-1347526474461011072012-06-29T17:48:00.000-07:002012-06-29T17:54:03.353-07:00Photo of the Day - Jun 29, 2012<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.imagekind.com/The-Canadian-Prairies_art?IMID=3972911a-c40a-4223-85db-7a675dffc31a" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="298" src="http://thumbs.imagekind.com/member/853462da-d2e8-4956-937f-e3591f5c6462/uploadedartwork/650X650/3972911a-c40a-4223-85db-7a675dffc31a.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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This photo was taken along highway 9 in Alberta, Canada in the early summer at sunset. The hay bales, grain silos and the CP Rail train in the background are typical sights that stretch across the Canadian prairies: Alberta, Saskatchewan and Manitoba. This particular spot is found between the city of Calgary and the badlands of the Drumheller area. For more information on this highway, including sights, campgrounds, bed & breakfasts, etc, please check out the website, <a href="http://www.milebymile.com/main/Canada/Alberta/State_9/Canada_Alberta_road_map_travel_guides.html" target="_blank">Mile by Mile</a>.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05334535552506992906noreply@blogger.com0Alberta 9, Keoma, AB T0M 1G0, Canada51.227527905265006 -113.670043945312550.909150405265009 -114.3017579453125 51.545905405265 -113.0383299453125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-412796654548645101.post-15716530115830270412012-06-28T22:15:00.000-07:002012-06-29T17:55:02.893-07:00Photo of the Day - June 28, 2012It would seem that I have missed a few months! But I am back to begin posting again...<br />
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Though still very much a work in progress, I have been working on my <a href="http://raetuckerphotography.com/" target="_blank">website</a>. Stay tuned for more updates!<br />
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Today's photo was taken a month or so ago in Vancouver, British Columbia. The light on this tree that stood in front of the dark sky was so beautiful!<br />
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<a href="http://www.imagekind.com/City-Tree_art?IMID=6069b0eb-4401-4dc2-a44a-f395aef417ed" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://thumbs.imagekind.com/member/1a301f2f-6560-4365-aadb-2d9ebb7d3f7f/uploadedartwork/650X650/6069b0eb-4401-4dc2-a44a-f395aef417ed.jpg" width="298" /></a></div>
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05334535552506992906noreply@blogger.com0700-708 Chilco St, Vancouver, BC V6G 3B3, Canada49.294064659221227 -123.137340545654349.27335315922123 -123.1768225456543 49.314776159221225 -123.09785854565429tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-412796654548645101.post-80107972410688589062012-01-05T10:39:00.000-08:002012-06-29T17:56:07.756-07:00Photo of the Day - January 5, 2012<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><a href="http://www.blogger.com/goog_751274374"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://thumbs.imagekind.com/member/1a301f2f-6560-4365-aadb-2d9ebb7d3f7f/uploadedartwork/650X650/d2915b88-63ef-4e78-915f-d8501ffc6d1f.jpg" width="298" /></a></span></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.imagekind.com/Pigeon-Lantern-art?IMID=d2915b88-63ef-4e78-915f-d8501ffc6d1f" target="_blank">Pigeon Lantern</a></td></tr>
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The building in this photo is the Palazzo Pitti (or Pitti Palace) in Florence, Italy. Though originally commissioned by a florentine banker, Luca Pitti, it is best known as the former residence of the Medici Family. Today it serves as an art gallery. The stones that you see in this photo come from the Boboli Hill, over which the Boboli Gardens majestically stretch themselves, directly behind the large palace.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05334535552506992906noreply@blogger.com0Piazza de' Pitti, 15, 50125 Florence, Italy43.765391464987268 11.25072956085205143.762524464987266 11.245794060852051 43.768258464987269 11.255665060852051tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-412796654548645101.post-67247476107476250672012-01-04T11:10:00.000-08:002012-06-29T17:57:14.809-07:00Photo of the Day - January 4, 2012<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><a href="http://www.blogger.com/goog_120259401"><img border="0" height="298" src="http://thumbs.imagekind.com/member/1a301f2f-6560-4365-aadb-2d9ebb7d3f7f/uploadedartwork/650X650/fd9b9775-a347-462e-a3ce-c8b966b1f6e5.jpg" width="400" /></a></span></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.imagekind.com/The-Stone-House-art?IMID=fd9b9775-a347-462e-a3ce-c8b966b1f6e5" target="_blank">The Stone House</a></td></tr>
