2015 has certainly been good to me. My travels have brought me a richness of new experiences and destinations as well as return trips to some of my favorite places. Frequent weekends throughout Virginia and the mid-Atlantic, a first (but certainly not last) trip to New Orleans; tasting the fresh, bright flavors of Copenhagen and exploring the natural wonder that is Iceland. Going through my pictures from the last year let me relive the memories from each place; each image bring with it the sounds, smells, feelings and emotions from each place. Some recurring themes kept popping up, Apparently I have a thing for taking pictures of flags (a surprise to me), and I’m that person who is always taking a picture of their meal (not a surprise to anyone who has ever dined with me). Other times I just keep snapping away trying to capture the sense of place of wherever I happen to be. These are some of my favorite photos from 2015.
New Orleans
The is no city quite like New Orleans in the United States, or even the world for that matter. This is a city that revels in its culture, traditions and history and throws one heck of a party. Fried dough and fine dining, coffee and cocktail; everything just seems to taste better here. Just outside the city lies a completely different but equally fascinating world. The balconies of the French Quarter give way to the eerie beauty of the swamp where time stands still and the gator is king.
Washington DC
Washington is a city I find myself returning to time and time again. Wide, tree-lined boulevards and classical architecture are reminiscent of Europe’s grand cities but make no mistake, D.C. is as American as they come. I never tire of seeing the monuments and there is always a new neighborhood, museum or park to explore.
Copenhagen
Copenhagen is a city that I expected to like but didn’t expect to fall in love with. Not at all ostentatious or showy, life in Denmark’s capital is good. Hygge, the Danish concept of “creating a warm atmosphere and enjoying the good things in life with good people” can be found everywhere. In Copenhagen I found a warm, welcoming city that is both traditional and forward thinking. I came to Copenhagen for the food, based alone on the city’s reputation as the capital of New Nordic cuisine. I was surprised by the bright, fresh flavors; attention to local, seasonal ingredients was found everywhere from intimate cafes, in-home cooking classes to the multitude of Michelin-starred restaurants.
Iceland
Iceland is a land of superlatives, a place where pictures and words fail to do justice to just how truly breathtaking the Land of Ice and Fire is. I wanted to stop and take pictures nearly every minute, but really the best thing was to put down the camera and try to fully absorb the magnificence of the landscape.
Annapolis, Maryland
From sailing, to seafood to the Naval Academy, this is a town whose identity is tied to the water. Situated at the other end of the Chesapeake Bay from my home of Virginia Beach, I didn’t expect to be so charmed by Annapolis. Quaint historic neighborhoods are home to a slew of independent shops and creative restaurants.
Austin, Texas
I went to Austin on business but made sure to get out on the town (and out of town) every chance I got. Home to the University of Texas (it seems like even the sunset is Longhorn Orange), Austin is a town that is both proudly Texan and fiercely independent. Outside of Austin lies the gorgeous rolling landscape of Texas Hill Country, where I found the emerald grotto of Hamilton Pool. Oh, and did I mention there was barbecue?
Alexandria, Virginia
I welcomed the holiday season in grand Scottish style in Alexandria, Virginia. Located across the Potomac from Washington, D.C., the charming 18th century streets of Old Town feel a world away. There is a real sense of community here that makes Alexandria one of my favorite weekend getaways.
Stephanie says
Absolutely stunning photos! And I have to say your shots of New Orleans are just fueling my burning to visit!!!!
Brianna says
Thanks Stephanie! I hope you get to make it to New Orleans soon, it’s such an amazing city!
Trevor Thorpe says
Love the photos, particularly the snake and the waterfall in Iceland! Good idea for a post, too. I might have to do a post like this for my website now.
Brianna says
Thanks Trevor! I loved going back over the past year and reliving my travel memories.
Local Nomads says
Great stuff here! I especially love your photos of Iceland. I’m dying to get there.
Brianna says
Thanks! I hope you get to Iceland, the landscape is like nowhere else on Earth.
Tales of Travelling Sisters says
Beautiful collections of photos Brianna!! Hope to see more in 2016…:) Happy traveling!
Brianna says
Thanks ladies, happy traveling to you as well!
mark wyld says
great pictures looks like a had a fantastic year of travel and exploring. Hope next year brings you as many adventures and great pictures as this year has. Copenhagen keeps popping up stories i have been reading in the last few days, maybe it’s telling me something
Brianna says
Copenhagen is always a good idea…….
Arnie says
Oh man, we love looking through our old photos, too. In fact, they come up on our TV as a screen saver so we can see them all the time. We certainly share your love affair with Copenhagen, and can’t wait to visit Austin.
Brianna says
Austin was a big surprise for me, the food and vibe were great!
Natasha says
Your photos are stunning! The food in Copenhagen is making me want to eat and the nature in Iceland is making me want to go on a hike. Contradicting!
Thanks for sharing!
Brianna says
Well, you do always have to fuel up well for a hike 😉
Maya says
Very nice round up of your travels. Waterfall in Iceland looks so huge and beautiful with not many people around. This is a very good idea to reflect on the year almost behind us.
Brianna says
Tanks Maya, I loved going back over my past years travels.
Jo says
You’ve featured some very well known destinations but still managed to find a way to make them your own. I love seeing familiar shots seen through the eyes of different photographers – I particularly loved the shot of the old town in Copenhagen- the light on the buildings gives them a truly golden glow
Brianna says
nks Jo, that picture of Nyhaven is a personal favorite of mine too.
Duke Stewart says
I really loved walking in your shoes through these awesome photos, Brianna. My favorite was that nice shot of Jackson’s Statue(?) in New Orleans until I saw the one of the D.C. Metro. I guess it’s a bit sentimental for me because I love DC but that photo just spoke to me most of all. I hope you have a wonderful 2016 and can look back on it as fondly as you did 2015. Take care and Happy New Year!
Brianna says
Duke, I’m wishing you a wonderful 2016 filled with lots of adventure as well. Cheers!
Petr says
So beautiful photos and wish you a great year 2016!
Brianna says
Thanks Petr, happy new you to you as well!
Anda says
Gorgeous photos, Brianna! My favorite one from your list of that of the Scottish Terrier. Your New Orleans one reminded me how great that place is and made me want to go back for a visit.
Brianna says
I could go back to New Orleans again and again, its one of my favorite cities.
Jackie says
It looks like your 2015 was very good to you! Iceland looks incredible and I’m hoping to squeeze it in this year. I love the canal shot of Copenhagen. It looks like such a charming city. You are so right about Washington, D.C. It has an old European feel, but is chock full of sights, museums, and neighborhoods to explore. There’s always something to do on a weekend getaway.
Brianna says
2015 was a good year indeed!