Showing posts with label sun. Show all posts

The sun, out of Africa

Location: Somewhere on the road in Namibia
Date: 19 April 2001; 5.45pm
Camera: (analogue) Canon 500N with slides and scanned

I have always been fascinated by the photos of African skies. There are such a variety- always either beautifully layered with clouds or blood-red sunsets tanning the landscape. It must be its weather system- large areas of dryness with seasonal deluge. In any case, I was not disappointed during my swing across the southern part of the continent as I have seen beautiful sunsets, misty mornings and many instances of the sun hiding shyly behind clouds. The sky is truly one of the attractions of Africa.

Enjoying the sun rise above the clouds- Mount Semeru, Java, Indonesia

Location: At the summit of Mount Semeru, Indonesia (7�59'7.19"S 112�59'9.64"E)
Date: 18 July 2008; 6.15am
Camera: Canon 400D with Sigma 17-70/f2.8-4.5

One of the reasons people trek up to mountains is to enjoy the fabulous scenery and amazing sunset or sunrise. Mount Semeru is one of those places, as it is the highest mountain in Java. The sunrise at the top the peak is stupendous as one is virtually above the cloud covers. Often, depending on the direction of the sun, one can see his/her own shadow being casts on the clouds floating below them. Of course, one of the added excitement to trek up to the peak of Mount Semeru is the challenge (not easy to climb a volcano due to the deep ashes) and the adventure of standing beside a constantly-erupting active volcano. In fact lately it has been so actively erupting that the relevant authorities has banned any trekking to its summit.

Glacier Point is the place to watch sunset on Half Dome, Yosemite NP, USA

Location: Half Dome from Glacier Point, Yosemite National Park, California, USA (37� 43' 50.99? N, 119� 34' 22.01? W)
Date: 15 September 2006; 6.25pm
Camera: Canon Canon 300D with kit lens

I guess I did not spend enough days at Yosemite during my visit and so was not as impressed by the National Park as I would have thought. I may have a total different experience and impression if I had few more days to explore and trek into the woods, away from the crowd. Anyway it was a great place to spend a few days to be with nature again. One of the spot I enjoyed most during my Yosemite visit is Glacier Point, a viewpoint at a height of 2,199m. From here, one could see the various highlights of Yosemite National Park including Half Dome, Yosemite Falls, Nevada Fall and so on. It is especially lovely during sunset. Unfortunately it was dry season when I visited and so there were no waterfalls to be seen.

Technorati Tags: Yosemite,Glacier Point,Half Dome

Mount Merapi at sun rise, before the current round of eruptions

Location: Borobudur, East Java, Indonesia (7�36'29?S 110�12'14?E?)
Date: 21 July 2008; 6.10am
Camera: Canon 400D with Sigma 17-70/f2.8-4.5

Mount Merapi is one of the most active volcanoes in Indonesia. It has just blown its top for the last 2 weeks and had claimed at least 150 lives. It is a beautiful volcano to look at when it is inactive especially as a backdrop to the fabulous Borobudur complex. This is diametrically different to what it looks like in the last few days with reports of ashes being thrown up 8 km into the sky. In fact the volcanic ashes even fell on Borobudur, 28 km away causing experts to fear that the acidic ash might damage the historic site. Though it is dangerous to live close to the volcano, the fertility of its soil resulting from the volcanic ashes, had attracted a huge population of farmers on its slope. I would venture to guess that after the ashes had settled, farmers will flock back to till on its slopes.

Technorati Tags: Merapi,Indonesia,volcano

The most crowded place in Mumbai on any weekends

Location: Juhu Beach, Mumbai, India (19� 6' 0? N, 72� 49' 48? E)
Date: 17 April 2007 6.15pm
Camera: Canon 400D with Sigma 17-70/f2.8-4.5

Juhu is one of the most affluent suburbs of Mumbai where many of Bollywood�s stars live. It has a sprawling beach, Juhu Beach, which is very popular with Mumbai-ans. It is always jam-pack with people in the evenings and during weekends. The beach is actually pretty nice, facing the Arabian Sea, though the waves can be quite strong. There are many luxury hotels and apartments along the beach, especially at the southern end. There are also some exquisite shops and restaurants which are popular with the increasing number of young professionals, along the Juhu Road. It is probably the only beach in Mumbai that I will swim. It is also a fun place (for me) to watch people.

