Tag: Nature
-
From LAC to LOAC
From LAC to LOAC Admire the silvergrey course of the Shyok River, close to the Line of Actual Control (LAC) which forms the contested border between India and China. Not far from this valley soldiers of the two countries recently bashed each others brains in with spiked clubs, like two hostile, primitive mountain tribes. Now…
-
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…
-
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…
-
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
-
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
-
The past and the present
The past and the present In the foreground are the columns of the Temple of Athena in the ancient Greek city of Priene, in Turkey. In the background lie the neatly laid-out fields of the plain below. Archaic Priene had a seaport, but the mouth of the River Meander silted up over time, during the…
-
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
-
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…
-
Attractive simplicity
Attractive simplicity Happiness is hard to find when living in abject poverty. Or at the other end of the line where one bathes in abject luxury. Fortunately there is a middle ground where true happiness can be found. Running into a rudimental little terrace after a hike around a lake. Listening to a man playing…
-
The colour yellow
The colour yellow She picked a few little yellow flowers and, in a playful burst of joy, stuck them in her pierced earlobe.The little flowers glisten brightly against her tanned skin. She notices my surprised, admiring gaze and smiles. Photo of the week: Orchha, M.P., India 2009
