Adventures In Street Photography

I live in Wichita, Kansas.  I am a radio DJ and I have a passion for street photography and using 35mm film.  Here are some of my adventures taking pictures with 35mm film mostly around Kansas and the midwest.  www.RoyceOnTheRadio.com

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The Wanderlust Sunday Seven - The National Mall...

It has been a interesting week in American politics. I decided to make this weeks Sunday Seven set of photos of the National Mall in Washington D.C.

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5 Of The Best Seafood Restaurant's To Go To When You Travel To Galveston...

Some of the best seafood I have had while traveling has been in Galveston, Texas. There are many local seafood restaurants to choose from in Galveston and here are some of my favorites. Happy traveling and happy eating!

FISHERMAN’S WHARF

Fisherman’s Wharf located on Pier 21 not only has amazing seafood but also an amazing view. Ask to sit on the harbor side so you can have a view of the Galveston harbor and 1877 ship The Elissa.

GAIDO’S

Gaido’s is a bit of an institution on the island of Galveston. It has been owned by the Gaido family and has some amazing seafood and pasta dishes. Ask for the waiter named “Mac”. He is been there forever and whenever you ask how something is the response he gives is, “Everything is good at Gaido’s.”

FISH TALES

The coconut shrimp at Fish Tales is second to none and the views overlooking the gulf across Seawall Boulevard always puts me in the best mood. If you eat outside watch out for the Seagulls. They have been known to snatch food off peoples plates from time to time.

LITTLE DADDY’S GUMBO BAR

If you love gumbo, then this is the place for you. The prices are cheap, the food is great and the drinks are cold. Could you ask for anything more?

BLACK PEARL OYSTER BAR & GRILLE

The portions here are MASSIVE! You won’t be disappointed with the taste of the food either. The seafood is extremely fresh and extremely tasty!

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If You Travel To Galveston Here Are Some Historical Landmarks You Must See...

Every time I travel to Galveston I come across more and more unique historical landmarks that I had not found before. Here are some of my favorite historical landmarks from my latest travels to Galveston.

PIRATE JEAN LAFFITE’S HOME

On the east end of Harborside Drive in between a metal warehouse and what looks to be a residential home you will find the concrete remnants of a home behind a chain link fence. This is the spot of the pirate Jean Laffite’s home from 1817 - 1820. The present structure was built in 1870 but at the bottom you can see the original red foundation bricks from Lafitte’s house.

MOODY MANSION

This thirty-one room house was built in 1895. This mansion has many technological advances for the period it was built including a one person elevator.

THE HISTORIC STRAND

The Strand is a street and an historic district in Galveston. It’s Victorian-era buildings are lined with shops and restaurants. Located at one end is the Galveston train museum. It is also next to the port where all the cruise ships are docked.

THE ASHTON VILLA HOUSE

One of the fully restored Victorian style homes on Broadway street. It is thought to be one of the locations that “General Order No.3” was read that enforced the emancipation of slaves in Galveston on Jun 19th, 1865. We know the date now as Juneteenth.

I have seen a couple of the concrete structures around Galveston and always wondered what they were. They are a group of watering stations funded by Henry Rosenberg after his death in 1893.

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Happy New Year And Happy New Travels…

HAPPY NEW YEAR! 2020 could not have ended fast enough. It is over and now it’s time to focus on 2021! I started off the year with my annual trip to Galveston. I always try to wake up the first day of the year and walk the beach. This year was no exception. Watching the sunrise on the first day of the year gets my mind focused and ready for what the year will bring. While checking into the hotel I saw what looked to be a person setting up fireworks on one of the jetty’s that goes out into the gulf. So here is to the new yearns some great new travel content that I will be posting!

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What To Pack For A Quick Travel Getaway...

