Here are more travel photos of fascinating people from different countries as they work, pray, relax or play. You are invited to read the descriptions for a better insight into their unique lives and locations.
Here are more travel photos of fascinating people from different countries as they work, pray, relax or play. You are invited to read the descriptions for a better insight into their unique lives and locations.
Yeoman Warders were established in 1485 by King Henry VIII to protect the Tower of London. Over the centuries, their role evolved until now they are ceremonial guards at the Her Majesty’s Royal Palace plus tour guides at the Tower of London. Today, they number 36 men and one woman. In order to qualify, they must be retired from the Armed Forces as non-commissioned officers and served for at least 22 years. These Beefeaters are wearing the red and gold Tudor State Dress uniform reserved for formal state events. The occasion on this day was one of the three summer gala garden parties hosted by Queen Elizabeth at Buckingham Palace.
Buckingham Palace, London SW1A 1AA, UK Enlarge/Slideshow See On Map Directions
What began as a palace in 1645 was converted into a museum and then a legislative building at the turn of the 19th century. Since 1958, Palais du Luxembourg has housed the French Senate. What the Parisians love about it is the 61 acre garden in back. On weekends, people lounge on the lawn and tan or eat ice cream. Parents huddle together for a chat while their children run around a large fountain floating toy sailboats they propel using long sticks. The Luxembourg Garden is a perfect spot to spend a spring afternoon in Paris.
15 Rue de Vaugirard, 75291 Paris, France Enlarge/Slideshow See On Map Directions
This bride and groom engaged in a passionate embrace while being doused by a water fountain in Munich, Germany. This is an example of a recent global trend called Trash The Dress. Brides often go to extremes to be photographed in unique and very non-traditional environments.
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William V, Duke of Bavaria (1579 – 1597) loved beer but hated the options in Munich. So, he commissioned a royal brewery in 1589. This was the founding of Hofbräu München. HB is now a state-owned brewery. The former brewery site is Hofbräuhaus am Platzl, the city’s most popular beer hall. This is an iconic German experience. The food is great, the beer is cold and the oompah band playing Bavarian tunes will keep your toes tapping and hands clapping.
Platzl 9, 80331 München, Germany Enlarge/Slideshow See On Map Directions
This young married couple took a selfie every few minutes during their stroll along the 1,775 foot West Pier of Warnemünde. This romantic setting along the breakwater dates back to the late 16th century. Today’s version of the Westmole was constructed in 1903. The 39 foot green beacon in the background was added 95 years later. The light is one of several that guide ships into the Altrer and Neuer Strom channels.
Seepromenade 3, 18119 Rostock, Germany Enlarge/Slideshow See On Map Directions
The Grand Cayman experience is meant to be shared with someone you love. Whether you are just dating, want the perfect destination wedding or honeymoon, are enjoying vacation time with or without the kids or celebrating a significant anniversary, it is amazing how the Caribbean sun, sand and surf pushes away reality while bringing you closer together. Enjoy!
W Bay Rd & Earth Close, George Town, Cayman Islands Enlarge/Slideshow See On Map Directions
This couple in a romantic embrace in the aquamarine waters of Kefalonia Island reminded me of a quote by Aristotle, a Greek philosopher who lived from 384 until 322 BC. “Love is composed of a single soul inhabiting two bodies.”
Ellinikou Erithrou Stavrou 39 Argostoli 281 00, Greece Enlarge/Slideshow See On Map Directions
An exciting event to watch in Athens is the changing of the guards at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. The war monument is in front of the Hellenic Parliament at Syntagma Square. These two Evzones are part of an elite infantry unit of the Hellenic Army assigned to the Presidential Guard. They are wearing the traditional summer ceremonial uniform. Their red hat (fez) with the long tassel is a farion. The pleated kilt is a fustanella. They wear two pairs of white stockings (periskelides) and leather clogs (tsarouchi) with black pompons on top. Their .30-06 caliber semi-automatic rifle is equipped with a bayonet. Most amazing is their ability to stand perfectly still for an hour without any facial or eye movements.
Leoforos Vasilisis Amalias 133, Athina 105 57, Greece Enlarge/Slideshow See On Map Directions
Near the Poás National Park in San José, Guatemala is the La Paz Waterfall Gardens. It includes two miles of walking paths through a rain forest and has five waterfalls. The scenery is spectacular. It also includes animal exhibits and a large butterfly garden. The area was nearly destroyed by an earthquake in 2009 but has since been rebuilt.
