Streaming in

This room looked even more beautiful with the sunlight streaming in. I love the old heating stove. They were very popular in Berlin and this one is a fantastic example. Photo taken in November 2011.

More cherubs

Another sighting of the plump innocents at the Rheinsberg Palace. I promise I'm getting off this cherubic kick soon! Photo taken in November 2011.

The gallery

There was lots of artwork to look at in the Rheinsberg Palace. They even have some chairs lined up, although visitors can't sit on them, of course! Photo taken in November 2011.

Front and back

This lady is lucky to have been placed in a spot where she can see both the front and back of her hair. Photo taken in November 2011. If you'd like to see more reflections, take a look at Weekend Reflections.

Al fresco

During the East Germany times, this series of rooms were used for therapeutic baths and a cafeteria for those who were convalescing here. The walls were papered over, which actually helped to preserve these lovely frescos underneath. Photo taken in November 2011.

Infinite doorway

Looking through the doorways of a few rooms in Rheinsberg Palace. Photo taken in November 2011.

Royal boudoir

Prince Fred had quite the fancy digs! Photo taken in November 2011.

Cherubic details

Good old prince Fred did seem to be fond of the cherubs. I found them all over the Rheinsberg Palace. 

The one thing I can't decide for this shot is whether it's better in black and white or color. What do you think? Photo taken in November 2011.

Cherub

More details from the Rheinsberg Palace. Photo taken in November 2011. To see more monochrome shots, visit the Weekend in Black and White.

Make yourself at home

Fancy a sit? The arrangement does look inviting, although visitors are not actually allowed to sit here. The furniture is unfortunately not original to the palace (most of it was taken by the East or destroyed), but they have borrowed pieces from other castles in order to keep with the period. Photo taken in November 2011.

Reflective views

The Rheinsberg Palace actually lies right on a small lake. Imagine walking out your back door to a view like this. I certainly wouldn't mind! Photo taken in November 2011. To see more reflections, take a look at Weekend Reflections.

Back door

Now that you've seen the front of the palace, here's a look at the back. And tomorrow I'll show you the magnificent view! It's worth coming back for. Photo taken in November 2011.

Front door

A look at the entrance to the Rheinsberg Palace. It's pretty grand! Photo taken in November 2011.

Chirp, chirp

The Rheinsberg Palace is located in what used to be East Germany. During those years, the castle was used as a convalescent home. The beautiful birds you see here are part of the original silk wallpaper that you can find in one of the rooms. Luckily it was used as a doctor's room, otherwise this paper probably would have been stripped, never to be seen again. A few things of beauty were preserved, at least. Photo taken in November 2011.

Das wird schwer!

A detail from inside the Rheinsberg Palace. I think his arm must be getting tired from holding that beam up! Photo taken in November 2011.

Neigh

Always remember to look a gift horse in the mouth. I found this one at the Rheinsberg Palace just outside Berlin. Photo taken in November 2011.

Rink remains

These big rolls are actually layers of ice. You're looking at the leftovers after the laying of  one of the temporary ice skating rinks for the winter season in Berlin. Photo taken in November 2011.

Foggy days in monochrome

A last look at Venice. Doesn't Saint Mark's Square look great in black and white and with all that wonderful fog? I like it anyway. Photo taken in February 2004.

To see more monochrome shots, visit the Weekend in Black and White.

Church of Moses

If there's one thing you're certain to see in Italy, it's fancy churches. The Chiesa di San Moisè is no exception. There are so many statues and carvings, it's hard to know where to look! Photo taken in February 2004.

Mr. Sarpi

It's dear old Paolo Sarpi, a famous Venetian known for his battles with the Roman Catholic church. They even tried to assassinate him, but he was a tough dude. Now he's got his own statue to commemorate his life in one of the lovely little squares in Venice. Photo taken in February 2004.

More canals

Another look at the beautiful Venetian canals and all those great buildings along the water. Photo taken in February 2004.

Floating by

Even in the foggy, cold weather of February, you rarely see an empty gondola in Venice.

As you can see, this one wasn't empty for long. He just had to maneuver his boat over to pick up this pair. Photos taken in February 2004.

Foggy days

Foggy days on the Venetian canals make for a great photographic ambiance. Photo taken in February 2004. To see more bridges from around the world, visit Sunday Bridges.

To the dogs

Even our four-legged friends like to get into the carnival spirit in Venice. I'm not really sure how much dogs enjoy wearing these costumes, but he sure is cute! Photo taken in February 2004.

To see more animals from around the world, visit Camera Critters.

Il capitano and the plague doctor

These are two traditional costumes that come from the Commedia dell'arte tradition in Italy. The man on the left represents Il Capitano while the one on the right represents Dottore della Peste. There were many representations of these two in Venice, but this pair was one of the few which agreed to pose for me. Photo taken in February 2004.

More revelers

More costumes from the carnival in Venice. Although they're beautiful, I find the masks a bit disconcerting. I think it's because the faces are so fixed. Photo taken in February 2004.

