Jennifer Kaye Photography

D.C.

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The first time I visited D.C I drove from Virginia Beach to catch an early morning flight out of Regan National Airport. I gave myself some extra time to do a little bit of site seeing beforehand... at 3am! There's nothing like seeing rats run across the mall as I am walking towards the Lincoln Memorial! I've been back so many times since, seeing the sites... during the day as well :) The best way to see a city (in my personal opinion) is to walk everywhere! I remember my dad saying D.C. was one of his favorite cities and that he really wanted to take our family there one day. While that didn’t happen, I couldn’t help but think of him throughout my many visits when visiting the historical sites over the years.

I have come to have many feelings and insights about this city... a love/hate relationship! I still think it's a must see city for all American's to visit at some point.Don't forgot to bring your tennis shoes!

Jennifer Kaye xoxo

Nebraska #27

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Nebraska (Omaha) is where I was born and were I spent the majority of my first 13 years of life (aside from the short time I lived in Mississippi). I loved the childhood I had there. From my 58th street friends, to my paper route, exploring Benson, going to the library, "Louise" super market or to the post office! I lived in 6 houses in Omaha and this house (in the photo) was my favorite. I think age range 8-12 was my favorite with so much exploring and freedom as I would ride my bike for hours! Nebraska, a place I first called “home”.

Jennifer Kaye xoxo

Missouri #25

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Many of my family members love the St. Louis Cardinal's. So naturally, when I was little, my family and I took a vacation to the great state of Missouri! I'm sure my dad had a soft ball tournament in the area which is probably what really brought us there. We went up the Arch and visited Busch Stadium (as pictured below). I am standing here in the dugout trying to be cool, but at 6 or 7 years old, with jelly shoes and an outfit sewed by my mom... being an 80's kid, OF COURSE I'm cool!

Jennifer Kaye xoxo

Mississippi #24

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My family moved here when my dad received a new job opportunity and I was 3 years old. I only have 2 memories of our time there since we didn’t live there very long.

It was raining pretty heavily during a warm season and my dad was grilling baloney outside. Yes, grilled baloney! I took this treat, sat on the curb, placed my feet in the streams of water that went down the road and fully enjoyed myself!

The only other memory I have is standing by the front door crying as my mom left and I couldn’t go with her!

Jennifer Kaye xoxo

Kentucky #17

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My sister and I drove from Florida to Iowa and eventually back to Colorado. We went through many states that I lovingly called this our “Southern sister’s road trip”. During this long trip we stayed with friends, tented at campgrounds and even slept in our car at random Walmart parking lots. On this particular morning we got up early to hit the road, but I was so enamored with the landscape that I took so many photos! The rolling hills, the green pastures, white picket fences and horses grazing easily made Kentucky one of my favorite states!

Jennifer Kaye xoxo

Illinois #13

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I’m pretty sure the first time I went to Illinois was with my parents at an Amway conference, but I was too little to do any exploring on my own. Years later I went to another conference in the heart of Chicago, but again there was no time for exploring. It wasn’t until later on with my sister that we finally did some sightseeing, specifically in the Chicago area. But I will say, driving over the Mississippi River from St. Louis into southern Illinois is one of my favorite parts of Illinois. It’s some of the most beautiful farm land that is so picturesque and peaceful.

Jennifer Kaye xoxo

California #5
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Right after I graduated high school I took a trip out to California, via the Amtrak train to visit my great aunt and explore! On one of my last transfers, before I got into Los Angeles, I sat by a sweet new friend. We made plans to go to Disney Land together later that week since it is an iconic thing to do in California! I have many photos of California since then, but being that this was my first time there, this is my California picture! How can it get any better with Micky Mouse!?

Jennifer Kaye xoxo

Arizona #3

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I went to Arizona with my mom and sister during our American/Canada west-coast trip in 2003. We first drove up north to Canada, then south by the coast of Washington, Oregon, and California. We then visited family in California and attended a conference in San Francisco. While at the conference I met a new friend, who lived in Arizona and suggested we should stop by if we were going through her area on our way back home. While visiting her we went to the lake and cliff jumping!

Jennifer Kaye xoxo

Day 28 of TOP 28 photos = Dublin, Ireland
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It's hard to believe this is my last photo to share of my "TOP 28 photos" journey! All of this was about me moving into and sharing a creative space, being vulnerable and remembering my AMAZING trip! I can't wait for my next adventure! Thanks for coming along with me.

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I like this photo for the "goth-ness", the cold-wet stones and the architecture. I didn't have many pictures that turned out, but I will be back again to take a proper tour and see Dublin in the daylight.

