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!