This photo could symbolize many things. Suppression of little people; Dictatorship; Deep State; Big Brother; oppression against women. In fact, it represents the opposite. Jan Žižka led an army of peasants, little people against the powerful Roman Empire and they were victorious due his clever military tactics for many years (1419-1434) even after his death in 1424. Equipped with simple modified farming tools, his small army demonstrated the Power of People. The monumental bronze statue was sculpted by B. Kafka in 1931-1941 and is part of Vítkov National Monument. Žižka historical heroics are always on the mind of the Czech folk, when their freedoms are in jeopardy.

875. Prague 2014- no.12. Nov. Taken 2014-May 25; P1240922; Uploaded Nov 21, 2021. Lmx -ZS5

English Bay has spectacular daily sunsets and you do not even have to leave your 100 sq ft apartment to see one. This beach is actually officially called Sunset . Condominiums are taking over the edge of the ocean all around the city with exception of Stanley Park. I actually thought someone employed a large bearing from mining machine or large mixer to use it as a sculpture. I found out, that it was made by French artist Bernar Venet for Vancouver Biennale (2007?). He calls it poetically 217.5 Arc x 13.

942. Vancouver 19. 2017-Jul 12; P1310522. Upload 2022-Feb 06. Lmx -ZS25

I am not doing much shopping in general, so I am never caught in shopping mall frenzy before holidays. It did not seem to be much craziness this year, as the only small lineup I have seen was in front of Apple store. The pedestrian connection (architects Wilkinson Eyre) over Queen Street from Eaton Center was added in 2017. This was the first time I walked through it. When I look at the photo now, it is evocative of zebra stripes on the street level. The old, much less stylish, tunnel was replaced after almost 40 years.

888. Toronto. 2021- Dec 13; P1190898; Upload Dec 25, 2021. Lmx -ZS100

This Che mural is slowly fading. I've seen it first in 2016, when I stayed in a hotel nearby on San Lazaro.

It also happens to be near 'Locos por Cuba' restaurante, one of my favourite places to eat in Havana.

I think the painting is from 2008 (toast).

986. 2019-Nov 30; P1320049, Havana; Upload 2022-March 30. Lmx -ZS100

Vida nocturna con un revolucionario y un viajero japonés, La Habana.

Este mural del Che se está desvaneciendo lentamente. Lo vi por primera vez en 2016, cuando me alojé en un hotel cercano en San Lázaro. También queda cerca del restaurante 'Locos por Cuba', uno de mis lugares favoritos para comer en La Habana. Creo que el cuadro es del 2008 (toast).

I came across this photo, looking for something else. It was never published, but I did see some potential. It was a while ago, but I remember taking few photos that foggy morning.

According to Exif, this was taken before 8 am with my old camera. I seldom get up that early nowadays. In retrospect, I think the camera time setting may have been wrong.

854. TMR Toronto 2012-Mar 20, P1040468. Uploaded 2021-Nov 06. Lmx -ZS5.

Sometimes we forget that the white stuff can also be beautiful, that's why we shovel it away as soon as possible and send out salt trucks to change it into greyish-blackish mushy mess.

I took lots of photos that time, and those will be probably the only photos of snow I will take this winter.

855 (895). Toronto. 2021- Nov 28; P1190405; Upload Dec 05, 2021. Lmx -ZS100

The National Capitol was in last few years always under renovation and parts of it were obscured by scaffolding. In 2019 the renovations were completed. Sitting at rooftop of hotel Saratoga, you have a perfect view on Paseo del Prado (also called Paseo de Jose Marti). The top of Saratoga is my favourite rooftop cafe in Havana and I think, I tried them all. The parliament building (Eugenio Rayneri Piedra 1926) is modelled after the Panthéon in Paris, and it strongly resembles the Washington Capitol. Punto Cero, is referring to the fact that distances in Cuba are measured from this building.

