Basilica of the Sacré Cœur

The basilica is located at the summit of the butte Montmartre (highest point in the city of Paris). Sacré-Cœur is a double monument, political and cultural, both a national penance for the excesses of the Second Empire and socialist Paris Commune of 1871 crowning its most rebellious neighborhood, and an embodiment of conservative moral order, publicly dedicated to the Sacred Heart of Jesus, which was an increasingly popular vision of a loving and sympathetic Christ (wikipedia).

If you only have a limited amount of time in Paris, I would suggest skipping this attraction. Yes, the view of the city is nice (since you're basically on top of it). However, the most iconic feature of the Paris skyline is not visible... and not being able to see the Eiffel Tower kind of ruins the moment. For a better view, I would suggest going to the Arc de Triomphe. Also, the panhandlers hanging out at Sacré Cœur are some of the most annoying/aggressive in all of Paris (be on the lookout for pick pockets). You will be constantly hassled to buy cheap tourist stuff, beer, candy, etc. I came here to have a relaxing picnic on the lawn as the sun went down... and ended up leaving early. Some locals warned me that the area is not the safest after the sun goes down.

These are a few photos I took before I left.

Flower Filter

Flowers partially block the view of the Arlington Street Church in Boston's Back Bay. Photo taken from Boston Public Gardens. 

A Textured Back Bay Church

This is a pretty rad church in the Back Bay along Newbury St. I liked the heavy texture of the bricks and the random pops of color in the sky. 

Christian Science Center - Boston

A couple images from the Christian Science Center in Boston, MA.

Stormy Skies

Stormy skies in Harvard.

Quebec City - Historical Stuff (statues, monuments, churches, & goats)

One of the outer walls of the Citadelle of Quebec. Quebec City was the site of many battles between the French, British, and Americans. The Citadelle of Quebec was built by the British as protection against the Americans (and it worked). Quebec City was in a strategic position on the St. Lawrence River and whoever owned Quebec City owned the trade moving up and down the river. 

The official mascot of the 22 Regiment (The Van Doos). The goat is a decedent from the one presented by Queen Elizabeth II as a sign of toughness and courage.

The Plains of Abraham... famous for the Battle of the Plains of Abraham (Battle of Quebec). The battle was the culmination of a 3 month siege by the British. It only lasted 15 minutes and was won by the British. This marked the end of France's occupation of Quebec City (which later influenced the creation of Canada).

One of the cannons guarding the city of Quebec City (was never actually used in battle).

The slits in the walls were used by fighters to easily gun down enemy combatants. 

Quebec City Architecture

Ghosts in Quebec City

A collection of long exposure shots taken on the streets of Quebec City.

Life and Death

An interesting quote I've heard many times is "Graveyards are full of indispensable men/women". It's something that makes me stop and think... especially when someone tells me that it's impossible to do something without a particular person. Yes, it might be more difficult, but it's never impossible. People always find a way.

This shot was taken from inside the Granary Burial Ground in Boston, MA... looking out at an old chapel. Ben Franklin's monument is covered in shadows to the left.