Johnstone Strait from Sayward, BC Canada

Johnstone Strait
Fading into the mists, a deep and narrow glacier-carved passage runs between Sayward, here on the east coast of Vancouver Island, and neighbouring Hardwicke Island and the British Columbia mainland.

It was meant to be my reward: a road trip into new territory after an emotionally difficult period. So, I was driving north up Vancouver Island, off Canada’s west coast, in order to catch a ferry. This stop was merely a random pause – not a ‘destination’ at all.

Isn’t it often the way? The journey can take on more importance than the end-point. (Mind you, the intended goal was indeed phenomenal – watch this space!)

During my last rainy days in Nanaimo (see: Neck Point Park), I had booked accommodation in Sayward by phone: basing my choice purely on price and the distance between locations. So, I had no expectations when I pulled a short way off the North Island Highway and landed in a lush green valley, surrounded by mountains and tall trees that disappeared into dancing mists. Enchanting! 

A mere ten minutes further on, I found the little village itself and the charming working port on Kelsey Bay – and stunning views over Johnstone Strait. The almost-constant rain was like a soft enveloping mist and only added to the ethereal quality of the landscape.

I was hooked! And became determined to get back there.

One day …

In the meantime, I can look at the photos and dream.

Low tide looking east over Oyster Bay, BC Canada

Oyster Bay
I’ve stopped here before: the view across the Strait of Georgia to the snow-capped mountains on the British Columbia mainland always takes my breath away. (iPhone12pro)

Driftwood on the low tide of Oyster Bay, BC Canada

Driftwood
This is logging country, and everywhere you go, break-away stumps and weathered logs are washed up onto the shore like Nature’s own sculptures. (iPhone12pro)

Johnstone Strait
The next day, I grab the cameras and drive to the end of Sayward Road where there are views over Kelsey Bay and across the Strait.

Boats in the Kelsey Bay Marina, BC Canada

Kelsey Bay Marina
This is a small but strategically-placed marina with both private and government facilities.

Provincial Park Sign, Kelsey Bay, BC Canada

Provincial Park Sign
Historic Yorke Island is somewhere there to the north, accessible only by boat. Perhaps I can explore it some other time!

Douglas firs in the mist, Kelsey Bay, BC Canada

Mist in the Treetops
In the other direction the mountains rise steeply, with their tall Douglas firs swathed in the descending clouds.

Stone wall breakwater, Kelsey Bay Marina, BC Canada

Breakwater
The breakwater on one side of the small harbour is a stone wall; …

Old ship on the breakwater, Kelsey Bay Marina, BC Canada

Old Ship on the Breakwater
… on the other side, old rusting hulls protect the small harbour from the busy log-booming grounds next door.

Canadian Coast Guard leaving Kelsey Bay Marina, BC Canada

Coast Guard
During the summer months a Canadian Coast Guard Inshore Rescue Boat Station is located here. I watched as the small crew – all well rugged up against the cold – went through their pre-launch procedures and finally took their inflatable craft out on the water.

Machinery moving logs in a wet yard, Kelsey Bay, BC Canada

Moving Logs
The noisy timber yard is busy and fascinating to watch.

Cormorant Rocksculpture by Howard Lobb, Kelsey Bay, BC Canada

Cormorant Rock
A 2018 sculpture by Howard Lobb sits outside the yard.

Wet purple leaves, timber yard in the background, Kelsey Bay, BC Canada

Leaves on the Harbour
I leave the wet harbour behind, and go in search of a nearby walking trail.

Log bridge on the H

Logs and Leaves on the Log Bridge
AllTrails leads me to the H’Kusam Bay Access Trail ….

Overgrown H

Wet and Overgrown
… which, unfortunately for my boots and trousers, is muddier and more overgrown than I was led to expect.

Detail: white thimbleberry flowers, H

 Rubus Parviflorus
It is very early summer, so the indigenous raspberry-like thimbleberry fruit are not out yet. Fortunately, their canes reaching across the path have no thorns.

Detail: Roberts geranium in flower, H

Geranium Robertianum
The wet ground is host to the introduced Roberts geranium.

Tree branches covered in Usnea lichens, H

Maple under Moss
In the tall, dark forest, grandfather’s beard (Usnea) drapes the trees all around me.

