I take photographs from all my travels, within the U.S. and across the globe. Most never make it to publication. Here then, in no particular order, are images from the world over.

The Great Wall of China

Amazing to walk this wonder of the world. On an uncrowded section I followed this woman for a while in order to get this shot. The contrasts are what make it work.

Albuquerque, New Mexico

People always tell me they want to ride in a balloon. In the early morning hours I shot three other balloons from our balloon over the Rio Grande River. Quite the wonderful experience.

Mazatlan, Mexico

While on a trip with other food journalists, the local restaurants came out to show off their foods in the center of town and created a phenomenal display. This caught my eye, how could it not. I love the tuxedo strawberry! How cool is that?

Cabo San Lucas, Mexico

I wandered down a small street (something I often do) and saw this unfinished construction site. It looked perfect to me - so perfect in fact, I used this as the cover for my first book,
Generous Fiction.

Lunenberg, Nova Scotia

It's early October and while in one of the oldest fishing villages near Halifax, I see this small wood boat. And I realize this is the image of man's conquest of the sea. Not some large clipper docked nearby, but a man and a boat, fighting the odds.

Laveaux, Switzerland

When the Romans marched through this area they planted grapevines and even now, the steeply terraced vineyards, running all the way to the banks of Lake Geneva, are stunningly beautilful, with the lake and the Alps as a backdrop.

Tijuana, Baja California

The Restaurante Caesar's de Tijuana claims they are the birthplace of the Caesar Salad. I cannot confirm nor deny this. What I can tell you is that this was the best damn Caesar Salad I've ever had in my life.

San Juan, Puerto Rico

San Juan is a beautiful and historic city. While there for the Taste of Rum Festival, I wandered down streets most tourists never see. The bold use of color on this insignificant spot speaks volumes about the culture.

Santa Barbara, California 
My wife and I invited friends George (94 years old) and Alice (104 years old) for dinner. They wanted T-bone steak which I happily prepared. You can travel the world and never have such special times as these! (February/2011)

Monção, Portugal

After lunch and wine tasting at Provam Winery with other wine journalists, we walked the small town and I saw this. Juxtaposition of color and texture has always been interesting to me.

Ebenalp, Switzerland

In the Appenzell region of northern Switzerland as you hike the mountains, you'll find restaurant Aescher, tucked into this hillside. Truly one of the best place to ever have lunch, anywhere. Vennison, local beer and rösti. Everything worked.

Santa Barbara, California

His name is Toby. He's a little bit older than this photo suggests, but he's still a kitten, and he's my constant companion as I write in my office. Sometimes I wish my life was as simple as his.

Paris, France

Deep under the streets of Paris are the catacombs. After graves were dug up, the bones were placed in specially constructed tunnels criss-crossing the city. It truly is one of the most amazing sights to see.

Cabo San Lucas, Mexico

It seems so quintessential, so Mexico. But this caught my eye because of the sheer geometry of the image, not to mention the simple beauty.

Salt Lake City, Utah

Salt Lake is well-known Mormon territory and anyone can visit the LDS temple and you should as it's quite beautiful. This angle makes the temple look imposing...well, it is from any angle, but worth a visit.

Santa Barbara Channel

Comimg back from a kayak trip to Santa Cruz Island off the Santa Barbara coast (research for my travel book Santa Barbara & The Central Coast in which this photo first appeared), our boat was, in typical fashion, surrounded by hundreds of dolphins. I stood at the rail and shot well over 125 photos of the dolphins, but this was the best one. They are agile and very fast and I'm lucky I got this one!

Kelwona, British Columbia

The Mission Hill Winery in the Okanagan Valley sits high atop a hill overlooking the lake and valley below. Yes, the wines are terrific, but the entire massive complex is an architectural wonder. Board formed concrete dominates the visuals.

 Segovia, Spain

Another architectural wonder, this one over 2,000 years old. This mile and a quarter portion of the original Roman aquaduct is the commanding presence in Segovia and it's a must-stop if you're anywhere near there. Seriously.

Santa Barbara, California

During a Thanksgiving visit, my nephew, Stuart, stood on this mural covered street corner. All I did was tell him to look left and I shot this.

Richmond, Virginia
The Special Collections section of the University of Virginia holds stunning American artifacts like the only surviving book left from the Mayflower crossing, letters from George Washington and books belonging to Patrick Henry, and this amazing, infinitesimally small book, which holds five of President Abraham Lincoln’s speeches, painstakingly written in 1929. You must have prior clearance to enter here but this is jaw-dropping territory!

Placerville, California

I have the great joy of being a wine judge at the El Dorado County Fair Wine Competition in Placerville, in the Sierra Foothills each year. This shot, taken along the main street of this historic gold-rush town is quintessential small town USA to me.

Contact me at MichaelCervin@gmail.com