End of Year Thoughts

It wasn't the best year in terms of writing and reaching creative goals.

I did have a novel published, "Darkness Beyond the Light," on Nov. 1, which was the highlight. I'm pleased with the story and the  feedback from reviewers and readers. 

As anyone who has been published knows, there's a lot that goes into the final product. That kept me busy for about six months—rewrites, edits, book cover, and other matters involved in publishing a novel. 

But I didn't reach my goals in publishing another short-story collection, a second volume to "Laments." That's something I'll try to address in 2018.

I also didn't write as many posts to this blog as I wanted because of life events that got in the way. Some would say that's not a good excuse, but I counter that it depends on what those events are. I feel my reasons are understandable—and I'm not one to disclose all things that impact my life. Some things are private matters.

That being said, I do intend to be more productive in the new year. That's my intention. But only time will tell. Sometimes life takes turns that sidetrack even the best intentions.

Until the next time. . . . 

Goodreads Giveaway

Thanks to all the 419 readers who participated in the Goodreads giveaway for my latest novel, Darkness Beyond the Light.

I mailed books the day after Christmas to Meredith in Florida, Robert in California, Jennifer in Missouri, Toya in Tennessee, and Ronald in Utah.

During an Amazon.com promotion that prompted 145 requests in November, I awarded five ebooks to Diane, Tammy, Stephanie, Michelle, and Jennifer (states not revealed). 

While there are no strings attached to a giveaway, I do hope the recipients will take a few minutes to rate and review the novel in Goodreads, Amazon, or some other website(s). 

Indie authors need all the support they can get from readers and fellow authors. I do hope that every time you read a book, you'll show your appreciation with a review and/or rating. I do that with every book I read, even those I don't particularly like. Any review/rating is better than no review/rating.

Needless to say, the biggest boost you can give to all authors is to purchase books. And I thank every one of you who made a financial stake in buying my books and investing your precious time in reading them. 

If you're short on funds, I recommend you ask your library to purchase the books you want to read. And that's not just the ones I've authored. You have your favorite authors so show them some support (and love). Libraries have budgets to purchase books, and your tax dollars support them.

Until the next time. . . .  

Happy Holidays

A quick note to wish everyone a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!

Like every year, 2017 has had its up and downs and a few things all around. That's what life is all about. You simply try to adapt and adjust to the situations confronting you and try to make the best of them, if possible.

Maybe 2018 will have more ups than downs. At least some days when life is at an even keel. I must confess, that at my age, deaths to family members and friends throw me for a loop. My guess that most people feel the same way, and perhaps regardless of age.

I certainly hope that all the writers out there keep the muse in their lives as they venture into uncharted territory. I've always believed writing was an adventure and the rewards came during the process that also involves thoughts being transformed into words.   

And I hope readers find entertaining and edifying books to satisfy their emotional and intellectual needs. I always want to gain something after investing time in this worthwhile pursuit. Furthermore, that's one of the things I try to deliver as an author.  Time is a precious commodity that I don't take lightly.



Until the next time. . . .

Opioid Epidemic in U.S.

The opioid problem in the United States has reached epidemic proportions, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

The CDC reports that since 1999, deaths involving the use of opioids, including prescription drugs and heroin, has quadrupled. Figures reveal that more than 500,000 have died from overdoses since 2000. Ninety-one die each day from this scourge that has spread across America, filtering into all economic classes.

Every day when I pick up my daily newspaper, the State Journal in Frankfort, Ky., I read about drug arrests and overdoses, sometimes covering nearly a page in court news. Check out this story from last June about the increase in opioid deaths. Frankfort is the state capital, the fourth smallest in the nation with a population of about 28,000.

The CDC also notes that each day more than 1,000 people are treated in emergency departments nationally for misusing prescription opioids.

Kentucky has addressed the problem with legislative initiatives to curtail the abuse of opioids and use of heroin in recent years. The state Office of Drug Control Policy reports that more than 1,000 Kentuckians die each year from overdoses. Furthermore, Kentucky ranks in the top three, along with New Hampshire and West Virginia in opioid deaths.

My latest novel, "Darkness Beyond the Light," concerns drug addiction as it affects a family. I hope it brings more attention, more discussion, and more action to the problem as an increasing number of people are touched by this deadly disease.

To learn more about opioids and other drugs, read the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration's fact sheets. 

Until the next time. . . .

