If you could be granted one talent that you don't already possess, what would it be? Without hesitation, for me, it'd be the skill to sketch or paint. I can't think of many things more charming or intriguing than an artist's sketchbook, full of drawings or watercolors of moments illustrated abroad. Photography is great and all, but photographs don't hold a candle to compositions captured and painstakingly rendered by hand. It's the element of je ne sais quoi, I guess.

Your comments on this image are welcome, and encouraged! And a question for the artist - roeschzwo - 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 ★
Sketch courtesy of roeschzwo

It's not just the Hausmann period pillars of architecture that will draw one in across Paris. Examples of form and innovation like the Institut du Monde Arabe (pictured here) are as much a pleasure to ponder as the Palais Royale or a painting at the Louvre. I love the symmetry of this image and the fact that it's not the Paris we typically see, outside of Paris.

Your comments on this image are welcome, and encouraged! And a question for the photographer - B Wanergard - 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 B Wanergard

One of the unlikely elements abroad I've grown fond of "discovering" or seeking out and photographing is graffiti. Stencil graffiti in particular. Who isn't a fan of Britain's Banksy, for example? I love the artistry, the whimsy, the popularity of making a piece an opportunity for social commentary. Tagging, as you also see in this image, is (unfortunately) perhaps a more common form of graffiti. That said, stenciling seems to consistently transcend the trash (like tagging) and elevate "street art" to the real thing. Love it.

Your comments on this image are welcome, and encouraged! And a question for the photographer - gabricabri - 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 gabricabri

Venice doesn't always look like what you'd expect. The more I explored the city outside the tourist centers of Rialto and San Marco, the more I learned how many cities compacted into one Venice is really comprised of. Take this bit of Murano, for instance. If you didn't know this was in Venice, would it surprise you to know this was in Venice? For me that's one of the most pleasurable aspects of the city. It's both exactly what you would expect and precisely the opposite. All at once. And always picturesque. Even at its most seemingly unVenetian.

Your comments on this image are welcome, and encouraged! And a question for the photographer - aaluva - 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 (Murano), Italy ★
Photo courtesy of aaluva

Ah. Light and shadows, light and shadows. Montparnasse and La Tour Eiffel. Parfait! I've never seen a photo of the Eiffel Tower's shadow like this. Charming composition and lovely time of day.

Your comments on this image are welcome, and encouraged! And a question for the photographer - tanialemieux - 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 tanialemieux

Chioggia again! And my favorite acqua - con gas - Pellegrino! On my first trip to Italy I can recall sitting at a cafe in Verona with my good friend and travel companion, she an old hand at venturing through Europe, and being asked by the waiter if I wanted water with or without gas. Laughing, my friend had to explain that he was asking if I wanted still or sparkling water. I knew that, but it didn't make it any less funny. Soon after he brought us our bottle of Pellegrino. The rest of the meal and my time in Verona was a sparkling delight, indeed. Much like this picture, which for me, compacts the very light and essence of my first bubbly encounter with Italy at that random Verona cafe into a single, perfect, and still image. Having been to Italy many times since, I'd nearly forgotten that first fizzy bottle. Thank god for other people's pictures to remind you of your own memories, eh?

Your comments on this image are welcome, and encouraged! And a question for the photographer - ucouldguess - 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 (Chioggia), Italy ★
Photo courtesy of ucouldguess

Unfortunately, the one and only time I visited Chioggia I encountered the bone-buckling stares of a skinhead or two and, therefore, didn't end up exploring much or staying too long. I essentially did a lap down the main drag and back up a side canal and was on my way "home" to Venice proper. It was too bad, being that Chioggia is such a long lagoon ride from the center of Venice. The good thing is, a photo like this could just be the thing to inspire another visit and a second chance for Chioggia, for me. I would have very much liked to ramble through the streets, camera clicking, more. A lot more. Though I feel like I know Venice proper like the back of my hand, I can't envision a corner where a composition like this one would be possible. There might very well be such a place, but it does not spring to mind. I like to think that this artistic apparition might be unique to Chioggia, as Venetian as it seems. Wonderful, wonderful image.

Your comments on this image are welcome, and encouraged! And a question for the photographer - pjarc - 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 (Chioggia), Italy ★
Photo courtesy of pjarc

I am a huge fan of textures and layered images, as you can no doubt tell from my own work. Mixed-media collaged images like this have a fantastic feel to them. I love the other-worldly sense of memory that this approach can evoke. Just fabulous. If you like these two photos, you'll love Flickring through the rest of this talented artist's delicious portfolio. Bon voyage!