Detail: unripe salmonberries, H

Salmonberries
Unlike the thimbleberries, the native salmonberries (Rubus spectabilis) are starting to fruit.

Detail: salmonberry flowers and fruit, H

Salmonberry Flower and Fruit
Berries and shoots are still used by some Native American people.

Detail: tree trunk and new growth, H

Small Cedar – Large Cherry
The forest is a rich mix of evergreen conifers and deciduous trees.

Pacific banana slug on the path, H

Pacific Banana Slug (Ariolimax Columbianus)
I have to watch my feet: the under-used trail is home to many creatures.

View over H

The Bay in Sight
Finally! The destination is in sight below. But, I’m wet and running out of time, and according to my running app, I have already walked far enough to be in the middle of the bay!

Detail: raindrops and new needles on a fir, H

Wet Fir
So, I turn around and make my way back through the wet woods.

Detail: curling fern, H

Fern
Ferns of all types thrive in this wet maritime climate.

Greenery on the H

Forest Tangle
As I tread gingerly through the tangle, across boggy ground, I reflect that a little bit of maintenance would make this walk a LOT more enjoyable.

Mist over the green floodplain of an estuary to the Salmon River, Sayward BC Canada

Elk Creek / Salmon Estuary
The next morning, a local took me around to visit other mist-enveloped sights. Thanks to local benefactors, and management by First Nations, government, and business interests, these wetlands around the estuaries into the Salmon River are protected in perpetuity. (iPhone12Pro)

Fallen logs on the green floodplain around the Salmon River, Sayward BC Canada

Fallen Logs and Tall Trees
There was an elk across the river from us! It was too far away for the phone camera to capture, but I was thrilled: it was the icing on a magnificent landscape. (iPhone12Pro)

Text: Take only PicturesIt was with some regret that I drove away from this little gem of a valley.

But, I’m determined to return – and perhaps make a better job of accessing the waterways and trails on offer! I might even put down roots.

Until then,

Happy Wandering!

Photos: 01-03June2022

The Monastery, Petra, with tourists in the forecourt, Jordan

Ad Deir (The Monastery), Petra, Jordan
It’s a hot, steep, and dusty climb to The Monastery, one of Petra’s most magnificent monuments. The 2000+ year-old  carved structure stands 45 meters (148 ft) tall and 50 meters (160 ft) wide, dwarfing the tourists in the forecourt.

Petra! It was a dream come true.

This ‘rediscovered’ ancient city was built by the Nabateans some time around 300 B.C. Situated roughly halfway between the Red Sea and the Dead Sea in what is now Jordan, the city was at an important trading crossroads between Arabia, Egypt, and Syria-Phoenicia. It grew rich from hosting passing caravans laden with frankincense, myrrh, and exotic spices.

In addition to being a busy, lived-in space and the capital of the Nabatean Empire, Petra was a place of reverence and worship. UNESCO-listed for “Outstanding Universal Value” since 1985, and considered ‘one of the world’s richest and largest archaeological sites’, the dramatic landscape of variegated sandstone is dotted with soaring temples and tombs which are half-built, half-carved into the surrounding mountains and gorges.

One of the most elaborate of these temples is Ad Deir (ad-Dayr, el-Deir), the Monastery: a façade believed to have been carved out of the sandstone rock face for religious purposes. It dates to the 1st century BC and was dedicated to Obodas I. At 45 meters (148 ft) tall and 50 meters (160 ft) wide, it is Petra’s largest monument – and is breathtakingly beautiful in its Hellenistic-inspired simplicity.

Ad Deir is most easily reached via an old processional path: the Petra Monastery Trail. The track is 2.5km (1.6 miles) return from the end of the Petra Main Trail (4km / 2.5mi) at the ancient city center. The internet differs regarding the difficulty of the access: it is variously rated as a ‘medium walk’ or a ‘steep climb’, with between 850 and 900 uneven stone steps climbing almost 200 m (72 ft).

I was determined to make the trek, but was feeling somewhat daunted by the heat, my own limitations, and by those reports. So, I allowed ample time, packed plenty of water, and carried my hiking pole (my knees do not like stairs!). I had arrived into Petra early morning, and after walking through the Siq, I hiked from The Great Temple up and around the Byzantine Church (see: Patterns in the Siq) before starting out for the Monastery.

