#1 Washington, D.C. is the Capital of the United States of America.
Officially founded on July 16, 1790, Washington, DC (formally the District of Columbia) is unique among American cities because it was established by the Constitution of the United States to serve as the nation’s capital. The City had an estimated population of 617,996 in 2011.

#2 Washington, D.C. is the home to over 500 United States National Historic Landmarks, Memorials, and Monuments.

#3 National Mall and Memorial Parks, located in the heart of the city, include the Icons:

  • National Mall
  • Washington Monument
  • Thomas Jefferson Memorial
  • Lincoln Memorial
  • Franklin Delano Roosevelt Memorial
  • World War II Memorial
  • Korean War Veterans Memorial
  • Vietnam Veterans Memorial

#4 The Smithsonian Institution operates 19 museums and the National Zoo, all free to the public.

#5 … Do I really need another reason for going to Washington, D.C.? :)

 

Streets of the Capital. Washington, D.C.

Streets of the Capital. Washington, D.C.

Park Police. Washington, D.C.

Park Police. Washington, D.C.

The Capital Squirrel. Washington, D.C.

The Capital Squirrel. Washington, D.C.

The White House. Washington, D.C.

The White House. Washington, D.C.

Cadillac. Washington, D.C.

Cadillac. Washington, D.C.

National World War II Memorial. Washington, D.C.

National World War II Memorial. Washington, D.C.

The Family. Chesapeake Bay, Annapolis, Maryland

The Family. Chesapeake Bay, Annapolis, Maryland

Lincoln Memorial. Washington, D.C.

Lincoln Memorial. Washington, D.C.

Lincoln Memorial. Washington, D.C.

Lincoln Memorial. Washington, D.C.

The Capitol. Washington, D.C.

The Capitol. Washington, D.C.

Beyond This Point

Beyond This Point

Washington Monument. Washington, D.C.

Washington Monument. Washington, D.C.

A Couple. Chesapeake Bay, Annapolis, Maryland

A Couple. Chesapeake Bay, Annapolis, Maryland

Korean War Memorial. Washington, D.C.

Korean War Memorial. Washington, D.C.

View other posts from my trip to to Washington, D.C. >>

As I have mentioned in my previous post, during my stay in the resort in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic the entertainment team did a great job of entertaining tourists. Here are a few photos taken during team’s performances. Enjoy!

Dominican Girl Dancer performs in a Dominican Flag costume

Dominican Girl Dancer performs in a Dominican Flag costume

Dominican Man Dancer on Stage. Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic

Dominican Man Dancer on Stage. Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic

Dominican Dance. Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic

Dominican Dance. Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic

Night Performance with Torches. Dominican Republic

Night Performance with Torches. Dominican Republic

Love Dance. Dominican Republic

Love Dance. Dominican Republic

Spanish Dance. Dominican Republic

Spanish Dance. Dominican Republic

A Cute Dominican Girl Dancing. Dominican Republic

A Cute Dominican Girl Dancing. Dominican Republic

No comment :)

No comment :)

Girl in Underwater Dance. Dominican Republic

Girl in Underwater Dance. Dominican Republic

Entertainment Team Girl Dancer. Dominican Republic

Entertainment Team Girl Dancer. Dominican Republic

Entertainment Team Girl Dancer Performs on  Stage

Entertainment Team Girl Dancer Performs on Stage

The End of Dance

The End of Dance

View other posts from my trip to Dominican Republic >>

It was a while ago… on a Day of Sevens (July 7, 2007). Seven is considered lucky by many people. So many people went to Vegas on that day :) I decided to move in the opposite direction and live out a few days, including 7-7-7, on the beach of Caribbean Sea in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic. Not many pictures have been taken there,- I had other goals when I was lying on the beach watching seabirds fly :) However, I have recently found a photo of “a local guy with two parrots”, taken in Dominican Republic, and decided to publish a few pictures from that trip.

