Tenerife, Part II

Did you know the Canary Islands are named for Dogs and not little yellow Birds ?
The Church of San Francisco dates back to the 18th century. It’s adjacent convent now houses The Museum of Fine Arts.
Like many Cruise Ship ports, Tenerife offers a variety of activities for tourists, Bingo Parlors, Casinos and Shopping !
The theater Circulo de Amistad of Santa Cruz de Tenerife opened in 1904. Architecturally, it is a curious building where the bourgeois architecture of the XIXth century and the Art Nouveau architecture of the Canary Islands meet. The building houses a social organization known as “The Recreation” where members enjoy dominoes, swimming, card games, volleyball and a myriad of other sports and activities.
Just a few steps off of the Calle Castillo, I found this unusual building.
Balconies were on almost every building I saw.

Incredible colors and tiles

Miami at Christmas

Christmas in Florida is a unique experience.

The sun and surf are glorious, even in winter

Downtown Miami
Downtown Miami

The City of Miami is beautiful.

Vizcaya
Vizcaya

One of my favorite places to visit is Vizcaya. This magnificent mansion sits on the bay and features extravagant gardens.

Vizcaya Fountain
Vizcaya Fountain

I also spent time with friends at Cirque du Soliel.

backstage

And what would a trip to Miami be without a visit to South Beach ?

so-be

The Art Deco district is impressive by day…

so-be-nite2

and magical at night.

so-be-nite

Savannah

The city of Savannah has long been considered one of our most haunted cities.

The crisp fall air sends a shiver down your spine as we encounter some of Savannah’s residents.

The Kehoe House once was home to an unfortunate pair of twins. Their voices can be heard and on occassion, if you’re lucky, a door may open by itself.

A stately southern city, ornate and fancifully dressed, is home to legends and heroes.

Pirates once called this place home. Legend says that the inspiration  for R.L. Stevenson’s Treasure Island came form here. Some say the demented Captain Flint died screaming for more rum.

Another city exists just outside city limits. One surrounded by majestic oaks draped in spanish moss.

The Garden of Good and Evil is a place where living and dead commune.

The residents of Bonventure Cemetaryinclude founding fathers, patriots and even composer Johnny Mercer.

Once the site of a grand southern plantation, during a racous dinner party the house caught fire. As any good host would do, the partiers grabbed their plates and silverware and moved outdoors, as the house burned down to the ground the party continued on. Listen closely and you may hear the sounds of revellers smashing their wine glasses against the trees.

Some believe they are still very much living around us.

Lives cut short, can leave the soul wanting to hang around. Some say that the life sized statue weeps.

Don’t be surprised if you feel as if you are being watched.