farming

Stockholm, Wisconsin, USA

Farms like this are dotted all over the countryside.  Wisconsin has been said to produce a quarter of the nation's cheese and butter.  I guess that justifies the nickname given to us: "cheeseheads"!

pine needles

Durand, Wisconsin, USA

Wisconsin has well over 60 state parks and 14 state forests totaling an area of around 532,000 acres (2153 square kilometers).  

Yep!  Wisconsin has a lot of trees!  :)

acorns

Durand, Wisconsin, USA

Oak trees flourish in Wisconsin providing acorns to feed squirrels, deer, bear and other animals.

pickups and Harleys

Stockholm, Wisconsin, USA

Wisconsin: the land of pickup trucks and Harley Davidson motorcycles!

William S. Harvey and his childhood friend, Arthur Davidson, along with the help of Arthur's two brothers, William A. and Walter Davidson, founded these motorbikes in Milwaukee, Wisconsin in 1903, performing a great deal of the preliminary work in a shed in their own backyard.

lakes, lakes and more lakes

Madison, Wisconsin, USA

Madison, Wisconsin's beautiful capital city, was built on an isthmus between two lakes: Lake Mendota and Lake Monona.  Located here is the prestigious University of Wisconsin-Madison, from which this picture is taken.  

Many people in Wisconsin spend the warmer months on the lake boating, canoeing, kayaking, fishing, sailing, tubing, wakeboarding, water-skiing and wind-surfing, to just name a few.  In the winter the lakes freeze over allowing the people to use the area and go cross country skiing, ice fishing, ice-skating, play ice hockey or do snowkiting.  There is always something to do in this wonderful city.

aerial view image taken from:  https://www.radiology.wisc.edu/education/conferences/iwpfi/about_madison.php

antiques

Odanah (Bad River Indian Reservation), Wisconsin, USA

Antique shops like this are in abundance in northern Wisconsin.  Once you walk in the door, it seems like you are taken back in time remembering things from your childhood; and then there are other things you have never seen before, because they are from past generations.

morning calmness

New Auburn, Wisconsin, USA

You can almost hear the silence in this picture!

Here is another of the thousands of lakes to be found in Wisconsin: Axehandle Lake.

Wisconsin countryside

Eau Galle, Wisconsin, USA

This is a very common sight to be seen in Wisconsin: corn fields, barns, silos and forests.   The only thing really missing in this picture are the cows.  Wisconsin is known as "America's Dairyland" because it is one of the leading dairy producers in the country.

Misi-ziibi

Alma, Wisconsin, USA

The Ojibwe Native American Indians called this river Misi-ziibi, meaning "Great River" in their language.  Today we know it as the Mississippi River.  It originates in Minnesota and flows more than 2500 miles (4000 km) either bordering or passing through ten states until it reaches the Gulf of Mexico via Louisiana.

This shot is taken from Buena Vista Park, an appropriate name I must say!

Devil's Lake

Baraboo, Wisconsin, USA

Devil's Lake State Park is a fantastic place to go to enjoy nature.  This lake was created by a glacier during the last ice age, some 12,000 years ago.  If you think 12,000 years is old, take a look at the pink quartzite boulders in the picture; many of them have ripple marks on their surface, much like the ripples you see on sand dunes formed from the wind.  These perfectly preserved marks tell us that they once were sand on an ancient beach calculated to be around 1.6 billion years old, give or take a few years!

This area of Wisconsin is perfect for camping, hiking, biking, swimming, canoeing, kayaking, rock climbing, hunting, fishing, winter sports, golf and scenic drives.  If any of these activities interest you, this is a perfect place to visit.

the lake

Eau Galle, Wisconsin, USA

You can't beat this to get away from it all.

fishing

Getaria, (Gipuzkoa - Basque Country) Spain

Fishing nets are a common sight to be seen all along the port of Getaria and it is not uncommon to see women sitting for hours on end sewing damaged nets to be able to take them out on the water to be used over and over.

