Hawaiian Hibiscus

I'm feeling very "springy" and thinking of flowers.  This is a great example of the Hawaiian State Flower, the Yellow Hibiscus.  The hibiscus loves the weather in Hawaii and grows all over the islands.  This one grows along the street near Waikiki Beach and earned a quick snap.

It's only after I had the film developed that I saw the little lizard to the left of the blossom.  He didn't hang out long.  He had disappeared in my next photo just seconds later.

Cathedral in Seville Spain

The Cathedral in Seville, Spain is the largest Gothic Cathedral in the world and the third largest Church in the world. Construction took just over 100 years starting in the 15th century (after the Reconquista) and was built on the site of a mosque that was damaged 50 years earlier in an earthquake.  It was built in the shape of a cross when viewed aerially. 

The detail of the church is amazing. The photo above shows the ceiling just above the alter area. The ceiling in this area is over 40 meters high (nearly 140 feet) and fully carved throughout.

The late Gothic architecture is evident outside as well. This photo shows an outside corner of the cathedral when viewed from a nearby tower. Christopher Columbus is among the many people who were buried within the walls of this structure.

Bring on the Music Festivals

This last weekend was the first part of Coachella in the US.  Spring often seems to be the start of music festivals and Chile is no different.  This amphitheater is the home to the largest music festival in Chile; some say it is the most important music festival in the Americas.  

The facility holds 20,000 people and is located in the middle of the the Quinta Vergara Park in Vina del Mar, a town just north of Valparaiso, Chile.  The "ceiling" is filled with pipes to aid in the acoustics of the venue.  I was told that during the era of Pinochet, this was the only way a Chilean could hear foreign music in the country.

Tai Chi in the morning

I wish I had taken a photo of this walking street anytime after 7:00 in the morning.  Because it was always packed with people.  I mentioned previously that while in Shanghai I was suffering from jet lag and up earlier than normal.  So around 5:00 we got up and went for a walk.  This photo was taken while returning to the hotel... around 6:00 or so.

I love that every 20 feet or so was a new group practicing their tai chi in the early morning hours.  I love the way the morning light wakes up the buildings in the city.  I love that this chaotic city of 23 million (the largest city in China) arouses slowly with a calmness.

Plaza de Espana, Seville, Spain

In 1929, the World's Fair was held in Seville, Spain.  The fair was held in Maria Louisa Park and the majority of the exhibits were built to be permanent, functioning buildings after the event was over.  For example, this is Plaza de Espana which showed the Spanish exhibit and is now government offices.

This was the largest exhibit during the fair.  In the middle of the plaza is a large fountain (to the left, out of frame).  You might be able to see that there are bridges going over a canal in front of the building.  

One of my favorite parts is those bridges.  Spain is known for their ceramic work.  The handrail and spindles are hand painted ceramic pieces.  While some bridges need repair today, this one was in perfect shape forming another one of my favorite Spanish photos.

Bangor, Northern Ireland and the Titanic

Once I was invited to a wedding in Bangor, Northern Ireland.  I had met and worked with a group of people from Belfast and Bangor was just a short distance away.  

While on the way we passed Belfast Harbor where Harland and Wolff built the Titanic and the sister ships.  One hundred years ago today, the Titanic was pushed out to sea to prove her sea worthiness.  Twelve hours later, the paperwork was signed and Titanic took off for South Hampton awaiting the arrival of her first passengers.  The rest is history.

My friends and I carried on the remaining 10 miles or so to Bangor, a resort town that is easily within commuting distance to Belfast.  We stayed at a beautiful hotel on this square in town.  Immediately to the right of this picture is the Bangor Marina which lead out to Bangor Bay and ultimately Irish Sea.  We spent a beautiful weekend enjoying the wedding festivities and exploring the area.