People have asked me where in Europe I would most easily move to. The answer is Amsterdam. It holds a lot of what’s important to me - nice people that look you in the eye, good and plentiful coffee, a diversity of food, and a walkable, gorgeous layout. I also may have a fascination with bicycles.

These photos are from several visits. One practical reason I love Amsterdam is Delta’s non-stop flight between PDX and AMS, thanks to Nike’s American and European headquarters in these two cities.

This collection is from a trip in 2018 with my friend Christian as we traveled via ferry from Stockholm to Helsinki, FInland then continued on to Talinn, Estonia and Riga, Latvia. We both agreed Talinn was the highlight and will forever hold a special place in our hearts. If you find yourself at the Hilton there, say hello to Moira for us… she’ll bring all the chocolate and fresh towels you could want.

In September of 2019, I got to see this country for the first time, specifically Bruges, Brussels, and Ghent. In Bruges, I lucked out with gracious Airbnb hosts who added thoughtful recommendations for food, drink, and sightseeing in this idyllic, historic village.

On the way from there to Brussels, my brother insisted I get off the train in Ghent, even if just for a few hours. A bustling college town, the architecture impressed immediately, and I found a needed pourover at Peaberry Coffeebar. On the hunt for a light lunch, I found authentic Belgian meatballs at Balls & Glory of all places, where I foolishly left my camera behind, only to retrieve it two hours later thanks to the kind server who is now a friend to this day.

My time in Brussels was less than 24 hours but included a night at the iconic Delirium Village, and a harsh realization that there are, in fact, two airports in this capital city.

I’ve been fortunate to have been in this state probably at least once every year of my life. When younger, it was thanks to family that lived there including a great aunt who lived two blocks from the beach in San Francisco. Still now, it’s only a day’s drive away. With good friends living near Mt. Shasta, and the draws of Yosemite, coastal camping, and tacos al pastor at Los Pericos in Santa Cruz, I head south as often as I can.

Vancouver has been a favorite respite for a friend and me, only a five hour drive away, and traversed most efficiently on an early Sunday morning. We have a regular routine of eats, drinks, and walks, while always trying to find something new.

In 2017, I got to join my brother and nephew in Calgary for some dim sum, before heading to the remarkable Royal Tyrrell Paleontology Museum and geological wonder, the Drumheller Hoodoos. Still in Alberta, at Banff National Park, I got a close-up view of the spectacular Canadian Rockies.

My trip to China in November, 2017 was one of those rare, unique journeys. Unlike Amsterdam, for instance, I don’t exactly visually blend in with the crowd, and there’s the amplified challenges with language and customs. Still, it was trip I wouldn’t change, and full of places and people I’m eager to return to. Although I traveled there alone, I was able to meet two international colleagues who provided their own guided tours, meals, and a level of hospitality I wasn’t expecting.

I got a taste of why Shanghai is indeed one of the world’s most populous cities, while her residents still prioritize their morning Tai Chi, centering themselves for the day ahead. In nearby Suzhou, I walked several of the famous classical gardens, with their natural scenery of rocks, water, and pagodas.

For more on my delight with the food in Shanghai, check out my blog entry, Breakfast in Shanghai.

Having gone to school in Indiana, family in both Vermont & Georgia, and a job requiring me to travel the country, I’ve been able to spend a rewarding amount of time in the midwest and eastern part of the US. There’s a lot of untold stories in these pictures, but ones I’m happy to share. My wish is that there’s a photo or two in this collection that resonates with you… maybe it’s the reminder of a new season on the horizon, perhaps the reflection of seeing an iconic building in a renewed light, or the simple beauty of a design or piece of art.

My ancestors came directly from this land, one reason this country has always been special to me. Most of these shots are from my most recent stopover in July, 2017. I made an effort to capture, as the name of this website suggests, a bit more candid look at the country that many of us know well.

In the Portraits album, you’ll find some photos from a trip to England in 2003, when I accompanied my friend and colleague, photographing and recording as she researched native children’s songs and singing games for one of many books she later published.

