A MATTER OF BALANCE

When you have a full tray of drink it's often a challenge to get them back to a table of thirsty customers. Unless you're this industrious lady. Then it's simply a matter of balance.

Huatulco, Mexico.

HUATULCO, MX - SHADOW OF THE CRUISE SHIP

The cruise industry can play a tremendous role in the development of a nation and a region. A newly re-emerging economy, such as violence-torn Croatia or Guatemala or Colombia, the visit of cruise ships and their passengers' wallets can give a strong boost from a financial standpoint, as well as raising the hopes of a beaten-upon populace.

Below is a giant cruise ship tied up on the dock in the town of Huatulco, Mexico, one of many areas feeling the economic growth from tourism. Unlike airports, a cruise dock can be built relatively inexpensively, and provides a quick-shot stimulus a region can build upon.

Handled properly, it's a good thing.

THE DAILY ESCAPE: TRUE RELIGION

When I am on the road, particularly to a new or exotic location, a favorite photographic and cultural practice for me includes a brief stop in at a local house of worship.

Whether it is monumentally grand or charitably humble, the vast majority of institutions speak to a spirituality and peace which is all too difficult to find in this modern day world. I may not endorse or follow the religion myself, but no matter what the faith my visit often creates an opportunity for a quiet moment of introspection.

And while I can be awed by the power and architecture of many great structures -- St. Paul's in London; Notre Dame in Paris; The National Cathedral in Washington, DC; The Vatican -- it's more often the truly humble, unassuming gathering places which give me a spiritual pause.

(La Iglesia de la Santa Cruz, Bahia de la Santa Cruz, Huatulco, Mexico)