All posts by robcoventry

I am a mid-western guy who was born and raised in Peoria, IL. Over the years my job has taken me across the country and the world. While Peoria is my Center of the Universe, I genuinely enjoy visiting new and interesting places around the world, documenting my observations, and gaining new appreciation for the world's diversity.

Perfect Weekend in Chicago

Pardon my hyperbole but the last three days was a perfect weekend in Chicago. It did not start out that way but thanks to the patience of my wife and family and fantastic weather, the weekend was perfect.

We planned the weekend weeks ago so I could use my new camera equipment to take some pictures our boys would want to put up in their apartment – an anniversary gift. After an early dinner Friday, everyone followed me walking over a mile to Navy Pier in a rush to capture the golden hour of light, lugging my Gigapan, camera bag and tripod. When I set up the Gigapan, all I got was a low battery error. The battery was dead! Oh, the light sucked and even after I composed myself, I could not catch any decent shots.

The rest of the night Friday everyone tried to cheer me up but all I could think of was that I wasted a perfect night. I did something that caused the battery to drain. This had to be my fault. Continue reading Perfect Weekend in Chicago

Malaga

Last week, our European colleagues held their annual sales training event in Malaga Spain. I was honored to be invited to present as I always enjoy working in Europe.

Boy oh boy it’s hard to get to Malaga! Of course, it doesn’t help that I am leaving from Peoria but it’s harder to get to Malaga Spain than it is to get to Australia. It took four legs and 24 hours both ways. Malaga is in southern part of Spain, just 60 miles from Gibralter, right on the Alboran Sea. It reminded me of Fort Lauderdale with a very active beach community if Fort Lauderdale was below a set of mountains.

After work one after noon, we ventured into the city to see the sites.  We didn’t have time to see the Picasso museum but we saw a few of the famous sites. Continue reading Malaga

Prague

My most recent trip to Europe was to Prague for a client and partner event. Of course, you can’t go to Prague without visiting the sites and capturing some stunning pictures. Except the weather didn’t cooperate. We had cool, damp, and foggy weather the whole week. The sites were stunning but the colors didn’t pop quite like they could have.

Check out the monster Gigapan Andrew & I captured in Prague’s Old Town Square. Click on the image below.

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River City

I found a new toy called Gigapan. These are samples of my first try at the new medium. Of course I had to test it out with my favorite subject, Peoria the River City.

I wish WordPress allowed embed so you are not sent to another site but these files are so monstrous, you cannot appreciate the clarity and detail unless you see these Gigapans using the native viewer. Click on the images below to see for yourself. Zoom in to read the signs on buildings and street signs. I can’t wait to experiment more.

Peoria Pano #1

Peoria Pano #4

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Visit to AP

It was time to hit the road and pay for all that fun I had this summer. Flew out on Sunday afternoon to Melbourne, right after member guest. Connect through DFW and LAX to MEL. Twenty four hours after departure, I arrive in Melbourne on Tuesday morning.

I know some people think travel is glamorous but I believe those are people that don’t travel. For my final 15 hour leg to Melbourne, I thought I was going to have lots of leg room only to find out that I was stuck in perhaps the tightest overseas seat I have experienced. And Monday disappeared while I was in the air.

Continue reading Visit to AP

Napa Valley 2017

Deb & I developed a taste for California wine over the past couple years, so we decided to plan long weekend to Napa Valley. Our goal was to relax and enjoy the scene without a crazy busy agenda but we wanted to visit our favorite wineries, find some good food, and get some good pictures. Maybe it was the planning or just blind luck but in spite of 100+ degree weather we had a great time.

Continue reading Napa Valley 2017

France May 2017

It’s been a while since I posted a new entry. Not for lack of desire but life has a way of getting away from you. In May, my job took me to the south of France to Montpellier. Technically, I’m told, this is not the French Riviera but it’s right next door. I feel like I’ve already been there because I drive through Creve Coeur, IL almost twice a week. That’s our Riviera and I live right next door. 🙂

We decided to fly into Paris and train to Montpellier so we could see the French country side. The ride into Montpellier was majestic.

After we were told we had to pay 50 Euro to change train tickets to the earlier train, we sat around for what seemed like forever. They don’t tell your train platform until the last minute. Why? I can only imagine is to avoid interference with the crews preparing the train for the next trip.  I truly enjoyed the ride down to Montpellier (MOP). We saw countless old cities and classic French country side. These shots only cover a slice of the beautiful countryside.

Continue reading France May 2017

Florida Vacation(s)

We ventured to Florida this spring with a purpose – a little fun and a little work. While we were there, I caught some nice pictures.

March – Destin

Our plan for the first trip was to investigate home ownership in Florida. Friends of ours have a lovely condo in Destin. They were terrific hosts and showed us all the best spots in the area. Makes us want to return.

Continue reading Florida Vacation(s)

Peoria – Home of Championship Football

After a five year dry spell, Peoria is once again home of Championship Football. To make up for lost time, Peoria area schools won two state Champions. Peoria High School won 5A and Deer Creek Mackinaw won 2A – both for their first time in school history.

Peoria High School took their high scoring offense to the championship and were tested every step of the way against an evenly matched Vernon Hills team. The match was like watching two heavy weights go at it for 6 rounds. But in the end it was Peoria’s defense that took the ball from Vernon Hills in their last three possessions then marched on to outscore them 62-48. Junior running back Geno Hess ran for 215 yards and two touchdowns for Peoria High. Senior Jaleen James added 67 yards and a touchdown.

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2016 – QB, Coran Taylor takes the keeper past two defenders from Vernon Hills

Continue reading Peoria – Home of Championship Football