Fai Quan
formerly known as "Prosaic Traveller"
Iceland (3) – Reykjanes
Straight south of Reykjanesbaer on Road 425, you will find Reykjanes. After visiting the Blue Lagoon, we headed south towards Grindavik and found a geothermal area covered with steam and red encrusted rock.
A wooded pedway allows visitors to walk through this area. You can smell the steam and sulphur everywhere. Temperatures can reach 100C.
We decided to venture towards the lighthouse in the distance. Unfortunately, there is no direct road from our location to get there, so we had to make one big circle through Hafnir on some rough terrain. Our determination paid off. We came across some beautiful cliffs and bird nesting.
Atlantic Ocean from the southwest corner of Iceland
Birds nesting on the side of the cliff
Looking down from the top of the cliff
Lighthouse to the left and the geothermal area to the right, where we originally started our trek
A geothermal plant nearby
Iceland (2) – Signs and Other Interesting Wall Art
I found Iceland’s sense of humour enlightening. The following photos depicts signs with interesting messages or directions and stunning wall art.
Graffitti is everywhere
A spacey look in Keflavik
An interesting message
Iceland’s version of “No Parking”
A children’s playground is given colour
This is not a sign but a license plate. I just love their version of the plates…plain and simple.
I wish I knew what this says but it has something to do with UNESCO 2012
Directions in a square downtown Reykjavik
A wonderful sense of humour for smokers outside Slipbarrin Bar at the Icelandair Marina Hotel
Another humorous sign in our bathroom at the Icelandair Marina Hotel
A great piece of artwork
When we first saw these signs on the side of the highway, we assumed they were directing to a rural town or village. Later we discovered that these signs were actually for the homes or farms that were on the side of the highway. I’m not sure if this is a name they gave their place or the name of the family who lives there.
Iceland (1) – The Blue Lagoon (Bláa lónið)
The Blue Lagoon is a geothermal spa reputed to help people suffering from skin diseases. It is located in a lava field in Grindavik, 39 kms southeast of Reykjavik.
The swimming area. Reputed to help people suffering from skin diseases, the temperature averages 37 to 39 C
Thick steam create silhouettes of swimmers entering the pool
The cafeteria
There was a beautiful area outside the pool with a designated path. A mixture of peacock blue water and lava rocks covered with moss provided visitors a close look and feel. Interestingly enough, I thought the water would be warm but it was actually cool. The white substance you see is a buildup of rich minerals like silicon and sulphur. The following photos depict this area.
Sonoma Valley
A short road trip through Sonoma Valley allowed a few stops to appreciate the tastes of California wine.
Rodney Strong Winery
Stryker Winery
deLorimier Vineyard
deLorimier Vineyard
Seating area at deLorimier
Stryker Winery
Front entrance at Stryker
Inside Rodney Strong
White Oak Winery
Inside White Oak Winery
Olives at White Oak Winery
Grapes at the deLorimier Vineyard
Grapes at deLorimier
New York NY (20) – Views from Roosevelt Island
We came across Roosevelt Island by accident. I knew of its’ existence but had never intended to visit the place. We were on our way to Queens when we decided to get off the subway at the Queensboro Plaza, and take a closer look at the Queensboro Bridge. Our closer look ended up with us walking across the bridge back into Manhattan and catching the Tram to the island.
Here are some photos of the Manhattan skyline (Midtown East) from the island.
Underneath the Queensboro Bridge. The overhead tram cables can be seen to the right.
Looking south down the walking path. The East River to the right.
The UN Building. An unidentified boat is being checked by the River Patrol.
The Queensboro Bridge from the southern tip of the island.
From Southpoint Park, fall foliage borders the skyline
New York NY (19) – St. Paul’s Chapel
The oldest surviving church in Manhattan is located at 209 Broadway. Even though this church is filled with historical and colourful facts, I was very appreciative of its’ aid in the September 11 disaster.
The rear of the church faces World Trade Center and survived with only minor damage of smoke and dirt to the organ. It served as a place of rest and refuge for recovery workers and volunteers. Hundreds of individuals worked 12 hour shifts around the clock to help in any way they can.
St. Paul’s Chapel shows its’ splendour
You can see how close it was to the World Trade Center. The cranes in the background are working away for the new Tower.
Not one headstone was overturned on September 11
The altar
The smoke damaged organ has been completed restored
Keeping the memories alive
Police badges from around the world
Words of gratitude
No description required
Thank you to all the men and women who risked their lives for the safety of others.
New York NY (18) – Top of the Rock
“Top of the Rock” is located in the GE Building at Rockefeller Center. We planned on going just before sunset so we can view the skylines in both daylight and nighttime. However, due to inclement weather forecasted for the day, we postponed the visit for the next day. However, it looked like it was clearing up so our mad dash didn’t allow viewing in daylight. These sunset views are a result of our last minute decision. Starting with a view towards the southwest going clockwise…
Southwest
Southwest – Hudson River and Times Square (lower left-hand corner)
West – Hudson River and New Jersey
Northwest
North – Central Park
East – East River and Queens
Southeast – East River and Brooklyn
South – The best for last, “The Empire State Building”
Another shot with the moon
New York NY (17) – Rockefeller Center
The thing that came to my mind when I thought of Rockefeller center is big Christmas Tree. However, that was before I was ever in New York. That thought has since changed and there are other things besides a big Christmas Tree. I’ve visited the Center a few times but never close enough to Christmas to see the tree. Someday, maybe…
The following pictures were taken in different times of the years 2011, 2012 & 2013.
GE Building at 30 Rockefeller Plaza
Above the entrance to GE Building
The Christmas tree usually sits behind the row of flags and the sculpture of “Prometheus”
Not good on ice skates, I prefer to watch than participate
A display at the Lego store.
The 2011 Easter Display in the plaza area. The Lego store is located to the left of the giant green bunny balancing the egg on its’ nose
Flags of different countries surround the rink
Flags located on the north side of the rink
The American flags dominate the plaza during the 2012 elections
Red, White and Blue during the eve of the 2012 elections
Even the tower gets dressed in colors
Radio City Music Hall is considered to be part of Rockefeller Center
Getting ready for Christmas 2012. GE Building behind.
A view of Radio City Music Hall from across 5th Avenue
Entrance of the GE Building to NBC Studios and the Top of the Rock
New York NY (16) – Times Square
Times Square would probably be one of the most visited locations in the US. There is a love/hate relationship with Times Square. Some people don’t like the massive crowds, lights and noise and some people thrive in it.
The view that many has been seen a million times over
A street level view
A view from the top of the bench seating area
A view of the seating area from the bottom
Silhouettes
Silhouettes at the back of the benches
It was a cold evening, but that didn’t stop these entertainers.
Shooting a commercial
A local radio station holds a contest to see who can score the best time in a butt race
One of many New York’s Finest keeps a close eye on the area
New York, NY (15) – Central Park
Central Park is located in Upper Manhattan. The 840 acres consists of woodland, lakes and streams, ballfields, playgrounds and bridges. On the last day of our first visit to New York, we celebrated by having a hot dog in the park. In normal circumstances I’m sure the hot dog tasted dull, but in Central Park, it was great.
In this post, I’m not going to enter captions with the photos. The pictures speak for themselves.
Fai Quan 