It looks so steep from this angle! Love the vantage point and the blur as people flurry up and down the stairs. And nice light, for an enchanting night. Oh! And I almost forgot. Happy New Year's Eve, by the way. Wish I were celebrating tonight, in Venice.

Your comments on this image are welcome, and encouraged! And a question for the photographer - blzmrcc - if s/he is so inclined: Is there anything special about this moment, day, trip, or place beyond what you've shared on Flickr that you'd like to add or comment on here? Along with other vivaca visitors, I would love to know more!

Location: Venice, Italy ★
Photo courtesy of blzmrcc

What a futuristic view, eh? Can you believe that this is Venice? A new Venice, of sorts. This is Calatrava's Ponte della Constituzione, the newest and only the fourth bridge to span the Grand Canal. I have been looking at many images of this new bridge on Flickr, and can't wait to see it for myself this spring. Over the next few days, I will post for you some of the most moving photos of this modern Venetian treasure. Complimenti to this photographer and all subsequent for being among the first to capture such a moving image of this awe-inspiring and futuristic bridge. Bravo!

Your comments on this image are welcome, and encouraged! And a question for the photographer - flaviogallinaro - if s/he is so inclined: Is there anything special about this moment, day, trip, or place beyond what you've shared on Flickr that you'd like to add or comment on here? Along with other vivaca visitors, I would love to know more!

Location: Venice, Italy ★
Photo courtesy of flaviogallinaro

This photo wonderfully captures the truth about Venice - no matter the weather, it's a wonderful and wondrous place to be. Rain or shine.

Your comments on this image are welcome, and encouraged! And a question for the photographer - breakawayguy - if s/he is so inclined: Is there anything special about this moment, day, trip, or place beyond what you've shared on Flickr that you'd like to add or comment on here? Along with other vivaca visitors, I would love to know more!

Location: Venice, Italy ★
Photo courtesy of breakawayguy

Happy Holidays! It's been a blur, and as a consequence I've gotten dreadfully behind in my daily photo hunting and musing. I hope you can forgive me. Normally I would go back and select images for the days I've missed, but I'm still sapped for energy. So let's just see if I can't get back on track for today, and moving forward. In the meantime, cheers and best wishes for the close of 2008 and the start of 2009. Cheers and happy travels! Whether out there, or right here.

There are few places in the dark of night more charming and cozy (and safe) than Venice. Wandering its streets after hours in the shuttered silence is, in a word, fantastico.

Your comments on this image are welcome, and encouraged! And a question for the photographer - Adönis - if s/he is so inclined: Is there anything special about this moment, day, trip, or place beyond what you've shared on Flickr that you'd like to add or comment on here? Along with other vivaca visitors, I would love to know more!

Location: Venice, Italy ★
Photo courtesy of Adönis

What a great gondola shot. Those two together are particularly beautiful.

Your comments on this image are welcome, and encouraged! And a question for the photographer - plantlife2008 - if s/he is so inclined: Is there anything special about this moment, day, trip, or place beyond what you've shared on Flickr that you'd like to add or comment on here? Along with other vivaca visitors, I would love to know more!

Location: Venice, Italy ★
Photo courtesy of plantlife2008

Beautiful!

Your comments on this image are welcome, and encouraged! And a question for the painter - Ernest Descals - if s/he is so inclined: Is there anything special about this moment, day, trip, or place beyond what you've shared on Flickr that you'd like to add or comment on here? Along with other vivaca visitors, I would love to know more!

Location: Venice, Italy ★
Photo courtesy of Ernest Descals

Remember the Smurfs? I loved that cartoon, as a kid. As for this picture, I love all the blue; the people's blue outfits, the Smurf (of course), and the clear blue sky.

Your comments on this image are welcome, and encouraged! And a question for the photographer - phanephotog - if s/he is so inclined: Is there anything special about this moment, day, trip, or place beyond what you've shared on Flickr that you'd like to add or comment on here? Along with other vivaca visitors, I would love to know more!

Location: New York City ★
Photo courtesy of phanephotog

A definite contender for "places I'd like to be, right now."

Your comments on this image are welcome, and encouraged! And a question for the photographer - photoverulam - if s/he is so inclined: Is there anything special about this moment, day, trip, or place beyond what you've shared on Flickr that you'd like to add or comment on here? Along with other vivaca visitors, I would love to know more!

Location: Lake Garda, Italy ★
Photo courtesy of photoverulam

Ah, Verona. I've been, but not up for the view from the arena. Must do!

Your comments on this image are welcome, and encouraged! And a question for the photographer - mattwmorgan - if s/he is so inclined: Is there anything special about this moment, day, trip, or place beyond what you've shared on Flickr that you'd like to add or comment on here? Along with other vivaca visitors, I would love to know more!