El Capitolio Nacional estuvo en los últimos años siempre en renovación y partes de él estaban oscurecidas por andamios. En 2019 se completaron las renovaciones. Sentado en la azotea del hotel Saratoga, tiene una vista perfecta del Paseo del Prado (también llamado Paseo de José Martí). La parte superior de Saratoga es mi café en la azotea favorito en La Habana y creo que los probé todos. El edificio del parlamento (Eugenio Rayneri Piedra 1926) sigue el modelo del Panteón de París y se parece mucho al Capitolio de Washington. Punto Cero, se refiere a que desde este edificio se miden las distancias en Cuba.

978. 2019-Nov 28; P1310399, Havana; Upload 2022-March 18. Lmx -ZS100

Another wonderful features of Prague are the passages, more like indoor streets, which may take you on unexpected journey. One of the best is Lucerna, but Světozor is pretty good too. Světozor was always the place, where new movies were premiered. Inside these indoor malls are movie houses, theatres and now, of course, consumer goods. Elektra Co. was renamed Tesla in 1946 and advertising was displayed long before Elon Musk was even born. The stained glass advertising for Tesla Radio was designed by František Hudeček (1947?) This passage was expanded and completed through the existing buildings only after WWII.

866 (906). Prague 2014- no.33. Taken 2014-May 2; P1210395; Upload 2021-Dec 12. Lmx -ZS5

Vancouver is probably the most expensive city in Canada and even the nature reflects it. Butterflies here are studded diamonds and decorated with precious stones. Lady bugs are made from rubies and even housefly is emerald.

This is a photographer inspired look. You point your camera and people follow your aim. This is very much the case, when you ride the street day after day and think: There is nothing interesting here. Exactly why, it is easier to photograph on you travels with fresh eyes, rather than walking in familiar environment.

930. Vancouver 06. 2017-Jul 09; P1310129. Upload 2022-Jan 24. Lmx -ZS25

When I took the photo, I did not even notice what the yellow box was for. I just liked the confident body language of the guy and it seemed the young lady was interested in what he had to say. The 'All Saints’ Church (est. 1874) provides lunches, company for social contact and some people come for clean needles for drug injection. Toronto is tough city in winter and with Covid restrictions there are not many places to keep warm, sit or even go, when nature calls. The old church serves as a community center and in wintertime it operates as a shelter.

906. Toronto. 2021-Dec 29; P1200177; Upload 2022-Jan 08. Lmx -ZS100

The Lesser Town Water Tower , also called the Petržilkova Tower, is small historical water tower in Prague , the only one of the historic water towers on the left bank of the Vltava River. Located at Smíchov on Petržilka Island.

Built in 1562, the 34 meters tower stands on the site of the former Jan Petržilka mill. It supplied water from the Vltava River in Prague Lesser Town. I am not sure where the drinking water comes from now, but hope it's not from the river.

876. Prague 2014- no.39. Taken 2014- May 27; P1250037; Upload 2021-Dec 17. Lmx -ZS5

Painted from a photograph of Miles Davis (Irving Penn?) on the door of intimate music venue in Toronto's eclectic neighbourhood. The club fits in 40 people uncomfortably, it gets really hot in there, but it is hard to beat for jazz vibe. The painting (CBS Memorandum) replaced another mural depicting Miles Davis hand. It is done in same realistic style by Carlos Delgado. Poetry Jazz Cafe is opened in 2022 few times a months and has a new mural since 2021 (Nina Simone-I uploaded a photo of it last year), replacing Miles Davis.

999. Toronto 2012-Aug 04, P1100035; Upload 2022-April 17. Lmx -ZS25.

Hope the world will defrost next year and we can live our lives again.

896. Toronto. 2021-Nov 28; P1190440; Upload Dec 31, 2021. Lmx -ZS100

Another BNSF MNTWLIN has just entered double track, approaching the yard at Willmar in November 1998.

Was down out of St. Cloud, fanning Willmar again, it appears this afternoon. Wasn't the biggest LMX fan back then, but glad I shot some, especially at this spot which was my favorite spot along Highway 12.

LMX 8543, BN 4098, 6781, 6382, and 7163 were the consist arriving Willmar.

Every entrance, every wall, every staircase in the city is asking: Take My Photo.

Caminata reticente. Nuevo Centro, La Habana.

Cada entrada, cada pared, cada escalera de la ciudad está pidiendo: Tomar mi Foto.

