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.

My Bus Driver and Happy Students Day 2 0f 365

Every day I leave my house at 7:30am and my bus driver is stopping next to my front door to take me to my work as I still try to push away the effects of sleep.

Every day at 4pm I get on a bus and with the help of my very clever 4th grade student I'm able to communicate with the helper and the busdriver on the bus. They drop me off  on my street as they take other children to there homes.

This specialized service (perk) of my job is so awesome. How can I not be happy about it. I'm always happy to see this man every weekday morning and every weekday afternoon. It makes me feel welcome and has really helped me adjust to living here.

Without him I'd have to walk up this treacherous hill every single day!  When I do miss the bus my legs get some punishment.

Project 365 BEGINS!

Finishing the day right. Day 1 of 365, a photo by LaughingShutter on Flickr.

Day 1 of 365.

What makes me smile?

Living in Istanbul can give one many reasons to smile.
I love seeing the sunset fall over the water, it's rays of dying light splashing across the sky, lighting up the clouds to a fine simmer, and splashing across the ripples in the water. But what's better is eating while enjoying such a breathtaking view.

This is Istanbul.

This is Day 1. Sept. 27th, 2011

5 Amazing Websites to Help You Volunteer Anywhere

5 Amazing Websites to Help You Volunteer Anywhere

I just found a great website while browsing the travelblog a pair of panties and boxers that has some great resources for those that want to give their time and/or money to charitable causes.
After checking through the sites myself I've found that the sites are for finding opportunities to volunteer in the United States. So all of my U.S. readers have fun browsing and find a program that fits your interest.

In the meantime I'll keep my eye out for great programs that share international opportunities of volunteering. Perhaps I'll even end up trying to make my own if I can't find anything.

Whenever I travel I feel the need to give back a bit to the place I'm traveling. It doesn't have to be with money but it can be with a few hours of my time doing something that helps out the community, whether guest teaching, cleaning up a shoreline, or even teaching in the streets.

I suggest you try the same and you'll find that your next vacation will be so much more memorable and rewarding than just going to a place and taking the regular tour and snapping photos.

Coming Soon!

I've been waiting to open this blog to coincide with my departure from Korea and the start of my journey in Europe.

Here's what I have in store for you:

• 365 Days of smiles   

I will post a photo a day of something that makes me smile. Sometimes, if I capture a
strangers smile I will include that in it as well. Lets see how many smiles I can capture in a year.  :) 

• Travel Blog

With the start of my journey to Turkey and then across Egypt I will write, photograph, and
videotape my experiences while traveling across Europe.  Looking forward to showing the
world from a new perspective and perhaps bringing some smiles to some of my readers as well.