We Miss the European Rail System

On July 31, 2020July 31, 2020 By Isobar ExpeditionsIn Photo Challenge12 Comments

Now, probably more than ever, we miss the convenience and efficiency of the European rail system. Part of it is due to where we live in the United States, because the states are so large and it takes a long time to even get out of Colorado. When we were living in Germany, which is centrally located, we were able to take trains not only throughout the country, but to other countries as well. Because it was so easy to take trains to different places, we used to plan our weekend and buy our tickets using the DB (Deutsche Bahn) app on the day before we wanted to leave. With the option for private cabins, food cars, and in some cases, sleeper cars, the trains provided comfort as well as convenience. The scenery as the trains wound their way through the countryside was always amazing.

Scene from the Train Window as We Traveled to Strasbourg, France

Views from the Airplane

On July 24, 2020July 24, 2020 By Isobar ExpeditionsIn Mexico, Photo Challenge8 Comments

It is hard to believe that it has been more than five months since the last time that we boarded an airplane to go someplace new. Several years ago we started taking photographs through the windows of the airplanes, cars, and trains that we travel on. We actually find it interesting to look back not only at the locations that we’ve visited, but also the journey itself, to, from, and around the various countries. When we visited Acapulco in Mexico this past February, just prior to countries shutting down, we boarded a plane prior to the sun having even starting to rise. We watched the sunrise as we flew into Houston to catch our connection to continue on to Mexico. We look back at that particular journey with a combination of sadness and longing to travel once again.

Another Airplane on the Tarmac at Sunrise

Colorful Buildings

On July 2, 2020July 2, 2020 By Isobar ExpeditionsIn Photo Challenge4 Comments

Especially in dense cities, it is not uncommon to have certain buildings painted with bright colors in order to stand out. Whether it is the entire building front or just the doors and windows, it is a way to make a unique statement in an otherwise homogeneous landscape. A lot of the time it is a business that is trying to draw your attention, but a lot of the time is a residential home where the owners simply expressing their uniqueness. We enjoy seeing these buildings during our travels and often take photographs of them even though they aren’t of any historical significance. Here are just a few of the colorful buildings that we have seen during our travels.