Cho Oyu at dusk, outside Tingri, Tibet, China

Location : Cho Oyu from Tingri, Tibet, China (28� 34' 0? N, 86� 38' 0? E)
Date : 24 April 2003; 5.45am
Camera : Canon G1

Cho Oyu or jo bo dbu yag in Tibetan at 8,201m is the 6th highest mountain in the world. It is one of those giants that lie right at the border between Nepal and Tibet, China. Just like Everest or Qomolongma in Tibetan, expeditions to climb these mountains often start from both sides of the border. Cho Oyu is supposedly the easiest of the 8,000 metres Himalayan peaks to climb. The pass, Nangpa La, which lies a few kilometres west of the mountain used to serve as a main trading route between the Sherpas of Khumbu, Nepal and the Tibetans; and Tingri (4,300m) was a very important trading post for such traders. The Sherpas used to trade rice, grain and so on for Tibetan wool, livestock and salt. Today Tingri is still a small town of about 500 people but has a large PLA garrison/barrack at the edge of the town. No tourists will really go to Tingri unless they are on their way to the Everest Vase Camp or overland to Nepal. This will probably preserve the town's character a little longer but probably not for too long as an overland trip to the so-called Everest Base Camp (on the Chinese side ie the northeast face) is like part of any trips to Tibet.

Technorati Tags: Cho Oyu,Tibet,Himalaya,Tingri,Nangpa La,jo bo dbu yag

Sun set rays behind Namgyal Tsemo Gompa, Leh, Ladakh, India

Location: Namgyal Tsemo Gompa, Leh, Ladakh, India (34� 10' 3? N, 77� 35' 24? E)
Date: 18 August 2009 5.50 pm
Camera: Canon 400D with Sigma 17-70/f2.8-4.5

Leh is one of those places that used to evoke a certain sense of mystique. One of the reasons is its isolation due to its inaccessibility, being only reachable by roads for few months of the year. Even during those months, the road conditions between Leh and Menali can still be quite an adventure. Well, this is no more as there are now many daily flights between Leh and Delhi operated by a few airlines and some of them are reasonably inexpensive if booked in advance. However the best way to get to Leh is still by road as the journey itself is quite an adventure with beautiful sceneries to be had along the way. A word of caution- as the road passes over a few 4,000+ meters passes, the risk of AMS is high. At Leh, one can be awarded with a fabulous panorama of the town set amongst the snow-covered peaks of the Ladakh Range. When in Leh, another must-go destination to enjoy the panorama from a different perspective is from the Shanty Stupak. From here, you will have the view of this photo, looking across towards the town with its enigmatic Leh Palace and the Nagoya Stem Gump pictured here (best visited for sunset).

Technorati Tags: Leh,Ladakh,Namgyal Tsemo Gompa

Angkor Wat at dawn, Siem Reap, Cambodia

Location: Angkor Wat, Siem Reap, Cambodia (13� 26' 31? N, 103� 51' 35?E)
Date: 12 November 2002; 6.15am
Camera: Canon G1

To many people, the only reason to go to Cambodia is to visit the magnificent Angkor Wat complex- and I can�t blame them. Angkor Wat is indeed an incredible piece of architecture. Recent studies have postulated that the might of Angkor was due to its advance engineering technology in storing rain water in the various reservoirs (barays) for agricultural use in the drought; and its demise was due to losing this edge as a result of loose maintenance. I visited the place about 8 years ago when transport was not very developed and was quite an effort for a budget traveller like myself. Things are different now in terms of Siem Reap�s connectivity. Perhaps it is time to revisit the monument and to go further afield to places such as Kbal Spean in the Kulen Hills where Hindu deities were carved in stones in the river.

Technorati Tags: Angkor Wat,Siem Reap,baray

It can be too close to comfort, Mt Semeru, Java, Indonesia

Location: At the summit of Mount Semeru, Indonesia (7�59'7.19"S 112�59'9.64"E)
Date: 18 July 2008; 6.45am
Camera: Canon 400D with Sigma 17-70/f2.8-4.5

One of the major tourist attractions in Central Java is the Bromo-Tengger-Semeru National Park. Most tourists go to gawk at the three volcanoes at sunrise from a distance. It is a surreal environment and scene, really well worth a visit. I highly recommend doing such a trip if you are in the vicinity especially if you are in Indonesia itself. Others, a little crazier, will trek up the highest volcano in Java, the steaming Mount Semeru. Mount Semeru is really steaming- it throws out lava and huge boulders every 15 minutes or so. One has to keep a safe distance at the summit from the mouth of the volcano to avoid the heat but more so, to avoid being hit by rocks and boulders from the eruptions- there were a couple of deaths from such boulders a few years ago. However, it is an amazing experience to be at the summit, watching and in some cases, running away from the eruptions.