I also took a few photos of a resort entertainment team (which, by the way, did a great job of entertaining tourists). Will post those pics in a separate post. Stay tuned ;)

A Local Guy with Two Parrots. Dominican Republic

A Local Guy with Two Parrots. Dominican Republic

The Dominican Republic (República Dominicana) is a nation on the island of La Hispaniola, part of the Greater Antilles archipelago in the Caribbean region. The western third of the island is occupied by the nation of Haiti, making Hispaniola one of two Caribbean islands that are shared by two countries. Both by area and population, the Dominican Republic is the second largest Caribbean nation (after Cuba), with 48,442 square kilometres (18,704 sq mi) and an estimated 10 million people. [Wikipedia]

Santo Domingo. Dominican Republic

Santo Domingo. Dominican Republic

Route 66. Dominican Republic

Route 66. Dominican Republic

Bicyclers. Dominican Republic

Bicyclers. Dominican Republic

The Boats. Caribbean Sea

The Boats. Caribbean Sea

The Feeling of Falling :)

The Feeling of Falling :)

Boy Pillow Fight

Boy Pillow Fight

Girl Pillow Fight. Dominican Republic

Girl Pillow Fight. Dominican Republic

Beach Volleyball. Dominican Republic

Beach Volleyball. Dominican Republic

Pink Flamingo. Dominican Republic

Pink Flamingo. Dominican Republic

View other posts from my trip to Dominican Republic >>

Finally Nikon D4 is released! still waiting for Nikon D800

Nikon calls their D4 Digital SLR Camera a “total professional imaging machine”. They would be correct in doing so. Designed for the working photographer, the D4 meets the most-demanding photog’s needs and then some. Packed with features essential to getting the job done, and getting it done well this rig is more than a digital camera, it’s a shooter’s bread and butter.

Nikon D4. Front View

Nikon D4. Front View

Building off the basic structure of its predecessor, the D4 goes big in a number of ways which are sure to be appreciated. The camera features a 16.2Mp 36 x 23.9mm CMOS sensor with Nikon’s FX-format and the EXPEED3 image processor. ISO sensitivity can now be extended as low as ISO 50 or as high as 204,800 with a standard range of 100-12,800 ISO. Additionally, 10 frames per second continuous shooting in FX-format for up to 200 shots ensures the decisive moment will not be missed.

Nikon D4. Back View

Nikon D4. Back View

The D4 records in RAW, JPEG, TIFF, and RAW + JPEG files. Metering options include RGB 3D Color Matrix III metering, center-weighted, and spot. Additionally, compatible storage media includes the future of professional storage, XQD memory cards, and Type I CompactFlash memory cards (UDMA compliant). Of course, NIKKOR AF-S and AF-I lenses are compatible with the D4 body, putting an extensive line of lenses at the photographer’s disposal.

Nikon D4. Left Side View

Nikon D4. Left Side View

Another improvement on D4′s little brother would be the slightly bigger LCD screen. Up from 3″, the D4 has a 3.2″ LCD monitor with a 170° viewing angle, approximately 100% frame coverage, automatic monitor brightness control, and Live View. In Live View the image can be enlarged up to 46x to make on the spot focus confirmation. Surrounding the monitor are illuminated buttons for ease of use even in low light. Additionally, quick access Live View confirms exposure, white balance, monitor hue, histogram, focus mode, AF area mode, and focusing accuracy with ease.

Nikon D4. Right Side View

Nikon D4. Right Side View

The D4 also boasts stellar auto focus features – like 51 AF points, an AF mode selector switch, and fast AF point selection. All three of these components of the AF system ensure accurate, fast shooting whether the subject is a room full of children or a high-speed sporting event.

Of course, the D4 wouldn’t be a professional level DSLR if it didn’t include full HD video capture. The D4 does so, making it equally a pro videographer’s tool as much as a pro photographer’s. From 1080p broadcast quality video at 30 or 24 fps to full manual control to the option to add an external mic for stereo audio capture, the D4 isn’t just a digital camera that also captures video.