Your comments on this image are welcome, and encouraged! And a question for the photographer - Lele - 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: Oia, Greece ★
Photo courtesy of Lele

There are so many parts of Paris that I've yet to explore in their entirety. Though I'll never likely see it all, Montmarte is definitely one such nook among the plethora of charming Parisian crannies that I am determined to get to know a little better. Beyond the basilica of Sacre Coeur, I haven't done much wandering around Montmartre. I hope to change that the next time I find myself in the City of Light - which will likely be in 2010 to mark my trente-cinquième année. On a night similar to this would be parfait and a bon anniversaire indeed.

Your comments on this image are welcome, and encouraged! And a question for the photographer - Flickr.dude - 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 Flickr.dude

Ever since I first set eyes on a photo of the little whitewashed Spanish town of Cadaques, and learned it wasn't somewhere in Greece as I'd assumed, I have dreamed of going there. I tried in 2002 but had to forgo my plans due to an illness while I was in Barcelona. Another time. For sure. I hadn't considered renting a scooter, but this looks like fun! What a charming-looking little place. I'm so curious to see if it's as lovely as person as it is in pictures.

Your comments on this image are welcome, and encouraged! And a question for the photographer - wyswit - 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: Cadaques, Spain ★
Photo courtesy of wyswit

One of the most enjoyable aspects of Venice is that every lane is a pedestrian lane. The labyrinth belongs to foot power rather than the world's automakers. Not even scooters or bicycles have a place on the terra firma here. And being that Venice is one of the safest cities in the world, men and women - whether alone or together - can wander the streets day or night virtually worry-free. It's wonderful. Window shopping in the blue light of early evening is highly recommended, and surreal.

Your comments on this image are welcome, and encouraged! And a question for the photographer - view836 - 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 view836

If there's one thing I dislike, it's being in the midst of a million people. Crowds scare the crap out of me. I think I'm somewhat claustrophobic and afraid of being trampled or trapped, or both. This is an image of Paris on Bastille Day. Something I never need to experience in the flesh. This photo, for me, says it all. And I say, no thank you! I went to Vegas once for New Year's and that pretty well cured me of the desire to do anything similar, ever again. I've also experienced a Queen's Day in Amsterdam. And - surprise, surprise - once was enough. Great image though, this. Truly gives you a feel for being there. I'm sure!

Your comments on this image are welcome, and encouraged! And a question for the photographer - Arwens Abendstern - 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 Arwens Abendstern

There is something alarmingly moving to me about fields of flowers. Red is my favorite color and here in California we have fields of orange or orange-yellow poppies, but not so much this red variety. I've seen a few such fields from the seat of a train on my travels in Europe, but I've yet to be somewhere that I can frolic and photograph the scene up close, personally. This just looks so gorgeous! And with the setting (or rising?) sun in the center? Perfect. What a wonderful image.

Your comments on this image are welcome, and encouraged! And a question for the photographer - Clear Inner Vision - 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: Mystery ★
Photo courtesy of Clear Inner Vision

Back to Oia already. Why not? I mean really. Just look at this. Is there anywhere more golden or gorgeous? Sigh. I doubt it. I highly recommend taking a look at this photo in its largest version to get the full vicarious vacation sensation. I'd give anything to be one of those lucky folks right now, sitting and chatting under that serenely setting sun. Unreal.

Your comments on this image are welcome, and encouraged! And a question for the photographer - paulflynn - 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: Santorini, Greece ★
Photo courtesy of paulflynn

Who doesn't swoon a little at the sight of a rainbow? You hardly ever see them where I live, but you see them all the time certain places. Like Hawaii. I have some nice memories of Hawaiian rainbows, but nothing like this! Something about the light against this cold rocky coast makes these two Technicolor beauties that much moreso. What a lucky moment to have witnessed and captured for all the world to see, too. Very cool!

Your comments on this image are welcome, and encouraged! And a question for the photographer - photosecosse - 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: Scotland ★
Photo courtesy of photosecosse

When most first-time visitors to Venice finally arrive at their destination, I think many are aghast at all of the graffiti they encounter. It is, in a word, shocking. Or maybe disappointing is more accurate. Or, perhaps, travesty is best fitting. Sometimes the graffiti is political and artistic and actually quite fabulous. But too often it's a version of or on par with the above tragedy. A testament to overwhelming beauty and charm of Venice, the city is still just that - beautiful and charming - even with all of the senseless and ugly graffiti. That said, even when you hit desensitization and come to expect it you never really get used to it. With no blood ties to the city, I'd still happily break the legs of anyone I caught defacing a building like this. Not literally of course, but I'd certainly rip them a proverbial new one in my best broken Italian. Or fluent American English. Perhaps with a little scary slang thrown in for good measure. That might be more effective.

