April 29, 2011

[SkyWatch] Traffic in Sunset

I am very fond of driving long distances in a car. I'd go so far as to say that the love of road trips is in my DNA. The smaller the road the better. But here I talk of country driving. Think Blue Highways by William Least Heat-Moon, who traveled around the USA on small, out-of-the-way roads to discover the heart of his country as well as himself.

In contrast, big urban centers around the globe are now so congested that city driving is barely tolerable. But perhaps, just perhaps, sitting behind the wheel would not be so bad when you can witness a sunset like this while waiting at a traffic light.



 Bucharest, 2011

Here I watched the traffic and the sun going down on Piata Victoriei in Bucharest. And as I turned to go home, I still saw the soft reflection of the final rays on the clouds.
 

This post is linked with other photo bloggers who appreciate skies at SkyWatch Friday and reflections at Weekend Reflections.

37 comments:

Quiet Paths said...

These are lovely skyline photos of a city you must know well. Yes there is beauty at the stop light. Happy travels!

Lesley said...

It is on nights such as these that I pray for more red lights!

Ms. Becky said...

well that wasn't such a bad wait at the light. these are beautiful Francisca. have a great weekend.

Sylvia K said...

Stunning skylines, gorgeous skies, breathtaking colors and superb reflections!! You got them all today, Francisca! Really awesome captures for the day! Enjoy your weekend!

Sylvia

cieldequimper said...

Excellent, all of them.

You aren't the only one. I could drive for days on end. Especially in the USA... ;-)

nonizamboni said...

You have made the mundane trip home in the city a delight! Evening colors can soften the fatigue and rush. . .thanks for sharing. Enjoy your weekend.

Frostbite and Sunburn said...

Wonderful city shots - we can forgive the world of concrete in moments like this!

Photo Cache said...

another drive by shooter and skywatcher. love your shots.

Andy said...

Francisca, you really got some good shots. Way to go!

eileeninmd said...

Beautiful captures of the and the city skyline. The reflection on the last shot is pretty too. Happy skywatching!

Carola said...

All great photos, one better than the other.

H said...

These are lovely photos. It is wonderful how a sunset has the ability to transform even the most ordinary location.

Kay L. Davies said...

Beautiful photos, Francisca, and the last one is a bonus, a real treasure!
— K

Kay, Alberta, Canada
An Unfittie's Guide to Adventurous Travel

genie said...

I don’t have to deal with stoplights, but I do have to cope with road workers and the slowdowns. I, like you, take advantage behind the wheel and use my point and shoot to pass the time. These are great captures...you were able to wiggle the camera perfectly.

EG CameraGirl said...

Lovely urban sky shots, Francisca. I prefer country roads too but have to admit that sometimes cities look fabulous under beautiful skies too.

Andrea said...

Yes Francisca, they are beautiful, but ours are more beautiful than those, haha!

T. Becque said...

That's a wonderful glint of light off the buildings. What a peaceful way to do a drive home!

Ebie said...

Nice skies! I love to drive too, and I have to get a point and shoot to capture these skylines.

Love the sun reflecting on the building!

http://graceolsson.com/blog said...

Hello Francisca!

this week, your shots tell a story...the story of a traffic area...Congrats
Have a nice weekend
http://graceolsson.com/blog/2011/04/sweet-rio-de-janeiro/

Jeannette StG said...

These skies are spectacular, Francesca! Know what you mean, I go to any length to avoid the freeways in L.A.! And if I can't, I let hubby drive, lol!

Bhushavali said...

The cityscape looks amazing in sunset!!!
Dakshina Chitra Part I

Ann, Chen Jie Xue 陈洁雪 said...

Wow!!!! a great driver.

I confess I am a lousy driver. I am Ok driving the route I am used to. Today, I went to a new place, I had to make a few detours. I think I need a gps.

Anonymous said...

I do hate traffic jams... but my, what gorgeous skies you captured!

Halcyon said...

Beautiful skies and reflections.

Kaori said...

So dreamy, Francisca! I love these photos, especially the first one with the light reflecting off the windows :D

Karen said...

Fantastic skyscapes and a gorgeous reflection in that last shot.

Kim, USA said...

I like back road driving because I can find things to photograph and I can stop whenever I want. This sunset is awesome, great for drivers who've been stuck in traffic ^_^ Better have camera all the time. ^_^ Happy weekend!

Sky Watch

Lucy Corrander said...

I find it hard to see reflections like these in a gentle light because such glares can bring on an instant migraine.

Lucy

Cezar and Léia said...

Wonderful pictures, I love them all!And the last picture is amazing with the modern building and the orange reflection! Bravo! :)
Léia

Unknown said...

Very nice. I especially like the 3rd, the reflections picture.

'Tsuki said...

You did catch the density of the traffic with a great deal of poetry, in fact, Francisca ; the light is gorgeous too.

Pat Tillett said...

Nice words and beautiful photos!
I'm also not a fan of big cities, but there is so much to see in them.

Lowell said...

The reflections in that final photo are superb. I'm like you...I always have a camera at the ready and find that frequently there are photo opportunities while sitting in traffic or at a stop light. Of course that could be simply because we have to many weird and strange and crazy things/people in Florida. Yes?

Sallie (FullTime-Life) said...

Road Trip!!! We share some of the same DNA apparently ;>).

Blue Highways is one of my all-time favorite travel books!

I'm glad you have your camera with you at all times; that stop-light shot is a real winner.

jenn said...

these are lovely photos! thanks for sharing. :]

Unknown said...

Love the reflections on the bottom shot.

Pat Tillett said...

WOW! What a beautiful sky and reflection. So very serene!
Very nice...