Tuesday Photo Challenge – Memories
After a wonderful, one month long, trip to New Zealand 2011, suddenly our tour guide from The Lord of the Rings tour in Wellington turned up for our Midsummer celebrations in 2012. And he brought a girlfriend as well. One of the best Midsummer events ever!
Tuesday Photo Challenge – Comfort
We all need comfort…sometimes. All living creatures… Be it horses in the harsh Icelandic winter, or humans in difficult situations.
Seeking warmth in the company of friends and family.
From all over the world they gathered here on Fanö for a fortnight – just to enjoy…
Relaxing over a beer and a barbecue, and
…releasing their new kites for others to marvel at
Or, gliding down the beach in good winds –
In the afternoon, the sky seemed totally filled up – no more room for new kites…
But in this glorious weather, we kept strolling along, getting even more favorites!
But in the end – believe it or not – our own shining sails were filled as well –
and…
We flew up, up and away…
Leaving solid ground, rolling with the colourful wheels…
Realizing that we just could not take any more kites – at least for the rest of the… week…?
Even the dogs wanted to go home for a good night’s sleep…
and the small children got tired of playing along…
So…some people took their bikes and rode to town, while others walked the lonely beach ahead, contemplating –
It had been a marvelous day – Good Night for now, and thank you for tagging along!
Guru Padmasambhava, popularly known as Guru Rinpoche, visited and sanctified Bhutan in the 8th century when evil spirits abounded and harmed people.
This was our last day in Bhutan, and maybe the one I will keep as the greatest gem
Let there be no sound, no words too many…
“Happiness will never come to those who fail to appreciate what they already have”
Buddha
Family is of greatest importance to the Bhutanese people
Magical forests too…
…Pristine in the fresh air of the Himalayas
Meeting so many lovely friends on my three hours’ journey
Taktshang Goemba
Turning back again, walking alone – but then again, not
“There is no path to Happiness. Happiness is the path.”
Buddha
For Cee – photographers!
Yesterday’s meeting with the non-profit association of biologists where I live, was held outdoors – a glorious spring evening. On walking back to the cars, I caught a lovely lady photographing in the silent light. She is using a cellphone – which is, I guess, the most popular way of photographing these days.
We were also lucky enough to see a demonstration of a drone taking off and landing – and taking photos of us all. I loved the intensity of the demonstration, just the faces of those (the men…) watching, so I just had to take a shot at it…and when I came home, I noticed there was another photographer sneaking up on my left! I was not aware of him during those seconds. A photo to be thrown away? No, I think it was rather funny – I will keep it. Another funny thing is that these men are all very good photographers, and Thomas, the demonstrator of the drone, is a renowned bird photographer.
In the fertile Punakha Valley, where the Mo Chhu (Mother river) and the Pho Chhu (Father river) meet, lies Punakha Dzong – Pungthang Dechen Phodrang (Palace of Great Happiness). It was constructed in 1637 and maybe the most impressive building in Bhutan – also considered the most beautiful dzong in the country.
The very size of Punakha Dzong is impressive, 180m long and 72m wide, but the elaborately painted gold, red and black carved woods, the brass roof and the location adds to the light perfection.
Punakha served as Bhutan’s capital for over 300 years and the first king was crowned here in 1907. Since the mid 1950’s, Thimpu is the capital, but Punakha is still the center for official meetings, the kings’ weddings and other important ceremonies.
The dzong, like all the other dzongs in Bhutan, has suffered fires several times, but is always restored. Due to its location by the two rivers, it is also vulnerable to the floods following climate change. In 1994 a glacial lake burst and destroyed parts of the building, and before that, in 1897, there was also a severe earthquake.
The temple is grand and holds thrones for the King as well as for the high Lama.
There are 300 monks in the dzong, and our guide told us that today the monastery schools are almost like ordinary schools – you take different subjects like science and mathematics along with languages and the scriptures.
The young monks are very curious and good at English.
The junction of the two rivers, seen from inside the dzong.
And so we left this magnificent fortress – without using the middle, golden steps, made for the King only. A breathtaking visit – only there was so much more we wanted to see, hear and learn – but maybe next time…
Leya 
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