Lakeside near Montreux

Lakeside near Montreux, originally uploaded by Photomike07.

With about 4 gigs of images on the memory card and even more in video clips from this evenings event, I find myself looking for an easy image to tell the story of the day. So what does this serene scene of the lake around Montreux have to do with a South Florida Halloween event? Well, nothing really, except for the water....and lots of it!

Our day today started with about 4 hours of mopping up the slop from an out of nowhere downpour on the electrical equipment we have been installing for about the last 5 days........OUTSIDE! Well, I must admit that after all the hard work as always, the evening was a complete success and just another example of why I am so passionate about this industry. Tired, wet, sore, aching, and exhausted......but yet thankful that we had yet another opportunity to be a part of creating such beautiful art. More to come soon!

Down around the boat launch

Down around the boat launch, originally uploaded by Photomike07.

So anyone who has read this blog or followed it knows that I tend to bounce back and forth between the present and trips from the past......and sometimes from my dreams to reality. Well, presently, we are preparing for a really cool Halloween Party in a sculpture garden. As the space is quite vast and spread out, my team and I have been laying out lights, running cables, and hiding special effects all over the gardens. Last night was the first night of a rough focus to check out our progress. For me, thats when it gets exciting!

While working on this project, the rest of the team has been at the shop, tirelessly prepping for our events that we are working at in Tampa next week. I plan to post more of a day by day account of our progress there as we are doing 2 fairly large meetings, 4 partys, a large luncheon, and an off premise install. Its gonna be a great week!

I say all this because.......uhhhh.....hmmm, lost my train of thought here. Wait, where's my coffee?

Anyway, I hope to post a few images as the events progress and perhaps a video clip or 2. For now, heres a shot from somewhere in North Florida. Perhaps a bit overdone, but I like it.

Dark details at night in Boston

Dark details at night in Boston, originally uploaded by Photomike07.

Even when I'm not working and lighting an event, I seem to be searching for light. And there couldn't be a better time to do just that than after a little rain in the city. While at a Photoshop World Conference in Boston, it didn't take me very long after the storm to spring out of the room with the tripod and kit to capture a few reflections and color. Incidently, if you are interested, this convention is a fantastic place to network with industry creatives, learn a few chops, and check out the latest in gadgets and gizmos. Happens twice a year, once on the east coast, and once on the west. Well worth the trip I do dare say. Check it out at www.photoshopworld.com

I'll see you there!

A somewhat unique view in Boston (and a ramble about art)

A somewhat unique view in Boston (and a ramble about art), originally uploaded by Photomike07.

We have all heard someone or other express their dream of taking time off to "work on their art." In the extreme instance, this little phrase is preceded by "I'd like to take a year off to......" I must admit, my attitude as an overworked and workaholic entrepreneur in my earlier years often had me rolling my eyes when I heard this saying and muttering to myself, geez.....get a life.

How life changes you though.

As I tirelessly prepare for a few events that I have just around the corner, I find myself kinda wishing the same thing. How cool WOULD that be?

I must admit, I have had those feelings for a couple of years now. It is with those feelings that I have kind of embraced a bit of a slow down in volume in the events world while enjoying a little balance in life. This has of course allowed me to explore my own passion in the digital arts world.

Sometimes the work hits a bit hard and balance is somewhat impossible to achieve. In fact, just the other day, as I stared with utter dismay at the overwhelming pile of unfinished business and paperwork I had on my desk, I had to stop myself from opening up the window and cleaning up a bit....with the yard blower! Man, how cool would that have been to video tough? Now there's some art for ya!

Waterfalls at the continental divide in Iceland - (and a little thought about green housing)

Waterfalls at the continental divide in Iceland - (and a little thought about green housing), originally uploaded by Photomike07.

Let me start this little post with a little info from Wikipedia:

Because of the special geological situation in Iceland, the high concentration of volcanoes and geothermal energy are very often used for heating and production of electricity. The energy is so inexpensive that in the wintertime, some pavements in Reykjavík and Akureyri are heated.
In Iceland, there are five major geothermal power plants which produce about 24% (2008) of the country's electricity. In addition, geothermal heating meets the heating and hot water requirements for around 87% of the nation's buildings.
In 2008, 24.5% of electricity generation in Iceland came from geothermal energy, 75.4% from hydro power, and 0.1% from fossil fuels.