No NaNoWriMo

I must admit that I didn't complete the National Novel Writing Month, or NaNoWriMo, in November.

On the first day, I wrote about 1,300 words. The next morning I sat down and couldn't find the file. I could have swore I saved the initial entry but it was nowhere to be found. 

I tried to start again, but faltered after 500 words or so. And then I flamed out.

My heart really wasn't in it this year because of the passing of a loved one and a prior commitment to judge entries in a writing contest. I couldn't get focused even though I had a rough outline, one that I will be using when I start the third installment in the "John Ross Boomer Lit" series. 

I plan to get moving on the next novel in a few weeks when I don't have any extraordinary distractions. 

This is the first time that I haven't completed a NaNoWriMo challenge. The previous efforts evolved into novels -- "Shooting Star," "The Bully List," "Old Ways and New Days," and the recently published "Darkness Beyond the Light."

I hope those who took the grueling challenge completed the 50,000-word goal. Any may you get published for all the hard work.

Until the next time. . . .

(P.S. While you're here, click on the Goodreads giveaway for "Darkness Beyond the Edge" at the upper right. And I would be honored if you'd follow the blog as well.) 

Third Promotion

My third promotion for "Darkness Beyond the Light" will begin on Nov. 26 and run until Dec. 24 on Goodreads.com.

The first promotion was an ebook giveaway on Amazon and the second was an advertisement in Facebook. I plan to announce other promotions in the coming weeks so stay tuned.

The latest giveaway is for five print copies of the novel. I've done three previous contests on Goodreads with positive responses from readers wanting to enter.

While the promotion involves some financial outlay on my part—five books and postage to the winners—it also attracts attention and exposure for the novel. Most of the readers will  since most click the "Want to Read" button, and perhaps a percentage of those will eventually purchase it.

So if you've like to enter, simply click on the button to the right of this post or go to Goodreads. By the way, Goodreads is a wonderful website that connects readers to authors and vice versa. I'd be honored if you decided to follow and/or friend me when you visit the page.

Until the next time. . . .

New Cover

Sometimes you have to take a step back in order to move forward. That's what the folks at Wings ePress have done with "Old Ways and New Days."

Since the novel is the first in the "John Ross Boomer Lit" series, the cover needed to redone to reflect the change. Digital artist Richard Stroud has designed the new cover, which I believe gives more of an idea of what is between the covers.

Old 

New

Besides the new artwork, Stroud has added the "John Ross Boomer Lit Novel" strip across the bottom and uses a similar font to the one used in "Darkness Beyond the Light." Those elements will continue forthcoming books in the series.

Coming up with a cover that says something about the book is as difficult as trying to say what a book is about in  30 words or less. Authors try to do that (most of us don't) since it is something that would fit nicely in a sound bite.

And if that's not the case, they want a back cover blurb (my publisher prefers 75 words or less)  that attracts potential readers. Just watch readers in a book store, library or some other place as they quickly scan blurbs to see which books they want to read—it's a quick process to capture their attention, or not.

So with the new cover, it's the hope that it will boost sales, especially from those who've read "Darkness Beyond the Light" but haven't read "Old Ways and New Days" because they will see the connection.

Until the next time. . . . 

Second Promotion

I began a second promotion today, using Facebook to spread the word about "Darkness Beyond the Light."

Since the coming-of-old-age novel focuses primarily on AARP-age folks, I targeted baby boomers in major cities in the United States. It will run for 14 days. I've used Facebook in the past to promote by author page, garnering a good degree of success. I hope that holds true for the novel. You can enter the first promotion, an ebook from Amazon, by clicking here. 


The ad will send folks to my author page on Amazon, where they will (hopefully) purchase the book. It will also expose them to my other novels and nonfiction books. I especially want them to consider "Old Ways and New Days" since it is the first book  in the series.

I considered using Twitter, and I may still do so, but I'm going to do more research before I spend allocate any funds. If any authors out there, have you had success using Twitter?

I'll do a Goodreads giveaway as well, when the Facebook promotion is about over. I want to promote the book through the holiday season. By the way, "Darkness Beyond the Light" is set during the Christmas season. 

I've looked into other places but have found them rather pricey, and a few simply come across as scams. 

As I've noted in previous posts, promotion and marketing is not my forte. I do as much research as possible. Networking helps as other authors tell me of their experiences.

Until the next time. . . .