I love traveling and taking long trips but every now and then I try to take in a quick weekend getaway. First, let me define what a “quick” travel getaway means. I would say that is anything that is less than three days. For instance, traveling to a place on Friday and coming back on a Sunday. I used to pack two or three times what I thought I would need. The older I get I find I like to travel lighter. Here is what I find I need for a quick travel getaway…

2 - Pairs of jeans

2 - shirts

1 - hoodie or light jacket

1 - pair of sneakers

1 - pair of casual shoes if I know I will be having a nice dinner somewhere

Personal Items - underwear, socks, t-shirts, pajamas, toiletries & tech

I can always fit everything in a small carryon bag that doesn’t end up weighing too much. I try to pack clothes that I can mix and match. If the trip is domestic, to save time and packing space I will find a Kroger, CVS or Walgreens and buy travel toiletries once I get to the destination.

Packing light doesn’t mean you have to sacrifice style or comfort. So try not to stress too much when packing for a short travel getaway.

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The Wanderlust Sunday Seven - My Travels To Sedan, Kansas

This weeks Wanderlust Sunday Seven series are from my travels to Sedan, Kansas.

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A New Year Means New Travels...

Traveling in 2020 has been different than any other year. With all the travel restrictions and guidelines put in place over the last 9 months it has put traveling into a new perspective for me. One that I will be taking into the new year. I ask myself over and over what traveling means to me. I keep coming back to the same answers. Traveling is a way for me to experience a different place and explore something new that I had not before. I am looking forward to the travel adventures for 2021, starting off with Galveston on New Years day. Who knows about international travel in 2021. Seems a bit up in the air still. But, I can say I plan on seeing quite a bit in the United States. Road trips, NYC, LA, Arkansas. The list is endless. So it is time to get back to traveling in 2021. Time to get back to exploring. Time to take in different experiences. I can not wait to share them with you in 2021!

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The Wanderlust Sunday Seven - Christmas Travels...

With Christmas less than a week away, this weeks Wanderlust Sunday Seven photos are of holiday decorations I have came across during my travels.

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Travel Moments - Trying To Break A Santa Claus Record In Crested Butte...

You never know what you will see when you travel. I often come across interesting moments while traveling that are a bit out of the norm. When I traveled to Crested Butte, Colorado I had one of these moments. You may remember my story about having to get rescued on top of a ski slope. If not click the link below.

http://roycestevenson.com/royceontheradio-photo-essays/2020/11/30/my-worst-travel-moments

The day after I got stuck on the ski slope I was walking around and enjoying the town. I was traveling during Christmas time and Crested Butte was decorated in the spirit of the holidays. While walking through the ski lodge I noticed someone dressed up as Santa Claus with a pair of skis. I figured since Christmas was in two weeks, it made sense to see a person in a Santa suit. Five minutes later I noticed not one, but two more people walking with skis and with a Santa Claus suit on. I went to investigate what was going on. I walked outside and saw a huge table with people in line waiting to buy a cheap $5 Santa Claus suit. Turns out they were trying to break a world record that day for the most Santa’s skiing at one time. I looked at the slopes and saw hundreds of red dots moving around. They didn’t break the world record, but it was a bit surreal to see 500 people in Santa Claus suits skiing at once.

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The Wanderlust Sunday Seven - Old Town Albuquerque

The Wanderlust Sunday Seven - Old Town Albuquerque

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The Best Travel Camera...

I am a huge advocate for taking photos while you are traveling. Yes you look like a tourist, but then you having memories of your travels that you can look back on. I have taken many different types of cameras on my travels. Digital, SLR’s, mirrorless digital cameras, 35mm film cameras, point and shoot cameras and the list goes on and on. I get the question all the time, “What camera do you recommend for someone who is traveling.” I always reply, “The best camera to travel with is the one you have in your hand.” I usually get a weird look, that is until I point to the persons cell phone.

I could tell you tons of different cameras to buy, all of which are amazing but the best camera for traveling is on your cell phone. Why? To begin with, cell phones have amazing cameras on them. Even the worst cell phone has a camera that can take a decent photo. Second, you will always have it on you. I can’t tell you how many times I have walked out of a hotel room without my camera and seen something amazing that I wish I could take a picture of. Luckily, I had my cell phone with me. Also, they are easy to work. All you have to do is hit the photo button and the settings do all the rest. Day, Night, Low light… it doesn’t matter.