Location: Verona, Italy ★
Photo courtesy of mattwmorgan

I wish we had a wonderful and well-traveled network of trains the way Europe does. What fools we were not to preserve and expand upon the once mighty railroad and light rail system we'd built up. Train travel is one of the aspects of exploring Europe that I most enjoy. This picture brings back fond memories and inspires future trips!

Your comments on this image are welcome, and encouraged! And a question for the photographer - wetbaloney - if s/he is so inclined: Is there anything special about this moment, day, trip, or place beyond what you've shared on Flickr that you'd like to add or comment on here? Along with other vivaca visitors, I would love to know more!

Location: Verona, Italy ★
Photo courtesy of wetbaloney

Now that is one snazzy looking Smart Car.

Your comments on this image are welcome, and encouraged! And a question for the photographer - Sbrock22 - if s/he is so inclined: Is there anything special about this moment, day, trip, or place beyond what you've shared on Flickr that you'd like to add or comment on here? Along with other vivaca visitors, I would love to know more!

Location: Verona, Italy ★
Photo courtesy of Sbrock22

Further proof that film still rocks. Paris, too.

Your comments on this image are welcome, and encouraged! And a question for the photographer - tootafunk - if s/he is so inclined: Is there anything special about this moment, day, trip, or place beyond what you've shared on Flickr that you'd like to add or comment on here? Along with other vivaca visitors, I would love to know more!

Location: Paris, France ★
Photo courtesy of tootafunk

Most any city during the winter holidays seems like it'd be decked out gorgeous, but Paris seems that it would be especially so. I've never been in December, but it's definitely on my list of things to do. New Year's Eve sounds fun, too! And speaking of decked out gorgeous, how beautiful are these Holga shots? Incredible. Film is still unbeatable in many respects (particularly where mood is concerned), as these delicious images dreamily demonstrate.

Your comments on this image are welcome, and encouraged! And a question for the photographer - DonkeyShot - if s/he is so inclined: Is there anything special about this moment, day, trip, or place beyond what you've shared on Flickr that you'd like to add or comment on here? Along with other vivaca visitors, I would love to know more!

Location: Paris, France ★
Photo courtesy of DonkeyShot

I hope to get to Dubrovnik again, one of these years. It is so compact and intensely charming. I just loved it. And it's so close to other wonderful day-tripping sites like the island of Korcula, the seaside town of Cavtat, and the city and Bay of Kotor in neighboring Montenegro. I wasn't expecting to be as smitten with Croatia and the surrounding area as I was. It's a wonderful corner of the world with a rich and riveting history. Just delightful.

Your comments on this image are welcome, and encouraged! And a question for the photographers - Anselmo Lastra, ljgunn, sethfromsomewhere - if they are so inclined: Is there anything special about this moment, day, trip, or place beyond what you've shared on Flickr that you'd like to add or comment on here? Along with other vivaca visitors, I would love to know more!

Location: Dubrovnik, Croatia ★
Photos (top to bottom) courtesy of Anselmo Lastra, ljgunn, sethfromsomewhere

It's so wonderful to pick a place and see it instantly through the eyes of many. I've never been to Varenna, but in seeing it through the lenses of these four photographers, I now feel that I have a real sense of the place. And a burning desire to go!

Your comments on this image are welcome, and encouraged! And a question for the photographers - andrea.gabo, gaellesabben, cheeky-preets, Tania Ho - if they are so inclined: Is there anything special about this moment, day, trip, or place beyond what you've shared on Flickr that you'd like to add or comment on here? Along with other vivaca visitors, I would love to know more!

Location: Varenna, Italy ★
Photos (top to bottom) courtesy of andrea.gabo, gaellesabben, cheeky-preets, Tania Ho

Tapas, anyone? Wish I could teleport to one of these Barcelona tapas spots this afternoon, for lunch. I have a strong craving for patatas bravas right now.

Your comments on this image are welcome, and encouraged! And a question for the photographers - maartje, unicorns are magical, mickle229 - if they are so inclined: Is there anything special about this moment, day, trip, or place beyond what you've shared on Flickr that you'd like to add or comment on here? Along with other vivaca visitors, I would love to know more!

Location: Barcelona, Spain ★
Photos (top to bottom) courtesy of maartje, unicorns are magical, mickle229

Freaking hilarious.

In addition to Flickr, there's some beautiful travel-inspired imagery to be enjoyed on YouTube. I'll still draw mainly from Flickr, but every now and then things like this are a treat to both the eyes and ears of the traveler in all of us. Buon viaggio a Venezia!

In case you missed this yesterday.

