Riding Berlin’s Public Transit System

German S-Bahn crossing the Oberbaumbrücke

My wife and I visited Germany in late 2021 to tour the famed German Christmas markets. We visited Berlin, Cologne (Koln) and Frankfurt during our 12 day visit. We used public transit in each city, and in this post I’ll share a few photos and comments on Berlin’s subways and trams. Berlin’s public transit system … Read more

A Sunset Trio

Three trains

This post has been in “draft” state for more than three years. It’s maybe a stretch to call it a “draft”, as it was just a title and the words “August 18”. I had to do some detective work! First, I determined that I meant August 18, 2019. Next, I went to Lightroom and saw … Read more

Why I Was In the USSR

Two people in a rowboat

After I wrote about our apartment in Moscow, a few people asked why I was in the Soviet Union at all! The short answer was that my father – Sergeant George Boyko – was posted to the Canadian embassy. Canada has embassies in most countries. Embassies serve several functions, including serving their visiting citizens, working … Read more

Our USSR Apartments

Steve doing homework

We stayed in two different apartment buildings during our two-year stay in the USSR in the late 1970s. We were in the first apartment for the vast majority of our time in Moscow. I think we stayed in the second one for about six weeks as we had to vacate the first one for the next occupants. I don’t remember it very well.

Giving Thanks

Aurora behind a railway crossing

Today is Thanksgiving Day in Canada. For me, it’s a time to reflect on the many blessings we have. I’m thankful that my wife, children and I are all healthy. I’m thankful that we have a roof over our head, good jobs that provide enough income that we don’t worry about money, and that we … Read more

Spanish Trains

Trains in the Barcelona train station

I attended a conference in Barcelona in the fall of 2018. I was fortunate to have my wife accompany me, and we made a vacation out of it by adding a few days at the start of the trip to tour the city. Barcelona is a great city and I’d love to go back.

A Bounty of Magazines

Railway magazines

I feel fortunate that there are so many good train magazines available today. Here are four: CN Lines, CP Tracks, Branchline, and Railroad Heritage. All are worth subscribing to, and I do! I’ll give a brief overview of each so you can make your own decision. CN Lines As the name suggests, this magazine covers … Read more

Wide Angle at Night

Aurora borealis over railway tracks

I was just going out to photograph some stars, but the aurora borealis decided to put on a great show. It was a great first night shooting with a new-to-me wide angle lens.