The most important reason why a cell phone is the best camera you can use on your travels is because you can take photos that normally you wouldn’t be able to with a regular camera. The photo below was in the Sistine Chapel. I was standing next to a “No Photo” sign when I took it. The security in the room were looking for people pointing their cameras up, but didn’t notice me at all in the back of the room. The next photo is another perfect example. At The Alamo in San Antonio people are not allowed to take photos inside. I kept my cellphone in front of me, took one click and got the photo.

There are some great cameras out there that are amazing to take on travels. So if you have them by all means use them! But don’t stress about buying a camera if you don’t have one. All of your travels can be documented on your cellphone.

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The Wanderlust Sunday Seven - Traveling To Puerto Vallarta, Mexico

This weeks Wanderlust Sunday Seven photos are from my a travels to Puerto Vallarta, Mexico. If you are looking for a place to travel to where you can relax and slow down a bit, this is the place for you.

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The Lessons I Learned Traveling On A Cruise...

I had a chance to travel on a cruise to the Bahamas a couple of years ago. If you have never traveled on a cruise ship you are missing out. I felt like I was traveling in luxury but at the fraction of the price. I had a blast and hopefully when all this coronavirus mess is done and over with the cruise industry can get back to business because I am ready to travel on another one!

It was a great learning experience for me and here are 5 things I learned about traveling on a cruise.

#1 - PAY FOR VIP BOARDING/PRIORTY CHECK IN

It is worth it. We were in the first group that boarded the ship and at the head of the line. You get on the cruise ship faster which means you have more time to enjoy the experience before the ship gets packed.

#2 - TAKE NON-DROWSY SEASICKNESS MEDICINE

I was worried about having sea sickness so I took some Dramamine. I popped two of them every 6 hours. For some reason I was always sleepy and tired. When I got back home I read the fine print on the bottle. “May cause sleepiness and drowsiness”. “Take first dosage then take next dosage two hours later if needed.” So please make sure and take the NON-drowsy Dramamine and don’t take both pills at once. In conclusion… just read the directions on the box.

#3 - DON’T PAY FOR FOOD OFF THE BOAT THAT YOU CAN EAT ON THE BOAT FOR FREE

Some say I am cheap, but I like to think of myself as frugal. On a cruise ship there is all types of food to eat all day! Every time I walked past the dining area I got something to eat, especially if I knew I was going to be getting off the boat for the day. When we docked at Freeport in the Bahamas as I was walking off the cruise ship I noticed a group of people that I recognized from the cruise I was on at a Senor Frog’s restaurant eating a pizza. A PIZZA! It didn’t look any different or better than the 15 types of pizza they had on the cruise ship. Experience something you can’t eat on the cruise ship. Find a local spot (not a restaurant chain) and enjoy the moment.

#4 - DON’T BE AFRAID TO SAY NO TO THE LOCALS TRYING TO SELL YOU THINGS

Whenever you get off or on the cruise ship many times you have the locals trying to sell you goods or people willing to braid the passengers hair. Nothing wrong with that. However, they can be a bit pushy at times. When we docked in Nassau it was so bad one local asked if I wanted my hair braided… and I’m bald. Travel a bit inland from where the ship is docked and go find some small shops. The local art is amazing, not pricey and the locals are not as pushy.

#5 - PAY FOR THE BALCONY UPGRADE

Not only will you feel like Leonardo DiCaprio and Kate Winslet in “Titanic” when you stretch your arms out as the wind hits your face but you will also have some space to take in the fresh air. The rooms (if you want to call them that) can be tight so having a balcony can help you not feel as confined as you might without one.

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I Will Finally Be Traveling After A 9 Month Hiatus...