Fishing, along with tourism and txakolí (wine), is one of the the major sources of income for this town situated on the northern coast of Spain.

yum yum!

Getaria, (Gipuzkoa - Basque Country) Spain

Care for any fresh grilled fish?  Getaria is filled with restaurants that prepare it right in the street.  Yum yum!

txakolí

Getaria, (Gipuzkoa - Basque Country) Spain

Getaria is known for its txakolí, a slightly sparkling white wine which is considered quite dry and acidic.  It can be bottled for up to a year and is usually served as an aperitif.  The countryside of this region, an area which receives a lot of rain, is covered with these trellis-like structures which serve to support the vines and create a canopy.

Let's call it a day

Getaria, (Gipuzkoa - Basque Country) Spain

The town of Getaria is located on the northern coast of Spain and is known for its fine restaurants which serve fresh grilled fish and a local white wine called txakolí.

silhouettes on the horizon

Zumaia, (Gipuzkoa - Basque Country) Spain

view from my window

Zumaia, (Gipuzkoa - Basque Country) Spain

Views like this in the presence of dear friends make my heart grow.

Check out this family run inn, Santa Klara, to get a taste for yourself.  Fine, genuine people and breathtaking views.

hard work

Chefchaouen, Morocco

The next time I even think about complaining, I'll think twice and remember this picture.

hiding behind her hat

Chefchaouen, Morocco

Many of the people living in the rural areas of the Rif mountains avoid cameras at all costs, just as this woman does when she sees a foreigner with a camera.

friendship

Chefchaouen, Morocco

Two children enjoy a simple moment together above the clouds overlooking the Rif mountains.

twisted beauty

Chefchaouen, Morocco

If I could, I would decorate my home with so much of this!

handicrafts full of color

Chefchaouen, Morocco

Morocco is a great place for colorful handicrafts, from hand-painted earthenware, hand-woven rugs and linens to wrought iron items to just name a few.

playtime

Chefchaouen, Morocco

Casa Perleta

Chefchaouen, Morocco

Casa Perleta is one of many beautiful places to stay while you're in Chefchaouen.  This roof-top terrace is a wonderful place to contemplate the views of the mountains and the rest of the town as well as enjoy a nice typical Moroccan breakfast or an afternoon mint tea.

clusters of homes

Chefchaouen, Morocco

Chefchaouen is a cluster of homes built on a hill in the heart of the Rif Mountains.  As you can see, satellite TV is just as important here as anywhere.

pick-up games

Chefchaouen, Morocco

Kids around the world enjoy a pick-up game of soccer no matter where they are.

tajines

Chefchaouen, Morocco

These curiously shaped objects are called "tajines" and they are used to cook a dish of the same name typically made in Morocco.  It consists of a slowly-cooked meat, chicken or fish combined with vegetables and/or fruit.  The narrow cone-shaped lid is key for trapping the steam inside making for a delicious meal.  Be sure to try it when you're in Morocco!  You'll be glad you did!

home sweet home

Chefchaouen, Morocco

It's always special to have someone eagerly waiting to see you...

all in a day's work

Chefchaouen, Morocco

Another of the many sights seen in Chefchaouen...  all in a day's work.

solitude

Chefchaouen, Morocco

colorful details

Chefchaouen, Morocco

No matter where you turn, Chefchaouen is filled with all kinds of colorful details.

more fountains

Chefchaouen, Morocco

Here's another of the many ornate fountains to be found in Chefchaouen.  The colorful hat worn by the woman is seen over and over here.

water

Chefchaouen, Morocco

Many of the homes in Chefchaouen lack running water, so this is a common sight.  Public water fountains can be found throughout the town.

number 30

Chefchaouen, Morocco

I can't resist taking pictures of cool doors... and if it's blue... even more!

