Category: Around the World

2023 – Year In Review

God is amazing! He has kept me throughout this year. I’m grateful and excited about my journey ahead.

During this year, I found myself re-adjusting to being in the Washington, DC area again. It’s been quite the adjustment. Thankfully, there’s a nice walk throughout Alexandria, Va.

National Harbor

With family, we took some time to enjoy the beautiful Myrtle Beach, in South Carolina. During my many trips to SC this year, I thank God for the many upgrades to First Class. I enjoyed the beautiful skies during my drives to and from the airport.

Myrtle Beach, SC
Myrtle Beach, SC
First Class

The year ended in Business Class, in the Qsuite on Qatar Airways. The pajamas fit, as I got closer to God, in my suite. Bangkok was the ultimate destination, with stops in Phuket and Phi Phi Island.

Qsuite
Bangkok, Thailand
Bangkok, Thailand
Bangkok, Thailand
Phuket, Thailand
Phi Phi Island, Thailand
Phi Phi Island, Thailand
Phi Phi Island, Thailand
Mango & Sticky Rice
Pomelo Salad
Dessert
Bangkok in Black & White

Throughout 2023, Psalm 23 was a reminder of how great the Most High God is to me. I know He is with me, at all times.

Psalm 23:1-6 KJV
The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. [2] He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters. [3] He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name’s sake. [4] Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me. [5] Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over. [6] Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the Lord for ever.

Remember to Give Love and to Always Choose to Be Happy!

God is Love!!


A Jordan Excursion – Yes, It’s Jordan – Petra

Exploring Petra from the ‘top’ was supposed to be a ‘quick’ hike.  Well, after 4 hours and 8.5 miles later, I can say, the hike was ‘quickly’ completed, capturing beautiful landscapes and scenes along the way.

Camera:  Nikon Z7

Lens:  Nikon Nikkor Z 24-70mm f/4 S

 

Petra, Jordan

Petra, Jordan

Petra, Jordan

Petra, Jordan

Petra, Jordan

Petra, Jordan

Petra, Jordan

Petra, Jordan

Petra, Jordan

Petra, Jordan

Petra, Jordan

 

Petra in Black and White…

Petra, Jordan

Petra, Jordan

Petra, Jordan

Petra, Jordan

Petra, Jordan

Petra, Jordan

 

A video snapshot…


2020…A Year in Review

2020 – The year of clear vision.  There will be a separation, be prepared to stand firm in what you believe in.  Stand firm in power, love, and a sound mind, not in fear!  Give love always and choose to be happy.

A few words to live by, as provided by my mom:

-Everything in life is not going to go your way.  Do not expect that it will.

-No one owes you anything.  No one has to be kind to you.

-Everyone is not going to like you.  That is okay.  You are responsible for how you treat other people.  You are not responsible for how other people treat you.  You are, though, responsible for how you react to how others treat you.

-Cry as often as you like; however, do not have pity parties.  Do not stay in a depressed state long.  Pick yourself up by your bootstraps, and keep it moving.

-Sometimes you have to encourage yourself.  Do so and often.

While in Jordan, I discovered and enjoyed the following places in 2020:  Ajloun, Dead Sea, Jerash, Madaba, Mt. Nebo, and Umm Qais to name a few.  Enjoy the view.

Ajloun, Jordan

Dead Sea, Jordan

Jerash, Jordan

Madaba, Jordan

Mt. Nebo, Jordan

Umm Qais, Jordan


A Jordan Excursion – Yes, It’s Jordan – Wadi Rum

Wadi Rum, AKA the Valley of the Moon, is just the right spot in September.  Dancing in the Desert has never been more fun.

Wadi Rum, Jordan

The sandstone and granite rocks look amazing.  Who’s ready to go climbing?

The Rainbow Campground offered amazing views, camel walks, and a sunset scene that one won’t easily forget.

Wadi Rum, Jordan

 

Wadi Rum, Jordan

 

Wadi Rum, Jordan

 

Wadi Rum, Jordan

Wadi Rum, Jordan

 

Wadi Rum, Jordan

 

Wadi Rum, Jordan

 

 

Wadi Rum, Jordan

 

Wadi Rum, Jordan

 

Wadi Rum, Jordan

 

Wadi Rum, Jordan

 

Wadi Rum, Jordan

 

Wadi Rum, Jordan

 

The Bubble Luxotel experience in Wadi Rum is a must!

Wadi Rum, Jordan

Wadi Rum, Jordan

Wadi Rum, Jordan

Wadi Rum, Jordan

Wadi Rum, Jordan

Wadi Rum, Jordan

 

Wadi Rum in Black and White…

Wadi Rum, Jordan

Wadi Rum, Jordan

Wadi Rum, Jordan


Fireworks

Who doesn’t enjoy a fireworks show?

Photos taken in Manila, Philippines, with a Nikon D850 camera and 28-300 mm VR lens, with a tripod.  Aperture ranged from f5.6 to f8, with shutter speeds ranging from 3″ to 5″.

