Accordion Player--San Juan

This shot captures the spirit of San Juan, or at least I hope it does. Got a lot of nice shots today after my meetings. Should fill up a lot of the Shot of the Day blog. Don't know if I like a tighter crop on this shot, but the frame as I shot it here signifies maybe a sense of smallness? Anyway, hope you enjoy.

How far to Charlotte?

I don't like this picture particularly, except for the colors. Taken at a park near downtown Charlotte, North Carolina. Over the years I have enjoyed my visits to Charlotte. Some nice restaurants and book shops. This picture is a little busy but I couldn't find an angle that gave a good view of the signs and wasn't too busy. Oh well. It is not one for the walls but it does follow the theme of this blog with shots taken from trips around the country and the world, such as I have been able to gather. Hope you enjoy.

Red Light District--San Francisco

Took this shot with the camera sitting on a mailbox to keep it steady. Took a couple of shots at longer exposures to get the car light trails. Always a bit of luck to get a good shot, but with digital, you can keep shooting until you get one you like. This shot is taken right outside Chinatown in San Francisco, in sort-of a "red light" district. Always a good area for nighttime shots.

Bread Stand---Portabella Road, London

Staying with the food theme for another day, here was a beautiful fresh bakery stand at the Portbella Road market in London. The surprising thing about London to me was again all the shopping available. If you have money, London is the place to shop with Harold's and lots of upscale locations. We did a lot of window shopping, but if you like downscale, Portabella Road was a much friendlier area. They close off the street (mostly) and vendors bring out their wares. Lots of fun.

Vegetable Stand--Florence

Even before I started this blog I was always on the lookout for color. What can be more colorful than a fruit and vegetable stand? If you like history and shopping, but especially if you like both, then there is no better place than Florence. You can find an 18th century building and Gucci leather shop on the ground floor. Actually, if you are in the market for leather, then Florence is your place. So many stores selling leather. Should have picked up a bunch of leather dress belts. Oh, well. Loved Florence for the history (where the Renaissance began and the David still lives) and the shopping. Have to get back there some day.....

Moon over Chicago

Here is a bit of a different view of the Chicago skyline, one that you often don't see. Usually, a shot of Chicago includes the Sears (now Willis Tower) or the John Hancock. This is taken from Navy Pier looking south. Nice view with the moon hanging near the old Standard Oil Building.

Hotel/Hotel in Central Illinois

Drove down to Champaign one day via Route 45 instead of I55. Tired of the highway. Got this shot of an old rundown Hotel while on the way. Love the contrast of the building and the green grass growing around it. This building has lots of character but has definitely seen better days.