First Promotion

The first promotion for my latest novel, "Darkness Beyond the Light," is on Amazon through Nov. 23.

It's a giveaway of five e-books. You need to click here and tweet that you entered. It's that simple. Also, you don't have to own a Kindle to read the book. Amazon offers an app for Apple, Android, and Windows devices.

I know some folks don't have Twitter accounts so don't despair. I plan to have several other contests in the coming weeks to promote the John  Ross Boomer Lit novel. Stay tuned!

Until the next time. . . .

Published!

My latest novel, "Darkness Beyond the Light," is now out there for the world to see -- and to read -- from Wings ePress.

Here are the links for the e-book:

Amazon

Barnes & Noble

Smashwords

And for the print edition:

Amazon
It also will be available at Barnes & Noble. You can also order the novel through your local independent bookstore through CreateSpace.

Check back for updates and giveaways.

If you do purchase the novel, please leave a review and/or rating at the website. And that goes for all books because authors appreciate feedback.

Until the next time. . . . 

New Beginnings

While looking forward to the release of my latest novel, "Darkness Beyond the Light," on Nov. 1, I'll also begin another novel on the same day. "Darkness Beyond the Light" is the second installment in the John Ross Boomer Lit series, following "Old Ways and New Days." On a side note, this will be the 12th book, and eighth novel, I've written. I still get excited about release dates; it doesn't get old.



In writing the third part, I'll be participating in the annual National Novel Writing Month. It's something I've done in the past, resulting in published books. While producing 50,000 words in a month can be kind of daunting task (averaging 1,667 words a day), it's a great way to stay focused in reaching the goal. I encourage you to participate in NaNoWriMo if you have a novel inside you that's begging to see the light. You might be pleasantly surprised by what happens once you put your hands on the keyboard for several hours each day.

For me, it will be the first draft. I usually add another 35,000 or more words to a manuscript over the course of several rewrites and revisions. Writing a novel is more work than meets the eye.

For the past few weeks, I've been working on a rough outline to keep me on track, especially the first couple of weeks. If the story takes hold, I veer off and go along for the ride. It's like a controlled stream of consciousness, if that makes any sense. And it can be exhilarating.

And it can be the opposite as well, at least for me, if the story is static and doesn't take hold of my imagination. And, unfortunately, it can be drudgery.

Now back to the outline because I don't want 30 days of drudgery.

Until the next time. . . . 

P.S. Be sure and check back Nov. 1 for the release of "Darkness Beyond the Light."

One Week Before Publication of Novel

It's down to the final week before the release of my latest novel, "Darkness Beyond the Light."

It's been a difficult but rewarding journey over the past year, from those first words to first draft to revisions to edits to cover art to final read to publication, which will be Nov. 1, when it's available at Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Smashwords, Wings ePress and other book-related websites. 

I have been working on  promotion and marketing the past few weeks. I'll be mailing postcards this weekend, sending news releases to various outlets, and notifying others through emails. I've been working on a book trailer for YouTube. 

I've also been reading blogs and listening to podcasts for other recommendations from authors on most cost-efficient ways to market and promote a book. I plan a giveaway on Goodreads on the release date. There will be other surprise promotions as well.

My hope is that those who purchase the novel (or win a giveaway) will leave a review and/or rating on various websites. I've always believed that word of mouth is the best way to spread the word.

Until the next time. . . .

 

One Month Before Publication of Novel

The publication of my latest novel, "Darkness Beyond the Light," is only a month from today. 

As with my previous books, I'm excited about finally seeing  it in print. I've already seen the e-book version, but being a traditionalist in many ways, there's nothing like holding a physical, page-turning print edition in my hands.

"Darkness Beyond the Light" is my eighth novel, and the first time that I've written a sequel to a book. It carries on with the trials and  tribulations of John Ross, family and friends who were introduced in "Old Ways and New Days."  My novels are published by Wings ePress.

I also plan a third installment in the "John Ross Boomer Lit" series. I wanted to get working on it sooner, but now I will write the first draft during National Novel Writing Month, or NaNoWriMo, in November.

In the meantime, postcards will be mailed to libraries, bookstores, friends, and others in the next few weeks announcing the arrival of "Darkness Beyond the Light."  I already have bookmarks, display posters, and various handouts ready to distribute at book signings this month (check appearances at bottom of page).