In honor of the worst flood in Venice in over 20 years, which just happened on the first of December. So crazy! As is this (crazy cool, that is). These two photos artfully illustrate the insanity of the uncharacteristically high acqua alta.

Your comments on this image are welcome, and encouraged! And a question for the photographers - mesebar2, sfrederick1 - if they are so inclined: Is there anything special about this moment, day, trip, or place beyond what you've shared on Flickr that you'd like to add or comment on here? Along with other vivaca visitors, I would love to know more!

Location: Venice, Italy ★
Photos (top to bottom) courtesy of mesebar2, sfrederick1

Today I'm pimping my own images, because I had too much fun making this little "video" - I use quotes here because really it's just a slideshow set to music - with Picasa 3. You gotta love The Google, and therefore, Picasa too. For a free image-editing program, Picasa pretty well rocks. In my book. Download it for yourself and have a little fun with your own photos. It's 100% gratis!

Your comments on this "video" are welcome, and encouraged! The photos you see here are mostly from my last trip to Venice in the fall of 2005. Seems like a million years ago now. Far too long. Can't wait to rectify that next year.

Location: Venice, Italy ★
Music: "Italia" by Chris Botti
Video courtesy of risamay

Well, I guess if Barack can [bring jobs to the United States] then Sarkozy can [bring jobs to Europe], too. We can only hope!

Your comments on this image are welcome, and encouraged! And a question for the photographer - Viinz - if s/he is so inclined: Is there anything special about this moment, day, trip, or place beyond what you've shared on Flickr that you'd like to add or comment on here? Along with other vivaca visitors, I would love to know more!

Location: Paris, France ★
Photo courtesy of Viinz

Back in August, a coworker - who also happens to be my friend and boss - and I did a little macaron taste-testing of our own. While the winner didn't out-taste our memories of Ladurée, it was pretty damn delicious nonetheless. So if you're ever in San Francisco, stop by La Boulange for some of the best macarons outside of Paris.

Your comments on this image are welcome, and encouraged! And a question for the photographer - Everything and the rest - if s/he is so inclined: Is there anything special about this moment, day, trip, or place beyond what you've shared on Flickr that you'd like to add or comment on here? Along with other vivaca visitors, I would love to know more!

Location: Paris, France ★
Photo courtesy of Everything and the rest

How to decide? I want one, of everything!

Your comments on this image are welcome, and encouraged! And a question for the photographer - w_a_b - if s/he is so inclined: Is there anything special about this moment, day, trip, or place beyond what you've shared on Flickr that you'd like to add or comment on here? Along with other vivaca visitors, I would love to know more!

Location: Paris, France ★
Photo courtesy of w_a_b

A little something sweet, perhaps? From the fantastic folks at Ladurée? I can't think of anything more delightful, right now. In fact, I feel a sweet-tooth streak coming on. Sugar high!

Your comments on this image are welcome, and encouraged! And a question for the photographer - Esthy & Lulla - if s/he is so inclined: Is there anything special about this moment, day, trip, or place beyond what you've shared on Flickr that you'd like to add or comment on here? Along with other vivaca visitors, I would love to know more!

Location: Paris, France ★
Photo courtesy of Esthy & Lulla

Who says graffiti isn't art?

Your comments on this image are welcome, and encouraged! And a question for the photographer - yoyolabellut - if s/he is so inclined: Is there anything special about this moment, day, trip, or place beyond what you've shared on Flickr that you'd like to add or comment on here? Along with other vivaca visitors, I would love to know more!

Location: Paris, France ★
Photo courtesy of yoyolabellut

Enough Greece. I was on a real kick there, the last few days. But can one really ever tire of a place so peaceful and perfect? I think not. But a brief break and a little distance will only make the heart grow fonder, and we'll be back on the beaches of Crete and elsewhere in the Greek Isles, soon enough. Soon enough.

Your comments on this image are welcome, and encouraged! And a question for the photographer - Spindex - if s/he is so inclined: Is there anything special about this moment, day, trip, or place beyond what you've shared on Flickr that you'd like to add or comment on here? Along with other vivaca visitors, I would love to know more!

Location: Crete, Greece ★
Photo courtesy of Spindex

Still in Greece. Look at this tourist- and local-free beach. It's calling my name. Can you hear it?

Your comments on this image are welcome, and encouraged! And a question for the photographer - mario_lem73 - if s/he is so inclined: Is there anything special about this moment, day, trip, or place beyond what you've shared on Flickr that you'd like to add or comment on here? Along with other vivaca visitors, I would love to know more!

Location: Karpathos Island, Greece ★
Photo courtesy of mario_lem73

Packed or people-less, the beaches of Greece seem the place to be. I was talking with a friend the other night - one of the few friends I can and do enjoy traveling with; otherwise I prefer to roll sola - and we're thinking 2011. I'd be down for 2009 or 2010, but my crazy globe-trotting behind already has trips outlined for the next two years! Well three now, I guess.