973. 2019-Nov 30; P1320012, Havana; Upload 2022-March 11. Lmx -ZS100

This is rhetorical of course, but I looked it up. Double bass has not anything to do with double vision or double size. The fact is that contrabass sounds an octave lower then cello. Actually, it could be a cello in those cases, so ignore the above 😄.

There is an outdoor photo exhibition of Covid protected faces at Harbourfront. I often use existing art in my photos. Toronto people can see this exhibit 'Portraits in COVID Times' until September 15. The masked reality will be on the streets probably much longer.

784. TMR Toronto 2021-Aug 26, P1530813. Uploaded 2021-Sep 02. Lmx -ZS100.

But, ask me in February....

846 (886). Toronto. 2021- Nov 28; P1190376; Upload Nov 29, 2021. Lmx -ZS100

You never step in the same river twice in plain English and it remind us we can not turn the clock back, no matter how much we want to. The bridge over river Don was completed in 1911 and improved from ordinary to Toronto icon around 1996 with some added artwork (Eldon Garnet). Don was named after a river in England and it comes from Celtic goddess Dôn, which comes from Gaelic word for water. So it is 'River Water' or 'Water River'.

791. TMR Toronto 2021-Sep-06, P1550028. Uploaded 2021-Sep-11. Lmx -ZS100.

Record snowfall, the biggest in 20 years and the city is still buried in the white stuff 14 days later. Nobody was quite prepared for the belated Christmas gift, but neighbours helped each other. The view is on lakeshore condo development, where they did not get much view on this day. The weather extremes are getting wackier every year. The politicians say: Let's talk about it!

947. 2022-Feb 14. P1200466; Upload 2022-Feb 14. Lmx -ZS100

I am taking some Spanish lessons in DuoLingo at the present and above title would be typical exercise on that platform. About 10 years ago I took photos of a tree on the Lake Ontario shore in every season. That tree is now dead, so I may repeat the series with this árbol.

950. TMR Toronto 2022-Feb 04, P1200517. Uploaded 2022-Feb-20. Lmx -ZS100.

You better hope, that the fish in this pescaderia is not from Havana harbour. The harbour waters are black and it is so polluted, that I have seen a dredging vessel working in there, as the waters have reached a saturation level. You could possibly walk across the harbour like Jesus over the Sea of Galilee. The Malecon is popular spot for Habana's fishermen, but even on the open sea, I would not knowingly eat any fish which survived the proximity of the harbour.

Forno (oven/ furnace) is probably family name (Raúl Corrales Forno?). There is also a boutique of the same name across the street.

987. 2019-Nov 26; P1310129, Havana; Upload 2022-March 31. Lmx -ZS100

--------------------------------------------

Los Fornos, Neptuno, Habana.

Es mejor que esperes que el pescado en esta pescadería no sea del puerto de La Habana. Las aguas del puerto son negras y está tan contaminado que he visto un barco de dragado trabajando allí, ya que las aguas han llegado a un nivel de saturación. Posiblemente podría cruzar el puerto como Jesús sobre el Mar de Galilea. El Malecón es un lugar popular para los pescadores de La Habana, pero incluso en mar abierto, no comería a sabiendas ningún pescado que sobreviviera a la proximidad del puerto.

In December 2022, RJ Corman purchased a 43-mile branch and leased a 20-mile branch from Norfolk Southern. These lines connect the railroad company's namesake Raleigh and Fayetteville in North Carolina.

After making a turn to Raleigh from their base at Fuquay-Varina, the RF1 crew heads down the Fayetteville Branch at serve a large lumber transload at Chalybeate Springs. An afternoon crew will take over there and make an evening turn to the CSX interchange at Fayetteville. A former LMX B39-8 leads a pair of GP38s. This is former-original Norfolk Southern Railway track.

If you like jazz, if you like blues, this is the spot. Once a smoky joint (when joint still meant club), they cleaned up their act and even women now dare to go in. Of course, Grossman's Tavern, despite its attractive shabby interior/exterior, is nothing without the music. Music is now happening inside, but hopefully it will move on the patio, once the weather is warmer. The building itself is relatively old for Toronto. It was built in 1884 for Doctor Ferguson.