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This beautiful property is in Sieci, a gorgeous small town in Tuscany, Italy. If you find yourself in Tuscany, I highly recommend a stop in Sieci to go for a walk amongst the beautiful vineyards and olive groves. Possibly one of the most beautiful places I have been, it is just a short train ride from Florence.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05334535552506992906noreply@blogger.com0Via dei Mandorli, 50065 Pontassieve Florence, Italy43.7907844472526 11.39677047729492243.7893514472526 11.394302977294922 43.7922174472526 11.399237977294922tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-412796654548645101.post-76599332701066462382012-01-03T12:35:00.000-08:002012-06-29T17:58:43.357-07:00Photo of the Day - January 3, 2012<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><a href="http://www.blogger.com/goog_1690649510"><img border="0" height="298" src="http://thumbs.imagekind.com/member/1a301f2f-6560-4365-aadb-2d9ebb7d3f7f/uploadedartwork/650X650/2a4c5a50-7af4-4e88-b734-66e68008967f.jpg" width="400" /></a></span></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.imagekind.com/Blue-Heron_art?IMID=2a4c5a50-7af4-4e88-b734-66e68008967f" target="_blank">Blue Heron</a></td></tr>
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This photo was taken in the autumn on Vancouver's English Bay. I love how the herons seem to pose for cameras. Less than a five minute walk from this spot, by the tennis courts in Stanley Park, you can find a large nesting area for these beautiful birds. Herons have been nesting here for over a decade, with more than 100 nests being reported each year. Though seen all year round in the area, they are most populous from March through to the end of August.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05334535552506992906noreply@blogger.com0Seaside Bicycle Route, Vancouver, BC V6G 3E2, Canada49.290510004548594 -123.147661685943649.289215504548594 -123.1501291859436 49.291804504548594 -123.14519418594361tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-412796654548645101.post-33073813068515024512012-01-02T11:16:00.000-08:002012-06-29T17:59:31.176-07:00Photo of the Day - January 2, 2012<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><a href="http://www.blogger.com/goog_240191115"><img border="0" height="298" src="http://thumbs.imagekind.com/member/1a301f2f-6560-4365-aadb-2d9ebb7d3f7f/uploadedartwork/650X650/2da2aaac-173d-4bd7-9b87-1366270cf0b9.jpg" width="400" /></a></span></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.imagekind.com/Vancouver-Harbour_art?IMID=2da2aaac-173d-4bd7-9b87-1366270cf0b9" target="_blank">Vancouver Harbour</a></td></tr>
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This photo was taken in the early spring in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada. The harbour sits in Burrard Inlet, beside Stanley Park. The light of the setting sun illuminated boats, set against the dramatic clouds created a very breathtaking scene.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05334535552506992906noreply@blogger.com0450 Stanley Park Dr, Vancouver, BC V6G, Canada49.296135757141442 -123.1332635879516649.293546757141442 -123.13819908795166 49.298724757141443 -123.12832808795166tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-412796654548645101.post-29195559596239552942012-01-01T22:45:00.000-08:002012-06-29T18:00:39.215-07:00Photo of the Day - January 1, 2012<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.blogger.com/goog_1449966969"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://thumbs.imagekind.com/member/853462da-d2e8-4956-937f-e3591f5c6462/uploadedartwork/650X650/b31ef49c-98f7-40e9-83a0-19b7fa54f972.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="297" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.imagekind.com/Tuscan-Countryside_art?IMID=b31ef49c-98f7-40e9-83a0-19b7fa54f972" target="_blank">Tuscan Countryside</a></td></tr>