I'll also have promotions on Goodreads and Amazon so be sure to visit those websites and enter (there will be reminders posted here as well). If you're a Goodreads member, please send me a friend request. You can also like my Facebook author's page by clicking here.

Until the next time. . . .

 

 

Promote...Promote...Promote...

It's been several weeks since I posted something here. I must confess that I needed a breather, especially after finishing my latest novel and all that comes with it, such as edits, cover design, and promotion.

"Darkness Beyond the Light" will be released Nov. 1, by Wings ePress. While it's still more than five weeks away, I've tried to do several things to have a successful launch.

I have postcards, business cards, and a display poster printed printed. The postcards will go to selected libraries, bookstores, and readers in the coming weeks. The business cards will be handed out at book signings and related events while the poster will be prominently displayed with my books. I've also ordered bookmarks that will be given to those who purchase the novel. 

I've also had periodic updates on my Facebook author's page (be sure and visit and "like"), personal website, and other book-related sites the past few weeks. More will be forthcoming. And I have some book signings scheduled (check at the bottom of this post).

I hope to get back to working on the third installment in the "John Ross Boomer Lit" series in November, perhaps with National Novel Writing Month. I have some life events that need my attention before I go full bore into another manuscript.

So that's where I'm at right now. I plan to get back to regular postings if life doesn't get in the way.

Until the next time. . . .

Progress Report: Back to the Manuscript (The Cover)

Drum roll, please! My manuscript now has a cover—the last step before being published. 

Richard Stroud, who has designed more than 400 covers, came up with the artwork for "Darkness Beyond the Light." The novel will be released Nov. 1 by Wings ePress.

Richard interviewed me several times, on Skype and by telephone, to get an idea what the story was about. I had already filled out an artist information form that provides background about the manuscript—scenes, characters, plot, etc. Needless to say, it's difficult to describe the main theme from the 93k words that comprise my eighth novel—in 100 words on less. 

He was patient, asked pertinent questions, and did an excellent job in conveying the essence of the novel through several captivating images. Richard seeks to avoid clutter, as I do when I write, which I think he accomplished. I hope readers will be enticed to pick up the novel and consider reading it, simply by looking at the cover.

Richard will redo the "Old Ways and New Days" cover, the first "John Ross Boomer Lit Novel," so it will have a stronger and compelling connection to "Darkness Beyond the Light." And when I finish the third book in the series, he'll handle that as well.

Between now and the release date, I'll be promoting "Darkness Beyond the Light" through traditional means, social media, and other avenues. And I'll be working on the third installment. Busy days ahead.

Until the next time. . . . 

 

Progress Report: Back to the Manuscript (Galley Proof)

Another step has been completed on my soon-to-be-released novel—proofing the galley.

Since my last post, I've perused the galley for any typos, misspellings, grammatical goofs, and other corrections that need to be made before publication on Nov. 1 by Wings ePress.

As I've mentioned in other posts,  I have mixed feelings about reading the galley. The main aspect I dread is having to reread the novel—again! I've probably gone through it 15 times including rewrites and editors' suggested edits. For a work that's 93k words, you do the math.

But, on the positive side, seeing the manuscript in book form provides a fresh view about the story. I gain a stronger insight on how the novel flows. And in a new light, I might find a discrepancy, or two, that needs to be fixed. I found a couple that slipped by me on previous reads, and now they've been fixed.

While the ultimate goal is to clean up a manuscript to where it's 100 percent free of mistakes, that's probably an impossibility. I believe any author would tell you that, even those who are contract with the big publishing houses. Those little gremlins manage to pop up somewhere along the way, no matter how hard you try to find them. 

Now it's on to the cover art. I hope to share it with you in my next post.

Until the next time. . . . 

Progress Report—Back to the Manuscript (Final Edit)

The long journey is about over for my latest manuscript. I've completed edits—from two editors—and now await the galley proof. 

That means one more read-through of the nearly 93,000-word manuscript (I don't like to call it a book until it's on the publisher's assembly line). If you think I may be growing tired of reading the book, well, you're absolutely right. I've probably been over it 15 times including all the rewrites and edits. I'm ready for it to see the light of day.  But I want it to be as error-free as possible.

I'm also working with a design artist on the cover. I view cover art as a visual tagline for a novel, something that captures the theme of the work, and hopefully, the eyes of potential readers. Once that is finished, I'll be pushing the promotion button to get the word out on the web, snail mail, and word of mouth.

