Maldives - The Lagoon

Located on the western edge of Kandoomaa Fushi was a beautiful lagoon that connected three islands... the island I stayed on (Kandoomaa Fushi), the local island of Guraidhoo, and the uninhabited island of Lhosfushi. The average depth of the lagoon was only a couple of feet and the water was crystal clear. It was very relaxing to sit at the water's edge and just gaze into the water.

The people living on the local island of Guraidhoo were predominantly Muslim and strictly followed the traditions of that religion. Many of the women were fully covered in black, no alcohol was allowed on the island, and we could hear the call to prayer five times per day. I thought it was interesting to see such a different and unique culture separated by only a shallow lagoon. It was unexpected to look across and see women on the beach that were covered in black robes and veils.

La Playa

The beautiful beach of Playa Encuentro... in front of the Hideaway Beach Resort.

Playa Encuentro - "The Right"

Looking further down the beach on Playa Encuentro at a spot referred to as "The Right". Can anyone guess how this spot got its name? This wave was "bowly" and offered an occasional barrel... but mostly the kids liked to launch airs on the many ramps. It was a lot of fun (but no airs for me). The only issue with this wave was that there was a constant rip pushing you away from the peak. You had to constantly paddle to stay in position.

Playa Encuentro - "The Left"

Just in front of the resort I stayed at in the Dominican Republic was Playa Encuentro. Playa Encuentro is a beautiful and quiet beach on the northern coast of the island... and it just happens to have one of the  best waves in the Dominican. Most people I spoke with referred to it as "The Left". There was another wave further down the beach referred to as "The Right" (They're not very creative with wave names in the Dominican). The wave starts with a steep/hollow takeoff and is followed a fast/long wall. On the best sets, you could get rides up to 200m long. The bottom seemed to be a mixture of sharp coral and rocks (which I was lucky enough to not come into contact with even though I had some pretty epic wipe outs). This was definitely one of the most fun waves I've surfed in a long time!... and this is how I spent my Thanksgiving (have much to be grateful for!)

Central Coast Beauty

Another random/beautiful beach in Central California. There was supposed to be a good surf spot somewhere around here... however, the swell was a bit too small and I don't think it was breaking (or I couldn't find it). 

Morocco - "The Sand"

The seaside town of Tifnit (one of the favorite spots I visited).

Morocco is a very beautiful country with a unique culture and interesting landscape. When I visited, I spent the majority of my time close to the town of Agadir. The climate in this region is very dry and desert-like (If you go a bit further south, you will be in the Western Sahara). These are a few pictures I took from the beaches around Agadir. I loved the washed out colors of the buildings and the bright/blue contrast of the ocean.

Sand Dunes at another deserted beach.

Loved the washed out colors of the homes mixed with the desert sands.

Cool color combination.

Can I get some flare?

Another charming seaside village on sand dunes.

Yes?

The fleet of fishing boats at Tifnit

Loved the doors on the buildings in Morocco. Seemed like every house had a unique entry.

Making the trek to the reef break at Tifnit.

Could I get some building with my satellite TV? (only about 5 of the 500 channels were in English) I stayed in one of these apartments featured on the right.

Flying from Casablanca to Agadir... Atlas mountains in the background.

Somewhere Over the Gulf of Mexico

Taken somewhere over the Gulf of Mexico as I was en route to El Salvador. Love the turquoise blue water and fluffy clouds sitting on top of it. 

Shorts Sands Symmetry

Nothing too special about this image... I just liked the symmetry and angles that the sidewalk and lampposts made. Photo was taken at a little beach community in York, Maine (Short Sands).

The Prudential Glows

A late afternoon around Fenway. I looked up and there was this big ray of light reflecting against the Prudential Building. I thought it was pretty cool.
(photo taken a few weeks ago)

Art Deco - Miami Style

Miami is famous for its "art deco" style... and one of the tours that seems to be the most popular with tourists is the "art deco walk". Everywhere I walked in the city, some shop was advertising this type of tour. I'm not quite sure why people actually pay money for stuff like that. If you just wander around the city on your own, you're surrounded by those types of buildings... and you do not need to pay anyone to look at buildings. Anyways, these are a few pictures I took while wandering around Miami.

As I sit in my apartment in New England, I miss the warmth and sunshine.