Showing posts with label shock. Show all posts
Showing posts with label shock. Show all posts

Friday, August 3, 2018

Трио "Stars above the river" покорило сердца судей! - Україна має талант-6 - 24.05.2014



Duo Volta and Other Acrobatic Couples




Duo Volta and Other Acrobatic Couples




All Watched Over by Spirits of Loving Grace, in Thai Spirit Houses – Colorful Photography

All Watched Over by Spirits of Loving Grace, in Thai Spirit Houses – Colorful Photography

 in colourfulphotography •  21 hours ago
This is one of the most strikingly beautiful “spirit houses”  I’ve seen during my time in Thailand. 

Mystic protection

Throughout Thailand, virtually every home or building has a spirit house near the entrance, whether that be a small home or a large condo or office building. There are 2 types of spirit house – the larger ones that rest on a single central pillar, and the smaller ones, which rest on a base comprising 4 posts.   
This one is an example of the larger, more formal type, in which the spirit house rests on a single strong pillar. Even though Thailand is primarily Buddhist, this larger type has its origins in Hinduism. It houses a gold-painted statue of an angel or mystic entity that can bestow protection, good luck, and fortune.  

Mundane protection

The smaller houses originate in animism, and contain tiny figurines that symbolize one’s ancestors. While the aforementioned larger houses are seen to have more of a “divine” influence, these smaller spirit houses are believed to have a greater connection with the daily lives of the occupants of the building. 

Ritual offerings

Each morning, people leave ritual offerings of fruits, garlands of flowers, drinks, and incense at the front of the spirit houses. But at any time of the day, you might see someone approach one of these houses, in reverence, bringing a small offering and saying a short prayer.  

The photo below shows the 2 types of spirit house, in the background.

A larger one on the left has a single-pillar base, while the smaller one on the right has a 4-post base. In the foreground are 2 tables for ritual offerings. (These spirit houses are located in front of my residence.)

This older spirit house (below) is in a vacant lot behind my residence.

But even this one is apparently well-tended, colorful, and the site of various ritual offerings.
 
Location – Chiang Mai, on Google Maps
This is my entry in @juliank’s Colourful Photography contest.

Travels Through Morocco - Atlas Mountains, Part Two

Travels Through Morocco - Atlas Mountains, Part Two

 in travel •  2 days ago
Final day in Marrakech and the Atlas Mountains, and what a treat to end on...
As promised in my last post, here is the second part of the Atlas Mountains trek and a final goodbye to the beautiful city of Marrakech.
As we drove higher and higher into the mountains, the road became steeper until we stopped at the foot of a fast flowing river containing absolutely crystal clear water. In front of us was a path winding up the mountain, with several bridges without any railings. It was soon clear that we had to cross them. As seen in the picture below, the bridge was narrow - only wide enough for one person to cross at a time. To make things worse, it was a bridge that consisted of several rudimentary planks of wood without any sides, hence one small slip and we were in for a wet time. Luckily there were some eateries along the way that helped replenish us.
Thankfully we made it across, and climbed higher and higher. The path turned steeper and steeper until eventually we were simply clambering up boulders and mini waterfalls. Exhausted, I stumbled across a nice shop on the way, selling ceramic home-made souvenirs. One thing we began to notice as well - it was getting colder. The higher we climbed, the faster the water and the steeper the route became until. Almost ready to give up, we spotted some farmers leading rows of sheep across the cliff edge with incredible skill.
Spurred on by this, we kept on climbing and we're so damn glad we did. Near the summit was an incredible waterfall, with a few tourists who had already performed the climb. Despite the colder air, the cold mist of the water was a refreshing break from the sweaty and arduous climb. As we sat by the waterfall to appreciate the beauty, we climbed back down slowly.
The Atlas Mountains, Morocco

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Sunset over Marrakech, Morocco
We drove back to Marrakech, exhausted but with a satisfying feeling of accomplishment. We knew it was our last night, so we celebrated with the only way that Morocco had taught us. Sipping a refreshing cup of peppermint tea while watching the sun go down at Jemaa El Fna square. If you ever go to Marrakech, make sure to head to the Le Grand Balconwhich translates to The Grand Balcony, for simply the best views of the square during sunset. I can guarantee that you won't regret it.
As we regretfully bid goodbye to Marrakech, it was time to prepare for our next destination - Fes. Stay tuned for my next post once we arrive!!

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Details
🌏 | Atlas Mountains and Marrakech, Morocco
📷 | Samsung S8
🎨 | Lightroom Mobile edits used

Over the next few weeks I'll be trekking through Morocco and I'll be share with you my thoughts, feelings, tips and warnings about visiting each place along the way. Being a photographer, I will be doing this while sharing my photos with all of you too! I sincerely hope you all enjoy.
Please do follow if you want to keep up with my travel through this wonderful country <3
Any upvotes or resteems are hugely appreciated! Much love, everybody.