There are some things in our lives that to those on the outside may seem so simple but for whatever reason we turn it into something that becomes bigger than we can explain.
Ever since I was in high school I've dreamt of the opportunity to see this place, to walk its streets, and touch it's waters. In those many many years since, it became such a dream that even during a time in my life when I was traveling pretty often I would keep putting this place off. It sat so high up on my list yet it sort of got to a point where I kind of became afraid of ever actually doing it. I kept thinking that if I ever were to go it would need to be the right time. It would need to be the right occasion. It would need to be thought out just right. Those thoughts just kept me from ever letting myself do it. In addition to that, the idea of travel in general has been difficult for me for various reasons over the past few years. However, with an impromptu and maybe rash plan, I somehow found myself on a flight and I was on my way to finally fulfill this dream.
Italy, and more specifically, Cinque Terre. It finally became real for me. Most people might think "Italy is not some exotic or difficult place to visit. Why is this a big deal?" However, for me this dream started when it wasn't really a possibility for me. Then, after 27+ years, It was more than merely a simple trip or vacation. It was a moment of accomplishment for myself. It led me to so many thoughts and emotions about why I was there and how I was actually able to realize this dream. It didn't happen the way I ever expected it to, but somehow it turned out to be exactly the right time, the right occasion and somehow with such little time it was thought out just right. I stared at these views for hours, I explored the countless narrow streets and I felt the bright blue water and it felt... Amazing.
If you've got something you've been sitting on, that you've been letting get away from you for far too long, if there is even a remote possibility, do anything you can to stop letting it grow into something that seems impossible for no real reason. I will never forget this moment, standing in this spot and feeling what I felt.
It was a nice pleasant surprise to end up back in Europe again so soon, let alone to be able to see the recently repaired Notre Dame.
After the disastrous fire in 2019, the rebuild process included sourcing 1000 oak trees that were several hundred years old, from both public and private forests throughout all of France. These would replace the damaged roof and spire in the same original style and fashion.
The interior also received a thorough cleaning so the colors are back to their original vibrance.
Getting to see it all was definitely a treat on this unexpected trip. Then seeing it lit up while floating down the Seine on a mild summer evening was really something special.
Florence Italy had a variety of street musicians, but what I was really drawn to were the handful of operatic singers I came across. Many of them, like this man, seemed as though they were just using the street as a place to practice, and not so much to actually put on a show. For example this man, who on this night was not out on a big square or plaza, but rather tucked out of the way on a side alley.
I wish I had a moment to sit and record this fellow as his voice reverberated between the surrounding buildings. The audio here is just to aid in imagining this man's voice while out on a late night stroll through the dark streets of Florence.
A quiet morning in Venice just as the sun rises high enough to spill into the deep narrow alleys and canals.
While Venice can be very crowded in the day, the early mornings before the day-trippers arrive really are a treat. It's quiet and calm, and you're reminded that there are people who do actually live their everyday lives here.
From the same series as my previous post, this is the matriarch of this particular village in Samburu. As the sun dips below the horizon, she and her grandchild sit in front of their home and enjoy a view of the day's last moments of light.
#peopleoftheworld #people #faces #facesoftheworld #facesofafrica #africa #kenya #samburu #travel #travelphotography #woman #mother #grandmother #matriarch
It's a Monday evening, the air perfectly mild, and the sun is quietly beginning to set as this young Samburu mother fulfills her duties of gathering and enclosing the village's goat herd for the night. I had the pleasure of visiting this village in the remote Samburu County of northern Kenya to learn and witness what a normal monday night was like in these parts. With her child on her back she closely counts and takes stock to confirm that all the goats have returned from their day of grazing. These goats, along with a herd of camels, are this village's livelihood, so it is very important that every one is accounted for. Shortly after this moment we said goodbye or "Olesere" and I made my way back to my camp for the night.
#africa #kenya #samburu #samburunationalreserve #village #tribe #traditional #dailylife #travel #travelphotography #people #peopleoftheworld #world #culture #woman #mother #farmer #shepherd #goat #heard
Fleeting moments. Don't blink. Don't hesitate. Take in just as much of it as is given to you, all before it passes... Something I will forever have to try and remind myself.
.
.
#yosemite #yosemitenationalpark #winter #elcapitan #halfdome #snow #fog #clouds #clearingstorm
#fantastic_earthpix #earthfocus #awesomeearth #awesome_earthpix #ourplanetdaily
#main_vision #earthpix #natgeotravel #yourshotphotographer #wonderful_places #beautifuldestinations
A beautiful expansive view of the desert just outside of San Diego.
.
#sandiego #julian #southerncalifornia #socal #desert #landscape #colors #gradient #nature #mountains #loupedeck
