After the mating turtles, we finally came to the Theatre of Dionysus. The sun was starting to descend, creating a beautiful light across the seats.
Greece: Athens, Out n' About
Some randoms from the outskirts of the Acropolis.
(Can you see the black cat hidden in the shadows?)
Greece: Acropolis: The Parthenon
We made it! I apologize, the next set of shots are going to be only of the Parthenon and it's surroundings. My super comfortable Pumas were put to the test (on the sometimes slippery rocky surface). Which is likely why the original steps leading up to the top has been covered with wooden planks, like at the Taj Mahal.
It was hotter than hot and part of the Parthenon was being restored, but words cannot describe how mind-blowing it was to see in person and photographs don't do any justice.
P.S. The sleeping dogs were a surprise.
Greece: Athens, Acropolis: Along the Way
Getting to the Acropolis in the high heat was no easy task. Some olive trees and fancy water stations helped along the way.
Here, some of those moments.
Greece: Athens, The Odeon of Herodes Atticus
The Odeon of Herodes is a stadium theatre on the south slope of the Acropolis. It's still used for music festivals every year, having been restored in the 50s. How incredible would it be to be seated here during a concert? Epic.
Here's a panoramic view, which is not entirely accurate, but you get the gist, I hope.
Other panoramas: Boston from the Ebersol Suite at the Liberty Hotel + NYC's 30 Rockefeller
Greece: Athens, Plaka at Night
We arrived in Athens just as the sun was setting (note, NYC isn't the only city with yellow cabs, and Mercedes Benzes, no less), checked in and went out for dinner (getting our recommendation from a group of cops at a corner!). They were spot on; it was absolutely delicious! Walking around the beautiful shopping district of Plaka was surreal to me, as Greece has been at the top of my travel list, forever. Plaka is a lovely, albeit touristy area, with cobblestone pathways, darling open air restaurants and charming residences and shops. Athens reminded us a lot of Bombay, a bit busy, a tad grimy, but we loved it. It has the tastiest olives and the friendliest locals. Couldn't ask for much more, and I didn't even mention it's incredible history (yes, that's one of the corners of the Acropolis, that's nestled within Plaka that we spotted on our walk around Plaka). Could not even contain my excitement. More to come!
NYC: Metropolitan Museum of Art
The rainy weather in NYC one morning called for a visit to the Metropolitan Museum of Art where I spent a good 8 hours. I didn't know where to start it's so enourmous. At the end of the day after N met me there, we were also able to view the Stein Collection prior to it's opening on February 29.
At times I was more fascinated by the people at the museum than some of the works themselves, seen via Instagram 1 2 3.
Amsterdam: Edam
Have you heard of Edam Cheese? The one with the happy red coating?
It's named after the town of Edam (AY-dum), in the Netherlands. A picturesque village if I ever did see one. Absolutely charming canal houses and teahouses lined up against perfectly still water.
Our stop? The Cheese Weigh House, built in 1778, where a giant cheese market is held every summer. Here, Edam is coated in yellow wax as the red coating is only for export.
And as far as Edam, that was all there was to see but I was camera happy, all the same.
The Hamilton's III
I absolutely LOVE shooting the Hamilton's! Their enthusiasm and boundless energy for shoots (and for life, in general!) always amazes me, and this third time around (see I and II, here) was no different. In downtown Oakville, with a nautical backdrop (including props which I didn't even have to ask for - see what I mean when I say these guys are pros?), we were ready. An added bonus was happening upon a very cool old Dodge, which made for a fun "Cars" inspired theme. This was Baby Benny's first shoot, having featured him last as a baby bump, this time, he was a natural in front of the camera. Em, of course, is one of my favourites, I adore capturing the lil' guy, who's growing up mighty quick! Then there's K&S who are always up for anything. Be it waiting for threatening waves to break across the pier, then running away with their kids. Or....having to pretend fish for the camera then actually having to fish out one of the said props. K&S, you guys are priceless, I love you; thank you so much for your continuous support. Words can't express how much it means to me to capture your growing family. xo
Happy Birthday To Us
A and I celebrated our birthdays together again, this year. Last year we did the spa and dinner. This year we did it with strawberry picking at Springridge Farm (fantastic place btw!) followed by a picnic in the park. There was lots of sunshine, not so many strawberries, lots of laughs and a few tears. Thanks to N, who was the only boy at the party, for capturing all the fun moments of the girls!
Tsunami
Tsunami waves hit Hawaii in the early morning hours today (Friday) after Japan's northern coast was hit with an 8.9 magnitude earthquake. Kauai was the first of the Hawaiian islands to be hit by the tsunami, with waves of 3 feet.
Having recently visited the Hawaiian islands in December 2010, this all feels very scary and hits close to home. My prayers and thoughts go out to the people of Japan and Hawaii and all the other coastal areas that are at risk.
These images are of Kauai, taken from the plane, at the Spouting Horn (where water rushes under a lava shelf and bursts through a small opening at the surface. Every wave produces another spray/spout of water) and at the Kilauea Lighthouse.
Having recently visited the Hawaiian islands in December 2010, this all feels very scary and hits close to home. My prayers and thoughts go out to the people of Japan and Hawaii and all the other coastal areas that are at risk.
These images are of Kauai, taken from the plane, at the Spouting Horn (where water rushes under a lava shelf and bursts through a small opening at the surface. Every wave produces another spray/spout of water) and at the Kilauea Lighthouse.
Family Day Weekend
We went away this past long weekend, and stayed in a ranch house in La Peche, Quebec. It was a cosy cabin and although there were fourteen of us, we were all well accommodated. We played charades, made s'mores, watched movies and ate poutine. For breakfast we made waffles using this recipe. We also spent the day in Ottawa skating on the Rideau Canal (the world's largest skating rink). It was fuh-reeeeeeezing, but the beavertails made it all worthwhile.
Hope your weekend is filled with all kinds of goodness!
Hope your weekend is filled with all kinds of goodness!
Hawaii: Kaua'i: Hanalei Valley
There were so many gorgeous views whilst driving around the island of Kaua'i.
Here, the Hanalei Valley lookout point of the Hanalei National Wildlife Refuge.
Here, the Hanalei Valley lookout point of the Hanalei National Wildlife Refuge.
Feathers and scales
Just saw Gnomeo and Juliet, a very cute film that some of my friends worked on (so go see it!), and the plastic pink flamingo reminded me of some of the beautiful birds and fish in Hawaii.
The flamingos were on our Oahu resort; we saw them 3 years ago and were just as smitten this time. They're so gorgeous!
There was a huge koi pond at our resort on Kauai; they even had a morning feed time you could participate in. The adorable parrot was also on Kauai; he loved posing for photos!
The flamingos were on our Oahu resort; we saw them 3 years ago and were just as smitten this time. They're so gorgeous!
There was a huge koi pond at our resort on Kauai; they even had a morning feed time you could participate in. The adorable parrot was also on Kauai; he loved posing for photos!
SNOW DAY!
Today's a SNOW DAY for some (not for me). These were taken last month, but by the looks of it today, we may have this beat!