Jennifer Kaye xoxo

Day 27 of TOP 28 photos = Dublin, Ireland

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Ireland was my very last stop on my way back to the USA. I had a little less than 24 hours in Dublin and although I didn't have much time to explore the area properly, I did go into the city and saw as much as I could.

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My plane arrived late afternoon on one of the bumpiest landings I've ever experienced. I took a local bus into Dublin's city center. It was raining and dark by the time I arrived, yet I made the most of it by walking (of course) everywhere!
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I tried taking jumping photos in front of the beautiful St. Patrick's church. It wasn't the easiest thing to do in the dark so I finally asked for help.
Thanks again to some wonderful strangers!
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Jennifer Kaye xoxo

Day 26 of TOP 28 photos =London, England
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After my time in Worthington, I spent a few days in Guildford, England.
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The next day I took the train into London for a full day of the typical tourist spots. I had visited London in 2001 with my mom, so it was a wonderful reunion of sorts. I didn't take my camera with me, just my phone, which happened to die part way through the day. Thankfully I was able to navigate my way around London and back to my host family's home with my memory and my good sense of direction. Kind of sounds like a story that happened to my during my first trip to London!
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London is such a lovely city and I had so many cool God moments. I will have to write a book about it someday!

Jennifer Kaye xoxo

Day 24 of TOP 28 photos =Worthington, England
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After a few days in France, I took a night bus to England. When I arrived in London I connected with a friend for coffee whom I haven't seen in years. It was so great to see Kate, from Canada, in England!

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That evening, I made my way on another bus south to Worthington, a port town in southern England. My good friend who lives there, so it was great to see another familiar face and have fun in this seaside town. I was there for nearly a whole week. She was packing up her flat to move back to Canada as her visa was coming to an end. I think we gave each other moral support!

Jennifer Kaye xoxo

Day 21 of TOP 28 photos =Paris, France

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After many hours at the Eiffel Tower I was ready to walk around this beautiful city. Since it was the beginning of the autumn season the leaves were turning colors and that made for some wonderful photos. Honestly, I could post SO many pictures of the few days I was in Paris. I really loved my time exploring this city, as I felt very creative and alive.
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Revisiting Paris is my top pick for the near future. I will be touring more of France, not just Paris, next time...maybe even renting a car.

Jennifer Kaye xoxo

Day 19 of TOP 28 photos =Paris, France
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As I mentioned before, I absolutely loved seeing the Eiffel Tower for the first time, especially when I got there early in the morning. I was able to explore and take SO many photos without the distraction of tourists. It was fun to watch an elderly man on his brisk, morning walk and doing his routine exercises. Also seeing the morning commuters who "get" to walk through this beautiful park everyday to work.
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Out of all my photos from this morning, this is one of my favorites, because it speaks of a beautiful strength: to stand out even when things otherwise appear blurry.
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Jennifer Kaye xoxo

Day 18 of TOP 28 photos =Paris, France
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I booked another Mega bus from Munich, Germany to Paris, France. I traveled during the day, so I was able to see the country side along the way. It was so beautiful! When I arrived, I navigated my way through the city and found my Airbnb host home.
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I decided to wake up early the next morning and head to the Eiffel Tower to watch the sun come up. The special part about that was, that when I arrived, practically no one was there. It felt like I was experiencing a private viewing. I took tons of pictures as I walked around this beautiful structure.
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I didn't get to see the "sun-rise" I had been looking forward to, since it was a foggy morning, but it was even better!
I bought myself a hot latte', chocolate Nutella filled crêpe and sat down to watch the clouds "un-fold" the top of the Eiffel Tower just for me. It was magical! ☕️

Jennifer Kaye xoxo

Day 16 of TOP 28 photos =Munich, Germany
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After spending time in Leipzig, I went to Munich, Germany where I attended a Christian Global Gathering (Watchmen for the Nations Ministry). I had met a wonderful Japanese/ Brazilian couple in Israel who mentioned that I should go if it worked out with my travel plans. I honestly had no real thought of going, but I kept the idea in my mind and added the details in my notes on my phone.
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I stayed at a tiny Airbnb apartment and walked everyday through this beautiful park to the conference. This particular morning I was a bit late because I couldn't stop taking pictures that inspired me. I love fog and I love nature. A perfect, combo! Plus, I ran into a group of Chinese going to the same conference and we ended up taking a bunch of pictures together. I don't speak Chinese, and non of them spoke English, so it was quite the experience!
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I may just have a few more fog pictures to share on this 28 day Photo Journey!

