Farewell Canada Tour: Chalet on the mount

This fantastic chalet awaits visitors at the top of the Mount Royal. There is a welcome center inside where you can get maps of the mount and all the walking trails. 

Unfortunately, I didn't have time to do one of the hikes, but I certainly enjoyed the architecture and design of the chalet. I don't know what it's original use was, but it certainly is grand! Photo taken in July 2013.

Farewell Canada Tour: Montreal vista

I think the best part of the Mount Royal is actually the view. The city is such an interesting mix of new and old. Photo taken in July 2013.

Farewell Canada Tour: Montreal

Here's the main attraction atop the royal mount for which Montreal is named! I'm sure this big cross looks more impressive at night, but I never made it back in the evening to see. Photo taken in July 2013.

Farewell Canada Tour: First leg Montreal

My time in Canada is quickly coming to an end, so I've been trying to squeeze in all the trips I can before leaving. The first leg of my Farewell Canada tour was Montreal. I spent a long weekend there back in July. I found this interesting mural just off Saint Laurent Boulevard. It must have taken quite some work to paint such a large wall! For more murals, take a look at Mural Monday. Photo taken in July 2013.

The guardian

I don't know what the actual title of this work is, but I like the way she seems to be guarding this pathway at Taliesin West. 

Here's a closer look at the lady. Photo taken in February 2013.

Desert views

A not uncommon sight in and around Phoenix, Arizona. Photo taken in February 2013.

Red door

The door to the red theater at Taliesin West. I love that bright color! Photo taken in February 2013. For more red, visit Ruby Tuesday.

Sunny spot

A wonderful spot in Scottsdale, Arizona to soak up a bit of sun and ambiance! Photo taken in February 2013.

Super shadows

I love the lines created by the pergola over one of the walkways at Taliesin West. Photo taken in February 2013. If you enjoy shadows, head over to Shadow Shot Sunday for more.

Inside a kaleidoscope

I found this public work of art on the streets of Scottsdale. When you walk inside and look up you see all these wonderful reflections, it really is like being inside of a kaleidoscope! 

 

Here's a look at the piece from the outside, the actual name it is The Doors and Sound Passage. I loved the way there was so much public art in and around Scottsdale. For more reflections, visit Weekend Reflections.

Sign of reality

I found this quote from Laotse inside Talesin West. I think it's quite appropriate to the venue. Photo taken in February 2013. For more signs, visit Signs, Signs.

Red accents

A look at the actual structure of Talesin West. Wright did a wonderful job of integrating the natural landscape into his buildings. If you're ever in the Phoenix area, it's definitely worth it to take one of the tours of this architectural gem. Photo taken in February 2013. For more red, take a look at Ruby Tuesday.

Primitive mural

While on the tour of Talesin West, our guide explained that Frank Llyod Wright's architectural vision was for what was manmade to harmonize with its natural surroundings. Wright loved to used stones and boulders he found in the desert as part of his work such as this one with ancient Native American drawings on it. Photo taken in February 2012. For more murals, take a look at Monday Murals.

Flags and fences

I don't know what ties to Germany and Wisconsin this golf course has, but I like the way the flags were flying in the wind. Photo taken in February 2013. For more fences, head to Friday Fences.

Bright blossoms

I found these beautiful blooms at the Frank Llyod Wright Institute in Phoenix - Taliesin West. I had a wonderful time touring the property - and I'll have more shots for you later this week! Until then, catch more red on Ruby Tuesday. Photo taken in February 2013.

Eat your veggies!

Although these guys are almost too cute to eat! They were found outside El Barrio restaurant in Phoenix Arizona. Photo taken in February 2013. For more murals, take a look at Monday Murals.

Fuzzy cactus

I liked the way the spines on this cactus look like little fuzzies. Photo taken February 2013.

Browns and golds

Another look at the fantastic desert scenery in Arizona. I love those colors! Photo taken in February 2013.

Painted lady

There is a part of town in Phoenix that is covered with Mexican-themed murals. I spent a little time shooting there during my recent trip to Arizona. I really liked this mural especially, maybe it's the girlie-morbidism that I find appealing or perhaps it's the color. For more murals, take a look at Monday Murals. Photo taken in February 2013.

Futuristic bridge

I found this interesting piece in Scottsdale, Arizona. For more bridges, visit Sunday Bridges and you'll find more reflections at Weekend Reflections. Photo taken in February 2013.

Archer in the desert

There's something about this sculpture that I really like. Maybe it's those wonderful circles or the lovely patina on the archer himself. 

The only thing I couldn't decide is whether I like it better in color or black and white. What do you think? Photo taken in February 2013.

Desert golf

I was happy to find the winter break hasn't affected my game too much. The desert courses are fantastic, I just don't want to think of how much water they must need to maintain it. Photo taken in February 2013.

