It's a great camera you have there bud! Pretty pictures you took.
Was pic 3-6 taken with a different camera? Those don't have EXIF datas intact.
Code
Camera Maker: Canon
Camera Model: Canon EOS DIGITAL REBEL XSi
Image Date: 2010:03:18 20:57:17
Focal Length: 33.0mm
Aperture: f/4.0
Exposure Time: 0.017 s (1/60)
ISO equiv: 400
Exposure Bias: none
Metering Mode: Matrix
Exposure: program (Auto)
White Balance: Auto
Flash Fired: Yes (Manual)
Color Space: sRGB
This is the data from the first picture. From what i see, it would be better if you're shooting in Aperture priority (AV mode), flash off, (assuming it's the kit lens you're using) Drop aperture to ƒ/3.5 (if i remember correctly 33mm is still within ƒ/3.5) and use center-weighted average as the metering mode. That'll blur out a slightly boring background if you step a little closer. Those settings will tone down the bright pillar and show more detail on the statue itself. Try it next time when you go there, I think you may like the results.
Code
Camera Maker: Canon
Camera Model: Canon EOS DIGITAL REBEL XSi
Image Date: 2010-03-19 02:08:37 -0400
Focal Length: 20.0mm
Aperture: f/3.5
Exposure Time: 13.000 s
ISO equiv: 800
Exposure Bias: none
Metering Mode: Matrix
Exposure: shutter priority (semi-auto)
White Balance: Auto
Flash Fired: No (Manual)
Color Space: sRGB
That's the EXIF data from the second photo. 13seconds is way too much for handholding. A tripod is definitely needed. I usually shoot night sky on manual mode.
I know all the settings on a DSLR is daunting when first starting. I was exactly like you when i started less then 4 months ago. But with reading and shooting, i gain a decent amount of knowledge. Try reading this article and other articles on this site. It helped me alot starting out.
http://digital-photography-school.com/learning-exposure-in-digital-photographyEnjoy!
This post was edited by Eek on Mar 23 2010 12:43pm