Favorites, 2010 (Part 2, Scenes)

The more I pored over my photos from 2010, the more I realized that my most memorable scene photos often involve the following: animals (especially dogs), clothing and motor vehicles, strangely enough. Anyway, here are a few of my favorites form the past year …

"B19" is the name of the adorably cute—and lazy—Hawaiian monk seal that we encountered during a kayaking and snorkeling adventure on Hawaii’s Big Island, near the Captain Cook Monument.

I love the lava-rock beaches that you find on the Big Island. They might not be ideal for sunbathing but they’re certainly beautiful to admire.

Same goes for this fragrant gardenia bloom that I found on the Big Island.

Sunset at the Sheraton Maui Resort & Spa

Just-caught mahimahi that I spotted during a stroll in Lahaina, Maui

Hanging ukuleles, also in Lahaina

Two of many motorbikes I’d photograph this year, first in Lahaina …

… Then in Melaka, Malaysia. I couldn’t get over the brightly colored walls.

The Royal Hawaiian is just one of those hotels that makes you feel instantly transported to another time and era. I especially loved this glossy hallway.

Jasmine from the North Shore Cattle Co.—so lovable

More scenic shots from the North Shore Cattle Co. I loved how red the dirt was.

Hanging work clothes from Twin Bridge Farms on Oahu’s North Shore

A chic dress from one of the numerous boutiques that line Haji Lane in Singapore.

Birds swooped right above our heads during a visit to the Bolsa Chica Wetlands in Huntington Beach, Calif.

This old-school typewriter reminded me of the one that my mom used to teach me how to type.

Dantica Cloud Forest Lodge & Gallery in Costa Rica was simply stunning for a lodge in the middle of the rainforest. Can you believe this is the gallery/lobby area?

During an early (very early) morning quetzal-spotting excursion, a group of horses unexpectedly ran past us on the same dirt road that we were standing on.

Also in Costa Rica, I got to see hummingbirds up close at Trogon Lodge …

… As well as meet the lodge’s resident canine.

Arenal Volcano was simply breathtaking to see, both at night …

… And in the morning.

The cat rescue center at The Springs Resort in Costa Rica was home to some ferocious …

… And playful cats.

The High Line in New York City’s Meatpacking District was a highlight.

I loved nothing more than to kick off my flip flops and lounge in my personal hammock during a press trip to Cozumel in Mexico.

Likewise, this cat felt the same way, albeit in the comfort of a wooden bench, along Singapore’s Haji Lane.

During a nighttime bum boat ride along the Singapore River, I snapped this shot of the brand-new Marina Bay Sands. Sort of resembles a spaceship, no?

Later, during my stay at the Marina Bay Sands, I took in its amazing Sands SkyPark with a view of the city.

No matter where I go, I always find that Chinatown is filled with colorful scenes, from crimson-red lanterns …

… to tchotchkes.

It was actually difficult to spot graffiti in Singapore (big surprise, huh?) so I loved finding this one in an alleyway near Haji Lane.

Singapore’s Boat Quay at night

I loved that this chandelier, from the lobby of Singapore’s Wanderlust hotel, was made with actual vintage Campari bottles.

Melaka is particularly known for its outlandish buggies—and their equally eccentric styles. This one was outfitted with Barbie dolls.

Melaka is also home to rundown, but still standing, fortresses, like this one.

And where else but at Changi International Airport can you waste time in the airport’s very own butterfly garden?

Next up, favorite foods from 2010 …