Your comments on this image are welcome, and encouraged! And a question for the photographer - WDF86 - 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 WDF86

The stars are great, but I'm not sure yet about the EU blue. It's hard not to love the Eiffel Tower though. No matter what new makeup and jewelry the French decide to deck her out in. I'm fairly certain that the more images I see of this new look, the more I'll grow to like - or love - it. And in person I don't doubt it's a surreal stunner.

Your comments on this image are welcome, and encouraged! And a question for the photographer - one inch man - 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 one inch man

As a woman, and as an American citizen I suppose, there are many - too many - wonderful places in the world that I fear I will never get to, out of fear. I would love to visit Lebanon, Iran, Iraq, Yemen, Colombia, Laos, Somolia - the list goes on and on. When you read the U.S. State Department's warning advisory for Americans and women traveling alone in Mexico, your hair stands on end. It's a disconcerting disappointment, at the very least, that the world is not a safer or stress-free place to roam. For women or for people of any nationality. While I enjoy Flickring stunning locations like Pigeon's Rock in Beirut - as seen above - I'd much prefer to visit such places in person. It pisses me off that this might never come to pass due to some genuine danger or to my own personal fears.

Your comments on this image are welcome, and encouraged! And a question for the photographers - Razzan Ghazzawi and seanieblue - 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: Beirut, Lebanon ★
Photo courtesy of Razzan Ghazzawi and seanieblue

I love watching water froth and fold away from you as your boat floats onward. The wrinkles resemble skin being pulled and then foaming away into a more familiar state. Mesmerizing image.

Your comments on this image are welcome, and encouraged! And a question for the photographer - hatake_sama - 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: It's a mystery ★
Photo courtesy of hatake_sama

A trip with the girls to Roma and an impromptu meeting with one larger-than-life version of a pensive Jonathan Rhys Meyers. Looks like fun to me. This is a classic vacation photo. That's why I think it's so much fun. I'm used to taking trips alone or with one, maybe two, friends. More is not my idea of merrier abroad. But these young ladies look like they're having such a good time in Rome, maybe I should reconsider.

Your comments on this image are welcome, and encouraged! And a question for the photographer - trishhhh - 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: Rome, Italy ★
Photo courtesy of trishhhh

Special double (triple, actually) post today in honor of The Olympic Games in Beijing. Amazing so far, right? I cannot get over how astoundingly, to use the word that Mary Poppins no doubt would - supercalifragalisticexpialidocious - the Opening Ceremonies on the night of 08-08-08 were. Breathtaking. Outstanding. Jaw-dropping. Fantastic. Unparalleled. As a former competitive swimmer, I've had a great time thus far watching all of the swimming. Seeing Michael Phelps smash his own 400 meter individual medley world record on Saturday was crazy. But crazier was the American men's relay win in the 4 x 100 last night over the French. Best relay race in swimming history. No contest. Memorable and all around magnifique! My only complaint thus far is the over saturation of George W. Bush in the American broadcast. Seems like he's omnipresent and in attendance at each and every event. I think this is the most Bush I've subjected myself to in his entire two terms as president. It's making me physically ill.

Your comments on this image are welcome, and encouraged! And a question for the photographer - nchim - 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: Beijing, China ★
Photo courtesy of nchim

This composition is just fantastic. I love the light and the shadowy silhouettes, of course. But I also appreciate the asymmetry of it. I really dig the way the people become statue-like in their dark anonymity, no different from the figure with raised hand atop the column. Very, very cool photo.

Your comments on this image are welcome, and encouraged! And a question for the photographer - miemo - 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: Helsinki, Finland ★
Photo courtesy of miemo

I keep going back to Paris, every chance I get, because I haven't seen it all. Not nearly. For a walkable city of manageable size, Paris feels huge. I remember my last day there in the spring of 2005 and "discovering" the Viaduc des Arts and its long, rooftop gardens. I only had an hour or so left before I had to return to my hotel, pack, and head to the airport and I was crushed. But the other part of me was happy because here was yet another piece of Paris that I could explore and develop a relationship with upon my next return. This photo inspires the same feelings of excitement and curiosity. I've never been to the Défense part of Paris. But I'll get there, and with any luck, make a pretty picture. Like this one.

Your comments on this image are welcome, and encouraged! And a question for the photographer - teegran - 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 teegran

New Orleans seems like one of those places that everyone should endeavor to get to, at least once. I've not been there yet but it is most definitely on the list. My father grew up in the Shreveport area of Louisiana, but I've never been. Being that he's a Black man who came up in the Jim Crow South, he has a lot of bad memories and doesn't wish to go back for a visit anytime soon. Or anytime, period. I can't blame him. Especially after witnessing events post Hurricane Katrina. At any rate, I still want to go one day and I will. And with details like this, I expect to be charmed. Isn't this fixture wonderful? It reminds me of the hand-shaped door knockers you see throughout Venice. Coupled with the dappled light here, the ambiance is invitingly warm and cozy. Definitely a city (and a bar) I'd like to see. Cheers to that.

