Los Angeles

Los Angeles was the last trip I took before the pandemic started, back in early 2020. I honestly can’t believe the trip was almost three years ago now; time flies.

Although I’ve been to California on numerous occasions, this was my first time seeing Los Angeles as an adult, and it was fun. I ended up walking a hiking trail up one of the mountain ranges, explored the Griffith Observatory, spent time downtown, and of course enjoyed one of the beaches out there.

Here are some of my favorite photos I captured in Los Angeles.

Houston

Houston, to me, is a city that’s working to discover it’s identity. The city is, currently, a mismatch of cultures, architectural styles, environments, etc. That being said, it’s the city I call home, and it’s been fun exploring everything it has to offer, over the years.

Over the past decade or so, the Houston area has gone through quite a few changes that’ve brought along numerous skyscraper projects, many new bars and clubs, as well as a slew of restaurants, public art pieces, rail extensions, and people from all over the country; it’s as if the city is ever-expanding.

Here are some of my favorite photos I’ve taken around Houston, throughout the past few years.

London

In 2019, I took a ‘Brother’s Trip’ to Europe, for the first time, and words cannot describe how incredible it was out there. During a nine day trip, my brother and I visited London, Berlin, and Paris.

I’ll post more about what it was like visiting each city, during the months to come. In the meantime, here are some of my favorite photos that I captured while in London.

Havana

Havana was like stepping into a time machine and entering into a strange, although enjoyable, city from the past.

The vast majority of vehicles you’d see passing by on the road in Havana were originally made in the 1950s or 60s, the architecture, for the most part, was stuck in the 1800s-1960s, and much of what we’re accustomed to in America was largely missing.

Here are some of my favorite photos I captured during my trip to Havana, Cuba in 2018.

New York City, shot on iPhone

During this trip to New York City, between December 29, 2018 - January 1, 2019, I challenged myself to only use my iPhone to capture photos, instead of my DSLR. Each photo was captured using an iPhone 7s.

Next time you’re out traveling, or just exploring around your hometown, I challenge you to get creative, leave your nicer camera at home, and use your mobile phone.

Chicago

In April 2021, I hopped on a plane to Chicago, for my first trip since the pandemic started.

After four days up there, 30-miles of walking around the city, a few visits to various dispensaries, museums, and a lot of great food, it’s safe to say that Chicago is now one of my favorite cities in the U.S.

I started the trip visiting the 94th floor of the Hancock Tower to see incredible views of the skyline, then walked around the riverwalk, over to Millennium Park to see the Cloud Gate structure, and even checked out an alley coffee spot.

Here are some of my favorite photos I captured during my trip to Chicago.

Vancouver

Vancouver, with its stunning natural beauty and vibrant urban energy, proved to be an unforgettable destination. In this photo essay, I’ve captured some of the moments that made my trip so special, from breathtaking aerial views to peaceful sunset strolls. The adventure kicked off with a thrilling seaplane ride over the city. Seeing Vancouver from above was nothing short of magical—the sprawling green parks, glittering waters of the bay, and the city’s skyline all came together in a picturesque panorama. It was a moment that set the tone for the rest of my trip.

One of the most serene experiences was watching the sun dip below the horizon at Sunset Beach. The sky was ablaze with colors, reflecting off the calm waters, creating a perfect scene for the camera. The beach was alive with families, couples, and friends, all drawn to this beautiful spot to unwind and enjoy the simple pleasure of a summer evening. The architecture of Vancouver also caught my eye, blending the old and new in a seamless, captivating way. Whether it was the sleek, modern buildings downtown or the charming, historic structures in Gas Town, the city’s design is a testament to its rich history and forward-looking spirit.

Of course, no visit to Vancouver would be complete without spending time with loved ones. We wandered through the cobbled streets of Gas Town, its vintage lampposts and brick buildings offering a glimpse into the city’s past. This district, with its quirky shops and inviting cafes, was the perfect place to relax and connect with family. Whether you’re looking for adventure, relaxation, or simply a new perspective on a familiar place, Vancouver offers it all. Through these photos, I hope to share a bit of the magic I experienced in this beautiful city.

25 de Abril Bridge in Lisbon

Opened in 1966, the 25 de Abril Bridge crosses over the Tagus river to connect the city of Lisbon with the municipality of Almada.

During my trip to Lisbon in fall 2022, I had the opportunity to see the suspension bridge in person, and immediately noticed the similarities between it and the Golden State Bridge in San Francisco. 

Not only is the bridge open to car traffic, but it was also renovated to allow for trains to cross over the river as well.

Cattedrale di Santa Maria del Fiore in Florence

Completed in 1436, the Cattedrale di Santa Maria del Fiore is the cathedral of Florence. After nearly two hundred years of construction, the cathedral was finished after the completion of the building’s dome which was engineered by Filippo Brunelleschi.