La Paz Waterfall, 126, Alajuela Province, Costa Rica Enlarge/Slideshow See On Map Directions
Magyar Állami Operaház (State Opera House in Hungarian) hosts wonderful operas, ballets and concerts. The façade is impressive. The interior is spectacular. The 1,261-seat, performing arts venue is adorned in red velvet, chandeliers, columns, a gorgeous fresco plus paintings of muses. Juxtaposed against this opulence was the bored security guard who was reading his newspaper.
Budapest, Andrássy út 22, 1061 Hungary Enlarge/Slideshow See On Map Directions
A time-honored tradition in Iceland’s culture is soaking in a geothermal pool like Secret Lagoon. Some people claim they have medicinal value. Others seek relief from sore muscles and tension. The children love to splash and play. But the majority of Icelanders go to socialize in the soothing waters and environment. Slakaðu á og njóttu (relax and enjoy).
Hvammsvegur, 845 Flúðir, Iceland Enlarge/Slideshow See On Map Directions
Black lava pebbles crunch beneath your feet as you stroll along Reynisfjara Beach to admire the pair of sea stacks. These are called Reynisdrangar. The tallest needle towers 217 feet. According to folklore, they are petrified trolls who turned to stone when caught beaching a boat at sunrise. Other stories tell of a monster living in the cave. You will only notice colonies of seabirds. The rolling surf might seem romantic and calm. Just do not venture too close and remain vigilant. They can suddenly become “sneaker waves.” These are violent surges of water capable of sweeping unsuspecting people into the frigid sea.
Reynishverfisvegur, Iceland Enlarge/Slideshow See On Map Directions
Cochin, also called Kochi, India is a modern city of two million. However, the best known area for tourism is Fort Kochi. Here you’ll find Chinese fishing nets that started in the 14th century. They consist of a giant cantilever that suspends a large net, lowers it into the sea and then raises it again by ropes. You can buy the fresh fish and crustaceans, most of which are still wiggling in colorful bowls. These two fishermen are taking a rest from the exhausting work of raising and lowering the huge boulders that operate the cantilevers.
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In Fort Kochi, India, is an array of old British, Portuguese and Dutch buildings. In the background of this picture is St. Francis Church. It was built by the Portuguese in 1503. In the foreground is an old beggar. His long beard was an ancient Indian symbol of dignity and wisdom.
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The Chor Bazaar in Mumbai, India is a noisy, busy and pungent market that is over 150 years old. Translated to mean “Thieves Market,” it’s a practical outlet for local shoppers and a dazzling novelty for the tourist. This Indian man carries a heavy sack of produce towards his stall.
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Mumbai is wall-to-wall people with a population of about 20 million. The atmosphere is crowded and dizzying. But the world’s seventh largest city can also be elegant and beautiful. This woman is wearing a satin saree or sari, an unstitched cloth draped over the body. She is entering the Dr. Bhau Daji Lad Museum. When the city’s oldest museum opened in 1857, it was the Victoria and Albert Museum. The name honored the then reigning queen of the United Kingdom and her husband.
Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar Road, Byculla, Mumbai 400027, India Enlarge/Slideshow See On Map Directions
Port Blair is on the Andaman Islands off the southeast coast of India. Formerly the site of a British penal colony, the town of about 100,000 is now called “Veritable Garden of Eden” by the tourism department. These multi-generational women are typical of the sights in the local markets wearing sari dresses.
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This memorial called “Remembering the Rising” celebrates the centennial of the Irish Rising in 1916. Illustrated are seven leaders of the insurrection and the signers of the Proclamation of the Irish Republic. Patrick Pearse, a member of the Military Council for the Irish Republican Brotherhood, read the inflammatory and treasonous document in front of the post office. He also called for a truce after the intense battle during the Easter Rising. James Connolly led the Irish Citizen Army. Thomas Clarke, another IRB member, was considered to be the match that sparked the fighting. These men, along with thirteen other leaders of the rebellion, were executed by the British for their crimes.
