A day is a day unlike any other. Until the day you wake up and there's a forest in your front yard. 

After long and tiring days of hard work, the Weihnachtsmarkt is about to open. 

The hardest part is knowing where to go, 

But, whatever you choose, don't be late for the show...

Admire the beatiful lights and land, 

But, it's a safe bet to the find the nearest gluwein stand. 

Light it up. Sip it down. Gluhwein is the best stuff in town. 

If the traditional stuff doesn't cater to what you fancy, try the mideveil fruit wine to inspire your feet to dance-y to the sound of neighboring bag pipes and drums. 

Or just hang out in an ancient ship, those who do are real hip :)

After a few wines, everything gets a bit blurry. 

But, don't be in a hurry.

​If the pagan Gods are with you, your spirit may just get lucky underneath the mistletoe.  

Hast du hunger? Well, you're in luck as there are countless options to choose from. 

Everyone loves the pizza known as bauernbrot.  It surely soaks up the wine, and is a fine place to dine!

try something savory...

or something sweet, there's nothing here you can't beat!

But don't forgot to explore the mideveil market. 

You can play personal games like trying to guess the meaning of every symbol. 

But for the wise and the nimble, find your Germanic hunting strength by spearing a wooden bear. 

Or your hand-eye correction with a game of archery. 

Shopping for something special is one thing that everyone must do. 

Try the gift of mideveil wine, and it'll melt your partner's heart like glue. 

Or maybe you'd enjoy some handmade arts and crafts?

Whatever you choose, the crafts are made with tender love and care, all dipped to bring lots of light and cheer. 

Along with something bright, why not make your home smell nice?

and look nice too. 

Maybe you want something nice for your tree?

Or why not something to catch those beautiful dreams? 

Night and day, the Hannover Christmas markets are a dream come true...

Enjoy every moment 'cause

one day it'll be gone, and make you feel blue...Like grains of sand on a beach, the sawdust marks the memories of another successful Christmas, leaving nothing but hopes, wishes and joy for next year. 

What's your favorite part of the Hannover Christmas markets? 

Let's Connect!

Now that summer is here, these are 26 pictures that show the beauty and rebirth of Seattle in the spring. I photographed these flowers in Queen Anne mainly along W Highland Drive, W Olympic Place and Parson's Garden. The rose garden is on the waterfront at Elliot Bay Avenue. 

These flowers show the transition of spring to summer blooms to awaken our spirits with sunshine, dry weather and lush surroundings. 

I don't know why, but I love photographing street art. If you've ever visited the Riviera Maya (especially Tulum) you know that the air feels different. The energy, the vibe - the place is magical. It's a place where your soul rebirths and life is given a second chance to awaken rejuvenated, refreshed and clear-minded. 
I try to understand alot of life from a spiritual perspective. And well, I do believe energy enhances creativity in ways that are unexplainable. 

During my trip throughout the Riviera Maya, I could not help but get inspired and feel re-energized while gazing the street art. I found a deep connection to this art because I love and have always been fascinated with the ocean. Two of my favorite animals are sea turtles and dolphins. 

Not all graffiti is the same and the colors, precision and designs created gave me a whole new level of respect for street art. Whatever energy is flowing in the RM, it definitely shows through the art. The last six images are from my iPhone 4, so the quality is not the best, but you'll get the "picture." 

I actually watched the guy paint the dolphin wall for a couple of days - amazing stuff as you'll below! What is your favorite type of street art? 

Love it? Let's connect! Let's see some of your favorite street art pics, feel free to tag me with your best shot! 

Nice, or as some say, "Nizza" is a place where my soul blossomed into a whole new reality. Nice is so amazing that I can't believe a place like this actually exists. An Italian-inspired town nestled on the French Riviera with Greek and Roman influence, you can't help but feel the energy that blossoms from this place. 

In some funny sixth sense, I felt at home in Nice. I love aquatics and everything that goes with it's history - turtles, dolphins, mermaids - I still have yet to understand my soul's connection to Greek culture. It's like a love affair that features the sweeter, and healthier, side of life. From delectable candies to pastries pasted with powder sugar, I devoured every French sweet known to man. But let me explain that the French culture is also very healthy.  Plus. it's hard to be unhealthy with the ocean and the Promenade, your body moves in ways that are natural.

It's a celebration of all the good things in life - biking, wine, cakes, cafes, art - how could your soul not be inspired by its culture and natural beauty? Although people laugh at me, every time I swim in the ocean my spirit is reborn. And well, I rebirthed in Nice. 

Here are 20 images dedicated to showing the true heart of Nizza.  