The Monastery Trail was hot – and it was steep and uneven. But, I had my cameras and there was so much to see that I could stop to take pictures whenever I needed a breather.

To be honest, I can’t remember how long it took me, but it was SO worth it!

The Great Temple, Petra Jordan

The Great Temple
My walking loop around the Byzantine Church ended back at The Great Temple (see: Patterns in the Siq), the largest freestanding architectural complex in Petra. Started some time toward the end of the 1st century BC, it is believed to have been completed in the first century CE, under the King Aretas IV. It was only uncovered in 1993, and in spite of the name, it is thought to have been a royal reception hall.

Column pieces outside the Great Temple, Petra Jordan.

Ancient Rubble
The whole site is still undergoing careful excavation; archaeologists estimate that only five percent of the city has been uncovered.

Flat-fronted building nested into a cliff, Petra Jordan.

Hut in the Hill
Some of the structures built into the sandstone cliffs look quite recent.

Donkeys and their handlers on the path to the Monastery, Petra Jordan

Donkeys on the Path
For those who don’t want to walk, there are donkeys for hire – but they look so dainty that forcing them to carry over-sized tourists seems cruel.

Multi-hued cliffs along the Processional Stairway, Petra Jordan.

Multi-Hued Landforms and Stairs

Procesional Stairs to the Monastery, Petra Jordan

The Procesional Stairs
The lower stairs are quite level-looking, but you still have to watch for loose stones and donkey turds.

Large leaning rocks on the path to the Monastery, Petra Jordan

Worn Stairs
Before long, however, the steps become more treacherous …

Large leaning rocks on the path to the Monastery, Petra Jordan

Leaning Rocks
… and you have to thread yourself through tunnels …

Walkers in front of large leaning rocks on the path to the Monastery, Petra Jordan

Walkers on the Path
… created by large, leaning boulders.

Red striped rocks along the Procesional Stairs to the Monastery, Petra Jordan

Colourful Rocks and Greenery
I just couldn’t get over the beauty of the striations and colours in the sandstone.

Weathered entrance to a carved chamber along the Procesional Stairs to the Monastery, Petra Jordan

Weathered Entrance to a Rock Chamber
Tombs and rock chambers are dotted all over the hillside.

Trail to Ad Deir, Petra Jordan.

Trail to Ad Deir
The path continues upward.

Donkeys with passengers on the trail to Ad Deir, Petra Jordan.

Donkeys on the Up-Hill
Personally, I enjoy a walk, and wouldn’t entertain riding one of these dainty donkeys – especially when there are still reports of poor treatment.

Woman with her display of shawls, trail to Ad Deir, Petra Jordan.

Shawls and Carpets on the Steps
Nestled into corners, Bedouin traders are ready to tempt you with their wares.

Red striped rocks along the trail to the Monastery, Petra Jordan

Swirls of Colour

Saddled donkey, Trail to Ad Deir, Petra Jordan.

Donkey Waiting
You can change your mind about donkey transport at many points up the hill.

Portrait: Young Bedouin with his earpods, Trail to Ad Deir, Petra Jordan.

Bedouin with his Earpods
The traditionally nomadic Arabs who have long inhabited these desert regions have embraced the modern age.

The Monastery, Petra, Jordan

The Monastery
And finally! There it is!!

Brass Arabic coffee pot and a cup at the Monastery, Petra Jordan

Coffee at The Monastery
What better reward for a hot, hard walk? I treated myself to an Arabic coffee and sat in awe of that magnificent carved sandstone monument. (iPhone6)

Sign on the rocks above the Monastery, Petra Jordan

“The Best View in the World”
It is hard to argue with the sign …

Looking down over the Monastery, Petra Jordan

Overlooking the Monastery and the Hills of Petra
… when it leads you to this!

Donkey on the rocks above Petra, Jordan

Another Donkey
This donkey seems to be enjoying the view as well.

Portrait of a young Bedouin in a keffiyeh, Petra, Jordan

Portrait of a Young Bedouin

Man on a donkey, path to the Monastery, Petra Jordan

Man on a Donkey
Too soon it is time to work my way back down the hill – trying to stay out of the way of the donkey trains as I go.