Features like the aforementioned Live View allow the videographer to confirm capture of their footage on the camera’s LCD and an external (optional) monitor simultaneously. It also gives you access to Picture Controls to handle the look and feel of the video, in-camera. Peak audio meters also allow the videographer to adjust sound levels manually in 20 incremental steps. Remote start and stop of view using wired and wireless remote accessories is also an option, among many others… [Images and Text: Nikon USA]

Find out more about Nikon D4 on Nikon USA website >>

Las Vegas, Nevada doesn’t need my introduction here. When one hears “Las Vegas”, the city name speaks for itself. It means Gambling, Cash, Entertainment, Sex, Alcohol, and a lot of Fun :)
I got a mixed impressions of the City. The most remembered- walking along the South Strip of Las Vegas I always felt like I am in the Disney World for Adults. Everything looked so artificial, like its made from papier mache…

As you know, what happens in Vegas stays in Vegas. So I will skip my stories :) One tip- if the thrill of the casino was not enough and you need more adrenaline, ride a New York New York Casino Roller Coaster – Manhattan Express (again, Six Flags for Adults). I had a great experience one night! Stomach in throat, you scream with your fellow adrenaline junkies while falling into the darkness from 203 feet (62 meters) height at 84 miles (135 kilometers) per hour!

South Strip. Las Vegas, Nevada

South Strip. Las Vegas, Nevada

Las Vegas is an internationally renowned major resort city for gambling, shopping, and fine dining. The city bills itself as The Entertainment Capital of the World, and is famous for its casino resorts and associated entertainment. A growing retirement and family city, Las Vegas is the 28th-most populous city in the United States, with an estimated population by the U.S. Census Bureau of 583,756 as of 2010. The 2010 population estimate of the Las Vegas metropolitan area was 1,951,269.
Established in 1905, Las Vegas officially became a city in 1911. At the close of the 20th century, Las Vegas was the most populous American city founded in that century (a distinction held by Chicago in the 19th century). The city’s tolerance for various forms of adult entertainment earned it the title of Sin City.

Showgirls. Las Vegas, Nevada

Showgirls. Las Vegas, Nevada

Bellagio Fountain Show. Las Vegas, Nevada

Bellagio Fountain Show. Las Vegas, Nevada

Crazy Girls Show. Las Vegas, Nevada

Crazy Girls Show. Las Vegas, Nevada

New York New York, Las Vegas Blvd. Las Vegas, Nevada

New York New York, Las Vegas Blvd. Las Vegas, Nevada

Paris Hotel and Casino. Las Vegas, Nevada

Paris Hotel and Casino. Las Vegas, Nevada

Folies Bergere Ad. Las Vegas, Nevada

Folies Bergere Ad. Las Vegas, Nevada

Guess Bus Stop. Las Vegas, Nevada

Guess Bus Stop. Las Vegas, Nevada

Girls by Phone Cards. Las Vegas, Nevada

Girls by Phone Cards. Las Vegas, Nevada

Vegas T-Shirts. Las Vegas, Nevada

Vegas T-Shirts. Las Vegas, Nevada

Fans. Las Vegas, Nevada

Fans. Las Vegas, Nevada

Great Grand Canyon

Great Grand Canyon

View other posts from my trip to Las Vegas, Nevada >>

I have received several requests asking for more photos of American Classic Cars I took in Havana, Cuba. Here they are :) Enjoy Part 3!

