Salem

When someone starts talking about Salem, I automatically think witches, it's only normal. However, in the dead of winter, Salem is just that, dead. No one is running around with a broomstick and black hat, there is no haunting air about the place. Like any seasonal town, it seems like a whole different place in the off seasons.

Boston Public Library

There is something I love about libraries, it might be that old book smell or the controlled silence everyone must practice. Having never been to the Boston Public Library I decided given those two aspects alone and the fact that it is beautiful inside, I would visit with camera in hand. 

Home Sweet Home

Taking a little break from traveling for awhile, I have settled into a new home. Although I love to travel and explore the world, I also love to have a place to call "home sweet home"; that place you are happy to see at the end of the day or to come back to after being away.

The Colosseum

As I have said before, seeing all the sights in Rome might seem cliche, but they do not disappoint. Stepping into the historic arena, the Colosseum is spectacular and wandering the Palatine Hill ruins is peaceful. Tip of the trip...go to the Palatine Hill entrance to the ruins first. Not only that way do you get to pass the crazy long line at the Colosseum, but you start out the day calmly and serenely walking through the ruins, orange groves and secret passageways. So this Friday here's a look at the Colosseum as my final installment of photos from Rome, enjoy!

Divine Light: St. Peter's

I am not religious, but the light in St. Peter's Bascillica was divine, just another reason I loved Rome (and yes I know it's technically in Vatican City).

Oh Rome: The Pantheon

Rome, for some travelers it's just a typical tourist destination that everyone goes to, yada yada yada. I do not care what others say or how cliche it might be, I love Rome. The history, the tucked away masterpieces, the ruins, the new right up next to the old. That might be my favorite part, how the old historic elements of the city are nestled right in with the modern buildings. It is amazing how the city has grown over thousands of years and preserved its history. Every site I went to I stood in pure amazement. On the first day we made our way through the twist of small streets that lead to the Pantheon. Although everyone knows where the historic sites are, each one that you finally find feels like an exhilarating discovery. Your anticipation grows and grows until you turn that last street corner and are facing something so old like the Pantheon. Everything is silent, the light streams in, you spin around looking at each wall, the smell is a mix of crisp summer air and the ages of history, it's an "Oh Rome" moment.

Like a Fairytale: Lucerne, Switzerland

Just a hop and a skip away from charming city to charming city I went...this time heading down thru Germany to Switzerland. Nestled in the Swiss Alps is Lake Lucerne and the city. Lucerne is one of the most charming places I have ever been. Have you ever read a fairytale? Then this is the place they were talking about. The water is crystal clear, an old castle sits high over looking the village, bridges span the river with baskets of flowers in full bloom, the sun shines, the air is pure, the place is perfect. Well, at least the first day I was there it was...low and behold it does rain in Lucerne! Within twenty four hours my picturesque idea of the city was shattered. Trying to get in a Swiss hike, we attempted to climb close by Mt. Pilatus in the rain. When I say rain, I mean downpours...I mean soak-you-to-the-core, leave-you-shivering-and-miserable rain. On any other day I am sure the hike would have been spectacular, even breathtaking, but instead I look back and laugh at how silly we were to attempt to hike in such weather. I also reflect back and remember how beautiful the city was just the day before and realize I have all the more reason to get back and try again because after all fairytales always have a happy ending.