995. Toronto 2022-April 03, P1220617. Upload 2022-April 09. Lmx -ZS100.

All kinds of protection were summoned to shield the riders from inclement weather. Despite an excellent Metro system, the scooter is the king. Intersections fill up with scooter riders, but it is not a race and everybody is patient. Such a protection from weather, I have seen only in China, since April was cool in some regions. They have even body blanket is made from a thick material, similar to oven gloves or sleeping bag. I am surprised it is not common in Canada, where we have many lousy, cold springs.

832. China 25, Shanghai. 2019-Apr 27, P1130771. Upload 2021-Oct-20. Lmx -ZS100.

The 504 streetcar crosses Toronto from East to West and back. This loop (or terminal stop) is relatively new, as several thousand people found homes in the new Canary District development. This apartment community is still growing.

885. Toronto. 2021- Dec 13; P1190877; Upload Dec 23, 2021. Lmx -ZS100

Park benches are, as the city burocrats describe them "a place for temporary respite, not a place to linger."

People also ask.....

Can you sit on a park bench in Toronto?

Can I sit on a park bench? Yes, as long as you're not sitting too close to someone from another household. (Apr 17, 2021)

957. Toronto 2022-Feb 18, P1200891. Uploaded 2022-Feb-25. Lmx -ZS100.

This corner store is attracting young and old. (Services of stylist free)

873. Prague 2014- no.37. Taken 2014-May 31; P1250223; Upload 2021- Dec 16. Lmx -ZS5

It was a perfect time to swing by the beach (17:30) as September brings the best clouds and the sun is starting to set. The historical records are claiming that 6000 lives were saved at the Leuty Lifeguard Station since the 1920's. I remember a speed boat hitting the rocks almost exactly a year ago. I was there that day, did not see the accident happen, but one man died that day. No life was saved that day. Leuty was probably named after British politician Thomas Leuty, who to my knowledge never even visited Canada.

791. TMR Toronto 2021-Sep-06, P1550091. Uploaded 2021-Sep-11. Lmx -ZS100.

The 1994 pedestrian is the most photographed bridge in Toronto. I live near, and took many photos in last few years. How many photos of Humber Arch Bridge did you see? If you are Torontonian, probably many. Well, here is another one. The photo could have been taken in the late 1990's, when there were no condos marring the view. The thick April fog obstructed anything visible within 30 meters. (Montgomery and Sisam Architects)

663. TMR Toronto 2021-Apr-14, P1460514. Uploaded 2021-Apr-20. Lmx -ZS100.

25,000 lb of dented metal sits on massive cedar tree trunk. It is not so subtle reminder that where once were 100 year old trees, are now cars, highways and condos.

Trans Am Totem is a public art installation created by sculptor Marcus Bowcott in 2015. It is also obvious play on Indian totem poles, as prime tourist attraction.

Anyway, if you live downtown Vancouver you do not need a car. I walked and biked everywhere. Just took a bus to Spanish Banks Beach and a train to the airport.

925. Vancouver 01. 2017-Jul 11; P1310281. Upload 2021-Jan 22. Lmx -ZS25

I do not know what is special at this restaurant, but obviously it achieved some status on 'Instathingy' and is popular until new thing comes along. Pandemic hardened Torontonians to stand in line-ups in cold, rain, heat and sun for everything. Most people are sheep. I grew up with queues for everything, so I avoid it, when I can. The trendiest places have no name (less expenses, when they close in few months), but I did found out that this place is 'Sansotei Ramen'.

848. TMR Toronto 2021-Oct 09, P1440588. Uploaded 2021-Nov 01. Lmx -ZS25.

In super modern China, the old fashion way is still the best. This area is more or less car free, but when Alibaba promises same day delivery, this way may be the only way. I think this touristy market is called YuYuan. You can buy cheap souvenirs or expensive pearls there. The limit is only the size (or better- the content) of your valet. As I mentioned before, the city streets are super clean. Our Toronto Chinatown is filthy in comparison.

