My Mélange

Travel Photo Friday : Florence

Welcome to another Travel Photo Friday!  Can you believe it is July already?  Where has the year been going?! 

Since we have been focusing on Rome for the better part of two months, I thought it might be nice to change it up a bit.

So, I chose one of my favorites from Florence, Italy.

Now, keep in mind, this photo was a color image, but through the magic of Macbook iPhoto editing, I am able to give it a sepia tone, which if I do say so myself, makes the picture come alive.

The picture was taken from the Ponte Vecchio, which crosses the Arno River in Florence.

I love how the bridge acts as a perfect separation from the sky and the river.  I love the cloud patterns, the texture of the ripples on the water, the gorgeous lines and arches of the bridge and even the tiny shadows on the water created by the arches.

I could seriously stare at this one for hours.

And if you'd like to see more of my photos, is just so happens that Julie is featuring another of my Rome beauties on her blog today as well.

And in case you haven't noticed, my Travel Photo Friday well has run dry and I need your photos. That was the whole point afterall.

So, all you travelers out there- please send in your photos-the ones that tell a story, the ones the feature something spectacular, the ones that give you that special feeling when you look at it, along with a short description and you'll be featured here!  

Send them along to me at mymelange (at) yahoo (dot) com.  And join me for next months edition on August 7th.

And to all those celebrating, Happy July 4th!

Travel Photo Friday : Caption This!

This edition of Travel Photo Friday I am taking creative liberties and using my own photo this month.

It is my blog afterall.

But, I tell you, this one I need a little help with.  And I think it might be time to have a little fun.

Last week, while visiting the Piazza Navona in Rome, I saw this scene unfold in front of me that was too good to be true.  It was a picture in the making.

It is still one of the funniest things I have seen in Rome, to date.

And I need a little help.  My very funny photo, needs a very funny caption to go with it!  And to up the ante a little, I will be picking the winning caption from the comments left on this blog entry.  

The winner will be getting a little prize from me. No trips around the world, but a prize just the same!

So dear readers- I challenge you to....Caption This!

Tune in for our next edition of Travel Photo on Friday, July 3rd.

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What say you?  You have a Travel Photo to be featured here?  Great!!  The more the merrier!!  Just send it along with a brief description and we'll get it in the queue for you!

Travel Photo Friday : California Cacti and Craters

Well, we are taking a break from our Foodie French Friday, because it's the first Friday of the month...and you know what that means.  It's time for another edition of Travel Photo Friday.

You may remember a while back, we had some photo submissions for "My Melange Sent Me".  

Well, it seems that Tracey, from Stuff By Tace, remembered too.

So, when she was going on vacation to California, she remember to bring her sign.  Or should I say signs?

You gotta hand it to my readers- not only are they willing to make complete fools of themselves by holding up a sign in public...but they are willing to drag others down with 'em!

Standing in the Amboy Crater in California, Tracey and her husband hold up there "My Melange Sent Me Signs".

And here they are again at the Cholla Cactus Garden in Joshua Tree National Park- this time a little closer to the camera!  I love the cacti set against the massive mountain range and the blue sky in the background!

But, I especially love hubby's sign that says, "AND me...."

I don't know about you, but I can feel the love.  Oh you wonderful, darling, kooky travelers and readers you!

I. love. every. single. one. of. you.

Special thanks to Tracey and her husband Alan, for being such good sports!

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Do you have a special travel photo that you'd like to have featured here on Travel Photo Friday?  Or are you willing to throw away your last ounce of self respect and don a silly "My Melange Sent Me" sign on your next trip?  Either way- I'd love to have you.  Just email your photo and short description to mymelange (at) yahoo (dot) com.

See you next week for Foodie French Friday and on June 5th for the next Travel Photo Friday!

Travel Photo Friday : Rainbow Bridge

This months Travel Photo Friday is brought to us by none other than my dear old Dad.

He went on vacation, quite sometime ago, in the West.  Arizona, Nevada and Utah to be exact.

Of course, I insisted that he submit some photos for Travel Photo Friday.

He sent a ton, and I have picked my favorite.  I hope you'll agree.

This is a photo of Rainbow Bridge.  I think the reason I picked it will be will be self explanatory!

This is one of the most stunning rock formations I have ever seen.

Rainbow Bridge is a National Monument and is part of the National Parks Service.   The Indians believe it is sacred.

I implore you to read this explanation of how Rainbow Bridge was formed.  It is fasinating!

And because I think is it so fantastic, I'll give you a double-dose!

Happy Travel Photo Friday Folks!

Have a photo you'd like to submit?  Send it along to mymelange (at) yahoo (dot) com!

See you next time- Friday May 1st for our next edition.

My Melange Sent Me Round Up

Well, I am happy to report that my idea wasn't a total bust!

We did get two, count 'em two whole entries for the My Melange Sent Me event.

Sure, one was a dual entry, but hey, whose counting?

So, without further ado I present the round up, slim as it may be.

First, we have Meredith, who lives in the beautiful South of France.

