It’s been awhile since I shared some of my most appreicated Instagram photos. As I’m closing in on that 2,000 follower mark, I’m asking for you help in giving me the little push I need to get over the mark.
Here’s what you can do:
If you’re not following me on Instagram (travelingwithmj), please take a look at my photo galleries and if you like what you see, follow me. I mostly share photos from my travels around the world, great food and wine, and intersting architecture art, interspersed with photos of family, friends, and cat (because c’mon, kitties are charming).
If you are already following me, I’d appreciate your taking a look at my gallery and “liking” a few of your favorites, or leaving a comment to let me know what strikes your eye as particularly travel worthy. What makes you want to come along on my travel?
Most of my photos are taken with my iPhone, then tweaked a little with some processing or filter apps. Every once in awhile I toss in one taken with my Canon point and shoot. I hope to picking up a new camera in the next few months, allowing me to work a little more on my photography skills, so I hope you’ll see a marked improvement in my shot.
Thanks so much for your time – I appreciate your support!
Now, here are a few of the favorites over the past few months. . . just to give you some ideas.
I was in Dubrovnik, Croatia, a few years ago. It’s the city and country of my roots, and for a long time it had been on my to-visit list. Walking around the ramparts of the old town, I was fascinated by the varying colors of the red tile roofs. The old, weathered roofs, have been standing for some time. The bright red ones were most likely replaced as a result of damage during war. Here and there you will also see big gaps caused by complete damage from bombs during the war.
A photo posted by Mary Jo Manzanares (@travelingwithmj) on
Italy is one of those countries that I just can’t get enough of. From the culture and history, to the food and wine, to the wonderful people I’ve come to know over the years, I can keep going back, finding something new to explore every time. A lot of people dismiss the Vatican Museum because of its often long lines and appeal to tour groups. Visiting requires a commitment, it’s often best to book tours in advance, but I think it’s well worth it.
The rugged scenery of the California coast, makes a road trip along Highway 1 a driving and visual pleasure. I’ve enjoyed driving the northern coast (and that’s actually riding, not driving), in the areas of Monterey, Big Sur, and Carmel. Driving the coast all the way to L.A. is on my to-do list, but I want to take the time to do right, making stops along the way.
A photo posted by Mary Jo Manzanares (@travelingwithmj) on
You might think this wisteria arbor is from southern Italy (Sorrento and Capri are well known for the beautiful purple shades), but this arbor was outside the Chrysalis Hotel & Spa in Bellingham. This is a wonderful getaway spot for a romantic weekend.
The brilliant blue skies of Walla Walla in May made the vibrant purple of the lavender just pop. I enjoyed a couple days of wine tasting as part of a social media trip sponsored by Buick. Don’t worry, we weren’t drinking and driving, we enjoyed the luxury of the new Buick vehicles and the services of professional drivers. This spring and summer I was committed to enjoying the Pacific Northwest, and this was one of the trips that reminded me to appreciate this beautiful part of the world.
Reclining Budha at Wat Pho
A photo posted by Mary Jo Manzanares (@travelingwithmj) on
Late March found me in Thailand on a TBEX site visit. This was my second visit to the country, and this one was every bit as enjoyable as the previous one. The warm hospitality of the Thai people, along with the delicious food, are just two of the many reasons I love visiting here. This visit I was able to learn a little more about some of the temples and traditions, including this huge reclining Buddha at Wat Pho. I’ll be heading back in October, hopefully having a chance to see a few more of the sights.