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I took this photo in late October while on a walk in the country just outside of Bucine, Italy. Bucine, a small town not too far from Arezzo, is full of tuscan charm. I would love to return during the late spring to see the differences in the colors. I can't imagine that it could be more beautiful than October, but I can't wait to find out one day!Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05334535552506992906noreply@blogger.com0Via Guglielmo Oberdan, 52021 Bucine Province of Arezzo, Italy43.481137789770131 11.61396503448486343.478257289770127 11.609029534484863 43.484018289770134 11.618900534484863tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-412796654548645101.post-6804290162346119382011-09-04T02:28:00.000-07:002012-06-29T18:02:04.394-07:00Basilica di Santa Maria del Fiore<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.blogger.com/goog_1855453584"><img border="0" height="298" src="http://thumbs.imagekind.com/member/34f498ab-b616-4946-8861-39aadc716c82/uploadedartwork/650X650/9d60f67e-9335-4298-bb0d-b3b3c599bdff.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.imagekind.com/Renaissance-Sunrise_art?IMID=9d60f67e-9335-4298-bb0d-b3b3c599bdff">The exterior of the duomo in the light of a winter sunrise.</a></td></tr>
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The duomo, or main cathedral, in Florence, Italy was originally designed in a Gothic style in 1294 by Arnolfo di Cambio. Over the next 170 years work began and stopped several times. The first time the works slowed was after Arnolfo's death in 1302. Giotto di Bondone began overseeing the construction in 1334. When Giotto died in 1337, his assistant took over until 1348, when work was stopped due to the Black Death. When work resumed, the cathedral saw many architects taking over until 1418, when the cathedral was finally finished, with the exception of the dome.<br />
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.blogger.com/goog_1855453595"><img border="0" height="293" src="http://thumbs.imagekind.com/member/34f498ab-b616-4946-8861-39aadc716c82/uploadedartwork/650X650/41e181e5-3202-45f2-81b6-cd3358473fb5.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.imagekind.com/Florence-Duomo_art?IMID=41e181e5-3202-45f2-81b6-cd3358473fb5">A view from Piazzale Michelangelo.</a></td></tr>
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This beautiful building is a wonderful mixture of Gothic, Renaissance and Gothic Revival styles. The first time I saw this building, I was stopped dead in my tracks by its magnificence. Words could not begin to encapsulate its beauty and magic; it truly does need to be viewed in person. The exterior of the duomo is decorated in pink, grey and white marble.<br />
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.blogger.com/goog_1855453622"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://thumbs.imagekind.com/member/e01f46b3-7b31-42ef-af5d-6cdd6d5204de/uploadedartwork/650X650/01d52fe0-a70f-4596-8b48-bb7bd0767d7b.jpg" width="212" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.imagekind.com/Red-Roofs-of-Florence_art?IMID=01d52fe0-a70f-4596-8b48-bb7bd0767d7b">A view of the bell tower from the top of the dome.</a></td></tr>
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I would definitely recommend climbing the stairs to the top of Brunellschi's dome. There are 463 steps to the top. I learned the hard way, that you really should take a bottle of water with you. Not only will this provide you with the best vantage point of viewing the dome's interior frescoes of the Last Judgement, you will find the most stunning 360 degree views of Florence from the top of the dome.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.blogger.com/goog_1855453635"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://thumbs.imagekind.com/member/34f498ab-b616-4946-8861-39aadc716c82/uploadedartwork/650X650/b3e1461f-c5a0-498c-92d6-ae3d83019d6f.jpg" width="297" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.imagekind.com/Duomo-in-Florence-Italy_art?IMID=b3e1461f-c5a0-498c-92d6-ae3d83019d6f">The main building of the cathedral in 2011.</a></td></tr>