During the summer of 2022, I saw the structure for the first time, and trust me when I say this, it was even more fascinating in person. The attention to detail, especially that of the facade, was impressive.

Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II in Milan

Opened in 1877 AD, the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II is the oldest active mall/shopping gallery in Italy, and a landmark in Milan.

When visiting this past August, I was impressed by the incredible architecture, and the intricate detail of the building. Whether you’re there to shop, or just want to marvel at the architecture, the gallery is worth visiting, during your trip to Milan, Italy.

Here are some of the photos I captured if the structure.

Eiffel Tower in Paris

Completed in 1889, the Eiffel Tower is one of the most popular structures in the world, and the most-visited in Paris. The Tower was designed by the French engineer, Gustave Eiffel, for the 1889 Universal Exposition in Paris.

I’ve had the opportunity to visit the Tower twice, and each time I was blown away by the sheer size of it. Pictures do not do it justice, as it’s even more amazing in person. It’s a must see for anyone traveling to Paris.

Here are some of the photos I captured of the Eiffel Tower.

Museo de Antropología in CDMX

Established in 1964, the Museo Nacional de Antropolgía is Mexico City’s largest and most visited museum.

During my first trip to Mexico City in winter 2022, I had the privilege of visiting the museum, and was impressed by the building’s architecture, more than anything.

The museum primarily contains artifacts from Mexico’s pre-Columbian period, and also hosts visiting exhibits which focus on other world cultures.

If you’re into museums, I highly recommend you visiting the Museo Nacional de Antropolgía in Mexico City.

Trevi Fountain in Rome

Completed in 1762 AD, the Trevi Fountain is one of the most famous fountains in the world, and, in my opinion, one of the most beautiful.

Trevi Fountain offers a nice location to socialize, take photos, or even eat, as there are quite a few restaurant nearby. If you’re not a fan of crowds, I’d avoid the area.

I personally enjoyed the experience, especially seeing the architecture of the fountain, and would recommend visiting to anyone who’s taking a trip to Rome.

Arc de Triomphe in Paris

Completed in 1836 AD, the Arc De Triomphe is easily one of the best, and most popular, monuments to explore in Paris. The Arc was constructed to honor those who died during the French Revolutionary and Napoleonic wars.

If you’re feeling adventurous, and looking for a great work out, climb the 284 steps like I did to see a breathtaking 360 degree view of Paris; trust me, you won’t be disappointed. You can access the top of the Arc by purchasing tickets here.

Make sure you wear multiple layers if you decide on going during the winter, as it’s freezing up top!

Pantheon in Rome

Completed in 125 AD, the Pantheon was a temple created to celebrate all of the Roman gods, until it was converted into a Catholic church in 609 AD; the structure is still in use to this day.

The Pantheon is a must see, during your visit to Rome. You’ll be blown away by the incredible architecture, and what makes things better is that it has free entry for tourists. Be aware that the lines can get a bit long, especially during the afternoon, however they move quickly.

Here are some of the photos I captured of the structure.

Vatican City

The Vatican City, for those who do not know, is the smallest country in the world, at just 0.02 square miles. It is also the home of the Pope, and was founded in 1929.

Although it’s an independent country, in order to visit, you’ll have to travel to Rome first, as Vatican is surrounded by the Eternal City.

I explored the country this past July, and was amazed by the incredible architecture, especially that of Saint Peter’s Basilica and Square. Here are some of my favorite photos I captured during my trip there.

Roman Forum in Rome

The Roman Forum was essentially the “Heart” of Ancient Rome, as it housed not only the Senate and many of the government buildings, but acted as the city center for the citizens of that time. The area also provided spaces for entertainment, speeches and protests, places to shop, and where elections took place.

Today, the area is an archaeological site and open-air museum, providing tourists the opportunity to explore some of what Ancient Rome had to offer.

During my visit to the Forum, I enjoyed spending time discovering many of the ruins that I’ve read about or have seen depicted in film, and walked up Palatine Hill to see the ruins and Rome from above.

Exploring Ancient Rome’s Forum and Palatine Hill was incredible, and experiencing the area from above was literally breathtaking. If you don’t mind walking a little, I’d recommend you taking the climb to the top to see everything, and be sure to wear your walking shoes!

If you’re planning to explore, you can purchase tickets from their site.

Here are photos that I captured during my time exploring the Roman Forum.

San Antonio Missions National Park

In 2022, I spent a day exploring the San Antonio Missions National Historical Park, which includes the five missions located in the city: San José, Espada, San Juan, Concepción, and the Alamo. The park, and the missions, became a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2015. They’re also a part of the United States National Park service.

Each mission was established along the San Antonio River, and were created to convert the natives in the area to Catholicism and to have them join the Spanish Empire, back in the 18th century.

Much of the properties are still intact, and have been restored, during the 1900s. I’d recommend you checking the missions out, next time you’re in San Antonio. Here are some of the photos I captured during my time exploring the missions.