Portrait of an elderly Bedouin woman, Petra Jordan

Portrait of an Elderly Woman

Donkeys on the trail to Ad Deir, Petra, Jordan

Donkeys on the Trail to Ad Deir
There are still plenty of people climbing the trail as I pick my way carefully down.

Carved and sculptured rocks along the trail to the Monastery, Petra Jordan

Nature’s Artworks : Sandstone Sculptures

Actors in Roman uniform and tourists on the Petra Main Trail, Jordan

Heading Back
Back in the centre of the ancient city, actors in Roman uniform who are returning to the Great Temple share the path with tourists.

Woman on a pony, Petra Jordan

Me on a Bedouin Pony

There is a clear demarcation of animals at Petra: the donkeys handle outer trails; camels are found around the Treasury; horse carts travel through the Siq, and ponies operate between the entrance, and the start of the Siq

There are ongoing concerns about animal treatment at the site, but these days there are mechanisms for reporting animal abuse, and handlers are aware that the spotlight is on them. 

A pony ride to or from the Visitor Center is included in the entry fee – with the caveat that you tip the owner $5US! I had reservations about using my ride ticket … but, I had walked a lot, and was hot and tired – and the handler was very persuasive!

When in Petra

Until next time,

Happy Trails!

Pictures: 16October2019

Australian fan palms, Daintree Rainforest, Cape Tribulation Queensland Australia

Australian Fan Palms – Licuala Ramsayi
These beautiful, slow-growing palms are endemic to the Wet Tropics of north east Queensland, Australia, and are just one of the many reasons this rainforest is UNESCO-listed.

The Daintree is an ancient and magical place.

Part of the much larger Wet Tropics of Queensland World Heritage Site, the Daintree National Park comprises 1,200 km2 (463.3 sq mi) of stunningly beautiful tropical rainforest in Far North Queensland, Australia. The park is divided into two sections: along the coast, north of the Daintree River; and the Mossman Gorge section (Watch this space!), south of small towns and an agricultural area.

If there was an up-side for me to the travel restrictions placed on us during Covid-19, it was the opportunity to travel within Australia. The combination of the Far North Queensland’s Wet Season (i.e.: Low Season) and the rolling lock-downs made accommodation much more accessible and affordable. I managed to organise a week’s accommodation in Port Douglas (see: On Port Douglas Waters), giving me access to this wonderful region.

I have visited the southern section of the park before, but this was my first foray into the area north of the river – arguably the most spectacular, and certainly oldest section of rainforest. In fact, this may be the oldest surviving rainforest in the world, having existed continuously for more than 110 million years. As a consequence, these northern tropical forests have the highest concentration of primitive flowering plant families in the world.

I counted myself extra lucky when a local North-Queensland resident, who knew all the best stops, offered to show me around. This meant I got to just watch the scenery as it rolled past on the slow, windy road north. And, we explored the best boardwalks. 

Do come along!

The Daintree Ferry, Queensland Australia

The Daintree Ferry
Time slows down here: although the wait for the 15-minute cable-ferry crossing is short, it is long enough for a mental reset.

Overlooking the mouth of the Daintree River from Walu Wugirriga Lookout, Cape Tribulation Queensland Australia

Walu Wugirriga Lookout
It is a short drive from the ferry to Mount Alexandra, where the Walu Wugirriga Lookout allows for great views over the mouth of the Daintree River and out to the Coral Sea. The higher mountain on the left is Harris Peak (1068m), and Port Douglas, where I started my morning, is hiding, nestled below.

Dubuji Boardwalk into the Daintree Rainforest, Cape Tribulation Queensland Australia

Dubuji Boardwalk
A number of elevated boardwalks lead from the road to the beach; they allow visitors access while reducing the disturbance to soil and native vegetation. Dubuji means ‘place of spirits’ – and it is rather awe inspiring.

Little red mangrove crabs, Daintree Rainforest, Cape Tribulation Queensland Australia

Little Red Mangrove Crabs
The boardwalks also protect the small creatures – and keeps your feet dry!

Mangroves over Myall Beach, Daintree Rainforest, Cape Tribulation Queensland Australia

Mangroves on Myall Beach
Mangroves are an often-underappreciated cornerstone of estuarine or tidal ecology. They never cease to amaze me.

