FACEs in the louvre

It's difficult to describe how powerful it is to be in Paris at night, blustery cold, and then looking up to see the Eiffel Tower, illuminated by it's light cutting through the fog and mist.  This is an un-retouched photo that gives an idea of that sense of wonder. 

In Paris, looking out beyond a clock in the Musee Dorsey.  Paris is one of the Explorers favorite city; and here is Doug to tell you why:  "Paris is thrilling for me, having studied art in college, when I came into some of the pieces that I had only read about in school, I wept.  Seeing  this city in person was life-changing for me. Grab some warm crusty bread and walk through the city of lights."

Explorer Thomas took this photo and it ranks high on his list of travel pics:  "Although I'm not religious, I love the perfect set-up for this shot.  The angles of the crosses, the shadow of the forefront, the richness of the green, the seriousness of the old buildings.  It's one of my favorites." (Ireland)

Wandering through Sante Fe after dark (and a hearty meal with friends), you come across this beautifully lit chapel.  We love these simple moments, those quiet almost-off-to-the-side still life settings that stay with you for a long time.

Somewhere in Glacier Bay, Alaska, we took this un-retouched photo from our cruise ship, that turned out to be a magnificent shot.  We kept it unedited with the passengers in the forefront to keep a sense of perspective.  Majestic!

Of course, everyone knows the Coliseum, but this turned out to be a particularly good photo.  The buildings shadow, contrasting with the white clouds and the scattered formation of the clouds almost gives the photo a subtle sense of movement.  

We love unique perspectives, and this was a shot from inside a Madrid museum looking out of the ceiling.  The lattice-like structure of the building dark against the organic form of the clouds and lighter sky represent a simple contrast that gives the photo depth and a sense of storytelling.  

Famous Streets:  Las Ramblas in Barcelona, 42nd Street in New York, Duval Street in Key West, the Royal Mile in Edinburgh or Hollywood Boulevard in Los Angeles.  Here is a photo from the famous "Pink Street" in Lisbon, which is painted pink but it's also a bit underwhelming (just a short block without much to do); but we really liked this photo looking up at  the joyful umbrellas strung overhead.

There are certain places that are a little magical - and the San Jacinto mountains over Palm Springs, California, is one of them.  Yeah, the tram is touristy - but fun.  And the opportunity to get out of the desert heat and hike in cooler elevation  is a wonderful diversion.   We love this photo for the sun-streaking and the sense of the vast space. 

Fresh seafood in Santorini, Greece.  Note the simple preparation - when food is this good, less is more!  Also note the "santorini tomotoes" - sweet and unlike any other tomatoe you've had! 

Explorer  Doug tests "Fish & Chips" on his first trip to the UK!  

A delicious dinner of octopus in Lisbon, Portugal.  

A real find in Athens - baked feta cheese wrapped in phyllo dough and topped with honey and sesame seeds.  

Pasta in Italy!  After a morning of walking around Florence, we opted for an open air sidewalk cafe and indulged.  The keyword for pasta in Italy is "simplicity" - let the natural flavors do the talking with very few extras.  And table wine is just fine. 

Another pasta dish from Italy.  Again note the simplicity of the dish - pasta, a light sauce, some fresh cheese and a sprig of basil.  Sauces are typically the cooked-down tomatoe or vegetable with no oil or sugar.