A Little Night Magic

Photo 281-285: Thank God for flat surfaces, otherwise I would have cried. I didn't take my tripod with me on this trip, so various chairs, trash cans, and banisters provided me with a steady surface, and I even got to educate my fellow travelers on a little trick called "no flash + timer = happy photographer" mode. lol

Still, magic hour... twilight hour... It's the same no matter where you go, but when you're surrounded by pyramids, temples and the City of Cairo, there's something indescribable in the air.

Felucca Cruisin'

Photo 276 - 280: I keep talking about this infamous nile cruise and felucca ride... and I have to tell you, it was truly my favorite part of the trip. The pyramids, temples, caves, museums etc. were great, but the felucca ride to a botanical garden on a small island was breathtaking. It was so peaceful with the wind playing with the sails, the waves rushing ahead to lead the way, and the sun rays reflecting off the water. We started out in Aswan, and spent the whole afternoon taking pictures, relaxing, and taking in the most amazing views I have ever seen. What a relaxing feeling - there's nothing like it in the world.

A Mosque Up High

Photo 271 - 275: I've been back for a few days now, and finding it still difficult to become adjusted, but all in due time, I guess. A week ago I was floating down the Nile, so work/office stress and politics isn't something I really want to indulge in right now. lol I'd rather reminisce about the Citadel, and the peaceful feeling this beautiful mosque gave me.

"I love you when you bow in your mosque, kneel in your temple, pray in your church. For you and I are sons of one religion, and it is the spirit." - Khalil Gibran

Home Sweet Home

Photo 266 - 270: I am back home from the Land of the Pharaohs, and what an amazing, crazy, revealing, romantic and exhausting adventure it was. Cairo was dirty, loud and dusty, but the history, warm nights, and lively energy swept you away along with the calls to prayer that echoed throughout the city. I have to admit, Cairo was my least favorite of all the places we went with our tour group (CONTIKI I miss you...), but it's still Cairo where you can see a donkey cart rolling down the street alongside a BMW. Where a goat and a chicken share a rooftop with the silver moon hanging over a mosque, and peddlers sell you jewelry, hookahs and spices in the bazaars. It's a city of contradictions with a forward thinking generation held back by more and more conservative ideologies, but where the history of the ancient past is still ingrained in every tradition and custom.

Our first "full" day was spent roaming around the Egyptian Museum, the Pyramids, the Sphinx and we took a camel ride through the desert which was awesome. To see all of the wonders and monuments up close and personal is mind-blowing. And this blond history geek was in heaven! I felt so fortunate to be there, and had to close my mouth throughout the day, because it kept hanging open. lol Here are a few pictures from this week... And no, camels don't spit unless provoked. ;) Egypt is definitely a trip that is a must on anyone's list. Just make sure you have a lot of bakshees on hand or just learn how to say, "La, shokran."

Last Post Before Egypt

Photo 264 - 265: As I am preparing for my big Egypt trip - i.e. get new camera bag, clean Pedro, charge batteries, etc. - I decided to walk around NYC today to catch a few shots. I just got Pedro spotless, and the pictures were so nice and crisp. I was thrilled. Well that was after I had to go back TWICE to the repair shop to make sure the cleaning was done well... too many specks on my lens and sensor! Eventually, Pedro was perfect... and this girl was a happy camper. What a beautiful day today!

I'm off to Egypt on Friday, so this blog is officially on vacation! I might still have time to post some tomorrow, if not, CIAO until a week from now. :) Get ready for some camel and pyramid shots...

Some Sunshine and Patterns

Photo 263: We're moving this week (we as in my company), and I've been crazy packing while planning a pr campaign for a new web site we are launching, so it's been a bit nuts. lol I was down in Florida this weekend (yeah!!), and didn't want to leave. It's so pretty down there! I'm ready for more palm trees and pretty weather.

I'm also getting ready for my Egypt trip, so I've been making lists of things to pack, buy and not forget. Whew... it's going to be amazing!

Watertowers Phase II

Photo 261-262: Here's two more watertowers from the project. Enjoy this beautiful spring!

Watertower I and II

Photo 259-260: I recently discovered an amazing photographer, Gary Heller, who inspires so much creativity in me, and who's work is exceptional. It doesn't hurt that he's a New Yorker and loves to roam around anywhere that is interesting, dark and "different." I've climbed fences, balanced on garbage cans, "let myself into" abandoned buildings, escaped a German shepard bent on destruction and fought poison ivy to get a perfect shot, so I only admire that drive and dedication. A little adrenaline goes a long way. lol

But back to something more sane. He did a series of photographs of New York watertowers, which are fantastic, and have even been featured in "V," so I decided as I was roaming around Union Square, that I was going to do the same thing. I had been looking up to see how many watertowers I could find - there couldn't be that many, right? - and I saw ten, all over a two block radius. I hate to copy anyone's work, and I've been struggling with doing this for that reason, but I caved in, because it's such a great idea and concept. Here is the first part of a three part series of NYC watertowers - with all the props/kudos going to one of my favorite photographers.

Note: Lesson learned, ALWAYS look up, you never know what's in the sky...