Havana, Cuba. American Classic Cars Museum

Havana, Cuba. American Classic Cars Museum

Havana, Cuba. American Classic Cars Museum

Havana, Cuba. American Classic Cars Museum

Havana, Cuba. American Classic Cars Museum

Havana, Cuba. American Classic Cars Museum

Havana, Cuba. American Classic Cars Museum

Havana, Cuba. American Classic Cars Museum

Havana, Cuba. American Classic Cars Museum

Havana, Cuba. American Classic Cars Museum

Havana, Cuba. American Classic Cars Museum

Havana, Cuba. American Classic Cars Museum

Havana, Cuba. American Classic Cars Museum

Havana, Cuba. American Classic Cars Museum

Havana, Cuba. American Classic Cars Museum

Havana, Cuba. American Classic Cars Museum

Havana, Cuba. American Classic Cars Museum

Havana, Cuba. American Classic Cars Museum

Havana, Cuba. American Classic Cars Museum

Havana, Cuba. American Classic Cars Museum

Havana, Cuba. American Classic Cars Museum

Havana, Cuba. American Classic Cars Museum

Havana, Cuba. American Classic Cars Museum

Havana, Cuba. American Classic Cars Museum

Havana, Cuba. American Classic Cars Museum

Havana, Cuba. American Classic Cars Museum

Havana, Cuba. American Classic Cars Museum

Havana, Cuba. American Classic Cars Museum

View other posts from my trip to Havana, Cuba >>

May the good times and treasures of the present become the golden memories of tomorrow. Wish you lots of love, joy and happiness! HAPPY NEW YEAR!

I have received several requests asking for more photos of American Classic Cars I took in Havana, Cuba. Here they are :) Enjoy Part 2!

Havana, Cuba. American Classic Cars Museum

Havana, Cuba. American Classic Cars Museum

Havana, Cuba. American Classic Cars Museum

Havana, Cuba. American Classic Cars Museum

Havana, Cuba. American Classic Cars Museum

Havana, Cuba. American Classic Cars Museum

Havana, Cuba. American Classic Cars Museum

Havana, Cuba. American Classic Cars Museum

Havana, Cuba. American Classic Cars Museum

Havana, Cuba. American Classic Cars Museum

Havana, Cuba. American Classic Cars Museum

Havana, Cuba. American Classic Cars Museum

Havana, Cuba. American Classic Cars Museum

Havana, Cuba. American Classic Cars Museum

Havana, Cuba. American Classic Cars Museum

Havana, Cuba. American Classic Cars Museum

Havana, Cuba. American Classic Cars Museum

Havana, Cuba. American Classic Cars Museum

Havana, Cuba. American Classic Cars Museum

Havana, Cuba. American Classic Cars Museum

Havana, Cuba. American Classic Cars Museum

Havana, Cuba. American Classic Cars Museum

Havana, Cuba. American Classic Cars Museum

Havana, Cuba. American Classic Cars Museum

Havana, Cuba. American Classic Cars Museum

Havana, Cuba. American Classic Cars Museum

View other posts from my trip to Havana, Cuba >>

 

 

One night I have stopped by El Floridita- an historic restaurant and cocktail bar in the older part of Havana (La Habana Vieja), Cuba. The place is famous for having been one of the favorite hangouts of Ernest Hemingway. In honor of Hemingway nobody is allowed to sit in the hallowed corner which was, and still is, reserved for the writer. I have ordered a drink Hemingway invented there, the Papa Doble, a double daiquiri… What can I say? – Hemingway was not only a great writer :) The drink is delicious! Because of the drink El Floridita is called “La Cuna Del Daiquiri”, literally translated as “The Cradle of the Daiquiri”. The most fun in the restaurant was a street music band which performed Bamboleo, Besame Mucho and other great Spanish songs. That was the best night of my trip!

El Floridita- La Cuna Del Daiquiri. Havana, Cuba

El Floridita- La Cuna Del Daiquiri. Havana, Cuba

Bamboleo by Gipsy Kings

Besame Mucho by Trio Los Panchos

El Floridita- La Cuna Del Daiquiri. Havana, Cuba

El Floridita- La Cuna Del Daiquiri. Havana, Cuba

Cuban Woman. Havana, Cuba

Cuban Woman. Havana, Cuba

Havana Smile :)

Havana Smile :)