Carnival secrets

 

Another look at some of the fantastic costumes I saw during the carnival in Venice. This pair of ladies looks like they're sharing some deep secrets. Photo taken in February 2004.

Happy Mardi Gras!

I saw this gentleman at the Carnival in Venice, Italy. I was lucky enough to attend it a few years back and although the weather was terrible (damp and cold) it was worth it! Photo taken in February 2004.

Enjoying tropical delights

A couple enjoying the tropical atmosphere in the Crystal Bridge. I don't blame them, it's a wonderful place! Photo taken in December 2011.

Crystal bridge: Take two

Here's a look at the Crystal Bridge from the outside. As you can see, it's a greenhouse that forms a bridge over a small body of water. I've featured it here before. Photo taken in December 2011. If you like bridges, visit Sunday Bridges.

Puffy bloom

Another beautiful bloom from the Crystal Bridge in Oklahoma City. Hope you are enjoying them! Photo taken in December 2011.

Blue skies and rolling hills

This beautiful scene comes to you from one of the course on the Robert Trent Jones trail in Birmingham, Alabama. They're all great courses to play. Photo taken in October 2011. To see more skies, visit Skywatch.

Tranquility

 

I find the Crystal Bridge to be a really nice place to relax and enjoy the beauty of nature, even if some things, like this waterfall, are manmade. Photo taken in December 2011.

Overview

Here's an overview of the Crystal Bridge. You can see the bougainvillea growing down by those railings. In my opinion, it's one of Oklahoma City's best attractions. I took my MiL to visit when she came to town in December 2011.

Confidential to my Dad: Happy Birthday!!!

Tropical bloom

I don't recall the name of this flower, but it's something tropical. I found it inside the Crystal Bridge in downtown Oklahoma City. A perfect gift for Valentine's Day! Photo taken in December 2011.

At an end

My holiday cruise had to come to an end at some time. It was great fun though and a nice break from cold Canada. The man working out on the tarmac waved to me after I got this shot at the Houston Hobby airport. Photo taken in December 2011.

Just my size

I found this selection of water fountains inside the Houston Hobby airport. I think it's great they have tried to accommodate people of all sizes! Plus you've got a bonus reflection of the sports bar across the way! Photo taken in December 2011. For more reflections, visit Weekend Reflections.

A little higher please

I have mixed feelings about these "swim with the dolphins" programs that are popping up all over Mexico. While I can certainly understand people would love to frolic with these graceful and playful pals, how would you feel if you had to perform for your breakfast, lunch and dinner? I also question the training of the people running these programs. A debate for the ages... Photo taken in December 2011. If you'd like to see more animals, check out Camera Critters.

Sunny day in paradise

From the Mayan ruins to the inauthentic Mexican village. I don't care much for these places, but I have to admit that swim-up bar did look inviting on this hot, sunny day. Photo taken in December 2011. If you like skies, take a look at Skywatch.

Nature taking over

Another look at one of the Mayan pyramids. This one has not been restored and you can clearly see how Mother Nature has asserted her rights over this man made structure. Photo taken in December 2011.

Awww nuts!

I have never seen coconuts like these before. Perhaps they provided sustenance to the Mayans? For certain, they provided me with a nice photographic subject!

Rosetta stone

Our guide told us this stone is the equivalent to the Rosetta stone for Mayan writings. Our guide was so informative, he really made our journey through the ruins even more exciting.

Mayan details

The Mayans were very sensitive to the cardinal directions. Their temples and pyramids were always built so that each side was facing a certain direction. This was the north side and as these stones are quite old, I was  surprised they didn't have more moss. Photo taken in December 2011.

Sacrifices

Here's a look at the sacrificial altar of this Mayan site. Our guide explained that only the best citizens were chosen for sacrifice - those who would be considered today as the business, spiritual and intellectual leaders of the community. I guess this is one of the reasons their civilization did not survive. Photo taken in December 2011.

Ruined Mayans

Here's a look at one of the main pyramid temples at the Chacchoben site in Mexico. Our guide said this pyramid has actually been rebuilt and restored. It was only around five feet tall or so when it was originally excavated. Most of the other ruins however have not been rebuilt as modern archeologists believe it's better to leave ruins in ruins. Photo taken in December 2011.

Skies over Belize

A last look at Belize. I hope you have enjoyed this look at the lovely country. Next up, Mayan ruins! Photo taken in December 2011.

To see more skies, check out Skywatch.

The ship

A look up at the Mariner of the Seas. I could use some of that warm sun right about now. Photo taken in December 2011.

Nice kitty

I saved my best animal shot for last. This is Olly the ocelot, I'm not sure how he turned up at the zoo - sometimes people think exotic animals make good pets and then realize they don't. But the many caretakers and staff try to keep the surroundings as natural as possible. Photo taken in December 2011.

I hope you have enjoyed this series on the animals of Belize. Tomorrow we're on to something new!