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Unlike most living things that gain energy through food, trees get their energy from sunlight. Chlorophyll, a chemical inside leaves, converts this sunlight into energy for the trees through a process called photosynthesis. However, during the equinox there is far less sunlight than usual, which means less energy for the trees. This shift in sunlight is the main reason the leaves change color and fall from the trees in autumn. It’s one of the most beautiful times of the year in my opinion. Continue reading “Autumn Equinox in Colorado”

Carcassonne is famous for it’s medieval fortress and wine-making, with three distinct wine appellations in the area. Upon arrival I felt as if I had stepped into a fairytale. The fortified city itself consists essentially of a concentric design of two outer walls with 53 towers and spiky turrets built over time. Continue reading “Cité de Carcassonne, France”

We drove through fabulous villages with Roman ruins and along country roads with Charolais cattle dotting the hills. Eventually we found our way to the South of France. We made a stop in a tiny spot called Mornos. It was similar to an Italian village with it’s narrow cobblestone streets and as with all villages in Europe there’s a history. From the 10th century, the Earl of Toulouse owned this picturesque medieval community. Continue reading “Mornos and Nîems, France”

Strasbourg has the flavor of both Germany and France and sits on the border of the two countries. Petite France is Strasbourg’s most enchanting historic quarter of the city.  It’s where the river Ill splits into a number of channels and window boxes overflow with color.  Continue reading “Strasbourg to Roanne, France”

There are not many moments in life where I have been rendered speechless or completely overwhelmed with emotion by the wonders of our world, but the Grand Canyon had that effect on me. Continue reading “Grand Canyon, Arizona”

Mount Vesuvius looms in the background of the civil Forum. The heart of the economic, social and religious life in Pompeii.  In the same vicinity is a pre-Roman Basilica and next to it, the Temple of Venus. Inside the sacred enclosure were statues representing several pagan gods including Apollo and Diana. Continue reading “Pompeii Ruins, Italy”

Baden-Baden (literally the baths of Baden) is located on the edge of the Black Forest and is an extremely relaxing beautiful place. Dotted with biergartens, spas with curative waters, and an opulent Casino you can find your perfect form of entertainment or relaxation. Continue reading “Baden-Baden, Germany”

This island looks as if it is floating on the horizon. The abbey soars above a tiny village with one main street. Monks built this church on this rock to be as close to heaven as possible. The  pre-Romanesque church was built before the year one thousand.  Continue reading “Mont Saint-Michel; Island in France”

The legacy of the Impressionist painters, the so-called Ecole d’Honfleur is obviously prevalent in the multitude of galleries. Cafés and restaurants line the Vieux Bassin (old harbor) so dining options abound as well.    Continue reading “Honfleur, France”

The Rouen Cathedral series was painted over 33 times, at different times of the day, in every light, by the French impressionist Claude Monet. The cathedral, built in the Gothic style represents a style of architecture that was admired and adopted by many European Continue reading “Upper Normandy – Rouen, France”