I walked through Salzburg noticing the fine details and class that this German-speaking culture exudes. From "five-star" graveyards to brezels delicately twisted by bakers to hand painted egg ornaments, Salzburg is as fine and beautiful up close as it is a far. Whether you want to experience medieval tombstones or modern-day coo-coo clocks, you'll find everything here with a touch of class hinted by detailed perfection. 

Heidelberg is one of Germany's most visited cities. The Christmas markets make Heidelberg's Old Town sparkle with Christmas cheer. Here are 11 photos that show how cute and quaint Heidelberg truly is.  

​As an author, I’d like to express my appreciation this Thanksgiving season by giving away two free autographed print copies of my travel memoir, Finding Om: An Indian Journey of Rickshaws, Chai, Chapattis and Gurus – a $23.00 value for free!
Traveling and living abroad is very near and dear to my heart. My experiences included living in Queensland, Australia twice, India and now in Hannover, Germany. Exploring the world and diving deep into every culture is how I became to understand the world and myself. I will select two winners as a token of thanks and appreciation this holiday season. The world is in need of a good read and remembrance on how beautiful travel and the world can be. You do not need the best photo. Sometimes the meaning and deeper layers of the picture speaks louder than a picture-perfect image.
Photography is my favorite hobby and would like to give back to those who find the same passion with photography and travel. Due to the recent world events and threats, including my temporary German hometown, Hannover, I am compelled to educate the world about health and travel.
To preview the first chapter of Finding Om, please click here. Please click here to read the synopsis of Finding Om that includes my journeys throughout Australia, New Zealand and India.
The Contest
Submit your favorite travel photograph and if it makes the top two you will receive a free print copy of Finding Om. I will select two photographs. One will focus on travel/natural scenes (landscapes, architecture etc.) and the other will be Travel lifestyle (café, sport, recreation etc.). Show me your favorite image and please provide no more than three sentences about the picture and why you think it should be selected. You can follow the hashtag #FindingOm
Photo Rules
Photographs do not need to be professional, but you must be the photographer. Images that are stolen or taken from Google will be disqualified. You can submit any smart phone or DSLR image. Images must be compatible to view on display in the email (.jpeg file). Racial, obscene, pornographic or hurtful images do not qualify and will be blocked. Only one photo submission per person.
What if I already own the book? You can still apply to win! This book can be the perfect holiday gift for someone looking for a good read. The two winning photographs will be shared on social media and credit will be given to your images.
Eligibility
Anyone from any part of the world is eligible to enter. There is no demographic focus, so images from any part of the world are welcome. Applicants must over the age of 18. To be eligible you must be a fan or “like” the Elizabeth Kovar Author Facebook Fan Page. Entering acknowledges the email address you supply will be added to the Elizabeth Kovar Fitness & Healing newsletter. One to three newsletters are sent every month and can unsubscribe anytime.
If you are selected, we will need your address to ship your free copy. Addresses will not be asked or accumulated if you are not the winner.
Submission & Deadline
Please submit your picture to erkovar@yahoo.com with “Finding Om Travel Photo Contest” in the subject line.
Contest ends Dec 1, 2015 at 12AM PST
Please share this contest even if you are not interested in applying. #SharingisCaring
Travel Safe,
Elizabeth
Your Quality of Life Advocate 
Trainer, Writer, Presenter & Leader
“Celebrating Movement. Celebrating Life.”
www.elizabethkovar.com
https://www.facebook.com/elizabethkovarfitness/ | @BrainBodyKovar
Author of Finding Om: An Indian Journey of Rickshaws, Chai, Chapattis and Gurus 
Blogger: www.lemontreetravel.com | www.mindbodysoul-food.com

I post images to inspire people to travel to the places that I have visited throughout my travels. In the special time to remember the beauty of France, here are 25 images that show the best of Paris and its culture. Images are non-edited and are taken right from the camera. This shows what our real eyes can see...

Do you love fall as much as I do? Hannover's impressive fall left me breathless on my many hikes and bike rides throughout the city. The best part of Hannover is that you can step foot into pristine nature all while being several minutes away from city center. 

Hannover is not only a beautiful city, but an accessible one. Many bike-friendly trails lead throughout the neighborhoods, which makes exploring fall foliage fun and accessible. These images were taken throughout the fall season and show the authentic beauty of Hannover. Images are straight from the camera and are not cropped or enhanced. Unfortunately, I accidentally messed up a couple of the images due to pushing the + - button on the focus. Oh well, that still doesn't take away from Hannover's true beauty.