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</div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05334535552506992906noreply@blogger.com0Piazza del Duomo, 60-red-62-red, 50122 Florence, Italy43.773022887401716 11.25610470771789643.772306387401713 11.254870707717895 43.773739387401719 11.257338707717896tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-412796654548645101.post-11737793850683173612011-06-14T01:01:00.000-07:002011-06-14T01:03:04.360-07:00Two Vancouver Images Featured on redbubble.comTwo of my photographs were featured on the <a href="http://www.redbubble.com/home">redbubble</a> website highlighting the <a href="http://www.redbubble.com/groups/beautiful-british-columbia">Beautiful British Columbia group</a> on the site!<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://ih0.redbubble.net/work.7319748.1.flat,550x550,075,f.beautiful-bc-14-june-2011.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="175" src="http://ih0.redbubble.net/work.7319748.1.flat,550x550,075,f.beautiful-bc-14-june-2011.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">The two images were "Water and Cordova" and "Stanley Park Harbour".</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://thumbs.imagekind.com/member/8b489a81-5d6e-4c59-b01c-a84c761a58c9/uploadedartwork/650X650/736ebab1-4e33-4b72-b34b-b77e4a5850ee.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://thumbs.imagekind.com/member/8b489a81-5d6e-4c59-b01c-a84c761a58c9/uploadedartwork/650X650/736ebab1-4e33-4b72-b34b-b77e4a5850ee.jpg" width="298" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.redbubble.com/people/raetucker/art/7230503-water-and-cordova">Water and Cordova</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table><div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Water and Cordova was taken mid-spring in Vancouver's historic Gastown. At one time all that stood in the area was a lumber yard. "Gassy Jack" Deighton, known for his long winded stories, had a saloon built. Around this saloon grew Gastown. Today you will encounter several bars, pubs, restaurants and tourist shops, and of course the famed Gastown Steam Clock.</div><div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">"Stanley Park Harbour" was photographed in November. It is such an amazing time in Vancouver, when the city still enjoys the beautiful colors and mild temperatures of late autumn, but is surrounded by snow covered mountains, which are already in full swing winter. The day this photo was taken, Vancouver had gotten a light dusting of snow, reminding residents that winter was on her way.</div><div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://thumbs.imagekind.com/member/337b9324-37f4-43ee-a130-c9a2f88688ad/uploadedartwork/650X650/8d1c0e47-5f2e-4953-9041-b994f979fa5e.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="298" src="http://thumbs.imagekind.com/member/337b9324-37f4-43ee-a130-c9a2f88688ad/uploadedartwork/650X650/8d1c0e47-5f2e-4953-9041-b994f979fa5e.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.redbubble.com/people/raetucker/art/7230527-stanley-park-harbour">Stanley Park Harbour</a></td></tr>
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</div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05334535552506992906noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-412796654548645101.post-89777850103887689222011-04-10T22:24:00.000-07:002012-06-29T18:03:06.981-07:00San Francisco's Pier 39<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://thumbs.imagekind.com/member/0577eb1d-c58d-4245-baa6-52f58fe0dbe2/uploadedartwork/650X650/142b31bf-eb5c-48aa-9990-974e5c6d832f.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://thumbs.imagekind.com/member/0577eb1d-c58d-4245-baa6-52f58fe0dbe2/uploadedartwork/650X650/142b31bf-eb5c-48aa-9990-974e5c6d832f.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.imagekind.com/Sea-Lions_art?IMID=142b31bf-eb5c-48aa-9990-974e5c6d832f">Sea Lions lounge on the docks at Pier 39 in San Francisco, California</a></td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://thumbs.imagekind.com/member/0577eb1d-c58d-4245-baa6-52f58fe0dbe2/uploadedartwork/650X650/69c04302-2285-4ea8-a920-4467baaa3fca.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://thumbs.imagekind.com/member/0577eb1d-c58d-4245-baa6-52f58fe0dbe2/uploadedartwork/650X650/69c04302-2285-4ea8-a920-4467baaa3fca.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.imagekind.com/Sea-Lion_art?IMID=69c04302-2285-4ea8-a920-4467baaa3fca">Something got his attention!</a></td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://thumbs.imagekind.com/member/337b9324-37f4-43ee-a130-c9a2f88688ad/uploadedartwork/650X650/f5e35e77-1326-4a36-868c-810316bdc7d4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://thumbs.imagekind.com/member/337b9324-37f4-43ee-a130-c9a2f88688ad/uploadedartwork/650X650/f5e35e77-1326-4a36-868c-810316bdc7d4.jpg" width="266" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.imagekind.com/San-Francisco-Lighthouse_art?IMID=f5e35e77-1326-4a36-868c-810316bdc7d4">View from Pier 39 in San Francisco, California</a></td></tr>