Cape Tribulation from the boardwalk, Daintree Rainforest, Queensland Australia

Cape Tribulation
From parts of the walk, we can see Cape Tribulation, where the rainforest meets the Great Barrier Reef. The rocky headland was named by Lieutenant James Cook who saw this area as the beginning of all his expedition’s troubles: his ship, the HMS Endeavour, scraped a reef north east of the cape, and then ran aground on what is now called Endeavour Reef.

Myall Beach, Daintree Rainforest, Queensland Australia

Myall Beach
The pristine beach stretches around to the cape.

Vines in the Daintree Rainforest, Cape Tribulation Queensland Australia

Creepers
Back away from the beach, it is dark and lush, with vines and creepers everywhere.

A brown fan palm leaf, Daintree Rainforest, Cape Tribulation Queensland Australia

A Dead Fan

Vines and leaves, Daintree Rainforest, Cape Tribulation Queensland Australia

Jungle Vines
The undergrowth tangles upon itself.

Rainforest hardwood tree trunk, Daintree, Cape Tribulation Queensland Australia

Textured Tree Trunk
Colours and patterns are everywhere you look.

Red beech tree trunk, Daintree, Cape Tribulation Queensland Australia

Red Beech – Dillenia Alata

Lace monitor, Daintree Rainforest, Cape Tribulation Queensland Australia

Lace Monitor – Varanus Varius
As we rounded a corner, we startled a small monitor, who scuttled back into the undergrowth before I could get a good shot.

Fan palms, Daintree Rainforest, Cape Tribulation Queensland Australia

Palm Forest
Sections of the Daintree are known for their fan palms – just one of about 920 different types of trees growing in Queensland’s Wet Tropics.

Australian fan palms, Daintree Rainforest, Cape Tribulation Queensland Australia

Australian (or Queensland) Fan Palm
These native palms have spectacular circular leaves that grow up to 2 metres (6.5 ft) in diameter.

Hairy red pittosporum fruit, Daintree Rainforest, Cape Tribulation Queensland Australia

Hairy Red Pittosporum – Pittosporum Rubiginosum
This tropical rainforest fruit is one of 200 pittosporums – and much more impressive than the ones that try to invade my garden, some 3000+ kilometres (1820 miles) to the south.

Blue sky through the ferns, Daintree Rainforest, Cape Tribulation Queensland Australia

Through the Ferns
There is always a battle for light in a rainforest.

Brown waters along the Dubuji Boardwalk, Daintree Rainforest, Cape Tribulation Queensland Australia

Spring Waters Rising
The creek along the Dubuji Boardwalk is spring-fed; …

Brown waters along the Dubuji Boardwalk, Daintree Rainforest, Cape Tribulation Queensland Australia

Waters along the Boardwalk
… although it is brown with organic matter, it is surprisingly clear.

Threes in the brown waters along the Dubuji Boardwalk, Daintree Rainforest, Cape Tribulation Queensland Australia

Standing Tall in the Waters

Tall trees and umbrella leaves, Daintree Rainforest, Cape Tribulation Queensland Australia

Patterns and Contrasts
I think that is a large native bee hive hiding behind the umbrella leaves.

Crocodile warning sign, Cape Tribulation Queensland Australia

Warning
Our last stop was for a short walk along the Kulki Boardwalk, where we were reminded that one or two people – often tourists – are killed by crocodiles every year or two. (iPhone12Pro)

The Daintree Ferry, Queensland Australia

Incoming Ferry
All too soon, it is time to catch the ferry and head back south.

Text: Take only PicturesTruly a magical place!

I hope to get back there one day soon

Until then,

Happy Travels!

Pictures: 24February2021

 

Kapaleeshwara Temple from a Mylapore street, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India

First Glimpse
That was the moment that I really felt I was back in India: when I caught sight – through the heavy and beautifully carved wood in a passageway – of one of the colourfully decorated roofs in the Kapaleeshwara Temple complex in Chennai.

India!

The heat, the crowds, the colours!