What really blew my mind while I was here was something quite simple. Even though virtually all of the power being generated and distributed was from renewable sources, a simple switch inside the door of my hotel room required the insertion of my room key to turn any of the power on. Simple and quite brilliant! In fact, I remember seeing these simple systems in small pensions and hotels in the Greek Islands.....15 years ago! I can't think of 1 hotel in the states that I have been to recently that has installed this simple energy saving idea. And the high rise condo I live in that was built not 4 years ago doesn't have one of these in every unit because why now? Was it really that expensive for the developers to try to incorporate some of this technology into new construction, or was it just ignorance?

I have really been brainstorming lately about this. I must admit that I have never been much of a "green" kinda guy, but I think that is purely out of ignorance and yes.....a little complacency. While thinking about the opportunities that some of these developers have in creating a better place to live for the next generation, I am a bit overwhelmed. With a little creativity and vision, the possibilities are endless. I am sure one could argue that the cost prohibits some of these new "green" technologies, but I'm not buying that yet.

As a small real estate investor (with big dreams for the future), I look forward to the research of some of these ideas over the next few months. I can already see a few simple ways to incorporate some simple "green" strategies into my next investment. In fact, my 9 year old has even come up with a few ideas of her own. My vision of what could be is already too deep for this little post, so for now, I will leave it at that. Perhaps a new blog in the making?

Vertarama on the way to Key West

Vertarama on the way to Key West, originally uploaded by Photomike07.

I vaguely remember getting close to being rear-ended while looking for a place to turn off the road on my previous trip to Key West. The Florida Keys....vacation paradise for most. It actually amazes my how stressed out and in a hurry some people are to slow down and relax. Kind of ironic if you think about it. Well luckily I was able to find that turn off and enjoy the view.

On a completely different note. its nice to have the season underway. With 2 events successfully completed tonight, 1 on the way next week, and several the following week, life is good!

As always, more to come!

Sunrise in Key West - worth getting up for

Sunrise in Key West - worth getting up for, originally uploaded by Photomike07.

I've so often struggled with what the real focus of this blog is. Sometimes a photoblog starts out without a clear vision, but evolves into something much more. While many of these have taken the route of substance....providing useful links, education and training, and worthwhile information, this one has.....well......nuff said.

So, in my predictable style of random thought, my post finds me again without a clear idea of what I even have to say. Perhaps my mind is a little too focused on the design and production work that I still need to get at this evening (oops, its after midnight already!)

North Florida - a quick stop to catch the light

North Florida - a quick stop to catch the light, originally uploaded by Photomike07.

While continuing to clean out the barrel of images waiting to be posted (honestly, some are getting kinda cranky.....like this one when it muttered "Its about time!" as I hit the upload button), remembering the moment of capture is a little hazy.

Good grief Mike, was that actually a sentence you wrote there? What in the world are you saying!

Sorry.....

I remember a quick U turn after slamming on the breaks to head back to this little cove just off the road. I do love my travel to exotic locations, but there is much I haven't seen here in my own state. On this little self assignment journey, I bumbled a bit around the St. Lawrence River in Northern Florida (I think thats what it was called).

Although I have never been much of a painter, I pretend to be one in the digital darkroom. I used a few techniques on this one, including HDR processing for tonal range and Topaz adjust for the painterly look. Hope you like :)

Deep thoughts in Iceland

Deep thoughts in Iceland, originally uploaded by Photomike07.

What do you want to be when you grow up?

Kinda bizarre that as a 45 year old, I was thinking just that when I started this trip last May. My thoughts leading up to this trip were strange and uncharted as well.

For the preceding few months, after careful analysis of the previous year, I had to face the hard realization that a few serious decisions had to be made. With that hanging over my head, I was also was a bit stressed out about the trip I was on. I was chosen to be a part of this trip based on a great client (and friend's) recommendation, and for the brief few days I was here, expected to produce. I am sure most of my fear and concern was self inflicted, but there none the less. I have always had that deep need and desire to please the client, coupled with a slight sense of insecurity. Perhaps a great combination or toxic mix....depending on your perspective I guess....

Aaaaannnnnnyway....

This shot was one of the first I created. While listening to a bit of Jami Sieber on the Ipod, I scanned the horizon of this Icelandic landscape from the viewing platform at the Blue Lagoon. Even though the lighting was a bit flat, I knew that I could create what I was feeling in post.

So, as I mentioned, I was a bit stressed out when I first arrived. Before leaving for this incredible location, I did a little research and was kinda blown away at the imagery that was created here already. Was I in over my head? Why does it matter? Where the hell is the sun? How on earth am I gonna get anything worth a crap?!