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</div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05334535552506992906noreply@blogger.com039 Pier 39 Concourse, San Francisco, CA 94133, USA37.809241466501639 -122.4106121063232437.80767346650164 -122.41307960632324 37.810809466501638 -122.40814460632325tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-412796654548645101.post-89320617044618164162011-03-17T01:11:00.000-07:002012-06-29T18:04:16.702-07:00Charlottenburg Palace<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://thumbs.imagekind.com/member/e01f46b3-7b31-42ef-af5d-6cdd6d5204de/uploadedartwork/650X650/7a336db5-ea5d-40f9-b710-d9b719764a4e.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="265" src="http://thumbs.imagekind.com/member/e01f46b3-7b31-42ef-af5d-6cdd6d5204de/uploadedartwork/650X650/7a336db5-ea5d-40f9-b710-d9b719764a4e.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.imagekind.com/Charlottenburg-Palace-Berlin_art?IMID=7a336db5-ea5d-40f9-b710-d9b719764a4e">The grand entrance and courtyard of the <br />
baroque styled Charlottenburg palace in Berlin, Germany</a></td></tr>
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://thumbs.imagekind.com/member/e01f46b3-7b31-42ef-af5d-6cdd6d5204de/uploadedartwork/650X650/8dca15bd-7dd8-4254-ad6b-06acee556a42.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://thumbs.imagekind.com/member/e01f46b3-7b31-42ef-af5d-6cdd6d5204de/uploadedartwork/650X650/8dca15bd-7dd8-4254-ad6b-06acee556a42.jpg" width="262" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.imagekind.com/Charlottenburg-Palace_art?IMID=8dca15bd-7dd8-4254-ad6b-06acee556a42">Fortuna, Goddess of the personification of luck, <br />
sits on top of the palace</a></td></tr>
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During the 1690s, construction began on the central part of this baroque style palace in Berlin, Germany. The palace began with the central structure and was intended to be a summer home for Sophie Charlotte, wife of Friedrich III. Originally named Lietzenburg, upon Sophie's passing in 1705, Friedrich renamed it in her memory. Over the next century, it remained the home of the royal Prussian family.<br />
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World War II brought great destruction to the palace, but luckily it was reconstructed to its former beauty. The biggest change during the reconstruction was to the palace gardens. Originally the garden was designed by Simeon Godeau in a baroque style, influenced by the gardens at Versailles. Towards the end of the 18th century, the gardens were redesigned by Georg Steiner in an English style. Upon the rebuilding after the war, the gardens were returned to their original baroque style.<br />
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At the top of the palace a statue of the goddess Fortuna was placed in 1711. Fortuna was the Roman goddess of the personification of luck, both good and bad. Today she still watches of the palace and surrounding grounds.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05334535552506992906noreply@blogger.com0Spandauer Damm 20-24, 14059 Berlin, Germany52.520673342367047 13.29572081565856952.520069342367044 13.294486815658569 52.52127734236705 13.29695481565857tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-412796654548645101.post-21371926125421358042011-03-08T00:10:00.000-08:002012-06-29T18:04:44.530-07:00Vancouver's Stanley Park<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://thumbs.imagekind.com/member/337b9324-37f4-43ee-a130-c9a2f88688ad/uploadedartwork/650X650/da263e4d-2394-4eb5-aea5-cf8dd856d878.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://thumbs.imagekind.com/member/337b9324-37f4-43ee-a130-c9a2f88688ad/uploadedartwork/650X650/da263e4d-2394-4eb5-aea5-cf8dd856d878.jpg" width="298" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.imagekind.com/Stanley-Parks-Rowing-Club_art?IMID=da263e4d-2394-4eb5-aea5-cf8dd856d878">Boats docked by the Rowing Club</a></td></tr>
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In 1888 Stanley Park was opened to the public by then Governor General, Lord Stanley of Preston. As he said upon the opening (and is also commemorated with a plaque at the base of a statue of Lord Stanley), it was "to the use and enjoyment of people of all colours, creeds and customs for all time". It still stands as a public park, taking up the large tip of the downtown peninsula in Vancouver, British Columbia.<br />
