We saw these plaques all over Berlin. They're called Stolpersteine. They mark the homes of those targeted during the holocaust. It's one thing to know, in the back of your head, the terrible history that took place, but it's haunting to come across specific places with the victim's names. A chilling reminder of the real people who were persecuted.

Canon EOS 60D & Sigma 17-70mm F/2.8-4 DC Macro OS HSM
1/90 @ f/4 | 50mm fl | ISO-100

Of the 4 cities we visited during our trip to Europe, Amsterdam and the surrounding countryside was our favorite. We stayed at a small hostel to the south of the city, which offered a bike tour. It was truly magical. This windmill was one of many we passed by, but was special in that it was operational. Just one look and I'm back reliving that wonderful day.

Canon EOS 60D & Sigma 17-70mm F/2.8-4 DC Macro OS HSM
1/250 @ f/8 | 17mm fl | ISO-100

Heading north on route 1, we spotted numerous large trees dressed with lights. After an adventure of backroads to loop back, we found that it was Herr Foods corporate location. This is one of the most impressive.

Canon 6D & 24-105mm f/4L
1/40 sec @ ƒ/4.0 | 24mm fl | ISO-400

Love a good sunrise! Salvo, OBX. August 2012.

Canon EOS 60D & EF-S 18-135mm F/3.5-5.6 IS
1/80 @ f/9 | 135mm fl| ISO-100

This was a fun and scary photo to get. In the morning, I biked 10 miles from Northwest Philly, in part riding the Wissahickon Trail. I did not consider that the trail would be completely dark for my return trip. Truly, it was an abyss. The forest was alive with screaming bugs all around me. My phone LED stretched perhaps 5' ahead. My heart and mind raced as I propelled myself home as fast as I could. Do not recommend, but worth it in the end. Will have alternate approach to retake in a couple years when this photo is completely outdated by changing skyline.

Canon EOS 6D & 24-105mm F/4L
30 sec @ f/13 | 35mm fl | ISO-100

Berlin Wall July 2013. Absolutely mind-blowing that the wall was still in service until 1989. Highly recommend visiting Berlin to see, read about, and feel it yourself.

Canon EOS 60D & Sigma 17-70mm F/2.8-4 DC Macro OS HSM
1/250 @ f/8 | 17mm fl | ISO-100

Berlin July 2013. This landscape, consisting of 2,711 columns, sits atop a museum which lays hidden beneath. The museum itself was one of the quietest environments I've ever experienced, as visitors respectfully took in the events of this black mark on humanity.

Canon EOS 60D & Sigma 17-70mm F/2.8-4 DC Macro OS HSM
1/180 @ f/6.7 | 19mm fl | ISO-100

Doesn't do it justice, and the inside is even more magnificent.

Canon EOS 60D & Sigma 17-70mm F/2.8-4 DC Macro OS HSM
1/250 @ f/8 | 17mm fl | ISO-100

This was the first time I had ever heard of Love Locks?? A little embarrassing, cause it was also my 30th birthday! We had a packed day that included a brewery visit (Brouwerij 't IJ), a Blue Boat tour, The Canal House Museum, miles of walking, and we barely made it to Ash's surprise b-day destination, Puccini Bomboni on Staalstraat, before they closed.

Bonbons in hand, we found a quiet spot, legs dangling over serene canal waters, and enjoyed our treats. A magical day indeed. <3 July 2013.

Canon EOS 60D & Sigma 17-70mm F/2.8-4 DC Macro OS HSM
1/180 @ f/6.7 | 17mm fl | ISO-100

Thirty-somethings can still pull all-nighters (early 30s, but it counts)! Shout out to Russ and Nick who took in the morning with me.

Canon 6D & 24-105 f/4L
1/80 @ f/5.6 | 24mm fl | ISO-100