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During the Waterford Crystal tour, you will be mesmerized while watching the various stages of the process – blowing, polishing, marking, cutting, etc. Each master specializes in only one stage. The craftsman who had the greatest influence on Waterford Crystal was Jonathan Gatchell. While a clerk in 1783, John Hill taught him how to mix, polish and cut glass. Gatchell worked at the plant for forty years. He became a co-owner in 1799 and then sole proprietor from 1810 until 1823.
28 The Mall, Waterford, Ireland Enlarge/Slideshow See On Map Directions
The Dead Sea is bordered by Israel and Jordan and is one of the saltiest bodies of water on earth. This high salinity lets you float effortlessly on the surface without swimming or treading water. The thick, almost tar-like black mud is reported to have cosmetic, medicinal and therapeutic values. Mostly it’s just fun to cover yourself from head to toe and let the mud harden in the hot sun.
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Mount Vesuvius violently erupted on August 24, 79 AD. A plumb of smoke soared nine to 12 miles high before falling to earth and eventually burying the city under 20 feet of ash and pumice. A large share of the 20,000 residents fled during the early stages. But then a heat blast called a pyroclastic surge slammed into the city. It exceeded 500° Fahrenheit and traveled 70 miles per hour. This is when most of the 1,600 to 2,000 people were killed. So far, 1,150 bodies have been found. For years, as the skeletons were uncovered during excavation, plaster was used to create casts of their final seconds in death. One of the most famous is this crouching mule driver. Archeologists call him the “muleteer.” He and other artifacts are on display in the Granary Market along the Forum.
Via degli Augustali & Vicolo dei Soprastanti, 80045 Pompei NA, Italy Enlarge/Slideshow See On Map Directions
Every boy fantasizes about driving a hot sports car while impressing a hot girl. However, the old woman on the bike clearly disapproved as she watched an Italian looking model climb into a 1994 F512M Yellow Ferrari on the streets of Rome, Italy.
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I was enthralled with this woman. Easily in her late 80s if not her early 90s, she was less than five feet tall and impeccably dressed. Each step was measured yet sure as she walked with a steady determination while dragging her cart and clutching her purse. I suspect she was a survivor of the atomic blast. The Japanese refer to them as a hibakusha.
4 Motomachi, Naka-ku, Hiroshima-shi, Hiroshima-ken 730-0011, Japan Enlarge/Slideshow See On Map Directions
Judging from the parking lot full of sightseeing buses, you could assume the Imperial Palace is only a tourist attraction. Actually, it is the heavily guarded residence for the Emperor of Japan and the Imperial Family. This role has a long history. Jimmu was the first Emperor of Japan in 660 BC. It wasn’t until the 5th century when the emperor ruled the entire country. Shoguns assumed power in 1192 before it transferred back to the emperor in 1868 at the start of the Meiji Restoration. After WWII, Japan was forced to adopt a new constitution creating a parliamentary system of government. Since then, the Emperor position as head of state is mostly symbolic.
1 Chiyoda, Chiyoda-ku, Tōkyō-to 100-0001, Japan Enlarge/Slideshow See On Map Directions
While touring through Jordan from one fascinating attraction to the next, it is impossible not to be impressed with the barren yet beautiful countryside. You will routinely stop the car, grab your camera and admire the rolling, rocky terrain like this at the Dana Biosphere Reserve. With this type of natural beauty, it is no wonder archeologists believe this area in Tafilah Governorate has been settled since 1100 BC. On a terrace in the upper left corner is the 500 year old, stone village of Dana.
Dana Village, Kings Hwy. Jordan Enlarge/Slideshow See On Map Directions
Jordanian cuisine often includes lamb, poultry, hummus and vegetables that are sautéed in olive oil and garlic before being served in small dishes called meze. Two other serving styles use Pita bread, also called Khubz, and Shrak. The latter is pressed very thin before being heated on a grill called a Saj or Markook. This woman in Jerash, Jordan, has been preparing the Bedouin bread on this hot griddle for decades.
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When I gestured to this elder monk whether I could take his photo, he stood there calmly without a word or emotion. I was mesmerized by his inner peace and the wisdom etched on his face. He clearly had reached the Fourth Path of a Buddhist monk called Arhat which, among many other things, is characterized by a constant feeling of good will for all beings.