Jennifer Kaye xoxo

Day 15 of TOP 28 photos = Countryside near Hra'dek nad Nisou, Czech Republic
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Just another short drive from Poland and we were in the Czech Republic! Of course we didn't see any country welcome signs or border patrol once again. We drove through beautifully sleepy farm land, with a little fog rolling in...so beautiful!
Of course I would have loved to visit more of this country to get a better idea of the people and culture, but I'll just have to come back! I pretty much say that every time, don't I?
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In Germany I got to know a sweet lady, Viera, who grew up in the Czech Republic. She says I must visit Brno and of course Prague! Who wants to go with me??

Jennifer Kaye xoxo

Day 14 of TOP 28 photos = Sieniawka, Poland
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After a full day in Herrnhut, Germany, I convinced my friend we should go to Poland since we were so close! She didn't bring her passport and we had no idea what the border crossing would be like. I figured if anything, she could stay on the German side and I would go across, quickly check it out and come back.
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The road signs were hard to navigate, so we kept driving around. Finally we asked a random guy, "Is this Poland?" He gave us a nod with a look of, "silly travelers"! We had made it to Poland and had no idea! No was no huge welcome sign, no border patrol or obvious indications we had crossed country lines. We finally found a sign, took pictures by it, and decided to drive to another country on our little road trip of adventures. Of course I want to come back and actually spend some time in this country and see the beautiful places I've heard about.
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Any guesses where to next?

Jennifer Kaye xoxo

Day 13 of TOP 28 photos = Herrnhut, Germany
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My friend and I went on a little road trip to Herrnhut, Germany. We also popped into a few countries nearby, but I will post those later.
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This little town has so much Christian history. A small group of religious fugitives from Moravia settled on Count Ludwig von Zinzendorf's land. Together they established many things, such as night and day prayer that lasted over 100 years and the Daily Text prayer book that has been published since 1731. The Moravians influenced many, such as John and Charles Wesley and William Carey (missionary to India). Herrnhut is also where the Christmas Moravian Star was first created and produced. I remember my grandparents even having one! They we're of German decent, so it makes sense.

Jennifer Kaye xoxo

Day 12 of TOP 28 photos = Leipzig, Germany
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From Amsterdam, I took a train east across Germany to the city of Leipzig. Going on a train into Germany was such a wonderful experience, but yet I couldn't help but think of the hundred's of thousands of people that went to the concentration camps by train in World War II.
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I stayed with a very dear friend, whom I had met back in Kansas City in 2009. I toured the very beautiful city, where the famous Johan Sebastian Bach spent some time. This is a must see city!

Jennifer Kaye xoxo

Day 11 of TOP 28 photos = Haarlem, Netherlands (Holland)
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The home of Corrie ten Boom was something I had always wanted to see in Haarlem, and it truly was one of my highlights on this whole trip. Corrie, her sister and father hid Jews during World War II in their home. The current owners have preserved the home and kept its original set up. I was able to go into the hiding space where they hid and protected Jews.
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I took a bus from Amsterdam out to Haarlem for the day and it is a beautiful city. I found the ten Boom's home and I loved every minute seeing what life was like for the Corrie ten Boom family... true heroes!

Jennifer Kaye xoxo

Day 10 of TOP 28 photos = Amsterdam, Netherlands
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This day was filled with exploring the city, visiting the Amsterdam House of Prayer, checking out the YWAM base and meeting up with friends. I kept it low key, since I still wasn't feeling 100% yet. The temperature had dropped so much the weekend I arrived and I had caught a cold. None the less, Amsterdam is busy, beautiful, clean, and full of young people.
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Truth be told, I didn't take many photos in Holland. I wanted a break to just be in the moment and also I was dealing with stuff; both physically (head cold) and emotionally. One night I just needed a good long run, but silly me, I didn't pack running shoes or pants. *BIG* mistake. I will never do that again! I bought some cheap leggings and made do with my walking shoes. Then I ran... and ran... and ran... for who knows how many miles! All in all, it was just what I needed that day.

Jennifer Kaye xoxo

Day 9 of TOP 28 photos = Amsterdam, Netherlands
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After a beautiful time in Italy, I flew into Eindhoven, Holland. It's funny the things that bring me some love when I'm needing a little comfort, because I started to feel somewhat sick on my flight to Holland. Low and behold I saw a Starbucks immediately when I got off my flight! ☕️ I had a yummy coffee and then took a bus to the train station. From there I made my connection north to Amsterdam. Feeling sick yet, I stayed in bed for 24 hours. It wasn't too long though before I got out and started to explore!

