Travel Via the Carnival of Cities

Travel is a big part of my life. I grew up a "military brat" so I've been able to see other gorgeous cities in the world like Tokyo, Japan and Seoul, Korea. I love meeting people from different cultures, especially new artists. Fortunately, with the internet we can expose ourselves to all kinds of artists at the click of a button - literally!

Well, I participated in the recent Carnival of Cities over at the Family Travel blog and discovered an event called "First Thursday" in San Francisco which was reviewed by CatSynth. I've been to San Francisco many, many times, but I've never been able to attend an art event.

Also at the Carnival of Cities I came across Washington, DC in Full Bloom with very nice photography of cherry blossoms. Definitely a sight to see!

And speaking of travel, I recently went to Six Flags, Magic Mountain and captured a piece of California that many of us don't see very often.

Balboa Park: Nature Lover's Paradise

Just a hop, skip, and a jump (literally!) from the heart of downtown San Diego is Balboa Park, a nature lover's paradise. You'll need to set aside at least one full day to explore the various attractions that make this park majestic and one of the most beautiful places in the South West. And yes, there are many surprises at every turn!

Balboa Park is host to a myriad of museums including the Mingei International Museum, the Museum of Photographic Arts, and the San Diego Museum of Arts - just to name a few. In between museum visits you can relax and enjoy a delectable lunch in one of the many cafes, delis, or award winning restaurants such as The Prado. Whatever you have a taste for, you'll certainly find it in Balboa Park.

For photographers, Balboa Park is a great setting for wedding or family portraits. If you have a bit of love for flowers, then you'll find heaven in places like the huge Botanical building where exotic and colorful treasures await to be photographed. Or perhaps the Old Cactus Garden will suit your fancy.

Ok, so maybe art museums and nature aren't your thing. Perhaps you'll find joy in the company of animals that call San Diego Zoo their home. The 100-acre San Diego Zoo is also part of Balboa Park and is operated by the not-for-profit Zoological Society of San Diego. The zoo plays host to thousands of guests who come every day to visit awe-inspiring animals such as the new panda cub.

It's hard for an artist not to be inspired by the sights of Balboa Park. Below is a video which shows an artistic interpretation of Balboa Park from Jonathan Williams...

See Costa Rica the Artists' Way

Costa Rica is a country rich in culture, friendliness, and just like every country in the world, Costa Rica is also home to many talented artists. In fact, you can meet traditional Costa Rican artisans through the Costa Rica Art Tour.

Browsing through the Costa Rica Art Tour website, you'll come across various artists who create spectacular pieces of art. One of these artists is Sylvia Laks who produces these gorgeous stain glass designs.



If you're dreaming of a little getaway, check out these books on Costa Rica.

Shop for cheap Costa Rica travel packages

Tips on Buying Art Abroad

Wing Sze Tang of Travel + Leisure Magazine offers some tips on what you should know before buying art abroad. Here's a brief synopsis of the six tips:

1. Know what you want and do your research before you leave home.

2. Consult an independent expert - This is especially important if you're in the market for antiques.

3. Cover your bases - Make arrangements for insurance on the art that you will be purchasing and bringing back home.

4. Choose a trustworthy seller - Buy from prominent, established galleries or at major art fairs around the world. By the way, for more advice on buying at an art fair, check out Moshi, Moshi, Medici! Completely Biased Adventures in Contemporary Art Collecting.

5. Get a fair price - Research the prices by the same artist from the same period.

6. Follow the rules - Every country has restrictions on what can or can't be imported/exported.

And speaking of art abroad...For those of you not in America, you may appreciate some of the art I'm going to now share with you. I recently attended an exhibit at the Mingei International Museum titled "Craft in America". I was able to see all the different art influences from people all over the world who came to America to "live the dream".

United Arab Emirates: A Little Heaven on Earth

Nestled in between the southeast of the Arabian Peninsula is a little-known Heaven on Earth that goes by the name of United Arab Emirates. The UAE is a very diverse country where much of its population are non-citizens.

Around this time of year people gather for the yearly Dubai Shopping Festival which brings shoppers from all over the world. This event is a vital part of the country's tourism and visitors get to experience this "city of gold".

What is most impressive about this country is the amazing real estate developments that are in the works. We're looking forward to seeing the Armani Hotel which will be part of the Burj Dubai development. The Burj Dubai is slated to be the world's tallest tower. Scheduled for completion in late 2008, it will be a perfect complement to the vast array of lifestyle options within Downtown Burj Dubai that features the Dubai Mall.

Photo of the Week: Panoramic Shot of Oia, Santorini

Photo by Frank K.

Here at Studio 747 we dream of traveling around the world and seeing gorgeous scenery, eating exotic foods, and meeting enchanting people. This Photo of the Week will inspire you in so many ways. I've never thought about visiting the Greek Islands, but after seeing this beautiful photo, I'll definitely add it to the list of places to see...