The publication date is Nov. 1. 

And I plan to start another manuscript in the "New Days" series in the next week or so. I'd like to see it published  next year. 

Until the next time. . . .






 

South America Destinations: Buenos Aires

Buenos Aires is often referred to as the "Paris of South America." It's easy to see why with its European-style architecture, cosmopolitan air, and cultural diversity. It's such a sophisticated city.

Obelisk at dusk

But Buenos Aires, the capital of Argentina, is a sparkling gem of its own that doesn't need comparisons with other great cities in the world—Paris is Paris, London is London, New York is New York, and Buenos Aires is Buenos Aires, each offering dynamics that make them wondrous destinations for travelers.  Let me say that I'm not even going be able to scratch the surface of things to see and do in Buenos Aires. I'd suggest visiting various websites to get a flavor of the city. Better yet, visit this eclectic city in person. My wife, Mary, and I were fortunate to spend four days in Buenos Aires in June; a trip we'll never forget.

Teatro Colon

The city has a vibrant theater district, world-class museums, statues and monuments to celebrate its storied history, spacious parks, beautiful architecture that reflects European influence, and an electric atmosphere on the busy streets. Most folks know that Argentina is world-class in sports, namely soccer. Let's not forget the Tango, that captivating sensuous dance.

 Mary at the Casa Rosada

Slicing through the center of the capital district is 9 Julio Avenue, the widest boulevard in the world. In the center is the Obelisk, erected in 1936 to commemorate the city's 400th anniversary. A block away is the Teatro Colon, the world-famous opera house. Within walking distance is the Casa Rosada (the pink house) that serves as the executive  mansion of the president, and the Metropolitan Cathedral.

San Martin monument

There's no doubt that that Juan and Eva Peron are part of the history with museums and statues commemorating their presence in the mid 20th century. But the city also honors such notables as Gen. José de San Martín, a national hero who helped liberate Argentina and Peru in the 19th century. Pope Francis is from Buenos Aires as well as famous writer Jorge Luis Borges. Too many to mention but remember actors Linda Cristal, Fernando Lamas and Olivia Hussey, music composer Lalo Schifrin, tennis stars Gabriela Sabatini and Guillermo Vilas, and soccer legends Lionel Messi and Diego Maradona....? I also enjoyed the music of jazz saxophonist Gato Barbieri, who died in 2016.

Su and Al

We were fortunate to spend two days with Argentinean friends, Al and Su, who were most gracious with their time to show me many of the landmarks of this vibrant city. They made this trip special. I do hope to return someday for a longer period and take in more of the sites and experience the lifestyle of the locals.

Buenos Aires has suffered through some difficult economic times in the past 30 years (which travelers can benefit with the exchange rate). But I saw quite a lot of construction and renovation of buildings and infrastructure during my visit so better days are ahead for this city.

So much to see and do but so little time on this visit. I want to return.

Until the next time . . . .


P.S. I have other images of Buenos Aires on my Facebook photos page.

South America Destinations: Iguassu Falls

One of nature's magical kingdoms to experience is Iguassu Falls, a J-shaped area comprised of about 250 waterfalls on the Brazilian and Argentinean borders.

A view of Iguassu Falls from Brazil

My wife and I spent two days trekking at Iguassu National Park—one day in Brazil and one in Argentina. In Brazil, it's spelled Iguacu, and in Argentina, it's Iguazu. For English speakers, it's Iguassu. The word means "big waters" in Guarani, the language of the indigenous people.

It was rainy both days but tolerable as we were covered, for the most part, by the canopy of subtropical trees as we walked to the falls. And when we arrived to the falls, we felt the mist from the powerful cascading waters from the Iguassu River. Suggestion: Pack a raincoat!

At Devil's Throat

We were there when the falls were probably at their mightiest as the river current was swift and wide from recent rains. The national park has walkways leading to overlooks, including the thunderous Devil's Throat, and to the mouths of lesser, but still impressive, waterfalls.  For those who are more adventurous, and don't mind getting drenched, there are boat rides to the bottom of several falls.

A coati

Prego monkey

The parks were listed as World Heritage Sites by UNESCO in the 1980s. Besides the falls, they are nature preserves with many species of animal and plant life. Especially "friendly" were the coatis and prego monkeys, who weren't bashful around places where people get a bite  to eat. The monkeys would strike, without warning, on those unsuspecting folks sitting at tables by grabbing their sandwiches and leaping back up into the trees. Another suggestion: Don't feed the animals, intentionally or unintentionally.






