Photo Of The Day: The Signs Of San Francisco

Over dinner recently, a fellow Gadling blogger, some other travel lovers and I were discussing the merits of San Francisco. We decided that our favorite part about it was that it just has that special amount of “funk” that is hard to find in other cities. It’s hard to describe, but if you have been to San Francisco, you know what I am talking about.

That feeling is perfectly captured in this photo of colorful and slightly seedy signs on a main drag in the city of hills and streetcars. It’s busy, and you get the feeling that behind every sign is a story. Makes me want to go and spend a sunny day exploring.

Want your own photo featured on Photo of the Day? Submit it to the Gadling Flickr Pool or on Instagram by mentioning @gadlingtravel and tagging #gadlingtravel.

[Photo credit: pkorsmok]

Photo Of The Day: Shanghai’s Ancient River Town

Shanghai is the most populated city in the world, with buildings literally as far as the eye can see, but that’s partly because of reduced visibility from pollution. It’s hard to believe that this river oasis is located within China’s most commercial city. Qibao, one of the oldest towns still remaining within Shanghai, is photographed here by Nelson Ni, who perfectly captured the calm within the chaos of the city.

Nelson submitted his photo to us via Instagram by tagging his photo with #Gadling and mentioning us, @GadlingTravel. You can always submit your own photo to be featured as our Photo of the Day by doing the same, as well as submitting it to our Gadling Flickr Pool.

[Photo Credit: Instagram User insta_nelson]

Photo Of The Day: Boston Running Shoes

Hello from Boston, my hometown and location for the week. I arrived Tuesday, just about 24 hours after the horrific Marathon bombings, and found the city somber but also kinder and gentler than usual (hardly any cars honking). My first stop was Boston Common, for a walk through the park and gardens. Though the streets were lined with news trucks, and there were more than a few police officers out on patrol, the city felt like any other spring afternoon. On Beacon Street, where thousands of spectators watched Monday’s race, I spotted this house with some special decorations on their window boxes: running shoes, left out to support Marathon runners. This is a tradition that locals do each year, but it felt especially poignant now, along with hundreds of runners still wearing their Marathon jackets around the city. Boston is tough, Boston is resilient, and Boston is open for business; come visit and show your support.

Share your Boston memories with us in the Gadling Flickr pool or on Instagram for another Photo of the Day.

[Photo credit: Meg Nesterov]

#OnTheRoad On Instagram: Seoul, South Korea

Cherry blossoms get me ridiculously excited. The gorgeous pinkish-white flowers last for only a couple of weeks, making them truly special. They are the one true indication that spring has started here in South Korea, where cherry blossoms line many streets and park walkways. Numerous festivals around the country are held in order to take full advantage or their limited blooming period. Over the next week, I’ll be sharing their wonderful colors on Instagram on @GadlingTravel as well as providing a window into the day-to-day lives of the people living in a country that has been in the news so much lately. Follow along and enjoy the flowers.

[Photo Credit: Jonathan Kramer]

Photo Of The Day: Cyclists In Foggy Bruges

Cycling is an excellent way to explore a city, and who said it had to be nice weather to do it? This photo taken on a foggy day in Bruges, Belgium, shows just what is required in order to take on a city in inclement weather. The cyclists are probably locals, but maybe it’s some inspiration for an intrepid traveler ready to commit to touring on two wheels?

Want your own photo featured on Photo of the Day? Submit it to the Gadling Flickr pool or on Instagram by mentioning us (@gadlingtravel) and tagging #gadling.

[Photo credit: celeste_redhead]