Germany is a country I’ve had the privilege of visiting not only many times, but many areas of, including Heidelberg, Berlin, Munich, Stuttgart, and most recently Rügen, Germany’s largest island on the Baltic Sea, where the chalk cliffs of Jasmund National Park are a must-see. My first visit to the country was in 1989 when the youth orchestra I was in toured here, returning again in 1993. These trips were formative in developing my desire and love for international travel. Since then, I’ve explored the country many times, both by myself and with others, some of whom are now among my closest friends.

While I can never get enough of Berlin, the little village of Osterode am Harz in Lower Bavaria was a treat to discover, thanks to an amazing friendship I have with a family there that first began through liking similar photos on Instagram many years ago.

Finally, if you have an opportunity to be in Germany in December, you’ll get to experience the Weihnachtsmarkts. After enjoying many of them myself, I’ve accumulated quite the collection of personalized glühwein mugs that come out at my home every Christmas.

In 2017, I was able to join two close friends and colleagues, as they were in the midst of their own summer European adventure with others. We met in the whitewashed island of Mykonos, where they all welcomed me into their vacation, as well as their gorgeous seaside villa. The buildings were idyllic, the water warm, and the beaches lively. We enjoyed a bounty of food including some delectable octopus, a boat ride around the Cyclades group of islands, and all the adventure that this paradise offered.

I’m fortunate to have been to this gorgeous country on two occasions. The first was in 2016 when I met a friend in Budapest and saw the iconic sights through the perspective of his native land. I also joined a colleague and friend who teaches at the Kodály Institute in Kecskemét, just a 90 minute train ride to the south. Both cities delight with incredible history, food, and views. In Budapest, I recommend a sunset boat ride on the Danube… the locals will even help you time your departure to optimize the light against the Parliament Building. One of the photos here shows evidence of that.

I returned again in September of 2019 for another adventure that allowed me to explore new spots and have a cherished visit with my friend Lila, an esteemed scholar and professor at the Liszt Academy.

Upon arriving on that trip, I had dinner at the remarkable KönyBár and Restaurant, just outside the Jewish Quarter. Every week, their menu aligns to a particular book, with the food and drink inspired by various characters or storylines from that book. The night I was there, the food was reflective of The Collector, a novel by John Fowles. As I was eating at an outdoor table, a couple walked by and were so taken with the presentation of the food (also shown in one of the photographs here) that we struck up a conversation. It turned out that one of the two, Bryan, was a local restaurant owner himself, whose quaint Café Panini I enjoyed breakfast at the next morning. We met again later in my trip, and we’ve stayed in touch since… it’s always remarkable to see where one’s journey will lead.

I was able to visit Italy three consecutive years, between 2008 and 2010. Each time was certainly for pleasure, but also to work and partner with my friend and university professor who was there doing research, conducting interviews, and making field recordings around Italian folk songs and singing games. To assist with this project was unforgettable, as was nearly everywhere we went. From the people we met that would spontaneously prepare a feast as if we were royalty, to the road trips up to Lago Maggiore, or the day trips to Arezzo and Florence, I have a collection of some of the best experiences of my life.

In the few photographs here, I hope you’ll get a taste of what I saw in the both the detail and the fullness of these ancient landscapes. Most of the images are in the hilltop Tuscan town of Anghiari, made famous for a battle in the 1400’s. As I’d walk the twisting and quiet alleys, I’d acknowledge the locals looking down from their flats, as they hang out their laundry to dry. Turning a corner, I’d find another meticulous display of stonework before coming upon an antique shop, coffee bar, restaurant, or just a meandering cat. Simply writing this makes me yearn for a pizza margherita at Nando’s, or bowl of risotto and bottle of Chianti at PerBacco. I definitely see a lengthy return visit in my future.

To date, my visits to Mexico have been limited to the more tourist-centric spots of Puerto Vallarta and Cabo San Lucas, as well a memorable 4-hour visit to Tijuana in early 2019. My trip to Cabo in 2017, where most of these photos were taken, began with an unexpected turn worth sharing.

This trip came about as I’d been working in San Diego the week prior and was due to be back in San Diego the following Monday. So… why not head to Mexico for the weekend? Faster and cheaper than flying home, so made sense to me!

