The Travel Ahh…Walking

Posted on October 28, 2012 by sglaser

On the move. Many of my travel photos share a theme of walking. It’s such an ordinary action. However, I love scenes of people walking in towns, villages and cities. It shows people in motion and conveys a feeling of a vibrant place. Walking photos also can show a casual, laid back environment.

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The Friday Funny Sign — Low-Cal Rooster or Anatomical Unit?

Posted on October 26, 2012 by sglaser

The sign begins so formally, and then…..

I almost think the “Aerated Drink” label is as funny as the “Diet Cock.”

Thanks to Jane Whitmer for this photo she took in India.

Gimme Shelter — The “Bonsai Tree” Temple in Bali

Posted on October 25, 2012 by sglaser

Pura Taman Ayun Temple — or the Royal Temple of Mengwi in Bali, has structures that remind me of neatly groomed bonsai trees. I realize that does not sound technical, but who wants to sound technical when talking about such a spiritual and serene place? Balinese Hindu Temples have a calming effect — especially since the settings for many of these religious sites involve water. This beautiful open-air temple complex includes a moat, garden, terraced courtyards and holy shrines.

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Pulverizing the Itsy Bitsy Spider in Australia

Posted on October 23, 2012 by sglaser

Really tiny spider in Colorado
© Stephanie Glaser

“Mommmm! SPIDER! Mom, Come PLEASE!” My five-year-old daughter Kasey yells from the bathroom. Expecting to see a huge bulbous glossy black widow, I mach-5 it to the bathroom. “Where?!!” I’m looking for one to be dangling from the ceiling or clinging to the toilet. “Where, honey?”

Kasey points to the base of the bathtub at what looks like a tiny clump of newly sheared whiskers from Kurt’s Norelco shaver. It is a spider — a really miniscule spider. “Mom, KILL it!!” Kasey screams while she simultaneously holds my leg and peers down at the monster.

“I think we’ll let this guy go.” I reach down with a tissue to gently lift the little spider up and then I head (with Kasey still clinging to my leg) out to the back door to free him in our Colorado yard. “Mom don’t touch it!!!”

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The Travel Ahh…A pink bike

Posted on October 21, 2012 by sglaser

St. Maarten. Kurt and I were wandering around the island and saw this father teaching his daughter how to ride a pink bike. There is something universally cute and heartwarming about seeing a kid learning how to ride a bike. I even took this photo before I became truly sappy since having my own kids.

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The Friday Funny Sign — Everlasting “Ever Green” Directions

Posted on October 19, 2012 by sglaser

Portland, Oregon. I am totally in favor of recycling and reducing our carbon footprints. At the Portland Farmers Market, I was trying very hard not to be an “eco terrorist,” but in the end, I couldn’t figure out where to put a toothpick (from the food samples). Is it compostable? Is it recyclable? Is it rubbish? I could not find “toothpick” listed anywhere. After five minutes reviewing this sign, I basically, just put the source of confusion into my pocket.

Gimme Shelter — Enchanting Medieval Buildings and Swans, Too?!

Posted on October 17, 2012 by sglaser

Just to clarify, I did not put the swans in the canal for this shot. They swam into view just to prove what a fairytale setting Bruges/Brugge really is. I don’t use adjectives like “charming” and “enchanting,” but you really have no choice when talking about this beautiful medieval Belgian city. It is charming and enchanting — however, maybe not as “happily ever after” when it was the setting for the 2008 film “In Bruges” with Colin Farrell and Brendan Gleeson. Actually, it was still enchanting even in the dark comedy.

The Running of the “Bulldozers” at a U2 concert in Paris

Posted on October 16, 2012 by sglaser

Both my friend Debbie and I were gripping Ed’s sweater sleeves. Then one minute later, still holding one of the sleeves, I was six feet from the rest of the sweater that was tied around Ed’s waist. I could barely see him and Lanny with a mass of people stampeding in between us. My feet were not touching the ground, but I was surging forward steadily with the throng. I looked around for Debbie.

In the meantime, shrieks of panic — in freaked out French — pierced the hum of the crowd (somehow even panicked French sounds beautiful).

A few feet over, a girl emerged upwards from the throng almost like she was levitating. Her friends were trying to lift her up for air. The girl was hysterical, shaking her hair and convulsing. Next, someone actually doused her with a bottle of water to calm her down.

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The Travel Ahh…Going to the Market

Posted on October 14, 2012 by sglaser

La Boqueria Market in Barcelona, Spain. Visiting markets is a big part of absorbing culture. One of the oldest markets in Spain, La Boqueria, offers full on sensory details. I loved hearing the buzz of everyone talking, ordering, as well as the shuffling and unloading of goods. And, of course, the mix of smells from fish to bread to fresh produce is a trademark of any market. The colors, even the variations of the whites, grays and pinks of the seafood, feed your eyes, indeed. However, the best is the reward of buying something fresh like a warm churro and enjoying it while taking a stroll down La Rambla.

The Friday Funny Sign

Posted on October 12, 2012 by sglaser

This photo doesn’t really need any explanation. My sister and I saw this Rep. for Viagra in Cabo San Lucas, Mexico. We immediately needed to have a photo. The Viagra Guy had no problem with this. Little does he know his promotion efforts are now online. Hopefully, it helps business.