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The entire 9 kilometre circumference of the park is lined with a walking and bicycle path, known as the Sea Wall, which can get very busy during the summer or any winter day that sees a break in the Vancouver rain. Along the wall, lay three of the cities more popular beaches: English Bay Beach, Second Beach and Third Beach, all with great views of the sunsetting on English Bay.<br />
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Within the park, you will find two bodies of water, Beaver Lake and Lost Lagoon. Though it hasn't always been, Beaver Lake is now quite shallow. Due to the build up of natural debris, the lake will one day be completely gone, given way to becoming part of the forest floor. The Lake is almost completely covered with water lilies, which were introduced to the lake as a means of slowing its demise.<br />
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://thumbs.imagekind.com/member/337b9324-37f4-43ee-a130-c9a2f88688ad/uploadedartwork/650X650/3b3ef4be-546c-49a2-93b0-7f048c4156b2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="237" src="http://thumbs.imagekind.com/member/337b9324-37f4-43ee-a130-c9a2f88688ad/uploadedartwork/650X650/3b3ef4be-546c-49a2-93b0-7f048c4156b2.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.imagekind.com/Third-Beach_art?IMID=3b3ef4be-546c-49a2-93b0-7f048c4156b2">Overlooking Third Beach</a></td></tr>
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Stanley Park is also home to a large number of wildlife, including, but not limited to: raccoons, skunks, squirrels, coyotes, turtles, fish, blue herons, eagles, swans, geese, ducks and many others. Pacific Blue Herons nest in large numbers in the tall trees surrounding the park's tennis courts. Each year there are between 150 to 200 nests within the trees.<br />
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Though mostly forested, the park does have several landscaped gardens, such as the Rose Garden, Rhododendron Walk, Shakespeare Garden and even a community garden. There are many great family attractions in the park, as well, such as the miniature train (which also has a beautiful walking path that encircles the entire train route), the Vancouver Aquarium, a pitch and putt, a swimming pool, a few playgrounds, including a water park and horse-drawn tours of the park. Recently the petting zoo that was located beside the miniature train has gone the way of the Stanley Park Zoo and closed for good.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://thumbs.imagekind.com/member/0577eb1d-c58d-4245-baa6-52f58fe0dbe2/uploadedartwork/650X650/f56391d4-1733-456f-ab7f-5174388a8889.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="239" src="http://thumbs.imagekind.com/member/0577eb1d-c58d-4245-baa6-52f58fe0dbe2/uploadedartwork/650X650/f56391d4-1733-456f-ab7f-5174388a8889.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.imagekind.com/Yellow-Rose_art?IMID=f56391d4-1733-456f-ab7f-5174388a8889">Yellow rose in the Rose Garden of Stanley Park</a></td></tr>
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After a morning of exploring the park, I would recommend finding a log to lean against on Third Beach with a copy of Pauline Johnson's Legends of Vancouver, a collection of short First Nations stories of Stanley Park and area as beautifully retold by Ms. Johnson.<br />
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If you are planning a trip to Vancouver and looking for a hotel close to Stanley Park, try <a href="http://www.sylviahotel.com/">The Sylvia Hotel</a>. It is located across the street from English Bay Beach. Though not heavy on frills, its elegant charm and perfect location make it great place to stay.<br />