Lovely Cuban Couple. Havana, Cuba

Lovely Cuban Couple. Havana, Cuba

Cementerio de Cristóbal Coló - Colon Cemetery. Havana, Cuba

Cementerio de Cristóbal Coló - Colon Cemetery. Havana, Cuba

A Cuban Girl on Pony Horse. Havana, Cuba

A Cuban Girl on Pony Horse. Havana, Cuba

Castillo de los Tres Reyes Magos del Morro

Castillo de los Tres Reyes Magos del Morro

A Cuban Man is Making Juice from Sugar Cane Plant

A Cuban Man is Making Juice from Sugar Cane Plant

138 Black Flags with a White Star in front of the U.S. Diplomatic Mission in Havana, Cuba

138 Black Flags with a White Star in front of the U.S. Diplomatic Mission in Havana, Cuba

Hotel Colina. Havana, Cuba

Hotel Colina. Havana, Cuba

El Capitolio, or National Capitol Building in Havana, Cuba

El Capitolio, or National Capitol Building in Havana, Cuba

View other posts from my trip to Havana, Cuba >>

Got great news about Cuba today! The Pearl of the Caribbean will shine again soon. For the first time in a half-century, Cubans will be allowed to buy and sell real estate, bequeath property to relatives without restriction and avoid forfeiting their homes if they abandon the country. The law, which takes effect November 10, 2011, limits Cubans to owning one home in the city and another in the country. The change follows October’s legalization of buying and selling cars. The government has also allowed Cubans to go into business for themselves in a number of approved jobs.

So, now I can proudly share my photography saying- “see how different Havana was in Fidel Castro’s times” :)

El Morro Castle. Havana, Cuba

El Morro Castle. Havana, Cuba

Plaza de Catedral. Havana, Cuba

Plaza de Catedral. Havana, Cuba

Alma Mater. The University of Havana, Cuba

Alma Mater. The University of Havana, Cuba

Cuban Man. Havana, Cuba

Cuban Man. Havana, Cuba

Streets of Havana, Cuba

Streets of Havana, Cuba

Marble statue of Christ blesses the City of Havana, Cuba

Marble statue of Christ blesses the City of Havana, Cuba

The Windows. Havana, Cuba

The Windows. Havana, Cuba

Old Woman walking a Dog. Havana, Cuba

Old Woman walking a Dog. Havana, Cuba

The Skyline. Havana, Cuba

The Skyline. Havana, Cuba

Bacardi Bat. Havana, Cuba

Bacardi Bat. Havana, Cuba

Streets of Havana, Cuba

Streets of Havana, Cuba

Girl Tourist Photographer in Havana, Cuba

Girl Tourist Photographer in Havana, Cuba

Boat La Habana. Havana, Cuba

Boat La Habana. Havana, Cuba

Streets of Havana, Cuba

Streets of Havana, Cuba

The Roofs of Havana, Cuba

The Roofs of Havana, Cuba

View other posts from my trip to Havana, Cuba >>

Havana is a big open-air American Classic Cars museum. Estimated 100,000+ pre-revolutionary cars are still driving in the cities of Cuba. From 1900 to 1958 (before the Cuban Revolution), the country was a large importer of U.S. American cars. Import stopped after the U.S. trade embargo in 1960. Because it is been difficult for many Cubans to purchase new cars, car owners have managed to maintain the cars they possessed prior to the revolution. Fascinating, the replacement parts are custom made by Cubans. If you are a Classic Car fanatic as I am, Havana is a paradise for you!

Streets of Havana, Cuba

Streets of Havana, Cuba

Havana, Cuba. American Classic Cars Museum

Havana, Cuba. American Classic Cars Museum

Havana, Cuba. American Classic Cars Museum

Havana, Cuba. American Classic Cars Museum

Havana, Cuba. American Classic Cars Museum

Havana, Cuba. American Classic Cars Museum

Havana, Cuba. American Classic Cars Museum

Havana, Cuba. American Classic Cars Museum

Havana, Cuba. American Classic Cars Museum

Havana, Cuba. American Classic Cars Museum

Havana, Cuba. American Classic Cars Museum

Havana, Cuba. American Classic Cars Museum

Havana, Cuba. American Classic Cars Museum

Havana, Cuba. American Classic Cars Museum

Havana, Cuba. American Classic Cars Museum

Havana, Cuba. American Classic Cars Museum

Havana, Cuba. American Classic Cars Museum

Havana, Cuba. American Classic Cars Museum

Havana, Cuba. American Classic Cars Museum

Havana, Cuba. American Classic Cars Museum

Havana, Cuba. American Classic Cars Museum

Havana, Cuba. American Classic Cars Museum

Havana, Cuba. American Classic Cars Museum

Havana, Cuba. American Classic Cars Museum

View other posts from my trip to Havana, Cuba >>