I wonder what lies behind this door?  What I wouldn't give to find out!

open doors

Chefchaouen, Morocco

Always be open to new experiences.  You'll almost always be glad you did.

the heart of the Medina

Chefchaouen, Morocco

The main square, Uta el-Hammam, full of restaurants and outdoor cafes, is the heart of the medina.  It is an ideal place to come to pass the time, relax, enjoy a mint tea and observe everything happening around you.

coat after coat

Chefchaouen, Morocco

It is common to see people with a big brush painting the exterior walls of their homes year after year to maintain the numerous shades of blue that can be found throughout Chefchaouen.  There are so many different shades because the people add a blue pigment to a whitewash liquid.  Depending upon how much they use, they create a ligher or darker effect.  Some say that this blue color started with the large number of Jewish people who settled here fleeing from Spain during the Spanish Inquisition and others say that it merely keeps the mosquitos away!  Who knows?!  Whatever the reason, it is absolutely a treat for the senses to experience it in person!

infinite shades of blue

Chefchaouen, Morocco

The infinite shades of blue of Chefchaouen... mesmerizing!

rich in color and tradition

Chefchaouen, Morocco

Streets are flowing with quality handmade goods rich in color and tradition.

simple lines

Chefchaouen, Morocco

Interior courtyards add a special touch to any building creating incredible light filled spaces.

comforting calmness

Chefchaouen, Morocco

Spellbinding interiors hidden behind closed doors are plentiful in this enchanting town.

color!

Chefchaouen, Morocco

Here's a splash of color to brighten up your day!  :)

blue paradise

Chefchaouen, Morocco

Welcome to a blue paradise tucked away in the Rif mountains... the magical town of Chefchaouen!

2000 year old arches

Segovia, (Castilla y León) Spain

One of the best-preserved and most complete Roman monuments still standing today is the aqueduct of Segovia.  Until not that long ago, it was used to bring water into the city from the River Frío, located 17 km away.  The aqueduct itself, built with unmortared granite blocks, contains 166 arches and measures 638 meters in length.

This monument has always blown me away not only because of its size, but also because of its design and how they went about engineering this magnificent functional structure.

mermaid in Santander

Santander, (Cantabria) Spain

The ocean breeze, the smell, the sound of the waves, the different blues of the sky and water along with the saltiness of the sea altogether contribute to blocking out everything happening around me.

One of the three ships used by Christopher Columbus was the well-known Santa Maria, which was said to have a mermaid as its figurehead.  This vessel sank near Haiti in 1492.  In honor of this voyage, a replica of the ship was built in Mexico and sailed back to Spain 500 years later.  This beautiful statue was the original placed on the front of the boat and given to the city of Santander.

big and small

Braga, (Norte Region) Portugal

Big and small hand painted tiles cover a wall adding color and a special beauty.

Ponte de Lima

Ponte de Lima, (Norte Region) Portugal

Ponte de Lima refers to 1) the Roman/medieval bridge containing 31 arches that crosses the Lima River and 2) the name given to a town established along this same river in the year 1125.  

Ponte de Lima is a small picturesque town set in a countryside full of vineyards where vinho verde (a young wine which is meant to be drunk within a year of bottling) is produced.  Also, many 16th century manor houses dot the surrounding area where it is possible to enjoy a peaceful stay.  Holding onto tradition and happening since the Middle Ages, an open air market takes place every two weeks on the banks of this river.

The elegant church sitting at the foot of the bridge, Igreja de Santo António da Torre Velha, makes for a beautiful backdrop when gazing across the water.

overlooking Braga

Braga, (Norte Region) Portugal

Standing high over the city of Braga is one of the many statues lining the Bom Jesus do Monte stairwell.

Bom Jesus do Monte

Braga, (Norte Region) Portugal

This pilgrimage site in northern Portugal, on a hill overlooking the city of Braga, contains three tiers of a zigzag stairway leading 116 meters up to the Neoclassic church.  A large park surrounds the area making it a nice place to take a walk or have a picnic.

write someone

somewhere near Ponte da Barca, (Norte Region) Portugal

Put a smile on someone's face.  Send them a note in the mail!