Peacock doorway

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This opulent doorway is not used anymore, but if you go to either side of it, you'll find yourself in the main lobby of the historic Palmer House Hotel in downtown Chicago. The hotel is now part of the Hilton chain, but that's okay with me since they have kept this gem in perfect condition. It's a treat even just to sit in the lobby and soak up all the atmosphere! Photo taken in August 2012.

Milennium red

I don't think it gets much redder than this! These are the stadium chairs inside the Millennium amphitheater. The outdoor venue was designed by Frank Gehry - one of my favorite architects. I'll show you an overview of the performance space later this week. We were lucky enough to catch one of the symphony choirs rehearsing for an upcoming concert. A wonderful way to spend a few moments in the afternoon. Photo taken in August 2012. 

For more red, hop over to Ruby Tuesday.

Street art

The city of Chicago knows how to do things right. Like these wonderful pieces of public art. You'll find a multitude of these colorful designs in Millennium Park. It's the heart of the city - not to be missed! Photo taken in August 2012.

Sarnia crossing

On my latest trip to the US from Canada, my husband and I tried a new crossing. This is the bridge from Sarnia, Ontario to Port Huron, Michigan. There was not a lot of traffic and the border guards were friendlier than most. Photo taken in August 2012. For more bridges, take a look at Sunday Bridges.

Contemplating

It looks like this man is deciding what to do next! There's so much to see in Rio, I certainly don't blame him. This will be my last look at the Botanical Garden in Rio de Janiero. Photo taken in December 2006.

Bright beauty

There's no stopping the blooming at the Botanical Gardens of Rio! Here's a bright orchid to get your weekend off to a good start. Photo taken in December 2006. To see more blooms, take a look at Floral Fridays.

Bright blossoms

Another look at some of the floral delights from the Botanical Gardens in Rio de Janeiro. Photo taken in December 2006.

Lily pads

A look at the beautiful lily pads of the botanical gardens in Rio de Janeiro. It's a wonderful place to visit! Photo taken in December 2006.

Hot, hot, hot!

A chili pepper mosaic found in the streets of Rio. Not necessarily what you'd expect to see, but a welcome sight. Photo taken in December 2006. For more red, take a trip to Ruby Tuesday.

Cristo do Redentor

A look at the famous art deco style Jesus that watches over the city of Rio. You can't miss it! Photo taken in December 2006.

Multi-colored

This colorful display of nations greets you at the entrance to the train that takes you up the Corcovado to see the Cristo Redentor at the top. I thought today would be a good day to post this shot as the Olympics also brings so many diverse nations together. I think the games were definitely a success! Photo taken in December 2006.

On the program

A close-up look at the posters posted on and around Rio's Theatro Municipal. I'd still love to see inside this beautiful structure. Photo taken in December 2006.

Grand doorway

 

The beautiful main entrance to the Theatro Municipal in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. What a gorgeous city with so much fantastic architecture. I would have loved to see the inside, but that gives me a reason to go back! Photo taken in December 2006.

Bringing in the catch

A look at the day's catch on the beach of Maracajau, Brazil. I'd love to go back to this wonderful country. Until then, I have wonderful memories. Photo taken in January 2007.

Futbol

A colorful mural depicting one of Brazil's most popular pastimes - futbol! I love the action and the bright colors. Photo taken in December 2006. Check out Monday Murals for more wall art from around the world.

Colored light

The cathedral of Rio de Janeiro is a must-see sight. It's such an unusual looking building from the outside, but once you're inside it's an amazing world of colored light. Photo taken in December 2006.

Colors flying

Flags flying on the pool patio of the Le Meridien hotel in Rio de Janeiro. Photo taken in December 2006.

Bikes and a window

Bikes just waiting for their riders in the Hackesche Hofe of Berlin. Photo taken in April 2012.

Sun and shadows

The big beautiful windows inside the Kopenick palace made this porcelain gallery light up! What a lovely place this was to visit. Photo taken in April 2012. If you like shadows, take a look at Shadow Sundays.

Fancy window

Another one of the beautiful details from the Kopenick palace in Berlin. Photo taken in April 2012.

Berlin skies

This building is nothing special, just another apartment block. But I love the architectural details and it looks great against the blue sky. Photo taken in April 2012. If you'd like to see more skies, take a look at Skywatch.

PS: I've been busy the last little while, but I hope that I will now have more time to keep up with this blog. So look for more posts coming up!

The cherub lover

Here's a look at the cherub lover himself! This is Frederick II, known affectionately as alte Fritz. He was a very important figure in the shaping of German culture. He really enjoyed music and poetry and the more artsy side of life. I guess for those reasons I can overlook his obsession with angels and cherubs. Photo taken in April 2012.

Cherubs and seal

These two angels are keeping the seal of Brandenburg from falling. Bradenburg is one of Germany's Bundeslander or states and is located right next to Berlin in the former east. Germans love those stately eagles and I don't blame them. Photo taken at the Kopenick castle in April 2012.

Mine!

These two sprightly cherubs appear to be fighting over this floral garland. I wonder who will win? Photo taken in April 2012.

