Flower Photo Collection

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I don't have a green thumb. Not at all. Most plants come to my apartment to die. It's sad really. The only thing I have managed to keep alive is a sad, half-brown, half-green basil plant. It's not dead, but it looks like it has a terminal illness.

There is the exception of succulents (I have killed a few, but kept a few alive as well). My succulent garden posted about a week ago is also still in the land of the living. For now.

For those of us who don't have that special ability to make pretty plants grow and thrive, there are cacti and succulents and then there are photographs.

Flowers are one of my favorite things to photograph. I can't grow them in a garden, but I sure can hand a copy of one on my wall!

Take a look at these photos of some of my favorite flowers:

Taken in Monterey Bay, California

Taken in Laguna Beach, California

Taken in Amsterdam

Taken in Amsterdam

Taken in Bruges, Belgium

Also taken in Amsterdam

Taken in Claremont, California

Taken in Lake Arrowhead, California

Taken at Hearst Castle, San Simeon, California

Taken at Hearst Castle, San Simeon, California

Check out my Etsy store to buy prints of these photos. See one you like not in my shop? Request special printing by messaging me via Etsy or leaving a comment =)

For my other photo collections, look at these posts:

Collection from Brugge, Belguim

Collection from Edinburgh, Scotland

Photo Collection: Pictures from Bruges/Brugge, Belgium

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Bruges was another stop on our visit to Europe (my father and I went in July of this year). Our last name, Fleming, came out of Bruges when it was still Flanders. In fact, they still speak Flemish in Bruges today. Known as one of the best preserved medieval cities in Europe, you can't help but to fall in love with it.

Bruges was beautiful. The architecture was absolutely gorgeous and the city had a deep and interesting history. Historians tell us that Bruges (Brugge) has been settled since the 9th century by the Vikings. The name Bruges is likely derived from the Scandinavian word "Brygga" meaning "harbor." The city has had many highs and lows and has recently found its high in tourism. It certainly was a wonderful place to visit with great food, warm people, and wonderful landmarks.

The first photographs are of the Church of Our Lady which houses Michelangelo's Madonna and Child among other fine works of art. We weren't allowed to take pictures of the his sculpture but here is one photo that I was able to take from the inside:

(Inside the church)

The outside of the church is just as beautiful. Construction on the building started in the 13th century and was mostly finished by the 15th century. However, the exterior has undergone several renovations over the years. It's tower is the second tallest brick structure in the world making it visible from most places around the city.

(Exterior photograph)

Belfry Tower was originally built in 1240 but was destroyed by fire 1280 and had to be rebuilt. It houses 47 bells, each with distinctly different tones which were historically used for different functions (i.e. one was used if there was danger, others to keep time, bells for important announcements, and so on).

(Belfry at night)

Many of my favorite places existed along the canals that run through the city.

(Canal at night - white spots are swans that are actually owned by the city)

The market square was the heart of the medieval city. The square is surrounded by the Belfry Tower, the Provincial court building, and colorful intricately designed buildings.

(Provincial court building)

The statue in the middle of the square honors the two leaders of the Battle of the Golden Spurs (an uprising in 1302 against French occupation).

(Nighttime view of Market Square and Statue)

Like these photographs? Buy a print from my Etsy store. If there is one on this page that is not offered on Etsy, feel free to message me through Etsy about custom prints!

For my other photo collections, look at these posts:

Collection from Edinburgh, Scotland

Check out my Flower photo collection featuring flowers from around the world!

Photo Collection: Pictures from Edinburgh, Scotland

Photos from my Travels

Many of these photos are available at my Etsy shop.

My wonderful father took me to Europe in July as a graduation present. We got to go to some amazing places. We started in Edinburgh followed by Amsterdam and Bruges. On the way back to the U.S., we had a long layover in New York and got to go to Times Square.

Edinburgh was my favorite location out of all the places we went. It was lively and had a great nightlife but still had a small city feel to it. The history of the city is amazing. I mean, there's a full-fledged castle!!! Can't do much better than that...

I actually liked it so much that I would love to live there if given the chance. Once I got home, my fiancee and I looked up how to become a citizen of the UK. Apparently it's really hard. We still plan to try but also expect that there's a good chance we will just have to visit instead of living there.

The architecture is breathtaking.

This is a photograph of "The Hub." It was originally named Victoria Hall and was constructed in the mid 1800's.

("The Hub" on the Royal Mile)

This is a photo of the Scott Monument. It was built in honor of the famous Sir Walter Scott who was a Scottish author. I was also built in the mid 1800's and was constructed in the Victorian Gothic architectural style.

(Scott Monument at Princes Street)

The next photo is of Edinburgh Castle. Built upon Castle Rock (an old volcanic formation), it sits high atop the old city of Edinburgh and marks the beginning of the Royal Mile. Habitation on the rock dates back to the 9th century, but the first buildings constructing the castle weren't built until later (it's a bit unclear when). By the beginning of the 12th century, castle buildings were in use as a royal residence, the sheriff's headquarters, and a store house. The oldest standing structure is a small chapel that was built by King David I and was later dedicated to his mother, St. Margaret.

(Edinburgh Castle atop Castle Rock)

I was lucky enough to be able to tour the castle. It was amazing and we were able to hear the history of each building from a prerecorded guided tour. We were able to go inside many of the buildings and I snapped this shot through one of the windows.

(City streets from Castle Window)

From the top of the hill, so much of the city was visible. If it wasn't for the foggy, rainy weather, these would have been a lot clearer but I also enjoy knowing I have photos that reflect the general weather in Edinburgh.

(Views from the Castle)

Thanks Dad for a wonderful trip! Look for posts on the other locations I visited in the near future =)

(My father and I in an Edinburgh pub)

Check out my other photo collections:

Flower photo collection featuring flowers from around the world

Collection from Brugge/Bruges, Belguim