The historical capital of Bohemia proper leaves too many photos to be taken. With that, it also seems impossible to capture the full beauty of modern Prague. The 4th Czechoslovakian Writers’ Congress in 1967 took a strong stand against a controlled state, this gallery is in honor of that meeting and the beginning of the “Prague Spring.”

The northernmost mega city on earth has enough to keep a photographer busy for a lifetime. History, architecture and culture are on constant display in the capital of Russia. Nine train stations link Moscow to Europe and Asia. All cities are under constant change but Moscow is even more so. The transition to a market economy has made living in a small flat unbelievably expensive. Mix in current politics and there is always something to discuss at a local cafe.

Since the 1980′s, the John Lennon Wall in Prague has been filled with graffiti. Under the former Communist regime, led by Gustáv Husák, the wall was a place of peaceful, written demonstration. Czech authorities often engaged in clashes with students who were marked as agents of Western capitalism. Today, the wall reminds us of past accomplishments but also serves as a notice of current geo-political problems.

Excerpt from Night by Elie Wiesel

Never shall I forget that night, the first night in camp, that turned my life into one long night seven times sealed.
Never shall I forget that smoke.
Never shall I forget the small faces of the children whose bodies I saw transformed into smoke under a silent sky.
Never shall I forget those flames that consumed my faith forever.
Never shall I forget the nocturnal silence that deprived me for all eternity of the desire to live.
Never shall I forget those moments that murdered my God and my soul and turned my dreams to ashes.
Never shall I forget those things, even were I condemned to live as long as God Himself.
Never.

The Erg Chebbi in pictures. Staying in a Berber tent after a camel trek is a visual treat. Morocco affords many types of unique terrain and hospitality. Watching the sun come up at 5AM is quite a sight. Shredding some fresh powder on the dunes was pretty cool as well. Photogs get to the desert ASAP.

Lenin, Tchaikovsky and Rasputin…the echoes of Leningrad hold onto a labyrinthine history. Today, this historic seaport of revolutionaries and playwrights offers a comfortable area to experience Russian culture. From a local coffee shop to the world famous Hermitage museum, St. Petersburg has plenty to do. If you enjoy reading Russian authors such as Tolstoy and Chekhov, walking around St. Petersburg is the perfect ingredient to refresh your imagination.

Originally the capital of Morocco was under the control of Moulay Ismail, a quiet city that sits near the Atlas Mountains. Meknes is the most personable city I have had the privilege of exploring in Morocco. The medina has the right touch of authentic character and raw living confines.  If I substitute Meknes in for Lake Wobegon in Garrison Keillor’s timeless quote, it would accurately read- “Welcome to Meknes, where all the women are strong, all the men are good-looking, and all the children are above average.”

Spain returned Chefchaouen after Morocco gained her independence in 1956. Today the small town that sits in the middle of the Rif Mountains is a relaxing place to experiment with a few snaps. The quaint medina is dotted with mosques and peddlers selling wool garments, local goat cheese and original art work.

“Photography is a reality so subtle that it becomes more real than reality.” ―Alfred Stieglitz

Bou Inania Madrasa was founded around 1351 AD. Today it is a spectacular sight that combines beautiful zellij and cedar carvings. This is also the only madrasa in Fes that has a minaret.

For photography purposes, Bou Inania Madras is about as pure as it gets. The detailed verses of the Koran that move in a counter clockwork direction around the courtyard add to the mystique. A must stop for any traveler who gets to Fes.

Partly excavated and 100% historic. The Roman city of Volubilis is a superb area to photograph. The 99 acre site was built in the 3rd century BC and is located near Meknes, Morocco. Today it looks similar to what it would have after French colonial excavation.

What is amazing about Volubilis is that it feels so authentic. Part of this is the almost total lack of tourists. The beautiful mosaics on the ground sit undisturbed. When only part of a city is left standing, it is up to the observer to re-create the missing pieces. Only when something is removed…can we fill in the gaps with our own creation.