As it turns out, I got to see a wrap up booklet the client created for the group, and several of my images were picked....even some of the people shots!
Actually, for me, that was very cool!

I say all this to remind myself now, its great to get out of your comfort zone. I find myself quite often a little bit over extended. Not too far, but a calculated bit just near the edge. Its comfortable there. I actually find myself fearful of the feeling of complacency.

So, at 45, I still don't really know what I want to be when I grow up. Partly because I still feel like a kid! I do know that I have enjoyed the journey so far, and I quess that's all that really matters!

Top of the Primtemps - Paris, France

Top of the Primtemps - Paris, France, originally uploaded by Photomike07.

I must admit, I haven't taken a photo in over 2 weeks. Well, I take that back, I took a few in Orlando. Actually, I shot a bunch in Miami for a colleague of mine. Hmm, come to think of it, I have a few from the last trip over to Tampa as well. Oh yeah, I was at the top of the Embassy Suites in Tampa last night and shot some of the skyline, thanks to the security guard. And then, I think I took a few at,......"all right, all right Mike....we got it"

Actually, what I really mean is I haven't processed or filed any in a while. Season is starting to kick in. I am SWAMPED with proposals, invoices, designs, shop orders, conference calls, etc. Can't complain though. This might be a little blip in the work flow this season so early, so I am going to appreciate it while it is here.

I hope to post a few next week from a really cool Halloween party we are working on, a tent party this weekend, as well as several events in Tampa in about 2 weeks. Also, this week if I remember, I want to mention a couple of books I was recently published in.

Hope all is well with all of you who happen to pop by (and everyone else to!)

Incidentally, this was taken from the top of the Printemps (I think its called that) in glorious Paris. I wandered up there after reading about it on another blog from a fellow photoblogger from Australia. What a great place to chill out after a day of running about the city of lights. I have often wondered what it would be like to live there for a couple of month out of the year. With a view like this, I might never want to come back!

A hike in the mountains to clear the mind (and remind you of how outta shape you are!)

A hike in the mountains to clear the mind (and remind you of how outta shape you are!), originally uploaded by Photomike07.

Ah yes, my evening post. That special time of day that I rip myself away from work, reality, or whatever other predictable routine I happen to be taking part in. Actually, it seems like my life is anything but routine....and I kinda like it that way. On the edge of organized chaos......I like it there, I feel safe there...

Anyway, what's with those little rock piles by the way? I seem to see them all the time while hiking in the Swiss Alps. Are they meant to signify something or perhaps symbolically represent an event? I did a little searching on line and found nadda....

I must say that I found the best way to explore this area of the Swiss Alps near Zermatt and the Mattorhorn. Pack a few snacks, some water, your camera, the ipod and take a private cogwheel train or cable car up as high as you can get. Then its an easy hike all the way down baby! (well, if your in shape that is) Just don't underestimate the amount of water needed. which of course, I did. Again!

I shot a couple of videos up there that I intended to do a tutorial or two with. Perhaps someday I will edit them and post with a little photoshop production work (that is of course if there is enough usable footage to be had amongst the loud gasps for oxygen coming from yours truly!)

As always, more on all of this later.....

Colors of the Duomo - Milan, Italy

Colors of the Duomo - Milan, Italy, originally uploaded by Photomike07.

I have never been one to just hang out and miss out on a great opportunity. That especially rings true when I am traveling. My train travel from Nice in the South of France to Lake Como in Northern Italy had me changing trains in Milan. While countless other travelers hung around waiting for their next connection, I opted to lock up the bags, grab the camera, and blaze out of the station. My mission? To capture the details of one of Italy's largest and in fact, one of the worlds most impressive cathedrals as well as the adjacent glass domed shopping arcade....in 1 hour! The challenge? It was Sunday. Yikes were there a lot of people! Funny part about it, the signs on the outside of the cathedral had pictures of cameras, not just flashes, but cameras, with a circle around it and a line thru it indicating NO photography. Yeah right... After I entered, I was quick to notice the millions of other photographers of all shapes, sizes and varieties paying absolutely no attention to the signs either. The real challenge, getting a clear shot of this most incredible of all places I have ever set foot in. Oh yeah, forgot the tripod!

More to follow someday (including perhaps a little video of all the other cameras LOL!)

A Villa along Lake Como

A Villa along Lake Como, originally uploaded by Photomike07.

