Istanbul Photo Contest entries

Istanbul Photo Contest entries, a set on Flickr.

These are the photos I've chosen.
I need your help to choose 5 of the TOP photos to submit by Nov. 1st, 2011 for the Istanbul Photo Contest.

The winning entry will be used in advertisement and marketing materials for Istanbul tourism. So I'll get name recognition along with...

The grand prize of a 5 day all expense paid trip for 2 to Istanbul from anywhere. I'd like to bring my Dad and his wife over here to visit me. It's been almost 2 years since we last met.

Minimalist Water bottle Day 5

Minimalist Water bottle, a photo by LaughingShutter on Flickr.

Via Flickr:
I decided to experiment with the idea of Minimalist photography where you keep things simple. It usually involves just one object and/or a texture. Seeing this water bottle floating in water brought to mind the duplicity of the word water bottle. It doesn't just hold water, it floats on water.

So do you think this is a good example of Minimalist photography? Tell me why or why not.

Teddy's legal! Day 14

Teddy's legal! Day 14, a photo by LaughingShutter on Flickr.

It's Day 14 already...I've got some backlogging to do!!

Today I received my residence permit for foreigners booklet! Next step is the work permit.

Teddy, you're legal! Way to go!

Project 365 My Mom

I've been behind on editing and posting photos. I'll catch up.

Today, whichever day it turns out to be is dedicated to my Mom.
Happy 50th Birthday Mom. Love you more than the world.
The photo was taken in Crimea, Ukraine.

Day 4 Friends and Food

Day 4 has come and gone.
Here was the happy moment of the day.
I'm thankful for Couchsurfing and the diverse Community it maintains.
I was able to befriend many locals, began hosting events, and have found so many opportunities that I'd have never found otherwise. When I arrived to Istanbul a month ago I came with little money to go out and meet people or even to make food. I was really wanting to taste the local foods here so I found a group on Couchsurfing called Cooksurfing. This is a group of Couchsurfers, otherwise expats, travelers, and locals that love cooking. I decided to organize a cooking event I called Lovers of Food. And last night I had the 3rd event which brings together a really nice group of people over food and drink. So, the thing that makes me really happy is having new friends and great food.

Flash Mob Proposal at Disney

I just ran across this great video of a guy that proposes to his girl with a flashmob dancing to "marry me" by Bruno Mars. Great stuff..I was tearing up for sure :)   I love that song. haha

Happy Day/night everyone.

Special Deliveries! Day 3

It's always a great feeling when you know somebody is thinking of you from another place.
So Day 3 is all about those great packages. My dad has sent me packages several times since I left the USA and even though I get some corny momentos from him I still cherish them because I know they were heartfelt gifts..even if they don't help me completely.  So to everybody and anybody that has ever sent me a letter or a care package, I thank you from the bottom of my heart. They really do mean a lot to me and if I dont' have them with me I send them home for storage for when I finally do settle down somewhere. I can show my kids and grandkids all of the kind deeds that I've encountered in my travels around the world.

Have a great Friday.  This weekend will be a busy one for me.

Giant care package with all of my clothes, Harddrive, cooking knife, and some new momentos!

This is what was inside, minus the belt.