France and Malta

Before busy season started this year, I was able to hop back over to Europe to check off more destinations.  I also wanted to visit Madrid again as I loved it so much I needed to see more.  I only have photos for France and Malta as these were my new countries!  I really enjoyed visiting Nice, France also know as the French Riviera.  Although a bit cold, the sun was out and was still very nice weather.  I was surprised by how blue the water color was at the beach.  Their beaches are also rocks instead of sand which was a nice surprise.  I love seeing how different beaches are around the world.  Here's hoping I can see many more.  We walked around the town square, the castle and the old town.  Had amazing food and took a ton of photos.  Although I much enjoyed Nice, I do feel it was a one and done.  Malta however was my favorite. This small island packs a rather large punch.  Due to its location, it has many influences such as Italian, North Africa and I even got Croatian vibes.  The weather was stunning and so was the architecture and food!  We stayed in the capital city of Valletta.  So much just in walking distance so I highly recommend staying there.  We took a bus from the airport, very convenient and easy.  We also took an Uber over to the other side of the island which was less city and more beaches and cliffs.  This was the highlight of the trip for me.  Watching the prettiest sunset I've ever seen but sadly I did not have my camera with me because I thought we were going horseback riding.  That did not pan out but we got to walk the cliffs around the beach instead and I have to say it was absolutely stunning!  I did have my phone though so I have photos on my Instagram! On the way back to the other side, we had dinner in St Julians and that area is super nice as well and more nightlife.  Not sure I need to return to Malta but I wouldn't be against it!  Great trip and I miss Spain already!  Below are my final shots from this trip using a Canon 5D Mark IV.  Phone photos are already posted to my IG: @kelseynicolesmith

My next trip will be for my 34th birthday this summer and although my original plan is not going to work out sadly, I am currently working on a back up plan!

Enjoy the photos!

Last of Argentina Photos

The third stop on our trip was to see the second largest waterfall system in the world, Iguazu Falls.  The falls sit on the border of Argentina and Brazil.  Both sides offer much different views and experience.  The Argentina side is more interactive and larger.  You're more on top of the falls and bring a poncho you'll get very wet!  There was so much water coming off the falls, you can't even see what you're photographing.  Such a great experience but the boat ride under the smaller falls was so much fun!  Highly recommend this!  Because of this though, I didn't bring my camera on this day.  The second day we crossed the international border with our awesome tour guide, Carlos and received stamps on our passports finally.  This side is shorter and has more active wildlife but better photo opportunities.  I brought my camera this day and got such a different perspective so I recommend doing both sides.  I will say be very careful where you eat because something looking like a raccoon stole our snacks.  Here are my photos from the Brazil side of the stunning Iguazu Falls...

More Argentina

The second part of the trip was to the Patagonia region of Argentina, which is at the bottom of the map.  This was the coldest part of the trip and that wind is very humbling.  We stayed in a town called El Calafate which was a short drive from the infamous Perito Moreno Glacier.  Even in Iceland I did not get to see a glacier like this, it was incredible.  At first it was sleeting but then the sun came out.  There is a boat tour you can do but we decided not to and just walk the pathways in front of the glacier instead.  On our free day in El Calafate, we did horseback riding up a mountain and the views was insane.  We explored the little downtown area and had some wine and more wine.  There are other day trips from this area but they're very long so we stayed in town. Two days was more than enough here.  As we flew back north to see the falls, we connected in the worlds most southern airport, Ushuaia, and that is by far the coolest flight I've ever taken! Here are my photos from the Glacier and even Edwin makes an appearance...

Argentina!

For my slow season trip, we went to the gorgeous South American country of Argentina.  This country has it all, from wine country, cities, beaches, mountains, waterfalls and the stunning region of Patagonia!  Our trip included Buenos Aires, Iguazu Falls and El Calafate.  I'm not sure which was my favorite as I enjoyed all of it but whenever I return to South America to explore other countries, Buenos Aires will get a second visit!

In BA, we took a city tour and had an amazing tour guide named Elba! She showed us many districts of the city.  First we saw the famous flower structure, then saw the area of Recoleta and Palmetto. We also saw the La Boca district which is super cool with all the vibrate colored architecture. We also explored the newer part of the city which is on the coast called Puerto Madero.  On our final day back in the city, we toured the cemetery which looked very similar to the ones in New Orleans. We also visited a theater turned book store, the city centers and plazas and of course an awesome Tango Show.  Great city with great wine, food and culture; this city has so many vibes of other great world cities I've visited before. Here are my photos from Buenos Aires...

I took a lot more photos with my iphone which are already posted to my IG: @kelseynicolesmith

Marie Shelby Botanical Gardens

After living in Sarasota for more than seven years, I figured it was time to take a visit to the Marie Shelby Botanical Gardens in downtown.  My mom joined me for this outing and I got to use my new camera for the first time.  Although very hot that day, it was sunny and gave for great lighting for the beautiful gardens.  If you have a chance to stop by, I highly recommend as the plants, flowers and ponds were so pretty.  The Japanese area was the biggest surprise and my favorite area.  Makes me miss Japan. Here are my final shots from the day...