A look back at 2012 through our Foodie Eyes! Continue reading
This image was captured at the Taj Mahal in Agra, India. India was the first place I thought of when reading the Weekly Photo Challenge. The architecture there is quite balanced with geometric shapes. This particular image is of marble inlay on the exterior of the building. Here are some others’ images representing “geometry.”
India was one of our most challenging and most rewarding stops. We saw the heights of art and architecture and the depths of poverty and despair. We were sweet-talked and hustled, greeted graciously and treated with kindness. We were thrilled, frustrated, over-stimulated, exhausted, energized, thankful and sad, often in the same day. India will touch you, one way or another, in ways you can’t imagine until you’ve been there. We spent our five weeks exclusively in the north, taking our time, but still covering a lot of ground. We did the full Rajasthan circuit, substituting a couple of less-traveled spots for those we heard were over-saturated. Outside Rajasthan, we visited Varanasi and Khajuraho, New Delhi, and Agra (Taj Mahal). Continue reading
Can you guess where these photos were taken? We’ve had some time to review and have a little fun with some of the 11,000 + photos that we took on our latest journey. BTW that’s a little over 35 photos a day average! Enjoy.
**ANNOUNCEMENT** We’ve moved! Although it’s still a word in progress, we’ve migrated our blog over to a self-hosted site (at last).What does this mean to you? From now on, please visit TurtlesTravel.com. The old WordPress.com site will no longer be updated. PLEASE update your bookmarks, and if you subscribed to our blog via email, it’s … Continue reading
Home is a place to feel cared for and protected. It’s a place to be nourished, more than just a physical refuge, it’s a private place to find peace and purpose. I imagine all of this represented by the clownfish and its home the anemone. In this reciprocal relationship, each animal has a protected home … Continue reading
For those of you who have visited New Zealand I think you will agreed with the title of this post. Here in the US, on many a menu you will find listed “New Zealand Lamb Chops.” While often very good, you have to remember that they at bare minimum have made a 13hr flight from … Continue reading
Spirobranchus giganteus, AKA Christmas Tree Worms, are an intriguing specimen among Earth’s creatures. These little guys are not uncommon in tropical waters, but they certainly are unique! The tube-dwelling worms are found living in and on coral, eating plankton and tiny microorganisms as they pass by carried on the currents. The twin, spiral appendages are actually a … Continue reading
Since we’re not doing much traveling at the moment, there’s been plenty of time to reflect. On the road sometimes you get so caught up in the day to day adventure (not at all a bad thing) that you don’t make time to jot down thoughts about the experience. We were especially guilty of this … Continue reading
How many of these creatures can you identify? Below are 26 photos we’ve taken from our travels. When you are ready to see the answer, hover over the photo and it will appear. The key at the bottom of the page shows where the photos were taken. Post how many you got right in the … Continue reading
Trying to make the most of our weekend between working in Salt Lake City, UT and Grand Junction, Colorado we came peeling into Moab near dark on a Friday afternoon. Dead Horse Point State Park was on our way into town so we stopped to catch a glimpse before the sun set. As we pulled … Continue reading
On everyone’s list of top to-do’s in Atlanta, the Varsity has been in operation since 1928. With its retro decor, tiled walls and famous greeting of “What’ll ya have?” this little hot dog stand is a true icon. Originally set up with nearby Georgia Tech students in mind, they have been serving customers in Atlanta … Continue reading
We are SO excited that a photo we took on our most recent visit to Japan was chosen by the folks at Frommers to serve as back cover art for their newest Japan guide book. We originally submit the photo for a contest they were running. It caught the eye of one of the editors … Continue reading
From the simple cyclo to the most decked-out, sparkly tuk tuk, getting a ride in Southeast Asia is an adventure. Having evolved from the need to navigate narrow streets quickly, efficiently and cheaply, these vehicles can whisk you from one side of town to the other, usually with ease. Just be sure to negotiate a … Continue reading
Illumination has many interpretations, from the simple brightening with light, to a deeper spiritual or intellectual enlightenment. In India, both of these concepts seemed to constantly be at play. Major temples and structures glow in the night, an ever-present reminder of their importance. Colorful, twinkly lights adorn restaurants and shops, inviting people to enter. There … Continue reading
Starting off a new year, most of us at least think about resolutions. Typically, we want to diet, get a new job, save money, manage stress. Facebook and social media are chock full of these sentiments and promises. While it’s a great impulse to try and better oneself, some of these common resolutions seem a … Continue reading
Here we are on the last day of 2012. The cliche is true: time flies. We began the year with the last few stops of a 10-month journey. On New Year’s Day 2012 we visited the Erawan Shrine in downtown Bangkok, Thailand. The shrine isn’t old, but is a very important site and a testament to spirituality … Continue reading
During our visit to Daintree National Park (in far north Queensland, Australia), we stayed at a great little B&B called Epiphyte. Having learned from our host that the best time to walk the nearby Jindalba Boardwalk was at night, we set off at around 9:30 pm. The boardwalk meanders through the rainforest along its path built into … Continue reading
Vietnamese banh trang or rice paper wrappers are so delicate you can see through them. These images were captured near Ho Chi Minh City last year. These translucent discs made from water, rice and sometimes a bit of tapioca flour. They are dried in the sun over large woven bamboo racks. They are used to make delicacies such as spring and summer rolls. Continue reading
For this week’s photo challenge I’ve decided to use an image that speaks to the “Changing Seasons of Life”. This photo includes myself, my father and grandfather. We three share the same name so there is a Sr, Jr and III represented here. Enjoy! Continue reading
These Reflections were captured at the Cloud Gate, AKA “The Bean,” in Chicago. This sculpture by Anish Kapoor is located downtown in Millennium Park. The one above reminds us of an angel. Enjoy! Continue reading
This image was captured from a rooftop in Kratie, Cambodia. It says “Thankful” to me because of the representation of Earth, water, air and the fiery sky. It makes me feel thankful for our amazing, beautiful planet that we are lucky enough to call home. Please enjoy this photo and each and every blessed day. Continue reading
Opened as a cattlemen’s hotel in 1930, with the railroad depot across the street, ranchers used to trade cattle in the lobby. The hotel was designed by the architect Henry Trost, and built by Charles Bassett, one of five hotels of the Gateway Hotel chain constructed in west Texas and eastern New Mexico to increase tourism within 200 miles of El Paso. In the early 70s, the hotel was converted to a bank. Vaults installed during that time are now used for bar storage in the dining room and as a small gift shop off the lobby Continue reading
Please enjoy our Weekly Photo Challenge: Green. Continue reading
Better late than never. Photos from our lovely time with friends and family in the UK. Thanks all! Continue reading
Travel should be a time to let go of self-imposed rules that may ordinarily hold you back. Step outside yourself and explore who you really want to be (or who’s inside already, just waiting to come out). Travel should feel free and liberating. While it’s tempting to try and “make the most” of your trip … Continue reading
It is fitting for this to be the first post in our new series Memorable Meal Moments. It’s one of the first examples that comes to mind for both of us when we think, “Remember that time we had…” While on tour in 2007 we had a long weekend off during a couple of weeks … Continue reading
This unfurling New Zealand fern, or koru, was the image that jumped into my head for this week’s topic of “Renewal.” The koru, Maori for “loop,” symbolizes growth, strength and peace, as well as new life. This photo was captured in the Waipoua Forest near Tane Mahuta or “Lord of the Forest”. It’s the largest … Continue reading
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