Ahhhhhhh...

 On the water : Lac Leman, CH

For the last eight years that I lived in the States, I kayaked. I've paddled on Tomales Bay, Elkhorn Slough, the Potomac River, and a few other places. I have my own PFD (personal flotation device, aka life jacket) and I was hoping to eventually buy my own boat. Then I moved to Europe. I live near the largest fresh water lake in all of Western Europe--Lac Leman/Lake Geneva and have yet to get out on the water. Part of that was knowing/not knowing where to rent kayaks. 

Maya and Jo show us how it's done, rudderless : Lac Leman, CH

Yesterday evening, a group of us joined organizer Charlene Jannerfeldt of SHEzone for a sunset kayak on Lac Leman. We started at Vergenon near Chambesy and paddled all the way up to Tannay, just above Versoix. About 10 km/6 miles. It was great to be on the water again! Here are a couple of pictures.

 Jo and Maya with the tip of Mont Blanc in the background : Lac Leman, CH

And now I know where to rent kayaks, so no more excuses! (Although, I'm not 100% sure I'm a fan of late-in-the-day lake kayaking. Too much wake. I may have to see about doing early morning paddling... I wonder if I can convince Maya or if it will even be possible to get a boat that early in the day?)

Photo copyright: Janet M Kincaid, 08/2012

A New Direction...

Moon dial on the grounds of Hochosterwitz Castle, Austria

Hi! Thanks for stopping by The F-Stops Here... . I've actually done a bit of traveling in the last four months and have photos to share from Puycelci and Albi, France; Turin, Lanzo Torinese, and Monto Bianco, Italy; Plitvitze, Croatia; Klagenfurt, Hochosterwitz, Seebenstein, Vienna, Melk, Mauthausen, Linz, and Hallstatt, Austria; Vaduz, Liechtenstein; and Gorges de la Diosaz, France.

I'm in the process of deconstructing and reconstructing this blog space, though, to highlight my skills as a writer, editor, project manager, and photographer. In the latter category, I'm hoping to attract business as a portrait/family, events, food, and travel photographer, in addition to my ability to write and edit technical and academic documents.

If you're interested in my work in any of these areas, please do not hesitate to contact me. I may be reached at: janetmkincaid@gmail.com.

In the meantime, stay tuned to this space for upcoming changes!

Albi Cathedral (Exterior)

 The exterior of Albi Cathedral -- the largest brick building in the world : Albi, FR

If you want to see something really impressive, travel down to the French city of Albi and visit its cathedral. Construction began in 1287 and continued for 200 years. Originally built as a fortress, the Cathedral of Albi -- formerly the Cathedral of St Celicia of Albi -- is the largest brick building in the world. It is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site. 

Detail over the main entrance : Albi Cathedral : Albi, FR

Entrance : Albi Cathedral : Albi, FR

Photo copyright: Janet M Kincaid, 4/2012

St Roch Chapel

St Roch Chapel : Puycelci, FR

Puycelci is also the home to the 17th century Chapel of Saint Roch, which honors the life of Christian saint Roch (or Rocco) and the dog who saved him from starvation and death. It's a cute little chapel. Unfortunately, it wasn't open so we weren't able to see the interior.

Charlie checks out St Roch Chapel : Puycelci, FR

Modern depiction of St Roch and his faithful canine companion : Puycelci, FR

Photo copyright: Janet M Kincaid, 4/2012

St Corneille Church

Interior : St Corneille Church : Puycelci, FR

In the center of the village of Puycelci sits a 14th century church, St Corneille Church. The interior is painted in the most gorgeous blue that is known colloquially as "Tarn Blue".

High Altar : St Corneille Church : Puycelci, FR

Christ Crucified : St Corneille Church, Puycelci, FR

Photo copyright: Janet M Kincaid, 4/2012

Puycelci

Puycelci, FR: Les Plus Beaux Villages de France

We decided to get away for a couple of days. Maya spent a week last year in the French village of Puycelci in Tarn, not far from Toulouse. She was so charmed by it, she wanted to go back and show me the area. Puycelci is typical of hilltop villages all over France, but where many have become rundown and are unvisited, this little village has experienced a revival thanks to the entrepreneurial hardwork of owner and chef Dorothy Alexander. L'Ancienne Auberge sits at the center of this medieval village and features a Michelin-starred restaurant. We were there one week before their official opening, but still enjoyed fabulous meals prepared by her cook, Jean-Denis. If you want to get away for a few days, check out Puycelci and the surrounding areas. Well worth the six hour drive!

 Charm and color in old Puycelci, FR

Up Early : Puycelci, FR

Photo copyright: Janet M Kincaid, 4/2012

Hard Work

This photo is a bit darker than I care for, but that couldn't be helpful, because I had to use a long focal length and short shutter speed as I had to stand a good 30 feet from the altar and I didn't have a tripod with me (I'm not sure you're allowed to use a tripod in the Basilica...). Anyway--it took me a good 15 minutes to shoot this set up.

Photo copyright: Janet M. Kincaid, 2/12

Princess Party

Princess-themed cupcakes : Divonne-les-Bains, FR

My partner is starting up a photography business and I'm helping out. One of her (our) first gigs was a Princess Party being hosted by a friend of ours. I don't post photos of friends' kids without permission, so you'll have to trust them that were lots of princesses and princes. Instead, here's a lovely photo of the Princess cupcakes!

Photo copyright: Janet M. Kincaid, 2012