I must admit that my blog posts have challenged me over the past year. I have never really been the most creative author and quite frankly, I seem to prove that on a nightly basis! With that in mind, I will spare you the mindless dribble I was about to drone on about. Please do enjoy the image from Lake Como however.....I mean, that's usually what its all about anyway :)

Oh yeah, one more thing, a few of my images were featured in not one, but two books I received this week!!! More on that later in the week :)

A quick view from the room

A quick view from the room, originally uploaded by Photomike07.

The skys in Florida have been amazing lately! I had a short break the other day between rehearsals and was treated to this light show just outside of the room. I love what can be done with one light sometimes. These God beams seem to appear out of nowhere for the fortunate few that take to time to enjoy the show. I have been seeing these alot lately.....but usually and unfortunately while I am driving. Would have been a great place for a timelapse actually....what was I thinking!

Incidentally, the show I am on this evening actually ended by 10:30. Kind of rare for a corporate event with a great band. When there is no bar however, things seem to empty out rather quickly. This puppy took a nose dive like a led balloon! Actually, that has nothing at all to do with this shot does it? Hmmm, well, guess thats about it......

As always, more to come.....

Reflections of a trip to the Cabins at Disneyworld

Reflections of a trip to the Cabins at Disneyworld, originally uploaded by Photomike07.

I must admit, I have been pretty lucky to have had the opportunity for the last 25 years to have a career that I embrace with such passion. The travel opportunities that have come as a result of this have not gone unappreciated either, as I have quite a deep attraction to the feeling of wanderlust. As Anthony Bourdain has so eloquently said "Its a big world out there....I want it all!"

So this week, my work as an event lighting designer has me on the road as well......not far from home, but still on the road. Great crew....good food....great location! Although I am at the fantastic Ritz Carlton Grande Lakes here in Orlando, my thoughts this evening have my mind on a recent trip up here. As I hear the kids slashing about in the opulent pool about 11 stories below my open door, I fondly remember a trip up here with 2 people that mean the world to me. (My mother and wonderful daughter) We stayed at the Disney Wilderness Cabins (pictured above). Great place to stay if you are ever looking for a unique campground style setting. Make sure and get a golf cart though. Kids love it! Good times, ....yeah, good times indeed!

Where the rich are buried - Ricoletta in Buenos Aires

Where the rich are buried - Ricoletta in Buenos Aires, originally uploaded by Photomike07.

Well, this place....Oh wait a minute, room service is at the door! More about this in a few.....

Hey, I'm back!

First off, its nice to be out on a show again and working with my guys. They rocked the house today, as predicted, and I think I am in good shape for this weeks meetings. I hope to post a few as the week progresses.

Just in case your wondering......french onion soup, roasted free range chicken breast, and in honor of this image from Argentina, glass of Bogeda Malbec. Absolute chow I must add!!!

So, about the image, Ricoletta seemed like a great place to explore. In between paying a few respects to the departed, admiring the unique architecture of the mausoleums, and hiding from the dreaded tripod police, a couple of us HDR addicts from the show I was on clicked about this place. Although the lighting was a bit blahh, I relied on a few tricks in post to create a little lighting path to take your eyes thru the image.

Tour' Eiffel

Tour' Eiffel, originally uploaded by Photomike07.

"Travel is more than the seeing of sights; it is a change that goes on, deep and permanent, in the ideas of living." - Miriam Beard

Whilst taking a day or two to get into the European groove, I found myself wandering around, trying to blend in, while attempting to capture the familiar in my own unique way.

A walk around Antibes in the South of France

A walk around Antibes in the South of France, originally uploaded by Photomike07.

Wandering the port town of Antibes in the South of France, I found myself in one of those "not a care in the world" moments. Hopping on and off the train that day, I had a purpose, albeit a simple one at that.....to capture the color and texture of this part of the world. I must admit, its nice to give yourself that freedom now and then. To just slow down, with no agenda, and get to know a new place. I guess the real trick is to embrace every day in life with that same vision. Finding those opportunities in the hectic pace of life can sometimes be a challenge, but they are worth fighting for!

The many faces of Everest (in Orlando!)

The many faces of Everest (in Orlando!), originally uploaded by Photomike07.

I look forward to a trek about Nepal, Katmandu, or anywhere in that region of the world,.....but for tonight, the image is from close to home. Yes the ingenious imagineers at Disney Worlds Animal Kingdom Park in Orlando have indeed created quite a realistic vision of what it must be like before that incredible ascent. I guess it might be time to get a bit more in shape before I hire the sherpas for the real deal!

