Travel Photos: Cuba

. Posted by Sherrie Thai by Shaireproductions.com .

Here is my full photo album on SMUGMUG HERE

cuba travel street photography portraits by sherrie thai of shaire productions
Beautiful Cuban Smiles, Street Portraits

cuban travel photography by sherrie thai of shaire productions
Havana, Vintage Ride in Revolution Square

cuban travel photography by sherrie thai of shaire productions
Havana, Las Terrazas, Santiago

cuban travel photography, blue vintage car by sherrie thai of shaire productions
Blue Vintage Car in Cojimar

Cuba!!! Rich in passion, culture, vibrancy and art.

I’m very happy to have had the opportunity to see the lovely architecture of Old Havana with the amazing vintage cars driving by. In the evening, I caught a Cuban jazz show with the Buena Vista Social Club 🙂

cuban travel photography by sherrie thai of shaire productions
Local Afro-Cuban music and dance performance

cuban travel photography, cuban statue by sherrie thai of shaire productions
Stunning sculpture at the Columbus Cemetary

On a tropically rainy day, I visited the Colon (Columbus) Cemetary and learned more of Santeria (Way of the Saints). Local legend at the cemetary: “La Milagrosa”, or Amelia, a local woman who died in childbirth along with her child, was visited everyday by her heart-broken husband, knocked on the tomb to console himself, believing she was only asleep. Years later, her body was exhumed (for reburial) and witnesses claimed that her body remained intact and her body position moved, holding her child in her arms rather than sleeping solo on her back–Amelia then became a symbol of hope and love. Every day, locals visit her grave and ask for blessings/ wishes, while decorating her site with flowers and gifts, continuing on this unique tradition.

cuban travel photography, las terrazas  by sherrie thai of shaire productions
Quiet town of Las Terrazas

Las Terrazas had a quiet beauty, with lush green surroundings and a taste of the small town life. Along the way, I met a few Cuban artists and visited their studios.

cuban travel photography,cojimar building by sherrie thai of shaire productions
Cojimar: Grungy Coolness

Cojimar was where Hemingway wrote his famous literary masterpieces. The town has a distinct seafarer personality, with the architecture and decor reflecting the romantic carefree attitude.

cuban travel Maradero photography by sherrie thai of shaire productions
Mantanzas, Varadero

Veradero was an exquisite beach paradise, though seemed very exclusive.

cuban travel photography,santiago church  by sherrie thai of shaire productions
Santiago: Cathedral of Our Lady of the Assumption

cuban travel photography,santiago church  by sherrie thai of shaire productions
Santiago: Cathedral of Our Lady of the Assumption, Interior

cuban travel photography,santiago castle fort by sherrie thai of shaire productions
Santiago: San Pedro de la Roca Castle Fortress

Several months later, I came back to Cuba on my way to help out in the Dominican Republic, and passed through Santiago, saw the San Pedro de la Roca Castle, a mighty UNESCO fortress, and the lovely Cathedral of Our Lady of the Assumption in the downtown area. Pride and passion of the Cuban people seeps into all facets of life.

VISIT> My Travel Photos of CUBA

Travel Photos: Temple of Horus, Edfu Egypt

. Posted by Sherrie Thai by Shaireproductions.com .

Egypt Temple of Horus Edfu Travel Photo, by Sherrie Thai of Shaireproductions

Egypt Temple of Horus Edfu Travel Photo 2, by Sherrie Thai of Shaireproductions

The Temple of Horus is a classically designed Egyptian structure, located in Edfu, Egypt. Quite fittingly, I was able to visit the location in the early morning hours, with the god of sun blessing the walls with beautiful yellow light. The temple walls are carved with the scenes of the great mythical battle between Horus and his uncle, Seth. It’s also home to winged creatures, singing Horus’ praises for all who pass through.

View more photos at SMUGMUG or FLICKR

Travel Photos: Kom Ombo Crocodile Temple, Aswan Egypt

. Posted by Sherrie Thai by Shaireproductions.com .

Sobek Crocodile God Egypt Art Photo, by Sherrie Thai of Shaireproductions

Egypt is full of wonderful mythologies and mysteries. Kom Ombo is a fascinating temple in Aswan, Upper Egypt dedicated to Sobek, the Crocodile God of fertility and world creator with Hathor. He is a diety of protection. The Ancient Egyptians feared and revered crocodiles. The priests of Kom Ombo captured hundreds of crocodiles in deep underground wells, and supposedly adorned them with jewels to be placed within the temple pits. After the crocodiles died, they were mummified and are now on display at the Crocodile Museum. Such fascinating and amazing taxidermy exhibits!

View more photos at SMUGMUG or FLICKR

Sobek Kom Ombo Crocodile Temple Egypt Architectural Photo, by Sherrie Thai of Shaireproductions

Sobek Kom Ombo Crocodile temple mummies, by Sherrie Thai of Shaireproductions

Travel Photos: Thailand

. Posted by Sherrie Thai by Shaireproductions.com . Here are some vacation highlights photos from my first trip to Asia. First up is lively Thailand: Bangkok, Chiang Mai and Chiang Rai!

The full photo albums can be seen on Smugmug and Flickr

Chiang Mai Temple Thailand

Chiang Mai: Wat Phra That Temple. Climb up massive serpent stairs and atop of a hill, you’re greeted with exquisite gold-plated buddhas and an impressive stupa/shrine.

Bangkok Songkran Water Festival Thailand

Bangkok: Songkran New Years Water Festival . For 3 days, most of the country shuts down to partake in this fun ritual (which is mostly welcome due to the crazy 95 degree climate). Water is a purification for the coming new year, and the clay is a blessing. In the streets, everyone is fair game for an excellent soaking, except for seniors, babies and the revered monks.

Bangkok Grand Palace

Bangkok: Grand Palace. This locale is full of intricately decorated monuments and sculptures. The artwork is a combination of Buddhist, Hindu and Thai folklore, with beautiful beasts, massive guardian demons and golden angels.

Thailand Chiang Rai Hilltribes

Chiang Rai: Hill Tribes (Karen, Akha, Yao, Lanu). Some of these people are refugees, and others are indigenous people of Thailand, who sustain their living by selling handcrafts to tourists.

Thailand Chiang Mai Night Life

Chiang Mai: Night Market and Cabaret Show. I LOVE night markets–food, shopping, culture and fun! Thailand knows how to party!

Thailand Chiang Mai Cooking

Chiang Mai: Cooking Pad Thai (dangerous times!) The chef decided to show off his mad skills in the kitchen. I doubt I’ll repeat the dish unless I have proper protection, but I’m pleased to have attempted Tom Yum soup 🙂

Thailand Chiang Rai White Temple Wat Rong Khun

Chiang Rai: Wat Rong Khun (White Temple). One of my favorites as it’s a modern take on good vs. evil. You’ll find Batman and the Predator hanging out on the lawn 🙂

Thailand Photo Collage