Although I wanted to blog while I was over in Europe, I also felt that I wanted to be thorough with documenting the trip.  That takes time, something I ironically never seem to have while I’m on vacation.  I did, however try to update Joe Turic Photography on Facebook with a picture every couple of days (LIKE me on Facebook to see updates!), as well as my Instagram feed (I’m joeturic on there, follow me!).  I took over 5000 pictures on this trip and over the next couple of weeks I plan on trickling out some blog posts detailing my adventures.

The weather on the east coast is AMAZING right now and I can only imagine it’s because I brought it back with me from Paris.  Here are a couple of shots from the last few bluebird days over there to whet your appetite for what’s to come.

Jardin du Luxembourg (The Luxembourg Gardens)

Walking along the Seine – homes on the right bank viewed from the left bank

The goal for day one was to drink Guinness, see The Book of Kells and try not to fall asleep.  Mission accomplished.

After spending the 2011 new year in France, I’ve been trying to get back, even if just a week.  My friend, Bryan and I left on Thursday night from JFK and arrived in Dublin around 5:30 am Friday morning (still 12:30 am in NY, time to drink some Guinness, right?).  We sleepily stumbled off the plane, got some cash, stowed a bag and soon were off to the city center of Dublin.  We were dropped right next to Trinity College, Ireland’s oldest University, founded in 1592.  The walled campus is beautiful and quiet, providing a nice contrast from the surrounding bustling streets of Dublin.  Here are a few shots.

After some walking, we found Bewley’s Cafe, for a full traditional Irish breakfast.  Jet lag was officially setting in at this point, but we had to power through.  We stuffed our faces and then it was back to Trinity College to see The Book of Kells.  After our dose of culture, we headed out into the city to find some Guinness.  We hit up a few nice pubs, including Temple Bar, which is apparently the most famous in the area.

I don’t know this guy…he just seemed excited that I was taking a shot in front of Temple Bar so he thought he’d join me

After a few pints of Guinness is the best time to try some new photographic techniques, right?  I borrowed a 10 stop ND filter from a friend for this trip in anticipation of trying out some long daytime exposures.  I’m still working on figuring out some of the best techniques.  Here’s a first try on the Grand Canal in Dublin (I have some better ones I’m getting in Paris).

It was chilly on the canal bridge and beginning to rain, jet lag had set in 3 times over and we were just getting our fourth wind.  We ducked into Gallaghers Boxty House back in the Temple area for a hearty traditional lunch of bangers and mash and a Murphy’s stout before heading back to the airport.  All in all the “12 hour layover” experiment was a success.  In the future when traveling I may try this technique more.  It’s a little tiring, but can give you a great snapshot of a city in a very short amount of time.

The day is finally here!  Ok, so maybe it’s taken me 3 years, but this is blog post number 50!  Almost to the day, 3 years ago I began this blog with this post.  A few casual shots of my sister inspired me to get some of my photos out on the internet in attempt to gain some more exposure.  It’s been a fun ride and since that time I’ve shown my landscapes at Whitecliff Vineyard and Robibero winery, as well as Starbucks in New Paltz.  I’ve done an engagement shoot, a maternity shoot, multiple portrait shoots, and even a charity dinner for the Poughkeepsie Farm Project.

Expect many more posts in the coming weeks, as I’m leaving for Dublin on Thursday and then heading to Paris for the majority of the time with a quick trip up to Brussels and Amsterdam.  Thank you to all of you who visit and read this blog, your support keeps me wanting to do this!

Passport cover given to me as a gift from my good Nepali/American/French friend, Vijay.

I couldn’t do a pull up in high school.  For the Presidential Physical Fitness test I had to do the flexed arm hang.  It was embarrassing.

Sometime back in February a friend of mine told me about a Crossfit gym that was fairly new over in Highland, Crossfit Mid Hudson.  He told me to try out a free class just to get a taste and see if I was interested.  While sitting at a bar in Chicago and catching a bit of crossfit on TV accidentally, ND and I decided we’d try out an intro class (because, honestly, bars are where you sit and plan about how you SHOULD be exercising) .

That first night consisted of some rowing to warm up, and then a 12 minute AMRAP (as many rounds as possible) of 5 pull ups, 5 push ups and 10 air squats.  We were sore the next day.  We asked Justin, the head trainer how often we should come and if we could commit time to this new gym in general, with everything else we have going on.  He told us to keep coming and we’d figure out how it fits into our lives.

Fast forward two months and I’m stronger than I’ve been in years.  I’ve lifted weights with varying degrees of consistency since my early twenties.  I hike, bike, ski, run and in general am pretty active, but crossfit really kicked it up a notch.  I no longer desire to go sit in a weight room and do 3 sets of 12 reps on the leg machine or to work my triceps with a pull down.  I don’t want to wander in somewhat tired after work on a Monday and work on “chest and tris” and just get through the reps so I can go home.  I’d rather jump rope, do pull ups,  kettlebell swings, every different type of squat, climb ropes, throw medicine balls, learn proper olympic weightlifting techniques, do burpees, box jumps, lunges, dips, push presses, clean and jerks, push ups, tire flips, dead lifts and incorporate all of this into high intensity interval training.  Every time I step into the box in Highland I know I’m going to get my butt kicked, in a good way.

On that first night Justin told us that “it’s like a family here”.  It’s easy for someone to say that but another thing for you to experience it first hand.  The people and community surrounding Crossfit Mid Hudson are some of the nicest and most supportive I’ve ever met.  I don’t have enough fingers to count the new friends I’ve made since February.  It’s nice that we joined when we did, since this weekend was the 1 year anniversary of the opening of CFMH.  Here are a few shots from the 1 year anniversary WOD (workout of the day, sometimes referred to as the “Torture of the Day”) which we followed with a BBQ and nighttime fun in Poughkeepsie.