Your comments on this image are welcome, and encouraged! And a question for the photographer - marriedwithdinner - if she 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 Orleans, Louisiana ★
Photo courtesy of marriedwithdinner

To find this photo I had the pleasure of surfing through many, many stupifyingly stunning shots of Oia, on the Greek island of Santorini. Many of which were memories captured by honeymooning newlyweds. Moreso than anywhere else I've focused on Flickr, the Greek Isles seem impossible to photograph unflatteringly. I remember reading somewhere that of Europeans, the Greeks vacation in their own country in the largest numbers. Something like 90% of Greeks, I believe, choose to holiday at home. Taking in an image like this one, it's plain to see why. Who the heck would want to unwind elsewhere when your country is, quite clearly, at the nexus of nirvana?

Your comments on this image are welcome, and encouraged! And a question for the photographer - stranezzza - 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: Santorini, Greece ★
Photo courtesy of stranezzza

I find the intricate artwork of Iran, the Middle East, and North Africa so fascinating. And beautiful. The variations from place to place are wonderful, and the geometric Islamic influence or themes is just mesmerizing. This photograph is wonderful because it not only captures the beauty of the work being created; it also highlights and preserves the beauty of the process, itself.

Your comments on this image are welcome, and encouraged! And a question for the photographer - Alireza Teimoury - 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: Iran ★
Photo courtesy of Alireza Teimoury

Ever since Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade introduced me to Petra, as a kid, the desire to see this city set in stone has been full flame. How off the charts amazing does this place look? Unreal, right? I've gotta see it myself someday. Got to. And this image - the larger-than-life architecture glimpsed through the rough, rugged stone? The light and dark. Lovely.

Your comments on this image are welcome, and encouraged! And a question for the photographer - Zé Eduardo - 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: Petra, Jordan ★
Photo courtesy of Zé Eduardo

I consider this very vivaca because you can't get these treats outside of Europe. These are a selection of the famous macarons from the house of Ladurée; a Paris institution founded in 1862. Until recently I thought that macarons in the States couldn't compare, but then a coworker introduced me to the sins of La Boulange in San Francisco. Oh là là! We did a taste test of all flavors on offer from both Miette and La Boulange and La Boulange won; no contest. Not as good as Ladurée but a damn fine substitute. And far more affordable than jetting across the pond to get your mac on.

Your comments on this image are welcome, and encouraged! And a question for the photographer - cocoinzenl - 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 cocoinzenl

I wasn't aware that the Greek Islands had red sand beaches. Were you? What an awesome strip of sand. I love finding landscapes that are completely fresh and unfamiliar (to me). This is a treat that I will definitely look forward to scouting out whenever it is I finally make it to Santorini.

Your comments on this image are welcome, and encouraged! And a question for the photographer - kostdimas - 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: Santorini, Greece ★
Photo courtesy of kostdimas

What about underwater exploration? Are you game? I want to be, but I'm not. I don't even have the cojones to go snorkeling. As a former competitive swimmer, that's nothing short of pathetic. I love water but am near-deathly afraid of the open ocean, or lake, lagoon; pond. Doesn't matter if the water is clear or murky. Sealife just scares me! One of these days I will at least go snorkeling. I will. I think (I can, I think I can, I think I can). Until then, vicarious encounters like this one are just dandy.

Your comments on this image are welcome, and encouraged! And a question for the photographer - otolithe - 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: Seychelles, Africa ★
Photo courtesy of otolithe

What is there to say, really, about this photo? There aren't words. It's sheer, dreamy-delicious brilliance. I adore it and I wish to be transported there now. In lieu of teletransportation, I'll settle for studying it intermittently throughout the day. Maybe that way it'll be featured as the backdrop for a night of sweet dreams to match those it afforded me during the day. Or so j'espère.

Your comments on this image are welcome, and encouraged! And a question for the photographer - Orangine - 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 Orangine

Moving on today to another beach in Italy, along the rocky Ligurian coast. Here we are in a Cinque Terre town, looking at a typical crowd of sunbathers basking on the rocks. I love this photo. If you've ever been you'll agree - this is so Italy.

Your comments on this image are welcome, and encouraged! And a question for the photographer - Evan Jake Cohen - 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: Cinque Terre, Italy ★
Photo courtesy of Evan Jake Cohen