Remember cameras? Not digital cameras, but old-school film cameras? Better yet, remember waiting a week—even two—to get your pictures back, only to find that half the roll was over-exposed or of some random rock or foot or something that somehow made its way into a picture? I still have a roll or two shoved in a drawer that I’ve never had developed. At this point I’m not even sure I want to. Thank heavens for our smart phones. Take as many pictures as you want, anytime, anywhere. Don’t like it? Delete it. I have some of the greatest moments of my life right in my hand.

I’d say my smart phone is probably of my most important travel essentials. I love snapping pictures when I’m on the road, especially of architecture and glass. So as 2018 winds down I thought it would be fun to take a look back at some of my favorite travel pictures of the past year.

In no particular order, here we go. I hope you enjoy seeing these moments as much I did.

Love for LEGOs

If you read this blog you know I talk a lot about LEGOs. I have a good excuse: my 8-year-old son. So when I see an impressive LEGO display, like this one of the Javits Center in New York, how do I not take a picture?

New York, New York

We were in New York earlier this year for the AIA show. The city is one of the best when it comes to architecture and its glassy displays. SAFTI First invited us along on an amazing river cruise where we got to take in some impressive views of the city … and Lady Liberty.

Speaking of Impressive

The much anticipated Hudson Yards project is under construction right across the street from the Javits. How’s this for a view? I got this shot walking to the show one morning.

Early Bird View

I tend to be a fairly early riser, and went out to get coffee one morning and wandered into Times Square when no one was around. I don’t think I’ve ever seen the TKTS steps like this—empty.

What Happens in Vegas

If I get up early in my own time zone, I’m up that much earlier when I’m out west, so usually I like to get a run in to start my day. The tower on the right was first called the Fontainebleau and has been unfinished for years … I’m pretty sure construction began in the mid-2000s before falling victim to the Great Recession. The building was actually purchased earlier this year by Witkoff and renamed The Drew. Witkoff is working with Marriott International to open a new hotel that’s now in early design phases.

The Heart of Düsseldorf

I love seeing the real life projects that we’ve written about, like this one, the Ko-Bögen in Düsseldorf, Germany. Former assistant editor turned director of research Nick St. Denis wrote about it a couple of years ago. You can read about it for yourself here.

Do you have some favorite travel or architecture pictures? I’d love to see them. Feel free to email me at erogers@glass.com.