Photo of the Day (7-29-09)

by Jamie Rhein on

With Mykonos on my mind, after reading about the mezes at Kiki’s restaurant being among the best beach food there, Strudel Monkey’s lush, gorgeous shot of Paraportiani Church on the island seemed fitting. The quality of the tones of this photo capture the essence of what I hope to experience when I go here–a certain quiet calm and a sense of timelessness. Interestingly, I’ll be there about the same time of year that Strudel Monkey was three years ago.

If you have photos to share, please load them at Gadling’s Flickr photo pool and one might be chosen as a Photo of the Day. This one is only one of Studel Monkey’s that has been granted the honor.

Top Ten Best Hotel Bed Jumps

by Annie Scott on


You may remember hearing about Hotel Bed Jumping back when Willy wrote about it in April of 2007 (Bed Jumping: Sounds Dirty … But Isn’t). Well, I was searching for pictures of hotel beds on Flickr (under the Creative Commons license, of course) and found a bevy of exceptionally talented bed jumpers.

And when I find a group of fun pictures? I do what any decent blogger would do — I glorify the best ones in a Top Ten, each with its own accolade (Most Artistic, Least Artistic, etc.). Happy Hotel Month, everyone! Enjoy.

%Gallery-67603%

All images courtesy Chrispitality, used in accordance with Creative Commons, 2.0.

Photo of the Day (6-24-09)

by Jamie Rhein on


With the heat of summer, a cool breeze is welcome. This photo of a sailboat jib captures that carefree quality of escaping heat and having time on one’s hands to enjoy a gorgeous day. Gadling’s own Willy Volk recently snapped this one in the Virgin Islands. Must be tough, but someone’s gotta do it. I particularly like the way the landscape in the background gives a hint at the location and how the blue stripe of the sail works along with the sky and the ocean in a study of blue. Read Willy’s post on Maho Bay Camps in St. John here.

If you have a photo to be considered for Photo of the Day, submit it here at Gadling’s Flickr Photo Pool. All sorts of subjects strike our fancy.

Old San Juan – Beautiful Views and What to Do

by Annie Scott on

Old San Juan is a must-see on a trip to Puerto Rico. Even if you’re on a budget, you can get there from anywhere along the resort area of San Juan by taking the A-5 bus (75 cents), and you can get around on foot or take the free trolleys.

Old San Juan was permanently etched into my brain at age 13 when, shortly after a trip there, I saw Van Gogh’s Cafe Terrace at Night.

Now, the Van Gogh painting was painted in Arles, France in 1888, and I was in Puerto Rico in the 1990’s, but the young teen mind does not need your logic. The young teen mind makes whatever associations it likes. And, the young teen mind hates you. (just kidding)

I recently returned to the city which had so misinformed my artistic perception, and was delighted to see how little had changed — Old San Juan is still one of the very most beautiful and well-preserved cities in the world. I brought along artist Tony J. Riley to take some photographs. Click through the gallery for some beautiful views and some fun places to visit like Don Q’s (Puerto Rican rum and a free alternative to the Bacardi Factory tour — thanks VirtualTourist for the tip!) and Raices, where they serve the very best traditional Puerto Rican dishes in tin pans and cups!

Old San Juan, now I understand what you tried to say to me …
%Gallery-66054%

Photo of the Day (5-20-9)

by Jamie Rhein on

On a day that has been crazy busy like today has, wading would be swell. This photo reminds me of those moments of stillness and being–something that picking rocks from a lake with a small child can capture. Bryson Gilbert took this shot in Kelowna, British Columbia.

If you have an image of a moment you’ve captured. Send it our way at Gadling’s Flickr Photo Pool. It may be picked as a Photo of the Day.