Las Isletas, Lake Nicaragua

One of the most memorable features of a visit to the lakefront colonial-era city of Granada, Nicaragua, is Las Isletas, the miniature archipelago of 365 tiny islands situated in bordering Lake Nicaragua. 

Net fishing, Las Isletas, Lake Nicaragua. ©Ellen Barone. 

Only minutes away from the city center, a short boat ride transports you into a rich natural landscape eons removed from bustling Granada. 

I captured this photo of a local family out fishing late one afternoon during a stay at Jicaro Island Ecolodge, a tranquil island retreat situated on one of the Isletas.  More Photos

About Ellen Barone: Consumer travel expert Ellen Barone is the founder and publisher of EllenBarone.com and YourLifeIsATrip.com. Learn more here and connect on Twitter at,Facebook, Google+ and LinkedIn.

Day of the Dead, Oaxaca, Mexico

This month’s featured photography comes from photographer Eric Mindling of Traditions Mexico. 

Once a year, for the first two days of November, daily routine is put on pause in Mexico for the Day of the Dead festival. Food is made in abundance, graveyards are swept clean, tombstones washed, home altars built, and the flor de muertos (marigolds) fill every home and cemetery. It is moving, beautiful, respectful, and all about death, family, and remembering. Those who are alive, cry and sing, laugh and gossip, or stare into the skies, beside the graves of their beloved on the night when the spirits of the dead are believed to return for the party and annual feast of their favorite foods.

Oaxaca, Mexico. ©Eric Mindling/TraditionsMexico.com 

Day of the Dead is an all-inclusive community celebration, with friends and extended family at the tomb, and most of the villagers in the graveyard for the same purpose. Hundreds of candles, thousands of flowers, soft voices, a night sky, the spirits of the deceased in the air, and the spirit of those alive everywhere. And though the moments may be happy or sad, Day of the Dead is, above all, a celebration; a party of remembrance, appreciation and eating and drinking. And as with any good party, everyone is welcome.

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Exmoor National Park, South West England

If there is an image of mine that captures the raw, wide-open moorland of England’s Exmoor National Park, where Britain’s oldest breed of pony runs wild, it is this one of a young foal among the heather, bracken and gorse fringed landscape.

©Ellen Barone, 2011

I came across the foal (and her mother, see below) above Porlock during an eight-day, 68-mile walking vacation across the dramatic open spaces, rugged lanes, historic hedgerows, and green fields of Dartmoor and Exmoor in South West England. Shooting from the hip as we hiked, I stopped, tapped the shutter a few times, then moved on. 

It wasn’t until later, when I downloaded the shoot at home, some 5,000 miles away, that I discovered this lovely image and relived the magic of the moment. 

©Ellen Barone, 2011.

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Baja Yacht Cruise: Mexico's Sea of Cortez

I’m just back from hosting a photo-themed adventure yacht cruise in the nature-rich Sea of Cortez - “Mexico’s Galapagos.” Bountiful wildlife combined with a unique landscape of desert and sea make this remote region an ideal location for a photography expedition. Click thru to view the complete gallery of images from the voyage. 

NEXT UP, Hawaii! Who’s in? To learn more, visit www.AmericanSafariCruises.com.

photos ©2011 Ellen and Hank Barone. 

Myanmar, Southeast Asia

This month’s featured photography comes from photographer Allie Almario of Myths and Mountains. 

“I’m pagoda’d out,” I confessed shamefully to my guide.

After nearly a week in beautiful Myanmar (formerly known as Burma) on a research trip for Myths and Mountains, my adventure travel company, I’d spent the last few days in a whirlwind kaleidoscope of golden temples, sacred stupas, and stunning pagodas, each more beautiful and more interesting than the last.  But after traipsing through dozens of them, I wanted to focus more on the people and culture of Myanmar.  On our way to Inle Lake, my guide asked me if I wanted to stop and visit a small monastery.  

   words + photos © Allie Almario 

Since I was wearing shorts, I quickly changed into a longyi, the Burmese fabric which is wrapped tightly around the waists of both men and women.  I had just purchased one for the equivalent of $2 in a small shop in Mandalay, and my guide there had a tailor bind it and shorten it for me for $1 in under an hour.  Proper respectful attire? Check.  Shoes off?  Check.  Now I can enter the monastery.  Inside, the old wooden planks of the floor creaked underneath my feet.  I found a dark corner where I could sit quietly without disturbing anyone, and got my camera ready. Noted wilderness photographer Galen Rowell once said something akin to “Look for the light, and you’ll find a photograph.”  It’s advice I take with me wherever I go.  

