Grand entrance

This is the "front door" to the Reichstag in Berlin. It's the government building where all the important stuff happens. You know all those meetings and whatnot. Just a few years ago, visitors could come here and queue up to climb to the top. On this trip I learned that you now have to make an appointment to make the climb. That will probably result in less people seeing the building, which is a shame. If you'd like a look at the dome, I have shown it previously here. Photo taken in November 2011.

Spree in autumn

Berlin's beautiful river surrounded by fall foliage. It's a lovely place to be! Photo taken in November 2011.

Airport park

One of the best things about living in a big city is not having to travel through 10,000 airports in order to get over the pond. There's a direct flight from Toronto to Amsterdam and then it's just a short hop to Berlin from there. I took a little nap in this "park" on my most recent trip. It was quite calming with the fake trees, grass and even the sounds of birds and crickets. Photo taken in November 2011.

Looking through

I love arches, especially when you can work them in as a natural frame in your shot. The Colosseum is full of photo opportunities. I'm sure I missed some! Photo taken in May 2011.

Inside the Colosseum

It's easy to imagine this place full of cheering crowds. What a piece of history! Photo taken in May 2011.

The Colosseum

It's amazing to think that this structure still stands almost intact after more than two thousand years. You really feel like you're living history when you step inside. The only downside for me was the crowds. Photo taken in May 2011. To see more skies from around the world, visit Skywatch.

Another arch

If yesterday's arch was from Titus then this one must be from Constantine. Hope you enjoy the full frontal view. Photo taken in May 2011.

Frieze details

I am sorry I don't recall if this Constantine's or Titus' Arch, I guess I wasn't paying enough attention to the guide! Maybe someone can tell from the details on this frieze. 

I also couldn't decide between the black and white or color version. What do you think? Photo taken in May 2011.

The arch

A look at the Triumphal Arch of Rome. I'll show you some more of the friezes tomorrow. Photo taken in May 2011.

To the Forum

I found the Forum hard to photograph. For one thing, I was there in the middle of the day when the light was the starkest (and it was pretty darn hot too!). Secondly, there's so much scaffolding and fencing that gets in the way. And last of all, it's one of those places that the pictures never quite turn out exactly how the place really was. But here's a look. Photo taken in May 2011. I'll show you Rome's Triumphal Arch tomorrow.

Let them eat cake!

This is the Altar of the Motherland, known to Romans affectionately (or ironically?) as the wedding cake building. The name fits well as it's big, white and fancy. Everything you'd want in a wedding cake! Photo taken in May 2011.

Grating

Even the floors in Saint Peter's are beautiful! I found this grating there, it's fancy and a perfect subject for black and white. Photo taken in May 2011. If you'd like to see more monochrome shots from around the world, visit the Weekend in Black and White.

Pope's home

Romans know the Pope is in residence when the windows to his study are open. You'll see the open window on the top right. Photo taken in May 2011. To see more skies from around the world, visit Skywatch.

Slithery details

Details from inside Saint Peter's. This slinky man was found on one of the water basins. Photo taken in May 2011.

The altar

 

A look at the famed altar. It's even more beautiful in person. Photo taken in May 2011.

The Basilica: Part II

Normally you can pay a little extra and take a walk up and around the basilica, but due to the Pope's address, it was not open that day. It's too bad because I bet that's some view. Photo taken in May 2011.

Let there be light...

It's back to Saint Peter's. This time we'll take a look at what's on the inside. The pope had an address prepared for later in the day when I visited last, that's the reason for all the barriers. I didn't even get to look at the Pieta because of all the security measures. Photo taken in May 2011.

Over the Tiber

One of the many fantastic bridges in Rome. There's something about the eternal city that cries out for black and white. Photo taken in May 2011. To see more bridges from around the world, take a look at the Sunday Bridges series.

Crazy for columns

I just love columns and I think this set that adorns Saint Peter's looks especially good in black and white. Photo taken in May 2011. To see more monochrome shots, take a look at the Weekend in Black and White.

The Basilica

Here's a look at the basilica. It looks especially nice against a beautiful blue sky! Photo taken in May 2011. To see more beautiful skies from around the world, visit Skywatch.

Full frontal

Here's the full frontal view of Saint Peter's. You can't see the basilica from this angle, but it's so fantastically beautiful! Photo taken in May 2011.

Into Saint Peter's

One of the fabulous doorways into Saint Peter's Basilica in the Vatican City. I have been there several times and it never ceases to fascinate me. Photo taken in May 2011.

The steps

A look at the famous Spanish Steps in Rome. I doubt you could catch a moment without people in it. Photo taken in May 2011.

Roman sky

Night falls over the eternal city. I could have taken pictures of every building I saw. There are so many beautiful details. Photo taken in May 2011.

Beach scene

I guess I'm sort of on a black and white kick. This one comes to you from the shores of Lake Michigan. Photo taken in June 2011.

Up close

Another floral delight, this time in black and white! Photo taken in June 2011.

Golden memories

A beautiful reminder of the summer that's now far behind us. Bring on the snow! Photo taken in June 2011.

Just geesey

Everything is almost ducky with these Canada geese, except the mess they're leaving behind! I caught these guys in Kalamazoo, Michigan. Photo taken in June 2011.

Aviation history

A welcoming sign outside the Air Zoo in Kalamazoo. It's a really interesting place to visit with lots to see and this shot brings an end to my series on it. If you'd like to see more signs, visit Signs, Signs.

Urgences!

The Air Zoo also showcased a few non-aeronautical items like this ambulance. I believe it's a Packard, but I'm sure there's at least one person out there who can verify my claim (you know who you are!). Photo taken in June 2011.