The Wandering Disciple

A KC-135 Stratotanker performs touch and go training maneuvers at Sarasota-Bradenton International Airport. This KC-135 is based out of MacDill Air Force Base in Tampa. The Stratotanker provides aerial refueling support for aircraft. (Photo: February 28, 2012)

Across the lagoon sits the El Centro, the heart of Disney's Coronado Springs Resort. Most of the resorts amenities can be found here including dining, and a convention center. Opened in 1997, the Coronado Springs Resort features just under 2,000 rooms with a Southwest US/Mexico theme. (Photo: August 17, 2006)

A Bald Eagle stands guard over a wooded lot in North Port. The symbol of our nation, the Bald Eagle can be found quite regularly in Southwest Florida. (Photo: November 13, 2006)

The Sanibel Island Light has been guiding ships into San Carlos Bay since 1884. It was the first lighthouse built on the Gulf Coast of Florida. The Sanibel Island Light has been places on the National Register of Historic Places. (Photo: June 24, 2006)

Brace for the splashdown as you take the "Journey to Atlantis", thrilling watercoaster at Sea World Orlando. Opened in 1998, the ride takes riders on an adventurous ride to the land of Atlantis. Once you survived the plunge, you can enjoy the colorful aquarium at the ride exit. (Photo: May 21, 2006)

The cool waters of the lagoon style pool at the Sheraton Vistana Villages is a great way to take a break from the Florida heat. Sheraton Vistana Villages is a resort located on South International Drive in Orlando. It is right around the corner from Sea World and a short drive from Walt Disney World and Universal Orlando. (Photo: May 20, 2006)

A Boeing 737-700 operated by AirTran Airways departs Sarasota International Airport. AirTran offers over 700 flights a day to 70 destinations. AirTran is in its final months of operation following its acquisition by Southwest Airlines. (Photo: December 15, 2011)

A gorilla enjoys a bite to eat along the trail of the Myombe Reserve at Busch Gardens. The Myombe Reserve is a tropical rainforest habitat that is home to Western Lowland Gorillas and Chimpanzees. (Photo: March 19, 2006)

Tampa, Florida: North American Airlines is a charter airline service based at New York's JFK Airport and operated from Tampa International Airport. Their fleet of Boeing aircraft are available for lease for numerous functions including commercial and private flights. North American Airlines began operation in 1990 as a feeder service of El Al Airlines. They later expanded into Caribbean routes and a JFK/LAX route. During the peak of their passenger service, they provided flights throughout North America, South America and Africa. In 2008, North American ceased scheduled service and began to focus on charter air service. They now provide service for Club Med resorts as well as operate flights for Air Jamaica. In addition to the commercial service leases, North American Airlines has a contract with the Department of Defense for troop transport for destinations without commercial carriers. North American recently provided jet transportation for Barrak Obama's 2008 pres...

A group of shorebirds enjoy the Florida sunshine on a concrete piling off-shore of Gasparilla Island State Park on the island of Boca Grande. (Photo: March 5, 2006)

On the water at Downtown Disney, Fulton's Crab House features fresh seafood from around the world. The three story restaurant built to resemble a steam powered riverboat features some of the best seafood entrees at Walt Disney World. (Photo: January 28, 2006)

A flowing hibiscus plant at our home. (Photo: April 30, 2006)

It's made look like Rodeo Drive, but don't let the realism fool you and make you forget you are at Universal Studios Orlando. Not a detail is spared in bringing the Beverly Hills portion of the park to life. This portion of the park is home not only the gateway to the thrills that await you in the park, but it is also home to the Terminator. (Photo: January 28, 2006)

The B-24 Liberator was a heavy bomber used during World War II. The bomber manufactured by Consolidated Airlines was introduced in 1941 with over 18,000 being manufactured. The final B-24 was retired from service in 1968. The B-24 pictured here is operated by the Collings Foundation and tours the country in the Wings of Freedom tour. (Photo February 13, 2012)