Speaking of Orlando, this week will find me on a show up there after a quick site survey in Tampa. Looking forward to getting back in the groove as the season is starting to ramp up a little. As always, more to come......

Reflecting on the day in Paris

Reflecting on the day in Paris, originally uploaded by Photomike07.

After hitting the ground running for a couple of days in Paris, I gotta admit, it was kind of refreshing to just kick back and appreciate the moment. For some reason on this past trip, I had built up a bit of unnessecary stress before I had arrived. I mean, who sets out on a vacation with a "shot list" of locations and subjects they want to capture?! I mean, thats taking art to an extreme. After a bit of readjusting my focus, attitude, and goals (yes, I still had goals...even on vacation!), while having a cold beer at the top of the Printemps overlooking the incredible Parisian skyline, things just started to fall into place. Yeah, life is good....real good!

If I ever get arround to it, I have hundred of images to work on. Of course, expanding my body of work was a big part of this artistic retreat, but I think I just hit it a bit hard from the start. More to come over the next few weeks and months.

Speaking of art by the way, I was quite excited to receive an email today that I was one of 2 artists that were showcased in Imagekind's "Artist of the day" today. Kinda cool, I must humbly admit :) If you are interested, I link to that site below here on flickr or on the right panel in the blog.

Cheers to a great weekend!

A cool evening in Boston

A cool evening in Boston, originally uploaded by Photomike07.

After another scorcher here in South Florida, I must admit that I am a little jealous of our friends to the North. While up in Boston a little while ago, I wandered about the city (which I am SURE at this point is about 30 degrees cooler than down here.....did I mention that it was hot down here?) and found this typical scene down around Beacon. Actually, I have no idea where I took this, that just sounded kinda cool.

Aaaannnyway....

Getting back to this heat and humidity, its almost like the only place to avoid the heavy moisture is the shower! Its worse than Singapore arround here. I know what your saying, last night I mentioned how important it is to live in the now. Ok then, right now, I would love it to be cooler down here.....is that better?

Geez Mike, relax! This too shall pass. Get a grip here!

Oh yeah, one more thing. I went to a special events industry social this evening to mainly photograph some work of a friend and colleague. It was nice, however, to run in to a few familiar faces. Its nice to catch up every once in a while, recall past events, and brainstorm about new strategies. Realizing that we are all together in these challenging and unpredictable times makes it seem a little easier to except I guess. On a more positive note, I somehow feel that this is a great time for opportunity. After a few conversations with the collective creative talent that our industry includes, I feel there are exciting times ahead for all of us!

A moment taken at the train station in Nice, France

A moment taken at the train station in Nice, France, originally uploaded by Photomike07.

As is often the case, my evening post becomes somewhat of a reflection about the day. A personal blog allows that freedom. Sure I have a few prints that I link to if you are interested, but the real fuel that drives this time of recollection has nothing to do with promotion. We all see enough of that throughout the day in a variety of ways. No, these posts are for the most part quite personal. Hey, if your here, thats cool......thanks for listening :)

I started thinking a bit about a quote I posted on Facebook today. It's really quite a simple one.... "Life isn't about waiting for the storm to pass. It's about learning to dance in the rain". Wow, I mean, how true is that! How much do we all need to live by that today. It seems like everyone is in some way waiting for everything to get better, complaining about the economy, and waiting for things to get back to the way they were. Perhaps this is really a wake up call to refocus on what we all have at the moment, or as my sister likes to say "Living in the now" (I love that one too Lori!) Your reality is all you make of it....no matter what the conditions of the outside world are.

I guess it all really has a lot to do with perspective. When I originally arrived at this station, my own perspective was completely different than when I chose to slow down and notice the details a couple of days later. Arriving a few minutes early, before the train was to leave to a small town I was visiting, allowed me to stop and slow down. It was at that moment that I was able to appreciate the incredible beauty that was around me.....beauty that for what ever reason I choose not to see upon my arrival a couple of days earlier. Rushing into the town, watching my back, stressing about how to get out of the station, avoiding the professional pickpocketers outside the station,.........essentially waiting for the storm to pass. I'm just glad I took the time to go back and dance in the rain :)

Market America Convention (and a Time-lapse Tuesday post)

Market America Convention (and a Time-lapse Tuesday post), originally uploaded by Photomike07.

Like all of our events, there is long planning process, hours and sometimes days of behind the scenes setup and prep, a burst of excitement during the show, and then a "flash in the pan" teardown and exit. For this weeks Timelapse Tuesday, here is a peak into that quick exit......sped up about 30,000 percent!

