Bay Ridge, Brooklyn, NY. Christmas, 2014

My friend Nick and I have spent most Christmases together since we were in high school. So why should this year be any different? Of course, it sweetens the pot that he has become an acclaimed pastry chef over the years with some dozen books to his credit. So it's no surprise that his holiday dessert table encourages indulgence. Seen here, this past Christmas' sweet offerings.

Istanbul. September, 2014

In keeping with yesterday's "modern v. ancient" blog entry, we offer this. A caretaker on break outside the Suleymaniye mosque, dating from the 1550s. Reportedly Istanbul's largest mosque, it sits on the city's highest hill. Which, if you've ever climbed some of this city's elevations, is saying something. A cigarette, a cellphone, perhaps some texting. Time marches on.

Istanbul. September, 2014

Yes, yes, I'm sure it's politically correct and very "green" to use these energy-saving bulbs in the fixtures of the beautiful Rüstem Pasha Mosque. But somehow it seems wrong to me to have this jarringly modern touch in a building whose other embellishments date from the 1560s.

Tucson. April, 2013

Breakfast outdoors at the Little Cafe Poca Cosa, my favorite place for casual, good food weekdays from 6am-2:30pm. This day’s desayuno: the Plato Poca Cosa -- one huevo ranchero, one chile relleno, one portion of barbacoa...and, of course, all of the sides. Chips, salsa, beans, rice, tortillas, fruit, salad. And the pleasure of the company of my friend Miles.

Provincetown, MA. September, 2014

Early autumn evening light in this beautiful village at the very tip of Cape Cod. Is it any wonder that such light has drawn painters to Provincetown for ages and continues to do so?

Bay Ridge, Brooklyn, NY. December, 2014

One of the many reasons I love my friend Nick's new Brooklyn neighborhood is because of the "old school" reflection of the many different ethnicities who moved and settled there in years past. My favorite Turkish restaurant, Hazar, is at 73rd St and Fifth Ave. And two blocks west is this, Leo's Casa Calamari. No surprises here; you know exactly what you'll be getting. Give me direct and honest food like this over glitzy fusion creations on gigantic plates anytime.

Sintra, Portugal. October, 2009

So much of Sintra is geared to be beautiful that, frankly, I had my fill early on. And so it was nice to see a bit of whimsey in the midst of the overload of UNESCO-sanctioned pretty.