Half Moon Bay & Santa Cruz (California)

Copyright May Rogers 2012.
All rights reserved.
Photos shot using Sony A390

Find MM.Rogers Photography on Twitter

A photograph can be an instant of life captured for eternity that will never cease looking back at you. - Brigitte Bardot 

The past few weeks marked the incoming change, rain showers bringing in a brand new season. Suddenly Silicon Valley is not that sunny anymore. And if you are a sun person, the blanketing gray clouds and the cold all-day rain surely will bring you down. I'm a sun person. I mean sunny. I am bright and sunny. But I also love walks in the rain.

Last weekend though, the sun appeared. And since after we've taken advantage of the warm spring days ahead by going to the beach. The drive from San Jose to San Mateo county took about 20 minutes. The narrow road that leads to the garden was busily explored by bikers. We got to discover Half Moon Bay and revisited Santa Cruz - the beautiful turquoise beaches, the surfable waves, the exhausted seals and soon-to-be summertime hangouts for us.

Santa Cruz and Half Moon Bay (California) are both quintessential summer California destinations particularly for those who surf and snorkel. Located on the northern edge of Monterey Bay, 72 miles south of San Francisco, Santa Cruz has a lot to offer starting with picturesque sunsets, entertaining rides down the boardwalk and of course, the legendary drive down Highway 1. 
 

CHICAGO (Illinois)

Copyright May Rogers 2012.
All rights reserved.
Photos shot using Sony A390

Find MM.Rogers Photography on Twitter

A photograph can be an instant of life captured for eternity that will never cease looking back at you. - Brigitte Bardot 

The Windy City was not all that windy when I was there for winter 2011. It was freezing but it was not a scary winter. It was not snowy either. But it was skin-peeling cold. Prior to my arrival, I was warned that I need to bundle up, it gets too cold for comfort. And it was. I translated "bundle up" into 5 layers of clothing, 2 pairs of socks, furry gloves and a dependable pashmina, now that was too thick for comfort. But nothing could keep me away from the bright city lights (ON FOOT), the downtown cheerfulness and the grand architecture. I was a moth to a flame -- a photographing moth, that is. How does one start looking behind lens when everything is so beautiful right in front of you? After a 3-hour rainy drive from Indiana, Chicago welcomes me with a very clear sun-shiny day.

 A day and a night in Chicago.

Downtown Chicago. Never miss a day doing the ARCHITECTURAL TOUR. It doesn't require a week, just make sure you have 24 hours to spend. Leave your telephoto lens in the car, carry a wide lens to capture everything in one photo. Leave your car. Go on foot! You will cover more grounds than sitting waiting in car trapped in jam.

More of downtown. More building as I walked towards the Twin Cob (Marina City). I love the buses, they remind me of San Francisco cable cars. Lots of cars, lots of cabs, traffic everywhere you go.

Marina City. Mixed use-multifamily housing, offices, parking. They dominate Chicago skyline and cityscape. Check out the car park!

Jay Pritzker Pavilion, Millenium Park. A lively square where people gather for a day in the park. What to do here: see Cloud Gate, ice skate at McCormick Tribune Ice Rink and take a stroll at the Daley Bicentennial Plaza. It is a huge park so wear comfy pair of shoes.

Cloud Gate, Millennium Park. The most crowded part of Chicago. This is a side shot of 'The Bean' on a blue hour. 

Monroe Harbor. Located in the heart of downtown Chicago. It features a lighthouse, beautiful sunset, gulls and a peaceful sight.I just sat by the pier and as they say somewhere "took the sunshine in".

Wrigley Building.  One of America's most famous office towers located downtown Chicago. Two buildings, a clock tower and an open walkway that connects the two structures.

 Chicago Tribune Tower

 

Willis Tower. The tallest building in the United States, formerly known as Sears Tower. Sky Deck can be found here which takes guests way up for a dizzying view of Chicago and the neighboring states. Line is always long outside the building so be prepared.

Chicago River. The river is notable for being the reason why Chicago became an important location, as the link between the Great Lakes and the Mississippi Valley waterways. - wikipedia

Me and Chase Promenade (building in the background). There's more to Chicago than just a day. I would love to be back in the summer and see more, do more. 

Shrimp Tower at Rock Bottom Restaurant, Chicago. They've got the best food!


NEXT: HALF MOON BAY & SANTA CRUZ (CALIFORNIA)