April 12, 2020 • 56

Lens-Artists Photo Challenge #92: Second Time Around

Our current lifestyle of full-time traveling has been derailed by the current pandemic.  In fact, we were a bit dismayed by the national advisory to stay at home, since we don’t in fact have a home!  Fortunately, a long-term rental solved that problem for a while.

As the days and weeks of hibernation continue, we often think about returning to some of our favorite places around the world.  We’ve already thinking about exploring some new sites in our favorite places, and having some new experiences.  Fortunately, the theme for this week’s LAPC Challenge #92 is “Second Time Around,” led by our guest host, John Steiner, who is an avid traveler and photographer.  Welcome John!  Your timing for this theme couldn’t be better.

Vancouver and Okanagan, B.C.

One of our favorite cities is Vancouver, the current home of our son Alex.  He has taken us on walks over the Burrard Bridge at various times during the day.  This shot, which some of you may remember, was taken one evening in September as dramatic clouds moved swiftly over the city.

Vancouver Skyline, 2019.  View from Burrard Bridge.

On our last trip, Alex took us to Okanagan–a more remote region in British Columbia–famous for its vineyards and fruit orchards.  Much to our surprise, the climate and topography closely resembles the desert Southwest in the United States.  I’d like to go back and explore more of this region and the Yukon.

Dramatic Skies, Okanagan, B.C.

Florence, Italy

For those of you who have been following our travel adventures, it will be no surprise that we’re also planning on returning to Firenze, a city we love so much.  I had to repost this shot of the Duomo at sunset, which is one of my fondest views of the city.

Il Duomo, Firenze, Italia

Although it’s tempting to think we’ve explored every inch of the city, I am sure we will find some new places that will surprise and delight us.  On our last visit, we explored the fabulous and little known Museo della Misericordia, which commemorates the long history of this benevolent society founded in 1244.  Over the centuries, the members of this society have provided aid to victims of the plague and cholera epidemics, and provided transportation for the sick.   As an added bonus, the museum also has a fabulous view of the Duomo and Il Baptistero.

View from the Misericordia Museum, Florence

Edinburgh, Scotland

Another place on my list is Edinburgh, Scotland, which we visited for the first time in October, 2019.

Late one afternoon, I visited the Palace of the Holyroodhouse, the queen’s magnificent royal residence in Scotland.  As the sun was setting, I took a quick walk through the ruins of the Abbey on the right and the palace gardens, which were dramatically highlighted against the hills in the distance.  These mountains named Arthur’s Seat are in fact a series of extinct volcanos.  The place and the scenery were absolutely stunning, the people were friendly, and the food was fabulous.  For all these reasons,  we want to return there.

In closing, I’d also like to add a special note to all of you who joined our “Simplicity” challenge last week.  It was so gratifying and exciting to see all your posts, filled with moments of peacefulness, beauty, and fun.  Your willingness to keep creating, sharing and reaching out to others during these challenging and often lonely times help make us all feel better, and help remind us that good things can come from adversity!  My sincere thanks to all of you.

We hope you join us this week’s for John Steiner’s terrific “Second Time Around” challenge which you can see by clicking John Steiner of Journeys with Johnbo.   For the rest of the month, our schedule is:

Once again, my closing words for this week are: stay well, stay safe, and keep creating!

Categories: Lens-Artists Photo Challenge, Photography

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56 replies »

  1. I can see why these cities and places that you want to go back again. Fabulous photos, Patti. The sunset image of Florence is magnificent, one of my favorite cities. 🙂

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    • Hi, Amy. Thank you!! These places have “stolen” my heart!! ❤️ The first place we rented in Florence had a small terrace with that view of the Duomo. I’ll never forget it. I’m so glad you love Florence, too!

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  2. Stunning images of beautiful places Patti. I have no doubt you’ll explore all of them further as well as reach many new horizons – hopefully sooner vs later! In the meanwhile enjoy all of the things you do so well at home and above all stay safe.

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    • Thank you, Tina! I am hoping we’ll all have a chance to explore more and reach new horizons–as you’ve said. We are staying safe and spending time on things we love to do at home. That is an added bonus!! I know you are doing the same. Take care and be well.

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    • Hi, Margaret. Wonderful! We have the same taste in cities. We’ve been to Edinburgh just once. I’m anxious to know it better. I can see why you love it, too. And Vancouver is a gem, as well as Florence. Take care and stay safe. I appreciate your thoughts!

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  7. Love that skyline shot of Vancouver and the sunset shot of Firenze is beautiful. Thanks again for the invitation to contribute to your team callenges this month.

    Lynn and I aren’t true world travelers, the virus has scuttled our first trip to Europe. We are optimistic and are planning now to do a transatlantic cruise from Miami to Rome and other points in the Mediterranean next Spring. I hope COVID-19 is a recent memory by then.

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    • Hi, John. I am hoping that we can freely travel next year, too. Europe is fabulous–the history, the food, the architecture, the people. I am sure you will love it there. And thanks too about the shots. We have had a chance to explore a lot over the past 2 years and I always take my Fuji with me (and 2 lenses) and a computer and a Kindle….Stay well, John and I’m glad you hosted this week.

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    • Wow. Thank you, Dianne! I’m delighted you think so. What did that famous photographer say? Take 100 shots and if you’re lucky, you have 1 good one?? I hope you are well.

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  11. Beautiful photos! I’m glad to read that you’ve found a way to extend your rental. I always like to look at your composition in the photos and to notice if you include interesting poses of people. Your photos didn’t disappoint again! And this time, I noticed the clouds you captured, they add an interesting depth to the photos. Very nice!!! Take care and stay safe.

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    • Hi, John. Firenze is packed from May through September. I’ve seen pictures now of the empty squares and it’s shocking to see the difference. Glad you like Arthur’s Seat, too. It was amazing. A must-see. Thanks so much for your kind words, too.

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  16. Love them all, Patti – and that sunset with Il Duomo gives me shivers of delight. Gorgeous images as usual and I do wish to return someday…to Italy and Scotland.

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  20. Loved the Okanagan photo, and I also love Edinburgh, went there in 1994 and fell in love with a tall reheaded bagpipe player on a street corner. Never met him, but remember him to this day!
    The Vancouver pic is lovely too Patti!

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  21. Lovely Patti. I loved Vancouver too. It feels friendly and there’s lots to see. I was also amazed at the dramatic change of scenery and climate as we headed inland. The Rockies cast a long shadow it seems.

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  24. That’s understandable. I can’t wait to travel again, too. We canceled our trips to Berlin and Prague in March and April and Vienna in June, but hopefully next year….

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