Blue Lagoon Spa in Iceland - from the overlook

Blue Lagoon Spa in Iceland - from the overlook, originally uploaded by Photomike07.

To the untrained eye (and initially to mine I must add), this place might seem like a dangerous place to plunge ones body! In fact, its one of the most incredible spas in the world. The Blue Lagoon Spa in Iceland has long been acclaimed as the world's leader in therapeutic and wellness treatments. This facility blew me away. Once you block out the geo-thermal activity in the background and get over the initial shock of exiting the showers into the freezing cold, the experience is quite divine. Yeah, I could use a bit of that about now.....

Check back for more images from Iceland later this week!

At the dock in Reykjavik

At the dock in Reykjavik, originally uploaded by Photomike07.

Just in case you were wondering about the ominous, foreboding clouds in the background, yes, they quite literally opened up seconds after I shot this. Cut to the next frame, there goes Mike.....camera gear flapping all over as he dashes for cover into olde' Reykjavik. I gotta admit, I spent about a week there and not only did I never get the pronunciation right, I still have to double check the spelling! Good grief, I mean look at that word!

I was quite excited to find out that several of my images from this trip that I turned over to the client were used in a really cool wrap up booklet that told the story of this incentive program. I was even more blown away that some of my people shots were used as well. This means alot to me as there were a few times I felt as if I was in a bit over my head. I enjoy those visits outside of the comfort zone!

I'll post a couple more this week....stay tuned :)

A look under the Juno Pier

A look under the Juno Pier, originally uploaded by Photomike07.

I passed this pier today on a little ride up the coast on the motorcycle. The image is from a while ago though.....

Looks like fall is approaching and a change of seasons is in the the air. In fact, they say we are having a cold front down here. It was about 90 degrees out there today though, so I'm not really sure what they mean by a cold front! I did enjoy a nice ride today though up around the Juno pier and the Jupiter Inlet......my ole' stomping grounds from years gone by. Lotsa change up there. Better? Well, I guess that all has to do with your perspective. Sometimes too much change is a little hard to accept you know. I was reminded of good times past, with family and friends along this old rustic stretch of Florida coast, or what used to be rustic. Its pretty polished now with condos, paved parking spots, and landscaping.

They say that the only constant in life is change......and sometimes that's a bit hard to except I guess...

A walk along the Seine in Paris

A walk along the Seine in Paris, originally uploaded by Photomike07.

During my last evening in Paris, I found myself tirelessly wandering about the city in a last ditch effort to capture a few images in this "City of Lights." In a way, not wanting the trip to ever end, and at the same time, homesick for my little sunshine waiting for me at home. While wandering around the Seine embankment, I couldn't help but think of the countless times I sat back with my daughter and watched a cute DVD by Disney/Pixar called Ratatouille. Set in Paris, they do quite an incredible job portraying the feel of this city, even though it is seen thru the eyes of a cute little rat! Remy is unlike his fellow rats and dreams of becoming a chef - a dream not shared by the rest of his family or anyone in the catering industry, except one young man...After a series of jobs which didn't work out, Linguini is the new boy in the kitchen. Trying his hardest to make it work this time, he bumps into Remy and the adventure begins.

I was reminded of this movie and especially the scene when Linguini, the new line cook, first realizes that he can communicate with the little critter. This scene happened down along the embankment where I was. I know its sounds a little strange, but I almost felt like I was in the scene of that movie while exploring about. Kinda like I had entered a real life Pixar movie. Perhaps it was the music on the Ipod or my imagionation? Yeah, I guess it was pretty late! Well, just after I clicked off this exposure, I kinda saw a little scurry out of my left eye. A quick double take.....I realized that it was a rat, and for a split second, as he stopped and stared up at me with those cute little beady eyes, I had a feeling that, well, could it be? Like I said, it was late!

Alleys in Varenna

Alleys in Varenna, originally uploaded by Photomike07.

There is a rustic yet delicate old world feel to so many parts of Europe that is simply impossible to reproduce. Sure, we have all seen the sad attempts here in the states from theme parks to new housing communities, but the reality is, they are simply just attempts. I was really quite excited to see the many alleys, cobblestone sidewalks, and architectural details of this Italian village upon my arrival, and used the time during the harsh mid day sun to scout out a few locations for the "blue hour" that was about to arrive that evening. On a night like this, you can almost guarantee a late dinner.....very late actually. Lucky for me, late dinners seem to be the norm.....even in this quiet little lake town.