And, the intricately beautiful – and historic – architecture. All my previous forays into this vast and varied country have been in the north (see: Weekly Wanders India), where turbans and Mughal palaces and mausoleums are commonplace. In the south, French, Portuguese, and British influences are still much in evidence, and the Hindu temple architecture is representative of the complex Dravidian or South Indian style.

I was excited at the prospect of this trip: of getting back to the country after an almost ten year absence, and seeing a very different region. I had arrived into Chennai“Gateway to South India” – late the night before and was now off on a tour of this eastern capital city on the Bay of Bengal … it even sounds exotic!

In the 1600s, the British called the city Madras – a shortened version of Madraspatnam, the name of the coastal fishing village where the British East India Company bought land and established a fort, factory, and trading post. But the history goes back much further, with prehistoric archaeological finds showing very early settlement, and written references to Tamil poets and kings dating to the first century. The French and Portuguese have also left their marks on the city.

Photography was disallowed or very restricted in many places. This is why I have no pictures from the soaring white Roman Catholic Basilica of San Thome Cathedral, originally built in the 16th century by the Portuguese, and rebuilt by the British in 1896. While we were there, a wedding was taking place (I think it was a wedding – it was in English, but I found the sermon hard to follow!), and local nuns were praying in a small chapel. We descended into the tomb where the Apostle St Thomas is purported to rest.

It is also why the only picture I’m sharing of the extensive property housing Government Museum and Art Gallery (or the Madras Museum) is an outdoor iPhone shot of the late-19th century British-built Museum Theatre. I cannot share with you any of the beautiful stone and bronze religious sculptures from across the Chola Dynasty (300s BCE – 1279 CE), and I would not want to show any pictures of the dusty, moth-eaten, taxidermied animals on display in the dark and worn Natural History rooms.

None of the inner temples or deities in the 16th-century Kapaleeshwarar Temple can be photographed – but there is so much going on outside in the courtyards that it is probably just as well!

Join me for a sampling of the historic buildings and bustling streets of Chennai, capital of Tamil Nadu.

Outside The Museum Theatre, Chennai

The Museum Theatre
Located near the entrance to the Government Museum and Art Gallery, the theatre was built by the British in the late 1800s in the Italianate style of architecture.

Simple spire of St Mary

Time for Church
Founded in 1639, Fort St George was the first English (later, British, and briefly French) fortress in India. Built inside its precincts between 1678 and 1680, St Mary’s Church is the oldest Anglican church in India.

Smiling Indian guard at St Mary

Guard at the Gate
Finding people to photograph in India is always easy!

Pews inside St.Mary’s Church, Chennai

Inside St.Mary’s Church
This simple Anglican church is probably most noteworthy for the ‘number of funerary monuments, commemorative plaques, intramural tombstones and statues that dot its interior.’

Statue of Adjutant General Conway, St Mary

Adjutant General Conway Statue
One monument in St Mary’s is to Thomas Conway, known as “the soldier’s friend”. His lifesize statue is by noted English sculptor John Ternouth (1796–1848).

Plaque for Malcolm McNeill, St Mary

Brigadier Malcolm McNeill
A soldier’s life was not always easy: this one died as a consequence of a Coup-De-Soleil, or sunburn.

Salesman in a trinket shop, Chennai, Tamil Nadu India

Bangles and Beads
The streets are lined with small shops comprising a confusion of products and colours.

Indian woman making flower garlands, Chennai, Tamil Nadu India

Flower Lady
People without shops simply work on a patch of mat in the streets.

Indian woman making flower garlands, Chennai, Tamil Nadu India

Flower Lady and Shopkeeper
All of these flowers are for sale to take as offerings to the Hindu temple nearby.

Roof decorations, Kapaleeshwarar Temple, Chennai, Tamil Nadu India

Candy Colours on the Roof
Kapaleeshwarar Temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva, and stories about him and his consort Parvati, are represented in elaborate and colourful roof decorations.

The Main Tower, Kapaleeshwarar Temple, Chennai, Tamil Nadu India

The Main Tower
It is believed the temple, which is in the typical Dravidian architectural style, was built in the 7th century CE. Many elements, however, have been added much later.

Two blue bulls on a rooftop, Kapaleeshwarar Temple, Chennai, Tamil Nadu India

Nandi
Shiva’s vahana (mount) Nandi is an Ongole bull – an old breed of Indian cattle. This sacred bull is depicted in multiple forms around the temple.