Welcome!

I recently spent a long weekend in Phoenix, Arizona and got lots of new shots to share on this blog. Welcome to Arizona through my eyes! For more murals, take a look at Monday Murals. Photo taken in February 2013.

Doors to sanctuary

These ornate doors lead you into the Berliner Dome. It's one of three magnificent "domes" in the city of Berlin. Unfortunately, I've never been inside as you have to pay an entrance fee. But I'll get there one of these days! Photo taken in December 2012.

Chilly bench

This chilly spot can be found in front of the Altes Museum in Berlin. It looks quite nice under the snow, doesn't it? Photo taken in December 2012. For more red, take a look at Ruby Tuesday.

The Wall

Unfortunately, there is not much left of the actual Berlin wall, I don't think people thought about the historical significance of the barrier when it came down. In any case, here's a small piece that was on display at the Europa Center. This would have been the west side of the wall, the east side didn't have graffiti as people were unable to get close to it. Photo taken in December 2011. For more murals, take a look at Monday Mural.

More enchantment

More of those interesting holiday decorations from the Europa Centre in Berlin. Photo taken in December 2012.

Enchanted forest

Some of the more interesting holiday decorations from Berlin! Photo taken in December 2012.

Another giant

I love these old marble sculptures. They just don't make them like this anymore! I found this colossal at the Neues Museum in Berlin. Photo taken in December 2012.

More from the museum

I just love the way this museum was only "half-renovated". I think it adds somehow to the atmosphere of the place. Photo taken in December 2012.

Snowed under

This big kitty looks a little cold outside the museums in Berlin. I only experienced one day of snow on my last trip to Berlin, but I was lucky enough to catch some good shots before it melted away. Photo taken in December 2012.

Giant

I was lucky to get another museum-goer in this shot to give you an idea of the size of this work. I only wish I had captured the shadow better. Photo taken in December 2012.

Charm

Here's another look inside the Neues Museum in Berlin. I just love those painted columns and they way it has been renovated, but still keeps the old charm. Photo taken in December 2012.

Old gallery with snow

Everything looks nice under a slight blanket of snow, even old Fred! You can find many representations of Frederick around Berlin, this one is in front of the Alte Nationalgalerie. Photo taken in December 2012.

Gray skies

Although this photo looks like black and white, it actually isn't; it was just a gray, snowy day. This is a look into the Olympic Stadium in Berlin. It's where Berlin's football (soccer) team Herta plays. It's a pretty fancy place for a second-league team, but it looks like they'll be back in the first league again next year. Photo taken in December 2012. For more skies, take a look at Skywatch.

Fan bench

You have to be a super-dedicated Herta fan to take a seat here in this weather! But I'm sure there are some who would do so. Photo taken in December 2012.

Schnitzel store

If you want to try some real German specialties while in Berlin, this is the place to do it! It has been tested and approved by my family. For more signs, visit Signs, Signs. Photo taken in December 2012.

Der knabe

There was something about this piece that really caught my eye. Maybe it was the light from the windows and the way he's placed. It's just unfortunate the photo is not very well focused, but flash was not allowed. 

Here's a close up of his face. I just love his expression, there is such an innocence in it. Photo taken in December 2012.

New museum

A look inside the the Neues Museum in Berlin. The interior was recently renovated and there is a new Egyptian exhibit on display from the city's former Egyptian Museum which closed down a few years ago. The interior of this building is fantastic. I'll show you more tomorrow. Photo taken in December 2012.

Sunday stroll

A brisk walk around Krumme Lanke in Berlin is refreshing way to get some fresh air during the holiday season. A lot of other people were out and about trying to work off some of the extra calories. If you like bridges, you can see more at Sunday Bridges. Photo taken in December 2012.

Rah, rah, rah!

Hertha BSC is my husband's favorite football (soccer) team. So a stop at the fan shop was very necessary for some holiday gifts! Photo taken in December 2012.

Toy soldiers

More of the beautiful decorations on the Ku'dam in Berlin! Photo taken in December 2012.

Berlin blanketed

There was only had one day of snow during the entire ten days I was there. It certainly looked nice blanketing the Olympic Stadium. Hope your new year is off to a good start! Photo taken in December 2012.

Happy New Year!

Hope you had a great holiday season! All my best to you in the New Year!! Photo taken in December 2012.

Choo choo!

I'm not sure what a train has to do with Christmas, but I love the way European cities go all out with the decorations at this time of year. I found this bright train on the Ku'damm in Berlin. Photo taken in December 2012.

Gruesse aus Berlin!

Santa's a smart man and was able to find my stocking even here in Berlin. Merry Christmas!! Photo taken in December 2012.