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Isle of Mull, Scotland

It was pissing down rain, I was soaked to the bone, and I couldn’t have been happier. Why? Because I had an afternoon in an unfamiliar place with nothing to do but search for photographs. 

©2010 Ellen Barone.

It would’ve been easy to blow off the day and wait out the rain in the cozy comfort of the nearest pub. But the weather provided a challenge, the opportunity to reschool my eyes, to increase awareness and get creative. 

There were four of us - two fellow travelers, me, and Sam Jones of Islandscape Photography, our guide for the day. Without Sam’s intimate knowledge of her island, the warmth and off-road access her Land Rover provided, and my waterproof point-and-shoot, the rain might have gotten the best of us. But instead, we ended up playing with the rain, dancing with the saturated colors it accentuated, finding joy in letting go of preconceived images and uniting with the scene that was there. In this case, what was there was magic!

The colorful scene begged to be photographed. We forgot the rain, tuned out the cold and enjoyed the process of composing. We changed viewpoint, moved in closer, further away, played with the lines, shapes, colors and rhythms of the subject. And, best of all, for a rainy afternoon on the Isle of Mull, we made time to see. 

Read more in my article Photographing Scotland at National Geographic Traveler.  

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Nilgiri Biosphere, India

 This month’s photography comes from photojournalist D.K. Bhaskar.

Covering an area of 5500 sq. km. in the states of Karnataka, Kerala, and Tamil Nadu, India’s Nilgiri Biosphere begins in the Nagarhole National Park of Karnataka and the adjoining Wayanad sanctuary of Kerala. The moist deciduous forests and teak plantations harbor abundant populations of gaur, spotted deer, sambar, and wild pig which support a sizeable number of carnivores such as tiger, leopard, and wild dog. The forests of neighboring Bandipur National Park and Mudumalai Tiger Reserve complete the quartet of sanctuaries famed as a prime habitat for Asian Elephants. 

photo © D.K. Bhaskar of DewWorks

During a monsoon time trip to Bandipur and Wayanad, a friend and I left our jeep and waited by a water hole for nearly four hours without a sighting of even the common spotted deer. It was a disappointing morning. As we prepared to pack up and leave, a small herd of elephants walked right next to the bushes where we were sitting. On hindsight, it was a dangerous situation and we were lucky to escape unharmed. Why they chose to walk next to us is still a mystery.

However, when they entered the water we had a beautiful view of the young calf learning to drink. Young calves learn from their aunts, uncles, cousins and nephews, imitating everything the sub-adults and adults do. I love this picture for its simplicity, animal behavior, the majesty of the elephants, and the environment. Just a few minutes after the elephants left, we heard the alarm calls of a bonnet macaque and were pretty sure a predator was around. Tiger? Leopard? We never saw what was hidden in the nearby forest.

Professional photojournalists D.K. Bhaskar and Eric Lindberg lead cultural and nature photo tours to India. Their next trip will be a unique journey across South India. For more information visit: www.HolbrookTravel.com

Gig Harbor, Washington USA

© 2010 Ellen Barone. Sunset Beach, Gig Harbor, WA. Textures by ghostbones.

A few weeks ago my New Mexico neighbor and I arrived in Gig Harbor, Washington, on a scouting mission for her new home. I had a vested interest in visiting the community.

A few years back I’d met Paula, from Gig Harbor, on a yacht cruise in Mexico’s Sea of Cortez. On an easy evening kayak together, she’d regaled me with stories of her idyllic life on Point Richmond Beach in Gig Harbor. Paddling through turquoise seas, she told of quiet morning walks along the beach, of neighbors who waved a friendly hello but maintained a respectful distance, misty winter days, organic gardens and glorious sunset views of Mt. Rainier. 

The place stuck in my memory as somewhere I’d like to visit one day. So, when my widowed neighbor asked me if I’d like to come check it out with her, I jumped at the chance. I was not disappointed. 

Gig Harbor in reality had the same Norman Rockwell charm I’d imagined. It’s a place where healthy, happy people carrying recyclable shopping bags walk the harbor behind tail-wagging dogs. Where locals stop in for fresh seared tuna salads and basil pesto bread at Susanne’s Bakery & Deli. Or drop by the Java Clay Café and indulge their inner kid at a DIY pottery studio in the back while regulars sip the daily grind over the day’s gossip. 

I loved it!

But, Paula?

She’d moved the week before we arrived, according to her neighbor.