She is the author of the blog, Poppy Fields.  Isn't that a lovely, cheerful name for a blog?

She submitted this glorious photo taken in Aix en Provence.  It shows the Fontaine des Quatre Dauphins.

Jessica, who authors WhyGoItaly and Julie who authors WhygoFrance sent a dual photo from Jess's kitchen near Portland Oregon.  Thanks to the BootsnAll crew!

Jessica was quick to point out that both Italy (the pizza) and France (the Provençal tablecloth) were represented!  And check out the tri-lingual sign!  Impressive, girls!

And who could forget Joe, who originally sent this photo.

Thanks too all who participated!  

I'll started a Flickr group so that if I receive new entries from time to time you can check in and see where people have been.

I wonder where My Melange Sent Me will send you next?!

Travel Photo Friday : Venice

Today, I am inserting my own travel photo.

Carnevale is happening now in one of my favorite cities in the world.

Venice.

I searched through all of my photos of Venice to find one that really captured the city.

It was this one.

There is something about this photo.  Sure, it's touristy, but it's what you think of if you haven't been to Venice. The red geraniums, the black and white gondalier shirt, the murky aquamarine water and the shiney black gondola against the crumbling facades. That's Venice.

It's not the most mysterious photo, it doesn't quite show off Venice in its best light. 

But when you see it, you know in an instant where it was taken.  Where else on earth could this picture be possible?

I'll leave you with this quote about this charming city.

"Venice is like eating an entire box of chocolate liqueurs in one go." --Truman Capote

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And just a reminder about the deadline for the My Melange Sent Me event.  We have reached that half-way mark and I have only received one picture to date.  Yes, thanks Meredith!

That means you only have 2 more weeks to take your photo (complete with sign) and email it to me!

So, read up here on the details.  Please send your photos in by March 6th and tune in for the big reveal on March 10th.

Travel Photo Friday : My Melange Sent Me

Well, here we are again.  It has been awhile.  We took a little break over the holidays, but I am happy to say that Travel Photo Friday is back in full force!  I have at least another 4 or 5 pictures on deck- and have my feelers out for a few more.

Awhile back, my friend Joe of Italyville told me he was going to Barcelona.  Though it is one of the places on my list to see someday, I haven't had the pleasure of visiting yet.

So, I was excited and asked Joe to take a photo of Barcelona, so that I could feature it on Travel Photo Friday!

Well, months went by and I had forgetten about it.  Until, that is, Joe sent out an email requesting Fabulous Photos of Italy for a project he is working on.

The lightbulb in my head went off and at the end of my email with my photos of Italy, I reminded him that he still owed me a photo of Barcelona. wink, wink.

Joe sent me a reply that basically said that he was going to take a photo of the famous Sagrada Famila, but forgot.  He had an idea for a photo but he wasn't quite sure it represented Barcelona.  

He sent this photo of the Arc di Triomf in the Parc de la Ciutadella and asked if he thought I would use it.

Oh Joe.  You sweet, funny, Italian, traveling, dude, you!

Now, I don't know if this is the best representation of Barcelona.  But I can tell you one thing.

Not only did this photo make me * deliriously happy* when I saw it- it really made me roll on the floor with laughter.

Can you imagine walking by this guy on a street in Barcelona holding up a handmade looseleaf sign having his picture taken??!!

And I just *love* the fact that Joe blocked out his face in the photo.  Brave, but not so brave as to have someone actually recognize him!

 I loved this idea so much-that now I am throwing it out there to all of you to carry on the My Melange Sent Me torch.

Wouldn't it be fun to make a home-made sign and take a photo and send it in?  Well, I for one think it would be so great!!!

So, draw your own sign saying *My Melange Sent Me*, and be creative, be fun, be silly, be zanny, stand in front of a monument at home or far away.  Just have fun!

You can be anywhere really. Your local cafe, town hall, or near the ocean on your vacation and send your photo complete with homemade sign to me at mymelangesentme (at) gmail (dot) com.

Please include your name and the location of the photo- maybe a short description, and a link to your website if you have one, in your email.  I'll be happy to provide linky love.

I will post every single picture that I get, in a special post.  I created a special Flickr set with all the photos as well, so we can have a little slide show fun!

And of course, head over to visit Joe today, he is going to be running something similar involving his logo and Italian-themed photos!

Now, I leave it to you!  Spread the word, tell your friends, post it on your blog, stumble it, twitter it, post it on Facebook- whatever social networking you can think of.

Let's see where this thing takes us.

You have until Friday March 6th to get your entries in.  Round-up will take place on Monday, March 10th.

Have a great weekend!

Travel Photo Friday : Trier Cathedral

  Todays installment of Travel Photo Friday features photos from my friend Elke,      who is German.  You may remember her from an interview I did that you can read        here or when I featured her in Love Thursday post here.

 She is starting to be a regular contributor here at My Mélange - and I wouldn't have it  any other way!

Elke and her family went back home to Germany for a visit this summer.  They returned with  a boat-load of great photos.  