Cherubs and eagle

I've still got a store of angels and cherubs for you! This one includes a stately eagle. Photo taken in April 2012.

But wait, there's more!

It seems there's a neverending supply of cherubs in the abodes of good old Freddy II. Here's another one from Kopenick Castle. Enjoy! Photo taken in April 2012.

More details

More beautiful ceiling details from Kopenick castle. Notice the cherubs! Photo taken in April 2012.

Little angel

I think we all know Fred II loved the cherubs. I found quite a few in one of his other abodes Rheinsberg. And here they are again in Kopenick! Photo taken in April 2012.

Trunk

The furnishings at the Kopenick palace were just gorgeous. I'm only sorry my photos don't do the pieces full justice. Photo taken in April 2012.

Reflections

The cabinet was interesting, but perhaps not so much as the reflections. There's even an auto-portrait! Photo taken in April 2012. If you'd like to see more reflections, visit Weekend Reflections.

Inside look

I was really amazed at the amount of furniture and decorative items in the Kopenick palace. Everything was gorgeous and so well preserved! This wood paneling is so intricate. I can't imagine all the work that went into making these beautiful pieces, but I'm glad they've been cared-for and saved for us to enjoy. Photo taken in April 2012.

Adlertüren

These beautiful eagle adorned doors will take you into the Kopenick palace. I'll show some of the treasures inside tomorrow! Photo taken in April 2012.

Das Schloss

A look at the outside of the Schloss Kopenick. I was lucky enough to visit on a blue sky day! This is another residence of good old Freddy the great. He and his "close friend" came here to hide when they deserted their posts in the army together. Unfortunately, Fred's father didn't approve of that behaviour and had his friend decapitated and Fred was forced to watch. Luckily none of that was on display. Photo taken in April 2012.

Neigh!

I found this equine friend on the Schlossplatz in Kopenick. I also was lucky enough to visit the castle that this square is named for. It was beautiful on the inside and outside. I'll be showing some of it this week. Photo taken in April 2012.

Light and shadows

The lovely windows inside Kopenick City Hall also made for beautiful shadows. Photo taken in April 2012. Check out Shadow Sundays for more shady shots.

Looking down

The light from the stained glass windows bathed this stairwell in such a lovely light. I couldn't resist getting a shot! Photo taken in April 2012.

Looking out

A beautiful blue sky awaits outside the Kopenick City Hall. Photo taken in April 2012.

It's finally Friday! If you'd like to see more beautiful skies, visit Skywatch.

Stained glass

More of the beautiful windows inside the Kopenick City Hall. They were gorgeous and I think my photos only do them half justice! Photo taken in April 2012.

Berlin bear

One of the nicest things about Kopenick City Hall are all the stained glass windows. Here is one picturing the traditional symbol of Berlin - the majestic bear! I was lucky to be there on a sunny day too, so the colors really stand out. Photo taken in April 2012.

Rathaus Köpenick

A look at the outside of the Köpenick City Hall. The inside of the building is just as beautiful and I'll be showing you some of the details later this week. Photo taken in April 2012.

Two men

The man in the foreground is Wilhelm Voigt, also known as the Hauptmann von Köpenick. He was a famous forgery artist and professional imposter. He successfully masqueraded as a Prussian military officer for a number of years. Although he was later caught and imprisoned for his crimes, he is still celebrated by some as a folk hero. I found this statue honoring him outside the Köpenick City Hall. Photo taken in April 2012.

Heading home

It costs one dollar to cross the bridge that takes you from the U.S. to Canada. Luckily I also got a nice bridge shot for my money! To see more bridges, take a look at Sunday Bridges.

Dramatic skies

Dramatic skies on the golf course in upstate New York. We were lucky that the rain held off until we had finished our round! Photo taken in May 2012.

Blue skies

Blue skies over the golf course in upstate New York. Photo taken in May 2012. To see more skies, visit Skywatch.

Burned out

These flowers have probably seen better days, but I like that shade of purple-blue. Photo taken in upstate New York, May 2012.

Burst of yellow

A beautiful, bright yellow iris! Photo taken in the Finger Lakes area of upstate New York, May 2012.

Wildflowers

Some wildflowers from Ravenswood golf course. I love flowers in all shapes and forms. Photo taken in May 2012.

Golfing bench

You won't get much of a view at this bench, except for maybe the rump of the person teeing up. Depending on the person, that might or might not be a good thing! Photo taken at Ravenswood Golf Club outside Rochester, New York in May 2012.

Swampy bridge

This bridge will take you over the swampland I showed you on Friday. It's not the most visually pleasing of all bridges, but it gets the job done! Photo taken in upstate New York, May 2012. You can see more bridges of all shapes and sizes on Sunday Bridges.

Lake Canandaigua

Canandaigua is one of the so-called finger lakes in upstate New York. If you look at them on a map, you'll understand why. They are long and skinny and stretch out like fingers on a hand. I enjoyed both the view and my dinner from the terrace of the Bristol Harbor Resort. I'd certainly come back to this area again, it's beautiful! Photo taken in May 2012.