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<a href="http://thumbs.imagekind.com/member/337b9324-37f4-43ee-a130-c9a2f88688ad/uploadedartwork/650X650/03f6cd10-873b-4b19-843f-70cc0e795013.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://thumbs.imagekind.com/member/337b9324-37f4-43ee-a130-c9a2f88688ad/uploadedartwork/650X650/03f6cd10-873b-4b19-843f-70cc0e795013.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05334535552506992906noreply@blogger.com0Stanley Park, 2099 Beach Ave, Vancouver, BC V6G 3E2, Canada49.3042602 -123.14379249.2835532 -123.18327400000001 49.3249672 -123.10431tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-412796654548645101.post-25118793634994144082011-02-25T21:36:00.000-08:002012-06-29T18:05:18.423-07:00Pike Place Market<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://thumbs.imagekind.com/member/931eab57-0738-4542-a02d-36c9bbf88910/uploadedartwork/650X650/2760f306-d4e7-4bb4-9c12-f54dacd533e4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="234" src="http://thumbs.imagekind.com/member/931eab57-0738-4542-a02d-36c9bbf88910/uploadedartwork/650X650/2760f306-d4e7-4bb4-9c12-f54dacd533e4.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.imagekind.com/Entrance_art?IMID=2760f306-d4e7-4bb4-9c12-f54dacd533e4">One of many entrances to the public market</a></td></tr>
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What would a trip to Seattle be without visiting "the soul of Seattle"? The Market turned 100 in 2007 and is today visited by 10 million people a year. Though it began as a place that farmers could sell vegetables directly to the consumer, thereby eliminating the middle man and keeping prices affordable, now there are around 300 farmers, fishermen and craftspeople selling their wares in and around the market (not to mention over 200 musicians and street performers!).<br />
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When thinking about what I like best about this bustling marketplace, the first thing that comes to mind is coffee. I mean, it is Seattle after all, right? <a href="http://www.seattlecoffeeworks.com/">Seattle Coffee Works</a> served me the best espresso that I have ever had; and I have had a lot of espresso. Though it isn't located directly inside the Market, it is right across the street, which is better in a way, as it also gives a small reprieve from the large crowds inside the Market. The staff are all very friendly and knowledgeable, both about the coffee they are serving and about Seattle in general. Next time you are in Seattle, you can't miss out on this amazing treat!<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.imagekind.com/Pike-Place-Market_art?IMID=62ae61a9-e8b3-42ae-8cde-953cd6d01f71">Sign above the main entrance to Pike Place Market</a></td></tr>
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A stroll down Post Alley, under the Market will bring you to the Market Theater. This is where you will find the famed "Gum Wall". I had heard that it was started by people, who, tired of waiting in line for the theater, would entertain themselves by sticking coins to the wall, using gum as the adhesive. The coins eventually disappeared, leaving behind the chewed gum. After several attempts at cleaning the wall, the theatre finally gave in and it became a tourist attraction. Though one would be able to argue that a wall covered in gum cannot be considered an "attraction", it does look quite fun.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.imagekind.com/Corner-Market_art?IMID=39857d1b-bab2-42bc-9edb-35b8486bd104">The Corner Market Building</a></td></tr>
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If you are around the Market during lunch time, I would recommend the <a href="http://www.elpuercolloron.com/homepage/homepage.htm">El Puerco Lloron</a>, towards the waterfront from the Market on the Pike Street Hillclimb. Every time I find myself in Seattle, I stop in for the Rellenos de Queso. They have a wonderful selection of salsas and excellent guacamole. <br />
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Pike Place Market stretches itself over 9 acres of land and includes several buildings, along with street vendors. You can find almost everything your heart desires, from fresh fruits and vegetables, fish, clothes, toys, books, flowers and chowders to great views and excellent people watching.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05334535552506992906noreply@blogger.com1Pike Place Market, Seattle, WA, USA47.6101359 -122.342056747.5994309 -122.3617977 47.620840900000005 -122.3223157tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-412796654548645101.post-26066796950267089932011-02-24T17:53:00.000-08:002012-06-29T18:06:27.607-07:00The Pantheon<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.imagekind.com/Pantheon_art?IMID=7b80c4f3-3a9e-48ec-91d1-3e0d2c640938">The Pantheon in the light of the setting sun</a></td></tr>
