Kiting in Paradise

Just wanted to post this quick pic up here because I noticed something in it that I hadn't seen before...off in the distance there is a kite.

Budha, Chang Mai, Thailand

Title: Green Budha
Location: Chang Mai, Thailand
Date: 2004/6/05
Camera: Canon Powershot S400

This budha, inside the Doi Sutep temple at the top of the mountains overlooking Chang Mai in northern Thailand, is but one of the many reasons a visit to Chang Mai is a must on any Thailand itinerary.

We spent only one day in Change Mai, but as every guide book points out, you will always want to spend more time than you have allotted, and it couldn't be more true.

Chang Mai provides a wonderfully refreshing break from the blistering heat and neverending hustle and bustle of Bangkok. With rolling, lush mountainsides covered in a hovering myst, a lazy river cutting through the middle, more temples than can be seen in one day, and absolutely the most fantastic shopping anywhere in Thailand, Chang Mai literally bursts with Thai culture and refinement.

Plan to spend a few days in Chang Mai, and you will never regret it.

Angel Falls

Title: Salto Angel
Location: Canaima, Venezuela
Date: 2002/12/29
Camera: Canon Powershot S200

Salto Angel - or Angel Falls - at 2,937 feet is the tallest waterfall in the world. In fact Roraima and Kukenan each have falls with longer drops, however they do not run year round. As can be seen in this photo, even in the "dry" season Angel Falls still has a trickle of water which ensures it's place in the record books.

To get there, one must fly in to Canaima. Possessing only a small dirt covered runway, this means you'll probably be in a 4 seater cesna. I didn't mind this so much as being in the copilot seat was actually a lot of fun and afforded a fantastic view of the surrounding scenery.

After arriving in Canaima, one takes a traditional river boat to Isla Ratón - Rat Island - which is powered by an enormous outboard engine - forget seeing any wildlife!! A night's sleep at Isla Ratón in hammocks, and the next day Angel Falls is a short 1 hour hike up a medium difficulty trail. As can be seen in this picture, a small distance past the Mirador - or lookout point - is a refreshing pool that provides a wonderful escape from the midday's heat.

La Gran Sabana

Title: Natural Brick
Location: La Gran Sabana, Venezuela
Date: 2002/12/21
Camera: Canon Powershot S200

This picture is of a small secluded waterfall, near the small border town of Santa Eléna. The amazing thing about it is that what appear to be man-made bricks are actually completely natural.

Los Roques

Title: Solitud
Location: Los Roques, Venezuela
Date: 2002/11/10
Camera: Canon Powershot S200

Hard to believe I haven't yet posted a picture of Los Roques. I guess the most fabulous place I've visited so far, this is where I met my wife, so I suppose I will always have a certain bias.

Posters in tourist offices claim that Venezuela is the "hidden pearl of the Carribean," I suppose I find it hard to disagree...

Bridge on the River Kwai

Title: Bridge on the River Kwai
Location: Kanchanaburi (River Kwai), Thailand
Date: 2004/06/01
Camera: Canon Powershot S400

If you haven't seen it, I am sure you have heard of the movie "The Bridge on the River Kwai." The movie depicts the true story of POWs forced to build a bridge over the River Kwai by the Japanese, and the horrific events that occurred the day the Allies bombed it.

I took this photo as part of a 3-part day tour outside of Bangkok. 1) Bamboo River Raft 2) Elephant Ride and 3) Bridge on the River Kwai. We actually took a train over the bridge, and for history buffs it certainly has an impressive story. According to the signs and the guide, approximately 1/3 of the bridge is original, while the other 2/3 were reconstructed.

There are several memorials depicting the gruesome events of that day, and as usual a whole horde of street vendors ready to sell you anything from jade budhas to plastic G.I. Joes (complete with sling-shot and ammo, sheesh.)

A typically scorching day (probably 110 with the 100% humidity) this is not a place to stay long :), but interesting nonetheless.

Yosemite

Title: Isolated Lake
Location: Yosemite National Park, California, USA
Date: 2003/06/16
Camera: Canon Powershot S400

Just about anywhere you go in Yosemite National Park is bound to provide one with tranquility, time for reflection, and breathtaking views.

This shot was the result of a 4 day trip with 6 friends into the southern region of Yosemite, one rarely explored by tourists to the park, but full of the wonder, nature and beauty that Yosemite is so well known for just the same.