The ones that caught my eye the most were stunning photos of the Cathedral in Trier, also known as Dom St. Peter, in Germany.  It is the oldest cathedral in Germany. It is their favorite church in all of Europe!! Shots of the outside are lovely, but the inside is just stunning.

This view of the inside of the cathedral is taken from the main altar facing the west end choir.  As you can see, the inside is not overdone, but it is still tasteful.

This is a shot of the west end choir loft.  The details in the vault are baroque stucco work done in blue and white.

The close-up is just amazing. Just look at that intricate detailing! I can't imagine the time and patience it took to make such a beautiful work of art.  This is the most ornate piece in the church.

And finally this is incredible carved wood inlay from the 17th century located in the chapel, right below that choir loft.  I am sure the pictures just don't do it justice.

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Thank you for the beautiful photos of Trier Chapel in Germany.  Hopefully you will share more works of art from your trip!!

Do you have a travel photo(s) to be featured here on Travel Photo Friday?  I am always accepting your entries, just send them along to me at mymelange(at)yahoo(dot)com.

Keep snapping those beautiful photos and join me on Friday, January 2, 2009 (yikes, can it be 2009 already?) for our next edition of Travel Photo Friday!

Travel Photo Friday : Greece is the Word

   Welcome to our 7th edition of Travel Photo Friday.

  Wow, time flies, I can't believe it has been seven months already!

  This month, my best French friend Anne, who happens to be the   Foodie  Froggy in Paris, submitted photos of her trip to Greece. 

Now mind you, this isn't Anne's first trip to Greece.  She went on vacation there 2 years ago and loved it so much, that she and her family returned again this past summer.

And from the looks of all the photos I have seen- I can certainly see why.

Let me just remind you that Anne is French, but her English is amazing!

Anne has chosen pictures from the little town of Oia in Santorini Island, because it is her favorite.

Here is what Anne writes about her favorite part of Greece:

"The history of Santorini is really interesting : it is a group of  five volcanic islands,the main one being Thera, which people tend to confuse with Santorini because it is the largest one and the most famous, but it is only one of the five islands of Santorini.

Of the others, only one is inhabited, Thirasia. The others are too small.  In 1500 BC, Santorini was a unique and round island, before the volcano eruption. This eruption entirely buried the island under layers of  lava and broke the island in several parts, with sea water in the middle. This is why many people think that the legend of Atlantis was actually in Santorini.

The main towns are Fira, Oia, Imerovigli , and Pyrgos. Each one has its own charm, but my favorite  is Oia, because it is so peaceful and quiet, away from the tourist crowds due to its location (at the extreme north end of the island, far from Fira port where all cruise ship disembark their passengers).

I love its wonderful views on the sea and the remains of the volcano, its wonderful narrow alleys with captain houses, houses built into the volcanic rock, the steps that leads down to the harbor, and of course its unique white and blue architecture. 

Some gorgeous restaurants and hotels with views that leave you speechless. What I also enjoyed a lot are the numerous art galleries with beautiful objects made with lava, great drawings, made with good taste, not at all your ordinary tourists souvenirs.

And now on with the stunning show...

As always, the captions below the photos are from Anne.

A general view of the town of Oia, which shows how high is the city and the houses like they were stuck together as to not to fall from the cliffs.

What can I say, the picture speaks for itself : breathless view, wonderful terraces, peace and quietness.

You have the feeling that the stairs will lead you directly to the sea.

The white and blue houses are not a cliché, they are everywhere and they are so so beautiful and serene.

Art galleries with beautiful objects, not the typical tourist traps.

I love them ! They are beautiful and they were seated there under the shadow of the tree, chatting quietly for hours. I want to be like them when I am their age !

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Thanks so much Anne!!  Your photo tour makes me want to go to Greece.  Now.

Which one is your favorite?  Have you been to Greece?  Tell us about it.

Travel Photo Friday : Glacier National Park

This edition of Travel Photo Friday, Terry, RN, author and owner of Caring is Not Enough, has submitted photos from her summer vacation to Glacier National Park, in Montana.

Terry is also my good friend.  We go way back.  We worked together over 12 years ago (ouch- it really hurt typing that) when she lived in the Hudson Valley. I also used to house-sit for her when she traveled.

After she and her hubby moved to San Francisco, they convinced us to give it a try.  Chris and I packed up and moved to the other side of the country and stayed with Terry and her husband, until we found a place of our own. Their hospitality and kindness will never be forgotten.

Even though they remain near San Fran, and we have since moved back to New York, thanks to email, we still keep in touch.

Though the photos have no descriptions, they are so awe-inspiring and beautiful that words wouldn't do them any justice.  Sometimes a picture is worth a thousand words.

Thanks so much for sharing Terry!  It's no surprise, being an animal lover, that those bear cubs are my favorite!  This was our first edition of  U.S. photos, and I couldn't  think of a better way to showcase such a lovely American natural wonder.

So, which is your favorite?  What National Parks have you visited?

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Join me for our next edition of Travel Photo Friday on November 7th!