 

Fireworks

Fireworks

Fireworks

Fireworks

Fireworks

Fireworks

Fireworks

Fireworks

Fireworks

Fireworks

Fireworks

Fireworks

Fireworks

Fireworks

Fireworks

Fireworks

Fireworks

Fireworks

Fireworks

 

Fireworks in Cambodia…

Fireworks

Fireworks

Fireworks

Fireworks

Fireworks

Fireworks

Fireworks

Fireworks

 


A Philippines Excursion – Corregidor

The ruins of war…

Corregidor

Corregidor

Corregidor

Corregidor

Corregidor

Corregidor

Corregidor

Corregidor

Corregidor

Corregidor

Corregidor

Corregidor

Corregidor

Corregidor

Corregidor

Corregidor

Corregidor

Corregidor


Asian Excursion – Vietnam – Timeless Charm

Vietnam is truly a timeless charm.  After exploring one of the new 7 Wonders of the World (Ha Long Bay) – via Hanoi, taking in the culture and beaches of Hoi An, and navigating through Ho Chi Minh (Saigon) and the Cuchi Tunnels, I experienced true timeless charm and memories.

Hanoi

Hanoi

Hanoi

Hanoi

Hanoi

Hanoi

Hanoi

Hanoi

Ha Long Bay

Ha Long Bay

Ha Long Bay

Ha Long Bay

Ha Long Bay

Ha Long Bay

Ha Long Bay

Ha Long Bay

Ha Long Bay

Ha Long Bay

Ha Long Bay

Ha Long Bay

Ha Long Bay

Ha Long Bay

Ha Long Bay

Ha Long Bay

Ha Long Bay

Ha Long Bay

Ha Long Bay

Ha Long Bay

Ha Long Bay

Ha Long Bay

Ha Long Bay

Ha Long Bay

Ha Long Bay

Ha Long Bay

Hoi An

Hoi An

Hoi An

Hoi An

Hoi An

Hoi An

Hoi An

Hoi An

Hoi An

Hoi An

Hoi An

Hoi An

Hoi An

Hoi An

Hoi An

Hoi An

Hoi An

Hoi An

Hoi An

Hoi An

Hoi An

Hoi An

Hoi An

Hoi An

Ho Chi Minh

Ho Chi Minh

Ho Chi Minh

Ho Chi Minh

Cuchi Tunnels

Cuchi Tunnels


French Polynesian Excursion – Bora Bora and Tahiti

God is great and quite amazing!  My time in Bora Bora was nothing short of wonderful!  The water bugalows, for easy access to the ocean, is a must.  From swimming with sharks and stingrays to jet skiing, Bora Bora has it all.

Bora Bora

Bora Bora

Bora Bora

Bora Bora

Bora Bora

Bora Bora

Bora Bora

Bora Bora

Bora Bora

Bora Bora

Bora Bora

Bora Bora

Bora Bora

Bora Bora

Bora Bora

Bora Bora

Bora Bora

Bora Bora

Bora Bora

Bora Bora

Bora Bora

Bora Bora

Bora Bora

Bora Bora

Tahiti

Tahiti

 


Asian Excursion – Philippines – It’s More Fun In the Philippines

On clear days, the view of the city is amazing.

Manila, Philippines

Manila, Philippines

In contrast, when a storm brews…

Manila, Philippines

Manila, Philippines

The sunsets across the Manila Bay are gorgeous.

Manila, Philippines

Manila, Philippines

Ah, the beautiful beaches in Boracay highlight nature’s beauty.

Boracay, Philippines

Boracay, Philippines

Boracay, Philippines

Boracay, Philippines

El Nido, on the island of Palawan, is also very beautiful.

Palawan (El Nido), Philippines

Palawan (El Nido), Philippines

Palawan (El Nido), Philippines

Palawan (El Nido), Philippines

Palawan (El Nido), Philippines

Palawan (El Nido), Philippines

Palawan (El Nido), Philippines

Palawan (El Nido), Philippines

Palawan (El Nido), Philippines

Palawan (El Nido), Philippines

Palawan (El Nido), Philippines

Palawan (El Nido), Philippines

Palawan (El Nido), Philippines

Palawan (El Nido), Philippines

The only way to get around in the Philippines is via the Jeepney!

Jeepney

Jeepney

This is why the Philippines is more fun…

Somebody...please put the baby in a car seat!!

Somebody…please put the baby in a car seat!!


Asian Excursion – Taiwan – The Heart of Asia

While enjoying the warm, friendly Taiwanese people and savoring the delectable food, Taiwan certainly lives up to being the Heart of Asia.

 

One cannot travel to Taipei and not visit the Original Din Tai Fung, the famous pork soup dumpling restaurant.  The famous dumplings are quite popular and require a wait, unless you arrive early.

While strolling the clean streets of Taipei, it is hard to miss:

-the landscape of the city

-the designated walking paths

taiwan3

-the right time to eat

taiwan4

-after eating, finding the perfect time to kiss and make up (literally)

taiwan5

-viewing the city from the miles high club of Taipei 101 – 360 degrees

taiwan6

-the unique wine glass chandelier reflecting the appropriate amount of light

taiwan7

-the talented performers – bending, twisting, and balancing with ease – displaying great upper body strength and abs

taiwan8    taiwan9

-the many night markets, full of music, food, and unique toys – the perfect place to people watch

taiwan10