Shiva and Parvati
The details and colours around the temple are amazing. The stucco figures are painted every 12 years. Twelve years is the cycle of Jupiter, which is considered the most auspicious planet in Hindu Vedic astrology.

Two Indian women, Kapaleeshwarar Temple, Chennai, Tamil Nadu India

Friends
I love that visitors to the temple are quite happy to have their pictures taken.

Shiva and two bulls, Kapaleeshwarar Temple, Chennai, Tamil Nadu India

Shiva and the Bulls
Hindu Gods are shape-shifters, appearing in multiple forms. While Shiva is usually depicted as svelte and handsome, here he takes a more rotund form.

Indian man drumming, Kapaleeshwarar Temple, Chennai, Tamil Nadu

Temple Drummer
Musicians were playing at the crowded entry to one of the inner temples.

Roof decorations, Kapaleeshwarar Temple, Chennai, Tamil Nadu India

Another Dome – Another Story

Roof decorations, Kapaleeshwarar Temple, Chennai, Tamil Nadu India

Peacocks on the Roof
Hindu Gods can take many forms: at this temple, Shiva’s consort Parvati is worshipped as Karpagambal. She came to Kapaleeshwara (Shiva) in the form of a peahen.

Young woman on her phone, Kapaleeshwarar Temple, Chennai, Tamil Nadu India

All Over the World …
No matter where you go, people connect to the world through their phones.

Seated man reading prayers, Kapaleeshwarar Temple, Chennai, Tamil Nadu India

The Old Traditions
But, a few feet away, the old ways continue: this man was chanting ancient prayers from his book.

Clay gee lamps, Kapaleeshwarar Temple, Chennai, Tamil Nadu India

Offerings
Fire holds multiple meanings and functions in Hindu traditions. Agni, (fire), is the messenger between people and their God, and allows people to see the form of the deity. (iPhone12Pro)

Women lighting clay gee lamps, Kapaleeshwarar Temple, Chennai, Tamil Nadu India

Lighting Lamps
The women chant prayers softly as they light their lamps.

Seated woman and man, Kapaleeshwarar Temple, Chennai, Tamil Nadu India

Mother and Son
A pilgrimage to a special temple is often a family affair.

Woman tending an outside shop, Chennai, Tamil Nadu India

Shops in the Street
Back in the neighbouring street, shops are selling food, flowers, and other religious offerings and paraphernalia.

Close up: flower garland, Chennai, Tamil Nadu India

Garlands
The roses and jasmine in the heavy garlands give off a heady fragrance.

Woman in front of a produce market, Chennai, Tamil Nadu India

Shopping for Fresh Produce
The fresh fruit and vegetables available in the street are almost as attractive as the garlands!

One of the many things I love about India is the colour.

Chennai did not disappoint!

Text: Happy TravelsUntil next lime,

Happy Travels!

Photos: 19January2023

Woman selling wood carvings, Bungamati, Nepal

Selling Wood Carvings
In the historic Newari village of Bungamati, Nepal, people have lived as woodcarvers for generations.

Historically, the medieval Newar (Newari) village of Bungamati was known for its woodcarvers, its ancient temples, and its views of the surrounding mountains.

Bungamati is a tiny town of about 6,000 residents, sitting on a spur of land overlooking the Bagmati River at the southern edge of the Kathmandu Valley. When I visited, almost two years after the April 2015 Nepal earthquake, the main street of the village was still like a construction zone, with piles of rubble and buildings in states of disrepair everywhere (see: Manual Labour and Smiles).

I was in Nepal on a workshop with photographers Jack Kurtz (sadly, now deceased) and Gavin Gough, and was visiting some of the historic Newar villages in the region (see: Making Mustard Oil). We had the places we visited much to ourselves, as at that time the tourism industry had not really recovered.

Bungamati is celebrated as Kathmandu Valley’s long-established centre of wood carving, where skills and patterns have been passed down through the generations. Although the earthquake created a need to replicate traditional and elaborate doors, windows, and frames – especially on local temples and museums – people have been understandably preoccupied with clearing the debris and making their homes liveable again.