♫I'll never be your beast of burden

My back is broad, but it's a hurting... ♫ (Rolling Stones)

814. China 07, Shanghai. 2019-Apr 29, P1130779. Uploaded 2021-Oct-02. Lmx -ZS100.

We all know in Canada that 21st. of March is more than 1 month away from spring. Calendar can fool some people, but it is a Fake News for the people who reside in this country bit longer. The only green thing we see this time of the year is green beer, and people dressed in green for St. Patrick Day.

006. Toronto 2022-March 15, P1210753. Upload 2022-March 21. Lmx -ZS100.

By the end of the last set by the 'Happy Pals' most people left their seat at the patio and were dancing on Cecil Street. Courtney Lake, who sometimes sings, was leading the parade. 'Happy Pals' play at Grossman's Tavern since 1971 and it was only their third performance since March 2020, due to lockdowns.

765. TMR Toronto 2021- Aug-07, P1530134. Uploaded 2021- Aug-08. Lmx -ZS100.

This mural is from East Vancouver where Hendrix (from Seattle) spent some time with his grandmother. He often came for visit and play on the streets in this neighbourhood. This 2007 mural was painted by artists Nelson 'Dedos' Garcia and Xochitl. Hendrix's Grandma Zenora Hendrix (also on the mural), who worked as a cook at a Vie’s chicken and steak house in Hogan’s Alley. Jimi Hendrix died at the age of 27. Senior Citizen sounds strange, but this year would be his 80th birthday (born 27. November, 1942). In Vancouver there is even a shrine to Hendrix.

936. Vancouver 12. 2017-Jul 11; P1310343. Upload 2022-Jan 29. Lmx -ZS25

This stretch of Queen Street is possibly the trendiest in Toronto. Vegan Gelato is the 'King' here and I have no idea what they do to the coffee. The Roasted Nut opened just before the pandemic hit, so they must be doing something right to be still around. The wave of 'Pandemic kids' did not materialized. The population of dogs however increased dramatically in the streets of Toronto in last 18 months.

850. Toronto 2021-Oct 30, P1180375. Uploaded 2021-Nov 02. Lmx -ZS100.

This was not a dress rehearsal, just a regular day at Queens Park. This park, in normal times, is usually occupied by government workers on break and students from nearby University of Toronto. But, Covid times are unusual.

697. TMR Toronto 2021-May-15, P1470333. Uploaded 2021-May-30. Lmx -ZS100.

The mural by Lucky Moose store is there for long time (2012?). I photographed it several times in last few years. Still the colours are quite vibrant. (Alexa Hatanaka and Aaron Li-Hill)

753. TMR Toronto 2021- Jul -13, P1520481; Uploaded 2021-July 23. Lmx -ZS100.

For anybody who lives or has been to Asia, this is normal traffic situation. Actually this was very light traffic, possibly due to the rain. I still find it fascinating. What I have not seen before is the protection from the weather, as seen on the scooter on far right. I have only seen it in China, as the weather was still relatively cool . The body blanket is made from a thick material, similar to oven gloves or sleeping bag. I am surprised it is not common in Canada, where we have many lousy, cold springs. As far as I can tell, it is only available in China (very popular) and it only cost about Can $20.

812. China 04, Shanghai. 2019-Apr 27, P1130778. Uploaded 2021-Sep-30 Lmx -ZS100.

This picture was taken million times. I took it 30 years, 20 years, 10 years ago and last week and it is almost unchanged. That is almost a miracle in a city of constant change.

Leuty Lifeguard house was build around 1920 and actually designed by architects (Chapman, Oxley & Bishop). It is one of the few historical waterfront structures remaining in the city. It was last renovated in 2017, when it was raised on pilings.

790. TMR Toronto 2021-Sep-06, P1550104. Uploaded 2021-Sep-10. Lmx -ZS100.

This corner and this area of Bay Street/ Dundas are in the need for some improvement. Bay Street is a desirable location for any business and the owners of the hotel on the corner waited for opportune time to sell. The hotel was supper cheap, with rooms going for $40 just a few years ago. The Blue Rose spa used to be a flower shop at one point as I recall. 'It's Our Life to Live' is the message, which find deaf ears of governments of the world.