Technorati Tags: Bromo-Tengger-Semeru,Semeru

Sunset behind Mitre Peak at Milford Sound, New Zealand

Location: Mitre Peak at Milford Sound, South Island, New Zealand (44� 38' 0? S, 167� 51' 0? E)
Date: 23 May 2009, 5.30pm
Camera: Canon 400D with Sigma 17-70/f2.8-4.5

Mitre Peak at Milford Sound is one of the most photographed places in New Zealand. It was named so after the mitre headwear of Christian bishops (it is not nearly as perfect and pretty as another Mitre Peak in the Concordia area of Pakistan- I will post an article on that soon). At 1,692 metres, it is not a tall mountain but it sticks out as the surrounding mountains are lower. Most people would come to Milford Sound to take the Milford cruise on the sound itself. The cruse and the ride on the Milford Road to the Sound is like one of the must-do for any travellers to New Zealand and is normally done as a package from nearby towns such as Te Anau or Queenstown. However one can actually stay at the Milford Lodge, which is 5 minutes walk to the cruise centre (where this photo was taken). The Lodge has bunks and backpackers facilities at a cheap rate. One can only enjoy the tranquility and take some good sunset/sunrise photos by spending a night around here.

Sunrise rays on Gunung Merapi at Borobudur, Java, Indonesia

Location: Borobudur, East Java, Indonesia (7�36'29?S 110�12'14?E?)
Date: 21 July 2008; 6.00am
Camera: Canon 400D with Sigma 17-70/f2.8-4.5

Borobudur is the largest Buddhist monument in the world. Many tourists like me get up early to enjoy the view of the sunrise over Gunung Merapi looming over Borobudur in the distance. It is also a better time to take it the site as there are less tourists about because those on tourist buses do not normally troop in till around 10am. The best strategy to enjoy this morning serenity had already been described here.

Tequila sunset at Santa Monica, California

Location: Santa Monica beach, California, USA (34� 1' 5.99? N, 18� 29' 25.01? W)
Date: 3 September 2006; 7.15pm
Camera: Canon Canon 300D with kit lens

Just another nice sunset shot in addition to this previous post/photo.

Sunrise over the reservoir of Srah Srang, Siem Reap, Cambodia

Location: Srah Srang, Siem Reap, Cambodia (13� 25' 51.6? N, 103� 54' 24.15? E)
Date: 12 November 2002; 6.40am
Camera: Canon G1

Srah Srang is a baray or man-made lake within the Angkor compound. The lake is a 900 year-old reservoir, which according to recent research forms part of the reservoir complex engineered to provide irrigation to the rice fields in the Greater Angkor area. This place is now a popular site for viewing sunrise. On the west end of Srah Srang, there is a multi-tiered sandstone terrace. The terrace is gorgeously adorned with lion carvings, naga balustrades, and other Khmer carvings. The sunrise is best viewed from atop this terrace.

Location: Bromo-Tengger-Semeru National Park , East Java, Indonesia (7�59'7.19"S 112�59'9.64"E)

Date: 16 July 2008; 8.10am
Camera: Canon 400D with Sigma 17-70/f2.8-4.5

Bromo-Tengger-Semeru National Park in East Java is my favourite destination in Indonesia. It is quite a touristy place, popular amongst Indonesians and foreigners alike. However apart from the morning crunch during sunrise at the viewing platforms at Gunung Penanjakan and later on at Gunung Bromo itself, one will not really feel the crowd for the rest of the day. This could be because many of the tourists are only day-tripping for the morning sunrise and walk up to the caldera of Gunung Bromo. Furthermore, there are a few access points and so, accommodation options, rather than all cramped into Cemoro Lawang, which is the closest village. I also suspect that many of the tourists will simply stay at their rooms to recuperate during the day. There are many other choice locations to enjoy the volcano panoramic in the morning (and evening) apart from the one that all jeeps go with their guests. These other ones may not be as high but there are at more interesting angles; but some bush thrashing may be necessary. The above photo as well as this misty shot are taken from these alternative spots.

Location: Yosemite National Park, California, USA (37�43'18?N 119�38'47?W)
Date: 14 September 2006; 7.15pm
Camera: Canon Canon 300D with kit lens

I have to admit that I was slightly disappointed with Yosemite. I have read and seen many photos of the Park but when I was there, I was not exactly impressed by what I saw. I am a bit of a "mountain person" and so was expecting to see some relatively impressive mountain sceneries. The Half Dome and El Kapitan are not quite as majestic as the mountains I used to see in Asia. I guessed I was not used to the fact that a National Park such as Yosemite is so crowded, like an urban park.

