Searching for the Sun

Ronda cafe

Acoma Pueblo, New Mexico

Dali's NE Spain bay

Paris on the Seine

Seville sidewalk

It's that time again in my part of the world. The days are shorter and the skies are grayer.As these times progress, I realize more and more that I am a creature of light. It's not that I don't enjoy the beauty of a foggy beach or the drama of a thunder storm, I certainly do. Sunlight and accompanying blue skies have a marked positive effect upon my energy level and my outlook towards life. They have also decidedly had an effect on where I have chosen to travel and how much I have enjoyed my stay.

Please don't misjudge me, I am not a fair-weather traveler. I can enjoy exploring a new place (or revisiting a place) in spite of dark clouds and rainfall. A couple of years ago I spent three weeks in early Spring exploring parts of Wales, England, and Scotland. Much of that time was spent with an umbrella in one hand and my camera in the other. In retrospect, I really could have used at least a third hand for a warm cup of strong coffee.

Still, if I am given a choice, sun and blue skies are two ideal parts of travel or just day to day living. Here in bleaker middle America I am waiting in anticipation for the month of January, a chance to explore parts of Florida for the first time. A few months later, it will be May and my first visit to the emerald hills of Ireland (yes, I know it takes rain to make those hills green).

In the meantime, I'll spend a little time looking at photos from past trips and reminiscing. The Pueblo of Acoma in New Mexico-the state that has blue skies 70% of the time. Spain-where sunlit cafes, benches , beaches, and plaza are places to meet friends and share times with family. Viewing parts of Paris as you travel on public transport along the Seine. Each of these brings back pleasant memories that help diminish a November gloom in Northa America. A picture is, indeed, worth a thousand words.

Thank you for visiting, feel free to stop by again. In the meantime, may your travels be interesting and enjoyable (and full of sunlight, if that's what you prefer).

Kerry