Zoom!

This post is birthday-related only insofar as it features a picture taken with the most fabulous birthday present: a sexy little Canon 55-250mm, f/4-5.6 lens.  This is a major upgrade for me, since my previous kit lens had a range of 18-55mm.  Even before, I felt lucky to have equipment that far surpassed my photography skills, and now that's even more true.  Lots to practice and learn!

Hello, almost 30!

Taking a quick break from the travel-related posts to share this picture of delicious birthday white chocolate bread pudding. What's not to like!? I turned 29 yesterday and plan to thoroughly enjoy yet another year.  I recently saw a quote to the effect of, "I have found that if you love life, life will love you right back," and figure that is as good a mantra as any.  :)  Incidentally, this one was also taken with my iPhone.

Russian Cathedral

Another beautiful site in Nice is the Russian Orthodox Cathedral.  I confess I haven't edited all of these photos yet, and it was a pretty gray day when I was able to make it there, so you'll just have to take my word for it that the colors are completely stunning in person.  Nice was, evidently, a haven for Russian nobility back in the day (who wouldn't want to be on the French Riviera instead of Moscow..?) and a lot of the culture remains.  There's something wonderful about seeing the onion domes set against palm trees.

Cours Saleya

One of the loveliest things to do in Nice is to visit the Cours Saleya in the morning, when the square turns into a sprawling food and flower market, full of eye candy.  It's pretty hard to beat munching on a chocolate croissant and fresh raspberries while ogling the gorgeous roses, or just sitting in one of the sidewalk cafes for some excellent people watching.

Almost too good-looking to eat.

Even the soap somehow looks delicious.

I am having way too much fun playing with my "nifty fifty" 50mm f/1.8 lens.

Who could resist a bunch of roses like this?

Breakfast!

Very Nice

I was lucky enough to spend several weeks in September taking a language class in Nice, France.  Not only was the class wonderful -- so nice to be a student again, if only for a few weeks! -- but, hey, if you have to write flashcards and do homework, you might as well do so while sitting on the beach.  The first picture is looking back over Nice's Promenade des Anglais on a sunny afternoon, while the second picture is actually taken while standing on the Promenade des Anglais, looking out over one of the city's many private beaches very early on a cloudy morning.

welcome!

After years of on-again, off-again contemplation, in mid-2011 I bought a quality camera and committed myself to learning how to use at least half of its capabilities.  For a little extra motivation, after yet more contemplation, I've created a site to share photos of things I see and love with friends, family, and anyone else.  I'm learning as I go!  I'm starting with an old but much-loved photo of a bike path in the woods, which I took using my iPhone 4 back in late 2010.  I love my Canon DSLR, but it's a lot harder to fit in your back pocket!