Location: Camels & riders at sunset, Jaisalmer, Rajasthan, India(26.92^oN, 70.9^oE)
Date: 30 Dec 2008; 5.10pm
Camera: Canon 400D with Sigma 17-70/f2.8-4.5

Jaisalmer, one of the most popular destinations in Rajasthan, borders with Pakistan and shares the Thar Desert. One of the usual activities while in Jaisalmer is to take a so-called "camel safari" out into, and spend a night in the desert under the stars. The Thar Desert is not exactly the sand dune-type deserts, the likes of those in Africa, that one normally associate with. In fact most of the desert is scrubby and covered with small gravels, instead of sand. There are small portions of the desert that is sandy and they are actually sand dunes; however such area is rather small and the sand dunes are not very high. Nonetheless it is still fun to spend a day (and/or night) out in the desert, so close to urban amenities.

Location: Zambezi River, Zambia, Africa (17� 55' 28? S, 25� 51' 24? E)
Date: 3 April 2001; 5.50pm
Camera: (analogue) Canon 500N with slides and scanned

The 4th longest river of Africa, the Zambezi originates from Zambia and flows through 4 other countries before emptying into the Indian Ocean. The river changes in several places along its course from placid flow in sandy plains to annual flood plains as well as tumbling rivers of falls and rapids. The Zambezi River is widely used by wildlife and humans alike. Apart from being a source of water for both, it is also an important source for transportation, irrigation, tourism and hydropower.

Location: Yangshuo, Guangxi, China (24� 47' 0? N, 110� 30' 0? E)
Date: 30 April 2002, 12.40pm
Camera: Canon G1

This scenery was taken from the bridge across YuLong He, south of Yangshuo on the way to Gaotian- I am not sure of its name. Few years ago there were many local farmers who operate bamboo rafting independently along YuLongHe, especially around here; reason being this site is close to the main road and so easy to solicit passengers. The rafts used to be parked at no more than four sites around and along this stretch of the river with a couple more upstream. The river then was still pretty much undisturbed except for a couple of shallow cement crossings that are only possible when the water is low. No resorts, retreats or hotels along the river. Evenings are especially magical with beautiful twilight when all the farmers row across the river on their way to home (as In this photo).

This is all in the past. In 2008, the river banks around this part of the river have been lined with concrete with a couple of huge carparks for tourist buses. The tranquility is broken by the presence of numerous cafes, over hundred of rafts, hordes of tourists and wires hanging across the river. The banks of the river are now lined with numerous hotels and resorts while vegetation along the river has been cleared to make way for more rafting stations. The rafters are still there; but there are no longer independent operators but employees of the Singapore/Taiwanese company that has sole right to "develop" and profit from tourism activities on and along the river.

Location: Taj Mahal, Agra, Uttar Pradesh, India(27� 10' 48? N, 78� 1' 12? E)
Date: 7 Jan 2009; 4.10pm
Camera: Canon 400D with Sigma 17-70/f2.8-4.5

Taj Mahal is supposedly the ultimate monument of love, built by the Mughal Emperor, Shah Jahan commemorating her wife, Mumtaz Mahal. However recent research indicated that it is also a symbolic replica of Heaven. Whatever it may be, it is definitely one of the most recognisable and amazing architectural feat of humankind. Taj Mahal is a busy place- the best time to visit with less crowd is early morning. The entrance fee is prohibitively high for foreigners- 750 Rs per entry. For photography buffs, a better option is to photograph the monument by taking a boat ride (50Rs return if you bargain hard and hide your big camera and tripod) across the Yamuna River to the opposite bank. Just follow the road towards the river after passing the east gate. The view from across the river is stupendous at both sunrise and sunset (like this one).

Location: Zambezi River, Zimbabwe, Africa (17� 55' 28? S, 25� 51' 24? E)
Date: 5 April 2001; 6.20pm
Camera: (analogue) Canon 500N with slides and scanned

The Zambezi River is the 4th longest river in Africa and forms part of the border between Zambia and Zimbabwe. Around here it drops and forms the spectacular Victoria Falls, the largest waterfall in the world. At its widest single drop, the river plummets at its width of 1,708 meters with incredible power, forming the First Gorge. At other sections of the river before the falls, it is a mainly calm , shallow and slow-flowing river; just like the section in this photograph.

Technorati Tags: zambezi,zambia,zimbabwe,victoria falls

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