Shark Key, Florida

Many people may know Key West for it's wild bar scene and Margaritaville but what I love the most is the natural beauty! I took this picture from my friend's pier - paradise found! :)

where? Shark Key, Florida

Rome, Italy

Rome's most famous Gelato stop  - Giolitti. We found it in a Frommer's guide and I've never been more appreciative of gelato guidance. A gazillion different choices- blueberry, pistachio, coffee it's a must.

where? Giolotti, Rome, Italy

Vail, Colorado

I'm currently in Colorado and need to share just how beautiful it is here. Bright and clear the mountains are spectacular while Denver and Colorado Springs are full of charm and endless things to do. I can see why someone choose to make this place home!

Where? Vail, Colorado

Old San Juan, Puerto Rico

While in Old San Juan my coworker and I spent hours wandering the fort taking pictures. The historic homes, colorful tiling and cobble stoned streets provided endless opportunity for unique shots.

where? Old San Juan, Puerto Rico

Toyko, Japan

While searching for a place to get lunch in Tokyo my coworker and I suddenly found ourselves in the midst of community parade. Here local boy scouts (well - their outfits look the same) were marching along with some sort of Pokemon character. I really had (nor have) any idea what's going in this picture, but the whole event was certainly memorable. 

where? Tokyo, Japan

West Point, Virginia

I took this picture on the Pomonkey River near West Point, Virginia at a friend's river house. The time was too-early in the morning, but I appreciate the quiet simplicity of the pier and lone pylon. I feel like some people might want to add a dreamy quote in negative space but I'll spare you.

where? West Point, Virginia

Huntington Beach, California

I love the big wide beaches of California, especially this one - Huntington Beach. Notorious for the scores of surfers that (attempt to) carve through the waves. The boardwalk here may seem small but is almost 1/4 mile!

where? Huntington Beach, California

Aci Trezza, Sicily, Italy

While my coworkers placed their drink, then appetizer and finally dinner orders in my long absence from the table, I wandered for almost an hour along the docks of this small Sicilan fishing village. My interest mainly revolved around the idea that people actually live like this - tiny boats, miniature harbor and endless charm. 

where? Aci Trezza, Sicily, Italy

San Diego, California

While exploring San Diego during a work trip I opted to spend an evening cheering on the Padres. Mind you, I have little to no interest in baseball but I love this picture of two old pals enjoying America's favorite past time. 

where? San Diego, California

Colonial Beach, Virginia

I love being on the water - in a boat, on a raft, sitting on a dock. I took this picture while sailing in a tiny tributary to the Chesapeake last June. I appreciated the gentle reflection of the boat docks in the marina with the quite close of the summer day.

where? Colonial Beach, Virginia

Shukkeien Garden, Hiroshima, Japan

I took this picture in the most beautiful garden I have ever been to. Using my older point-and-shoot cam, the tail is a bit blurry but I adored this sweet little bird as he hopped from limb to limb of a white cherry tree.

My thoughts and prayers are with the Japanese people during this tragic time.

where? Shukkeien Garden, Hiroshima, Japan

Washington DC

If the day ever comes that I'm not floored by the monuments and culture of DC then that's the day I need to leave. I took this picture last Fall using a dinky tripod under a fading sky. I've suggested other places as vacation destinations - DC should surely be at the top. There's too many free things to do, great places to eat, and history here to miss. 

where? (really?) Washington DC

Chamorro Village, Guam

While working Guam I had the opportunity to visit a local market/hangout/party held every Wednesday night at the Chamorro Village. Locals and lucky tourists form long lines to try local dishes - here I spotted a little gal waiting patiently for a sweet Guamanian specialty 'Ahu', coconut porridge.

where? Chamorro Village, Guam

Roanoke, Virginia

There's no question that I sincerely miss the ease of Southwestern Virginia. I took this picture too-long ago on a back road heading towards my childhood home. I pulled off the road to take this picture- impressed by the quiet stillness of the distant farmhouse while dusk settled under the crisp sky. 

where? Roanoke, Virginia

Paris, France

This picture goes back a few years during my graduation trip to Europe. Paris - and basically anywhere in Europe - is beautiful. Every last street, alley, building seems to exhibit some sort of charm. This hotel initially caught my eye with its endless balconies and shutters, the man observing the street below only adds to the artistic ambiance of the City of Love.

where? Paris, France

Key West, Florida

Who doesn't love palms? Trying my hand at macro photography, I took this picture during a too-short vacation to Key West last year. I typically don't make any major computer aided changes to my pictures (because I don't really know what I'm doing) but for this shot I used picnik to jazz the lighting.

where? Key West, Florida

Victoria and Alfred Hotel, Cape Town, South Africa

This past winter I was fortunate enough to travel to South Africa for a two week family reunion. While exploring the V&A waterfront, in Cape Town, we stopped in a the historic Victoria and Alfred Hotel for afternoon tea. Pictured here is the 'sweets' buffet to accompany our cups of Roobios.

