TravelswithCharie

I always take the backroads home. The narrow two lane roads offer me a more tranquil way to get home. There are also rewards to reap in these backroads like this view of a sea of yellow chrysanthemums and sunflowers with the Gavilan mountains in the distance. Right next to this beauty is a cabbage patch. I was completely surprised to see how large the cabbages were. The almond tree above is in the backroads of Fresno County where the centenary heat in the summer scorches your skin even though you're under the shade. But for a few minutes I went outside to view these nuts up close. I learned that almonds are harvested in September using a machine which shakes the tree. A net of some sort is wrapped at the base of the tree to catch the falling almonds. These are then washed and processed so you and I can enjoy them later at the store shelves. There are more vineyards in the Central Valley nowadays. They've replaced the almond trees which bloom like cherry trees in t

Sunrise at Angkor Wat I just recently discovered some apps like Diptic, Collage and Instagram which enhance a photograph in different and amazing ways. With Sunrise at Angkor Wat , I used Diptic to form a collage of various images I took at Angkor Wat last year to show the unfolding of day starting at around 5:30 a.m. until the sun crept into full view. It's beautiful to see the gradation of hues at intervals of just a few minutes. I refer to these images as "early bird catches early worm". Bayon In this photo taken at Bayon (also at the Angkor complex of temples), I used a filter from Instagram for a dramatic effect and to hide the haze at the lower edge of the photo. The frame further adds to the drama and sets the photo back in time. I describe this image as "a smiling face peeping through the corridors of time". Casa de Fruta, Gilroy, California This collage of eye candy was made using Collage app. It's a fun way of mixing various imag

We all dream of having a beautiful garden. Preferably without weeds. Just flowers in bloom and green grass all year round. Which is why I just love to see the seasonal floral display at the Bellagio Conservatory and Botanical Gardens in Las Vegas. I know I will never be able to plant healthy blooms such as those at Bellagio on hardpan soil. But I have great expectations anyway. These larger than life lady beetles are made of hundreds of red carnations and are surrounded by a sea of mums and kalanchoe. And the frog prince reigns contentedly amidst yellow, red, and blue flowers anchored by a pavilion draped with stars and stripes banners. The frog prince is appropriately clad in what else? - kermit chrysanthemums, reindeer moss, green coffee bean and sheer moss. A little whimsy goes a long way. Bicycles with floral baskets tossed idly against a wooden railing and a ticket booth signal lazy days ahead. Message: don't rush. Just enjoy the long, hot days of summer un

One nation under God Indivisible With liberty and justice for all. Happy Independence Day, U.S.A. *  *  * Image from Microsoft clip art. 

I saw these remarkably high heels at a trendy store in Las Vegas and didn't even wonder who would wear these stilts. Many movie stars wear them to red carpet events and parties and I've seen friends dance in these heels effortlessly.  I once read an article about JLo playing a little football in strappy Louboutin high, high heels. How does she do it? What I wonder most is how sturdy are these heels? Will it hold my weight? There's one thing I'm sure of. I could wear these high heels for a few minutes, probably sitting down. No need to invite backache. It's fascinating to see the different styles - one for every occasion or dress. How ingenious to put  spikes down the back of the heels! Perfect to kick someone with should they get out of hand. *  *  * Images by Charie

Going home is my favorite roadtrip. Home is sweet, as the saying goes, but even more so when the road home passes through fruit orchards, vineyards, cornfields, roadside fruitstands, and you're following tomato or garlic trucks.  It's always a temptation to veer off the road to take a peek at bell peppers, strawberries, and pick up a basket of cherries for $1.00 or a bag of oranges for $3.00. Highway 152, Gilroy, California Then the season changes and the green corn stalks turn golden and the harvest begins. Cotton replaces corn and vendange  arrives before you know it. The fruit trees hibernate and the fields are barren for a time. Just when I'm beginning to despair with the bleakness of it all, the blossoming almond trees announce the advent of spring and the fields turn green once more. It's an incredible cycle of life to behold and it never fails to amaze me. I'm lucky and grateful to have as many reasons to go home. *  *  * Images by Charie

According to a US Travel Association survey (conducted between March 8-11, 2012), “ rising gas prices will impact business and leisure travel plans this summer”. But there’s welcome relief at the pump as the price of gasoline has dropped below the $4.00 mark and as of last week, $3.59/gallon for regular unleaded at a Central Valley gas station in California .   California gasoline prices have traditionally been higher than in other states because of stringent emission standards set by the California Air Resources Board (CARB). This translates to the production of a “cleaner-burning formulation gasoline” which further adds to the cost of gasoline. So does the lower price per gallon at the pump mean that vacationers will embrace the road more so this summer than last? We’ll have to wait and see till September. Safe travels! *  *  * Image by Charie