Category: Asia
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Mani stones
Mani stones You find them near temples and monasteries, along paths and mountain passes, in the middle of nowhere. Piled up by pilgrims they form mounts or long walls that mark the landscape of the Tibetan cultural region. Texts are skillfully cut in relief on the stones. Often it’s the mantra « om mani padme…
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Little Tibet
Little Tibet The robust architecture is in harmony with the severe landscape. We imagine ourselves to be in Tibet but we are in Ladakh, the western corner of the Tibetan cultural region that became part of India in the 19th century. Neighbouring Tibet is now, much to its chagrin, part of China. A ‘Line of…
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Moonscape
Moonscape Hiking in the rarified atmosphere of the deserted mountain scenery of Ladakh, a sporadic cairn may remind you that you are not walking on the moon but on earth. Or else the mirage of a distant buddhist monastery can enlighten you. Photo of the week: Temisgam, seen from Meptak La, 3845m, Trek from Himis…
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Red mountain
Red mountain After last week’s blue lake, today a red mountain. Wonders of the high altitude desert of Trans Himalayan Ladakh. Photo of the week: Between Rongti La and Meptak La, Trek from Himis Shukpa to Ang, Ladakh, India 2019
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Blue lake
Blue lake Unlike Lake Pangong where bullets of the Indian and Chinese armies may whizz past your head, the other big lake of Ladakh, Tsomoriri, is all peace and quiet. At 4500 m. altitude only the thin air may cause some discomfort. Photo of the week: Tsomoriri Lake, Ladakh, India 2019
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The Red Maple
The Red Maple When desperate and tired of the society of men I find refuge with trees Living off water, air, sun their feet firmly planted in the earth their foliage in full splendour overhead and no blood on their hands Photo of the week: Daitoku-ji complex, Koto-in, Kyoto, Japan 2008
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Sento Park
Sento Park The raking together of dead leaves is not exactly an occupation that captures the imagination. Except in Japan. With their neat appearance the lady gardeners show respect and dedication to their work. It reminds me of the title of a book – which I aptly modify here for the occasion: Zen and the…
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U-turn – if you can
U-turn – if you can I don’t think they can. It looks as if they are too big and the aquarium too narrow for them to turn around. They are condemned to stay floating in the water as they are : tail to tail. Photo of the week: Kyoto, Japan 2008
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The colour yellow
The colour yellow She picked up some yellow flowers and in a playful act of joy stuck them in her pierced earlobe. The little flowers shine brightly against her brown skin. She notices my surprised, appreciative look and smiles. Photo of the week: Orchha, M.P., India 2009
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Bed of flowers
Bed of flowers The person for whom the bed is made is not lying on it but under it. Maybe these were his favorite flowers, maybe he was green-fingered. He would certainly be pleased to see the yellow flowerbed above his head, a little island shining between dry red earth, pebbles and dead leaves. Photo…
καιρός remembered 