To the pit

A look at one of the works inside the Oppenheimer Villa. This one really appealed to me, I love the textured brush strokes and the way the yellow lights seem to glow in contrast to all the grays.

Here's a better overview of the work. It's called Zur Grube or To the Pits and shows the miners on their way to another day's work. This work was painted by Berlin artist Hans Baluschek. Photo taken in April 2012.

Doorway to opulence

Here's the entrance to the Oppenheim Villa in Berlin. This is the museum where I caught Narcissus gazing at his reflection. They have a lot of works by local artists here and an exhibit of how the city of Berlin has progressed over the years. Photo taken in April 2012.

Narcissus

I found this bronze in one of Berlin's smaller museums. It's Narcissus giving his reflection some love. I loved all the details in this sculpture, the photo doesn't really do it justice. The original work is by Ernst Waegener. Photo taken in April 2012.

Ratskeller doorway

A look at the doorway to the Ratskeller of Köpenick. It's a cute little village near Berlin with lots of historic buildings and sights. Every town has a Rathaus (city hall) and a Ratskeller (traditional restaurant inside/near the city hall) and here is the one you'll find in Köpenick. I didn't try it out, but it looks like there's a potential customer reading the menu. Photo taken in April 2012.

Black and white grave

In Germany, it's very important for families to take care of the grave. This one in the Saint Mathias cemetery in Berlin is very well cared for. I like it in black and white. Photo taken in April 2012. To see more cemeteries, visit Tapophile Tragics.

Dewy blooms

More blossoms from my MiL's garden in Berlin. Photo taken in April 2012.

Pink beauties

I don't remember the name of this flower, but it also comes from my MiL's garden in Berlin. Photo taken in April 2003.

Dewy tulip

A dewy tulip from my mother-in-law's garden in Berlin. Photo taken in April 2012.

Concentric

A ceiling detail from the city museum in Saint Malo. I find it a bit mesmerizing! Photo taken in April 2003. To see more monochrome shots, visit the Weekend in Black and White.

Inside the walls

A look into the walled city of Saint Malo. Photo taken in April 2003.

Guard dogs

This restaurant is named after the old practice of letting guard dogs roam the walled city of Saint Malo once the sun went down. Apparently these dogs were pretty fierce and the fear of facing one in the dark streets was enough to keep people out of mischief. I'm not sure it's the best name for a hotel- restaurant, but it's historic! Photo taken in April 2003. For more signs, visit Signs, Signs.

Shoreline

A look at the beaches around Saint Malo. This part of the coast has some of the highest tides in all of Europe and it's a nice place to come in the summer to enjoy the sun and sand. Photo taken in April 2003.

Tower

I love the architecture of Saint Malo. It's a wonderful place to walk around and snap photos. Buildings like this make me wonder what their original use might have been: a place to lock people up, food storage, a safe house? It's a mystery for the ages! Photo taken in April 2003.

Going postal

A postal worker riding through the streets of Rennes. This was not far from where I lived. Photo taken in April 2003.

Swaminarayan Hindu Temple

Believe it or not, Jackson, Mississippi also has its own Hindu Temple. And after some research, I've learned this one was built by the Swaminarayan sect of Hinduism, the same one that built the temple in Toronto (which I showed recently on my daily photo blog). 

While this temple is a bit smaller than the one in Toronto, it's no less ornate and it was built on the same architectural principles - there are no steel reinforcements, it's all balanced through the laws of physics and engineering! Who would have thought there would be a Jackson - Toronto Hindu connection? Photo taken in October 2010.

Station reflected

I love the design of the train station in Rennes. Need I say more? Photo taken in April 2003. To see more reflections, visit Weekend Reflections.

Street scene: take two

Another French street, this one is Rue Saint Georges in Rennes. When I was living there, this was my favorite street for a nice dinner out. There were lots of lovely little places. Photo taken in April 2003.

Le Mackers

I don't know if this was intentional or not, but this sign made me think this sandwich shop in Saint Malo is trying to be some sort of ersatz McDonald's. I found it funny anyway! Photo taken in April 2003. To see more signs, visit Signs, Signs.

Bright

I found this grave at the tiny cemetery on the Mont Saint Michel in Normandy, France. There is still a group of monks who inhabit the Abbey, so I imagine they are responsible for the decoration and upkeep of the graves. I found this one particularly attraction. Photo taken in April 2003.

To see more cemetery shots, take a look at Tapophile Tragics.

Street scene

A typical street in Rennes, France. I love a great street scene, especially in black and white. Photo taken in April 2003.

Looking out

When you've seen enough of the flowers inside the Crystal Bridge, you can take a seat here and look out onto the outside world. I imagine the view is a bit more green right now! Photo taken in December 2011.