Bhutan

This month’s featured photography comes from photographer Kim Walker of UniquePhotoTours.com

Hidden high in the Himalayas, between northern India and Tibet, is Bhutan, a peaceful, idyllic country whose mantra is national happiness. Cliffside monasteries, medieval fortresses, lavish temples and Swiss Tudor farmhouses dot rural landscapes of terraced rice fields, mossy forests and snowy peaks. Isolated from the world by choice, Bhutan curbs modernization and mass tourism to protect its sacred heritage and preserve its culture. Only approved groups are permitted in this intriguing land where red-robed monks and villagers alike embrace ancient traditions, mythology, astrology and Buddism in their daily lives. The photo above is Taktsang, or Tiger’s Nest, one of the most sacred pilgrimage sites in the Himalayan World. The temple is perched on a granite cliff 2,000 feet above the valley floor. According to legend, Guru Rinpoche flew across the mountains on the back of a tigress to this ridge, meditated in a cave for three months, and converted the people of Paro Valley to Buddhism.  

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Destination Everywhere: Celebrate What's Right With The World

Do you believe the vision of the National Geographic? I do. A world full of wonderful people, inspiring landscapes, purpose and passion. I know this, because like the picture photographer Dewitt Jones describes in this inspiring video, I’m doing my best to live it. Each trip, whether it’s across the globe, or in my backyard, opens me to nature’s bounty, the kindness of strangers, the beauty of our blue planet. I hope you see it, too.

Take a few minutes today to watch, listen and open your heart to what’s RIGHT in the world. It’s worth it. You’re worth it.

Celebrate What’s Right With The World

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Copper Canyon, Mexico

This month’s featured photography comes from photographer Greg Vaughn. See more of Greg’s gorgeous imagery at www.GregVaughn.com

Copper Canyon near Barrancas, Chihuahua, Mexico

The most famous of a series of canyons in the Sierra Madre mountains of northwestern Mexico is Copper Canyon or Barranca del Cobre. We traveled here via the “Chepe” (Chihuahua Pacific)  railroad, which winds it’s way from the coastal plains at Los Mochis up through a series of canyons to Barrancas and Divisidero on the rim of Copper Canyon. This canyon system is larger and deeper than the Grand Canyon, and the views are truly spectacular. The photo above was taken from a trailside viewpoint not far from our hotel, Mansion Tarahumara, which is perched right on the rim of the canyon.

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Dordogne River Valley, Southern France

© Ellen Barone.A panoramic view of the Dordogne River valley as viewed from Castlenaud, France.

This month’s featured photograph takes us to the Dordogne region of southwestern France, home to exploration and settlement since the days of the Neanderthals. Today the scenic landscape still harbors hundreds of caves containing prehistoric creations, as well as remnants of more recent history. This panorona of the cultivated plains of the Dordogne River Valley and the 13th-century Château de Beynac, was created during an October seven-day walking vacation with The Wayfarers.

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Venice, Italy

This month’s featured photograph comes from photographer  Michael Wiggins. You can see more of Michael’s gorgeous imagery at www.wmwiggins.com

OMG, I am the kid in the candy store. “They are everywhere, they are everywhere”. I want to “capture this one with my camera…..I NEED to capture that one”.

As I complete my 360 degree turn in Venice’s Piazza San Marco, I realize like the lagoon waves, they just keep on coming.

THEY being the costumed model participants of the annually “Carnival” of Venice.

Starting at mid morning and running until late into the evening, colors of every  hue and saturation excites my eyes. Venues galore, my challenge is to pick ONLY one place to be at a time.

Geeeeeeez…..this is just not fair!

My daylight gives way to the night light.

Now, a completely  different view of the ever changing ubiquitous models.

Some night colors simply pop. “Lady of the Night”, this “Lady in Red ” is one of my favorite shots. I do not know if this model was a member of a troupe from Paris, Berlin, London, or wherever. All were so equally gracious and accommodating to the photographer.

Eye candy? You betcha’, and lots of it.

Ciao,

Michael Wiggins

Michael Wiggins is a recently retired airline pilot. Having flown for Delta Air Lines for almost 30 years, he developed a love of photography while flying to international destinations and continue to travel to the world capturing images to share with others. He currently reside in Texas with my wife, Gail, and three dogs.

La Paz, Baja, Mexico

© Ellen Barone. CostaBaja Resort. La Paz, Baja Sur, Mexico

I’m a sucker for Mexican design and CostaBaja had me hooked at hello. What a gorgeous new addition to the accommodation options in La Paz. Totally yummy! Better yet, the staff was every bit as warm and welcoming as the surroundings. Learn more about this resort community at www.CostaBajaResort.com.

Great Circus Parade

© Ellen Barone. Circus clown, Milwaukee, WI

It had been a lifetime since I’d been to the circus or a parade. But last month while presenting at the 2nd Annual SATW Digital Photography Institute in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, I discovered my inner (and outer) child again. What a hoot!