Even with these challenges, the people of Bungamati are still smiling, and many have picked up their hammers and chisels again to carve small items for sale to tourists (e.g.: Nepali Times: Reviving Woodcarving).

I was happy to walk among them, admiring their skills and handicrafts.

Woman selling wood carvings, Bungamati, Nepal

Carver in her Doorway
Carvers work in the street,with carvings of all types on display.

Ornately carved door, Bungamati, Nepal

Carved Door
Old carvings, rich in religious symbolism, are all around, …

Old brass bell, Bungamati, Nepal

Old Bell
… as are intricately patterned temple ornaments.

Damaged brick multi-story building, Bungamati, Nepal

Bungamati Buildings
After the earthquake of April 2015, buildings remain in states of partial ruin or repair. Stupas line the skyline.

Temple amid rubble, Bungamati, Nepal

Rubble
Hindu worship is central to daily life here, and the ruination of so many temples was as heartbreaking as the damage to homes.

Portrait: Newari woman with a photograph, Bungamati, Nepal

Woman with a Picture
Life goes on on the front stoops of houses.

Hindu shrine in a Bungamati street, Nepal

Shrine in the Ruins

Buddha in a shop, Bungamati, Nepal

Buddha in a Shop
Religious iconography and handicrafts …

Religious carvings in a shop, Bungamati, Nepal

Wall Carvings
… are available in the shops that line the street.

Portrait: Grandma and grandchild, Bungamati, Nepal

Grandma and Grandchild
I have found that having photos of my grandchildren handy on my phone is a great conversation-starter – …

Portrait: Grandma and grandchild, Bungamati, Nepal

Kohled Eyes and Smiles
… even though we have no language in common.

Rubble in a Bungamati street, Nepal

Bungamati Street
Rubble and ruins are everywhere I look.

Stone lion head in a temple courtyard, Bungamati street, Nepal

Lions in a Courtyard
Bungarati is the birthplace of Rato Machhendranath, and the deity lived here six months out of the year. While the mythical-lion temple guards survived the earthquake, the Rato Machhendranath Temple and the Shikara-style pavilion that housed the deity were ruined.

Portrait: smiling Newari girl in school uniform, Bungamati Nepal.

Schoolgirl
There is always something happening in the streets, with students off to school …

Portrait: Smiling Newari man in a woolen cap, Bungamati Nepal.

Man in a Woolen Cap
… and people in their doorways.

Jewellery for sale, Bungamati street, Nepal

Silver and Stones for Sale

Hindu deities in niches in a brick wall, Bungamati Nepal.

Deities in Niches

A Newari police officer drawing in chalk with a finger, Bungamati Nepal.

Woodwork Design in Chalk
A police officer sketches out a design for carving into a wooden panel.

Newari police officers drawing in chalk with fingers, Bungamati Nepal.

Planning the Woodworks
Design is a collaborative process.

Newari man and woman seated and doing woodwork, Bungamati Nepal.

Carving and Drawing
Nearby, more artisans are at work, …

Newari woman seated and drawing woodwork, Bungamati Nepal.

Drawing on Wood
… carefully drawing …

Woman

Designing Patterns
… intricate patterns …

Hand using a carving gouge on wood, Bungamati Nepal.

Chiselling with a Carving Gouge
… that will later be chiselled out.

Portrait: Newari girls in a street, Bungamati Nepal.

Big Sister – Little Sister
With grownups busy at work, children are often left in the care of older siblings.

Portrait: Newari woman in a head-cloth, Bungamati Nepal.

Woman in the Street

Gray-haired Newari woman weaving a mat, Bungamati Nepal.

Woman Weaving
Everyone is busy with something; …

Hands weaving a grass mat, Bungamati Nepal.

Hands at Work
… floor mats made from the local grasses need to be replaced periodically.

Newari man working with a wood chisel and hammer, Bungamati Nepal.

Man Working
Almost every household here is connected to woodcarving, …

Buddha wood carvings, Bungamati, Nepal

Wooden Buddhas
… and the products of their labours are on display.

Naturally, I couldn’t resist, and went home with a beautifully carved little Buddha for myself.

It’s a win-win really!

I get a beautiful souvenir from the source, and the village gets a small boost to its suffering tourist trade.


Photos: 15March2017