When flying into SJD airport, one then has a 45 minute shuttle ride into Cabo. The host of the Airbnb I’d booked had given clear directions of how to navigate this process. As I walked onto the bus to confirm details with the driver, the woman standing behind me remarked that her own Airbnb host had given her similar instructions. We were soon on the bus to town, chatting about our upcoming weekends. Soon, things got interesting, as after looking at pictures of our Airbnbs, we realized they appeared exactly the same. We compared names of the host, and I think that’s when my new acquaintance, Diana, became a bit concerned. She messaged her host who responded with something like “Oh yeah, you two are staying together!” Diana wasn’t amused, as her primary motivation for coming on this trip was solitude and an adventure all her own. The host soon let up and shared that in fact, he owns a building with six identical units, and it was pure coincidence that the two of us were arriving at the same time.

By the time we laughed it out and had received a (combined) tour of the city from our (mutual) host, Diana and I had become fast friends. Finally getting to our (identical) apartments, we both had one thing on our minds - margaritas! Diana took me up on an invitation to join me, and despite our plans of having weekends of solitude, together we proceeded to enjoy every meal, went for a boat ride, hiked Mt. Solmar, and of course soaked up some sun on the beach. Ever since this most unexpected weekend, we’ve regularly kept in touch, and have even met up once again state-side.

Outside of Portland, New York City is the place I know as well as any other in the world. I’m fortunate enough to go several times a year - sometimes for work, but even with that, I always make a point to extend my time a couple days if I can. On each successive visit, my knowledge of the neighborhoods increases. With food alone — from brunch in the West Village, Szechuan in the Upper East Side, Italian street food in Midtown, or cocktails in the East Village, NYC is a walking food haven for me. Carefully-weighed pourovers are available within a few blocks of wherever I am, and a late-night slice or bowl of ramen is always easy to find. We all learn from others, and a lot of my good nourishment is thanks to recommendations from a multitude of family, friends, and co-workers.

It’s equally true that I hardly know the city at all. There will always be galleries I haven’t explored and museums I haven’t got lost in. Local friends have a note they’ve shared with me listing hundreds of their NYC recommendations. I’ve barely scraped the surface.

The memories are endless, many of which are represented in the photographs here. In New York City, I’ve had the most emotional experience of my life, been interviewed (and hired) for the job I love, and seen a dog get booed by thousands at the Westminster Dog Show. I met a stranger at a bar who, three months later, I’d travel to Scandinavia with. I’ve had the best Szechuan dumplings at a hole-in-the-wall in Queens, gazed at an original Eames Lounge at MoMA, attended a closing of a Broadway musical, and heard the greatest performances ever, including my brother perform at Carnegie Hall.

Memories are often made more special thanks to the people they’re shared with. Many have been with my parents, who first brought my brother and me here in 1980. Family friends took me to Shea to see the Mets in 1988, and soon after that I took my first solo plane trip from Portland into the NYC area. Since 2015, my work trips have been frequent, and the city has been the host for these collegial relationships turning into friendships that will last a lifetime.

Oregon has been home my entire life, something I have no desire to change, especially considering all the travel I am able to do. It’s an ideal place to return to - even our airport is my favorite of all in the country. With either the coast or mountains less than two hours away, the state holds so much to offer, enjoy, and invest in.

Many of these photos are from locations that will be recognizable to many, others being snapshots into something that simply caught my eye and made me stop. Whether it was the simple way something was framed, or the detail it held within, I was immediately inclined to capture it. What you won’t see here are photos specific to Portland or the coast… those you’ll find in other albums. Also missing are many views beyond the Northwest quadrant of the state. Those areas - from the Wallowa Mountains to Central and Eastern Oregon, are so rich with landscapes and towns that I may have visited, but ones I’m yearning to return to, so as to drive, see, eat, drink, hike, and camp more in this beautiful state… all with a good camera in tow.

If I had to pick a favorite area of the entire country, the Oregon Coast would be at or near the top. I still make a point to drive west at least every couple months, preferably with an overnight somewhere. Like with New York City, memories can flood me if I think about it. Coming as a kid with my grandparents, later with annual pre-Thanksgiving weekends with family friends, or recently with other friends coming each summer, simply to spend a week holed up watching the crashing waves, no matter the weather. There have been times where I’ve gone back and forth for just a few hours, if only to catch the sunset, or have a bowl of chowder or fresh halibut fish and chips.

