Pic of the Day: Happy Easter

(Unfortunately, I don't have anything in the archives that is vaguely Easter-y so....)

Happy Easter.

And if you're not of that persuasion, happy coffee and scone.

Pic of the Day: Cruise Ships Departing

I have, on several occasions, remarked upon the "wall of humanity" which descends from the megacruise ships into what are often small or smallish towns.

This was the departure line for three ships which were simultaneously calling on George Town, Grand Cayman Island. One of the ships, Monarch of the Seas was among the largest cruise ships at the time (2005-ish). Two other smaller ships (smaller by comparison only) were present.

While efficiently handled by the crews and locals, these sort of cattle calls run against my grain as a traveler -- and yes, we were passengers on one of the vessels, attending the wedding of our friends. One ship generally is a good size for invading a port town. Three at a time made for a somewhat crowded affair.

I am certain that these islands, which depend strongly on tourism for their income, would appreciate a slightly better scheduling program from the cruise lines. (Two Royal Caribbean ships at the same time, not only here, but following each other to Cozumel. Some 5000 passengers between them.)

Two pictures, because the scope was larger than one. (The second was taken as we finally got onto our tender -- you can see the line still stretches hundreds of people down the quay...)

Some people truly enjoy cruising on the megaships. I liken the experience to staying at a Las Vegas casino which moves. And if you stay on board during port calls, as some people do, you might as well have remained at home watching the Travel Channel.

The key here, is to find the adventures while on shore. Only then are you truly "traveling".

Pic of the Day: Artist at Work

This guy was busily sketching the grand entrance to the Legion of Honor museum in San Francisco. It struck me that while most people were occupied with the exhibits inside the building, he was taking the time to appreciate and absorb the exterior.

Legion of Honor, Lincoln Park, San Francisco.

Pic of the Day: An Evening on the Sea

We travel once a year or so with our friends Ray and Vicky Stone from Perth, Australia. We've shared numerous adventures with them on three continents, but we also enjoy the occasional quiet evening in memorable surroundings.

Among our more spectacular dinners was this one on the fantail of the MSY Wind Surf as she sailed along the Salento Peninsula (the heel of Italy's boot). The sunset, the cool breeze and a soft Mediterranean haze set the mood properly for the meal itself, which was expertly prepared and served.

I often advocate finding the local diner and just grabbing an amazing burger. But there's plenty of room at the other end of the culinary spectrum.

Pic of the Day: Reflections of the Casino

Directly in front of the Casino de Monte-Carlo, in Monaco, is a small plaza: The Place du Casino. In the center is a beautiful fountain with a highly polished mirror sculpture in its center. It's concave on one side, and convex on the side facing the casino. The reflection, from certain angles, is of the casino and its surroundings.

I'm including both angles for comparison, with the bottom shot being more of an establishing shot than a professional photograph but allowing for a good appreciation of the mirror's "bowl".

Personally, I love the reflection of the casino building better as a photograph.