849. TMR Toronto 2021-Oct 09, P1440581. Uploaded 2021-Nov 01. Lmx -ZS25.

I am sure Leonard Cohen would write a poem or song about the unruly pigeon, who defies the mandatory order to sit on his predetermined place. There is always one. The pigeons are strange flock. I observed them few times as they take off for no apparent reason. One by one they all join, make few circles and than settle on the same spot.

Kent School is now in mothballs for few years. The 1908 building will be soon removed to make a place for new development, as is nearby Brock school. Who needs schools anyway, you can Google anything, anytime.

872. Toronto. 2021- Nov 27; P1190203; Upload Dec 15, 2021. Lmx -ZS100

This building was completed in 1928, but I do not know what was the original use. A new condominium will rise from the ashes of this building. The developer included the entry decoration into the plan, but the rest will be gone. The elongated artichoke building 'One Delisle' will be 44 stories high. National Institute of Broadcasting, Modo Yoga (was Moksha Yoga) and few other businesses will probably look for new home.

879. Toronto. 2021- Nov 13; P1180848; Uploaded Nov 23, 2021. Lmx -ZS100

A musician who walked by, stopped and listened to Tim Bovaconti and Pat Allcock band. The bars and street business associations in Toronto are sponsoring music groups to play on the streets to attract clientele into their establishments after a long musical drought. It is a win-win-win situation for the bars-musicians and the music lovers.

793. TMR Toronto 2021-Sep-04, P1540529. Uploaded 2021-Sep-12. Lmx -ZS100.

This 'musician' is a fixture on this corner offering his strumming to walkers by. Some stop to drop a dollar to his rather optimistic large tip bucket. Nobody really stop to listen, as even with lots of practice; Carnegie Hall stage will be just elusive fantasy. He gets rewarded by good hearted Torontonians, as his needs are obvious. This photo was taken just a block away from the previously uploaded photo, about 10 minutes later.

867. Toronto. 2021- Nov 06; P1180576; Uploaded Nov 17, 2021. Lmx -ZS100

Free advice on Lakeshore: "You know it's illegal to photograph people". That's what he told me. "I like your beard"; that's what I told him. Lakeshore bicycle and pedestrian path is leading from west end to east end. It has been a while, since I traversed the city. Still a bit cold for long bike ride, but in 2-3 weeks, I will try to visit east beaches.

672. TMR Toronto 2021-Apr-29, P1460939. Uploaded 2021-Apr-29. Lmx -ZS100.

Well, it have been downhill for a while, it just got confirmed in the last year. Mask are still the fashion even on the walls. Mural by Monyzak (Mony Zakhour) and Jared Olsever.

681. TMR Toronto 2021-Apr-18, P1460588. Uploaded 2021-May-10. Lmx -ZS100.

These pigeons actually stick close to home. I observed them for a while and they only cross the Spadina Avenue, to get some crumbs someone drops on the sidewalk for them. They make 2-3 circles over the avenue and perch themselves back on the top of the building until more food comes. Some birds are fitted with electronic devices (just like us), so their behavior can be studied (just like us). Their behavior can be also easily modified (just like us).

876. Toronto. 2021- Nov 06; P1180594; Uploaded Nov 21, 2021. Lmx -ZS100

Train 24 making its way down Mullen Pass.

7-22-88

West Lake is part of a supper garden, an attractive and popular tourist destination in Hangzhou 杭州. The UNESCO World Heritage site was an inspiration for many Asian garden designs. The lake was formed by several rivers and is very shallow. The average depth is about 1.5 meters and if you know where to walk, it may look like walking on water. The city is quite a distance from the lake and tall buildings are restricted to 25 meters height close to the lake, as not to obstruct the view. There are some pagodas, attractive bridges and monasteries. West Lake views looks like a prototype Chinese painting, probably because it was painted million times and many poems were written about it. Btw, in Canada we all walk on water, alas it is usually frozen.

821. China 14, Hangzhou. 2019-Apr 27, P1130514. Upload 2021-Oct-08. Lmx -ZS100.