The coastline holds beauty at every stop, from Astoria to the California border. When I was in middle school, I got to bicycle the entire route, something I’d love to do again. In the photos shared here, you’ll see some of my favorite spots, including Cannon Beach, Bandon, Cape Kiwanda, Oceanside, and the Heceta Head Lighthouse.

I’ve gotten to visit Paris several times, and am eager to return, if only to take more (and better) photographs. It’s a gorgeous city, with kind, generous people all around, if one makes the effort to listen to them.

My first visit was in the summer of 2002 when I went on a whim for 17 days (some of which were spent in England via the Chunnel), as my brother was there, studying the language at a French immersion school. I thought, “well, why not go visit?” I’ll never forget popping up from the Métro by the Panthéon monument, and thinking “wow.” Unfortunately, all my photos from that trip are on film, so I’m not able to post any here at this time. However, I remember keeping a daily journal from that trip, which I still have. Perhaps at some point I’ll have to see how my writing was, and post some of those writings here one day. In the meantime, I hope you enjoy these shots from my most recent visit, in the summer of 2017.

For definition, this collection includes photographs not only from Portland proper, but also a few from surrounding neighborhoods. I hope all provide a candid and different look into a city that is eclectic with a diversity of offerings, though maybe not quite the diversity of population it would like to think. Undeniably however, Portland is one that will always surpass expectations with food, drink, and coffee for a city this size.

Though there are days when I might be ready for the overcast skies to move on, or a greater population of our town’s baristas to actually look one in the eye, I absolutely do love my hometown. I can remember as a child walking through many areas and streets that were then industrial or barren, and are now a new dog park, ramen shop, coffee house, or condo building.

No matter the season, I love when visitors comes, as it’s a chance to explore and share some of my favorite walks and haunts. From the acclaimed food carts, to the iconic Powell’s Books, or feasting on the Reggie Deluxe at Pine State Biscuits, there are landmarks that can’t be missed. New spots like Push X Pull Coffee, or vegan Indian food at Maruti in the Hawthorne neighborhood provide sustenance after walking the Eastbank Esplanade, hiking in Forest Park, or cycling the Springwater Corridor.

For those that have been, Portland is rich with offerings still to explore, and for those yet to visit, you may be in for one of your favorite experiences and cities yet.

Because every face is different and reflects much of who a person is, I love opportunities where I’m able to take portraits of people, particularly ones that aren’t overly staged. As a friend reflected recently, many of us love to people-watch, and it’s with that enjoyment and purpose, that many of the photos here and in all albums are taken. Here are a few gracious individuals who have lent me (and my lens) a moment to intentionally make them the subject.

My first visit in this region was to Copenhagen, Denmark, in December 2017, a season when the weather can be bitter cold and daylight a commodity in short supply. Still, I was able to explore the city comfortably by both foot and boat. One of the days, I took a (chilly) half-day boat tour around the canals, gazing at the iconic architecture in the Christianshavn Quarter, seeing Amalienberg Castle, and more. Back on land, as a design fanatic, I was eager to visit shops of some of my most beloved artists including Carl Hansen & Son, Hay, Finn Juhl, Gubi, and Normann. If they interest you as well, don’t leave without a stop at Illums Bolighus, located on the weaving, car-free Strøget thoroughfare. I think I went three times, made carry-on-bag-sized purchases each visit, and drooled over much more.

In summer of the following year, I returned to Scandinavia, this time to Stockholm. Here, I joined my friend Christian, who was studying at Lund University, and with whom I would from here, venture on a tour of the Baltic states. Christian provided a tour of the city that I’ll forever cherish, both for his simple understanding of the city, as well as his kind friendship and shared interests that would lead us to more travel together in the future. While I loved getting lost in Stockholm’s Old Town, the highlight was our short trip by boat to one of the nearly 30,000 archipelago islands. Vaxholms was our destination, selected by Christian, who knew this little island well, from the walking tour around its perimeter to the unforgettable Hembygdsgårds Café.

