Tag Archives: sidewalk

Alfama Laundry

Alfama Laundry
“Alfama Laundry” — Laundry hung by entry door and stairs, Alfama.

I know. Laundry hanging above urban homes in foreign cities is more than a bit of a cliche. I’ll try to minimize it, but sometimes I cannot resist. Here it is really more about the wild range of colors in the photograph, from that laundry to the colorful overhead streamers above the lane, and the contrast with the other less-colorful surroundings.

Continue reading Alfama Laundry

“L” Station Entrance, Chicago

"L" Station Entrance, Chicago
“‘L’ Station Entrance, Chicago” — Entrance to a Chicago “L” transit system station.

We spent a few days in Chicago just before last Thanksgiving. You may wonder why a couple of Californians would choose to leave their 70 degree climate and travel the frigid Chicago at that time of year. It is a long story — but we enjoyed our visit and had a great time. No, it did not snow. Yes, it was cloudy and gray most of the time, but when the sun did peak through the clouds the light was beautiful.

We spent most of our visit within the confines of the downtown “loop” area, walking to all of the places we wanted to visit — Millennium Park, The Art Institute of Chicago, the Magnificent Mile, the Symphony and the Opera. By walking we got up close and personal with this urban city, including some distinctly non-tourist attractions like this entrance to the subway system.


Leave a comment or question using the form. (Click the title to see the full article and to comment if you are viewing it on the home page.)

G Dan Mitchell is a California photographer and visual opportunist. His book, “California’s Fall Color: A Photographer’s Guide to Autumn in the Sierra” (Heyday Books) is available directly from him. Blog | Bluesky | Mastodon | Substack Notes | Flickr | Email

All media © Copyright G Dan Mitchell and others.

River Walk

River Walk
“River Walk” — Pedestrians on the Chicago River Walk on a cold November morning.

This scene caught my attention as we crossed the bridge on Michigan Ave, heading toward Chicago’s “Magnificent Mile.” Here the river bends slightly before heading deeper into downtown Chicago near “The Loop.” Nearby tall buildings reflected the morning sun into the scenery from different directions. It was early enough that only a small number of people were out walking along the river.

Until this morning we had spent most of our visit inside The Loop, located south of the Chicago River. Now we joined the throngs of people (not visible in the photo, obviously) heading south on Michigan Avenue to the “Magnificent Mile,” where a nighttime holiday parade would take place later on.


Leave a comment or question using the form. (Click the title to see the full article and to comment if you are viewing it on the home page.)

G Dan Mitchell is a California photographer and visual opportunist. His book, “California’s Fall Color: A Photographer’s Guide to Autumn in the Sierra” (Heyday Books) is available directly from him. Blog | Bluesky | Mastodon | Substack Notes | Flickr | Email


All media © Copyright G Dan Mitchell and others.

Christmas in Riquewihr

Christmas in Riquewihr
“Christmas in Riquewihr” — People stroll along an evening street with Christmas decorations in Riquewihr, Alsace, France.

Just about a year ago, in November and December of 2024, we spent six weeks getting into the holiday spirit in Europe, spending time in Germany, France and Spain. The photograph comes from the Alsace village of Riquewihr, where we spent a few days in a part of France that was new to us. Not surprisingly, the place was all tricked out for Christmas.

One reason to visit Alsace on this trip was that we drove down with relatives from Germany — this region and Germany are close geographically and culturally. (As I understand it, the local dialect is deeply influenced by German.) It was a charming region, at least in the less-busy winter season. It is filled with small villages, separated by vineyards in many places, and it has a wonderful local cuisine.


Leave a comment or question using the form. (Click the title to see the full article and to comment if you are viewing it on the home page.)

G Dan Mitchell is a California photographer and visual opportunist. His book, “California’s Fall Color: A Photographer’s Guide to Autumn in the Sierra” (Heyday Books) is available directly from him. Blog | Bluesky | Mastodon | Substack Notes | Flickr | Email


All media © Copyright G Dan Mitchell and others.