PHOTO FRIDAY #9: Olympic Games

There has been recent discussion about wrestling not being included in the summer Olympic Games. In fact, the IOC has eliminated the sport from its roster of events (starting in 2020). As a fan of wrestling - and a competitor - I think this is an absolute shame. It is a sport of discipline, skill, and strength...but it is also a significant and historical component of the Olympic Games (both ancient and modern...and across multiple nations). Since this blog is not dedicated to sports or athletics, I figured I could just use this picture taken from London during a brief stop in July 2012 just before the opening ceremonies. Like how I tied that all in? :)

PHOTO FRIDAY #6: Amsterdam at Night

Amsterdam is a popular connection from the United States into Europe thanks to frequent and comfortable flights aboard KLM. I had the chance to visit the Dutch capital during the summer of 2012 en route to Nairobi (eastern Africa). I extended the stop in order to capture a few images of iconic street scenes and local culture. The warm waffles drizzled in chocolate were amazing, while the hot fries dipped in mayonnaise were a one-time treat. The overcrowded coffee shops offered unique 'herbal' aromas, while the red light district offered much, much more...but not to the imagination. With its picturesque canals, historic museums, neon-lit avenues, and mounds of parked bikes, downtown Amsterdam is a charming location for families, couples, and even globetrotting singles.