Your comments on this image are welcome, and encouraged! And a question for the photographer - richardjcrawte - if s/he is so inclined: Is there anything special about this moment, day, trip, or place beyond what you've shared on Flickr that you'd like to add or comment on here? Along with other vivaca visitors, I would love to know more!

Location: Greece ★
Photo courtesy of richardjcrawte

Beach break!

Your comments on this image are welcome, and encouraged! And a question for the photographer - mukikamu - if s/he is so inclined: Is there anything special about this moment, day, trip, or place beyond what you've shared on Flickr that you'd like to add or comment on here? Along with other vivaca visitors, I would love to know more!

Location: Rhodes, Crete ★
Photo courtesy of mukikamu

When I do finally make it to Greece, I have simply got to see this beach with my own eyes. Shipwreck Beach, as it's known, looks crazy amazing. Doesn't it? The water, the stone, the shipwreck; incredible! Ideal Greece.

Your comments on this image are welcome, and encouraged! And a question for the photographer - tramuntanauta - if s/he is so inclined: Is there anything special about this moment, day, trip, or place beyond what you've shared on Flickr that you'd like to add or comment on here? Along with other vivaca visitors, I would love to know more!

Location: Zakynthos, Greece ★
Photo courtesy of tramuntanauta

TGIF (Thank God It's Friday)! This is how I feel at the end of the week. And precisely where I wish I could teleport to, each and every weekend. Ah, Greece. Though I've not yet been in the flesh, I imagine it's just as perfect and peaceful as it appears in this picture.

Your comments on this image are welcome, and encouraged! And a question for the photographer - ciribo - if s/he is so inclined: Is there anything special about this moment, day, trip, or place beyond what you've shared on Flickr that you'd like to add or comment on here? Along with other vivaca visitors, I would love to know more!

Location: Greece ★
Photo courtesy of ciribo

Being a travel photographer, I come home with oodles of images, but not many of myself. And not many of other people, either. I feel very uncomfortable photographing unsuspecting strangers. It feels invasive, disrespectful, and generally wrong. Though I know many wonderful photographs come about this way for other, gutsier photogs than me. But whether it's a secret snapshot of a local, or a posed composition of a willing model like the one above, I do enjoy looking at other people's portaits from abroad. And this one, in particular, I find fantastic. What a wonderful, many-layered memory. Simply magnificent.

Your comments on this image are welcome, and encouraged! And a question for the photographer - thefeelion - if s/he is so inclined: Is there anything special about this moment, day, trip, or place beyond what you've shared on Flickr that you'd like to add or comment on here? Along with other vivaca visitors, I would love to know more!

Location: Romania ★
Photo courtesy of thefeelion

First of all, if you love Paris and you've never been to Budapest, you really need to rectify that immediately. Budapest feels a lot like the City of Light in many ways, though is absolutely unique and different from Paris simultaneously. Constructed in white stone and perched on a hilltop overlooking the city, much like Sacre Coeur, the Fisherman's Bastion monument is delightful. But that should be apparent from these images.

Your comments on this image are welcome, and encouraged! And a question for the photographers - kutuqi, sparky2000, marianne.jenson, lenoreanabel, kpmst7, zenarae - if they are so inclined: Is there anything special about this moment, day, trip, or place beyond what you've shared on Flickr that you'd like to add or comment on here? Along with other vivaca visitors, I would love to know more!

Location: Budapest, Hungary ★
Photos (top to bottom) courtesy of kutuqi, sparky2000, marianne.jenson, lenoreanabel, kpmst7, zenarae

I love these pigeons on the steps of the Trocadero, across the way from the Eiffel Tower. I took a similar picture of them on a past trip. So pretty, these pigeons. It's like a living art installation or something.

Your comments on this image are welcome, and encouraged! And a question for the photographer - in the mood for 120 - if s/he is so inclined: Is there anything special about this moment, day, trip, or place beyond what you've shared on Flickr that you'd like to add or comment on here? Along with other vivaca visitors, I would love to know more!

Location: Paris, France ★
Photo courtesy of in the mood for 120

I'm certain I never ventured down this set of stairs at Sacre Coeur before. What a different view. Something to see, next time. I wonder what's down there!

Your comments on this image are welcome, and encouraged! And a question for the photographer - Inannah - if s/he is so inclined: Is there anything special about this moment, day, trip, or place beyond what you've shared on Flickr that you'd like to add or comment on here? Along with other vivaca visitors, I would love to know more!

Location: Paris, France ★
Photo courtesy of Inannah