Sarasota, Florida: The Wings of Freedom Tour made a stop on the Suncoast, spending just under a week between the Venice Municipal Airport and the Sarasota-Bradenton International Airport. The three warbirds owned by the Collings Foundation helped educate visitors about World War II aviation. The three warbirds that visited the Suncoast were the B-17 Flying Fortress “Nine O Nine”, the B-24 Liberator “Witchcraft” and the P-51 Mustang “Betty Jane”. The “Nine O Nine” flew 140 bombing missions during World War II as a member of the 323rd Bombing Group. “Witchcraft” was a heavy bomber that flew 130 combat missions in World War II. “Betty Jane” was a P-51 Mustang that served as a combat fighter jet during World War II. The P-51 Mustang owned by Collings Foundation is a rare P-51, featuring a two seat razorback configuration. The tour’s first stop on the Suncoast was at the Venice Municipal Airport as part of the Venice Warbird Weekend. Following the weekend, the warbirds made ...

Just like a lighthouse on the coast guides ships to safe waters, the lighthouse at Islands of Adventure guides thrill seekers to the thrills that await them at the Central Florida theme park. Islands of Adventure features 28 rides, including four roller coasters. (Photo:January 27, 2006)

The lights of the Latin Quarter shine brightly over City Walk at Universal Orlando. The Latin Quarter is one of the over thirty clubs, shops and restaraunts that comprise the entertainment hot spot. (Photo: January 27, 2006)

The Italian waterfront is recreated at the Portofino Bay Hotel at Universal Orlando. The resort looks, sounds and even smells like Italy, immersing your senses and making your mind think you are no longer in Central Florida. (Photo: January 27, 2006)

A statute of Popeye sits in the center of the Toon Lagoon section of Islands of Adventure. Toon Lagoon features rides, shops and restaurants based upon popular comics. (Photo: December 25, 2005)

The Universal Globe glows as sun sets on Universal Orlando. Universal Orlando is a theme park resort in Central Florida featuring two theme parks, three resort hotels and an entertainment complex. (Photo: December 24, 2005)

The cool waters of the pool at Royal Pacific Resort provide a refreshing retreat following a long day at Universal Orlando. The lagoon style pool features zero-depth entry along with a white sandy beach. One of the highlight of the pool area is Royal Bali, an kid's water play area. (Photo: December 24, 2005)

A lioness takes a break for the Florida heat by taking an afternoon cat nap. This pride of lions can be seen on the Edge of Africa walking trail at Busch Gardens Tampa. (Photo: November 12, 2005)

Around the World in Pictures will be expanding a bit in the coming weeks and months. There has been a lot of interest on the site with my baseball and aircraft photography so I have decided to open pages for both these endeavors. Nothing will change with the main site, the web address will still be the same. However there will be two new pages in the top navigation bar. The new pages will be a little different then the main pages as these will be photos only with the main story content continuing to run on Around the World in Pictures. The two new pages are Above the Clouds and Touch Em All . Above the Clouds will feature aircraft related photography while Touch Em All will focus on baseball photography. Photos will be posted to these sites shortly after they are taken. I will also work on adding older content as time allows to fill in the quieter times. Look for these two pages to start getting content added in the near future. Each page will also have a link to foll...

An icon of the downtown Baltimore skyline, the Emerson Bromo-Seltzer Tower was the tallest building in Baltimore until 1923. Building in 1911, the tower was inspired by the Palazzo Vecchio in Italy. In addition to artist's studios, the tower is home to the John F Steadman Fire Station which was the busiest fire station in the nation for 2011. (Photo: August 31, 2005)

The production of Hershey's Kisses is just one of the candy making process that are highlighted on the tour at Hershey's Chocolate World. Hershey's Chocolate World is a free attraction that takes guests on a tour of the chocolate process. Follow the process from the cocoa beans in South America to the final product on the store shelf. (Photo: August 29, 2005)