The American Southwest has beautiful rock formations such as this in many areas. This particular formation can be found along US 84, northwest of Santa Fe, New Mexico. 

The World Famous Planet Follywood in Folly Beach, South Carolina. 

Heisler Park in Laguna Beach, California is a beautiful place that perfectly captures the stereotypical Southern California image. 

These avalanche/snow sheds are along the Canadian National tracks in the Southern Interior of British Columbia. That is the Thompson River flowing through the scene. 

This is my favorite bridge across the Seine River in Paris, France. It is the Pont des Arts, a pedestrian only bridge bustling with people. From this bridge you get the best "I am in Paris" view, including Notre Dame, The Louvre and of course, the Eiffel Tower. (Scanned Print)  

Boston's Neighborhoods Part 3: The Back Bay

The Back Bay is the most elegant neighborhood in Boston. Created on landfill over a 50 year period in the mid 19th Century, it doesn't have the same sense of history that Beacon Hill and the North End have. But it more than makes up for this in style and charm. The streets run straight in the Back Bay, a novel idea for the city of Boston. And this creates a wonderful sense of scale that other Boston neighborhoods lack. Stand on Beacon Street, or Marlborough Street, or Commonwealth Avenue and the Back Bay seems to stretch forever. Block after block, street after street of tree lined, brownstone flats. Marching as far as the eye can see. If I could live anywhere in Boston, I would definately choose the Back Bay.

Multiply this picture by 1000 and you will have the Back Bay. 

This is a typical street in the Back Bay. 

All the homes in the Back Bay have this warm, inviting feel to them. Most have impressive front doors and foyers. Winding staircases lead to the upper floors.

The main shopping street in the Back Bay is Newbury Street. It is lined with outdoor cafes and exclusive, trendy shops. 

All along the north end of the Back Bay is the Charles River Esplanade. This is a great place for a leisurely stroll along the waterfront, with terrific views of Downtown Boston and MIT across the river in Cambridge. 

The Public Garden, located at the east end of the Back Bay, is a lovely park that features the Swan Boats, a fixture in the Garden since 1877.

Boston's Neighborhoods Part 2: Beacon Hill

Beacon Hill is the oldest, most historic and most exclusive neighborhood in Boston. It is full of narrow, tree shaded streets and is a perfect neighborhood for walking...if you don't mind a few hills. It's probably the image most people have in mind when they think Boston. It's history is centered more around Black Americans than the Revolutionary War. It was the first neighborhood in America that was predominantly occupied by middle class Blacks, going back to the 1790's. The Abolitionist Movement in the decades before the Civil War was especially strong here. You can pick up a walking tour of the Black Heritage Trail at the National Park Visitor's Center. Nowadays, the color of Beacon Hill is green, since it's become a very expensive neighborhood to live it. But it's still free to walk around. Enjoy.

This is a typical street scene in Beacon Hill, narrow streets, brick sidewalks and gas lights. 

There is an interesting mix of historic homes in Beacon Hill, with Federalist style homes such as the one to the left, mixed in with older wood homes from the 1790's. 

In the center of Beacon Hill is Louisburg Square, the most exclusive property in Beacon Hill. 

Acorn Street bills itself as the most photographed street in America. And it is an interesting street that is very representative of Beacon Hill. 

But there are many other streets in Beacon Hill that are just as interesting as Acorn Street. 

Charles Street is the main shopping street in Beacon Hill. It has antique shops and restaurants, as well as hardware stores and grocery stores. Many of the stores have interesting signs over the door... 

...such as these for a restaurant and a children's store.