where? Victoria and Alfred Hotel, Cape Town, South Africa

Avalon, Catalina Island, California

My suggestion: put Catalina Island high on your list for must-visit places. An hour boat ride from Dana Point (in SoCal) the southern town of Avalon is absolutely charming- on a small harbor the Victorian homes that line the narrow streets seem out of a storybook. I found these two furry pals enjoying one of the many perks to permanent living on the quiet island; golf carts as the main mode of transport!

where? Avalon, Catalina Island, California

Toyko, Japan

This may very well be the picture I am most proud of. While taking the train from Tokyo to a small town two hours outside the city my coworker and I found ourselves the only people awake in the train car. Everyone else seemed to enjoy a long doze on their ride home after the hard day's work. 

where? Tokyo, Japan

Sorrento, Italy

My favorite place in Italy, and maybe the world, is Sorrento - a charming town nestled in the dramatic cliffs of the Almalfi Coast. I spent an entire day exploring the stores that line the cobble stoned streets, eating the best Italian fare imaginable and taking zillions of pictures. As the sun was setting, this historic canary yellow church caught my eye; I appreciated the contrast with the more modern architecture in the background while the sunlight exhibited the detail of the facade. 

where? Sorrento, Italy

Denver, Colorado

No one appreciates a window seat more than I do. After an intense ski trip to Vail I collapsed into my seat ready for a long nap on the flight home to DC. The clarity of the afternoon sky obligated me to pull out my camera for a few pictures- surprisingly flat, Denver isn't quite the mountain city you may expect.

where? Denver, Colorado

Blacksburg, Virginia

While visiting Blacksburg for a wedding last summer I found myself wide awake just as the sun was rising. Dew was still settling on the grass as I wandered around taking pictures of the morning's limelight for almost an hour. Once satisfied I went back to bed for a few more hours sleep - no wonder my boyfriend thinks I'm crazy.

where? Blacksburg, Virginia (the best place on Earth)

Great Falls, Virginia

One of the best ways to spend a Sunday afternoon - hiking in Great Falls. Nothing spectacular about this picture, but I appreciate the brief escape into the sunshine that this day provided. 

where? Great Falls, Virginia

San Francisco, California

San Francisco is probably one of my favorite (if not favorite) city in the United States. The unique and vibrant culture matches the amazing cityscape. Just across the Bay Bridge find giant redwoods and with wine country just a short drive farther what more could you ask for? I took this picture from inside Coit Tower during my first visit. I appreciate the simplicity of this photo with the moon peering through just as the sun was setting in the opposite direction.

where? Coit Tower, San Francisco, California

Miyajima Island, Japan

While exploring the sights near Hiroshima, I spent the better part of the day on Miyajima Island. A tourist destination which can only be navigated on foot, the island hosts extremely docile deer (which you can pet), huge torri gates, a historic working Japanese village, and mountain monkeys (seen here). Deceiving with their furry coats, these monkeys are known for their dangerous aggression. I took this picture on the top of Mount Misen in the center of the island.

where? Miyajima Island, Japan

Arlington, Virginia

Snowmageddon 2010- unforgettable in the abrupt stoppage of everyday life. For the first time ever the Government was closed for 4 1/2 days, Northern Virginia and DC were seriously under the weather. Wandering through the upside down world without cars, bustling traffic and the convenience driving, I came to appreciate the solitude of the quiet tranquility that the snow provided. 

where? Arlington, Virginia

Two Lovers Point, Tamuning, Guam

While sightseeing in Guam I was told I must see Two Lovers Point, a lookout point high atop a steep cliff on Tumon Bay. At the time I was uninterested in the sappy love story behind the title but I believe that it's something comparable to Romeo and Juliet with death and family feuding. This picture is obviously the shoreline from high above, for perspective note the people walking in the lower right hand corner.

where? Two Lovers Point, Tamuning, Guam

Chatan, Okinawa, Japan

Meandering through an Okinawan strip mall I couldn't convince myself to buy yet another magnet or plastic wrapped scarf. My coworker was searching for a Japanese Fender Telecaster guitar so I was left with time to kill. It wasn't until my third stroll down the main corridor of the mall that I noticed this little guy peering out to the busy street from a service entrance at the back of a shop. Calm and disinterested with me taking pictures, I couldn't help but wonder what he must have been thinking.

where? Chatan, Okinawa

Motta Sant Anastasia, Sicily, Italy

This is perhaps my favorite shot to date - exploring the tiny town of Sant Anastasia while working in Sicily I came upon these old friends enjoying an afternoon chat. I motioned to my camera, requesting their portrait. I received a nod and the group burst into laughter, apparently tickled by the thought that an American girl wanted their picture. I couldn't have asked for a better emotion to capture.

umm, where? Motta Sant Anastasia