Iguassu Falls was named as one of the "New Seven Wonders of the World," and I certainly wouldn't dispute that designation. It's an unforgettable and magical place to visit.

Until the next time. . . .

South America Destinations: Rio de Janeiro

My wife and I spent 10 day in South America in early June, visiting Rio de Janeiro, Iguassu Falls, and Buenos Aires.

Copacabana Beach

Our first stop was lively and colorful Rio, a city with nearly 7 million inhabitants. We stayed at a hotel located at the world-famous Copacabana Beach. It's fall there so the beach wasn't too crowded.

Christ the Redeemer

We made the usual tourist stops—riding cable cars to the top of Sugarloaf Mountain for a breathtaking view of the city, taking a train to the summit of Corcovado Mountain to see the majestic Christ the Redeemer statue, and walking up the 215 tiled steps of the Selaron staircase in the Lapa district. I thought I saw the "Girl from Ipanema" walking on the sidewalk near the café where the song was composed, but I'm sure it was my imagination.  It was still a nice thought.

So much to see and so little time.

Cables leading to the top of Sugarloaf Mountain

Our guided tour also took us past the multi-colored favelas (where many of the poor reside in shacks) and areas where the rich live in high-rise apartments overlooking the beaches. The tour even included an optional trip to a favela. We didn't go but several of our fellow travelers who did said they were amazed how clean and tidy the residents kept their homes.

Our local guide, Eduardo, told us that children only attend public schools four hours a day because of the economy. The rich send their children to private schools. There's not much of a middle class. Not surprising, crime is also a problem in the city. 

Municipal Theatre

We did try to venture out from the hotel during our free time but found it difficult to navigate the city. We're urban hikers and like to make our own discoveries. We didn't see as much as we wanted to, such as churches, government buildings, and parks.

Carlos Braguinha statue

We stopped in several downtown shops and found the merchants to be friendly and helpful despite the language barrier (Portuguese). We walked to the Riosul  mall, which compares to upscale shopping places you'd find in the U.S.

Rio, founded in 1565 by the Portuguese, has a rich history and shows promise for a bright future. Many may remember that it hosted the 2016 Summer Olympics.

But it's a shame that there is so much graffiti marring public buildings, walls, and other places (we've also seen that in Roma and Budapest).

A selfie on the Selaron Staircase

Regardless, it was an unforgettable two days in Rio. We'd like to return and really get to know and understand this dynamic and diverse city. We left knowing that it has much more to offer visitors. 




Until the next time. . . . 

EPIC Finalist Update

Last March I was notified by the Electronic Publishing Industry Coalition that my coming-of-old-age novel, "Old Ways and New Days," was a finalist in the contemporary fiction category.

EPIC recently announced the winners in the 17 categories in its annual competition for ebooks and my novel didn't make the list.

My congratulations to CJane Elliott for her coming-out novel, "Sex, Love, and Videogames," named the best in contemporary fiction. 

It was an honor for me to have my novel considered for the award. Simply being one of three finalists was gratifying.

Click here to see the list of all the winners, including Ariana Awards for best book covers.

EPIC is now accepting books through July 15 for its 2018 competition. Visit the website for more information. Best of luck to those who decide to enter their novel. 

You might also want to consider joining EPIC and be part of a network of authors, publishers, editors, and others in the industry.

Until the next time . . . .

South America Destinations -- Rio de Janeiro, Iguassu Falls, and Buenos Aires

My wife and I recently returned from a wonderful vacation to Brazil and Argentina.  We made stops in fabulous Rio de Janeiro, powerful Iguassu Falls, and beautiful Buenos Aires.

We've visited Europe in the past, and while we love the Old World, we decided to expand our horizons by traveling to our neighbors to the south. It was well worth it. Simply unforgettable.

We got to see and experience some things about each place, but more than anything, it whetted our appetite to return to South America to take in more that the diverse continent has to offer—natural wonders, historic sites, and the people.

Here are a few images from each of the places. I'll be writing more about each destination in upcoming posts.

From Rio:

Copacabana Beach

Cable cars to Sugar Loaf Mountain

From Iguassu Falls:

A view from Brazil

A view from Argentina

  From Buenos Aires:

Colon Opera House

Obelisk 

Until the next time. . . .