I have visited this gorgeous country three times, each with different friends, all with unforgettable experiences. The first was to Madrid in July 2013 with my friend Jake when we went to visit his cousin who’d been living there for many years. We couldn’t have had a better tour guide - certainly seeing all the landmarks (including suckling pig at the oldest restaurant in the world, and a bullfight at the historic Plaza de Toros de Las Ventas), but also enjoying many less-touristy spots only a local would know. After leaving for a short jaunt to Paris, Jake and I returned to Spain, joining others in the Basque community of San Sebastián, on the northern coast. Here, we continued to dine on incredible food, and saw possibly the most gorgeous beaches I’ve ever seen.

I visited Barcelona in February 2017, where I enjoyed walking La Rambla each day, nearly joined in at a Flamenco show, and made paella and tortilla española as part of a cooking class. I gathered fresh ingredients for these recipes with our talented chef at the famed Boqueria Market, whose history dates back to the 13th century. This 2017 journey also included a day trip to Montserrat, where I got to ride up the yellow funicular, lifting me to the top of the mountain and offering a look inside its ancient monastery, and a spectacular panoramic view of the surrounding region.

The artist and architect, Antoni Gaudi, was at the forefront of the 19th century Art Nouveau movement, having his hand on landmarks all over Spain. His most notable works are in Barcelona, including Sagrada Família, that isn’t due to be completed until 2026. Touring this basilica took nearly a half-day in itself, and gave a look inside a work of art unlike any other.

I returned to Madrid in November 2018 where I met up with my friend Christian. We explored more of the city — much of it still new for me, but also visiting some places I’d been five years earlier, for which I could now serve as a guide. We lucked out with the weather on a day-trip to Segovia, just a one-hour journey away by train. As any visitor would agree, the highlight here is undoubtably the awe-inspiring, sky-high aqueduct, one of the best-preserved elevated Roman water transports in the region.

In June, 2008 my family and I took a two-week journey to Syria that for me, will forever be the most unique and spectacular trip I’ve taken. My sister-in-law, Maya, was born and raised in Damascus, coming to America for graduate work, studying music and business, during which time she met my brother. For my parents and me, this was the first opportunity to see this country, let alone anywhere in the Middle East. We spent an unforgettable two-weeks in Damascus, as well as side trips to ancient sites, including Maaloula, Palmyra, and Krak des Chevalier, some of which are no longer even standing, due to the devastating Syrian civil war.

In the photos below, you’ll get a taste of not only what we saw, but also the beautiful life of those that call Syria their home. To live amongst history, food and customs that are incomparable in the US, as well as such generous and loving people, were, for all of us, the biggest rewards from this special trip. We all will forever be indebted to Maya and her family who demonstrated the highest of hospitality in showing us everything from the Umayyad Mosque, the Old City and the Citadel, to the famous Souq al-Hamidiyyeh, a centuries-old, covered market with hundreds of merchants selling spices, crafts, and delicacies. The endless spreads of food, both dining out and at home, and the piquant aromas that accompanied them, contribute to the yearning desire I have for a return trip as soon as possible.

Washington State offers a beauty close to that of Oregon, one that also includes a diversity of landscapes. In the future, I’d love to spend more time in the eastern and northern part of the state, seeing regions such as the Palouse that offers picturesque vistas of rolling hills of wheat and legumes. For now, here is an offering into a bit of Ilwaco and the Long Beach Peninsula, as well as the area from the Portland/Vancouver border, north to Seattle. Those familiar with this land will recognize the varied mountainous peaks of St. Helens, Adams, and Rainier, as well as a few iconic landmarks from the Emerald City.

The Western United States provides a landscape as spectacular as it is diverse. When thinking about how to summarize its beauty, it’s hard for Woody Guthrie’s This Land is Your Land not to come to mind. The ribbons of highways, diamond deserts, and endless skyways, not to mention the magnificent mountain ranges… this land holds it all. Through the photos below, you’ll get a close-up look at variety of lands and waters, from states including Wyoming, Utah, Colorado, Hawaii, Texas, Arizona, Alaska, and New Mexico.