For the past five years I have traveled to Galveston to spend the new year. I am a firm believer that what you spend the new year doing will dictate how your year goes. So, I like to spend it traveling. This will be the first time I have traveled in nine months. Long over due! I can think of no better way then traveling to Galveston to walk on the beach New Year’s Day!

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My Worst Travel Moments...

I post a lot about my most exciting travel moments but I thought I would also tell you about my worst travel moments as well. I do love to travel but not every moment when traveling is going to be a great one.  Traveling does have its ups and downs.  Here are some of my worst travel moments that I have experienced (so far).

#1 – GETTING ON THE WRONG SKI SLOPE

I’m not sure what I was thinking when I decided to go skiing.  I was on a 3 day trip to Crested Butte, Colorado.  I had never been on a ski trip so I was a bit of a newbie.  To make matters even worse, I rented a snowboard.  MAJOR MISTAKE!  I wasn’t even able to stand up and needed one of the guides to hold my hand (literally) to help me get on the ski lift.  Somehow, I ended up taking the wrong ski lift and it took me to the top of the mountain on a double diamond expert ski slope.  I am extremely afraid of heights so I started to get an anxiety attack while watching my feet dangle over a 200 foot drop as the ski lift climbed to the top of the mountain.  When I got to the top the air was so thin I had to sit for 10 minutes to get my breathe.  I tried three times to stand up and on my last attempt I wiped out.  One of the ski monitors saw me wipe out and asked if I was ok enough to ski down.  I had no idea how I was going to get off the mountain so I told him I hurt my ankle.  The medical team came and took me down in a sled.  I haven’t went skiing since.

  #2 – PASSING OUT ON THE SKY TRAIN IN ALBUQUERQUE, NEW MEXICO

I didn’t learn from my Colorado trip when I traveled to Albuquerque, New Mexico.  One of the experiences you can have during the summer is taking the Sandia Peak Tramway to the top of the Sandia Mountains.  It is the world’s third longest spanning tramway.  I wasn’t even halfway up before I started feeling a panic attack coming on except this time there were 20 other people in the tram car with me.  Luckily, we made it to the top and I sat and enjoyed the view.  The only thing that worried me was there was only one way to get back down, and that was on the tram.  I got back on and as we were heading down I started to notice how high we were. I felt my ears get hot and I got tunnel vision. I ended up blacking out and fainting.

#3 – SEASICK IN PUERTA VALLERTA

I was on vacation with family in Puerta Vallarta and we all went on an excursion to a secluded beach.  We took a double decker pontoon boat that was stable in calm water, but not that stable when it was windy.  Before we got to the beach we had a chance to go scuba diving.  I had a blast doing that, but after I got back on the boat for some reason the movement of the boat really started to get to me.  I ended up having to lie down and felt nauseous until we landed.  Once I got something to eat and laid down a bit more I was fine.  Word to the wise, don’t get on a double decker pontoon boat in choppy water.    

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The Wanderlust Sunday Seven - Florence, Kansas

This weeks wanderlust Sunday seven photos are from my road trip to Florence, Kansas off of Highway 50. If you love travel and road trips Highway 50 is a must. Check out more of my Kansas travel blog posts on the link below!

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Travel Blogging While Under A Quarantine...

As you can imagine it has been hard to write a travel blog this year. It is interesting to think of all the places I had on my travel list of places to see at the beginning of 2020. I made it to Galveston, Texas and Dallas, Texas, then the COVID-19 quarantine happened. On my list of places to go where Los Angeles, Paris, France and North Carolina. But, all that had to be rescheduled for a later time. Even though I have not been able to travel, I have still had fun this year travel blogging. I shifted the focus of the blog and went back to look at some of my past trips. I have had a blast posting about my adventures, as well as giving some tips and tricks I have learned along the way.

I do have travel plans for 2021! Who knows what international travel will look like so I plan on seeing some sights here in the United States. But, hopefully I will be back traveling internationally soon! Until then I will keep coming up with useful travel content to blog about and tell more stories of my travel adventures!