Category: Travel

Kite Festival at Otaki Beach, New Zealand

I recently had the pleasure of attending the Otaki Kite Festival in New Zealand. It was an amazing experience that I will never forget. The festival was held in a large open field, and the sky was filled with colorful kites of all shapes and sizes. It was truly a sight to behold. The atmosphere …

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Timelapse Video Landing in Auckland, New Zealand

Door with Lion’s Head Artwork

As I walked down the street, in Wellington, New Zealand, I passed these doors that had this lion’s head on it. It was certainly nice and interesting enough to snap a quick photo.

Observing Waitangi Day in Wellington

Every year on February 6th, New Zealand marks the anniversary of the signing of the Treaty of Waitangi with a public holiday called “Waitangi Day”. The Treaty of Waitangi is often considered to be New Zealand’s founding document. In 1840, representatives of the British Crown and of Māori iwi (tribes) and hapū (sub-tribes) entered into …

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Waitangi Weekend Māori Music Showcase

Went to the Museum of New Zealand Te Papa Tongarewa to see the Māori Music Showcase. This was a nice venue that showcased local Māori talent. It was a fun and intimate setting that was nice to see the island people and culture.

Sights Around the Simpsons Land in Universal Studios Hollywood

Here are some different sights you can see walking around the Simpson’s area of Universal Studios Hollywood.

Army National Guard Base Fort Pickett

Platform Nine and Three Fourths from the Movie Harry Potter

Save the Krill, Kill the Whales Bilboard

Found this interesting billboard in Wellington, New Zealand.

Photos of Mount Ngauruhoe in New Zealand

Near Mount Ruapehu is Mount Ngauruhoe. This stratovolcano stands a height of 7,503 feet and is found in the central plateau of the north island. It is 14 miles southwest of Lake Taupō.

Guns N’ Roses Private Jet

I was at the Wellington airport last week after the Guns N’ Roses concert and much to my surprise was their private jet. I wouldn’t have known it was their jet if it wasn’t for a security guard that clued me in. I thought it was pretty darn cool.

Photos of Mount Ruapehu in New Zealand

Mount Ruapehu is a stratovolcano on New Zealand’s northern island that stands a height of 9,177 feet at its highest point. In this photo you can see both Mount Ruapehu, as well as, Mount Ngauruhoe which stands 7,516 feet in elevation.

The National Library of New Zealand

New Zealand Parliament House

Walked by the New Zealand Parliament House.

Michigan Map

Tanasi is the Capitol of the Cherokee Nation

Tanasi is the origin of the name of Tennessee. This was the capitol of the Cherokee nation from 1721-1730.

Taxi Sign in China

Here is an interesting Taxi sign at a place to wait for a ride. This photo was taken in Xi’an, China.

Venetian Mask

Walking by a store in New Zealand I saw this mask in the window and thought it looks pretty neat.

Mahatma Gandhi Statue

In the heart of the capital of New Zealand is a statue of Mahatma Gandhi.

New Zealand Has Crosswalk Signs That Look Like Mary Poppins

a close up of a traffic light on a pole

Crossing the street in New Zealand I saw this light that had an image of a woman that looks like Mary Poppins.

Things to See Around Xi’an Marketplace

Walking around Xi’an I came across this marketplace. This place had it all. There was food, candy, restaurants, beverages, interesting architecture, fountains, shows, and a lot of friendly people to meet.

Huayu Alley in Xi’an, China

a sign hanging from a tree

Here is a small alley in Xi’an that had some interesting painting on the wall and cool looking tiles on the wall. There was also Chinese lanterns in the trees.

Tried Peking Duck for the First Time

“When in Rome do as the Romans do,” as they say. While in Beijing I had to give Peking duck a try to experience the local cuisine. The food was delicious. It was a little bit greasy, but that’s due to fat on the duck. They gave you sauces and vegetables you can try and …

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Shopping in Xi’an

No matter if you are shopping for food, drink, snacks, or even souvenirs in Xi’an, China there are all sorts of stores for you. Here are some of the sights of stores and products you could buy.

Hilton Hotel in Xi’an China

Here are some photos of the Hilton hotel in Xi’an, China. It’s a very nice hotel with a friendly staff and lots of historic artwork.

Diplomacy in the Dragon’s Den: The U.S. Embassy in Beijing, China

In the bustling heart of Beijing, where ancient traditions meet modern innovation, the U.S. Embassy stands as a symbol of the complex and ever-evolving relationship between the United States and China. This diplomatic mission, one of the largest and most significant in the world, plays a crucial role in navigating the intricate web of diplomacy, …

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Flying Over and Landing in Frankfurt Germany

Here are some photos flying over Germany and landing in Frankfurt. The photo of the river is of the Rhine River.

Travel Across Britain

Chinese War Training Personnel

As I was walking around and trying to get some photos at Tiananmen Square I, being a foreigner, was stopped by every security guard, policeman, volunteer security, and any other random security person. Obviously I don’t look asian and when they saw me coming I would get my documents ready because they were going to …

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Tiananmen Square

I finally made it to Tiananmen Square in the heart of Beijing and at a time when the rest of the world is opening up, China has things locked down. This was as close as I could get and these are the clearest photos. That is due to all the security, umbrellas, vehicles and everything …

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The Mausoleum of Mao Zedong

Across the street from Tiananmen Square is the Mausoleum of Mao Zedong. This chapter is straight out of the dictatorship playbook to put a leader’s body to rest in a mausoleum. Mao was the leader of the Chinese Communist Party from 1935 until his death in 1976. He was part of the movement to abandon …

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