nature | Daydream Tourist

Apr 1

ArtSmart Roundtable – Trust me, that’s a lion

The monthly ArtSmart Roundtable brings together some of the best art history-focused travel blogs with a post around a common theme. In honor of April Fool’s Day, April 1, were looking at funny, weird or optical illusions in art. You can find links below to all the group’s examples this month. Enjoy!

With zoos and photography, we all know what exotic animals look like and certainly take that for granted. But what if you lived 500 years ago? If the you are trying to tell a story that required an animal you’ve honestly never seen before, then what do you do? Well most artists just made it up! Whales, leopards, and eagles can all look way off.

Feb 11

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Urban Wildlife: Red-Tailed Hawk

I live in an urban neighborhood but have noticed a few red-tailed hawks around, either gliding gracefully spying prey or perched watching pedestrians. These birds of prey can be found throughout North America. Audubon depicted this animal as strong and aggressive showing two fighting over a freshly killed rabbit.

Apparently these birds have always been aggressive. John James Audubon, “Red tailed Hawk” from Birds of American

Walking around this weekend to admire the snow, I saw one of the neighborhood hawks catch and eat a pigeon! It was an unexpected but beautiful example of nature in an otherwise urban area. I watched the hawk for some time and found that Audubon didn’t come close to capturing the subtle coloring or fluffy under-feathers of this gorgeous bird.

Jan 10

Photo of the Week – San Diego Sunset

I hope everyone’s 2013 is off to a good start! I spend the holidays in lovely San Diego with family and friends. The hills and coastline are so beautiful there. The only thing prettier was probably the spectacular sunsets!

Dec 31

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Wonderous White Cliffs of Pamukkale

What happens when calcium rich spring water flows for thousands of years over a series of rock outcroppings? You get the incredible “cotton castle” of Pamukkale, a rocky cliff side covered in an expansive, white layer of calcium carbonate and other minerals. The sight is magnificent in scale and sublime in the natural details.

Dec 20

Swimming with columns in the Hierapolis thermal pool, Pamukkale, Turkey

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Swimming in Apollo’s Pool

Every good ancient Roman knew that bathing was important for one’s health. Thermal springs were seen to be something divine and precious, often visited for their purported healing properties. But why rely on historical accounts when you can see for yourself? The thermal spring in the ancient city of Hierapolis, Turkey is active today, open for swimming, and even comes with some very authentic decorations!