Listening to the coverage of the political turmoil in Tunesia, I sincerely hope that in the years to come the Tunesian people will be able to enjoy a more free and democratic government and society.

Like many Americans and citizens of the world caught up in their own lives and national politics, I was completely clueless with regard to what the Tunesian people were suffering under the former dictator and his wife, and her family.

Your comments on this image are welcome, and encouraged! And a question for the photographer - Slim Letaief - photo - 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: Tunis, Tunesia ★
Photo courtesy of Slim Letaief

I have always wanted to go white-water rafting. I don't know what I've not got around to it yet. Man. This looks crazy dangerous, but crazy fun. Right?

Your comments on this image are welcome, and encouraged! And a question for the photographer - Van Man1 - 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: Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe ★
Photo courtesy of Van Man1

I found this striking photo today truly par accident - in passing on the street on my way in to work, I caught a snippet of a conversation between two older gentlemen. The one commented to the other, "I loved Paris. I found it to be, well, amazing." Made me smile. So, of course, I wanted to post a Paris pic today. But my search on 'Paris' led me somewhat - and happily - astray to the portfolio of Alain Paris and his breathtaking portraits of African women.

So, not a Paris post and a Paris post, both.

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

I could really use a day at the beach, right about now. This one looks delightful.

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

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

Now that looks like fun. What a place. I've been dreaming about hauling over to the heavenly Seychelles ever since I happened upon a photo of La Digue. Last November I had some spontaneous beach banter with a former German supreme court justice (or the equivalent therein) on Lanikai Beach in Hawaii. She was trying to convince me that Lanikai Beach is the most beautiful beach in the world. I argued that myriad beaches in the Seychelles looked pretty darn enticing, but she said no. The Seychelles were indeed gorgeous, but too remote and with little to do otherwise. That Lanikai was perfect and I would do well to cherish it and its proximity to California, and look no further. Not even anything Tahiti has to offer is superior. Having sampled all these beaches in person, I'm sure she's right. Even still, I won't know unless I go (to the Seychelles, myself) for sure. Right?

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

I'm a huge fan of sand, but only where there's water close by. And given that I wilt (and welt, in the form of heat rash) in warm weather over 80F, the closest I'll ever get to the desert dunes of North Africa is likely looking at photos like this one from the sweat-free comfort of my Northern California home. It looks beautiful though, doesn't it? Too bad I don't have a higher tolerance for heat. I would love to experience this for myself, with camera in hand. In lieu of live, thank goodness for other people's pictures. What a treat for us armchair travelers, at home.

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