My Photography Wanderlust

Visiting Africa Series #5 : Elmina Castle and the Island of Gorée– Slave Forts…. a Visit of Conscience

This story sums up the series on my October trip to Africa and speaks to the most profound part of my visit in recognition of Black History Month. So little is known about how Africans were enslaved and transported to the Americas. How the Portuguese, the British, the French and the Dutch built and managed a series of slave ports on the West African coast which transported over 12 million slaves to the New World with more than 2 million dying during this treacherous journey*. We visited two slave forts—-the island of Gorée and the Elmina Castle, both tell a story that should never be forgotten… a visit of conscience.

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My Photography Wanderlust

A Review of the 2023 New York Travel and Adventure Show….and what not to do! 

“Travel is back and stronger than ever”…. that seems to be the motto for this year’s annual travel show. In early January, the former New York Times Travel show was packed with folks booking deals on what is expected to be another crowded travel year. Besides over 100 exhibitors of vacation destinations, there were plenty of celebrity speakers on all that is good and bad about traveling in 2023. For sure, there was plenty of advice on how to travel like a pro and discover one-of-a-kind destinations. Here is what I learned ….

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My Photography Wanderlust

A Visit to Loreto, Mexico…A Road Less Traveled and all its Splendor

Loreto, Mexico is in the Baja California Sur peninsula about 300 miles from Cabo San Lucas. The town faces the Sea of Cortez, an amazing body of water of the color of lapis lazuli where whales come to mate and birth their young between the months of January-March. The town is surrounded by what is known as the Sierra de la Giganta, a mountain range of rugged golden hills in a desert environment of immense beauty and mystery. If you are looking for a road less traveled or a change of scenery, you may want to head out to Loreto. Here’s why?

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My Photography Wanderlust

Visiting Africa Series #4: Ghana…the Gold Coast

Our next stop was to Accra, Ghana’s capital, where we stayed the last three remaining days of our 16-day trip. Too short of a time to really experience all that this country offers but enough to walk away with a deeper understanding of West African culture and its connection to America’s African diaspora. Driving through the Ivory Coast, you get to see the contrast between the natural beauty of this country, and its people….

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My Photography Wanderlust

Visiting Africa Series #3: Dakar, the Gateway to Western Africa

Upon arriving in Dakar, the capital city of Senegal, you are immediately taken in by a uniquely contrasting society. A developing country that became independent from France in 1960, blessed with amazing sites, cuisine, customs and history, yet with its fair share of struggles in building a robust economy for its people. The city of Dakar is home to a beautiful coastline with a historical role in what is known as the African Diaspora…..

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My Photography Wanderlust

Merida MX Series #6: Merida’s Doors…Their Beauty and History

The magic of opening a door that could lead to something entirely different never escapes me and is why I am so fascinated by the architectural designs of doors from all over the world. I am drawn by the intricacies of both new and older colonial style doors on homes, churches and buildings. In Mexico, doors represent both protection and pride as well as an invitation to come in.  Walking through Merida’s streets photographing so many captivating doors, I could not help wandering about the history and cultural elements that built this unique craftmanship…

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My Photography Wanderlust

Visiting Africa Series: Traveling through North and West Africa  

Africa, the mother continent of the human race where the first human skulls were discovered. A continent so misunderstood, yet rich in its history and culture as it merged with its many colonizers. Its vast resources, its people and natural beauty are unmistakably one of mystery and exoticism. A place so captivating in furthering our exploration and understanding of our humanity. So fortunate to have visited Morocco, Senegal, and Ghana — three very distinct countries that make up the 54 that represent Africa. Fourteen days later, there are too many experiences and discoveries to share. Here is my best shot at it…

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My Photography Wanderlust

Visiting Africa Series #2… Mystical Morocco

First stop in Morocco is the city of Casa Blanca; this country’s economic and business capital. Upon entering the city of Casa Blanca, all those romantic notions and imagery of an ancient city from watching the movie (Casa Blanca) immediately disappears. This city is a powerhouse, a huge metropolitan center similar to any urban American or European city with its fair share of traffic jams and pedestrians. Much less exotic than some of its sister cities, yet worthy of a visit even if you don’t get to ride a camel. Here’s why….

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My Photography Wanderlust

Merida MX Series #5…Merida’s Timeless Architecture and Real Estate Bonanza

If you are a lover of architecture, an architect or maybe an urban planner, you will easily fall in love with Merida’s 18th century colonial homes and buildings heavily influenced by both the Moorish and Mediterranean designs of that period. One of Merida’s most pleasing attributes is the preservation and restoration of what remains of a once colonial empire with a dark past. A real estate bonanza for those who seek to retire in a foreign country or invest. It certainly crossed my mind….

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My Photography Wanderlust

Visiting Finger Lakes Luscious Vineyards and Frontlake Views

Somewhere in the world, the harvesting of grapes is happening. In the USA, just about every state has vineyards that make for a great opportunity to visit with friends and enjoy the tasting of wines, whether it’s Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Sauvignon Blanc, Zinfandel or Riesling. I personally lean more toward a robust, dry red. This is my third visit to the Finger Lakes region in Upstate New York to drink wine and enjoy the area’s rustic scenery and it never disappoints. Actually, there is more than just tasting wine that makes this region attractive for a long weekend visit with friends….

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