Learn more about my experiences at the parade in a recent podcast, Happy Feet, and boogey along with me!

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New Mexico Storm Clouds

© Ellen Barone. Storm clouds at sunset

Sure, it may be cliché to extol the beauty and drama of the New Mexico sky. But, it’s cliché for a reason - the skies are magical!

When I’m home, my favorite evening ritual is to sit outside on our back patio and watch the drama of the night sky unfold. Each night is a new performance. I never tire of it.

A summer storm was brewing the evening I captured this image. Thunder rumbled while the hypnotic sky transformed minute-by-minute in color and form, as if someone was turning the dial on a virtual kaleidoscope. The photo doesn’t do it justice, but it felt like I’d been dropped down the Rabbit Hole in Alice in Wonderland.

If you haven’t traveled to New Mexico, you should. But be forewarned: “if you ever go to New Mexico, it’ll itch you for the rest of your life.” - Georgia O’Keeffe

Like this photo? You can buy it!

To purchase fine art prints and photo gifts of this image, or any of our most popular images, please visit our online photo store.

CasaBlanca, Morocco

©Ellen Barone. King Hassan II mosque.

The Hassan II mosque is about exotic as Casablanca gets. The vast mosque, built to commemorate the former King Hassan II’s 60th birthday, can accommodate 25,000 worshippers and is one of the few Islamic religious buildings open to non-Muslims. Featuring the work of more than 6000 Moroccan artisans, I loved photographing the phenomenal building. But if you want inside be prepared to take a guided tour, be ‘respectfully’ dressed and, once inside, remove your shoes.

Like this photo? You can buy it!

To purchase fine art prints and photo gifts of this image, or any of our most popular images, pleasevisit our online photo store.

Or better yet, go make your own. Join visual artist Lisl Dennis on a Morocco photo tour. While Lisl is a professional photographer and will be available throughout the tour to offer personal photo assistance, conduct on-location demonstrations, and lead group photography discussions, the tour also attracts videographers, writers, poets and the culturally curious. Learn more

La Cañada, Mexico

La casa de Doña Hermina. © Ute Hagen. texture by Insan Stock.

This month’s photograph comes from a new ‘Countryside along the Sabino River’ series of images by Mexico-based artist Ute Hagen. For the past decade, I have been blessed by Ute’s friendship, vision and passion and am honored by the opportunity to feature her work here.

Here’s Ute’s description of the experience behind the creation of the photograph:

…she [Doña Hermina] lives here alone. i saw her standing by the stone wall watching her village’s life go by. there was a can of water by her side which she threatened to throw at me if would take her picture (((((; we chatted and laughed for a while and whenever i lifted my camera she lifted her water can…….. hmm, i never got to find out if she really meant it (((;


See more of Ute’s photography and art at: http://www.flickr.com/photos/uteart/

Backcountry New Mexico

© Ellen Barone. Pronghorn antelope near Carrizozo, NM

I love little more than a New Mexico road trip.  I’ll take any excuse to hop behind the wheel and cruise the state’s scenic back roads. And you can bet there’ll be a camera on the seat beside me!

I spotted this group of antelope off Hwy 54 just north of Carrizozo on one such trip. The drama of a stormy gray sky and the spotlight ray of sunshine lend the shot, and memory, a tinge of New Mexico magic. It’s just this kind of natural beauty that makes me glad that 12 years ago I came to New Mexico for a week, and decided to stay for a lifetime!

I have my New Mexico; now you can share yours for a chance to win Fodor’s guides and a subscription to New Mexico Magazine. Enter the “Show Us Your New Mexico” contest at Fodors.com  Entry deadline May 15, 2009.

Click here for details. 

San Felipe, Baja California, Mexico

© Ellen Barone. Low Tide at San Felipe beach.

Through the good fortune of travel and the generosity of friends made on the road, my husband, Hank, and I find ourselves enjoyng a quiet three weeks housesitting in San Felipe, Baja California, Mexico.

Who knew when I met Bob & Lyn Sheedy (http://www.planetbob.com) on a flight to Barbados in 2003 that five years later they’d find my business card tucked into a suitcase and reconnect. Who knew that they’d end up spending three months in our casita in Ajijic, Jalisco, Mexico, or that we’d end up keeping their cat, Meow-Meow, and bird, Bud, company in their desert home in Baja.

For those of us who travel, chance encounters that transform into lifelong friendships, are never a surprise, and in fact, one of the nicest perks. Not to mention, a trip to the beach!

Have a similar story? Share it here! I’d love to hear it.

Life is good,

Ellen