Sydney - Night and Day

As we in America start to bundle up for Winter, those in Australia start to peel back the layers to enjoy Summer. As I pull out the sweaters (all I really need in Arizona), I was thinking of my time in Australia. My visit included time spent in Sydney and many, many trips to or past the iconic Opera House. If you find yourself there, take the tour. It is totally worth it! It is trite and played out as a photo opp, but I still spent hours shooting it from every angle and at several times of day.

The Family ALbum of Wild Africa - A New Photography Book by Laurent Baheux

If you like photography, animals, Africa or Frenchmen, this book has something for you. From the heart and lens of French photographer Laurent Baheux, The Family Album of Wild Africa gives us emotional, powerful, and richly saturated images of African animals. Yes, the images are in black and white and yes, they are astounding.

The absence of color serves to create a mystical veil of truth through which we can better appreciate the majesty, humor, and legacy of these creatures. Treat yourself or someone you love to this treasure of a book. Available on Amazon, here: http://www.amazon.com/Family-Album-Wild-Africa/dp/3832732977/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1450053829&sr=1-1&keywords=laurent+baheux

(all images were taken from Amazon.com)

 

Throwback Thursday - Cairo, Egypt

I'm feeling a bit nostaligc for Egypt today. I just watched a documentary of some new archaeological finds and it made me wistful to be back on the desert sands, surrounded by the spiced air and foreign noises. So for Throwback Thursday, here are a couple photos from my trip.
The city view from the banks of the Nile river in the morning.

  

After seeing Michael Palin visit the Windsor, I knew it was the only place I wanted to stay in the city. It did not disappoint. Here is the key to my room. I will let you imagine the rest. Think British Empire in the 1800s; I felt like I fell out of a period film and it was fantastic!

San Bruno, Yucatan, Mexcio - A weekend of R&R

I was lucky enough to have a very quick weekend away in San Bruno. It is a sleepy place not too far from Merida, on the Yucatan. There is not much to do, so it is relaxation at its finest, with time being whiled away eating fresh fruit drenched in lime juice, swaying in a hammock listening to the breeze sing through the coconut palms, or walking along powdery sand watching the sea birds spin and wheel through the sky looking for their next school of fish. Pretty perfect.

The Best iPad Case For Travel?

I love travel tools that save me space, especially when they are pretty to look at. Case in point, the Piel iPad Air envelope case/stand. Made of the high-quality leather for which they are known, this case provides protection for the iPad and features several slots of cards, a note pad, and slip pockets for receipts, boarding passes, and a passport. I've been using mine for some time now and it has only gotten better with use. The only drawback is that the corner straps are very tight and can push the power button. To avoid this, I only wrap three of the four straps over the iPad, which seems to be sufficient. Check out all the Piel iPad/reader products here: http://pielleather.com/shop/index.php/executive/ipad-tablet-cases.html

I got my case on eBags.com, here: http://www.ebags.com/product/piel/ipad-air-envelope-casestand/284368?productid=10337530

 It features an easel-type stand.

Inside view of pen loop, card slots, note pad, and slip pockets. Really functional!

Destination Dash - Sedona, Arizona

This issue of Destination Dash features a place I have been countless times yet it still surprises me - Sedona, Arizona. Yes, it has its share of crystal spinners and ley line readers but it also has upscale spas, incredible hiking, and some palate-pleasing dining opportunities.

Name: Sedona, Arizona
Population: 10, 111 (2013)
Flight Time: from LAX, 2 hrs 55 minutes, with connections
Get Started: Stop by the vistor's center on 331 Forest Road to pick up some information.

5 things to do in Sedona:

1. Visit the Chapel of the Holy Cross. Even if you aren't Catholic or religiously inclined, this majestic structure was designed to blend in with the surrounding rocks by Marguerite Brunswig Staude and sites 200 feet above the valley floor. Recommended time - 1 hour.

2.  Spend the afternoon at Tlaquepaque. This is touted as an arts and crafts village but feels more like a time warp to a Spanish colonial square. Cobbled paths, shade aplenty and a wide variety of shops will charm even the most shopping-averse among you (trust me, I hate to shop but don't mind spending hours here). WARNING - DO NOT GO OVER THANKSGIVING!! The crowds are insane. Recommended time - 2 hours.

3. Hike Oak Creek Canyon - No matter how many times I hike along Oak Creek, it never gets old. If you are game, consider an overnight trip in August, when the temperatures are close to perfect and the creek floods in certain spots, making for an adventurous amble over rocks and fallen trees. Recommended time - 5 hours or more.

4. Eat at Dahl & DiLuca. You will be hard pressed to find better food in the state of Arizona (at least that's what my out-of-town visitors have told me. This is one of my favorite places to eat. The food and the ambiance create a romantic, intimate dining experience and it is the perfect way to end a weekend in Sedona. Recommended time - 2 hours. 

5. Take a Pink Jeep Tour. If you are stymied as to how to see maximum Sedona in minimal time, consider Pink Jeep Tours. These off-road adventures cover everything from history to scenic beauty within several tour options. Recommended time - 1 1/2 to 3 hours.

This list represents what I have done or what my friends have done (#5). Your list may differ and this is intended to kick-start your planning. Sedona has something to do all year round, so start planning.
Peace, love, and travel!

A shot of Bell Rock I took for the cover of an equestrian supply catalog and yes, it really does look like this!