Photo of the Day: Nov. 30th - 'Ancient Ritual'

A mystic and ancient ritual practiced by the village doctor known as a Shaman! 
(Iluman - Ecuador)

 

Photo of the Day: Nov. 29th - 'Sea Lion - Galapagos Islands'

I hoped for the perfect opportunity to catch the cub sea lion in action as it basked in the sun a few meters away from me. I lay on the rocky island of Fernandina patiently waiting for the cub to make its move until finally, not only did he move, but he was also charging my way! I was lying on my stomach (at eye level) and feeling a rush of excitement as he swayed his heavy body from side to side, each time getting closer and closer!  All I could do is sigh from the humble feeling of being so close to nature while at the same time yelling out, "you’re beautiful", “gorgeous”, “that’s it get closer” all as I furiously clicked the shutter at least 50 times! With quite the "photo session" you figured he was modeling for the cover of Vogue but little did he know he would be featured in the next best thing: today’s Photo of the Day! :)

Photo of the Day: Nov. 28th - 'NYC Taxi'

Photo of the Day: Nov. 27th - 'Street Market - Luxor'

Photo of the Day: Nov. 26th - 'Llamas - Cotopaxi'

While on a horseback ride, my heart almost skipped a beat as I found these beautiful creatures perfectly poised in front of the most gorgeous natural backdrops I have ever seen.  This was only part of the stunning views found in the 4,500 hectares of the hacienda 'El Porvenir' in the foothills of the Rumiñahui Volcano (just 4km from Cotopaxi National Park). Imagine standing in the middle of this lush green land and turning  360 degrees to see the "Land of the Volcanoes" at your fingertips! Simply magical!

Photo of the Day: Nov. 25th - 'Caribbean Sunset'

Photo of the Day: Nov. 24th - 'Pithi'

'Pithi' is one of the many rituals practiced during Hindu weddings. This particular ritual is performed before the wedding day and it consists of besmearing the bride/groom (each in their respective homes), with paste made out of turmeric root, chickpea flour, rose water, and oil. The closest family members and friends take part in this very joyful and good-humored ritual while the bride/groom sit quietly and bear it all with a nice big smile.

Photo of the Day: Nov. 23rd - The Castle of Manzanares el Real

This breathtaking castle, just 20 miles north of Madrid, is an exquisite and proud example of 15th century military architecture in Spain. The Castle of Manzanares el Real, situated by a town with the same name, houses a collection of artistic treasures such as tapestry and furniture from different epochs as well as the best Gothic galleries worldwide. As one walks through these history filled corridors and courtyards you could almost smell the essence of royalty in the air.

A Vivacious Celebration in the Highlands

     The festival of "La Mama Negra" is a colorful and energetic cultural event that embraces the widely different traditions and cultures of the local inhabitants’ origins – Spanish, Incan, African (among others) in the town of Latacunga in Ecuador. The origins of the festival are a little vague with one highly believed theory stating that the festival celebrates the independence of Latacunga from Spanish rule. Although, the most common consensus is that the festival established when the Cotopaxi volcano erupted in 1742 and the locals petitioned the Virgin of Mercy to spare the town of Latacunga. When the town escaped the disaster, an annual celebration was set in place to honor her. At around this same time, African slaves were brought into the area to work in the mines. These slaves made a huge impression on the locals, who then incorporated their arrival into their honorary festival and thus La Mama Negra, (The Black Mother) became the principal and most important representation of the festival appearing at the culmination of each parade.

     In a passionate effort to capture the essence of this festivity, I found my eyes captivated by the swirling parade of a colorful delight that came with every group of excited and proud participants. Here are a few photographic excerpts from the festival which have been edited to emphasis the wonderfully hand embroider skirts, shawls, shoes, belts, and shirts which could easily be considered artful fashion pieces! Enjoy!

Information on this event is quite random but if you are curious to learn a little more, a good site to visit is: http://www.vivatravelguides.com/south-america/ecuador/ecuador-overview/holidays/fiesta-de-la-mama-negra/

Photography as Paintings

"Joyful Dancers"

"Maria Isabela" 

"Women in their Shawls"

A Celebration of Life and Music

Mike Linkens

Yeshiva

Angelo Magni

Pete Pidgeon

In the lower east side, on a brisk Fall evening, fans and music lovers gathered in one of New York City's most famous venues to pay tribute to the talent that was Jeff Buckley. Jeff was an American singer-songwriter and guitar player who mesmerized audiences in the mid 90's with his ethereal voice and charm. His first record, released in 1994, won wide acclaim; he was about to make his second in Memphis when he suffered a tragic accident and drowned in a river that feeds the Mississippi on May 1997. Although this young artist did not have much time in his life to share his marvelous talent, his legacy has lived on strongly after his passing with his original fan base as well as many more along the way.


Every year in cities around the United Sates as well as in Italy and Ireland, local artists come together to interpret Jeff's music as a tribute to his art and his life. This year's NYC lineup which rocked Arlene's Grocery included local and international talent such as;Joe Fardellone, Pete Pidgeon, Angelo Magni, Robert Urban, Yeshiva, and Mike Linkens. For more information check out: www.jeffbuckley.com.

Sunset Fresco - Quito