Jennifer Kaye xoxo

Day 7 of TOP 28 photos = Viareggio, Italy
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From my beautiful hill top guest villa near Florence, I made my way down to the sea side town of Viareggio. The weather was perfectly warm during my visit. I had use of a bike at the guest house, so I rode everywhere exploring, making stops to eat ice cream, and sitting on the beach watching the boats sail by.
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Once again, I booked a guest house that I ended up having all to myself. It was an easy 10 minute bike ride from the ocean. One of my favorite days was filled with sitting by the water, going grocery shopping, and making a homemade "Italian" dinner. I had no problem picking out fresh bread at a local bakery, even though I didn't know how to speak italian. Of course I was hoping I picked out all the correct items at the market, but I prepared quite a yummy and romantic dinner for one! It all turned out wonderfully. This day was pretty amazing!

Jennifer Kaye xoxo

Day 6 of TOP 28 photos = Florence, Italy (town of Carmignanelle)
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After my time in Rome, I was ready for some peace and quiet. I took a train from Rome to Florence and then a bus up through the hills to the quaint town of Carmiganelle. This area has magnificent views of the Florence/Prato/Pistoia valley. I was the only one staying in the guest villa, which was just the best after being in a hostel in Rome. Plus, it rained the first few days I was there, which was perfect for me! I napped, read books and wrote on postcards to send back home. I took my time to walk around the town and neighboring areas, making many stops along the way for a relaxing hot cappuccino. ☕️

Jennifer Kaye xoxo

Day 5 of TOP 28 photos = Rome, Italy
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Rome was my first stop after being in Israel for about three weeks. It was the only city I had "planned out" on my trip. The rest of my travels were decided as I went along. One of the best ways to travel in my opinion!
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To say Rome is an impressive city is an understatement! The quote is most definitely true, "Rome was not built in a day!" I stayed 3 nights in a beautiful hostel. It was recommend to me by a lady I met during my time in Israel. From the hostel, I walked everywhere and explored nearly everything! After a few days though, I was on over load with how much there was see and do in this historic city. Of course I didn't actually see everything there is to see in the city, that's impossible!

I will be coming back for sure!

Jennifer Kaye xoxo

Day 4 of TOP 28 photos = Jerusalem, Israel
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I really love this photo for many of the same reasons in my last post/ story. Both photos we're taken on the same day, with the same group I was touring with. Since I had been to many of these sites before, I chose to look from a different angle this time around, by watching those who were watching our group. Our tour group had stopped for an impromptu worship and prayer session near the Jaffa Gate. I'm sure it wasn't the first time, nor will it be the last, that these local guys see spontaneous worship happen near this gate! Nevertheless, I was intrigued as they were watching our group. I wondered what they might be thinking, and what they could be saying to each other. That, I will never know.

Jennifer Kaye xoxo

Day 3 of TOP 28 = Jerusalem, Israel.
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I really enjoy watching people. Many times I actually like to watch people who are watching other people! It's quite enjoyable and also very insightful. I like to imagine what they see in others, how they might be interpreting a situation based on their own perspectives. You should watch their body language and eyes, because it says so much!
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This sweet lady seems to be calm, reflective, possibly reading and alone. What you don't see are the hundreds, possibly thousands, of people below the frame of the photo. She is watching people and I am watching her.

Jennifer Kaye xoxo

Day 2 of TOP 28 photos = Jerusalem, Israel.
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1st photo: These two little boys were so funny! They kept asking for shekels ($). My New Zealand friend took this picture.
2nd photo: Brother Yun speaking at the Garden Tomb.
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On this day I woke up early and walked 1- 2 hours across the city. Later, I ran into my friend from New Zealand. He is Jewish. He wanted to walk through the city, but not alone. He went on to shared with me some of his own personal hardships. I was hesitant to say yes at first, however, I decided to say yes, so he tagged along with me for the day since I knew my way around. It turned out to be a deeply personal day for us both.
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PS, if you want to see a city, walk! You see, smell and feel so many new wonderful things. Plus, you can walk off all the extra yummy foods!

Jennifer Kaye xoxo

Day 1 of TOP 28 photos = Tel Aviv/ Jaffa, Israel.
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Seven years ago I visited Israel and when I left, I knew I would be back. That desire was now being fulfilled... I went back the year of 2015! I made many new connections and reconnected with old friends!
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On this particular morning, I got up before the sunrise and actually found a place that was open to grab a coffee. I got a hot cappuccino and walked towards the Mediterranean Sea. I walked so much that day and had a great time exploring! I even tried getting lost, but that never works :)
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Jennifer Kaye xoxo

JENNIFER LAVRENZ

Traveling, Ramblings & Photos