Ban Xang Hai, Laos Enlarge/Slideshow See On Map Directions
These novice monks, called samaneras, were on a pilgrimage to Mount Phousi in Luang Prabang, Laos. They stopped half way up the 328 foot holy mountain to visit a nearby cave with the imprint of Buddha’s foot. Then they stood on this terrace at Wat Tham Phu Si overlooking the Nam Khan River before proceeding to the summit.
Wat Tham Phu Si, Mount Phousi, Luang Prabang, Laos Enlarge/Slideshow See On Map Directions
The Istana Negara was the national palace and residence for the King of Malaysia until 2011. This guard from the Royal Malay Regiment protected the main gate while on horseback. Nothing could make the guard or the horse move or flinch.
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A wonderful attribute about children is they have no inhibitions. A delightful example is this baby who crawled towards the fountain at Misraħ San Ġorġ or St. George’s Square and stuck her face into the shooting water. After a good laugh I was frankly jealous because it was over 90° that day. I wanted to do the same thing.
St George’s Square Republic St, Valletta, Malta Enlarge/Slideshow See On Map Directions
It is not uncommon to see people playing games on a beach but rarely have I ever seen anyone who was as professional and competitive as these two women playing paddleball at Salines Beach. Their volleys seemed endless. The French woman in the foreground would physically do anything to make a shot and each of her nearly impossible movements seemed effortless.
Les 97227, Pnt des Salines, Sainte-Anne, Martinique Enlarge/Slideshow See On Map Directions
It is easy to understand why this woman is happy: she is vacationing in Cancun. During the winter, the average daytime highs for sea and sunshine are 80 °F, the Caribbean Sea glistens as it laps along pristine beaches, plus air and hotel packages are abundant and reasonable. In addition, the nightlife is legendary yet the resorts cater to whatever style of R&R you seek. No wonder about five million tourists annually visit the northern part of the Yucatán Peninsula.
Playa Delfines, Blvd. Kukulcan, KM 18, Zona Hotelera, 77500 Cancún, QROO, Mexico Enlarge/Slideshow See On Map Directions
Cobá, Mexico is hot all year with an average temperature of 88° Fahrenheit. So after spending most of your vacation swimming at the hotel pool or in the Caribbean, try a unique experience. A cenote. The water is clear, cool and refreshing. Plus the underwater caves are exciting to explore.
QROO 109 Grand Cenote Tulum, Q.R., Mexico Enlarge/Slideshow See On Map Directions
Traveling is fun at any age but especially when accompanied by an old and dear friend. You have shared a lot of life together. You have wonderful memories of the past. Sometimes you can sit side-by-side on a beach, watch the rolling waves and rarely say a word yet be in totally harmony.
Carretera costera sur Km 19.5, Cozumel, 77601 Cozumel, Q. R., Mexico Enlarge/Slideshow See On Map Directions
The Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception in Mazatlán, Mexico is an ornately decorated Catholic Basilica. An old woman dressed in white chose a small side chapel to approach a statue of a saint. During her silent prayer, she was bathed in sunlight as if being blessed by God.
21 de Marzo & Calle Benito Juárez, Centro, 82000 Mazatlán, Sin., Mexico Enlarge/Slideshow See On Map Directions
In October, 2013, my son and his fiancé were married during a wonderful seaside, barefoot wedding at Grand Bahia Principe Akumal Resort in Mexico, which is located between Playa del Carmen and Tulum. During the ceremony, my family yanked my camera away so I could focus on crying tears of happiness. One of the professional photographers at Tropic One Studio took this photo of my wife with the exchange of vows reflecting in her sunglasses. This is the only image on my website that is not mine but I just had to include it. The staff at the hotel and studio did a spectacular job. Thanks!
Bahia Principe Paradise in Luxury Villa Carretera Federal Chetumal – Benito Juárez km. 250 E6, 77750 Akumal, Q.R., Mexico Enlarge/Slideshow See On Map Directions
There is something charming about watching a matronly woman reach out her window to hang laundry. I love how the suspended clothes become animated in the breeze while the morning sun dries them. I fondly recall the fresh smell and soft feel of my clothes after my mother retrieved them from the clothesline. Such a simple yet wonderful memory.
Put do Svetog Ivana, Kotor, Montenegro Enlarge/Slideshow See On Map Directions