Water stage

One of the many nice things about the Crystal Bridge is this lovely amphitheater. In the summer, plays and concerts are often held here. And the best thing is, they're usually free! Photo taken in December 2011.

White beauty

Another beautiful flower from the Crystal Bridge in Oklahoma City. I love orchids and they make great photographic subjects too! Photo taken in December 2011. To see more flowers, visit Floral Fridays.

Street art

I'm not sure what it is or what it all means, but this public sculpture comes to you from the streets of Oklahoma City. Photo taken in December 2011.

Come inside

I don't recall the name of this church, but I found it somewhere in Key West. Although it looks old-timey, I don't think it's really that old. The entrance is nice and welcoming though! Photo taken in May 2010.

Street scene

One of the many tourist activities offered in Key West. I found this trolley-style bus to be pretty cute. Photo taken in May 2010.

Open windows

Inside the chapel at Saint Paul's. I love the light streaming in from those open windows. Photo taken in May 2010.

Saint Paul

A look inside the chapel at Saint Paul's Episcopal Church in Key West. I've shown the outside of this church before, but I think this beautiful interior deserves a look too! I love all the stained glass and that beautiful wooden ceiling. It gives the whole place a warm, inviting feel, just what you want in a house of worship. Photo taken in May 2010.

The temple

I must admit, I was surprised to find a Jewish synagogue in Key West. But I love the simple design along with those beautiful blooming trees. Happy Shabbat! Photo taken in May 2010.

In the navy

An old abandoned navy building in Key West. It looks great against that blue sky, doesn't it? Photo taken in May 2010. Visit Skywatch for a look at more skies.

Local delicacy

Tasting the local delicacies is a must-do on any trip. Since Key West is familiarly known  as the Conch Republic it makes sense that conch fritters are the food of choice on the island. Photo taken in May 2010.

Route 1

If you're ever in Key West, you've got to get a shot of this sign. It's the very beginning of US Route Number One which will take you from the Keys all the way north to Folkston, Georgia. Photo taken in May 2010. Visit Signs, Signs for a look at more signs.

Unfurled!

A bright expansive main sail unfurled against a beautiful blue sky. Does it get any better? Photo taken in Key West, May 2010. To see more red, check out Ruby Tuesday.

Super green!

A line of beautiful green trees as seen in Key West, Florida. Photo taken in May 2010.

The other side

I showed you a look at the Aare river a few days ago, and now here's a view from the other side. Hope you enjoy! Photo taken in March 2005.

Floral clock

One of the highlights of Interlaken is the floral clock. There wasn't a lot in bloom when I visited, so I decided to show it to you in black and white. Photo taken in March 2005.

The view

The view from Chemin-Dessus into the valley town of Martigny. It's definitely worth the effort to see the town from above. Photo taken in May 2005. To see more skies, visit Skywatch.

Postcard view

This is the Aare river which flows through the town and connects the two lakes, hence the name Interlaken! And of course everything looks great against a mountain backdrop. Photo taken in March 2005.

Framed view

A look into a courtyard in Interlaken. Too bad there was that safety tape up, but it still looks like a lovely little patch of green. And of course, I love the entry arch! Photo taken in March 2005.

Street scene

I love red details on anything and those red shutters are a perfect contrast to the beige house. And almost any street looks good against the backdrop of a mountain! Photo taken in March 2005. To see more red, visit Ruby Tuesday.

Wooden house

I love the architecture in Switzerland. Here is a traditional-style house in Interlaken. Wouldn't it be fun to live there? Photo taken in March 2005.

Spring golfing

I am hoping to get a round in today, hopefully I won't be too jetlagged! I've played this course in Oklahoma City a number of times. Photo taken in July 2011.

Onboard

Made it home tonight. It's possibly my last flight from Tegel airport in Berlin. I tried to get some shots to remember the place! Photo taken in April 2012.

Ole man river

A gorgeous sunset over the Mississippi River. Photo taken in March 2008. To see more beautiful skies, take a look at Skywatch.

Rhodos

Another quick look at my MiL's garden. These white rhododendrons were snapped in May 2011.

The King

Who else would you expect to see in Memphis? Photo taken in March 2008.

Streets of Memphis

A red brick building in Memphis decked out in her patriotic best! I mainly took this photo because of an inside joke. My husband's family originally comes from an area of Germany called Schwabia, he is therefore "a Schwab". Get it? Well, it's funny to me at least! Photo taken in March 2008. For more red, visit Ruby Tuesday.

Memphis mural

I had to stop at this antique shop as soon as I saw the cute mural. They had some really nice items, including a pair of leather chairs that I still regret not buying. Photo taken in March 2008. To see more murals, stop by Mural Mondays.

Blue beauties

Berlin is not as warm as I had hoped it would be. But at least it's sunny and I'm enjoying the time with friends and family. Here is another beautiful bloom from my MiL's garden. Photo taken in May 2011.