Queenkv's Brainpickings

Waking up with this beautiful view of the Pacific at Torre Lucerna Hotel Ensenada.

Cloudy skies are quite lovely. It helps when you’re exploring sun-kissed beaches in Maui.

I loved walking on the sand and surf at the Royal Lahaina Beach.

I miss falling asleep to the sounds of waves crashing.

Maui feels like a dream.

My entry for this week’s Photo Friday: Cloudy.

MAUI – Waking up next to the Pacific Ocean. Palm trees swaying. Beach run in Lahaina.

My third trip to Hawaii. My first visit to Maui. I feel blessed to celebrate 10 years with my hubby.

Also. I need to resist the urge to check work email. I scheduled some tweets. Hotel wifi tempts me to stay plugged into my life back on the mainland.

This view from our balcony took my breath away. Vibrant sunset colors reminded me to enjoy what I have right now.

My inner shutterbug likes to take center stage on vacations.

We spotted three dolphins playing in front this boat last night. Squint. You’ll see it. 

I wanted to start snapping away. I knew my iPhone lens would capture a black smudge. I gave up on the perfect Maui photo and enjoyed the impromptu show. I watched dolphins leaping and flicking their tails. I imagined hearing their laughter. I squeezed Mark’s hand.
My favorite part of my first sunset in Maui.

Somewhere over the rainbow… Palm trees sway.

Paper lanterns danced on an island breeze at the Royal Kona Resort.

Morning walk past the Hulihe‘e Palace in Kailua-Kona.

Trees offered shade as we took a break from our hike on the Ala Kahakai Trail.

The public trail by the coast connected beaches and ran behind luxury properties and resorts.

We started our hike at Hapuna Beach. We ended it at Mauna Kea Beach. The view was stunning, from beach to beach.

This is my entry for this week’s Travel Theme: Trees.

This is one my favorite spots to enjoy a sunset with hints of pink, orange and blue.
We celebrated a wedding and reunited with best friends at the Royal Kona Resort on the Big Island of Hawaii.

Add a fruity cocktail with vodka, mixed with pineapple and orange juice. Paradise.

A ukulele version of “L.O.V.E” played on our plane after we landed in Honolulu. This song now brings me back to the sun, surf and sweet memories of our quick weekend trip to Hawaii.

I also sampled the sweet flavors of the island after a hot, sweaty hike between beaches.

We gobbled up shaved ice with ice cream drizzle at Hapuna Beach.

This is my entry for this week’s Photo Friday: Orange.

Some robot dinosaurs needed maintenance.
We followed Huell Howeser‘s footsteps and stopped at Cabazon’s “world-famous” roadside attraction turned intelligent design museum.

But first…
T-Rex selfie!

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You can find tapas, seafood and special “coke” cans at this Barcelona meeting place.

Plaça Reial in the Barri Gòtic.

We used this Cusco landmark to guide taxi drivers and Americans.

Plaza de Mayor in Cusco, Peru.

I watched friends and family meet for food and conversation in this French Canadian market.

Marche Jean-Talon in Montreal.

My entry for this week’s Travel Theme: Meeting Place.

Portrait of a hero.

Inside St. Cecilia in San Francisco.

Portrait of faith.

Inside the Hermitage in St. Petersburg.

Portrait of blue.

In San Francisco’s Mission.

Portrait of travelers.

Inside La Alcoba Azul in Barcelona.

My entry for this week’s Photo Friday: Portrait.

Piano music makes me feel nostalgic.

After work, I listened to a lovely NPR interview with classical pianist Tara Kamangar. Her new album covers music from Russia And Iran.

I adored listening to her play the love theme from Spartacus.

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Black and white cat in Parque Kennedy in Lima. Cats used this green space in Miraflores as their living room.

My entry for this week’s Photo Friday: Black and White.