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The Pantheon in Rome Italy is probably my favorite building in the world. Every time I see it, I am overcome with inspiration; even if it is the fifth time in the same day! Construction of this stunning example of classical architecture began around 25 AD. However after a fire around 80 AD, it was rebuilt under Hadrian and completed somewhere around 125 AD. Originally built as a Pagan temple to the gods (the word pantheon meaning "every god"), it has stood as a Catholic church since 608 AD<br />
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The main part of the building, the Rotonda, stands exactly as wide as it is high, 43.3 metres. The domed roof is the largest dome ever created out of concrete. The pronaos (or porch) is lined by sixteen columns made of Egyptian granite. The only source of natural light is the large oculus at the top of the dome, which is 9 metres in diameter and completely open; which means when it rains outside, it also rains inside the Pantheon. Originally, the interior of the Pantheon was designed so the light entering through the oculus would illuminate specific monuments to the gods at specific times of day.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.imagekind.com/Pantheon-Oculus_art?IMID=4536bbe4-2854-4f86-a600-10d37ccf6e3b">Sunlight streaming in through the oculus.</a></td></tr>
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The Pantheon sits at the head of the Piazza della Rotonda in Rome. In the centre of the piazza stands a fountain, Fontana del Pantheon, whose basin was designed by Giacomo della Porta in 1575. An obelisk was added to the fountain in 1711.<br />
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Today the Pantheon houses several tombs, including that of King Vittorio Emanuele II, King Umberto I, Margherita di Savoia and painter Raphael. The inscription on Raphael's tomb is translated to read "Here lies Raphael: that Nature feared when alive, whilst he was dying, Nature fears herself may die".<br />
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If you are planning a trip to Rome and would like to stay close to this amazing structure, I would highly recommend the <a href="http://www.hotelabruzzirome.com/">Hotel Abruzzi</a>. The hotel sits along the piazza and has rooms with beautiful views of the Pantheon. It is a great central location to explore the many, many treasures this wonderful city has to offer.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05334535552506992906noreply@blogger.com0Piazza della Rotonda, 69, 00186 Rome, Italy41.899062 12.47677841.898323500000004 12.475544 41.8998005 12.478012tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-412796654548645101.post-91245939381871754062011-02-23T00:19:00.000-08:002012-06-29T18:07:06.024-07:00Tower of London<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.imagekind.com/Going-Up_art?IMID=467b3d31-4a0b-4ddf-b3e4-a468f4767b38">Staircase in the Tower of London, 2009</a></td></tr>
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<u><a href="http://www.imagekind.com/Going-Up_art?IMID=467b3d31-4a0b-4ddf-b3e4-a468f4767b38">Tower of London</a></u><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">Some fun facts about the Tower</span><br />
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<li>The Tower of London was started in the 1080's by William the conqueror, beginning with the White Tower</li>
<li>The Tower of London is actually comprised of several different towers</li>
<li>The first person known to be imprisoned in the Tower was Ranulf Flambard</li>
<li>Anne Boleyn was beheaded at Tower Green</li>
<li>Elizabeth I was imprisoned in the Tower</li>
<li>The nightly locking of the Tower begins at exactly 9:53pm every night and is marked by the <i>Ceremony of the Keys</i>.</li>
<li>Legend dictates that should the ravens who reside at the Tower ever leave, the White Tower will crumble and a terrible disaster shall befall England.</li>
<li>When Sir Henry Wyatt was imprisoned in the Tower, a cat used to visit him, bringing dead pigeons for him to eat.</li>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.imagekind.com/Tower-of-London_art?IMID=316e1efe-1669-490a-a09b-5437d9950c9b">Window on one of the towers of the Tower of London</a></td></tr>
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<br /></div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05334535552506992906noreply@blogger.com1Tower Hill, The Tower Of London (Stop TB), London Borough of Tower Hamlets, London EC3N, UK51.5089465 -0.076426951.5086375 -0.077043900000000012 51.5092555 -0.0758099